Reading Online Novel

Crais(70)



“I’ve weeded out a dozen men and three women who were involved. A pattern is starting to emerge.” He rubbed his forehead. “They were all previously patrolling the dark mountains. That’s why I’ve briefly left the castle. I needed to explain the situation and let you know that we’re going to have to go back to the mountain.”

“There’s something more there.” Lucy spoke up. “I can’t quite tell. I think I’m being blocked but we missed something.”

I shuddered. I never wanted to go there again. But judging by the nods, we were going back soon.

“Yes, I wanted to send patrols out to investigate, but I’m concerned about more compromised men and women.” Lines shadowed Quarn’s features; he was one of the only First Worlders I’d seen who looked older than thirty.

“Walkers went through the entire underground; I have no idea what we missed,” Josian said. “But as soon as we’ve dealt with the gathering, we’ll look again. Lucy might be able to see more clearly if she’s there.”

“That’s if we all survive this brilliant plan to place the most powerful and volatile beings into close proximity with each other.” Magenta tossed back her sheet of hair, and it still fell perfectly into place.

“Split ends and frizz is clearly not a problem Walkers have.” Lucy leaned in to whisper from the corner of her mouth.

I grinned back. We so often thought alike.

“So are you heading back, Quarn? Can I not convince you to stay for the night and get some rest?” Lallielle’s brows furrowed as she put a hand on his arm.

He shook his head, a brief smile crossing his lips. “Don’t you worry about me, mother-hen. I’m tired, but there’s too much happening at the moment for me to stay here; I need to return immediately. Lucas can’t be everywhere. We were just lucky he found the planted device and recognized it before the explosion. He saved many lives with his quick thinking.”

I shoved down the new pangs of guilt. Damn, I hated this emotion, but I’d really hurt Lucas last time when I’d ignored his concerns and disappeared with Brace. And I’m sure he’d spent time torturing himself with what we were doing when we left. I might not have romantic feelings for Lucas, but there was a tie there and because of my fear of this ... bond thing ... which wasn’t his fault, I’d been treating him like crap.

“Can I come with you, Quarn? I need to speak with Lucas.” I made the decision and, turning to Josian, I added, “I’ll just meet you all at the field later.”

He nodded. “We’ll be there for the rest of the day so take your time.”

“Don’t worry. We’ll keep Brace company while you’re gone.” Magenta stepped forward, placing her slender fingers on his muscular bicep.

I stared at her for a moment, before taking my own step forward. I flicked out my closed fist quickly, dispelling her hand and moving into her personal space. It was annoying that she was so much taller, but if I’d learnt anything from Lucy it was how to intimidate from a shorter stature.

“Brace and I are melded. You and he are ... nothing. In fact, he has never even mentioned you to me, so I can’t imagine you featured very much in his thoughts. Keep that in mind the next time you decide to try and play the whore-bag-touch-my-man Walker.”

Lucy and Talina both snorted.

“Whore-bag Walker.” Lucy’s eyes twinkled. “That was the best you had, Abbs?”

I shrugged. “What can I say? I seem to have lost my A game when it comes to insults.”

Lucy’s raised her eyebrows, screwing up her face at the same time. “Sorry to break it to you, but I’m pretty sure you never had an A game.”

“You’re probably right.” She was definitely right; I was the person who thought of the perfect reply ten minutes after I was insulted.

I noticed that Magenta’s face had turned an interesting shade of pissed off. She looked like she was about to explode. Colton rested a hand on her shoulder. Her face whipped around to glare at him, and he shook his head ever so slightly. Some type of communication passed between them, and with a deep breath she turned away.

“I’m going to go with you, Red. I might be able to help Quarn while you speak with Lucas.” Brace’s eyes were hard, and I wasn’t getting any read on his thoughts.

Magenta’s breath caught at his words. It was very slight but I still heard it. I could feel pain radiating off her and tried to imagine how she felt. They’d been friends for a very long time, and it was possible that at some point Brace and she had had a romantic relationship. They obviously weren’t true mates, but that didn’t mean there weren’t real feelings there. I felt a little sick thinking about Brace with the long-legged beauty standing before me, but I wouldn’t drive myself crazy until I spoke with him and confirmed my thoughts. Sympathy flooded through me, though judging by her hard eyes she was not interested in my softer emotions.