Read Online Protecting Shaylee (The Fae Guard Book 1) by Elle Christensen - Free Book Online Page A

the opportunity to escape their punishment. We’re created as protectors, our ability to manipulate the elements: air, water, earth, and fire, are used in defense, all though any magic can technically be used in the wrong way. But, as a people, we are good by nature. I don’t mean good in the sense that we are all perfect; far from it.” I stop for a moment, expecting her to insert a sarcastic comment. To my surprise, when I look her way, she is listening intently, an enthralled look on her face.
    “However, we have a sort of . . .” I trail off, trying to figure out how to put it into words. “A sort of failsafe, I guess? Our honesty is innate, it keeps our souls pure.” I give her a little time to absorb and ask, “Am I making sense?”
    “I suppose so,” she mutters, clearly a little bit lost in her own thoughts. “So, you’re forced to act a certain way and do certain things? Am I going to lose the freedom to be me?”
    “No,” I’m quick to reassure her. “Just like any creature, we have the freedom to make our own choices.” I give her an playful smile, “You’ll still be able to be a capricious little imp, intent on pissing me off and kicking my ass” My words have the desired effect and she chuckles, the frown that was marring her beautiful face, easing away.
    “However, the effects from our choices are more severe. You see, our souls were once pure like the angels. But, the fallen fell so far out of His grace, that the Fae are held to a higher standard.” I hate to tell her the next part, make her aware of the truly wicked that prey on those with a white soul. While the human realm and darker parts of Rien possess those who are swayed into joining the Fallen, they are not the source of the evil, they are puppets. Shaylee is entering into a realm where the sources of true light and dark wage war.
    “Shaylee, it only takes one discretion to push you out of the sun and into the shadows.” Our conversation has caused the drive to go quickly, and we have arrived at our destination, so I pull over and park the car. It allows me to face her and let her see the truth and seriousness of what I’m telling her.
    “I’m talking about a lie, baby. One little lie and you will tarnish your soul.” I ruefully shrug my shoulders. “Its pure irony that we refer to them as little, white lies. A stupid way of making light of a serious grievance.” I reach over and lightly grip her chin, “Do you understand what I’m telling you?” I wait for her affirmation before continuing. “I know you, baby, and you have no temptation to lie. You were born with a beautiful soul. It’s important that you understand who stalks you and why.” Her eyes widen a little and her head moves back in confusion. “The Ukkutae are those who have made the wrong choices. They have stepped out of the sun and thrive on the darkness. They’ve adapted and are able to use their magic, but it’s shifted . . . tainted. They don’t wither in the darkness the way that a pure soul would. They don’t exactly thrive, either. But, they survive, preferring the cold of shadows to the warmth of light. They desire to bring as many Fae, to their way of existing, as possible. They also have a council, although they rule with more authority than ours, they are handpicked by Lucifer.”
    I wait while Shaylee absorbs what I’ve told her, the information sinking into an understanding. “Last night, you were concerned about getting away before dark.” I just nod, knowing she’ll work it out on her own. “And, this morning, in the shadows . . .” Her head jerks back in surprise and I see fear flicker in her eyes. Just as quickly as it appeared, it’s gone, her eyes shuttering all emotion. “They were there, weren’t they? I thought I saw something but I chalked it up to my imagination.”
    “You are easier to track than I thought you would be. I have my suspicions as to why, but I want to hold off on speculating until we meet with the