Bear Protector - Bella Love-Wins Page 0,21

too, and everyone in this fortress.” She jumped off the stool and stumbled toward the outer door. “I have to get out of here. I need…some air. If anyone asks for me, cover for me, okay? I want…I must get some answers.”

6

Kiera

Kiera could tell from the length of the shadow cast by the sun that more than four hours had passed. It was probably close to five in the evening now. And darkness was coming. She was still wandering the streets, and for reasons she did not know, she stopped outside the Great Hall. She had no idea how she had made it here. No guards had followed her. No one had asked her if she was lost. At least, she did not think anyone had. Perhaps it was because at some point, she had lifted the hood of her cloak over her head, covering her red hair and the top of her face.

The time had passed in a blur, but now her awareness was returning. With the sun low in the sky, the warmth was quickly dissipating.

Only one thought played on her mind.

How on earth could she possibly cast the spell now?

Kiera walked around to the back of the Great Hall, still unsure of what to do next. Taking the cobblestone path, she walked toward the homes belonging to the craftsmen who helped the fortress witches. She ambled along aimlessly, and did not stop when the cobblestone path ended. It was as far as the fortress witches normally traveled, but tonight, that rule did not dissuade her from continuing on. She only noticed her heart was racing when she was about a hundred yards from the gates of the shifter camp.

She let out a frustrated breath. That thumping inside her chest was a farce. She had been so ridiculously obedient, never taking the chance to go this far away from the fortress since the Chancellor took her in nine years ago. Which meant she had never seen the shifter camp, and barely knew the village, let alone the rest of the region. What else had she closed herself off from, just because the Chancellor commanded it? It dawned on her that she could return to the fortress and demand more answers. Perhaps Coco had returned too. That was where she would start.

Kiera quickened her steps and headed for the cobblestone road again. Just as she saw the first craftsman’s house on the path, she noticed someone approaching in horseback in the distance.

She swallowed hard.

There he was.

Xander.

He was on a white horse, trotting smartly toward her from the eastern section of the village. He looked more attractive than a few hours ago. If only she could keep her distance.

Or not.

Perhaps Kiera was here because he had opened her eyes, had told her a sobering truth, and would give her more answers.

Or maybe she just had to see him again.

She did not have to remove the hood of her cloak for him to recognize her. He stopped his horse a few feet away, climbing down to get closer.

“Are you lost?” he asked, his deep voice rumbling and already doing unspeakable things to her body. Her mouth went dry. She struggled to come up with words. After a while, she settled for shaking her head. “Are you waiting for the guards to retrieve you?”

Another head-nod was all she could manage.

“It will be dark soon. I can get you home if you wish.”

“No!” She blurted out the word without intending to sound so fearful. But the truth was she was terrified. “You were right…that I am gullible…and about the Chosen witches.”

He lowered his head. “I am sorry you had to find out this way.”

“I have been deceived for nine years of my life… by the Chancellor, and even by my own familiar. We were supposed to have had a bond.” She took a breath. If she said another word, she was certain she would start bawling. “I’m not ready to return to the fortress.”

“So where will you go?” Xander asked.

She had no answer for that either.

He scratched his head, then pulled the horse’s reins to bring him closer. “You may as well get on.” He held out his hands a few inches from her waist. “I will not hurt you.” Taking a step toward her, he lifted her up in his arms, turned, and placed her to sit sidesaddle on his mare. “You should know I am taking a big risk, but if you want the truth, you will get my honest answers