Um, no. I’d rather you didn’t.
A wry, warped chuckle filled the air. “You don’t have a choice. You need us now.”
“You can hear me?”
“Quiet, I’m working.” That was not the flames but the one who anchored her.
“Yes, we hear you. In here, speak in your mind, as you did before. The others won’t understand.”
Like this?
“Well met, young one. You will need us in the time to come. Do not fear the darkness. It was meant to be at your fingertips.”
I never asked for any of this.
“Neither did we. Neither did we.”
The rope jerked and the flames shot at her, slamming into her heart and making her scream before she was pulled harder.
“You belong in this world, love. Come home.”
Another yank, and Kalinda was spiraling, splintering, and put back together. She couldn’t tell which was up or down, but she smashed apart before jerking out into the sun.
“Jesus, Kalinda.”
She blinked. It took a moment, but she was able to recognize Romano’s guest room. He leaned over her, worried eyes scanning her.
“I’m okay,” she croaked. Not that she was sure, but she refused to be weak. She tried to sit up as another face swam into view.
“Rihanna?”
Freaking Rihanna was there, with some amazing white lines down the bridge of her nose and dots under her eyes. Her top lip was white as well, and her wild, dark hair was kinky around her shoulders. She smiled, showing pearly white teeth.
“I’ve heard that a lot. Must be the blood of the islands in us all. I’m Zahara. And you, pretty girl, are extraordinary.” She leaned forward suddenly, her eyes going dark as night. “The flames burn hot in you. Will you catch fire, or play?”
“How about run? I like that answer.”
Zahara blinked, and her face cleared. “We shall see, won’t we?” She looked at Romano, her lip curling. “I’m charging extra for dog bites. You know that, right?”
Romano rolled his shoulders, worry lining his face, but his smile was razor sharp. “Only if you survive them.”
Zahara looked him up and down. “Looks like you got your snap back, even if you tried to take a bite out of my ass. I still want to put you into a dark place for a very long time for that.”
“I can’t be blamed for my wolf wanting to protect me.”
“Don’t be so sure.” Zahara flicked her hands up in the air in his direction before she frowned down at Kalinda. “She’s out of the woods for now.”
“But what happened?”
This time Zoey came into view, rubbing her belly and tears filling her eyes. Kalinda didn’t remember seeing Zoey cry, ever, and it nearly scared her as much as being in the dark place.
“I’m okay, Zoey. Really.”
“You didn’t see it, Kalinda.”
“But I’m here now.”
Zoey managed a smile that looked more like a grimace. “Look at you … taking care of me when you’re the one who should have everyone caring for her.”
