“No shit? Wasn’t she a nun or something?”
“Yes. Nardik’s gone to tell Amerris and Marri that she’s all right.” Seleena cupped his face in her hands and kissed him lightly. “I missed you.”
“No more than I missed you.” He glanced at his blood-stained arm. “I need a shower.”
“Would you like me to wash your back?”
Quinn stared at her, wondering if he was reading more into her offer than she meant. “And my front, if you’ve a mind to.” He had expected her to blush and stammer. Instead, she took his hand and led him into the bathroom.
Once there, she turned on the shower, adjusted the temperature, pulled several towels from the shelf.
Quinn reached for his belt, paused when she didn’t leave the room. He tossed it aside, unfastened his trousers, let them rest on his hips. And still she didn’t take her leave.
Keeping his gaze on her face, her cheeks now very pink, he shucked his pants and briefs and stepped under the spray, felt his mouth go dry when, several moments later, the door opened and she moved in behind him.
Quinn sucked in a breath when she took the soap from his hand and began to run it up and down his spine. “Red…do you know what you’re doing?”
“Washing your back. Isn’t that what you wanted?”
He groaned softly. “Damn, woman, I’m not made of stone any more, you know.”
She laughed softly, her soapy hands moving tantalizing over his shoulders and back, sliding lower, lower.
“You’d better stop now, Red,” he growled, “or you’re going to wind up flat on your back in about ten seconds.”
“Isn’t that what you’ve been wanting all this time?”
“Yeah, but you’d better be sure it’s what you want, ‘cause once we get started, there’ll be no going back.”
He tensed as she dropped the soap, then leaned into him, her bare breasts pressed against his back as she scattered butterfly kisses across his shoulders.
Muttering, “Time’s up,” he turned off the water, swept her into his arms and carried her swiftly into her room. “Last chance,” he warned as he lowered her onto the mattress.
Pulling him down on top of her, she whispered, “Stop talking,” and covered his mouth with hers.
It had been years since she had shared a bed with a man. She had been certain that there could be no better lover than Nardik, which just proved how wrong you could be, she thought, as Quinn kissed and caressed her. She had shared passion with Nardik, but never love. Never given him her heart. It made all the difference. Why had she waited so long for this? Her fears had been groundless.
She reveled in his caresses, in the slick feel of his damp skin against her own, the touch of his hands in her hair, on her skin, the husky sound of his voice as he whispered that he loved her, needed her, wanted her more than life itself.
Time lost all meaning as they came together, hearts and souls blending, melding, until, with one final thrust, he made her his. Pleasure exploded deep within her. His body shuddered a moment later and then, spent and sated, they fell asleep in each other’s arms.
#
Quinn woke abruptly, aware of movement in the house. He tensed a moment, then relaxed when he realized it was Nardik. And tensed again when he heard the wizard’s footsteps in the hallway. Grabbing the blanket from the foot of the bed, he drew it over Seleena, covering her from head to heel.
He was sitting up, his back against the headboard, the blanket draped over his hips, when Nardik opened the door.
A look of utter hatred twisted the wizard’s features when he saw Quinn.
The dragon on Quinn’s shoulder moved, undoubtedly stirred to life by the tension between the two men.
Quinn met the wizard’s gaze. It was all he could do not to laugh in the other man’s face.
With a hiss, Nardik closed the door.
Quinn smiled. Score for one me, he thought.
Seleena stirred beside him.
Sliding under the covers, he said, “Hey, sleepy head. We’ve got company.”
Her eyes widened. “Nardik!”
“Yeah. He doesn’t look too happy.”
“He knows? About us?”
“You could say that. He poked his head in here a minute ago.”
She groaned softly, obviously uncomfortable at having her former lover and her current lover under the same roof.
“It’s not a secret you could keep from him,” Quinn remarked.
“I know, but…”
“You’re not having regrets, are you?”
She considered it a moment. She had expected to feel guilty or uncomfortable knowing Quinn had made love to her daughter first, but the thought hadn’t even crossed her mind. And it didn’t bother her now.
“Red?”
“No, of course not. It was wonderful.” She smiled up at him. “You said it was bound to happen sooner or later. I just wish it had been sooner.”
“Not my fault it took so long,” he said, kissing the tip of her nose. “I was ready the day we met.” He brushed a lock of hair behind her ear, thinking how beautiful she looked with her hair sleep-tousled, her lips swollen from his kisses, and how lucky he was to have found her. He muttered a mild oath when he heard Nardik in the kitchen, slamming cupboard doors. “We might as well get up and face the music,” he said, tossing the covers aside. “He’s not leaving until we do. But first, how about another shower?”
#
Seleena took several deep breaths. She could hear Nardik pacing the floor in the living room. She didn’t have to see his face to know he was angry. And jealous. Though he had no reason for his jealousy, she thought, since he was engaged to be married to Amerris as soon as her mourning period was over.
“Hey, there’s nothing for you to be afraid of.” With a wink and a smile, Quinn slipped his arm around her waist. “I’m here.”
Warmth flooded her whole being, and with it a strong sense that, whatever else the future held, deciding to be with Quinn was the wisest decision she had ever made.
They found Nardik pacing the living room floor, his robes swishing around his ankles, his face a cold mask of barely-controlled rage.
At the wizard’s request, Quinn told him all that had happened while he had been Serepta’s prisoner. “She’s vulnerable,” he said when he’d finished. “The dragon burned her and the wound isn’t healing.” He glanced at Seleena. “You were right. She conjured the wrong dragon. He’s mine now and she’s afraid of it.”
“How do you know her wound isn’t healing?” Nardik asked.
“I’m not sure, but I think it has to do with the dragon. Even though she conjured the wrong one, it still possesses some of her magic. I can sense her pain and her confusion. The dragon’s burn isn’t healing. Instead, it’s spreading.” Quinn paused. “She’s drained a half-dozen people but it’s not helping.”
Seleena looked at Nardik, her brow furrowed. “Is there anything that will heal the wound?”
“Nothing that I know of. Nor would I offer it to her if I had the remedy.”
Seleena bit down on her lower lip. She thought her love for Serepta had died. Yet, even knowing their daughter was evil and that there was no hope of turning her away from the dark path she had chosen to follow, it grieved her to know her child was hurting. Perhaps dying. In spite of the pain Serepta had caused, the lives she had taken, she was still her daughter. Her only daughter. Perhaps the only child she would ever have. She turned away, not wanting Nardik or Quinn to see her tears.
“If she shows up, let me know,” Nardik said, his voice icy cold. “I’ll be at Brynn Castle.” Then, sending Seleena a look of disappointment - or was it disgust? - he stormed out of the Fortress.
Chapter 29
“Well, that was fun,” Seleena muttered later, when her tears had dried, along with her last hope of saving her daughter.
“He was bound to find out about us sooner or later. I’m pretty sure it didn’t come as a surprise.”
“No, I sup
pose not.”
Quinn folded her into his arms, his chin resting lightly on the top of her head. Her hair smelled of honey and almonds. She fit in his embrace as if she had been made only for him.
“I wish it was over, once and for all,” she said quietly. “Is it awful of me to feel that way? It hurts to know I can’t help her. That no one can help her.”
“I know these last months have been difficult for you. I don’t guess mothers ever stop loving their children.”
“I thought I had. When I saw her torturing you, causing you such pain and enjoying it with such obvious delight, I was sure I hated her. But all I feel now is pity. And sorrow for what might have been.”
Quinn stroked her hair, wishing he could find a way to ease the pain in her heart, knowing it would only get worse once Serepta had been destroyed. And if he was the one to do it, what then?
It was something he didn’t want to think about.
#
Serepta raced through the dungeon in a killing spree. In a matter of minutes, she had drained every prisoner dry, and still the ugly black burn on her arm didn’t heal, or stop spreading. It was up to her shoulder now, inching its way down over her breast.
Hurrying upstairs, she gathered her athame and her cauldron, lit a fat, black candle, then lifted her arms overhead and invoked a new spell of self-healing.
Throwing her gown aside, she stood in front of the mirror and stared at her reflection. At first, nothing happened, and then, to her immense relief, the blackened skin on her shoulder and the curve of her breast faded to gray and disappeared. It took longer for the burn on her arm to heal.
Feeling suddenly weak in the knees, she sank down to the floor, her head cradled in her hands. Her magic was still strong. Next time they came for her, she would know what to expect and she would be ready.
Rising, she dressed quickly and headed for Bosquetown. She needed an army and that lawless city was the best place to assemble one.
And then she needed bait for the trap.
#
Seleena sat on the sofa beside Quinn, her legs curled beneath her, her head resting on his shoulder. At her insistence, they had returned to her home in the village. There was no point in trying to hide from Serepta any longer, and Seleena wasn’t comfortable making love to Quinn in the house she had once shared with Nardik.
Quinn hadn’t argued when she suggested leaving the Fortress, making her think he felt the same.
It was, she thought now, good to be home. A fire crackled in the hearth, soft music filled the room. Earlier, they had made love in front of the fire. Now, feeling cherished and content, she gazed into the flames, utterly at peace. For these few hours, she refused to worry about the future.
She was on the brink of sleep when there was a frantic knock at the door.
“It’s Kerry Frazzier,” Quinn said, sitting up. “I hope she doesn’t need help with another pregnant cow.”
“She just has the one.” Seleena made a face at him as she went to answer the door.
Kerry Frazzier stood there, her eyes red-rimmed from weeping, her hands clasped tightly together. “What is it?” Seleena asked, suddenly certain she didn’t want to hear the answer.
“Lonn’s gone.”
“Gone? You mean he ran away?”
Sniffling, Kerry shook her head. “Your daughter…she took him.”
Seleena grabbed the edge of the door as the strength drained out of her legs.
“She said….she said she would carve my boy up and send him back to me a piece at a time unless you and Mr. Quinn went after him. She…she wouldn’t…wouldn’t do that, would she?” Kerry grasped Seleena hands in hers. “Tell me!” she screamed. “Tell me she would never do such a terrible thing!”
Quinn moved up beside Seleena and slipped his arm around her waist. “Of course she wouldn’t,” he said, his voice calm, soothing, as he captured the other woman’s gaze with his. “I want you to forget you saw Serepta. Forget what she said.”
“Forget,” Mrs. Frazzier repeated. She shook her head. “How can I?”
“You will,” he said, exerting his power over her mind. “Now. You’re going to go home and take a nap.”
“Yes, a nap.”
“You will sleep until Lonn returns or until I release you. Do you understand?”
“Yes, understand.” Expression blank, Kerry Frazzier turned and walked away.
Seleena took a deep breath. Straightened her spine. “We have to go,” she said, her voice rock steady. “Now.”
“I’m ready when you are.”
It took them a minute to decide which mode of transportation to use - his or hers. Quinn decided his was quicker. Wrapping his arm around her shoulders, he willed the two of them to the outskirts of the Black Castle.
He knew immediately that Serepta was expecting them. The wards around the castle were down. The doors stood ajar. No lights were visible within.
Quinn opened his preternatural senses. There were a number of people inside. The boy was there, too, his heartbeat different from that of the adults. He was alone in the dungeon.
Serepta was in there somewhere, lurking in the darkness. And so were a dozen others…Quinn frowned. There was something odd about them. They were human, but not.
Beside him, Seleena chanted softly, her eyes closed, her hands raised, palms facing outward.
“Are you getting anything?” he asked.
“She has created a small army of zombies,” Seleena said.
“Zombies,” Quinn muttered. “How the hell do you kill a zombie?”
“I’d rather not find out.”
“I don’t see as how we have any choice. I’m pretty sure they aren’t there to make us feel welcome.”
“No. But they’re connected to Serepta. There’s a slim chance we can spare their lives if we…if she…”
“Go on. What happens if she’s out of the picture?”
“The spell will…will die with her.”
“And the zombies?”
“It depends on the kind of spell she cast. Either it will release them, or they will cease to exist when she does.”
“Good to know. Can you make yourself invisible? And if you do, will she be able to detect you?”
“Yes, I can, and no, she won’t know I’m there.”
Quinn nodded. “Okay. Here’s the plan. You go to the dungeon and grab the boy and get the hell out of here. I’ll take care of the rest. You ready?”
“Ready.” The voice should have been low and sweet; instead, it was a deep growl.
Glancing over his shoulder, Quinn saw Nardik standing a few feet behind him. As usual, the wizard was clad all in black.
“What the hell are you doing here?” Quinn asked. “Are you stalking us?”
Nardik glared at him. “I’ve naturally been keeping myself informed of your plans.”
“Naturally,” Quinn muttered dryly.
“I came to back you up, for Seleena’s sake. I don’t want her to get hurt.”
“That makes two of us.” Drawing Seleena into his embrace, Quinn hugged her close. “Be careful, Red.”
“You, too.”
“No worries,” he said. “Just get in, grab the boy and get out the hell.”
Seleena murmured an incantation that shrouded her with a cloak of invisibility. When she was out of sight, Quinn and Nardik approached the castle doors. As one, they paused briefly before crossing the threshold.
The great hall was dark and quiet. Quinn detected the slow, steady sound of beating hearts all around him. There was no trace of Serepta, but she was there. The scent of dark magic hung heavy and unmistakable in the air.
Nardik murmured an incantation that lit the end of his wand.
In the faint glow, Quinn saw a dozen men - all young and strong, all in their prime. They lined the walls of the room, eyes blank, faces slack. They were all equipped with the latest firearms.
“Can you work some kind of spell to counteract whatever Serepta’s got planned?”
Quinn asked.
“I can try.” Chanting softly, Nardik turned in a slow circle, pointing his wand at each man in turn..
He had gone about half-way around when a burst of laughter rang off the walls.
It sent a chill down Quinn’s spine. There was nothing human in the sound, no hint of amusement, only a wild, maniacal cackle filled with hatred.
It roused the zombies. Lifting their weapons, they began to fire.
Nardik vanished.
Quinn did likewise. He had expected the zombies to slaughter each other, but the witch had apparently erected some kind of protective shield around each one of them. The bullets never touched them.
Quinn left the great hall. Materializing on the second floor, he made his way from room to room, but the rooms were cold and empty.
#
Seleena found Lonn in the last cell at the far end of the dungeon. He was hunkered down in a corner, arms wrapped tightly around his middle, his cheeks wet with tears, his eyes wide and afraid.
Murmuring his name, she materialized outside the cell. A word unlocked the door. When she held out her arms, he ran to her, sobbing incoherently.
“Hush, now, it’s all right,” she said, patting his back. “I’m taking you home.”
“You’re not taking him anywhere.”
Seleena froze at the sound of Serepta’s voice. Putting Lonn behind her, she turned slowly to face her daughter.
“How nice of you to drop by,” Serepta said, her eyes filled with madness.
“I’m here now. Let the boy go.”
“I’m afraid not. Young blood is so very tasty.”
“I will not let you hurt him.”
Serepta snorted. “As if you could stop me.”
“Maybe she can’t, but I can.”
Relief swept through Seleena as Quinn materialized out of the darkness.
Serepta whirled around. She shouted an incantation and as she did so, she grew taller, larger, until she towered over Quinn, her head mere inches from the high stone ceiling.
A wave of her hand sent him to his knees but Quinn held his ground, all his anger and energy focused on calling forth the dragon. It stirred beneath his shirt, its claws raking his shoulder. Quinn felt a wave of heat and then his shirt disintegrated. He glanced at the dragon, hissed a curse as it stretched and grew. And grew larger still, until it leaped from his arm and took shape.