Free Blood of a Werewolf by T. Lynne Tolles Page A

stones and herbs she had placed under his pillow last night.
    Rowan started, “Well, like Darby said, we come from a long line of pretty powerful witches.   The O’Riellys have all had powers of some sort over the centuries.   Our family fled to Oljone, back in the very late 1700’s, to escape prejudices and persecution.   Once our ancestors came out here, they utilized their powers less and less as they didn’t want to go through the persecution again along with moving.   Darby and I are the last of the line.   Our father didn’t even know of the ancestors and their powers.   He may not have even been aware of his power.   He sensed things, but because he never realized it was a power, he never really used it.   He knew, though, when we were in trouble.”
    Darby added, “Rowan and I share that power with each other too, although we don’t know how to use or control it. When we were little girls, Rowan fell out of a tree in the Duartes’ old orchard.   Nobody knew it had happened, but I felt it.   I could see where she was, I could feel her pain and I knew right where to go.   The same thing happened last night with you, Devon. The warmth, then a glow, and I could see into your mind except for this sheer gossamer-like area.   That must be where you hid the vampire thing, otherwise, I guess I would have known last night – that might have come in handy.   As for the velvet pouch in your pocket, well, last night I went through our ancestral book of shadows and found some herbs and some stones that were good at accelerating the healing process and to help you sleep peacefully.”
    “Well, that’s good to know.   We have more assets than we thought, Blake!” Devon said. Blake nodded in agreement and the girls smiled.   “So with a little practice and a little research, we might be able to use this to our advantage. With your book and our speed and strength, we may just be able to work this out – together,” Devon winked at Darby.
    “Together,” they all said.
    Devon turned to Rowan and Blake and said, “Why don’t you guys head up to San Francisco, or down to the boardwalk in Santa Cruz?   Get out of here. Go have some fun.” He turned to Darby and said, “We are going to go on that first date we were deprived of last night.”
    They all laughed.   The girls hugged and the guys jabbed each other in the arm.   The couples headed back to their cars, waved, and went their separate ways for the evening.
     
     

 
     
    Chapter 6

    Both cars left the Halfmoon Bay beach visitors parking lot at the same time. The black Audi turned north on Highway 1 and the sleek silver Mercedes headed south.  
    “So what’s the plan?” Darby asked.
    “Well, when was the last time you went to the Monterey Aquarium?”
    She cocked her head and started to bite her lip.  
    “I don’t know? I think the last time was with my Dad and Rowan when we were in high school. How about you?”
    “Never been.   I’ve heard they have a really great sea horse and sea otter exhibitions.   I thought we could go exploring there for a while to start.”
    “Sounds fun. Will we be staying in Monterey tonight?”
    “Could be! I took the liberty of getting two rooms near Cannery Row in case we didn’t want to drive back tonight, but I will leave that up to you to decide.” He reached over and gently clasped her hand, brought it to his lips, and kissed the back of it with lips so gentle, she trembled and blushed. Then he dropped it down onto his thigh to rest. He occasionally stroked the top of her hand with his thumb.   It was so calming and sweet.   His tenderness seemed limitless.  
    His hand was warm around hers and she worried that his warmth may give her sweaty palms.   The nervous excitement was intense enough. What if he thinks sweaty hands are gross? Can I control it? Shouldn’t they make sweaty palm antiperspirant? I mean, isn’t it normal to have sweaty palms on your first date?   She was looking out the