Mortal Obligation by Nichole Chase Read Free Book Online Page B

to say something, but she slipped even deeper when the older woman placed her hand on her head.
    When she became aware of the voices again, she realized she must have been out for a lot longer this time. Her body did not feel near as heavy or unresponsive. She took a quiet breath as she climbed back out of the deep sleep that had claimed her earlier. She became aware that someone was sitting near her, but she wasn't sure who it was until they spoke.
    “It’s been almost four hours. Are you sure she’ll be ok?” Paden’s warm fingers brushed some of the hair back out of her face, tucking it behind her ear. His voice was quiet but laced with worry.
    “Paden, you’re going to need to learn a lot more patience as an Immortal.” Sophie spoke quietly.
    “I don't remember signing up for any of that.” His voice was still quiet, but Ree had the impression that he was looking at her when he spoke. “Are you sure I’m immortal? I don't really feel different. Things are a little clearer, sharper, but that could just be the adrenaline.”
    “Paden, trust me. The moment Ree's magic touched you, it ignited that spark in you. It called out to your genes-- the genes of  Brigid, goddess of the Celts, and Poseidon, god of the sea. It was the turning point of your lifeline. Because you have already reached your maturity, you will not age another day. The same goes for Juliette. In her veins runs the blood of strong Japanese gods. When Ree tried to use her magic in that restroom against the darkling, she also touched Jules. She, too, will not age. Neither will the others once she ignites that change in them.”
    Ree struggled to make sense of what she was hearing. Paden and the others were immortal? Because of her? Because of what she had done that night? And the way Paden and Sophie sounded, it seemed she was still different from them. Was she immortal as well?
    As if in response to Ree’s internal question, Sophie sighed. “She needs you to be immortal. The things she will come up against will be far too strong for a mortal to stand against on her own. Her magic levels the playing field some, but in one moment, one accident, the Dark Ones could shatter her. End her life with a single blow. She needs a Guardian. In Ree’s case, she was sent five.”
    Ree lay there for a moment, absorbing what she was being told. She wasn’t like the others. She was less, and yet somehow important. What was this all leading to? She needed answers, so she fought her tired body and opened her eyes. She was in a large room with a fireplace along one wall and large windows lining another. Sophie was sitting in a chair near the fire, her long dark hair slung over her shoulder in an intricate braid. A book sat open on her lap. Paden was sitting next to Ree, his back turned so she couldn’t see his face. For a moment she wished she could see into his eyes, and then she shoved that thought away. This news about the difference of their lifespans was too much to comprehend at the moment. There were more pressing questions.
    “Why do I have this special talent? Is it a gift or a curse?” All things considered, Ree was pretty calm.
    Paden turned around and touched her head. “You're awake. How are you feeling? Are you still tired?”
    She ignored his questions and tried to not notice the pain in his eyes, the darkness that shadowed his words.  Instead, she watched as Sophie stood up and went to pour her a glass of water. When she handed it to Ree she touched her head and nodded to herself, apparently pleased with what she sensed.
    Ree drank some of the water as she sat up. Paden got up from the bed and walked over to the windows.
    “It is both a gift and a curse. It will enable to you to do wondrous things; save millions of lives. And yet, it will bring you much sorrow, and comes with great demands.” Sophie sat back in her chair and let Ree digest her words.
    Not sure what to say or how to react, Ree just nodded her head. The ability to help other