Predatory Game (GhostWalkers, #6)(76)

“What are we going to say to her?” Saber asked.

“I haven’t figured that out yet,” Jess snapped and then shot her a quick, apologetic look. “I don’t know, but I’ll think of something.”

Saber swallowed hard and stared out the window into the driving rain. The storm was moving in fast. The weatherman had been predicting a major storm for several days and it was finally here, the heavy layer of thick fog blotting out the stars and moon. Lightning veined the underside of the ominous dark clouds swirling overhead, and unease slid down her spine. “I’m sorry, Jess. I should have found a way to tell Patsy without giving away the fact that I’m a trained psychic.”

“I’m not upset with you, Saber, just the situation. And I have no idea what to tell Patsy at four in the morning, but I have to go. I feel a sense of urgency, which is silly I suppose, but I just can’t take chances with her life.”

“She’s your family. And I think it’s best to tell her immediately and get her to a hospital.” She yawned. “I’m actually tired. It’s still dark and I’m tired. Amazing.”

He reached over and ran his finger along the back of her hand. Her stomach clenched. It was the first gesture of affection or tenderness he’d shown her since she’d revealed she thought there might be something wrong with Patsy’s heart, and she instantly felt happy. It was odd caring about another human being. You sort of got sucked in whether you liked it or not, because her affection—and her need to protect—carried to his sister as well.

“I was looking forward to sleeping with you. I love the idea of waking up with you in my bed, wrapped in my arms, your face the first thing I see.”

It wasn’t fair that he could say things like that to her and make her body go into hyperdrive. But even more unfair was the way he made her heart and soul reach for him. Run to him. Need him. How ironic, considering she’d always been so independent, considering how she’d struggled for freedom. And now Jess was holding her as surely as if she were in a cage.

Lightning flashed across the sky and a few seconds later thunder boomed. The windshield wipers could barely keep up with the pouring rain. Ordinarily she enjoyed storms, but this time her heart pounded and her mouth went dry.

Jess drove down the winding road leading through the thick grove of trees that separated his estate from his sister’s. “Don’t regret loving me, Saber.”

She gave an exaggerated flinch. “Don’t be saying ‘love,’ dragon king. I’m not really used to that yet and I’m letting my mind go there slowly.”

“You’re crazy about me.”

“I’m crazy, that I’ll agree with. The rest of it…” She trailed off deliberately and waited for the sound of his laughter.

She loved the sound of his voice, the way it seemed to wash into her body and fill her with warmth and a sense of peace—and she needed peace right now. The storm seemed to be really affecting her, her body wound tighter and tighter, her breath coming in ragged little gasps and her pulse racing.

Jess sent a quick grin, but it didn’t ease the fear growing in her. She rolled down her window and inhaled sharply, waiting to feel the night around her. “Slow down.”

His smile faded and he did as she asked. “What’s wrong, baby?”

“I don’t know, but I think you should pull over.”

“We’re only a few yards before we hit the entrance to Patsy’s place,” Jess pointed out, but he slowed the van until they were barely moving.

Her heart was racing now and prickles raced across her skin. She tasted fear in her mouth. “Someone is broadcasting tremendous fear. I can hear the heartbeat thundering in my ears and it isn’t…right.”

Jess swore. “Patsy. It’s Patsy, isn’t it?” He accelerated. “She’s having a heart attack.”

Saber put her hand on his arm. “No, it isn’t that. Pull over and cut your lights. Did Ken and Mari follow us?” She swiveled around in her seat looking for headlights.

Jess did as she asked and rolled down his window as well, trying to feel the flare of energy that signaled something was wrong. Whatever it was, they were a distance away. Saber had to be very sensitive to feel it.

“I’m going in. Pull the van around to the back of Patsy’s property and leave the engine running and the doors open. We’ll make our way to you.”

“That’s bullshit, Saber. We don’t even know what’s going on. We’ll wait for Ken and Mari and go in at full strength.”

Saber swallowed the lump of fear in her throat. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. We need them here as soon as possible, but something’s not right and I have to try to get to Patsy now.” Her hand fluttered against her throat. It was getting harder to breathe. “I have to go now, Jess.”

He caught her wrist, his grip hard. “No, Saber.”

Her gaze locked with his. “I don’t think she’s alone.”

“We’ll wait for Ken and Mari.”

“We don’t have the time.” Her hands trembled. “She’s terrified, Jess. You have to trust me, trust in my abilities. I can get into and out of places without detection. I can do this.”

“It isn’t a matter of trust, Saber. I’m not risking you. I can’t risk you.”