Page 27 of Destined for Shadows
He nodded. “I understand.”
Ned worked quickly to get her truck hooked up. Once he was finished, he glanced between Cori and Bartol. “Do you guys need a ride?”
“He’s my ride.” She pointed at the nephilim. “He’s supernatural and can flash from one place to another, so we’ll be alright.”
“One of them?” Ned glanced at Bartol, sizing him up. His gaze lingered especially on the burn scars, but he was smart enough not to comment before turning his attention back to Cori. “If you need anything—anything at all—just let me know.”
“Thanks, Ned. I’ll give you a call tomorrow to find out about the truck.”
He lingered a moment longer. The concern in his gaze was clear, as if he didn’t like the idea of leaving Cori with a supernatural man. For most people, it was still hard to accept the sups. She gave him a look that said she’d be fine, and he finally took the hint.
“Take care,” he said, giving her a salute.
Bartol stepped forward. “Wait.”
Ned turned back reluctantly. “Yeah?”
“You will take care of Cori’s truck as if it is a priceless object,” the nephilim began, a thread of power in his voice. “Do not let anyone else near it. You will fix it until it runs perfectly, and it is completely safe to drive. If anyone attempts to make you tamper with the vehicle in a way that could hurt Cori when she drove it, you will call her and tell her immediately. Do you understand?”
The man nodded woodenly. “Yes.”
She felt horrible he’d just had his mind manipulated like that, but she couldn’t fault Bartol for doing it. Ned wasn’t immune to compulsion. Considering Griff knew him as well, her ex would probably guess Cori would use her high school friend to fix her truck. This was the safest move for all of them. A young vampire couldn’t hope to overrule an ancient nephilim’s compulsion.
“You may go,” Bartol said, freeing the man.
Ned took off in a hurry. After his truck left their sight, Bartol came to stand next to her. “You’ve known him for a long time?”
“I’ve known Ned and his wife since I was fourteen. They’re good people,” Cori replied.
“Then why didn’t you want to go to their daughter’s birthday party?”
She didn’t meet his gaze. “I have my reasons.”
Bartol didn’t say anything to that. To her surprise, he stepped behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. He was warm, and his body firm. Though it must have been difficult, he didn’t hesitate to grasp her firmly. She only wished she could see his face. A moment later, everything began to contort, and Cori clutched his arms as the world spun away.
