Page 101 of Mated Exile

Lance tells him, "You're a redhead now. With a ticked coat, apparently. That's new."

"We have the Summit tomorrow." Roarke shoots me a reassuring smile. "Once we've crossed that off our list, and lifted the curse, things will feel different. I'm sure of it."

Maybe. Or maybe not.

We head down the trail. Nothing bad happens.

I dive my awareness into the land, ripple it out and feel at the borders of our territory. They're strong and straight now, free of the vampire taint, at least for the moment. Nothing walks on the earth—and the trees at the northern edge of our border shake their leaves as they tell me nothingwillget past them again.

John deLance is genial and full of awe as he shakes our hands goodnight. He promises that, after staying in the hotel rooms we've secured them, he's going to come to the Summit tomorrow and we'll talk about lifting his curse as well. We give him condolences on the loss of his pack mate, and he gives us ours at the loss of Bennett. I mentally add taking care of Bennett's children to the list of tasks, and Roarke squeezes my hand, his face soft and mournful.

Bastian's eyes stay their normal color as we split up into groups and head to our cars. Roarke comes with me and the lone wolf, walking to his sedan. I keep looking around, searching for what I'm missing, but I can't find it.

Until.

My eyes are drawn to the distant peeks of the mountains, just past the Mating Circle. Lined by silver moonlight, they look heavenly. Otherworldly even. Just looking at them takes my breath away.

And I feel the distant, malevolent presence of something dark and ominous watching me.

I blink, but my eyes stay closed instead of sliding back open again. In the darkness, a chill goes through me.

And a force slivers through my head.

Don't think for a second that you're going to keep what you've found.Feminine and low, it's full of deep anger and hatred.I may not have won this time, but I will return, with more forces if I must. This territorywillbe mine.

I'll bleed every last one of you mutts dry if I must.

So don't think you'll take my future home, Delilah Glass.

The darkness stretches on and on.

Until I can't even open my eyes anymore.

THE END - FOR NOW

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