Read Online Phoenix: Book One of The Stardust Series by Autumn Reed, Julia Clarke - Free Book Online Page A
Authors: Autumn Reed, Julia Clarke
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Knox didn’t
seem like an option even on the best of days. What would he say if I told
him thanks, but no thanks? Considering he was wandering the forest at night
looking for me, it didn’t seem likely he would agree. And even if he did, how
far was I from the road?
He interrupted my
thoughts, rapidly firing his questions in a sharp tone. “What’s your plan,
Haley? Think you can make it to the highway and then hitchhike somewhere? Do
you have any money? A working cell phone? Do you have any idea where your dad
is or how to find him?”
My lips tightened and I
shook my head, not wanting to listen. I didn’t answer, but he was right. There
were too many obstacles for me to make it on my own, at least until my ankle
healed. And spending time with these guys seemed preferable to other strangers.
At least they seemed to know something about my dad and what was going on, even
if they may have been the ones that caused it.
Slowly, Knox stepped
closer before sitting next to me. He rubbed his brow as if trying to massage
away a headache. His voice was deep, but his tone had softened slightly. “I
know your dad is missing and you’re worried about him. I have a younger brother
and I know what it’s like to worry about someone you love. I know what it’s
like to want to protect them.”
Despite his tough
exterior, he seemed genuine. Through the darkness, I tried to search his face
for answers. He appeared to be telling the truth.
I put my head down on
my knees and hugged them even tighter to my chest. Overwhelmed, I closed my
eyes. The world was spinning, and I wished I could open my eyes and be back in
my house with my dad. Where were those ruby slippers when you really needed
them? Even as my mind screamed at me not to give in, I heard myself whisper,
“Okay.”
Apparently that was all
he needed, because the next thing I knew, my body was being lifted from the
ground. I should have protested, but I honestly didn’t want to. Strong arms
cradled me against a muscular chest, and I was enveloped with warmth. I felt
comforted, safe.
Balancing Act
The smell of bacon
lured me out of my deep sleep. Despite the chilly room, I was warm and cozy
under the covers. I stretched my legs out of habit and cringed when pain shot
through my ankle in response.
The harsh sunlight felt
like tiny pinpricks drilling into my head, and my body ached all over. Opening
my eyes, I groaned as I realized I was waking up yet again in the cabin.
Remembering scenes from the night before, I turned onto my stomach, burrowing
into the covers and burying my head under the pillow. I can’t go out there ,
I thought. I can’t face them.
I briefly contemplated
another escape attempt before hunger finally got the best of me, and I swung my
feet to the floor. Standing up took significant effort; my ankle wobbled and
protested against the slightest pressure.As sore as my ankle had been
yesterday, today it felt a thousand times worse.
Stumbling through the
forest in the dark was a great idea. And what did it even get me? I was back
where I started, in more pain, and no closer to finding my dad. At least Knox
promised me answers today. Remembering the feel of Knox’s arms surrounding me,
my skin tingled involuntarily. Hopefully I could avoid that reaction when I saw
him in person.
Still wearing Ethan’s
boxers and Chase’s sweatshirt, I ran my fingers through my hair and smoothed my
mismatched clothing. I straightened my shoulders, summoning the courage to face
whoever was on the other side of the door. Ethan? Chase? Knox? All three? Just
thinking about them made my heart beat a little faster.
I crept toward the
bedroom door and slowly turned the knob, wanting to stay invisible as long as
possible. The smell of bacon intensified and my stomach growled in response.
Peeking out, I could see legs hanging over the arm of the couch. One guy,
check. From the kitchen came sounds of cooking, the faint sizzle of
something hitting a hot pan, the light
seem like an option even on the best of days. What would he say if I told
him thanks, but no thanks? Considering he was wandering the forest at night
looking for me, it didn’t seem likely he would agree. And even if he did, how
far was I from the road?
He interrupted my
thoughts, rapidly firing his questions in a sharp tone. “What’s your plan,
Haley? Think you can make it to the highway and then hitchhike somewhere? Do
you have any money? A working cell phone? Do you have any idea where your dad
is or how to find him?”
My lips tightened and I
shook my head, not wanting to listen. I didn’t answer, but he was right. There
were too many obstacles for me to make it on my own, at least until my ankle
healed. And spending time with these guys seemed preferable to other strangers.
At least they seemed to know something about my dad and what was going on, even
if they may have been the ones that caused it.
Slowly, Knox stepped
closer before sitting next to me. He rubbed his brow as if trying to massage
away a headache. His voice was deep, but his tone had softened slightly. “I
know your dad is missing and you’re worried about him. I have a younger brother
and I know what it’s like to worry about someone you love. I know what it’s
like to want to protect them.”
Despite his tough
exterior, he seemed genuine. Through the darkness, I tried to search his face
for answers. He appeared to be telling the truth.
I put my head down on
my knees and hugged them even tighter to my chest. Overwhelmed, I closed my
eyes. The world was spinning, and I wished I could open my eyes and be back in
my house with my dad. Where were those ruby slippers when you really needed
them? Even as my mind screamed at me not to give in, I heard myself whisper,
“Okay.”
Apparently that was all
he needed, because the next thing I knew, my body was being lifted from the
ground. I should have protested, but I honestly didn’t want to. Strong arms
cradled me against a muscular chest, and I was enveloped with warmth. I felt
comforted, safe.
Balancing Act
The smell of bacon
lured me out of my deep sleep. Despite the chilly room, I was warm and cozy
under the covers. I stretched my legs out of habit and cringed when pain shot
through my ankle in response.
The harsh sunlight felt
like tiny pinpricks drilling into my head, and my body ached all over. Opening
my eyes, I groaned as I realized I was waking up yet again in the cabin.
Remembering scenes from the night before, I turned onto my stomach, burrowing
into the covers and burying my head under the pillow. I can’t go out there ,
I thought. I can’t face them.
I briefly contemplated
another escape attempt before hunger finally got the best of me, and I swung my
feet to the floor. Standing up took significant effort; my ankle wobbled and
protested against the slightest pressure.As sore as my ankle had been
yesterday, today it felt a thousand times worse.
Stumbling through the
forest in the dark was a great idea. And what did it even get me? I was back
where I started, in more pain, and no closer to finding my dad. At least Knox
promised me answers today. Remembering the feel of Knox’s arms surrounding me,
my skin tingled involuntarily. Hopefully I could avoid that reaction when I saw
him in person.
Still wearing Ethan’s
boxers and Chase’s sweatshirt, I ran my fingers through my hair and smoothed my
mismatched clothing. I straightened my shoulders, summoning the courage to face
whoever was on the other side of the door. Ethan? Chase? Knox? All three? Just
thinking about them made my heart beat a little faster.
I crept toward the
bedroom door and slowly turned the knob, wanting to stay invisible as long as
possible. The smell of bacon intensified and my stomach growled in response.
Peeking out, I could see legs hanging over the arm of the couch. One guy,
check. From the kitchen came sounds of cooking, the faint sizzle of
something hitting a hot pan, the light
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