Page 33 of Twilight Longings

“What do you want?”

Jerking a thumb over his shoulder, he said, “We need you to come to Saintcrow’s lair.”

“Why would I do that?”

“Saintcrow’s sire has the Methuselah Stone.”

Izabela’s brows shot up to her hairline when she took a closer look at the heavy gold medallion hanging from a thick gold chain around the female vampire’s neck. “So she does.”

“We need your help to exorcise Luca’s curse from Kadie.”

“Do you?”

“Dammit, don’t play games with us,” Kincaid snapped. “Not now.”

“I will not have that female in my house. Her heart is blacker than Satan’s soul.”

Eleni scowled at the witch, but said nothing.

Saintcrow pushed Kincaid out of the way. “I need your help, dammit. And I need it now. After all the blood I’ve given you, it’s the least you can do.”

“You think so, do you? I will not have that woman near me. And since she is your sire,youcannot keep her out ofyourhouse.”

It might be wiser to bring Kadie here, Saintcrow thought. Better to cure her in New Orleans than Morgan Creek. For all they knew, the curse was still active in Wyoming.

“What if I bring Kadie here? Will you help me, then?” Saintcrow went still as the witch’s gaze moved over him. He felt it physically, like a cold hand against his skin.

“And if I agree, what will you give me?”

“What do you want?” It was a foolish question, he thought.

“A pint of blood.”

“Dammit, woman …”

“Do not swear at me!”

Saintcrow took a deep breath. “I’m sorry. I’ve been under a lot of stress, as you can well imagine.”

“Very well. Bring your woman here. But your sire remains outside.”

Saintcrow glanced at Eleni. “Do you agree?”

“Do you intend to fulfill your part of our bargain?”

He nodded curtly.

“And if I wish more than one night?”

Saintcrow swore under his breath. He had seen that coming. Unfortunately, he didn’t know what else he could do except agree. He glanced at Kincaid, who shook his head, and then back at Eleni. “How many more?”

“A week.”

Jaw clenched to stem the angry flow of words that rose in his throat, Saintcrow nodded.

“Very well.” Reaching behind her neck, she unclasped the chain and dropped the medallion in Saintcrow’s hand. “Remember, I know where you live,” she murmured, and vanished from the porch.

“I’ll go get Kadie,” Saintcrow said, handing the medallion to Kincaid. “Don’t go inside until I get back.”