Unleashed: The Deepest Fears Lie Within (Secrets of the Makai) by Toni Kerr Page A

seal to the light and paused for an uncomfortably long moment.
    “What is it? Is it bad?”
    “It’s fine. I just thought he was going to hold off for a while.”
    “Who?”
    “Donovan.”
    Tristan studied the shifting shadows of the forest. “You said he teaches History. That’s okay, right?” Though the thought of returning to the fire pit sent nervous jitters through his bones.
    “You’ll enjoy his class, whatever subject he decides on. Half the time, you’ll learn stuff you didn’t realize he was teaching. Donovan was the one who delivered the notices to Victor.”
    “ That was Donovan?” Tristan spotted Shaely, who looked to be arguing with one of her brothers. He pictured the man giving Victor the envelopes. “People seemed afraid of him.” Shaely especially. “And he looked so young, like one of us. Did you introduce me to him earlier?”
    “No, he wasn’t here earlier.” Landon tucked his envelopes away. “He’s a little older than he looks. I wouldn’t say he likes it, but it doesn’t bother him that people react that way. He does his own thing and doesn’t go out of his way to be everyone’s best friend. He’s very powerful, and I’m more than a little grateful that he’s on our side.”
    “I swear I’ve seen him before. I just can’t remember when.”
    A long pause settled between them before Landon finally answered. “He’s in the Makai. He’s extremely loyal and neither Victor nor myself would hesitate to give our lives for him. He’s probably saved all of us more times than anyone can count.”
    “Sounds dangerous if everyone needs saving that many times.”
    “It’s not always dangerous if you’re careful and know what’s going on, but you can’t always watch your back. Another thing, we’re not to be discussing it like this. The Makai is a very private organization. Most everything we do is done anonymously. To talk about it in the open exhibits poor conduct and extreme disrespect.”
    Tristan nodded. The subject of the Makai dropped as they headed back toward the fire.
    “You should be done with Angelina’s class about lunchtime, here in the clearing, if you want to arrange something with Shaely.”
    Tristan grinned at the thought. “Can I?”
    Landon nodded, but didn’t look too happy about it. “You don’t need permission, just be smart about it and don’t leave the boundaries we set up for you.”
    * * *
    Tristan and Landon left Victor and Alvi to their die-hard music fans and walked back to the cabin in silence.
    Landon lit the oil lamp, just inside the front door.
    Tristan opened the envelope with Donovan’s seal. “Says to meet at Te Hono-i-Wairua.”
    “It’s the same place we stopped at on the way in. No one is allowed to transport into his teaching area, so he’ll have the trail marked with small torches before and after class. You can hike up with the other students at the trailhead—I’d expect two, maybe three people at the most.”
    “Starts at 9:30. At night, right?”
    Landon nodded. “He’ll probably keep you ‘til midnight at least. Remember the fire pit? He uses the fire. Your other class won’t start until just before noon, so you have plenty of time to sleep in if you want.”
    Tristan opened the other notice to confirm the time for himself. “Will I need anything?”
    Landon took the paper and quickly skimmed. “Doesn’t look like it. You’ll meet at Grumpy’s for Basic Principles, probably outside if the weather’s decent. You remember the way?”
    Tristan nodded.
    “Victor and I will see you soon, within a few days if not tomorrow. Explore wherever you want and you’ll fit right in once you get to know the regulars. You’ll be fine.”
    Tristan nodded, looking forward to seeing Shaely again. Meeting her almost made up for being pranked all night.
    “Don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated. We’re at a much higher elevation than what you’re used to.”
    “Got it.” Tristan pulled down a glass from a cupboard.