Rayven's Keep by Kylie Wolfe Read Free Book Online

than the current fashion. He exuded geniality, and the lines bracketing his mouth attested he smiled easily. He appeared a complete opposite to Nick’s darker personality but the same shadows lurked in his eyes as in Nick’s. She had no idea what had left such a mark on either man, and wasn’t sure she wanted to know.
    Callen nodded, but didn’t say anything. He offered a brief smile, which for all its brevity still held enough charm to give her pause. His watchful winter gray eyes seemed reserved, too old for such a young face. He drifted away silent as a wraith, carrying himself like the others, shoulders square and movements bearing a lethal hunter’s grace. He hadn’t made her uncomfortable exactly, just very conscious of his presence.
    “The boss man here says you’re in a bit of trouble.” Seth took her arm and led her deeper into the house. “I can’t help but notice those nasty bruises you’re sporting, darlin’. Just point me in the right direction and I will be happy to take care of the bast–ah, bully who did that to you.”
    Self-conscious, Tru lifted a hand to the bruising along her temple and brushed her hair forward, trying to hide the discoloration marring her skin.
    “Ah. Thank you, but it won’t be necessary,” Tru assured him. She glanced over her shoulder at Nick frowning and pacing behind them.
    “Now, you don’t want to deprive me of a little fun do you? It wouldn’t be right to let whoever did this get away with hurting a little thing like you, now would it?”
    Tru ventured a quick peek at the handsome man holding onto her arm, unsure if he joked. His tone might have been light and teasing, but the tightness around his mouth told a different story.
    “Let it be, Seth. I put the bruises on Tru,” Nick growled from somewhere behind her.
    Seth stopped and turned, drawing Tru along with him. “You?”
    Nick nodded, holding his gaze. “Yes. Me.”
    The hand holding Tru’s arm tightened as Seth’s face darkened with confusion and something akin to anger. Responding instinctively to the rising tension between the two men, she jerked her arm out of Seth’s grasp, a little surprised he released her so easily, and moved to stand in front of Nick.
    “He didn’t know I was a girl when he hit me. I shouldn’t have been following him.”
    Seth took his eyes off Nick long enough to look at her. The tightness around his eyes lessened, replaced by a glint of amusement. She must look ridiculous, hovering between the two men. Her head barely reached Nick’s shoulder, but there she stood, ready to defend him if necessary. Seth raised his hands in surrender and took a half step backward.
    Some of the tension drained from Seth’s shoulders and her own relaxed in response.
    She glanced up at Nick. He seemed thrown by the turn of events and following impulse she moved closer to him. She felt the controlled strength in his hands as they cupped her shoulders. He rubbed them up and down her arms in a gesture of comfort. It was a side of him rarely seen, if the astonished look on Seth’s face was anything to go by. She wondered if Nick was even aware of what he was doing.
    “Sorry. I guess I overreacted a little.”
    “Easy to do, given the evidence,” Nick replied.
    Just like that it was over, and everything was back to normal.
    Tru blinked a couple of times, wondering what had just happened. Deciding she would never understand men, she shrugged. Licking her bottom lip, she felt grit and grimaced. Hot and sticky with sweat, she slipped off her jacket and brushed at the streak of dirt on her right breast. Moisture trickled down her collarbone and her shirt clung to her back and chest, making it almost transparent in places. She undid the top buttons on her shirt, and wafted it to create a cooling breeze.
    * * * *
    Nick started to say something to Seth and completely lost his train of thought when he noticed what Tru was doing. The sudden silence must have alerted her and she looked up. Nick shut