Frozen Desires (Asylums for Magical Threats) by Jessie Donovan Read Free Book Online

stone
    platform.
    He smiled when their eyes met, but she looked away and started for the stairs. In broad daylight
    amongst the humans, he couldn’t use his elemental water tricks to stop her.

    Chapter Six

    Cam looked up at the top of the observatory building and decided that even if the inner staircase was
    too dilapidated to use, they should be able to find a way to climb up to the small windows and slip inside.
    The jungle behind the building would provide all the cover they’d need.
    She walked around the outside of the building, searching for an alternate route to reach the top of the
    platform without using the stairs. She soon ran into a dead end, where the outer wall fused with the
    observatory building. The wall surrounding the observatory wasn’t falling apart like most of the other
    sections of the ruins, and with the cover of the jungle behind it, should be easy enough to scale without
    being seen. This was how they were going to get in later tonight.
    Cam turned and started to head back toward the stairs to rejoin her tour group when she heard a
    scuffling sound coming from behind the wall. She extended her claws on one hand and took a few steps
    back in case she needed to attack and possibly tackle someone to the ground. There were no other tourists
    in this corner, so she could use her latent ability if either the shadow-shifter or the people from her past had found her.
    Two beats later, a deeply tanned hand reached up and grabbed the top of the wall, followed by another.
    She reached with her claw-free hand for the knife hidden under her top just as a man’s head popped up
    into view.
    Cam let out a curse. “Why don’t you use the stairs like a normal person? We can’t afford to draw
    unwanted attention.”
    Marco grinned as he pulled himself up and over the wall with a grace that belied his strength. He
    jumped and landed three feet away from her. “We?” He dusted off his hands. “I was hoping you’d recognize
    my talents and invite me to join your team. I’d be delighted; although, you might want to ask directly next time, to avoid confusion.”
    She narrowed her eyes. “You left me restrained on the ground in the middle of a jungle.” She took a
    step closer and raised a claw. “You were supposedly sent to help me, but team members don’t leave each
    other behind, especially when there’s a possible danger lurking in the shadows.”
    Marco shrugged. “I kept watch over you. It was quite a show, watching you writhe on the ground in
    your wet tank top. I was too far away to tell, but I swear I saw the outline of your bra from where I was
    perched.”
    Cam growled. “I don’t have time to deal with you and your skeevy comments right now. I’m trying to
    do some reconnaissance work, so go annoy someone else.”
    The sudden sound of distant voices prevented Marco from replying, but they gave her the out she
    needed. If she could reach the safety of the tourists approaching them, Marco would have to leave her
    alone, unless he wanted her to scream and draw attention. Having him carted away by the police would
    make tonight’s operation easier. Too bad she was required to help and protect other DEFEND members
    unless they tried to hurt or betray her. And so far, he hadn’t done either.
    She turned, but when she tried to move her legs to walk, they wouldn’t budge. She looked down and
    saw that her boots were encased in ice. When had that happened?
    She looked over her shoulder and said, “You’re risking a hell of a lot to get my attention. So say what
    you have to say, and quickly.”
    Marco came up behind her, and despite it being at least ninety degrees outside, the heat of his body
    permeated her tank top and thin cotton skirt. His head was facing her cheek and his breath tickled her skin as he said, “Why do you have to be in overkill-mode twenty-four/seven? I already know you’re a badass,
    but your hot badass self could use my help. I know the area, the language, and how to