“No doubt.”
“But?”
“I intend to put an end to Jarick and shut down Bowman’s operation.”
“Why? What do you care about what goes on here?”
Ronan dragged a hand over his jaw. “That’s a damn good question. I only know that sooner or later what they’re doing will be noticed and when that happens, it’s going to cause trouble for the rest of us. I know how dangerous mortals cam be when they’re on the hunt. Especially a mob of them. I lived through something like that once. I don’t intend to do it again.”
“So, you’ve decided to stay here and take on Jarick and his whole coven?”
“There’s only a dozen. Thirteen counting Jarick.”
“Thirteen to one,” Travis muttered. “Not very good odds, especially when one of them is a master vampire.”
“I was hoping for a little help from you.”
Travis stared at him. “Are you kidding?”
“Not in the least.”
“I had no idea you were so altruistic.”
Ronan snorted. “I don’t give a damn about the people in this town. I’m only looking after my own skin. And Shannah’s.” A vile oath escaped his lips. “And yours, too, I guess. Hell, maybe blood is thicker than water.”
Travis shook his head. His grandmother had always claimed there was good in everyone. Maybe she’d been right.
“So, can I count on you?”
“I guess so.”
“Good. I didn’t want to have to compel you,” his sire remarked with a laconic grin.
And vanished from sight.
Chapter 25
Sara’s eyes were swollen and red in the morning, a blatant sign of a long and sleepless night. She had no appetite for breakfast, no energy to get dressed or open the shop.
Still in her PJs, she dragged herself into the living room and plopped down on the sofa. How was she supposed to decide what to do about Travis when she couldn’t think straight for missing him? She knew he was still in town, that all she had to do was pick up her phone and call him, and yet it felt like there was a wide chasm between them with only one chance to cross it. And no way back if she found the courage to make the leap.
If only she had someone to talk to. Someone who would listen without judging. Someone who would understand the implications of staying with Travis.
Late that afternoon, Olivia Bowman’s name popped into her mind. Olivia was married to a vampire. Surely, she would understand Sara’s doubts and fears.
Infused with hope, Sara took a long shower, dressed, and brushed her hair. Suddenly hungry, she fixed a ham and cheese sandwich for lunch, added some chips and a coke.
While eating, she began to have second thoughts about going to see Olivia. She hardly knew the woman.
It was an hour until sunset when, her mind made up, Sara left the house.
Olivia’s eyes widened in surprise when she opened the door and found Sara Winters standing on the porch.
Sara smiled nervously. “Could I talk to you for a few minutes?”
“Well, sure, I guess so,” Olivia said. “Come on in.”
Sara followed Olivia inside. A quick glance around showed a house that was cluttered with toys but not dirty. From another room came the sound of Debbie and Luke arguing about which video game to play.
“Please, sit down.” Olivia indicated a flowered sofa in front of a red-brick fireplace. “What can I do for you?” she asked, taking the easy chair beside it.
“I just needed someone to talk to.”
Olivia nodded. It didn’t take a genius to figure out something was bothering Sara. The bags under her swollen eyes were proof of that. “Go on.”
“I’m in love with Travis.”
Olivia nodded, thinking that explained the misery she read in her visitor’s eyes.
“I don’t know what to do. Are you ever sorry you married Jason?”
“No more so than if I’d married another man. We disagree about some things, just like any other couple. Sure, there are adjustments, but that’s true of any marriage.” Olivia leaned forward. “The thing you have to ask yourself is, do you love him enough to make the necessary sacrifices?”
“But … what are you going to do when you grow old and he doesn’t?”
“I haven’t decided a hundred percent, but when my kids are old enough to look after themselves, I’ll probably ask him to turn me.”
“Is that what you want?”
“Not really, but it’s either that or leave him. I can’t tie him to an old woman. It wouldn’t be fair.”
“Does he ever … drink from you?”
“Of course.”
Sara blinked at her. How could she admit it so calmly, as if there was nothing the least bit unusual about it? As if it was just an everyday thing, like brushing your teeth or combing your hair.
“You’re shocked.”
Sara shook her head vigorously.
“I know you are. I was, too, the first time Jason suggested it. I’m surprised Travis hasn’t asked you. It’s not bad, you know? It’s actually quite pleasant.”
“You must miss him. Do you think you’ll ever see him again?”
Olivia clenched her hands in her lap and fell silent.
And in that moment, Sara knew Jason had been there recently. Might even now be somewhere in the house. The thought sent an icy shiver down her spine. “I should go.”
“Sara.” Olivia laid a hand on her arm.
“I’ve got to go.” Yanking her arm away, Sara lurched to her feet and ran out the door.
Sara had another shock when she got home and found Ronan waiting on the front porch. “What are you doing here?” she asked tremulously.
Hearing the fear in her voice, Ronan arched one brow. “Relax. I’m not going to hurt you.” He drew in a deep breath. “Let’s go inside.”
She hesitated, then opened the door.
The vampire closed the door, then leaned back against it. You’ve been with Bowman’s wife.”
Sara stared at him.
“I can smell her on you,” he explained. “And her husband. I was about to leave town when I caught Bowman’s scent. What were you doing at his house?”
“It was personal and none of your
