Free Chained (The Siren Series #2) by L.A.Griffiths Page A

food.
    “ I need to confirm a few things, and
then we will have a proper chat about what is going to happen.” she
replied.
    “ Well something needs to be done, and
we could really use your help Ellie.” said Sophia.
    I could feel everyone’s eyes on top of me,
but I ignored them and started spreading some strawberry jam onto
my toast. It felt ages since I had anything to eat, my stomach was
completely empty, but with everything going on who could have an
appetite after that?
    “ Did you get any sleep then, Rhea?”
asked Marcus.
    “ Yeah, I didn’t really see you around
last night.” Sophia added.
    “ I had to deal with a few things, plus
I don’t sleep much these days.”
    “ So did you enjoy sleeping on the
floor, Marcus?” I asked.
    “ Wait, were you watching me while I
slept?” he asked.
    His accusations made me choke on my toast. I
coughed and quickly drank some orange just to try and clear it. I
turned to him with flushed cheeks ready to defend myself.
    “ I never watched you sleep, you were
snoring.” I said.
    “ Yeah, yeah, don’t try to deny it.” He
laughed.
    The four of us continued the banter back and
forth like it was an ordinary day, but it all stopped when Naaz
entered the kitchen. Then there was silence. It was as if for a
moment time had stopped on our little debate. She examined each and
every one of us, but she took her time looking me up and down. I
returned her icy glare with one of my own.
    “ Please continue.” she said.
    I watched her while she floated around the
room. Naaz was beautiful, yet terrifying. She was someone not to
mess with. We continued with our breakfast in silence, ignoring her
presence.
    “ How did you all sleep last night?” she
asked cheerfully.
    No one replied.
    “ Naaz, we talked about this.” Rhea
said.
    “ I am just being polite.” The dark
skinned woman said.
    “ We really need to talk about Idina and
her offspring.” Rhea told her.
    I looked up from my breakfast with
interest.
    “ Yes that creature has been birthing those
disgusting things all over
the place, and Barbus is using them like an army.” replied
Naaz.
    With just hearing Barbus’s name made a chill
run up my spine.
    “ She needs to be stopped, if she dies,
no more army for Barbus.” Rhea said.
    “ I don’t think we are ready to jump
back down there, not what happened last time.” Sophia
said.
    “ Quiet, the grown-ups are talking.”
Naaz said spitefully.
    Sophia slammed down her hands on the table
hard and walked out.
    “ Sophia, wait.” Rhea rushed after
her.
    A cruel smile appeared on Naaz’s lips.
    There were just three of us in the kitchen
now, and it felt awkward. Marcus continued to attack his breakfast
while I swallowed the last piece of toast along with a last
mouthful of orange juice. I avoided her stare the best I could.
    “ Is there something going on I don’t
know about?” Naaz asked.
    Oh god she’s going to say something horrible.
I prepared myself for her oncoming insults.
    “ Are you two a couple?” She finally
asked.
    Marcus and I just looked at each other and I
could feel my cheeks flushing with colour. “No, we’re not.” said
Marcus.
    “ What a shame. I could take him off
your hands if you want.” she said seductively.
    Marcus snapped up from the dinner table and
gave Naaz an evil look. “I will never be anyone’s plaything.” He
said through gritted teeth. He stomped out of the kitchen leaving
me with her.
    The encounter with Idina must have a lasting
impact on him, I didn’t know that it bothered him that much. Now I
was the only one left with Naaz.
    “ Do you enjoy pissing people off?” I
asked after summing up the courage.
    Naaz disappeared from my sight and repapered
right by my side. She snatched at my throat and lifted me up out of
my seat. Her grip was tight and I remained still.
    “ I had a Siren once, handy little thing
she was. Maybe you could work for me?” she asked.
    “ Let me go.” I tried to say.
    “ Or I could just end