[Atlantean's Quest 03] Redemption by Jordan Summers Page A

angry.
    Before she could control herself, Ariel lunged forward, just missing the professor’s throat. Her fingernails slashed the side of his face before Raoul and Santo jerked her back. Ariel screamed in frustration, her body tensing from being denied her prey.
    The professor touched his face, flinching from the pain as he pulled his fingers back far enough to gaze upon the blood she’d drawn. His vision narrowed, zeroing in on hers. “You’d like to get your hands on me, wouldn’t you, bitch?”
    Ariel glared at him in defiance, then spat on his shoes.
    “What happened there?” He pointed to the spot where in her vision Coridan had marked her. Panic surged through her. Ariel’s gaze went to the man swatting away the pesky mosquitoes.
    “Like your man, I’ve been bitten by the creatures that inhabit the jungle.”
    The professor’s face hardened and he stepped forward with his fist raised. She braced herself for the incoming blow and closed her eyes.
    “Señor Rumsinger, we tie her up for you.” The guards shuffled the vines as if trying to get them under control.
    Ariel peeked out from beneath her lashes. Rumsinger’s face twisted in rage, his attention distracted by the guard’s suggestion.
    “Fine! Get her out of my face, before I decide she is no longer of use.”
    Raoul and Santo pulled Ariel back toward the upended table, temporarily protecting her from the professor’s wrath. They tied her quickly, their eyes pleading with her to keep quiet and not do anything so stupid again. Ariel gave the men a quick nod, then cast her gaze in the professor’s direction.
    Rumsinger turned back to the guide he’d been speaking to before the interruption. Ariel listened to the guide’s thoughts. They were a blur of colors and images, none of which made sense enough to express. In fact, he couldn’t seem to remember what he’d told the professor earlier. She breathed a sigh of relief. He also could not remember the location of the unusual thing he’d found. The man kept mumbling about the trees, big trees in a clearing. The mind scramble had worked.
    The professor’s gaze left the guide and immediately moved to Ariel once more, before narrowing into razor slits. Rumsinger’s thoughts were clear. Bitch , I know you are behind this somehow, but I can’t prove it. He snarled. Eventually you’ll screw up and I’ll be there.
    Ariel visibly trembled, then allowed her gaze to drop away. As long as he wasn’t certain, she and her people were safe.
    * * * * *
    Coridan knew he’d reach the compound by nightfall after finding a trail which cut a half day from his journey. He’d been traveling all morning, stopping only long enough to grab a handful of bananas from the trees. His body needed nourishment.
    He’d mentally located several of the professor’s men, some of whom would never find their way back to camp now that he’d played upon their fears. His muscles burned as he pushed on. Ariel was once more in pain, which meant the professor tortured her to get her to spill her secrets.
    He knew the seer had been serious when she’d spoken of death before betrayal. Unfortunately, Coridan could not allow her to die. Not now—not ever, since he’d discovered their connection. He wasn’t sure where this bond would lead, but he wouldn’t find out if she died.
    Coridan leapt over fallen trees and snaked around lianas, his feet silent as they fell upon the soft earth. His mind continued to scan, locating and cataloguing each individual to ensure they stayed far away from the transport. When he turned his attention back to the compound he connected with Ariel.
    Seer, are you well?
    I’m fine, warrior, just take care of yourself.
    I would like to do that, seer, but you know that is not possible.
    Have you chosen to accept your people once more?
    No. I do not come for my people. He paused. I’ve returned because you called. He didn’t need to add to me at the end of his statement, they both knew that was the real