Soul Whisperer by Jenna Kernan Read Free Book Online Page A

necessary.”
    She smiled. “Thank you for all you have done.”
    He stepped into the car and nodded. “Walk in beauty.”
    The compartment closed and the engine whirred. Bess turned back to find Cesar standing in the middle of the hall, arms akimbo with fists at his hips and his chin lowered as he fixed his stare on her. She cocked her head, wondering if Tuff was right. His expression was predatory and arousing as hell.
    Bess hesitated, realizing two things simultaneously. First, she was well enough to leave and, second, she recognized exactly what would happen if she returned to his apartment. She considered escaping now, troubled by the alarming yearning he stirred in her. But, at the same time, she wanted to linger andexplore this exciting, arousing male. Was it already too late?
    He seemed to sense her indecision, for he stalked forward ready to claim what he already thought was his.

Chapter 4
    N agi had followed the raven to its home territory. On the journey, he realized something. If he killed it, not only would he lose his only connection to the Seer of Souls, the raven’s death would send the Skinwalker to Hihankara, the immortal who guarded the Spirit Road, and alert the crone about what he was up to. Hihankara could then tell his fellow Spirits. It was one thing to fight Halflings and Supernaturals, quite another to face true immortal Spirits with powers equal or greater than his own. He still hoped to possess the earth before the others learned of his efforts. It was a dilemma.
    Of course, a raven could fly to the Spirit World any time it liked and so the longer it lived the better the chance the Skinwalker might tell. Still Hihankara didn’t like ravens or their intrusion into her domain. They might not even speak.
    Nagi fumed. For many days and nights, the ravenhad done nothing and contacted no one. He’d become so bored he’d slipped away to make three more attempts at fatherhood. He did not have all century to follow this damned bird. Better to find a ghost to watch her and report. That way he would be free to continue his breeding project and still have a chance to again find the Seer.

Chapter 5
    C esar stalked toward Bess, who stood motionless beside the bank of elevators on his floor. He advanced, drawn by the power of their mutual attraction. Bess squared her body, sending her long, inky hair back over her shoulder with a toss of her head. She looked as if she were preparing to do battle. He stared at her through lowered brows, unable to keep the anticipation from licking along his insides.
    â€œI’m not going back into your apartment.”
    He stopped, clenching his jaw.
    â€œWhy not?” he growled.
    â€œBecause we both know what will happen if I do, and I’m not that kind of bird.” She gave him a sensual smile that made his abdomen twitch. “You’re taking me out to dinner.”
    â€œA few minutes ago you were bleeding so badly I had to use a tourniquet to stop it. We should stay in. I’ll order something.”
    She shook her head and he tried again.
    â€œIt’s cold outside,” he said, having no idea if it was cold, but certain it was colder than his big empty bed would be right now.
    Bess let out a sigh and then brushed her hand over her shoulder. A lovely, belted black trench coat of glossy curling fur appeared over her cocktail dress. Her shapely legs were now encased in tight, knee-high boots with killer heels that made her nearly as tall as he was. She touched the fur at her throat.
    â€œLike it? It’s Persian lamb. Well, it’s raven actually, but you’d never know. I do faux better than any designer in the business. Ready, or would you like your coat?” She didn’t wait for an answer, just turned and pressed the elevator button. “Lovely.”
    Cesar growled as he stormed back to his apartment, grabbed his coat and locked the door. When he returned and stepped up beside her, he found their