Defiance (Rise of the Iliri Book 3) Read Online Free PDF Page A

I am thinking you are not from here."
    She shook her head.  "No, we come from the south, near the ocean."
    "Viraenova?"
    Shocked that he'd even know the names of countries, she shook her head.  "The Conglomerate of Free Citizens."
    "Now that is far."  Then his head dropped.  "And thank you, my cousins.  We thought Worau was lost to the humans and her pups with her.  We owe you."
    With that, he turned, helping Worau to her feet.  The males had to nearly stand on their hind legs, human-like, to make sure she had her balance.  Once she was stable, they all walked off on four legs.  Her mate herded the pups before him.  In seconds, the group blended into the pack.  Moments later, only the faint tracks across the snow, and the pool of dark blood remained to show that anything had happened.

Chapter 4

     
     
    "I did na imagine that did I?" Jase asked.
    "Not unless we're dreaming together."  Sal looked over.  "So why did you deny our relationship?"
    "Maast.  I was hoping ya'd miss that."
    "Sorry."  She turned for the horses.  "Does that mean we're back to being just partners?"
    He let out a sigh.  "I dunno."
    "So why didn't you take the title?  Back in Prin, why did you even want it?"  It was hard, but she tried to keep her voice as neutral as possible.  She also refused to look away from her horse's tack.  "I thought you wanted to be my second man.  Did I screw up somewhere?"
    "Sal, he said 'mate.'  I'm na that.  Blaec is.  We both know that.  I'm just here ta watch yer back and make sure ya get home ta him.  I do na wanna be somethan ya feel ya owe me.  Ya already proved it's na like I thought."
    "What do you mean?"
    A hint of defiance crept into his voice.  "I will na sire yer children.  Is that na what ya said?"
    "Jase?" she asked him gently, "Is that what all of this has been about?"
    He sighed, stepped into his saddle, and pushed Raven off, saying nothing.  She swung into her own and hurried to catch up.  They allowed the horses to use the broken snow to ease their passage.  When they reached the road again, she nudged Arden up beside his mare.
    "Ok, can we talk about this yet?" she asked.
    "LT will be interested in hearing 'bout the wolves, ya know.  We should drop him a letter at the next town we pass."  Evidently, he was still trying to avoid the problem.
    She wouldn't let him off that easy.  "Is that what all of this is about?  For a year I've held off ovulation, but you're shocked that I wasn't interested in screwing for that one week?"
    He sighed deeply before looking at her.  This time, his eyes held hers.  "Yeh, Sal.  It is.  Look, I promised LT that I'd take care of ya.  I promised him that you'd na forget him.  I promised you that I'd stay at yer side, but I do na think I can be what ya want me ta be."
    "I'm so confused," she grumbled.  "Ok, so what can you be, then?  And what are you going to do once we reach Eriwald?"
    He shrugged.
    "The Jonkheer will be there; you know that, right?"
    "Yeh," he grumbled.  "He's got a stupid title, but I know who we're gonna kill, Sal."
    "Right.  Kill .  Which means one of us will end up in the bloodlust.  Which means both of us will end up naked together – or it always has.  Jase?" she asked softly.  "Has something changed?"
    "Kinna."  He paused.  "I mean, we both jus' watched ya pull arrows from a beast that spoke Iliran and thought na a thing of the blood on yer hands.  If our intel's right, the next'll be an easy job.  We just need ta get in without being seen – which should na be hard – then make our way ta Dorton.  When we get there, yer gonna hafta get useta being without me around, kitten.  I mean, if ya plan ta get that noble prick -"
    "Marquis," she corrected.
    "Yeh, him.  The one we're makin' inta a king.  He's never seen an iliri before, I'm betting, but he wants ta.  How do ya think we're gonna end up convincing him ta support us?"
    "He knows what iliri are.  He's probably never seen one of us in