Read [Atlantean's Quest 01] The Arrival for Free Online Page A

throwing the items on in haste.
    A tormented cry bellowed out, echoing throughout the jungle. Nothing that she’d ever heard before sounded like that. Birds took flight, squawking in panic. Monkeys scattered and nocturnal creatures scurried for places to hide.
    Rachel snatched the flashlight and ran up the trail, tearing at the vines in her way. She felt eyes boring into her back. What have I done?
    Plants and twigs crashed behind her, closer and closer. Her hair snagged on something for a second, before gaining release. She could have sworn large fingers had given her a quick stroke.
    Yeah, girl, and Tarzan is going to sweep down from the trees, snatch you up into his muscled arms and carry you off to his hut.
    Rachel broke from the jungle in a full sprint. Men were hollering and running from tent to tent with guns in their hands, their eyes bulging, wild with fear. Her arms immediately went in the air as several rifles swung around and pointed in her direction. She slowed but didn’t stop. Another strangled cry permeated the night.
    And then it hit her—she’d forgotten her pistol.
    She wasn’t going back for it now. Rachel didn’t stop running until she reached the entrance of her tent. She dove through the opening, pulling the flap closed behind her. She zipped the door and tied all the straps. Her lungs labored for breath, choppy gulps were all she could manage after the sprint.
    Her heart pounded out a rapid tattoo as she undressed. Her fingers shook from excess adrenaline as she buttoned her over-sized pajama top and slipped into her cot. She placed the mosquito netting around her and stared blindly at the ceiling.
    She’d been hunted tonight and had barely escaped capture.
    The question was, by what?

    * * * * *
    Eros looked over his shoulder and saw the woman bolt. Instinct kicked in and he ran after her, a predator hunting its prey.
    He reined in his desire, tightly leashing it. He could easily overtake her, but he chose to wait. The camp was already in an uproar due to his foolishness. In the end, she’d come to him. This group would enter the jungle tomorrow. Then they’d be in his territory.
    She’d be his…soon.
    He reached out a second before she broke from the trees and allowed his fingers to brush against the wet hair clinging to her back. It was soft, like he knew it would be.
    Perhaps he’d pay her a visit.
    Yes—tonight once all had calmed. He’d taste what he’d been denied moments ago. In the end, her body would be his.
     
    * * * * *
    The camp settled down after a couple of watchful hours. Eros made his way through the jungle, following the tree line to the backside of the tents. Hers was easy enough to pick out, since he’d memorized the layout earlier in the week.
    He’d gathered the herbs needed to ensure she would be aware of his presence, but not fully awake. The mixture grew pungent as he ground the herbs together into a fine powder, adding his natural energy to the mix. He was immune to the plants effects, as were his fellow Atlanteans.
    All he had to do was make it to her tent and slip inside before the guides guarding the campsite noticed. He moved silently, his stealth legendary amongst his people.
    He reached the back of her tent. No one saw him slip the razor sharp blade from its sheath and slice through the canvas. Just as easy the second time, as it was the first . In moments the opening expanded, big enough for him to slip his large frame inside.
    The woman slept beneath netting, protecting her delicate skin from damaging pests. Her breathing flowed deep and steady. In her sleep she made little mewling sounds and her limbs twitched as she dreamt. Eros smiled.
    He approached her inert form and knelt down beside the cot. With trembling fingers, he carefully separated the netting to gain access to her alabaster face.
    She was beautiful up close, small and compact, yet full and curvy in all the right places. The light from the campfire brightened the inside of the tent,