The Devil's Kiss - By Stacey Kennedy Page 0,6

with perfect understanding. “I did tell you once, didn’t I?”

I nodded, laughing. “You did.”

Isla turned on him, squared her shoulders, her hands firm on her hips and even threw in a stomp of her foot. “What did you say about me?”

“Nothing of importance,” Valor laughed.

Through the laughter, came a low harsh growl. Then unexpectedly, Briggs shouted, “Isla, go back now. We do not have time for your games. Get out.”

Isla looked completely shocked, which was soon replaced by a pissed off beauty queen. “You don’t talk to me that way.”

Briggs stepped closer, glared down to her. “I will talk to you however I damn well please. We need to help this wolf and you are wasting time.” He pointed to the foyer. “Now go.”

Kyden reached out to Briggs, placed a hand on his shoulder. “Relax, Briggs.”

Briggs shook off his hand, full of something that was far past enraged. “We need to get on with this.”

“Okay.” I stepped in, trying to ease him. His body was wrapped so tight in fury, I was a little concerned he was going to lose it. “Listen, Isla, it was super nice to meet you. Briggs is right, though, we have to get back to this. Can I come see you later?”

She smiled innocently. “Of course.” Then, she glared at Briggs. “See dufus, you didn’t have to be such an ass about it.” With a flick of her hair, she growled at him and left.

Valor gave me an appreciative nod. “What are you going to do?”

That was the million dollar question now wasn’t it. I glanced back at the wolf that was now shaking worse than the last time I looked. Resolved, I met Valor’s eyes and started in the only place that made any sense. “I need some supplies.”

Kyden’s brow arched. “Supplies?”

“Yep, I need a pillow and a blanket.”

Before I had finished speaking, Briggs ran from the room, and was back a second later carrying the requested items. “Will this do?” he asked frantically.

First, I took the items from him then I hugged him. “I will do what I can to help her, Briggs.” He leaned away, not looking settled in the least.

“Alright, all of you, out.” They all looked at me as if I was nuts. “You heard me.” I pointed to the door. “Out.”

Briggs nodded, as did Valor.

Kyden leaned in, kissed my lips. “I will not be far. If she attempts to hurt you, yell for me and I will come.”

“I doubt she is capable of that right now.”

Kyden glanced to the wolf, his jaw tight, sending the muscles to flex deeply. Apparently, the idea of leaving me alone with her was not his first choice. “Young wolves can be unpredictable. Just stay cautious.” He followed the same direction Briggs and Valor had used, and I noticed a sliding door that would close off the room.

Just as he reached the door, I called out, “Close the door, will you?”

Kyden glanced back, his gaze met mine, then he shut the door. His expression was curious that was for sure. It appeared that he had no idea what I was about to do. To be honest, neither did I.

When the door closed, I glanced back to the little wolf. She was whimpering so softly my heart broke. God, this must be so terrifying. Turning into a furry creature with four legs had to scare the willies out of a person.

Instead of approaching her, I went over to the couches and pushed them to the other side of the room to give us some space. Just as I was about to sit down in the open space, I noticed the rug. It was a dead bear sprawled out with its mouth wide open. “Eww…this rug is sick!”

Nevertheless, it was better than sitting on a hard wooden floor. I put the pillow on the bear’s head so I wouldn’t have to look at it, sat down, and pulled the blanket over me. It was one of those soft velvety ones—snuggly soft.

Once I was comfy, I met her gaze again. Now that I was closer, she cowered further away. Her entire body shook and her bright silver-flecked eyes were wide open. She was such a pretty wolf with soft brown fur and four white paws. Very slender—petite.

“Hi,” I said in a quiet, I’m a friend, voice. “I’m Nexi. I really wish we could have met under different circumstances, but what do you do?” Her whimpering got louder. “Listen, I know you’re scared. Trust me I’ve been where