by Lara Nance
She nodded. “See you in a little while.” She waved a hand and headed off along the sidewalk.
Rolf watched her for a moment. How disappointing to have detected Takers. It would have been nice to relax on the island for a day or so. What would it feel like to be carefree again? To enjoy life and not worry about tracking down evil ones? This quest had been a part of him for so long, he’d all but forgotten the feeling of peace. He looked down and shook his head. Being with Cara made him crave pleasure again, but that would be dangerous for both of them.
###
Cara sat basking in the sun on a park bench, making use of her new straw hat and sunglasses. A constant breeze rendered the heat comfortable and brought smells of exotic spices to her nostrils.
“Did you find everything you needed?” Rolf settled beside her. For a few brief moments driving over in the cab, she’d seen an uninhibited smile on his face. Now, the somber mask was back in place.
“I did.” She held up two shopping bags filled with a new sundress, shorts and a bathing suit.
“Good. I got the gold.” He patted his coat pocket. “Let’s grab a taxi and head to the marina.”
They found the rest of the gang at a tourist store in the busy area of King’s Square, a short walk from the boat. Cara smiled, happy to see her friends having some fun for a change.
Shana struck a pose, wearing a wide brim straw hat on her head and large round sunglasses.
“You look like a movie star,” Cara said.
“A girl can pretend.” Shana pursed her lips, hands on hips.
“Where’s Marc?” Cara glanced around. Amber and Tor purchased bathing suits and beach towels from a cart while Alistair pondered some Bermuda shorts in a horrific shade of green.
“Marc is making me so mad.” Shana whipped off the hat and glasses, eyes flashing. “I don’t know why, all the sudden, he doesn’t like it that I’m good at fighting. We had a huge fight about it, and he stormed off the ship. I don’t know where he is. But he looks like hell. I just don’t know what’s going on with him anymore. I thought we were a team.” Tears welled in her eyes and she brushed them away with one hand.
Cara pursed her lips. That wasn’t like Marc.
Rolf approached Cara and Shana. “We all need to talk. There’s a pub near here where we can get something to eat.”
“Good, I’m hungry.” Shana glanced at her watch. “Wow, it’s three o’clock.”
“I’d love a pint.” Alistair placed the green shorts back on the rack, much to Cara’s relief.
“Sounds good. I’m going to get this hat and the sunglasses.” Shana paid for her items, and they all trooped over to the pub.
Marc sat on a bench outside the restaurant, and his face lit up when he saw them. His cheeks had more color and there were fewer lines around his eyes. Cara smiled in relief. Maybe he’s realized we have to pull together on this and not make hasty judgments.
He jumped up and went to Shana. She allowed him to take her hand, but her face said he had a lot of apologizing to do.
Inside, a traditional dark wood bar stretched along one side of the pub. A TV hanging over the bar blared with a soccer game. The smell of fried fish made Cara’s mouth water. They munched on fish and chips with pints of beer while Rolf related his experience of sensing a Taker in Hamilton.
People at other tables laughed, drinking and enjoying their vacations. One table erupted into loud cheers as their team scored a goal.
Cara took a swallow of beer. “Doesn’t seem like anything bad could go on here. Not with this atmosphere.”
“Huh, there’s quite a bit that’s bad going on,” their waitress said, placing new beers on the table. “Strangest happenings on this island.”
“What do you mean?” Cara handed her an empty glass.
“Murders.” The woman leaned over, whispering. “This island hasn’t seen murders like this in hundreds of years.”
Cara and Rolf shared a glance.
“More than one?” Marc asked, a sheen of moisture forming on his upper lip. Shana’s eyes went wide, and Amber let out a small mew of fear.
“Oh, yes. Three in the past two weeks—apparently, the bodies were in bad shape because it took them a couple days to identify them.” She glanced over her shoulder then leaned toward them. “Just wanted to warn you to be careful. Stay in the popular spots, and don’t go out late at night.”
“Thanks,” Shana said. “We appreciate the warning.”
“Yeah, thanks.” Cara’s gaze followed the waitress, who walked over to a couple at another table, out of hearing range. “Sounds like it might be Takers.”
“Crap, there goes my trip to the beach.” Shana pushed her plate away.
“Let’s go to the boat. We need to discuss this,” Rolf said. “But not where anyone can hear.”
The others collected their packages with no argument.As they walked up the dock the sunset splashed purples, oranges and fiery reds across the western sky. Reggae music wafted in the air, inviting either head-nodding or hip moving. People on neighboring boats gathered on their decks, sipping cocktails. Little did they know a deranged evil stalked innocent victims on the island, and they were all in danger.
Cara’s group trudged into the salon and the dogs danced across the floor, happy to see their humans.
“The good thing is, I doubt the Takers are aware of us.” Rolf dropped into one of the wingchairs. “In my experience, Takers gravitate to the seedy nightlife of areas. It’s easier for them to snatch their victims in those surroundings. People are drunk, it’s dark, easy enough to lure someone outside to a secluded area.”
“Horrible.” Amber shivered, sinking onto the sofa beside Tor with Cara on the other side. Shana and Marc filed over to the loveseat.
“What is it you feel from a Taker, exactly?” Alistair scooped up Rambo and sat in the other wingchair.
“It’s like a vibration, and my skin feels chilled. The closer they are, the stronger the sensations.”
“Can we feel it?” Tor asked.
“In time, you will. Once they’ve been turned to evil they take on a completely different aura that’s very recognizable. When you’re close to them, after a time you become more sensitive to it.”
Shana winced. “Oh, goodie, something to look forward to.”
“How, uh, long does it take for them to turn to evil once they get addicted?” Marc asked.
“Depends on how long they fight it.” Rolf shrugged. “Some with no conscience give in right away. Others with more depth of soul fight it and hold out longer. It’s different for each person. But the end result is the same, evil consumes them and they live for the Taking.”
“What are we going to do about them?” Tor asked.
Rolf reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a leather pouch, which he handed to Amber. “We proceed with our plans. Here are the gold sheets for the amulets.”
“Shouldn’t we find out if they’re part of Desmond’s group? If they are, we should stop them now so they can’t support him from here.” Cara slid to the edge of her seat.
Rolf shook his head. “Until you have the amulets, you can’t get close enough to surprise them without the Takers feeling your warmth as Dealers. You’d be sitting ducks.”
“What about you? How do you sneak up on them?” Tor asked.
“I have learned to mask my energy over time. But it takes years to master and it’s a conscious effort. That’s why I have the globe for my home so I can relax and sleep in peace.”
“I’ll get started on the amulets,” Amber said. “We know what crystals to use for each of us now.”
“Good.” Rolf rose from his chair. “I’ll show you how to use the equipment you’ll need to cut and carve the gold.”
A chill ran up Cara’s arms. Rolf didn’t seem very concerned about the local Takers being a threat to them, but she wasn’t buying it. Fear gripped her heart. It would be just like him to go after them on his own. If he got himself killed, it would be difficult to cont
inue this quest.
But, selfishly, she had to wonder what she’d do without him?
Chapter Twenty-Three
Cara climbed the steps to the main deck with Dusty behind her. She’d tossed and turned for an hour. Maybe a glass of wine would help her sleep.
When she reached the salon, a small lamp radiated a soft glow, but most of the room remained bathed in shadows. The murmur of two male voices stood out against the hushed atmosphere.
Rolf stood at the door leading to the deck, dressed in black. Sean handed him a knife, which he tucked in a sheathe on his ankle under his pants. Sean handed him a handgun next.
A spasm of terror shot through her, and she ran across the room, eating up the distance between her and Rolf in a second. “What are you doing?”
Rolf’s head jerked up, brow furrowed. He motioned for Sean to leave. “Cara—”
“You’re going after them, aren’t you?” She grabbed his arms. His hard biceps flexed beneath her fingers, reminding her of his incredible strength.
He tucked the gun under his belt and crossed his arms, gently covering her fingers with his. After a few seconds, he peeled her hands away. “What are you doing up? You shouldn’t be here.” He turned and picked up a black windbreaker.
“Stop.” She yanked the jacket from his hand. If something happened to him she would be devastated. Her fear hit her like a train going full speed, crashing into her with full-blown panic. “You can’t do this.”
His eyes darkened. “This is what I do. I kill Takers.”
“I know, but—” How could she make him understand? “Don’t you get it? There are more of us. We can help you. You don’t have to do this alone anymore.”
He closed his eyes and sighed, then directed that devastating blue gaze into hers. His face smoothed, taking on an expression of incredible tenderness as he reached out to run the back of his fingers down her cheek. “My dear Cara.”
His touch sent a shiver through her. She sucked in her breath, giving in to the realization of what he meant to her. He has to stay safe. She’d never experienced such deep emotions tying her to someone. Sharing Light had entangled their essences, and she couldn’t bear losing him.
“Rolf, please. You don’t understand.” She grabbed his shoulders. “I can’t lose you. I—”
“Shhh.” He placed a finger on her lips, which trembled at his touch. “I can’t bear this anymore—”
Slowly, his gaze intent, he lowered his head. His lips pressed to hers and she threw her arms about his neck, drawing him close. God, those warm, soft lips, so full of passion. Her heart ached with the need for tenderness and love.
Their kiss exploded with hunger, and harsh, naked desire, even better than she’d thought it would be. He growled, and his arms encircled her waist, pulling her body tight against his. The gun in his belt pressed into her abdomen, but she didn’t care. His tongue entered her mouth, warm and inviting against her own.
She ran her fingers across the soft skin on his neck. His hands skimmed lower on her back, down the swell of her buttocks and lingered there as his kiss intensified. Rough fingers traced a trail of fire up her hips to her waist. The rise of passion in her belly flamed, a hot coal growing, spreading through her stomach. A shudder rocketed down her spine. His lips caressed her skin from her mouth down her neck. She tipped her head back, and the ecstasy of his lips traveled to the tender area of her collarbone.
Cara’s skin tingled from her throat to her fingertips, and she trembled, pressing her breasts against his hard chest. Hugging him to her, she stood on tiptoe and arched her back, moaning.
But then his kisses stopped
He stepped back from her, breathing heavy. She resisted his retreat, holding tight to his neck, but he slowly removed her arms. His lids drooped over his eyes, and his lips pressed into a thin line.
“Rolf.” The loss of him holding her left her hollow. No, he couldn’t reject her again.
“Please, Cara,” he said. “I have to go. I have to find out if they’re part of Desmond’s group.”
“I’m going with you.”
“No.” His tone was sharp and commanding.
She stared at him full of defiance and slammed her fisted hands on her hips. “Why not?”
“You might get hurt. I would never be able to live with myself if something happened to you.”
“It’s okay for you to worry about me, but not for me to worry about you?” She shoved against his chest. “Don’t deny what’s going on here.”
His jaw moved back and forth. Finally, his shoulders sagged. “This was a mistake. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have kissed you.”
She crossed her arms over her chest. Some force had brought them together, and he wanted to deny it. His lips told another story. “Rolf, at least admit you need help. If we’re going to fight Desmond, you have to let us help you.”
“You and your friends are not ready.” He adjusted the gun in his belt.
“We’re working on it. Look, promise me this. If you must go tonight, just find out what you can, then come back and we can discuss what to do as a group. We’re in this together and we can’t afford to lose you.” She smoothed her hands over his chest and gazed into his eyes.
He let out a deep breath and covered her hands with his. “I’m not going into danger. I will find them and discover what connections they have to Desmond, if any. Then I’ll tell you all what I’ve found. Now, go back to bed. I’ll be all right, don’t worry.” Her hands fell to her sides. He grabbed the jacket from the floor where she’d dropped it and crossed to the door. Hand on the door handle, he turned. Then, after a last look at her, he slipped through the door into the darkness.
Cool air rushed through the opening with his departure, and she shivered, rubbing her arms. She turned from the door, her heart pounding at the rush of emotions passing through her. Rushing to the bar, she poured a glass of red wine with trembling hands then carried the glass to the sofa. No way would she be able to go to sleep until he was back on the boat, safe.
“Cara? What’s wrong?” Amber bounded up the stairs, rubbing her eyes and yawning. “I heard voices.”
“I’m in trouble,” Cara murmured.
Amber tightened the sash of her short blue robe and pursed her lips. She padded to the couch and sat beside Cara. “You’re in love with Rolf, aren’t you, honey?”
“Oh my God!” Cara flopped back and slapped a hand over her eyes. “Am I that transparent?”
“Well, sweetie, of course we can all see it. And he loves you, too. You can’t hide those sorts of things, especially from me.” She giggled.
“But you’re wrong about him. He doesn’t love me.” Cara sat up and snatched her wine glass from the coffee table.
“Ha! Oh, yes he does.”
“I just kissed him and he turned me down. Okay?”
“It doesn’t matter what he just did. I’m one hundred percent positive he has feelings for you. I think the past keeps him from allowing himself to fall in love. Think about it. All those years alone, doing nothing but fighting and mourning a murdered wife. He can’t just turn around and say, ‘hey, it’s great to be alive and in love’. There’s baggage.”
Cara shook her head. “It’s more than baggage. I think it’s because he’s an ancient. Remember Highlander? He’d fall in love, then the woman would get old and die, and, finally, he just stopped because it hurt too much.”
“This is real life, Cara, not the movies. We don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow. I say take what love and comfort you can, while you can. We all have differences. But how you deal with them is what makes a relationship work.”
“Maybe you should have this talk with him.”
“Maybe I will.”
“I’m kidding.” She grabbed Amber’s arm. “I’d be humiliated. Just leave him alone, please?” Amber was more than capable of doing what she said. Cara couldn’t bear the thought of Rolf knowing how much she cared for him then pitying her. Tonight had been bad enough. “Please?�
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Amber didn’t answer. She smiled, patted Cara’s arm, and trotted back down the steps.
###
Rolf returned to Avalon sometime around four a.m. He paused at the door to the salon, listening. Dusty ran up the side deck and jumped at his thigh.
“Hey, big guy.” Rolf ruffled the fur on his head. “Where’s your mom?”
He made his way to the stern of the boat and there was Cara, asleep on one of the padded chaises. Standing in the shadows at the side of the deck, he absorbed the vision of Cara sleeping. She lay curled on her side, thick lashes fanned against her pale cheeks, her full lips slightly parted.
A tightness invaded his gut. The kiss with Cara left him burning with need, but confused about what path to take. She was mortal and would die soon, leaving him alone again. A bare moment of pleasure and a betrayal of Sakhet. His soul revolted at the idea.
Her eyelids fluttered and opened. The smile that broke over her face, though groggy, filled him with a tingling glow of pleasure.
“You’re okay.” She pushed herself to a sitting position.
“I promised, remember?” He sat on the foot of the chaise, the warmth from her body infusing him with contentment.
“What happened?” She rested a hand on his arm, eyes searching his face.
“I followed the evil stench and located one of the Takers at a bar in Hamilton. A thin, white man in his late-twenties. He did his best to entice some of the girls outside, but none of the women in the bar succumbed to his invitations, thank the gods. It was after two when he finally gave up and left.
“He went to a house in a rural area and I detected two other men, all Takers. They had the windows open so I heard them talking. As far as I could tell, they’re just an isolated group of deviant Light-dealers who developed their sick need independent of outside influence. Seems they traveled here recently from England.”
“They didn’t see you?” Her hand squeezed his arm as her eyes grew wide.
