Winter Fire [ Book 1 ] ✔

Chapter Two

Huddling between the shelves, Claire felt hot, wet breath roll across the back of her neck causing shivers to dance up and down the length of her spine. In that instant she imagined a rabid dog, its yellowing teeth bared, a growl waiting to erupt from the back of its throat, ready to lunge.

The thought caused the fine hairs on her arms to stand on end and goosebumps to prickle up across bare flesh.

Claire knew she should run. The toned muscles in her legs were wound tight, ready to launch her through the darkness to safety, but a paralyzing fear gripped her. It held her in place as though her very bones were made of heavy iron. Claire could no sooner move herself than she could move a mountain.

With growing dread, she became aware of a heavy weight falling to rest against her bare shoulder, and of the sharp, bony points of fingers digging into her skin. As the claw like protrusions squeezed, Claire couldn't help but wonder if this was how she was going to die.

No, she thought. This was not how she was going to die. Gritting her teeth, she managed to get her feet under her just as the grip on her shoulder began to tighten. Without waiting, Claire launched herself forward. She felt the clawed appendage slip away, only to grasp at her again, catching the collar of her shirt. Claire felt and heard fabric tear as she scrambled away. A high pitched hiss erupted from the darkness behind her, and when she glanced back she saw hundreds of angry, glowing red eyes glaring after her.

Around her the shelves began to rock violently and items stored higher up began crashing down around her. Covering her head beneath her arms, she made it to the end of the row and around the corner just as the entire line of shelves came crashing inward. Wasting no time, Claire skidded slightly, readjusted her position and darted towards the door she knew waited for her at the far end of the room.

More shelves came crashing down, the first having triggered a domino effect, but Claire didn't care. Someone else could deal with the mess, she just wanted to make it out of there alive.

Upon reaching the door, Claire hit it with enough force that it swung open wide and sent her tumbling out into the night. She would have landed flat on her face on the pavement had she not fallen into the arms of a stranger.

Looking up towards her unexpected savior, Claire saw the same surprised expression on the young man's face that was no doubt mirroring her own. She couldn't imagine he had come to the door expecting to find her launching herself into his embrace.

Which brought another question to mind -- what was he doing there?

Wordlessly, the young man set her back on her feet and Claire couldn't help but notice his strange attire. From the top hat that rested cockeyed on his head, no doubt disturbed by their encounter, a mess of auburn curls peeking out from beneath its rim, to the fitted tailcoat and polished black shoes, it was as though he had just walked off the set of a Christmas Carol.

Perhaps he was a performer?

When he moved to step around her, Claire suddenly remembered what had driven her out in such a hurry to begin with. That thing was still in there and he was going to encounter it unawares.

"No! Wait!''she cried, grabbing at him once more. She felt him begin to push her away and clung tighter. She couldn't just let him go without warning him first. "There's something in there."

To her surprise, the young man sighed. "Yes, I know," he said at last, his voice clear and quiet.

He did?

"That's my fault I'm afraid. If you'll let me go, I'll see to removing it," he added at which point Claire's cheeks grew flush and she released her hold on him. She stepped back and he took a moment to smooth invisible wrinkles from his coat. "Right then, if you'll excuse me..." he tipped his hat to her and turned to stroll casually into the building.