Katie Reus: Targeted

Her gaze landed on the door, but she backed away from it. There was no way she could exit through it. What if she ran into one of those men in the hallway? Looking around the unfamiliar room, she hurried to a double panel of floor-length curtains. Peering behind one of the thick silk panels, she realized the curtains covered two French doors.

When she disengaged the lock, the sound seemed overpronounced in the stillness even though she knew no one could have heard it. Slipping outside onto the small balcony, the cool air rushed over her skin and a chill ran through her that had nothing to do with the weather or her sickness.

Glancing around the expansive moonlit acreage, she looked for a guard or any sign of life. Are you freaking kidding me? The place had to be crawling with extra security.

Maria slipped off her heels and hurried across the small stone patio outside the room she’d been in. Immediately her feet hit grass. It was cool under her toes, but nothing could calm her right now. Pure panic raged through her as she hurried across the yard. On all sides she could see only a wall of hedges engulfing this place. Heading east across the yard in what she thought was the direction where Nash had originally parked, she picked up her pace. She still felt shaky and nauseated, but nothing could stop her now. The hair on the back of her neck raised as another fear set in. What if someone had seen her leave that room? Or was watching her right now?

Those men had been serious about the destruction they meant to cause. She had to get help.

When she reached one of the giant hedges, a small sliver of relief slid through her. It wasn’t an actual wall, just thick bushes that she could slip through. At this point she didn’t care what was on the other side. She just had to escape from this place and get to the limo. Her phone should be there and, more important, Nash would be able to help.

As she tried to find an opening she could shove through, she heard a rumble, and then a horrific blast filled the air. She spun around, her heart in her throat. Not truly comprehending what she was seeing, her stomach pitched when a giant ball of orange flames tore through the sky, engulfing the mansion.

Another rumble ripped through the air as the place started collapsing in on itself. Her mouth opened but no sound came out as the knowledge that her mother was in there pierced through her numbed mind. Darkness edged her vision, but she started to run toward the fire, needing to get to her mom, when another ball of flames tore through the night sky. Her entire body trembled under the impact, heat warming her despite the distance from the building. She blindly reached for something to hold her up but collapsed to her knees as her legs gave way. Unable to help, unable to breathe, she felt tears stream down her face as she watched the place implode.

Though she tried to fight it off, the darkness that had threatened to overtake her earlier suddenly claimed her as she passed out.

“Fast-paced romantic suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat!”

—Cynthia Eden, USA Today bestselling author of Die For Me

“Sexy suspense at its finest.”

—Laura Wright, USA Today bestselling author of Eternal Demon

Praise for Other Novels by Katie Reus

“Explosive danger and enough sexual tension to set the pages on fire . . . fabulous!”

—Alexandra Ivy, New York Times bestselling author of Fear the Darkness

“Sexy alphas, kick-ass heroines, and twisted villains will keep you turning the pages . . . a winner.”

—Caridad Piñeiro, New York Times bestselling author of The Claimed

“Scorching chemistry . . . taut and passionate . . . will leave readers breathless!”

—Stephanie Tyler, national bestselling author of Surrender

“A wild, hot ride for readers. The story grabs you and doesn’t let go.”

—Cynthia Eden

“Lusty, heartfelt, and shows that love can conquer all.”

— RT Book Reviews (4 stars)

“A well-plotted, excellently delivered emotional and sensual ride that grabs hold and doesn’t let go! . . . Ms. Reus delivers mystery, suspense, and a romance nothing short of heart-pounding!”

—Night Owl Reviews

The Moon Shifter Novels

Alpha Instinct

Lover’s Instinct

(A Penguin Special)

Primal Possession

Mating Instinct

Other Titles

Enemy Mine