Not So Silent Night Read Online Free Page B

on those who are untrained. In fact, I suspect it is why the wolves have been hanging around me ever since they moved into town. Not that I am interested in some rednecks.” She wore a look of disgust as she talked about the wolves.
    “As to my abilities, think of me as just being more in tune to the natural forces of the world, for nature is where all of my power comes from. They are as natural as you and every other shifter. I don’t think of as any of us as being supernatural; in fact, I feel more natural actually.”
    Alexander was nodding. “It makes perfect sense. My mother holds similar beliefs. She contends we are closer to nature than regular humans and that is why we can take the form of animals.”
    “Exactly! I like your mom already.”
    “Then you should meet her. Tomorrow. You can meet my entire family, as my father and brother are here as well.”
    “You want me to meet your family?” Anna stammered a little bit.
    “Of course. This is not going to be some one-night stand. I like you. A lot. We are here for a couple of weeks on vacation. Then, remember, I do not live in Russia as my family does; I am a train ride away in Washington, D.C. This is the start of something, just accept it.” He gently kissed her. “Now tell me why you are so scared of relationship talk. Is that what has been wrong with your powers? Did a relationship go wrong?”
    Feeling uncomfortable by his keen insights into her, she began to physically pull away from Alexander, but he placed a strong arm around her and held her tightly. “Trust me, please, Anna. Trust me enough to tell me everything.”
    She looked into his deep blue and believing eyes and something in her began to melt a little. She could trust this man. Maybe sharing her burden would somehow allow her to finally heal from the Ryan ordeal. “Okay, I will tell you everything.” She took a deep breath to gather her thoughts. “You are the first person I have spoken to about this. I never even told my grandmother, although I am sure she guessed a lot of it, even in her sickened state. She was always so good at reading me.”
    Alex smiled. “I think that is something all grandmothers are.”
    This brought a small tear to Anna’s eye. “Yes, grandmothers are a special breed.” She paused, trying to think of how to continue. “You wanted to know about my relationship issues. I suppose I am skittish about relationships partly because I have never been good at them. Humans always seem to sense there is something different about me and leave me, usually calling me a freak on their way out.”
    “You are too special to be with a mere human. You are meant for someone more,” Alex interjected with complete confidence as he squeezed her hand.
    “You keep distracting me,” she murmured before continuing. “I’ve tried dating the shifters in this area, but they have never really been my type. Some have been nice guys, not all are like the wolves roaming here now but there was never any sort of real connection.”
    “You must have been very lonely.” Alex stroked her hair. He just seemed unable to keep from touching and comforting her, making her story all the harder to get out.
    “I was, so I decided to move to New York. I figured I had to fit in somewhere with so many people about.” She paused again and stared off, reminiscing about the great city.
    “That’s where I met Ryan. He was like me, a witch. He was the most powerful being that I have ever met. Seriously, I felt his pull at least a mile away. It scared and fascinated me at the same time. We fell into a relationship almost immediately. I spent a blissful couple of years with him. But just because we are magical does not mean we are immortal or invincible. He was shot and killed in a senseless act of violence.”
    She sat there quietly, waiting for the tears, though they did not come this time. She felt sad, yes, but it also felt like something was finally healing inside of her and she no longer lost it