Runes

13. AN OBSESSION

Kate’s wake and funeral service were beautiful. Not that a funeral could ever be deemed a thing of beauty, but her family made it memorable. There were flowers inside and outside the church, colorful balloons, teddy bears, and swim-themed stuff placed near the entrance. A photo montage cycled on the video screens as soft religious tunes played over the speakers. Photos and a photo board were also set up next to Kate’s coffin at the front of the room. The turnout was huge, which made me dread my turn at the podium even more.

The pastor spoke first, followed by various relatives and friends. Doc gave a beautiful eulogy. By the time he was done, there was not a single dry eye. My turn arrived too soon.

Taking a deep breath, I walked to the front.

For one brief moment, everything I had rehearsed flew right out of my head as I studied the audience. What had I gotten myself into? I glanced at the cards in my hand. They had talking points, but I couldn’t focus on a single one. Panicking, I glanced at Eirik. He nodded encouragingly. Cora gave me two thumbs up.

As though on cue, Torin entered the church. He leaned against the back wall and crossed his arms. I hadn’t expected him to attend the funeral even though I’d seen Jess and her friends on the bus. As usual, my heart skipped. He smiled, and the weirdest thing happened. I felt a boost of confidence, like I could conquer the world. The smile didn’t just have the ability to make me weak in the knees. It said he believed in me.

Exhaling, I glanced at the top card. “First, I’d like to offer my condolences to the Hunsaker family,” I read. “It’s not easy losing someone you love. Kate and I first met in junior high when we swam for the Kayville Dolphins. Two years later, we both made varsity as freshmen.” I frowned, hating the way my speech sounded stiff and rehearsed.

I flipped the cards upside down and pushed them aside, then focused my attention somewhere above everyone’s heads—the golden rule of public speaking. Or imagining everyone naked, which would be iffy since Kate’s grandparents were seated right in front of me. Without intending to, my eyes locked with Torin’s.

“I had an entire speech rehearsed and written down, but I’ve decided it’s not good enough. Rehearsed speeches are boring, something Kate wasn’t. Kate was full of surprises. She was the glue that held the swim team together even though some of us didn’t know it.” Warming up to the subject and becoming less nervous, I made eye contact with Kate’s grandparents and talked to them. “You see, in any sport, there’s something the teammates do that makes everyone feel special and part of the group, makes new members feel welcome. We give each other nicknames. We put these special names on kickboards and jackets, flippers and trophies. Parents don’t hear anyone scream their daughters’ and sons’ name at meets. Instead you hear Condor and Slinky, Houdini and Sparkplug…”

Chuckles came from the students. I glanced at them.

“These unique names define us out there in the water during meets. What you may not know…” I made eye contact with Kate’s parents then glanced at the section with the swimmers. “What most of us didn’t know was the identity of the person behind these names. The person who listened, observed, and came up with the perfect nickname for each and every one of us.” I paused for effect. “Kate.”

Excited murmurs came from my friends again. Some turned and looked at each other in surprise.

“The coolest thing is there’s always a story behind whatever she picked. My name is Slinky. I wish it’s because I’m fast or smooth under water. My father bought me a slinky toy, which I’d take to meets to calm my nerves when I was with the Dolphins. Kate remembered.” My eyes smarted as thoughts of my father intruded. I swallowed and pushed them aside. I pointed at Marj. “Marj is Zoomer because it took her forever to master the use of her Finis Zoomer fins. Randy over there,” I pointed at another swimmer, “is Stoner. He acts high after practice because chlorine messes with his head.”

Giggles came from the students.

My gaze met with Jimmy Baines. “Jimmy is Condor because he has the perfect form when he swims butterfly, like a condor. Coach Fletcher is Doc because he’s been working on his PhD, like…”

“Forever?” someone yelled from the audience, and laughter followed.

“And Kate was Shelly, because she was quiet and shy until she was in the pool. Then she crawled out of her shell and shined like the star she was. I can list more things that made Kate special. From setting records in her freshman year to how she was always the first one in the pool and the last one out, but it won’t take away the pain of losing her, of knowing…” My voice shook, and tears filled my eyes, thoughts of my father returning and blindsiding me. I cleared my throat and blinked rapidly to stop the tears from falling. “The heartache of knowing that someone you love has been taken from you so suddenly, that you’ll never see him… her…”

More images of my father flashed through my head, and the floodgate opened. The harder I tried to stop crying, the faster the tears flowed. Through the haze, I saw two people move toward the stage. The next minute Eirik and Cora flanked me.

While Eirik finished my speech, Cora led me outside to the church’s stoop. She held me while I cried. She mumbled something over and over, but I didn’t hear her. The tears kept flowing. Kate’s parents had no idea how lucky they were to have closure. Not knowing whether my father was alive or dead just made everything worse.

A second thought crept in. I’d broken down in front of everyone. That was beyond humiliating. The thought of riding the bus to the cemetery then to school with them only made me feel worse.

“I wish we could leave before the others come out,” I whispered.

“I can give you a ride home,” Torin said from behind me.

I wasn’t sure I should. “We still have to go to the cemetery.”

“Go with him, Raine,” Cora urged. “Everyone will understand.”

I hugged Cora and started toward Torin’s bike. We didn’t speak during the brief walk. He wiped some of the wetness from my cheeks before snapping the helmet into place, his expression filled with concern. More tears threatened to fall. I hated it when people pitied me. It was as though their pity made things seem worse.

Needing his warmth, I wrapped my arms around him and closed my eyes, for once not stressing about holding him. As though he knew it, he gripped my hands before starting the engine. When we got home, he walked me to the door, his hand reassuring on my arm.

“Thanks for the ride,” I said.

“Anytime. If you want to talk, I’m a good listener,” he said softly.

I did want to talk. “Okay. Come inside.”

Mom was gone, but she’d left the TV on. I switched it off, removed my coat, and draped it on the back of a dining room chair. I glanced at Torin. “Would you like something to drink?”

He shook his head and waited until I got bottled water and sat on a stool before he did, his eyes not leaving me. “I wish you wouldn’t stare at me like that,” I whispered.

“Sorry.” He still didn’t look away. “You miss him, don’t you?”

“What?”

“Your father.”

I blinked. “Yes. How did you know?”

“Something you said in your speech. The tears and the pain I see in your eyes are more personal.”

I stared at him, amazed at how well he could read me.

“Tell me about him.”

I remembered what he’d said last night about knowing those he recruited. “But you already know about him.”

“All I know is that he was flying home from a business trip when his plane crashed. It’s been months, and they still haven’t found his body.”

“The last time we spoke, he was at the airport,” I started, but soon I was talking about my childhood, the things we used to do, places we went as a family, the way he was always there for me. I talked until my voice was hoarse. “Mom believes he’s alive,” I whispered. “But I’m scared she’s deluding herself, maybe losing it.”

“Why do you say that?”

“She talks to herself. I mean, she stands in front of that,” I waved toward the living room mirror, “and pretends she’s talking to him. I can’t afford to lose her, too. She’s all I have.” I didn’t realize I was crying until Torin reached out and wiped the tears from my cheeks. I swiped at my cheeks, too. “I’m sorry. I don’t usually break down like this.”

“Don’t apologize.” He tugged me into his arm. “Cry all you want. I’m here for you for as long as you want me.”

Needing the comfort, I clung to him. I was surprised I had tears left. When he leaned back and ran his knuckles along my cheekbones, drying the wetness, his touch was so gentle. My heart picked up tempo, and I struggled to breathe.

“Freckles,” he said softly, his voice low and urgent. “Look at me.”

I looked up and immediately wished I hadn’t. Blue flamed flickered in the depth of his eyes, their intensity taking my breath away.

“You feel it, don’t you?” he said. “This thing between us.”

‘Thing’ didn’t begin to describe how I felt about him. He was an obsession, a craving. I had Eirik whom I’d loved since we were children, and that wasn’t about to change. But Torin affected me in ways I couldn’t begin to describe. I was miserable without him, yet when with him my emotions were all over the place. He made me mad one minute and euphoric the next.

“I, uh, I need to wash up.” I moved out of his arms and went to the downstairs bathroom. I couldn’t look at myself in the mirror without feeling like a fraud. How could I love Eirik and want Torin? It didn’t make sense.

Taking a deep breath, I left the bathroom. Torin stood in front of the mirror in the living room, the same one Mom often talked to. He turned and smiled, but the smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Feeling better?”

“Yeah, thanks.”

He closed the gap between us. “Could you do me a favor?”

I nodded warily. “Sure.”

“Give your mother the benefit of the doubt when it comes to your father.”

“What do you mean? Do you know something you’re not telling me?”

“True love transcends logic, Freckles. It’s a blending of minds and souls.” He stared into my eyes, and at that moment I knew he could see right through my bullshit to what I really felt for him. “It makes us feel and see things in ways that normal people don’t. You don’t question it or try to understand it. You just accept it for the gift it is. So if she believes he’s still alive, give her the benefit of the doubt.”

“Okay.”

“Good. I, uh, better go. I have guests.” He ran his knuckles along the side of my face then headed out the door.

I ran to the window, expecting to see Jess and her friends. Instead, a furniture truck was backing into his driveway. Cora and Eirik arrived while the people were still carrying huge boxes into Torin’s house.

“You okay?” Eirik asked. I nodded, but we didn’t discuss my breakdown. “Come on. I’ll buy you two ladies lunch,” he said, placing one arm around Cora’s shoulder and the other around me.

“Does that mean you’re going shopping with us, too?” Cora asked.

Eirik laughed. “In your dreams.”

***

“Come out and give me your honest opinion,” Cora called out.

I poked my head out of the changing room and studied her. She preened in front of the three panel mirror at the corner, turning left and right, the pink dress frothing around her knees. “I love it, but it’s a bit tight across the chest.”

“I know.” She tugged at the neckline. “I love the color, though. Did I mention that Keith came to my place last night and asked me to the dance?”

“No, you didn’t. So we’ll go together?”

“Absolutely. He had a surprise for me, too. He’s made the final list for Homecoming King.”

With everything going on in my life, I had completely forgotten the tradition my school took so seriously. “That’s great. With everything he does, he might beat Blaine hands down. It would be nice to have a king who wasn’t a quarterback.”

“I know. Go try the green dress. I want to see how you look.”

I disappeared inside the changing room and slipped on the emerald-green dress. I studied my reflection and grinned. I loved it even though I was worried about the back. It had a plunging neckline, which meant I’d have to wear it without a bra. Also, it was way above my budget.

“Well?” Cora called out.

“It’s cute,” I said.

“Cute? Your first Homecoming Dance deserves a dress that’s more than cute. I want to see it.”

Rolling my eyes, I stepped out of the changing room, but she was still in her changing room. I walked to the mirror she’d been using before and studied my back.

“You look stunning.”

I whipped around, my heart skipping. Torin leaned against the wall, a heated look in his sapphire eyes. “What are you doing here?”

“Looking for you.” His eyes ran along my shoulders, left bare by the thin straps, a wicked smile curling his lips. My body reacted as though he’d reached out and touched me. He pushed against the wall and moved closer. My heartbeat picked up tempo. “Following your essence hasn’t been easy. You’ve been all over the mall.”

“My essence?”

“Yes, your essence. Andris is back, so I thought I’d give you a heads up.”

“Where was he?”

“He took a friend home.” His voice deepened with each word as he continued. “You take my breath away, Freckles. You always have, but in that dress... I want to claim you and to Hel with the consequences.”

His voice washed over, and the adoring look in his eyes held me spellbound. He came and stood in front of me, his eyes locked with mine. “The color adds green flecks to your eyes, and the material,” he leaned back and gave me a once over, “hugs your lush curves in just the right places.”

I swallowed, my face burning. I wanted to say something witty, but my mind had gone blank, and my tongue stayed glued to the roof of my mouth. His hands rested on my hips and slowly pulled me closer until our bodies touched. I quit breathing all together.

“If you were mine,” he whispered, “we’d have a private dance for just the two of us before I shared you with the world.” Suddenly, runes appeared on his cheeks and forehead.

“Who are you talking to?” Cora asked from behind me. She’d stuck her head out of the changing room. Torin’s hands dropped from my waist, but he didn’t move away.

“I, uh, I was talking to myself,” I stammered.

“How could you say that is cute? You look fabulous,” Cora gushed. “Turn around.”

I turned, aware of Torin watching my every move, his eyes gleaming. He reached out and ran a finger down my back. Heat shot up my spine, and my knees nearly gave away. But he was there, tugging me against him so my back rested against his chest. He was tormenting me whether he knew it or not, and worse, I couldn’t scold him without looking and sounding like a lunatic.

“You okay?” Cora asked. “You just stumbled.”

I blinked. “I did? I must be more tired than I thought.”

“Then let’s finish here. Oh, and you’re buying that dress or I’m never shopping with you ever,” Cora threatened, moving closer to the mirror to study her own reflection.

“I’ll shop with you,” Torin whispered. “You can buy anything you want.” He dropped his head and kissed my shoulder. I trembled, shocked by his boldness and the sensations rocking my body. He was seducing me right in front of Cora. Worse, I didn’t want him to stop. His lips moved along my neck. I moaned and closed my eyes, tilting my neck to give him better access.

“What are you doing?” Cora asked, studying me through the mirror.

My eyes snapped open. “I’m, uh, imagining I’m dancing in this dress,” I said in a squeaky voice then tried to put some distance between me and Torin, but he wasn’t ready to let me go. “I’d love to buy it, but it’s outside my price range.”

“Charge it,” Cora said. “Your mother gave you a credit card, didn’t she?”

“No, just the debit,” I corrected her.

“I have money, Freckles. Plenty of it. I’ll buy it for you,” Torin offered, his voice seductive and hypnotic. “You can wear it just for me.”

“Okay, I’ll buy it,” I said, answering both of them. Torin chuckled and stepped back from me, while Cora grinned as though she’d won the argument. If only she knew.

I ran into the changing room, expecting Torin to follow. He was so bold I wouldn’t be surprised if he did. I wanted him to. I could still feel his lips on my skin. A delicious shiver shot up my spine.

“You didn’t tell me what you thought of my dress,” Cora called out.

“I’ll be out in a second.” By the time I pulled on my jeans and stepped out, I was calmer and Torin was gone. Disappointed, I studied Cora’s outfit. “It’s nice, but I like the blue one better.”

“Me, too,” she said. She disappeared inside her changing room. “Be out in a second.”

We paid for our purchases and headed home. Marj, Catie, and Jeannette, the three girls who’d helped Eirik and Cora with my birthday party, were getting groceries from an SUV outside Torin’s house. They saw us and waved.

Marj walked over, her curly hair rolled up in a bun. As I studied her, she looked more and more like the nurse at the hospital. It was spooky. I shivered a bit.

“We didn’t know you and Torin were neighbors,” Marj said.

“I’m not, Raine is,” Cora said. “What are you guys doing?”

“Helping Torin. He’s gone all out, and his place is amazing. Are you guys coming over to help?”

“I will,” Cora said. She glanced at me and cocked her brow.

I shook my head, just as Torin stepped out of his house. Our eyes met and heat sizzled between us, my senses remembering the incident at the mall. He grinned as though he’d read my thoughts. Cora, oblivious to the undercurrent, walked over to chat with him.

“I guess we’ll see you tonight,” Marj said.

“Sure. Uh, Marj? Are you by any chance related to the Guillaumes? I met a nurse at the hospital by the name of Gabrielle, and you two could be sisters.”

She blinked. “Yeah, uh, we’re cousins,” she said, laughing. “But I look nothing like her. See you later.”

As I watched her go, I wished I had agreed to help with the party just so I could ask her about her cousin and aunt. On the other hand, one second in Torin’s presence and they’d all know how I felt about him.

Sitting on the window seat, I started on something I had put off since our visit to the hospital. I pulled out the phone book and tried to track down the other two nurses.

Mullin was a common local name and yet I still couldn’t find a Sally Mullin or anyone who’d known her. Kayla Jemison wasn’t even listed.

***

“Have fun,” Mom called out hours later.

Even though she smiled at the three of us—Cora, Eirik, and me—I knew she was talking to me. My heart picked up tempo the closer we got to Torin’s. Along with the excitement was worry. What if Jess was there and she saw me staring at Torin like a love-struck idiot? I wasn’t even sure what I felt for him was love. All I knew was that I wanted him. Needed him. He made feel alive, special.

Some students lounged on the front porch while others were in the backyard, plastic cups in their hands. The thrumming music didn’t seem loud, until we entered the house. Sketches of runes in neon ink ran across the walls. Maybe they had something to do with the dampening effect of the music.

I searched for Torin among the dancers in the living room, but didn’t see him. Jess wasn’t around either. Were they making out somewhere? I had no idea where the thought had come from, but it made me sick.

Pushing aside the thought of the two of them together, I looked around. Instead of the single couch I’d seen before, several lined the wall. A band played on the large flat-screen TV above the fireplace, giving the illusion of a live show. For someone who didn’t like technology, he’d sure gone all out on the latest gadgets.

Loud laughter drew us to the kitchen. The L-shaped kitchen counter and the island had chips and dips, crackers and cheese, and pitchers of drinks. Some students sat on the stairs leading to the second floor. Others were crowded in the family room across from the kitchen, watching a four-player game on another large-screen TV.

“Happy you could make it, guys,” Torin said from behind us, and we turned. Jess clung to his arm like a leech.

“We won’t stay for long,” Eirik said, his arm tightening around my shoulders.

“Then help yourselves to anything and have fun.” His gaze lingered on my face, or maybe it was just my imagination.

“I hope you don’t mind, Jess, but Torin promised me a dance.” Cora grabbed his hand and tugged until Jess let him go. She pulled him toward the living room.

Jess stared after them, then turned and faced us. Her friends, Danielle, Savanna, and Vera stood behind her like courtly entourage.

“Hi, Eirik,” Danielle said sweetly.

“Danielle. Excuse us, girls.” He started to lead me way.

“That was a beautiful eulogy, Raine,” Jess said.

I stiffened. A compliment from Jess? I didn’t think so. She was buttering me up for something. “Thanks. It was a group effort.”

“Group effort?” she asked, her eyebrow lifted.

“She means we worked on it together, Jess,” Eirik said in a hard voice. “Excuse us.” He started forward, forcing Jess and the other two girls to move aside. Danielle wasn’t easily intimidated, even though she was petite.

“Dance with me, Eirik,” Danielle said, wrapping her hands around his other arm, completely ignoring me.

Eirik freed his arm from hers. “Maybe next time. Right now, I need to dance with my girlfriend.” He shuddered as we walked away. “Piranhas. How can Torin stand them?”

I had no response for him. Coming to Torin’s party had been a terrible idea. This afternoon he had looked at me like I meant everything to him, and now he was with Jess. My chest hurt just thinking about them together. I wanted to go home and cry my eyes out. The problem was if I left, Eirik would want to know why.

Determined to act normal, I smiled and pretended everything was okay. We got drinks, nibbled on cheese, and mingled. The turnout was huge, and from the animated faces, everyone appeared to be having fun. I was miserable.

I focused on the house, noting the changes from before when Eirik’s family had lived here. The old den was now a mini-gym with weight racks, several machines, and a workout bench. A few guys were messing around with dumbbells. Upstairs, two doors were locked. One led to Eirik’s parents’ old bedroom. The other was Eirik’s old bedroom, now Torin’s. The other rooms were empty, but not for long. Students had a way of finding all the cool niches to make-out.

Back downstairs, some of the guys dragged Eirik to the video game. He gave me a helpless look, and I found myself smiling.

“I’ll be fine,” I reassured him and headed outside where Marj and a group of people sat on the trampoline. Eirik’s parents had gotten rid of the jungle gym when he became too old to use it, but left the trampoline alone.

Intent on attracting Marj’s attention, I didn’t see Jess and her friends until I stepped on the back porch. “All alone?” Danielle asked. “Did Eirik desert you?”

I ignored them and tried to walk around them, but they blocked my path.

“I guess it’s just you and us now,” Jess said.

“What do you want, Jess?” I asked, injecting as much venom as I could in the single question. I wasn’t scared of her or her friends.

“Stop ogling her boyfriend,” Vera snarled.

I blinked. “Excuse me?”

“You don’t think we haven’t noticed the way you’re always staring at Torin?” Danielle added. “You already have Eirik.”

“As for the fake tears in church today, we saw right through them. You wanted him to feel sorry for you and take you home,” Jess said. “You’re so pathetic.”

“Actually, you three are the pathetic ones,” a familiar voice intruded. I looked over Danielle’s shoulder at Andris, his silver hair spiked, brown eyes twinkling. He winked at me. “Hey, sweetheart. Miss me?”

“No.” For the first time since we’d met, I was actually happy to see him, not that I’d let him know it. He sat on the porch rail with his back against a pole, legs crossed and a bottle of a clear liquid in his hand.

“Who are you?” Jess asked.

“Get lost,” Andris said rudely, then waved me over and patted the rail. “Join me, Raine.”

I slid past the three girls and moved to his side. “Don’t call me sweetheart.”

“I rescue you from these…” he studied Jess and her friends and dismissed them with an eye roll, “and you’re giving me attitude?”

“I didn’t need rescuing,” I said.

“You can’t talk to me like that,” Jess snarled at the same time. “This is my boyfriend’s house.”

“Boyfriend?” Andris laughed. “Not only are you stupid, you’re delusional. One word from me and St. James will throw your sorry ass out of here. Now beat it and take your groupies with you.” He dismissed them again with a flicker of his hand.

“Oh, we’ll see who gets thrown out,” Jess said peevishly and stomped away. Her friends followed.

Andris focused on me and smirked. “Did you miss me even a little bit?”

I ignored the question. “Where’s Maliina?”

“Home on a timeout. She’s been a very naughty girl.”

That was an understatement. “You can’t put her on a timeout. She’s not a child.”

“No, she’s not, and I’m crazy about her. However, I had a lot of explaining and groveling to do because of her. That’s why I was gone for so long, just in case you’re wondering. Want a sip?” He offered me his drink.

I wrinkled my nose. “No, thanks. If you’re crazy about her, why don’t you show her? She only acts out because she needs reassurance that you love her.”

“I know, but when you’ve been together for a couple of centuries, you do what you can to spice things up. A little jealousy goes a long way, and the makeup sex is amazing.” He wiggled his brow.

My face heated. “That’s a stupid reason to chase Mortals.”

“I pretend to chase Mortals, except in your case. You’re special.”

“Yeah. Right.”

“That’s him,” Jess said from the doorway and pointed at Andris. Torin stepped on the porch behind Jess, followed by Vera, Savanna, and Danielle. Torin’s gaze swung from me to Andris, his eyes narrowing.

“What are you doing here?” Torin asked. He sounded too calm.

“Doing your job, big brother. I rescued Raine from your… whatever they are.” Andris studied Jess and her friends and made a face. “They ganged up on her, the skanks,” he added with mock outrage.

Skanks? I almost laughed, until I saw Torin’s expression. He looked thunderous as his eyes shifted from me to Jess. “You did what?”

Jess blinked. “I, uh…”

“Come with me,” he snapped.

Jess frowned, confusion on her face, and she followed him.

Andris snorted. “She’s like a puppy, isn’t she? Run along,” he added to the other three girls. As they turned and scurried away, I almost felt sorry for them.

“Are you always this rude to people you plan to recruit?”

“Absolutely. I don’t like Mortals, especially those not on my list.” He sipped his drink. “No, that’s not true. I prefer them,” he hopped down, leaned toward me, and whispered, “dead.” He laughed, bathing my face with alcoholic fumes. I leaned back. “You should see your face. Classic. Later, sweetheart.” He entered the house, still chuckling.

He was nuts, just like Maliina. I had no idea how I fit in their grand scheme of things, but I was done with this party. I went in search of Eirik, but he was busy playing whatever game they had on the screen. The crowd watching had grown larger and louder. Not sure whether to leave without telling him or not, I paused behind the couch. Then my heart tripped as I felt Torin’s presence. It was as though I was wired to sense him or something.

“Dance with me,” he whispered, his breath brushing my ear.

I swallowed. “Where’s Jess?”

“She doesn’t matter. You do.”

I wanted to believe him, wanted to look into his eyes and see if he meant it. It was impossible to explain how he’d come to mean so much to me so fast. “You marked her with de-skanking runes?”

He chuckled. “She and I have an understanding now.”

The back of his hand brushed against mine, and I sucked in a breath. For a moment he traced squiggles on the back of my hand, his caress light and hypnotic.

I closed my eyes, savoring his touch. He shifted, the tips of his fingers running up and down my palm, inviting me to play with him. Heart pounding, I went for it. Fingers caressed my palm. It was the most erotic foreplay ever. He gently stroked my arm, and I trembled. He wasn’t playing fair. Finally, he looped his pinky around mine. Since we stood so close with the back of the couch in front of us, I hoped no one could tell we were touching.

“Don’t just stand there watching them,” Cora said, coming to stand beside me. She fanned her face. “Go dance.”

I yanked my hand from Torin’s and turned to face her. “I don’t mind.”

“Really? What’s the game about?” she challenged and cocked her brow.

I stared blankly at her. “I don’t know, but Eirik seems to enjoy it and I don’t want to pull him away.”

“You don’t have to dance with him.” She grabbed Torin’s arm. “Dance with Torin.”

Cora could be so bossy sometimes. I glanced at Torin and found him trying hard not to laugh. Once again, they were ganging up on me without knowing it. I wanted to go with him. Eirik was into the video game and wouldn’t miss me. Besides, it was just a dance. No need to feel guilty.

I led the way to the living room. As though on cue, the music changed to a slow tune. The dancers on the floor went with the flow. I hesitated. Torin didn’t give me a chance to escape. He took my hands and placed them on his shoulders.

“Did you change the music?” I asked.

“What do you think?” He flashed a wicked grin, looped his arm around my waist, and pulled me closer.

If it were possible to melt, I’d be a pool of goo on the floor. Time lost meaning. Wrong and right ceased to matter. The twig of guilt at leaving Eirik disappeared. We moved even closer, my check resting on Torin’s chest.

“Let’s get out of here,” he said, his voice husky.

I didn’t say yes, but neither did I say no. The music was still playing when he maneuvered us to the side door leading to the garage, opened it, and closed the door behind us. The lights turned on automatically. I looked around. His Harley looked majestic in the middle of the garage.

“Alone at last,” he said.

“What are we doing in here?” I asked, walking toward his bike.

“Escaping the noise. Techno music is just not my thing.”

I laughed and glanced his way. He watched me with a naughty gleam in his eyes. I swallowed, trying to focus on our conversation. “Then why play it.”

“This generation seems to enjoy it, and faking interest in the same music creates trust.” He followed me, his gait slow like a predator stalking its prey.

“So, it is important to gain our trust?”

He shrugged. “Not really, but it makes my work easier.”

“You still won’t tell me why you need to recruit athletes?”

A pained expression crossed his handsome face. “I can’t.”

Andris had hinted Jess and her friends weren’t on his list. “Do you have a list of recruits?”

He laughed. “No.”

“Will I be on yours?”

A look of utter horror crossed his face. “No way.”

His reaction hurt. “Why not? Am I not good enough?”

He shook his head, a lock of hair falling over his forehead. He pushed it back, and I could tell he hated discussing his work. “That’s not it.”

“Maybe I’m on Andris’ list.”

“He wouldn’t dare without telling me,” Torin ground out.

Silence followed. I might not know why they were after the swim team, but his attitude sucked. “I should go back inside,” I said weakly, though I didn’t make a move to leave. “Eirik’s probably looking for me.”

“Don’t go,” he said softly, walking around the Harley. He stood behind me, bringing his intoxicating warmth. “I didn’t bring you in here to talk about my work.”

“Why then?”

“I wanted us to be alone.”

I released a shaky breath. “I saw you earlier.”

“It wasn’t enough. Call me greedy, but I need more.” He ran his knuckles up and down my arm. I shivered. His hands rested on my hips. Then he lowered his head and pressed his face into my hair. “I didn’t expect you when I came here, Freckles. This was supposed to be a routine job, yet now it’s much more.”

I leaned against him, wanting to ease the pain in his voice even though I didn’t know how. “But I’m with Eirik.”

“He’s not right for you.” His voice was low, intense.

“I’ve known him all my life. He understands me.”

“Does he make you tremble with a touch?” He ran the tips of his fingers up my bare arm, his touch feather light, yet it lit a fire inside me. I closed my eyes, my entire body trembling. He lifted hair from my neck, lowered his head, and pressed a kiss on my exposed neck. Warmth pulsed through me. “Is he the first person you think about when you wake up in the morning and the last one you think about before you fall asleep?”

Torin was the one I thought about every night and every morning. I opened my mouth to tell him he was the one. That he was all I’d ever wanted in a guy, but I couldn’t speak.

“Do you know what I want to do to him every time I see him touch you? Every time he kisses you? I want to rip his head off.” He turned me around and brought me against him.

I looked into his beautiful sapphire eyes and found myself drowning, melting. He traced my jaw line then my lips with his finger. Unparalleled craving rocked through me, and I grabbed a handful of his shirt to keep from falling. He lowered his head, and I stopped breathing. All my senses focused on him.

Then our lips met.

A tingling started on my lips and skidded under my skin. His teeth nipped my lip, and I gasped, giving him access to my mouth. He gently soothed the bite with his tongue then slipped past my lips to find my tongue. The first taste of him and my world exploded. I ceased to exist. I became part of something bigger, better, and brighter.

He groaned and deepened the kiss, his arm tightening around me and pulling me closer. I let go of his shirt, reached up, and cupped his face, holding him in place. This was what I had craved ever since he stopped outside my house, this feeling of completeness. He let go of my mouth long enough to rain kisses all over my face and down my neck, but I wasn’t ready to let him go. I grabbed his head and brought his mouth back to mine, my head spinning, my entire body on the verge of something I didn’t understand.

He tore his mouth from mine and looked at me with burning eyes, his breathing heavy. I loved that he was affected by the kiss.

“You are mine, Freckles,” he vowed.

A chuckle filled the room. “This is very entertaining—”

Torin growled. “Get lost, Andris.”

“I plan to, big brother, but her love-struck boyfriend will be here any second. He’s looking for her and getting frantic.”

I stared at Torin in horror. Eirik. What was I going to do? “I have to talk to him.”

“No. We’ll talk to him together.”

I shook my head. “No. I have to do it alone.”

“I agree with her,” Andris butted in again. “Duty calls, big brother.”

Blue ice flashed in Torin’s eyes, but he ignored Andris. “Freckles—”

“This whole place is about to go ka-boom, Torin,” Andris cut in.

“What?” Torin glared at Andris, his arm tightening around me.

“What do you mean ka-boom?” I asked, my senses still humming from the kiss, but reality returning like a splash of cold water.

“Maliina is here, and she’s on the war path. I think she broke a gas pipe or something. You might not smell it in here, but inside reeks of it. I thought you’d want to know.”

Torin cursed. “You said you bound her with runes.”

Andris shrugged. “Ingrid must have released her. Don’t worry. I’ll find her and take her home.”

“Like Hel you will,” Torin snapped, runes appearing on his body, their glow visible through his dark clothes. “I’ll deal with her myself. Take Raine to safety.”

“No, I have to warn my friends,” I protested.

“Let her,” Andris added. “Why do we have to do everything by the book? Mortals and Immortals working together sounds great.”

One second Torin was beside me, the next his hand was wrapped around Andris’ neck. “I’m entrusting you with her life, little brother. Anything happens to her and your life is mine for eternity. Get it?”

Andris nodded, but a huge grin settled on his face.

“Good. Now get her out of here.” The runes glowed brighter, and Torin went through the door.

I ran after him, fear making my insides shaky. I reached for the door knob. I had to find the others. If anything happened to Cora or Eirik…

Andris grabbed my wrist before my hand closed on the knob. “Where do you think you’re going, sweetheart?”

I yanked my arm. “Let go, you psycho. I have to find my friends.”

“No, you don’t.” He wrapped his arms around my mid-section and lifted me toward the side door leading out of the garage. I kicked and struggled, but he just laughed. “One thing you’re going to learn is that St. James is like a one-man army.”

“I know this house,” I snapped, still trying to break free. “I know where some of the people are making out. He’ll need our help to get everyone out.”

For a brief moment, I thought Andris would disobey Torin when he put me down. I turned, and he snugged me, slung me on his shoulder like I was a sack of potatoes, and left the garage. I hit his back, kicked. Cool night air slapped my heated cheeks as he moved away from Torin’s house so fast everything was blurry. “Put me down.”

He did, but didn’t let go of me. We were under my tree.

“Do you know how big this is?” he asked.

I ignored him, studying the students pouring out of Torin’s house and trying to find Cora and Eirik.

“He trusted me with the most important thing in his life,” Andris added.

Seriously? He was the most self-absorbed guy I’d ever met. “This is not about you, Andris. Your girlfriend is about to kill my friends and for what?”

“For thinking you can take him from me,” Maliina snarled, and the next thing I knew I was airborne. Arms flailing, I tried to find something to grab onto. I found nothing but air. My head slammed against the wall. Stars exploded behind my eyes, and spears of white pain shot across my skull.

Disoriented, I struggled to keep my eyes open and move away from her. She landed on my chest with so much force I nearly blacked out. Air whooshed from my lungs like they were popped balloons. Pain radiated across my chest. I tried to breathe but couldn’t. It hurt too much.

Through a haze of pain, I saw Andris and Ingrid struggling. Then Maliina’s rage-twisted face blocked them from my line of vision. Her fingers, spread like claws, moved toward my face. I tried to raise my arms to block her, but she’d trapped them with her thighs.

She was about to finish me. I couldn’t even fight back because every movement sent sharp pain across my chest and lungs. One second I was struggling to stay alive, the next someone yanked her from me and sent her flying.