Free Shifters Gone Alpha by Michele Bardsley, Sydney Addae, Sedona Venez, Ellis Leigh, Julia Mills, Renee George, Skye Jones, Brandy Walker, Lisa Carlisle, Solease M Barner, Cristina Rayne, Lynn Tyler

boulder, covered in vines of thorns, sharp, long, and treacherous, stood in the path of light, blocking the entrance to the woods.
    “Is this it?” Sol asked.
    “It’s a test,” answered Ty. “The spirit walk is not an easy one.”
    A squawk sounded, then the flapping of wings, before a raven settled onto the top of the boulder. The sleek black bird preened and hopped around the brambles on one leg, then it spoke. “Why have you come?”
    Ty let go of Sol’s hand, and he knelt in front of the boulder. “Teacher, tell us how we defeat an enemy hidden from us.”
    The raven’s beady eyes pinned Sol, and it spoke again. “Turn back, witch. This path is not yours.”
    “We’re in this together,” said Sol. “Where he goes, I go.” She put her hands on her hips. “Answer his question.”
    “So brave. So bold. So foolish, child.” Its beady eyes shifted from Sol to Ty and back to Sol. “I see,” it said ominously. “Answer my riddle and I will let you continue. I cry but have no voice, no wings but I can fly, no teeth but I can bite, no mouth yet you can hear my whisperings. Who am I?”
    She leaned in close to Ty. “I’m lousy at riddles. Any ideas?”
    Ty shook his head. “The riddle was given to you, so the answer must come from you.”
    Silently, she cursed. Why had she opened her big mouth?
    He stood up and caressed her face. A shiver of pleasure rippled over her skin as his lips brushed hers. “I have faith in you.”
    “So, what happens if I get it wrong? Do I get to guess again?”
    “It doesn’t work that way.” His hand felt incredibly warm as it moved down her face. “Close your eyes. Relax and clear your mind.”
    She inhaled, which was a mistake—the man smelled good even in the Unseen world, his scent a mixture of musk and vanilla—and then she nodded.
    “Good. Keep your mind clear of distractions. Think on the riddle.”
    The only thing coming to Sol’s mind was the raven. She envisioned ripping off its wings, smashing its beak, and wringing its neck. Stupid bird .
    * * *
    Ty opened his eyes, and realized he’d returned abruptly from the spirit walk. His uncle stared at him, his expression worried. Ty turned to Solange. Her eyes jerked rapidly under closed lids.
    “Why did you pull me out of the spirit walk, Uncle?” Ty felt panic rise as he realized Sol was in the Unseen without him.
    “It wasn’t me, young bear.” He reached across to Sol and touched her forehead with his fingertips. “She’s at a crossroad. A dangerous one. Another sorcellarie has found her in the Unseen world. The witch is trying to lead your mate down a dangerous, broken path.”
    “Wake her up,” Ty growled, resisting the urge to shake Sol from her vision. “She doesn’t know what she is—how can she battle another of her kind?”
    “Have faith in your woman. Sol must find her own way back to you. Waking her now might kill her.”
    Ty took Sol’s hand and focused all his energy into giving her the strength she’d need to fight.
    * * *
    Solange melted when Ty stroked her face and moved his body close to hers. He gripped her shoulders, his fingers squeezing, nearly painful. “Think, Solange. You must get this right.”
    An insidiousness she hadn’t felt before crept into her awareness. Ty’s eyes were different. Instead of dark brown, they had turned inky blue. She could feel his frustration, but didn’t understand the urgency. His fingertips had turned cold and were really starting to pinch. “Could you ease up a little?”
    His eyes were wild, unnatural as he tightened his grip. “You must listen to me.” His voice sounded like two voices layered over one. ”I must kill the bear. I’ve tried to get close, but he has something that stops me from being able to control him. You will help me.”
    For a brief moment, Solange wanted to obey the suggestion, but impulse had been fleeting. When Ty snarled at her, she struggled against his menacing grip. “I’m not killing anyone.”
    “Silly