Free Deer Heart [Shifter Crossroads 3] by Zenina Masters Page A

vow in front of witnesses.” She frowned.
    “Come to my place. I will have the shaman meet us here. I will explain then.” The phone went dead, so she disconnected her end and buckled up.
    Curious, she started her car and drove for an hour to meet with Herd Master Pierce.
    He met her in the drive, and he bowed low. “I apologize. Kevin lied to me, and I gave him authorization to mate with your cousin, Tasia.” She reeled at that bit of information. “What did he say?”
    From his bent position, he answered, “He said that you had released him from his vow, and he was free to mate Tasia.”
    Venny twitched. “That sounds like something he would do.”
    “He is out of the herd.”
    “What?”
    Pierce stood straight, his deep brown eyes angry. “He has lied to his Herd Master and disregarded vows given in front of witnesses. Would you have him back if he were free?” She shuddered. “No matter how bad it gets, I will say no. I don’t want a man who does not want me in return.”
    “Good. Jane is waiting inside. She has prepared a ritual to cleanse you of all ties to Kevin, and she will talk to you about options to locate a mate for you. Of course, you know I am still willing.” She patted his arm. “Thank you, Pierce, but you know you are meant for someone else. Someone who doesn’t skate the far side of acceptability.” It was a bone of contention between them. The herd master was willing to take her on as a mate, but being an albino meant that she would never have dominant status in the herd, and it would create a situation where she could be manipulated.
    He would be manipulated by association.
    Their attraction was mutual, but it was Venny who put the brakes on it. He needed more than she could be. He needed normal.
    She walked with him into the house and into the ritual room.
    Jane was sitting with her horns on, smiling welcome. “We are doing a cleansing then?” Venny sat in the spot Jane indicated and let her do her thing. Three hours of feathers, horns and magic cleansing later, the shaman asked, “So, have you ever heard of the Crossroads?” Venny pulled out the card the jogger had given her, and she stared at it. Transport to the Crossroads
    – Kris .
    The phone number was long distance, but it ended with a smiley face. “Funny you should mention it…”

Chapter Two
    V enny was nervous. She didn’t have samples from her parents, she only had the Herd Master’s and her own.
    The doorway opened and Kris arrived looking much more formally dressed. She was wearing a crimson gown and a lot of jewellery that gave off its own aura of power.
    “Transporter, I beg your pardon, but I don’t have family to call upon. The Herd Master has offered a sample of his fur, and I have provided a sample of mine as well as a chip of horn. Is that acceptable?”
    Kris smiled at her. “Of course. I only have to demand the payment. Nothing says I have to take it. Reindeer horn is fairly rare. You do not often need guild intervention.”
    Pierce stepped forward. “Venezia is an unusual case. She is an albino and that makes things difficult when it comes to fitting in with the herd.”
    The transporter inclined her head and quickly ran through the methods for feeding and clothing herself at the Crossroads. “Do you wish to live at the hostels or a bed and breakfast?” Venny answered immediately. “The B&B please. I have just spent the last few months in a cockpit. I need some personal space.” Kris made a note on a small scroll and smiled.
    “Give this to the swan when you go through the portal. She will make all the arrangements.”
    “I am going now? ” The suddenness took Venny by surprise.
    “No time like the present. Now, are you fussy about mating with a predator or prey species specifically?” Kris stood with her pen poised above the scroll.
    Venny looked at Pierce and blushed. “Um, no. I just want a guy I can put up with who will put up with me in turn.”
    “Excellent. Grab your gear and put