Read The Chosen for Free Online Page B

didn’t run off with some stranger. This is Adrik.
    He works security at the club, and I’ve known him for years. Once I The Chosen: A Tale of the Blood Breed
    37
    saw his face I was shocked at first. It’s been years since we saw each other.” She looked up at him, and Lana could see an unfamiliar emotion play across her features. “Kaleb probably didn’t recognize him at first. Adrik’s changed quite a bit.”
    Lana felt the tension leave her body but only marginally.
    “Come on, let’s go inside.” Kayla tried to take Lana’s hand, but she lightly shook her head.
    “I want to sit out here for a little while. The club was getting crowded, and I need a little fresh air.”
    “She’ll be fine. The club’s property is secured, and nothing will breech the perimeter.” Adrik spoke to Kayla, completely ignoring Lana in the process and pissing her off.
    “I’m right here. Oh, and by the way, I’m a grown adult, and if I want to stay outside by myself for awhile, I don’t need your consent.”
    It probably would have been wise to go back inside, but she was starting to feel cramped and hot in there. Adrik had said it was safe out here, and if Kayla trusted him Lana felt secure in her decision.
    “Okay, but don’t be too long. You have your phone?”
    “Yes, I have my phone and will call you if I need to.”
    Kayla gave her one last disapproving look before she turned and walked away. Lana watched as the two of them headed back into the club, Kayla giggling at something Adrik said. She sat back down on the bench and watched the water continue to lap at the shore. The wind continued to rustle as the time slowly seeped by.

    38
    Jenika Snow

Chapter Four
    “Don’t you read the papers?”
    Lana jumped at the deep, accented voice that came from right behind her. She stood quickly and turned around. Her heart pounded in her chest, and her whole body tingled with adrenaline. The man in front of her had his hands up, palms facing her in an act of surrender.
    “I’m so sorry. Please forgive me for frightening you. I only meant to wonder if you have not read the news.” He dropped his hands and smiled. “You should have an escort with you since times are not safe right now.”
    She took a few steps back and eyed him. His size alone startled her. He was impossibly tall, at least a foot taller than her five foot five. His large body was packed with muscle and clearly defined through his shirt. His dark hair was cropped short, and his eyes looked light, maybe blue, but it was hard to tell. He placed his hands in his pockets, making his forearms bulge out. The first few buttons of his shirt were left open, giving her a glimpse of smooth skin. She felt silly just staring at him, but she was unable to tear her gaze from him. She drew her eyes away from his body and up into his chiseled face. He was gorgeous. She shook her head at how closely she was examining at him. Never had she felt so compelled to stare at a man before—to look at his body like she couldn’t control herself. She felt drawn to him, everything inside of her blossoming at the very sight and smell of him. She inhaled and actually closed her eyes. Oh yes, she could definitely smell him. The breeze gently stirred around them, his scent enveloping her.

    The Chosen: A Tale of the Blood Breed
    39

    * * * *

    Aleksei hadn’t meant to scare the human female, but her fear poured off of her in waves of distress. His cock got impossibly hard from being in such close proximity to her. She smelled incredible, like sugar and honeysuckle. It had been ages since he took a human female—they were so very fragile. He smiled as her eyes roamed over his body, her arousal becoming thick and coating her. It smelled heavenly, and it took all of his willpower not to pounce on her right then. Even though she was aroused, he knew it wasn’t because of his allure— aBlood Breeds pheromone that made them irresistible to humans. There was something very different about this