Wolf's Bane (Shifted) Read Online Free

hurt because of me.”
    “How is this your fault?” Bryce snapped angrily and stepped forward without thinking. He was angry at the situation, not her. He envisioned Gage, his sister’s mate. What would he do if this was his sister, Lexi? Gage would tear the man who threatened his mate apart. He actually had done just that. A man who had threatened his sister had been sentenced to death, and Gage had personally seen the sentence carried out.
    “Bryce , you’re scaring her,” Julie yelled as she jumped up to stop him.
    Bryce looked and saw fear in Ashley’s eyes. It was because of him. “Oh god, I’m sorry. I just …it’s not your fault. You deserve better.”
    “ How do you know?” Ashley mumbled putting her head back down.
    “How do I know what?” Bryce said softly. He didn’t mean to make matters worse. Instead of assuring her she was safe here, he had frightened her.
    “ How do you know I’m worth it? I killed a man.”
    “I’m sure he deserved it.”
    “ Yes he did.” Bryce caught sight of a tear rolling down her cheek just before she buried her face in the blanket.
      “Ashley, you’re safe here. We’ll make sure of it.”
    “ Thank you.” Ashley’s words were muffled. She still had her face buried in the blanket that surrounded her.
    “Ash , if Julie and I are not available, I want you to go to Lars, or Bryce, for help if you need it,” Drew said quietly. “The pack house will be closed. Only Lars and his family will be coming in and out.”
    “ I don’t want to be any trouble.”
    Bryce tensed. The girl thought she was trouble. She didn’t feel worthy of the help she was getting.
    “ You’re not trouble. There is no dishonor in asking for help if you need it,” Bryce told her.
    Ashley couldn’t get over this man. She had expected her father and uncle to support her but no one else. Even her friends were afraid to back her until the council demanded the truth. They were probably in trouble for speaking up. Women were not allowed to speak against the Alpha. She hoped they weren’t being punished. The males that had witnessed and even participated in the attack were the polar opposite of Bryce Woodland. They had said horrible things like, that she had deserved it, and that she was a cold blooded killer. Bryce wasn’t judging her. He was trying to help. She could hear the anger in his voice but knew it was not directed toward her.
    “ We will let you rest, Ash. Bryce, can you remain here in the house for the time being? I’ll be taking some time off to be with Ashley until this is settled.”
    “ Of course Alpha.”
    “Lars , I know Jane thinks Bryce is too young to be a full Alpha so feel free to tell her that I am here. Other than your family and the guards, I think it’s best that the pack thinks I’m still away.”
    “ Understood. Ashley, your uncle is like family to mine. He has always been a second father to all my children. I consider you family as well.”
    Ashley tried to respond , but her eyes filled with tears as emotion choked her. These strangers were kinder to her than her pack had ever been. She loved her mother, but suddenly, she was angry with her. How could she choose to live in her father’s pack after growing up in this one?
    “I’ll see you out,” Julie said standing, “I’ll be right back, Ashley.” Ashley just nodded. No words were going to come out even if she tried.
    Julie followed her husband out as he led Bryce and Lars from the room. Looking back in to make sure Ashley was alright, she slowly closed the door.
    “Bryce , could you come by tomorrow? I think it would be good for Ashley.”
    “I don’t see how. She’s scared of me.”
    “ She’s scared of everyone, and with good reason. Her reaction to you and your father was not what I had expected. Since the attack, the mere presence of a man other than Drew or her father terrified her.”
    “I don’t see how this was any different.”
    “ It was. Believe me. In the last two days,