Page 68 of Revelations

“Alrighty then. Not a playful thing, are you? How about you either turn tail and run before I decide to let my knife here have a little fun, or you can morph back into whatever passes for human and you tell me what you’re doing here?”

For a moment, the wolf’s metallic beady eyes closed. Bones popped, coarse hair withdrew into skin, limbs and muscles elongated to return to human form, and the maw shortened.

Greylyn had witnessed the process before. At least it was better than the other type of shifter that shed its skin every time that it altered its appearance. That was just disgusting!

Part of Greylyn realized that she hadlost the perfect opportunity to kill the creature since it would’ve been at its weakest when transforming. But she was willing to show a little faith. Besides, at this point, she could not say thatbeing slaughtered by a wolf in the outskirts of rural South Carolina would not be an improvement from her current situation.

A couple of minutes later, a fully-grown naked woman strolled out from the bushes and splashed through the low creek toward Greylyn. Unashamed, she came right up to Greylyn, not saying anyting—just staring. The eyes were still those of a predator, but they were a lighter silver to match the tussle of hair on her head. The creature could have passed for a gothic runway model with her pale, smooth skin.

Okay, now what?

The wolf had shifted to human form as requested, but Greylyn didn’t know what to say or do. They both stared at each other.

Finally, the creature sniffed haughtily. “Well, this was your idea, angel. What do you want?” For what had been a wolf moments earlier, the silkiness of her voice was surprising. It wasn’t the husky, adenoidal vocals of a hairy beast. It was more of a sotto voce, and honeyed.

“Not really sure. How about we start at the beginning? Hi. I’m Greylyn, and you are?”This is going to be awkward.

A whimsical smile upturned one side of the creature’s mouth. “Yes, that’s as good a place as any. I’m Adeline.” After a slight pause, she added sarcastically, “How may I help you?”

“Well, that’s a first! Never had one of your kind offer assistance before.”

Adeline’s brows furrowed and her mouth pressed into thin lines.

Greylyn changed course. “How about we take a seat on the ground over there and hash out how we can help each other?”

She was painfully aware of the woman’s nakedness—sleek, toned muscle covered with flawless ivory skin shone like a perfect pearl in the moonlight. Although Adeline didn’t seem bothered by it, Greylyn still offered to fetch a shirt or towel or something for her.

“Not planning on staying long enough to get comfortable, but thanks.”

“Then why are you here? Considering who and what I am, you can imagine how I could misconstrue your presence as being sketchy.”

With a feral grin, Adeline chuckled. “It seems that your latest endeavors are making you a popular topic of conversation amongst my kind. Makes us nervous, how you angels screw around with the fate of the world as if it’s nothing.”

Great! Was there anyone or anything out there that didn’t know about the prophecy? And if they all knew, why was no one telling her?

Greylyn interrupted, “First…I fail to see how it’s the guardian angels messing things up. If anything, we salvage what we can and clean up the carnage of others. Second, I was going about my own business when this prophecy crap landed in my lap. If you know something that would be of help, I’d appreciate being informed. Otherwise, I don’t really have patience for more critics, or cryptic messages, at this time.” Too late, she realized there had been too much snippiness in her words.

The shifter sneered, baring her teeth. “Oh, you’re more angel than guardian. I think you’re beginning to realize that. You might not be able to see it, but creatures such as myself can. I’ve seen guardians before. I’ve even seen pureblood angels, both fallen and otherwise. You are entirely something else.”

A chill ran down Greylyn’s spine at the shifter’s words.You are entirely something else.What did that mean?

“Go on.” Greylyn flicked her wrist, inviting Adeline to continue.

“I saw you in Virginia, back at the bed and breakfast. Followed you to the psychic’s place. I knew you’d be back, so I waited. Watched. Then I trailed you back here.” A coy smile quirked up the corners of her lips. “Nice show at the Marine bar.”

Greylyn’s stomach plummeted. There had been a witness to her all-time worst lapse in judgment.

Suddenly, Adeline’s head shot up and she sniffed the air, as if hunting for prey. Apparently satisfied that there was nothing there, she continued, “Figured it was time we have a chat…about the prophecy.”

How did everyone know about this prophecy? And why had nobody ever shared what they knew before now?

“Unless you have something to contribute to the discussion, like what exactly it is, I could do without another pep talk.” She picked up a smooth stone at her foot and skipped it along the mirrored surface of the creek to avoid Adeline seeing the tears of hope brimming in her eyes.

“We’ve protected you from the ones who sought to end the prophecy with your death.”

Really? Wait… What had the little wolf just said?

“We didn’t do this to ensure that the prophecy was fulfilled—no one wants that—but because of who you are, and a promise made long ago.” Her voice floated like a feather on a summer breeze.

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