The Devil’s Kiss Read Online Free PDF Page B

as this one is such a travesty. The only relief I had was that from this day on, her life was going to get better. Valor would see to it.
     
    Her sobs eventually quieted and her shaking lessened. Valor hadn’t let go of her for a second. Her arms were tight around him as she used all his strength to release her terror. Only when she backed away, did he loosen his hold. “I have made a mess of your shirt.” She wiped the tears from her face.
     
    “That is not of any concern. Are you feeling up to seeing more of my home?” Valor asked her.
     
    It was clear what he was doing. He didn’t want to make a big deal out of her breakdown. Didn’t want her to feel ashamed for having done it. It was the right thing to do.
     
    Rynn nodded.
     
    Briggs came over and reached down to help her up. Again, there was no hesitation in her touching him. Valor had her scared silly. Briggs, she welcomed. Something was funny here, and it was something I was going to get to the bottom of.
     
    Rynn came over to me and tucked herself close to me. I took her hand again as we approached the fenced pasture. The horses were the most beautiful creatures I’d ever seen. They looked similar to a draft horse with broad chests, heavy hips, and strong shoulders, but they held elegance. Their manes were long with hair that started at the knee and reached over their hooves.
     
    “Gosh, Valor, what type of horses are these? I’ve never seen anything like them.” I asked.
     
    He whistled, and they all came charging toward us. “They’re Gypsy Vanners. Quite beautiful are they not?”
     
    Kyden reached up and ran his hand along a strong face. “Very.” He was smitten over the white stallion. Tough guy has a soft spot.
     
    Rynn released my hand and walked over to one of the smaller horses. She was a lovely chocolate bay color. The horse neighed a little and snuggled into Rynn’s face, sending her into giggles.
     
    “You have made a friend there,” Briggs remarked as he made his way toward her.
     
    Valor followed close behind. Rynn had better get used to having everyone close to her because I was sure these two wolves would stay glued to her for the next little while.
     
    Once they were a safe distance away, I snatched up the opportunity needed. I quickly glanced at Kyden. “What the heck is with Briggs? He seems bitten by the love bug.”
     
    Kyden laughed. “She’s his mate.”
     
    The stunned shock on my face only made Kyden laughed harder. “Wolves are different than us. Their mates are not chosen as such. Their souls search out their desired mate and when they find it, it’s immediately known to them.”
     
    I glanced back at Briggs and Rynn who stood together petting the filly. “Well, that makes things less complicated. No need to get into the dating scene then.”
     
    “They still date,” Kyden smiled, “and such, but they usually will not bond with someone who is not their destined mate. That is the way of the wolves.” Then, he pulled me into a tight embrace. “You did wonderful in helping her, Álainn.”
     
    Álainn, Kyden’s pet name for me, means beautiful in Gaelic. It was just a whole pile of sweet, wrapped in a little blanket of love. “I like her a lot. I only wish I could do more for her. Sad, isn’t it?”
     
    “Indeed it is very sad. Briggs will make it right.”
     
    When I looked back at Briggs, I saw the truth in that. The way he positioned himself around Rynn was obviously protective. He would guard her with his life and do his best to heal her. “Does she know that he is her mate?” I asked, meeting Kyden’s gaze.
     
    He shrugged. “I am sure she feels it, but she wouldn’t understand what it is exactly. Briggs will likely explain all this to her when she is ready.”
     
    The message was loud and clear. This wasn’t something I was supposed to tell her. Mum’s the word.
     
    A little while later, they came back to join us and Rynn surprised me by saying. “Do you all mind if I have a