Page 132 of The Hunt
Something collided with me,knocking me sideways. The world spun a second before I crashed into the pool. Water went up my nose, and the burn of it snapped me back to reality. What had I almost done?
Pain, shame, and rage collided inside of me, and I screamed my frustration under the water.
A hand stroked over my hair, and I snapped my head around, my vision once again turning. Fenris’s concerned brown eyes collided with mine. His smile was missing as he gave my hair a gentle tug forward. He reeled me into his arms as we broke through to the surface.
I sniffled and leaned my head against his chest.
“Thank you,” I whispered.
If not for his quick thinking, I would have done something I would have never been able to forgive myself for.
“I’ve got you,” he said softly. “Always.”
His hand smoothed over my wet hair and down my back.
“Stealing my meal was nothing compared to the line you just crossed.”
Lifting my head, I followed the sound of Eras’s rage-filled voice and saw him where I’d left him. Only now, he was on his feet, his hands fisted, and shaking with anger.
The rumble of Fenris’s laughter vibrated against my chest.
“And you obviously didn’t learn anything from the experience if you’re back to provoking her. Run along, teenie little weenie. This is a predator pool party.”
A snort from Meg had Eras turning on his heel and storming out the door.
“The powder isn’t going to keep the mermaids under for long. You’re not going to want to be in the pool when they come to,” Anne said.
Fenris turned me toward the ledge and lifted me out of the pool. I quickly crossed my arms and wiped some of the water off my face as Fenris got out behind me.
When I stood, Lauv cocked a hip and studied me. Fenris’s hands settled on my shoulders. The touch lent me his support and his warmth. Why were we always ending up in the pool?
“Sweet Hades, Eliana. You weren’t even directing any of that at us, and I’m still tingling. Never mind the layered spells of protection that I’m wearing. And here, you had everyone fooled thinking you’re at the bottom of the food chain.”
One of the mermaids stirred.
“You’re all at the bottom of the food chain,” she slurred. “We’re going to—”
“Save your finned fannies by getting back into the water,” I said, losing my patience. “All this guppy gabbing is getting us nowhere. You hate the druids for wiping your minds and meddling with magic in your bathrooms. We get it already.”
River stood, and her second set of eyelids blinked while her first set narrowed at me.
“Someone’s finding her big girl pants. A little too late, though. You’ve started a war you can’t hope to win.”
“A war? Cuts and arguing over a bathroom is hardly a war.”
She flashed her sharp teeth at me.
“We both know it’s so much more than that. How’s your search for Ashlyn going? It’s been almost two weeks now, hasn’t it?”
“Got it!” a voice called from the pool behind us.
I glanced back at the mermaid holding my phone. She rapidly tapped at the screen and grinned.
“Message sent.”
She threw the phone at me, but Fenris deftly caught it and opened the message. We read it together.
Me: I’m the one responsible for Ashlyn’s disappearance. Come get me, fury.
