Warriors of Poseidon 02.5 - Shifter's Lady Read Free

caught, trapped in her throat and somehow entangled with the rapid beating of her heart. Her vision telescoped until Ethan and only Ethan was framed Shifter’s Lady – Warriors of Poseidon 2.5

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    within it, the others having vanished into the perimeter of the sparkling haze swamping her whirling thoughts. Ethan stood before her, holding out his hand, and courtesy dictated that she take it in greeting.
     
    But fear drowned out all thoughts of courtesy. Somehow, instinctively, she knew that by touching him, some hidden stillness inside her soul would be disturbed. Raucously awakened, perhaps never again to find quiet. An inner voice mocked her girlish tremors, and sheer pride and force of will combined to overcome her hesitation.
     
    Bastien‟s voice rumbled out from somewhere to her left. “Is there a problem?”
     
    Marie lifted her chin, ignoring the concern in her brother‟s voice. “I am Marie, First Maiden of the Temple of the Nereids,” she said to Ethan, proud that only the faintest tremor lay within the syllables of her speech. “I am honored that you welcome me to your lands.” She briefly touched her hand to his but pulled it away before she could react to his touch.
     
    Ethan‟s sensual lips had tightened at the sound of her voice, and he stared down at her with golden eyes darkened by some unknown emotion. The tawny hair, so similar to Kat‟s, framed his face in thick waves that might have looked feminine on any lesser man, but only highlighted his stark masculinity. His sharp cheekbones, strong chin, and proud, straight nose all stated without words that this man—this shape-shifter—was a warrior, born and bred.
     
    How fortunate that she was not drawn to warriors.
     
    Especially not tall, lean, hard-bodied warriors who looked at her as though she were some particularly delectable dessert.
     
    Ethan smiled slowly, a dark, dangerous smile that spoke of pleasures whispered in the shadows. Heat swept through Marie, and her lips involuntarily parted on a small sigh.
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    Ethan‟s gaze whipped down to her mouth, and he pointedly stared at it, his smile fading.
    The heat between them was palpable, cutting through the biting winter wind that carried hints of swamp and sea. Marie shivered, though whether from the chill or from the expression on Ethan‟s face, she could not tell.
     
    Or, at least, she would not admit. Not even to herself.
     
    She deliberately turned her back on Ethan and faced Kat, the lovely, tall park ranger who was clutching Bastien‟s hand and chewing the glossy polish off her lips. Marie held out her arms. “Forgive me, my new sister. The journey through the portal seems to have tired me. I am so pleased to meet you at last!”
     
    Kat hesitated for only a moment and then flashed a dazzling smile that gave Marie much reassurance as to her brother‟s choice.
     
    “I‟m so happy you‟re here!” Kat said and then rushed forward to envelop Marie in an exuberant hug. “We have so much to talk about. I can‟t wait to show you around.” Kat glanced at Bastien, smiling. “Bastien told me that this is your first trip out of Atlantis, ever. I can‟t even believe how much you need to catch up on! We‟re going to have a blast!”
     
    Alaric cleared his throat. “Yes. Well. We must offer our farewells now, then. Bastien?”
     
    Bastien‟s eyes narrowed, and he crossed his arms. “Marie, you know I would prefer it if you return to Atlantis and reschedule your visit for a time when I could be here to protect you.”
     
    From behind her, Marie heard an almost inaudible growling sound. Startled, she quickly turned around but saw only Ethan. However, it was a very different Ethan from the man who‟d greeted her mere minutes ago. Gone was the sexy, speculative smile. His eyes were glowing golden flame, and his fists were clenched at his side. She blinked and Shifter’s Lady – Warriors of Poseidon