Sanctuary (A Hunted Novel Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

in the area. The hunters combed over the state in full force. Are you sure they’re there?”
    Tess paused, remembering her father’s words. He’d said Cincinnati, Ohio. But what if he was wrong? What if his information was old? Why do I trust a wolf I’ve only just met? He could be lying. Her heart sped up as she considered the idea. She studied Nate, scrutinizing him. Calmness washed over her. He was telling the truth—she didn’t know how she knew—she just did.
    “Hunters came close to our home many times before they found us. We are very good at hiding,” she argued.
    “Maybe. But nowhere is safe. Even here,” he warned.
    “If the group I was with made it out, that’s where they would go. My sister is with them. I have to look for her,” Tess insisted. Crap. If what he said was true, her sister could be walking straight into a trap.
    “Tess, you’re not well enough to do that yet. Take a day and heal, shift, then leave if you must,” Nate insisted.
    “Who said anything about her leaving?” a female voice snapped as the infirmary door swung open.
    Nate stiffened as Tess turned toward the intruders. She instantly recognized the voice. It was the same snotty woman from before. Great. Tess narrowed her eyes, sizing up the older woman. I don’t have time to be a prisoner. My family needs me. I can take her. She looks like she spends more time behind a desk than she does fighting. Nate will be a challenge though.
    “She’s not a prisoner,” Nate defended, stepping in front of Tess.
    “That’s not your call,” the woman shot back.
    The hairs on Tess’ arms prickled as she took in the domineering alpha female standing in front of her exit. Tess’ eyes darted over the room, looking for weapons and another way to escape. If it came to it, she’d make a run for it.
    “Of course she isn’t a prisoner,” the man who had escorted her to the infirmary replied, stepping past the prickly woman. “She is our guest here, and we would be most humbled if you decided to stay.”
    Tess shifted on her feet. The older man seemed nice enough, but what if he were trying to trick her? She needed to be careful how she played this. They don’t want you here; hopefully, they’ll let you go.
    “I appreciate the offer,” Tess started, staring hesitantly between the two men. They were clearly related. Both had the same cobalt eyes and russet colored hair. Their body build was also similar, except Nate was a touch taller than the older man and more muscular. Enough ogling. Time to move. “But I have to go.”
    The woman bristled as she crossed her arms over her middle. “We can’t just let you leave.”
    Tess huffed, grabbing her sweater and shrugging it on. “Want to bet,” she growled.
    “Whoa,” Nate interjected. He wrapped a hand around her wrist. Tess snapped her attention to him, glaring at him through narrowed eyes. “Both of you need to calm down,” he insisted.
    “Perhaps it would be best if you let us handle this, Patrice,” the older man said to the woman.
    The woman glowered and shook her head once.
    “Patrice,” the man sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose. “The council has already decided. Don’t make this difficult, or personal.”
    “Can we not subject her to our family drama. Out with it already,” Nate growled.
    Tess quirked a brow. Father. Yes, the man could definitely be his dad. But the woman? Tess scrutinized her carefully. Mom? Maybe. Her and Nate had similar jawbones. That seemed to be the only resemblance though. Thank goodness he didn’t have her personality because it sucked.
    The man cleared his throat and jammed his hands into his pockets. “Sanctuary is a safe haven for people like us. I’m sure you can understand the importance of its location remaining a secret,” he explained.
    Tess nodded. They may not be welcoming her with open arms here, but she would never do anything to harm a fellow shifter. “I’m not going to tell anyone about this place.”
    The