The Emerald Key Read Online Free PDF

happened?” she asked.
    He ran his hand over his head. “Damned if I know. Get your things.” He left the room as if Hades himself chased him.
    She touched her swollen lips. “Maybe he is.”
    She pulled out a small suitcase and quickly packed a few things. A night or two with Greg and Dori wouldn’t kill her, but she did it more for their sakes than hers. She refused to let this stalker chase her from her own home for longer than a couple of nights.
    As she packed, Wunjo wandered in and jumped up on the bed. “Meow?”
    “Yes, I have to go away for a few days.” Cass scratched him behind the ears. “Do you want to come along? Or go on your own?”
    “Meow.” He shook off her hand and pranced away from her.
    “Fine. I’ll leave some food and water out for you. Just be careful, okay? And stay away from that white alley cat. She’s no good for you.”
    Wunjo sneezed at her then jumped off the bed. Cass shook her head and grinned. She had no clue how the cat got in and out. She didn’t have a pet door anywhere and didn’t believe in letting animals wander outside without owners, but Wunjo defied normal laws. He came and went as he pleased no matter what she did to discourage him.
    She tucked her tarot cards and rune stones into an inside pocket of the bag and dug through her jewelry box for the crystals she needed for protection.
    Cass carefully selected several other items and packed them in a box she’d constructed specifically for them. She closed her suitcase and carried it out, prepared for Nic’s derision and disdain at her beliefs.
    Nic stood in the living room staring out one of the two tall windows fronting the street. He turned as Cass entered the room. “Is that everything?”
    “Not quite.” She retrieved her box. If he preferred to ignore the kiss, so would she. Pretending it hadn’t happened was probably best for them both.
    He glanced at the box. While not as large as the suitcase, even with a strap, the bulk still took both hands to manage easily. “I’ll carry your suitcase.”
    “I can handle both. You don’t need to do me any favors.”
    “I’m not. We can both move faster if you’re not weighed down by two bulky cases.” He picked up her satchel. “Shall we?”
    His deference caught her off guard. Steve would have said something about her being incapable of handling the weight. But then, Steve had never kissed her like Nic did, leaving her heart pounding and her body wanting more. “Gee, you’re not going to offer to carry both? Maybe my weak female arms can’t handle any of this.”
    Nic snorted and opened the door. “You work in a store that gets heavy shipments and I saw a set of free weights under your bed and exercise equipment in the closet. Neither had dust on them and looked well-used. One thing I don’t think you are is weak.”
    Cass pursed her lips, surprised at his words. “You’re observant.”
    “I get paid to be. Where’s your car?”
    “Small parking lot out back. Yours?”
    “At Greg’s. Do you want me to drive?”
    “No.” Cass locked her door behind them and followed him down the stairs. A short time later, they pulled into the driveway at Dori and Greg’s. Cass noted a black pickup truck parked in front of the house. While not new, it looked to be in good condition, unlike her old truck. A conglomeration of mismatched parts, hers would never win any awards for style, but it ran well and got her where she wanted to go—most of the time. “Your truck?”
    “Yeah.”
    “Greg said you’re moving here? May I ask from where?”
    “Philadelphia.”
    “You’re ex-military?” She shook her head at her own stupidity. No surprise there. Greg had told her as much.
    “Former military. There is no ‘ex’ to a Marine.” He took her bag out of the back, handed her the box, and led the way into the house. He didn’t ring the bell, but walked right in, like an old friend would. Cass chewed her lip in puzzlement. In all the years she’d know him,