Free Shattered Circle by Linda Robertson

studied the policies of the witches. Forcing someone to do something against their will was a direct violation of their major tenets. The idea of dragging her to the Excelsior was gaining his favor.
    Gravely, Menessos said, “I swear to you: she has never used such power on me, though she could have. I go to her because it is necessary. My path and hers are weaving together in this matter and there is much more at stake here than you yet know.”
    “Enlighten me.”
    “I cannot, my friend. Not yet. I must get to a ley line before it is too late.”
    “Why?” Goliath demanded.
    Exasperated, Menessos said, “I had hoped to not reveal this to you, but Beverley is missing.”
    Goliath felt his resolve disappear. If Lorrie’s child was in danger, he couldn’t stand in the way of Menessos helping. He nodded once to indicate he would not interfere.
    “Don’t let Ailo or Talto give you any trouble while I am out,” Menessos said as he turned to leave.
    When his Maker reached the door Goliath called, “Menessos.”
    The elder vampire turned back.
    Goliath hesitated. What he wanted to say, what he wanted to ask for, was very nearly unheard of. But the situation was growing dangerous. He had to have it. Hefirmed his resolve. “I have asked you for very little since you Made me.”
    “What do you desire, Goliath?”
    Chin level, shoulders square, and voice flowing with confidence he said, “Our bond must be broken.”
    Menessos regarded him for a heartbeat. One corner of his lips twisted up. “Yes. Indeed, the time has come. You have earned it. I will give you that freedom.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN
    R egardless of Gregor’s protest, Johnny Newman made certain he was the last one into the back of the big Escalade. He slammed the door before the driver could do his job.
    “Grays Armory?” he snarled.
    “Yes. As I said, according to our reports, it is the best choice for the needs of this pack.” Plympton had left his dark glasses off and he faced Johnny squarely, giving him a good view of the silvered eye.
    Since wærewolves could heal afflictions and diseases that occurred before they were infected with the wære virus, Johnny wondered why the man’s injury hadn’t healed in his monthly transformations. But then, Ig had suffered from strokes in the months before his death; while the transformation and reversion to human form initially healed him, the strokes recurred earlier and earlier each cycle. Apparently for some there were factors that didn’t hold true to the norm.
    Johnny decided he didn’t want to know the nature of Plympton’s wound. “Whose reports?” He had questions about what Plympton had done back there, how he had made Johnny’s beast yelp and retreat, but those questions were not to be asked in front of an audience. “Who did the appraisal?”
    “Our kind, John. I had the Zvonul send a group out when I learned of the situation. The Armory may be over185 years old, but the structure was meant to protect those inside. Besides, the castle-like architecture is as bold and imposing as it is beautiful. Very fitting for wærewolves. The pack should be proud to have it.”
    “And if the locals don’t like it?”
    Plympton grinned. “Tough titties.”
    Johnny shot a frown at Todd. They both knew Clevelanders. This would not go over well with the locals.
    “The Zvonul made arrangements to get CCS in the first place,” Plympton added. “This is no different.”
    “The hell it isn’t!” Johnny argued. “The Armory isn’t some run-down building that’s out of commission, used only for billboards, and so close to the Flats that no one cares if wærewolves are in it. The Armory is downtown! It’s a Cleveland landmark, the oldest building in the city.”
    “Yes,” Plympton said. “That is another part of the reason it is perfect. It has also been the host of many historic events and important social functions. Now it will host this pack.”
    “But—” Todd interjected.
    “No buts!” Plympton