The Witch's Desire by Elle James Page B

pulling her into his arm. “You’re amazing.”
    â€œNo, you’re amazing. But if you ever sacrifice yourself to a bunch of hungry vampires again…” she sniffed, tears mixing with raindrops on her cheeks, lightning illuminating those still swimming in her eyes. “Just don’t.”
    â€œLet’s get out of the park before the trees turn on us,” Katya shouted. She led Ursula toward the street.
    Cal limped along, leaning heavily on Blaise and Demi. When they emerged onto the street, he breathed a sigh. The tow truck still stood where they’d left it.
    Katya shoved Ursula up the step into the cab.
    Demi nodded toward the cab. “You’re riding up front.”
    â€œOnly if you’re sitting in my lap.”
    â€œYou’re injured.”
    â€œI’m not having you blown away.”
    â€œKatya is the smallest,” Demi argued.
    â€œI’m riding out on the step.” Katya glanced up at Blaise, her hand slipping into his.
    Blaise grinned. “I’ll keep her safe on the side.”
    Between Blaise, Demi and Katya, they all helped Cal into the truck.
    Blaise lifted Katya up onto the side and wrapped his arms around the pint-sized cop. “Let’s go!”
    â€œWhere to?” the driver asked.
    All eyes turned to Blaise.
    â€œYou know where the Paranormal Council is holed up?” Demi asked.
    He nodded and spoke loud enough the driver could hear over the drumming rain on the roof of the cab. “New York City Central Library.”
    His hand on the gearshift, the driver hesitated. “Uh, I’m pretty sure they’re closed for the night.”
    â€œTrust me. They’ll let us in,” Blaise said through the open window.
    Cal leaned back against the seat, Demi firmly planted in his lap, the pain of his injuries only slightly annoying. After his fight in the park, he wanted to hold Demi until the storm passed and longer still.
    She pressed her hand to his neck. “You’re still bleeding. Maybe we should get you to the hospital first.”
    â€œNo!” Cal, Katya, Blaise and Ursula all said at once.
    â€œWe get Ursula to the council first.” Cal’s arms tightened around Demi. “I’m on vacation once we’re done here.”
    Demi pushed a strand of his hair out of his face. “And you’ll be spending it in the hospital.”
    â€œLike hell I will.” He buried his face in her cool, wet shirt.
    Demi clutched his head to her breast, inhaling the scent of Cal and rainwater. Nothing else smelled that good. When the tree had fallen on him and all those vampires, she’d almost come apart, sure no one could survive beneath the weight.
    Her fervent prayer to the goddess to protect him must have helped. When he’d come out of the branches and limbs, it was like a gift.
    Ursula sat in the middle, her face pale, her eyes filled with tears. “I’m sorry for running out on you. None of this would have happened if I’d stayed…but I had to see Sergei.” Her voice hitched and the tears fell. “And now he’s gone.” Burying her face in her hands, she sobbed quietly.
    The ride to the library was slow. The driver avoided typically low-lying streets, opting for those he knew he wouldn’t drown his engine in.
    Half the lights in the city were out. But the ones still shining lit their way. The library seemed to rise above the darkness, all the lights shining from within, welcoming them as if they knew they were coming.
    The driver stopped the truck out front. “This is where I leave you.”
    â€œThanks—” Demi shook her head. “I’m sorry. I don’t even know your name.”
    â€œJoe.” He shifted into Park.
    â€œThanks, Joe.” Demi held out her hand over Ursula and shook the driver’s hand. “You did a great service to the city tonight.”
    â€œYeah, and you all look like you had a tough time of it.” He