The Host - Chapter 29

BetrayedMaybe I should have run the other way. But no one was holding me back now, and though his voice was cold and angry, Jared was calling to me. Melanie was even more eager than I was as I stepped carefully around the corner and into the blue light; I hesitated there.Ian stood just a few feet ahead of me, poised on the balls of his feet, ready...

Categories: The Host

The Host - Chapter 30

AbbreviatedM el?” he asked again, the hope he didn’t want to feel coloring his tone.My breath caught in another sob, an aftershock.“You know that was for you, Mel. You know that. Not for h-it. You know I wasn’t kissing it.”My next sob was louder, a moan. Why couldn’t I shut up? I tried holding my breath.“If you’re in there, Mel…” He paused.Melanie...

Categories: The Host

The Host - Chapter 28

UnenlightenedIt was disorienting to wake in the absolute dark. In the past months, I’d gotten used to having the sun tell me it was morning. At first I thought it must still be night, but then, feeling the sting of my face and the ache of my back, I remembered where I was.Beside me, I could hear the sound of quiet, even breathing; it did not frighten...

Categories: The Host

The Host - Chapter 27

UndecidedI felt my way back to my prison hole.It had been weeks and weeks since I’d been down this particular corridor; I hadn’t been back since the morning after Jared had left and Jeb had set me free. It seemed to me that while I lived and Jared was in the caves, this must be where I belonged.There was no dim light to greet me now. I was fairly sure...

Categories: The Host

The Host - Chapter 26

ReturnedWithout ever actually agreeing to do it, I became the teacher Jeb wanted.My “class” was informal. I answered questions every night after dinner. I found that as long as I was willing to do this, Ian and Doc and Jeb would leave me alone during the day so that I could concentrate on my chores. We always convened in the kitchen; I liked to help...

Categories: The Host