Free Emerald Fire by Valerie Twombly Page A

menacing look. It was enough to wipe the smirk off his face.
    “Sorry. It seems I’m once again apologizing for my conduct.” He flashed a sexy smile, but this time she would not be placated.
    “Seems so.” She turned and headed for the stairs, not caring if Brock followed or not. She needed space away from both of them so she could think clearly. It didn’t take long before Brock slid in next to her.
    “Look, Elias isn’t that bad. He just has a warped sense of humor sometimes. Once you get to know him, I’m sure you’ll like him.”
    “It sounds like you want me to get to know him better,” she retorted, her nerves on edge.
    “Well, of course, I do. How can you make a sound choice otherwise?”
    Sarah stopped in her tracks and turned to face him, only to realize where she’d ended up. They were in the master bedroom, the place where Brock and Mina used to sleep together. A chill ran up her spine, but she shook it off. Her head needed to be clear. “Are you even in this competition, Brock?”
    He shoved his hands into his jeans pockets. “What do you mean?”
    Right. His body language said it all. Her anger rose until her cheeks felt flushed. “I mean you sound as if you have no intention of fighting for me. For us.” She studied his reaction carefully, looking for any sign she was wrong.
    He rocked back on his heels, giving away nothing. “You know the rules. You must sate your sexual desire for Elias before you can even state there is any us .” He glanced around the room as if only at that moment realizing where he was. He couldn’t hide the sadness in his eyes when he looked to where the bed used to sit. The bed they had once shared.
    “You’re never going to move on, are you?” She fought for control of her emotions, not wanting to be angry with him.
    He met her stare. “Look, I told you I’d take this slow, but that was before I knew about Elias. He’s not damaged like me, Sarah. He will love you and I…I can’t make that promise.”
    Her heart shattered. He would give up a chance at happiness for a dead woman. A cold draft swept past her and caused her to shudder. Brock didn’t seem to notice.
    “If you’re in agreement, I think you and Elias should sleep together tonight. It’s best you figure it out now.”
    “I see.” She headed to the center of the room and began opening the paint can. She knew he was right, and there was no reason to put it off. It was better for all involved. She reined in her emotions. “Will you be joining us then?”
    “I will do whatever you wish. If you want me there, I will be, but the two of you need to spend time together without my touch.”
    She looked up from the painting supplies. “It’s your duty as first chosen to make sure I am safe.” Sarah knew it was a low blow, but at the moment, she didn’t really give two shits.
    “I am well aware of my duty, but I also trust Elias with my life and of course yours. He won’t try to force a mating on you.” There was absolutely no emotion in his voice, and she hated this situation even more.
    “Good. Since you’re aware of the rules, I’ll expect your presence tonight, as well.”
    He nodded. “Shall I inform Elias, or would you like to do the honors?”
    “You can tell him.” She had no desire to face the other man at the moment, too afraid she would lose the last bit of restraint she held on her emotions.
    Brock nodded again then turned and left the room. As soon as the door shut, Sarah let the tears streak down her cheek. She liked Brock, and something deep in her heart said he was the right choice, but could she live without his love? Would he ever come around?
    “Don’t give up on him.”
    She gasped and spun toward the voice. A ghostly woman stood on the other side of the room, and it took her only a second to realize who she was. “Mina.”
    “Yes.” The woman floated closer.
    “Why are you here?” Sarah knew Mina should have moved on to the next plane of existence. She’d never