“The next guy who touches you, I get to hit.” Talen took the bag from her and turned them both. “Scratch that. Nobody ever touches you again but me. Yeah. That’s the deal.” One hand at the small of her back offered constant support and protection. “You are far too beautiful for my own good.”
Now, that was sweet, especially since she wore no makeup and was in comfy clothes. Perhaps she should make more of an effort. She was taking immortality and young skin for granted. Good thing she’d brought sexy lingerie for the trip. “Just wait ’til you see what I brought to wear to bed.”
His stride hitched. “Can’t wait. It’ll look lovely on the floor since you won’t be wearing it long.”
Her nipples peaked. She grinned. “I don’t suppose you brought silk boxers or anything.”
He laughed and opened her door for her. “I don’t suppose I did.” Then his head lifted, and his nostrils flared like a wolf catching a scent. “Hell.” He grasped her arm and lifted her, shutting the door quickly.
Her head suddenly pounded. “Oh God.” She knew the feeling. She justknewit.
Fast strides had him around the car and inside, igniting the engine. “There are demons close.”
Chapter 3
Talen cursed to himself as he barreled onto the river road and punched the gas. A beat-up yellow Chevy careened around a bend behind him, gaining speed. Pain lanced into his temples a second before Cara cried out.
Demons had the ability to attack minds with both pain and horrible images. Through the years, Talen had gained a few mental shields, but certainly not enough.
He swerved the truck, ruining their line of sight. Even if there were four of them in the truck, all directing the attack, they wouldn’t be able to keep it up for long, especially over a distance.
Gunfire pattered into the asphalt, sending shards flying.
“Hell.” He swerved again, speeding up while also grabbing Cara’s head and shoving her down. She bent at the waist and he kept pushing until her knees were on the floor. “Stay down.”
She fought against his hold, drawing a green gun from the side compartment. “I can shoot.”
He swerved again, making it too difficult for the demons to continue the mind attack. The pain in his temples receded. “I know, but for now, stay there.” If the woman thought she was going to get up and engage in a firefight, she was fucking crazy.
Even now, the scent of her fear filled the SUV, and the animal inside him stretched to life. His fangs lengthened, and his heart rate slowed as his body prepared for battle. There was no more dangerous creature on the earth than a vampire defending his mate, so he allowed his primal instincts to take over.
Smoke billowed from the right, forcing him to take a sharp left turn and barrel over a narrow bridge.
The truck followed in his wake, a shooter half out the passenger-side window. The next round of bullets impacted the rear of the vehicle.
If they hit the tires, he was screwed.
Trees flew by outside, and soon, smoldering grass lined both sides of the road. The fire had swept through but seemed contained. Hopefully.
Talen punched in Dage’s number.
“What?” Dage drawled.
“We have demons on our asses. Get our location, and send backup. STAT.” Talen swerved again.
Dage instantly tapped in keys. “Shifters nearby to the north. They’re sending help. Are you sure it’s demons?”
“Yes,” Talen snapped.
“I’ve brought you up on satellite. Shit,” Dage said.
Talen nodded. “I know.” The demons had certainly chosen their attack spot carefully. They were in one of the few places in the Pacific Northwest where the minerals in the rocks messed with the ability to transport, which Dage had. He couldn’t transport there and get Cara out. “The second I’m far enough north, I’ll tag you,” Talen barked.
“I’ll be ready to get there,” Dage said. “For now, stay low, and wait for backup.”
Cara kept silent on the floor, her blue eyes wide.
While Talen wanted to comfort her, he needed her alert and ready to flee just in case. “If I tell you to run, you do it.”
