Free SelkiesSeduction by Anne Kane Page A

back and forth spoke volumes. Her entire body
rigid, she clenched and unclenched her hands behind her back as she measured
the length of the deck repeatedly. He wasn’t sure what spooked her most, the
binding or the men back at her cabin. They’d come out here to discuss what to
do, but they had far more questions than answers.
    “How did they know where to find me? That cabin has been my
refuge for ages, and I’ve never seen any signs of interest. The locals would
have told me if there were strangers around asking questions about me. Why did
they go to the water before the house? And how did they know to come back
later, after the jam?” She looked up at him, panic lurking in the depths of
those emerald-green eyes. “How much do they know? And how did they find out?”
    “I don’t know, but we’ll find out.” He resisted the urge to
cross the gap between them to comfort her. He sensed her need for space while
she struggled to come to terms with the effects of the binding. “I think we
need to talk to your sister. She sent me to warn you so she must know something
about what’s going on. We’ll have to contact her in the Dream World though. We
are way out of cell range up here, and I’m not going to risk going back down to
town until I know what’s going on. While we’re there, we could talk to some of
the other talents in the Dream World. Maybe this isn’t an isolated incident.”
    He held up a hand to forestall her objections. “We need to
know what we’re up against. I know you’ve had trouble with Dream Walking in the
past, but now you have the ability to draw on my strength. It’ll make it easier
for you.”
    Nikki tilted her head. She looked intrigued, a cute furrow
creasing her brow. “How do you know I had troubles in the past? And what do you
mean I can use your strength? How?”
    Wolfe shrugged. “Your sister told me she didn’t try to
contact you in the Dream World because you had problems using it, so you just
didn’t go there. As for using my strength, there are some advantages to being
bound. Close your eyes. You can feel me, my mind, my spirit. You can draw from
my strength whenever you need it.”
    She closed her eyes and he felt the first tentative touch of
her mind, seeking him, exploring the pathway between them. The contact was
hesitant at first, uncertain. The sensation sent a fiery shiver of longing
dancing down his spine.
    Then she was gone, her eyes open and sparkling with
mischief. The corners of her lips curved up in a bewitching smile. “I’m
beginning to see some advantages in this binding thing.”
    Wolfe nodded solemnly. “Yeah. There’s more to a binding than
getting a great-looking hunk in your bed.”
    Nikki’s gaze flew up to meet his as she choked back a laugh.
“I should certainly hope so. You’re not that great looking.”
    “You don’t think I’m attractive? I’m crushed.” Wolfe let his
mouth droop teasingly.
    She rewarded him with her breathtaking smile, and his heart
did that little flip-flop thing in his chest.
    “I doubt that. You don’t look the least bit crushed.”
    “That’s because I know you’re lying. You think I’m
irresistible.”
    “And modest.” She peeked at him from under her lashes. “You’re
very modest.”
    “Hmm, yes I suppose I am.”
    Nikki burst out laughing. “You’re incorrigible!”
    “Thank you.” He gave her a mock bow.
    “That wasn’t a compliment, you nut.”
    “I didn’t think it was, but at least it made you laugh. I’d
love to spend the rest of the day discussing my better points with you, if it
makes you happy.”
    Nikki sobered instantly. “I think we need to deal with the
bad guys before we worry about what we’re going to do about us. I’m willing to
try contacting my sister, but I really am lousy at Dream Walking.” The corner
of her mouth drooped apologetically. “You might be better off without me.”
    Hopping down off the deck railing, Wolfe closed the distance
between them with one