P.N.E. (The Wolfblood Prophecies Book 4) Read Free

needed this sentimental fool… for the time being. She made herself smile winningly then quickly closed her gorgeous green eyes before her exasperation became evident. As her copper eyelashes brushed her pearl-like skin, Doctor Mallory trembled with the fiercest desire he had ever known.
    While Lethe feigned sleep he stroked her hair, murmuring, ‘My Titian beauty with alabaster skin,’ allowing his fingers to trail down her neck towards the fastening of her negligee. As his hand hovered, a knock at the door interrupted his reverie. He was exceedingly put out to see Titus.
    ‘How’s our patient, Doctor?’ asked Titus, his voice jovial, unlike his eyes which were cold and calculating. ‘Just want to test that everything’s in order.’ He was holding a slim, sleek, computerised device stamped with the Hearts Ease logo.
    Jonathon Mallory gasped with horror. ‘ My patient is still recovering from the procedure. I absolutely forbid you to cause her any pain whatsoever.’
    Titus chuckled. ‘You can forbid as much as you like, Mallory. Just remember who pays your wages.’ He turned to Lethe, now fully awake and haughtily ignoring him. ‘I promise that you’ll hardly feel a thing, my dear. As soon as I am satisfied, I will stop.’
    ‘Damn you, Titus.’ Lethe was furious. She glared at him. He smiled inscrutably back. ‘Well, get on with it, then.’
    Jonathon Mallory made a lunge for the device. Titus swatted him away effortlessly. ‘Quite the knight in shining armour,’ he observed. ‘Now keep your distance.’
    There was an ominous click. Just as Jonathon had promised, Lethe felt the tracking device start to throb. Another click. She gasped for breath. Her hand flew to her heart. ‘I feel sick,’ she moaned, flinching as her breathing became more laboured. Her words were ragged, torn from her. ‘Titus, I beg you to stop.’
    ‘But of course.’ He turned off the machine. ‘Most satisfactory. No need to labour the point.’ Lethe trembled as he moved to the door. Tears glistened as she watched him leave.
    As soon as the door closed and his footsteps faded into the distance she smiled triumphantly. ‘Fooled him,’ she whispered.
    Jonathon rushed over and tried to hug her. ‘You were brilliant,’ he breathed. ‘What a wonderful actress you are!
    Lethe wriggled out of his grasp. ‘Shouldn’t you check Nurse Carson? After all, Titus just caused her to have a minor heart attack.’
    He was dismissive. ‘Who cares?  Dead, most probably, and frankly, so what? You’re all that matters.’ Lethe gave him an old-fashioned look. He blushed like a schoolboy receiving a reprimand. ‘Of course, you are correct. And so considerate. Do not alarm yourself. I gave her a strong sedative. She probably slept right through it . I shall find out at once.’
    Lethe watched him go with barely disguised relief.

Chapter Two - Unending Rain
     
    Jo stared out of the car window at the driving rain. Mary and Matthew’s wedding day had been the only sunny day of the New Year. Two months of relentless rain had followed and the land was waterlogged.
    Samantha’s mother was worried. ‘Would you mind staying at the hospital tonight, Jo? I don’t like the look of the weather. If the river bursts its banks I’d rather not be out driving.’
    ‘That’s OK, Jean. Titus has arranged a guest room for me whenever I want it.’
    ‘He’s really a reformed character,’ smiled Jean.
    ‘No-one could do more,’ agreed Jo, trying to stifle the inner voice that persisted in questioning the motives of one of the most powerful men in the world. Did he really think she was the Child of Glory from some stupid old prophecy? Was he still harbouring plans to harness her amazing abilities for another crack-pot scheme to rule the world? Was he still convinced he had a direct line to God? With Titus, anything was possible.
    ‘We’ll take good care of Calico,’ promised Sam. ‘Dad really likes it when she jumps on his lap. It seems to