Page 101 of Blood Match

As darkness settles over the city, my thoughts turn to Rowan. The goddamned dream won’t fade. I need to see her, to make sure she’s safe. To assure myself that Lucien’s threats, even in my subconscious, hold no power in the waking world.

I move away from the window, my decision made. Within moments, I’m dressed in dark jeans and a black tank top, needing to feel the cool air on my heated skin.

“What are you doing, Drake?” I mutter to myself, shaking my head as I stop fighting the compulsion to go to her. This fixation is dangerous, potentially disastrous for both of us. But there’s no way around it. I have to see her.

I step out into the night, letting the darkness envelop me. The city’s sounds fade as I focus on Rowan’s location, picturing her cottage in my mind. I meld into the shadows, moving swiftly and silently through the space between us.

The journey takes just minutes. I materialize on Rowan’s patio, the floorboards creaking softly beneath my feet. Her cottage stands before me, warm light spilling from the windows. I can sense her presence inside, her heartbeat a steady rhythm that calls to me.

I close my eyes, reaching out with my mind.

“Rowan,” I project, my thoughts slipping into her consciousness. “I’m breaking the rules again.”

There’s a moment of startled silence, then her mental voice responds, tinged with exasperation. “Rules are no good if you don’t stick to them.”

“Invite me in,” I say aloud into the dusk silence. A soft footfall tells me that she’s just on the other side of the door.

“No,” she murmurs.

I rest my palm on the wood of the door and lean there for a moment. I can practically feel her. “Open the door,” I breathe the words. The rush of relief at knowing she’s okay is good…but not enough. I need to see her.

“Why?” Her voice is low.

“Because I want to see you.”

I can sense Rowan’s hesitation, the confused jumble of emotions. It’s clear she’s afraid of how she’ll react if she lets me in. Hell, I’m not sure how I’ll react, either.

“Rowan…” A strange tenderness washes over me. I want to soothe her fears, to show her she has nothing to be afraid of. At least, not from me. The memory of my dream flashes through my mind, and I’m overwhelmed with the need to see her safe and whole.

“Please,” I say softly, my forehead resting against the door. “I just need to see you.” I splay my palm flat, imagining her doing the same on the other side of the wood panel. I can hear her breathing. Yet another sign that she’s all right.

There’s a long pause, and then I hear the lock click. The door opens slowly, revealing Rowan standing there barefoot in rumpled gray sweatpants and a soft pink sweater. Her hair is slightly mussed, her glasses pushed up onto the top of her head.

I’ve never seen anything more fucking lovely.

Our eyes lock, and for a moment, we just stare at each other.

“Come in,” she whispers. Two words that mean so much to a man like me.

I can’t help myself. In an instant, I’ve crossed the threshold and swept her up against me. Warm and soft and sweet against my body. My arms wrap around her, clasping her close. I bury my face in her hair, inhaling deeply. She’s magical.

Roses and Rowan and magic.

I shut my eyes and heave a deep, contented sigh. The tension that’s been coiled inside me since I woke from that nightmare finally begins to ease.

She’s here. She’s safe.

Nothing else matters.

32

Chapter 32

Rowan

It feels like he’s going to crush the life from me…but in a good way. His arms wrap around me like steel bands, and for a moment, the world outside his embrace ceases to exist. I’m pulled against the unyielding fortress of his chest, a solid wall of strength that doesn’t give an inch under my hands.

“Darick?” I manage to get the word out past the pressure of his arms. “What’s going on?”