Read Pivotal Moments (In Time #1) for Free Online

and small smile, like he’d just figured out a secret. I wished he’d let me in on it, because I was clueless.
    “I think she’s okay,” Teagan said. “It doesn’t look like it’s sprained.” He looked over at the dog still sitting where Teagan had left him. “No thanks to Goliath over there.”
    Zver hung his head, his ears drooping down, and he let out a small whine. Great, now I felt about as big as a bug on a windshield. Twice within four hours, this massive hell hound had managed to make me feel like utter crap.
    “Teagan, don’t be upset with Zver.” I swallowed hard when both of them swung their attention to me. Connor’s mouth dropped open, and Teagan looked confused. “I think he was following me,” I explained as I stood up. “I left him sleeping in my room, so maybe he was just looking for me?”
    Frowning, Teagan turned, watching the furry pain in the ass closely. “He was sleeping in your room?” Teagan turned his attention back on me, brow furrowed as if trying to solve a riddle.
    I nodded. “Yeah. He followed me up after I left the kitchen. Why? Is that a problem?” The damn thing probably had a crate or something and was supposed to sleep there. Or maybe Teagan didn’t like the thought of his dog sleeping with anyone else.
    Teagan shook his head. “No, it’s just…” He tilted his head to the side. “Well, Zver hardly ever leaves my side, unless he’s checking out a new area. He doesn’t follow other people around, that’s for sure.” He ran a hand through his hair, mumbling about the dog lying in the family room the last time he’d seen him.
    “I’m confused. What exactly are you trying to tell me?” I was cranky, sore, and tired. Also a little offended.
    Connor spoke up. “He’s saying, Ash, that Zver doesn’t like anyone except him.” He laughed, slapping a hand on Teagan’s shoulder as he went back to his room. “I wonder what that says about her, dude?” Still laughing, he went into his room and shut the door.
    Teagan stared at the closed entrance for a moment before turning to observe Zver. A myriad of emotions ran across his face, and to be honest, the guy’s reaction was freaking me out a little. I took a step back toward my bedroom. The movement caught his notice, and he smiled…probably at the look on my face. That smile could make me forget my name it was so gorgeous.
    “Relax, Aislinn. It’s a good thing Zver likes you. It means he’ll protect you without being told.” His eyes searched mine before he looked away and tugged his ear lobe, then cleared his throat. “He never likes anyone enough to follow them around. That’s why your brother and I are surprised.” He smiled that Teagan-exclusive smile, and I swear my knees went weak. “Dogs know the good ones from the bad.”
    With that, he started toward the spare bedroom. He paused at the door and looked at Zver, who was still sitting where he had been told to stay. “Zver! Komne!” The dog stood, shook himself, and strolled over to his owner, pausing first to snuffle my hand before continuing through the door held open for him. Once he was in all the way, Teagan looked back over at me and gave me a wink.
    “Night, Aislinn. Sweet dreams.” He grinned and closed the door.
    My cheeks were on fire. Oh, God, please not the little sister zone!

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 4
     
     
    I was drowning.
    It had started right after we had been notified of Dad’s death nearly eleven years ago. Sometimes it came in hard, hitting me like a tsunami, and I hated it with a passion. Other times it began with a dull throb between my shoulder blades, like someone was staring at my back, a predator waiting for a moment of weakness. This morning it was the latter. Desperate to escape, I clawed my way to consciousness.
    Waking up with a jerk, I groaned and stretched, breathing deeply to calm my racing heart. I often wondered if this was what an anxiety attack felt like—the pounding heart,