The Siren by Petra Landon

Author:Petra Landon [Landon, Petra]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-03-29T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 8

Both the Alpha and Tasia break cover

She trudged along in a haze, oblivious to the beauty around her. The plains stretched as far as the eye could see, untamed and spectacular. Under other circumstances, such wild country would excite and thrill her. Yet, overcome by melancholy, she trod the miles, blind to everything. The bus had deposited her at the end of the lonely road, fifteen miles from the property. She’d exited it with a spark of anticipation, hoping a brisk walk through the flowering valley would prove a welcome distraction. But it had fallen short. Like everything else since the bereavement.

The pendant around her neck felt strange and alien. Yet, oddly reassuring. It was a piece of him. For as long as she could remember, he had worn this pendant close to his heart. While they had never spoken about its significance, she’d always known. With each step now, it thudded softly against her chest. She welcomed the kiss of metal on her skin. It was an anchor to hold on to, when she had lost all others in the last month.

Thanks to the deep well of goodwill for the Were-Alpha, a short reprieve had been offered to her — some time to get her head back in the game. The gift had been a godsend. Bereft and overwhelmed, she’d wanted away from home. A change of scenery, without regular reminders and constant memories, might help assuage the heartache. The invitation had arrived at an opportune moment. At first, it had astounded her. No member of her mother’s family had ever evinced any interest before. But in the end, after some reflection, she’d accepted the invitation. The other side of the country, far from everything familiar, might allow her to come to terms with her profound loss.

The sun beat down on her, harsh and warm. It was spring with wildflowers rioting in the valley cradled by mighty mountains, their peaks still blindingly white from unmelted winter snow. But she had no eyes for it, or much awareness of her environs. She put one foot before the other; oblivious to everything, except her grief. Slowing down only when a dwelling loomed in the distance — a cottage with a well-tended garden and a barn-like structure behind it. That was her destination. Though modest and old, it was well kept. Evidently, the owner enjoyed the isolation and the wilderness. She paused briefly, to breathe in the crisp air and soak in the vista of distant mountains and undulating plains, before making for it. Now that she was here, she felt a reluctance to leave the freedom of open country for the confines of a cottage.

A woman in threadbare attire, a severe expression and penetrating blue eyes opened the door. The blue eyes shot to the pendant at her neck and emotion flashed in them, a mix of shock, rage and something darker. Under normal circumstances, her Shifter instincts would kick in and put her on her guard. But the crushing weight of despondency and misery overrode it.

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