Love's Protection (Passion Moon 3): (A Shifter, Supernatural Romance) by Renee Jordan Read Free Book Online Page A

your dog away,” my father growled back.
    “Why are you here?” I asked, fighting the trembling that threatened to overtake my body.
    “You're getting married, Dakota,” he smiled. “What father wouldn't come to be with his daughter on such a special day?”
    “Why are you here?” I repeated, folding my arms beneath my breasts. “You've had my entire life to visit me. You left my momma pining after you every day of her life while I had to be raised by an abusive step-father.”
    “Like I told your mother, I'm a Traveler, Dakota. I never could stay in one place.” His green eyes deepened. “Hell, I didn't even know I had a daughter until recently. I'm just so happy to meet you. You have your mother's looks. Bessie was a beautiful woman. What a night we had.”
    My cheeks blushed. My momma always spoke glowingly of the night I was conceived. My father seemed so sincere. His eyes seemed so caring. But Burt's words echoed in my mind. He had to be lying. Burt knew about him.
    “No. I think you've known about me for some time.”
    My father looked around. “Do you all mind giving me some privacy with my daughter?”
    “I do mind,” Vanessa growled.
    “It's okay,” I told her. I had my magic. Penny and Vanessa were here. “Just wait in the store. Within earshot.”
    Vanessa threw a look over her shoulder. I kept my gaze level. I was mated to her Alpha. I had to be commanding. If I was strong, she would instinctively obey. Vanessa's jaw tightened, and then she nodded her head. “I'll be right out there,” she growled to my father as she walked by.
    “Be careful, girl,” Augustus said and Penny nodded in agreement.
    Everyone left. It was just me and my father. Questions tumbled through my head.
    “You've grown strong and confident,” my father said. “You have a lot more fire in you than the last time we met.”
    “The night you tattooed my totem on my back?” I asked.
    “You were pretty drunk that night. I wasn't sure if you'd remember.”
    “I remembered your eyes.” I swallowed. “I've fixed the spell you put on the totem. Burt triggered it, but I overcame it.”
    His face hardened. “That boy messed things up, huh?”
    “I'm sure he ruined all your plans,” I nodded. “I'm on to you, Father. You let that monster abuse me for three years.”
    “I did.” He leaned against the wall. “It would have been perfect. You hated Burt. You were aching to be rescued from your misery. Imagine how happy you would have been to have your mysterious father swoop in, rescue you, and show you that you're special.” He laughed. “I missed you by a week.”
    I shuddered at his matter-of-fact tone. “Didn't you care that he beat me? Or that he used magic to make me fall in love with him?”
    My father shrugged. “It was necessary. The boy just did what he was told.”
    “You...told him to do that?”
    “In a way. I shaped him to be the perfect tool. I taught him the magics. I just told him you were special and that he had to protect you at all costs. I made him think you were his if he could claim you. And then I made him fear my anger if he failed.”
    My flesh crawled. “You...taught him the spell that made me...love him?” My eyes widened. “Sweet Lord, you used that spell on my mother.” My stomach twisted. “She...she spent the rest of her life waiting for you. She didn't have a choice to love you. What kind of monster are you?”
    “The kind with the will to get what he wants, Dakota.” His voice was firm. “I created you. I need you, and you will help me.”
    I laughed in his face. My heart beat faster. I gathered my will and prepared to use my magic. If he wanted to force me, I would make it hard for him. My totem prickled.
    “You have a choice, Dakota. You can help me with what I need and then live happily ever after with your wolf, or I will destroy everyone you love.”
    “You did train Burt,” I sneered. “He made the very same threat. And now he's dead.”
    My father strode towards