Read Online Amaretto Flame by Sammie Spencer - Free Book Online

and could only tell us that they were
extremely anxious to find it. We can’t be sure, but I believe the
attackers who approached my younger ones were Venator.”
    Ivanna kept her face calm, although she had
visibly paled. “Venator fight to the death, Lillian. Surely if the
attackers who had approached your coven members were Venator, they
would have fought.”
    Lillian nodded. “I also thought about that.
They would have fought to the death, unless their only purpose was
to search. If there was something they needed or desired more than
their hatred of Wise Ones, they would be able to stop themselves
from fighting.”
    She sighed, and then shook her head. “Still
though, we’re not sure. It was night when both attacks happened,
and they happened in public places. My young ones couldn’t see if
they had the marks of the Venator.”
    Ivanna nodded thoughtfully. “Well, you
already know that we will assist you in any way we can, even if it
means fighting. But what can we do now? I feel powerless at this
point.”
    Lillian put her hand over Ivanna’s on the
table. “I do as well. But I had to come here today to warn you. If
the attackers were Venator and they were searching, it leaves me
only one conclusion. They are searching for someone. A Wise One.
Otherwise, I don’t see why they would have approached my young ones
and left so quickly.”
    Although I didn’t think it was possible,
Ivanna grew even paler. She and Lillian looked at each other for a
moment before Ivanna said, “And your young ones weren’t the someone
the Venator were searching for, so they left them be…for the
moment.”
    Lillian nodded. “That is the only logical
explanation I can think of,” she said.
Ivanna clasped her hands in front of her and was quiet for a few
moments. I glanced at Everett, Max and Sylvia. The boys were
composed, but both had their jaws tensed and I could feel the hate
radiating from them. Sylvia’s face had paled as well, and her eyes
betrayed a glint of fear. Finally, Ivanna drew in a deep
breath.
    “Well, this does give us much to think on,”
she glanced at Lillian. “And you’re sure your home is safe…that
they haven’t discovered where you live?”
    Lillian nodded. “We are always very careful
when we leave and take steps to ensure that no one can find us.
However, there are always risks. Each time we leave and then
return, there is that inkling of fear that someone may have
followed us. That’s why we prepare, though.”
    It was quiet for a few minutes as we all
digested her words—both the ones about the Venator searching and
the ones about the possibility of the Venator finding her home. Of
course, I was sure that my family was thinking the same thing I
was. What would happen if the Venator ever found our home? The
thought of that was too painful for me to entertain. The thought of
my family being hurt…
    Then Lillian announced that she and our other
guests must leave now, and after the formal goodbyes, Charlotte
walked them outside. Ivanna seemed very preoccupied in thought and
I knew she was still worrying over what Lillian had told her. After
Charlotte had returned, Ivanna looked up at us.
    “Olivia, you may have a few moments with your
brothers and sisters before you leave. I’m sending you back with a
vehicle this time. I’m sure you’ll have need of one in Staves.
Charlotte will give you the keys. The rest of you can meet me back
here at dinner. I have some things to attend to.”
    “Wait, Ivanna,” I said shakily. Forgotten for
the moment was my need for revenge. It was replaced by the fear
that Lillian’s words had inspired. “I’m sorry about what happened,
and I know I deserve punishment, but can’t I stay? Can’t I take a
punishment here?” I searched her face pleadingly, swallowing pride
the size of the state we lived in, looking for some sign that she
would let me stay. She gazed at me for a long moment, and then
lifted her chin.
    “You have proven your usefulness to