Page 7 of Touch the Stars
In a way, Deputy Long’s concern was sweet.But also, pointless.The chances of identical twin sisters vanishing from the exact same spot a month apart were zero.
The rustle of a nocturnal creature in the desert sage drew her attention to the darkness on the other side of her car.Probably a coyote—
Her gaze snagged on a tall, shadowy form gliding toward her.Her mouth went drier than the desert wind.That was so not a coyote or some other “nocturnal creature.”It was more like fucking Big Foot.
The headlights of the deputy’s cruiser cut through the night and lit up the shadow.Nope, not Big Foot either, but a…fucking huge dude.Like seven feet tall, huge, and striding right toward her, his straight, black-as-night hair flowing over his impossibly broad shoulders.
“Holy shit.”Where the hell hadhecome from?
Run, stupid.Run.
He came to a halt next to her car’s fender.A black leather vest covered the expanse of his chest, and form-fitting dark pants encased his long, muscular legs.But it was his deep-blue eyes, glittering with determination, that held her in place.
He extended one huge hand toward her.“Tano tai namtir ki yosta.”
“Uh, what?”Why wasn’t she running yet?
“Miss Bergh.”Was that Deputy Long speaking?“Do you know this man?”
She ran her tongue over her dry lips, then swallowed.“Uh-uh.”
Never saw him before in my life.
“Move away from him, toward me, please, ma’am.”
“I…I…”Would if I could.
“Tano tai namtir ki yosta,” the giant repeated more firmly, in his rich, deep, sexy voice.
“Sir, step away from the car.”Deputy Long’s sharp-edged command was accompanied by a snap and the softshushof a weapon being drawn.
Probably his taser, which should be threatening enough to get the big guy to back off.Pulling his gun would just be stupid, since she was only a few feet away from Not Big Foot, but Sheriff Garcia didn’t tolerate stupid in his ranks.All the deputies working on her sister’s case were highly competent, so there was no reason Deputy Long would be any different.Still, being accidentally tased wouldn’t be fun.
Better than being accidentally shot, though.
Not Big Foot growled low, and her insides quivered.Whowasthis guy who’d walked out of the desert, no obvious vehicle around, and spoke a weird-ass language?Wait… Her heartbeat thundered in her ears.Shit.Could he be…was this the guy who…?
Kris.
“Where’s my sister, asshole?”She scrabbled to her knees and jabbed an accusing finger in his direction.“Did you take her?”
The giant frowned.“Niig hin keh.”
“Miss Bergh…”
She pushed herself to stand on the hood, curled her hands into fists.Now she was a little above eye level with the giant, and a feeling of confident superiority filled her.Deputy Long wouldn’t let anything happen to her.
She raised her chin and took a step toward Not Big Foot.“Where.Is.She?”
“Miss Bergh,please.”Deputy Long’s words sounded strained.
Earth to Kait.What are you doing?
She took another step, and the hood dipped under her foot.The dark desert seemed to spin around her, a sure sign of low blood sugar.Whoa.She squeezed her eyes shut, gave her head a small shake, then opened them again.Better, but still a bit lightheaded.
Not Big Foot’s severe expression softened and something like understanding, or sympathy, flashed in his oh-so-blue eyes.
“Yosta.”He wiggled his fingers.
