Deadly Mates (Deadly Trilogy) (32 page)
Read Deadly Mates (Deadly Trilogy) Online
Authors: Ashley Stoyanoff
As a unit, the pack lowered to the ground, kneeling and bowing — a sign of their loyalty to Aidan. I found myself wondering if it might have been for both of us. Whether it was for him or for us, I felt the resolve tighten in my chest. This time, no matter what, I would not fail them.
As I looked out over the sea of bowed heads, I said, “Thank you.” My voice was weak, very weak. I cleared my throat and blinked away the sting of tears. “Go now and rest. Grieve the loss of our brother, and comfort the ones he left behind.” My voice still trembled and Aidan’s arm tightened around me, supporting me. My heart was pounding hard against my chest, and I strengthened my grip on my emotions. “But be ready. We know where the cougars are. The time is coming to take out our enemy.”
As soon as they started moving, heading for the woods, I turned to those who had stayed behind. My friends: Marcy and Trevor, Tommy and Chris, the team, Dominic, even Erika, wait
ed before Aidan and I. Waited for the words I figured neither of us wanted to say.
It was Marcy who managed to whisper the question on all of
our minds. “What happens now?”
“We bury our brother,” Aidan said with compassion, choosing to ignore the
real question behind her words.
A string of faint, but heart
-filled,
thank-yous
spilled from the guys and a tension that I hadn’t noticed was there until it lifted, dispersed into the air. And then the waiting started once more.
I swallowed hard
, pulled in a breath and said, “And then we tell my father I’m mated and watch for the next play of his game to drop.”
Ashley Stoyanoff is an author of paranormal romance books for young adults, including The Soul’s Mark series and the Deadly Trilogy. She lives in Southern Ontario with her husband, Jordan, and two cats: Tanzy and Trinity.
In July 2012, Ashley publ
ished her first novel, The Soul’s Mark: FOUND, and shortly thereafter, she was honored with The Royal Dragonfly Book Award for both young adult and newbie fiction categories.
A
n avid reader, Ashley enjoys anything with a bit of romance and a paranormal twist. When she’s not writing or devouring her latest read, she can be found spending time with her family, watching cheesy chick flicks or buying far too many clothes.
Ashley loves hearing from her readers, so feel free to connect with her online.