Kadie let out a startled gasp as he suddenly veered off the road, turned off the ignition, threw open the door, and lurched out of the car, only to fall to his knees in the dirt.
Kadie was beside him in a heartbeat. “What is it?” she asked. “What’s wrong?”
He doubled over, arms crossed at his waist. A low, keening wail issued from between his clenched teeth.
“Rylan!”
He let out a harsh cry that sent an icy shiver down her spine.
She stood beside him, afraid to touch him as he rocked back and forth. Time seemed to stand still as she waited, uncertain of what to do. Gradually, the tension drained out of his body. His shoulders relaxed. He let out a long, shuddering sigh.
“Are you all right?” she asked anxiously.
Nodding, he gained his feet. “I have a feeling Izabela’s magic is helping me hang on to my sanity and my temper. Unfortunately, it doesn’t keep Elowynne from exerting her power to cause me pain.”
“Maybe Izabela can....”
He shook his head. “I think the only way to stop Elowynne is to destroy her.”
“No!” Kadie exclaimed. “Izabela said that might destroy you, too.”
“I know. But, dammit, it’s a chance I’m gonna have to take.”
~ * ~
They left Lake Almanor and returned home late that night. Jake knocked on their door two minutes later.
“Come on in,” Saintcrow said, stepping aside to let Kincaid in. “What’s up?”
“That’s what I was going to ask you.” Jake nodded at Kadie as he sat on the arm of the sofa. “I felt your pain a short while ago. I was about to come after you when it stopped. What in hell happened?”
“Elowynne happened,” Saintcrow said. “She gave me a little nudge to remind me that she still has the power to hurt me.”
“Well, shit,” Jake muttered. “What are we gonna do about her?”
“I wish I knew.”
Kincaid’s gaze moved over him. “You sure you’re okay?”
“Yeah. Damn her hide.”
“Rosa wants to go dancing. You in the mood?”
“I’m always in the mood,” Saintcrow murmured, slipping his arm around Kadie’s waist.
“Yeah,” Jake said, with a lopsided grin. “I’ve heard that about you.”
~ * ~
It was Saturday night and the dance club was crowded. Saintcrow held Kadie in his arms, thinking she was by far the most beautiful woman in the place. She wore a white sweater that outlined every delectable curve and a long black skirt with a tantalizing slit up one side. A deep breath carried the scent of her perfume, mingled with the familiar scents of her hair and skin. She was undeniably the sexiest thing he had ever seen. Or ever wanted.
Kadie smiled up at him, the look in her eyes assuring him that she knew exactly what he was thinking. Whispering, “Later,” she winked at him.
“I’m not sure I can wait,” he muttered as he drew her closer, until her body brushed intimately against his.
“Patience, love,” Kadie said. “The anticipation will make it even sweeter.”
“I’ve never been a patient man,” he reminded her.