Betrayed Read Online Free Page B

compartmentalize, or as Michael had said, put the mask back on.
    The door shut behind the woman, and Michael stirred.
    “It’s time to get up,” I whispered.
    He flung his arm over his eyes with a frown.
    Is he less of a morning person than I am? There was still a lot to learn about him. Even though we’d shared so much we were still virtually strangers.
    Nudging his shoulder I whispered, “I’ve got food.”
    His arm slides from his face. Even in the morning, half asleep, hair in disarray, he was gorgeous.
    Slowly he pushed himself up to sitting and glanced around the room as if trying to reorient himself. “It wasn’t a bad dream, was it?”
    If only , I thought grimly. “No. They are gone, but like you reminded me yesterday, we have to put our focus on the ones that are still with us. I want to name them. I hate that they have been called numbers.”
    He nodded, while reaching for one of the cups of tea. “I like that. Do you have anything in mind?”
    “Not yet. But I’ll think on it today. You should think on it, too.”
    He scratched the side to his head with his free hand. “Okay. But I don’t think I can come up with anything unique like Tulupea.”
    I couldn’t help but smile. We definitely came from different worlds. To our lands the name Michael would be considered very exotic.
    Reaching over, he grabbed a piece of fruit.
    It surprised me how much I enjoyed waking up by his side. If only he were a faery, he would be the perfect match. I know he would make a good king if he were able to be one. Which he was not, and that was something I couldn’t allow myself to forget. My time on Earth was limited. We were there to help, not live here for good.
    “I was thinking … maybe I should go back and talk to the tribe, and see if I can get them to at least come to the castle and check it out. Perhaps if they are around the creatures and see they are trying to help, they won’t be so afraid of them.”
    “It’s worth a shot. I wish we’d hear from your friend Blake. We still have no idea what became of your brother.”
    His jaw tightened. “Don’t remind me.”
    “We’ll have to deal with him eventually. I don’t like loose ends.”
    “I’m in no hurry.”
    Neither was I. Just thinking about his brother made me want to shred something.
    As soon as we finished eating, Michael went back to his room and I jumped in the shower real quick. Even though I was tired I was excited to see the halflings that were still alive. Hopefully there were no more losses throughout the night.
    With haste I dressed, then threw my hair up in a clip. The house was already loud. I heard what sounded like an argument, but I was too focused on going to see the babies that I didn’t even bother to turn and see who it was.
    I raced down the stairs to the basement.
    My mouth dropped open as the tank came into view. There were still five babies but they were already quite a bit larger than last night. My mother stood off in the corner talking to Henrek.
    “They look like they are ready to walk,” I said, the stress rising in my chest.
    “We’re going to try to take one out of the tank today. Their lungs should be developed enough to breath on their own.” My mother walked toward me. “You must be prepared, just in case …”
    “In case what? Another one dies? You can’t really prepare for that, Mother.”
    “That’s not what I meant. Never mind. Henrek, you might as well do it now. Is there one in particular you’d like to bring out?”
    My eyes immediately flew to the one with the defect. But I don’t think I could handle losing him. If taking him out would put him more at risk … Dear spirits, what is wrong with me? They are all mine, I shouldn’t have a favorite . “Henrek can decide.”
    With a shrug, Henrek walked up to the tank. “Girls are usually stronger,” he explained, pulling one out. He grabbed the slippery baby and handed her off to my mother who wrapped the little one in a blanket.
    “She’s