Cry of the Wolf (Avalon: Web of Magic #3) Read Free Page A

scoffed.
    “Yeah, pretty silly,” Kara remarked, scratching Ariel’s head.
    “I was chasing a mouse.”
    “No eating during showtime,” Kara whispered, quickly nuzzling her cheek on the owl before gently releasing Ariel to fly away.
    The group pressed forward down the trail.
    “What other mighty creatures of the forests might be out here?” Kara asked dramatically.
    A ferocious roar split the air.
    Molly jumped. “What was that?”
    “Shhh, look!” Kara whispered, pointing.
    Before the group, perched on a large pile of rocks, was a big, spotted cat. Her lustrous fur shone orange with black spots.
    “It’s the leopard!” Heather yelped.
    “Run!” Joey shouted, taking a step backward.
    Kara stepped forward. “If we all stay real quiet, I think I can pet her.”
    “Are you crazy?!” Molly whispered.
    The big cat jumped down to stand in front of Kara as she slowly reached out and moved closer.
    “Kara, be careful … ” Heather bit her lip.
    Over her shoulder, Kara whispered to her friends. “If I just act friendly, maybe she won’t eat me … I hope.” She winked at Lyra. The big cat winked back.
    “Kara! This is so not funny!” Tiffany called out, stamping her foot.
    As Kara approached, the wild animal crouched low and gave a fierce growl.
    “Ahhhhh!” Everyone screamed, falling over one another as they tried to run away.
    With her back to her friends, Kara bent over, inspecting the cat’s fur. “You need a bath,” she said, examining the cat’s ears.
    “I do not. I smell like wildflowers,” Lyra replied casually.
    She gave the cat a quick kiss. “You got the wild part right.”
    “It’s beauty and the beast,” Marcus cracked as the cat scrambled up the rocks and back into the woods.
    “Hey, that’s a good one, Marcus.” Kara quickly scribbled in her notebook.
    “You scared us half to death!” Tiffany pouted.
    “C’mon,” Kara laughed. “I’ll show you the lawn behind the manor where we’re planning the benefit concert.”
    “Great tour, Kara!” Joey said, grinning.
    “Ka-ra! Ka-ra! Ka-ra!” they chanted, heading down the trail.
    A mournful howl stopped their chant. It came from behind a vine-covered opening between the trees.
    “All right! A bear!” Marcus said excitedly.
    Joey mock-punched his friend again.
    The cry rose again.
    “Oo, oo, me, me, my turn,” Tiffany yelled. “I want to pet the animals, too.” She skipped over to the vines.
    “Hey, that’s not part of the tour,” Kara muttered, checking her notes.
    “Here I am, cute thing.” Tiffany slowly pulled the leaves aside and screamed.
    Adriane stood, eyes glazed, dirt streaked and smeared across her face. From her hiking boots to her black jeans and up to her pullover sweater and forest-green vest, she was covered in mud, leaves, and grass stains.
    “Oh, it’s just you,” Tiffany said.
    Adriane eyed the group from behind straggly, damp black hair.
    “What happened, you fall in a marsh bog?” Joey called out, walking over.
    “Leave me alone,” Adriane snarled, stumbling away.
    The boy stepped back. “Hey, easy. I was only trying to help.”
    “She is sooo weird,” Tiffany whispered to Heather.
    “Yeah, even weirder than normal,” Heather agreed.
    Kara walked over to Adriane. “What’s up?” She eyed Adriane more closely. “You look awful.”
    “Leave me alone,” Adriane repeated and turned away.
    “Hey, is she okay?” Marcus asked as Kara’s friends moved in for a better look.
    Suddenly Ariel dove from the sky to land on Adriane’s arm. The owl leaned into Adriane’s neck, cooing softly and nuzzling her cheek.
    “What’s the matter with her?” Molly asked.
    “Cat’s got her tongue?” Heather quipped.
    With a loud hiss, Lyra jumped to Adriane’s side, standing protectively close.
    “Keep away from her,” the cat growled.
    Kara’s friends understood the cat’s actions perfectly, even if they couldn’t hear the words.
    “Okay, okay, everyone back off,” Kara ordered. “Head