The entire room went still. Nobody even breathed.
Zane shut his eyes and wrapped healing cells around the virus before shoving it away. He coughed and opened his eyes. “I got the bastard.”
The queen gasped. “Oh my God. The mutated virus is faster but weaker. Mates can pull it free, unlike the earlier version. We didn’t even think to try.”
Every vampire in the room focused on his mate.
The queen held up both hands. “Whoa. We need to study—ack.” Her voice cut off as Dage all but tackled her into the couch. “No, Dage, wait—” Thunder rolled outside as the king concentrated solely on curing his mate.
Zane allowed Sam to help him up before reaching to assist Janie.
Sam glanced around at the odd motions of vampires yanking the evil from their mates. “This is just weird,” he muttered.
Zane nodded.
Janie turned and burrowed into his arms, tears in her eyes. “You did it. My God, you figured out how to save us all.”
Janie sang softly as she made the bed, her mind finally clear. No virus. Zane had taken the little bugger right out of her body. Emma had confirmed her blood results hours ago. All the mates were clear, and the news had gone out to the world.
By morning, the virus would be banished from all mates.
Mated witches would also be cured, and soon a cure for all witches would be found. For the first time in years, Janie could take a deep breath. Watching her mother suffer for so long had taken a toll on her. Now Cara could heal.
Zane paced into the bedroom, and Janie’s breath caught. “I didn’t hear you return,” she said, holding a pillow to her chest.
He glanced at the bed and then up at her. “The queen finished taking my blood. Damn, that woman likes needles.”
Janie chuckled and tucked the pillow into place. “Emma is dedicated. What did she find?”
“No virus in anybody’s blood, although the main test takes another ten hours to develop fully.” Zane nudged the door shut. “I thought we should celebrate.” His voice roughened.
Amusement and desire bubbled up. “Dinner and a movie?”
He blinked. “After.”
Her grip tightened on the pillow. “You’ve never taken me on a real date.”
“Yet here you are, locked in a bedroom, totally at my mercy.”
She lifted the pillow again, laughter filling her. “I’m not helpless.”
“No.” He angled toward her. “You’re damn strong. Impressive, really.”
She lifted a mocking eyebrow, while pleasure burst inside her. “Not weak. So, do you have any weaknesses, Zane Kyllwood?”
“Only you.” He stepped closer, his gaze thoughtful. Even flirting, an intensity danced on his skin.
“I make you weak.” She slid one foot back an inch.
“You knock my feet out from under me.”
Now that was the sweetest compliment she’d ever received. Her heart thumped, full of him. “Let’s see about that.” Throwing the pillow at his head, she rolled across the bed to land on the other side.
He beat her there and tossed her back on the bed, sprawling over her.
She laughed and pushed at his chest. “Get off.”
“Plan to.” He went limp, crushing her into the bed. “See. Swept off my feet.”
