Page 35 of Hell Storm

Literally.

I cried out as the ground toppled all around me. My helmet flew off along the way, making it easier to hear the screams of the two roamers who caused this disaster. The sound was punctuated by loud thuds, as I imagined them crashing into rocks and trees, reaping the universe’s harsh punishment for what they’d done to me.

Rolling through the dirt and dry leaves, I was keenly aware of the fact that, had I seen the midsized rock just a second sooner, this wouldn’t have been happening. I wouldn’t have been catapulted off the front of the bike I was pretty sure I just ruined.

Yes, I absolutely did think of the bike before I even finished tumbling. I mean, it was a thing of beauty. Can you really blame me?

The world finally stopped spinning, and when my eyes focused, I realized I’d been mere centimeters from opening my face on the sharp edge of a stone. Except, I only thought the abrupt stop was a lucky break for a moment.

Right up until the toes of very expensive gym shoes stopped just beneath my chin.

The back of the leather jacket I‘borrowed’was gathered into a fist just before I was plucked from the ground like a weed. And when my eyes finally settled on a face, it was Levi’s.

Freakin’ busted.

“Let me guess,” he muttered through gritted teeth. “You’re just out looking for another glass of water?”

My feet settled on the ground again once he lowered me, which I appreciated. Being dangled in the air like an unruly pet he’d scold was a tad demeaning. He wanted a response, but I brushed dirt from my clothes instead. It was all I could do to bide my time, thinking of an excuse to give for my actions.

Only, there wasn’t one. Not one I could actually give. Not one he’d accept.

When I dared to peer up again, Levi’s gaze was furious. The only thing that distracted me from it was the sound of two guttural groans coming from somewhere above. Curious, I glanced up to find the two roamers dangling from high tree branches, barely conscious. It didn’t take long to realize it’d hadn’t been rocks and trees doling out their punishment.

That reckoning came from Levi.

I guessed he put his abilities to use to pull it off, likely the same abilities that stopped my face from gettingrealintimate with that rock a moment ago.

“Do you have any idea the trouble you caused tonight? Any idea the danger you put yourself in by coming here?”

I didn’t answer. Mostly because he wouldn’t have wanted to hear me say that I didn’t actually care. I made it out and that was all that mattered.

Although, I now feared that freedom had just come to a swift end.

The groaning from above stopped when the oafs finally lost consciousness. It meant there were no witnesses as I stood facing Levi. I knew I’d be punished, but had no idea to what extent.

I’d escaped the palace, stole several items, and was certain I’d severely injured the sentinel who blocked my path to the greenhouse. Or … maybe Ikilledhim.

Either way, it wouldn’t end well for me.

Levi paced and I stood there, thinking of how close I’d been to this all being over tonight. So close I could practically taste it, but now the opportunity had passed, and I accepted that I failed again.

“How long have you been tracking me?”

His eyes cut toward me like a blade, and I felt the look slice deep. “Oh, I didn’t just track you, Love. I set you up.”

My brow tensed when his words confused me. “Set me up?

The expression he wore hardened even more. “Didn’t you think it was strange you encountered so few locked doors this evening? The tunnel entrance? The garage?”

I said absolutely nothing.

“You didn’t break out,” he growled. “Iletyou out. And only because I knew it was the only way to get answers, knew it was the only way to find out where your heart’s been calling you all this time.”

My head lowered and my eyes fell closed. The place my heart was calling me was a destination I’d never reach now.

“But I—I checked,” I stammered. “There was no one behind me. I wasn’t followed.”

My emotions had my throat in a chokehold as I fought tears.

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