Read Online Jericho Junction by Marie Harte - Free Book Online Page A

Sprout feathers and wings and be one with the air.”
    Why was he not surprised to watch Jericho slowly shimmer into a red-tailed hawk? No small song bird, but a bird of prey with a wingspan twenty-five inches long. But at least he wouldn’t look out of place in the sky, since they were native to the region. “You’re small enough, I suppose. Now find a way inside and learn what you can, then fly out as soon as you’re able. The amulet you wear will protect you from her magic.” He gripped his own amulet and drew from Anya as well. He sent the large well of power into Jericho, who screeched at him and flapped his wings.
    “I apologise, but the energy is necessary to ensure your survival. Now go.”
    Jericho glared and said a few more uncomplimentary things.
    “I speak avian, Jericho. Don’t think we won’t discuss your lack of respect later.”
    Anya watched Jericho fly off with her mouth wide open. “He’s really powerful. It took me five tries before I could become anything more than a sparrow. But I don’t think he knows what he can do.”
    “He doesn’t. It’s up to us to teach him.”
    She turned her golden eyes on him. “So this mating. It’s taken root, hasn’t it?”
    He nodded.
    “No undoing this.”
    He shook his head, again feeling the pain that sat heavy in her heart.
    “So we’re stuck together.” She sighed. “And I was really starting to like you two. Well, you did this. I refuse to take the blame when it all goes to hell.”
    “Anya?”
    “Never mind. No one ever takes my advice anyway. No point in telling you you’re going to die since you think you’re invincible.” She gave him a half-hearted smile. “I guess it was time I took a mate anyway. I just hadn’t counted on two, for however long it lasts.” Her smile turned watery.
    “It will be okay, sweet. Whatever has happened in the past is past. Banathmae willed us together for a reason. Not to die, but to live for a purpose.”
    “Nope. You never listen. It’s like your cock sucks all the intelligence from your brain.”
    He frowned. “Disrespect will not be tolerated.”
    She grinned, surprising him, and he noticed a dimple he hadn’t seen earlier. “Oh goody. Discipline. I can’t wait.”
    He chuckled. “You’re going to be a handful.” He immediately sought her breasts.
    “No, two,” she said, reading his thoughts.
    They both grinned.
    “Well, it could have been worse.” She tilted her head, a naughty smile still on her face. “You’re a Protector at least.”
    “Oh? How could it have been worse?”
    “Jericho could have been a wolf.” She scrunched her nose. “I hate the smell of wet dog.”

    Jericho flew and thought it the most amazing thing. For years he’d taken strength in the massive muscles and power of his bear. It felt a part of him, the essence of the change ingrained in his blood. But this. Flying. He’d never felt anything like it. The rush of wind through his feathers. His incredible eyesight able to detect any movement on the ground.
    Distracting him, a mouse raced under some sticks on the ground and he almost forgot himself and dived for it. But at the last minute he drew on his discipline and sought refuge in the sorceress’s high tower, under the eaves of the roof. He had no problem flying in and rested on a thick wooden beam. But to his discomfort, he experienced a tingle under his claw, the sense of shifter blood staining the beams with dark magic.
    He listened but didn’t hear her. So he did what came natural and opened that door in his mind wider. Absorbing the power Seino had lent him, he used a tendril of it to connect with Serena. A backblast of evil snaked around him and pulled him across to the other tower.
    A quick glance around showed no one paying him any attention. The undead guards standing watch over the lower entrances only looked for threats from the ground. The hounds barked at something in the woods. But other than that, he was free to move.
    Jericho quickly glided