Chapter Forty-Eight

     Esper's breath was heavy and panicked as she ran through the dark woods. She paused momentarily to gain her bearings but started running once more when she heard Maxim's laughter echo throughout the forest. Esper needed to get as far away as possible. She would not be caught by him again. 

    The vine-covered hideaway was within her eyesight when Esper felt someone tackle her to the ground. The attacker flipped her around, and she was forced to face Maxim. 

    "I finally found you, Kitten." The crazed glow ran rampant in Maxim's eyes as his gaze bored into Esper. "And now I'm coming for you." 

     Maxim bared his fangs and bit down on to Esper's shoulder. 

     Esper awoke with a scream. She ripped away the bedding and frantically ran down the breezeway towards Seraph's bed chambers. Her cries echoed througho