Unleashed: The Deepest Fears Lie Within (Secrets of the Makai) (40 page)

The little pixie poked her head out from Tristan’s hair. “I wouldn’t be so sure.”

Donovan narrowed his eyes at her until she ducked back to safety. “Tomorrow could be a different story.”

“I haven’t heard from Molajah.”

“I’m not doing this to be in his favor, but to be in yours. You and I have much to learn from each other. Tell no one I said so.”

“But what if—”

Pink was once again airborne. Landon and Victor ran from the cabin. Every muscle went numb. Donovan caught him before he knew he was falling.

“You’re back!” Victor said.

“The staff. I need it,” Tristan said. Surely someone heard him.

“Back inside,” ordered Donovan. The glass on the front porch shot upward, reconstructing a seamless window. Pink almost slammed into it, then darted through the front doorway. “You can sleep now.”

“One more thing,” Tristan mumbled, melting into the soft bed. Suddenly his pants were dry and warm. He sought out Oliver, mentally, and found him sanding the outside hull of a wooden boat, in a darkened workshop. A thin layer of dust covered his head of thick hair and dark beard.

Tristan cleared his throat to get the man’s attention, then resorted to using his name.
Oliver? Sorry to interrupt, but I have a question.

The giant man spun, dropping the sanding block, ready to fight. “Who’s here?”

No one. It’s just me. You know...mental talk. Tristan.

You’re not allowed on the island. I thought we made that clear?

Perfectly! But I’m not on the island—I just....

Oliver growled and Tristan shut up. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.
Ask your question and be gone.

It was now or never. Tristan sent up a silent prayer.
I was wondering if I could have your permission to visit Dorian once in a while?

After you almost killed the island’s entire population? Why on Earth would you ask such a stupid question?

It’s not like we’d be dating. I know she’s already seeing Philip.

Philip! That good-for—
Oliver cut himself short.
Why are you asking?

Because.
Tristan wished he’d thought this out more. He didn’t really even need Oliver’s permission.
Because I don’t want her to feel like she’s sneaking behind your back.
Tristan waited while Oliver seemed to think about it.

Fully supervised?

Agreed.
Tristan’s heart raced in joy, until Oliver began shaking his head.

I can’t agree, but I have a feeling you’ll try seeing her either way.

Not if she doesn’t want to.

And if she does?

If she does, I’d rather you were okay with it.

Oliver clenched his fists.
I know you wouldn’t want to hurt her on purpose, but for God’s sake, you set her on fire! You’re out of control and unsafe. If you care about her at all, you’ll stay away from her.

Tristan opened his eyes and stared up at Donovan, Landon and Victor.

“Who are you talking to?” Donovan asked, barely a whisper.

Are you still there?
Oliver shouted.

“The staff!” Tristan said, panic making his voice crack. “I need it.” What would happen if he wished Oliver to die a slow painful death, and didn’t fully mean it?

“You have it.” Donovan pressed it against his chest, making the contact more noticeable. “Who were you talking to?”

“Oliver. Checking on Dorian.” Tristan clutched at the staff with both hands. “I wouldn’t hurt her on purpose, but I did set her on fire.”

“You didn’t
set
her on fire, she was merely injured while you yourself were on fire. There’s a difference.”

Exhaustion overtook him as fast as it had left. His eyelids felt like weights. “I have another favor to ask.”

“I doubt Oliver would respond favorably to me, but perhaps Landon and Victor—”

“It’s not that. I’ll let her go.”

“Then what’s the favor?”

“After I fall asleep, really asleep, take me back to Samara’s, and tell her not to let me out so easily.”

Donovan nodded. “Anything else?”

“If you showed her pictures, or made some sort of replica, maybe she could make this cabin for me? It might feel more like home.”

“I have no intention of keeping you there permanently,” Donovan said, his voice rising with anger. “It’s a training facility, not a retirement home.”

“If I’m in the way, ask Samara to add on, or see if she can build a separating wall so you can go about your business. She might—”

“The room has a female voice. She...IT is not a female.”

Tristan smiled, content with the fact that there were no objections about being moved back into the underground room. “I wonder if she can leave, and if she could, what sorts of things she might enjoy. Imagine how much the world has changed over the centuries. You should bring her a gift.”

Landon and Victor snorted with laughter, the pixie dove for cover in Landon’s hair.

“Are you suggesting I date the training facility?”

“Her name is Samara.”

“Clearly you’re delirious with exhaustion.” Donovan scowled. “Don’t forget I want an audience with Molajah and the Council.”

Tristan nodded, slipping away from Donovan’s voice in a sea of darkness.

“No predators. No prey.” It was the only encouragement Tristan could think of to let himself rest in peace.

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T
HE
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Thank you for taking time to read UNLEASHED. If you enjoyed it, please consider telling your friends or posting a short review. Word of mouth is an author’s best friend and much appreciated.

BOOK 3

D
RAGONFIRE

Spring of 2015

A
CKNOWLEDGMENTS

I would first like to thank the amazing fans who have made this series such an incredible experience. Thank you so much for your kind messages, reviews, and word-of-mouth marketing. Book three is underway!

Special thanks to my wonderful editor, Emily White, who has eyes like a hawk and a knack for reading between the lines.

My deepest appreciation goes to my family and closest friends, for tolerating my moments of insecurity and keeping me moving forward.

A
BOUT THE
A
UTHOR

Toni Kerr lives with her husband, two dangerously creative children, and a fabulous Australian Shepherd in the Pacific Northwest. She loves the outdoors, horses, the high desert, Photoshop, music, salty things, and writing in the wee hours of morning when all is silent.

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or Twitter: @ToniKerr_Writer