Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 98082 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 327(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98082 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 327(@300wpm)
He tilts his head to the side and studies me. “Or what, little one? Do you think you have it in you?”
He holds his arms out to his side and beckons me with his hands in a come-on motion. Something begins to pulse within me. It’s like my powers begin to thump in my veins.
“Bradan, I can’t,” I say and stumble back, palming my forehead.
He moves for me swiftly and catches me as I go tumbling toward the floor. I’m in his arms as he carries me bridal style from the training room.
“I’m right here, baby. You’re going to be okay. Shit, I shouldn’t have pushed you so hard. I just feel how close you are to crossing to the next level.”
“I’ll be fine,” I murmur. “Some sleep and I’ll be good as new.”
Suddenly, he freezes. I lift my head from his chest and look up into his face. His eyes are glazed over and distant.
“Bray, what is it?”
“Reilly. He’s losing control. I need you far away from him,” he says before he transports us to our bedroom.
He places me on the bed and pins me with a stern look. I’m trembling from the concern I feel rolling off him. I don’t understand what’s going on.
“Stay here. Don’t leave this room. Do you understand me?”
I nod and draw my legs up into my chest. Bradan leans in to kiss my forehead. Looking up at him, I search his eyes for answers.
Without another word, he disappears from the room. I’m left to wring my hands in worry as I wait for his return. I lie on my side and curl into a ball.
I try to stay awake to find out what’s going on when he returns, but I fall asleep. As my breathing evens out, I know right away I’m falling into dreamland. I haven’t had those dreams in the last month that I’ve been here with Bradan.
I’m in front of the fire once again. The same braids hang over my shoulders. I lift my head and look toward the fire. I want to see who’s on the other side this time.
“Api Kecil, it is time.”
“Time for what?” I ask.
“It’s time for the gift I’ve given you to awaken. The one that lives inside needs to remind you what you’re capable of. The fire has been lit, but she has to hand it over,” he says.
“Who are you?”
“I am the father of all. I am the beginning and the end. I am the truth and the light that will guide you to your greater self. I am the breath that stokes the fire of life within you.”
“Why me?”
I look around me and notice others surround the fire with me tonight. I feel connected to them all. Their presence seems so familiar to me. However, while in this dream everything feels so confusing.
Suddenly, the dream shifts. I drop to my knees as Bradan’s roar of agony fills my ears. I know it’s him. Even though I can’t see him, I can feel his pain.
“Taylor … Taylor,” he bellows as if pleading for me.
I want to tell him I’m safe, but I can’t. All I can do is feel his worry and anger. I push to try to communicate with him, but it’s useless.
“Taylor,” I look up as my name is called. Sitting before me on her knees is a young girl with a pretty brown face. She has two braids in her hair. One over each shoulder.
Her eyes are glowing yellow as she looks back at me. She’s a pretty girl. I’m just not sure why she’s here. Then something clicks.
“Api Kecil?” I breathe.
“Yes, Taylor, it is I.”
“What’s going on? I need to save Bradan.”
“He is fine. This hasn’t happened yet, but you need to be ready for when it does.”
“How?”
“I was blessed at birth with a gift that was always meant to be yours. It was safest with me and my pack. Bradan was there to train my wolf. He and Alpha Bruce looked out for me as a young pup.
“I had grown to love Bradan and had a crush on him until I found my fated mate. I realized then that maybe your gift wasn’t the only thing I held that didn’t belong to me. I believe Bradan had feelings for me, but not those you have for a lover. It was in death that I saw how much he cared for me,” she explains.
“But don’t the wolves live long lives?”
“Yes, we do. I met with the misfortune of coming across the hunters. I had been mated to a wolf from another pack and moved away.
“It was in my mate’s pack that I was poisoned and led to the hunters. Now you are here, and our purpose can carry on. It is time, Taylor,” she replies.
“Time for what?”
“Time for you to fully awaken. You may be the smallest, but you are not the weakest. Over time, your strength will grow. When this moment comes, you will be able to save him and yourself.”