Free NEVER FALL FOR THE FORBIDDEN (NEVER FALL SERIES) by Jennifer Shortridge

responsibility, nor do I want.”
                  “It’s too late. You are what you are. You can not keep your current status.”
                  “Why not?” he prodded. By his age alone he should have been an elder but Triton avoided it for centuries. Nala played a part as well covering for him every time the elders mentioned it.
                  “It’s never been done; the natural progression is that you lead.”
                  “Were you ready when you became an elder?” he said rhetorically.
                  “It was different back then, there was only one older and stronger than me. He made me, taught me, then fought me.”
                  “He still wants to fight.” Triton reminded her.
                  Nala sighed heavily. “I will go talk to the elders. See what I can do.”             
                  As Nala turned to leave, Triton grabbed at her arm pulling her back to stand in front of him, “Are we okay?”
                  She carefully brushed back a lock of his dark shiny hair, “I will always be here for you no matter what. I may have been your lover once, but I will always be your friend.” Nala was shocked when he gripped her tight searched her eyes, “Swear it, no matter what I do, you will.”
                  “I swear to you.” She said weary of his seriousness.
                  “Thank you. I am in your debt.” He released her arms and folded his.
                  “Come to the club this weekend.” She said, not quite sure what to make of him. He nodded and as soon as she closed the door, he dialed Annasara’s number, fingers fumbling over the buttons.
                  “Annasara, hello, it’s Triton, please call me back. I am sorry I have been out of touch for so long. Please forgive me but it was circumstances beyond my control. I ask you give me a chance to explain.” He hung up and hoped for the best.
                  For over two hours he worked to get caught up with his businesses and investments, a slave to his laptop, Triton tried to occupy his time until she returned his call. Triton entered in on a few online art auctions but the distraction of Annasara ate away at him. Every few minutes he picked up the cell phone and looked at the green glow of the screen but saw no incoming calls.               Frustrated, he fought the urge to throw the phone against the wall but instead, took off as soon as the sun went down, headed downtown to the gallery.
                  The car glided into a spot just far enough down the street that he had a view, he sat watching the window for any sign of her. Ten minutes passed before she came into sight. Filled with two dozen or so people,  the gallery must been having an art show as metro sexual men milled around pretentious women all holding wine glasses and programs in hand, Annasara mingling and socializing, point out aspects of the art work and introducing a man who appeared to be the artist. She looked very professional in tightly tailored black suit, short skirt, and seriously high stilettos. He slipped out of the car, and crossed the street to get close enough to read Annasara’s thoughts. She was tired, the day was long, but she was happy she had sold a few pieces. As the party wound down and the people left, Triton returned to his car, still watching her through the window. One man remained in the studio with her, the artist, Triton deduced. Annasara thanked him as he helped her taking down the paintings. The artist leaned into her much too close for professional courtesy; the man obviously was making a pass at Annasara. Triton felt sick with jealousy. His stomach pitched as the artist reach out to touch Annasara’s arm.
                  Annasara backed up and excused herself for a minute diffusing the situation. She