Текст книги "Wicked Edge"

Автор книги: Rebecca Zanetti

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Текущая страница: 8 (всего у книги 18 страниц)

Her nipples peaked.

Of all the ridiculous reactions. So, she’d had sex—great sex—for the first time in decades. Daire was creative, full of fire, and sensual as hell. Her body didn’t need to react to such a degree.

More than ever, she wished she could melt minds with her brain.

No such luck.

They drove down a dirt road with overhanging trees covering them. Soon the rush of a river competed with the pipes of the bikes. How Daire could see, she had no clue, but he drove on as if knowing exactly which potholes to avoid. Finally, he stopped outside of a rustic cabin and silenced the bike.

She immediately launched into speech. “This is kidnapping and treason, Daire Dunne.” Sucking in a full breath in order to let him have it, she choked when he yanked her in front of him, cradled between the handlebars and his length. “Why you—”

His mouth was on hers. Not gentle and sure not nice, he conquered her mouth like the soldier he was. No mercy, no cajoling, just pure, raw male. Demanding and strong, his tongue swept inside her mouth, stealing even her breath. One arm secured her back while the other held her chin right where he wanted her.

Her legs dangled over his knee, and if she kicked, she’d only hit air and then the bike on the down swipe. But she didn’t think of kicking.

In fact, she stopped thinking the second he released her chin and palmed her breast. Need licked down to her clit. A moan rumbled up from her abdomen, through her chest, and into his mouth.

“Knock it off, you two.” Adam’s voice jerked her back to the present.

Daire released her mouth, his hand remaining in place.

She panted, her body rioting. A corner of her mind cataloged Adam stomping up wooden steps and shoving his way inside the cabin.

Green eyes pinned her through the darkness. Slowly, deliberately, Daire tweaked her nipple through the thin cotton.

She bit her lip, her brain fuzzing.

He leaned in, pinching with just enough bite to keep her still. “I’m done being played by you, Cee Cee. Agree right now to work with me; no more secrets and no more lies.”

She could only blink.

He caressed down and palmed the flesh between her legs. Even through the jeans, his hand heated her. “I can see you need persuading.”

“No.” She finally regained some sanity. “I’ve got it.”

He paused. “You sure?”

“Yes.” There was no doubt he could bring her to orgasm, probably multiple times, and she didn’t want to scream with Adam in hearing distance. Yet a part of her, one on fire, almost challenged Daire. How much could one little orgasm hurt? She shook her head. “I’m sure.”

“Good.” He released her and swung her to the ground. “Let’s go inside, and I want your whole damn plan.”

Chapter 14

Felicity stumbled after Daire across the wet leaves. A cranky enforcer was no fun. She bit back a smile at her sarcastic thoughts, feeling almost high from his kiss. Even now, her lips tingled and her body ached for more.

And the damn man knew it.

Of course, she hadn’t missed his deliberate shifting to ease what had to be rather tight jeans. Take that, witch.

She clomped up three wooden steps, inhaling their cedar scent and walking across the long porch. The smell of cedar continued to fill her nose when she stood inside the quaint cabin. Adam crouched near a fireplace, setting paper on fire with his own energy.

Witches had it cool.

A small kitchenette took up one wall, fronted by a long oak table. A gathering area with bluish green sofas and chairs snuggled cozily around the stone fireplace.

Two doorways led to the north, probably to a bedroom and bathroom.

Papers were scattered across the table, and she inched forward, noticing the red circles around Russian mining interests. She pointed to a mountain near Nijoy. “There’s another mine here. Coal, planekite, and supposedly some silver.”

Daire glanced at her, grabbed a red pen from the center of the maps, and made a circle. “Owned by Bychkov?”

“No.” She rubbed warmth back into her hands, not realizing how chilly it had been on the ride. Her attention had apparently been on the hard body driving the bike. “I’ve traced the owners through several dummy corporations, but I haven’t connected the dots yet.”

Daire nodded. “We’ll have allies check it out tomorrow.”

She shrugged. “Good luck. There’s one road in, and it’s secured. My plan was to take care of that mine last, and I figured on parachuting in.”

Adam stood, dusting off his hands. “Have you ever parachuted?”

“No.”

He grinned. “Cool.”

Daire rolled his eyes. “Not cool.”

Felicity pointed to three more areas across the Russian tundra. “There are mines here, all closely held corporations, but I think they’re diamonds and not anything else. My people haven’t had the chance to check them out personally.”

Daire drew more circles with question marks. “We have more allies than you do in Russia and will take care of it.”

“Actually, you don’t.” She’d spent years gathering allies and favors. When her brother, Suri, had died, she’d quickly confiscated all his Intel. She’d also continued with his allies, having blackmail information on many of them. Once this mission was over, she planned to burn it all. “But go ahead.” She moved across the map and tapped on Fryser Island. “We need to get into Sjenerøse mine somehow.”

He nodded. “I know. My people will take care of that mission as well as checking out Bychkov’s other mine on Fryser.”

“Good. That’ll free up my people for other work.”

“Speaking of which, what’s your grand plan?” Daire dropped into a chair and stretched out his legs, his fingers tapping on a closed silver laptop. “You mentioned bombing mines, stealing companies, and robbing banks. What’s next?”

She slid out a chair and sat. “Banks.”

He eyed her, his green gaze revealing nothing. “Is this all for revenge?”

“Yes.” She met his gaze evenly. “Ivan took the father of my boys away from them, and I had to return to hell in order to protect them, which I did a very poor job of doing. This is all about vengeance.” Before her sons discovered the truth and put themselves in more danger than ever before. Would the enforcer understand?

“Does Zane have any clue who Ivan is?” Adam asked, leaning against the wall.

“No.” She reached for the laptop.

“Zane has impressive forces as well as ironclad allies,” Adam said gently, his gaze no less intense than Daire’s. “Why not let him wage war?”

“There’s been enough war,” she spat, her body vibrating. “We finally have peace, and Zane has a one-year-old daughter to protect. All of this is because of me, and I need to take care of the threat.” She’d failed her sons enough.

Adam shook his head.

Her gaze focused on Daire, and she lifted an eyebrow.

No expression crossed his chiseled face. “You need this?”

On so many damn levels, she needed this, and she had to protect her kids for once. Daire seemed so close to his cousin, Simone, and that woman was tough and independent. Maybe he could see that side of Felicity, too. Instead of going into details, instead of trying to convince him, all she did was nod. “Yes.”

He studied her, a knowing intelligence in his eyes. “All right, but not by yourself.” Flipping the laptop around, he pushed it toward her. “Show me your plan to rob banks.”

Relief flushed through her, even as her phone buzzed. She winced and pulled it out to answer. “Hi, Logan. I’m fine, and I’m sorry we didn’t get a chance to talk tonight.”

“Mom? Where the hell are you?” Logan all but yelled. “I’m at Daire’s, and the place is trashed.”

“I’m on a plane—long gone. Please keep doing your job in Seattle, and I promise I’ll be back soon to talk. Also, tell your brothers not to worry, that everything is taken care of.” She winced as she lied about her location. “Love you.” On those words, she disconnected.

Daire shook his head. “His next move is to call Zane, who will call Vivienne. She doesn’t know your plan, so you’re all right for now. But I wouldn’t be surprised if we meet up with demon forces soon enough.”

Felicity nodded. “I know. But even Zane doesn’t understand the forces that Ivan has amassed through the years.”

“But you do,” Daire drawled, his posture relaxed but waves of tension cascading off him.

“I do. For years, even while dealing with Suri, I’ve watched Ivan and kept track of his every move. I’ve waited until my boys were safe and the war ended to make my move, and now is the time.” She leaned forward. “Ivan is in bed with the witch trying to take down your people, and they both deserve to die.”

“Aye.” Daire reached over and flipped up the laptop lid. “Show me the plan for the cash.”

She booted up the laptop and connected with her online server, bringing up the schematics for the three banks in the Caymans. “Only one of these is owned by shifters; the others are owned by humans. It’s funny that immortal species have to use mostly human depositories to keep track of cash and gold, right?”

Daire lifted a shoulder.

Adam loped over and reached the table. “You’re not going along with this scheme to rob banks, are you?”

Daire studied her, his gaze serious and then softening. “Hell ya. I’ve wanted to rob a bank forever.”

Felicity smiled. “You’re an outlaw.”

Adam rolled his eyes. “This isn’t the logical thing to do right now, gang.”

Daire shrugged. “I don’t know. If Ivan and the witch trying to kill us have money stashed away, why not take it? Cripple them internally.” He leaned forward. “But as the enforcer now tasked with your protection, Ms. Kyllwood, I can’t allow you to be put in that kind of danger. We’ll find a safe place for you to issue orders from as we infiltrate the vaults.”

Now he followed the Coven Nine orders? Felicity smiled as sweetly as she could. Panic bubbled through her veins. He had to see her. The real her. “I appreciate the concern, but if you want to participate in my plan, you’ll knock it off.”

Adam coughed. “You want to rob a bank.”

She nodded. Frankly, it sounded like fun.

Daire sighed. “Fine, but I’m in charge, and if I tell you to get free and safe, you do it.”

Adam shook his head. “You’re a freakin’ perfect match, you two.”

Heat climbed into her face. There was a danger, not quite reckless but close enough, in Daire Dunne that called to her. Were they a good match? He was so complex, sweet and deadly, she wasn’t sure. It would take years, probably centuries, to even come close to understanding him.

God, she loved a challenge.

But no more hiding and planning. Now was the time for action. Finally.

A car sputtered outside.

Daire jumped up, already at the door before Felicity could move. He threw it open.

A petite woman with long blond hair half carried a redheaded human. Blood poured out of the man’s nose, and flames danced across his neck.

“He’s on fire.” Daire took the guy and deposited him on the sofa. “How much did he take, Tori?”

Tori? Felicity scrambled for a kitchen towel to wet in the sink and hurried to press it against the guy’s neck. He moaned and blood slid from his ears to run in rivulets down his neck. Steam rose with a hiss from the liquid mixing with fire.

The woman stood back, tears in her eyes, shock whitening her pretty face. “I don’t know. Bob was outside after our last set, so I brought him here.”

“Why here?” Felicity asked, her stomach roiling. Poor guy.

Tori shrugged, panic fluttering her hands. “The hospital doesn’t have a cure, and I know you guys are studying the drug. Please tell me there’s something you can do.”

Adam growled and all but pushed her into a chair. “I put a man on you. Where is he?”

Her blue eyes widened. “I didn’t have time to talk to a bodyguard, Adam. Back off.”

Irritation, true and sharp, sizzled through his eyes. “Oh, I don’t think so.”

So, Adam could get emotional. Interesting. Felicity eyed the woman with speculation. Human, definitely enhanced, emitting soft waves. An empath?

Daire lifted the guy’s eyelids. Striations of red, yellow, and blue marred the whites of his eyes. Fire shot from his fingertips right at the chair.

Tori yelped, and Adam shoved her entire chair backward, covering her with his body.

Was he keeping her from seeing anything?

Daire pivoted and put Felicity behind him. He held out his hands, and fire crackled across his palms as he crouched. “This might work.” Setting his hands on the now convulsing man, Daire allowed fire to spread out over his chest. “Shit. He’s on fire inside.”

The guy screamed, the sound full of agony.

Felicity took a step back and chills rippled down her spine. She shivered, her eyes wide. The guy convulsed, and blood arced across the room.

“This is Apollo?” she coughed out.

“Aye.” Daire sat back, his shoulders slumping as he dropped to his knees. “This is Apollo.”

The guy rattled something from his lungs and then went silent. Death hung in the air.

Felicity took another step back. Oh, she’d seen the drug on video and understood and what the concoction did to humans, but she’d had no clue as to the agony. Or the smell. The stench of burned flesh and organs made her cough up bile.

“Who was he?” Daire asked, half turning on his knees.

Adam lifted Tori from the floor, and the woman trembled as she neared the couch. “Bob Bailestorm. He is, I mean was, our bass guitarist.” Tears ran down her cheeks. “He was twenty-two years old.”

“I’m sorry.” Daire stood and wiped a hand across the back of his neck. “Any idea where he got the drug?”

“No.” Tori shook her head. “There were a couple of Titans of Fire members in the bar earlier, but I didn’t see them do anything.”

Daire glanced at Adam. “Since Kellach has been gone, we haven’t been involved enough in the club. If this is a new batch of Apollo, then the distribution wasn’t shut down like we originally thought.”

Adam grimaced. “I’ll go to the club meeting tomorrow and check in. It’s possible Fire isn’t involved, though. There have been different distribution avenues and an odd mix of dealers from the beginning.”

Daire shook his head. “I don’t understand why, though. The drug has evolved and now can be put into darts to shoot at, ah, our people at home. Why keep feeding the poison to Seattle citizens?”

Felicity lifted her head. So Tori must not know anything about witches, humans, or the true purpose for Apollo.

Adam glanced at Tori and then at the dead guy. “Seattle citizens connected to us in one way or another.”

Tori swallowed, her gaze hollow. “Or to the Grizzlies. I mean, that motorcycle club has been involved since the beginning, and I’ve been dating one. Well, I’ve gone on a few dates with one.”

Adam stiffened. “Excuse me?”

Felicity hid a grin. The oh so cool enforcer was quickly losing his cool. “Did Bob have family?”

Tori shook her head and then seemed to focus. “Oh, I’m sorry. I’m Tori, Lex’s sister.”

Ah ha. Lex, a Seattle cop, had recently mated with Kellach Dunne, and they were currently in Ireland meeting with the Coven Nine about Apollo. Felicity smiled. “Cee Cee Kyllwood.”

The woman nodded. “Are you Daire’s girlfriend?”

Felicity faltered. Could a century-old demon be a girlfriend? “Ah—”

“Yes.” Daire crossed around her and slid an arm over her shoulders. “Cee Cee is in, ah, banking, and she handles my accounts.”

Adam snorted.

Tori held out a hand. “Nice to meet you.”

Felicity shook. The woman had no idea about the world she’d entered. Interesting. “You too.”

Tori’s gaze strengthened. “Wait a minute. The prospect? His name is Logan Kyllwood. Is he your brother?”

Brother? “Cousin on my mother’s side,” Felicity lied smoothly. She cut a hard look at Adam. If they were going to draw humans into their world, they should at least be honest and upfront about everything. Playing the woman for a fool didn’t set well with her. “What Grizzly have you been dating?”

“Lucas Clarke,” Tori murmured.

“Like a bad boy, do you?” Felicity asked, not missing Adam’s sharp look.

Tori nodded. “Always have.”

Now that was funny. Adam Dunne was probably as bad as they got, but with his current cover, he seemed rather tame compared to Lucas. Man, could appearances be deceiving.

Tori ran an obviously shaking hand through her thick curls. “I guess we need to call the police?” She turned toward Adam. “Your people are working with the local authorities, right?”

Felicity kept quiet. What exactly were their covers, anyway?

“Aye.” Daire reached for a blanket to place over the corpse. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to take care of the situation and not deal with the local cops, especially since your sister is in Ireland. Alexandra is the only local cop I like or trust.”

Felicity moved forward. “Are you sure Bob didn’t have family?” No way would she let the enforcers cover up his death if he had family out there looking for him.

Tori nodded. “I’m sure. His only living relative was his great-uncle, who died last year from a heart attack. Bob was alone.”

Poor Bob. He’d looked so young and frightened in the last moments of life.

“We’ll take care of him,” Daire said. “Right now, Adam is going to escort you home.”

Tori nodded, her lips trembling. “That’s fine, but at some point, you all are going to have to level with me, Dunne.”

Daire stilled. “Excuse me?”

Tori’s eyes flashed all sorts of blue fire. “I’m neither naive nor stupid, but I’ve been waiting for my sister to get home to discover the facts. If she’s not here soon, one of you is going to bring me up to speed. Like it or not.” She turned on a high-heeled boot and stomped out into the night.

So much for the cute and clueless human. Felicity grinned. “I like her.”

“You would,” Adam retorted as he followed the human and shut the door.

Chapter 15

Daire returned to the cabin after burying Bob’s body beneath an outcropping of rocks far away from the river. Burying bodies too near a moving stream only ended with their being found miles away. His gut hurt and his head ached from failure. For months he’d been chasing the distributors and manufacturer of Apollo, and he’d only shut down one main distributor, Yuri Demidov, who currently was decomposing under dirt without his head.

The river gurgled behind him, and the sweet scent of pine surround him, but his mind refused to relax. So he took time and several deep breaths to calm himself as he strode across damp earth, letting the silence finally seep in. The cabin came into view, and his heart kicked back into gear.

Setting the shovel by the front door, he stomped mud off his boots and walked inside.

The spicy scent of simmering pasta sauce stopped him cold. Felicity turned from stirring something delicious smelling in a pot, her feet bare, a faded yellow apron hugging her kick-ass body. “Hungry?”

She’d made him dinner? He staggered inside and toed off his boots. The hominess of the scene dug right into his heart and settled deep. “Aye.”

“Good.” She pointed to the table, which she’d set with matching plates. A bottle of Cabernet breathed next to two wineglasses. “Pour the wine, would you?”

He shook his head, his chest warming. “Sure.” First he went to the sink and washed off the dirt and death. It was probably a sad state of affairs that he could bury a body without mussing his clothing, but his jeans and shirt were as clean as when he’d left. Leaning over, trying to concentrate, he poured two generous glasses. “Where did you find enough food to make dinner?”

She laughed and turned to dump pasta on their plates. “I didn’t find much. No salad or bread to go with the pasta. But there were enough spices to make an interesting sauce.” After setting the pot back on the stove, she drew the apron over her head and turned to take a seat. “I also found a bottle of Rémy Martin Cognac hidden under the kitchen sink behind cleansers, mousetraps, and sponges.”

Daire’s mouth dropped open, and laughter burst from his chest. “That’s where Adam hid it? Dumbass.” He’d spent a good afternoon one day trying to find Adam’s stash. “And you cooked with it?”

“Just some of it.” She smiled and set her napkin on her lap.

Daire grinned. “Nicely done.” Aye, he understood she was a mother and probably had fed families many times, but he hadn’t really seen the domestic side of her before that night. Oddly enough, this side was as appealing as her daredevil and vengeance-seeking sides. In fact, her domesticity made his belly warm, his heart heat, and his cock stretch. Her brain, her ability to strategize, was fucking brilliant, if her plan to rob a couple of the most fortified banks in the world was any indication. He could’ve used her abilities during the war.

Yet her motivations were personal, and emotion clouded missions and got people killed. One of the banks was owned by a coalition of shifters, so surely they’d have immortal weapons and guards.

The mission was more dangerous than just dealing with a few human security guards.

Shifters didn’t mess around, and anybody trying to breach their security would be dealt with swiftly and without mercy. Which was exactly how he’d run a bank if he owned one, actually.

“Your looks are very deceiving,” he murmured, taking a taste of the meal and humming in appreciation.

“I know,” she mused, swirling her wine around in her glass. “People think I’m small and helpless, or cunning and ruthless. No middle ground.”

Aye, beauty had a price, yet she seemed more factual than worried about it. “Who knew that you’re a ruthless sweetheart with a penchant for trouble?”

She lifted her head. “Trouble?”

He cocked his head to the side in a come on gesture.

She dismissed him and picked up her fork. “One little helicopter accident doesn’t equal trouble.”

Ha.

“I hadn’t seen the results of Apollo up close before.” She took a bite and chewed slowly, her eyes dark. “It was horrible.”

“Aye.”

“Does the drug really have the same effect on witches?”

He nodded, his shoulders tensing. “Aye.”

She shook her head. “That’s terrible.” Her hands, pale and graceful, were clasped together. “The witch working with Ivan is called Rudger.”

Daire stilled. “You’re giving me his name?”

“Aye,” she mimicked his brogue. “I’ve been selfish in my pursuit of justice and hadn’t thought of anybody but my own family. Rudger is just a nickname, but it’s a start for you.”

Damn, but her sweetness pretty much flayed him. “Thank you.” He drew out his phone and sent the information to his brothers and the Coven Nine.

“You’re welcome. I think his partnership with Bychkov started just as Apollo was created, so it’s only been a year or so. Before that time, there was no record of Bychkov and any witch working together.” She leaned forward on the table, the movement pushing her breasts together. “The witch brought capital, and several of the mines started up again.”

Daire continued eating. “I appreciate the help.”

“Of course.” She ate several bites. “Tell me about your brothers.”

Daire paused and then reached for his wineglass. Small talk? He sucked at pleasantries. “Ah, Kellach is the wild one, Adam the logical one, and I’m the cranky one. I give orders and people follow them.” Or he cut off their heads. He smiled. “Everyone but you, of course.”

“I don’t follow orders well.”

“No shit.”

She cleared her throat. “Your parents?” she asked, sipping her wine.

“Retired and currently working on the food crops in Ireland. Both scientists.” He poured them both more wine. “I think they’re still stunned they gave birth to the three of us.”

She chuckled, the sound flicking across his nerve endings. “I’m sure. What about Simone?”

Most people were curious about the stunning witch. “Her mother is Vivienne Northcutt, and nobody has ever known who her father is. So when she was little, the three of us kind of enfolded her into the family.” He rubbed his chin. “Viv was often busy, and Simone was lonely, so she became ours.”

“You love her,” Felicity said slowly.

“Aye. She’s more of a sister.” He’d failed her once, long ago, and he’d never do so again. “I’d do anything for her. We all would.”

Felicity sighed. “Family man.”

He grinned. “Exactly.”

They ate in silence for a while. Oh. Maybe he should ask questions, too. “Tell me about your boys.”

Her eyes lit up. “Zane is the oldest, as you know, and is now the leader of the demon nation. As a boy, he was so serious and determined to protect us.” She glanced down. “I failed him.”

Daire reached out and patted her hand. “No, you didn’t. You did what you had to do to protect him from Ivan.”

“I know.” She swallowed. “But I didn’t realize how bad it would be with my brother, or how hard he’d train the boys.” She sighed and visibly shuddered, as if shrugging off the past. “Sam is the middle kid, and he acts like it. Is a total peacemaker with more patience than a saint.”

“Sounds like a good kid.”

“He is, until he isn’t.” Felicity took a healthy swallow of wine. “When his temper goes, it’s legendary.”

Daire snorted. “Adam is like that.” When Adam really blew his fuse, they all got out of the way. “And Logan, the massive beast who’s been eating me out of house and home, is your baby.”

She set her napkin on the plate. “Yes. He’s a sweetie, right?”

Ah, no. The kid was cunning, dangerous, and deadly. But he couldn’t organize worth crap. “Aye. He’s a nice kid.” In fact, Daire liked him, a lot. Were he and Cee Cee getting close? He liked her, and she liked him, so what the hell. Secrets and lies were behind them, and maybe, just maybe, after they shut down Apollo, he might court her. A long courtship with lots of fun for them both.

She stood and grabbed the plates.

He fumbled. “I’ll, ah—”

“Go sit down.” She set down the plates and turned to hand him the cognac and a crystal glass. “When I make dinner, I like to clean up to finish the entire act. Please.”

If the woman wanted to be all domesticated and take care of him, he was totally on board. “I sure like this side of you.”

She lifted an eyebrow. “This side?”

“Aye. As opposed to the side that drugs me and gets me shot.” He turned and banked the fire before dropping into a chair and stretching out his legs.

She hummed as she cleaned up the kitchen, and a coziness filled the room. Finally, she crossed near him. “Family is family, Daire.” Her words held a hint of warning and a thread of sadness.

His instincts started to hum. He tipped back the cognac and set the drink aside. “What are you up to, Cee Cee?”

She smiled, the sight slightly lopsided. “Nothing for once. Just that I’m glad we’re working together. I’ll send you the file I have on Rudger. I hope it helps.” She sauntered over and poured him another glass of the cognac. “I should’ve given you the name earlier.”

His ears pricked. Numbness settled in his belly and spread out to be quickly quashed. Temper swirled through him and then blew out in heat. “Son of a bitch.” He jumped to his feet and grabbed her forearms. “You drugged me. Again.”

She winced. “I know. I’m sorry.”

His knees wobbled.

She shoved him back into his chair. “I really like you, Daire. I do.”

He tilted his head to the side, noting the rapid pulse in her neck. “What the fuck?”

She sighed. “I just put a little in the drink, I promise. You won’t be out for long.”

He wouldn’t be out at all, actually. “Where the hell was it?” he ground out, trying to focus as his vision fuzzed.

“I’ve had a vial in my boot. Figured I might need it.”

His hold loosened on her arms.

She set his hands down and patted his knuckles. “Like I said, I’m so sorry. But there’s no reason for you to accompany me on the mission since you now have Rudger’s name and should probably run him down. Believe me, you don’t want the conflict of interest.”

What conflict of interest? Daire frowned as he sent antibodies to the poison in his gut. None of this was making sense, but he needed his faculties to cure himself before she got outside. She turned and quickly made her way to the door and opened it. Rain splashed inside.

He’d been so ensconced in the sense of comfy domestication, he hadn’t even noticed it had started raining. Man, a woman cooked for him once, and he turned into a moron.

He shoved himself to his feet. “Felicity.”

She slowly turned around, her eyes widening. “Wh-what?”

“You should probably know something about witches,” he said, his legs strengthening.

Her chin lifted and her hand went to the doorknob. “What is that?”

“We can create antibodies for a drug if we survive the first injection,” he said, gauging the distance between them and her ability to kick him in the face. “It’s a gift we’re hoping will be useful in dealing with Apollo.”

She swallowed. “Well, crap.” Quick as any cougar, she pivoted and ran into the rain.

He smiled, his muscles bunching. Oh, the race was on. He cleared the front porch without hitting one step and landed in the mud, his boots spraying. Rain mashed down, coating his face. A blur of white crossed his vision toward the river, and he turned to follow. With that blond hair, she’d be easy to spot. His blood thrummed in his veins, and his breath evened out.

The rain carried her scent toward him—woman and hyacinth. Even through the storm, he could smell her clean scent tinged with both fear and arousal. He loped into a jog, winding around trees, avoiding stumps. Every inch of the property was familiar to him, and he wasn’t surprised when she found the barely there trail to the river’s edge.

He reached the bank in time to see her bounding across the massive rocks he’d placed in the middle. The rain matted her hair down her back, but she fought against the wind and reached the rocky shore, as graceful as any doe. Her soaked clothing clung to her, showing every inch of her spectacular body.

The drug tried to cling to his system, and he burned it away, temper alighting anew. She had drugged him after making him such a nice dinner and getting him to relax. The idea that she still didn’t trust him bunched his fingers into a fist, and he ducked his head as he ran for the rocks and made it across the rushing river in record time.

Small footprints showed her way, but he didn’t need to glance down, so strong was her scent. Or maybe he just recognized her smell, because he knew exactly which way to run.

Lightning flashed across the dark sky. Unlike his brother Kellach, Daire loved the rain of Seattle and enjoyed the storms. It pounded in his blood, spurring him on.

Ahead of him, she slipped and scrambled to her feet, her arms flailing. Tree limbs fell down and she ducked to avoid them.