First Of Her Kind (Book 1) Read Free Page B

can happen naturally. If not, then I can only assume it came through her father."
    Bolin tensed and hoped Meriol didn't notice. "Did you know him?"
    "No." Meriol's mouth twisted. "My sister was quite a bit younger than I, and not as sedate in her younger days. Sad to say, even she may not have known who Ciara’s father was."
    "Be certain he knows of her," Bolin muttered.
    "What’s that?" Meriol cocked her head at him.
    For an old woman at the end of her days, her hearing remained sharp. Bolin chose his words carefully. "If Ciara's father is the source of the wilding, then he must be a man of substantial power himself. As such, I would think he would have felt her -- awakening -- when her mother died. You did say that's when this magic first manifested itself?"
    "Yes." Meriol peered at Bolin, her brow furrowed. "She nearly killed that poor healer. Not on purpose, mind you. Ciara would never hurt anyone. She was just beside herself with grief and lashed out without thinking."
    "That’s not changed much."
    Meriol let the comment pass. "Why would her birth father care in any case? His time of claiming was long past."
    "True. But he may not have known she existed until then."
    Meriol's expression hardened. "And he would be interested in her?"
    Bolin hesitated. "Aye."
    "Is he still?"
    "It’s possible."
    Her eyes locked on his and for a long moment she said nothing. Then she sighed, and looked suddenly as old as her years. "Am I doing the right thing, Bolin?"
    "As far as Ciara's future is concerned, yes," he said. He rubbed her hands. "In regard to your own fate, only you can decide that."
    "I've never questioned your comings and goings. You've been a help when you’re here and we miss you when you're not. Why you've chosen the path you take is your concern alone and I'll not pry. You owe me nothing." She held up her hand when Bolin would have objected. "But I need to ask, will you care for Ciara?" Her voice took on a note of desperation, and Bolin realized she meant more than look out for Ciara and keep her safe. "I know I'm just a foolish old woman, but Ciara is like a daughter to me, and every mother wishes her child well matched. Besides, she's fond of you, I can tell."
    Bolin frowned. "She'd do better to save her fondness for someone closer to her own years."
    "Age means little where the heart's concerned," Meriol said. "Tell me you don't feel a similar fondness for her."
    "My life is not my own, Meriol," he said, and tried to keep the bitterness from the confession. "I'll protect Ciara to the death. I can't promise you more than that."
    "Then I'll not ask you to." Meriol retrieved her basket and stood slowly, wavering a bit as she gained her feet. "I think I'll take some rest before dinner."
    Bolin rose with her and offered his arm, but Meriol waved him off with a fragile smile and walked out of the garden, her shoulders slumped. Goddess's light, he hoped he wasn't as transparent around Ciara. He needed a clear head if he had any hope of getting her to the sisterhood without incident. Many leagues lay between Meriol's farm and Dryw Hrine, and there were those who would sense Ciara's power like a wolf scenting prey.
    And like the wolf, they’d be relentless in their hunt.
     
    * * *
     
    A selection of herbs were spread out on the table when Ciara entered the house. Her aunt smiled up at her, and casually gathered them together, depositing a handful into a small pouch, and the rest into a basket.
    "You look troubled," Meriol said.
    Ciara bit her lip to keep the obvious reply to herself. "Can I help you with that?" she asked instead, nodding at Meriol's work.
    "No, all finished."
    "Can I make you some tea, then?" Ciara started toward the cooking fire, but Meriol laid a hand on her arm to stop her.
    "I know how difficult this is for you to understand," she said. "But it's for the best, you must believe that."
    "The best for who?" Ciara took a deep, shaky breath and closed her eyes, fighting for inner calm. She looked down at