Page 30 of Crossing Between

Someone was stroking my hair as I floated in warmth and blissfulness.

"There she is." The soft voice made bumps appear on my arms, I could feel them rising. "Zoey, my love, can you open your eyes for us?"

It was Elias's voice. There was concern in the tone, but mostly relief. I could feel myself moving toward it, and my eyes fluttered open, taking a few seconds to focus.

I blinked up at the three men bending over me, their faces screwed up in concern and Kenji's was a furious scowl, no hint of the happy-go-lucky oni I was used to.

I reached up to touch his cheek, which seemed to jolt him out of his anger as he held my hand to his cheek. His lips pressed against my palm, his fangs brushed against my skin.

"Zoey. Thank the old gods." Varon pulled my attention from Kenji, who wouldn't let my hand go, and I tried to give Varon and Elias a smile, but it took a bit more energy than I had.

"Hi." I needed some water. I attempted to sit up, but my back decided that was not a good idea as it spasmed on me. "OW."

Being older sucked. Especially right now.

Elias' tentacles reached for me, his cool appendages touching my skin, giving me almost instant relief as his healing powers pulsed from him to me. I sank into his chest with a sigh as he pulled me into his lap.

"Where'd you go on us, beautiful girl?" Elias kissed my forehead as his magic continued to run through my limbs. "We couldn't reach you."

"My magic. I was connecting to it." I looked around, finally able to focus as the pain disappeared while I sat in his lap. "Qulith? I think I finally unlocked it just as he found me."

Quilith's face, twisted with concern, popped up between Varon and Kenji. "I am so sorry, Zoey! I was supposed to protect you." They gripped my hands, their own shaking slightly, and I squeezed theirs.

"You couldn't have known. I think it's my magic that draws him. He seemed excited that I was there, that he wasn't alone." My brows scrunched as I started to think. "He said he'd see me soon. So," I looked at all of them. "I think I'm the best chance we have to catch him. Use me as bait."

"Look, darling," Qulith wouldn't let go of my hands.

"As much as I was all for this plan earlier, if this jackhat can bypass the protection spells I had around you without me even noticing, I can't agree with using you as bait now.

" They shook their head at me as I went to protest. "We'll find another way.

For now, we should let our vampire lord here set up protections around you and we redouble our efforts to find this demon without putting you in any more danger. "

Varon pulled me to my feet as he took me out of Elias' lap. "You'll be staying here with me. You're not going to leave my sight until we have the demon under wraps or dead." He gestured at Kenji and Elias. "You'll also be staying here. One of us will be with Zoey at all times."

Quilith stood, brushing their pants off. "I am going to take a few days off, Varon. I think it's time I try to get in contact with some of my brethren." They touched my cheek. "You take care of yourself while I'm gone. You got it? I'll be back and hopefully with some help."