by W. J. May
At Morgan's outburst, Tristan turned.
Sophie looked over her shoulder.
The wraith demon dove.
Tristan tackled her. They slid through the sand. Over his head she watched a few of the men aim at the demon. The shots sounded like firecrackers.
The demon wheeled through the air before it careened into the water. Immediately smoke and flames erupted over the surface of the ocean.
Tristan pulled her up and pushed her toward the skiffs. He kept a hand on the small of her back to propel her forward.
The icy cold water embraced them as they tread through the water. One of the men reached a hand down. She took it without thought and let him drag her into the small boat.
Morgan, Aidan, and Jackson sat at the back. She made her way to the back in five steps and couldn't stop herself from slumping down on the bench in front of them. The cold and exhaustion settled in as Tristan sat beside her.
He pulled her against his chest. She heard the rapid beat of his heart. Focused on that as the skiff captain commanded the soldiers to start rowing.
After a moment she turned to see the rest of the soldiers running to the skiffs. She searched and then found Demetri and his team already in one not far behind them. In another she saw Allison and Seline bent over a body. By the relief coming off of Seline, Sophie assumed it was Nolan.
The storm continued to rumble in thunderous tones. The wraith demons stopped just short of the shoreline. They cried out in dismay and watched the skiffs row to the ship.
Sophie tensed when she saw the lone woman standing underneath the raging demons. Akeldama was back in her blond-girl disguise, her hair whipped around by the wind. Even though the distance was great, Sophie could feel Akeldama's stare. Her emotions intruded on Sophie's mind.
Akeldama was calm and triumphant even as the Guardians slipped through her grasp again. Feeling that made Sophie uneasy. The Demoness had no rage, which meant she knew something Sophie didn't. That she had the upper hand.
Tristan ran a hand up her arm and broke the connection. Sophie turned her attention back to her friends. Morgan's hair was a wet, curly mess that was plastered to her face and the dark circles under her eyes just proved her fatigue from the night. Demon blood was dry on her face. Aidan had an arm around her shoulders, which proved how tired Morgan was, and his own eyes were glassy from shock. His clothes hung in burnt tatters from his body.
Jackson peered off into the dark, not really seeing the skiffs rowing with them. Sophie could tell he was a million miles away mentally and that what Akeldama had said about Lilli had gotten under his skin.
It had gotten under her skin as well. Thinking about Lilli being tortured in any way caused Sophie's stomach to clench. Lilli was the epitome of gentleness.
She leaned over and grabbed Jackson's hand. She squeezed it. I promise, Jackson, we'll do whatever it takes to get her back.
He turned his head toward her and nodded. I know.
About the Author:
I'm a multitasking mom of four. When not writing/doing laundry/changing diapers, I like to catch up on episodes of Supernatural and Castle. If you can't find me in front of the computer, I'm most likely watching my DVR.
I've been writing since the first grade, where I wrote a one page story titled "If I was an Indian". My warrior husband was going to be the best hunter, I was going to live in the best teepee and apparently, I was having an affair with the Chief. Racy, I know.
Of the things I'm addicted to sweet tea, movies, and books top the list. My favorite authors include Nora Roberts, Lauren Kate, Kresley Cole, and Gena Showalter. Few of many I love.
Thanks so much for reading!
Sam :)
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FOREST OF THE FORBIDDEN.
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