Free Insidious Whispers (The Hunter Diaries) by Serena Zane

Chapter 1

    Black. Darkness encompassed her and wrapped Beth Stark in its unrelenting embrace attempting to lull her into a slumber. Beth fought against its seductive pull and struggled to remain alert. Andrew’s hand held firm to hers as she felt her body explode into a thousand tiny pieces and then come back together.
    The Veil. It had been years since she’d crossed the Veil into the Other Realm.  She hadn’t been back since her parent’s death. Beth’s vision remained dark as though he kept a blindfold over her eyes. He led her by the hand until she felt the soft breeze stop on her skin and instead, warmth seeped through her.
    “You’re safe Beth Stark. Nothing can harm you here.” Andrew’s deep voice was melodious and soothing, but somehow Beth couldn’t suppress the shiver that passed over her skin.
    Her vision slowly came into focus. Rich, opulent colors filled her gaze. Reds and gold in varying tones and textures played with her senses. Andrew, the man she’d met only moments before in a plane flying above the Atlantic, stood before her.  His blond hair hung loose around his shoulders and his blue eyes pierced her. He appeared nothing like the polished businessman from the airplane, but she knew that he was indeed the same man. 
    As what he said registered, Beth knew she was in trouble. He lied. Her parents had died in the Other Realm - murdered. There was no reason why she couldn’t meet the same fate.
    Safe my ass . She glared at him with distrust.
    “Why did you bring me to the Other Realm?” Beth crossed the room and stood behind a large wing-back chair. She needed to put something between them. Logically, she knew that if he wanted to get to her he could. The long blond hair didn’t cover his pointed ears, or the pale beauty of his face. He was Fae.
    But Beth wasn’t without her own powers.
    “Queen Genevieve wants an audience with you.” He moved closer, his feet glided over the floor as though he were floating.
    Beth held out a halting hand. “Why?”  She didn’t trust the Fae. They were known for their trickery. While Beth had embraced some of her gifts, she only used them for good. There could only be one reason why Queen Genevieve would want an audience with a half-Fae like her. The Queen normally didn’t lower herself to associate with such riffraff as Beth. “What if I don’t want to see her?”
    His mouth turned up in a grin. A chill rode straight up her spine. “I’m afraid you don’t have any choice in the matter. She will not be denied.” He looked at her as though she was a curiosity. “You’re very beautiful you know.” His voice was like smooth chocolate intended to sooth, but it grated on her nerves.
    “You mean I’m beautiful for a half-breed.” She bristled.
    In the space of a breath he was around the chair she hid behind. A pale, slender-fingered hand reached out and brushed her cheek. Something drifted through his eyes that she couldn’t identify. “No, just beautiful.”
    Beth didn’t feel anything but revulsion as he touched her. Not wanting him to be aware that she wouldn’t fall for his charms, she leaned into his hand and gifted him with a small smile. If he thought she was a compliant captive, then she would have a better chance to escape when the opportunity presented itself.
    “What’s your real name? I know it’s not Andrew. It can’t be.”
    “I’m Arlen, the Prince of the Other Realm and son to Queen Genevieve. It’s good to finally meet you Beth Stark. I’ve been waiting for this moment for some time.”
    Beth paced away from him and then cast a questioning glance back at Arlen. “Why?”
    Arlen crossed his arms in front of his chest and his eyes took on a bedroom-like quality. “Our families are destined Beth. We’re meant to be together.”
    Beth shot him a skeptical look. He obviously didn’t know that much about her if he thought that was the case. Beth did have a gift passed down from her father. She could see soul mates,