Free A Cursed Bloodline (WG 4) by Cecy Robson Page A

their posts as soon we appeared, exchanging annoyed glances when they caught sight of Bren.
    Hank usually drove Misha’s Hummer limo, but this time he asked Tim to drive us back. It wasn’t until we were seated that I realized why. Bren’s head rested across Emme’s lap and she stroked his hair with easy affection. Hank was not at all pleased. He watched her, grinding his fangs. I leaned forward. “This might be a good time to remind you that you aren’t allowed to hurt my friend. And if you do, I’ll skewer your liver and feed you the chunks.” Hank clenched his teeth to hiss, but something in my face told him now was not the time to mess with me. I leaned back when he turned his focus elsewhere.
    Emme’s fingertips slid over the new section of Bren’s scalp. “Misha, how did you help Bren?”
    “Masters at my level can often heal those near death. It’s referred to as a blood rising .”
    Emme smiled at him. “What a wonderful gift. You could help so many—”
    “No, he could not,” Hank snapped. “My master risked demonic possession by helping your mutt.”
    I straightened. “Is that true?”

    Misha casually shrugged off my question. “The soul you returned to me combined with my immortality affords me unimaginable power. Yet it’s not without its weaknesses. During the blood rising my body became vulnerable to the Dark Ones. However, the close proximity to Tahoe’s magic was likely enough to deter their presence.”
    “But there was still a risk.”
    Misha nodded. “There is always a risk.”
    I clutched Misha’s hand in mine. My vision blurred with tears when he squeezed back. “Thank you, Misha.” I swallowed hard. “Thank you for helping Bren.”
    I rested my head against him when he wrapped his arm around my shoulders. I was so tired; it felt good to drop my guard for a moment. Emme didn’t understand. Her crinkled brow made it clear she didn’t approve of my relationship with Misha. Especially given how I’d dismissed Aric.
    Danny arrived shortly after we’d settled Bren into the living room of the guesthouse. He embraced me at once. “How are you holding up?”
    I motioned to the pull-out couch. “Better than Bren.”
    Danny left me and squatted beside Bren. “Can you hear me, buddy?” He waited patiently for a response. It was sad to watch them. They were the best of friends, and the connection they shared was more like that of brothers. Bren failed to react, crushing the hope we had that Danny could reach him.
    Danny turned back to us. “I’m sorry I couldn’t get here sooner. Heidi and I took off for a few days. We were on our way home from Sacramento when Liam called.”

    Emme drew back the sheer curtains and peered out into the garden. “Where is she?”
    Danny lowered his head. “She’s waiting outside the gate. She’s not a fan of vampires and I didn’t want any more problems.”
    More problems? The sadness in Danny’s tone made me think he meant something besides Bren’s state. I ran my fingers through my curls, still damp from my shower. “What’s going on?”
    “It’s not anything worth mentioning now.” He stood and rubbed his hands together. “I’ll stay here tonight, if that’s okay.”
    Emme released the curtain and moved to stand by Danny. “You don’t have to. Celia and I will both be here. And I’m sure Heidi would rather have you with her.”
    Danny shook his head. “I’m sure she’d prefer the company of another male.” Emme and I gawked at him. Heidi had quite the reputation. But I’d hoped her relationship with Danny had changed all that. He walked across the hardwood floors and toward the kitchen. “My bags are in the car. I’ll go grab them.”
    I shoved my feet into a pair of UGGs and followed him out the door. “I’ll go with you so Misha’s family doesn’t give you any problems.” It really wasn’t necessary for me to escort Danny. The vamps never bothered him. Mostly because he was passive and respectful, and since he