Read Online Captive's Kiss by Sharon Kay - Free Book Online

that’s it. There’s no way I could control the whole Viper gang.”
    Well, shit. Of course she couldn’t overpower the group. Doing so could be dangerous and they might come after her once they recovered. “And the individual you use your talent on? When do they come out of it? The trance?”
    “Usually shortly after I pass out, or so I’m told. I’ve only been conscious for one or two.”
    “Does the person suffer any ill effects?”
    “Only that they’re furious with me. They get pretty creative with the ways they say they want to kill me.”
    A growl started low in his chest. No way was he letting this shit continue. He tucked a lock of hair behind her ear and softened his voice. “Your ability-that’s incredible. And one that needs to be protected and developed. I bet your control of the power and its after-effects will get better over time. How old are you?”
    “Twenty-five.”
    “Gods.” She was practically a baby. He tilted her chin so he could look into her eyes. “I know people who can help you get stronger.”
    Her breath caught. “At Watcher Headquarters? W-with the Commander and all his top fighters? No, I’ll be in trouble.”
    “You mean Arawn?” Tanner shook his head. “Yeah, he’s not exactly Mr. Congeniality, but he is fair. He won’t stand to see a creature used and abused, especially not one of his own people. The inner circle lieutenants are the same way.”
    “But.” Tiny, ragged pants of air slipped from her parted lips. “What if…”
    He waited, watching the racing pulse in her neck, wishing he could ease her fear by sheer force of will. “You can tell me.”
    “What…what if I was the one doing the using on his people?” Her voice was small and broken.
    He searched her face, trying to read her. “But you just said the Vipers forced you to use your talent to…” Bring in males. Holy shit. The Lash demon in the park. He held her gaze for a beat as understanding surged around his heart. All of the missing Lash demons.
    She moved to pull away. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t want to, I-”
    “Saige.” He held her hands, not letting her separate completely. “You’re being coerced.”
    “This…what I’ve done… is so bad,” she whispered.
    “You didn’t have a choice.” He stroked a finger along her jaw. “You won’t be in trouble. Arawn will be glad to know where the missing Lash are.”
    “He knows they’re missing?” Her voice rose and she clapped a hand over her mouth. “Oh my gods. I’m dead.”
    “Of course he knows. That’s why my team and I are in Halice. We’re trying to track them.”
    Her breaths came so fast he thought she’d hyperventilate. “Oh my gods, he knows. You all know. I’ve brought the attention of-”
    In one fluid move he picked her up, cradling her to his chest, taking a selfish second to savor the softness of her body against his, then lowered them both to the floor. He leaned back against the wall and held her close. “Shh. No one is going to punish you. I promise.”
    “How can you be sure?” Slender fingers clutched a handful of his T-shirt.
    “I’m three hundred years old and I’ve been a Watcher for over two hundred. All of my life, Arawn has led our race. And I know his leadership style might involve a lot of yelling and hard-ass training, but it’s all geared to help the Lash stay strong, and help the realms stay peaceful. And one thing he won’t stand for, above anything else, is a powerful creature using a less powerful one. Manipulation, beating, spells, torture, anything like that, he’ll send us out to stop it immediately.”
    She peeked up at him through long eyelashes. “Really?”
    He nodded. “And he listens to his soldiers. I may not be in his inner circle, but on details of missions, my word counts as much as anyone else’s.” He twined his fingers through hers. “I know you have no malice in your heart. I can sense it. And I’ll make damn sure he knows that.”
    Her soft thumb rubbed