Total pages in book: 192
Estimated words: 189782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 949(@200wpm)___ 759(@250wpm)___ 633(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 189782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 949(@200wpm)___ 759(@250wpm)___ 633(@300wpm)
Monty maneuvers the yacht into its berth with expert precision, and I feel a twinge of envy at how effortlessly he handles everything.
With freedom like this, you can have anything you want.
Once we’re docked, she tells him her plan to stay behind.
Unlike me, he doesn’t bat an eye. He simply paces off toward the security guards to work out the logistics.
Kody starts arguing with her, and I leave him to it, knowing he won’t get anywhere.
When I reach Monty’s side, he’s midway through his instructions to the guards.
“She doesn’t leave your sight. When she uses the lavatory, you wait outside the door. She doesn’t step off the yacht. No one boards except Dr. Howell. If anyone is with him, deny entry and call me.” He directs a finger at his chest. “If she tries to leave, stay with her and call me. If anything feels off or suspicious…”
“We’ll call you, Mr. Novak.”
She walks with us to the port side as Monty gives her the same instructions he gave the guards.
Leaving her behind feels like I’m ripping out a vital organ. It’s not natural. But this short separation will be a good test for the three of us. Kody and I need to know we can handle this new world without her always by our sides.
“We won’t be long.” Monty steps off the yacht without another word.
“Have fun.” She rests her hands on her hips and hardens her voice. “No fighting.”
“No promises.” I cast one last glance at her, my gut twisting.
Kody lingers, his dark eyes glued to her.
“Come on.” I bump his shoulder with mine, propelling him into motion.
Monty leads the way through the maze of docks and onto the coastal road. The town buzzes with activity. People mill about, their chatter and laughter filling the air.
Every time a car zooms by, I flinch and reach for the rifle that’s not there. Kody burrows into his hunched shoulders, trying and failing to block out the sudden bursts of noise.
I catch myself staring at everyone and everything, especially at the children and the dogs on leashes.
When a family with wailing kids hurries by, Monty pauses, his voice low. “Have you ever seen a child?”
“Wolf, I guess.” I crane my neck, watching the adults wrestle their screaming toddlers. “Twenty years ago.”
“What about a dog?”
“Only wolves.” Kody stands stiffly, hands shoved in his jean pockets.
“Yeah, these pampered pets aren’t wolves.” Monty laughs.
It’s disorienting and surreal. Kody feels it, too. His eyes dart around, taking in the chaos with cautious curiosity.
“I usually have Kai drive me.” Monty studies us too closely. “But I thought it would be nice to walk since it’s not raining. Do you want to keep going?”
Kody and I nod. It takes a helluva lot more than kids and dogs to spook us.
“It’s just around the corner.” Monty continues down the street.
“Do we need to worry about reporters?” I ask.
“No.” He pauses, opening a door for a woman carrying an armful of boxes.
“Thank you, Mr. Novak.” She blushes and ducks her head, smiling shyly.
Once she’s inside, he continues down the road. “I have Sirena watching for media activity. There’s no press in town today.”
Always one step ahead.
Even so, my senses remain on high alert.
Walking through the town feels like I’m walking in someone else’s shoes. Each time I make eye contact with someone, they stare back with interest or surprise.
It’s weird, being the focus of all these strangers’ attention. Part of me wants to shrink away, to disappear into the background, but another part feels an electric thrill. It’s like I’m on display, a rare specimen they’ve never seen before.
When they stare, I stare back hard. They always look away first.
“You two draw a lot of attention.” Monty glances at us, wearing a remote expression. “Especially from the ladies. You’ll get used to it.”
“He claims it’s a family thing,” Kody mutters under his breath. “The way we look. Says being attractive is a blessing and a curse.”
We’re attractive? I snort. More like wild, filthy animals. Nothing like these people with their loud voices, fancy hairstyles, cloying perfumes, and brightly colored clothes.
Every face that turns my way glares like a spotlight, and I wonder if that’s what they see. A rugged, uncivilized outsider from another world. Kody and I tower over every person we pass. We’re more muscular, too, and we’re not even at our normal weights.
I keep my head up, pretending like I belong here. Kody stalks beside me, doing the same.
As we push through the throngs of people, I absorb the colorful signs, the smell of food, and the snippets of conversations. It’s all so vivid, so alive. Cars and buses clog the streets, their engines adding a constant hum to the cacophony of sounds.
Monty strides ahead, seemingly unfazed by the hustle and bustle. We follow closely, matching his confident pace. It’s a rush, being immersed in this living, breathing mass of humanity. Part of something bigger.