A Dark Guardian Read Online Free PDF Page B

it?”
    “Trouble,”
    Roderick
    answered.

    Hugh looked up and suddenly found Aimery before him. Whenever the Fae visited, it did mean trouble. “We’ve only just arrived, Aimery. Give us a few days.”

    “’Tis not that,” the commander of the Fae army said. “It’s something else.” The haggard look on the face of the ever regal Faerie alerted Hugh. “What is it?”

    “More creatures have been released.”

    Hugh ran a hand down his face and leaned against a fallen stone. “What is going on, Aimery? We’ve been tracking these creatures for so long now that I have lost count.
    Their numbers aren’t dwindling like ours. They grow stronger. Just how many more are there to be released?”

    “I wish I had an answer for you.”

    “We can’t leave here yet. There is more to this than we’ve yet to uncover.”

    “You mustn’t leave until this is finished,” Aimery said. “Choose two men and send them on the next mission.”

    Hugh opened his mouth to answer him when he saw Aimery’s gaze move over his shoulder. Hugh turned and found Mina staring at them.

    “Can she see you?” he turned and asked the Fae.

    Aimery gave him a droll look. “Of course she can. Invite her over. ‘Tis time we meet.”

    Anytime the Fae said those prophetic words it brought a chill to Hugh’s bones.
    “Leave her out of this.”

    The intense blue eyes of the Faerie landed on him. “Her Fate is out of my hands.”
    “Mina,” Hugh called without taking his eyes off Aimery. He smelled her fresh, clean scent as she approached.

    “Aye?” her soft voice questioned.

    He moved his gaze to her face and saw the doubt shine brightly in her blue-green gaze. “You have nothing to be afraid of. Aimery is a friend.”

    “Who just appeared out of nowhere?”

    He would have laughed had the situation not been so serious. Most people, when they saw a Fae, immediately forgot them because their minds wouldn’t allow them to believe what they saw.

    “I’ve wanted to meet you for a long time, Mina,” Aimery spoke, taking a step toward her. “You have shown much courage over the years.” Hugh almost groaned aloud, especially when Mina took a step away from Aimery, which brought her up against his chest. “Mina,” he said as he took hold of her arms. “He is a friend. Trust me.”

    She stared at Aimery for a time before she finally moved toward him. Hugh dismissed the anger her absence brought. After all, no mortal could withstand the pull of the Fae.

    Mina watched the stunning blonde man before her. Nay, stunning didn’t describe him correctly. There was something about him that pulled her to him. He was incredibly handsome, so much so that he was perfect. Everything was perfect, down to the shiny leather of his mid-calf boot.

    He wasn’t human, of that she instinctively knew. But what he was she didn’t know. “What are you?”

    “You know what I am,” Aimery said, his unearthly blue eyes intent on her.
    “What am I?”

    The answer came immediately to her lips, but she disregarded it.

    “Don’t ignore your instincts,” he warned.

    Her gaze drifted to Hugh who watched her just as carefully. “Fae,” she said and looked to Aimery. “You are of the Fae.”

    He smiled, displaying even bright white teeth, and nodded. “Very good. You learn quickly.”

    His praise should have boosted her spirit, but the silence of the men around her disturbed her. “What is going on?”

    “These men, The Shields,” Aimery answered, “have been sent to destroy the creature that terrorizes your village.”
    “I
    know.”

    “They work for the Fae.”

    Now that did surprise her. “I don’t understand. Why do you not kill them yourselves?”

    The Fae smiled sadly. “If only we could, but we have our own demons to battle.” He turned to Hugh. “Choose your men. I will return later with the destination.” And in a blink he was gone.

    Mina turned toward Hugh. “You’re leaving?” The sudden apprehension of his