Awaken the Elements (Elemental Trilogy) by Ellie Potts Read Free Book Online Page B

money than it was built to hold. Shoplifting? The idea was funny, and this time she laughed out loud as the laughter from earlier bubbled up, escaping. She laughed until her sides ached and tears ran down her cheeks. She used the sign to lean on as she calmed herself.
                  “Why are you here?” She finally asked when she could speak. Mr. Rapper made six new people to their little shelter. It was only supposed to be for her family and close friends. The laughter faded. She frowned at him. The way things were going there would soon be a hundred and fifty people.
                  “Well, the zombies attacked, and,” he said, shrugging, “I hid out.” He adjusted the brown beanie on his head. His black hair looked a little shaggier than the current “in” style. His appearance was sort of comical, and she couldn’t hold back her amusement. Her frown was replaced with a smile. He looked like your normal white guy trying too hard to be urban.
                  “Why didn’t you come out when we were locking down? You had to have heard us.”
                  “Well, you know, I was sorta scared, but don’t tell anyone,” he said in a low voice.
                  “Okay, go on up to the third  or fourth floor,” she said, rolling her eyes, looking at the ceiling, “and find a room to crash in.”
                  “Maybe I’ll just stick with you for now,” he said, losing the act for a bit, showing her the fear in his eyes. She shrugged her shoulders. She didn’t care, and actually, having some company would make her less jumpy. “So where you headin’?”
                  “Down to Playland.” They left the store.
                  “Play-what? Is there some giant orgy or something going on down there?”
                  She gave him a quick look. “No. It’s just a giant game room.”
                  “Ah, a brother can dream. So is there any other fine bitches and hos with ya? Not saying you aint fine, but you have a ring.”
                  “I dunno,” she replied coldly. She wasn’t a feminist, but still, hearing that shit come out of his mouth made her want to reach back and smack him. She had to control the weird anger that burned in her core at the moment. It felt almost like Anatha’s. It was possible she was still up fuming because she couldn’t sleep. She hated feeling so in tune with her cousin. But it wasn’t just the anger; sometimes there were other feelings she could just not place. But when she looked at the ring guilt bubbled up. She pulled it off her finger and shoved it in her pocket.
                  “Don’t get me wrong or anything, but I did overhear something about being stuck in this mall for a few years. I’m right, right?”
                  “Yep,” she said.
                  “Damn,” he muttered to himself.
                  “Don’t worry; we all feel that way.”
                  “So about the girl thing?” he asked, and Autumn walked on, ignoring him. “Well?”
                  “Well what?” Pervert , she added in her mind.
                  “How many girls up in here?” He had a cheesy rapper-like accent.
                  “I dunno. A few.”
                  “Are they of age?”
                  “Sure, sure,” she said, annoyed.
                  “Great,” he said, rubbing his hands together.
                 
    ****
                  Anatha walked along the quiet stores, pausing by the pillow store. Usually she could sense Autumn. They might not be very close, but they had a connection. They didn’t like it one bit, but it had always been there. She couldn’t sense her in there. She placed her hand on the front glass, advertising some of the best pillows you’ll