The Third Fate by Nadja Notariani Read Free Book Online Page A

apology he hoped to find.
    “ I hold no grudge against ye, Cael,” Alden confessed. “We’ve been through too much for that foolery.”
    A true friend was more rare than gold, and he counted Alden as his oldest and dearest. Leading the way to the library, Cael explained as much as he dared without exposing Paige. He knew Alden would never tell a soul, living or otherwise, but he lacked ability to cloak his friend’s knowledge from another ancient if he were to be questioned.
    Opening the dusty tome on Druid spell-casting, Cael probed Paige’s mind, seeing her still safely tucked away in her little apartment before delving into his research. Changing the incantations surrounding her ever so slightly ensured no one could get near her without first alerting him. Confident that he could devote full attention to study he brushed her mind with his presence, gladdened at her response yet simultaneously worried by it.
    Come to me.
    He wanted to do nothing more. First he needed answers.
    Rest now, lass. I will come to ye.
    Sensing her return to deep sleep, Cael began to read.
    *
    Days bled one into the next as Cael discovered the woman he now believed to be his future. Amazement filled him at her deep psychic connection to the realm of the undead, re-enforcing his belief that Paige was more than mortal. Not an evening passed without his sharing her company, and he had learned much.
    Underneath her awkward and shy exterior existed a woman of superior intelligence, great humor, and generous heart. Paige threw herself into her work with zeal, maintaining a positive attitude despite the devastating events she’d lived through. A small tendril of guilt wound its way round his heart, for he was also digging for clues to her past. He wanted to be honest with her but needed to discern what he was dealing with before turning her world inside out.
    Walking the streets of the West End and chatting, Cael probed for more details of her childhood. Being near her remained a constant battle. Separation was unthinkable, yet his desire for her blood, her body, threatened to over-run his self-control constantly. Fighting the instinct to simply steer her onto a dark side street and take what he wanted, Cael reached for her hand and continued strolling.
    “ Do you want to go inside any of the shops?” she asked, looking up at him.
    His gut tightened every time he looked into her eyes.
    “ The walkin’ is good if that suits ye,” he answered easily.
    When a smile broke over her face, hidden as it was in the night, his heart beat faster.
    “ Truth is, Cael, I don’t really like clubs and parties much. I’d rather be somewhere quiet.” She sighed, still walking beside him, hand held fast with his. “I’m sure a guy like you has a lot more interesting people to hang out with,” she laughed at herself then, surprising him with her ease at the topic. “My cousins tell me how boring I am, how I should live it up a little. I guess what I’m trying to say, Cael, is that I like life simple. If you’re looking for someone who loves the night life or lots of excitement, I’m the last woman in Scotland you should be with.”
    It was his turn to laugh.
    “ I like things simple too, Paige.”
    He stopped, pulling her in front of him. Her eyes lowered, conveying her shyness.
    “ Look at me, lass,” Cael rasped.
    A moment passed. Slowly she raised her gaze, meeting his, the uncertainty and questions plain in her eyes. He bent, his lips meeting and moving over hers in gentle exploration. Soft and pliant in his arms, Paige’s sweetness had Cael battling his hunger. He broke their kiss and hugged her to himself, willing his desire be patient, for she knew naught of his kind, his world.
    Looping around, they headed back toward her apartment, the damp night sending her snuggling into her coat against the chill. Noticing, he snaked his arm around her waist, pulling her close to his side, encouraging her nearness.
    “ Is it yer aunt and cousins that ye