Wolf's Bane (Shifted) Read Free Page A

think leaving would protect the pack.
    “ For now, yes.”
    “Drew , the pack would understand. We are behind you. You need to stay here to assure her safety. Warren Bane wouldn’t attack the pack house.”
    “You haven’t met the man. He may have complied with the council’s ruling, but if I hadn’t gotten her out before the council left, I’m sure he would have eliminated her and her family, including Julie and I. The man was a tyrant before he lost his son to a lowly female.”
    “ For now, he doesn’t know you are here.”
    “For now, I just want to give Ashley time to heal. We will remain primarily in our living quarters. Bryce, Lars, I would like Ashley to meet you. It’s important that she know who is safe.”
    “ Of course. We could close the pack house to visitors.”
    “ That might send up a red flag.”
    “We can say it’s being renovated.”
    “ That might work, but how do we explain the lack of workers?”
    Lars thought for a moment. “Drew , I have five boys. Both Colin and Mathew work in the building industry. Lexi is now mated to Gage Cheveyo. He owns and runs a design company that focuses on architecture. We could have only people we trust come and go.”
    “Royal was extremely helpful , and he is aware of the situation. Perhaps asking the Cheveyo pack for assistance in keeping up appearances would work,” Drew agreed.
    “I’ll call Lexi, and the boys, and explain. I’m sure she would help.”
    “ Thank you Lars, Bryce. My family is indebted to you.”
    “ Your family is our family, Drew. You chose my son to be your heir. That’s family.”
    “ I suppose it is. Come meet Ashley. She’s with Julie in the great room.”
    “Does she know we are coming? We don’t want to scare her.” Bryce asked.
    “ She knows you’re coming.”
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    3
    Ashley Freedman sat quietly wrapped in a quilt her aunt had given her. Even the roaring fire couldn’t diminish the chills that seemed to be a part of her now. She wasn’t in pain. She couldn’t feel the wounds that littered her body. She couldn’t feel anything inside or out. She was numb.
    A knock at the door made her jump. She shook her head , scolding herself for being such a baby. She knew that Warren would come, probably sooner rather than later. She also knew that, when he did come, he wouldn’t knock.
    “ Come in,” Aunt Julie called while looking at Ashley to see if it was alright. Of course it was alright. What was she going to do, lock herself in a tower for the rest of her life? She needed to get it together, get strong, so she could leave. Being here only put more of her family at risk. As soon as she was able, she would go… go where, she didn’t know.
    “ Ash, I have Bryce and Lars with me.” Uncle Drew was walking on eggshells around her. They all were. No one knew what to say.
    “ Okay,” she said turning slightly to see the men entering. She was not used to being asked permission. The Bane told their women what to do and they did it. She had always known her parents were different, and seeing Aunt Julie with Uncle Drew, she knew now more than ever that the Bane way was wrong. Uncle Drew had slowed down the second his wife had told him he was driving too fast on the way there. A Bane were would have sped up and reprimanded his mate, telling her to stay in her place.
    “ It’s okay dear. You’re safe,” Aunt Julie whispered, feeling her niece tense up.
     
    Ashley watched as two huge were-men came into the room. She tried not to show how fearful she was. Keeping her head down, she peered through the hair that had fallen around her face like a shield. The two men looked similar, one older than the other, but both had dark hair with whisky colored eyes. Drew had said his Beta’s son would be taking the Alpha position when he retired. It was clear that the younger of the two was Alpha.
    She noticed how good looking they both were despite her aversion