Free Wolf Tales 12 by Kate Douglas Page B

his human self. He knew only the animal and the ethereal. When he discovered his human form, his history finally became known to me.” She chuckled. “I wish I knew his future. I look forward to his trials with Tala and Mik’s little Star.”
    “But he’s her spirit guide.” Anton’s mind was reeling, and he focused on the simplest part of the information Eve shared . . . none of which appeared to be at all related to bringing his daughter home. “Why would a spirit guide have trials with the one he watches over? Star seems like a wonderful child.”
    Eve burst into laughter. Her amusement was so honest, so unexpected, that Anton found himself laughing alongside her. “What?” he asked.
    “Igmutaka recognized Star as his future mate at the moment of her birth. He has no idea how he’s going to make that leap from spirit guide to suitor, and I don’t see her making it easy for him. I look forward to watching the hoops she makes him jump through. Think about it! With Tala as her mother, and . . .”
    Anton laughed. “No need to say another word. You’re right. The man deserves our sympathies, but this doesn’t help me get my daughter back. Where is she, Eve? What can I do?”
    She covered his hand with hers. “Nothing right now. This is something Lily must do on her own. I told her how to find that which she seeks. I am watching over her and I promise to do my best to keep her safe. You must find the strength to give Lily the freedom she needs to complete her quest. It won’t be easy for you, but you have to let her finish what she has begun. Lives hang in the balance. Chanku lives.”
    “Can I see her? Talk to her? Reassure myself she’s safe?” His heart felt like a huge block of ice in his chest. What kind of father was he? He should be demanding her return. Going after her, no matter where she’d gone. She was his daughter, his baby . . . she was, and would always be, his heart.
    But she was also Chanku, an alpha by nature, amazingly intelligent. Her magic was undeniably strong. He had to learn to trust his child’s instincts. And, as Eve said, accept the fact her magic was even more powerful than his.
    Accept the fact his daughter was already shifting. That alone terrified him. Was he ready for that? Were any of them?
    “I can let you see her, but not speak to her, and only if you promise me you will not try to go after her. I know you will recognize the place she’s gone—it’s where you yourself went in search of answers. If you can’t promise me, I won’t be able to give you even this much.”
    He closed his eyes and searched himself. Could he truly promise not to try to rescue his daughter? He would have to. For all her youth, Lily was no fool. He’d always known she would test him—he just hadn’t thought it would start so soon.
    Solemnly, with a mind filled with doubt, Anton nodded. “I promise, Eve, though you have to know this is the most difficult thing you’ve ever asked of me.”
    She smiled and squeezed his hand. “I hope you realize it probably won’t be the last. She’s an amazing child, Anton. Your child, with your strengths and your magic, and Keisha’s beauty, style”—she laughed—“and attitude. Don’t expect it to be easy, to be blessed with a child like Lily. She is a tremendous responsibility.”
    He laughed but at the same time closed his eyes against the sting of unshed tears. “Blessed? Or cursed, perhaps?”
    “It’s up to you whether you see her as a blessing or a curse. I don’t have any doubt in your ability to realize just how blessed you and Keisha are. Now look, but keep your thoughts to yourself. We must not let her know we’re watching.”
    She waved her hand, and where it passed through the air, a shimmer of light followed. The shimmer spread, took on form and substance, and slowly, like the aperture of an old-fashioned camera lens, brought a most amazing scene into focus.
    Lily sat at a long stone table in what appeared to be a large