9781631052415ShadowedSpiritBeck Read Online Free PDF Page A

bonds that held them to the breeds. For without their mates, the women
could survive, it was only the breed mate who suffered from separation. Some
began leaving, traveling to other countries.
    A terrible storm
struck the land on the day of Samhain 1804. Terribly superstitious, the women
converged in the town’s large cathedral to pray. Winds stronger than were ever
seen before or since tore down the stone structure, killing those women trapped
inside. After the storm ended, though, very few women—only those not making it
to the cathedral—remained alive.
    An apparition appeared
outside the cathedral ruins. The majestic angel stood before the women who
bowed down on their knees in her presence. “You shall call me Magdalena. You
shall pray to me as Goddess. For you are those I saved this day. You are true
to the promise made so long ago and granted to us through the grace of God.
Your honor lies in claiming your breed mate. It is as it should be.”
    The women dared not
move as they heard the men approach, remaining on their knees in respect for
their Goddess with whom there was a connection. The soil warm beneath their
legs, the air crisp and cool against their hands. Every sensation, every
movement and sound, was heightened. Their change not subtle, the men present
that day at the cathedral witnessed the transformation.
    “You are no longer as
you once were. Manifested in you now are the elements. While others broke their
promise, you held steadfast and are rewarded with powers in your own right. No
longer shall you exist only to sustain your mate, but to also sustain the
earth. My blessings be upon you and your children
after you. It is as it should be.”
    Those gathered saw the
apparition spiral in a colorful rainbow that seemed to draw every eye. A
comforting scent and warmth flooded the courtyard where now only seven women
remained alongside the breed men. A new beginning was upon them.
    Sadie glanced across at her mate. They were now parked in a hotel
parking deck, but neither made a move to get out of the car. When she remained
silent, Granger leaned into her neck and took a breath. His nose coasted along
the tendons in her neck and caused a shiver. Still close enough for his breath
to deliver a delicious whisper, he asked, “Anything else you want to know?
Because once I get you into the room, or fuck, into the elevator, I don’t plan
on doing anymore talking about work.”
    “Uh,
um, I don’t… I mean, I can’t…” Sadie couldn’t formulate a damn thought.
    Granger
pulled away from her, just slightly, and she instinctively whimpered in
protest. He chuckled and kissed her nose when she wrinkled it. Normally she
could use the mild powers she’d had all her life. By wrinkling her nose, Sadie
could move items—clear away unwanted things—or make them work the way she
needed, but this time, nothing. She looked at him quizzically.
    “Your
powers don’t work on me, minx. Now, let’s get up to our room.” Granger opened
his door and came around to her side of the car to help her out.
    Sadie
took his hand and allowed him to pull her close as they walked towards the bank
of elevators. This was really happening. She’d found her mate and despite
everything else, this moment was hers to savor. She’d deal with the fallout
later.

 
     
     
    Chapter Three
     
     
    Closing
the door behind them, Granger followed Sadie into the suite. She didn’t look
around as he’d thought she would. She simply turned and looked at him. Her eyes
took stock of him, head to toe, and he liked that look in her eyes. No, he
fucking loved it. If her hunger for him was as deep as the color of her eyes,
he might just have met his match. His mate.
    Her
deep plum nails scraped along her arm, up her neck, and back to her shoulder
strap where she pulled it off. With easy movements, simple shrugs of her
shoulders, and a shift to her stance, her shirt fell to the floor. Sadie stood
before him proudly with her firm round breasts at