rogue shifter 05 - caught between Read Online Free Page A

leaving me to be passed from one human family to the next, none of them able to cope with my odd behavior, at least until the Crawford's took me in. I'll ask our team to look into it." William and Sinc could probably hack into foster care records, along with a lot of other sources.
    Her eyes were wide with hope. "I would raise a child such as this without hesitation." She glanced away from me, withdrawing her hand. "I cannot speak for Liam, but I would raise the child alone if he did not agree. We are not bound. He may not wish to make this commitment." She looked at me dead on, her anxiety replaced with an intensity that had me leaning away from her. "I know that you and he are very close."
    "Only as friends." She seemed about to ask something, but then changed her mind. This time I was amused. Time to clear the air. "He kissed me once to transfer some fae magic, enabling me to beat Antoine in the duel, but other than that he's never even flirted." I shrugged. "We're both healers so we need to talk things over sometimes to keep in balance." I looked at my lifemate who was watching Liam line up a shot with an annoyed expression. "Garrett and I are sealed and happy."
    Liam must have sensed Kellaine's eyes on him because their gazes locked for a moment, as they probably exchanged a few words in private. He smiled warmly and then turned to watch Garrett approach his next shot.
    She gave me an impish grin. "You do know that he could have transferred his magic in a number of different ways, yet he chose to kiss you." My surprised expression let her know that I hadn't known, which made her laugh softly. "He is curious about life in a way that typical fae males are not. And you are a lovely young shifter, full of life and magic." She shrugged.
    "I don't know whether to feel shocked, flattered or embarrassed." I laughed.
    "His friendship with Garrett held him in check, I'm sure. Traditionally, fae males take what they want, as his father did, and Finvarra before him, but Liam approaches life on his own terms. His differences make him harder for me to read, but they are, perhaps, more like my own."
    She reached for my hand, which was unusual for a fae. "If you could find this child you speak of, I would give you anything you ask. I swear this on my blood."
    I grinned. "You fae and your pledges." She lifted her chin, looking slightly offended. Seelie fae spoke the truth, although some were masters at skirting or fudging it. "I apologize. I don't mean to make a joke of your offer. I'll do whatever I can and ask only for your friendship in return, and of course, your skills as a decorator." I swept my arms around to indicate the lovely room.
    I felt relieved when she smiled warmly. "Yes. I believe we can be friends, although I never would have thought it possible. Liam asked me to make an effort, but I did not expect to feel so comfortable talking with you. There is something inside of you that connects to the heart of a person. I like it.  All of my skills are forever at your disposal, including my abilities as a warrior. I only ask that you call me Kellie when we're not in Faerie." She nodded with her hand over her heart, sending me a wash of her amazing magic, and I nodded back in my own simple way.
    Turns out, it was very cool hanging out with this particular faerie princess.
     
    CHAPTER FOUR
    Garrett and I sat in a swinging chair on the terrace outside our room, his arm draped over my shoulder and his fingers playing with my blonde hair. Below us the waves crashed against the outcroppings of rock that jutted into the Pacific, cratered with tidal pools and smelling of salt and seaweed. Kellie and Liam had retired to their room, so Garrett and I took this quiet time to reconnect, as we did most nights.
    "How do you feel, my love?" His breath was warm against my cheek.
    "I'm fine. Charlie's been quiet today. No kick boxing lesson."
    "Good. You and Kellie seemed to be having a long conversation." He was dying to know what we talked