Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3686

"You wouldn't dare!" Marina snapped.

"Exactly. I'm obviously not going to human-traffick you, so what are you so terrified of?" Carson scoffed.

Marina weighed her options before finally following him to the passenger side and climbing in.

The car merged onto the highway, speeding toward the outskirts of the city. Carson's phone rang incessantly. Marina waited until he finished his fourth business call before saying quietly, "I'm sorry for dragging you into this."

Carson shot her a sideways glance. "It's no trouble. I'm the one who gave the bird away in the first place. Consider this me making amends."

Marina glanced at the cage in the backseat. Seeing the swan huddled miserably in the corner, a wave of pity washed over her. If only she could find a companion for the poor thing!

The car finally pulled up to massive iron gates guarding a sprawling luxury estate. Carson grabbed the heavy cage from the back, and Marina followed close behind.

The moment the front door swung open, a blurry shadow launched itself directly at them. Marina shrieked in terror, instinctively diving behind Carson's broad back.

Carson's arm shot out instantly, shielding her. When he finally registered what had just lunged at them, a laugh rumbled in his chest. He turned to Marina. "Do you happen to have any snacks in your pockets?"

Marina cautiously peeked around his shoulder. Squatting on a low-hanging tree branch was a tiny monkey. Its enormous eyes darted back and forth between the two of them as its weight made the branch bounce up and down.

Marina frantically patted her coat pockets. All she had was a tin of mints.

Carson pulled a mint out and tossed it to the monkey. The little creature caught it with both hands, squeaked in delight, and scrambled up the tree, disappearing into the canopy.

Marina let out a shaky breath and looked at Carson. "Was that the toll to get in?"

Carson let out a deep, chest-shaking laugh. He reached out and gently plucked a stray leaf from her hair before seamlessly sliding his fingers through hers, gripping her hand tightly. "Let's go!"

Marina immediately tried to yank her hand away, but Carson only tightened his grip. "There's a very high chance we'll run into more loose animals. It's much safer if we stick together!"

"I'm not scared!" Marina shot back immediately.

"Well, I am!" Carson deadpanned.

Marina: "..."

She was just about to rip him a new one when she froze in her tracks, her face draining of all color. Her eyes were wide with pure terror. "Carson... there's a wolf!"

Carson followed her gaze. Sure enough, standing partially concealed behind an oak tree was a massive adult wolf. Its tail hung low like a sheathed blade, and its piercing yellow eyes were locked dead onto them.

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