Page 73 of Enchant the Dawn

“Just lucky, I guess. Two of the members of her coven tried to take my blood. I had other ideas.”

Resting her head on his shoulder, she said, “I’m glad you got away. Glad we both got away. Do you think she’ll keep trying?”

“I’m afraid so. That’s why we’re leaving town.”

“You’re leaving?” Sitting back, she looked up at him. “Where are you going? How long will you be gone?”

“Ava has a place in Oregon. We’re going there. I’m not sure for how long.”

“I’ll miss you.”

“I’d miss you, too, which is why I’m wondering if you’d consider coming with us.”

“I’d love to.”

Dominic blew out a sigh. He’d been afraid she might say no, in which case he was prepared to insist, because there was no way he was leaving her here alone as long as Claret and the Knights were a threat.

“How soon are you leaving?”

“I’m not sure. Probably in a day or two. After all that’s happened, Ava’s anxious to get out of town.” It galled him to leave, but Ava was right—as long as he was in New Orleans, Maddy’s life was in danger.

“I’ll have to let my parents know. And shut up the house.”

“That shouldn’t take long. Once we’re settled in Oregon, Ava will be able to help you explore your magical abilities without a lot of distractions.”

“I guess so. It’s just hard to believe that I’ll ever be any good at it. I mean, I’m not really a witch. Am I?”

“Only time will tell,” he murmured, drawing her back into his arms. “Until then, I can think of a wonderful way to pass the time.”

“Can you?” Anticipation thrummed through her. “What did you have in mind?”

“This.” Lowering his head to hers, he brushed his lips over hers before claiming them in a long, slow kiss that made her toes curl with pleasure. “And this.” He kissed her longer, deeper, until she was breathless, every nerve quivering with longing.

Dominic groaned low in his throat. Damn, she was dynamite in his arms. Reluctantly, he lifted his head and put a little space between them.

Maddy looked up at him, wondering why he had stopped, until she saw the faint red glow in his eyes. Remembering what he’d said, about his hunger being roused by desire, she scooted a little further away.

He flashed her a wry grin. “Smart girl.”

She nodded uncertainly.

“Hey, not to worry. I’m not out of control, but damn, Maddy, I want you like I’ve never wanted anything else in my life.”

She nodded again, not knowing what to say, wondering how much danger she would actually be in if he ever lost control. It was something to think about.

“I think I’d better go.”

“All right.” She lifted her head for his kiss, glad that the red had faded from his eyes. Even though she knew he was a vampire, it was disconcerting to see proof of it.

He kissed her quickly. “I’ll see you later.” After he’d fed, he thought, when he had his hunger and his desire in check.

“Okay.” She walked him to the door, watched him descend the porch stairs. And disappear into the darkness.

Brow furrowed, Maddy hurried back inside and closed and locked the door. Her life had turned upside down in a remarkably short time, she mused. She had met vampires and witches, good and bad. Both fascinated and frightened her. And now, she possessed a small degree of magic herself, all because of Ava’s spell. That, too, was both fascinating and frightening. It would probably be wise to learn exactly what she could and couldn’t do, for her own safety and that of those around her.

But the real question was, did she want to pursue something so exciting? Something so powerful and potentially dangerous?

It was a sobering question that lingered in her mind, one for which she had no ready answer.

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