Viator (The Viator Chronicles Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

I can’t stop you,” he said.
    The blond smirked and took off running down the road, while the tall man stood like a sentinel, his back still turned to Erin. She didn’t move. The crow flew past her and let out one loud caw when it was overhead. The man turned around and looked directly into her eyes, and his own dark eyes widened with surprise. He scanned her up and down, a faint smile creeping over his features. In an instant, he turned away and ran back into the forest. Erin heard a twig snap where he had gone, and the forest became silent, with not even the sound of a bird.
    She stood in the protection of the trees, relieved he was gone, and tried to determine who these men could be. She’d never met any others, besides the dreamers and the mortifers who hunted them. Was the blond man a dreamer? And this tall, dark man some new kind of malicious creature? Perhaps the same man she had seen in a previous dream who had drawn his sword when he saw her? He frightened her, and the blond, who looked so much like Gary, had certainly wanted to get away from him. She shivered and walked back to the knoll where she had left her jacket, put it on, and lay back on the grass until she faded into dreamless sleep.

Chapter 6
    Erin looked through her closet. Her green dress was pretty, but missing a button. The black dress, too formal. A skirt and blouse seemed too frumpy. Her wardrobe definitely needed some help. She finally settled on navy blue pants and a lacy white sweater. After curling her hair and adding some lipstick, Erin went downstairs.
    The day had been beautiful, and the children had been on the beach with some friends, long since gone home. Erin had taken advantage of the good weather to clean up her yard: mowing, weeding, and planting bright primroses. As she had worked she kept thinking about the chance meeting with Gary, and she was looking forward to talking with him again. Their conversation had brought memories of William back so painfully, but Gary was one of William’s old friends, and it would be good to share some memories. She also felt a vague sense of unease, and even though she couldn’t remember it, she knew she’d had another disturbing dream.
    Gwen was packing toys into her backpack as Erin entered the kitchen.
    “Are you ready to go to Mrs. Edna’s house?” Erin asked.
    “Sure,” Gwen said as she put another doll into her pack.
    Matthew called from his bedroom, “All set.” He came down the stairs with his backpack. “Let’s go, kid,” he said to Gwen.
    They walked across their gravel driveway and through a gate in the hedge to the small white house next door. Baskets of blue and yellow flowers hung from the eaves, and small stone statues of rabbits and birds clustered in the gardens. They knocked on the door and Edna greeted them, her white hair in tight curls.
    “Already had dinner, kids?” she asked.
    “We sure did,” said Gwen. “We’re ready for dessert!”
    “Well, come on in and have some snickerdoodles and ice cream.”
    They stepped into the little house.
    “Thanks so much. I shouldn’t be later than eleven,” Erin said.
    “Have a great time, dear.”
    Erin climbed into her SUV and drove to Aleesha’s house in Anacortes. Several cars were already parked in front when she drove up, so Erin parked on the street and hurried up to the door.
    “I’m so glad you’re here. Come in,” Aleesha said as she opened the door. She handed Erin a glass of champagne.
    The old house was filled with people. Candles glowed, casting a soft light on the white furnishings. Although it was May, a small fire burned in the fireplace. White carnations and roses spilled over vases on several tables, filling the house with a subtle, sweet fragrance. Past the living room, Erin could see the dining table sparkling with crystal, roses, and silver. Soft jazz filled the room, and the atmosphere breathed relaxation.
    Aleesha introduced her to several other guests, some local artists and gallery