Read Online Shadow Touched by Erin Kellison - Free Book Online Page B

“so that I know we have a perfect understanding.”
    “I have free will, too,” Cam bit out. Seemed like the angel needed reminding.
    “And is it your will to allow her shadow to act with impunity?”
    It didn’t have to be like that. Maybe they could reach the shadow somehow, like with the painting and even with the connection growing between Ellie and himself. Maybe they could find some way to really communicate with her.
    The angel sighed. “You’re making a conscious effort to muddle your own mind, when the course is clear. Say it.”
    Oh God, poor Ellie. She had to make the right choice, or he’d eventually have to make a worse one. He felt like shit. He was a shit, to agree to betray her.
    “It’s not betrayal. Say it. What will you do, if and when it becomes necessary?”
    Cam put his hands over his face for the privacy of dark to make a promise. He would do everything else first before taking this too easy way out. Absolutely everything else first, but this.
    “It’s hard, I know. But say it.”
    Son of a bitch angel. This was not what he signed up for. Not what he came to Segue for. What the hell was wrong with the world that he, of all people, would be asked this?
    “Now, please.”
    Fine. Only if absolutely necessary. “I’ll kill her.”
     
    Ellie saw movement in the crack beneath the kitchen door. Someone was coming to try to get her to change her decision. Of course they were. She got off the floor for a little dignity, but her decision was already made.
    There was a knock.
    She briskly answered it, finding Cam on the other side.
    “How are you holding up?” he asked. He looked unhappy. She was too.
    “I’m fine now, thanks.” Now that she had her control back. “And I want to thank you for everything you’ve done. You and Segue and Laurence. I was looking for a solution, and I clearly came to the right place.”
    “But it’s not the solution you want.” He stepped inside, closing the door behind him.
    “No, I’m afraid not.” It was the solution she had feared. Still, she was glad she had tried. At least she had an answer.
    “I’m guessing you already know my argument against your decision.”
    “Yep. I know all sides.” All the good, the passions that her shadow promised, and all the bad of her wildness, her shamelessness. Ellie took a deep breath, as deep as she could. “Which is why I’ve decided to go back home. It’s best if my shadow isn’t around other people.” She didn’t elaborate why. He could figure it out. Her shadow was stronger than she, and though her dark half hadn’t yet demonstrated violence, Ellie knew she was capable. Ellie had firsthand knowledge of what her shadow could do. She couldn’t very well allow that madness to possess her. Laurence was naïve to even offer.
    “So you’re giving up.”
    She stuck out her chin. “I’m being smart.”
    “You know it can’t end well, right?” His voice lowered.
    “It can’t end well no matter what I do, so I prefer to keep that thing outside of me.”
    He nodded, though his expression showed he clearly did not agree. “There’s nothing I can say to change your mind?”
    “No. I’m sorry.” She didn’t know why she added the last bit, except that she was disappointing him. And she liked him and didn’t want him thinking badly of her, even though it was inevitable.
    “What about the danger—”
    “I’m fully aware, thanks,” Ellie interrupted.
    “Okay,” he said.
    He moved so fast that her lips parted in a swift intake of breath. His arms went around her, one at her waist, one high at her shoulders, a hand to the back of her head. And his mouth came down on hers, hot, the texture all male. His body was tense, the length and strength of him evident in the hard planes of his muscle, the expert balance of their weight . . . but not like she’d seen or read in books. Especially the hot ones.
    Her first kiss, only kiss. And she wanted to lose herself in it. In Cam, who was wonderful.
    His