He kissed her palm. “Do you remember what happened? How did you get in the lake?”

  “I don’t know. One minute, I was in the living room and then…” Tears welled in her eyes. “It was awful.”

  He kissed wetness from her cheek. “It’s okay. We don’t have to talk about it.”

  “Yes, we do. I saw Kell in my vision.”

  A sick feeling burrowed into Dalir. “Where did you see him?”

  “I don’t know where I was.” Ari shuddered. “But the way he stared at me from in front of the cave, she’s right. He has to be stopped.”

  “She? Who else did you see?”

  “A woman with red hair.”

  Prickles gathered along Dalir’s nape. He held Ari’s hand. “Describe her.”

  “She was beautiful, and her eyes were a deep blue. They sparkled like the gem around her neck.”

  No. It couldn’t be Taliana. “What type of jewel?”

  “Yellow.”

  It couldn’t be anyone else, but why would Ari fixate on Taliana in a vision? He’d never described her? Or was his brother behind this? Had Kell grown stronger than he’d realized and linked himself to Ari? His brother would gladly make her suffer to taunt him. The heat gathering inside Dalir threatened to explode into a raging inferno.

  Ari winced and tried to wiggle her fingers from his.

  Dalir loosened his grip but held onto her hand. He could have unconsciously transferred his memories of Taliana to Ari. It hadn’t occurred with the guys, but with Ari’s gift, anything was possible. “It was just a vision.”

  She trembled. “It was more than that. This was more like a prophecy. She said I couldn’t run away from him or he’d win. The woman said I had to stop him.”

  It wouldn’t matter if it cost him his last breath, Ari would never get his brother. A burst of energy, he couldn’t contain rattled the cottage. “No.”

  Ari tensed and her eyes grew wide.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.” He laid his forehead to hers. “A vision, a prophecy, it doesn’t matter. Kell is dangerous. I won’t let you anywhere near him.”

  Fresh tears streamed down her cheeks. “I saw you lying dead on an altar in front of some mountain. I can’t stand by and watch you die.”

  “You won’t have to because I won’t die.” He kissed her hard stemming a protest. “We’re done talking about it. You have to rest.” He picked up the dagger. Memories of the day Kell had taken Taliana’s life rolled in. He’d failed then, but he wouldn’t make the same mistake with Ari.

  “Stay with me.” Her gaze fixed on the dagger. She stiffened. “But put that away.”

  He stowed the dagger in the back of the closet in one of his boots. He’d take it back to the main house later on.

  In the bedroom, he took off his clothing and lay beside Ari.

  She clung to him as if afraid to let go. Finally, she stopped shivering and fell asleep.

  Dalir held her tighter. Having her there, holding her in his arms felt right. So had her claim about him loving her. She’d said it as a joke, but in that moment, he’d realized it as the truth. He loved her and wanted more. More of her smiles, her laughter. More chances to just please her. If he could, he’d give up searching for Kell. He and Ari could explore the world he and the team fought to save together. He would phase with her to every country. Even the Artic. She would complain about the cold, but then that would provide another excuse for him to hold her, kiss her, and make love to keep her warm. He’d take pleasure in seeing everything through her eyes. Especially, her optimism. Dalir gathered her closer to his aching heart. As much as he wanted her to stay with him, he wouldn’t choose his selfishness over her having a good life. It was more than obvious, staying with him would only bring her pain.

  As he stroked her cheek, his chest constricted, hampering his breathing. Ari had come to The Drift because his issues with Kell had forced her into staying with him. She deserved more than that. She should live safely in the home of her choice. Flourish in a career. Ari should have a normal life with someone she could marry and have children with. A man who could love and stand beside her without limitations. Something he couldn’t provide. What he would do was make sure she had a chance for the best life possible free from the ugliness of his past. Dalir eased out of bed. He got dressed. It was time for him to get rid of the one obstacle that stood in her way.

  Chapter 14

  Dalir paced in front of the porch at the cottage. Where was Thane? He should have shown up by now with the information.

  A full moon and stars illuminated the forest and the darkened cottage where Ari remained asleep.

  He could phase to the lake and take a look around. Maybe he’d find a clue about how she had ended up there. Or while he was gone, something worse could happen. He’d already taken the risk of leaving her when he’d quick phased to the main house. The rest of the night, he’d watch over her. Who or whatever had put Ari though hell, wouldn’t succeed again.

  Thane materialized on the porch steps, carrying a laptop. “I found what you wanted.”

  “Not here. Ari’s sleeping.” Dalir stalked to the tree line but kept the cottage in view.

  Thane joined him. He folded the laptop back on itself. The screen displayed a map. “Why the sudden interest in caves?”

  “A hunch.” Ari had mentioned seeing Kell in front of one in her visions.

  “Out of the places Henshaw mentioned for Red Path Anarchy, Montana is top on the list for caves. There are lots of uncharted places there, especially in the wilderness areas.” Thane pointed to the screen. “Some of the caverns out there are over fifteen hundred feet deep. It’s an explorer’s paradise and perfect for illegal activity. The key is narrowing it down. Any ideas about the terrain or landmarks?”

  “No.” Dalir traced over the mountain symbols on the map. “I’m sure I’ll find what I’m looking for when I get there.” Last time Ari’s intuitive insight had led him straight to his brother. He’d gather as many clues as he could from her without actually taking her there.

  Thane flipped the laptop shut. “When do we leave?”

  “You’re not. I’m going alone.”

  “No. We agreed. We’re taking down Kell as a team.”

  Dalir met Thane’s gaze. He’d thought long and hard about making this decision earlier as he’d watched Ari sleep. It was best for the team. “Remember what you told me before about moving on? You were right. It’s time for you and the guys to get back to the original mission.”

  “What does that mean?” Thane’s expression tightened. “And don’t try to bullshit me. You know something. This isn’t the time to hold back or cut us out.”

  “My brother is no longer your concern.”

  “Since when? Sure, I told you to let it go, I didn’t mean that you should kick us off the mission.” Thane stepped up to him. Moonlight lit the anger in his gaze. “I don’t care what you say, and I’m damn sure the guys will back me up. We’re not leaving.”

  “You are. I’m giving you twenty-four hours to recall the team and make one last phase from The Drift with Celine, Lauren and Ari. After, that I’m rescinding my power.”

  “No.” Thane shook his head as if he hadn’t heard him right. “We made a commitment. We vowed to help you. That’s what we do.”

  Thane would have made a great Alandian warrior. Someone he would have trusted by his side. That’s why he could depend on Thane to continue his legacy. “When I found you and the team five years ago, I tasked you to save the world. I expect you to continue that mission. You were all highly skilled operatives when I pulled you out of the desert. You’re even better now. You can still help people. You don’t need my power to accomplish it.”

  “Don’t do this.” Thane’s gripped the laptop as if he were seconds from throwing it. “You can’t just pull the plug on a whim. Kell hurt people we care about. We all have a stake in finding him.”

  “It’s not a whim. It’s a revelation. You and Reid have new commitments. You two wouldn’t have gotten engaged to your girlfriends unless you meant it. You almost lost your chance with Celine once. Nothing is worth the risk of that happening again. Go to the place and time where you want to live your lives. Marry her. Make music. Have babies. Be happy. Don’t take what you have with her for granted. It’s time for all of you to carve out lives for yourselves, aside from the team.”

  “And what about you.” Thane’s direct gaze met his. “What type of life are you carving out for yourself hunting Kell? Let us help you take him down first and then we’ll go.”

  “No.” Dalir clasped Thane’s shoulder. Years of loyalty and commitment rested between them, but the future held more for Thane. For all of them. “If you value me as a brother, as much as I value you, honor my wish. Please.”

  “Shit. Of all the fucking cards to pull from the deck, you would throw that one down.” Thane’s jawline ticked. “What about Ari? You two care about each other.”

  “You know as well as I do, I can’t be the man she needs in the Earthly dimension, and she can’t stay here indefinitely.” Part of him begged to make a different argument, but this was the right decision. “I’ve already brought chaos to her life. I want her to have better. All I ask is that you watch over her until she finds someone worthy of her love. Please.”

  As Thane released a long breath, he shook his head. “All right. I’ll do what you ask, but promise me one thing. You’ll make sure Kell gets what he deserves.”

  * * * *

  Dalir slipped quietly into the cabin.

  Light shone from the archway of the kitchen.

  He followed the scent of chicken permeating the air. At the entryway, he leaned against the wall.

  Ari, dressed in one of his button-down shirts, was stirring a pot on the stove. She’d knotted the shirt at the waist and paired it with the sweat shorts he'd loaned her the other day. Several sizes too large, she’d tied the drawstring of the pants tight at the waist and folded the waistband over several times.

  Just like she had sitting on the couch the other night, she looked perfectly at ease.

  Ari glanced over her shoulder. “Hey.” She followed his gaze to the two matching place settings on the table. “I got a little carried away. I hope you don’t mind.”

  “No, but it’s late. I’d thought you’d still be asleep.”

  “I thought you might be hungry.” She opened the oven, providing a tempting glimpse of skin between the low ride of the waistband and the tied shirt. “I’m making chicken soup and toast. You don’t have a toaster so I had to use the oven to crisp the bread. Ow!” She jumped back, sucking her finger.

  He rushed to her. “Are you all right?”

  “It’s nothing. I should have used the tongs to take it out.”

  “Let me see.” He caressed the red spot on her finger, bathing it in healing energy.

  “Oh.” She gave him a soft smile. “I didn’t know you could do that. You’re full of surprises.”

  He traced the puckered skin forming the infinity symbol on her palm. Would it ever go away or would it remain as a reminder to her of all of the danger and uncertainty he’d forced into her life? “For some reason, I can’t heal this.”

  She closed her hand. “I’m sure it will disappear on its own.” Ari shut the oven and grabbed the spoon. “The soup needs to thicken up a bit more but if you’re hungry the toast will be ready in a minute or there’s a salad in the fridge. Lettuce and tomatoes, that’s all you had left, but I guess you could just zip out to the garden and grab more vegetables. Maybe carrots. No. I put some in the soup. Cucumbers would probably be better.”

  Over the past days he’d learned a few things about her. One of them was that babbling on about something was her way of avoiding what she didn’t want to face. Dalir pried the spoon from her fingers and dropped it in the pot. He pulled her into his embrace.

  Ari tightened her arms around him and rested her forehead on his chest.

  Soon, she wouldn’t have to feel frightened. He’d see to that. “Do you want to talk about it.”

  “No.” She sighed. “You’ll only try to convince me the vision doesn’t mean anything.”

  “It doesn’t.”

  “But what if it does?” She gazed up at him. “What if—” Her voice broke.

  “Don’t do this to yourself. Maybe it was a warning for me to be careful.” If she did see Taliana, that explanation made more sense. He lifted Ari’s chin and kissed her. “You’re right. We shouldn’t talk about it now. I want to enjoy the food you made. It’s been a long time since anyone’s made a meal especially for me.”

  She frowned. “Wish I would have known. I could have made you something more special than soup and toast.”

  “It’s perfect.” He kissed her again. Awareness sparked to life. Dalir forced himself to break away. If he kept going, they’d end up using the kitchen table for something other than enjoying their late dinner. “You make it special.”

  Ari smiled and nudged him back. “Move. I better grab the toast before it burns.”

  They worked together to assemble the meal then sat at the table. An unspoken agreement to savor the moment hovered in the air along with the scent of delicious food.

  Dalir sipped his soup. Chicken, carrots and celery with a hint of spices. “This is good.”

  “Thanks. It would have been even better if it had more time to simmer.” She buttered her toast. “Tell me something I don’t know about you.”

  “Like what?”

  “I don’t know, like did you have a hobby growing up? Or were you a spoiled, bratty prince who sat around all day eating jam.”

  He choked on a spoonful of soup. “Eating jam? What does that have to do with anything?”

  “It doesn’t.” A teasing glint lit up her eyes. “I just wanted to see how you reacted. Seriously, when you were a kid, what made you happy living in Alandia?”

  “Well.” He’d never thought about it. “I rode horses. I hunted.” And fought wars, but she didn’t want to hear about that.

  “Aww, come on. Dish some dirt.”

  A new recollection came in. One he hadn’t thought of in years.

  “Ooh, look. You’re trying to hide a smile.” Ari leaned in. “Spill it.”

  “Well, I did sneak into the kitchens a few times to steal strawberry tarts.”

  She laughed and pointed at him. “See, I knew it. Tarts have a filling close enough to jam.”

  Ari easily drew more stories out of him. How he’d broken his arm the first day of military training as a teen, racing Ronan to the top of a peak. The moment his father had presented him with Shield Breaker upon graduation. He told her about the home he’d built himself nestled in the mountain.

  After dinner, she still wanted to hear more. Ari cut up a pear and Dalir opened a bottle of wine. They sat back at the table. He shared with her how his mother had reprimanded him as a boy for stealing those strawberry tarts he’d mention. She’d tasked him to help with the harvest. In that experience, he’d learned respect for people’s hard work and the land. Then, he told her about the stories he’d written in his teens about make-believe adventures and how Taliana had turned his words into music.

  Ari filled him in on how she’d met Lauren and Celine in college. They’d answered the same advertisement for an apartment. They decided to live together, but by the end of six months, they’d wanted to kill each other. They’d broken the lease and moved to other places but in the process became best friends. They truly were her sisters. The unity, support and caring she’d lacked in her own family, she’d found with Celine and Lauren.

  She washed the dishes and he dried them.

  Dalir laid the dish towel on the drying rack. He’d never experienced this level of peace and contentment with a woman. Or wanted to spend so much time with them. Images of happy moments he wished he could share with Ari on Alandia emerged. A horse ride to the north shore. A late-night picnic under the stars. Shopping at the outdoor market in the city. Introducing her to his parents and to Ronan. Showing her off at formal events at castle Alandia. Things that would never happen. He’d hold her for one more night, and let himself pretend they were just a normal couple. Then he’d leave early in the morning, before she’d awakened, and hunt for Kell. He’d stay away until the twenty-four hours he’d given Thane to leave with everyone, including Ari, had passed.

  She continued to stare at the water running down the drain after the suds had washed away. Lines creased her forehead.

  He pulled down the lever on the faucet, shutting it off. “Ready for bed?”

  “What? No. I’m not tired.” Dark circles shadowed her eyes. “I think I’ll get a head start on breakfast. Cinnamon apple coffee cake. I haven’t made it for a while, but I think I remember the recipe.”

  Responsibility. Duty. Honor. Protecting her from harm. Every good reason why he couldn’t be there when she woke in the morning, compressed his chest, squeezed his heart. Dalir took her hand. “Save it until tomorrow.”

  She dug in her heels. “I don’t want to go to bed.”

  “Then lie in the hammock with me.”

  Ari followed him to the back deck. She curled up beside him on the gently swaying canvas fabric. Low light, beaming out the kitchen window lit her face.

  He wrapped an arm around her. “Close your eyes and relax. You’ll fall asleep in no time.”

  “I’m not sleepy.” She snuggled into his chest. “I had a nightmare earlier. I dreamed that I was looking for you in the woods, but I couldn’t find you. Then Kell showed up and chased me. That’s why I got up.”

  And he hadn’t been there to assure her she was safe. Dalir held her tighter. “I shouldn’t have forced you to talk to me at the hospital. I’m sorry for involving you in finding Kell. Meeting me ruined your life.”

  “No.” Her head jerked up. “I’m not sorry I met you. If anything, I wish we would have met sooner.”

  As much as he wanted to, he couldn’t deny the truth. He couldn’t imagine not having met her. It was even harder to contemplate his life without her in it. “I do, too.”