Dangerous Passions by Elise Whyles

Author:Elise Whyles
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781940744674
Publisher: Beachwalk Press, Inc.
Published: 2015-02-17T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

Hunkered down on the edge of a log, Lucien watched Cali pace the confines of their cold camp. He could smell the faint acrid scent of blood and shuddered. Memory stirred, fanning the flames of his anger as he glanced at the blood-soaked weapons. He could feel the energy coursing through his body, though not all of it was his own.

She’d ignored his attempts to sooth her, to ease her burden. Nay, she’d refused to allow him to remain more than an arm’s length away for fear of something. At the first stream they’d come across she’d stripped and jumped in, scrubbing her skin until he was certain it was raw. She’d stepped from the water glowing pink, faint hints of blood clinging to her skin.

Now, dressed only in her pants, her arms crossed over her breasts, she paced like a cornered beast. With each step she took the light played on the muscles in her back and buttocks. The pale streaks across her body drew his attention as she moved. What had made such scars on a woman who seemed to be beyond injury?

When she raked her hands through her hair for the third time in as many heartbeats he stood, the urge to ease her mind strong. Stalking across the camp, he caught her before she could make another round. Like vines spreading in spring, tiny lines crisscrossed his hands, his arms as he pulled her closer. The warmth seeping from her body into his eased the worry but didn’t erase it.

“Cali, look at me.” He lifted her chin with his thumb. Worry, doubt, fear all lay in the depths of her eyes before it was quickly hidden when she looked away. “No, look at me. I will never allow anyone or anything to harm you. No matter what they were, they would not have touched you. I know not what it is you are running from but—”

“They do not take the life of one unless it is commanded. Nerafail would not condemn without just cause. I fear not the demons.” She stepped back from him. “He still stalks us.” She shook her head, her hair covering her shoulders. “Don’t you understand? The warlock who hunts me will not rest until we have fallen. We should not rest. Should not delay. Why do you...” She paused, her eyes widening as she gaped at him. “How is it you saw them? You saw the beast...you see the demons. What else do you see? What magic do you possess that you can see such as this? No mortal can.”

“I do not know.” He inhaled to calm the rising tide of fear within him. “But I hold no magic, my lady. You have aided me, I shall do no less for you. Trust in my word, no harm shall befall you.”

“He will kill us both if we do not make it back to my master’s domain. Only there can we be safe.”

He leaned forward, her soft whisper echoing in his heart.

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