Storm of Lightning Read Online Free PDF

their names on the guest register.”
    â€œIf they came this way, I doubt they’d use their real names,” Taylor said.
    â€œNo, they wouldn’t,” Scott said. “And to escape the Elgen, they might have gone west or even south.”
    The idea of my mother fleeing for her life made me start ticking. Taylor put her hand on my arm to calm me.
    â€œWhat time are we leaving in the morning?” McKenna asked.
    â€œThe ranch is a two-hour drive from here, so I think we should leave around four. We’ll be coming in from the east on an old mining road that will give us some cover. With Ian’s help, we should be able to see them before they see us.”
    â€œ If they’re still there,” Ostin said. “I’m betting they’re not.”
    â€œWe can hope,” Scott said.
    We finished our dinners, with some churros and an order of flan for dessert. Scott spoke to us again before we left the restaurant.
    â€œRemember, we’re leaving at four, so get some rest and be in the lobby ready to go no later than five minutes to the hour.”
    â€œDo we need our luggage?” Abigail asked.
    â€œNo. If all goes well, we’ll be back tomorrow night, then head back the next morning. So get some rest.”
    Everyone walked back to the hotel. Taylor and I were the last to leave the taqueria, and she took my hand as we walked outside. It was dark except for a nearly full moon that lit the sky.
    â€œYou didn’t eat very much,” I said.
    â€œMy stomach hurts.”
    â€œMaybe you should see a doctor or something.”
    â€œIt’s probably just stress.” She looked at me. “You’re the one I’m worried about.”
    I didn’t say anything. It felt like my brain and heart were tied up together in knots. We walked slowly, taking in the cool night air. Neither of us spoke for a while. A brindled dog ran toward us, growling. I began sparking, but Taylor just reached out her hand, and he suddenly stopped, then wandered away.
    â€œIt’s cool how you can do that to animals.”
    â€œThey’re a little harder than humans,” she said. “I think it’s because they act more on instinct than thought. Thoughts are easier to control. At least for me.”
    I didn’t reply. These days I didn’t feel like I had any control over my own thoughts, let alone someone else’s. After a few minutes Taylor said, “What are you thinking?”
    â€œI was just thinking that it’s hard to believe that’s the same moon we were looking at in Taiwan just a few days ago.”
    â€œSame moon, different world.” She sighed. “Just imagine what she’s seen.”
    â€œThe moon is the earth’s witness,” I said.
    She smiled sadly. “That’s poetic.”
    For a moment we were both silent. Then I said, “You were right. There is no going back.”
    â€œThere never was,” she said. After a moment she leaned into me and we kissed. Suddenly I felt a current of electricity flowing through our mouths, and Taylor leaned back. “Wow. Your kisses are electric.”
    â€œThat’s what all the girls say,” I said.
    She grinned. “You already told me that I’m the only girl you’ve ever kissed.”
    â€œIt’s true.”
    â€œThat’s still hard for me to believe,” she said.
    â€œI think my Tourette’s scared them.”
    â€œOr maybe you just thought it did.”
    â€œMaybe,” I said.
    We kissed again. Then Taylor said, “Tomorrow starts early. We’d better get some sleep.”
    We turned and walked back to the hotel. When we entered the lobby, Ostin, McKenna, and Nichelle were sitting on vinyl couches near the front door playing cards.
    â€œYou guys want in?” McKenna asked. “We’re playing hearts.”
    â€œNo, thanks,” I said. “We’re going to bed.”
    â€œYou guys should too,”