Read Winter (Rise of the Pride, Book 2) for Free Online Page A

her.
    “Our room is at the other end of the
hallway,” Liberty informed her, walking over to the tall bed to
pull back the covers. “I want you to rest.”
    “Isn’t that what you’re supposed to be
doing?” Nova smirked, trying to lighten the mood in the room. She
knew her sister was agitated with Winter, but she didn’t want
Liberty to be mad at him. Whatever was going on between Nova and
the Guardian should stay just that.
    “And I will,” Liberty sighed. “Just as soon
as you are settled.”
    “I’m a big girl, Libby,” she chuckled, using
the nickname her sister hated. “I think I can tuck myself in for a
nap.”
    “Sorry,” Liberty groaned, turning for the
door. “Winter should be bringing you something to eat. Don’t feel
like you need to eat it all. The pride females like to make a lot
of food.”
    “Okay.” She smiled, sliding into the bed
once she’d kicked off her shoes. Nova knew how much the panthers
ate while in their human form and had even noticed Liberty’s
appetite had increased before she found out she was pregnant.
Hopefully her sister would start feeling better soon.
    The bed was super soft. The fluffy, white
comforter encased her aching body as if someone’s arms were wrapped
around her protectively. The thought of those arms made her
stiffen. She didn’t need to be thinking about anyone holding her
when she needed it.
    “Nova?” Winter called out, pushing the door
open wide, a tray of food in his hands. Nova frowned, wondering why
he’d offered to bring the food instead of having one of the ladies
she’d seen downstairs do it for him. It wasn’t like the males to
take a job from the women of the pride. They were thankful women
and found pleasure in caring for the men.
    “Thank you,” she said, scooting up in the
bed. Winter set the tray beside her, but not over her lap. The no
touching rule he adhered to was driving her mad. She looked away
from him and pulled the food closer for her inspection. She needed
something to do with her hands and eating kept her eyes off of
Winter and her mind off of his touch.
    “Look,” he began, taking a deep breath.
    “No, Winter,” she interrupted him, staring
at the bowl of soup on the tray. “Just don’t, okay?”
    “I’m sorry,” he said, moving forward. Nova
still wouldn’t look up from her food because tears had gathered in
her eyes and she didn’t want him to see her upset. “Look at me,
Nova.”
    “No,” she replied, a stubborn bark to her
words. “Please, Winter. Just leave.”
    Nova gasped when he took a seat on the edge
of the bed. Her eyes lifted to see him staring at her. The moment
he saw the tears in her eyes, amber sparks fired in his eyes. His
jaw tightened and he cursed loudly.
    “I want to touch you,” he admitted, running
his hand through his blond hair, tugging on the short ends. “But I
can’t.”
    “Why, Winter?” she asked, pushing the food
away. It no longer appealed to her.
    “I wasn’t born a panther,” he explained.
Nova’s eyes widened, her mouth dropped open, but no words escaped.
This wasn’t something she’d known. “I don’t think like they do,
even though I am ruled by their ways.”
    “How…how long have you been one?” she
whispered.
    “Five years,” he answered, his eyes
returning to the icy blue she’d become so fond of over the past few
months. “I cannot damn you to this life.”
    “Is it that bad?” she asked, suddenly
worried for Liberty. “Is my sister going to be okay?”
    “She’s going to be fine,” he replied, but
his eyes flickered toward the floor. Nova sensed he wasn’t telling
her everything.
    “If she’s in danger…” she began, but Winter
shook his head.
    “Liberty is going to live a long, healthy
life,” he said, moving off of the bed. “I have to go. I just want
you to know…if things were different…”
    “Different how?” she asked, leaning forward.
When she reached for his arm, Winter stepped back, his