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

the
Indian attack, you’d discovered who’d deceived you. The disbelief
of your late husband, Robert’s emergence as the vampire king made
you doubt your abilities. I’m proud you’ve come to terms with the
past. It’s time to move forward. Never doubt your ability to
overcome the obstacles fate hands you.”
    Sonja nodded. “I never dreamed I’d see him
again. Never dreamed when I lost him it was because he’d become a
vampire. He supposedly died honorably in the war. It’s all still
hard to grasp.” She lowered her eyes. “Hard to believe all of this,
but the betrayal is most difficult.” Straightening, she scrubbed
her hands down the blanket. The sigh she released was cleansing.
With a short laugh, she flicked a glance in the Guardian’s
direction. “What a colorful tale I’ll have to tell my children,
hey?”
    The Guardian’s hand rested again on her
shoulder. “He was dying, much like Ty was dying when you found him.
A witch or warlock took pity on him when he begged for his life.
I’m sure he told the crafter he wanted to see you again. H received
the gift he asked for, the second chance to live, to come home to
you. However, Robert’s intentions, skewed by greed, had him trading
in his gift of life on the chance at immortality. He joined the
vampire coven. He’s the one who killed the vampire king, taking his
place.”
    “How do you know this?” Her brow knitted in
curious concern.
    “It’s my job to know these things. You see,
up until then, the vampires lived in peace among the living near
your home. They fed on wildlife and those already dying. Robert
wanted more. The vampires became ruthless, bloodsuckers who sought
to destroy all those of warm blood. He craved power and wealth.
What better way to have those things than to take them?”
    Sonja’s eyes went dark. “Why haven’t you told
me this before, Guardian?”
    “Would you have believed me?” He stepped
toward her again. This time, he peered deep into her eyes before
continuing. “Answers are given with time. All creatures learn at
the pace destined. You’ve come to grips with who you are, an
honorable werewolf protecting your pack. Now, you’ve set your
sights on your destiny – to search out the evil lurking among
mankind – the vampires.” He reached over, gripping her small hand
in his big, blue-green talons. “Take heed, my child, your efforts
will be fraught with hardship – on that you can depend.
Trust not those who come to you in the darkness for their
intentions are evil. Protect those you love and keep them close.
You’ve already learned this lesson on the trip here. Nothing has
changed. The vampires still exist. They still crave your blood. Be
vigil least they find a niche in your armor.” The Guardian bowed
his head, speaking quietly. “Rely on Tyler as he will on you. He
still fights the changes shifting brings to his life. He will need
you more than ever once you reach Texas. He carries a great burden
of his own. The lieutenant will no doubt be tried over and over
again. Be patient. He’ll find his way in his own good time. Now, I
must go.”
    “Go?” Sonja gazed unblinking into his dark
face. “Go where?”
    “Away. The time has come for me to leave.
You’re strong, resilient. You’ll be a good leader. However, in
order to lead, you must discover your own way.” The Guardian
towered over Sonja.
    She gazed up at him, hoping she’d
misunderstood. “What are you talking about, you overgrown beast?
You can’t go.” She meant the words to be filled with humor, but
there was no humor in his face. “You can’t just leave us here alone
and…and…alone!” She spread her arms when more reason wouldn’t come.
“What are we supposed to do if you leave? We’ll never explain what
we are to those we meet. They’ll string us up like the bloodsuckers
did the first night I changed. Do you actually expect me to believe
you’d let such a thing happen?” She shut up then, hoping against
hope she wasn’t