Eve of Man (The Harvest Book 2) by Anne Ferretti Read Free Book Online

they’d take time.
You could postpone your trip until I know more.”
    “Not an option.” Another wave hit him, this one
stronger.
    “Then I don’t know what to tell you.” Zack clicked the
scope light off. “Maybe you can ask Eve.”
    Austin shook his head. “I know this much and I think
you know it as well. Once this thing is complete, it’s not something that can
be reversed.” He removed his sunglasses.
    Zack stared into Austin’s eyes and repressed the urge
to shudder.  He didn’t have to say out loud that he agreed. “What are you going
to tell Ed and Luke?”
    “The truth. They need to know in case...in case I
become dangerous.” Austin looked away, images of Madison flashed through his
head.
    “Dangerous how? Has something happened?”
    “No,” Austin replied. “I gotta get...I gotta get my
gear.” The room wobbled out of focus. Austin grabbed for the table, catching
the edge before collapsing to the ground.
    Zack rushed to him. “Austin.  Austin you ok?” He
turned him over. His eyes were closed, his skin pale and clammy. Zack checked
for a pulse, still strong. “Shit.”
    Zack called Ed, catching him right as he was leaving
for the barn.  “I need you in the infirmary right now, bring Luke.”
    Ed and Luke arrived in less than two minutes, bursting
into the room.
    “What’s wrong?” What happened?” Luke ran to Austin’s
side.
    “I don’t know. One minute we’re talking, the next he
collapsed.”
    Ed looked past Zack to the microscope and empty vials
on the counter. “What were you doing?”
    “It’s complicated,” Zack replied, knowing it was that
and a few other things. The three men carried Austin into the next room and
laid him on the bed. Zack checked his pulse again and it was still beating
strong. This comforted and unnerved him all the same.
    “What the hell happened?” Luke asked.
    Various lies ran through Zack’s mind, none were
believable, but telling the truth wasn’t an option. You can’t tell what you
don’t know, Zacky boy. Another popular phrase dear old dad was fond of saying.
A good philosophy to live by when you ran with the mob. Zack looked away from
Austin to answer Luke. “Honestly man, I don’t know. He said something about
being hot and the next thing I know he’s on the floor. If I had to guess, maybe
some kind of flu.”
    “Is he gonna be ok?” Luke glanced down at his friend,
noticing his pale skin.
    Zack shook his head. “I wish I knew. His heart beat is
regular. So is his blood pressure.” Zack sighed. “We’ll have to wait and see.”
Not complete bullshit, but the best he had to offer and the most he wanted to
share. Without having to think it over, he knew Austin wouldn’t want anyone
knowing about his condition.

6 Departure
    A week after Austin sank into a deep sleep, Eve was wandering
the temple making her plans. Sometimes Caleb followed at her heels, asking his
millionth question for the day and other times he gave his mother peace and
went off exploring every dark corner. Always he caught up to her for she did
not wait or pause to ensure he was safe. Although her mind was void she was
deep in thought, thoughts that would cause Agra much concern if he were to hear
them.
    Eve deposited Caleb back in his room with instructions
to stay out of trouble and Agra’s way. He smiled and promised to be on his best
behavior. An impossibility Eve knew, for, although only seven, Caleb’s
abilities had advanced beyond most mature Adita. He heard many thoughts, sensed
many feelings, and none more so than Agra’s. The true meaning of this she had
not yet come to understand, but she knew Caleb was aware the lurking danger and
of the need for caution. For this Eve was grateful, hoping her son would always
be more than cautious where Agra was concerned.
    Outside the temple, Eve wandered down the path through
the tangled undergrowth of the jungle. The vines and limbs parted, allowing her
to pass unhindered. Soon she came to the clearing near