Immortality Stolen (The Mortal One Series Book 2) Read Online Free Page A

familiar with that area of Paris. If he wanted me to feel out of sorts, he would have put me up at a different hotel. This is his way of being hospitable.”
    “I wish I could believe that.”
    Nico loaded my luggage into the back of a black BMW parked in front of the apartment. He gave me a passionate kiss that was cut short by an uncomfortable cough from Costin. Nico gave me a pained look and shrugged. I muffled a laugh and climbed into the front seat.             
    “Be safe,” Costin said. He handed me a cell phone since he had confiscated mine. “This is for you to keep in contact with us.” He emphasized “us.” “If you need anything, call one of us – our numbers are programmed in there. Do not use the phone to call anyone else or I will know.”
    “Got it,” I said. The phone went into my messenger bag.
    Nico got in the driver’s seat, waved to Costin, and we were off. The car ride to the train station was relatively quiet. We passed the cathedrals and he expertly weaved in and out of all the scooters on the road. Just before we got there, he finally turned to me. “I need you to promise me you are going to come back to me.”
    “Nico, what? Of course.”
    “I’m not kidding, Dylan. I need to know that you are going to come back to me. Don’t do anything foolish in Paris and don’t stay longer than the two days, no matter what.”
    “I promise.” It made me smile a little knowing that he was that worried about me. Of course he should be, but when it comes out of his mouth, it always gives me the warm fuzzies.
    Was I nervous? Of course I was. The last time Olivier was in my life, he had his arms wrapped around me and was trying to mark me. He never really apologized for that, but I was pretty sure Costin was right – I don’t think his intention is to hurt me during this visit.
    Nico pulled up front. “Here we are.”
    I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. “Okay.”
    “You don’t have to do this.”
    “Yes, I do. And we both know it.”
    “Damn it, come here.” Nico held me tight. Neither of us cared that the gear shift was sandwiched between us. He held tighter and I was convinced for a minute that he wasn’t going to let me get on the train.
    He finally released me and we got out of the car. He got my luggage out of the trunk.
    “I’ve got it from here,” I said, pulling out the handle.
    We kissed one more time and I promised to call him once I got to the hotel room in Paris.

 
     
     
     
     
     

     
    Chapter 4
     
    THE SLEEPER TRAIN was the last thing it was actually designed for. It was one of the most interrupted night’s sleeps that I have ever had in my life. It shook constantly and whenever we went around a long turn, it groaned. Most of the night was spent wondering if the train was actually capable of making it from Florence to Paris.
    After fading in and out of consciousness for the better part of ten hours, I arrived in Paris. It was different than it was when I was here the last time. For one, I had flown in last time. It was also the fall now and the leaves were turning beautiful shades of brown and orange. My luggage was sitting on the landing by the time I made it over to the claim area and most of the crowds were starting to thin out. Looking around, it seemed as though everyone had a similar night of sleep as I had.
    I pulled a map out of my messenger bag to try and get my wits about me. From the train station, the hotel was only a block away. Taxis were everywhere, but I dismissed their calls and began dragging my luggage down the sidewalk.
    Everyone was on their way to work and the roads were nasty. Shouting people and honking horns were blaring in every direction. I was pushed and shoved on more than one occasion because apparently I wasn’t walking fast enough for the crowds. Paris looked romantic, but it certainly didn’t feel romantic, at least not during this hour of the morning. Though the knowledge that zombies could be walking around