The Egg (Return of the Ancients Book 4) by Carmen Caine Read Free Book Online

have to taste like battery acid?”
    “Battery acid?” Betty was asking as I closed the door.
    I have to admit, I was curious myself about her reply, but I couldn’t stick around to find out. Stepping outside, I paused a moment, listening to the steady rhythm of the raindrops as I scanned the surrounding gloom for any sign of Mesmer activity. I’d just squared my shoulders to cross the street when a red sports car zipped into the cul-de-sac and swerved into Rafael’s driveway.
    A very tall, gorgeous, familiar figure stepped out, and even in the darkness I could tell it was Raven.
    I knew I’d been right about Brock’s rejection comment. So, Raven was the one who knew how to access Melody’s secret hiding place.
    Raven turned to face me, lifting her hand as an umbrella magically appeared to protect her from the spattering rain. I scowled that she was so careless to display her shifting abilities, but I think she knew I was the only one watching her. Even in the dim light, I could make out the smirk on her flawless face. With her platinum blonde hair fashioned in the shortest, sassiest haircut imaginable, and the most expensive of red designer dresses split up the side to reveal a svelte, slim leg, she was as stunningly beautiful as ever.
    And as usual, I couldn’t help but feel woefully inadequate where Rafael was concerned. It was a bit hard to believe that he’d break his engagement with her and then choose me, someone who lived in jeans and hoodies. I wondered what he saw in me. I mean, really saw in me. I was average. There was nothing special about me.
    Lost in my thoughts, only part of me vaguely noticed Raven moving away, tossing her head as she executed a perfect pirouette on one of her insanely high-spiked heels, apparently just to annoy me. Clicking up the sidewalk, she opened Rafael’s front door and disappeared inside.
    I expelled my breath, unaware that I’d even been holding it.
    I’d been ready to dash across the street to see what was going on. But with Raven there, I was suddenly reluctant.
    I glanced down to see Ajax sitting by my feet, watching me with a huge grin on his face.
    “What are you smiling at?” I snapped at him. His snarky expression knocked me out of my pity party enough to lie. “She doesn’t bother me.”
    He only grinned wider and that was enough to send me marching across the street without a moment’s hesitation. I’d fully intended on boldly knocking on the front door, but as soon as I stepped foot on the driveway, voices from the backyard caught my attention.
    Ajax’s too. His long dark ears pricked forward and dropping into a crouch, he crept alongside the house.
    I followed.
    It was still raining and chilly, but the large trees afforded some protection as we inched towards the privacy fence ringing the backyard. The gate’s latch was undone and wondering why Rafael never locked his gate, I pushed it open a few inches and peered through the withered rubbery leaves of the rhododendrons growing alongside the inner fence.
    A short distance away, Rafael stood against the backyard porch railing with his arms crossed and his car keys dangling from a finger. He wore a light gray knee-length coat with a black scarf carelessly tossed over his broad shoulders. As usual, he looked strikingly handsome. He was the essence of masculine beauty. Angular lines, sculpted planes, and muscular hardness. I couldn’t resist admiring him a moment before shifting my attention to his companion.
    Raven. She was standing close to him. Too close, only inches away.
    I’d like to say that I backed out and returned home, but I didn’t. Falling victim to flaring jealousy mixed with a modicum of curiosity, I held my breath and, moving forward, plastered my face deeper into the soggy wet rhododendron leaves in the effort to hear what they were saying.
    As I watched, Raven reached up as if to cradle Rafael’s cheek, but stopped in mid-act as he shoved his hands in his pockets and took a deliberate