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or not Rafe transformed her. That lying bitch! She said they have Dalton. Her throat
protested every word.
He pulled her between his legs and gently touched her neck. What happened?
She opened her mouth to explain and he laid his fingers across her lips. Send your
thoughts to me. How did you get these bruises on your throat?
Natalie. I thought you said she couldn t get past your shield.
Natalie tried to strangle you? He circled her neck with his hands and soothing
heat sank deep into the bruised tissue. Did she actually touch you? Jessie shook her
head. She projected an illusion. She was never really there. He reinforced the
reassurance with another wave of healing warmth.
The illusion was real enough to strangle me. Her tone was tentative and thin.
He moved his hands to her shoulders and she blew out a shuddering breath. It still
stung to speak, but at least she could form words. She threatened to kill Dalton if I
don t convince you to transform me. Italy will have to wait. We need to find out if she
really has him.
He nodded. Go take your shower. I ll make some calls.
Jessie hesitated. During the course of her life Jessie had faced criminals armed
with a variety of weapons. She had no defense against a person who could kill with a
thought.
Do you want me to come with you?
Aubrey Ross A Taste of Twilight - 67 -
She shook her head. If Natalie wanted her dead, she d be dead already. Their
only weapon was information. They had to unravel the enemy s motivation, then
outmaneuver them. Go find Dalton.
Chapter Nine
After a perfunctory knock, Rafe entered his bedroom. Jessie stood at the French
doors staring out into the twilight. I found you something else to wear. Tossing the
bundle onto the bed, he waited for her to turn around. She didn t. I think you look
charming in my bathrobe, but --
Does she have him or not? She still didn t turn around.
All indications support her claim. Dalton wasn t in his hotel room and the rental
car is still in the parking lot where we left it. Phillip has some friends who have agreed
to help us. No one can track like the Unseleighe Sidhe.
The unseely what? She met his gaze in the glass.
Dark Elves. He put his hands on her shoulders and pressed in close against her
back. Phillip spent most of the sixteenth century in the Unseleighe realm. Several of
the Elves have remained friends with him even though it makes them unpopular back
home.
Phillip is a vampire. It wasn t a question. She finally turned around, dislodging
his hands in the process. Of course he is. They all are, aren t they? How long has Pyrite
really been together?
We ve known each other for centuries.
She folded her arms under her breasts, her shoulders squared, her expression
determined. What s our next move? Do you have any idea where they took Dalton?
Why is Natalie so interested in my transformation?
Phillip and the Elves are searching for Dalton. There isn t much we can do to
help them. He paused. She had accepted so much already. Any option he could offer
her now would draw her deeper into the Vampire realm.
I want you to transform me.
Aubrey Ross A Taste of Twilight - 69 -
The statement caught him like a sucker punch in the jaw. What?
I refuse to be helpless. Her tone brooked no argument. She had apparently
made up her mind. Natalie could have killed me and we weren t even in the same
room. I have no resources, no way to defend myself. All that changes if you transform
me.
She had no idea what she was suggesting. He d only mentioned the advantages
of being a vampire, not the dangers and challenges. A year long waiting period was
part of the guidelines for transformation detailed in the Covenant.
Natalie has had centuries to amass her skills and build her power. Transforming
you wouldn t --
Would I be less helpless than I am now?
I can protect you.
No. She stepped beyond him, defiance flashing through her gaze. I welcome
your assistance, but I won t be left powerless.
We need to know why she wants you transformed. This isn t something you
can turn off and on.
You said we re protected within the shields. How will you get me to Italy
without exposing me to risk?
Jessie was right. As soon as they passed beyond the shield, Natalie would link
with Jessie s mind. Faelon was strong enough to sever the link once they reached Italy,
but Natalie would know everything Jessie knew in the blink of an eye.
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