“A vampire priest? I don’t believe it.”
“It’s true. He performed an exorcism on me.”
Kadie stared at him, open-mouthed. “Are you serious?”
“Never more so.” Saintcrow shook his head. “Damnedest thing that’s ever happened to me.”
“Was that the pain I felt?”
“Probably. I can tell you one thing for sure, it isn’t something I’d want to go through again.”
“I wouldn’t think so. I had images of a storm and lightning and wind. And thunder that rocked the earth.”
“Yeah, there was that, too. I was a little worried when it was over. Mara had warned me it would leave me feeling weak and she was right. I couldn’t even sit up until she gave me some of her blood. Damn, darlin’, I’ve never tasted anything like it. Not as sweet as yours,” he murmured as his knuckles caressed her cheek. “But powerful as hell. According to the priest, Elowynne won’t be able to work anymore of her dark magic on me.”
“That is good news,” Kadie said. “Which witch sent Mara to you? Alara or Izabela?”
“I don’t know, but I owe them big time.”
Kadie snuggled against him, relieved that he was safely home. She closed her eyes as his hands caressed her. She had more questions to ask but they didn’t seem important now, not when Rylan was kissing her, caressing her, whispering that he loved her, needed her.
With a sigh, she gave herself into his keeping. Her hands clutched his shoulders as he rose over her, his eyes dark with desire as he claimed her lips with his. He had some powerful magic of his own, she mused, as he carried her away to paradise.
~ * ~
“I’m going to see the witches,” Saintcrow said as he and Kadie dressed the following evening.
“Why?”
“I need to let them know that I’m okay. And I’m curious to know which one of them sent Mara to me. Do you want to come along?”
Kadie stared at him, eyes wide with surprise. “Seriously?”
“Yeah. What’s the big deal?”
“You mean I finally get to meet the mysterious Alara?”
“Yeah, I guess it’s about time. We’ll go see Izabela first.”
~ * ~
Izabela was waiting for them when they arrived. Her narrow gaze ran over Saintcrow as she unlocked the screen door and invited them inside. “Something’s different,” she said as she led the way into the living room and settled into her usual place in the old rocking chair.
Saintcrow nodded as he sat beside Kadie on the sofa.
Leaning forward, Izabela asked, “What’s happened?”
He told her what had occurred in Romania, leaving nothing out.
“I don’t believe I’ve ever heard of this Mara, or of a vampire priest,” Izabela remarked.
“Me, either,” Kadie said. “How has she lived so long without us hearing about her?”
Saintcrow shrugged. “Anything is possible if you have the power to do it.”
“Is she stronger than you are?” Izabela asked.
“She’s older,” Saintcrow said, with a shrug. “It’s to be expected.” He tapped his finger on the cuff on his wrist. “Your magic did its job. What do I owe you?”