Page 38 of Ancient Magic

Micha didn’t have to ask if the lovely demon had been provided by this male to distract his servant. Obviously this kidnapping was not only well planned but well funded. How many demons had been involved? And did it include vampires?

What about mages?

Only one way to find out.

Cradling Skye tight in his arms, he allowed himself to be led to the van and climbed through the rear doors. He had several safeguards built in, including reinforced panels that blocked the back compartment from the driver’s seat, bulletproof shields, and a magical spell that he could activate to keep anyone from opening the doors once they were closed. There were also a dozen weapons and a couple of sunproof blankets hidden in a hatch in the floor. For the moment, the risk of having his head blown off by the silver collar was greater than being sizzled to ash by the sun.

The fact that those dangers were possible, even if unlikely, did nothing to brighten his mood. Lowering himself onto the padded bench that ran the length of the cargo area, Micha waited for the doors to be slammed shut before he placed the unconscious seer on the carpeted floor. He wanted his hands free in case he needed to get ahold of a weapon. Or a blanket.

With an effort, he pretended he didn’t notice the sense of aching emptiness as the heat from her body faded. He was already paying the price of letting the woman distract him. Only a fool didn’t learn from his mistakes.

Instead, he opened one of the built-in compartments and pulled out a pair of sweatpants and a black T-shirt. There was also a designer suit and Italian leather shoes stashed inside, but that felt a little formal for a kidnapping.

Once he was dressed, he settled on the bench and stretched out his legs. Then, closing his eyes, he concentrated on the magic that pulsed through the ground. The van was currently rattling over a highway heading north. Soon they would be leaving the Gyre. He needed to replenish his powers before then.

Not that his magic was his only protection, he silently acknowledged. He was stronger and faster than any demon and his fangs were lethal weapons. Still, he had things he wanted to take care of before they reached their destination. Starting with the collar around his neck.

Reaching up, he casually stroked the tips of his fingers over the collar locked around his neck. He assumed his captors were monitoring him with the cameras he had installed for his servants to keep a watch on the back compartment if he was asleep or injured. He didn’t want them to think he was doing anything but inspecting the thin metal.

Sensing the explosive cord that ran through the center of the wire, Micha skimmed his fingers along the collar until he discovered the blasting cap pressed against his nape. Drawing in the static electricity that hummed in the air, he used his powers to direct it through his fingers. There was a barely audible snap as he short-circuited the detonator.

One problem solved.

Leaving him with a dozen more. Lowering his hand, he folded his arms over his chest and studied the woman sprawled on the carpeting, her long dress pooling around her delicate body and her mass of curls escaping the scrunchie to frame her face like a halo.

She looked heartrendingly fragile. As if she’d been crushed by the brutality of the real world. But Micha wasn’t deceived. Some of the most ruthless killers he’d encountered appeared as innocent as babes.

With an effort, he resisted the urge to use his powers on her. He couldn’t manipulate a mage’s mind, but he could nudge her awake. But why bother? The van had picked up speed, indicating they weren’t going to stop anytime soon. He could wait.

And wait. And wait.

In fact, the sun was setting by the time she at last released a low groan and opened her eyes with a visible effort. He remained silent as he watched her stiffen, as she belatedly realized she wasn’t tucked in her bed at the Witch’s Brew.

“Who’s there?” she demanded, her eyes unable to penetrate the darkness of the enclosed compartment.

Micha didn’t answer.

Her hands clenched and her lips moved as she cast a spell to create a soft glow that spread through the back of the van. “Micha?”

He arched a brow, holding her confused gaze as she struggled to sit up as the van swayed from side to side.

“Surprised?” he mocked.

“Where are we? And why was I... Oh. I remember.” She lifted a hand to shove her curls out of her face, her expression shifting from confused to wary. “How long was I out?”

“Four hours or so.”

She grimaced. “I’m assuming Lynx and his friend are driving the vehicle?” He didn’t answer and she heaved a noisy sigh. “Can you at least tell me where we’re headed?”

She appeared genuinely anxious, but Micha wasn’t letting down his guard. “The only thing I know is that you and your demons betrayed the Cabal,” he said in a voice edged with icy disdain. “That’s a death sentence.” He paused, flicking his gaze over her rumpled form. “Although your lover has obviously decided you have outlived your usefulness. Otherwise he would never have thrown you in with the lions. Metaphorically speaking.”

“Ew.” Her nose wrinkled, as if she’d smelled something rotten. “Lynx isn’t my lover.”

Relief blasted through him, and Micha ground his fangs. What did it matter if she had a dozen lovers? A hundred?

Then his lips twisted into a wry smile. He was well beyond pretending that he didn’t care if this woman was committed to another male. And, just as important, if she’d plotted with that male to threaten the Cabal.

It mattered.

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