Read Blood Challenge for Free Online Page B

Davinia had returned to the trunk and gathered up the stack of baby clothes before kneeling beside Golatia’s rocker. “You know things, don’t you?”
    “Yes.” She grinned, displaying her remaining teeth and a large amount of pink gums. “I know many things, and some I can tell. Some I can’t, and some I just plain won’t.”
    “Is her baby coming soon?” She was careful to keep her voice to a whisper.
    A troubled expression crossed the old woman’s face. “Very soon, and she’ll need you, Ellie.” She lifted Ellie’s hand and squeezed it. “You think you know why you’re here, but that isn’t the only reason. No, indeed. There are many reasons for why things happen.” She released her hand. “Now, off with you both. I need a nap. I’m not as young as I used to be.” The words must have amused Golatia, because she cackled. “Come see me again soon, the both of you.”
    She lowered her voice to a whisper, shooting a meaningful glance at Ellie. “Bring the little one.”
    Ellie stood up, deciding not to pressure the other woman for answers. She had plainly said she wouldn’t reveal everything she knew. Golatia was old, but she was too sharp to trick into answering what she didn’t want to answer, and too close-mouthed to reveal more than she wanted to. It was with a strange feeling of dissociation that she followed Davinia from the cabin, grasping an armful of baby clothes.
     
    * * * * *
    Ellie found herself unable to sleep. She tried finding a comfortable spot, but eventually gave up. She decided to make notes in her journal to pass some time until she felt sleepy. She slid from the bed and padded across the cold wooden floor to the closet, where she had hidden her journal.
    As she passed the window, she looked out. She froze when she saw Rica standing outside in the square. The way the moon backlit his frame gave him a melancholy air. She had the compulsion to join him. Although she tried to stop herself, she couldn’t seem to rein in the impulse. She slipped her feet into the boots and left the room quietly. She decided the parka would cover enough of the pink flannel gown to still be modest.
    She paused at the front door to grab her coat and slid her arms into it as she left the cabin. Her feet crunched through the snow, which rose to the level of her boots or higher in places. She shivered in the bitter cold and knew she should turn back, but couldn’t get her feet to obey her.
    By the time she reached Rica, he had turned in her direction. His expression was neutral as he watched her walk toward him. It was below freezing, but he wore nothing except a flannel shirt and jeans.
    When she was beside him, Ellie had no idea what to say. Why had she come out here to join him? It had been an illusion, his loneliness. Yet, she couldn’t just turn around and walk away without saying anything. “Couldn’t sleep?”
    He grunted.
    She took that for a yes. “Me neither. I’m worried about Davinia.”
    That sparked a glimmer of interest. “Why?”
    “Golatia said she’s going to have her baby soon.”
    The change in his expression was startling. It went from inscrutable to gentle. “You’ve met Golatia?”
    She nodded. “She’s very kind, isn’t she?”
    “Yes. She helped raise Viggo and I after our mother died.” Rica sighed. “She’s good with children.”
    “Do you have any?” What made her blurt out that question? She already knew he didn’t have a wife. It seemed unlikely he was divorced, living in this environment.
    He shook his head. “I haven’t mated yet.”
    “Oh. Why not?”
    He lifted a brow. “You’re inquisitive.”
    She gave him a coaxing smile. “Don’t tell me you’re the stereotypical stubborn male who never answers questions or reveals anything about himself.”
    He hesitated a moment before answering. “I haven’t felt the compulsion to join with a woman.” His voice had dropped an octave, and his eyes seemed to focus on her breasts, revealed by the