Order of the Omni: A Supernatural Romantic Suspense Novel (The Immortalies Book 1) Penny Knight (100 best novels of all time TXT) 📖

pain shoots up to my shoulder. With my back up against him and his strong hold keeping me in place, I try to wriggle and even stomp on his foot to loosen his grip, but he does not budge.

“You,” he sneers at Topher. “Give it to me”

“Topher, ru-” before I can finish my words, I feel a cool object touch my throat. A knife, I realise in horror. My body freezes and my eyes go wide.

“No!” Topher cries out.

“Give me the drive or say goodbye.” The man presses harder against my throat and I can feel the sharp blade nearly breaking skin. I close my eyes hard to compose my racing heart as a tear escapes. It is then I remember my gift. Maybe I can hear what this man wants. If he’s going to kill me, or who he’s working for. Anything.

I have the charm on, but Franziska says that I can concentrate and let the thoughts in. I’m not sure what I am meant to do. But I try to listen, try to hear something, anything, even Topher but nothing. Damn it. I should have listened to her and started training and learning my gift instead of burying my head in the sand. Now I may never have time to understand any of this.

“Here.” Topher’s shaky voice brings me back to the here and now. His hands bounce around as he tries to hand over the drive. The man leans forward causing the blade to break the skin, I know this because I feel a drop fall down my neck. He snatches it right out of Topher’s hand.

“Now say goodbye, little boy.” The assailant perches his arm up ready to end my life.

I close my eyes. This is it. I wait for the pain as I hear Topher’s cries in the far distance.

There’s a sharp crack and the surrounding weight suddenly lifts. His arms go limp and the pressure of the knife is gone. I see the man laying lifeless on the floor.

“Let’s go. Follow me,” a deep and confident voice orders. This man has just saved my life.

He doesn’t wait for an answer, he grabs my arm forcibly but not hard and leads us through the hallway, Topher close behind us.

The mystery man stops in the living room and lets go of my arm. I stand for a moment, not sure if I should run or wait. Topher stands beside me, pulling me into him with one arm. Both in shock. Watching as the man pull a lighter from his pocket and strides over to the curtains, setting them alight.

I hear Topher gasp, but I remain silent.

He then turns. “Quickly,” he says as he walks towards me. He takes hold of my arm and marches us out of the burning house.

We follow him towards a waiting black Chrysler in the driveway. He opens the back door and we both jump in. In my mind, I know I’m getting into a stranger’s car, but my body is in control and doing what it can to survive.

We drive away, the house ablaze in the background. The car silent.

We drive for what feels like one minute but could be hours. I’m dazed. Still waiting for my heart to stop pounding.

Topher sits staring at the stitching of the leather headrest in front of him. I look back out the window.

That is when I see it.

The familiar mirrored windows.

The car stops and I look up at the Hotel Chancellor.

Anticipation bubbles inside. Something I have not experienced in a long time. Striding right to the conference room, I see Broderick waiting outside, arms crossed and staunch.

“Are they inside?” I ask once I am standing beside him.

“Yes,” he nods. “Um...” he starts and pauses, looking for the right words.

My eyebrow raises. He is rarely lost for words.

“Just spit it out,” I say.

“There was a member of The Uprising there.”

I hear myself growl. “Do they know who she is?”

He shakes his head. “No, they don’t. I got there just in time. Just before he tried to slit her throat. So, it’s safe to say they don’t know.”

Slit her throat? My body goes rigid, and my veins enlarge as the anger seizes control.

“Maybe just take a second before you go in. I’m sure she is already scared enough,” he nods at me.

“I don’t need time,” I say through clenched teeth.

He sighs. “Ok then.” He turns and reaches for the door. I close my eyes and take a long, deep breath. This needs to go well, I need to control myself.

The door opens and Broderick steps to the side and I walk through. She looks up at me. Her eyes are narrowed, fierce and sparkling. This is not what Broderick had prepared me for. She crosses her arms and cocks her head at me. I fight back a smile. It becomes easier once I see a small mark on her neck. I bite down on my anger like it’s a chew toy and I’m a rabid dog.

“Hello again,” I say.

She raises both eyebrows. “Hello again?” she shakes her head. “Why are we here? What do you want?” She is straight to the point. Her companion looks to her wide eyed.

My face hardens. It’s difficult hearing anyone talk to me like this. I’m struggling to remember the last time anyone has.

“I thought you would be more grateful to Broderick here for saving your life.”

Her head turns to Broderick, who stands with his arms still crossed and unmoving. She bites the inside of her lip and swallows.

“Thank you,” she says with meaning. He nods in response. “Ok then.” She stands and her friend’s mouth drops open. “We will just head off now.” She smiles at me and nods to her friend to get up.

“I didn’t say you could leave.” I move to block her path around the table. She stands taller, chin raised.

“And who are you to tell us when we can leave?” She looks brave and her eyes shine with intent, but it’s her heart