Free As You Wish by Nichelle Gregory Page B

the purring feline to the floor. “So, we know nothing about her abilities, only that she is Nadine’s daughter. For all we know, she could have no power.”
    “Highly unlikely, Lona, and besides I’m almost certain she does.” He ignored the dark stare focused on him as he poured another drink. The instant he had wrapped his hand around Karis’s arm, the surge of energy emanating from her had almost caused him to lose his grip seconds before Vander appeared.
    “I’m sure.” The two words dripped with sarcasm.
    When they had first met, she had appreciated his ability to sense power by touch, but now she hated it. Sometimes, he was certain she hated him.
    Rue turned to face her, admiring her curves outlined perfectly in the clingy tangerine gown she was wearing. Her supple skin and the silky chestnut hair framing her oval face seemed to shimmer under the soft glow of candlelight.
    “It would’ve been impossible not to touch her while getting back here.” He caught a glimpse of the glittering anger in her eyes and resisted the urge to hurl his glass in her direction. She would never let him forget his infidelity and yet she wouldn’t walk away from the love she still had for him.
    “Vander will not stop until he finds her,” Lona said, folding her arms across her breasts. “I want to see her.”
    Rue laughed. “I knew you’d be curious about his new master.”
    Lona’s eyes widened. “She’s his master? Are you certain?”
    “I felt his energy on her.” He hated the faraway look in her eyes and the knowledge Vander was the only other man to occupy her heart besides him.
    “When you go to her, I want to be there.”
    “Of course.” He watched her as she turned away from him, knowing he had no intention of keeping his word.
    “Are you coming to dinner?” Lona asked, opening the door.
    “I’ll be there in a minute.” He offered a smile he didn’t feel as she left the room. He loved her, but he also loved women, especially women with power. He wanted to touch Karis again…needed to touch her again. No matter how hard he tried to remain faithful to Lona, he could never deny himself the opportunity to experience… to taste pure power.

    * * * *

    Karis rubbed her arms, wishing she had more on. Her half-dressed state was a constant reminder of how vulnerable she was and her thin cotton robe and panties did nothing to keep the cool dampness from seeping into her bones.
    After careful exploration, she’d confirmed there was nothing else in the strange earthen room, not even a chair to sit on. Standing perfectly still, she listened for any sounds of life around her but all was quiet. The unnatural silence made her uncomfortable.
    Stay calm. She repeated the two words in an effort to slow the pace of her heartbeat pounding in her ears. Her strange prison was suddenly illuminated with moonlight and she began to breathe easier. If only the moon would stay out of the clouds for a few more minutes as she pushed back from the brink of a full-fledged panic attack. Panicking wouldn’t help her in her current situation.
    She took in huge gulps of air and focused on how to escape. Uncontrollable shivers rattling her body as she tried to recall every detail of what had happened to her.
    She remembered the giant grey wolf pushing her to the ground but then what? Instinctively, she reached out to Vander with her mind. The effort seemed to tax her weary body, small aches amplified with each passing second as she expended energy to make the connection. Just when she was about to give up, his deep voice filled her mind.
    Karis, I’m here.
    Tears of relief stung her eyes. I don’t know where I am.
    I’ll find you, I promise. Just keep calm and keep silent no matter what he tries to make you say.
    Oh, Vander, hurry! She bit her lip and used the painful distraction to keep her mind clear of the panicked thoughts surfacing.
    I’m coming for y—
    “Well, well, well, sleeping beauty is awake.”
    The outside intrusion