Moon Tortured (Sky Brooks Series Book 1) Read Online Free Page B

“manimal.”
    There was a protracted silence. His gazed hardened and his brown eyes flickered to deep amber and I was faced with very familiar animal eyes. Sebastian was a wolf—like me. Well, maybe not like me because the animal that stared back at me projected a level of danger that left me shaken. I doubt even on my best day I could ever be that terrifying in human form. “We saved your life Ms. Brooks. I think we have earned your trust.”
    Had they ? The only thing I knew about these people was they knew how to kill: savagely, effectively and efficiently. They lived in a well-equipped compound that smelled of spilled blood. They were half-animals that gave into their primal urges gregariously. They hadn’t earned my trust. The only thing they earned was my innate wariness and self-protective urge to get as much distance between them and me as possible.
    Impatient, waiting for me to respond, he directed his attention to Joan. “If she is too foolish to accept our help graciously, then she will have it begrudgingly. She can stay as our guest or our prisoner. I don’t care about the spirit in which our invitation is taken.” Then he stalked out of the room, leaving me staring at the empty space he once occupied.
    Joan’s lips trembled slightly before she swallowed hard and mustered that oddly pleasant smile. “Skylar, there isn’t much more for you to understand. The vampires came to your house, killed your mother and attempted to abduct you. Their intentions for you are unknown at this time. This is fact. It is in your best interest to stay here for the time being, until we have this situation under control.” She stated in firm voice. When I didn’t respond, she continued taking small deliberate steps, pacing in the small space that separated us.
    “Forcing me to stay isn’t really helping to build my trust,” I stated.
    Her voice still had the soft gentle cadence, but now there was a hint of urgency and frustration that she was working to suppress. “Demetrius wants you alive. Never before has he orchestrated something so extreme for one person. He sent his best for you.” Reading the confusion on my face, she elaborated: “Demetrius is the Master of the Northern seethe, the strongest in the world. The vampires aren’t usually a menace, choosing to spend most of their time whoring around and satisfying their lusts in varying degrees. But when Demetrius peeks his head out from his self-indulgences, he likes to flex his power. When he does, it’s never good. He may want you alive for now, but I can assure you, it probably won’t be for long,” she stated gravely.
    If her intentions were to scare me, then she won a gold star. “They will not stop until they have you—for whatever reason that may be. I can assure you that they will hurt and even kill anyone who gets in their way. You are under the Midwest Pack’s protection. It is a responsibility not taken lightly. I assure you the pack does not enter situations foolishly or without adequate cause. Do yourself a great service and accept our help. You won’t survive alone.”
    I chewed on my bottom lip, hanging on to her words. “I am sorry if I seem ungracious. It isn’t my intention,” I finally admitted so softly I wasn’t sure if my words were even audible. “I don’t know if you realize it, but a lot is being asked of me. You want me to trust you with minimal specifics. I am forced or rather strongly encouraged to stay in a house with were-animals that are obviously dangerous. Until today, I didn’t know were-animals existed,” I said with distressed sigh. That was a partially true statement. I never thought I was the only werewolf in the world, but I had no idea other types of were-animals existed.
    “I’m not saying it’s not a lot to deal with. But don’t make it any harder on yourself. Our contact is out of the country right now; he is expected back in five days. At least remain our guest until then. Contrary to what you have