Wolf's Ascension by Lauren Dane Read Free Book Online

and peered down. Thankfully, no one appeared to be awake. Sticking to the sides of the stair treads to avoid any creaking, she held her breath until she stole across the great room and over to the front door. Once she’d quietly thrown the locks, she walked out into the night.
    And suddenly she was free. Elated and apprehensive, she stood on the porch, alone and utterly without a clue as to where the heck she was. Sighting the long drive, she decided to follow it back out to the road. She hoped she’d be able to follow it back to civilization.
    The jog back up the gravel drive took about half an hour. She didn’t want to overtax herself and was relieved to find she had a lot of energy. Still, she didn’t want to waste time, because although she’d put pillows in her bed and pulled up the covers, she knew they’d figure out she was gone sooner rather than later.
    At last she reached the road. The question now was, right or left? She didn’t want to go deeper into nowhere but since she’d been unconscious when she arrived, she didn’t know which way they’d come in. Taking a deep breath, she decided that left was always a good choice and started to run down the road.
    The post-witching-hour darkness was cold. There were no streetlights way out here but the starlight must have been pretty good because she was able to see well enough to run without falling.
    After about an hour, she’d begun to wonder if she was ever going to find a town or even another house. Hearing something, she froze for a moment, straining her ears. Yes! It was a car coming from the opposite direction of the lodge. God, she might just get out of this yet. That was, if the car would stop for her instead of plowing into her. Who would expect to see anyone on the roadside in the middle of nowhere at five in the morning?
    She stood in the center of the road and waved her hands, praying that they’d see her. A large blue Suburban came along— yes, it did see her—and pulled over.
    Opening the door, the driver poked his head out as he called to her, “Miss? Are you all right?”
    “I am now! I’ve been kidnapped! Could I please get a ride to the nearest town?”
    The man got out of the car and came to her then, bringing a blanket that he wrapped around her. “Oh my god! Of course. Get in the car and I’ll take you.” He led her back to his car and helped her inside.
    “Thank you so much.” Kari began to tremble with adrenaline. Teeth chattering, she ruthlessly held back tears of relief.
    “Are you hurt?”
    “No. No, they didn’t hurt me. They’re all just delusional.”
    He pulled back onto the roadway and began to drive. “I’m Ryan Salinger.”
    “Kari, Kari Warner. Thank you for helping me.”
    “Kari, you said the people who took you were delusional. What did you mean?”
    “You aren’t going to believe this but they think they’re werewolves. That I’m one too and apparently destined to be their queen.” She sighed. “My doctor drugged me. Kidnapped me from the hospital and brought me to some lodge. It’s all very confusing. God, I sound as delusional as they are.”
    “It’s going to be all right, Kari. I know you’re scared but you’re okay now. Thank goodness I found you. Something could have happened tonight. You could have been hurt. You’re safe now.” He gestured at the stainless-steel Thermos in the center console. “There’s coffee in the Thermos. Want some?”
    “Coffee? Oh that would be wonderful.”
    He smiled at her and motioned to the floorboard. “There’re cups in that bag. Grab one for yourself and pour.”
    Anticipating the warm-up, she quickly poured herself a cup and took a sip, happily discovering cream and sugar were already added. “Oh that hits the spot. I was so cold.”
    “Good, I’m glad you’re feeling better,” he said as he turned down a gravel drive.
    Shit .
    “Where are you going? Oh god, Ryan, this is the lodge.” Her stomach sank and she tried the door. It was