Prey (BookStrand Publishing Romance) Read Online Free

Ernestine would cut right to the chase. Jade had forgotten that about her. Unsure where to begin, she hesitated.
    “So they’ve told you.” Ernestine didn’t wait for the words.
    Jade arched an eyebrow.
    The old lady’s tone was matter-of-fact. “The animals have told you that something is wrong here. Haven’t they?”
    Jade was astonished. She knew that as a Guardian, there was no better than Ernestine Sinclair, but she’d had no idea just how good the woman really was.
    “You know about me and the animals?” Jade asked.
    Ernestine nodded. “That you can communicate with them? Yeah, from the moment I’d set eyes on you when you were a child. I could tell that you weren’t aware of it yet, but I saw your potential. It lights you up from within. Unlike so many others, your special gift doesn’t frighten you. You’ve embraced it, made it the focus of your life. That’s admirable, my sweet, but there is so much more in store for you.”
    Jade was skeptical. “You think so? I’m pretty happy the way things are, now that I’m home. I’m not asking for anything more.”
    “Of course you’re not. That’s who you are, but you’ll see what I mean soon enough. Now let’s get down to business. What do you know?” Ernestine voice was sharp and direct.
    “Not much really. Maggie came to me after the ceremony, and I knew she was confused and frightened. She didn’t tell me what caused it, but she sensed there was something very wrong about one of the guests at the wedding yesterday.” Jade could remember the fear poor Maggie had felt and cringed a little. “It was hidden deep, but you know dogs, they don’t miss much.”
    “Maggie is a very smart dog. Travis is lucky. What about Hank? Did he feel anything?”
    Jade shook her head. “I didn’t get anything from Hank except his happiness for Gillian and his ever vigilant watch over her.”
    “Yes, his protective nature often usurps all else with Hank, but he’s exceedingly intelligent. You might try again, probe a little more directly. Go to Gillian’s today and find out what you can.”
    “What? You mean just drop in on them?” Jade was too shy to do such a thing.
    The old lady acknowledged her natural reluctance with a nod of her head and pushed the objection aside. “Yes, that’s exactly what I’m suggesting. It’s almost noon. If Travis and Gillian aren’t awake yet, they should be. Gillian is a Guardian and her particular ability may prove useful to you.” She made an impatient shooing gesture with her wrinkled hands. “Now off you go. I need to get back to my birds.” She dismissed Jade and lifted an arm. Three of her feathered friends alighted on her shoulder. Witness to the phenomenon, Jade felt another wave of warmth wash over her. Magical.
     
    * * * *
     
    Sleepy eyed, Travis answered the doorbell. He had obviously gotten up just recently. His always messy hair was a bed head masterpiece that morning, and he yawned as he opened the door. He hadn’t quite finished the yawn when he saw Jade and ended up swallowing it. It left an imprint on his expression that made Jade smile. Travis wiped the amusement off her face as he engulfed her in a hug and lifted her up and out of her shoes.
    Jade sighed and made a mental note to remember to wear foot gear less likely to slip off when she took flight. This picking-her-up-thing wasn’t wearing off any time soon. She’d have to adjust.
    Gillian appeared behind him and shook her head. She cupped her hands around her mouth like a megaphone and called out, “Travis Sinclair… -Put the woman down…Step away from the woman.”
    He did as he was told. Jade grabbed his arm for balance and slipped her shoes back on.
    “Morning, guys.” She smiled feebly, feeling very intrusive.
    Gillian smiled back and the day brightened even more. “Come in, come in…I’m just making brunch, it will be a pleasure to eat with someone who doesn’t drown everything in ketchup. I swear sometimes his plate looks