Dark Flame (Flame 3)

He kept his gaze anywhere but on Juliet, hoping to keep Roche from figuring out where she was.

But Roche took a moment, waved his hand, then smiled. He’d removed her vampire shield and could see her now.

She went after him again, feet first, speeding toward him.

But Roche stood upright and with a flip of his hands sent her spiraling.

Brannick thought she was done for, but to his amazement, she caught and righted herself midair. She had a fervor in her eyes he’d never seen before. She looked almost wild. Her hair had come undone so that as she moved, her long curls flew about in a torrential mass.

She came after Roche, feigning a punch with her right fist. He ducked, but she brought her leg up in a hard kick. Roche was unprepared and flew against the desk.

She chased him down, feet first again and punched him in the back. Brannick heard a solid crack, ribs or spine, maybe.

Roche groaned heavily and slid to the floor.

Brannick felt the band on his chest loosen a little and his legs were now completely free as was his right arm. The dagger wasn’t far but he still couldn’t reach it. If he could get to it, one careful throw and Roche would be finished for good.

He watched Juliet prepare for another attack. She moved to the far corner to gain distance in order to pick up speed. She catapulted herself in his direction.

But at the last moment, Roche whipped out of the way. Her momentum caused her to flip over as she righted herself. Roche levitated and caught her from behind in a chokehold.

Brannick’s muscles flexed in his arms and legs. He needed to get to her, to help her.

But Juliet wasn’t done. She held onto Roche’s arms, using the leverage to kick backwards at him. Unfortunately, she couldn’t connect. Roche was bigger and stronger. He simply held her upright, off her feet and let her flail.

Roche stared at Brannick smiling.

Brannick had to do something.

Fergus.

Of course. Brannick wasn’t sure if he could pull it off, but he would sure as hell try. He focused on the wolf and contacted him telepathically. Fergus, we need help in Roche’s dreamglide. Now.

Two seconds passed, then Fergus’s sawdust voice broke through. Beam me up.

His choice of words almost made Brannick smile.

The next moment, Fergus arrived, gun in hand. But Roche saw him. “I’ll snap her neck, wolf.”

Brannick knew there was one more thing he could do. Fergus, listen to me. I’m going to use my vampire shield and wrap you up. The moment you determine that Roche has lost track of you, take him out. And remember, what he wants most from this situation is Juliet. He won’t kill her unless he has to. He also has the power to remove the cloak, so it won’t protect you long, but it may give you just enough time to get the job done.

Got it. Aloud, Fergus addressed Roche. “Don’t hurt her. I’ll do whatever you say. Just please don’t hurt Juliet.” For effect, he lowered his gun to the floor.

His placating tone didn’t fool Brannick, but Roche’s shoulders started to ease down. Good. They had a chance.

To Fergus, he said, Here it comes. He then used his vampire cloak and covered Fergus.

“Where the fuck did you go?” Roche added a whole string of obscenities. He waved his hand, but nothing happened to the cloak this time.

At first, Brannick didn’t understand why until he realized the witch’s spell was already breaking up, which meant Fergus could take him down.

Brannick watched Fergus pick the dagger up from the floor, then race toward Roche. He carved a long groove down Roche’s forearm.

Roche screamed. The pain forced him to release Juliet. She lurched sideways, holding her throat, struggling for air.

Roche fell to the floor, grabbing his arm. Fergus didn’t hold back. He kicked Roche’s jaw. Roche flew backward, his head hitting the edge of a cupboard. He sank to the floor.

With Roche unconscious, the spell dissipated and Brannick was finally free. Even the stench had left the space.