The Hunted (Guild of Assassins Book 1) by Shannan Albright Page B

nothing really. Just strongly encouraged them to start listening to their goddesses. Isis and Bast are not too pleased with what is going on with this guild.” Amaya’s face paled as she saw the body lying in a bloody heap. “I had wished for a better outcome for Beatrice. She was always headstrong, filled with so much hatred.”
    “Wait,” Leigh said, “how did you know about Beatrice…and the goddesses?”
    Amaya gave a deep sigh before turning her attention to Leigh. “I knew Beatrice when she entered the guild. I tried to dissuade her from being an assassin, but even then she was so filled with anger.” She shook her head, sadness for what could have been a shadow in her eyes.
    “Wait…you were an assassin for the guild? How, why?” Leigh gaped at the woman. Her Amaya an assassin? No. Way. In. Hell.
    “Your mother and I met as apostolates at the Guild of Isis and became as close as sisters. She fell deeply in love with an Aegis from the Alexandria Guild. When he died, it nearly destroyed her. If not for the discovery she carried his child, I know she would have followed him right then. I left the guild before taking the oath to the goddesses, deciding a more idyllic life with less excitement better suited my tastes and talents. Sadly, your mother chose otherwise, and no matter what I tried, I couldn’t dissuade her.
    “As I said, I already decided on the path as a druid and settled into my new life quite nicely. Then she showed up at my door with you in her arms. She wanted to give you the choice she, herself, hadn’t had. Her family had dropped her at the guild’s doorstep when she was only three. Doreen loved you very much, leaving you was the hardest thing she’d ever done. She made me swear to Isis never to tell you about her. I argued, but in the end, she refused to budge, saying no good would come from you knowing about her. So I kept my word and became your mother in all but blood.”
    “I never dreamed…never knew I could be so loved.” Leigh shook her head in wonder. “All this time, I thought there must be something wrong with me, to have been abandoned. Now, I am finding out just how deeply she truly loved me. How I wish I could have known her.”
    “I will tell you all that I know about Doreen if you wish. For now, I think it’s time to go home. The Aegis will care for Beatrice’s body.” Her gaze grew assessing as she looked Taren over. “My, what a handsome mate you have, Leigh. We could use a strong young male such as yourself. If you wish to join our small community, we would be honored to have you. I will leave you to talk it over. Now where did Ola run off to?”
    Taren gave her a respectful nod. “It is I who would be honored, thank you.”
    I am right here. Ola scampered out from the brush by the boulder. And more than ready to be away from here.
    Taren smiled at Ola. “Thank you for your aid, little one.”
    That is what friends do for each other, right, Leigh?
    “Absolutely, my dear friend. And we won’t forget your selfless act of bravery.”
    I was brave, wasn’t I?
    “Brave and fierce.” Taren agreed.
    “How did you get your hands on weapons and that key?” Leigh asked, curiosity clear in the slight tilt of her head as she gazed at Amaya.
    “Oh child, I do remember my training at the Guild of Isis, and I acquired a great many things in my lifetime. Some gave me things in lieu of currency for my healing talents. I couldn’t outright aid you or your lives would have been forfeit, but I could send Ola to you with my note. There is nothing in the rules about being assisted by animals. Oh, and it also states that once you leave the arena, you may use any means you can devise to protect yourself. So, all conditions were met.”
    Amaya picked up Ola and with a wink disappeared back into the forest.
    Leigh turned her gaze back to her mate. “Well, it seems as if you have been adopted as well.”
    “There are not many of our kind that could say the same, and it will