Free Taken By Storm by Cyndi Friberg

open this door,” she said urgently.
    “We will speak first.”
    “Open the door.”
    “When did you—”
    “I’m going to throw up, vomit, be sick. Open the damn door!” She covered her mouth with her hand and began to gag.
    * * * * *
    Tal stormed about Charlotte’s dwelling in impotent fury. He had to gain control of his emotions or he would be no use to anyone.
    Welcome back, little brother . Trey’s voice sounded inside his head. Vee told me to try the comlink again. He said he was sensing some very strong emotions that might not bode well for your companion.

    The Earthling has fled—again , Tal admitted begrudgingly.
    If you need advice on how to hold on to a woman —
    Don’t start with me . Tal cut him off. I will find Charlotte but others are involved now. Can you dispatch Dro Tar Nex and Al Varellien? I seem to have my hands full just dealing with Charlotte .
    Trey’s laughter made Tal clench his fists. He could have at least closed the audiocom before he indulged his amusement.
    Al is already on the ground, securing a headquarters in case this takes longer than we anticipated. I’ve locked onto your signal. I’ll send Dro Tar directly to you .
    The link closed and Tal took a deep breath. The little Earthling was in danger whether she acknowledged the fact or not. They had been charged with her safety. And he intended to keep her safe—
    with or without her cooperation!
    * * * * *
    The lock popped up with a distinct click and Charlotte threw the truck door wide. Her boots hit ice and she cried out, skidding toward the ditch beside the road. She quickly grabbed the slender trunk of an aspen to prevent herself from skidding over the edge.
    Glancing over her shoulder, she fought the need to run. Rod watched every move she made. She bent from the waist, coughing and spitting as loudly as she could. After a moment, she looked under the truck, waiting for his feet to lower to the pavement.

    He slammed the driver’s door and walked around the truck. Patience. She counted each step, forcing herself to wait until he reached the tailgate then she spun and dove for the cab. His hand closed around her ankle and Charlotte screamed.
    Landing on her stomach half in and half out of the truck, she kicked wildly, clawing at the leather seat, trying to get inside.
    He flipped her onto her back and pinned her down with the weight of his body. She thrashed and bucked but her feet dangled off the ground and he was too close to kick. He easily caught her flying fists, securing them above her head.
    “Look at me,” he ordered.
    She turned her face away.
    He held both her hands in one hurtful fist and dragged her face toward his. “Open your eyes.”
    “Get away from me!”
    “If you are not who I think you are, I will let you go.”
    “I’m not. I promise. I’m no one important.” She hated the terror revealed by her shrill tone.
    “Just look at me,” he coaxed.
    She stubbornly scrunched her eyes even tighter.
    They could read minds. They could control… They could…
    Her mind spun off into chaos and she renewed her struggles. Thrashing wildly, she reared up and bit his shoulder until she tasted blood. He howled, shoving away from her. She immediately brought up her knee hard between his legs.

    His raw, angry wail echoed in her ears, but she didn’t pause. She ran along the road, her arms and legs pumping frantically. Tears cooled her heated cheeks. Each sobbing breath made her head spin.
    You’re hyperventilating.
    She couldn’t stop but she had nowhere to go!
    A scream, part frustration and part fear, built within her. Where could she hide? Why were they looking for her?
    Where the hell was Tal?
    She slammed into him so forcefully it knocked her backward. He’d materialized out of nowhere. His hands caught her upper arms, steadying her for a second before he stepped in front of her.
    Get a grip . She forced her chaotic mind to focus. The cavalry is here. You led him right to Joon. Now Tal will arrest