Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 27296 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 136(@200wpm)___ 109(@250wpm)___ 91(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27296 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 136(@200wpm)___ 109(@250wpm)___ 91(@300wpm)
Leland stepped off the porch and slowly advanced. His pupils narrowed and his eyes turned red. “You and I both know why our parents died, no were murdered. You would rather stick your head in the sand and pretend that’s not what happened but the whole town knows what that snake did to Mom and Dad. But no one is doing anything about it because they’ve given the council too much power.”
Colt remained still not wanting to escalate what was quickly becoming an argument. “I agree but nothing is going to change if we’re not smart about it.
Leland flared his nostrils. “Then what do you propose we do?” he asked through gritted teeth.
“We’ll have to take out the mastermind. But we have to be smart about it.”
Leland’s pupils shifted back to their circular form and his irises returned to green. “You mean Hendrickson?””
Colt snorted. “He’s trouble but he’s a puppet. There’s something much more sinister going on here but like I said, we have to be smart about it. And most of all, we have to be careful.”
“What do you mean?”
“The hunt tomorrow. It’ll probably be my last one. The injections aren’t helping much anymore and I need to find the perfect mate this time around or I’ll lose the last of my humanity.”
“Fuck, are you sure?”
“I’m positive. I’m hanging on by a thread.”
“You shouldn’t have started those damn injections in the first place.”
“They’re what’s helped me for so long. But my biggest fear is that you and Zeke are heading down the same path at a faster rate than even I am. That’s why Hendrickson and his cronies try to provoke you at every turn. They know each time you give in to your baser instincts they can push you closer to becoming one of those mindless beasts they keep in the tank. I don’t want that for the two of you.”
“Then I suppose the hunt tomorrow is important for the three of us then.”
Colt raised a brow at the calmness of his brother’s words. It was almost as if Leland knew something he didn’t. “You don’t seem that concerned.”
The corners of his lips curled. “When I walked home last night something was different.”
“What are you talking about?”
Leland turned and headed back to the house. “That’s why you should have never started taking those fucking injections. They’ve dulled your senses.”
“What the hell are you talking about?” Colt demanded again.
Leland tilted his head to the sky and inhaled. “Otis brought in a fresh batch of meat last night.”
“And?”
Leland looked over his shoulders and licked his lips. “And it smells delicious.”
CHAPTER 6
“No cell service? Are you fucking kidding? What kind of backwoods ass town is this?” Brianna demanded.
Despite the hostility oozing from her unhappy guest, the easy smile remained on Trudy’s lips. “We do have cellular service in town but most carriers don’t work here. We have a private system. But I do have a landline that you could use in the hallway. I can give you the number to mechanic’s. I’m sure once you explain your circumstances, they’ll be happy to service your vehicle as quickly as possible.”
Kaliah flinched. She’d had a peaceful chat as she enjoyed a leisurely breakfast with Trudy. Until Brianna came storming down the stairs, angry that she still couldn’t get cell service.
Honestly Kaliah wasn’t concerned about the lack of cell service because she hadn’t been this relaxed in a long time. Besides, it wasn’t like she had anyone to check in with. Her parents probably wouldn’t answer because they were wrapped in their own lives. And if by some off chance one of them did answer, they’d pretend to listen for a few minutes before hastily shooing her off the phone with the excuse of being busy.
The only time she ever talked to one of her siblings on the phone was if one of them wanted a favor from her. As for friends…well, she learned last night she didn’t have any. How sad was her life.
Now more than ever, she was determined to change things when she got back home. She’d start looking for a new job, maybe something remote what would allow her to pursue other passions. And she’d meet people who actually appreciated her.
Yes, that’s what she’d do.
“Hey! Are you listening?”
Kaliah jumped and realized, Nicole was standing by her chair, waving a hand in her face. “Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t notice you come downstairs.”
Nicole rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest. “Clearly.” She looked around the dining room. “Are you the only one down here?”
Kaliah noticed Brianna and Trudy had left the room while Kaliah had been daydreaming. “Brianna came down a few minutes ago. But I think Trudy is showing her where the phone is.”
Nicole crinkled her nose as if she smelled something foul. “I guess a place like this would have a land line. I haven’t been able to get cell service. How about you?”