The third book in my Sierra Fox series will be released next week. Here's where it all starts...
As soon as I stepped off the sidewalk, I knew something was
wrong.
My skin prickled and the ominous air of danger I’d become so
accustomed to during the last few months lent me pause. Even after checking
both sides of the road and being so close to my destination, I was still
blindsided by the glare of twin lights headed right for me. Headlights during an
overcast day weren’t an anomaly, but these high-beams served another purpose.
And if I didn’t get out of their path, I was going to end up splat on the
pavement.
The vehicle didn’t seem to be slowing down—actually sped up.
I was temporarily stunned, so it took me a moment too long
to get my legs going.
The noise from the traffic I carefully avoided faded into
the background, but I pumped my suddenly rigid limbs.
With every step, I chanted the protection incantation I’d
learned by heart as easily as others might a prayer. The invisible shield cocooned
me instantly but I didn’t slow, not now that I was so close to safety. The barrier
might keep a person from getting to me, but being hit by a car would surely disrupt
my chanting. And the spell was only good for as long as I kept whispering it.
The bumper nudged my protective wall, rebounding off it and causing
me to miss a step. As expected, I lost concentration and my whispers abruptly stopped.
If it wasn’t for the parked cars on this side of the street—spell or no spell—I
would’ve ended up plastered on the road.
All sound rushed back when the car I leaned against started
shrilling, making my ears pop. Screeching tires echoed in the distance.
“Sierra, are you
okay?”
I managed a quick nod before taking several shallow breaths,
hoping they would help calm my racing heart.
Lavie Grye, my friend and demon hunter, was running toward
me with both arms outstretched. “Are you sure you’re okay? That car nearly ran
you over!”
I nodded, glancing down the road even though I knew it was
too late to catch the culprit. Whoever just tried to run me over had come and
gone, which confirmed this hadn’t been an accident. Someone’s blatant attempt
to take me down had failed. I was sure of it. Having a certain group of freaks
after me made me more than a little paranoid.
“Sierra—”
“I’m fine, just a little shaken. That’s all.” I turned back
to her, noticing her denim overalls and the long-sleeved T-shirt underneath.
She always covered up, leaving only her hands exposed. Lavie had a demonic seed
living inside her, which manifested as snake-shaped lumps roaming under her
scarred skin.
“You didn’t catch a look at the car, did you?”
Her hazel eyes were wide and bright, but she shook her head.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t. I was looking out the window and spotted you crossing, so
I thought I’d greet you at the door. It happened so fast I didn’t bother
looking at the car.”
“Don’t worry about it.” One way or another, I was pretty
sure I’d eventually find out who was responsible.
“Let’s get inside.” Lavie wrapped an arm around my shoulder
and led me into her aunt’s store, which had been my destination all along.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment