Mortal Obligation by Nichole Chase Read Free Book Online Page A

wonder what it is that’s happening. This is kind of exciting, you know? A mystery with bad guys, good guys and some kind of magic voodoo.”
    “Yeah, well, I guess so.” She really had no idea what Sophie was going to tell them and to be honest she was pretty scared of what might come out of the Greek woman’s mouth.
    The crossing was not gentle. The southern winter had taken an odd turn this December, making it colder and even rainier than usual. A wicked storm was sitting off the coast and had churned the waters up a great deal. The waves threw them all about, the boat landing roughly after every swell. Ree tried to not think about the throbbing in her backside each time they crashed down, or the fact that if all of those little electric gadgets in on the console went out they would probably never make it to the island. Eventually, an even darker shape than the surrounding water came into view, and the boat slowed with a quiet shift of the motor. Lights flared to life on either side of what must be a dock.
    Eric motored the boat next to a large stone and wood pier. Melanie and Weylin hopped off and secured the boat as the others disembarked. They all stood there, unsure of where to go.
    “Just head on up to the house,” Eric motioned up the dock. As he said that, lights similar to the large lanterns on the dock lit up a path that led into the woods. Ree yawned and stumbled after the others. She stubbed her toe on the ramp and let out a yelp before biting her lip, frustrated. Why was she so tired?
    The others had stopped and were looking at her in worry. She waved them away, but Melanie and Jules took up spots on either side of her. Paden hesitated for just a moment and then continued on in front of her. Ree ground her teeth at his expression and angrily wiped the sleep out of her eyes. She wasn't doing much to prove the fact that she wasn’t a kid anymore.
    As they neared the edge of the woods, they all slowed. They could see the lights from what must be a very large dwelling. When it finally came into view, Bryce whistled under his breath.  “Jules, I didn't think anyone else had as much money as your parents. I guess I was wrong.”
    Ree had to agree. The house was large and impressive. It had an almost Spanish theme, with a tiled roof, and a warm wall color. The entrance was a large, arched double door. It was surrounded by a low stone wall that the lanterns led straight past. As she looked at the house, she was once again assailed by a large yawn. She shook her head and tried to focus.
    “Ree? Are you alright?” Melanie touched her arm. She shook it off, frustrated. She didn’t want anyone to point out her apparent weakness. She mumbled a reply and took a few steps forward before it became nearly impossible to keep her eyes open. She just needed to sit down for a moment. Maybe there would be somewhere to sit on the other side of the wall. She stumbled on a root and tried to keep her footing. Someone asked her a question, but she didn't have the energy to decipher what was actually said, much less to respond. She was almost to the wall when the world began to spin. Her body became sluggish, her feet unresponsive. She yawned again before sighing as her legs caved under her weight. She had just a moment to wonder at the swooping sensation in her stomach and the lack of pain from the fall before she heard Paden mumble soothingly in her ear. Then everything went dark.
     
    *
     
    “When will she wake up?” Paden’s voice sounded like it was coming from far away.
    “She should come around soon. But she needs the rest. The magic takes a lot out of the Alastriana the first few times. It can be overwhelming.” Sophie Diakos’ soothing accent came quietly from a different direction. Someone snorted at the word magic. “Yes, yes, Weylin, I know it seems outlandish. Be patient a little longer, and I will explain more.” Sophie came closer to Ree, and laid something soft along her shoulders. Ree tried to respond,