The Devil’s Kiss Read Free Page A

happened?”
     
    Zia inclined her head, showing pleasure in the decision made. “You of all people should be able to help her.” She looked to Talon. “We can do without them for a while, can’t we?”
     
    Talon grumbled something incoherent, which made Zade, Brax and even Valor laugh. Apparently, their super hearing understood words. After clenching his jaw, he sighed in resignation. “Go then. Contact us tomorrow night to advise us how things are going.”
     
    Not that he wasn’t up for us helping Valor. It was obvious that wasn’t his issue here. Suddenly, I saw a little inkling of his true feelings and it just sent a shot of happiness right through my soul. He had missed us. Would he ever declare it? Never. However, his qualms weren’t about the situation, he didn’t want us to go.
     
    Instead of embarrassing him by pointing out such things, since he would be considering the way Supes were, I just smiled and followed the others out. As I turned, I saw that clench in his jaw again and a little bit of longing reached his eyes. Needing to acknowledge him, I focused on the gifts I’d been given as Spirit Witch. I let th e wall of protection down as Zia’s Spirit flooded my mind. This was the one gift as Spirit Witches we shared¯the ability to communicate telepathically.
     
    When I felt her presence completely, I said, “Tell him we missed him too.”
     
    When I glanced over my shoulder, she was whispering in his ear. As Talon raised his head and met my gaze, he smiled.
     

 

     
     

Chapter Two
     
     
    We arrived at a large log house surrounded by green grass, dozens of shrubs and trees. Enormous wide windows sat along the front side of the home where low lighting poured out into the night. Four chimneys had dark smoke drifting from them and there were no flowers in sight. Snow would make it a perfect Christmas escape.
     
    “Your home is incredible,” I said to Valor.
     
    “It’s home.” Valor sighed, obviously tickled to be home.
     
    Couldn’t say I blamed him there. The house was nestled into mountains with miles upon miles of wilderness.
     
    “Come this way.” Valor waved toward the house. “Briggs is waiting for us.”
     
    Kyden and I followed him up the stairs to the front entrance. Valor didn’t hesitate and swung the door wide. The moment I stepped through the thick wooden door, my breath was stolen as I looked up. The ceiling had to be forty-feet high, with wood everywhere. The walls were decorated with large paintings of wolves frolicking.
     
    Valor led us to a living room that was just off the entrance. A fire burned brightly with two oversized couches hugging around it. Briggs was sitting on one of them—concern tightened his normally lighthearted spirit. Not only was he Kyden’s closest friend, but he was also as mischievous as they come.
     
    Usually, a smartass grin would fill his slender face, along with yellow eyes and high spiked brown hair, but that is not what I found tonight. As Valor’s Beta—his second in command—he was always strength personified. Now, his appearance led one to believe he was only a pack member with no ranking at all. As we stepped into the room, his head snapped up toward us and he stood immediately. “You have arrived.” His voice was hurried as he rushed over to me and pulled me into a fierce hug. His entire body trembled.
     
    “Hi Briggs,” I managed through his tight squeeze.
     
    He reached out touching Kyden’s shoulder and released me from his hold. “You doin’…”
     
    Kyden interrupted him. “I am well, Briggs.” He examined his friend curiously. “You alright?”
     
    Briggs never answered, just glanced over his shoulder.
     
    I followed his gaze to see a small wolf cowering in the corner. Her eyes were frantic as she whimpered. “Ahh…poor baby,” I soothed.
     
    Briggs’ gaze swung back to me. “She is not well.”
     
    “Yeah, I see that.” I started to approach her and she yelped loudly. Her entire body