Dark Debt (Chicagoland Vampires 11)

Morgan looked alarmed. “Balthasar? What’s he got to do with this?”

“We don’t know,” Luc said. “Possibly nothing. But keep your guard up.” He looked us over, the jeans-clad man, the leather-clad woman, going into battle without so much as a dagger.

“Your instincts are going to be your best defense here. We’ve got the chopper on call to get you out, but if there’s any delay in finding you, you’ll have to keep yourselves alive.”

“That’s on me,” Morgan said, looking at me. “She’s my responsibility, and I accept and acknowledge it.”

“And when you return?” Ethan prompted.

“Then we’ll settle our accounts.”

Chapter Nineteen

FLIGHT OF FANCY

Ethan and Luc escorted us into the building, past the empty security desk, and toward the elevators, where Luc selected the top floor.

“Any questions?” Luc asked.

“Not from me.” I looked at Morgan. “Anything else you’d like to say before we do this?”

Morgan shook his head.

“In that case,” Luc said, “be careful.” He looked at me. “Remember your training, keep your stance strong, and don’t be afraid to kick ’em in the balls.”

Luc obviously favored a sentimental motivational speech.

The elevators opened to a tile-floored foyer and glass doors that led to the helipad outside. The helicopter was waiting for us, a sleek white oval with orange stripes, its blades already thushing, the door open, a big man in black fatigues standing outside, waiting for us to enter.

My heart began to thud with nerves, excitement, the likelihood of battle, the possibility of loss.

Ethan slipped a hand around my neck, pulled me forward, pressed a hard and possessive kiss to my lips that nearly left me breathless in a completely different way. Be careful, he said silently.

I will. Keep that helicopter ready.

He drew back, and I put a hand on his face, took a long look at him, committed his features, his mouth, his eyes, to memory.

I followed Morgan to the helicopter, and the man directed us into our seats, strapped us in. And then we were lifting into the air, the sensation so much as if I’d suddenly been able to sprout wings it brought inexplicable tears to my eyes. I glanced down, watched Ethan grow smaller in the distance, and hoped to God I’d see him again.

*   *   *

The city disappeared behind us in a matter of minutes, and we floated above the darkness of Lake Michigan.

An island, I said to Morgan, an eye on the shoreline so I could keep my bearings, and explain, if it provided necessary, where we were.

Yeah. There aren’t that many close to Chicago. They’ll be able to find us.

If we have to play sacrifice the pawn, don’t volunteer.

You, either. You’re a Master, and I’m a Sentinel. We can handle this.

Some minutes later, a light began to glow in the darkness, a pale hulk growing larger in front of us.

I tapped Morgan’s hand, pointed to the shape.

He leaned over to peer out the window. What is that?

I’m not sure, I said. But when the helicopter began to descend, I decided we were about to find out.