His gaze lifted to meet hers.
She offered him a smile. “Now let’s go find out who this guy is and let’s stop him.” Because she was ready to move on with her life. Humans knew joy—she’d seen it on their faces. Maybe, just maybe, she could know it, too.
A home. A family. Tanner . . . and a child? Perhaps all of that could be hers.
But not with the killer waiting out there. Not with him playing his games.
Finish him. Then she could really start living.
Only . . . as soon as they opened the bedroom door, Tanner swore. He rushed past her and barreled down the stairs. Marna heard the faint sound then, too. A car’s motor, speeding away.
Tanner yanked open the front door. Marna was steps behind him, and she saw the glow of fading taillights.
“Cody,” she whispered.
The sagging front porch creaked as Riley stepped from the shadows. “The demon said he had hunting to do.”
“Sonofabitch.” Tanner stared after those red lights with his body tight.
“The guy was muttering about owing you, and making things right.” Riley stopped at Marna’s side, but his eyes were on Tanner.
Tanner threw a hard glance over his shoulder. “And you just let him drive away?”
“Why would I stop him?” Riley wanted to know. “I paid my debt.” He gave a little salute to Marna. “I don’t owe anyone now.” He started walking back into the house.
Marna caught his arm. “We were even before this. Now I’m the one who owes you.”
He sent her a quick smile, one that showed the edges of his fangs. “I like having an angel in my debt.”
Why did everyone seem to keep forgetting? “I’m not an angel anymore.”
His grin widened. “Even better.”
A snarl came from Tanner.
But Riley just laughed. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a set of keys. “There’s a motorcycle hidden about a hundred yards to the east, under an oak. Take it. Join the hunt.” He tossed the keys to Tanner and gave him a little salute. “And now, that means you’re in my debt, too.”
Whistling, he headed into the cabin.
“Bastard,” Tanner muttered.
Yes, but he was a bastard who’d helped them. She caught Tanner’s hand. Laced her fingers with his. “Come on.” If they hurried, they’d be able to catch Cody. Dawn would come soon, and this battle would best be fought under the cover of darkness.
It was easier to hide the truth from humans in the dark.
They raced through the brush, heading east quickly through the night. Marna had to double-time it in order to keep up with Tanner. Her shifter was so fast.
Then they were at the motorcycle. Tanner climbed on, and she jumped behind him, holding tight. The engine burst to life with a growl as great as Tanner’s panther, and they leapt forward.
Her heart slammed into her ribs as they gave chase.
She couldn’t see any sign of Cody’s vehicle now, but he had to be close still. The motorcycle leapt off the old path and onto the twisting two-lane highway with a jarring thud that had her holding even tighter to Tanner. Faster, faster. Her hair whipped behind her as they drove.
Another corner.
Another tight turn.
Her thighs squeezed around his as the vibration from the bike shook her legs. When had she grown so used to the adrenaline rush of danger? When had it started to turn her on?
Not such an angel.
Maybe it was time for everyone to realize that.
Another turn. Her body was plastered against his. Another—
A siren screamed and a police cruiser seemed to leap right out of the darkness. Blue and red lights flashed in a blinding whir.
The cops had found them. Had tracked them.
Tanner didn’t slow. Faster, faster . . .
Another turn. Another tight corner, another—
A car was blocking the road. No, not a car. An SUV. Riley’s vehicle—the one Cody had taken. Tanner tried to stop the motorcycle. Brakes squealed and sparks flew into the air—
But there wasn’t enough time to stop. They were going too fast. The SUV was too close. The motorcycle slammed into the side of the vehicle. Marna tried to hold on to Tanner, but she was ripped away from him. She flew through the air—not like when I had wings. This flight was terrifying, short, and her body slammed back into the pavement after only moments.
Her skin ripped away at the impact. Pain burned through her side and her arms.
Metal crunched and groaned. Those sirens were squealing, hurting her ears. Marna tried to rise—
“It’s okay,” a familiar voice told her, “I’ve got you.” Then arms wrapped around her body. Too tight. Too hard. And she was flying again. Rising higher and higher into the sky. She tried to fight the hold on her but couldn’t break free. When Marna glanced down, she saw the wreckage below. Tanner and Cody were both there, running toward her. Tanner was screaming her name.