The Emerald Key Read Online Free PDF Page B

she didn’t remember Greg ever mentioning someone named Nic. But then, he didn’t talk about his time in the military much.
    “Dori? We’re here,” Nic called.
    Dori came out from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel. Cass envied her homey looks and easy style. Dori, the ultimate domestic goddess, could probably give Martha Stewart a run for her money if she ever decided to go pro. She had a cap of dark curls and dark eyes. Two inches shorter and heavier than Cass, they looked nothing alike. They also had absolutely nothing in common, but had hit it off immediately upon meeting in elementary school, a friendship that lasted longer than many marriages. It probably helped that Dori’s guardian, her grandmother Alma, was a good friend of Minerva’s and Minerva served as Dori’s godmother. They often got together for dinners, holidays, and even vacations.
    “Hope you’re both hungry,” Dori said. “Pasta with sautéed mushrooms, asparagus and prosciutto—ready in ten minutes. Cass, you can put your stuff in the spare bedroom.”
    “Where’s Nic sleeping?” Cass asked. Greg and Dori’s place comprised half of a duplex, a small ranch without a lot of extra room. They had three bedrooms, but one had been converted into an office for Greg.
    “Downtown at the Inn. We couldn’t convince him to stay here,” Dori said.
    “I didn’t want to be a bother.”
    “Too late. Cass, you get settled, then come on out. Nic, Greg says you toss a mean salad.”
    Cass unpacked her few things and laid her travel altar out on the nightstand. She grasped her necklace. “Spirits who watch over me, please protect me from this malice that follows me.”
    She suppressed a shudder as she passed by the window. Gathering her courage, she pushed aside the curtain and stared out at the night. A figure stood in the empty field behind the house in the shadows of a tree so she couldn’t see him clearly. But somehow she knew he’d been her strange customer from earlier.
    * * * *
    William followed Cassandra and the new man to a small house and stood outside. She watched him. He could feel her. They had a connection. She belonged to him. He’d had her before in another lifetime and he’d have her again. He closed his eyes and imagined her with him, touching her, using her.
    In all his life, he’d never met another like her. She was like a drug, empowering and wonderful. Her defiance enhanced the sensations. In his mind, William touched her body again, feeling her heart beating faster as she fought him. He could sense the power in her, untrained and raw. She needed someone to take her in hand and teach her. Why the old witch hadn’t, he didn’t know, but he thanked her. He would gladly accept the task of teaching his chosen one. He would take her body first, then train her mind and teach her to use her power for both their benefits. Under his guidance, she would kill the others and absorb their energies.
    Then he would bestow the ultimate honor on her and sacrifice her as he’d done before. But this time would be so much better. This time, with his training, she would welcome her death. Welcome him as he brought the knife down. Smile as he carved out her beating heart. She would give herself to him in all ways and blend her powers with his, making him unstoppable. He increased his concentration on her, sending waves of his passion to her, smiling when she continued to fight. Theirs would be a glorious union.
    First, the witch. Then the Protector. Then her. With her under his control, the others would willingly follow. He moved his hands as though stroking her, stoking his own smoldering fire. The excitement threatened to overwhelm him. With effort, he calmed himself. He grasped his signet and willed the shadows to disguise him. He staggered as he slipped away. His energy was low. He needed to recharge, and soon.
    William returned to the hotel room. The other woman lay there, lounging on the bed, like a wanton slut. He didn’t even