Dead of Winter by Kresley Cole Read Free Book Online

won’t lose her shite and claw you to death?”
    Dick.
    â€œSelena has weapons,” Gabriel pointed out. “And I trust the Empress in this.”
    Yes, I’d gotten more control of the vicious red witch; didn’t mean it was foolproof. If we failed tonight and I didn’t return with Jack, would she slip the leash?
    Oh, man, I really hoped I didn’t murder Gabriel and Selena.
    I cleared my throat. “You guys have your bandannas?” The wetted material would serve as a filter against my spores. I hoped.
    Gabriel tugged one from his jacket pocket. “And I have Jack’s scent from his tent. But I need to lock on it over there before you deploy.”
    â€œJust let me know you’re ready.” I was acting like I had total command over my powers. No matter how stressful, painful, or lethal the situation grew.
    Joules created a spear in his palm, twirling it. “The other side of the river is out of my range, Gabe. You’re goin’ to be on your own. No cover, no backup.”
    â€œI’ve already given my word that I will go.”
    Joules sparked brighter. “And I told you I wouldn’t, not without payment.”
    â€œThen we part ways here for a time,” Gabriel said gravely.
    â€œEnough with the bromance!” Selena snapped. “Joules, this area is reserved for people about to do shit. So kindly remove your Oirish arse.”
    â€œOne day, Archer . . .” But he did turn to leave, passing Tess on her way in.
    â€œHey, guys.” She pulled off her hood, smoothing her long mousy brown hair back. “Can I go too?”
    I shared a look with Selena, then asked, “Uh, why?”
    â€œI can help you carry Jack if he’s been injured. Selena can only use one arm, and Gabe might be busy.”
    When we remained unconvinced, she said, “I let you down before, Evie. I want to make up for it.”
    Tess had balked when she’d had a chance to stab Death—but what if she hadn’t? I never would have known the real Aric.
    Yet then, had I truly known him? The man behind the armor? “Tess, if you’d gone forward that day, you would’ve been too late. Death was already getting free. You don’t owe me anything.”
    â€œI know I’m the laughingstock of the Arcana,” she quietly said. “ButI can’t stop being that unless I do something meaningful. I’m asking. Please.”
    Gabriel studied her expression. “She’s going,” he decided. “She can help. Do you have your bandanna?”
    Tess nodded eagerly.
    Selena raised her brows at the angel. “Do you know something about her powers that I don’t? As in, do they ever work?”
    On the day I first met Tess, Matthew had listed some of her mind-blowing abilities. Teleportation, levitation, time manipulation, and more. She was the World Card, the great Quintessence. Unfortunately, she struggled with her gifts.
    â€œShe could surprise you, Archer.”
    â€œSo she goes.” Selena hiked her shoulders. “You’re in luck, Evie. If we get chased, she’ll be even slower than you are.” To Tess, she said, “You screw this rescue up, and I’ll skewer you with my new sword.” She unsheathed a few inches of it with a threatening look.
    Gabriel frowned at that, fluttering his silky black wings. Again, he grimaced with the movement.
    â€œCome clean about the injury, Gabriel,” I said.
    â€œI was shot during a flyover last week.” He stretched out a wing, revealing a bullet wound in that feathery expanse. A hole went straight through the bony part. “I haven’t quite healed yet.”
    From last week? So he had rapid healing, like Death and Selena.
    â€œUnfortunately, wings provide a large target. As Joules says, ‘It’s like hittin’ the broad side of a barn!’ ” An Arcana weakness. “We can wait a couple of days, ladies, or I can take