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He glanced out the window. “I can’t see any of them now. But you can bet that they haven’t faded back into the forest.”>I took off for Lannan’s car. “Myst broke through the wards. They’re in danger.” The squabbling stopped as they followed me. I shoved Lannan away from the wheel and took over. “I drive faster than you.”
“I doubt it,” he said, but he let me get behind the wheel.
We sped through the dark streets as I counted off the minutes. As we rounded the corner onto Vyne Street, I closed my eyes.
Ulean, are you there? Can you hear me?
I am here—the Shadow Hunters are circling the house, coming closer. They seem cautious, as if they expect a trap.
Is everyone still okay?
Yes, so far. But there are seven of the Indigo Court out there—and the energy on the slipstream is roiling with anger. Myst is awake and hunting for Grieve.
And I was bringing him right to her. I thought about how we’d make it into the house—all my weapons were there. “We have to fly in. Grieve, you and Lannan will have to make a run for the door, but Wrath and I can shift and fly in the upper windows.” I tossed Lannan my phone. “Call them and tell them to be ready at the front door and my bedroom window.”
Lannan put in the call and, whatever he said, it was brief and to the point. I wasn’t paying attention. I was focused on the battle ahead. I had my fan, of course, and my switchblade, but that alone wasn’t going to be enough.
“Iron stakes. We need them—they’ll work on the Shadow Hunters.”
Wrath peered over the backseat. “The gate. There’s a gate made of iron in front of the house next door. But neither Grieve nor I can touch the stakes. You can, since you are only half-Fae—you don’t seem bothered by the iron. Even this car hurts me, but I bear it because of necessity.”
“I can get them.” I said. “And Lannan can.”
Lannan leaned forward. It was disconcerting to have him at my shoulder but not to be able to see him in the rearview mirror. “Are you willing to put your life in my hands? I can rip the stakes out of the gate. You fly in with your father. The Prince will have to make a run for it on his own.”
I bit my lip. “Are you sure you can make it without getting caught?”
“If you cause a distraction, yes. Once you’re inside, do something to draw their attention to the back of the house.”
I sucked in a deep breath. “Okay. That’s how it is. Grieve, when you hit the ground, don’t stop running. Meanwhile . . .” I cringed. “I’m going to have to take off my clothes before we get there if I expect to be able to transform into owl shape. Lannan, I guess you’d better take the wheel.” I abruptly pulled to a halt and we played musical seats, with me running to the back of the car and Lannan leaping into the driver’s seat.
I began to yank off my clothes and had the distinct feeling Lannan was watching me through the rearview mirror, though there was no way I could prove it, since I couldn’t see him other than the back of his head. I slid beneath a throw in the back of the car and pulled it around my shoulders as we drove off again.
Grieve simmered, but he simmered at me, his eyes drinking their fill as I disrobed. Hard as it was, I forced myself to hold back, to keep from tumbling into his arms. But I did kiss my fingers and press them against his lips.
“You make me want to—” Lannan started, but my father interrupted him.
“Be cautious, vampire. That’s my daughter you’re talking to,” Wrath said, his voice thick with warning. “You will behave like a gentleman.”
“You may be the King of Summer, but Cicely owes me more than you want to know and I intend to collect. And chill out, Wolf Boy, because I know she only has eyes for you.” Lannan’s words took on an edge as he added, “She’s made that all too apparent.”
I pulled back, not wanting to start any more arguments. Grieve gave me a curt nod, but his eyes promised me that once we were finished, if we managed to come through this alive, he’d prove to me just how much he missed me.
Ulean, we’re near. Did you hear our plans?
I did—your thoughts were clear.
Can you start a distraction in the backyard?
I can, but if you can get to your fan, we can wreak much more havoc together. You have yet to use the most powerful force that it can summon.
I’ve created a tornado before—and gale-force winds; what more can there be?
Hurricane force. Typhoon. But beware, Cicely—it can devastate an area.
We may have no choice. I’ll meet you in my bedroom.
And then we turned on to Vyne Street. As we raced along the silent asphalt, I shivered, more out of fear than cold. Before we arrived, I leaned over and pressed my lips against Grieve’s. He gathered me close and I ached, wanting him to reach out and touch my breasts, to slide his hands along my body. But, mindful of my father’s presence, he simply pulled me close, and I found myself falling deep, sucking under, into the spiral of love and lust that permeated our connection.
