What was it about Annie that enchanted him so?

  Inhaling deeply, he firmed his resolved, and turned his back on her. It took longer than he anticipated, coercing his feet into motion. Even as his fingers folded around the doorknob he felt the attraction, the need to return to Annie’s bed.

  Instead, he jerked the door wide. A gush of warm air washed over his face. The steps that led from the trailer squeaked beneath his weight as he moved hastily down them. He tried not to look back, but a growing heaviness in his chest made him glance over his shoulder.

  Dammit!

  Closing his eyes, he sought the strength to persevere. When he opened them he took one step, then another, until he was running fast and furiously. With his preternatural speed, he was only a blur to the human eye. He had no idea where he was heading, nor did he care.

  How long Etienne ran, he didn’t know. The light of day warned its existence behind the Superstition Mountains. His skin tingled with an uncomfortable warmth, the rise of blisters threatening. His lungs burned, something that had never happened since he had become immortal. He pulled to a stop as pain so raw splintered through his body, forcing him to his knees.

  Fists clenched, he glared toward the heavens. Moisture misted his eyes.

  “What do you want of me?” Sorrow filled his desperate words. “My destiny has been determined. It is Meryell I love—Meryell that I will rest with eternally.”

  Silence tore at his heart. God had forsaken him long ago. Why would He choose now to throw Annie into Etienne’s path and confuse him?

  The answer came in the form of a dark cloud in the sky that blocked the searing rays of the sun. The same threat he had seen in Annie’s mind.

  “Annie,” he whispered. His tortured mind struggled with the knowledge that she was in danger. Of this, he had no doubt.

  Was he fated to protect her, and then seek his rest? Was this a test before he could earn his right to eternal sleep?

  The thought of seeing Annie again, holding her in his arms, tasting her sweet lips was enough to bring him to his feet.

  Death would not come this day. Not if he wanted to see Annie live.

  Chapter Three

  It was the first morning in a long time that Annie woke smiling, not to mention stark naked. The sheets were cool against her skin. The ancient air conditioner rattled, blowing semi-cold air directly on her. The recurring nightmare she had experienced for over a week now hadn’t haunted her. And her body felt delightfully used. For that she had to thank the tall, dark stranger who had drifted into her life and bed.

  The passionate night had been impulsive. Two people reacting spontaneously to a chemical attraction without thought of the consequences.

  What would those consequences be? Better yet, what must he think?

  Eyes still closed, a girlish giggle tickled the back of her throat. Casual encounters were all she had, and they were few and far between. Her vagabond lifestyle didn’t allow for anything more. Yet, none of her previous lovers had turned her inside out like Etienne had.

  Hell. Even Velia approved of him. Annie’s medium was purring right alongside her.

  A tingling sensation in the arm tucked beneath Annie’s head made her stir. She froze. Dread seeped into her bones.

  God, she hadn’t even asked if he was married. In fact, she hadn’t even looked for a ring. One minute she’d been conducting a reading, the next they were knees and elbows upon her bed.

  Nahhh…

  She refused to think that way. It had been a helluva evening. No one could be that passionate and have another woman waiting at home.

  Or was she just fooling herself?

  Would he regret their joining? Or would he turn over, take her into his arms and make love to her once again?

  The thought warmed Annie through and through. Her nipples drew taut and the damp place between her thighs began to throb.

  Cautiously she slid her eyelids open. Sunlight shining through the trailer’s bedroom curtains made her squint, blurring her sight but not her other senses. The reminder of last night’s lovemaking hung musky in the air, along with a masculine, earthy aroma that made her giddy.

  Taking a deep breath, she parted her eyelids and gazed at the pillow next to hers.

  Gone. He was gone. Only the imprint of his head upon the pillow remained.

  Disbelief locked in Annie’s lungs. Her jaws drew tight.

  Was it foolish to expect that Etienne would be lying beside her when she woke? Especially since he had held her as if he would never let her go.

  But clearly he had.

  Then a flare of hope sparked. Maybe he rose during the night and slipped in behind her. She turned over, answering that question.

  Yep! Gone.

  A huff of disappointment squeezed from between her thin lips. Not wanting to accept the obvious, she cocked her head and listened for any movement behind the bathroom door. When no movement was detected, a glance into the small kitchen/living room revealed what she already knew—it was empty. She was alone.

  Disappointment slammed into Annie like a Mack truck, and then anger, followed by another wave of disappointment. She eased into a sitting position. Blood rushed her numb arm, making her groan at the prickly sensation. A heavy breath of air pushed from her lungs. She shook her head as ironic laughter touched her lips. “What did you expect? It was a one-night stand—nothing more.”

  The truth sometimes hurt more than a lie. In this case a lie would have been better. She wanted to believe there was a chance at love, not the nomadic life she lived. Not always running in fear that her stepfather would find her.

  Running was better than jail, or the life that he offered, wasn’t it?

  Tears swelled in her eyes. “It’s just not fair.”

  But what was?

  Annie choked back unwelcome emotion, threw back the covers and stumbled from the bed. Memories of last night resurfaced. The way Etienne had touched and kissed her, made love.

  Not love—sex.

  He was a stranger, nothing more. This emptiness she felt was ridiculous.

  Annie pushed open the bathroom door and avoided looking into the mirror and seeing the hurt that would be in her eyes. With a twist of the faucet, she leaned over, splashing her face with cold water. For a moment, she remained hunched over the sink. This day wasn’t starting out quite like she had planned.

  “Get over it.” Annie switched the spigot off, reached for a towel, but as she straightened, a wave of dizziness struck with a vengeance. Her knees buckled. Her stomach pitched. She swayed, grasping the sink for support.

  Flashes of her nightmare—the faceless man—swamped her vision.

  He’s here. Velia’s warning rang in Annie’s ears.

  Every muscle in Annie’s body drew tight. She didn’t need to ask who. She knew it was the man from her dreams.

  “How close?” Annie’s question was a whisper of fear running through her veins.

  Close. I feel anger—great anger. Leave now. The urgency in Velia’s voice was chilling.

  Annie wasted no time. Dripping water from her face and hands, she ran from the bathroom straight for the small built-in dresser in the bedroom and yanked open a drawer. Clothes soared over her head and onto the bed. She emptied the contents of one drawer and moved on to the next.

  Quickly, she pulled on a pair of jean shorts and dragged a white tank top over her head. Pulse racing, she grabbed a backpack from the narrow closet and started to cram what she could in it, including the small amount of cash she had saved. After stuffing her hair beneath a Diamondback’s baseball cap, she slipped her feet into a pair of sandals.

  Annie didn’t think twice, heaving the bag over her shoulder and moving hastily through the trailer, reaching for her purse on the way out.

  The day was already warming as she stepped outside. It was nearing ten o’clock and already it had to be at least seventy-two degrees. All was quiet as she weaved in and out between motor homes and trailers to where her car was parked. When she reached her broken-down Volkswagen Bug she prayed it would start. The door moaned as she opened it and climbed inside.

  When she slid the key into the ignition and turned it, the engine coughed and whined, but didn’t turn over. The smell of gas flooded the small interior.

  “No.” Annie’s palm slammed against the steering wheel, pain splintering in her hand. “Please start.” Her strangled words were desperate cries. Another twist of the key and the engine coughed once, twice, shook as if it would fall apart and then roared to life. She shifted the car in gear and floored it.

  Balding tires spun, kicking up dust. She swerved to miss Gil’s Honda Civic when she saw her stepfather step out from behind a jacked-up truck. Determination was in his steps as he made a beeline for her trailer.

  Clyde had been her faceless tormentor. She should have known it. She should have left last night.

  In such haste, Annie didn’t see the large rock in the middle of the road. A sudden yank of the steering wheel one way and then overcorrection in the other direction sent the car into a skid to avoid a ditch.

  Clyde whirled around. As he turned, their eyes met. Like a withering flower, she died a little inside. The heaviness was almost too much to bear.

  He had found her.

  Wide-eyed, she stared into the rearview mirror, watching his robust figure scramble toward a big white Cadillac. She could see his mouth moving. Thankfully she couldn’t hear what she suspected was a tirade about her slipping once again through his fingers.

  Or at least that’s what she prayed the outcome would be.

  Annie knew her only hope was to outrun him. But where would she go? Her plans had been to travel with the fair. The small mining town of Superior was no place to hide. North was Payson—still too small. She needed a big city, houses and lots of people if she was to evade him—disappear.

  Phoenix.

  Decision made, she headed west as she hit the blacktop. The freeway was several miles down the road, but it was also a surefire way for him to catch her. The streets of Apache Junction were her only hope.

  Her foot slammed on the gas pedal. She prayed her lead was enough cushion. Heart beating wildly, she zigzagged in and out of the steady traffic, consistently glancing into her rearview mirror. When she spotted Clyde’s car, the knot in her stomach tightened.

  With every minute that passed, the distance between them was closing.

  Timing was everything in a struggle to survive. She caught her first break when the upcoming light turned yellow and she sped through it, leaving him trapped behind several cars.

  Annie didn’t ease up on the gas until she was well off the main street, disappearing into a dilapidated neighborhood. She frantically gazed about, looking for a place to hide. A large vacant barn behind an old mobile home was her salvation. The big wooden structure had seen better days, but was perfect to shield her from view. Annie quickly steered her car behind it and cut the engine. A sigh of relief followed, as she mouthed a silent prayer, watched and waited.

  Time ticked by. How much? She had no idea.

  The sultry sun beat down upon her. Perspiration beaded her brows. Her mouth was parched as the dry ground. A vulture circling overhead did nothing for her confidence. But it didn’t matter, for the moment she was safe.

  Safe?

  Again tears pricked her eyes. Weariness reflected back at Annie in the rearview mirror.

  She was tired—so tired. Leaning forward, Annie rested her forehead on the steering wheel and closed her eyes.

  For a second she let herself slip back to a happier time—last night—when a perfect stranger held her and chased the ugliness of her life away. What she would give to feel wanted and protected. But that was a dream—this was reality.

  Annie needed guidance. She sat back, reached for her purse and shoved her hand into it to find her Tarot cards.

  Damn. Damn. Damn.

  She had left them behind, as well as the crystal ball her mother had given Annie just before she died. Two things that meant the world to her and she’d forgotten them. Her chin quivered. She bit her bottom lip, trying to hold back the dam of emotions building behind her eyelids. Instead, she started the engine.

  Very seldom did she call upon Velia. Annie was a proud woman. She didn’t need anyone’s help. But at that moment she didn’t feel strong.

  “I need you.” Tears lingered in her voice.

  Silence was her answer.

  Annie’s shoulders fell in exasperation. She should have known it would be so.

  Maneuvering her car onto the road, she offered one last plea. “Please,” her cry a whisper.

  With no response, Annie swallowed hard. “Fine.” The single word was filled with defiance. “If this is how it will be, I’ll choose my own way. I’ve always wanted to go to LA see the stars. Guess it’s time.” The steering wheel slid through her fingers as she headed west.

  * * * * *

  Etienne experienced the equivalent of a sleepless night. He felt drained and troubled. Only hours after his heart ceased to beat and he entered the sleep of the undead, he was awakened by a cry of distress.

  Annie.

  He could hear the pounding of her heart, the swish of her blood as her pulse sped. He sensed her apprehension growing, building, and he could taste her fear.

  She was on the run. Their blood connection would weaken the farther the distance she put between them.

  The need to go to Annie, protect her, was strong, but the light of day held him prisoner beneath the earth.

  For what seemed like an eternity, he lay unmoving, anger building. It was hell listening to the ramblings of Annie’s tormented mind. Her stepfather hunted her, the sonofabitch thought to rape and control her.

  “Over my dead body or his,” Etienne added with a deep growl.

  Mentally he tracked Annie, afraid to open the speech-path between them—afraid not to. He had touched her mind, knew Los Angeles was her destination. But even this knowledge didn’t prepare him when the blood connection between them began to fade.

  Anxiety marched like an army of fire ants across his skin. Etienne burned to feel Annie in his arms, know that no danger would befall her. Helplessness was something he should have been used to—but he wasn’t.

  When the sun dipped in the sky, he burst from the ground like a bullet from a gun. He didn’t call upon the elements to cleanse himself. Instead, he lunged toward the heavens, taking his mist form and starting the task of finding Annie.

  As he soared among the clouds, hunger gnawed at his stomach. Preternatural speed carried him quickly over one city and then another. With keen eyesight he scanned the horizon, taking in the hills and valleys and the dagger-shaped, spine-tipped leaves of the Joshua trees below.

  Time moved with aching slowness, but not the growing need to find Annie. Why she was important to him, he didn’t know. All he knew for sure was he had to find her, keep her safe and feel her in his arms once more.

  The minute he crossed the border between California and Arizona his senses came alive. The sudden jolt of lightning coursing through his system stole his concentration, made him begin to materialize midair. The result was a sharp drop in elevation, until he could gather his thoughts and regain the light, misty image in his mind.

  Suddenly, a prickly sensation crept across his skin. The minute their blood connection appeared, he could taste the sweetness of her blood flowing through his veins. Every nerve awoke, his senses like tentacles crawling across the sky in search of his mate.

  Mate?

  Again, his concentration wavered and his form shimmered.

  No. He refused to believe that Annie was nothing more than just another woman. But he couldn’t deny the way his body came alive with just the thought of holding her again. The mind is a funny thing. Even in his mist form, he could swear he felt his cock harden with an unyielding need to feel her softness once more. Damn, if he couldn’t feel his palms itch and his gums throb to sip from her life’s essence.

  The closer he came to her, the stronger his need grew, and the farther away from Los Angeles he traveled. He smiled. Just like a woman, she had changed her mind.

  A gentle breeze swayed the fronds of several tall palms below. The lights of the city glistened before him. He could hear the ocean in the distance and smell the salty air growing on his approach into San Diego.

  His heart stuttered at the sight of her silhouette on the moonlit beach. A blue-gray sky was her background. Ocean waves caressed her ankles as she stared blindly across the water.

  With just a thought he materialized, floating toward the sandy surface, remembering to clothe himself in shorts and a T-shirt. Like her, he remained barefooted, sandals in his hands. Her shoes lay farther up the sandy beach. For a moment, he stood there, drinking in her beauty, trying to gather his control.

  Mentally, he reached for her. Unlike when he tapped her mind tracking her, the closer connection must have been more obtrusive. She startled, instinctively throwing up a subliminal brick wall that forced him from her mind. At the same time she whirled around. The second she saw his shadowy figure she turned and fled.

  Her blood was pumping too fast, her heart pounding. He heard the small cry of distress that rose and died in her throat.

  With blinding speed, he tossed his sandals next to hers and appeared before her. She didn’t have time to slow her momentum. Instead she ran straight into his arms. Her shrill scream was swallowed by the waves crashing against an outcrop of rocks, and then his lips.

  Sharp pain met his kiss as she bit his bottom lip, hard. The taste of his own blood filled his mouth. In a frenzy of swings and kicks, she fought him relentlessly.

  “Annie.” He readjusted his grip, tightening it around her to pin her arms to her side and render her motionless.

  He heard fear surge wildly through her veins, the bitter taste lay heavy upon his tongue. She whimpered. The helpless sound was a fist around his heart, squeezing.

  “Annie, it’s me, Etienne.”

  She went motionless, except for the rapid rise and fall of her chest. Through a cloud of chestnut hair she peered from the mass. “Etienne?”