Dark Flame (Flame 3)

“Almost.”

She forced herself to think. “I just flew out of your compound, didn’t I?”

“That’s what my guards tell me.”

She leaned back and settled her head against the pillow. Her mind was still swirling because of the drug, and it was hard to focus.

She thought back to standing in the cottage dining area. She’d just gotten dressed in the small downstairs powder room.

She’d been thinking about Brannick of course. They’d had another round of phenomenal sex, and he’d admitted to being at fault.

Yet he’d still abandoned her, even going upstairs to shower.

Then Roche had found her. Was it because she’d been distracted by Brannick?

Or maybe it was the other way around. Perhaps Roche had found her and seized the opportunity to break through her carefully constructed blocks because Brannick was momentarily elsewhere.

Though her mind kept spinning, her intuition seemed to be operating in high gear. She kept her attention focused on Brannick and on their relationship. She loved him, no question about that.

Her next thought frightened her. She knew they’d both been resistant to a relationship in real-time, but what if her own reluctance had created a blind-spot? What if Brannick’s resistance had created a similar one?

She opened her eyes and glanced at Agnes. The sage fae stood near the bed, attentive but waiting. Juliet asked, “Are Brannick and his forces attacking Roche’s home right now?”

“Yes, but Brannick said he has Fergus and his wolves with him as well as Officer Keelen and some of the Revel Border Patrol at the front of the Fae Cathedral. He’s not alone.”

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Juliet wasn’t convinced the size of the support force would matter because her instincts told her Roche wouldn’t do most of his damage in real-time.

He’d use his dreamglide.

Juliet squeezed her eyes shut and let the drip continue to work its healing magic on her drug-loaded blood. She needed a clear head right now badly.

She added what healing power she could summon to the mix, which helped forge pathways in her mind, burning off the fog.

But something nagged at her.

Brannick would need her. She wasn’t sure why except that he might be over-estimating his new fae abilities or even relying too much on his vampire power and drive.

Alter fae tended to have a lot of back doors, especially in their thinking. They were a tricky species. Devious, even. Roche was a good example of the worst parts of fae ability and behavior.

Juliet looked at Agnes. “Roche isn’t done. In fact, I think he’s targeted Brannick. It was the reason Roche wanted me unconscious. I need to get over there.”

Agnes tilted her head and looked at Juliet’s cheeks and neck. “The markings are almost gone. If you give this just a few more minutes, the drug will be out of your system.”

Juliet debated for a moment. Her fae instincts told her she was pushing it, but she decided to wait. “As soon as the markings have disappeared, I’ll be heading back to Roche’s home.”

Each territory had medical professionals, though they served in a limited way. Most healing was done through the natural ability of each species. On occasion, however, the assistance of medical support was necessary. In Juliet’s case, it definitely speeded up the process for her.

Barely three minutes later, Agnes said the flame marks were gone. She removed the IV, and Juliet slid her legs over the side of the bed and stood up.

Agnes held her gaze. “Is there anything else you need me to do?”

Juliet shook her head. “Nothing. You’ve taught me well. And now I need to go see about a vampire.”

CHAPTER TWELVE

Brannick stayed by the front door and watched Fergus and his wolves battle Roche’s men. The walls on either side of the living room were chewed up from gunfire.