A Touch Too Much Read Online Free PDF Page B

it’s time. And get a mirror on your way, you’re a real knockout!”
    Fury bloating his voice, the repulsive hulk spat blood. “You’ll pay for that. You heed my words, Rogan, you’ll pay for that!”
    Grabbing his right leg, he twisted it roughly. Without even wincing he applied the same treatment to his arm and nose. The ensuing snapping noises were sickening, raising bile in Liv’s mouth. When Khord had finished reconnecting his joints, Liv thought he could have passed for human once more, provided that he wore a balaclava on his head. As he trudged back towards the front door, he pointed a crooked finger at Liv.
    “I’ll tell about her. You’ll see. They’ll come for her.”
    Then he was gone.
    “We have to move!”
    No hesitation in Rogan’s voice. She gathered he knew what was coming, and wanted them both out of the way. Liv feigned not to notice the wreckage when she stepped into the living room.
    “Are you hurt? What’s going on?”
    “That swine isn’t lying. He will inform the council about you. They’re going to send a tracker.”
    A wave of uneasiness rose up her arms. Liv rubbed her sleeves. “A tracker? Is it different from a hunter?”
    “Yes and no. A tracker is a highly trained agent, picked from the best hunters’ teams. He’s first initiated, then immersed in the ancient art of tracking. Practicing can get tough but when the training is over he’s capable of finding anyone, anywhere. Once he smells a scent, he can track it down anyplace. All he needs is an item the person has touched, usually fabric. No matter the distance, no matter the time. Sooner or later, he always gets his prey.”
    “Is he coming for me?”
    She must’ve looked scared because Rogan rushed to take her in his strong arms. She leaned on him, shielding herself from a fateful future. As if aware of her inner turmoil, he held her until the fear quieted, giving her the reassurance and the strength she needed. He traced her lips with one finger.
    “Nothing will happen to you. I’ll keep you safe.”
    “Why would you do that?”
    It seemed a reasonable question to ask. At first he had regarded her as smelly food, now he was appointing himself her guardian. Unsure as to his change of heart, she looked at him expectantly.
    “Never mind that! Let’s get out of here, I don’t have much time.” He pointed at the window. “Sunrise is in less than an hour.”
    He let go of her so she could retrieve her wallet and handbag. Outside, she locked the front door, gave the car keys to Rogan, and eased herself down on the passenger seat.
    “Drive. I know where we can hole up till sunset.”
    They raced with the approaching dawn, traffic still being light. Less than an hour later, they parked in front of a worn-out motel. Coloured a deep, dark blue, the sky awaited imminent golden rays of sun. Getting out of the car, Liv cocked her head towards the square building.
    “The motel belongs to my best friend. I guess it’s not much to look at but it’s private.”
    Sandra was doing some paperwork while listening to the radio full blast. As Rogan announced he felt exhausted and needed the room right away, she handed him a key. He took off in a hurry, leaving the girls to chat. Only when he was gone did Sandra turn the radio down.
    “Sorry about the racket, I love this Christian Kane. He’s got such a sexy voice, I wouldn’t say no to him.”
    In spite of the dire circumstances, Liv had to grin. “You’ll always be my favourite ‘I behave like a teenager’ friend. In a way, you haven’t changed a bit since high school.”
    “Yet you love me just the way I am.” Sandra’s smile beat hers by a good margin. “Now enough of me, how have you been since Christmas? More importantly, what are you doing here so early? Have you been thrown out of your flat? And sweet Jesus, who’s this hunk of a guy?”
    “A friend in trouble. He needs a hand.”
    Peals of laughter escaped Sandra’s lips, and creased her forehead. “I’m