Dark Desires After Dusk (Immortals After Dark #6)(74)

Hope—a way out. A way to have everything he’d ever wanted.

He’d held himself back from her because he’d known he would be forced to hurt her worse than she’d ever been. But this development gave him the possibility of a future with her . . .

Yes, possibility. Before, anything between Cade and Holly had been doomed because there were so many epic obstacles: betrayals, ancient vows, dark lies, the wills of evil sorcerers.

Now, if the only thing between them was a f*cking mathematician . . . ?

And one she hadn’t been able to say she loved.

This is as good as locked up. Cade would simply have to convince her why he was the better male for her.

He looked forward to it, he thought as he strode across the lot toward her. She caught sight of him and nibbled her lip, studying his expression. She’d worn her hair in that bun, but it was looser, pretty. She was so beautiful she made his chest ache.

In Cade’s absence, the salesman had ventured back, but now looked nervous at his approach.

When Cade reached Holly, he swung her into his arms and kissed her.

“Cadeon!” she sputtered when he released her lips. But he kept her in his arms as he told the bewildered salesman, “We’ll take whatever the missus wants. And quickly.” Cade met her eyes. “We’ve got exactly four hundred and twenty miles to drive tonight before she’ll be satisfied.”





34





Their new vehicle was barreling down the highway.

Earlier, she’d been so disarmed by Cadeon’s dramatic change in mood—which he’d refused to explain—that she’d compromised with him. They’d bought a brand new truck that had an SUV-like compartment over the bed.

And now the demon was continually glancing at the odometer as he drove well over the posted speed limit.

She sighed. “Look I know I said we could be . . . intimate every four hundred and twenty miles, but I’ve had second thoughts after what happened last night. I don’t want to lead you to expect something that can never be.”

“Can never be because of your boyfriend? The one you couldn’t tell me you loved?”

“It’s not just that. You have to understand that all I’ve ever wanted was a steady, dependable partner and a normal life. You’re not . . . normal.” Her gaze flitted to his horn, and he saw it, rubbing it with a scowl. “It’s not just you. It’s this entire world. The Lore.”

“What’s wrong with the Lore?”

“Hmm, it’s—oh, I don’t know—exceedingly violent? As evidenced by last night.”

“That was pretty extreme even for the Lore,” he said, then added, “And for the record, I’m not ungrateful about your saving my ass. I know what kind of shape I was in. Poison does a number on demons. We’re really susceptible to its effects.”

“Why?”

“Species that can emit poisons are vulnerable to others,” he answered. “So did you mean what you told those spirits last night? About returning with an exorcist?”

“Of course. I’m going to ask my aunt to help me find one. Why were the ghosts used as messengers for the coordinates anyway?”

“They were perfect for it. They can’t be bribed or tortured for the information. After that checkpoint, anyone thinking to find us will be stymied.” He added, “As long as you keep those pearls on.”

“How would the spirits know the coordinates?”

“One of Groot’s followers would have given them the information well in advance.”

“Why would they agree to become involved?”

“Maybe Groot promised them the exorcism they wanted.”

She frowned. “If he promised, then why would they ask me for it?”

“Uh, probably just being sure. So, what all did I tell you last night?”

“You mean other than the fact that I’m your female chosen by fate?”

“I think fate made an excellent choice for me. The best.”

He could be so charming when he wanted to be. “I also learned that you have issues with your brother Rydstrom.”

“You have no idea,” he said dryly.

“Why?”

“We’re polar opposites. He’s rational, always looking at things logically, whereas I follow my gut more times than not. He’s educated, well-spoken, and . . . kingly. I’m irresponsible, the notorious ne’er-do-well,” he answered with a shrug, as if this was just a carved-in-stone fact of life. “What else did I say?”

“You told me you would bite me, to stun me during the claiming. How? Is it some kind of venom, like from your horns?”

“No, I’d sink my fangs into a muscle between your neck and shoulder.”

“And go fully demonic?” When he nodded, she said, “What’s that like?”

“My skin would darken, reddening. It’s supposed to be an attractant to females. My body will get bigger, my horns and claws growing to their full length. And my face will change. The planes will get sharper.”

She bit her lip. “You also said that the only place you’ll claim me is in your mind. What does that mean? Have you fantasized about me?”

His lids grew heavy when he said, “Oh, yeah.”