Aris Reigns Read Free Page B

Aris ignored the niceties of his ally’s greeting. “Is Sarah alright? Where are they keeping her?” It took all of his patience to stand still and wait for a reply. He ached to storm the castle, to free the only woman he had ever loved, but knew rash actions would bring him no victory.
    â€œShe is being lodged in the castle keep, the only tall tower left standing.” He pointed toward a stone wall atop the stark rocky crest of the hill separating them from her prison.
    Aris made to leave but Richard held him fast. “Wait. We are in need of more information.”
    â€œI am in need of nothing.” He tore out of his friend’s grasp. “I am going to find her.”
    â€œNo, Aris.” Simon stepped in front of him. “She’s been taken for an audience with the King and Queen. Wait until she returns to her chambers. The castle is close by, we must take care.”
    â€œWait? I wait for nothing.” He turned from them, racing in the direction Simon had directed them.

    Sarah groaned as she opened her eyes. The huge lump on herforehead was throbbing and she was shaky on her feet as she staggered toward the window. She had no idea how long she had lain on the floor, but the sky was still dark. She still had time before morning. Her hand was shaking as she reached to grasp the windowsill. The wind whistled through the bars and echoed throughout the chamber. Sarah’s imagination played cruel tricks; she swore the wind called her name. Leaning her aching forehead against the cold metal separating her from her freedom, she heard it more clearly.
    â€œSarah. Sarah.”
    Suddenly, long powerful fingers wrapped around the bars and quietly lifted them from their foundation, bending them as if they were made of soft wood. Sarah knew she must be dreaming as Aris leaped through the opening, landing silently before her.
    â€œAris.” It was a whisper. She reached for him as if she were suddenly unaware of where she was, sleepwalking, wanting only to be in his arms.
    â€œCome. We are in great danger. We must hurry.” Lifting her as if she were weightless, he wrapped her arms and legs around him. “Hold on tight. The only way out is down.” She breathed in his fragrance as he climbed out the window. Leaning her cheek against his powerful shoulder, all of her fears fell away as he made his way, spider-like, down the ancient stones of the tower.
    Loud voices and a wolf’s howl halted his progress while they were still hidden in the shadows of the fallen foundation stones. Sarah buried her face in his chest to stifle a gasp as three male vampires crossed the courtyard beneath them. One had a huge black wolf on a leash. The wolf strained at the lead, snarling and howling, struggling to get away. He kept turning his huge head toward the escaping couple clinging to the side of the castle, his snout working as he took in their scent.
    â€œWhat is wrong with him?” the tallest of the three questioned.
    â€œNothing, he hasn’t eaten. Maybe he’ll get the remnants of thehuman when the Queen is finished with her.” The animal’s handler laughed as he finally gained control of the beast and they walked on.
    Aris waited in silence, preventing her attempted query with a tender kiss. “Wait,” he whispered so softly she had to strain to hear his words even though his lips touched her ear. She shivered as she felt his warm breath against her skin. “We are still in danger. They are still within ear-shot. When they have gone, we will continue to safety. Once I have you out of harm’s way, I will answer all your questions.”
    As soon as the three vampires disappeared from sight into the castle, he resumed their descent. He carried her close to him as he ran through the forest to safety and the waiting circle of her Immortal friends.

CHAPTER 2
    A ris’ hands gripped the steering wheel as the car sped toward the distant horizon; the early