Fearless The King Series Book One - By Tawdra Kandle Page 0,95
it is, we always just know when we get there.” She dropped her head and sighed. “That’s all I can tell you.”
Michael grabbed my hand. “I hope it’s enough. Come on, Tasmyn.”
As it turns out, while the dress my mom and I had chosen was perfect for the Harvest Moon Dance, it wasn’t quite the thing for walking in the woods.
Michael had broken every speed law getting us from the town hall to Lake Rosu. It was on the other side of town, still within the borders of King.
“That makes sense,” he muttered to himself as he drove. “They’d want to be on King property for anything supernatural they’re trying to do. And Rosu is the only lake completely within town.”
“I’m not even sure where it is,” I admitted. “ I think I’ve seen the signs for it, but I couldn’t get us there.”
“Luckily I can. Listen, Tas,” he abruptly shifted the tone of his voice. “When we get there, you stay here in the car, and keep my cell phone, in case you need to call for help. I’ll go in and try to find them—”
“No way,” I shook my head emphatically. “You’re not doing this without me. And who am I going to call, anyway?”
“The police. Tell them we heard that Nell was planning to hurt Amber. I don’t know, you’ll think of something. I’m not dragging you out there and putting you in more danger.”
“No, you’re not dragging me anywhere. I’m going of my own free will. Arguing isn’t going to change that.”
His hand tightened on the steering wheel, and I heard a sharp intake of breath.
“Fine,” he spit out. “But you stay behind me, and don’t get near Nell—”
I knew it was his worry that was talking and not a lack of confidence in my ability to take care of myself, so I let it pass.
We turned into the lake parking lot, just a small gravel patch between the lake itself and the woods. There was only one car in the lot.
“Nell’s,” Michael nodded toward the sleek black vehicle. We both climbed silently out of the Mustang. I stumbled on the gravel, catching high heels between the rocks. Michael steadied me, holding my elbow.
“How are you going to walk in the woods in those?” he inquired in a low voice.
“Very carefully. I’ll take them off if it gets too bad,” I promised, and then shuddered at the idea of what I’d be walking on in my bare feet. Michael rolled his eyes at me as he pulled me toward the start of the trail.
“You insist on walking into potentially life-threatening danger without blinking, but you’re afraid of stepping on—what, fire ants? Bugs?”
“Or scorpions,” I agreed in a whisper. “Yuck.”
He shook his head. She’s the strangest girl I ever knew. If she weren’t just adorable about it… it would probably frustrate me to death.
I snorted quietly. “I’m not adorable. Remember? I am elegant and sophisticated.” I indicated my dress with a flourish of my hand, and then ruined the gesture by losing my balance again and clutching a tree to keep from falling.
Michael stepped in front of me. “Here,” he whispered. “Jump on.”
“Your back? I’m too heavy, I’ll hurt you.”
“Tas, we have no time for this. You’re not going to hurt me. Please, you’re insulting my manhood.”
Without another word, I leapt up onto his back. He caught my legs around the knees and gave me another boost to secure me as I held onto his shoulders. I laid my head down on his back as he moved much more quickly down the trail.
I raised my head only when I felt him take a sharp left. He didn’t slow down, only turned his head slightly and whispered, “Boulder.” So I knew we had come to the point where we veered off the marked trail.
My heart was pounding, with fear that we would be arriving too late and with trepidation that we’d have to figure out some way to stop Nell once we got there. I took deep breaths and quieted my head, straining to hear any thoughts that might be coming from up ahead. I purposely ignored the undertones I could hear from Michael—now was not the time—but there was only silence until—
No no no no no… please no… someone please save me… oh, God…
It had to be Amber. I leaned closer to Michael’s ear. “I can hear Amber—what she’s thinking. We must be getting close. She’s alive, but I can’t tell if she’s already been hurt or