Free Illusions: Paranormal Shapeshifter Romance (The Seekers Book 1) by Carina Wilder

be asking if it was safe to come out now.
    “Stay hidden a moment longer,” she said quietly. “Those people make me so damned angry. If they saw you they’d probably cook you for dinner and then claim that you deserved it because you were possessed.”
    “Not surprising that they should make you angry, Miss— Lady —Serafina.” The man’s voice came from the church’s doorway and Sera turned around to see the same tall, light-haired man who’d sat in her row standing before her, an amused look on his face. “They’re not your allies. Not even close.”
    “Oh, but you are my ally? Are you going to go back in there and explain that it’s your men who are stealing their sisters and daughters, holding them without anyone’s consent?”
    “I’m not so stupid as that,” he said. “So no, of course I won’t. And now would probably be a good time to tell you that not all Guild members are willing partners in all the madness.”
    “What does that mean?” said Sera. “You’re trying to tell me that you don’t approve; that you’d leave if you had the chance? That some of you aren’t kidnappers and…and whatever else you do?”
    “That’s exactly my meaning,” he said. “But I would prefer to steer the Guild into a better direction; one that functions rather differently. Something more like your Sisterhood.”
    “What do you know of the Sisterhood?”
    “That you’re strong, self-sufficient and that you do not seek unwilling partners for your…ceremonies,” he said. With the last word, the man appeared almost to blush. “That it would be a privilege, in fact, to bond with a woman such as yourself.” With that, he took a step towards her, still imagining what it would be like to pleasure such a beautiful creature.
    “It isn’t difficult, I suppose, to find a man willing to engage in such activities,” said Sera, her tone slightly less confrontational. “But that said, your Guild appears filled with cruel men. The Crones don’t seek cruelty when looking for partners.”
    “I agree that most are cruel,” said Paxx. “Which is why I am speaking to you now.”
    “I don’t understand…why are you speaking to me?”
    “You need to know that the Guild is going to make its way before long to your village, to seek out your members.”
    “Well, they’ll fail. We are powerful. At least the Crones are. It’s not so easy to take them on.”
    “The Guild members have already taken women from close to where you reside, from the nearby woods, in fact. The Crones did nothing to protect them, and word is that their powers are fading day by day. Don’t think that you’re invincible.”
    “The Crones didn’t know that it was happening,” said Sera. “They can’t have known.”
    “Perhaps they didn’t. But I wanted to warn you to watch over your own. To remember that no one is immune.”
    “Are you threatening me?”
    Paxx leaned in, speaking in hushed tones.
    “On the contrary. I am trying to offer you protection,” he said, his light eyes fixed on hers. “Don’t ask me why, as I am risking my own life in doing so. Next to our leaders I am currently powerless. But I want to help ensure your safety. One of our members in particular has an eye on you.”
    “Why?”
    “I suppose because they see potential in you. And potential is good. Potential means future power for the Guild.”
    “How on earth would I provide any power for your people?” Serafina asked.
    “You don’t know about the Ritual?” he began. But he was interrupted by a racket behind him.
    In that moment, the residents of Salem began to exit the church, glaring at her as they passed.
    “I need to go,” said the man. “My name is Paxx, Lady Serafina. And I will do whatever it takes to ensure your safety. But if I’m seen speaking to you now, I won’t survive the night.”
    “Go, then,” she replied as he turned away. “Paxx.”

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Chapter 8
The Sorceress
    T he woman known only as “The Sorceress” leaned her