Love Begins in Hell (The Moon Journals: Part 1) Read Free Page B

snapped.
    Slowly he moved his hands, giving me a low grunt of disbelief.
    As I flattened out the ruffles in my lap, I marveled at how warm his touch was, how satisfying and soothing.  The Wolf flashed a startlingly realization into my mind’s eye.  Despite his inward struggles, it was obvious that this young man’s allegiance was to a greater good, not the evil permeating in this dark place.  It was clear to see that he was above that.  Dante was a good person, a warrior I had only read about in my aunt’s books, the existence of which was rarely heard of anymore.
    As Dante paused near the bed, I asked, “Could you help me find some clothes I can travel in, please?”
    “Of course.  I apologize.  You can’t travel in this dress, now can you?  I have to say, however, blue suits you well.”  He chuckled again, this time with a sincerity he had lacked before.  Whisking me off the bed, he headed for the closet, never once letting go of my hand.
    “Actually it’s azure, not blue.”
    “It’s not the same color?” he asked as he deposited me in front of the doors to the closet.
    “Not when it comes to Mori Lou dresses, no,” I clarified.
    He arched an eyebrow at me, standing over me.  “Mori who?”
    “Never mind,” I replied, quickly realizing Dante was not current with high fashion in Werewolf society.
    Then he grew serious and his eyes gleamed a meadow green.  “Do as I say.  Follow my lead and you’ll be home before you know it.  Agreed, Elana?”
    “Agreed.”  Hearing his congenial, yet authoritative tone, I gritted my teeth.  I didn’t have any options.

Chapter 3
     
    The Journey Begins
    Dante led me through a secret door in the closet of his bedroom I was surprised I had not found.  We followed a long staircase down along a cave made of red stone that was hot to the touch.  I felt clumsy and awkward wearing his oversized clothes, which consisted of a dark green jacket, a black long-sleeve shirt I tied into a knot at my waist, matching jeans and boots, and a knit cap he requested I stuff my hair under.  As the delight of smelling his wonderful scent on the articles of clothing washed over me, I tried my best to focus on the steps and stay close behind him so I wouldn’t fall against the wall.  Once the staircase ended, we stood before a four-foot steel door that didn’t seem to have a doorknob.
    “How are we going to get through that?” I asked, motioning to him that both of us were taller than four feet.
    For some reason, he found my question amusing.  “Like this,” he replied.
    Suddenly he vanished before my eyes.  All I could see was an immense cloud of blue smoke.  Then I heard Dante’s voice.  “I’ll open the door from the other side.”
    When the door flew open, he stood there, fully clothed in his long black trench coat, T-shirt, jeans, and leather boots like nothing had happened.
    “Now that’s some trick.”
    “I’ve got a few up my sleeve.”  He locked the door, checking the hinges and making sure all the corners of it remained secure.  I admired his tall, lean stature in the dim light.  As I glanced around to see where the light source was coming from, I realized it was from a red moon that peeked out occasionally from behind dark clouds.
    “I’ve never seen a red moon,” I commented, not really expecting a reply.
    “I wouldn’t expect so.  We’re near the center of the Earth.”  He paused for a moment and studied me.  “Have you been to the center of the Earth?”
    “No,” I replied.
    “We’re going to get going.  Have your eyes adjusted yet?”
    “Almost.  Why?” I asked.
    He nodded.  “We have a long distance to cover quickly.  I want to make sure you can keep up.”
    “I can keep up, fanger.”  My father’s blind arrogance immediately flared up in me, a trait I instantly regretted showing off.  I bit down on my lips as I wished I had not called him the negative ‘F’ word for demon or any other supertural who sported