Free Robert by Sam Crescent Page A

betting it had something to do with the protection provided by the Valentine blood bond that just so happens to be with her best friend.”
    James had spent years trying to understand what had suddenly gone wrong. The Fords were a human family, but a powerful one. One he could have used if it hadn’t been for the fucking Valentines and the bastard interfering witch.
    “Your key to understanding why William Valentine was anywhere near the witch—besides his personal history—is that Sophie Ford is the bond mate of Robert Valentine. Sophie was the payment to provide protection for the witch. Now that witch is in the company of vampires. Find her and kill her or get her to me.”
    He left the warehouse, his guards following close behind. His plans wouldn’t work without the witch. All of the wolves would answer to him if they didn’t capture her soon. The Valentines were always ruining his plans. He couldn’t wait to see every last one of them fucking dead. Turning behind him, he glanced at the array of soldiers about to move out.
    “Oh, and if any of you get the chance…kill one of the Valentines.”

Chapter Six

    Sophie heard a crash seconds before Robert reappeared in the doorway.
    She could tell by his expression that he was angry. She swallowed past the lump of fear building up in her throat.
    “What’s the matter?” she croaked.
    He glared at her. “Do you have any idea of the problems you and your little friend have caused?”
    He began his endless pacing again.
    Sophie tensed. She didn’t know what to do in these situations. The only thing she’d been thinking about was protecting Katie. Katie—she still had to keep her safe and so her lie would continue.
    “I don’t know what you mean,” she said, before she could stop herself.
    He charged over, terrifying her. She flinched away from him but he caught her.
    “Don’t lie to me.”
    He lifted her off the bed, making her face him so he wouldn’t be towering over her.
    “Why didn’t you come to me? I could have prevented all of this. Protected you. That was my job.”
    She shook her head.
    “Katie is a first-generation witch and you’ve been hiding her from me.”
    Sophie paled, unsure what to do or say.
    “She was attacked tonight. William—my brother—saved her. She blew up a wolf, Sophie—a wolf. You came to the Council for protection. I saw your memories. I understand why you did it. I understand that you wanted to protect your friend. What I don’t understand is why you’d keep from me the reason she needed protection. Why didn’t you tell me she was a witch?”
    Sophie was shaking as each revelation came to light.
    “Is Katie okay?” she asked.
    “Katie is fine…for now.”
    “I didn’t know she was a witch. We knew she was different, but not that she was a witch. We wondered, but…witches don’t exist,” Sophie tried to explain.
    Robert cursed. They’d been terrified young women, unsure what was happening, searching for some protection.
    “I’ll have to take you before the Council—”
    Sophie was shaking her head. “They’ll kill her.”
    “There is a way.” That got her attention. “You’ll both be punished, but I can stop them from killing either of you.”
    “I’m listening.”
    “We complete the bond. Once the bond is finished, you will be my mate and by the laws set out I will have to follow through in protecting you and Katie.”
    “We complete the bond… That means we have sex.”
    “We connect with each other and share blood.” Robert tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “This is the only way—trust me.”
    Sophie nodded. “When should we finalise the ritual… I mean, bond?”
    “Tonight.”

    * * * *

    Katie woke up crying, her hands shooting out to ward off her fear. The coffee table blew up. She screamed at the noise, startled. Next to go was a sofa. That was why, in her small house, she only had minimal furniture.
    “Hey, hey. That stuff is vintage.” William trapped her hands together