Free Elder by Raine Thomas

the precious minutes they had lost.
    We’ll get through this.
    Quincy’s comment circled in her mind as her shock began to ease. He hadn’t said, “Congratulations, C.K.” or “I’m thrilled for you, C.K.” None of the things beings said to her mother and aunts when they conceived. Why would he? She was eighteen, unwed, unavowed, and the baby’s father had no idea he had even slept with her.
    Her father was going to absolutely kill her.
    “Tate and Ariana managed to escape the cage,” Alexius related, turning her attention. “But the door to the room where they are being held is also locked.”
    Clara Kate focused on increasing her speed. When she drew parallel to Alexius, he realized what she was doing. Nodding, he also flew faster. Behind them, Quincy and Sophia sped up to stay close.
    “Are you all right, Clara Kate?” Alexius asked.
    Surprised, she responded with an automatic, “Sure.”
    His burnt orange gaze held hers for a long moment. Then he said, “It’s just that I haven’t seen that level of emotion from you since you were a child. I know I’m not the best at expressing such things, but I want you to know that I care about you. Seeing you so upset…it bothered me.”
    Well, wasn’t this just the day for grand revelations?
    Clara Kate almost lost her composure again over the concern shown for her by one of the least expected beings. Alexius had been a part of her life ever since she was born, traveling frequently to her homeland to help her and her cousins and siblings train. She’d never suspected that he felt this way.
    “Thanks, Alexius,” she said, giving him a small smile. “I’ve got a lot to work through right now. My head’s a little all over the place.”
    “Will you let me know if there is anything I can do to help?”
    “I will,” she said, and she meant it.
    “All right.” This time, he smiled. It was such a rare expression for him that it made her do a double-take. His features went from almost fierce to charming. “I’ll hold you to that.”
    Before she could reply, his gaze once again grew serious. “Apparently, something urgent is happening with Tate and Ariana. Something about Metis and a giant.”
    “How far are we from the others?” she asked.
    “Less than ten minutes. If we press ourselves, we can probably catch up with them in five.”
    “Then let’s go.”

Chapter 9
     
     
    “What did you throw into that giant’s eyes?” Tate asked as she ran up the steps in the empty chamber outside the laboratory door.
    Lifting her skirts to keep up, Ariana panted, “A combination of hot chili oil and pepper. He’ll be blind for at least a few minutes.”
    “Awesome.”
    Fortunately, the door at the top of the steps was unlocked. They found themselves in the dining room of a rather normal looking cottage. Metis enjoyed fine things, judging by the china lining the shelves of a display cabinet and the beautiful, glossy wood of her furniture. Ariana wondered how she acquired such items, then decided she was better off not knowing.
    Their feet made no sound on the thick rugs covering the wood floors as they left that room and entered the living area. Tate dodged a coffee table as Ariana jumped over a footstool. They ran to another door. Opening it slowly, Tate eased her head outside and glanced around.
    Ariana’s heart thundered in her ears. Her breath left her in painful draws. Sweat dripped along her hairline and dampened her gown. She looked over her shoulder, expecting the roaring giant to pound his way through to them any second. His booming shouts and loud clatter as he fought to regain his vision echoed through the small cottage.
    “What is this?” Tate asked, easing the door all of the way open and stepping outside.
    Not wanting to be in the dwelling anymore, Ariana rushed outside with Tate and shoved the door closed behind her. As she clutched her weapon in one hand, she stared at the high wall of greenery standing before them. If they took three steps,