Born in Blood

By Linda Andrews

Corruption. Treachery. Family.

The battle between good and evil heats up as one woman continues her fight to unite humanity and keep Earth habitable. And her enemies are upping the ante to stop her.

A scientist will betray everything he was taught to believe. A politician will seek untold glory at the cost of his people. And a leader will become a victim.

When a raider and prodigal daughter join forces, they'll discover how much they stand to lose. Will their sacrifices bring them closer to victory or annihilation?

Born in Blood continues the epic journey in a horrifying post-apocalyptic world. If you enjoy suspense filled, realistic sagas of survival then you'll love Linda Andrews's thriller at the beginning of a new world.

Purchase Born in Blood today and enter a world of kill or be eaten.

Warning this book contains graphic violence, offensive language, and cannibals playing with their food.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Linda Andrews
• Release date: Oct 9, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301569489

Linda Andrews

Linda Andrews lives with her husband and three children in Phoenix, Arizona. When she announced to her family that her paranormal romance was to be published, her sister pronounce: "What else would she write? She’s never been normal."All kidding aside, writing has become a surprising passion. So just how did a scientist start to write paranormal romances? What other option is there when you’re married to romantic man and live in a haunted house?If you’ve enjoyed her stories or want to share your own paranormal experience feel free to email the author at lindaandrews at lindaandrews dot net She’d love to hear from you.

Book preview

Chapter 1

It is easier to denature plutonium than to denature the evil spirit of man.

— Albert Einstein

Harlan Westminster turned away from the afternoon sun. His shadow cut across the pristine white stone path snaking through the park and shot like an arrow across the manicured green grass. A gust shook the pines lining the walk. His grip on the stroller tightened and Belle's infant son stirred.

Your daughters are doing remarkably well in their testing. The middle-aged woman hand-pressed her spotless green shirt and smoothed the bright fabric over her round hips.

The woman was a teacher. Someone solely devoted to explaining to others how to read, add and write. Only in Dark Hope could such a miracle exist. In the bowl of earth constituting the park, brown needles pelted Harlan’s shoulders and arms from the cathedral of branches arching overhead. He picked one off his homespun tunic and rolled it between his fingers. It crumbled under his touch.

I'm so glad. I taught them what I know, but it isn't much. Mirabelle, Harlan's sister, smiled down at her three and five year old daughters tugging on her arms. The worry lines creasing her forehead eased.

No, he and his sister hadn't had much schooling. Not in the Outlands where they'd been born, where Hell had come to Earth in the form of cannibal 'Viders who'd destroyed everyone and everything they'd known.

And the main 'Vider pack still roamed the Outlands.

Somewhere beyond the cradle of towering mountains, the 'Viders skulked ever closer to this paradise.

A fact the people of Dark Hope seemed oblivious to.

You’ve done very well. Most Outlander children don’t know their letters when they arrive. I have no doubt your children will catch up to our native ones within the year. The teacher stooped and picked a round, red and black bug off the grass. It walked across her fingers as she presented it to Cat, Harlan’s oldest niece. Do you know what this is?

Cat’s green eyes narrowed. She held out her small hand. The insect crawled onto her fingertip before flying away. It’s a lady-bug, right?

The teacher grinned. It is indeed. The smallest of creatures are the most important and most vulnerable. Without them, we wouldn’t be here.

Then I’ll take care of it. Cat pulled out of her mother’s grip and dashed after the speck flitting under the canopy.

Biting his lip to keep from calling her back, Harlan stuffed his hands in his pockets. The little girl would be safe here. For now. In all the stored Dark Hopian knowledge lay the solution to the ‘Vider problem. It had to be there. God knew his arrows hadn’t made a dent in the cannibals numbers during the ten years it had taken him to rescue his sister and her offspring.

Mirabelle picked up her youngest daughter, who rested her head against her mother’s shoulder and closed her eyes. In our adult classes, the teachers talk about how fragile the world has become. It is hard to believe these tall trees are fragile.

Adult classes. While Mirabelle had taken modules on reading and writing, Harlan had been at the Security Center having his ass whooped by the peace-loving folks of Dark Hope. Their nonlethal methods served them well in this place. But in the Outlands, only death ensured the enemy's defeat.

The pines are perhaps the most fragile. The teacher gestured to the netting of needles littering the ground. They’re the first to be affected by the radiation.

Radiation—an invisible force the Dark Hopians feared more than the ‘Viders. This radiation couldn’t possibly result in a violent, agonizing death like the cannibals delivered. Harlan's gaze darted to the middle-aged woman. Still, this teacher and others like her were the answer to so many prayers. He wiggled his fingers. Smooth metal links trickled over his pads.

He pulled the chain from his pocket. When he offered the chain, its gold medallion caught the sunlight before swinging wildly from the length. Please accept this as payment for all you’ve done for my sister and her family.

The teacher’s brown eyes landed on the necklace before skittering away. She paled. Oh, no. No, I couldn’t possibly.

The chain bit into his fingers, cutting off the circulation. Right, these Dark Hopians didn’t value gold. Didn’t value any of the skills that he’d needed to keep himself alive in the Outlands all the years he'd spent alone.

Payment isn’t necessary. The teacher sidled away from the necklace. Yet kept it in her peripheral vision, as if afraid it would attack her. I am very honored to be able to teach. I don’t need anything else.

Harlan sighed. The ‘Viders didn’t value gold. The Dark Hopians didn't value gold. Someone kept changing the rules of the game.

I'll see you tomorrow in class. Stirring needles in her wake, the teacher hustled away.

With her free hand, Mirabelle latched onto his forearm. I can't believe you have gold. Real gold. At least I don't have to worry about you ending up alone. You have a dowry to bribe some woman into taking your ugly hide.

I think I'll do alright. Harlan's gaze trekked up the hill, where Serendipity Tahoma talked to a handful of women. Sera. Her soft name matched her soft skin and tender heart. A precious commodity that needed protecting.

And since he didn't have anything better to do...

Sera waggled her eyebrows.

He winked back.

Belle squeezed his arm. You're facing some pretty stiff competition there, brother. And I doubt you have that much gold.

Sera doesn't want my gold. Harlan tucked the necklace into his pocket. His fingers immediately sought another charm. Warm metal bumped against his hand. His fingers slipped around the dolphin, stroked the arched back and bent fins.

No, Sera's people value knowledge, heritage, and manners. Belle bit her lip. Red tinging her cheeks, she stared over his shoulder. Given how important Sera is, I doubt they would take all the gold you could acquire in a lifetime for her. Even if they sold their women.

Princess Peaches. Harlan smiled at the memory of Sera's offense when he'd first used the nickname. Now she just rolled her eyes and shook her head.

He was growing on her.

Sera's peach colored outfit stood out among the bright reds, greens and blues. A knot of honey-colored hair clung to the curve of her neck. Catching his eye, she widened her smile before holding out her sleeve for the ladies to admire the embroidery on her cuff.

Belle rested her head against his shoulder. I love you, Harry, but maybe you should look for someone among our own kind.

Maybe, but he wouldn't. Sera gave him tunnel vision, just like he'd had when rescuing his sister from the 'Viders.

He'd won then, he'd win now.

Belle snapped her fingers in front of his nose. Harry? Hello? Earth to Harry?

Harlan focused on his sister. Do you know humans once walked on the moon?

Belle blinked. What?

Sometimes the hardest thing is the most worthwhile. He tugged out the dolphin charm and held it out to his sister. Besides, I have the Westminster good luck charm.

Oh. Her mouth opened and closed. You have the family wedding dowry.

I found it when I buried... He swallowed the lump in his throat. Images of the pieces that he'd found of his mother and father burned his retinas until his eyes watered to put out the flames. He squeezed the tears from his eyes before facing his sister.

I miss them so much. Do you, Harry?

Every damn day. But things were a little better now.

Sniffling, Belle wiped her nose on her sleeve, then cleared her throat. Well, with the family good-luck charm, you'll definitely win her heart.

He curled his fingers around the necklace. The token had brought his parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents unending love. Surely as the last surviving Westminster male, he was entitled to the legacy.

And I'll help. Belle straightened her tunic. She gave me a list of books she loves for me to read. If you read them, then you'll have something to talk about.

Books? Read? Him? Had his sister lost her ever-loving mind? Unless those books were manuals on self-defense or battle strategies, he wanted no part of them.

Cat skipped back, munching on a headless gingerbread man.

Belle sucked in a deep breath. Catherine North Westminster! That had better not be a cookie I see you eating. We have not eaten lunch yet.

Cat stopped mid-chew and swallowed. She looked at the bitten cookie then at her mother. Um.

Give it. Harlan held out his hand.

Sorry, Mom, but I'm hungry. Cat dropped the cookie into his palm just as Belle started her lecture.

Biting the cookie’s arm off, Harlan pushed the stroller up the hill. Flavorful spices rolled around his tongue, none he could name. A cookie wouldn't spoil his appetite. Maybe nothing would.

Sera thumped the picnic basket against her leg. Yes, Ms. McAdams, I believe you should submit that suggestion and have everyone vote on adding a few streams.

It can serve as a hatchery, an education module and recreation for those who wish to fish, and... Ms. McAdams inhaled so deeply her mammoth breasts strained against her tunic.

Harlan watched to see if the hawk-faced woman's zipper would hold and bit off a leg of the cookie.

Harlan. Sera cleared her throat and glared at him.

The four women swayed on their feet as if torn between protecting Sera and moving away from him.

He swallowed the bite in his mouth and swept his tongue over his teeth for crumbs before speaking. He had some manners. They'd just been dormant for a decade.

Ladies. He waved the remains of the cookie at Sera. Reaching the top of the hill, he set the brake on the stroller. Sorry to interrupt but we're getting a little hungry. Do you want me to take the basket and get everything set up while you finish your conversation?

Ms. McAdams peered down her hooked nose at the sleeping baby. Yours?

Her three shadows aped her actions.

Mine. Harlan stretched the canopy open, blocking the woman's view of his nephew.

Sera's brown eyes narrowed, and she pressed her lips together for a moment. No, I think these good ladies have only to implement their idea. No further consultation is necessary.

Bird woman and her three chickadees didn't move.

Sera sighed, I am frightfully hungry.

Oh! Ms. McAdams bounced on the balls of her feet. A brooch with the entwined letters D and S jiggled on her massive chest. Oh, yes, dear. We didn't mean to keep you. As one who shares your lineage, I understand how time consuming orientating newcomers can be. But duty calls.

This woman had about as much in common with Sera as an orangutan. He liked the orangutan better as it lived on the other side of town. Harlan kicked off the brake and pushed the stroller forward.

It smacked into McAdams's thick ankle and she yelped.

Sorry. Harlan peeled his lips back over his teeth. Where I come from, we don't have wheels.

Well, I never. McAdams and her trio of twittering women flounced toward the city.

Green grass and huge trees divided the rings of Dark Hope. From the outside in, he noted the circular buildings housing indoor farms, the square living complexes, and then the rectangular public spaces with the central dome in the bull's eye. Sunlight glittered along the dark surfaces banding the buildings and rooftops. Solar energy powered the city. White scoops atop each building connected everything via invisible streams of data.

In the distance, dirigibles bobbed on the breeze like oval jelly-fish. People puttered along the ivory sidewalks in clothes the colors of the rainbow.

The people had so much... to lose.

Sera turned her head and coughed. When she uncovered her mouth, she was grinning. You don't have wheels where you come from?

He shook the cookie at her. You're just lucky I'm housebroken. Imagine how embarrassing that would be at your mother's gala event tonight.

God, he almost wished he wasn't housebroken. At least, then he'd have a reason not to show.

We won't be here much longer. We have a traitor to catch and bad guys with guns to stop before they attack Dark Hope. Sera snatched the cookie from his hand and stuffed it into her mouth. Shoving the lump to the side, she chewed. I am starving. What took you so long? Didn't you see the signals I was sending?

Yep. He rocked back on his heels. I didn't think you had it in you to flirt with so many others around, Peaches.

I wasn't flirting. Shaking her head, she brushed the crumbs off his coarse shirt. I was trying to get your attention.

Touching him was a sure way to do it. Hell, he could think of lots of others, but not when they had an audience. Next time just touch your blouse zipper. I'll be there before it moves an inch.

Uh-huh. Clasping the tab, she tugged. Bit by bit, she pulled it down.

He rose onto his toes and stared at the slowly parting fabric. Pink and cream skin with a dusky shadow of cleavage. Tempting. Just like on the fruit. Half an inch?

We're not negotiating. She jerked the tab up and closed the fabric almost to her throat.

There are words for that kinda behavior in the Outlands. But it usually cost him extra. He rubbed the tattoos covering the scars on his throat and neck.

Flirt? She smiled.

Unhappy breeder. The women in the cribs always wanted a man to buy her way out of the program. The idiot that tried always ended up broke or dead. Sometimes both.

Sera elbowed him in his stomach. Why did I invite you along?

He rubbed the sting from his gut. If he didn't answer correctly, he might find himself flung over her shoulder and sliding down the hill. Just as he opened his mouth to reply, a deep horn blared.

Two more blasts followed.

In the city below, people stopped in the streets.

Harlan cupped Sera's elbow and gripped the stroller with his free hand. His nephew squawked and mewled.

Mirabelle raced toward them, her daughters jogging at her sides. Again? How many of these alarms do you have per day?

A storm cloud blocked out the sun.

Then the alarm fell silent.

Chapter 2

Standing on the hill overlooking the city, Sera checked her watch. The emergency alert system had sounded nearly an hour before this morning's news had predicted. Her grip tightened on the picnic basket handle.

How are we supposed to take the alarms seriously, when they sound all the time? Belle tightened her hold on the daughter in her arms and reached for her oldest girl, Cat.

Standing protectively over his nephew, Harlan scanned the white and green city five blocks away. Hey, I'm sure the girls will enjoy eating our picnic in the shelters.

Come on. Sera led them down the path toward the city. No one panicked in Dark Hope. They depended on the technology to take care of them, keep them safe. And it did. But soon it wouldn't be enough. A traitor lurked on the clean streets.

Citizens of Dark Hope. A feminine voice boomed out of speakers hidden under the LED gumdrop lamps in the park's walkway. This is not a drill. Please listen to the following instructions for your continued safety and well-being.

Below the hill, the people on the streets of the city began neatly filing indoors.

Maneuvering Cat in front of her, Belle moved close to her brother. Is it the 'Viders?

Sera shuddered. She'd met the 'Viders once, been their Tribute. The cannibals and their brutal ways still haunted her nightmares.

No. They're far away. Pushing the stroller with one hand, Harlan set his other hand on the small of his sister's back.

Looking over her shoulder, Belle quickened her pace. But they never found North.

Sire is coming? Cat stumbled as they walked off the path into the grass. I can't wait to show him my room.

Belle cleared her throat and blinked rapidly.

North was Belle's owner-slash-husband, father of her children and second-in-command of the now dead 'Viders. The few survivors she and Harlan had rescued claimed the couple shared real affection.

Sera bit her tongue. How could anyone love a cannibal? Especially one who killed your parents and brother then forced you to weave their scalped hair into clothing?

The Security Forces hadn't found any trace of the 'Vider leaders in the twenty-four hours since the clan had been poisoned and died. God forgive her, she hoped they never did.

Not your father, sweetie. Sera settled the basket into the crook of her arm and reached for Cat's free hand. The white stuccoed restrooms shimmered in the warm sunshine a hundred feet away. The alarm is about the radiation.

The five-year old turned her face to the sky. Radiation? She dragged out the word as if testing it. Do people fear Rad'ation?

Yes. Smart people knew that the deadliest things could be unseen. Like radiation, like the one-two punch of a virus and bacteria that nearly wiped out all life on Earth over a hundred years ago. Deadly things worked without anyone noticing. Like the traitor sabotaging Dark Hope by providing weapons to the Outlanders.

Just how many deadly stun-guns had made it into enemy hands?

Cat nodded and her long black braids slapped her thin shoulders. I'm gonna call my daughter Rad'ation then.

Cat, we don't— Belle stumbled.

The emergency alert siren wailed again, drowning her words.

Harlan set two hands on the stroller and shoved it over the grass. He waited for the alarm to fade before speaking. Why don't they just tell us what is going on instead of deafening us with that racket?

Studies have shown, citizens pay more attention to information after three attention gathering warnings. Sera smiled. Harlan stated the obvious, but unfortunately studies had proven otherwise. Dark Hope was big on studies. Everything had to be examined in minute detail before any action could be considered. Ditto with the course of action.

The process nearly drove her mad.

Citizens of Dark Hope. A voice boomed out of speakers hidden under the LED lamps clinging to the restroom walls. The lights flickered to red with the end of the second alarm. This is not a drill. Please listen to the following instructions for your continued safety and well-being.

Harlan stuck a finger in his ear and wiggled it. I don't suppose they could just get to the message for those of us who are paying attention.

It's a computer program. It doesn't know who's paying attention. Sera motioned to the utility door at the far end of the rectangular building. That's our entrance.

At least, we still have our lunches. Belle raised her voice despite the silence then blushed. Sorry. I don't think I can handle being this close to the alarms. They're very loud.

And they'll be louder standing under them. Checking the biometric pad next to the jamb, Sera spotted the green light and twisted the knob. Let's get below.

The door opened on silent hinges, revealing a small grated platform and stairs leading to a lower level. Cool air swirled around them and the faint hum of electronic equipment mingled with the swoosh of water in pipes. Strings of fiber-optic lights twinkled red and white along the ivory stone walls.

Belle ushered her daughter inside before they stopped on the landing. What is this place?

The arteries and veins of the city. Pushing the door all the way open, Sera leaned against it. The conduits carry electricity, water, wastes, food, crops and everything else to the processing facilities. Nothing is wasted; everything is reused, recycled or repurposed.

Harlan maneuvered the stroller inside. Be right back.

Wait! Warm cotton fabric rasped against Sera's fingers. Where was he going? Didn't he hear her telling him about the radiation? Maybe he'd been too busy calculating how much gold it would cost him to see Ms. McAdams's enormous breasts.

He had far too much gold.

He dashed across the grass just as the third siren split the air.

The infant inside the stroller scrunched up his nose. His face turned red, then he screeched.

Ears ringing, Sera eased the door closed. The thick stone muffled the outside alarms, but not the tiny human one.

I can't wait until you teach him not to cry. Cat slipped free and climbed onto the railing surrounding the platform.

Looking at Sera, Belle adjusted her hold on her three-year old daughter, who buried her face in her mother's neck. Would you mind?

Uh. Sera glanced at the squalling baby. So small and fragile. Only a few days old. Wracking her memories for anything useful from her child development class, she strummed her bottom lip through her teeth and set the picnic basket down. She wiped her damp palms on her slacks. She could do this. She'd had the training. Of course it was her only B. Ever.

Fists flailing, baby John bonked himself on the cheek and screamed louder.

Belle shifted closer. Her lips twitched. Do you want to take Soledad, and I'll take John?

No, I can do it. Sera's fingers twitched. This was silly. She'd had all the classes, even read a few extra books on child rearing. She slid her hand along the blanket. Tiny feet kicked her forearms. Cupping his bottom, she cradled his head and lifted.

Arms and legs splayed to the side. The babe's blue eyes narrowed, and he sucked in a quivering breath.

Sera's lungs seized. Such determination, such irritation. He reminds me of your brother.

Belle squinted at her son. How so?

Baby John drew his arms and legs against his body and yelled.

Sera's eyes nearly rolled back in her head. She swung the baby gently up and down. They're both grouchy when they don't get their way.

The door opened. The drone of the fading siren ushered in Harlan. Two bulging green napkins hung from each hand. After kicking the door shut, he jerked to a stop at the sight of her. Like all men, he'll be happier close to your chest, Peaches.

Heat seared Sera's cheeks. The man had a fascination with breasts. She swung the infant and he hiccoughed.

Setting the bulging napkins on the basket, Harlan eased the baby against her torso. His fingers caressed her neck before he swept her hair over her shoulders. Feeling safe is often a full-contact sport.

Baby John snuffled against her peach shirt, leaving wet marks behind. His hands opened and closed against her chest.

Fortunately, he didn't scream.

Once more experience outweighed book knowledge. Sera's sigh ruffled the fluffy hair on the infant's head. At least, it explained why she kept Harlan around.

Citizens of Dark Hope. A voice boomed out of the tunnels’ Public Address system. This is not a drill. Please listen to the following instructions for your continued safety and well-being.

I'm really beginning to find that voice annoying. Harlan set the basket in the stroller, then added his extra bundles. Gingerbread men spilled across the seat.

Sera's stomach growled. She really wanted a cookie but didn't dare let go, lest she drop the baby. Come on. We need to show Belle the way to the approved shelter, check in, and then make our escape.

Cat descended the stairs, pausing to place two feet on each riser.

We're escaping? Clasping the stroller, Harlan lifted it. His muscles rippled under his shirt as he clomped down the metal staircase.

Resting her elbow against the cool tubular railing, Sera slowly followed. The view from behind descending the stairs couldn't beat the one when he climbed in front of her. Of course, she wasn't so crass as to offer to pay him to view his gluteus maximus. Yes, we're escaping. You promised to help me find the traitor, remember?

She accidentally kneed him in the behind. The jerk had better not go back on his word.

He glanced over his shoulder. I remember. But I didn't plan for our getaway, Peaches.

At the bottom of the steps, Belle tapped her foot. Really, Harry, do you think you're the only one who can plan things?

Yep. Especially, if I want them to succeed. He dropped the stroller with a thump and scooped up a cookie. Neither of you thought to rescue these from the big, bad radiation. He tore off a head and chewed. Now we'll have sustenance on our journey into the Outlands.

Do you really think we need such a big basket of food for a picnic? Belle caught her daughter's hand before she snatched up a cookie. Don't spoil your appetite.

They'll have food stores laid in at the shelter. Sera gestured to the hallway directly in front of them. Straight ahead and second tunnel on the right.

Citizens, our satellites have detected dangerous levels of solar radiation penetrating the weakened magnetic field directly overhead. Cancer risk is high. Please report to the nearest shelter and check in. Security personnel please stand by for a list of unaccounted citizens near your station.

Harlan snorted. That's the danger? Cancer? Everyone gets cancer.

Not everyone needs to. The shelters reduce everyone's exposure and minimizes the risk. Wet seeped through Sera's shirt. The infant's face scrunched up as he suckled. Baby John was hungry.

Not everyone, Peaches. Harlan turned the cookie in his hand and held up an unbitten leg to her lips. I don't think the folks in the Outlands got the message.

The cookie turned to ash in Sera's mouth. No, the folks outside of the Consortium of cities like Dark Hope lived in primitive conditions and under the steel boot of thugs. She'd gone there to document the Outlanders' humanity before stumbling onto the weapons smuggling operation and Harlan.

She'd returned without finishing her documentary or finding the traitor. But she still had Harlan. She slogged toward the muffled voices. Or maybe she only rented him.

Harlan nudged her shoulder as they rounded the corner. We can warn folks on the outside once we escape.

Sera opened her mouth and closed it. The embassy in Abaddon had radios that could pick up the warning. Maybe her uncle wouldn't notice a few of the radios missing. Ideas whirled inside her head. With Harlan's help, she could actually visit more of the villages, document their oppression and willingness to help.

Sera, dear, we were looking for you. Ms. McAdams waved from beside the closed door. Her jaw opened just a little at the sight of the baby. "Oh, you look so natural with that child in your arms. Why, it won't be long now, until you hold the next generation of natural-born Dark Hope citizens. You are nearly thirty, aren't you?"

Oh, good gravy. Sera's skin flamed red. The head of the busy-body club was warning Harlan away. She had to get him out of here before things got out of hand.

Thirty? Harlan choked on a cookie, spraying crumbs over Ms. McAdams pristine emerald tunic.

Ms. McAdams brushed them off her massive chest, flicked them in Harlan's direction, and then slowly polished her brooch. The Tahomas don't have children before then. Or get married. It simply isn't done.

Thank you for your worry, but as you can see, we're fine. Just a little hungry. Her deflection fell short as Harlan and Ms. McAdams stared each other down. Juggling the baby with one hand, Sera pressed her palm to the biometric key. She stepped between the two. Belle, if you and the children will just set your hand on the black box, you'll be accounted for.

People filled the gathering room beyond the double doors. Some gathered around tables and talked. Others watched their favorite programs on the holographic projections. More sat around square cubes and opened up the game menus.

Belle hustled forward. Her gaze darted from her brother to the older woman. I do hope there's food. The children are very hungry.

Can I have a cookie later? Cat set her small hand on the display.

Yes, of course. Belle tugged the stroller out of her brother's grip. Harry, check in.

Thought Dark Hope was about freedom, not mindless obedience to someone else's opinion. Harlan skimmed his fingers across Sera's back. Instead of stepping forward, he leaned over her and placed his palm on the black box. Perhaps I took a wrong turn somewhere and ended up in Backward Podunkville run by a bitter old crone.

A wall of solid muscle crowded Sera forward.

Ms. McAdams stiffened, and crimson suffused her square jaw. Well! I never!

You have. You forgot a couple of minutes ago in the park. Stepping to the side, Harlan bent down and kissed his nephew on the head.

His warm breath cascaded down Sera's front. Her insides tightened. He was deliberately being impossible. Sure, he'd been