Madly & the Jackal by M. Leighton Read Free Book Online Page A

truly fear. It appeared that there was much to learn.
    “You can’t blame yourself, Daddy.  You didn’t know.  Who would’ve thought something like that could happen?”
    “But it is my fault.  These people are my responsibility.  I exist to protect them, to protect their home, and my arrogance cost four innocent lives.”
    “Daddy, you did it to protect those people.  How many times have you lectured me about the greater good, about making the tough decisions?  You tried to get word out, to get some help the only way you could.  Yes, it’s terrible to lose four of us, but how many thousands might have been saved?”
    I saw the light of pride flash in his blue-green eyes.  I was glad to see it.  It wasn’t enough to erase the sadness in their depths, though.
    “Spoken like a true leader.  I’m so proud of you, baby girl,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.  “At least now you understand why I can’t leave here, not without her.  I’ll do anything to save you girls, but she’s my mate.  I just…I can’t…”
    “I know, Daddy.  I know.”
    I understood now more than ever the agony he felt at the thought of losing the one to whom he was tied.  I imagined it would, in many ways, be a fate worse than death.  I felt the same way about Jackson.
    My gaze flickered to him where he stood listening, like a confident statue.  Like a rock.  Like my rock.
    When my eyes returned to my father, he was frowning.  His gaze narrowed on me for an instant before he continued.  I wondered if I’d given us away, if my feelings for Jackson had been written on my face.  I could only hope not.
    “Jackson,” he barked, his eyes never leaving mine.  My stomach sank and I tried with all my might to keep the alarm out of my expression.
    “Sir?”
    “Make sure my girls get past the shields.  If you can’t get Truly, then make sure Madly gets out of the city.  Do you understand?”
    “Yes, sir.”
    Finally, Daddy looked away.  He was then in profile to me, so I couldn’t read the look he sent Jackson, but it appeared he communicated a wealth of meaning in it.
    “No matter the cost, Jackson.  She is our future.  She must survive to carry on the royal bloodline with Aidan.”
    Jackson’s jaw clenched and he nodded sharply.  “She is my top priority, sir,” he said again.  “I’ll keep her safe.  No matter the cost.”
    I was just about to argue when Aaron spoke up.  “If we’re going to try this, we’d better get moving.  Time is of the essence.”
    His reminder seemed to innervate each of us.  The tension in the room ratcheted up several notches.
    “Jackson, take Madly back out so there is a record of you leaving.  Aaron, where would you like them to meet you?”
    “How about in Strawbridge Park?  It’s only a block away from the prison, which is likely why it’s usually empty.  Be invisible when you arrive, just in case we’re spotted.”
    “Yes, sir,” Jackson and I responded in unison.  I looked up at him and grinned.  Although he didn’t glance in my direction, I saw his lips twitch, so I knew he saw me. 
    “Then let’s get going.”
    We all walked to the door together, my father insinuating himself between Jackson and me. 
    “Promise me you’ll be careful, Madly.  It’s obvious that you have a grasp of your duties as royalty, but you can’t lose sight of your importance to the Mer in a situation such as this.  If Atlas were to be taken, heaven forbid, you would be the only chance our race would have to survive and continue.  Thousands of years’ worth of royalty flows through your veins.  That is not to be taken lightly.  So don’t think of being concerned for your own welfare as being selfish.  Think of it as your duty.  Your primary concern.”
    Even though I disagreed on many levels, I agreed with my father just to appease him.  Now was not the time to debate the value of common Mer versus royalty.  “I know, Daddy.  I’ll be careful.”
    His