Feudlings in Sight Read Free Page B

five years old not to argue with Charity. She was smarter than the rest of them combined, and if she had a plan, he didn’t doubt it would work. But how was he supposed to get her in there without letting Shane out?
    She waited patiently for him to drop the wards. When he didn’t, she blinked at him, raising a dark eyebrow. “I don’t—” he started, but she raised the other eyebrow. It was a talent he was pretty sure only she had. Without another word he let the ward drop. Shane started forward but Charity fixed him with those silver eyes. “Knock. It. Off.”
    Shane drew up abruptly, blinking like he was coming out of a trance.
    Hunter felt his jaw drop.
    “Shane, you aren't trained. By trying to run out there and fight this monster you are putting us all at risk. Is that what you want?” Charity's voice was soft, calm, despite the Council running around like frightened livestock. If the situation hadn't been so dire, it would have been hilarious — racing in circles, lots of cursing, and surviving several altercations with office chairs. Six of the most powerful Carules sorcerers alive terrified of one Edren warrior. Terrified enough to evacuate their entire headquarters.
    Hunter snorted. It was pathetic.
    Shane glanced at Hunter. His eyes swept the room, but he didn't care about any of these people. It was when his gaze landed on Charity that his expression softened. Ruefully, he nodded at Hunter. “Sorry, man.”
    Hunter shook his head. He understood. He wanted to fight too, and running seemed so cowardly. But if something happened, who would protect Charity?
    Shane took her arm, leading her toward the portal waiting across the room. Hunter followed, glancing over his shoulder. The Edren assassin was out there, just beyond that building.
    He growled, turning his back on the threat as he stepped through the shimmering doorway. ”Where in the he—” Hunter stopped, glancing apologetically at Charity. “Where are we?” he asked mildly.
    “Yukon. Northern Canada,” Lewis said briskly, striding across the frozen landscape to what looked like the foundations of a building.
    “Charity's gonna freeze to death.” Shane rubbed his hands up and down her arms, trying to keep her warm. She had only been wearing a t-shirt and jeans before they left. Now, in the frigid night air, it wasn't enough to keep her warm.
    “Doesn't… th-this place kn-know it's summer?” Her teeth chattered.
    “We're so far north that I doubt it gets above sixty degrees in the daylight. At night…” Hunter trailed off, watching her shiver. “Come here.” He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her tight against him and rubbing her back.
    He, Shane, the Council, even the Edrens, they didn't feel the cold. They had fire running through their blood, and cold was never an issue.
    Charity didn't have that. Sabine, either, but she was draped in a long, sparkly, garish cloak that made her look even more frightening than normal.
    “Lewis! We have to get Charity out of here,” Shane snapped, angry. Hunter was too. Always, always , they treated Charity like a second-class nothing. Hunter growled, deep in his throat.
    “Lewis!” Shane yelled again, but when the man didn't respond Shane glanced at Hunter, fury racing across his face before he turned on his heel and jogged after Lewis. An enraged Prodigy. Interesting . Shane wasn't angered easily, but Hunter could still feel the pull of battle with the Edren monster. And if he could feel it, he was sure it was that much stronger for Shane.
    Charity raised her head, watching Shane. “What is that thing?” she asked between chattering teeth.
    “It looks like the start of a building.” Curiosity bit at him, but he couldn't let Charity go. He was barely keeping the cold at bay as it was.
    Shane ran back over. “I'm calling a friend. We'll get you out of here, Charity.” He dug his phone out of his pocket, standing behind Hunter.
    “The Council didn't okay this call, did they?” Hunter