Taken by the Alpha Wolf Read Online Free PDF

the hope died like an extinguished
candle. Despite her dream that he’d want her, defect and all, she
knew the harsh reality of pack life. No Alpha male, especially one
destined to lead a pack of diffuse, but extremely strong
personalities, would want her. A powerless Draicon for a mate was a
weakness in the pack, and no pack would tolerate those bloodlines
passed on to a future heir.
    If Etienne mated her, he risked his
inheritance. Or worse. His own father might kick him out.
    “Did the Kallan give any hints as to what
would unlock your powers from the Orb?”
    His voice remained the same, decisive and
commanding. Cindy tensed.
    “You’re not going to like it, any more than I
did.”
    “What?”
    His jaw muscle twitched very slightly. Cindy
felt cold sweat drip down her back.
    “The spell I used is dangerous. What was
killing my gram intertwined with my powers when both were suctioned
into the Orb. My magick could be unlocked, at the darkest hour.
When the Orb is destroyed.”
    “Then destroy it.”
    Fighting to control her shaking hands, she
could not meet his eyes. “It’s a no-win scenario. If the Orb is
destroyed, I’ll regain all my powers, and the disease that killed
gram.”
    Cindy drew in a deep breath. “I’ll have my
magick back, at a price. My death, Etienne.”
     
    He’d gone into the bathroom and fetched her a
glass of water. When she’d felt ready to pass out, he took charge.
Put her head between her legs, his hands warm and soothing on her
shoulders as he held her steady.
    Cindy accepted the glass, sipped, watching
his eyes. They were smooth and clear as lake water.
    What would he do now? The glass clinked on
the bedside table as she set it down.
    “Rest here. The house is shielded, so you’re
safe. I need a shower.”
    She’d confessed her darkest secret, the
burden so heavy she’d almost fainted, and he wanted to shower?
    “It helps me think,” he said, watching her
face.
    Hope surged like a flame fanned by fresh air.
It died as he added, “I didn’t read your mind. I only had to look
at you. You’re easy to read, Cyn, your emotions show on your face
like a billboard.”
    A small shrug. “I’m better at concealing my
thoughts during client negotiations. It’s the small stuff that
gives me away. You know, like a future with you, the fact that
getting my magick back means a death sentence.”
    He gazed at her with that same impartial
blankness. “It can’t be a death sentence. We’ll find a way to make
it work. We must.”
    Etienne’s determined refusal frustrated her.
She needed support, and he was sailing away on the great River
Denial.
    “Your father knew about this? Didn’t he try
to find answers? He has connections,” he said.
    “Not in the Draicon world.”
    “He has enough money to buy them, and
answers.”
    “Oh, right because he’s wealthy, he can solve
any problem because money is all you need to solve this. I suppose
no one in your family could help me since you keep hinting that
they’re poor.”
    He didn’t move, didn’t speak, but she sensed
she’d hurt him. Cut him like her own father had cut her. Cindy
closed her eyes. “That was uncalled for, Etienne. I didn’t mean
it.”
    Silence dripped between them. Finally he
said, “I deserved it.”
    This was going all wrong, driving an even
bigger wedge between them. Cindy took his hand, needing his
strength. Needing him to show some emotion.
    Show her that he did really care and wouldn’t
abandon her, as her parents had.
    “My parents searched for answers, but
nothing’s helped. I’m scared, Etienne. I’ve never admitted it to
anyone, but I am scared. Because as much as I want to be an equal
to you and take my place as your mate, I don’t want to die. And I
can’t see any solutions to this.”
    His arms curled around her as he pressed a
reassuring kiss to her temple. Etienne felt rock solid. “We’ll find
a way. Why don’t you pack? I really need that shower now.”
    He removed the holster and his