Mortal Defiance by Nichole Chase Page A

bothered to change it over the years. And if you see her, the only thing you are to do is to get the hell out of there. Understood?”
    No one responded out loud, but from the corner of her eyes, Ree caught glimpses of the others nodding their heads.
    “We’re going to have to face her eventually.” Ree knew there was no denying the inevitable and wanted to know how they were supposed to handle that moment.
    “You have a lot more training to do first.” Roland and Melanie stood inside the door, both grim-faced.
     

 
     
     
     
    Chapter 16

     
     
    That night, long and uncomfortable and spent in the freezing air, provided no leads or sightings. The gang had broken into groups to spy on Scott’s club before realizing there were no Dark Ones out at all. Ree didn’t sense a single cold spot or the spine-tingling sensation that meant there was something unnatural around.
    “Maybe they decided to spend the night in? Call for a pizza delivery guy or something?” Weylin pulled his skullcap lower and shivered.
    “Maybe.” Snorting, Roland pulled some lint off his dark T-shirt, for all the world looking as if it was springtime. The cold winter air didn’t seem to bother him in the least.
     Ree had given him his jacket back before they left the shop. Now she was regretting that. While it wasn’t raining, the mist had permeated her sweater and left her shivering. Maybe I can get the gods to send me a leather jacket of my own. Heh. I wonder how I would go about putting in a request for that , Ree thought to herself.
    “Okay. We’re calling it a night.” Sophie looked toward River Street, her face calm and completely at odds with the frustration she was radiating. “Ree, you have to be home soon. Roland can drive you since he’s guarding your house tonight.”
    Roland nodded his head at Ree, his smile causing her to blush. Paden’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t say anything. His jealousy was like a hot tide sliding between her friends. Ree knew he had to go home to see his family. He had received several calls from his parents asking where he was and when he would be home. No one could blame them for feeling overprotective after the recent death of their niece.
    Pulling her new cell phone out of her back pocket, Ree checked the time and felt her heart stop. She only had fifteen minutes to get home before her father grounded her for life.
    “I have to go right now. Or I’ll be under house arrest for the next year.” Ree started jogging back toward the antique shop, where all the vehicles were parked. The world shifted as someone swooped her off her feet and ran with superhuman speed.
    “Can’t let you get in trouble on my night, can I?” Grinning roguishly, Roland looked down at her and winked. Ree couldn’t help the skip in her heartbeat as she looked into his sapphire eyes.
    It only took moments for their group to reach the shop. Slowing, Roland opened the door and walked in, still carrying Ree in his arms. “Shall I carry you upstairs and help you change?”
    “No, no. I’ve got it.” Scrambling out of the Dark One’s arms, Ree almost fell but managed to catch herself on the stair railing. Roland’s chuckle and Paden’s growl of frustration followed her as she took the stairs two at a time. Quickly yanking her clothes off, she threw them on the floor and grabbed her uniform. As she pulled on her tights and skirt, she noticed something sticking out from under the shirt still lying on the bed. Her eyebrows drew together as she threw her shirt on and saw that a gorgeous brown leather jacket lay on the bed.
    Pleasure chorused through her veins when she reached out to touch the soft animal hide. Picking up the jacket, she noticed her initials embroidered on an inside pocket. Ree looked around the room briefly before smiling to herself and running back down stairs where the others were waiting. She shoved her arms into the jacket as she ran for the door where Roland stood. Waving over her shoulder, she