Page 104 of Rafe
“Nice. I like a girl who knows how to kill.” Dominique approached, admiring the human. “She’s full of surprises now, isn’t she?”
“She’s an experienced shooter,” Rafe told her.
“Did you say Zyaire’s reproducing?” Dominique asked. “What are they?”
“My guess is humans. I don’t know if they’re infected with something, but they sure aren’t the blobs we saw in the club back in Vegas. I told Rafe that I kind of think they look like humans. But the skin is…” She grimaced. “Missing? It’s not right. You’ll see. It’s nightmare fuel, for sure.”
“I know this is gonna sound counterintuitive, but I need you to stay with Dom.” Rafe turned to the vampire, speaking directly to her. “And she will not hurt you. Or bite you. Isn’t that correct, Dom?”
“Yeah sure.” Dominique blew out a breath and rolled her eyes. “Collecting good karma isn’t easy.”
“I’ve already killed one thing today. I’m just getting started.” Skylar shot the vampire a cool smile.
Dominique smirked. “Humans. Such confident creatures.”
Rafe’s expression grew serious studying the witch as she prepared for battle. Ilsbeth’s omnipotent power radiated through his soul. In that moment, he realized that although his vampire magick had disappeared, her power, the blood of the high priestess would forevermore run through his veins.
“My sister is wicked in a way you cannot imagine. If I fail to bind her, if the spell collapses for any reason, for the good of our world, you have my blessing to remove her from this realm. Permanently.”
“You sure? No take backs. Once it’s done, it’s done,” Rafe told her.
“My sister is not to be trifled with. If I cannot bind her, she must be extinguished. By any means necessary.”
“You heard the witch,” Rafe told them. “Dom. Keep Skylar safe.”
“I’ll do my best, but I suggest Greyson remain ready to flash her out of here if things go south.”
“There’s no time for that. We must get started. It’s nearly dusk. My sister wakes.” Ilsbeth closed her eyes and inhaled “Ahhhhh. I can feel her stirring.”
Ilsbeth clapped her hands, stirring an enormous dirt devil. “Look to the dunes. She will be revealed.”
Greyson glanced at Skylar. “She is one scary witch.”
Rafe sensed the dragon’s presence upon his arrival. Kenji. “Nice trick, bro.”
“Yeah, sorry I’m late...” Kenji looked to Ilsbeth and the darkening sky. “That’s not good. What’s the plan?”
“Leave Zyaire to me,” Ilsbeth instructed. “I need distractions. Stir your magick and scorch her backups.”
“Got it.” He nodded.
“Stay with Dom,” Rafe instructed Skylar once more.
“Be careful.” She gave a small smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes and nodded in response.
“I’m gonna be fine. I promise.” Unable to resist her or the strengthening connection between them, he brushed a thumb over her cheek, and she melted into his hand. Confusion swept through Rafe as her energy danced through him, an unfamiliar magick lingered on his palm. As if she’d sensed it, Skylar pulled away and wiped a tear from the corner of her eye, her feigned courage not quite convincing.
“We must begin,” Ilsbeth announced.
“All right. It’s go time.” Rafe stripped off his clothes and summoned his beast, instantly transforming to his wolf. He circled Skylar, his wolf demanding its mate.
She dropped to one knee, bringing her hands to his fur. Rafe leaned into her hands, rubbing his scent on her, marking what was his.
My Alpha, he heard her call to him without ever saying a world. His beast called to her and Rafe knew in that instant she was his mate. He prayed like hell he could keep his mind straight until he destroyed Zyaire, because his wolf would kill anyone who dared touch her.
“She’s here.” Ilsbeth closed her eyes and stretched out her arms. A barely audible chant released to the universe.
In the distance the dust devil grew larger, darker, an impending monster closing on them. Rafe’s pulse raced as magick grew thick in the air. He growled and broke free, running towards the rock formations to the right of the dunes. The wolf ducked into a slot canyon. Clandestinely, Rafe lurked in the shadows, waiting on Zyaire to get closer.
