Capturing Today (TimeShifters Book 2) Read Online Free PDF

I’m always accessible.”
    I pull one of my hands away from him and rub my nose. “That sounds nice.”
    “It is.” He takes a deep breath. “May I be honest with you?”
    I nod.
    “I know you don’t trust me. And believe me, I understand. With what the Shifters say about me—especially the Elders—I don’t blame you. Actually, I’m rather surprised that you’ve stayed with me for this long.” His fingers inch up the hand he’s been holding and grasp the wrist my shifting bracelet is on. “My hope is that, with that brilliant mind of yours, you will soon discern who is right when it comes to Nick and me. Who is worth your trust.”
    I wish I knew what to believe. But I’d just as soon wish for something useful like brownies or ice cream to magically appear. I swipe the back of my free hand over my forehead, whisking away sweat. Ice cream would really hit the spot right now.
    My head starts to ache. I don’t think I’ve ever been so confused in my life. Everything Erik says is appealing, but warnings are going off like flashing lights in the back of my mind, warnings I can’t ignore. Specifically, Michael telling me never to let Erik speak to me.
    Of course I want to see my mother if she’s alive. But how do I know Erik isn’t lying? He could be. Nicholas has always been silent, which makes me suspicious of him, but my friends who I trust completely—Michael, Lark, Eugene, and Darnell—they are certain of Nicholas. They trust him completely. I can’t discount my friends’ belief so quickly.
    But say Erik is the good guy; I don’t want to tick him off. Then again, I’ve never been a fan of strangers touching me—and because I was distracted talking about my mother, I’ve allowed Erik to get away with far more contact than I’d normally allow.
    “Let go.” I narrow my eyes and try to jerk my arm away from him, but he holds firm.
    In a fluid movement, he flips my hand over and traces one of his fingers over my shifting bracelet. He taps the black spot, and his eyes grow wide. At the same time, a huge smile paints itself across his face. “I knew it. I knew it.”
    His hold loosens, and I yank my arm away, tucking it behind my back.
    “Come with me, Gabby. Come to Mónatos.”
    Do I …? No. Why am I even entertaining the thought? I know nothing about Mónatos, but I’ve seen the Shades on my missions. I saw one kill a woman. How did that detail slip my mind? Stupid, blue, enchanting eyes. The Shades are creeptastic with a capital C. They’ve haunted my nightmares for the past eight months.
    Erik must be bad.
    If my mother is still alive, he might be holding her as a prisoner, which is why no one has seen her in eighteen years. That’s the only thing that makes sense. And if that’s the case, then going with him is a trap. I need to be wise and only take actions I’m sure about. After all, my mother’s waited eighteen years for freedom—waiting a little longer shouldn’t be a big deal. She’d want me to be careful, wouldn’t she?
    I tighten my hold on the loops of my backpack. “I’m not going anywhere with you.”
    “You’re frightened.” Erik slips his hands into his coat pockets. “I see that now. I’m sorry. I let my excitement get the best of me. I’ve waited a long time to meet you, but I don’t mind waiting longer. You’re worth it.” He lowers his voice, dropping it to an intimate level. “I’ll wait however long you need. This is all completely up to you.”
    Gathering my courage, I square my shoulders. “You say you’re different—better than the Shifters, but you’re not. You may speak more, but it’s riddles. Not real answers.”
    His left eyebrow arches. “Riddles? Not me. I’ve been nothing but honest with you.” He scrubs a hand across his stubbled jaw. “As an act of friendship, I’m going to grant you what you most want.”
    I cross my arms over my chest. “Oh, really? And what’s that?”
    A wolfish smile colors his striking features. “To