Wolfen Secrets (The Western Werewolf Legend #3) Read Free

covets using black magic. I have seen his
kind in the smoke.”
    The Guardian’s hand rested on her shoulder,
reminding her of the first time he’d done so several months before.
“Black magic?” Sonja glanced up. The Guardian’s eyes were sad.
Perhaps he shared her defeat. She’d not considered her pain might
also be his. “How is that possible? Aren’t warlocks the only ones
who deal in black magic?
    “The choice is given to those who seek the
power.”
    “What could a warlock want? Surely he doesn’t
want my blood too!” Hating the thread of panic working its way into
her voice, she reached out, taking his long nailed paw in hers.
    The Guardian’s gaze grew more forlorn.
    Searching for a way to comfort the poor
beast, Sonja reached up, laying her other hand on his greenish-blue
talons. With the long nails the Guardian used as weapons resting
under her fingers, Sonja’s memory of their first encounter came
back to her. Her reaction to contact with the great beast hadn’t
always been so comfortable. He’d proven to be a formidable ally.
Now, his steadfast support was such a comfort. “Thank you,
Guardian.”
    “The gods understand, my child. Yours is a
great burden. Were it possible I could take the responsibility from
you, I would.”
    She smiled a trembling smile for him. Ty had
said the same thing only a few minutes earlier.
    “What will you tell me of those responsible
for this death, Guardian? Are they so evil, they would use children
to lure us into their trap?’’ When he gave no answer except to drop
his head staring hard at the ground, she cocked her head, peering
up at his profile. If he didn’t want to answer, that was all right.
It wouldn’t be the first time she’d managed to figure things out
using what he didn’t say.
    She cut her eyes again at the beast. Not a
handsome fellow, still, his nature was good. she’d grown to love
the hairy warrior with all her heart. His tall stature with the
long lanky arms, which practically drug the ground when he walked,
was so familiar to her now. Through a mass of matted, dirt-infused
black hair, he peered from deeply-set black eyes. One could argue
his whole appearance was off-putting, if not alarming. After all,
had anyone ever seen a wolf-god before? She’d be the first to admit
her introduction to the Guardian hadn’t been exactly cordial. His
was definitely a presence, which grew on a person. Smiling to
herself, she considered how fortunate she was to have met the wolf
god. She’d gleaned all he had to share.
    It was time to change the subject. “I’m going
on the offensive, Guardian. I’m tired of waiting around until some
wild-eyed vampire decides he wants to bask in the sun and comes
after me. You’ll help or you’ll step back, but I’ve made up my
mind. I’m going to find the bastard responsible for this attack.
His sorry ass is as crispy as a chicken leg before I’m done.
Understand?”
    The Guardian raised one bushy brow, giving
her his best summation. Without a word, he pursed his muzzle before
flicking a glance at her stalwart stance. “You’ve come far from the
first day you bore the burden of becoming a werewolf, especially a
wolf with such legend. I’ve taught you many things. The danger is
yours to face. Only you stand and take the blows. With such a
decision, you’ll claim your birthright as leader of your pack.”
    “Pack or no pack, my mind is made up,
Guardian. I will take the battle to the enemy.” Fire burned in her
eyes. Steely determination filled her heart.
    “You make me proud, Sonja.” From an invisible
pocket in his hair-covered hide, the Guardian pulled her silver
cross. The same one she’d given Ty after he’d announced he was
leaving to go after the vampires who held his men.
    “Where’d you find this?” Sentiment laced her
question as her lips trembled with the pleasure the gift
brought.
    “When you were at your lowest, I held this
talisman for you. The time has come to give it back. During