Read Online Betrayal 2012 by Amber Garr - Free Book Online

about leaving.
    “This is what I want, Evs.  Don’t worry.  Seattle is not for me and I think that California will be.”  I raised my eyebrows at him wondering if he’d gained some mind reading abilities while we were apart.  He laughed at what my expression must have been and then nodded towards the giant coffee sitting in front of me.
    “You drink that stuff now?”
    “I need it,” I sighed.  “Trying to lead a clan, finish high school, and train with Palmer constantly leaves very little time for sleep.”  I didn’t tell him that I usually didn’t sleep anyway because I was always thinking about him. 
    “Training?” he asked.
    “Yeah, new rules since we got home.”  I told him about the increased security and pointed out my two protectors sitting at the counter.  He laughed at the thought of me fighting my cousin, but he encouraged the training.  He said it was a really good idea that we were able to hold our own on land as well as in the water.  We laughed and joked about some of my stupid training mishaps until a man in a black suit walked over to our table.
    “Mistress Dumahl, we need to leave.”
    “Right now, Palmer?” I pleaded, looking back and forth between him and Brendan.
    “Yes, I’m sorry to interrupt but the Council has asked to speak with you immediately.”  Palmer shifted his stance letting me know that this was rather urgent.
    “Oh,” I said and turned back to Brendan.  “I’m sorry.  We weren’t supposed to meet again until the morning.”  Dread filled my thoughts at all of the reasons why they would want to see me again so soon.
    Brendan stood and pulled me up into another hug.  I savored every moment of that touch, from the feel of his muscles to the scent of his skin.  “It’s okay.  I should get going too.  I want to speak to Julian right away.”
    I smiled up at him and was surprised when he bent forward and kissed me.  It wasn’t a bedroom kiss but it wasn’t an innocent one either.  For a few brief moments, the coffee shop and the rest of the world disappeared.  It was just the two of us back together again like it should be.  When we finally pulled apart, I felt a little embarrassed.  Although it was worth every glare directed towards our public display.
    “I’ll call you soon.  I promise,” he said lightly while rubbing the side of my cheek.
    “All right.  I love you, Brendan.”  I didn’t really know what his response would be but I didn’t care.  He needed to know where I stood.
    “I love you too,” he breathed as he pressed one more kiss to my forehead then gently pushed me towards Palmer.  “Good luck tonight.”
    “Thanks,” I returned with a smile.  We left the shop quickly and I had to practically jog to keep pace with Palmer and Troy.  Their demeanor was all serious and I probably should have been more concerned.  However, at this moment I could have been running barefoot through burning coals and broken glass and it still wouldn’t have dampened my mood.  Brendan was coming back to me.  No matter what the Council had decided they couldn’t take away my happiness tonight.

 
     
     
     
     
     
    Six
     
    Kain was waiting for us in the lobby.  He had his head down, gaze glued to the phone while his fingers moved quickly over the electronic keypad.  Anxiety was written all over his face.  When I stepped close enough to him to invade his personal space, he finally realized I was there.
    “What took you so long?” he asked frantically.  Not liking his attitude one little bit I tilted my head towards my protectors.
    “We practically ran here.  I left as soon as Palmer told me.”  His concern panicked me a little and I uncrossed my arms from a hostile stance to one of apprehension.  “Do you know what’s going on?”
    He grabbed my arm and started to walk us back to the grand ballroom at a brisk pace.  “No, I don’t.  I just got a call that told us to meet them in twenty minutes.”  His eyebrows