Clutch of the Demon Read Online Free PDF Page A

other demons that couldn't possess those that were pure of heart. Cara didn't know what to think of the dragon, but he hadn't killed her and he promised to spare Sky's life.  
    Too bad you're not here to see this. I'm watching the brat take her last breath.
    Cara shot up in her seat, but had enough self-control to keep her eyes closed. He was messing with her, lying to her as he always did. She had time, right? Why hadn't she thought to call her mom at the airport or at the cafe in Doolin? Before she left Montana, the doctors said Sky had several days left. Cara had been gone three days tops, right? Sky had to be alive or Cara just signed her life away for nothing.

Chapter Four

    On a short layover in Newark Airport, Cara pushed her way through the crowd and grabbed the nearest pay phone. She dialed her mom's cell phone with trembling fingers. Dawn answered on the third ring and Cara nearly dropped the phone since her hands were slick with sweat.
    "Mom, it's me," Cara said.  
    "Cara? Where...?"
    "Tell me Sky's alive." There was a long silence and Cara's knees turned to water. "Mom, please..."
    "She's not going to last much longer. She's been asking for you."
    Relief flooded through her and she swallowed the lump in her throat. "Tell her to hold on for me. I'll be there in seven hours."
    "Hurry," Dawn said and her voice was full of tears.  
    Cara ran to her connecting flight and made it just in time. She collapsed in her seat, turned her face to the window and stared out blindly. She would make it in time. She fidgeted restlessly and received periodic, irritated glances from the people seated beside her. She felt as if her ribs were still broken because she couldn't take a proper breath.
    You do not fly well.
    Cara stopped drumming her hands on the armrest. The dragon hadn't spoken to her since she ate breakfast. She'd nearly forgotten he was monitoring her.  
    I'm worried , she confessed and blew out a breath. She would take the Ancient over Luc any day of the week.  
    My blood will heal her.
    There wasn't a shred of doubt in his voice. It should have reassured her completely, but there was a tight band of fear around her fluttering heart. Luc could do something to speed up the process or Sky might give up before she arrived. She willed Sky to fight. She would make it in time.  
    Seven hellish hours later, Cara jumped into a taxi in Missoula, Montana and asked for the hospital. She had the vial clutched in her hand and she kept her eyes closed as much as possible. She had no idea if Luc continued to monitor her. Even if he was, there was no reason for him to think she was successful in finding a cure for Sky. Cara banked on Luc's conceit in believing he was the most powerful being on the planet and that she was no match for him. If it hadn't been for Vanity, Cara wouldn't have known there was an antithesis to Luc. Hopefully, Luc would think she was in a mad dash to get to Sky to watch her die. Cara knew Luc was nearby because he wanted to see the grief, guilt and misery on her face. It was what Luc lived for.  
    Cara threw a handful of cash at the taxi driver and ran into the hospital. Her boots pounded on the shiny tile. At this late hour, the hallways were empty and she was grateful for that fact. She skidded to a halt in the open doorway of Sky's hospital room and saw Dawn sitting in a chair, holding Sky's limp hand in hers. Dawn turned towards Cara who held her breath until she saw the small head move ever so slightly on the pillow.  
    "Mom, I need to see Sky alone," Cara said huskily.  
    Dawn nodded and brushed a hand over Sky's face. She had aged in the days since Cara last saw her. Dawn was exhausted and her eyes were filled with such pain, Cara had to look away.  
    "Everything's going to be okay, Cara," Dawn said.
    Cara nodded. "Yes, it will be."
    When Dawn closed the door, Cara walked to the bed. Sky was so pale, she was nearly the same color as the sheets.  
    "You made it," Sky whispered.  
    Cara walked