rogue shifter 07 - cut off Read Online Free PDF Page A

I'll try to remember." He blessed me with a half-smile, a miracle from a kid who usually seemed so serious around me. "I'm proud of you. Listen to Isaiah. He's different here. Kind of cooler." I winked at the demon who'd been my trainer too.
    "Uck. My reputation as a badass is shattered."
    I ignored him. "We'll find Dad, Charlie. Don't worry. I love you."
    "Love you, too." I smiled at my son, flipped Isaiah off and then dissolved into the lines, leaving behind the sound of male laughter.
     
    CHAPTER SIX
    Something was keening, the sound plaintive and unfamiliar. Jolted awake, I blinked several times to adjust to the fae light, then looked for the source of the sound. In the corner of the room was a small goblin, trembling and flattening herself against the wall, trying to force as much space as possible between us.
    She was dressed in a simple suede gown, shredded around the hem and stained with all manner of things. Her filthy clothing and unwashed body lent a sour odor to the small room, adding to the many layers of unpleasant scents already present. Because she was an unseelie species, I assumed she was a prisoner like me, since unseelie weren't permitted at court. Showers and laundry facilities didn't appear to come with our accommodations, so I couldn't hold her accountable.
    I tried to speak to her in the language of the seelie fae, but she only turned away, still moaning as if she were in pain. I'd learned some words in Isaiah's tongue so I asked her, "Are you in pain?" She looked at me, shocked, then nodded. "Where?" I asked.
    She turned and showed me her back. The dress was in tatters across her shoulders, her skin shredded where she'd been whipped. Some of the wounds still bled. At least this was something I could help her with.
    I was about to offer her my wrist, when the queen appeared. "Why aren't you feeding? I've heard goblins are delicious to vampires. I personally find them to be most adequate. Especially roasted." She laughed at her joke. At least I hoped it had been a joke.
    "I've explained. I won't feed on innocent beings."
    "She is unseelie, an animal."
    "I am a cheetah." I shrugged.
    Her mouth flattened in anger as her eyes flashed with gold. "You will regret your decision."
    She beamed all of us to a hallway occupied by four fae guards and one large metal door. The sound coming from behind that door was loud enough to make me wince in pain. The goblin began to scream. She turned to run, but the guards held her in place.
    Fionna laughed at the female's distress. "She recognizes the sound of a hungry slaugh." With a flick of her hand the wall that separated us became transparent, showing us the angry unseelie beast chained and covered with blood. Leathery wings were tucked behind his enormous muscular body, a hooked claw at the top of each. Saliva dripped from a mouth filled with rows of pointed teeth and fangs twice the length of mine.
    I put myself between the girl and the queen. "Fionna, don't do this."
    "Would you sacrifice yourself in her place?"
    "Will you give me the use of my magic?"
    "The slaugh has no magic. Should I allow you the use of yours?"
    "A weapon?"
    "He uses only his own natural gifts. You would have an unfair advantage." The creature roared, pulling at his chains, growing more frustrated and angry with each passing moment.
    Without full access to my magic I might not be strong enough to fight him off. I'd be armed with only fangs and claws, my strength compromised because I hadn't fed in a day and a half. The slaugh was twice as tall and broad as Heinrich and Sasha combined. As much as I wanted to help this unfortunate female, Jackie and Charlie needed me to stay alive.
    "I won't commit suicide for your amusement. Is there something else I can barter for her life?"
    "The bartering for your life has already begun. This goblin scum is not worth protecting." She froze me in place then motioned for the guards to open the door. It took two of them working magic to move the enormous