Entangled Interaction Read Online Free Page A

off. My balance soon followed, sending me sliding and twisting down the side of a small hill. The rope linking Cannibal and me drew taut, catching between my legs, holding for a split second, before it somersaulted me and slackened.
    I landed hard on my right side into a pile of wet snow, which triggered another rumble as more snow covered me head to toe. Breathing became a challenge as I tried to stop the swimming in my head.
    Digging sounds caught my attention, as well as my name being called from what sounded like a mile away. Both became louder until gloved hands connected with my belly, wrapped around, and pulled me roughly back to the surface.
    I coughed and sputtered.
    "Shyanne? Are you okay?" He frantically pushed snow from my face, while giving me a stern shake. "Say something."
    I nodded and focused on catching my breath. Taking a quick inventory, I discovered two things. The gusting frigid wind now sent hard shivers coursing through my body, whereas my water-resistant clothing had repelled the stout breeze earlier. Combine the coldness with the terror of being nearly buried alive and I shook like a leaf on a blustery fall day.
    The second item, I complained about between chattering teeth. "I think my privates just got rope burned."
    His mouth firmed as he glanced around. Picking me up, he untangled the still connected rope and gave me a tug. "Let's get moving."
    "Where are we going?" I folded my arms over my chest and tried to stop the shivers.
    "Someplace to get you warm and dry." His tone spoke of frustration and sheer annoyance.
    "I'm sorry… I…"
    "Just keep walking. If I have to carry your ass, you'll be in serious trouble."

Chapter 4
     
    Luckily for me, we found shelter fairly quickly. Found might not be the right word. Cannibal appeared to know where he was every step of the way. A house, sturdy wood structure with lights on inside, smoke rising from the chimney, stood before us, looking like heaven on the snow-packed tundra.
    Cannibal knocked, then spoke quietly to the man who answered the door. A moment later, the older man bid us enter.
    I stepped into a decent-sized open area and blinked. First, because my eyes had to adjust to the sudden light after spending hours wandering around in the dark, and secondly, because in the room stood a handful of men, all wearing long, thick robes.
    "Where are we?" I whispered as I tugged at Cannibal's coat.
    He spared me a quick glance. "Monastery."
    "That would explain the monk-looking men."
    We changed clothes, leaving our outerwear drying in front of the fire. By the time, we cleaned up, the head monk declared breakfast ready.
    The entire place spoke of simple needs mixed with eloquence and cleanliness. Their furniture appeared old and rustic, yet sturdy and lasting. No modern amenities could be seen, at least not in the areas I ambled through. The décor, though simple, gave one the feeling of peace and tranquility.
    A huge tureen of soup sat in the middle of a long table. Each monk sat in a seat and passed full bowls down the line until everyone had some. We were given the same luxury as we took seats at the far end of the dinner table.
    The monks prayed, then began to slowly eat. No one spoke. No one gestured. They simply ate in silence.
    "Ummm. Do you guys get many visitors?" Every gaze I met, the monk quickly tore away, focusing on his soup like the bowl would disappear from his grasp if he dared look away too long.
    When they didn't answer, I tapped my fingers on the wooden table and tried once more. "So how do you get to be monks stationed out here in… wherever we're at? Did you sign up for this location? Were you given marching orders from your superior monk person? Or are you all local and this is the only monastery in a five hundred mile radius?"
    Staring at the head of the table, I waited for the main guy to explain, more than happy to talk about his profession, their little home in the woods, maybe even what called them to their choice of careers. He