Free Enemy Mine (Mending The Veil) by Kelliea Ashley Page B

clear. Rissalynn Jennings had changed him. His enemy was no longer the woman in the cabin but was the callous man glaring at him with the clear intention of getting past him. Travis took a deep breath and let his fist fly as Ray rushed him.
    ***
    Rissa hurriedly stuffed her books into the brown canvas bag on the table. A growl of frustration filled the air as the books wouldn’t fit. Taking them out to slam them on the table, she shoved her hands into the bag. Her head throbbed, her chest tightened as she let her magic burn through her body to flow out into the material of the bag.
    “Goddess, hear my plea of need. Danger is near, escape eminent, let this container expand and contract as the lungs of a cat. As I will it, so might it be.” White light flew up at her face, forcing her to close her eyes from the brightness. When she reopened them to look down into the bag it looked empty. “Blessed be, Mother,” she said with a soft word of thanks as she stuffed the books back into the bag. Her Grimoire was the last article to go. She looked around the cabin’s living space with the feeling of impending loss. She knew in her soul that she would never step foot in her families old dwelling again. Sorrow turned to shock as the flesh on her chest burned. She covered the hot amethyst with her hand, her head snapping toward the front window before she raced to it.
    Her eyes widened in alarm as she focused on the two male animals fighting at the edge of the clearing. One staggered and fell backward, his head bouncing on the thick grass as the other, bigger man raised his head to look right at her. Fear slithered up her spine as the amulet burned hotter. She’d promised him that she’d run. She turned on her booted heel to run to the table. The bag felt light as a feather as she threw it over her shoulder and ran toward the door that led to the woodshed.
    Theo, run for the river! She trusted that her cat would obey her without question, even though she’d released her from the Familiar’s oath of servitude. Theo was a loving and loyal being. Their only chance was to get into the water, if Travis could keep the Guardian occupied long enough. Fear and worry warred with each other as she reached out to grab the handle. His handsome face flashed before her eyes, and the feeling of falling overtook her.
    “No! Not now, please!” Her fingers turned white as she held onto the handle with all her strength. She would not succumb to the vision when she needed to act. Her life depended on it. She turned her head slowly, her eyes seeking the sunlit window facing the front of the clearing where Travis Holt was fighting for his life...and hers.
    “Blessed be.” Theo, protect him. Protect Travis Holt. Kill the other Guardian. She’d never asked such a thing of her Familiar before. The death of the Guardian would rest on Rissa’s shoulders. Her stomach turned sickeningly, pushing the impending vision back. She moved with a calm acceptance to the front door and pulled it open. Her soul would be blackened, her spirit broken, and the Goddess would be right to turn from her. It didn’t matter, none of it matter as long as he lived.
    She loved him; loved him with an unselfish heart that throbbed in pain as she watched Travis push himself shakily to his feet. He would not last another go round with the big man who was laughing down at him. Theo hurry!
    Why? What makes him worthy of this sacrifice, Rissa? Theo’s questions surprised Rissa. Never before had Theo questioned her requests. She’d grouched and grumbled, but never had she refused to do Rissa’s bidding.
    I love him. He is the one, the other half of my soul. Please, save him.
    Bugger it! Blasted males! Weak-hearted Witches! Who needs this drama?
    Theo!
    Don’t get your knickers in a twist, I’m coming!

Chapter Ten
    Travis staggered to his feet and wiped an arm across his left eye to try to clear some of the blood out of it. He quickly took stock of his injuries. His head was