Read Online Bound (Secrets of the Djinn) by Bonnie Lamer - Free Book Online Page B

then drapes the other side over my injured shoulder.  I murmur thanks, still in shock about what’s happening.
    In an effort to hurry things along, Mrs. Gre gori opens the door for us.  “I’m doing this for my grandson.  He needs a clean break, time to clear his head.  Then he’ll figure out how wrapped up his feelings are in yours.  I’m not letting him get himself killed because some djinni got her clutches in him.”  She doesn’t understand that Zane can feel my emotions wherever I am.
    I w ould argue, try to convince her what she’s saying isn’t true, that he can distinguish his feelings from mine.  I can’t, though.  I don’t understand the binding any more than she does.
    “Dammit, I almost forgot.”  Mrs. Gregori pulls a pad and pen out of her sweater pocket.  “I don’t want the fool to go after you so you’re going to write him a letter telling him you ran off with Roman.”
    Is she kidding me?  The muzzle of her gun points in my direction again.  She’s not kidding.  I hold a shaking hand out and take the paper and pen, but I hesitate, not sure what to write.
    Mrs. Gregori loses her patience with my hesitance.  “Just tell him what I told you.”
    Tears in my eyes, I begin to write:
    Dear Zane,
    I am so sorry to hurt you like this but it’s for the best.  Roman and I can’t keep putting you and your family in danger and I can’t fight my destiny any longer.  I am positive I’m doing the right thing.
    Love,
    Skye
    I hand the pad of paper back to the old woman.  She reads it over, scowling at my closing sentiment.  Fortunately, she has no idea the significance of me underlining positive three times.  I just hope Zane does.  I want him to know I really do love him.
    “We should be going,” Roman says quietly.  All I can do is nod and let him lead me outside.  The jeep is parked out front.  I hobble to the passenger side and get in, the pain in my ankle and arm returning as the shock wears away and I’m left with the reality of never seeing Zane again.  The storm of tears I’ve been holding back fall in rivers down my cheeks.
    Roman doesn’t say anything when he gets in.  He puts the car in drive and we make our way to the end of the long driveway.  I don’t pay attention to whether Roman turns left or right.  It doesn’t really matter.

     

 
     
     
     
    Chapter 8
     
    “Malik, why do you hide behind these walls?”
    “Have you come to liberate me?” Malik asks his aunt, not looking up from the book he is reading. 
    “Yes.”
    With a dark laugh, Malik says, “Your generosity will come with a cost, no doubt.”  He has been a willing prisoner in his home since killing his uncle.  A crime for which he is unable to conjure remorse.
    “We need her, Malik.  Please.  She calls to you in the veil.  She thinks you deserted her.”
    “It is better for my sister to believe that than bring her here as a weapon of destruction.  What would become of her mind and her soul if she is forced to live over and over through the atrocities of her enemies?  She will feel every crime they committed, witness it in her flames.  She will never know peace if she returns.”
    “Th is is her destiny, her place in history in this vast universe of ours.”
    Malik shakes his head.  “Destinies are chosen, they are not preordained.”
    “We are each given tools with which to forge our destinies.  Skye’s will bring peace to her people,” his aunt argues.
    “If we are not strong enough to fight the Saitan and keep them on this side of the veil on our own, then we do not deserve to win.”
    Voice harsh now, his aunt says, “You are a pig-headed fool.  If you will not call her here then I will.”
    Malik is out of his chair before his aunt can take even one step backwards.  Wrapping his hand around her skinny neck, he growls, “Do you wish to die as your husband did?”
    Tugging at his hand, his aunt breathes, “No.”  Malik releases his hold and his aunt drops to