Page 33 of Their Lethal Pet

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There’s nothing.

“One.”

Static electricity crawls over my arms, making me freeze as a humming sound rolls over my senses.

Then…

Silence.

I barely breathe, my ears straining to hear more.

Growls. Screams. Angry cries. I expect to be inundated with all of the above, yet… there’s nothing.

My brow pulls down as I slowly glance over my shoulder, half anticipating a drooling monster to be right behind me.

But I’m alone.

No sign of Bartholomew or Miranda. No hint of sound.

Have I gone deaf?I wonder numbly.What’s going on?

I cautiously retreat back down the hallway to find the large room completely empty.

Did they run?I marvel, looking around more frantically now.Did they find a place to hide?

My lips part, their names almost leaving my mouth. But I instantly swallow the instinct.They’re fending for themselves. I need to do the same.

Turning back around, I head down the hallway with measured steps, trying my hardest not to make a sound. It’s just too quiet in here. It’s eerie. Like I’m lost in some sort of sequence or countdown that I can’t quite hear or feel.

Energy flows across my being, the kiss of it oddly familiar.

Something is coming.

No. Not something.Someone.

I’m not sure how I know that, but the knowledge causes me to freeze once more.

A masculine scent touches my nose, demanding that I inhale.

Fir trees on a warm summer’s night. Bliss.

Ohhh… I like that.

My eyes fall closed, some part of me instantly at ease. Comfortable.Pleased.

Want,I think. No.Need.

Ineedmore.

To find the source.

To lose myselfin?—

A hand clasps around my throat, yanking me out of my delirious state. A scream locks in my chest, the lack of air making it impossible for me to release the startled noise.

And I stare into a pair of familiar brown eyes.

Threat.

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