Page 87 of Twilight Destiny

“Listen to me. I don’t like this anymore than you do. But Luca threatened to kill my wife and kids if I didn’t bring him Kincaid. Originally, he just wanted Kincaid’s head. Be glad he changed his mind.”

“What does he want now, I’m afraid to ask?”

“He said he wants to take it himself.”

“How is that any better?” Rosa exclaimed.

“I don’t think he’ll do it right away.”

“You don’tthink?”

“I admit, it’s a gamble.”

“With Jake’s life!” She turned to look out the rear window but the necromancer’s house was no longer in sight. “Where’s Saintcrow?”

“Hopefully in New Orleans.”

Chapter Thirty-Five

Saintcrow felt the witch’s power as he approached her house. It overshadowed the dwelling like a heavy, invisible weight. A black, wrought-iron fence surrounded the property, a thick chain secured the gate. A large Doberman slept on the porch. It stood stiff-legged at Saintcrow’s approach, hackles raised. Saintcrow unleashed a bit of his power and the dog lay back down.

“Some guard dog,” he muttered as he vaulted over the fence.

The witch answered the door before he knocked. “I have been expecting you, Rylan Saintcrow.”

He lifted one brow.

“Do you mean me any harm, vampire?”

“No. Only a favor to help a friend.”

“Come in.”

She unlocked the screen door, stood back to let him enter.

Saintcrow glanced around the room, which was cluttered but clean. A gray cat stared at him through unblinking yellow eyes. Most witches had familiars, usually cats.

Izabela gestured for him to sit, then settled into a large rocker. The cat jumped onto her lap.

“What do you want?” she asked. “And what are you willing to give in return?”

She was a tiny thing, with a wealth of golden hair streaked with silver. Her eyes were an unusual shade of brown with yellow flecks.

“I need a talisman that will not only protect me from Luca’s Dark Magic but turn any spell unleashed on me back to its maker.”

Her laughter was like the tinkling of silver bells. “What have you done to rouse the necromancer’s anger?”

“Nothing. But Kincaid is his prisoner and I fear for his life.”

Her brow furrowed. “I am sorry to hear that. I am rather fond of Jake.”

“We’re wasting time. Will you help me?”

“Kincaid paid me in blood. Will you do likewise?”

“Yes.”

“You understand your blood is mine whenever I ask?”