Free Courted by the Vampire by Sandra Sookoo Page A

fantastic.”
    “I am sure you are very much like your elder.” Regret washed over him when she broke the impromptu embrace. “You handled the fairy well.”
    Her smile was small. “I’m sorry I had to strong arm Narcissa. I’ll let her stew inside that jar for a bit then let her out later.” If I can remember which spell will release her… She winced then clutched her wrist.
    “You are hurt?”
    “Just a little battered, I suppose. My wrist is the only damaged part.”
    He gingerly felt the appendage in question, his fingers delicate and gentle as he prodded. “You spoke to me with your mind earlier.” He pressed a bit of swollen flesh. “Does this hurt?”
    “A little.”
    Edwin ran his fingertips over the sensitive skin of her inner arm. He smiled when tiny shivers swept from her to him. “Now that you have used your telepathic powers, you must practice and strengthen them. It is vital for your protection.”
    She nodded. “I’ll try, but it’s hard. Can you help me?”
    Desire slammed into him when she looked up at him from under her lashes. “It would be an honor.” Aware he still held her wrist, he let her go long enough to root in his duffle bag. “Your injury is not severe.” He produced a large handkerchief of snowy white cotton and proceeded to fashion a sling for her arm. “You will need to keep your wrist as immobile as possible for the next couple of hours if you can. This, at least, will insure you won’t use that hand unnecessarily.”
    “But I’ll need my hand to help me hike.”
    He arched an eyebrow. “You will be fully healed by the time we reach our destination. Vampires are capable of healing non-fatal wounds in themselves and others.” As he tied the knot behind her neck, his fingers brushed her soft skin. He leaned close, his lips a hair’s breadth from the shell of her ear. “You must strive to be more careful.”
    Hannah stood silent. Her pulse fluttered in her neck and her breath came in rapid bursts.
    He grinned and pulled away. “The positive aspect of you taking a tumble into this shallow creek bed is that we can use the ancient water source as a guide. Sooner or later we will come to the lake and thereby eventually have our run in with the ghost.”
    “Oh.” She heaved a deep sigh. “We’re leaving now?”
    He nodded then plunged forward along the creek bed.
    “Just so you know, I don’t think you appreciate how much longer I’ll be able to keep bravely trekking along without food, water or a decent shower.”
    Edwin laughed at the whine in her voice. “You are a rather impatient woman. I am sure once we reach the lake shore all of your basic needs will be met.” He chuckled again, glad for her company.
    “You’re right, I am impatient. I don’t like waiting.” I want to know what your hair feels like. “It must be the society we live in. Instant gratification and all that.”
    I can hear your thoughts, Hannah. I would caution of you this fact so you do not embarrass yourself further.
    I’m not embarrassed. But she huffed.
    He grinned at her contradiction. “The sweetest rewards often come after days or even months of hard work or plans.” He turned to help her over a series of fallen and rotten logs and briefly wondered why her warmth lingered on his skin. Never had he been so connected with another being before.
    “Not every good thing in life is the result of planning. Sometimes the most wonderful gifts are unexpected,” she countered.
    Patience is always rewarded.
    The sun had finally sunk under the horizon to leave behind a cozy purple twilight that would usher in the velvety darkness of nightfall. Frogs croaked and the underbrush rustled with the unseen nocturnal residents of the forest. She shivered.
    “The creatures of the night will not hurt you, spatzi , unless you become a threat.” The thick carpet of moss, rotting vegetation and sand, muffled their footsteps. “Why are you afraid?”
    “I’m not, but I am terrified of what comes