“What king?”
“The black giant. And I don’t like working with witches.”
“Really?” She drew out the word as she leaned toward him. “They burned your kind just as hot as mine. We’re kissing cousins, Merlin. And you need me.”
“It may be that I do. The goddess didn’t say I had to like it, did she? I have to know your strengths and your weaknesses.”
“Fair enough,” she said with a nod. “And I have to know yours. I already know you couldn’t heal a lame horse.”
“That’s false.” And this time insult edged his voice. “It happens I was wounded, and unable to—”
“Mend a couple of broken ribs and a gash on your own palm. So, you won’t be in charge of injuries if and when we manage to build this army.”
“It’s welcome you are to the task,” he snapped. “And building the army is what we’ll do. It’s my destiny.”
“Let’s hope it’s my destiny to get home in one piece.” She signed the check, picked up her purse.
“Where are you going?”
“Home. I have a lot to do.”
“That’s not the way. We must stay together now. She knows you, Glenna Ward. She knows all of us. It’s safer we are, and stronger together.”
“That may be, but I need things from my home. I have a lot to do.”
“They’re night creatures. You’ll wait until sunrise.”
“Orders already?” She tried for flip, but the image of what had circled her in the subway came to her, very clearly.
Now he gripped her hand, held her in her seat and felt the clash of their emotions in the heat that vibrated between their palms. “Is this a game to you then?”
“No. I’m scared. A few days ago I was just living my life. My terms. Now I’m being hunted, and I’m supposed to fight some apocalyptic battle. I want to go home. I need my own things. I need to think.”
“It’s fear that makes you vulnerable and foolish. Your things will be there in the morning just as they are now.”
He was right, of course. Added to it, she wasn’t sure she had the bravado or the courage to step back outside into the night. “And just where am I supposed to stay until sunrise?”
“My brother has an apartment upstairs.”
“Your brother. The vampire.” She flopped back against her seat. “Isn’t that cozy?”
“He won’t harm you. You have my word on it.”
“I’d rather have his, if you don’t mind. And if he tries…” She held her palm up on the table, focused on it. A small ball of flame kindled just above her hand. “If the books and movies have it right, his type doesn’t do well with fire. If he tries to hurt me, I’ll torch him, and your army’s down by one.”
Hoyt merely laid his hand over hers, and the flame became a ball of ice. “Don’t pit your skills against mine, or threaten to harm my family.”
“Nice trick.” She dumped the ice in her empty glass. “Let’s put it this way. I have a right to protect myself, from anyone or anything who tries to hurt me. Agreed?”
“Agreed. It will not be Cian.” Now he rose, offered his hand. “I will pledge this to you, here and now. I will protect you, even from him, if he means you harm.”
“Well then.” She put her hand in his, got to her feet. She felt it, knew he did by the way his pupils dilated. The magic, yes, but more. “I guess we’ve got our first deal.”
As they went down, turned toward the elevator, Cian cut across their path. “Hold it. Where do you think you’re taking her?”
“I’m going with him,” Glenna corrected, “not being taken.”
“It’s not safe for her to go out. Not until daylight. Lilith already sent a scout after her.”