by Audrey Storm
“I’ve known Hank and Fernando for a long, long time. Coming from rich families who are also bear-shifters is a rare thing, and it was something that gravitated our mothers closer together. They had plans—dreams—for our species, but…well, that’s neither here nor there now.
“Anyway, the real secret about us is that…” Reed inhaled sharply, his eyes fluttering closed for a brief moment. When Andrea squeezed his hand again, she felt him lose more tension in his body. “Fernando, a few years back, found out that he was a descendant of the first man who was cursed to be like us.”
Andrea’s breath caught in her throat. “But you said that it was a myth.”
“I still think it is, for the most part,” Reed said, his gaze lowering to his plate. “But Fernando claimed he met this seer who could look into the past rather than the future, and Fernando…he doesn’t trust people easily, if at all. For him to trust the seer’s assessment is everything.”
Andrea believed that well enough; Fernando was known to be a paranoid man, only ever being seen when he was with Hank and/or Reed. And the fact that there were psychic people called “seers,” well…Andrea knew she didn’t have time to be overly critical or shocked by the claim. There was something in the way Reed spoke—the hope and the doubt twisting in his tone…it made Andrea look at him closer, her blood searing through her with the addictive desire to know and understand.
“What else aren’t you telling me?” she asked. “What more to the story is there?”
Reed kept his gaze aimed at his unfinished breakfast. “The seer told him that with the blood—or DNA—of the original cursed man, the curse could be broken.”
“Broken,” Andrea repeated, mind reeling even as the rest of her felt numb. Complete comprehension came to her a second later. “You guys are trying to break the curse. But…how? How can it be done, and if it can be done, why haven’t you…?” She shook her head, her brow furrowing.
“We don’t actually know how,” Reed said. He looked back up at her, his eyes glistening. “All we know is that the curse can be broken with Fernando’s DNA, but shy of that, we know nothing else. We all have traveled the world—done research, searched for particular people with particular gifts…” Reed bellowed out a sigh, frustration tensing his form up again.
“Why do you even want the curse broken? I thought you didn’t mind being what you are.”
“If we break the curse, it would end everyone’s curse. Bear-shifters would turn back to humans.”
Nausea shot up her gut, and she nearly gagged at the horrid sensation. Reed wanted to destroy her story—her reveal of this magnificent species. They all did.
“There would be a greater chance for world peace in this way,” Reed continued, smiling sadly at her. “I know it. No one would ever trust someone who can turn into a massive monster. Well,” Fondness softened his expression further, “other than you, of course.”
“You’re not a monster,” she said fiercely, protectively. “You are the farthest thing from that, I promise you.”
“I’m glad,” he said, still smiling. “I just wish you could say the same thing about Hank.”
That made her go rigid. She hesitated only a moment, thinking about all that he revealed to her, before she forced herself to push forward—to do her job. “Do you know where Fernando is right now?”
Reed narrowed his gaze at her. “Why?”
“I want to help,” she lied. She reached over and grabbed his upper arms, her elbows brushing over his plate. “I want to help all of you break the curse, and Fernando is such a…private person, it would be hard for me to find him by myself.”
“You would go looking for him? Without me?”
“To save you,” she said, nearly flinching at the disgusting words. She reminded herself of Fernando’s heritage, of their abilities—of the story that would make her career and probably change the world. An exciting thrill shot through her, and she tightened her grip on Reed. “I can’t just let you deal with this alone, now that I know. Let me help you find people, find cures—dig in all kinds of spots you guys may not have thought of.”
His brow lowered, as did the corners of his mouth. “Andrea, I don’t think that is wise. I…I appreciate you caring so much about this, but Fernando is secretive for a reason. I don’t want to betray his trust.”
“Please,” she snapped, nearly screamed. She leaned closer to him—this fountain of knowledge, of beauty, of everything she had tried not to taint or hurt before this moment. Ambition grew within her, and it felt good—powerful. “Please, don’t leave such a burden on me. If there is even the slightest chance that I could provide any kind of assistance for this cause, I want to at least try. If I don’t, I’ll always wonder if I let you down—if I could have saved you from your pain.” She widened her eyes a little, forcing them to water. “Reed, please…”
She could hear Reed breathe heavily as he blinked at her, his lips quivering. She was about to plead with him some more when he hesitantly nodded his head.
“Okay,” he whispered, smiling tightly. “Okay.”
Andrea nearly squealed for joy. It took all of her willpower to remain seated where she was—to not go running upstairs to get ready.
“Thank you,” she choked out, grinning. “God, thank you so much, Reed.”
He nodded again. “I can’t deny you anything, Andrea Watson. And if anyone could save us from ourselves, I believe it is you.”
Her stomach dropped, her ambition recoiling at such a warm and faith-filled statement. The tears that stung her eyes were genuine in that moment, and it made it all the more sickening to her.
Later, she convinced him to leave with her that night—to take a plane to the country of Colombia, where Fernando was currently residing while he did his private research.
“You sure about this?” Reed asked her.
She sat on his bed with her suitcase resting beside her. Reed was in the process of packing his own bag—moving from his walk-in closet, to the bathroom, to his bag, and then back to the closet.
He had no idea what the question truly meant to her. It rang in Andrea’s head several times, the feeling of the words more accusatory than they truly were.
“Yes,” she said. “I’m sure.”
TO BE CONTINUED…
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Index
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Bonus Catalogue of Sample Books (Limited Time only)
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The Italian
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Son tuteur loup-garou
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Date chaude avec le Boss
Passions secrètes
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Barcelone Garçons
Ville de l'amour avec le meilleur ami de mon père
Danger Dans l'Uptown
Le milliardaire's day off
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Plaisirs brute
Lesbian Romance
Le bon type d'amour
Trouver ma déesse
Trouver foi
La porte à côté de fille
Historical Romance
Vibrant du râteau
Index
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