Free Salvaged Soul (The Ignited Series Book 3) by Desni Dantone Page A

the weather, who I was with . . . a lot of variables. The only thing I knew for sure was that confidence was necessary for success. I put more focus and confidence into this protection spell than anything I had done up until that point.
    More than anything, I needed this spell to work.
    It took about fifteen minutes. Once finished, I slipped it into my jeans’ pocket and headed for the rocks.
    That was what Nathan called his special spot and, according to him, it was his. He claimed to be the only person who visited the place. I couldn’t understand why. It was a beautiful and tranquil spot hidden away from the drama that infested the rest of the island.
    Then again, I doubted anyone else knew it existed. As I climbed over the large boulders and ducked under low hanging tree limbs, following what I hoped was the right trail, I couldn’t help but wonder how he had found it. I sure wouldn’t have ventured down this path unless I knew that it would lead me to something worth my efforts. But I didn’t specialize in nature either. Not like Nathan.
    When I jumped down from the last large boulder onto solid ground again, I saw my destination up ahead. Massive rocks, five and six times my height, grouped together in a large mound that resembled something like a large bowl. A crack, barely wide enough to permit Nathan to squeeze through, served as an entrance to the cavern created by the rocks. Inside was a deep pool of clear water fed by the small creek that snaked through the island. A narrow band of light filtered down from above, through a five foot gap in the rock roof. It served as the only source of light in the otherwise dark space.
    I kicked off my sandals, and sat at the edge of the pool with my feet in the water to wait for Nathan.
    Such a nice spot. Such tranquility despite the turmoil raging inside of me. Such a nice place to spend final moments with someone you loved. 
    He better hurry .
     
     
    {Nathan}
     
    I cast Rodney a look he wouldn’t challenge before bursting through the door to Jared’s office. Jared sat at his desk, looking at a stack of papers, and didn’t bother to look up when I entered.
    “Nathan . . .” His lips curled into a sly smile. “Won’t you come in?”
    “Cut the crap, Jared. I just saw you. What do you want now? And make it fast.”
    “Got somewhere to be?” He finally looked up.
    “As a matter of fact, I do.”
    His smile grew as he set the papers down. “Wonder where that is . . .”
    “Doesn’t take a genius to figure it out,” I returned. “Now what do you want?”
    He gestured toward the chair in front of his desk. “Have a seat.”
    “I’m not staying long enough to sit down. What do you want?” I repeated impatiently.
    Since Jared and I went way back, he had come to expect attitude from me when warranted. Otherwise, I would have found myself in a heap of trouble for talking to a supervisor the way I talked to him now. He more than likely knew he was being a douche for dragging me in here now of all times, so he let it slide.
    “I couldn’t ask you earlier because we weren’t alone,” he started. “How was last night?”
    I hooked an eyebrow. “Really? You brought me back in here to talk about my date?”
    “I don’t care about your date,” he corrected hastily. “Everything else. It went well?”
    I stared. “What exactly are you asking, Jared?”
    He sighed as he leaned forward in his chair. “There have been reports of increased Skotadi on the mainland,” he admitted. My eyebrows shot up, forcing him to add, “Don’t repeat that to anyone.”
    It was common knowledge that small groups of Skotadi often searched the mainland for signs of the Kala. They knew we were in the area, but didn’t know our exact location. An increase in their numbers may indicate that they were getting closer, and was something the Kala would need to watch carefully.
    “How many?”
    He shrugged. “Not sure exactly. But we do know a large number arrived last night. If I