This time, he was nipping at my heels like a Chihuahua. "I'm coming with you."
"I don't know what you're talking about," I replied flatly, turning down a narrow pathway. I didn't dare take the other route yet, or Thad would know exactly where I was headed.
"Come on, Del Can't," Thad continued. "Whatever crazy plan you've got up your tight sleeves, you know you're gonna need help."
"Not yours."
"Well, I'm coming with you whether you like it or not, so you might as well warm up to the idea."
I stopped and faced him, and he shrank back a little.
"You know, you can be really scary when you wanna be," Thad said.
"Lot of good it does me," I said through tight lips.
Thad smirked.
I folded my arms and stared hard at him, but he stood resolutely in place. I could use the extra help, and if I were being completely honest with myself, it would be nice to have the company. Even if it was Thad's. At last, I sighed. "Fine. But if I catch even a whiff betrayal, I will kill you."
Thad stuck out a hand, looking elated. He even lost the blasted blade of grass. "Deal."
I looked down at his outstretched hand, then turned and kept walking. He grumbled something behind me, but I didn't hear.
"So, uh, just how do you plan on getting her back?" Thad asked. "You going to start a war for her or something?"
"Yes, Thaddeus," I said. "That's exactly what I'm going to do."
Acknowledgements
Thanks to all of my readers. You guys are incredible! All your encouragement and poking and prodding has helped me get through the inevitable tough times, and you give me the courage to keep moving. Thanks for believing in the story and the characters and sticking with me. I know it's frustrating reading a series before its completion. Good news: You only have to wait for one more!
To my ever-patient and gracious critique partners: Christine and Ashley. After everything I've thrown at you, you still allow me to send you new material. Thank you for always beating me up gently, and for still loving Alex.
And my betas: Jenny, Madeline, Jules, Anthony, Sari, and my sister, Annie, and my mom. You have helped me with every book, and are still willing to help me with each subsequent one. Thank you for knowing my characters better than I do, seeing the big picture I tend to miss through the details, and for always telling me the truth. I know that it's hard giving criticism, and you all bestow it masterfully, thus making each story that much stronger. Thank you for not allowing me to release those horrid drafts I hand to you.
To my editor, Laura. You are Wonder Woman. I thank you for catching everything, and for always taking the time to explain and "right" all my grammatical and figurative "wrongs." Apparently, there's no end to what I don't know.
And, of course, my incredible husband, Ben. For always letting me throw sticky plot points at you and for allowing me to talk about my imaginary friends ad nauseam. You always listen patiently while also giving me excellent (and sometimes very painful) advice. You bear the brunt of my unruly imagination, and you are also so very forgiving when I've locked myself away in my writing cave while the house is in shambles. Thank you. I could not do this without your constant and unfailing support.
Other works by Barbara Kloss
Gaia's Secret
The Keeper's Flame
Connect with Me Online:
Blog: http://scribblesnjots.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GaiasSecret
Twitter: http://twitter.com/barbarakloss
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/barbarakloss
Table of Contents
Title and Copyright
Dedication
Part One
Chapter 1 – On the Other Side
Chapter 2 – A Different Path
Chapter 3 – A Change in Plans
Chapter 4 – Thieves
Chapter 5 – Myez Rader
Chapter 6 – Heart of Darkness
Chapter 7 – The Shortcut
Chapter 8 – The Shattered Plains
Part Two
Chapter 9 – Mercedes of Mosaque
Chapter 10 – A Royal Bath
Chapter 11 – An Imperial Feast
Chapter 12 – Demons in the Night
Chapter 13 – The Vitality Stone
Chapter 14 – A High Calling
Chapter 15 – The Portal
Part Three
Chapter 16 – An Unceremonious Landing
Chapter 17 – Pendel
Chapter 18 – The Rusted Kettle
Chapter 19 – Alliances
Chapter 20 – Second Chances
Chapter 21 – The City of Karth
Chapter 22 – The Weight of Truth
Chapter 23 – Hall of the Mostly Dead
Part Four
Chapter 24 – The Power of the Dark
Chapter 25 – Preparations
Chapter 26 – The Might of the Draconi
Chapter 27 – Awakening
Chapter 28 – Responsibility's Burden
Acknowledgements
Breath of Dragons (A Pandoran Novel) Page 44