Dancing with the Devil (Nikki & Michael 1)

"Then you know I loathe you more than I fear you."

The chill in the mad blue depths sent ice splintering down his spine. For an instant he regretted his rash words.

"Bravery must run in your profession,” Jasper said. “As much as I'd love to stay and chat, I must go tend to my traps. But first, a drink is called for, I think."

The fiend lunged at him. Jake scrambled backwards, but talon-like fingers caught his arm, tearing into skin. Jake swore and kicked out. Jasper only laughed. Fear slammed through Jake's entire being, and no amount of fighting against Jasper's hold could stop the journey towards the gleaming white teeth and death.

"Struggle little man. Struggle as hard as you can. I like my meal accompanied by fear." Teeth tore into his neck. Jake screamed as the warm gush of horror plunged him into darkness... Nikki's scream echoed through Michael's soul. He tore her from Jake's mind and lurched forward, catching her as she fell sideways out of the chair.

"Easy, little one. We're safe. You're safe,” he whispered and held her gently, one hand caressing the silky length of her hair.

She shuddered and wrapped her arms around him, holding on as if she'd never let him go. Which was about as far from the truth as you could get. “I'm sorry, Nikki. I should have pulled us out earlier."

"Yes,” she agreed softly.

Lightly linked as they were, he could see the visions running riot in her mind, felt her shudder as she remembered Jasper's teeth tearing into her flesh...

"Jake's memory. Not yours.” It will not happen to you, Nikki. I won't allow it.

"My memories because we were there."

"Hush. It's over."

She sighed into his chest, her breath warm against his skin. “For us. Not for Jake." True. He pulled away from her, though it was the last thing in the world he wanted to do, and held her at arm's length. “If we want to save him, we'll have to move quickly." She sniffed then turned and sifted quickly through the papers of Jake's desk. “There's a map of the area

... here it is."

"Right.” He stood, giving her no time to dwell, no time to fear. “Where are all the tunnels situated?" She frowned, studying the map. “If it was a rail tunnel, there are three.” She pointed them out with a trembling hand.

He ignored the sudden desire to comfort her again. They had no time, nor was it right for him to keep touching her like he cared. “What about old caves? Mine shafts?"

"This section of the mountains is literally littered with old mines. I know a lot of them were filled to stop people falling down them, but there are about a dozen that still remain. Jake could be in any one of them." But Jasper couldn't. The shaft would have to be deep and long to provide the protection he needed.

“The tunnel was wet. We heard drips, remember?

She nodded, chewing her lip thoughtfully. “There are two old mines near the new dam they're building here.” She pointed to an area on the western edge of the map. “I'm pretty sure one of them goes into the mountain rather than down."

He saw her glance at the watch in her hand, saw her fingers twitch against it.

"Is he there, Nikki?"

"I think so,” she whispered. “But I've been wrong before." And it had resulted in death, Michael thought. Too much of her young life had been affected by death, and there wasn't a damn thing he could do about it. But he'd do everything it took to stop Jake dying on her as well.

"We'll need some supplies,” he said.

"Out back."

She stood, but rather than brush past him, took the long way around the desk and walked across to the storeroom. He shook his head and followed her. She'd trusted him with her soul, but still wouldn't trust him with her heart. He wondered if she ever would.

But what in hell would he do if she ever did?

He leaned against the doorway and watched her collect some chocolate and a few cans of soda and throw them in a backpack. She pulled on a heavy coat and turned to face him. Fear was everywhere, in her thoughts and in her eyes.

"Ready?” he said softly.

Ready to dance with the devil himself? Never. Her thought ran through his mind like a frightened gazelle. Her gaze was grim when it met his

"But for Jake I must,” she said softly. “Let's go."