Page 1048 of One More Kiss

Chapter9

A million questionsflashed through my mind. How does he know who I am? What does he mean, home? Clara said he worked for the Midnight Prince, didn’t she? Could I use him to get to Faerie Land to rescue my sister? But if I let him take me, would I ever see my mother again?

I lashed out with my boot, aiming for his solar plexus. Incapacitate the bad guy, then run. I was getting to Faerie Land on my own terms and I was bringing Alyssia back home with me. Stick with the plan, man.

Fin dodged. I didn’t see him move; it was as if my foot went right through him without touching. I almost overbalanced when my boot failed to connect. I wobbled, then rebalanced myself. Fin was right there, standing exactly where he had been to start, untouched. There might have been a ripple of air. He was fast. Supernaturally fast.

I pulled out my knife and leapt in to slash. I meant business now. He moved effortlessly, dodging my attack. I punched, kicked, spun and slashed. I threw my knife. Nothing touched him. He was not only fast, he was agile, moving with a fluid grace that I’d have admired if it wasn’t being used against me.

I stopped, out of breath. Time to try words instead of fists. “I’m not going anywhere with you.”

He grinned, his eerie blue eyes alight from within. “You already are.”

He hadn’t touched me. But he was leading me exactly where he wanted. We were nearly back at the mouth of the alley and I’d followed him, trying to get one of my blows to land. It was futile, and I was playing right into his hands.

I turned my back on him, returning to the fence. I was so done with this. The Midnight Gate was a long way from here, and there was no way he’d be able to lead me all the way there without me noticing. No, I was going to ignore him and go about my business.

A blur of movement and Fin was in front of me, blocking my path. That’s okay. I’d go the other way. I wanted to get back to the main road anyway.

I turned on my heel and sprinted towards the entrance to the alley. I wasn’t going to be herded wherever Fin was trying to herd me. If he wanted me then he’d have to take me kicking and screaming.

Fin appeared in front of me again, blocking the way. “You leave me no choice.”

He produced a small object, which looked like a pea shooter.

“What is that?”

He tilted his head to one side, a foreign, bird like movement. For a moment I didn’t think he’d answer.

“La cerbatana. It’s a weapon of my people and I don’t use it lightly.” He met my eyes. “If you won’t come willingly I will need to carry you. And that will be much easier if you sleep for me.” His face contorted and I realized it was his version of a friendly smile. “Your choice.”

It must contain some kind tranquilizer dart, like the ones Shark found at the cafe. I shuddered. I had no desire to be knocked unconscious.

There was movement over Fins shoulder at the entry to the alleyway. He must have heard it too. He swung around, placing me at his back and blocking my view. Protective instincts were strong in this one, despite the fact that he’d been about to knock me out. He had no fear that I’d use the distraction to get away, or attack him. Instead, he was placing himself between me and the potential new threat.

I took a step to the side so I could see around him. Really, I should be using this opportunity to run, but I had a feeling I knew who it was.

Sure enough, Jett stood at the entrance to the alley. Feet braced wide in a power stance, he held a crossbow, loaded. It was pointed straight at Fin.

I could have told him it was useless, Fin could dodge like nothing I’d ever seen before, but I kept quiet, waiting to see how this would play out.

“Liandra, move away from him. I need you to come over here.”

Fin stood, frozen. “Don’t interfere, Cazador, Hunter. This doesn’t concern you.”

“Really?” I shoved past Fin, moving towards Jett, and freedom. My arm brushed against Fins. Huh. I’d expected him to move out of my way. “I’ll stick with the human, if you don’t mind.”

Fin’s hand snapped out and he grabbed my upper arm. His grip was warm. I’d expected some sort of ice berg touch, based on his looks. Goes to show, you should never judge a person on their appearance. Even if they were Fae.

“Let her go.” Jett’s voice was deep and commanding. “This arrow is iron tipped. And I never miss.”

Fin’s hand tightened and he started moving backwards, pulling me with him. It was the wrong direction, and I tried to wrench myself out of his grip. It was no use. I couldn’t break his hold. “A little help here.” I directed my comment to Jett.

“Last warning,” said Jett. Fin showed no sign of having heard.

Jett released the arrow. It sang through the air, whipping past my face and skimming between Fin and I. It grazed Fins shoulder as it went past, before it slammed into the building beside us and ricocheted onto the ground.

Fin hissed. He released me and crumpled to the ground.

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