The Touch of Snow

by Anna Edwards

  "I'm beginning to see that. I think I have a lot to learn."

  "We'll learn it together." Brayden pulled her even tighter, and she took his hand and squeezed it.

  "Why could you not ask the reaper to change Death's mind?"

  "When his mind is set, it cannot be altered. The reaper allowed me time with your parents to explain the situation. They were devastated, as you can imagine. I watched your mother's heart break right there in front of me. She'd wanted a child for so long. They were an older couple. They'd not been blessed until you."

  "It's just so cruel."

  "It was, but I saw a way out of it. I could not stop you from dying, nobody could, but I asked for you. Death agreed."

  "He agreed, just like that?"

  "No. We're not immortal. Though we age more slowly than humans, we'll still die one day. When that time comes for me, I've pledged my afterlife to being a reaper. I'll walk the Earth for eternity collecting souls for Death."

  "I don't understand. You did that just to have me?"

  "I couldn't let the child your parents loved so much become nothing but ashes." Selene let a tear run down her cheek. Brayden moved his hand up to catch it and wipe it away.

  "I'll never be able to repay you for that."

  "You don't need to."

  "What happened to my parents? Do they know what I am? Where I am?"

  He shook his head.

  "They know you live as a creation. What and where must be kept from them. That was part of Death's deal. Your father left his work after you died. He and your mother live quietly now. They mourn, but they are at peace."

  "I can't see them?"

  "No. You are no longer their child. The night you died, we brought your body here. It's sacred to our people. All multi-shifters are created here. The others feared the magic we were going to employ, but I managed to convince them. I'm so glad I did. You've already proven your strength and abilities."

  Selene turned her head into Brayden's chest. She wept softly.

  "Why can’t she see them? Who said she couldn't?"

  "The Council did. Selene, I know this is hard, knowing your parents are out there and within your reach. But we broke so many rules to create you. To give life to your parents’ blood when they thought they had no hope. They mourn the loss of their baby, but they rejoice in the knowledge that you survive on some plane and have a purpose. The Council imposed the rules to protect everyone."

  "The Council made rules I didn’t consent to." She pushed off Brayden and started to make her way back through the channels of the cavern. "If I want to see my parents, I will. Nobody can stop me."

  "They can, and they will."

  Brayden turned and growled at Ethern. "Anyone tries to hurt her; they have to come through me." His fangs slid down.

  "I'm going about this all wrong. Selene, please listen to me. It's important."

  She stopped and placed her hand against a wall. Brayden opened his telepathic link to her.

  "Talk to me."

  "I want to see them. I want them to know that I'm alright. I hear their cries of sorrow in my head. They grieve."

  "They lost a daughter. Anyone would grieve."

  "But they don't have to have lost me. I'm here"

  "You're not the baby they lost."

  She turned back to look at him. "I'm a creation. I had no childhood. I exist only from the day I was found here."

  "No." Ethern stepped up to her side. "You are wrong about what you were created for. All multi-shifters are created for helping people, but you are different. You were created for Brayden."

  "What?" They both spat out.

  "How can I be created for just one man. Actually, don't answer that, I'm starting to sense that this Council of yours is rather male oriented and I think the answer will be one I don't like."

  "You are not created for his physical needs." Ethern looked a little red-faced.

  "Although she's not bad at that." Brayden couldn't help his comment. She was, but he still received a dirty look from her for his troubles.

  "There is a fight coming, one that will change the face of the Earth forever. We don't know when it will come or how it will manifest. We just know that it is coming. Brayden will be the key, and as his mate, so will you." Ethern looked up at the sky. "I must go. Research our kind, Selene. Find out all you can. And prepare. Prepare for the end."

  He disappeared in a flash. For once they were both lost for words.

  "I was made for you?" She ran into his arms, and he held her tight.

  "Just as I was made for you." She was his reason for existing.

  "I'm scared. I'm not sure I understand all of this."

  "I don't think I do either. How do you feel about being specifically made for me?”

  “It explains why we were instantly drawn together. Why I woke up where I did and met your mother first. It shows why I only got control of my powers when I thought that I had lost you. My key, my life.” Her breath was warm on his chest. “I feel scared though that I only exist because you do. I don’t have an identity of my own.”

  “You have your own style and person in abundance. I’d never ask you just to exist for my needs.” He pulled her back and cupped her face in his hands. Such a simple gesture that only a week ago would have set off her changing.

  “I was made for you.”

  “As my partner in life, love, death, whatever comes next. Together we are strong, apart we are weak. That is why we were both made, for each other.”

  “I’ll do whatever it takes to be your strength.”

  “And I yours.”

  “What about you? The fight? Do you think he means with Nuka?”

  “Nuka will seek revenge for not having your powers. He is deluded in his own abilities and the Council will see that he is destroyed for that belief.”

  “You don’t feel that he is the fight that Ethern was talking about?”

  “I believe he will be a part of it, but to play with nature as much as they have done just for him? I’m not sure. I think we need to go home and speak with Kas.”

  “I agree.”

  They made their way back to the car in silence. Just as he was about to open the door for Selene she grabbed his hand.

  "Mates?"

  "Mates."

  EPILOGUE

  Kas stood before them, his formal suit stretched over his wide shoulders. None of the males had been happy when they'd discovered that she was going to insist on the ceremony being suited and booted. They'd had trouble finding suits for all of their broad shoulders. Made-to-measure was the way forward for shifters. Brayden looked incredibly sexy; she was already getting wet at the thought of getting back into the bedroom with him. But first, he needed to take his place as the beta of the Glacial Blood pack. She would be right by his side the entire time. Kas was combining the ceremony with confirmation of their mating. To all who knew them, they were in essence man and wife. She'd taken his name and proudly wore his mark upon her shoulder. For today, all fears of a future cast in shadows were put aside. The work of finding potential enemies lay unopened on Kas’ desk scattered with papers. Training had ceased. Today was simply about love.

  "Brayden." Kas beckoned him forward. "Do you wish to take on the role of beta for Glacial Blood?"

  "I do."

  "Do you solemnly swear to honor this position? To protect those within this pack to your full abilities? Every decision that you make from this day forth will be for the pack."

  "I do."

  Selene looked over to Jane. The woman she now called mother had tears streaming down her face. Zain stood beside her and handed her a tissue before bringing her into a bear hug.

  "Selene."

  She turned back to Kas. "As Brayden's mate do you swear to assist him in his duties forever more?"

  "I do."

  "Jessica?"

  The witch stepped forward. She was in a beautiful teal color gown and allowed her natural form to show, rich markings weaving all over her skin in intric
ate patterns that swirled and changed as they moved. Selene knew this was a big step for her. Generally, Jessica never showed her true self but had felt compelled to do so for the ceremony. Something dark had happened to her in the past. She hoped one day they would be friends enough to discuss it.

  "You have the spell ready?" Kas enquired.

  "Yes."

  Brayden removed his jacket and rolled up the sleeve of his shirt. Kas groaned and rolled his eyes. The others laughed. They were one big happy family. Everyone formed a circle around them. Brayden took her hand and led her into the middle. Jessica's eyes went white, and she held her hands out in front of her. Brayden took one and Selene the other. The magic rippled through her body. Selene looked down to her bare left arm, and a marking had appeared. It marked her as the mate of the beta of the Glacial Blood pack. She turned her attention to Brayden, who was branded with the mark of the beta.

  "It is done." Jessica couldn't help but let a massive smile wash over her face.

  "Does that mean I can take my mate to the bedroom now?"

  "You do realize as beta you have to actually do some work around here?"

  "Later." Brayden bent down and pulled on her lip with his teeth. "You lot can celebrate with a feast of deer. I've got another treat waiting for me."

  "Brayden." Selene scowled. “Your mother is in the room.”

  "I think I really need to head into town later. All this sex talk is making me rather in need of a lady." Tyler cracked his neck and nodded to Scott. "You fancy joining me? I would ask Zain, but I have a feeling he'll have his head in a pot of honey in celebration."

  "Always, unless… ladies?" Scott looked towards Emma, Katia and Jessica.

  They all frowned at him.

  "You really need to try a bit harder than that if you think you'll get into any of our panties." Katia raised an unimpressed eyebrow.

  "Yeah, for example, maybe do some cooking, cleaning. That sort of thing," Emma added.

  "What and risk ruining the manicure I had last week?"

  "Oh, dear God." Jessica laughed.

  "Actually. I would like a woman," Zain interjected, "Do you think we could find one that would let me lick honey off her?"

  Everyone broke out into a fit of giggles and a lot more teasing. Selene stepped back to watch. She was home. This was her place in the world. What was coming scared them all, but together they knew they would be robust enough to fight anything.

  "Welcome to the pack, Selene." Kas placed his arm around her shoulder.

  "Thank you. Kas. I'm sorry for not trusting you at the start."

  "That's alright. I've been told I'm difficult to warm to."

  "I know that you want what's best for the pack. I'm going to help you get that. You can trust me. I know in the wrong hands I'm dangerous."

  "Hush." He silenced her. "No fighting talk today. Today we celebrate." She stretched up and kissed him on the cheek. "If you want alone time with that man of yours, then I'd go and drag him away from Scott. If Brayden gets him in a headlock, then they'll be fighting all day."

  She headed to collect her man, but was stopped by a flash of white light. Everyone ceased the joviality and went to fighting stance.

  As the light cleared, Ethern stood in front of her with three guards.

  "Ethern Lennox. What can I do for you?" Kas stepped forward and motioned for everyone to stand down.

  "I'm sorry to interrupt. I'm afraid this is not a friendly visit."

  "I can see that." Kas nodded towards the guards.

  "Emma Bryant." Ethern turned to the lioness. The guards surrounded her. "I'm arresting you on suspicion of murder. You will come with us immediately.”

  THE END

  GLACIAL BLOOD CONTINUES

  OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

  FIGHTING THE LIES,

  EMMA AND SCOTT’S STORY

  BOOKS BY ANNA EDWARDS

  Contemporary Romance:

  The Control Series: A dramatic, witty, and sensual suspense romance set predominantly in London.

  Surrendered Control, The Control Series, Book 1:

  Amazon US http://amzn.to/2gDAgtG

  Amazon UK http://amzn.to/2gGShn5

  Goodreads http://bit.ly/2fOdQEK

  Divided Control, The Control Series, Book 2:

  Amazon US http://amzn.to/2gutKT7

  Amazon UK http://amzn.to/2gDqV58

  Goodreads http://bit.ly/2gdtMhv

  Misguided Control, The Control Series, Book 3:

  AmazonUK: http://amzn.to/2lxiqM0

  Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2lxojca

  Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2rEaxa5

  Controlling Darkness, The Control Series, Book 4:

  AmazonUK: http://amzn.eu/22w00DN

  Amazon US: http://a.co/85CKiOa

  Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2sr4ogP

  Controlling Heritage, The Control Series, Book 5:

  AmazonUK: http://amzn.eu/22w00DN

  Amazon US: http://a.co/85CKiOa

  Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2sr4ogP

  DEAR READER

  Dear Reader,

  I hope you enjoyed this book. I’d love it if you could post a review about it on Amazon and Goodreads. Getting reviews for my books is such a thrill as it allows me to see what readers enjoy or even, dislike about what I write. It’s all good for me to learn. Perhaps you could mention which is your favorite character and what parts you like best. You could also say which character you’re looking forward to reading more about in a new book.

  If you’ve spotted a typo, email me at

  anna1000edwards@gmail.com.

  I look forward to hearing from you.

  Anna Edwards

  PS – Read on for a preview of CONTROLLING HERITAGE. The next book in my popular Control Series!

  PREVIEW OF CONTROLLING HERITAGE

  COMING 25TH JULY 2017

  Sophie North is James North’s little sister. She has suffered through the brutal attack on her brother all because of his sexual beliefs. This is why she now hides behind the prim and proper personal assistant who won’t allow her clients to ruin themselves.

  Grayson Moore, is a world famous Native American movie star. His action packed Renegade series has made him a household name and with the fame and fortune comes the reputation. He likes his alcohol strong, his cars fast and his bed full of women.

  Controlling Heritage tells the story of how your upbringing can destroy your view of the world and warp it to the point where you no longer now what control is and how it should be applied.

  The story features; orgies, suspense, BDSM, and lots of love. You have been warned.

  Step into the world of Control!

  PROLOGUE - GRAYSON

  “Why don’t you come here and sit on my face?” Grayson lowered his leather pants and pulled out his rigid cock; the tip already dripping with pre-cum. “And you two can suck my dick.” Blonde ‘one’ dropped her lacy thong down her slender legs and straddled over his body and slid up to his face. He could smell how ready she was for him. It was a pretty cunt but you could tell that it got a regular fucking- but then that was what these girls were for. Brought in to satisfy his basic needs and to get off on the fact they had a movie star’s dick inside them. Basic human instinct really. He was always working so didn’t have a chance to find a date on his own. The woman he did meet, well he could never be sure why they wanted him for Grayson Moore the actor or person. It was a downside to the career that he loved doing.

  “How do you like to be sucked, Master Grayson?”

  Blonde ‘two’ enquired while twisting her hand up his shaft.

  “Show me what you know and I’ll tell you if it is wrong.”

  He was jaded. Everyone liked to play the submissive since Fifty Shades of Grey but very few had their heart in it. He wanted a true submissive. Blonde ‘Two’ flicked her tongue over the tip of his cock. He wasn’t as hard as he should be. That would make for good reading in the online gossip pages these girls used to discuss how good an actor was in bed. Yes, such things
did exist. He better up his game and get his head on straight. The last thing he needed was to be labelled a dud in the sack.

  “Take me deeper. I want to feel the back of your throat.”

  “I don’t know if I can.” She twilled in her bimbo voice. “You’re so big.”

  “Then move aside and let your friend try. You can suck my balls instead.” She pouted and her friend, blonde ‘three’ eagerly took over. She had his cock in her mouth and at the back of her throat in a matter of seconds. Blonde ‘one’ wiggled her hips against his chin. He smacked her fat injected backside.

  “I say when you get off babe, not you. Spread those legs further.”

  She grateful obliged and he dragged his tongue up the length of her slit and drove it into her hole. Maybe he could get into this. There was nothing like a succulent pussy to make everything alright in the world. His hands slid up her body to grab a handful of her breasts. As expected they were rock hard. Un-natural.

  “Fuck this.” He lifted blonde ‘one’ up and threw her unceremoniously on the floor. Blonde ‘three’ paused mid-way down his dick. Her scarlet lipstick smudged over her face. “Get off me and get lost.”

  “What?” The sound of Blonde ‘Three’ reverberated around his rapidly shrinking dick.

  “But your PA promised us five thousand dollars if we spent the night with you.” Realizing her mistake, blonde ‘two’ made a rapid retreat to her clothes.

  “And I will pay you the same to get the FUCK out of here. Double, if you get out in the next two minutes.” This time he pushed blonde ‘three’ off the bed and stepped over blonde ‘one’ who was still leg’s akimbo on the floor. He yanked his jeans off a chair and put them on. A Rolling Stone’s t-shirt was whipped over his head in seconds. His sneakers were next. He couldn’t be bothered to tie the laces so just slid into them. Without so much as a glance over his shoulder at the naked, medically enhanced Barbie’s in his luxury trailer, he slammed the door on the way out.