Branches of the Willow 3 Read Online Free Page A

voice cracked a little as I spoke of Jack again. “We need another hand there, and it would be the perfect place for you to apprentice, and see if it’s everything you have hoped for.” Demetri couldn’t contain the grin that spread across his face like wildfire. “Mikael’s uncle taught him quite a bit, I’m sure he wouldn’t mind sharing that knowledge.”
    “I’ll be happy to assist you with further lessons, once you have the basics down. I am not nearly as good as my Uncle, for he was a true artist, but perhaps you will surpass my own skill as well.”
    “I would be honored.”
    “Who is this Avery person?” Nicholi spoke up again, not at all happy that his friend Demetri was being received better than he was.
    “He is your only hope of staying here, and possibly being part of the immersion program. So, when you meet him, you will want to show some respect. I value his opinion. If he says you’re too much trouble, I will take him at his word.”
    “Fair enough.” Nicholi ground out.
    “Andy, if you would show them to Jack’s place?” Weariness seemed to seat itself deep in my bones at that point. I wanted nothing more than to go home and collapse in bed with Mikael’s arms wrapped tightly around me. He seemed to sense this too, and gave my hips a little squeeze. “Once you see them dropped off, I want you to get some sleep, and then head to Avery’s in the morning. Take the pass to get there, because I want him to have a proper heads up. He has enough going on over there as is.”
    “Let him know we’ll be bringing these two with us in a few days.” Mikael added.
    “Also, find out if he needs any assistance with his current situation.”
    “Will do.” Andy spoke up, before nodding his head to the others indicating that they should follow him. “Let’s go get you guys settled in.”
    “Oh, hey Andy…” I waited until he turned to come back closer before I finished. “Let Avery know that Freedman’s pack is going to be a problem too. I know he has people out there that keeps tabs on things, and Freedman’s people need to be on that priority list, if they’re not all ready.”
    “Sure thing, Jess.”
    I turned to Mikael after Andy left with the three new werewolves. “I guess I should have been expecting that level of cocky, considering Evan, Asi, and you were the first three Ancients I met.”
    “I don’t know what you mean,” Mikael spouted out in mock indignation. Then he grumbled. “But if that jerk eyeballs you one more time, or tries calling you his girl again, I will be more than happy to take care of the Ancient problem for those objecting to the program.”
    “Is that what he said?”
    “Yes, that’s what he said.” Mikael pulled back a little. “Don’t look so flattered.”
    “I guess you better hurry up and get me home, before I have to take that jerk up on his unspoken offer.” I teased, and just like that Mikael was on me in a flash of furious passion. Strong arms caged me in as if I were his unwilling prisoner. His kiss, bruising my lips in such a delicious way, was just what I needed to rejuvenate myself a bit. That is until I heard a throat clearing from across the room. I peeked over Mikael’s shoulder to see my parents standing there. My mom seemed to be amused while my dad definitely was not.
    “Sorry.” I managed. “We were just heading home.”
    The response I received was a grumble from my father as he meandered through the living room and into the kitchen. He never dropped eye contact with Mikael as he went. It was probably his way of assuring Mikael’s mouth didn’t find mine again until dad was out of sight. The snickering in my ear let me know Mikael was well aware of that fact too.
    “Jess, Mikael.” My mom started. “If you’d like to stay for some late dinner, I was just about to throw something together.”
    “No thanks, mom,” I managed to get out before a yawn overtook me. “I’m beat,” another yawn, “and just want to go