The Druid Series 9: Baird (A Druid Novel) Read Online Free PDF Page B

Druid females.”
    “ Reaper.” Baird can feel the hardness of the glance he gives Kael.
    “ Really, Baird?” Kael asks.
    Siana nods.
    Baird's hands become fists. “ Really . Maghnus, Carrig and Quinn would be awaiting word of what has become of us? If we have found Siana. We are fifteen Reapers strong. And what of the rogue , Kael?”
    “ Our numbers are similar.”
    Baird frowns as Kael grins.
    “I don't need either one of you. I will find my Druid sisters on my own. We will begin again somewhere new.” Siana gazes around sadly. “A place without the terrible memories I now hold of this temple.”
    “ You need male protection...”
    Siana swivels to look at Kael. “No. I appreciate your sacrifice in saving me.” Her gold-green eyes flash like peridots. “However, I am Exotic—a warrior. I cannot hide behind the swords of men. I must make my own way, take up where the traitor Jessamine left us.”
    Kael's hands take Siana's. “Let us protect you, please.”
    Her chin lowers to her chest, teeth clench. When she finally looks up, her eyes are resolute.
    “No, Kael. I have learned many things these past hours, but the greatest lesson is everyone needs to use everyone.”
    She does not look at Baird as she says those words, yet he knows they are for him and him alone.
    “I was dying from zombie rot. You both fucked me.”
    Baird watches a tear bathe her cheek. His chest becomes unbearably tight.
    “Then after the progression of the disease was arrested—you needed blood. I gave it.” She shrugs as though the events of the last twenty-four hours were not so horrific.
    “ Now I have been returned to my original home. I shall eat then sleep. Then I will return here no more.”
    “ We cannot force you,” were Baird's first words to her.
    She swings her face toward his, her eyes hard with anger. “That is true. You cannot force me.”
    So much goes unsaid.
    Baird leans forward and she retreats. Instead of giving her the gentle kiss he intends, he stands.
    “I will do as you wish, Siana—and I wish you well.” Baird's breath sticks in his throat with the words.
    He hates how convoluted the situation has become. His role is clear to him: he is taken with the Druid queen. He has tasted of her sweet flesh and found it fine.
    But Siana has spit him out.
    Her hand is laced with Kael’s, and Baird turns away without a word.
    She does not want him.
    Baird fucked her to save her. His normal care and finesse was buried underneath his desperation to finish so she might live.
    Now he must leave her behind because he is a pariah in her eyes. Really, he has been acting for her benefit from the beginning.
    He keeps moving, blocking out everything but the thoughts won't leave his mind.
    His heart remains, beating outside his chest.
    Siana holds it.
    He hates her.
    However, the truth is worse. Baird is utterly, unfailingly in love with Siana.

CHAPTER SEVEN
    Seraphina
     
    Altho stands, walking toward her.
    She lifts her chin defiantly, and he places a finger beneath it. His touch electrifies her. Like a rabbit caught in a snare, she feels frozen.
    His power surges through her like warm bathwater. It is such a complement to her own power, she gasps.
    Altho runs the barest touch of his fingertip along her lower lip, grazing the wetness of her tongue.
    Seraphina is unaware her lips part farther. Her eyes flutter shut as she stands.
    Her hard words from moments before are forgotten under his touch. She slides her arms around his neck and rises on her toes to feel his mouth.
    “ No kissing,” he says.
    It is like cold water against her passion.
    His words do much to remind her he is a male she does not want.
    Seraphina steps back, and his heart-shaped scar tissue pulls with his smirk.
    “I do not kiss females. I fuck them,” Altho says.
    Seraphina blinks. Her eyes run over his face. She begins at the flourish of pink tissue on his cheekbone. His eyebrow is bisected by the start of it. The scar runs along his eye, missing