NocC 010 - The Ancients 04 - Bonnie Vanak - Seduced by the Wolf - Harlequin 2012-03 by Nocturne Read Free Book Online Page A

them….”
    His voice drifted off. Pain radiated from him like a pulsing beacon.
    “And she’s dead. So you still live with curtains you don’t like? Great leadership, Jarrett. Really a good way to show your people how to move on. I’m sure you’re not the only one who’s suffered a loss.”
    She hated the words coming from her mouth, but knew she had to push him hard. Jarrett bounded out of bed, stalked over to the curtains. With a mighty yank, he tore down one panel. It tumbled to the floor in a dusty cloud.
    Breathing heavily, he ripped off the others. Misery shadowed his face, then vanished. Ariel’s heart ached for him.
    “Jarrett, she’s gone. I know you loved her, and that love will never die. You’re a strong leader who would die for your people. You want a mate to give them hope and life. Yet you’re dead inside, until you move on and embrace your own life and your own future.” She framed his face with her hands, moisture filling her eyes.
    He nodded, closing his eyes. When he opened them, they were empty of emotion. “You’re right. But I warned you, Ariel. I have no more feelings left to give. I’m not capable of giving you what you want most.”
    “That doesn’t mean I should stop hoping. Call me a dreamer.”
    He brushed a finger down her cheek. Sadness swam in the depths of his dark eyes. “Keep dreaming, Ariel. I need your dreams.”
    He let her go.
    In the shower, water beaded on her skin, mingling with the salty tears cascading down her cheeks.
     
    “I’m going home. I have to see if everyone’s okay.”
    Tension tightened his muscles at her words. Jarrett leapt off the porch railing and followed Ariel down the steps. His men watched. He didn’t give a damn.
    She mattered more.
    Ariel had avoided him all day. Caught up in pack matters, he’d sent two of his men to watch and guard her from a distance as she roamed the grounds, searching out scents. He knew she wanted distance from him.
    He knew. Hated this, hated the fact that he couldn’t give her what she wanted, not with his cold, dead heart. But no way in hell could he let her go.
    Last night she’d given him something no one else could. Hope. He felt it stirring deep inside him, and it fed him strength. It wasn’t merely sex. Yet he couldn’t voice it.
    Couldn’t face the pain of opening himself to her, sharing himself and then losing her just as he’d lost her long ago.
    Chloe’s sweet smile and docile manner were fading into the past. He’d loved her. Always would. But it was Ariel now claiming his thoughts. Ariel haunting his dreams.
    Sharp pain seized him at the thought of whatever monster lurked out there seizing her and hauling her into the deep, dark cave.
    Jarrett caught her arm. Something evil had infiltrated his territory. He wasn’t about to let Ariel leave.
    “It’s too dangerous.”
    “To return to my people?” Her large blue eyes widened, making her look vulnerable and even more Fae. “Are you afraid I’ll break our agreement?”
    I’m afraid you’ll never come back . Images of Chloe, bloodied and dying, danced across his mind. He concentrated on Ariel. “I’m coming with you.”
    Ariel looked delicate in a turquoise sweater and new jeans one of the females had loaned her. The tips of her toes peeked beneath the jeans. Curls spilled around her slender shoulders. Yet he knew a toughness resonated inside her, the same kind that drove her to hunt down whatever was taking her people.
    Chloe hadn’t been tough. She was soft and female and afraid. Her fear had driven her out of the hiding place he’d ordered her to seek during the battle, because she’d needed him at her side.
    Ariel might be afraid, but she never showed it. She’d never admit needing protection.
    So he took matters in hand and wrapped his fingers around her wrist, leading her back to her home. Something nasty lurked out there, and he wouldn’t risk losing her. Never again.
    Because you care , a voice inside his head