Paige Cameron Read Free

haven’t looked hard for a reason either.”
    “I started to contact you when the battle raged between our tribes and the ones who came from our planet to try and take over. But with the help of our shape-shifters and the strong fighting men from all the tribes the group was destroyed.”
    “Next time call me. Maybe I need to be brave and present myself to the ones in charge of the three tribes. If they’ve accepted the shape-shifters, why not me?”
    “Come home with me when I leave. Mom would love to see you. The ranch being built is huge. I have a big plot of land, and you could live with me or build your own cabin nearby.”
    “I’ll consider it. I’d have a lot to do first, quit my job, empty my apartment, and winterize this cabin. We’ll see.”
    “I’m going to bed. It’s been a long, stressful day.” Averil kissed her sister’s cheek. “Don’t sit up too long, night owl.”
    Averil unplugged the coffeepot and turned off the kitchen light on the way to her bedroom.
    She had hoped to go to sleep instantly. Her body was tired and achy. But in her mind’s eye she saw Payton, the blood running down the side of his handsome face, and guilt swamped her. Was he really all right? What would he and Cody make of her sudden disappearance? So many questions but no answers.
    Averil turned on her side and stared out at the moon. A dark cloud drifted across, giving her a sinister feeling of danger. A shiver brushed across her shoulders.
    Kira knocked on her door. “Are you all right?”
    “I can’t get to sleep.”
    Her sister came into the room. She had her nightgown on, and her long, golden-red hair rippled down her back. “Scoot over. We’ll sleep together like we did when we were kids. I feel the uneasiness, too.”

Chapter Two
     
    Payton looked up at his mother standing by the stove. “I’m feeling fine this morning, Mom. Thanks for letting me stay yesterday and last night, but I can’t stay in bed any longer. I promise, when I leave here, I’ll stop by Dr. Jack’s office at the hospital and have him check me over.” Payton ate the last of his pancakes and emptied his cup of coffee. He stood and pushed his chair in. “See you later.” He bent and kissed his mom’s cheek.
    Cody waited outside with their horses. Payton’s mom followed him out and stood on the porch. “Cody, you see he goes by and gets checked by Jack first, before you two do anything else. Tell Jack to call me.”
    “Yes, ma’am.” He waved and grinned at Payton.
    “Don’t even start.”
    “Not in a good mood this morning?”
    “I still have a slight headache, but if I’d told Mom she’d have kept me in bed another day at least.”
    “You’re going to have to see Dr. Jack.”
    “I know. Let’s get it over with, and then I want to find our gal.”
    “Did she come by last night after I left?”
    “No. Why?”
    “Because she said she’d see me later when she came by to check on how you were doing. I’ve had an uneasy feeling ever since she didn’t show up.”
    “We’ll go by her cabin on our way to Dr. Jack’s office.”
    “That is the long way around. But if you’re up to it, I agree.”
    Fresh air blowing in his face felt good to Payton, but the bouncing of his horse made his headache worse. He didn’t tell Cody. He’d be as bad as his mom.
    Men were working all around the cabin. Payton saw Nick and rode in his direction.
    “Hi, Nick, you sure get around trying to keep up with all the building going on.” Payton stopped at Nick’s side and dismounted. He staggered slightly and Nick grabbed his arm.
    “I heard you took a lick to the head yesterday morning. Maybe you shouldn’t be out riding so soon.”
    “I’m fine. How soon will Averil’s cabin be done?”
    “In another week or two at the most. I came out to talk with her, but she hasn’t come around. I called her folks. They said she’d gone on vacation. Which is strange since she’d made an appointment to meet me here today.” He grinned at