Resurrection by Anita Cox Read Free Book Online Page A

instead before simply replying, “Okay.”
    He led her out of the dining hall and down another corridor. “I already have my living space set up. I’ve been staying here for the last few weeks. This way, you get some insight to how your space will look with some furniture.” He glanced at her while they walked.
    “I’d very much like to know about this pain Roman discussed.”
    He chuckled. “I’m not a colt anymore, Wendy. I’m fine.”
    She didn’t buy it. Roman would have specified if it were only the young Centaurs who were suffering. On the other hand, she had suspicions her attraction to him was the gift they have for seduction and she’d very much like to know if he was using it on her now.
    Surprise took her as he opened the door to his place. The layout was the same as everyone else’s. No special accommodations for the builder. It did reek of masculinity. Black leather couches, a bear skin rug and minimal decoration, but what was there, was defiantly manly. One lone painting was hung above a faux fireplace. It was of a Centaur.
    “Who is that?” she asked, pointing at the portrait.
    “My Great-Great Grandfather. He was a great warrior among our people. He was also a kind and gentle ruler. I’ve done everything in my power to live up to his legacy.” Tucking his hands in his pockets, he nodded toward the kitchen. “Now, I’ll go get that wine.”
    She watched as he walked over to his kitchen and gathered two stem-less wine glasses. He uncorked a bottle and filled the glasses before carrying them into the living room. “Please. Sit.”
    Finding a spot on the couch, she placed her purse on the table beside her. She ran her hands on the leather. “Faux leather?”
    His husky chuckle made his large chest bounce. “God, no. We believe you honor the animal you just killed by adorning your home or yourself with clothing, weapons, shoes, décor and the like with anything you do not eat. This way the animal’s sacrifice to feed us is honored by including nearly every part of the animal, instead of letting it rot. To toss away the skin and fur with the trash is just wrong.”
    “I agree.” She felt a bit awkward asking such a question, but had little idea of how to strike up an easy conversation with the Centaur who had her so off balance.
    He handed her a glass. “To new alliances.”
    “New alliances,” she repeated before touching her glass to his. She took a sip and tried to hide her surprise as the sweet delicious flavor in the glass. This man could pick the wine! “Now, speaking of alliances, you do believe that honesty is the best policy among allies. Don’t you?”
    “Indeed.” One eyebrow rose toward his blond curls.
    “Then I will start with a bit of honesty. You make me uncomfortable.”
    His shoulders fell. “Really?”
    She nodded. “That kiss, in the woods. I just meant to give you a quick peck and shut you up.”
    “But that’s not what happened,” he said as his lips spread into a grin.
    “No. It’s not. And I find that troubling. Were you releasing whatever your special hormone is?” She eyed him.
    He shook his head. “No. Not at all. I was in full control at the time.”
    After another sip of wine she placed her glass on the coffee table. “Your turn. Ask me a question.”
    His eyes widened. He took a giant gulp of wine before putting his glass next to hers. “I’m not sure what to ask.”
    It made her laugh. “Sure you are. There has to be something you want to know.”
    He turned toward her and put his arm on the back of the couch. “I see no bonding mark on you. Have you ever been mated?”
    She shook her head, trying to hide how uncomfortable the question made her feel. But she’d asked for it. “I had a few short relationships, but there was never any real chemistry. My father tried to arrange a mating before he passed away, but that was during the last war and the Lycan passed in battle.”
    His lips curved downward as his look turned somber. “Did you