I walked out. My mate’s father needed to be freed, only I could never be the one to do it. I could not lay down my loyalty to Carlisio Loveria or Davio, and freeing one of Dralion’s warriors who had raised arms in battle against one of my own would be seen as exactly that.
What a tangled weave, yet I was another step closer to what I needed. I was the key. Faith, and now Guy’s mother had both decreed it so, one from this time, and one through a spell enchanted so many years ago. Which meant, I had some serious work ahead of me.
In the darkened depths of the passageway, I eyed the long row of steel doors. So many captured warriors, and did any of them hold the beliefs that Guy’s father did? That we were losing the battle, and with ourselves and no other. We were one world, yet with two nations at war.
“Guy.” I threw open our link now I was clear of the steel cell preventing it. “I need to see you.”
“I’m waiting for an update. I’m already in your room.”
The update. Oh, he was definitely going to get an update. My heart raced as I ’ported to my room. He leaned against the far wall. His jaw was rough with stubble, his eyes darkened with circles. “You don’t look so good.”
“I’ve been helping with the station’s muster. Long nights and even longer days.” He slapped a black Stetson against his leg. His white shirttails hung crinkled and loose over his jeans, the buttons askew, done up with one out of order. “How is he?”
“Ah, strong of mind. Determined. He loves you, Guy.”
And I had to be as equally determined as his father if I wanted my mate back. Sneaky too. Yeah, and I had the perfect idea to set things in motion.
I crossed to my dressing room and rummaged through the racks. Yes, the perfect dress. I pulled out a short, slinky red number and a pair of four-inch matching red heels.
“Is that all you’re going to tell me?” His gaze drilled into me from the doorway. “What are you doing?”
“There’s more, but it’s Saturday night, and I’d like to go out.” I circled my fingers in the air. “Turn around, please.”
As I lifted the hem of my shirt, he spun about. “Wait, you can’t get changed in front of me.”
“Well, you’re the one standing in my dressing room doorway. Your father enjoyed the meal by the way.”
“What does he look like? And you’re going out where?”
“Dancing, and he needs more food. I’ll make sure he gets some more on a regular basis.” I slipped the dress over my head. It fit snugly around my waist, skimmed my hips and clung to my thighs.
“The dancing. You didn’t say where.”
“Where most people dance. A nightclub. Have you ever been to one of those on Earth?” I flicked my hair over my shoulder as I sashayed past him. “Where’s my purse? Ah, there it is.”
“No, there’s never been time.”
“Do you have time now?” I pulled out my favorite lippy, dabbed it on then dropped it in my purse.
“I have work.”
“At this time of the night?”
“I told you we’re mustering.” He plunked his hat on. “The station never sleeps.”
“Come out with me instead. Let loose and have some fun.”
“I can’t.”
“Then I’ll just have to find someone else who I can have fun with.” I winked, and without a moment’s hesitation, flashed away.
10
“Please follow. Please follow.” Fingers crossed, I arrived in a side alley on Tauranga’s waterfront strand. Above me the sky was a dark ribbon of black, twinkling with a heavenly array of stars. Music pulsed through the air from nearby clubs. The perfect night for seduction.
That’s if he came. I needed him to come.
The air swirled and he shimmered into view. Tingles raced across my skin.
“Damn it, Silvie. You did that on purpose.”
“That’s because I prefer your company over anyone else’s.” I ducked past him and out onto the sidewalk.
Okay, so I’d gotten him here, now it was time to throw him completely out of his element. His father thought Guy was sneaky, but I had every intention of outdoing him.
He clomped after me across the cobbles. “I shouldn’t be here.”
Giving my hips an extra swing, I grinned at him over my shoulder. “With the way you’re dressed, you’ll fit right in at the Bulldog Saloon.”
“What I’m going to do is take you home. It’s late, and you’ve only just recovered from your injuries. You shouldn’t be out dancing.”
No sirreee. He was not taking me home. I picked up my pace and dashed through the entranceway of the western styled club. He wouldn’t be able to ’port me out of here. People simply couldn’t disappear before one’s eyes on this world.
“Silvie, wait.”
I scurried toward the bar.
“What’ll it be, miss?” The shirtless bartender hooked one thumb into his dark jeans. His studded, black leather vest swung loose.
“Nothing,” Guy answered as he came up on my rear.
“I’ll take two Cokes, thanks.”
“What’s a Coke?” Guy growled in my ear.
“Something to wet your throat.” Sliding back, I rested against him.
“Here you go, miss.”
I paid the bartender and passed Guy a drink. “To the mated bond.”
“Just one drink. Then we’re out of here.”
“And a dance.”