Free Cursed by Destiny (WG 3) by Cecy Robson

wondering if the Tribemaster’s invasion could have been a distraction of some sort. Just like when that witch raised all those spirits a couple of months back.”
    Gemini edged his way to stand next to me, his eyes never leaving Misha. “A distraction from what? We’ve dealt with every last disturbance reported.”
    Danny focused on the floor as he often did when his brilliant mind was at work. “It just doesn’t make sense for him to go after Celia. Sure, she killed the last Tribemaster. And, yes, she’s powerful. But why would the Tribe target her specifically?”
    “Celia may be powerful, but in a way she’s also the most vulnerable.” Gemini raised his hand when I attempted to protest. “Your predator instincts and the physical combat you engage in put you at greater risk. Emme can assault from afar; so can Taran. Even Shayna doesn’t have to face an opponent with her sword. Between her bow and arrows and her throwing knives she can keep others at bay. You have to engage in physical contact in order to kill. If the Tribe does recognize you as a threat—one worth eliminating and one who couldn’t survive a mortal wound—it would make sense to take you out first, especially given you’re your family’s protector.”
    I sighed. “I guess. But am I worth the loss of—what, thirty Tribesmen and a Tribemaster? The Alliance as a whole is crippling them, slowly but surely. They don’t exactly have numbers to spare.”
    “I realize my theory is very flawed, Celia. But you were targeted last night, and now today.” He rubbed his goatee. “If I were to hunt deer, I would seek out the most vulnerable in the herd. Despite her speed and strength, I would catch her. I’m afraid someone is trying to catch you.”
    Danny tapped his hands against the wall. “You think a Tribe witch planted the witch fire. And when that didn’t work, a Tribemaster was sent for her?”
    Gemini shook his head. “I don’t know. But it’s too much of a coincidence to ignore the connection.”
    My heart pounded with a dull and determined thud. I looked to Misha. “I think it’s time for me to go on another assignment. I want these assholes to know they can’t mess with me.” My jaw tightened. “And that I’m not their damn deer to hunt down.”
    Misha nodded. “There’s much to be done. I’ll see what I can arrange.”
    Gemini’s phone rang. I stilled when I heard Aric’s voice on the other end. “I just hung up with Koda. He told me what happened.”
    Gemini’s voice lowered. “It was an all-out brawl, but we managed. How was the battle at Squaw?”
    “We wiped them out. There were skiers who witnessed the attack. We rounded them up and had Genevieve’s witches change their memories. I tried to get to you when I heard your call , but we were in the middle of the fight.” Aric paused. “This is the second attempt on Celia’s life.”
    Gem’s dark almond eyes cut to me. “I know. Something’s up. We just don’t know what it is yet.”
    “If those Tribe assholes are after her, I’ll kill every last one of them myself.” In the silence that followed, I could hear Aric breathing hard, trying to calm his wolf. “If she’s still there, I’d like to talk to her. My beast will settle easier if he hears her voice.”
    Worry creased Gemini’s brow. It wasn’t like Aric to have to work to wrangle his beast. And yet I understood. I doubt I could control my tigress if something threatened him. I reached for the phone—it felt heavy in my hands—and walked into the kitchen, careful to keep my voice low and soothing. “Please calm down, Aric. I’m safe.”
    I instinctively pictured my tigress rubbing against his wolf and my arms embracing his human half. I concentrated so fully, I could practically feel the deep thrum of his heart beating against my breasts. I’m not sure if he could see or feel me, or if it was merely my gentle tone that relaxed him as I continued to reassure him, but the harsh breathing on the