Free Annie's Song by Cate Dean

the pain, somehow knowing it would only provoke her. “And the man with her, they are trouble. But you, young Zach—you are a boon, sent by the Goddess. When I thought failure would haunt my every attempt, here you are, with your special gift.”
    He met her gaze, feeling the knife blade move as he swallowed. “I find whatever it is you’re looking for, and you leave them alone.”
    She smiled, and it sent a chill through him. “Smart and talented. Explaining my every move does get tiresome. Are we on the same page, Zach?”
    “Yes.” He knew Mom would look for him, but he would do his best to keep this pseudo witch from harming her. No matter what it took. “We are on the same page.”
    “Excellent.” She pulled the knife away, and before he could let out a breath in relief, poked it against his ribs. He felt blood trickle down his side under his sweater. “Now it is time to perform your magic.”
    She pushed him forward, heading away from town, and any help. Zach stumbled, and let out a harsh cry as the blade scraped across his ribs.
    Diana jerked him up, her strength surprising him again. “Quiet, boy. Make another sound and this blade will take a good, long taste. Trust me, you do not want that to happen.”
    Her laughter raised the hair on his arms. Swallowing, flinching as the shallow cut on his throat stung from the movement, he focused on staying upright as she dragged him across an uneven field. Pain licked at the knife wounds, deeper and more draining than it should have been with such minor cuts.
    When his vision blurred, Zach knew the knife that wounded him was more than just a knife. He just hoped the spell on it wasn’t fatal.
     

ELEVEN
     
    “ W here’s Zach?” Annie looked up at Claire’s sharp voice. Busy settling Eric in, supervising Marcus—much to his annoyance—she lost track of time, and was surprised to see the sun heading for the horizon.
    “He went to Penn and Michelle’s store, to thank them for helping us. And to poke around, I’m sure. You know how much he loves hanging around the store at home.”
    “He should have been back by now.” Claire grabbed her jacket off the rack near the door. “I’m going to—”
    “Check on him?”
    “We’re in a foreign country, Annie. I have every right to be worried.”
    “Yeah—and he has every right to explore.” She eased Claire away from the door. “You got him a phone. Call him.”
    Letting out her breath, Claire pulled the phone out of her pocket and tapped in his number. “Zach, where are . . .” Her voice faded, and she stared at the phone. “It went to voicemail.”
    “So he turned it off—”
    “He hasn’t turned that phone off since I gave it to him. I think he sleeps with it. Something is wrong.”
    “Claire.” Marcus horned in on the conversation. “What is it?”
    “Zach. I know I’m being the overprotective mother, but I feel off. And I don’t like it.” Annie grabbed her coat. “No, Annie. I need to do this alone. Zach will be embarrassed enough when I come charging in and he’s just sightseeing. Both of us may leave him scarred for life.”
    “Are you sure?”
    “Just keep your phone on. I’ll call if I need the cavalry. And you two, behave. Eric needs his rest.”
    Annie crossed her arms. “I will, if he will.” She glared over at Marcus, tried not to smile when he bowed.
    “As you command.”
    “Smartass.”
    With a smile, he leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Now I have been properly welcomed. Go find your son, Claire.”
    The kiss he gave Claire was much less platonic. Rolling her eyes, Annie moved to the bed and checked on Eric again. He was sleeping, his face no longer etched with pain. The last bit of weight slid off her heart. Pressing her lips to his forehead, she stood, relieved that he didn’t have a fever. Just one broken ankle and a mess of bruises.
    Marcus still had his arms around Claire. Annie cleared her throat.
    Taking the hint, he stepped back. “Call if you need