Page 79 of A Sky of Storms
“Noah, Noah, Noah,” Victoria sang, stepping closer and crouching before me. She held a knife in her hand, the blade swinging with each mention of my name. “Looks like you need some time to think.”
She lifted the knife, slamming it down into my thigh. I screamed, the pain blinding as she twisted the blade with a wicked grin on her face.
“Hopefully that will help to loosen your tongue.”
“Fuck you,” I growled.
Victoria slapped me on the face then stood. “I’ll be back soon to continue our little chat. You’d better have something to say.”
“I won’t talk.”
She leaned on my injured leg, clamping her hand around the knife embedded there and twisting it more. Pain fired through me and I cried out, slumping further on the ground. “Oh, you’ll talk, Hawthorn. You’ll fucking squeal when I’m done with you. I know you have information on Mark’s business dealings. I know you have access to Fallon, Kayden, Atticus, and Zane, all of whom pose a threat to something greater than you could ever imagine.”
Maybe it was the delirium from the pain, or maybe I had a death wish, but I laughed, spitting a wad of blood in her face. “You’re insane if you think I’m going to give you information.”
“And that’s the kicker,” she said, smiling coldly, the blood on her cheeks making her appear psychotic. “While information is high on my list, it’s not the only reason you’re here. My sweet sister has a saviour streak and a desperate need to protect people. Fallon will come for you, Hawthorn, so rest assured, you win nothing by keeping your mouth shut. When my wretched sister comes, I’ll have another kill to add to my count. So rest while you can, knowing I’m victorious either way.”
A cold chill ran over my body and I curled up, nearly passing out from pain. Victoria left with the two Potentials, leaving me alone with the guy holding a pulse gun and the very real threat that I would not survive till morning—or Fallon either.
ZaneandIcreptthrough the marsh on silent feet, using the cover of trees as much as possible to hide us from monsters and stray Potentials. The moon was hidden behind clouds tonight, giving us the advantage to slink like shadows through the night.
I had hoped Noah would return to the garrison before nightfall—that he’d escape Victoria’s clutches and show up unscathed—but that had been a fool’s wish. Of course, that would be too easy and, when it came to my sister, nothing ever was.
Zane grabbed my hand, putting a finger to his lips, and we froze as a few giant bats passed overhead, their screeches echoing across the expanse of the water. His fingers were warm as they slipped between mine, and I leaned into his touch as we waited.
I hated this place. Hated the creatures, hated traipsing through the water, and the stink … oh, don’t get me started. The bog-like smell clung to my skin and hair, making me feel constantly dirty. What I wouldn’t do for a hot shower and some freaking soap. Maybe a burger and some fries too.
We’d been living off rations and whatever wildlife we’d managed to hunt and I, for one, was over it. Even the junk food wasn’t hitting right anymore. Most of my chocolate stash had melted, and any sweets had turned to jelly with the hot summer days. It was a crime. There had been tears on one occasion.
Zane leaned in, tucking a stray piece of hair behind my ear. “Coast is clear. We’ll need to make a run for it to the next tree line. Ready?”
I grinned, leaning in to whisper, “Last one there goes down on the other.” Then sprinted away.
An excited noise that sounded a little like a dolphin followed me and I laughed under my breath as he barrelled along beside me, a smug grin on his face that said he knew he’d win.
I was fast, but damn, Zane had some speed on him. I conjured my wings, speeding to the finish line, and hovered gracefully while shooting him my most innocent smile.
“You cheated, Starfish,” he growled, coming to a stop and tugging me into his arms. “You’ll have to be punished for that.”
His hands slid down my waist to cup my ass, and he turned us, slamming me into a tree and kissing me hard, his lips bruising and his tongue circling against mine. He tasted like gummy bears, utterly addictive and driving me mad.
Zane leaned against me and I moaned as his incredible length pressed against my clit, making me wild with need. He pressed kisses down my neck, his teeth grazing the sensitive skin above my collar bone before he grabbed the zipper with his teeth and unravelled it ever so slowly. I bucked as he took my breast in his mouth, licking through my bra and rubbing against me so much that I was panting as I rolled my head back.
“I’m a generous guy,” he said, leaning back and capturing me, his eyes glimmering with hunger. “You’ll get your prize. I want you to sit on my face and fuck my mouth when we’re out of here,” he breathed, claiming my other nipple with his tongue. “And when we win this trial, I am going to make you cum so hard you see stars.”
“Yes,” I breathed. “Not later. Now.”
I wrapped my legs around him and shivered as he put his hand down my pants, circling my clit lazily. “Oh baby,” he said with a smile. “You’re soaked for me.”
I ground against his hand, groaning and hurting with anticipation. I needed release, needed to feel him inside me, but he pulled back, his lips twisting into a smile.
“Zane,” I growled, feeling frustrated with his endless teasing.
“Uh-uh, Starfish,” he said with a broad smile. “That’s your punishment. Only good girls get their rewards. You’ll have to wait.”
I scowled as he set me down on the ground. “Are you freaking kidding me?”
He winked, his gorgeous face alight with amusement. “We’ve got a job to do. Get your head in the game, sweetheart. We can finish this later.”
