Outrun Read online

  “Diabolical,” the chancellor murmured. “And do we understand their purpose? What did they hope to gain by triggering the end of the world?”

  “They were disenfranchised paranormals,” I said. “I think they felt that the world had let them down and this was their revenge.”

  “And what of the human doctor?” the chancellor asked. “Margaret?”

  “She’ll make a full recovery,” I said happily. “The lab techs at the agency were able to use Tito’s notebook as well as Margaret’s own observations to devise a cure. If this toxin pops up anywhere else, we can stop it in its tracks.”

  “That’s wonderful, child,” the chancellor said. “As I’m sure you can manage, the AMF is quite pleased with your performance. Stopping an end-of-the-world prophecy, well…” She slotted her slender fingers together. “The world is in your debt.”

  “It won’t bring back Lucille or the others,” I said.

  “No, but you saved millions of lives, Mia. You should be proud.” She peered at me. “Perhaps you’ll reconsider and change your track to Class C. The AMF can always use agents capable of preventing the next apocalypse.”

  “I’ll consider it.” I had to admit, there had been something exhilarating about saving the whole world. “Bryn told me that Gray is getting a new partner.”

  Chancellor Tilkin leaned forward. “Oh?”

  “Nick,” I said. “I think they’ll make a great team. Nick has plenty of experience working alongside a vampire.”

  “That is welcome news,” the chancellor said. “I’m glad to hear it. And you’ll be continuing to train with them?”

  “Yes, if they’ll have me.”

  The chancellor laughed softly. “Yes, I think they’ll have you, child.” She gave me a sly look. “And what of the demigod known as Brown Coat?”

  “He’s waiting for me outside,” I said. “We’re going to an art gallery. He wants to nourish our cultured sides after all this violence and mayhem.”

  “Understandable,” she said. “He has a good soul, it seems.”

  “He has a good everything,” I replied.

  “Then I won’t keep you any longer. Enjoy your time together. Hopefully, your next assignment will be far less…adventurous.”

  “Thank you, Chancellor.” I left the office and raced down the corridor.

  I pushed open the door and a gentle breeze caressed my face. A welcome sensation. Declan stood at the bottom of the steps, holding a broomstick.

  “Finders sweepers?” I asked.

  He grinned. “I didn’t find it. I brought it because I thought we might use it.”

  “To sweep the steps?”

  “To fly to the art gallery,” he replied.

  I walked down the steps until I was directly in front of him. “But you would hate it.”

  He pressed his forehead against mine. “But you would love it.”

  “I would love anything, as long as you’re with me.”

  “That’s kind,” he said, “but I already knew you were kind. And smart. And funny.”

  “I didn’t know you were fast,” I interjected. “You made it down to the secret lair of the factory in a nanosecond. How did you do that without magic?”

  “Godly speed,” he replied. “It’s a nifty companion to my godly strength.”

  I placed my palm flat against his broad chest. “I still have a lot to learn about you, don’t I?”

  He grinned. “I look forward to educating you.” His lips brushed against mine. “Slowly.”

  “Yes, save your godly speed for the battlefield,” I said. “I’d rather you take your time with me.”

  He wrapped his arms around me and kissed me again, this time with purpose. “Oh, I intend to, Mia Holmes. Just you wait and see.”

  Also by Annabel Chase

  Thank you for reading Outrun, the first book in the Keeper of the North duology. If you enjoyed Mia’s story, please consider signing up for my newsletter here http://eepurl.com/dsug5j and receive 2 FREE short stories-one set in the Spellslingers world and one in the Magic Bullet world. You can also like me on Facebook.

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  Burned

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  Starry Hollow Witches series:

  Magic & Murder, Book 1

  Magic & Mystery, Book 2

  Magic & Mischief, Book 3

  Magic & Mayhem, Book 4

  Magic & Mercy, Book 5

  Magic & Madness, Book 6

  Spellbound paranormal cozy mystery series:

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  Doom and Broom, Book 2

  Spell’s Bells, Book 3

  Lucky Charm, Book 4

  Better Than Hex, Book 5

  Cast Away, Book 6

  A Touch of Magic, Book 7

  A Drop in the Potion, Book 8

  Hemlocked and Loaded, Book 9

  All Spell Breaks Loose, Book 10

  Spellbound Ever After

  Crazy For Brew, Book 1

  Lost That Coven Feeling, Book 2

  Spellslingers Academy of Magic

  Outcast, Warden of the West, Book 1

  Outclassed, Warden of the West, Book 2

  Outlast, Warden of the West, Book 3

  Outlier, Sentry of the South, Book 1

  Outfox, Sentry of the South, Book 2

  Outbreak, Sentry of the South, Book 3

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  Outlaw, Enforcer of the East, Book 2