“No. She’d be-spelled the entire area.” Connor told him about the wind that kept hitting him and knocking him out of stride.
Vaughn scrubbed his fingers through his thick, short black hair. “I’ve called in a couple of our men. They’ll be here in a few and we’ll take care of this mess.” He offered a half-smile. “You need some healing time, my friend, because you shoul
d see your face.”
Connor could only guess since it was swollen all to hell. “No doubt. But could you do one thing for me?”
“Sure.”
“My weapons are on the bridge.”
“I’ll be right back.” Vaughn launched into the air and returned half-a-minute later with the Glock and the short sword in hand.
Because Connor had Iris in his arms, Vaughn slid the Glock back into its holster, then carefully returned the sword to its sheath.
Connor thanked him and exchanged one last dip of his chin, then rose in the air and headed south toward Elegance.
~ ~ ~
When Iris woke up, she was in Connor’s arms and flying. Evan hadn’t killed her after all. She didn’t think he was physically able to at the end. He’d been losing blood and strength.
Her attention, however, hadn’t been focused on him, but rather on the series of blows Connor had taken to his face by the vampire sitting on his chest.
She couldn’t believe the moment when Connor had touched her mind. She’d told him the only thing she could think of, that he should try and engage her killing power.
And he had!
A miracle was going on between them and it was beyond her comprehension. She released a heavy sigh.
And suddenly, his thoughts were there, inside her mind again. How are you feeling?
It seemed like such a simple thing to respond with telepathy. Better thanks. Are you okay?
I will be once the swelling goes down and I get rid of this headache.
Evan didn’t cut you, then? When he had you on the bridge?
No. He had other plans. He wanted me to watch those vampires rape you.
He’s insane.
I’d have to agree.
But you hurt him. Do you think it’s possible he died?
Connor didn’t respond right away. I don’t know. That witch has a lot of power.
She sighed once more.
We’re almost home.
She couldn’t help but smile that he said ‘we’. She loved it. However, she was worn out from the stress of battling the vampires and not knowing when and where either Evan or the witch would strike. She was intensely relieved, however, that they’d made it out alive.
She rubbed his chest and his shoulder. Aloud, she said, “I’m glad you’re okay.”
He began to slow and the next thing she knew he was descending into her garden. He sat against the tree as he’d done before. Only this time, she could feel him embracing the healing of her sissoo, her shrubs and her plants almost as fully as she was.
Glancing up at him, she saw that he leaned his head against the trunk and his eyes were closed. She watched as the swelling began to dissipate quickly.