T*Witches: Split Decision Read Online Free PDF Page A

always gnaw at her. With all her gifts, her powers, she had not been able to save the only mother she’d ever known or wanted from death.
    “Want me to say something in French?” Cade broke in suddenly, teasing. “It
is
the language of love, after all.”
    It was more than flirting, and Alex knew it. He’d sensed her gloom, was trying to pull her out before she got in too deep. He was amazing.
    She brightened. “
Oui
.”
Yes
was the one French word she knew.
    “Okay. See if you can figure this out.
Tu es très jolie, Alex, mon petit chou,”
he said with a sly smile.
    She had no clue what it meant.
    Cade leaned in and cupped her chin. “It means, you are so pretty …”
    She blushed.
    “— my little cabbage head.”
    Alex scrunched her face and mock punched him. “I walked right into that one, didn’t I?”
    Cade answered by reaching over and pulling her close. “Let’s see if you walk right into this.”
    Alex’s heart began to race. She remembered what Cade’s kiss felt like. She closed her eyes and leaned toward him —
    This better be worth it. She’d better come through. Or I came a long way for nothing.
    — and jerked her head away roughly. What the —? Was that what he’d been thinking? Alex stared hard at Cade. She was so angry, she blurted, “What better be worth it? You mean me?”
    Cade was startled. “What’s going on?”
    Of course
you.
You think I’m here to hook up with that prissy sister of yours?
    Alex sat up sharply and moved away from him. “I don’t know what game you’re playing —”
    “Game? Alex, what’s wrong? What’d I do?” Cade wanted to know.
    A game? Great! How ’bout one we both know? Hide-and-seek?
    She was fuming. Her face was probably beet red. What could she say? I read your mind, you imbecile? You’re just playing me? Alex leaped up, ready to grab her bike and bolt.
    You’re IT, Alex! Find me.… I’ll say if you’re hot or cold.…
    She grabbed the handlebars, booted the kickstand, and stopped. Those were
not
Cade’s thoughts. Someoneelse was here. Someone powerful enough to break into her head.
    “Alex, come on,” Cade said anxiously. “Give me a clue — I’m lost here.” He’d come up behind her and put his hands on her shoulders, about to spin her around. She whirled, beating him to it.
    Her heart sank. She didn’t have to read his mind. Cade’s hurt and confused feelings were all over his face. She stammered, “I’m … I didn’t mean it… I mean, it’s not you, it’s me.…” Alex awarded herself an A in inane babble. “I know this is weird … I’m acting weird, you’re probably thinking …”
    Cade searched her eyes for a clue. She had none to give. She only hoped she could come up with an explanation he’d believe and that he’d forgive her.
    Oh, Alex, you’re not even trying! And you, the huntress, shame, shame!
    Grimly, Alex turned away from Cade and shot back a telepathic message of her own.
Whoever you are, I will find you. You’ll wish I hadn’t!
She scanned the landscape, wishing for her sister’s zoom-lens eyesight. On her own, Alex saw nothing.
    Except this. When she turned around, Cade was gone.
    *        *        *
    She ached to go after him, to shout, “Wait! Don’t go.”
    How could things have gotten so messed up, so fast? Their first quality time alone was ruined. She’d make it right with Cade — as soon as she flushed out this rude intruder.
    Intruder? I could be insulted. But I’m having too much fun.
    Her jaw set, Alex scrambled down the hill, digging her heels into the soft, grassy earth so she wouldn’t topple. Every few steps she paused, listening, thinking. Her adversary had spied on her and Cade, broken into her head. A witch for sure, but which witch? Not Camryn, nor Miranda, not even her mischievous cousin Ileana would mess with her this way.
    You’re overthinking this, Alex. Use your ears… use your instincts.
    Don’t tell me what to do!
Alex shot back, walking