Free Hunter Moon: A Grazi Kelly Novel #2 by C. D. Gorri Page B

I opened my mouth.
    “Not necessarily, Grazi. The American packs
are not associated with the Hounds. They have no loyalty or
allegiance to us at all.”
    “What are they like rogues or something?”
    “Not at all, they have their own
infrastructure-”
    “Oh, this is just lovely, ain’t it? Are we
all going to get a history lesson now? It’s not why I’m here Sean.”
Cara’s voice grated against me. Her insult wounded. But I was used
to comments like that from my cousin and I showed nothing. Besides,
there was no such thing as a bad question. I learned that in
grammar school. Asking was better than sitting in ignorance any
day.
    “She doesn’t have the same background
knowledge we do, Cara that’s all.” Ronan spoke up for me, but he
was careful not to make eye contact.
    Not weakness, respect. He knows his place.
It is a good thing for a soldier, little one. His concern is for
you alone. My Wolf answered my questions before I even knew I
had them.
    “Oh, whatever, Ronan! The little princess can
speak for herself, can’t she?” Cara picked up a strand of my hair
and pulled. I did not wince.
    Ronan, however, jumped up, ready to defend
me. An act of aggression . I didn’t see this panning out for
him. I reached out and stayed his hand. His muscles were bunched
under the sleeve of his flannel shirt. He looked at my hand and
leaned back against the wall. But he didn’t let my hand go right
away. Surprisingly, I didn’t mind.
    “Yes, Cara, I can speak for myself. I didn’t
know what I was until a few weeks ago and I still don’t have all
the answers. I don’t know if I ever will. You’ve had a lifetime to
learn what you are and your education and physical prowess are
proof of that. I just don’t see why any of that would make you hate
me so much.” I held my right hand up, no tricks no fast moves. Just
honesty as only a Werewolf can appreciate.
    This time it was Cara who squirmed under my
stare. I could smell fear, anger and confusion all emanating from
her. She looked back and forth. I guess she was searching for some
show of support, but all were still.
    “Grazi is right, Cara. You’ve no cause to
hate my niece. What was done happened long ago and she’s not
responsible. Rolf left me in charge. So unless you challenge me, I
am ordering you to stand down now. Whatever this is you’re feeling
about Grazi, let it go. You are here as her fighting tutor. If you
can’t handle that I’ll relieve you of your position.”
    “No sir. I- I’m sorry. I’ll act in a
professional manner from now on.” The sincerity of her words struck
me. She seemed truly ashamed of her behavior. I doubted she wanted
to tarnish her reputation just to spite me. Still I didn’t see us
becoming lifelong friends or anything.
    “Before we continue I’d like to give Grazi a
little background information.” A few grunts of assent around the
room then Uncle Sean sat down on the leather loveseat. That’s when
all the fun really started.
    “First let’s go over some basics about
Vampires. The one that attacked you was a hunter . A creature
that has been Vampire far too long. You see they weaken with age,
their humanity sheds, and over time, hundreds of years mind you
they become fragile. They are threatened by other younger and more
powerful Vampires and they lose their place in their coven. Some
choose to seek protection. Usually it is provided by Witches who
then use them as trackers and hunters. With their craving for blood
they can search out one among millions with just a hint of that
person’s blood. The mystery here is how he found you. He must have
gotten some of your blood from somewhere. I just can’t imagine how,
but I’ll look into it. Next, let’s talk about the different kinds
of Vampires…”
    I sat still and concentrated on my uncle’s
words. This was a lecture I never thought I’d hear. Beware for
here be monsters.
     
    Walking home that night was like waking after
a really real dream. You know the kind