Gifted Curse (Curse Trilogy) by C.M. Owens Read Free Book Online Page A

to get a hold of you.  You know what they wanted from you last time.  If someone got to you again… I’d never forgive myself.  I can’t lose my best operative and one of my best friends.  It’s safer for you to stay here until we can control the situation.”
    Brazen rolls his eyes and flops down on his back to stare at the ceiling in disappointment.
    “Clay, this should be my choice.  I think I’ve earned the right to go out into the field when I want to,” I grumble.
    “You’re right.  If you were anyone else I would give you that choice, but you’re not anyone else.  You’re Araya Crush.  We’ve been friends since before we understood the world we lived in.  We endured the wrath of what it means to be a hybrid, you more so than me, and then we suffered through change when our aging halted.  We’ve seen hell together, and I can’t risk what happened five years ago ever, ever happening again,” he says with such a guilty rattle.
    “I’ll be fine.  Brazen will be there,” I murmur softly, and then I’ve got my man’s arms back around me.
    He no longer cares about Clay’s objections.  He just cares about my body being in his arms.   His lips stroke my ear, and I nestle in closer while trying to stay focused on my arguing skills.
    “I can’t, Araya.  It’s just too dangerous.  Right now we don’t know where we’re going or what to expect.  These people could be setting up an ambush.  I won’t risk it.”
    I roll my eyes, and Brazen mimics my exasperation while pulling me even tighter into his arms.
    “Then at least take Hale with you,” I growl.
    Brazen’s jaw clenches the moment Hale’s name leaves my lips.
    “I can’t do that either.  The Seminole is the strongest compound in our region.  That’s due to him.  We have several very prominent and important people that will be bunking here until this threat is eliminated.  He has to be here to keep an eye on things,” Clay grumbles.
    Brazen huffs and pulls his pants on while walking over to the kitchen area to pull out a bottle of whiskey.  I feel the agitation growing in me, but Clay isn’t going to budge, no matter how adamantly I beg.
    “I’ll see you tomorrow,” I grouse, and then I hang up before pulling the sheet around me to sluggishly walk to the kitchen area as well.
    “He wants the two of you back together,” Brazen dryly remarks out of nowhere.
    “My accident really did shake him up,” I softly defend, but I also think leaving Hale behind is part of a reconciliation ploy.
    Now that I’ve had my drought thoroughly drenched, I should be okay to be around Hale.  He shouldn’t get to me the way he did.  At least I hope not.
    “I know it did.  I’ve heard him speak of it numerous times, but it doesn’t mean I trust his intentions,” he sighs.
    I slide my arms around his waist while he sips his amber drink.  His hand clasps over mine, his rigid body slowly loosening up under my touch.
    “Let’s not spend the night talking about Hale or Clay,” I seduce, and he almost smirks.
    “What did you have in mind?” he says with mock innocence.
    “Several things,” I smolder, and then I drop the sheet to the floor to leave his eyes teeming with pure, unadulterated desire.
    “I’m so glad I’m marrying you,” he murmurs with breathless enthusiasm.
    I grin the vixen’s smile as I successfully deter his worried mind, and he follows me back to the bed.  Now that the frustrating bit is out of the way, we can take our time, and I plan on making it a night for him to remember for a while.

Chapter  2
     
    The Wavering Barrier
     
    “I wish I had more time with you.  I’m sorry I’ve been gone so much,” Brazen breathes into our kiss, and I snuggle up a little closer while checking the clock.
    “I wish I had more time with you too.  They should have the tinted the skies by now,” I murmur softly, and then I walk over to check to be certain.
    I stick my hand behind the very thick shade.  The