Untouched Read Free Page A

me to take a flying leap. That she didn’t need a big oaf like me following her around .” Dante looked up at Kerry’s window disappointed to find it empty.
    “She’s going to have quite a few changes to accept in the coming days.” Malcolm sighed, and the lines in his face deepened apologetically. “I’m embarrassed that I didn’t realize it sooner.”
    Dante cocked his head and turned slowly to Malcolm. “What do you mean?” He narrowed his eyes and held his breath. Could Malcolm suspect the same thing? Did he see it too?
    “She is Amoveo,” he said quietly. “She’s a hybrid like Samantha. I just can’t believe I didn’t realize it sooner.” He shrugged. “I suppose I was so caught up in Sam, I was blind to anything else.”
    The breath Dante had been holding came out in a rush of relief. “I thought I was going crazy.” He ran a hand over his face. “Thank God you see it too. What about Samantha? Does she know?”
    Malcolm nodded somberly. “She picked up on it before I did. Her abilities have grown significantly in the past month. I think that is what the Purists are worried about. They are threatened by Samantha.” He cast a quick glance to Kerry’s house. “And anyone else like her. That’s why we hired you to go with her to New Orleans. If we have realized her heritage, it’s likely others in our race will as well. She needs you, Dante.” Malcolm placed a hand on his shoulder. “She is in real danger until we find the rest of the conspirators.” He gave Dante’s shoulder a squeeze and looked him square in the eyes. “Your father was not the only one.”
    Dante’s anger flared hard and fast at the memory of his father’s betrayal. His eyes shifted to the eyes of his clan and glowed brightly in the dark night. “I know full well of my father’s deception. His actions almost killed my mate as well.” He bit the words out through clenched teeth. “I do not need to be reminded of his treachery.” His body went rigid, and his hands balled into tight fists at his side.
    Malcolm dropped his hand, and his eyes softened. “I’m sorry. Brendan betrayed us all.”
    Dante turned away from his cousin and crossed his arms tightly across his chest. “My father paid for his foolishness with his life… and ultimately, my mother will pay the price as well.” He took a deep breath and willed his eyes to their human state. “I’m furious that she will suffer because of him, and there’s nothing I can do to stop it.” His mind drifted to the stories he’d heard as a child, about the slow deaths that all Amoveo suffered when they lost their mates. His face grew darker still. “My only true regret is that I wasn’t able to confront him myself.” He shook his head and faced Malcolm once again. “Imagine what he would do if he knew his son was destined to be with a hybrid. That alone might’ve killed him.”
    “Indeed.” Malcolm gave his friend a tight smile. “We do have Amoveo kin that live in New Orleans and one of the Vasullus family members as well.” Dante nodded. “They have been alerted of your arrival, but they do not know about Kerry or her… special situation. I think it’s safest for both of you if you try to keep that quiet for now.”
    “I don’t think that should be a problem considering she can’t stand me. Oh, and of course she has no idea that our people even exist.” He ran his hand through his hair and let out a frustrated sigh. “How did you manage to convince Samantha?”
    “She couldn’t resist me. There was very little convincing needed.” Malcolm puffed up his chest visibly. Moments later a bathrobe-clad Samantha materialized next to the two men, her hands placed firmly on her hips.
    “Oh really?” She looked at Malcolm with an arched eyebrow and skeptical smirk. “Don’t let him fool you for a minute, Dante. He had to do plenty of convincing.” She swatted a contrite Malcolm and then turned her attention to Dante. “Kerry puts up a tough front,