Outrun by Annabel Chase

Author:Annabel Chase [Chase, Annabel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Red Palm Press LLC
Published: 2019-01-04T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

Declan waited for me outside AMF headquarters, where I’d received a stern lecture from Gray and Herb about biting off more than I could chew. I felt like vampires shouldn’t be allowed to use that expression.

“Everything good?” Declan asked. “You’re still on track for Keeper of the North?”

I gave him a thumbs up. “They actually sprinkled a little praise in between their bouts of harsh judgment. They were proud of me for having the confidence to put myself out there.”

“Did they ask about me?” Declan asked.

My stomach knotted. “Why? Should they have?” I’d decided to trust Declan. Standing on the steps of the AMF wasn’t the time to find out that trust had been misplaced.

Declan grinned. “Relax. I only meant that your vampire friend seemed unsure about me last night. I was wondering if he shifted into full father figure mode.”

“No need,” I said. “I have a dad.” Of course, my father had always been too preoccupied with my superstar older brother to worry about me. Even when my brother left home for Spellslingers, my father wanted daily reports of his achievements. I was an afterthought—when I was given any thought at all.

Declan stuffed his hands into his coat pockets. “Any updates?”

“I think we should go back to the gallery,” I said.

Declan balked. “After we destroyed it? I don’t know how wise that is. Besides, if I were Sela, I’d be steering clear of that place. She must have heard about the toxin situation from her contacts at the Vampire Alliance.”

“Herb told me he sent a couple of wardens back yesterday to question her again, but she wasn’t there and the gallery was closed.”

“See? Then why bother?”

“Because he also said that the gallery appeared fully operational and that the closure seemed temporary.” I inclined my head. “I would think you’d be interested in chatting with her again since you still don’t know why the oracle wanted you to find her.”

“I highly doubt Sela is going to be eager to talk to us after our last visit.” Declan regarded me. “Are you sure this is about the investigation, or do you just want to shop for another painting? If you keep those grades up, young lady, I'd be happy to purchase one as a graduation gift.”

I scowled. “You do realize that we’re in the middle of a crisis, right? Vampires are dying. Humans are dying. Do you really think my mind is focused on paintings and graduation?”

Declan’s green eyes twinkled. “You need to lighten up, Mia. The world is full of dark moments. The more often you can find the specks of light, the more likely you are to retain your sanity.”

My expression remained fixed. “Telling a young woman to lighten up is almost as bad as telling her to smile. Don't tell me how to feel. And definitely don't tell me how to behave.”

Declan seemed taken aback. “Apologies, Mia. It wasn't my intention to do either of those things. I was just trying to pass along the benefit of my wisdom.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.