Rebecca Zanetti: Provoked

But her father had been correct. It had been so much fun to watch Kane try to get into having a big wedding. But he’d finally put his foot down when Amber wanted him to wear a light blue tuxedo.

Of course, Amber had just been messing with him. The woman did have a wicked sense of humor. When she’d suggested Walter the monkey be a groomsman, Kane’s head had almost blown off.

But she’d been dead serious about inviting her family from the commune, and she hadn’t backed down. Humans were actually going to attend the wedding. Very cool.

Closing her eyes, Janie allowed herself to drift into almost a dream state. Slowly, she forced tension from her toes, legs, hips, and all the way to her head.

A mental call almost stopped her heart.

Somebody was calling her. For the first time in years.

Zane?

Taking several cleansing breaths, she slid into the dream world, picturing a relaxing bank next to a bubbling river.

Zane emerged from a stand of cottonwoods.

The dark combat clothes matched the expression on his face.

Janie kicked a pebble across the rocky beach. “You called me. I didn’t drag you here. ”

He stopped a foot away from her. “I know.”

“So, what?”

He sighed, the green of his eyes darker than usual. The scar along his face stood out in a wicked line, a warning about the life he led.

She tilted her head to the side. “How did you get the scar?”

“A pissed-off demon cut me.” He rubbed his jawline absently.

“Those bastards.” Someday, she’d pay them all back for what they did to Jase. Of course, he’d be healed by then and would probably want to help. Apparently Zane would want to jump in as well.

“Yes.” Zane grabbed a pebble to skip along the water. “I called you because I want to tell you the truth. I’m sorry about how things have gone and hoped I could just—”

Another tall figure exited the cotton stand.

Zane growled. “What the hell is he doing here?”

Janie gulped air.

Kalin picked his way around boulders until reaching the edge of the beach. He wore his Kurjan uniform, red metals shining in the fake sun. The expression on his face was all arrogance. “Looks like I can enter the little world here uninvited.”

Damn it. Janie lifted her chin. “I’m sure that ability is temporary.”

“Maybe, maybe not.” Kalin flashed sharp fangs. “But I promised you an answer to your question.”

Zane jerked his focus to her. “You’ve been meeting with Kalin?”

She kept her gaze on the Kurjan. “Once. I needed something.” She lifted an eyebrow.

Kalin barked a short laugh. “Jase Kayrs was not killed by demons.”

No kidding. “Your news is old.”

“My apologies.” He bowed at the waist, all sarcasm. “Next time I’ll . . . satisfy you quicker.”

Unease had a shiver running down her spine. The heat from Zane’s temper actually warmed the air around her. “We’re not meeting again, Kalin. I’ll figure out a way to keep you out of my dream worlds.”

He licked his pale lips. “Now that I’ve had your blood, probably not.”

Zane stiffened, his eyes flashing. “He’s had your blood?”

Kalin laughed, the sound grating. “That’s not all I’ve had.” Then he turned his head toward the woods. “I have to go—duty calls. I’ll see you both again soon.”

The air relaxed slightly as he exited the private world.

Tension still vibrated from Zane. He stepped closer. “How did the Kurjan get your blood?”

Janie faced him squarely. “That’s really not your concern. I have his blood, too. As well as yours.”

Irritation had Zane’s eyebrows drawing together. “How the hell did you get his blood?”

“I tricked him.” Janie shrugged. “Why do you care?”

Anger sparked the oxygen around them. Zane stepped forward, hauling her up against him. “The only way you could’ve gotten his blood was to bite him. How did you get close enough to bite a Kurjan?”

“I kissed him.” Janie lifted her chin.

Zane’s hold tightened. Disbelief curled his lip. “You kissed that . . . monster?”

“Yes.” Temper flashed through her so quickly her knees went weak. “You’re not the only one with plans for the ending of this war, Zane. Don’t you ever forget who I am.”

His lids half closed. “I don’t think I knew until right this second who you were.”

Butterflies zinged to life in her stomach. He was so warm and so close. The vampire was also hard—head to toe. Such muscle, so much strength in her childhood friend. “What did you want to tell me?”

His eyelids lowered to half-mast. “Apparently I don’t need to tell you anything—you’ve got it all figured out.” He grabbed her chin, his hold warm and firm. Tilting her head to the side, he planted a hard kiss on her lips. “We’re nowhere near done here, Belle.” Releasing her, he stepped back.

Her lips tingled while her entire body lit on fire. “Then why are you leaving?”

His nostrils flared. “I have plans to make. You might want to do the same.” Pivoting, he strode toward the forest.

“What the heck does that mean?” she called after him.

He turned, eyes blazing, jaw set hard. “It means, get ready. I’m coming for you, Janie Belle. Soon.”

The dream world disappeared.

Janie Kayrs sat up in bed, her hand going to her still tingling lips. “Well, it’s about time.”