She waited, stalling now before she left. The sun climbed higher, touched her skin right through the thin cotton of her clothing. A wide-brimmed hat and her dark glasses provided relief. Still, Shea sensed it was safer to stay among people as long as she could; until her weakness left her she had no alternative but to seek rest in her darkened camper in the shade of the woods.
There was a push at her mind, a familiar path she recognized instantly with relief. Shea merged with Jacques. He was weak, what little strength he had leeched away with the rising of the sun. Shea was angry with herself for not making the effort earlier to reassure him. She should have known that he would feel her fear even from a distance.
You are well?
Yes, Jacques. I’m sorry I didn’t check in. She made an effort to stay calm and hide her alarm from him. The last thing she wanted was for the wild man to attempt to rescue her. And she knew he would. He -would kill himself trying to get to her side.
You are in the sun. I feel your discomfort. It was a reprimand of the sort she was becoming used to. The arrogance of command was creeping more and more into his voice as his health improved.
She took a deep breath, let it out slowly, and took the plunge. There was one of your kind here. At least I think he was your kind.
His reaction was explosive. Hot fury, fear for her, an almost uncontrollable jealous rage. Jacques forced himself to remain silent and hear her out. He knew his volcanic, intense emotions frightened her. They frightened him. Emotions were unfamiliar to him and could be overwhelming at times.
He recognized your scent, even called you by name. He demanded to know where you are. Please be careful, Jacques. I’m afraid I left you completely helpless. I think he’ll search for you.
Did he touch you? Take your blood? The demand was imperious; she felt his black rage beating in her head.
She touched her hand to the oozing wound on her neck. You would have known, she replied soothingly.
Some of his helpless fury dissipated. Where are you?
I am safe for now, but he’ll hunt me this evening, I’m certain of it. I don’t want to lead him back to you.
You will return this night to me. Straight to me. He cannot be allowed to touch you, cannot exchange blood.
I’ll be fine. It is you who must be careful, Jacques. She tried to reassure him. I’m afraid for you, afraid I will lead him to you, or while I’m gone he will find you.
You do not understand the danger you are in. You must get to me.
Shea might not fully comprehend, but she could feel his conviction, his fear for her, and she shivered, remembering the strength in the stranger’s grasp, his hiss of deadly promise. Don’t worry, I’ll come right away. Go to sleep now, Jacques. This is draining for you.
Shea. There was a moment of silence, of longing. Come back to me. If you believe nothing else I have told you, believe I need you.
I promise. Shea put her forehead down on the steering wheel. She was so tired, and her eyes were swelling. The tinted windows in the cab helped to prevent blisters on her skin but wouldn’t for much longer. Her body was slow and clumsy, only hope the vampire was already in his lair and unable to see where she went.
She drove into the mountains. At first, to save time, she took the road, driving as fast as she dared on the winding dirt track. When the sunlight became unbearable, she made her own road, following a deer trail, always climbing, seeking deep forest. The heavy canopy of trees gave some relief from the unrelenting sunlight piercing her skull. When her body was simply too heavy, she pulled into a particularly heavily wooded area and dragged herself into the camper. She had just enough energy to lock the door and place the pistol beside her hand before her body became lead. She lay as if paralyzed, her heart beating fast, terrified by her own weakness.