Free Summoned (The Brazil Werewolf Series) by Amanda K. Dudley-Penn Page A

staying with Aurora and Andre until our wedding,” he said, frowning, “Except for the night before.  I wouldn‘t want to break tradition.”
                  Sophia narrowed her eyes, “It‘s not proper.”
                  Marco groaned, “Mother, this is not the seventeen hundreds.”
                  Sophia raised her brow and then, she narrowed her eyes,” You promise that you will not be alone with her until your wedding night,” she said. 
                  “Aurora and Andre will be there.  I won’t be alone with her,” he said as he groaned, “Mother, I’m doing this for no other reason than to protect her.  I told you that I don‘t want her hurt.”
                  Sophia studied him further and opened her mouth in what I was sure was a protest but Aurora stopped her. 
                  “Sophia, you know that we won’t allow anything to happen.  I wouldn‘t want you to think badly of Lilly.  This is the best way for everyone,” Aurora said, frowning as she looked at her, “You do trust me , don’t you?”
                  Sophia caressed her face and then, smiled gently, “Yes,” she said, nodding her head, “I do.”
                  “Then, he can stay with us,” Aurora said with a smile, “Besides; he’ll get more sleep this way.” 
                  Sophia nodded her head again as her shoulders drooped forward in resignation, “Yes, he can stay,” she breathed and closed her eyes, “I’m thankful that Lilly is the last one that we have to worry about this with.”
                  “You know I was worth it,” Aurora said, grinning, “Lilly is too.”
                  “Yes, you both are,” she said looking up at Aurora with a smile and then, turned to Marco, “I will bring some clothes for you later.” 
                  “Thank you, Mom,” he said, kissing her cheek before she turned and left. 
                  I sighed relieved but as I looked at him, my stomach began to flip pleasantly as I realized he would be near me much more. 
    **********
                  I found that falling asleep knowing that Marco was sleeping less than thirty feet away was the hardest thing I had ever done.  I tossed and turned for hours finally falling into the complete darkness of sleep. 
                  The sound of my name woke me, causing my eyes to snap open.  I frowned as my heart picked up speed.  I could not place who had spoken it, even though I was sure that I had heard this person before.  I trembled equally sure that the owner of the voice was dangerous. 
                  “Lilly,” he whispered again and I sat up in the bed, frowning as I looked around.  He sounded so close but I found myself alone.  I blinked, confused as I rose and walked toward the living room wondering if the voice had come from there. 
                  I stepped into the living room and looked around, finding only Marco sleeping on the couch.  His face was relaxed in his slumber.  I stepped closer intending to study him while he slept but my name sounded through the room again, frightening me because I was beginning to grasp who‘s voice it was and why it sounded so familiar.  I swallowed as I thought of Eli in the dressing room.  I realized with a bone trembling realization that the voice whispering my name was the same that had come from Eli’s mouth.
                  “Marco,” I whispered, but he didn’t move so I said his name louder.  His eyes snapped and met mine.
                  He smiled for a moment as he studied me but the look on my face must have alerted him to the fear running through me. 
                  “Lilly, what’s wrong?” He asked, sitting up, exposing his muscled torso.  A frown marked his brow.