Rising Shadows by Bridget Blackwood Read Free Book Online

naturally tan complexion, I still look sallow from my time in Richland. When was the last time I spent any time in the sun? I think I qualify as cute rather than beautiful with my high cheek bones and dimples, they fit perfectly with my ready smile. Used to be ready smile, haven’t had a reason to smile in ages. My eyes are hazel and maybe a little squinty.
    Madalaina assists me in removing the bandages. The bullet wound is substantially healed. Arcana is useful for something. We elect to leave the big bandages off and place a smaller gauze over the wound.
    My hair is limp and heavy, lacking style. A honey blonde, the highlights give it a warm glow that I think makes it my best feature. Turns out Madalaina has a gift with hair. She whipped out a set of scissors, and in moments soft layers frame my face and fall to mid back.
    The last item she gives me is a pair of conservative heels.
    Madalaina hugs me.  “Alright. Time to go face the music.”
    A green SUV is idling in front of the house. Bastien leans against the driver’s side. His pants are black, and the white button down shirtsleeves are rolled up above the elbow, the dark waves of his hair kiss the collar. His grin is roguish. I’m witnessing the playful Bastien Madalaina spoke of. Madalaina skips down the steps and climbs into the backseat. Bastien takes me by the hand around to the passenger seat.
    “You don’t need to open doors for me,” I assure him.
    “And waste the chance to hold your hand?”
    He keeps my hand for the whole trip. I’ve limited experience with men, but I get things are escalating fast. I like him, and if I had more time I would object to his forwardness, but as it stands, I may be dead in an hour. This could be the last time anyone offers me affection. With a heavy heart, I think of the plans I had. Graduate from college, get a job, and fall head over heels in love. Eventually, we would marry and have children. I can’t see any of it happening now. Provided the council lets me live, what then? I will need to run and spend the rest of my life in hiding. Bastien’s interest in me will wane. All alone with my Arcana, I can’t imagine any other future.

 
    CHAPTER 6
     
    Cleary
     
    Damn meetings . The others don’t want me on the council, but I am the sole alpha werecat within a hundred miles. Claude exercised my minority status to force my compliance. I’d rather laze around. It is my nature after all. Male lions are not known for being active members of the community. I said yes because I’m nosy. My headstone is apt to read  “Cleary Neil. Curiosity kills another cat.” Today’s dispute is over a human woman. She caused a big stink by taking out an anti-were group. Based on the account I was told, we should be presenting this girl with a medal. Instead everyone is freaking over how dangerous she is.
    I’m bored already. Time to chill out behind my sunglasses. Another perk of being a lion, not many are dense enough to cross you. I relax behind the table and wait for something exciting to happen. I don’t have to wait long. Bastien accompanies the woman and his sister, Madalaina, into the assembly gallery. The space looks like a fight club crammed to the rafters with spectators. The center arena is used by the accused to defend himself, at times physically. Bleachers fan out in a circle. I sit up on the platform with the additional five council leaders. Claude and his wife Adele are in the middle. The man on Claude’s left is a behemoth of a grizzly shifter named Jay. He dwarfs the diminutive woman close to him. I can’t look at her without shivering. A viper as cold hearted as she’s cold blooded. Next to me is the dragos. He’s a reptile, too, but I like him. The old coot is a riot at parties.
    “The accused has entered. Let’s begin,” Claude calls out to the room.
    The female stands in the arena alone. I can hear her heart pounding in her chest. Poor thing is terrified. She looks harmless to me.
    “Rachel Ryan,