Alice's Insurrection (Alice Clark Series) Read Online Free PDF Page B

enjoy life, and they all needed the change of pace if only for a short while. The sound of Alice’s laugh warmed Cole’s heart and as he, too, was laughing, all he could do was love her even more.
    “As long as you are doing better , that’s all that matters,” Cole said with a warm smile.
    “I’m sore , but I think I could take Jake,” she retorted with a challenging snicker.
    “You wish,” Jake said. They both felt it; she meant it. “You’re kidding right? Yesterday I had to carry you back in the house and today you think you can just throw me around?” Jake looked to Cole who was just as baffled by it.
    “Well, maybe not for as long as I normally can, but yeah, I think I could. You’re not going to break me and at least not any worse than I have been.” Cole could feel the faintness of the tingling diminish and felt her sincerity.
    “Absolutely not ,” Jake spat.
    Alice lifted herself from the couch and crouched down in front of Jake , slightly off balance, which did nothing for her case. “I’ll even let you take it easy on me,” she joked. Briathos emerged from hiding, and they all looked up at him, surprised.
    “If she says she’s ready, she is. I’ve healed many before her . Jake, I would think you of all, would know that,” Briathos offered, in aide of her quest.
    “I remember , but they weren’t half human. Human bodies are fragile, in case you haven’t noticed the extensive healing she has needed this time,” Jake answered.
    “Can this not be a pissing contest ? I just want to see how much better I am.” Alice stood up and walked outside, and Cole knew she knew what she was doing. They would always follow her, here now, to hell, to heaven. Anywhere she went they would always follow her. Reluctantly, Cole headed toward the kitchen and out the open front door, Briathos following closely behind. They stood outside for twenty minutes in silence, as Alice stretched her green and yellow body.
    “You shouldn’t be asking him to do this. He’s gone through a lot during this entire ordeal , too, you know,” Cole said, finding himself standing up for Jake.
    “That is exactly why I asked him to. I refuse to fail because of this and I refuse to let any of you do the same. He’ll come out when he’s ready,” she said as she sat down on the ground.
    “I may not understand what you two have , but I see it and I feel it as much as I don’t want to. Just be careful, you have a hold on the good in us all, don’t abuse that.” It’s not exactly what Cole wanted to say but it got the point across without saying, don’t break him and don’t break me to do it. She understood what he meant and she felt the pain the situation caused him, even if he did block it from her. That’s what years of empathy can do to a person. Your intuition is extensive and almost always correct.
    Brother? She will not let this go , you know that. Cole spoke to Jake.
    I know. She is incredibly frustrating.
    Don’t I know it. Come out here and let her heal you both. Cole sighed while watching Alice play with a blade of grass.
    I fear the worst , brother, Jake said with a heaviness in his broken, Fallen heart.
    That is your nature. Be what she needs you to be. Try not to rub it in my face. Cole said, feeling Jake’s smile emerge. He expected a smartass remark.
    I won’t do that to you after all we’ve been through. Al l right, I’m coming out. Jake emerged from the doorway with panic in his eyes.
    “Bought time , Jake,” Alice said with a smile as she stood up and dusted herself off. Jake approached her with sadness in his eyes, and Cole felt that crush her.
     

    ALICE
     
    Jake, I’m okay, truly. We’re just sparing like old times. We can do this. She thought in a whisper. She smiled at him and saw a sliver of light beam in response. Trust me as I trust you. He nodded and she stepped back. They began to circle each other, waiting for the other to strike, while Briathos and Cole watched nearby. Alice’s