Touch of the Fire God [Scions of the Ankh 1] (Siren Publishing Classic) by Toni L. Meilleur Page B

insist. I’ll have Gale fax you all the information you need. Right now we must get you back on Jonathan’s property. Danger is very near.”
    Rene barely caught the end of the sentence, but she had heard enough to know he was paranoid and crazy, and there was no way she was going anywhere with him. She stood and was about to announce her intentions of leaving under her own authority when he turned at the same time, catching her in his gaze.
    “I know what’s going on in that head of yours, Dr. Selkis. I’m sorry to do this, but you will thank me later—or maybe not.”
    “Do what?” Rene felt her heart speed up, wondering if she could make it out the door before he grabbed her.
    To her horror, he seemed to come at her in slow motion. His eyes were totally black, and she sensed an unearthly dark power about him. As he moved closer, she saw that black and gray swirling tornados resided where his pupils used to be. Rene wanted to scream, but the terror was so gripping that her voice locked in her throat.
    “Sleep now.” he cooed to her warmly, and Rene found herself slipping into a dark, deep sleep. The last thing she was conscious of was Torian Nubis catching her before she fell.
     
    * * * *
     
    Ralabos flew as fast as inhumanly possible. He could feel her terror. She was alone and afraid and in danger. He cursed himself and wondered if he could have handled the situation better.
    She was, after all, human right now, and humans were prone to irrational behavior. She wasn’t ready. He could feel it; she just wasn’t ready for what awaited her. He locked in on her exact location before her mind went dark. He knew that in seconds he would be by her side, but right now the seconds seemed like a millennia ...
    With great ease, he transformed from raptor to an impressive, substantial mass of muscle and immediately materialized inside the dark room. A figure hovered over Rene and laid her on the leather couch. Rage filled Ralabos, and a roiling ball of fire appeared in his hands.
    “Is this how you treat a comrade, Ralabos?” The figure turned. Though there was no smile on his face, the expression was always quite clear to Ralabos.
    “Anubis.” It was a simple recognition, followed by pangs of relief.
    “I am sorry I frightened her,” Anubis replied. “She is strong-willed, and I could not risk her heading out alone. Seth is near. I can feel it.”
    “Thank you. You are correct. Thoth has a protective spell surrounding his home. We must go there quickly. While Seth poses little threat to you and me, Rene is in human form and can easily be killed.”
    Anubis nodded solemnly. “You must fulfill the requirements to bring her back, before Seth gets to her. Time has not lessened his insanity and lust for revenge. Protect what is yours.”
    “I sense that you are still alone, Anubis. I thank you for setting aside the search for a mate to assure the return of mine. When this is over, you must promise me that you will search for her.”
    A melancholy look darkened Anubis’ face. “I do not know if I even want to any longer, old friend. I have lived long and alone, and I am weary now. My life has been in dedication to this honorable friend. I will promise only to see to her return. Beyond that ...”
    Anubis bowed low and returned to the window. There was no need to tell Ralabos that he planned on ending his existence when this was all over. He was tired and feared the worst—there was no one for him.
    No mate was promised to them; it was through sheer turn of events and many travels that their kind found a mate. No one had kept his attention long enough outside of the bed to ease his loneliness. “I can keep Seth busy long enough to aid your leave.”
    “I will erase the memory of what you have done.”
    “I do not think that is wise.” An abrupt silence followed. “Ralabos, she must come to the understanding that we are not human and, technically, neither is she. The sooner she understands this, the sooner we