by Kara Jaynes
I don’t bat an eyelash. “Could a vampire slip through your security and guards undetected?”
He studies me further, and then gives a single nod. “You’re right. I’ve tightened security too much for one to get through.”
A smirk tugs at my mouth. “And would a vampire help save the planet?”
The prince shakes his head emphatically. “No, he would not. They only serve themselves.”
He looks down at the book again, but some of the tension has eased from his demeanor. He doesn’t think Wilder could have gotten through his security, and I want to snicker. He’s done exactly that on multiple occasions.
But where is he now?
“I will send someone to scan the island,” Eldaren says, and closes the book with a thud and hands it back to me. “We’ll see what progress we can make.”
“Okay.” I nod.
Something flickers in his gaze. Hurt. He turns to leave.
“I’m sorry, Eldaren,” I say, guilt twisting my insides. “I trust you, but I don’t fully trust your people, yet. I don’t understand the elves, and I just can’t . . .” I sigh and bite my lip.
He steps forward and crouches down in front of me, looking up into my eyes. “It’s all right, Stella mine,” he says. “No matter how you managed to slip away, you came back. That is all that matters to me.” A faint blush tints his cheekbones. “And that you found the information we sought. That’s important, too.”
I chuckle, and reaching out, ruffle his hair. “Yeah, that, too, huh?”
At the contact, the Kenelky crashes over me, attraction and desire burning through my veins, and I freeze, hand still tangled in raven strands.
I want Eldaren. Stars, I need him so bad I can’t even think right now.
I know Eldaren feels it too, from the widening of his eyes, his nostrils flaring. Heat flames across his cheekbones. Neither of us move, gazes locked as the bond skitters through my veins like lightning.
What do I do? How can I resist? Do I want to resist? I don’t. I don’t want to hold back. I need Eldaren like I need air. More.
“Stella,” Eldaren murmurs, his gaze fastening on my mouth. Still kneeling, he leans closer, closer, and his lips brush mine, feather-light. Fire courses through me at his touch, and I swallow hard. “Stella.” His hand slips around my waist, pulling me off the bed and down toward him.
A memory surges, so strong it’s all I can see, obliterating the elven prince from my vision.
Wilder kneels before me, holding up a ring, its single gem glittering in the dim light of my bedroom lamp. It’s a diamond, set in a silver band. Never in my life had I ever hoped to own something so beautiful. “Stella, my little spark; would you marry me?” He smiles, his blue eyes shining with hope and adoration. So much love. “I want to be your husband. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Stella. I want to care for you, forever. Please say yes.”
Please.
I yank out of Eldaren’s hold with a gasp, scuttling back onto the bed until there’s over a foot of space between the prince and me. “Not yet,” I say, my voice a croak. “I can’t.” Sudden tears choke my throat and sting my eyes.
Eldaren almost manages to mask his disappointment and confusion. He nods once. “Very well.” He stands and straightens his waistcoat. He inhales shakily and gives me an almost-smile. “I have some duties I must attend to. Until later, my heart.”
He leaves, and I don’t breathe until the door snaps shut.
The Kenelky’s smoldering heat lessens with his disappearance, and I bury my face in my hands with a groan. I’m such an idiot. I hadn’t meant to lead him on like that.
And with him gone, fear and anxiety blister through me. I’ve been doing my best to keep the panic at bay, but being alone; there’s nothing to hold it back.
I can’t do anything, except wait, and pray.
Wait, for Wilder’s return.
Pray that he’s still alive.
“Come back,” I whisper. “Please tell me you’re safe.”
If Wilder is dead because of me, I’ll never forgive myself.
I roll off the bed and pace my room, running my hands through my hair. Is he alive? Is he dead? I don’t know.
I pause when my gaze lands on the book I’d bought at the mystic’s shop, and I pick it up, flipping through the pages.
There’s a gaia on Vashon Island. Certainty flows through me at the thought. She is there. I can’t explain it, but I’m sure it’s a she, a woman. She is on the island, and I need to find her.
We need to heal Earth and end this chaos once and for all.
I close the book with a huff. Who am I kidding? I’m no one special. I’m just a girl, and a useless one, at that.
I couldn’t even save Wilder. Not from the drugs, not from the elves, and not from other vampires.
Tears prick at my eyes, and I resume pacing.
I can’t afford to think like this. I may be useless, but I’m the sort of useless who’s survived this long. I have to be good for something. I need to watch, wait, and do anything and everything I can to help the earth. I must put my feelings aside and focus.
Again, my gaze darts to the book. There’s something familiar about it, but I can’t say what, and with it comes the certainty that regardless of how insignificant I believe myself to be . . .
I must do everything in my power to do what I can to aid Eldaren. Wilder. Liberty.
This Earth.
The adventure continues in
Book 3: Rebellion Brews
About the Author
Kara Jaynes is a fantasy and children's book author. She loves rainy days, long walks, and fairy tales. She's been writing since she was very young and has more stories in her head than she could possibly write.
You can go to her website, www.karajaynes.com, to stay up to date on new releases.
Read More Books by Kara Jaynes on Amazon: www.amazon/author/karajaynes
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Shadows Grow
Kara Jaynes
Shadows Grow by Kara Jaynes
Copyright Kara Jaynes 2019.
All Rights Reserved.
Cover Designer: GermanCreative
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