Laura Jo Phillips Read Online Free Page B

life.
    Well, she thought, death and imprisonment were both preferable over what she had endured the last year.
    Unfortunately, she had no idea how to reach either the Dracons or the Lobos.  She doubted very much that Lio had their private vox numbers stored in his directory.  Besides, they were at least four hours away.  She didn’t think they could count on being undiscovered for that long.  Eventually someone was going to come looking for Lio, and since he was supposed to be at a meeting, that would probably happen sooner rather than later.
    “Try asking the vox to connect you with Emergency Services,” Darleen suggested.  “I know I’ve heard Lio mention your name, and I think that the Dracon Princes have been searching for you particularly, so give them your name when you call, but don’t mention mine.”
    “Why not?” Summer asked.
    “The Dracons and the Lobos have reason to dislike me,” Darleen replied.  “Good reason.”
    Summer’s eyes narrowed angrily.  The idea that they would not receive help because someone didn’t like Darleen was infuriating.  She was very surprised, therefore, when Darleen chuckled softly.
    “I appreciate your outrage on my behalf,” Darleen said.  “But I promise you, they have very good reason for their feelings toward me, whatever they may be.”
    Summer shook her head and decided to let it go.  Now was not the time for what her mother used to call a confession session .  She reached up and tapped the vox in her ear to activate it.
    “Directory assistance,” said a mechanical voice.
    “Emergency Services please,” Summer said.
    “One moment.”  Summer was prepared for a long wait and was surprised when a real voice spoke in her ear a few seconds later.
    “Badia Emergency Services, how may I be of assistance?” said what sounded like a very young male voice.
    “My name is Summer Whitney and I have been abducted and held against my will,” Summer began.
    “Excuse me, Miss,” the voice interrupted.  “Did you say your name is Summer Whitney?”
    “Yes, I did,” Summer replied.  She opened her mouth to continue when the voice interrupted again.
    “Your name is on our priority sheet, Miss Whitney.  If you will hold for one moment, I will put you through directly to Prince Dracon.”
    “I don’t have a lot of time,” Summer said.  “We could be discovered at any moment.”
    “Don’t worry Miss Whitney, I have already recorded your exact location and notified local authorities.  Two Tactical Teams are being dispatched to your location immediately.”
    “Thank you,” Summer replied with relief.
    “You are welcome, Miss Whitney,” the voice replied.  “Please give me just a few moments and I will have you connected to the High Prince.”

 
     
     
    Chapter 4
     
    Faron Lobo sat holding his eldest daughter, Varia, in his arms.  Varia was currently sleeping, which was a relief to the entire household.  The baby was only three months old, but she had a set of lungs on her that rivaled High Prince Garen’s for both capacity and sheer volume.  Faron smiled as he wrapped a lock of her dark blue hair around his finger.  She looked so angelic.  When she was asleep.  
    His vox beeped softly in his ear and he reached up to tap it.  “Yes?” he said, keeping his voice low so as not to awaken Varia.
    “The Princes are unavailable and I am taking calls in their stead,” he said.  “You are speaking with Faron Lobo, Prime Guardian.  I have full authority to act on their behalf.”
    Faron’s eyes widened with surprise and excitement as he listened to the Emergency Services operator.  “Excellent, patch me through,” he said. 
    He looked up and met his youngest brother’s questioning gaze.  “Ban, call the Katres and tell them Summer Whitney has been located and they need to reach her at all speed,” he said, then rattled off the address the operator had given him.  “Extreme measures may be taken to secure her.”
    Ban was