Both their heads swung around as they tried to gain their bearings. “We’re not in Kansas anymore,” Sally muttered. The room was dark and decadent. A large bed took up most of the space, and in the middle of the bed was Alice’s still body. She was deathly pale.

  “What the hell?” Kara hurried over to the bed. She climbed up and sat next to Alice. Kara gently picked up the scientist’s hand and looked over at Sally. “She’s freezing.”

  Sally walked around to the other side, her eyes taking in Alice’s facial features. She reached over and put her hand under her nose, feeling for breath. It was there, but shallow. “She’s still alive.”

  “How can we communicate with her?”

  Sally gave Alice a long look. “I don’t know. I can only assume this is not a natural sleep. If it was, she’d have woken as soon as she felt our presence. We are in her mind, after all. Invading someone’s brain has a tendency to get their attention.”

  Kara put her hand on Alice and shook her gently. The other healer didn’t stir. “Damn.”

  Sally also placed her hand on Alice. “Let me see if I can get inside her mind in this form.”

  “You mean, get inside her mind … from inside her mind?”

  “It sounds ridiculous when you say it like that, but I think someone or something is blocking us from making complete contact with her subconscious. I’m going to try to break through that barrier.”

  Sally sat down on the bed and pressed a hand to Alice’s cool forehead. The woman’s lips had even lost their pink hue, taking on more of a bluish color. Whatever was going on, it was bad. Sally pulled on the magic of her bloodline, and then pulled on Costin’s as well, hoping to ensure that she was geared up as she went into the unknown battlefield of Alice’s mind.

  “Kara, you stay right here,” Sally instructed. “I’ll need you to pull me out if I get stuck.”

  “On it,” Kara said in a no nonsense manner.

  Sally closed her eyes and pushed her light into Alice’s mind. The sensation was like forcing herself through thick mud. First, her hand squelched through, then her entire body took on a light form and sunk through the protective barrier that had been around Alice’s mind. Sally was inside, and there was Alice, pacing around in what appeared as an empty hospital room.

  Alice’s eyes were unfocused, and her hands twisted around and around as she muttered to herself. Sally listened, trying to pick up what the scientist was saying.

  “Not right. It’s not right,” Alice said over and over. She lifted her hands and ran them through her dark locks. “Something is so wrong. Why can’t I figure out what is wrong?” Her voice broke, and tears ran from her eyes, down her cheeks. “Where am I? What am I doing here? Why can’t I leave?” With every question, more tears came, and Sally’s heart broke for her.

  “Alice.”

  The other woman’s head snapped up, and her gaze collided with Sally’s. “Who are you?” Alice took a step back.

  Sally held up her hands. “I’m a friend. I’m not here to hurt you.” As she took in the woman’s appearance, she was shocked to see what Sally could only call the shell of a person. Like a wraith, there seemed to be little life in Alice’s eyes. Her face was gaunt and her eyes were rimmed in dark circles. She seemed overly thin from what Sally could see of the outline beneath the gown she wore.

  Alice snorted. “That’s exactly what someone who was here to hurt me would say to lure me into a false sense of security.”

  Sally shrugged her shoulder. “That’s a fair assessment. You’re right not to trust strangers. I would be wary, too, in your position. But I promise, I truly mean you no harm.”

  Alice’s eyes narrowed, arms crossing defensively. “Why should I believe you? For all I know, you’re just another illusion in this nightmare. At least I think it’s a nightmare. I don’t really know. I don’t know what’s real. I’m a scientist, and I can’t figure out reality. How sad is that?”

  Nightmare? So Alice was at least somewhat aware this wasn’t reality. Sally filed that information away. But was it a nightmare? Or was it something else?

  “Let me prove my intentions,” she offered. “Ask me anything. I’ll answer honestly.”

  Alice chewed her lip, considering. “Tell me about yourself. Something real. Not the usual ‘my name is’ crap.”

  Sally nodded. She knew she would have to open up. “All right. I grew up in a middle-class family. My parents are awesome. And it turns out my mom is a sprite. My dad is a human, but a badass human. I’m mated to a werewolf named Costin, and we’re pregnant with our second child. We adopted a son that had been held captive by vampires because he’s a dormant wolf.”

  Alice blinked, some of the suspicion fading from her gaze. Sally continued.

  “I can honestly say that though my life has had many huge blessings since discovering that I’m a gypsy healer, and mated to a mega-hot werewolf, life was easier before all of this mess.” She gave a wry smile. “Maybe it wasn’t full of adventures—well, if you don’t consider Jen’s escapades adventures—but it was safe. Sometimes, I really miss that.”

  “What happened to you?” Alice’s quiet question lacked accusation, only understanding. “If you don’t feel safe now, something must have happened.”

  “After being with Costin for a couple of years, I was abducted. Some bad things happened.” Sally’s throat tightened. “I ended up with a group called the Order of the Burning Claw. They—” She broke off as the old pain welled up. She swallowed and forced it down. This wasn’t about her wounds.

  “Let’s just say they took things from me that I can never get back. But I survived. Costin came for me, as I knew he would. Nothing short of the Great Luna would have stopped him. I had to start over in some ways. Trauma, the mental kind, sometimes hurts more than the physical pain.” She met Alice’s eyes evenly. “You can survive this, too. And have that life still ahead of you.”

  Alice stared at her for a long moment. Then, haltingly, she whispered, “You’re real. A real person.” Alice wiped at more tears. “Sometimes, I think it’s not real, but it feels so damn real. I’m tired. I don’t know what’s happening to me. I was attacked by Claude, a vampire. And Cain was desperate to save me. But not for my blood.” Alice looked at her, a deep V forming on her brow. “He doesn’t want me for my blood. He wants me for me. He’s said he’s in love with me.” She laughed, though it sounded a little unhinged. “It sounds insane, but love conquers all, right? Isn’t that how the saying goes? But what if I’m wrong? What if it’s not love. What if I wind up needing help because it’s not real? Would you help me?”

  Sally nodded. Shock, fear for Alice, and relief that she actually wanted help, crashed through Sally. Sure, there was some stuff that would require a big time come-to-Jesus meeting, but the potential was there. “Yes. And I’m here to help you, if you’ll let me.” Sally couldn’t help but be shocked that Alice had feelings for Cain, but she wouldn’t judge, not after what she’d done. Sally had learned that powerful supernatural beings had ways to make you do things you might not otherwise want to do.

  “Quit thinking that way.” Costin’s voice filled her mind as his love poured into her body like warm water. “I will bite you if I must in order to remind you that you are mine. I choose you no matter what.”

  Sally’s heart squeezed in her chest. Her mate reminded her over and over, sometimes daily, that he wasn’t going anywhere and what had happened to her held no sway over his feelings for her. “I love you, Costin Miklos. Now, keep your thoughts to yourself.”

  “Don’t give me a reason not to.”

  Damn. He’d gotten grumpy since she’d started showing her baby bump. They were going to have to have a talk about that.

  “I-I’m not sure how you can help.” Alice’s voice drew Sally out of her thoughts. “I don’t even know where ‘here’ is.” Alice’s breath hitched on a sob. “Everything is wrong. Broken. I feel like I’m breaking.”

  Heart aching, Sally slowly moved closer. When Alice didn’t retreat, Sally reached out and took her hands.

  “I know it feels that way. But you aren’t broken, Alice. Your mind is just lost right now, and we are going to guide you back. Believe it or not, I’ve dealt with something very similar with another healer. Her name is Jewel, and I have a feeling you two are going to be fast friends. She got lost in her mind and her mate was unable to help her, so I did. And now she’s with her true mate, and they’re happy and safe.”

  Confusion flashed across Alice’s face when Sally said the words “we are,” but before she could explain, footsteps rang out.

  “There you are.”

  Sally turned to see a man striding toward them. He was tall, sharp-featured, and had cold grey eyes. She stiffened.

  Alice’s face suddenly softened. It was like the woman who’d just been standing before her was someone completely different. “Cain, I was just—” She looked at Sally, but Cain’s gaze didn’t follow hers. Sally shifted, and still he didn’t look. He only had eyes for Alice. Dammit, she’d seen that look before. In fact, she saw it every time she looked at Costin.

  “I let you sleep in today. You were very tired yesterday.” His eyes warmed as he stared at Alice, thawing out the icy persona of the man who’d walked into the room. “How are you feeling now? Any new urges?”

  Alice shook her head. “Still not craving O positive.” The scientist had looked away from Sally and seemed to be making a point not to look back at her.

  “She’s a gypsy healer.” Sally spoke up, figuring she might as well get the confrontation over. Costin was going to be pissed. “Alice can’t become a vampire. The healer magic in her would never allow it. Her body will fight it. Her body is fighting it. You’ve seen the way her physical form looks.”

  “You are correct, Brown Eyes,” Costin growled. “Pissed is a good description.”

  “You’ll get over it. Now leave me be. I have to focus.”

  Cain’s expression darkened as he strode towards Alice. Though his face was etched with anger, his touch, when he moved Alice behind him was gentle. “I should have known you healers wouldn’t stay away.” He reached behind him and took one of the scientists hands in his and entwined their fingers. “Alice belongs with me,” he lifted his chin in challenge, “and I’ll kill anyone who tries to take her.”

  “So she’s your mate?” Sally tried to keep her tone indifferent.

  “Yes,” Cain said matter-of-factly. “And just like your male would do for you, I will protect her at all costs.”

  “My mate is true,” Sally countered. “Ordained by the Great Luna. Can you say the same? Is this what’s best for Alice?”

  Releasing Alice’s hand he moved toward her, radiating menace. Sally’s protective instincts roared to life. Power flared in her blood, and she felt Costin give her a boost of his own power.

  “Back. Off.” The words ripped from her in a snarl. The walls shuddered under the force of her will. “You have no power here in the unwoken world. And she is under the protection of Fane Lupei.”

  “And me.” Perizada’s voice boomed throughout the room. Sally gasped as the fae suddenly appeared in an explosion of bright light. Peri’s image burned brightly, and it was almost painful to look upon her. Sally knew better than to ask how in the world Peri could show up inside Alice’s mind. The high fae was powerful, ancient, and full of abilities that continually surprised Sally.

  Cain pulled up short, shock breaking through the stony mask. Behind him, Alice made a small, startled sound. Sally kept her eyes locked on Cain.

  “Vampire king looks good on you, Cain.” Perizada’s voice no longer boomed. “Though it hasn’t made you any less of an ass. That’s a shame.”

  “How are you here?” Apparently Cain hadn’t gotten the memo that Peri goes wherever the heck Peri wants.

  “I go where I’m needed, vampire,” Peri said coolly. “As all the gypsy healers are under my protection, Alice is mine.”

  Cain’s brow rose as he rocked back on his heels. “Is that so? They’re under your protection?” He let out a low, humorless chuckle. “And how has that turned out for those females? Should I go over, for Alice’s sake, what happens to the healers under your so-called protection?”

  “What is he talking about?” Alice asked, at the same time Sally’s stomach dropped.

  “Word gets around in the supernatural community. You should know this better than anyone, Peri. I mean, do you honestly believe people are ignorant of what happened to this one?” Cain pointed at Sally. She wished she were a wolf so she could bite the damn finger off.

  Sally turned to look at Alice. The woman was now staring at her in a much less trusting manner. Dammit. Her wounds had yet to completely heal, but now Sally was going to have to rip the bandage off anyway. “Damn vampire,” Sally muttered under her breath.

  “What about the five new healers? If I remember the gossip, a couple of them wear the mark of a certain high fae that defected from your council.” Cain tilted his head. “How are they doing? Healing up okay?”

  Peri’s face remained blank, as if none of the shots he’d fired at her had hit their mark. She actually looked kind of bored. For all Sally knew, the high fae was bored. Peri wasn’t easily entertained. And she’d been MIA for a while, so who knew how long she was planning on sticking around after this shit show?

  “Alice.” Peri turned her gaze away from Cain and focused on the scientist. “My name is Perizada. I am a high fae. Basically, that means I’m very old and powerful.”

  “And Cain is implying that despite your age and power, you are not capable of protecting those under your care?” Alice asked.

  “It’s a fair question.” Sally shrugged. “Granted, it doesn’t seem that he’s offered up information about his involvement in the Order of the Burning Claw.

  Alice looked at Cain, her eyes narrowing. “I don’t know what kind of club that is, but the name alone is sending out some serious red flag vibes.” Alice then looked back at Peri. “And if what he’s saying is true, then I’m getting red flag vibes from you as well.”

  Peri glanced at the healer and then back to Alice. “I said I’m powerful, not infallible. I am not a god. I am created just as you were, and I have flaws, faults, and a boatload of transgressions. But I also care deeply for those whom I claim as my responsibility.”

  “What happened to me wasn’t Peri’s fault. However, your vampire played some part in it, considering he was batting for their team.” Sally turned her body so she could see Alice but still keep Cain in her line of sight. “It’s not something I like to talk about, but for you, I will.”

  “Is it worse than what Lizzy or I’ve been through?” Alice sat on the edge of the bed, her hands resting in her lap.

  Peri snorted. “What you and Lizzy are enduring is a cakewalk compared to what our Sally has been through. Not to mention Kara. Yes.” Peri waved her hand. “She’s a gypsy healer, too. You guys are a hot commodity in the supernatural world. Congratulations on getting to be the most desired of all supernaturals.”

  “I don’t think that’s something I should be excited about,” Alice said flatly.

  “Alice—” Cain started, but she held up a hand, and he stopped.

  “If I mean anything to you at all, you will let me hear these women out.” Alice’s voice was strong, although she looked ready to pass out. “I know I have feelings for you, but I don’t understand them. I don’t understand any of this, and it’s driving me crazy.”

  Anguish filled Cain’s eyes as he stared at Alice. After a very long pause, he finally nodded. “Okay. Just promise me you will talk to me after. Can I have your word?”

  Alice nodded. “Yes. We will talk.”

  Peri took a step toward Cain, her light beginning to shine brighter again. “This is your only warning,” she bit out. “If you hurt Lizzy, Finn, or Alice, what Kara did to Ludcarab will look like child’s play when I’m finished with you. I’m done playing nice.”

  Peri played nice, Sally asked herself. When?

  For a breathless moment, Sally thought he would challenge the high fae. Instead, he took a step back, his jaw clenched. His eyes were filled with rage and something else that Sally couldn’t put her finger on. Without another word, he turned and stalked away, leaving through a doorway behind him.

  Sally slumped down onto the bed in relief before turning back to Alice. “Are you okay?”

  Alice stared at her wide-eyed. “No. I’m confused. I don’t like being confused. And who the hell are you, and how did you get here?” This question was directed at Peri.

  “I already told you who I am. Keep up. I thought you’re supposed to be some kind of genius,” Peri quipped. “You and Jewel will need to have a battle of wits.” Peri held out her hand and snapped her fingers. A chair appeared beside the bed. She sat down, moving as gracefully as a cat. “Now, as for Cain being in your head—you do realize that this is all happening in your head, right?—he only has the power you give him,” Peri explained. “If you don’t want him in your head, you can keep him out.”

  “His blood is in me. Doesn’t that make him my sire or something?” Alice picked at her shirt nervously.

  “You aren’t a vampire.” Sally detected exacerbation in the fae’s voice. “Didn’t you hear that part?”

  Alice frowned at the fae as her back straightened. “I was a little distracted by the two females who just suddenly showed up in my head, and then realizing that I think everything that has been happening, the life I thought I was living, wasn’t really happening. Are you trying to tell me Cain has me playing house with him in my head?”

  “Why are you shocked?” Sally asked, unable to quell her ire. “You’re in a government lab with a bunch of people that Cain abducted and has expirimented on while using you to make his experiments work. How could you not see those massive red flags? I mean, they’re practically yelling at you.”

  “That’s not the Cain I’ve been seeing lately.” Alice’s voice was not as strong as it had been. “The Cain I’m with takes care of me. He loves me.”