I raised my eyebrows. “Why in the world would she do that?”
“Like I said before, she’s twisted and crazy. I guess you could say that she likes to play with her food before she eats it.”
My jaw dropped. “Are you saying I’m on her menu?”
“I’m saying that you definitely still need my protection, because she’s obviously after you.”
“Oh really? Well, you didn’t do so well protecting yourself,” I said.
His face darkened. “I wasn’t prepared before; this time I am.”
The image of him with the two girls flashed through my mind, again. “I still don’t understand who was at the club earlier, if it wasn’t you.”
He shrugged. “I’m sure it was Faye.”
I didn’t expect that answer. “What?”
“As I’ve been trying to tell you, she’s a shape-shifter. She can transform into anyone she wants. Obviously, she had Celeste helping her out this time.”
“Celeste?”
“Celeste would do anything for Faye. She idolizes her.”
“This is all so confusing,” I mumbled, feeling slightly dizzy.
He grabbed me and pulled me into his arms. “The only thing you have to remember is that I love you and there is nobody else,” he murmured into my hair.
“What about Miranda?” I whispered, catching a trace of his butterscotch scent.
He stiffened up.
“Ethan?”
Sighing, he pulled away and raised my chin. “I love you, Nikki. I realize that you’re not Miranda, nor do I want you to be.”
“That’s a relief,” I murmured.
“Now, although I’d love nothing more than to take you up to my bedroom and have my way with you, it’s much too dangerous here.”
“Which reminds me,” I said. “Where do you think Caleb took my mother?”
His eyebrows shot up. “Your mother is missing?”
“Yes. I’m sure Caleb took her. He also murdered Sonny, Duncan’s dad.”
“What about Duncan? Did he get him?”
I pushed him. “This isn’t a joke. My mom is missing and Sonny’s dead! He was a nice man and Duncan doesn’t deserve any of this!”
He grabbed me and held me to him. “Calm down. I’ll help you find your mom.”
“Thank you,” I answered, into his chest. “Now, let’s go.”
He followed me upstairs to the kitchen.
“Huh, Nathan must be outside waiting,” I said as we moved through the house.
“Let me check the rest of the house first,” said Ethan, disappearing.
Two seconds later he returned wearing a dark pair of sunglasses and new clothes. “He’s definitely not inside. Good news is, I found my other pair of sunglasses.”
“I’m thrilled for you,” I mumbled, opening the front door. I walked outside and stared at the Mustang, which was empty. “What the hell?”
“Nathan!” yelled Ethan, his booming voice louder than I could have possibly imagined.
“Ethan,” I winced, covering my ears.
He walked towards the Mustang and bent down. “There’s been a scuffle,” he said, pointing towards the dirt.
I looked down towards the ground; sure enough, someone had either been dancing or struggling with someone else.
“Crap,” I said. “Where do you think he is?
He shrugged. “The club?”
I raised my eyebrows. “The club? Why in the world would he be there?” I asked.
“Something tells me that Faye has him. She owns Club Nightshade.”
Chapter Twenty-seven
“You’re not coming,” argued Ethan. “It’s too dangerous.”
“Well, you’re definitely not going alone. You didn’t fare too well last time all by yourself,” I said. “Besides, aren’t you still pretty weak?”
“I’m fine.”
“Ethan, if you need blood…”
“Are you offering?”
I swallowed. “Only, if it’s going to help save Nathan.”
He smiled seductively and touched my stomach. “Right now, blood isn’t what I’m craving.”
I ignored him. “As I was saying….I’m going with you, like it or not.”
He blew out an exasperated breath. “Don’t you see? It’s what she wants. She’s using your brother as bait.”
I scowled. “I don’t care. You have to let me go with you. How do we know that she isn’t trying to separate us? I’d be even more vulnerable if you left me alone. Maybe that’s her plan.”
Ethan sighed. “Good point.”
“Damn right it is.”
“Fine,” he grumbled, finally relenting. “You can come, but that means you do exactly what I say.”
Okay,” I said.
His eyes narrowed. “Exactly, Nikki.”
“I said I will.”
He nodded. “Okay, start by removing your clothes.”
My eyes widened. “What?”
There was a twinkle in his eyes. “See, you’re already questioning my orders.”
“Ethan,” I warned, biting back a smile.
He smirked. “I had to try.”
“We’re wasting time.”
“Okay then, let’s go,” he said, moving towards me.
“Whoa…how about we drive this time?” I said, taking a step back.