Walker's Run by Mel Favreaux Read Free Book Online Page B

this forest for centuries. Not all of us can change. Those of us who can, try to lead semi-normal lives to provide and care for the others. My father created Walker Pharmeceuticals. Financially, we’re set. When my father died, the pack divided. My mother is human and remains secluded from the rest of the world. My sister rarely changed back to her human form after our father’s passing. She preffered being a wolf. It...it takes quite a bit of practice to change at will.”
    Casey was afraid to give voice to the one term that would describe what she’d seen. What...he was.”So...you’re a...werewolf?”
    “Yes.”
    She saw the truth in his pale eyes. “The bite?”
    Braedyn looked away from her.
    Her mouth went dry. She put her right hand on his cheek and forced him to look at her. “Am I...?” Unable to finish the question, her heart thundered in her chest.
    Anguish once again filled his expression. Reaching up, he grasped her hand in his. Casey knew in the pit of her stomach she wouldn’t like his answer, even though he managed to look reassuring at the same time. “Yes, you were lucky. Not many survive the first day after being bitten.”
    “You said not all of you can change. What does that mean?”
    He sat down in front of her, still holding her hand. “Those of us with a human parent have a more difficult time learning to transform. It’s incredibly painful. Those who never aquire the ability can only change with the lunar cycles. Not everyone can handle being able to do it at will.”
    Her mind whirled, trying to understand what he was saying. “So...your father was a werewolf and your mother...is human?”
    Braedyn nodded. “Yes, a Native American. She’s a healer; a practiced homeopathic physician and herbalist. My father adored her.” He gave a soft smile. “He truly treated her as if she were a queen.”
    Casey noticed the expression on his face. Though he spoke of his parents love it was obvious he’d worshiped his father. The pang of his death hit her again, even more now that she knew the truth.
    “What am I to expect now?” She looked down at their joined hands. His tanned skin was such a contrast compared to hers. Casey had never considered herself pale, but the richer russet tone in his skin made hers look nearly alabaster.
    Braedyn cleared his throat. “I can’t lie. This won’t be easy on you. While your wound heals you will feel like you’re on fire inside. It will continue until the first night of the full moon. During the three days the moon is full, you will change into your wolf form at sundown. Urges will build inside you. It’s not blood you’ll crave, but the hunt. Eventually, you will learn to work with the wolf, even control it.”
    “I have only killed for food and to protect myself.” She shuddered, tears welling in her eyes. “I don’t want to hurt anyone.”
    “You are a kind and decent person, Casey. You may have to fight the wolf on occassion. The rage that comes from nowhere, needs to be held firmly in check. I normally request the death of someone who’s been changed against their will.”
    She searched his face. “You’re the alpha now?”
    He nodded. “Those changed against their will usually go rogue, with or without the proper training. You can imagine having a rogue running loose puts those of us who walk amongst the humans unnoticed in danger.”
    “Do you think I can learn?” Casey watched him smile when he reached up and stroked her cheek.
    “If I didn’t believe it, I’d have...spared you this life.” Braedyn shook his head. “I’ve watched for many years whenever you came back to the forest, protecting you from my sister. As the years drew on and visits became infrequent, I...missed you.” He dropped his hand from her cheek and fidgeted.
    Noticing his cheeks redden a little, she raised her brows. “Me?”
    He gave a gentle laugh and nodded. “Yes. You were the first human to play with me in my wolf form and not be frightened. My