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

the outskirts of town still abandoned by Hurricane Katrina. They entered one of the empty buildings. The acidic scent of panic stung his senses. He knew the women were in trouble.
    “We must make our move now before they hurt the females.”
    “Agreed.”
    The warriors split up, Lucan headed around behind the minions while Aidyn took the straight-on approach. “Let the women go,” he yelled, pulling his favorite blade from his boot.
    One of the minions laughed. “You can’t stop us, vampire.” Then he grabbed the blonde, pressing a knife to her throat.
    Aidyn connected to the woman’s mind. Shhh, don’t panic, I need you to stand perfectly still. Blink if you understand me. The woman trembled but closed both eyes and opened them again. Her gaze never leaving his. Good girl.
    “Where’s Odage?”
    The minion holding the blonde laughed again. “Do I look stupid?”
    Aidyn narrowed his eyes. “No, you look dead.”
    The second minion followed suit and pressed a knife to the other woman’s throat. There were now two hostages. He kept his mind connected to theirs, sending soothing thoughts to help them remain calm.
    “What is Odage doing with these women?” He took a step closer.
    The minion pressed the knife deeper. “Come closer, and she dies.” He saw the blood trickle down the blonde’s throat.
    “Perhaps we can bargain.” Dammit, Lucan, he is going to slit her throat. He hoped to distract the minion while Lucan came in from the rear.
    “What kind of bargain can you offer me?”
    “Protection. Odage will kill you when you fail to bring him the women.”
    The second minion shuffled his foot. “Maybe we should accept his offer.”
    He had what he needed. Lucan, take the one to the left. His mind grabbed the darkness and followed its path until he was inside the minion's head. He squeezed the jelled mass that was once a human brain, bombarded it with pain. The underling shook, the knife dropped to the floor. Aidyn grabbed the woman and pulled her behind him. Screams assaulted his ears, telling him Lucan had the other minion.
    The spawn of hell fell to his knees, palms grasping his head as he shrieked in pain. Aidyn flashed his favorite sword into his right palm and raised his arm. “Fuck you, you piece of shit.” He swung, sliced through bone and knocked the head across the empty room.
    He looked to his left and saw the second minion down, his head also missing. Lucan consoled the female who had been held hostage.
    He walked to the blonde who stood shaking behind him. He ran his thumb down her cheek and wiped away her tears. “What’s your name, sweetheart?”
    “Sara.”
    “It’s all right now, Sara, you’re safe. Lucan will take you and your friend home.” He ran a finger over the thin wound on her neck, knitting the flesh together. There would be no mark left by morning.
    “Lucan, take care of the ladies. I will clean up the mess.” He knew Lucan would plant suggestions of a fun evening in their minds. They would never relive the horrors of this night.
    “Yes, my lord.”
    He waited for Lucan to leave with the women before disposing of the bodies. His palms held in front of him, he conjured a ball of fire and tossed it at the bodies. Once they were burned, he swept his hand in front of him, bringing a heavy wind in to blow away the evidence. He didn’t get the answers they needed, but at least, he saved two more women from becoming victims.
    When nothing remained, Aidyn flashed back into town.
    * * * *
    They made it back to Cassie’s house in record time and now relaxed on the couch, sipping a glass of Chardonnay. “Thanks again for a great evening.”
    “I’m glad you had a good time. Does this mean you’ll go out with me again?”
    She grinned. “Absolutely.”
    He stood. “I had probably better get going, it’s late, and I’m sure you’re tired.”
    She glanced at the clock, it was one a.m. But the last thing she wanted to do was sleep. She set her glass down and moved off the