Into the Pride (Nuuba Pride Shifters #1) by Michelle Monkou Read Free Page B

city.”
    That was more than a mouthful. More than he’d readily shared with anyone. David cleared his throat. “My turn to apologize.”
    “No worries. We’re now even.” His determined visitor reached into a satchel and pulled out a worn manila file that barely contained its papers. She shoved it toward him. “The Sisters of Cassiopeia were not your regular ministry. There was a secret order of warrior priestesses.”
    David snorted. Now, he’d add delusional next to beautiful for her description.
    “They were a close-knit group created to guard the king.” Anger sharpened her tone.
    “The king died. The queen died. And the heir is gone. Their bodyguards were rounded up, imprisoned or executed brutally. I can still recall the bloody scenes, body parts. The smell…” His voice choked. “The stench of death doesn’t fade. The city burned for days.” His heart filled with hate for what had been done and self-loathing for what he’d failed to stop.
    “ Our High Priestess answered to the queen. We were created to protect the royal family because of the sisterhood’s keen healing skills, but also because we were ferocious warriors. We had to train to protect ourselves from the constant threat of invasion and assaults.”
    David shook his head. The idea of this slender-framed woman, with delicate features, and a phenomenal imagination, kicking anyone’s ass was laughable. “I’m sorry. You are a fascinating creature.”
    Did she just growl at him?
    “You’re wasting your time.” He really wanted to say his time. “There’s no such sisterhood or temple. The Royal bodyguards were the only ones trained and conscripted to protect the Nuuba Leader and his family. Ambassador Xavier betrayed the Pride to partner with the humans and their continued effort not only to take down the realm, but to eliminate it from existence.” He stood, marking the end to this unusual visit.
    She’d dredged up raw emotions. His lion paced, unsettled and irritated. Its essence stormed through his blood, looking for a way to release its anger.
    “Ambassador Xavier would not have betrayed the realm.” She shook her head, clearly frustrated. “Look at the file. Maybe then you’ll change your chauvinistic mindset. I know the temple existed.” Her chin jutted out. “Are you afraid to consider that not only the men of Nuuba held power?”
    David liked a feisty woman, except when said feistiness was used on him.
    She continued. “There may be tunnels. The temple was built behind the queen’s living quarters.”
    “I know every inch of the palace grounds. The queen’s side of the palace had no building for a temple.” He waved off her protest. “Let’s say that you aren’t delusional. And you find the temple. Then, what?” At least he had a real reason to find the kingdom.
    “I think you’re being deliberately offensive. Typical. The temple was constructed below the queen’s private quarters. The area continued underground with another entrance beyond the walled city.”
    No denying that there was a ring of truth to what she said. Didn’t mean that he had the time to help her. Maybe, after he was done with his project, they could date and go on a private dig.
    David was ready to close the curtain on this production. “Look, Starr, it’s been a long day. And an even longer night. I don’t have the time to help. I am intrigued, though, so please keep in touch. In the meantime, there is a museum on women’s history that may have whatever information you’re seeking. Tours are avail—”
    Needle-like prickles spread across his chest. David opened his mouth to scream. The sound stuck in his throat. His fingers pulled at his shirt wadding the material in his hand. He wanted the stinging pain to stop.
    Starr’s concerned face hovered. Her lips moved. Repeating something.
    His knees buckled and he hit the floor hard. Searing pain expanded onto the left side of his chest.
    Her hands cupped his face. Again, she spoke, but