Bane of Tenebris (Wolfgods Book 2) by Blaise Ramsay (i love reading books txt) 📕

“I am still unsure as to what their exact reasons were. They were unlike any werewolves I have come across. They followed orders, calculated and weighed their options, even scouted before moving in close,” Kain replied from his spot on the floor.

From his spot against the wall, Gabriel chimed in. “I went to talk to Kain about Anthony Cardoza’s recent genocide of the local packs around Great Falls. It can’t be a coincidence. These monsters have to be following Anthony’s orders or someone who works for him.”

A ‘tsk’ sound came from Lune who leaned against the wall opposite Gabriel, “Of course it isn’t, think about it. Kain finds this mystery woman with no memory of who she is, yet, seems to recall her pack getting attacked by the same werewolves?”

Kain glared at Lune, silencing him. “Tala is not responsible for this. They chased her from Great Falls, tore her apart and left her for dead in the woods. Whatever it is she was sent to do, they do not want her to do it.”

Damien’s arms crossed over his chest, his weight shifting to his left leg. “Whatever’s going on, it doesn’t appear to be good. Great Falls isn’t far from here. Who’s this Anthony, anyway?”

Gabriel replied. “Right, you haven’t encountered him before. He’s Desdemona’s son, the Don of Great Falls. Ramona says he’s looking for something. Desdemona’s doing what she can to get him to back off but so far, it hasn’t worked.”

“Okay, another psycho vampire, great.” Damien turned his attention to Kain. “Does Tala remember anything about why she was sent here?”

Kain shook his head. “The only thing she remembers is the carnage and the voice of a woman telling her to come here.”

Damien scrubbed his hand down his face. “Well, do your best to try and get her to remember. We’re flying blind. Obviously, these new werewolves aren’t afraid of your reputation or Gabriel’s. When our meeting’s over, we need to talk.”

Kain nodded.

Following their meeting in the living room, Lune and Gabriel left with Nathaniel to return to their packs. Damien led Kain to the wrap-around porch in the back of the house.

Damien leaned against the wood railing. His arms spread, hands gripping the wood, eyes staring out into the yard. “Have you considered my offer?”

Kain sighed. “Damien, now is not the time.”

“It’s the perfect time. Look around you. Another war is on our doorstep and from the sounds of it, it’s going to be worse than the last one. You can’t run from this, Kain. Like it or not, we need you. You’re a soldier and a damn good one.”

Kain turned his attention to the backyard, following Damien’s line of sight.

The cool breeze made the leaves in the trees rustle. The smell of pine hung thick in the air as the fog began to dissipate in the morning sun.

“I will be your beta, Damien, but only until this fight is over. However, I’m still unable to change.”

Damien set his hand on his friend’s shoulder, the look in eyes showing relief. “I’m sure in time you’ll remember. Thank you for accepting. I’ll take what I can get, for now. I’m going to need you.”

Kain’s eyes met Damien’s. Inside, it felt nice to be needed again, even on the eve of war.

Tala giggled at the pup in arms suckling the bottle she held. To the eyes of others, she looked like nothing more than a normal human baby.

Jill smiled as she placed her first daughter into the crib. “You’re great with children. Have you had any of your own?”

Tala rose from the chair, taking the second pup over to her mother. “No. I want them, but I haven’t found a mate.”

Jill chuckled. “I can see you have one in mind.”

Tala’s cheeks heated. She looked away from Jill. “What do you mean?”

“You have the same look in your eyes I had when I first saw Damien.”

“Maybe.” Tala sighed. “I’m just not sure if he could feel the same. I care about him, but I don’t know how to tell him or talk to him.”

“It’s Kain, isn’t it?” Jill asked.

Tala mumbled. Had she really made it so obvious?

A light snigger left Jill’s throat. “Kain can appear intimidating to someone who doesn’t know or understand him. Inside though, he’s very gentle and one Sun’s hell of a lover. Trust me, I’ve made out with him a couple of times. Get to know him, Tala. He’s a protector. He’s a perfect mate for someone as shy and reserved as you are.”

Tala’s cheeks grew hotter. She grumbled as she pictured Kain making out with Jill. “Open conversation may work for someone as forward as you. My words just choke in my throat.”

“Then approach him as you would. I don’t expect everyone to be like me. Some women turn as red as beets when they meet a man they fall for. It’s not uncommon,” Jill patted Tala’s shoulder. “Imagine yourself together and let your instincts take over.”

Jill left the room, leaving Tala alone.

Just approach him? How can I even hope to do something like that? I’m not like Jill. I’m not a soldier or a leader. What would someone like Kain even see in someone like me?

Tala left the nursery to the bathroom in the hall. She sniffled, her chest aching.

Kain sat on the front porch stairs reading when his ears perked at the scent of his dear friend. “Good evening, Jillian.”

“Hey,” Jill said and sat down next to Kain, leaning against his shoulder. “What are you reading?”

“It’s a fantasy. Something I’ve had on my reading list for some time now,” Kain replied. He took off his reading glasses, setting them beside him. “It’s good to see you again, old friend.”

“You too,” Jill said. “Damien told me about his visit with you.”

Kain sighed. “It doesn’t surprise me.”

“Why did you leave after your recovery, Kain? You didn’t tell anyone, you just vanished.”

Kain didn’t