ETHAN’S MATE (Book One: The Vampire Coalition) Read Free

not want to
say.
    “Then let’s make sure that he doesn’t fail,” Nathan
demanded and he flashed away, the others following seconds
later.

Chapter 2
    Ethan stood in the heart of the city, a place where
most normal people feared to walk alone after darkness had fallen.
He had fed well, knowing that he needed to be at full strength for
whatever lies ahead.
    Any creatures in the area, human or otherwise, fled
as he stalked down an alley. It was as if they could feel his anger
and frustration. He was dangerous. There might be some mad, bad
creatures in this part of the city, of both the immortal and human
variety, but nothing could compare to a vampire seeking his mate,
especially when said mate was in danger.
    Come to me.
    Ethan stopped, his heart pumping, his adrenaline on
overload. “Talk to me. Help me find you.”
    The connection was a little stronger this time.
    He took a deep breath and opened his senses, trying
to find her essence.
    I don’t know how.
    “Just keep talking to me,” he demanded as he moved
steadily north, following her psychic trail.
    I’m… afraid. I know I shouldn’t be, but I am.
    Ethan’s heart ached as he heard the vulnerability,
something he had a feeling this woman normally wouldn’t admit to.
“Of what?” He gentled his thoughts, trying to send her comfort.
    Ethan knew he was drawing nearer and her spirit was
stronger. He continued to travel faster than a human eye could
detect, trying to zero in on her location.
    There’s something evil here. I know it sounds…
gothic… but I can’t explain it any other way. Even my cat, Mr.
Wiggins, is huddling under the covers with me. His fur is standing
up on end.
    He was close, so very close. “Hold tight. I’ll be
there soon.” Ethan changed direction slightly and asked with amused
smile. “You have a cat named Mr. Wiggins?”
    Don’t laugh at my cat. I’ll have you know he is named
after a very distinguished man. Wiggs is a very dedicated
companion.
    “I’m not laughing.” Actually, he was, but he wasn’t
about to tell her that. Her indignant reply amused and delighted
him.
    You’re laughing. I can feel it. Who are you?
    Ethan sobered as he felt her anxiety. “I’m here to
help. I would never harm you.”
    I believe you. I’m not sure why… but I do. What’s
happening to me?
    The connection was strong and Ethan floated down to
the window of her house, finding it easily as the connection
strengthened even more. He flashed himself into her bedroom and
immediately felt the sense of evil that was stalking her. He braced
to confront it but as soon as he’d flashed into the bedroom the
presence seemed to flee, completely and totally, leaving only the
essence of his mate.
    “I’m here now. Everything will be all right. You’re
safe.”
    It’s gone. Thank you. I’m so tired…
    Her voice trailed off and the connection broke. She
slept the sleep of the innocent.
    Ethan moved soundlessly to the side of the bed,
looking down to get his first glimpse of his mate. His heart ached,
beating in a wild rhythm as he saw her light blonde hair peeking
out from a mound of blankets. She was beautiful and more precious
to him than anything he had ever coveted in his entire existence.
She was the one who held his soul and his future sanity in her
fragile hands.
    She looked so…delicate. Ethan glimpsed the dark
markings around her eyes, taking in her slight weight, and the
worry lines around her mouth, present even in her sleep.
    He reached forward to touch her temple lightly. It
was rude to invade her thoughts, but he wanted to know what caused
her angelic appearance to be marred with worry.
    Whatever was worrying his mate would soon be gone.
He’d make certain of it.
    Pain seized his body and he grunted as his fingers
found and sought a mind connection. She’s sick. She’s dying. He felt the pain of her treatments, the torture her body had been
through. She had fought bravely… but she was losing the battle.
    He watched as her other