BRANDED BY FIRE

“Lucas, that’s a lot of E-Psy in one location. If she got that many for a thesis project …”

“Means there were a lot more around in the Net.”

Sascha nodded. “Backs up what Faith told us—the Net-Mind is hiding so many others.” Snuggling against him, she continued reading … and found Alice Eldridge’s thoughts mirroring her own.


E-Psy have never been rare, but not much is known about them, perhaps because we study that which we are afraid of. And no one is afraid of the empaths. After having near-constant contact with them for close to twelve months, I feel it is safe to draw the following conclusion: E-Psy are some of the warmest, most welcoming people on the planet. They are quite delightful companions and are rarely seen alone.

However, it is this very warmth and generosity of spirit that makes the other aspect, or in some cases, expression, of their ability troubling to many. It is the ethical dilemma which disquiets them the most and one I will be focusing on in the second half of this book.



Sascha broke off to look at Lucas. “That doesn’t sound good.”

“Wasn’t it you who told me nothing can ever be black or white?”

She thought about it. “Shades of gray.” She nodded. “If I was utterly good, I’d never understand badness.”

“On to the next page?”

“Oh, yes.”


Riley didn’t say a word for several minutes when Mercy mentioned the Kit-Sienna thing sometime in the wee hours of the morning. “That,” he murmured at last, “could be a problem.”

“That’s what I thought.”

“We can’t do anything about it—they’re adults.” He ran his hand down her back. “But we can keep an eye on all the players.”

“Agreed.” A laugh bubbled out of her. “Look at us, in bed and talking Pack business.”

A pause. Then, “You make my heart beat, Mercy.”

Her heart jumped into his hands all over again. He was so damn calm and he made those statements as if they were facts of life. “Riley.”

Kisses on her cheek, along her jaw. “So, how many brat-lets do you want?”

“As many as it takes to drive you insane.” Her throat was husky with emotion.

“Then one redheaded little girl should do it.”

“I love you.” Beyond the mating bond, beyond the sensual draw, she quite simply loved Riley. “More every single day.” And she didn’t care how sappy that sounded.

A slow, perfect Riley smile. Just for her.