Soul Whisperer by Jenna Kernan Read Free Book Online

someone back from the dead?” Cesar stilled, waiting for his answer, wondering if this man,this half-man could have saved his brother, had he been there.
    Tuff met his eyes. “I only repair the body. Once the soul has fled, I can’t call it back.”
    Bess looped her arm in Tuff’s as she escorted him to the foyer.
    Cesar moved to follow, but she rounded on him. “And you are staying here.”
    He wanted to make sure she came back and then he realized the choice was hers. He could not quite keep the growl of frustration from escaping his clamped jaw.
    Tuff smile remained placid as he faced Cesar, who stood like a gargoyle at his front door. “Thanks for the seltzer.”
    Tuff turned back to Bess, but she did not release the Skinwalker’s arm or show any sign that she made her farewells.
    â€œI’m walking you out,” she said to Tuff, and then turned to Cesar. “See you in a bit.”
    He reached for her, but Bess evaded him and stepped into the hall. It surprised him how difficult it was to let her walk away.
    Bess walked Tuff to the elevator, her leg feeling perfect, while Tuff limped slightly. She had last seen the buffalo Skinwalker when they had fought Nagi’s ghost army, in the spring, a little over three months ago. She knew he was fearless and selfless, for she had seen him heal the injured from both sides after the battle. He was also gentle and thoughtful. Exactly the sort of man a woman should want. Why then did she feel the sensual pull only from one surly, infuriating Soul Whisperer who was absolutely wrong for her?
    â€œHe’s an enemy,” Tuff said, seeming tuned in to her thoughts. “Do you know what you’re doing?”
    She rolled her eyes. “Not particularly, no.”
    â€œThe guy has a serious thing going for you.”
    â€œI thought you couldn’t read auras.” Bess could see the change in color of her aura and of Cesar’s. They pulsed with the salmon pink of lust and the bright blue of sexual power. But to have Tuff see that embarrassed her greatly. It wasn’t as if she were some teenager with hormones raging. But something sure as hell was raging.
    â€œI can’t. But I can read a male defending his territory and fighting for the rights to a female. And I can smell the pheromones in there and his testosterone.” Tuff thumbed back toward Cesar’s place. “I’m dizzy from the scent.”
    Bess flushed.
    Tuff’s shoulders sagged with his long sigh. “I’d warn you to be careful, but I see it’s already too late. The man’s in rut.”
    â€œA Spirit Child can’t go into rut.”
    Tuff gave her an incredulous look and hit the elevator button.
    â€œI thought they were above all those base instincts, too.”
    â€œApparently not,” he said.
    â€œI think he just finds me attractive.”
    Tuff gave her a serious look and then slowly shook his head. “He’s a stallion defending a mare. He’s keeping you with him and he’ll kick the ass of any other stallion that comes near you. His door is open right now.”
    The prospect of being so coveted both annoyed and titillated.
    Bess looked back, seeing only the empty corridor. “How do you know that?”
    â€œNever heard it shut behind us.”
    Bess couldn’t keep from smiling.
    The elevator doors slid open. “I can take you with me.”
    She felt touched by his offer and knew the instant he spoke that she was staying here. She shook her head and he gave a long sigh.
    â€œI’ll camp in the Redwood Forest until you return from your journey. Call me if you have need of me or of a male to challenge that one and bring you safely away.”
    â€œDon’t be silly. He’s not keeping me. I can leave whenever I like.”
    Tuff glanced toward Cesar’s door. “I’d kiss you goodbye, but I don’t want to have to kick his ass unless it’s strictly