"Does that mean that if we don't find it, we can do that again?"
If they didn't find the gadget, she'd remain linked to him, which would almost certainly result in more fabulous sex. "It does."
"And if I do find it?"
She'd be free of the luceria, free of him, able to do as she chose. Whether or not she slept with him again would depend heavily on whether or not he lived to see it happen. "Guess we'll have to play that one by ear."
Chapter Eight
"There," said Viviana, pointing at a truck-size entrance in the limestone rock face. "The disk is in there."
They were outside an industrial complex built inside a system of caves at the edge of Kansas City.
"Are you sure?" asked Neal as he drove into the main entrance.
Inside, truck-size, man-made tunnels looped around a series of businesses—everything from a granite counter-top manufacturer to a wholesale craft-supply company. The rock walls had been painted white, but were dingy from dust and car exhaust.
"I'm sure," she said. "A few yards that way." She pointed to the right. The new leather of the jacket he'd found for her at the Gerai house gleamed in the dim light. Like his own jacket, the one she wore had been imbued with protective magic. Even so, it still wasn't enough protection to make him feel good about her walking into danger.
Neal turned right and pulled into a parking spot indicated by chipped paint. He killed the engine and shifted to face her.
Dim light poured across her cheek, accenting her regal beauty. She was too delicate for what he was asking of her. Too inexperienced. "Maybe you should stay here. You don't need to come with me."
"How will you find the artifact if I don't?"
"I'll manage." Or he'd fail to find it and she'd be tied to him much longer. He didn't really want her to stay with him because of a technicality, but he didn't want to lose her, either. They hadn't been together long enough for him to prove to her that he was a good man, that he'd always take care of her. That he'd always love her.
And he did love her. He loved everything about her. He'd seen pieces of her mind, felt the warmth of her heart. She was brave and selfless and willing to walk into the jaws of danger for him.
How could he not love her?
The amazing part was knowing that if they survived, that love would only grow over time. Such a thought was humbling.
Neal cupped her cheek, loving the smooth warmth of her skin. "you'll be safer here."
"I know what I'm supposed to become—that I'm to use your power to slay the monsters. I never thought you'd be the kind of man to hold me back."
"I'm not. I trust that you'll learn to wield my power; I'm just nervous about your doing so outside of a training environment."
She covered his hand, leaning into his touch. "If I go, we'll find it faster and you can get out faster. If I don't go, I'll be sitting here making myself sick with worry over you and fear that something nasty will slink out of a shadow. I need to do this."
Neal nodded, his respect for her growing. "I understand. I've always felt the calling, too. You're one of us, sweetheart."
He leaned forward and kissed her, savoring the softness of her lips and the sweet taste of her mouth. He could live forever and never get enough of her.
He prayed she'd give him the chance.
Neal pulled back. "We need to go."
"Lead on."
They got out of the truck and headed for an opening that had been cut from the limestone and braced by steel beams. The overhead door had been removed, and based on the way the track was bent beyond use, Neal guessed the door had been ripped away violently. The entrance was blocked by a chain that was draped with a For Lease sign.
Cool air moved over his skin, thanks to the mechanical ventilation system down here.
Behind him were businesses and shops built into the stone. They were all closed at this hour, their parking lots empty and interiors dark. He doubted any of the employees knew they were nestled in among demons.
If he had anything to say about it, he'd take care of their infestation and leave them none the wiser.
He glanced at Viviana. "Stay close. On my left."
"Got it. I do not want to be anywhere near that sword when you start swinging it."
"If things get hairy, you run. Keys are in the truck."
He could see her trembling, but she gave a brave nod. "It won't come to that."
Not while he drew breath, it wouldn't. He didn't think she'd be comforted by that fact, so he kept his mouth shut.
"I heard that thought. You're not going to die. I won't allow it."
He couldn't help but smile. She was cute when she gave orders. "Yes, ma'am."
They passed through the entrance, and the smellof wet animal assaulted his nose. It was dark, so he channeled a few sparks of energy to his eyes, using their link to show Viviana how to do the same.
She pulled in a startled breath. "Amazing."
The floor had once been smooth, but was now cracked and pitted. Abandoned metal racks meant to hold pallet loads of goods leaned precariously against one wall. Crooked light fixtures sagged from electrical conduits along the ceiling. A rusted forklift covered in dust and cobwebs sat to their left, tossed on its side, and the remains of a small office stood behind a cracked glass window.
Whatever had happened here had been unexpected and brutal.
There were two tall doorways leading deeper into the network of caves. "Which one do we take?" asked Neal.
"Right."
Neal headed toward it, listening for sounds of movement. His sword was in one hand, ready to strike at anything that got near her.
"It's close," she said.
A second later, she opened herself up to their connection, and Neal felt what she did. A resonant hum came from beyond the doorway, almost tangible in its intensity. He could practically see the sound waves emanating out from the disk, reverberating with the magic the object housed.
He opened his mouth to tell her how amazing that was when he heard a scuffling noise to their right, inside the room where the gadget was.
Viviana gasped in fear. Neal gripped his sword in both hands and stepped between the noise and her. "Easy," he whispered. "I've got you covered."
Some of the terror streaking through their link abated and he heard her let out a controlled breath. Power flowed out of him, and though he had no idea what she was doing with it, the feeling gave him a sense of pride. Of rightness.
"That's it, sweetheart. Just like that."
A second later, a flurry of motion exploded from the room as four sgath charged.