Page 101 of Taking Jenny
“Additionally, this will make things easier for us.”
She frowned in confusion. “Because they’re going to try and kill me…slower?”
I gently squeezed her hand. “Because now,Ican hunt them.”
She eyed me curiously. “As in, Illiapol has now becomeyourplayground?”
I shrugged, not willing to give her details. “Something like that.”
She tried to stifle a yawn, and failed. “Sorry. I think exhaustion is finally catching up to me.”
I watched her, concern creeping in. “That’s not good.”
“You’re not tired?”
“I can go for days without sleep. I’ve trained for it.”
She looked impressed. “I want that training, if I live through this…”
“You will.” I placed a warm, affectionate kiss on her forehead. “But to ensure that happens, we will need to separate on the path.”
A spark of fear flashed in her eyes. “But you said you were staying with me.”
“I am. I will be,” I promised. “I’ll be in the forest. Always nearby. If we travel together, that’s twice as much noise. They’ll hear us, and we can’t risk that. It’s the only way.”
“I know,” she said, nodding too fast, her bravado cracking at the edges. “It’s just scary, being out here on my own.”
I cupped her face between my hands, tipping her head back so that she was looking into my eyes. “You are not out here on your own,” I said fiercely. “You won’t see me, but I am always with you.”
A tremulous smile curved her lips. “Thank you for that, Mal.”
I brushed my lips across hers, soft and sweet. “Now, let’s get out of here. You have a game to win.”
After we confirmed the area was clear, she stepped onto the path while I disappeared into the cover of trees.
It felt like a crime to leave her exposed like that.
Every nerve in my body screamed against it.Protect, protect, protect.The command was carved into every breath, every muscle. I had to keep reminding myself of the logic. Less noise. Better coverage. It was the only way, but instinct railed at me to throw out all rationality and shield her with my body.
We moved forward, staying parallel. Then, without warning, Jenny froze. Her posture went stiff with terror, and she darted behind a tree, trying to conceal herself on the far side of the trail.
I couldn’t see the threat yet, but I heard it. Footsteps. Heavy. Confident. Too close.
Then he came into view.Arrow.
He prowled around the trees like he was born for the hunt, his staff raised as he quietly glided toward her hiding place.
Fuck.Without hesitation, I surged forward, staying low, silent, and fast. I reached him before he heard me, landing a hard kick to the back of the knee. He stumbled forward, swearing, then whipped his staff around at my head. I ducked, barely dodging the blow, and drove my fists into his ribs.
He grunted at the impact, but he recovered too quickly. He brought the staff down with brutal force, cracking it against the crown of my skull.
Stars exploded behind my eyes.
The trees spun and my knees gave way.
Then I was down.
Arrow snarled above me, his voice thick with contempt. “What the fuck are you thinking, Malice?”
