The Stolen: An American Faerie Tale by Bishop O'Connell Read Free Book Online Page A

“Get that one and put her in your car. I’ll follow you with this one.”
    Edward nodded and went over to Kris, who was still sleeping.
    Brendan looked outside. No neighbors were nosing about, so he carried Caitlin to his truck and secured her in the passenger seat. When he finished, he saw Edward carrying the other girl. His face was red and he was sucking in sharp, short breaths.
    â€œWhat’ve I gotten meself into?” Brendan watched Edward struggle. “A wizard what’s useless as a chocolate teapot and as strong as a nine-­year-­old girl.” He opened the passenger door of the black luxury sedan parked in the street, then took Kris from Edward’s arms and buckled her in the front seat.
    â€œAll right, then,” Brendan said. “You’re leading the way. If you get stopped, just tell the coppers you’re taking her home after a few too many down at the pub.”
    â€œI’m sorry, did you say ‘coppers’?”
    â€œAye, the fecking constables, man.”
    Edward opened his mouth.
    â€œThe police?”
    â€œNo, I got that, I just—­”
    Brendan swore under his breath and started walking back to his truck.
    â€œWait. Can I at least know your name?”
    Brendan eyed him.
    After a moment, Edward winced. “Right. Wizards, names, all that. Sorry.”
    As Edward walked around the car, Brendan let out a deep sigh. “So, not completely clueless, then?” Edward stopped, and Brendan held out his hand. “Brendan Kavanaugh.”
    â€œThank you, Brendan.” Edward smiled as he shook Brendan’s hand.
    After a few seconds, Brendan looked down. “Are we done holding hands?”
    Edward winced again and let go. He muttered something as he got into his car.
    Brendan shook his head as he walked to his truck. “Let’s just hope Merlin doesn’t get lost on his way home.”

 
    CHAPTER FIVE
    M emories threatened to consume Brendan, but he pushed them aside again as he followed Edward. He instead tried to convince himself that the mounting similarities in this mess were just coincidences and didn’t mean anything.
    It is uncanny, isn’t it?
    Brendan focused on the road, and soon the streets of identical homes turned into a wooded country back road. He kept an ear on Caitlin’s breathing and heartbeat. He even glanced over a few times, but he never allowed his gaze to linger.
    Edward’s car pulled into a driveway, and Brendan parked behind him. The neighborhood was the old New England style, big colonial homes, large lots, and plenty of trees.
    Keeping a watchful eye on the trees and shadows, Brendan got out and opened the passenger door. Another quick glance, this time at the neighbors, told him that even if someone was watching, they wouldn’t be able to see anything. He sniffed the air, but the only faeries he smelled were on Caitlin.
    As he lifted her, her head fell against his chest and unruly red hair brushed his chin. His knees threatened to buckle. Instead, he closed his eyes and sucked in a breath.
    â€œLeave her for now, boss,” Brendan said as he walked past Edward, who was retrieving the other girl. “Just get the door. I’ll come back for her once we get this one safe inside.”
    Symbols of warding were carved into the wood frame of the house, and a hint of magic was in the air. They were good wards. Brendan hadn’t sensed them until he was almost on top of them. Odds were, most ­people would never see them at all, even if they looked for them.
    Edward reached the front door, but instead of putting his key in it, he passed his hand over the knob and spoke something. The door opened and the symbols vanished from sight.
    Brendan nodded as he walked past. “Not bad there.”
    â€œThanks.” Edward flipped a switch on the wall and the room lit to show an entryway and living room decorated in dark brown leathers and rich hardwoods. It could’ve