Read Exiled for Free Online

snake’s skin. The onyx material glinted in the light. To the untrained eye, the uniform might appear to be only a matching jacket and pants. It was much, much more. Otherworldly. Multiworldly, in fact. Having been created from different magical creatures. None of them from this planet, of course.
    “Yes, I suppose you’re right.”
    The thundering stream off to the right piqued her attention and reminded her she still required water. “I must have a drink first. Come.” She took off at a slight jog, hoping he’d catch up to her, but he didn’t. Her dry mouth pushed her onward.

7 . Venus
     
    When she reached the water’s edge, she fell to her knees, eager to quench her thirst. Before the water touched her lips, a warning of danger stopped her. The hairs on the back of her neck rose. She glanced around.
    She heard him before she saw him, his words sailing over the rapidly moving stream.
    “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”
    Startled, she glared, trying to make out his form. When her eyes finally found him, she stared, open-mouthed. Awed. Amazed.
    Her first human encounter.
    He’s . . . handsome I guess. Thenquicklyreprimanded herself for such triviality.
    Setting her mouth in a firm line, she asked, “Why not? I’m thirsty.” The words came out whinier than she’d intended. Years of combat training taught her to be on alert. But she hadn’t been prepared to run into a human so suddenly. Questions about the dark-haired boy bombarded her.
    Her dehydration encouraged her to set them aside. She needed a drink, now or she worried she’d faint. Still keeping her eyes fixed on the boy, she bent at the waist, ready to plunge her mouth into the water.
    The boy spoke again.
    “Come here, you can have some of mine.” His voice reminded Venus of soft velvet, though the words came out slurred. One leg shook, like he’d been filled with writhing ants, the back of his thigh pounded against the thick, rotted tree stump he’d folded himself on.
    Everything about him screamed dark and handsome, except his skin, which resembled hers. He appeared to be brooding, eyebrows scrunched, faraway look in his eyes. Plus, he reeked of angry attitude.
    From where Venus stood, his eyes looked black with dark lashes and eyebrows. There was a scar, which ran straight as an arrow, from the tip of his nose to his left cheekbone. His clothes were all dark. A long-sleeved black shirt over a black t-shirt and dark blue jeans, at least that’s what she thought his trousers were called, and black lace up boots. Had a storm cloud come along, he probably would’ve been invisible to her eyes.
    “What’s wrong with this water?” she yelled, though she’d already stood and started across.
    “It isn’t clean. You could get sick.” His mouthed twitched, like he barely contained a smirk or a snide comment. “Nice boots, but where are your clothes? Not that I mind.” He leaned forward, resting his forearms and elbows on his thighs and watched her cross.
    The icy water splashed against her legs. It reminded her that all she wore were her boots and unisa. She’d spent time with Zaren in nothing more . . . in fact less, because she didn’t like to wear shoes, and never experienced a need to cover up. Looking down, she realized how much of her body was exposed. A blush tried to creep across her cheeks, but she ground her teeth, shaking it off.
    “Uh, I lost them. Are you sure you don’t mind if I have a drink?” She inclined her head toward the thermos next to him. Her throat became more parched, if that were possible. She resisted running over, chugging it.
    “No, go ahead.” He picked up the red thermos, unscrewed the lid and held it out.
    Venus rushed over. After a swallow, she realized it wasn’t water. The liquid burned all the way down. She gasped, dropping the thermos. Grabbing her throat, she watched the honey brown liquid spill onto the rocky dirt.
    Her throat constricted, but she choked out, “That isn’t water.”
    He