Fatal Desire by Valerie Twombly Page A

now deeply seated in the darkness, he didn’t wish for the hell that was about to erupt on the human race.
    “What happens to her now?” Odage asked.
    “She will be kept in a secured cell until I have finished with her.”
    “Then what will you do with me?” Qadira pinned Lowan with her emerald eyes.
    “That depends on you, my dear goddess.” He waved his hand. “Remove her from my sight and get that blood out into the field. I grow impatient.”
    “Yes, My Liege,” one of the Wendigos replied as they dragged the goddess from the room.
    Odage dropped to his knees. “How else may I serve you?”
    “You’re dismissed, for the time being.”

 
    Chapter Ten
     
     
     
    Lileta stood outside the room where the women were resting. Her knees weak, she leaned against the wall to steady herself. Her body wanted Caleb. Had he pushed her further, she would have succumb. Somehow, she had to stay away from him before they both broke down. She couldn’t risk infecting him. A couple of weeks ago, she considered doing exactly that and letting him die, but not now. Time had taught her he really was a good man, and he had already done so much for her. Did he really believe he could find a way for them to be together? The bigger question was if they could, did she want to?
    Perhaps they were both fools.
    She pushed away from the wall and entered the room. It was time to help the women who were nearing the end of their pregnancies. Cassie had come up with the only idea that sounded feasible, and she would be returning shortly to help relocate the humans.
    Caleb strode into the room, his presence commanding attention. Thank god, at least this time, he had pants on. She felt her face flush at the thought of his naked body kneeling in front of her.
    “How are they?” he asked.
    “Good, actually. The weaning process has worked well. Cassie is coming soon, and we’re going to take them back so she and Marcus can deliver the children. There’s only one problem.” She picked up a crying Ebros.
    He arched a brow. “That is?”
    She shoved the child into his arms. “You’re going to have to feed the babe. We’re also going to need someone to feed the others when they’re born since these women are still human.”
    He scrubbed his face. “Christ, woman, that’s four problems, not one.” He bit his wrist and placed it to the screaming child’s mouth who suckled. “I’ll talk with Aidyn and see if we can come up with a plan.”
    Cassie shimmered into the room. “Caleb, how are you feeling this morning?”
    “Fit as ever. Thank you again for coming.”
    “Anytime. Are we ready to move the ladies?”
    “Let’s get this done. I need to go hunt for Odage. I suspect he is behind the disappearance of Qadira,” Caleb replied.
    Cassie nodded. “I’ll open a portal directly to the location where we will be taking the women. Oh, and you two will be attending the births along with Diego.”
    “Anything we can do to help, we will.” Lileta gave Caleb the I- dare- you- to- argue- with- me stare.
    “Why are you looking at me like I have two heads? I said I would help.” He growled as he took one woman by the hand and led her through the gateway.
    When they exited on the other side, Lileta found herself in a large room, outfitted with three beds. It was light and airy with white walls and large windows where the sun drifted in.
    “Where are we?”
    “Temple of the Gods. Zarek and the others have outfitted a room for the women. Caleb, you and Diego will have to feed the babes unless you have any others you can trust,” Cassie said.
    Caleb moved toward a crib beneath the window and placed a now sleeping Ebros in it. “Yes, I will get in touch with them.”
    “Good idea,” Marcus voiced behind them. He approached Lileta. “Do you know who is farthest along? We’ll take her first.”
    “Yes.” She grabbed the hand of a beautiful blond, wishing she knew her name. Unfortunately, these women had never been referred to by any