Calico Cross by DeAnna Kinney Read Free Book Online Page A

last word of the song that he finally opened his eyes and looked right at me. I’m sure there were tears in my eyes, and I smiled my approval, and he smiled back.
    We stopped off at the Oasis Restaurant for lunch afterward. Dane Savage was all we could talk about. Sure the sermon was good, but our hearts were still reeling from that song but mostly the singer. I could barely eat. All I could do was think about Dane and that song. He sang with such heart and peace. It truly touched me deeply.
    I knew my opinion of Dane Savage had finally changed…and as a result I knew I was in serious trouble.

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Ten
     
     
     
    Monday morning, Blake was on my front porch offering to drive me into work. I’m not sure how he found out my work schedule, and I cringed at the thought, but I let him drive me anyway. My sisters didn’t have to be into work until later so it all worked out.
                  I felt a little guilty about letting Blake take me to work. Dane had seemed pretty serious about me staying away from him. Although I didn’t know yet what were-creature Dane was, it was obvious he was better at sensing things than I was. Maybe it was because he was older than me, or maybe it was because he was a powerful were , whatever it was he was really intense about Blake, and so maybe I should’ve been too. But there was something about Blake that tugged at my heartstrings. He seemed so vulnerable at times, like he was lost. I admit I felt bad for him with the situation he was in with Creed. He was forced to join him and really had no choice unless he wanted to die. Me, I would’ve chosen death, but that was just me.
                  We pulled up to the library and I was about to get out when Blake took hold of my hand.
    I froze.
    He peered at me with those dark soulful eyes and asked, “Can I take you home after you get off?”
    What was I supposed to say? “Sure,” I said and regretted the words but exited the car and headed off to work.
    Thirty minutes before my shift ended Dane came strolling into the library. He laid his book returns down on the counter and flashed me a gentle smile. I think I returned it. It was strange. Our relationship had turned friendly, and it still felt weird to me. It was easier hating him I think. I still wasn’t quite sure what to do with this kinder Dane Savage. He soon disappeared behind one of the bookshelves.
    I watched the clock nervously as it inched closer and closer to my exit time. I really didn’t want Dane to see me leaving with Blake. There was sure to be another conflict and this time it might go further. I knew in my heart of hearts that Blake would not come out of it without injury, and I didn’t want that for him.
    I was glad when he came to the counter with his books and sat them in front of me.
    “How are you today, Calico?” he asked as I scanned his books.
    “I’m pretty good. And you?” I asked, concentrating on my task.
    “The same.”
    “That’s good.”
    We didn’t speak again but his mannerisms were friendly; at least no more friction. He nodded his head at me and then he exited the building.
    I couldn’t help but watch him as he walked away and disappeared from sight. I breathed a deep sigh of relief.
    I finished up the last of my responsibilities, clocked out, and then headed for the door, waving at Celia as I left.
    What I spotted when I stepped onto the sidewalk made my heart sink. Dane had Blake lifted off of his feet and into the air. Blake was swinging but with no progress and Dane was just holding him there.
    I ran as fast as I could to meet them. “Dane! How dare you?! Put him down right now!”
    Dane quickly dropped Blake and turned to face me.
    “How dare you!” I raged. “I can ride home with whoever I want to! You are not my keeper, Dane Savage! Do you hear me?”
    His face hardened and he stood straight, his chin lifted into the air. “I do, as well as everyone else