Eternal Flame (Guardians, Book One) by Valerie Twombly by Valerie Twombly

next to her, holding out his hand.
    “Would you care to dance?”
    “I’d love to.”
    Slipping her hand into his as they walked to the dance floor, his right hand slid to her waist and pulled her in close. She gasped when their bodies made contact and swore electricity ran between them. There was something about this man who eased her worries, made her feel like nothing could harm her. She looked into his eyes, something dark lurked in their depths. What was it? I’m probably going to find out he has a wife.
    No wife, my love, only you.
    “Did you say something?” She looked up into his eyes.
    “No.”
    “Must have been the music.”

Chapter Nine
     
    Odage moved from the bed where he left the female asleep. He had business to discuss with Sidara. He quietly slipped on jeans and a shirt then left the room.
    On his way out, he beckoned one of his minions. “Make sure the female is gone before I get back. I don’t care what you do with her.” She was not worthy enough to carry his spawn, so he would not be taking her back to Romania. No doubt his minions would have fun with her before they killed her.
    He debated on whether to walk or flash directly to the mansion where Sidara resided. Since he certainly wasn’t in the mood to deal with the drunken crowds of Bourbon Street, he flashed.
    The grounds moaned with black magic. No one dared come close to the old mansion. The town’s people believed the house haunted. He walked to the front door, not bothering to knock before slipping inside. The old house was still lit by candles and kerosene lanterns, lending to its mysterious effect. Heavy tapestries covered the walls, and thick Persian carpets adorned the floors.
    “Sidara?”
    The voodoo priestess stepped through a doorway at the top of the ornate staircase. “Odage, to what do I owe the pleasure of your company?” she asked, gliding down the stairs.
    When she reached the bottom, she held out her hand. Odage grasped it and placed a kiss on her knuckles. “You are lovely as ever, my dear.” Her raven tresses hung in thick curls to her waist, and her cocoa skin enhanced by the red dress she wore.
    She gave a wicked laugh. “And you are still the smooth talker, I see.” She sashayed toward the sitting room. “Come, have a drink with me,” she commanded while pouring brandy into a snifter.
    He followed in a blinding heat. “I would love a drink.”
    Sidara poured another snifter and handed him the glass. “Now, what can I do for the handsome dragon? Hmm?” She traced a red nail down the plunging neckline of her gown.
    Odage licked his lips, the thought of tasting her fruit made his head spin. Business first then pleasure. “I need a spell, one that will hide my presence from the vampires.”
    “Really? Sounds like the dragon is up to some naughty business. I have something that will help you.” She glided over to an old wooden cupboard, spoke softly under her breath then opened the door. Reaching in, she retrieved a black silk pouch. “Yes, this will do. Follow me.” She strolled back toward the kitchen.
    She proceeded to empty the bag’s contents into a pot of boiling water. Odage wrinkled his nose when a foul stench filled the air.
    “What is that?”
    Sidara threw him a wicked smile. “You don’t really want to know what’s in it before you drink it, do you?”
    “Drink that?” He was momentarily offended that she expected him to drink something that smelled so vile. He quickly remembered he needed Sidara on his side. Piss her off and who knew what she’d do to him. “It will keep me hidden?”
    Sidara poured the boiling contents through a sieve then into a mug. “Yes, for twenty-four hours, you will be hidden. You could walk into the king’s home, and he would never track you. This along with your ability to cloak should give you complete invisibility. Now drink.”
    He grabbed the offending cup and downed its contents in one gulp. The taste far worse than the aroma. He took a deep