Between Read Online Free PDF Page A

Michael.
    “ So, you want to see Claudia?” Michael asked.
    “ Not just me, but Vivian and Caleb too.” As Davin released his last word, Michael caught him off guard and struck.
    Davin blocked. The two swords collided as Davin’s sword slid off, causing a loud metallic slicing sound that reverberated in the room.
    “ You know you’re making a deal that is impossible?” Michael said, blocking Davin’s sword, causing Davin to coil.
    “ You may be faster and stronger than me, but I’ve got some secret moves up my sleeves.” Davin flipped and landed behind Michael. Michael anticipated what Davin would do and drove his sword behind him, blocking the attack.
    Michael chuckled. “I know all your secret moves, my friend.”
    “ Oh, yeah? Maybe so, but you don’t know this one.” Davin stopped suddenly. With the sword still in his grip, he pointed it downward. He looked past Michael. His eyes widened, looking bewildered, as if he had seen a ghost. “Claudia? What are you doing here?”
    Michael’s heart beat out of control; she wasn’t supposed to be here. Something must have happened. He turned to look for her. When there was no sign of her, he realized he had fallen for a trick. But before he could turn, Davin grabbed him from behind and held his sword across his neck. “I told you I had a secret move and yet you fell for it,” Davin chuckled. “Must not let a woman under your skin; they are the hero’s weakness.”
    Michael rolled his eyes, placed his hand on Davin’s arm and peeled him off, then lay his sword down in defeat. “That was a good trick–and I fell for it! You nearly gave me a heart attack, not that I could have one. I thought something terrible had happened to her.” Energy drained out of Michael’s face like he had just been given terrible news. “I don’t know what I would do if…”
    Davin felt horrible. He didn’t like seeing Michael looking fragile. He reached for Michael to give him comfort and to apologize, but as soon as his hand touched Michael’s arm, he realized his error. Davin felt Michael’s grip, and instantly knew he was in trouble. Michael flipped Davin over, causing Davin to fall flat on his back. Even before he hit the ground, Michael’s sword had contacted Davin’s chest. “And that, my friend, is an even better trick.” He chuckled out loud in triumph.
    When Davin realized what had happened, his face grew warm. “I have to admit, you are quicker than I thought. That was a better trick.”
    With a huge smile, Michael gave Davin his hand and helped him up. “Sorry, I just couldn’t resist.”
    “ Yah, yah, yah! But we still get to go–I won first,” Davin reminded.
    “ But I won last,” Michael challenged and took off again, having Davin chase after him.
    They came to an abrupt halt when they realized the door to the main hall was closed. Having the door closed meant one thing; the Twelve were holding a meeting and the alkins were not invited. Davin gave a mischievous smile and placed his ear on the door. “I hear Philip’s voice.”
    “ What are you doing?” Michael asked worriedly.
    “ Doing what I do best?”
    “ Being a dummy?”
    “ That’s right,” Davin said at first, and then realized too late that he’d misheard Michael’s words as he attempted to hear Philip and Michael at the same time. “No…very funny. You know what I mean. You called me peeping Tom once.”
    “ You mean several times.”
    “ Shhh!”
    “ What are they saying?” Michael whispered urgently.
    “ I’m not sure. These thick doors are sound proof; something about Alexa Rose. How she let the demons out.” Davin paused. “Jeremiah is saying that Alexa Rose should be punished.”
    Michael felt furious and placed his ear on the door. He would find away to prevent that from ever happening. He didn’t know what the punishment would be; he didn’t care, he didn’t want that for her.
    “ Why don’t you just use your supersonic ears and tune into their