The Last Princess Read Online Free PDF

by shifters, and lost in time—not infiltrated by every
bit of modern technology. It was the human equivalent to their Mecca. The castle itself was highly guarded, but more reliant on physical guards rather
than hi-tech security.
    "We'll stop here and decide our next move," said
Delia as they pulled into the parking lot of a two-story hotel. "I'll be
recognized.  You have to go in and register us for a room. It will take just
one shifter sensing my blood and we're screwed.  My mother will have her men
dispatched within minutes and there'll be no escaping."
    "Well that wouldn't be good."  He remembered his
comment about getting hanged by the balls.  It wasn't a huge leap from the
truth. Shifters loyal to the queen were ruthless in their attempts to please
and protect her. "I'll be back."  It felt good to be on solid ground
again.  This hotel was maintained—the lawn mowed, bushed trimmed, and paint
fresh. Caleb suspected most of this royal town would be in good order, but
Delia was right, she'd be easily recognized.  Her picture was displayed in the
lobby, along with her two other sisters, and the queen.  There was no sign of
the king because, like Delia ranted about, matings were not out of love, only
duty.
    "Can I help you?"  Caleb hadn't noticed the older
man come out from behind the counter.  He was busy studying Delia's photo.  She
was years younger with a sweet innocence she now lacked. Although she was still
beautiful, there was a sadness in her eyes now. He turned to the large window
to ensure she was still okay and waiting for him.  "Sir?"
    "Sorry...  I need a room for the night, two nights at the
most. I have cash."
    The man didn't rush to get him a room key.  He stood beside
him, hands clasped behind his back, looking at the pictures with great interest.
"Have you met the royal family?"
    Caleb shook his head. In actuality he'd met two of the
sisters.  Carna he helped kidnap, and Delia—the princess who was getting under
his skin and invading his thoughts.
    "Two of my boys guard the castle.  Chosen out of
thousands."  The pride in his voice was evident. "It's not an easy
job, you know.  They have to be highly educated, pass countless physical and
mental tests, and then pledge allegiance to the queen.  I keep telling my wife
that not having any grandchildren is a small price to pay for the honor of
having two of our sons bestowed such a position."
    "How many guards are there?"
    "Oh, I wouldn't know.  Dozens, I'd expect. And my two
boys, of course."
    "Of course."  Caleb returned his attention to the
photos.  Delia looked so happy then, as did all three sisters.  Their lot in
life had hardened them, made them bitter, lonely, and volatile. He wanted to
see Delia really smile again, to live without looking over her shoulder.
    After getting the room key, he returned to where the
motorcycle was kept and found it missing, along with the driver. "Shit! Now
what?" he muttered to himself.  At least he had the room key.  Caleb
settled in the suite and began his online reconnaissance.  Hopefully Delia
would be back. He was tired of being abandoned with no ride.
    ****
    Her curiosity got the better of her.  She wanted to do a
perimeter check of the castle.  Caleb appeared busy chatting up the hotel
staff, so if she slipped away for a few minutes he probably wouldn't even
notice. As she neared the imposing structure, it brought back an array of old
feelings. The first thing that struck her was the feeling of coming home.  She
felt comfortable in the familiar surroundings—the lush flower gardens, the
crystal clear stream cutting across the land that fed the moat protecting the
palace. Delia knew all its secrets—the secret tunnels and hidden rooms.  They
were her childhood stomping grounds, the place where she got into mischief with
her friends. But then her trip down memory lane blackened. 
    She'd left this place.  Once she reached puberty she was no
longer granted the privileges she was as a