Page 79 of Voyage of Death and Desire

“We’re all coming,” Samirah announces as the small group of vampires and Luna come into the room. “We need to see this through.”

“Micah and Connor are returning with what I’m assuming is a boat in an hour,” I answer, looking around at the small army of quick friends. “Thank you.”

“I’ll make some sandwiches,” Francis announces, leaving the room.

“Oh, I’ll help.” Luna follows.

“Does she know we don’t eat human food?” Elias whispers.

“Aye, she just wants to feel useful,” Thorne answers. “If something happens to me, you must protect her.”

“Understood,” Elias answers.

Thirty minutes later, Luna drags her phone out of her pocket, reading a text. “Micah says they’re at the marina already.”

“None of you have to do this.” I remind them, looking around the room, and making eye contact with each person. “You don’t owe me anything.”

“We know,” Luna answers, leading the group toward the door.

The marina is several blocks away, and we decide to walk the distance. Noticing Francis straggling behind, Thorne picks her up, carrying her like a bride crossing the threshold. “I could get used to this,” she says with a smile.

“You need to eat more. You don’t weigh anything.”

Francis laughs. “You and your compliments. No wonder you charmed the pants off of that one.” She nods toward me, and I feel the redness covering my face. “Oh, don’t look embarrassed now. I’m pretty sure everyone in the house heard how many times those pants were charmed off.”

“Agreed.” Luna adds. “I lost count.”

“Oh, my God. I’m sorry.” I can’t control the smile plastered across my face.

“Didn’t sound that way earlier,” Luna answers.

“We’re here,” Samirah interrupts…thankfully.

In the middle of the marina is a boat I recognize from dolphin cruise pamphlets. “Speed Demon” is plastered all over the side of the neon yellow speedboat. Micah waves from the wheel.

“What the hell is that?” Francis asks.

“I’m afraid that is our ride,” Luna answers. “Nothing like being inconspicuous.”

“This is getting better by the minute,” Francis adds as Thorne sets her back on solid ground. The six of us work our way to the boat.

“Did you steal this?” Luna asks, climbing on board.

“It belongs to the pack,” Connor answers. “How else do you think we earn money during tourist season?”

“I don’t know, a restaurant maybe?” Samirah answers, making me laugh.

“If you’re human or lycan, you must wear a life jacket.” Micah looks around after his statement. “Insurance requires it.”

“Does insurance stipulate that vampires aren’t required to wear lifesaving equipment?” Abram asks.

“Not in so many words,” he answers.

It doesn’t take long to get everyone situated and the proper equipment on everyone except the vampires. Micah pilots the boat out of the marina toward the open sea.

“How far out is he?” Thorne asks.

“Not far in the Atlantic. If he comes any closer, we risk exposure to bystanders,” Connor answers.

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