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[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ] otherwise. Good I ll let you know what we bring to light. You might have to leave and join the unit for the takedown, Casey said. Keep the cell on if you can. I will need to reach you ASAP when we know. Yeah I know. They will protect Promyse while I m gone. Roger that, Casey said. Be safe, brother. Zane ended the conversation, and he slipped his arms around Promise as they walked. Casey very rarely used the word that bonded them long ago. When he said brother Zane knew he meant it because that is how they saw each other, as more than soldiers in the same unit, but family. The sun was coming up over the horizon, but that didn t do anything to stop the bitter cold. Zane was fine. Being a shifter his body could withstand the cold, but he could feel Promyse shaking as she walked. When she tripped the second time, without a word Zane lifted her and carried her. She snuggled against his chest trying to draw his heat, and he wished he had more to give her. Finally, after hours of walking the Arapaho grounds came into view. Even before that he could smell the scent of his people. Their territory was clearly marked so that no other clans would try to breach their sacred grounds. From the time he walked in he could see familiar faces stop and stare at him in astonishment. He had not been back to the clan in so many years he thought they would turn from him. He was amazed when none 57 Army Beasts Dahlia Rose did. In fact a few came up to greet him with warm smiles and a hello. None of that mattered until the leader gave his blessing for them to stay. Of course it helped that the clan leader was his stepfather, so the scales were tipped slightly in his favor. He had seen family turned away before for going against the clan, so he couldn t have said for sure what would happen. His mother and her husband came out of the large log cabin at the far side of the camp and stood on the steps. Promyse had fallen asleep against him while they walked. He still carried her while he moved toward his stepfather and mother. Behind him a group gathered. It was their clan s way. All had to be present to hear the leader s words in a situation like this. Zander fell into step next to him. I see you came to visit after all. Had no other choice. We were ambushed, Zane replied. I can still smell the fight on you. Zander sniffed the air. Your girl smells delectable. Zane grinned. I know. That s why she is mine. Promyse opened her yes and looked at him with a sleepy smile. Hey. Hello, little one, Zander replied before Zane could. Her eyes widened as she looked from Zane to his brother. Oh lord, there are two of you! I told you I had a twin brother. Zane s voice held humor at her response. You didn t say identical twins. Are you ok to stand? Zane asked. She nodded as he stopped and placed her on her feet. Why are we stopping? I have to wait for the leader to give his consent for us to stay here. Zane responded. Quiet now. Zane held her hand as he stood in front of his mother and stepfather Admiral. His mother had aged since last time he saw her, but she was still strikingly beautiful down to the streak of white that now graced the front of her long hair. The Admiral was formidable even with the added years that showed clearly on his face. The two of them made the perfect picture 58 Army Beasts Dahlia Rose of an American Indian couple. If they were painted right at that instant anyone would see strength and beauty coming off the canvas. Zane remembered when he was younger and always got into scrapes, The Admiral used to pick him up by the collar and shake him like a pup. He used to say he hoped it would shake some sense into Zane s head so he would gain some self preservation.. As with their way Zane knew he had to greet the leader of the clan first. Admiral, it s good to see you. I say the same to you, Zane. You look well. Is this your mate? Admiral replied. Yes, she is. This is Promyse. The Admiral inclined his head to her. Welcome to you both. Why are you here? We have not laid eyes on you in many years. Zane explained the situation while Admiral s face stayed passive. We need the sanctuary of the clan for her protection as well as mine. It seems you bring trouble with you, Admiral replied and then smiled. It also seems you have gained some sense in your head after all. Zane chuckled. Yes, I have, and I thank you for it. Can you promise this will not affect the clan? Admiral asked. Zane nodded. I can promise that. Then you are welcome. We will make a cabin ready for you and your Promyse to stay in, Admiral replied. I will need to leave to take care of this matter in a few days. Can you guarantee her safety when I am gone? Zane asked. Admiral nodded. As is our way we protect the mates of those in the clan. With his final words it was now safe for anyone in the clan to greet them. His mother rushed down the steps and wrapped her arms around him. Zane had no hesitation in holding her tight and inhaling her familiar scent. His heart filled with love for his mother who had born so many burdens for him and his siblings. For a moment he relished her comfort and let it take him back to the past where she was the lifeline that he 59 Army Beasts Dahlia Rose needed. When they pulled apart she cupped his cheek and then embraced Promyse. Welcome to you as well, Promyse. Your name means wonderful things. I m called Serena, his mother said. Thank you for the welcome and for taking me in. I wish it was under better circumstances. Promyse smiled. Any reason that brings my son home to his people is a good reason, his mother replied. Let s get you all settled. You must be worn out, cold, and hungry. Zane watched as she took Promyse s hand and began to walk away chatting like they were old friends. Tomorrow is our lunar celebration. You will like it. Zane watched as they left,. Promyse looked back as she was led away. He nodded to let her know it was ok. He never knew how much he would miss this life when he left it. He felt the restriction of living off the land and like gypsies as a yolk around his neck when he was younger. But the freedom of it was something that could not be replaced. He loved his job, but he spent too long on a tight rein only shifting for missions because anonymity was essential to the unit. The urge to shed his human form and run with the others became almost unbearable, but first he would make sure Promyse was settled. The rest of the clan almost forty strong crowded around to say welcome and to reconnect. Zane felt at home. 60 Army Beasts Dahlia Rose Chapter Six Literally having to run from men with really big guns worried Promyse. In fact it down right scared her but it seemed there was little to be concerned about. His mother brought in clothes that fit to perfection and people kept dropping by the cabin to bring blankets and other essentials to make the sparse room livable. This was unlike anything she had ever experienced in her life. The cabin was barely two rooms with one small bathroom. It had only recently gotten running water Zane mentioned when he came inside. He said when he was younger before he left if you wanted a hot shower you had to bring the water from the river and heat it over a fire. Promyse thanked God she didn t have to do that and was [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ] |