[Atlantean's Quest 01] The Arrival Read Online Free PDF Page A

dripped from her chin onto her book. She slammed it closed, her decision made. She’d rather take on an anaconda than turn into a puddle. She dropped the book on the cot and grabbed a towel from her pack, along with a change of clothes. Her hand dug deep trying to arrange the items into some semblance of neatness. Satisfied, Rachel reached for the zoological guide to return it to her work case. She was pushing papers aside when her hand struck something hard. Rachel pulled the item from the case. A semi-automatic Glock dangled from her fingertips with a note taped to it from Jac.
    You didn’t think I’d let you go down there without taking one of my little friends with you, did you? Love, Jac.
    Rachel glanced over at her cot. A pistol had been placed in her tent by one of the workers. Her lips twisted into a smile as she reread Jac’s note. She laughed, then tucked the present into the bottom of her tote for safekeeping. It was far too visible in her work case. Anyone could find it. Rachel didn’t even question how Jac had managed to get it in there. Some things were best left unknown. She picked up the guide-supplied pistol, taking a few minutes to get used to its unusual weight in her hand. She didn’t like guns, never had.
    She gathered a flashlight and tucked all the items into her safari shirt pockets. When she looked out of the tent, her eyes were drawn to a young native nearby. With a wave of her hand, she signaled for him to come over.
    Shy brown eyes looked warily at her beneath long black lashes. His face was a flawless brown coffee color. She decided to speak to the young man in his local dialect, as opposed to English. His face brightened instantly and dimples appeared on his cheeks.
    She asked where the path to the water was located. He shook his head and looked around, his eyes darting nervously from shadow to shadow. Rachel reassured him that he wouldn’t get into trouble if he just pointed her in the right direction.
    He hesitated.
    Rachel gave him an encouraging look and he acquiesced. She took out a few dollars and pressed them in his small hand. He flashed her a quick smile and then bolted. Rachel watched his retreating form until he disappeared out of sight, before turning to gaze into the darkness. She shivered, despite the heat, her gaze searching the inky blackness for any cause of her unease. She shook off the unwanted feeling.

    * * * * *
    From the darkness, sharp eyes watched the woman leave her tent. She made a right and headed down the trail in the direction of the water. Eros smiled.
    Come to me, my Queen .
     

Chapter Three
     
    Rachel made her way, flashlight in hand, down a trail she hadn’t seen earlier in the day. Ferns were thick around her ankles and vines hung haphazardly across the path. The sound of crashing water grew louder, swallowing up all trace of the camp behind her. She could almost feel the refreshing spray upon her heated skin.
    Several minutes passed, the trail widened a bit and the water roared. Orchids clung to the sides of trees like babes to teats, their blooms sweetening the air. Rachel pushed a vine out of the way and stepped into a tiny clearing. A waterfall tumbled from a small outcropping of rocks, plunging into a churning pool. Ten feet further the frothy water turned placid, the current gentle, as it meandered out of sight. Anaconda territory.
    The swirling liquid looked amazingly black, even with the reflection of the three- quarter moon shining upon its surface, casting an ethereal glow. She glanced up. Never in all the years of living in New York had Rachel ever seen a sky as wondrous as this star-spattered blanket of ebony.
    A breeze caught spray from the waterfall, gently misting her face. She closed her eyes, enjoying the sudden refreshment. Leaves crunched nearby.
    Rachel’s eyes flew open and she whirled around, flashlight in hand, frantically trying to catch any sign of movement. Which was nearly impossible with her fingers trembling like she’d