Desired by Shadow (A Shadow Walkers Novel) by Cynthia Luhrs Page B

his face while he chewed, Colin answered Robert. “Thorne hasn’t responded to any of my calls. No one’s heard from him in weeks, so we can’t count on him to talk to his bloody brother.”
    “In Paris, Jasper said he killed a Day Walker who confessed to plans to turn or drain the entire population. At least now we know why we’re seeing an increase in the bastards.” He blew out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. “It’s good you’re taking in kids. We have to stop this before there are no humans left. I’m going to check in with Monroe see what he’s found out.”
    Propping his booted feet on the table, Colin stretched. “Loathe as I am to admit it, he’s been helpful this past year. If his hatred of Day Walkers doesn’t get him killed, he’ll be useful. Tell him to come by if he wants to discuss anything.”
    Covering his shock, Robert inclined his head. Colin had hated the cop interfering into Shadow Walker business. Being married had mellowed the cranky warrior. Bidding them goodbye, Robert grabbed a sandwich and the last lemon bar off the plate while making for the door, snickering as he heard Colin curse. He had to get back to the Revenge II and check on sleeping beauty.
    “Milord, I have a car waiting to take you to the docks.”
    “Much obliged, Worthington.” Gods, Colin had to love having the butler around. Robert’s crew was great and all, but someone to look after things would be helpful.

Chapter 12

     
     
    Bidding the driver farewell, Robert jumped in the waiting rowboat. Tired, he cursed his humanity again as he boarded his other lady, his ship. Running his hands through his hair, he poured a glass of wine and checked on the patient.
    “Cap’n. The lady came to for a few minutes and I gave her some water, but then she fell asleep again and hasn’t moved since.”
    “Good job, lad. Go back to your post, I’ll take it from here.”
    Ian left the room, softly closing the door behind him. Sinking into the chair in front of the fire, he drained the wine, his eyes heavy.
    Waking with a start, Robert landed in a heap on the floor. Hell, he must have fallen out of the chair. A moan had him jumping to his feet to check on the woman responsible for his current problems.
    She opened her eyes. “Where am I?”
    “Rest easy, lass. You’re safe on my ship.”
    Mystery girl shook like a leaf in a strong breeze. “No, I can’t be here, the pirate—he’ll kill me.” Green eyes fixed on his face and she gasped. “Don’t hurt me.”
    “Shhh, no one’s going to hurt you, least of all me, though I’d like to throttle you for what you’ve set in motion. Especially after I’ve spent the better part of the night tending to you. Want to tell me who you are and what happened?” At her wary silence, he tried once more. “I give you my word. I nor anyone on my ship will lay a finger on a single strand of your pretty hair.”
    Chewing her lip, she seemed to be weighing her decision. “I’m Maggie. The men I escaped from are scared of you—Bruce and Solien. Those guys are really bad news, and you’re worse than them…” Losing consciousness again, her voice trailed off. Maggie. A lovely name, too soft for one as hard as she. He frowned. Hearing her say Solien’s name chilled his blood. How did she know the demon, and more vexing, about Walkers? Guess he couldn’t shake her awake given her condition so instead he got to his feet pacing, swearing under his breath. Thankful she couldn’t hear the foul curses flying out of his mouth.
    What was her part in this? Was she some kind of minion? Answers, that’s what he needed. There was also the small matter of the bloody clock ticking down for his week to the reckoning. Whatever. That was the least of his concern given this latest development.

Chapter 13

     
     
    Hours ticked by before she woke but when she finally came to, the fever passed. Watching her roll over to stretch and rub her shoulder, he winced on her behalf. The