Pursued(30)

“The Deep Blue?” Elise said. “What’s that?”

Merrick spared her a glance. “It’s what they call the darkest, most inaccessible part of the jungle on Rageron. It’s the only place the pain vine grows.”

“I don’t like the sound of that.” James’ voice on the viewscreen was shrill and his face was red. “It sounds dangerous.”

“It is,” Merrick growled. “But then, so am I.” He gave James a level look. “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of Elise and bring her back to you in one piece. Then the two of you can be joined and live happily ever-fucking-after. All right?”

James looked like he wanted to protest more but Elise spoke up.

“Please, James, it’s the only way I can be healed,” she said. “I know it puts a crimp in our plans and I’m sorry for that. But I promise I’ll be back…back in time for our wedding.” The words seemed to stick in her throat but she forced them out anyway.

James was still frowning but at least now he looked somewhat mollified. “Well, if you’re certain this is the only way…”

“It is,” Olivia said firmly.

“And you can guarantee my fiancée’s safety,” he continued, looking at Merrick.

“I guarantee it.” The big Kindred nodded.

James sighed and threw up his hands. “Well, I still don’t like it but I guess I have no choice. I’ll see you in a month, darling.” He nodded at Elise.

“Or possibly sooner,” Olivia said helpfully.

“As long as she’s back in time for our wedding,” James said. He looked at Elise. “My mother’s put in a lot of work on this and I don’t have to tell you how upset she’ll be if you spoil the big occasion, darling.”

“Yes, I know,” Elise muttered. Her future mother-in-law wasn’t exactly one of her favorite people. Luckily she lived in London and rarely visited but she’d still managed to put in her two cents on almost every single detail of the upcoming wedding. It was one reason Elise had been so happy to have the whole thing planned and out of mind.

“Well then.” James clapped his hands together in a gesture of finality. “If that’s all there is to be said then I should get going. I can still make the next flight to Japan if I hurry.”

“Go on then, don’t miss your flight again,” Elise urged him.

“Very well. I love you, darling.” James blew her a kiss which she pretended to catch. It was a ritual with them but Elise couldn’t help feeling silly doing it in front of Merrick.

“Um, I love you too,” she said. It wasn’t exactly the most rousing display of affection but James didn’t seem to notice. Now that Elise’s situation was all squared away, he was probably already thinking of his business trip and how he would explain his tardiness to the Japanese businessmen he’d be meeting.

“Be safe,” he told her. He gave Merrick one last frown and then the viewscreen went blank.

“Well, well…so your joining is in less than a month.” Merrick was giving her an inscrutable look, his mismatched eyes narrowed.

“More or less.” Elise crossed her arms over her breasts protectively.

“Another little detail you forgot to tell me.” His deep voice was flat.

“No, another detail I haven’t been thinking about,” Elise snapped. “I’ve been a little too busy to focus on my wedding, what with being kidnapped, tortured, put in stasis, taken out of stasis, and forming a fake bond that apparently means absolutely nothing with you.”

The minute she said the words she wished she could call them back, but it was too late. Merrick’s eyes flashed briefly and then his face went blank. “Don’t worry about it,” he growled softly. “You’ll be free of the bond—and me—before you know it. We leave for Rageron tonight.”

“Merrick, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it.” Elise put a hand on his arm. “It’s just…this is all extremely stressful. You know how I really feel, don’t you?”

“No, and neither do you.” He shook off her hand. “Like you said, all our feelings are a lie. As fake as our bond.”

Elise caught her breath. His words felt like a barb in her heart. “Merrick…”

But he was already turning away. “Be ready,” he said, over his shoulder. “This won’t be an easy trip.”

And then he was gone, leaving Elise feeling even more wretched than she had earlier, if that was possible.





Chapter Eight




“My Lady, I would speak to you if you permit it.”