“Let’s put this on and see how well you scream when you can’t see the strikes coming.”

  He pulled the blindfold over her head, then tightened it. She couldn’t see anything, but she still had her other senses. His heavy, excited breathing sounded close to her ears. His foul stench turned her stomach.

  “What should I use first?” he murmured; his fetid breath touched her lips. “The whip or the crop? Why don’t I let you think about it for a bit, hmm?”

  Several minutes passed. He hadn’t left because she could hear him moving around the room. Doors opened and closed. The sound of metal objects clanking against one another and the slap of other objects hitting an unknown surface had her imagination running riot. And none of what she imagined was good.

  Only the sound of a whoosh prepared her. Multiple strands strafed across her stomach, her vulnerable mound, and her spread-eagled thighs. She gasped but managed to stifle the scream clawing to escape her throat. The whip had something sharp attached to the strands. She could smell the coppery scent of her own blood.

  The second strike was on her breasts and the barbed strands scraped across her nipples. She bit her lip until she tasted blood, forcing the scream back into her throat where it became a mere whimper.

  Lily? You’re in pain. What is he doing?

  Nothing I can’t handle. Just get here and kill the son of a bitch.

  Lily!

  The roar of Carr’s voice in her head helped her through the next slash of the whip, once again over her breasts. The sting of the welts throbbed, and the cuts burned across the sensitive mounds.

  “Too brave, my dear. Far too brave.”

  Brody stomped away like a petulant two-year-old. Something being thrown to the floor sounded loudly in the cavernous room. Yeah, a temper tantrum just like a spoiled brat. Except this was a dangerous psychopath and his loss of control just might kill her.

  “Let’s see how you handle the crop. One of my—and my dear Autumn’s—favorites. Too bad she isn’t here for you to compare notes with.”

  Something touched her lips.

  “Kiss it.”

  She turned her head away.

  He slapped her with his hand. “Kiss it or the next slap, I’ll use this on your face.”

  Carr would be here soon. She repeated the sentence in her head as she brushed her lips over the crop.

  “That’s better.” He placed the crop on her chest. “Hold that for me for a second. I need to check on something.”

  A rough finger flicked her labia then thrust into her dry opening. “Look at the folds of your sex,” he said in a crooning tone. “Such generous pussy lips, so perfect for piercing. I’ll pierce these later so I can lock your sex away from others. But right now, I’ll teach you who your master is.”

  Rescue right about now would be good, Carr.

  We’re outside the door. It’s locked. We’re working on it. Hold on.

  Lily took him literally and grasped at the chains which attached her cuffs to the bed and held on for all she was worth.

  The whoosh of the crop cutting the air gave her warning. The pain as he struck her mound defeated her. She screamed.

  A scream of agony came clearly through an air vent over the door.

  “Get us down there now!” Carr pounded the solid steel door which blocked him from Lily. “He’s hurting her.”

  Autumn nodded. Her lips thinned to a harsh, grim line as she entered the complicated code to unlock the computerized locks on the door. “Got it.” She hit “enter” on the pad and the whirl of the mechanized locks sounded loudly in the silent den. “Go!”

  The door opened to the sound of more of Lily’s screams.

  Carr roared and flew down the stairs then burst into the room. Trent and Donovan were on his heels. All were armed and all were ready to kill.

  Brody turned at their entrance. He threw down whatever he’d used on Lily and pressed a gun to her head. “Shoot me and she dies, I guarantee it.”

  Carr stopped less than six feet from the end of the bed where a blindfolded Lily lay nude and bleeding. “Lily?”

  “Carr?” His beloved’s voice was shaky and filled with pain.

  “Shut up.” Brody jabbed the gun against her cheek. “Negotiate, Protector. You want the Earth Talisman, and I want to leave. How will we do this?”

  He sensed the power in Brody’s voice and … felt nothing. Lily’s power protected him from monster’s voice.

  “Kill the bastard!” Autumn’s shrill cry came from the doorway. “You can’t let him go…” Her voice trailed off into the sound of harsh weeping.

  “Trent. Get her out of here.” Carr’s eyes never left Brody, and his gun was pointed at the foul, old man’s head.

  Donovan had come to stand next to him; his gun was aimed at Brody’s heart.

  Brody sneered. “How are you going to stop me from killing her?” He jabbed the gun once more into Lily’s cheek.

  “Donovan, don’t you think a head shot and a heart shot simultaneously would do the trick?”

  “Why, Carr,” said Donovan, “I think that would stop all ability for him to pull the trigger.”

  Power surged in the room. It came from Brody. “You will not kill me. You will put down your guns and surrender.”

  Carr laughed. “Sorry, that doesn’t work on me as the Consort of a Talisman.”

  “And it sure as hell doesn’t work on the Spirit Talisman,” Donovan added. “In fact, Brody, you will put your gun down and lie on the floor face down. Now.”

  Donovan’s Spirit Talisman powers reverberated within the room, jangling the chains and making the instruments of torture jump on the wall.

  Brody fought the suggestion with everything in him, but ultimately failed. When the Brody’s gun no longer endangered Lily, Carr was on him. Two ruthless punches and Brody lay on the ground, unconscious.

  “Tie him up, would you, Donovan?”

  “Gladly.” The Spirit Talisman shoved his gun in the holster under his arm and bent to the downed Destroyer. “Throw me some of those leather ties on the end table.”

  Carr nodded and threw the items before turning to free Lily. She was bruised and bleeding. His hands shook as he gently removed the blindfold. He couldn’t stand the thought of hurting her even more.

  When she opened her eyes, they were filled with pain and tears and—love. She let out a sob that sounded a lot like his name.

  “Blessed Gaia, forgive me for failing you.”

  “Not your fault.” She hiccupped and more tears streamed down her face as she silently wept.

  “Hush, sweetheart. You’re killing me. I’ll have these restraints off in a flash.” Carr unclamped the chains anchoring her to the bed then worked on removing the cuffs on her wrists and ankles.

  He swore viciously under his breath at the bruises and abrasions on her skin from the cruel bindings and the beating she’d taken. It was either that or scream his rage.

  As he worked on freeing her, she shivered under his hands and her teeth chattered. He wrapped the bedcovers around her body, afraid that she’d go into shock. Finally, he’d released her from all the bindings.

  He wanted to clasp her to him and never let her go, but he was afraid he’d hurt her.

  “Carr?” She grasped his arm and tugged him closer.

  “Yes, Lily?” He stroked her hair, the only part of her he was sure hadn’t been beaten.

  “Hold me.”

  He couldn’t refuse her plea. One gasp was all she uttered as he gingerly gathered her into his arms. But he knew she was in pain; he felt it. He murmured profuse apologies against her hair as he cradled her against his chest. When he kissed her bruised face, his tears mixed with hers.

  “I want to hit him,” she whispered against his throat. “With the crop. Now.”

  “I’ll help her.” Autumn’s voice came from behind them. “But, first, let’s get Lily dressed. I’ve found something she can wear that shouldn’t be too bad against her injuries. We can care for her better on the plane.”

  Carr turned with Lily in his arms. Autumn stood nearby with a set of sweats in her hands. The clothing had Lily’s scent on it.

  “Thank you,” Lily whispered. “You’re the soon-to-be-ex-wife?”

  Autumn nodded.

  “Congratulations on your soon-to-be-divorce.”

  “Thank you,” Autumn said with a slight smile.

  Between the two of them, they got Lily dressed. Trent and Donovan had turned their backs to give them privacy and to watch the door leading into the dungeon. So far, they hadn’t seen nor heard any of Brody’s men.

  Carr hoped their luck would continue. Lily, and Autumn, needed to punish Brody for their mental and emotional health.

  Once dressed and standing with his assistance, Lily said, “I think I’ll let you take the honors first, Autumn. He told me, no, he bragged about what he’d done to you. I’ll take my turn after you soften him up a bit for me.”

  “I’ll be honored.” Autumn reached around Carr and took the crop from the table where Brody had dropped it. She walked to where Trent and Donovan stood over the defeated man. “Lower his pants and expose his ass.”

  Donovan frowned but didn’t stop Trent who’d immediately moved to do as Autumn had asked. Autumn’s consort untied Brody’s legs from the hog-tie and exposed the old man’s butt.

  Autumn stepped closer to Brody. A surge of power filled the room. Something sucked at Carr’s skin. She’d drawn energy from the atmosphere to give her more striking power.

  Lily’s gasp told him she felt the power grab also. He soothed her with kisses and kept her close to his side, protecting her sore body with his.

  The first stroke across Brody’s naked buttocks sounded loudly in the room and drew blood. The second and the third strokes sounded even louder as her element gave Autumn the strength to pay her tormentor back for all the months of torture he’d inflicted.

  At the fifth stroke, Lily spoke, her words soft, but carrying, “Autumn, stop. My turn, I think.”

  Autumn nodded. Her face was wet with tears. She handed the crop to Lily who accepted it only after stroking the wetness from the other woman’s cheek with a gentle thumb.

  Carr carried Lily to where Brody lay, wheezing and moaning into the cold concrete floor. He helped her to stand and steadied her when her legs threatened to give way. She raised her arm and gave Brody five more strokes; Carr supplemented her Earth power with his.

  Brody whimpered and moaned. The sound grated on Carr’s nerves. “Shut up, Brody. Or I’ll gag you.”

  The Destroyer shut up with one last heaving sob.

  “That’s enough.” Donovan stepped between Carr and Brody. “Pull up his pants, Trent. We need to get out of here before some enterprising guards decide to check on their boss.”

  Autumn turned toward Trent after he covered Brody’s bloody ass. “Let’s make sure the way is clear.”

  Trent led the way out of the dungeon with Autumn close on his heels.

  Carr spoke into Lily’s ear. “Can you hold on for a while longer, love? I’ll take care of your wounds on the plane.”

  “Yes, just get me out of here.” She buried her face against his chest.

  She felt fragile as he shifted her to lift her into his arms. She immediately twined her arms around his neck with only one small whimper of pain. She nestled her face against the opening of his shirt and took a deep breath then sighed. He could sense her replenishing her energy from his energy reservoir.

  Donovan came up to them. His eyes showed his concern. “Will she be okay?”

  “She’ll be fine,” Lily answered, her words muffled.

  Carr chuckled at the sarcastic tone. She didn’t like being talked about in the third person. Brody hadn’t destroyed her spirit.

  Never a chance of that. I knew you were coming for me.

  I’ll always come for you.

  I know.

  Donovan smiled. “I’m glad, Lily.” He tapped his com device. “Sit rep, Trent.”

  Trent’s voice came over Carr’s ear bud. “We’re in the back hallway. You’re all clear to here.”

  Mark’s voice. “Found Molly Miller. She told us her son was here. He told her to be ready and he’d be back for her. That he had something to do. We haven’t seen him. Watch your asses. He might be coming for Lily. Brenna and I have Molly with us at the rendezvous point in the woods.”

  “How’s the way there, Mark?” Carr carried Lily up the stairs and into the den.

  “All clear for now. The distractions at the perimeters and the front gate are keeping the hired guns busy.” Silence, then, Mark added, “Autumn and Trent just got here.”

  Trent’s voice cut in. “We had no trouble getting to and then through the basement tunnel. But my gut says the distractions won’t keep the guards busy that much longer. You guys need to shake a leg.”

  Mark’s voice. “My gut is matching Trent’s. I’ll backtrack a bit and give you a heads’ up if I see any trouble. Trent will be of more use here in case Autumn needs to do her thing.”

  “Roger that,” Carr said.

  Donovan entered the den behind him and Lily; the Spirit Talisman carried Brody over his shoulder.

  Carr suspected the old man was playing possum. While the man’s voice did not work on them, it would work on his followers. He was prepared to knock the old man out again if need be.

  Mark’s urgent voice came over the com devices. “Trouble just popped up. I’m outside the rear of the house. Four heavily armed Destroyers just entered it. It’s a sure bet your access to the basement and the tunnel into the woods is now screwed. In fact, the way that hallway is laid out, you’d be a sitting duck trying for one of the other doors out of the house.”

  Carr visualized the hallway outside the den and decided Mark was correct. Maybe if he and Donovan were alone, they might be able to make it out even if they had to fight. But he and Donovan had burdens to carry. Although he’d be happy to throw Brody in front of a bunch of bullets, he would not endanger Lily.

  “What about the French doors onto the terrace? Is that way clear?” Carr asked.

  Mark’s voice. “I’m checking on it now.”

  Carr could hear Mark’s breathing as he hurried to find them another way out.

  “Okay, only one guy on the doors to the terrace,” Mark said. “When you’re coming out, let me know. We can hit him from both sides.”

  Carr answered, “Roger that.” He moved to put Lily on a couch.

  “I can walk.” She’d followed his thought processes and the conversation with Mark over their mental connection. “I need to stay near you.”

  “You sure?” He looked at her and found determination on her face. “Yeah, you’re sure. After Mark and I get rid of the guard, I’ll be carrying you. So don’t argue. We’ll be running flat out for the woods.”

  They wouldn’t be making it to Brody’s airfield to steal his plane now. The four guards entering the house indicated the security forces had gone on high alert. They couldn’t chance being exposed for that long. So, the woods and back to their vehicles it would be.

  Lily smiled. “Fine.”

  Her face said fine, but her nerves were fluttering so hard he was surprised she hadn’t created a breeze in the house. He brushed a kiss across her forehead. “We’ll make it.”

  “I have no doubts.”

  And she didn’t. She was more worried about him being hurt than them getting away.

  Carr lowered Lily until she was standing and held onto her until she stopped swaying. “Here.” He led her to the side of the French doors. “Hold onto this chair. Don’t move.”

  Lily gripped the back of the chair. She whispered, “I’ll be fine.”

  After checking to see that Donovan was close enough to Lily to protect her from any entrance through the main door into the den, he moved to the French doors and looked out. The guard’s back was to him and there was still only the one man.

  Carr spoke in a low, non-carrying tone into his com mic. “In position. How do you want to handle this?”

  Mark replied. “Open the door into his back. When he turns to meet the threat, I’ll take him out.”

  “Works for me. On the count of three. One. Two …”

  At three, Carr shoved the door hard into the man’s back, knocking him forward. Mark sped from the bushes and hit the guy on the head as he went down. The man still moved so Mark hit him again with a karate chop to the back of the neck. Mark took the man’s gun and dragged the body into the shrubbery.

  Carr whipped some flex cuffs from his belt and tossed them to Mark, who cuffed the man’s hands behind him and gagged him with a piece of the man’s shirt.

  “Watch for others.” Carr turned to signal Donovan and Lily forward. He met Lily before she even crossed the threshold and swept her into his arms.

  “Where are our people now?” asked Donovan with Brody still over his shoulder.

  “They’re with Trent at the wood’s edge.” Mark led the way, using all the cover available. “We only have one wide-open spot to cross. Autumn and Trent will create a distraction if we need it.”

  “What kind?” asked Donovan, not even breathless from carrying Brody.

  “A white tornado.” Mark laughed. “She’s going to put two of them between us and the house once we’re at the open ground we have to cross. The cyclonic winds will keep the guards away, blow dust in their eyes, and keep any air support on the ground.”

  “Sounds like a good plan.” Carr glanced at Lily who lay very still in his arms. She hurt but was suffering quietly so as not to distract him and the others. “Soon, Lily. We’ll take care of those wounds and the pain.”

  “It’s not that bad.”

  She was lying.

  Then she continued to talk, probably attempting to distract him from the pain she had to know he also felt through their connection. “Isn’t Autumn amazing? Her power is always available. There’s always air to move. I need to find a fault or ley line. I tried to find one … to stop him … but—”

  “Shh, baby. You did all you could do … most importantly, you stayed alive until I could get to you.” He gave her a gentle squeeze as he continued to pace Donovan and the others.