Testimony of Children (Alice Gray Book 2)

42

Lucas skidded to a halt, a growl rumbling from his chest.

He could feel my panic, I knew that because I could feel his need to protect me. My reaction told Lucas that Evan was a threat. I hadn't yet decided if he was right.

"Quick, follow me. They'll be here in a minute."

Evan spoke hurriedly, with no attempt to hide the fear in his voice. Pausing, I tried to weigh up our options – not easy with the need to flee into the fresh air overwhelming every other concern.

Lucas followed my lead and hung back until he got a sign that I needed him. His trust gave me the push I needed to make the decision.

Evan looked okay. Sure, he was wide-eyed, and a little manic, but that was down to his frenzied gesturing to get us moving out of the catacombs. There was no sign of the crazy that lingered behind his mask of normality during our last meeting. The dullness in his eyes then had been the most worrying thing, as though someone else still held sway over his mind. That had been replaced with a bright focus suggesting he was back in control.

It wasn't enough to make me trust him. Evan had been there the last time that I was abducted. I didn't believe in coincidences. My father had a hand in this.

"Where's Jonathan?"

"What?" Evan asked, his voice screeching the panic that was evident in every movement. "I've not seen that bastard since you rescued me."

Lucas moved behind me. Turning slightly, I saw that he was now observing me with a new look of interest.

"We have a history," I said, gesturing between myself and Evan.

"No shit," Lucas replied. "Look, we need to get out of here. He smells like truth. Can we trust him?"

"Evan?" I asked.

His life-force was strong, the blue pure and bright with an intensity that hurt my eyes. Evan was running off straight adrenaline. His eyes were bright and feverish against his pale skin, features drawn and gaunt. Scruffy jeans and black Nirvana t-shirt hung off his slight frame, crumpled and dirty.

"Evan, have they kept you here against your will?"

He looked ashamed, but his life-force buzzed angrily against his skin. When his eyes met mine, I knew for sure that he was no longer influenced by Jonathan or any witch. I also knew who was responsible for abducting us.

The coven had turned on Evan.

All that aside, I wasn't foolish enough to put all my trust in him. Had I been alone, I probably would have thought twice about taking his assistance. But I had Lucas now. He was a trained security expert. Hell, he was a werewolf.

Evan didn't answer with words, but stood with his hand outstretched. I looked at him, infusing my glare with a warning. If he crossed me again, I would end him.

With a nod of understanding, Evan reached forward, took my hand, and pulled me into a run. Lucas followed easily behind.

It was only after several strides that I realised where we were.

This was Sheffield's General Cemetery. I was home.

Hesitating in surprise, my hand pulled away from Evan's. I stumbled, foot caught in a vine weed that trailed across one of the overgrown graves. Catching myself on the grave stone, I pushed back up and forged forward, desperate to get out before Hazel and the rest of the coven arrived.

My head brushed something hanging from one of the old trees. I looked up ready to push away the fallen branch.

Fear paralysed me.