New Territory by Sarah Marie Porter Read Free Book Online Page B

gentle circles on Keva’s slender hand. “Liam is going to explain that he overheard a conversation between two elders about others like Keva. Hopefully that will provide enough of an incentive to get the Elder thinking about it, at which point, you, Keva, will enter the cabin and read his thoughts to give Liam the leverage he needs to intimidate the Elder.” Keva looked startled. “Me? Why can’t you just try to get him to confess the scheme? Surely you know enough about it, from my conversation with Elder Miella.” Cian looked thoughtful. “Liam needs some leverage. He needs a way to prove he knows what he does. Otherwise, Elder Garr will simply laugh at his accusations.”
     
    Keva chewed at her lip, until she realized what she was doing and stopped.  “Wait, what am I doing? I’m trying to think!” Kara chuckled. “Keva, sweetheart, that’s a nervous habit that some humans have. Although it’s strange that you would develop it so quickly, it’s not unusual.” Kara’s befuddled look cleared into one of understanding. “Oh. I see. Well, I was trying to come up with a reason not to involve myself in this. But it seems that my skill is needed, as you predicted, Kara.” Kara smiled. “You’ll find that I’m usually right about most things, Keva.” Cian grunted. “Well, some things, at least.” Kara picked up a rubber band from the coffee table, and shot it at Cian. She missed, and it hit Keva in the face. Keva jerked, and stared at Kara in shock. Kara burst into laughter. “Oops! Sorry, Keva. I meant to hit Cian in the face, not you!” Keva recovered quickly and smiled. “I had no idea humans were so…violent,” she said. Kara directed an evil grin at Cian. “Mostly, it’s just brothers and sisters that are this violent,” she explained. “I’ll show you some videos about ‘sibling rivalry’ later.” Keva smiled at the brunette, sincerely glad she had made such a fascinating friend. “I look forward to it, Kara.”
     
    “Great!” Kara said, and then focused her golden gaze on Cian. “Cian… now that Keva has managed to shift…she needs clothes,” she said bluntly. Cian grinned. “Tomorrow, you can take her shopping. I know how much you’ve wanted to.” He reached into his back pocket and pulled a credit card out of his wallet. “Here you go,” he said, handing it to Kara with a flourish. “Just don’t go crazy, okay?” Kara took the card with a glazed look in her eyes. “Wow. Keva, we are going to get you an awesome wardrobe,” she said with glee. Cian glared at her, and she wilted a bit, but not by much. “Cian, she needs a whole wardrobe! We’ll get some awesome deals, I promise!” He shook his head and chuckled, pulling Keva closer. Keva sighed deeply, marveling at the warmth that flowed into her. Human affection was much more demonstrative than wolf affection. “Anyway, back to the question at hand. Keva, will you join Liam in his confrontation of Garr?” Keva took a deep breath and nodded. “Yes, I will. I have the feeling that I can catch Garr in any lie he tells.”
     

Cian’s credit card proved to be very useful the next morning, as Kara tried to convince Keva that having more than one outfit was absolutely necessary. “You at least have to have something to wear while the other outfit is being washed,” she said, exasperated. Keva looked doubtful. “Why can’t I just shift while my clothes are being washed?” Kara flinched, and then glanced around the clothing store, glad that no one was within earshot. “Try not to mention that in public, sweetheart. The truth is, you’ll be expected to be in human form most of the time. Besides, I think Cian will soon show you the benefits of being human,” Kara said with a wink. Keva blushed, and acquiesced. “Fine, let’s compromise. You want me to get seven outfits at least. How about five outfits?” Kara chuckled. “Fine, that should be plenty. I still think you need to get in touch with your feminine