Read Online Therian Prize: 5 (Therian Heat) by Cyndi Friberg - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Cyndi Friberg
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sure. It’s another piece of the puzzle.”
“Speaking of puzzles, your dad said some really disturbing things to Braden Montego.”
“What sort of things?”
“He said he’d create a new seat on the Alpha Council for the man who claimed Heather.”
“Even a network Prime doesn’t have that right.”
She leaned against the side of her jeep’s seat, semi-protected by the open door. “That’s what Braden said. Your father insisted that Heather was in danger without a mate’s bond. Was he just excusing his bad behavior or is there something going on that could be a legitimate threat to Heather?” She heard his heavy sigh and fear gripped her belly. “Please tell me he’s full of shit.”
“I’d love to, Lex, but I’m not sure he is.” Another tense silence followed then he asked, “Can you point me in the right direction? If Dad knows what I think he knows, we cannot let him get his hands on Heather.”
She started to ask him what he was talking about then shook away the impulse. The less she knew the better. She’d gone way out on a limb just to make this call. There was no way she was going to get mixed up in rebel intrigues. Besides, she couldn’t help Heather if she was dead.
“It’s really just a guess, but I’d head toward Aspen.”
* * * * *
Cold, sucking darkness pulled Heather deeper into the dream. Years peeled back, stripping away her stubbornness and pride. She was nineteen again, unsure and vulnerable. She understood what was expected of her, was willing to submit to pack traditions, yet she longed for a different outcome with every beat of her heart.
She stood beside her bed, naked and trembling. Moonlight silvered the scene, making everything feel surreal. Cool air from the open window caressed her skin, compounding her anxiety. She kept her head down and closed her eyes as her other senses expanded. Hushed voices muttered outside her bedroom door. Her oldest brother Bruce and their father were sipping beer and casually waiting for her world to change. She’d known this night would come. It was an inevitable part of every female Therian’s life.
Her father had ambushed her that morning, given her less than a day to mentally prepare for the next phase of her life. He’d informed her that her mate had been chosen and she was expected to submit, but he’d offered her an escape clause. He had an injection that would prevent conception and hinder Carlos from forming a mating bond. According to her father, Carlos had agreed to define her first and return three months later to claim his mate. However, Nate wasn’t convinced that Carlos would wait, so he encouraged Heather to accept the mysterious injection.
“Have you ever done this before?” Carlos moved in close behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders.
His deep voice sent violent shudders through Heather. She’d met Carlos for the first time earlier today. He’d been younger and more physically attractive than she’d feared but that didn’t change the fact that she was in love with someone else. Should she tell him about David? Would Carlos care that her heart belonged to another?
One of his large hands swept up her side and lightly cupped her breast. “Are you a virgin?” His tone was firmer, demanding an answer rather than requesting one.
She opened her eyes and shook her head. Therian males tended to be possessive. It was probably wiser to avoid the details. “I’m not afraid of sex but I know it’s not necessary for my definition to work. Can we wait for a physical joining until we know each other better?” If Carlos didn’t form a mating bond, she could still sneak away with David.
As long as they were willing to be fugitives for the rest of their lives.
Carlos chuckled and turned her around. His hands stayed on her shoulders. “Getting to know me better won’t change anything. Your father wants us mated and I’ve agreed. That settles it.”
She didn’t see cruelty in his gaze. It
“Speaking of puzzles, your dad said some really disturbing things to Braden Montego.”
“What sort of things?”
“He said he’d create a new seat on the Alpha Council for the man who claimed Heather.”
“Even a network Prime doesn’t have that right.”
She leaned against the side of her jeep’s seat, semi-protected by the open door. “That’s what Braden said. Your father insisted that Heather was in danger without a mate’s bond. Was he just excusing his bad behavior or is there something going on that could be a legitimate threat to Heather?” She heard his heavy sigh and fear gripped her belly. “Please tell me he’s full of shit.”
“I’d love to, Lex, but I’m not sure he is.” Another tense silence followed then he asked, “Can you point me in the right direction? If Dad knows what I think he knows, we cannot let him get his hands on Heather.”
She started to ask him what he was talking about then shook away the impulse. The less she knew the better. She’d gone way out on a limb just to make this call. There was no way she was going to get mixed up in rebel intrigues. Besides, she couldn’t help Heather if she was dead.
“It’s really just a guess, but I’d head toward Aspen.”
* * * * *
Cold, sucking darkness pulled Heather deeper into the dream. Years peeled back, stripping away her stubbornness and pride. She was nineteen again, unsure and vulnerable. She understood what was expected of her, was willing to submit to pack traditions, yet she longed for a different outcome with every beat of her heart.
She stood beside her bed, naked and trembling. Moonlight silvered the scene, making everything feel surreal. Cool air from the open window caressed her skin, compounding her anxiety. She kept her head down and closed her eyes as her other senses expanded. Hushed voices muttered outside her bedroom door. Her oldest brother Bruce and their father were sipping beer and casually waiting for her world to change. She’d known this night would come. It was an inevitable part of every female Therian’s life.
Her father had ambushed her that morning, given her less than a day to mentally prepare for the next phase of her life. He’d informed her that her mate had been chosen and she was expected to submit, but he’d offered her an escape clause. He had an injection that would prevent conception and hinder Carlos from forming a mating bond. According to her father, Carlos had agreed to define her first and return three months later to claim his mate. However, Nate wasn’t convinced that Carlos would wait, so he encouraged Heather to accept the mysterious injection.
“Have you ever done this before?” Carlos moved in close behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders.
His deep voice sent violent shudders through Heather. She’d met Carlos for the first time earlier today. He’d been younger and more physically attractive than she’d feared but that didn’t change the fact that she was in love with someone else. Should she tell him about David? Would Carlos care that her heart belonged to another?
One of his large hands swept up her side and lightly cupped her breast. “Are you a virgin?” His tone was firmer, demanding an answer rather than requesting one.
She opened her eyes and shook her head. Therian males tended to be possessive. It was probably wiser to avoid the details. “I’m not afraid of sex but I know it’s not necessary for my definition to work. Can we wait for a physical joining until we know each other better?” If Carlos didn’t form a mating bond, she could still sneak away with David.
As long as they were willing to be fugitives for the rest of their lives.
Carlos chuckled and turned her around. His hands stayed on her shoulders. “Getting to know me better won’t change anything. Your father wants us mated and I’ve agreed. That settles it.”
She didn’t see cruelty in his gaze. It
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