Passion Ignited Read Online Free PDF Page A

a
job to do.”
    ****
    Raider remained in the deck, keeping an eye on
the cameras and security system. He’d kept a tight watch on all
entry and exit points for the mansion, and had even kept the
security cameras in a continuous sweep of the perimeter. The fact
was, Nitro was on the roof, and her brother had joined her there as
well. There had been only one camera that showed exactly where
they’d been—a security flaw Raider was now determined to correct.
The Guardians had never needed cameras in such strange places
around their home. At least, not until these new recruits had shown
up.
    “Tea, sir?”
    He turned toward the glass doorway and spotted
Gregory standing just inside. The old man carried a tray with
teacups, a carafe, and some Fig Newtons.
    “Gregory,” Raider smiled. “How did you know I
was up?”
    “I’ve lived here a long time.” Gregory smiled
as he stepped forward and set the tray on the desk. “Would you care
for any blood? I’m sure Master Draven wouldn’t mind sharing his
stash.”
    “No, thank you. I think I’m good for a few
more days.”
    “Very well.” Gregory bowed. He started toward
the door only to stop and turn around again. “May I ask you a
question?”
    “Shoot. Why don’t you sit down?”
    Gregory smiled again before he took one of the
chairs near the desk. “Master Ferox hasn’t been well lately, and I
haven’t wanted to bother him.”
    He nodded. None of them wanted to bother their
leader when he wasn’t quite right yet.
    “It’s just that I spoke with my sister a few
days ago about her oldest boy coming out here to be of service to
the Guardians. He’s quite interested and would like to come to the
States to learn how to best serve you before I should move
on.”
    Raider nodded again, not liking the fact that
Gregory was mortal. The man was too precious to the Guardians to
ever think that he’d “move on.”
    “Master Ferox hasn’t mentioned anything
lately, so I wasn’t sure if my nephew was welcome.”
    “He’s welcome.” Not only had they met Chester
a few years ago, but he’d also handled the news of vampires,
wolves, and other nighttime nightmares relatively well. Of course,
they’d scrubbed his memory before he’d left to make sure he didn’t
recall any of what they’d shown him and blab it to the world. “I
know that Ferox is excited about Chester coming to work with you.
He wouldn’t mind in the least if your nephew came out.”
    “Very good.” Gregory beamed. “I’ll call my
sister straight away to get the details worked out.” He stood from
his chair and pushed it back under the desk. “Is there anything I
can get for you, sir?”
    “No thanks, Gregory. Why don’t you go get some
rest until the others wake up?”
    The old man nodded and made his way out of the
room. Raider turned and looked at the monitors again. First, he
checked the camera that had shown Nitro and Ash on the roof; they
were no longer there. Next, he checked the security system. The
blinking light in Nitro’s room had finally quieted.
    It looked like the twins had finally come back
inside.
    ****
    “Holy crap! Grandpa, come help!” Kyle leaned
over the guy he’d just tripped over. He hadn’t even seen him lying
under the tree until it was too late. Bending over the beaten body,
he placed his hand on his shoulder. “Dude, are you
alright?”
    His grandfather walked over, and as soon as
he’d spotted the body on the ground, he rushed to his
side.
    “I think he’s been in an accident,” Kyle
said.
    “It looks like he’s been beaten,” his grandpa
corrected.
    Kyle doubted it was the latter. The guy was
huge. Even without his shirt being in tatters, he’d have been able
to tell that the guy was built. He had corded muscle after corded
muscle making up his bulk.
    The stranger finally opened his eyes, but even
before he was able to blink, he slid them shut again. “Hungry,” he
moaned.
    Kyle slid his backpack off his shoulders.
Grabbing an apple and a