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He ignored the disbelieving exclamations of those around them and smiled down at her. “Welcome back, child. We have work to do.”

“What? How?” Her focus left him to dart around the room. “Where’s Trevor?”

“He’s been detained.” He touched a finger to her third eye, transferring all that had transpired while she lingered in another realm awaiting recall. Leaning in, he askedin a hushed voice, “What was the keyword Denillia used to trigger Trevor?”

“I don’t know.”

“You do. Think hard. You heardtheirthoughts.” When she shook her head, he helped her to sit and conjured a cup of water for her to drink. “Sip it slowly.”

She did as ordered, leaning into him. Instinctively understanding his desire for secrecy, she lowered her voice and said, “I didn’t hear anything, but he looked odd after her speech, didn’t he? It happened the last time, too.”

“You share a link with him, hon. What was he thinking?”

“Obliterate.” She appeared tormented. Lips compressed, she shook her head. “That’s it. Both times.”

“Okay. But if you can recall anything either said aloud, please let me know immediately.” He helped Soleil to her feet, giving her added energy as he led her to Damian. “Get her out of here and somewhere safe, Dethridge. Somewhere those three will never find her.”

“Consider it done, Ben. And thank you for your fast thinking both times.”

“Yeah, well, I suspected if Denillia tried her magical hypnosis once, she’d try it again. I felt it was better to secure Soleil’s essence the first time.”

She looked between them, confusion on her pretty face. “I don’t understand.”

Ben smiled at her, hoping she’d be Trevor’s perfect mate when all was said and done. His son needed someone grounded and sweet like her. Although different in looks, she reminded him of his Gloria, and to a degree, he suspected her calming energy was what appealed to Trevor more than anything else. It helped that the girl had spunk. His son wouldn’t abide a pushover.

“Let’s just say I anticipated the second attack,” Ben told her. “In case Trevor’s magic restored itself, I wanted to ensureyour beautiful light wasn’t snuffed outfor good.”

Gratitude was reflectedin her eyes, and a wide, warm smile curled her lips.“I adore you, Benjamin Blane.”

“I’m glad someone does.” He hadn’t meant his comment to sound all woe-is-me, butnevertheless,it did. Compassion transformed her face as she cupped his jaw. “Be good to Trevor, hon. Can you do that?”

She winced.

“He wasn’t himself, you know. And whatever it takes, I’m going to breakherspell,” he said.

“We both will,” Damian assured them.

Soleil touched her throat. Her haunted expression caused his stomach to clench and anger to fill his soul. Today’s events had instilled a fear of Trevor inside her. Ben only hoped a future without incident might put that fear to rest.

“It’s my turn to face the Authority’s punishment. Avoid Trevor until we resolve all this, okay?” he urged.

She nodded, and her sadness damned near broke his heart.

Looking at Damian for reassurance, he addressed her again, “All will be well, Soleil Stephens. Have faith in this wily ol’ Death Dealer, my dear. I still have a few tricks in my hat.”

CHAPTER29

Twenty-seven hours passed, with Trevor counting every fucking minute of it. Isolated as he was, he had no idea what happened to Soleil, but he assumed it wasn't good since no one came to tell him differently.Duringthe time hewas imprisoned,hehad nothing but time to think.He sure as hell couldn’t sleep. Whenever he dozed off, the nightmare of Soleil’s horror-filled face, with blood-vessel-ruptured eyes, filled his mind. Countless times, he’d screamed himself awake.

“Dalli?”

The empty echo of nothingness was his reply. He wasn’t sure if distance was a factor in their link.If maybeshe was still alive, but on her island, too far away for him to reach. But he kept trying.

“If a part of you remains anywhereout there, please know I’m sorry. To the very depths of my soul, I’m sorry.”

Nothing.

“As much as I hate the idea of you with anyone else, my wish for you—if you’re still alive—is to have the best life. For you to meet someone who will cherish you and appreciate your love of romance novels.”