Chapter 69

• To begin with, I keep my eyes closed shut and simply hold on, waiting for the ride to be over. After a while, though, curiosity gets the best of me and I decide to open them. Adrenaline begins pumping through my blood and I realize that it is replacing the pain in my chest and the annoyed growls of my wolf. When Riley turns onto a narrow and very unsteady path leading us deep into the forest at full speed, I can't help but notice how alive I feel.
• Seraphina is nowhere in sight, but I can hear the revs of her engine and the shrieks of excited laughter far ahead of us. Aro is behind us, riding at a much steadier pace. His presence is reassuring and I know Riley won't do anything dangerous under Aro's watchful eye.
• Riley has taken it easy to begin with, and he has quickly proven himself a talented and skilled driver. After a while, I feel myself beginning to relax and surprisingly, I start to enjoy the ride. It's exhilarating and soon a few excited shrieks of laughter escape my lips. Riley must sense that I've grown more accustomed to it all and begins to drive at a much faster pace, choosing several twists and turns that are much more daring than earlier. I can't stop the giggles and shouts of joy and I can feel that he's pleased with my reaction. It's like riding an amazing rollercoaster and I am truly sad to see it end.