In the Dead of Cold by Allie Quinn Page A

remember? It was easier and safer to let go of that part and settle into the dreams we shared. But at the same time, I think a part of me knew you were here. And it’s why I come here and stay at my sister’s cabin so much. I needed to be here, close to you.”
    But was she safe here in the valley of the vampires with him? He wondered how in the hell he was going to protect her from Bart—or from himself. Because like Bart, Milo wanted her. He wanted her more than life itself. In fact, there had only been one other time in his life when he’d known such uncontrollable need.
    Would he still be able to control it now?
    She looked up at him. “But it’s all a contradiction, every part of it.”
    “What do you mean?” She swallowed hard. He saw the way her Adam’s apple moved with the action.
    “When I bumped into you two years ago, I saw more than what you were.”
    Her flat words caused his heart to pound. “What more did you see?” He had to force out the question.
    “I saw you. With your teeth—your vampire teeth, looking like you’re ready to kill me.”
    So that was why she’d never tried to find him as he had her. Yes, she was attracted to him. But she was terrified of him too.
    * * * *
    Milo woke a short time later.
    Jane was gone.

Chapter Five
    The moon was full, but its light was obstructed by the blowing snow. The room was dark, and even if Milo hadn’t had perfect night vision, he still would have sensed her gone.
    With his heart racing from the dream and her sweet essence filling his senses, Milo jumped out of bed and reached for his clothes. Jane’s torn skirt and blouse were gone. “Jane?” He zipped the fly of his jeans as he made his way to the living room. The bathroom was empty. He didn’t have to look for her. Her scent lingered but for the most part was gone. His heart pounded when he saw his apartment door that led to the main corridor of the resort standing ajar. He slipped into his shoes as he pulled a black sweater over his head. With one hand, he reached for his gun. With the other, he grabbed his cell and punched his speed-dial number for Jacob, who was now in charge of security.
    “Jacob?”
    “What’s up, Milo? Don’t think you need to call and check in with me every hour or anything. I’ve got things under control.”
    Milo would have grinned under different circumstances. “I’m not calling to check in. Have you seen Jane Smyth?” He didn’t need to give a description. Just as he was certain all of Mr. M.’s security division was aware of Bart’s breach of security, he also had no doubt Mr. M. had informed everyone regarding Jane.
    “Nope, haven’t seen her, and I’ve been down here in the lobby since ten. Hell, what time is it now? Two fifteen,” he answered his own question. “Holy shit!”
    “What?” Milo reached the stairs.
    “She just walked out the front door. You didn’t say anything about her being half-naked and barefoot. Geez, and even though the skiers are going to love it tomorrow, it looks like whiteout conditions out there! Miss—”
    “No! Wait!” Milo tried to stop him from approaching her. Jacob might not know about her abilities. Milo didn’t know what Mr. M. had disclosed about her. And if she was walking outside in the snow with no shoes, the only reason would be…
    Bart.
    With the phone pressed to his ear, he dashed down the stairs. He heard the crash and the yell in stereo through his phone as well as through the walls before he exited the first-floor stairwell door into the lobby.
    Milo took in the scene in an instant. Jacob on the floor, a broken table beneath him. He recovered and jumped to his feet.
    “What the hell?” he muttered.
    Jacob turned toward the front door where Jane had exited, but Milo grabbed his arm. Through the glass front windows, Milo saw her. Her hair blew in the wind as snow swirled around her. She moved with purpose and without hesitation, as if she didn’t feel the cold, despite her bare feet and naked