Hunt for Jade Dragon Read Free Page B

for Contessa?”
    Tessa shrugged. “I was pretty young when the Elgen took me. I don’t know where my name came from.”
    â€œIt’s nice to meet you, Tessa. I’m Sharon. I’m Michael’s mother.”
    â€œI met Tessa in the jungle,” I said. “She was living with the Amacarra tribe when they saved me.”
    â€œIt sounds like we have a lot to catch up on,” my mother said, smiling at me. “I know you must be exhausted. They want us to let you get checked in, then get some rest before tonight’s reception, which I’m in charge of, so I’d better get back to work. I’ll see you in a few hours.” She looked back into my eyes. “I love you.”
    â€œI love you too, Mom.”
    Just then Ostin walked up, flanked by his parents. “Hi, Mrs. V.”
    â€œHello, Ostin,” my mother said. “It’s good to see you back with your parents. They’ve been a little worried.”
    â€œA little ?” Mrs. Liss said.
    â€œI know,” Ostin said. “But all’s well that ends well.”
    â€œYes, it is.” My mother turned back to me. “We’ll have fun at the reception tonight. Get some rest.” We hugged again, then she hurried back to the ranch house.
    Ostin watched her go. “She’s so hot.”
    â€œOstin!” his mother said.
    I shook my head. “Dude, she’s my mom.”

A fter separating Ostin from his mother, the men checked us for RFIDs, then Sydney Lynn led us inside the main building, which she called the Ranch House. We entered through the front doors—which had handles made from horseshoes—into a large open room with hallways in three directions.
    Like the deceptively simple wooden shack we had passed near the ranch’s gate entrance, the outside of the Ranch House looked rustic, but the inside was filled with high-tech surveillance and communication equipment. In a way it reminded me of the Elgen Academy—but with cowboy art.
    The main room interior was Western design. It had polished hardwood floors and a high, vaulted ceiling with exposed wooden beams. On one end of the room there was a massive stone fireplace that rose nearly two stories to the ceiling, tapering off near the top like a keystone.
    Sydney Lynn led us to the right. “This way to the bunk hall, please.” We followed her through a doorway and down a long, wood-paneled corridor. All of the doors were numbered.
    â€œI’m sorry there aren’t enough rooms for each of you to have your own, but I think you’ll still find your accommodations comfortable. There are two beds in each room, so pick a roommate. Ladies, let’s get you settled first. Who would like room one?”
    â€œMcKenna and I can take it,” Abigail said.
    â€œVery good,” Sydney Lynn said, writing on her clipboard. “I’ll have your clothes sent right over. Next?”
    â€œLooks like it’s me and Tessa,” Taylor said.
    Tessa put her hands on her hips. “Poor you,” she said. “Having to share a room with me.”
    â€œI didn’t mean that,” Taylor said.
    â€œIt sounded like it.”
    â€œSorry. That’s not what I meant.”
    â€œTaylor and Tessa, room two,” Sydney Lynn said, ignoring the drama. “And room three is occupied.”
    â€œWho’s in room three?” I asked.
    â€œGrace,” she said.
    Tessa’s expression changed. “Grace is here? Grace and I used to be buddies.”
    â€œMaybe you could bunk with her,” Ostin said.
    Both Taylor and Tessa glared at him.
    Ostin wilted. “Just sayin’.”
    â€œMichael,” Sydney Lynn said, “who are you bunking with?”
    â€œOstin.”
    â€œLet’s put you in room four.” She turned to Zeus. “Zeus, room five is reserved especially for you and whomever you’re bunking with.”
    â€œWhat’s so special about room