A Midsummer Night's Demon

chapter Nine

The wind whipped Lyn’s hair, stinging her face as the boat sped across the river. Each bounce on the turbulent water brought her closer to Ky. Dampness from the gray, overcast sky hung heavy in the air, mixing with the spray from the river to coat her bronze skin. Some would think this a miserable night—rainy, humid. And had she not been headed toward the love of her life, she might agree. But in a few moments she would be in Ky’s arms, telling him she could accept him for who he was. And for that, she would endure any torment. At least it had stopped raining in time for her to make it to the island before sunrise.

“It’s just up ahead,” she yelled over her shoulder to her friend.

Bret Sinclair, her fellow co-worker and demon, turned toward her. “You know, Lyn. We’ve been friends for years. I love ya, and would do anything for you, but I still don’t know why you couldn’t just call.” Bret slowed the boat.

“I planned to.” She watched Ky’s island grow as they approached. “I had the phone in my hand, but I couldn’t say this over the phone. I need to tell him in person.”

“You are the only person I’d be out here in the middle of the night for.” Bret cut the engine, and eased the boat close to the shore. “I sure hope this ‘him’ is worth all this.”

Lyn gave him a large toothy grin. “He is,” she assured her friend, giving him a brief hug. “Thanks so much, Bret.”

“You sure you don’t want me to stick around?”

“No. I’ll be fine. I’m in good hands.”

Her belly flipped in anticipation of being in Ky’s strong arms. Excitement bubbled like champagne in her blood, and she could not wait to see Ky, hear his voice. When Bret handed her out of the boat, Lyn looked in the direction of Ky’s home. It beckoned her, for her future lay within its walls.

“Lyn.” The sound of her friend’s voice made her turn around. “Last chance. Are you sure you want me to go?”

She waved. “Bye, Bret. Be safe going back home. And thanks again.”

Bret started the engine with a tug and shook his head. “Good luck with Mr. Tall-dark-and-handsome, babe.”

****

The sound of a boat engine stilled Ky’s hand on the doorknob. Most people did not venture out on the water this early in the morning. He used his preternatural hearing to listen. The boat headed away from his island. How had he missed its arrival?

The corners of his mouth pulled down in a deep frown. He must have been so distracted by his thoughts of Lyn that he wasn’t paying attention—very dangerous. In his line of work distraction had a way of getting you killed. Yet another reason he should go to Lyn tonight and erase her memories. At least then he might finally be able to move on.

He opened the door, and stepped out into the porch to breath in the crisp air, savoring the myriad scents on the night air. The smell of pines, oaks, and palms mixed with chamomile and jasmine tickled his nose. His eyes closed, his nostrils flared as he inhaled the delicious scent into his lungs. The scent permeated his body, wrapping around him to cocoon him in its warmth. Lyn! She’s here!

Ky opened his eyes to scan the surrounding trees, stepping from the porch. He sent his awareness out to find the one who could complete him. His steps quickened to a blurring speed, the urgency to see her drove him around his house.

****

With the moon hidden behind the thick rain clouds and no light from Ky’s home, Lyn progressed through the scrub brush at an agonizingly slow pace. She placed her feet cautiously, trying not to stumble on the thick roots that hid in the darkness and the understory of the scrub palms. She pushed through the rough fronds. They pulled at her jeans, scratched her bare arms. She should have thought to put on a light jacket before she came or better yet grab a flashlight, but the desire to see Ky had driven everything else from her mind.

She yearned to see him, to touch him. Once she’d made up her mind to accept him, she had become a woman on a mission. Nothing mattered but being with him.

Her desire for him pushed her through the thick growth. Pine needles reached out, clinging to her hair when she brushed by, but she took no notice. Her entire being focused only on getting to him.

Her foot caught behind a thick root, but momentum carried her body forward. She threw her arms out in front of her body, hoping she might find something to brace her fall. Her hands landed on a hard form covered in soft material. She looked up, meeting Ky’s ice-blue eyes as his hands reached out to steady her.