The Guardian's Keeper (The Guardian Trilogy, Book 1) Read Free

sun’s up and I…..” the woman cut her rambling short, realizing Claire was frozen in her chair, not moving, not speaking, just staring at her, her blue eyes brimming with unshed tears.
    “ I know, I know, we’ll get it sorted, we’ll figure it out shortly.” The woman rushed over and leaned over Claire, stroking her black curls, trying to calm her. “There’s a chance it’s not them but until we confirm it one way another….”
    “He kidnapped me!” Claire burst into sobs and pulled away from the woman, standing up so fast she knocked her chair over. “He stole me from Ava’s house and won’t let me go and he thinks he’s a vampire and keeps talking about some Fang and now I’m here and you’re in on it and acting like everything’s fine!” Claire sobbed as she backed her way towards the entryway to find the front door.
    “ My heavens child, didn’t he tell you? Didn’t he tell you everything? You must be confused as can be,” the woman said softly, her face full of compassion. “Of course you’re scared out of your wits. Please, come sit back down, the tea’s almost done. I’m about to cut some pie. We’ll have some and I’ll tell you what you need to know.” The woman put Claire’s chair right and patted it invitingly, trying to calm the girl and get her to sit back down.
    “No!” Claire screamed. “ I’m going home and you and your sick ‘vampire’ can wait for the police to come!” With that Claire reached the front door and threw it open, ready to race out into the dark night to freedom. Instead she found herself caught up in Nikoli’s strong arms again. She fought like a wild cat, kicking and scratching, flailing wildly until Nikoli pulled her close into a strong embrace against him.
    “ Claire! Knock it off!” he admonished. Claire slumped against him, defeated, biting back a scream of rage. A gentle hand touched her back.
    “ Let her go, Nikoli, I’ve got her. Poor thing’s scared to death and for that I blame you.” Giving Nikoli an admonishing look the woman took Claire gently by the hand and led her back into the kitchen, pointing to the chair again. “Sit now, dear, the tea and pie are coming.”
    Claire did as she was told, first scowling at Nikoli, who leaned casually in the kitchen doorway, blocking her path to the front door, and then at the woman, who had her back turned as she busied herself with plates and silverware for her guest.
    “ As you may or may not know, I am Joyce and it is my duty to assist Nikoli, and you, in your journey. It is obvious Nikoli has not fulfilled his duty of explaining the situation to you…” she began, casting an annoyed look at Nikoli.
    “ Explain?! What is there to explain?! I’ve been kidnapped by a lunatic and you’re his accomplice and I-” Joyce held up her hand, silencing Claire instantly.
    “ You hear me and you hear me now, Claire Raymond. There are things going on here you don’t yet know about, but you need to. Nikoli did what was needed to protect you, to protect all of us, and after what they did it’s a lucky thing you weren’t home tonight.”
    “Who did what?” Claire whispered, the blood draining from her face.
    Joyce looked upon with her with a mixture of pity and surprise. “Oh, Claire, you don’t know, do you? Why didn’t you tell her?” she demanded, turning an accusatory stare at Nikoli.
    “ I wanted to be sure it was her family and the Myrmidon didn’t mix it up. You know they’ve hit the wrong ones before.” He stared calmly right back at Joyce, meeting her harsh gaze. “I also experienced enough difficulties with this one,” he gestured to Claire “to save that tidbit until I had her here, in one piece.”
    “What are you talking about?” Claire slammed her fist on the table, rattling the tea saucers. Nikoli looked surprised by her sudden outburst, but Joyce knelt down beside her, grasping her hand.
    “ I think we best clear this up in the living room, dear.” She stood, never