Wolf Shifter Diaries: Lies Tamed (Sweet Paranormal Wolf & Fae Fantasy Romance Series Book 2) by E. Hall (books for men to read TXT) 📗

tell him I have the cloak, the diary, and the vampire jewel. My instinct suggests I keep this to myself for now.

“But what I learned is that nothing was stolen from Lila—the fae allegedly taken by a huntsman against her will.”

Those last words cast a net over me. In the distance, lightning flashes from cloud to cloud.

“Why would the fae kill huntsmen for revenge if Lila, as you said, went willfully with the man?” Corbin asks, entering the conversation for the first time.

“My question exactly,” Greyson answers. “One I was forbidden to ask. But that didn’t stop me from trying to figure it out.” He lets out a frustrated sigh.

“Are there magical libraries?”

Corbin and my dad nod in unison.

“As well as the Library of Memories. But I think the answer is closer. My mother’s diary. But along with her, it’s gone missing. She figured everything out and wrote it down.” His ghostly cheeks shade darker for a moment. “I must admit I tore out several pages with the most crucial information, afraid of what would happen if it fell into the wrong hands. When I did so, the words disappeared. Before I could finish reading, the diary was lost. I fear, forever, along with her...and it seems, some of my memories.” His brow furrows.

“Someone did find it.” I swallow, taking a risk. “Or rather, it was left for me in your house. Tied with a strip of red fabric...that I think belongs to your mother’s cloak. Which I also have.” I leave off the part about possessing the Vampire Jewel.

With each word spoken, my father leans closer.

“The only problem is, as you said, the diary is empty.”

His face falls. “I take it the cloak is too.”

I tilt my head in question.

“I thought perhaps she was trapped in it, invisible. One day, she disappeared. I figured it was because of what my father did, but I may never know.” My dad gives Corbin a side-eye and then leans closer. “I believe if I find the real scepter, not the one Melchior parades around with, and install the missing jewels, I can reveal the truth of all things.”

I think of the illustration in the book back at Lonsdale.

“Then you’re certain the scepter Melchior has is fake?” Corbin asks.

Greyson chortles. “Real iron, but that’s about all. I had an unpleasant encounter with him. Although he’s powerful, and likes to think he’s lord of all fae, he doesn’t wield the full power of the scepter. Fortunately for me.”

“Where is the real scepter?” I ask.

“Again, something I’ve sought.” For a moment, my father looks like liquid smoke.

“Where to begin?”

“The diary. Can I see it?” Greyson asks.

I take it out of my bag.

He unlaces the red piece of fabric. “Yes, this is part of a fae cloak. I feel the magic.” When he parts the pages, sure enough, faint whiskered lines form around his eyes. “Still no words, yet I sense them. I feel my mother’s presence.” He turns it over a few times. “It’s like I can hear her whispering from the pages.”

I nod. “I think I’ve heard her singing.”

“We need your mother’s help. She was especially skilled at seeing through things.”

“Literally?” Because she wasn’t all that adept as seeing through her stupid ex-boyfriends’ lies.

“Yes. Vampires are strong and have super senses, but many have special skills.”

“Do you think that’s a good idea?” I ask.

“I haven’t seen her in eighteen years, three months, and four days. She’s one of the strongest and bravest vamps I’ve ever known. I think she can handle a ghost version of her husband if it means we get to see each other again.”

I bite my lip. “Okay, but she might be mad.”

“I’ll take whatever I can get.”

He hasn’t seen her dealing with her exes so this should be interesting.

“No, we’re going to meet with the Council,” Corbin says.

I argue, but Corbin is in full Alpha mode. My Alpha rises, but in this instance, he wields the extra power and authority of the Alpha Warriors and Guardian Council. I want nothing to do with him.

I resign myself to betrayal. I enjoy these last bits of freedom before what is sure to be imprisonment. Maybe worse.

My life suckage ratio is fifty-fifty at the moment. I found my father and got a glimpse of who I am and what all this means, but it feels like it’s slipping through my fingers.

We’re mostly quiet for the rest of the plane ride. When we land in Concordia, the night has a full moon vibe even though the sky is dark except for a crescent moon and the stars. I consider making a wish, but hope feels like a faraway thing. I close my eyes anyway, hoping that when I open them, I’ll gaze upon a different scene where my father is whole and not a ghost. Where my mother is here, they have a happy reunion, and Corbin doesn’t want to turn me into the Council.

We get in the Jeep. As we set out, several other vehicles follow with their headlights blazing. I sense the betas.

Did you call in backup? Even though I communicate the wolf-way, the edge in my voice is unmistakable.

Greyson slipped through our fingers one too many times.

Yeah, and I’ve really made a run for it, I say sarcastically. Then I add, Hi, guys. I’m not sure how this works since I’m your Alpha as well, but feel free to head home. Nothing to see here.

Camilla’s voice comes through. Sorry, Kenna. Right now, we’re taking orders from Corbin. He’s been with us longer and is therefore higher up than you.

Where I expect to be brought to a police station or somewhere official, I recognize the road leading to Lonsdale.

Perhaps the Council are meeting us here. How pleasant. A homecoming