Chapter 16

Skye stepped out of the thick vegetation and halted in surprise. They'd arrived in Panama less than four hours after sunset and taken a short helicopter ride to be dumped in the middle of a mangrove forest. It'd felt remarkably like they were still in Louisiana with lots of green mossy plants and soft swampy ground until she stepped into the unexp ected clearing.

She turned in a slow circle, amazed by the abrupt change in scenery. The swampy ground was replaced with slick craggy rocks, and directly in front of her the mouth of a vast cave rose like a beast from the age of dragons, ready to swallow the unwary. The moonlight spilled from a sky that appeared close enough to reach up and pluck a silvery star from the dark velvet, reflecting in the water that poole d in low areas.

"Oh, it's beautiful," she breathed, then instinctively she clapped her hand over her mouth. "Sorry."

Stepping next to her, Micha studied her with a searching gaze. "Why are you apologizing? It is beautiful."

Beautiful...yes. Skye melted as she tilted back her head to absorb the sight of the male's outrageous splendor. From the start she'd thought he looked like a god. Now, surrounded by the lush primitive landscape, he was even more divine. A dark, mysterious deity too perf ect to be real.

"We're here to stop the world from going down in flames, not to admire the scenery," she said, not adding that Micha was enough of a distraction.

"We can do both, can't we?" he aske d in confusion.

Skye wrinkled her nose. The apology had been instinctive. Over the years, she'd developed an ability to isolate the visions from her day-to-day life. It was the only way to keep her sanity, and for the most part, the visions didn't affect her on a personal level. It didn't mean she'd forgotten the visions, just that she was able to keep them contained so they didn't overwhelm her.

"Most people wouldn't think so," she said. "They don't understand how I can see someone's imminent death and then spend the day b aking muffins."

An eerie stillness settled around Micha. When he was distracted he forgot to look human.

"Damn. I just realized how hard it must be for you not to allow the visions to taint your life," he said in soft tones. "They must be overwhel ming at times."

"Crushing," she agreed. If Micha truly intended to spend a future with her, then he needed to know that her magic had a cost. "That's why I try to limit contact with people I don't know."

With an ease that made Skye's heart skip a beat, Micha grabbed her hips and tugged her close, gazing down at her with a stark intensity. She lifted her hands to smooth them over his chest, reminded of long daylight hours they'd spent stretched on his mattress. They hadn't shared more than slow, drugging kisses, but it had been glorious. And wrapped tightly in his arms, she'd eventually fallen into a deep sleep that had restored her badly depleted magic.

"Which means more contact for me," he said in a husky growl.

Anticipation curled in the pit of her stomach as she became lost in the rich golden gaze. "You triggered my last vis ion, remember?"

"Never again." He leaned down to press a lingering kiss against her lip s. "I promise."

Skye curled her fingers into the soft fabric of his jacket. They were both dressed in black jeans and matching black windbreakers. They couldn't hide themselves from the demons, but they hoped to avoid attracting the attention of an y local humans.

"You make a lot of bold promises," sh e reminded him.

"I'm attempting to convince you that I should be a part of your life."

Going onto her tiptoes, Skye kissed him hard enough to feel the delicious pres s of his fangs.

"I'm alre ady convinced."

"Skye..."

Her name died on his lips as Micha jerked his head up, the encircling vegetation swaying as if he was using his powers to search the area for intruders.

"You sense something?" she demanded, touching the charms attached to her bracelet. They glowed in the moonlight, the echo of Peri's wild magic tingl ing in the air.

"Copper." Micha at last identified the scent that had captured his attention.

"Lynx." She sent Micha a tight smile. They'd taken a risk to trust the memory spell might be connected to the fairy's current quest for the mysterious sword. It was a relief to know that the gambl e had paid off.

"Yes. And there's five other demons with him." He nodded toward the far side of the clearing. "They're headed this way. Let's see where they go."

Silently retracing their steps, Skye and Micha disappeared in the lush plants even as Lynx stepped into the open.

He'd pulled his golden hair into a braid and had changed into a spandex shirt and pants that clung faithfully to his lean muscles. He looked like he was about to hit the gym. Then the moonlight coated him in silver, revealing the bleak determination etched o n his features.

This was a fair y on a mission.

"Stop," he said, his tone sharp as he held up a hand. "I want you to wai t for me here."

The ever-faithful Yugan came to a startled halt. "You'r e going alone?"

"You're not allowed to follow me into the sacred chamber," Lynx tol d him smoothly.

"But—"

"And I need you to watch my back. I'm too close to have that damned le ech interfere."

Without waiting for his crew to agree, Lynx marched forward, his back stiff as he entered the cave. Was he afraid?

Watching as the fairy disappeared from view, Skye was distracted as Micha leaned close enough to speak direc tly in her ear.

"The servants do n't trust him."

Skye studied the five demons, who exchanged glances as they shuffled from foot to foot. Micha was right. It wasn't just that they were nervous about being at the cave. She could smell the distrust that prickled in the ai r between them.

"Maybe not," she conceded, nodding toward the shorter male with chopped red hair and a green aura. "But Yugan isn't going to let us get past him."

Micha hesitated, as if debating with himself, then he reached to cup her hand s in his palms.

"I'll take care of the guards. Yo u follow Lynx."

"There's five of them." Skye blew out a sigh as she realized what she was saying. A vampire of Micha's strength could destroy a dozen demons. But that didn't mean it wasn't dangerous. Over the past few days the unpleasant surprises just kept piling up. "Okay, but d on't show off."

"I might show off a little." His thumb brushed her lower lip. "Just t o impress you."

"Micha."

He kissed away her protest before lifting his head and regarding her with a somber gaze.

"I'll lead them away. You follow Lynx, but don't try to stop him." The muscles in his jaw bulged, revealing how hard it was to encourage her to walk into a potential trap. "Wait for me."

"I thought I was a powerful mage," she teased, trying to li ghten the mood.

"You are." An emotion that seemed too vast to be contained darkened the golden eyes. "You're also precious. If something ha ppened to you—"

She pressed her fingers against his lips, her heart thudding. "Nothing's going to happen to me."

With an effort, Micha leashed his emotions, allowing the tip of his fang to press into the pad of her finger.

"Now who's making bold promises?"

"You must be rubb ing off on me."

He grasped her wrist, pressing a kiss into the center of her palm . "Be careful."

"Same," she commanded, her heart lodging in her throat as Micha rose and boldly strolled int o the clearing.

"I thought I smelled something rotten," he drawled, crossing to stand directly in front of Yugan. "The swamp stench really linger s, doesn't it?"

The demon hissed, yanking a silver dagger from a sheath at his hip. "You shoul d know, leech."

"Me? I smell as fresh as a daisy." Micha leaned forward. "Want a sniff?"

Yugan growled, swinging the blade toward Micha's chest. "Sniff this, you cold-bl ooded reptile."

Micha easily dodged the strike, spreading his arms in a taunting gesture. "You're a walking, talking cliché. Do you even try?"

Yugan glanced over his shoulder at the demons who were gawking at M icha in horror.

"Look for the mage. She has t o be close by."

Micha took a step back, luring the demon away from the mouth of the cave. At the same time, Skye breathed a soft spell, wrapping herself in the scent of the surr ounding plants.

She couldn't entirely disguise her presence, but she could make it more difficult for the demons to locate her. Then, bending low, she inched her way around the edge of the m angrove forest.

"You honestly believe I would bring a vulnerable young woman into the middle of a demon revolt?" Micha asked in a loud voice, keeping Yu gan distracted.

"She's not a woman. She's a mage."

Skye's brows arched at the bitter edge in the male's voice. There were plenty of demons who didn't like mages, but Yugan sounded as if his aversio n was personal.

"She's still mortal. There's no predicting what will happen if Lynx gets his hands on the Tempest." Micha allowed a loaded silence to fill the clearing. "Assuming i t even exists."

Skye continued to creep forward, dodging the demons trying to battle their way through the thick foliage in search of her.

"It exists," Yugan growled, taking another stab at Micha. "And what's going to happen is you're about to be destroyed."

"Along with you," Micha taunted.

Through the tufts of ferns, Skye could see Yugan jerk, as if Micha had managed to strike an open wound.

"What?"

Micha clicked his tongue. "You're not stupid enough to think Lynx will leave any witnesses alive, are you? Not when they can reveal the source of his br and-new power."

Yugan lunged forward, swearing as Micha easily danced away. "He wants demons to know he has the Tempest," the fairy snapped, regaining his balance. "It's legendary. Everyone would uni te behind him."

Skye picked up her speed, approaching the cave from the side. She wanted to be in position to dart inside as soon as Yugan was f ar enough away.

"It's also a warning to all vampires," Micha insisted. "If they suspect the sword has been found, they'll attack and destroy Lynx before he can organize his revolution. He needs time to prepare, and for that, he needs secrecy. And the only way to make sure you won't spill the proverbial beans i s to kill you."

"You're full of shit." Yugan's voice was harsh, but he couldn't entirely disguise his uncertainty. This wasn't the first time he'd considered the possibility that he was demon fodder. " Lynx needs us."

The demon lunged again and Micha leaped backward, nearly at the edge o f the clearing.

"Every leader needs sacrifices to the cause. That's you." Micha continued to mock the demon, keeping his attention focused on him as Skye inched out of the cover of the undergrowth. "If he truly thought you were going to be a part of his revolution, he would want you with him to witness his moment of glory. That way you could spread the word. Instead you're s tuck out here."

"To keep out the trash."

"He could just kill me with his new sword, right? No need for you to risk fighting me. Not unless he wants me to take care of his dirty work. Which is fine with me. It's been centuries since I had a decent fight."

Micha peeled back his lips to expose his fangs, and Skye darted forward. If Yugan wasn't fully distracted by the vampire about to rip out his throat, then he was never going to be distracted.

Plunging into the darkness of the cave, Skye gasped as she skidded on the slick stones. Windmilling her arms, she managed to remain upright but wisely slowed her pace. She was there to save the world, not f all on her ass.

Struggling to see through the gloom, she at last spotted the narrow crack on the back wall. She hurried forward, not giving herself time to consider the wisdom of what she was doing as she squeezed into the narrow tunnel. She could smell the lingering trace of copper in the air. This was where Lynx had gone.

She placed her hand on the stone wall, using it to guide her through the darkness. It felt as if she was angling down, but she couldn't see more than a few feet in front of her. Two things were certain, the air was getting thicker and the temperature was rising. As if she were heade d into a sauna.

Even the stone beneath her hand was heating enough that she wondered if there was a fire on the other side. Or maybe a hot spring nearby? Or a volcano? The warmth felt natural, not magical. Which she assumed wa s a good thing.

Clinging to that hope, Skye stepped out of the end of the tunnel and into another cave. This one was smaller, with a low roof and sharp stones protruding from the floor. Oh, and an angry fairy glaring at her with murd er in his eyes.

"Hello, Lynx," she murmured, acting as if she'd expected to find him there instead of accidentally stumbl ing across him.

With a visible effort, Lynx smoothed away his annoyance and forced a stiff smile.

"Seer. You just can't take a hint, can you?"

Too late to wait for Micha. Skye stepped forward even as she kept the tunnel blocked. Unless there was a hidden doorway, that was the only exit.

"Are you implying you're not happy to see me? " she demanded.

"I'm always delighted to have a beautiful woman following me around, but you're bordering on stalking." He flicked a knowing glance down her body. "Isn't the leech satisfying your it ches, my dear?"

"Itches?" Skye sent him a chiding f rown. "Really?"

Lynx shook his head, as if regretting his lame response. Then, seemingly convinced she posed no immediate threat, he turned his back to her to invest igate the wall.

"I'm preoccupied," he muttered. "My banter might not be at its sparkly best."

She watched as he ran his hands over the rocks. Did he think the sword was stuck in the stone? Or was ther e a hidden key?

She didn't bother to ask. He wasn't going to willingly give her information, even if he didn't think sh e was a threat.

Instead, she concentrated on keeping him distracted. Micha would soon get rid of the demons. The longer she could keep Lynx from locating the swo rd, the better.

"Did you e njoy your nap?"

Lynx hissed in anger, but he never turned around as he continued his search. "That wasn't a very nic e thing to do."

"You threatened to slit the throat of my friend and then kidnapped a member of the Cabal. I don't think you get to be th e nice police."

"Fine. But in my defense I didn't realize you had a crush on the vampire when I kidnapped him."

"Neither did I," Skye admitted in wry tones. "No one's more shoc ked than I am."

Lynx made a gagging noise and Skye inched closer, her brows lifting as she caught the glint of ruby red between the male's clenched fingers. He was using the crystal to locate the sword. She didn't know if it would work or not, but it was probably best to try to convince Lynx to give up his hunt before they found out.

"Do you know what that crystal is? " she demanded.

"I told you." He skimmed his hand from side to side, the tension in his body visible as his futile search continue d. "A compass."

"No."

"You need the proof?" Lynx abruptly whirled around and held out his arm. Then, with a grim smile, he jerked up his sleeve to reveal the bright red lines that marked his skin. "As soon as I touched the crystal, this map appeared."

From a distance it was impossible to see the intricate details, but it certainly explained how Lynx had managed to find the cave.

"Nice trick." She shrugged, hoping she looked unimpressed. "So wher e's the sword?"

It was a genuine question. If the crystal was the same as the one they'd seen in the memory spell, then it was the combination of vampire and dragon blood that sealed the treaty, not a mystical map to a demon sword.

"It will be in my hand soon enough," Lynx assured her, returning to his search without fear she might be a threat. Jerk.

She took another step forward. If Micha didn't show up soon she was going to have to take matters into her own hands. A prospect that didn't bother her at all. She knew Peri well enough to suspect at least one of the curses on her charm bracelet was pus-filled abscesses that would cover a demon's body for weeks. That would tarnish Lynx's smug arrogance.

"And what if you do get the sword?" she asked, running her fingers over the p owerful charms.

"What else? Wor ld domination."

"Of course it's world domination. So predictable." Skye rolled her eyes. "What if I tell you I had a vision?"

"About me?"

"Yo u're included."

"Unless it's a revelation of me uniting the demons and conquering the world, then I'm n ot interested."

"If you do conquer it, there will be nothing to rule." Skye rarely shared her visions. They could be interpreted a thousand different ways, and since there was no way to know what might or might not change them, or if the effort of altering them would make things worse, it was better to let it play out. But not this time. It wasn't just Lynx's fate in the balance. It was the world. "We're all about to be consu med in flames."

"Consumed in flames? Seriously?" Lynx glanced over his shoulder, but he wasn't troubled by her declaration. The bastard was amused. "You must be fun on a date."

"Actually I'm delightful. Everyone says so," Skye ground out. "That doesn't change w hat I've seen."

"Make up whatever crazy story you want, you're not goi ng to stop me."

Abruptly Lynx stiffened, his hand surrounded by a glowing light as if it'd connected with a hidden power. A second later there was a low scrape and the thick stones began to part.

Skye rushed forward. Any other time, she would be enchanted by the idea of a secret doorway. When she was very young she would dream of stepping out of the shabby camper she shared with Howard to discover she'd been whisked into an enchanted land where her mother would be waiting to greet her with open arms. Now, however, she was quite certain the doorway led to death a nd destruction.

"Lynx, I'm telling the truth," she called out, her voice shrill. "That crystal brought you here, but it isn't a map to your fabled sword."

Lynx ignored her urgent warning. Of course he did. Stubborn ass. Without glancing back he darted forward and disappeared. Immediately the stones started to swing closed and Skye hissed in frustration. Tapping into her magic, she plaited the air into a thick cushion to keep it propped open. There was a real possibility if it closed, they wouldn't be able to open it again. Not witho ut the crystal.

It wasn't until she was actually tying off the spell that Skye realized the door hadn't stopped. Instead, it continued to inch shut, as if the magic was actively fighting to squeeze through the wedge of air that she'd created.

Who was going to win? Well, Skye wasn't a betting woman despite her ability to peek into the future, but if she was, she wouldn't be placing a wad of money on herself. Not when her magic was fading like dew beneath a scorching sun.

Dropping to her knees, Skye fiercely concentrated to keep the narrow gap open. Still, it wasn't until sweat was coating her face and every muscle was trembling that she felt the cool rush of Mi cha's presence.

A second later, a large form knelt beside her, and strong arms circled her in a protective hug.

"Skye, ar e you injured?"

"No, but my magic is wearing out," she rasped between clenched teeth. "Lynx went through the crac k in the wall."

Thankfully, Micha could easily sense she was barely hanging onto her spell and, resisting the urge to bombard her with questions, he flowed forward and jammed his fingers into the barely visible fissure. The rocks cracked and popped again, but this time it wasn't magic that was pulling them apart, it was Micha' s raw strength.

Sucking in a shaky breath, Skye stared in amazement as Micha gripped the edges of the rock and ruthlessly pried apart the fissure. Or maybe she was staring at the muscles that bulged and rippled at the intense effort. Either way it was a vision that was going to be seared in her mind for a very long time.

"That's as wide as it's going to get," he warned, his voice strained from the e ffort. "Hurry."

With a shake of her head, Skye scurried forward, turning sideways to squeeze through the crack. She could admire Micha later. Hopefully when he was stretched naked on a soft bed with no worry the world was about to g o up in flames.

Until then, she needed to concentrate on staying alive.

At last through the narrow opening, Skye glanced around the cave that was larger than the last one, with a coved ceiling that was lost in shadows. Behind her she could hear Micha swearing as he wiggled his way through the too-small space, no doubt scratching off his top layer of skin. In front of her w as...emptiness.

Nothing but barren rock with a hole carved int o the far wall.

Lynx was long gone, but she could still smell his coppery scent, so he couldn't have gone far. But oddly, she could also smell lush tropical plants. As if she was standing in the middle of a jungle, not deep underground and surro unded by stone.

Confused by the scent, Skye was vaguely aware of Micha moving to stand next to her, but it wasn't until there was a low, booming thud that sounded eerily like the closing of a tomb that she realized the opening had slammed s hut behind him.

Skye shuddered. "I don't like the sound of that."

Micha grasped her hand, his expression grim. "I guess we go forward."

She tilted back her head to study his exquisite features. Suddenly she didn't care if they were locked in the cave or not. She was exactly where sh e wanted to be.

Next to Micha.

"Together, " she murmured.

Lifting her hand, he pressed it against his mo uth. "Forever."