Emma (Dark Fire) by Jodie B. Cooper Page B

they kill you?” Emma asked, nervously glancing at Lydia when she growled.
    “He knows I’ve got too many friends that would demand answers. I don’t doubt Thackwart would love to see me shot. I think that’s why he had me bugged. The president has declared martial law, so if he can prove I’m consorting with the enemy, I’m screwed.”
    “Bugged?” Lydia asked quizzically as Emma turned down the narrow dirt track leading to their house.
    Keith grinned and gave her a brief explanation of bugs. Her frown grew darker the longer he spoke. When he started explaining other types of technology, she shook her head and said, “Enough, please, my head’s spinning as it is. The council must be made aware of this, but I won’t leave you here.” She motioned to the multi-story house as they drove toward it. “Would you be willing to talk with the council? My people have got to understand this world and I think you two will be our best bet.”
    “Getting there won’t be easy. The woods around town and toward your valley are already full of troops,” Emma said, killing the engine.
    Tyler leaned toward her and it took all her willpower not to flinch.
    “Emma,” he said softly, speaking to her for the first time since she told him to shove-it and find a vampire, “we won’t be going through the woods. We’ll fly over them. They can’t stop us.”
    She frowned at him. “Bullets might not stop you, but a hand-held missile probably could. And if it didn’t, whatever mortal was with you would be toast,” she grumbled. “Thanks, but no thanks.”
    “I won’t allow anything to happen to you,” Tyler said. Before Emma could respond, he nodded toward several men walking out of the woods. “Anyway, it looks like we’ll have an escort.”
    “Who’re they?” Keith demanded.
    “Enforcers,” Lydia said. At Keith’s questioning look, she added, “Last night after we returned to the Fortress, Tyler and I talked. I came back and stood guard through the first half of the night and Tyler stood guard the last half. When we headed to town, I brought in a few guards to keep the two of you safe.” She held up her hands. “I know you believe you can take care of yourself and Emma, but there is no escaping the fact that you’re both mortal. You might be able to shoot enough bullets into a vampire to stop one of them, but you’d have to take his head to kill him.”
    Keith sighed in frustration, nodding his agreement. “And if there was more than one vampire, as a mortal, I’d never stand a chance. Is that what you’re saying?”
    “Yes,” Lydia said softly, wrapping an arm around his waist, supporting him as he stepped out of the jeep.
     

Chapter - Just a Drop
    Emma washed her hands at the kitchen sink, ignoring the moody young man behind her. She had to get a grip on her wishy-washy emotions. Food would help.
    She glanced at the phone, but the big display showed no new calls. A hint of worry flickered through her. Kayla should’ve already called.
    She grabbed the remote control and flipped on the flat screen. Music blared from the TV.
    From the corner of her eye, she watched Tyler jump like he’d been shot.
    She snorted, struggling not to laugh. Lowering the sound, she flipped through the channels, stopping on a local station. She figured all the major news channels would have updates. She wasn’t disappointed.
    A reporter stood in front of the White House, droning on about the president’s decision to enact martial law.
    She tried ignoring Tyler, but it wasn’t easy.
    Pretending to scratch her wrist, his confusion and yearning flowed into her the moment her fingers touched the heated flesh. His emotions disappeared and the black hole grew bigger.
    “Emma,” he said quietly.
    “What?” Keeping her back to him, she rummaged in the fridge for sandwich meat and cheese. She tossed them on the counter and grabbed the lettuce and tomatoes.
    She glanced at him, but continued getting stuff together for