Like purebred show dogs groomed for obedience training compet.i.tions. Their lives had strict rules. It was not really his fault for trying to impose them on everyonea"

he simply didnat know of any other way to be.

But just because she understood where he was coming from didnat make him welcome.

Declan completed his circle and stopped right in front of the porch. He wore dark pants, a shirt with rippedoff sleeves that left his arms exposed, and light boots. Nice arms . . .

The way he had summoned an image of that beast yesterday; now that was impressive. She wanted so badly to learn how he did it, shead almost asked. Almost. Head laugh in her face. He already thought she was an ignorant, rude mongrel. No need to give him more ammunition.

The huge sword was still on his back. He shrugged it off and pulled off his shirt. Rose paused with the cup halfway to her lips.

Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com) His golden hair, damp with sweat, spilled down his back.

Tall, big boned, layered with carved muscle, he was made with strength in mind, but the ma.s.sive width of his shoulders and chest tapered to a flat stomach and narrow waist. His hips were lean, his legs long and powerful. Despite all his bulk, there was a honed sleekness about hima"he was strong, supple, and quick, a man who spent all his life sharpening his body into a weapon. Thatas what they did, the n.o.bles of the Weird.

Their ultimate purpose was to lead armies into battle.

Declan turned very slightly. It was a tiny movement, but she caught ita"head checked that he could be seen from the window. Ha! He was showing off for her benefit.

Rose smiled into her cup. Blueblood or not, he was still a man.

Declan flexed a little, displaying a perfect chest to the gra.s.s, and stretched. Rose leaned her head to the side, following his movement as he turned, letting her stare trail the sharp line of his biceps to his muscled back, and over his chest to his flat, ridged stomach. They really did know how to make them in the Weird.

No hair on his chest or stomach. All of that muscle clothed in golden skin, slicked with sweat from running.

Against the cold fog of the morning, he radiated heat as if lit from within by his own warm glow. He was beautiful. Even his iceberg eyes were captivating despite the menace.

She drank her coffee. He mustave done something truly awful to have to look for a bride in the Edge. Maybe he was a rapist . . . No, she decided. She just didnat feel that creepy vibe from him. A killer maybe?

Murdered the son of somebody important in a duel? That she could see.

He picked up his sword. Now what?

Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com) Declan held the blade above his head, pointing parallel to the gra.s.s. For a long moment he stood still, utterly focused, and then erupted into sharp strikes. He slashed and thrust, fluid muscles rolling under his skin, faster and faster, cutting down invisible opponents in a lethal dance born of melding the sword fight and art.

That was entirely more than a woman could take. Rose lowered her cup to the table, leaned her head on her elbow, and simply watched.

She harbored no illusions. The only value she had to him was in her ability to flash and bear children. If she agreed to become his bride or his mistress, she would live in the house of a cold frigid man who would probably despise her, among people who would be so busy looking down on her because of what she was, they would have no chance to find out who she was. Her brothers would be servants at best. It would be a terrible life. True, Declan was heartbreakingly beautiful and hypnotic to watch. But she would have even more fun when she watched that muscled back and that perfect a.s.s recede as he walked down the path away from her house, never to return.

ELSIE sat in her room on the rocker, holding Mr. Clooney.

Through the doorway she saw her granddaughter and her best friend, Leanne, talking in hushed voices. On the porch, Amyas daughter Mindy was trying to do the same with Kenny Jo, Leanneas oldest boy, but he wasnat answering.

The four-eyed creature sat in the doorway blocking Elsieas exit. She had spent the whole night drawing the ward glyphs on the floor with a Magic Marker. She wouldave drawn more, but the marker had run dry.

The creature leaned and nudged at the invisible wall of magic streaming from the glyphs. A spark shot from Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com) the twisted swirls and nipped the creatureas chin. It sat back on its haunches and showed her its teeth: bloodred and nasty. It wanted to get her. She shook the teddy bear at it. It was the same one who killed Mr.

Bana, she was sure.

aThanks for coming,a Amy said. aI donat know what got into her. She sat like that since yesterday noon. She wonat come out, and I canat drag her out by myself.a aOlder folks get like this sometimes.a Leanne nodded in understanding.

Amy was tall and soft, with a round face and a round belly and round hair of little brownish curls. Leanne was about the same height, but skinny and wiry, with a sharp face. Like a blond ferret with b.o.o.bs. All of the Meddlersa women bred that way. Elsie pursed her lips.

Together they would drag her out. Shead tied herself to the rocker with her scarves, but she knew the restraints wouldnat stand up to them for long.

Two more creatures padded from the kitchen. One slunk by Amy, almost brushing her big b.u.t.t. She shivered and glanced over her shoulder. The creature looked right at her. She shrugged and turned back to Leanne. Elsie sneered. Stupid girl.

The creature by the door smiled at her. Soon, its gray eyes promised. Soon.

aItas not that I want to manhandle her, but . . .a Amy leaned forward and said confidentially, aSheas wet herself. I just donat want it to get around that I abuse my grandma and all that. You know how people are.a aYou donat have to worry on my account,a Leanne a.s.sured her.

The two creatures hooked their claws into the wall and began crawling up the side like two huge ugly lizards. Tiny flecks of plaster broke off and fell on the floor.

Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com) aNo, I know. You donat gossip. I just . . . I sure do appreciate this. With Bob away hunting, Iam by myself here. Iad like to get it done before the younger kids are up.

Thatas not something they need to see.a Leanne nodded. aLetas get it over with.a They headed to the door. The creature slunk out of the way, behind the couch. Leanne stopped in the doorway and stared at the floor covered with black lines. aOh my.a aSheas done it overnight. I donat even know what this is.a Amy shook her head. aLast thing I need is some foulness to pop out of these glyphs. You know? I have kids in the house.a Leanne shook her head. aSometimes the mind just gives out.a Amy crossed the room and stopped before Elsie. aGrandma.

Youave got to come out.a Elsie let go of Mr. Clooney and clutched the armrests of her rocker. They wouldnat be getting her out, not where the beasts could get her.

aIf youare refusing to listen to reason, Leanne and Iall have to take you out by force.a Elsie dug her nails into the wood.

aSuit yourself.a Amy sighed, leaned over, and tried to pull her free. aOh, my Lord in Heaven, she tied herself to the chair. With her good scarves, too.a She went into a crouch to pull loose the knot by the chair legs, and Elsie raked her face. Blood swelled. Amy stared stunned, tears swelling in her eyes. aGrandma!a Elsie raised her hands, her bony fingers curled like claws.

aYou leave me alone!a Leanne struck at her left hand, pinning it down with both of hers. Elsie scratched at her, but Amy clamped her right wrist to the armrest. Elsie snapped, trying to bite, and Amy pressed her left hand onto her chest, Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com) pinning her to the chair. Elsie growled and gnashed her teeth, but couldnat reach Amyas arm.

They looked at each other.

aNow what?a Amy breathed. aI canat reach the knot, and if I let go, sheall claw us b.l.o.o.d.y.a aKenny Jo!a Leanne called. aIall get him to untie the knot, and then we move her just like this right into the shower. Kenny Jo!a The screen door banged, and Kenny Jo crossed the living room and stepped into the bedroom. The glyphs shivered a little. Elsie buckled against Amyas hand. Kenny Jo wasnat a dud like Amy. aRun!a she yelled at him. aRun!a aMa?a aI need you . . .a The first creature padded from behind the couch and stared at Kennyas back. He turned and went white as a sheet. The creature stepped forward, rocking on its haunches. Kenny stumbled back. His mouth gaped open. He choked, struggling, gulped, and screamed, setting the gla.s.s on the windows ringing.

SEVEN.

ROSE didnat remember her coffee until Declan was done with his workout. Her drink had gone cold. She got up to get a fresh cup just as he strode through the door.

He dwarfed the kitchen, big, golden, and intimidating. At least his shirt was back on, which was definitely a good thing. aCoffee?a she asked.

He nodded. aThank you.a She had hoped head take a shower, which would have gotten him out of the kitchen. She couldave used a moment to cool off.

Up close, she caught his scent: a faint aroma of sandalwood and a very male musk emanating from his Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com) tawny, sweat-slicked skin. No, she told herself firmly and took a step out of his reach. He looked superb, he smelled like a drug, and if she went over and found out how he tasted, she would throw away her freedom, independence, and future with one kiss.

aI apologize for my attire,a Declan said.

His attire was quite fine, thank you very much. In fact, she should probably go and get a big black trash bag and slide it over him. It would certainly make her life easier.

aNot a problem. We donat have much use for ceremony and formal clothes in the Edge.a His gaze snagged on her Clean-n-Bright uniform. aWhy are you wearing that?a aItas my uniform. Everyone in my company wears it.a aItas hideous.a Rose felt her hackles rise. The neon green uniform was hideous, but she didnat appreciate him pointing it out. She opened her mouth.

aYet despite it, you look lovely,a he said.

aFlattery will get you nowhere,a she told him.

aItas not flattery,a he said coldly. aFlattery requires exaggeration. Iam merely stating a fact. Youare a beautiful woman wearing an ugly sack of unnatural color.a Rose stared at him, not sure what to make of it. Was it a compliment or an insult? Unable to decide, she shrugged it off.

aItas customary to offer breakfast to boarders,a he said.

aI hope you enjoy Mini-Wheats. Thatas all we have.a She pulled a box of cereal from the shelf and poured it into two bowls. aI wanted to thank you for saving Jack. And for staying with them and making pancakes.a aI did what any honorable man would do,a he said.

aThat said, I still refuse to go away with you.a She added milk and pushed one of the bowls toward him.

Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com) aDuly noted.a He hesitated as if deciding on something. aThe boys are very brave.a aThank you.a She sat across from him and looked at him. aSuppose, just for the sake of the argument, that you win the challenges. What are your intentions toward me? Am I going to be auc tioned off to the highest bidder like a prized cow, or are you planning on keeping me for yourself?a His eyes turned dark. aDid someone try to auction you off, Rose?a aThatas not important.a aOn the contrary. The slave trade is forbidden in Adrianglia.

If someoneas selling people, I want to know about it.a She narrowed her eyes. aAnd what would you do about it?a aIad make them deeply regret it.a She had no doubt he could. aWhy do you care?a aItas my responsibility as a peer of the realm to make sure the laws of Adrianglia are upheld. I take it seriously.a aAll that is good,a she said, abut you still didnat answer my question. What are your intentions toward me?a He leaned forward. Some of the hardness drained from his eyes. They turned deep and very green. aI intend to have you.a aIn what sense of the word?a A narrow smile tugged on the corners of his mouth. He looked utterly focused, like a cat about to pounce.

aIn every sense.a Rose choked on her coffee.

Georgie stumbled into the kitchen, rubbing his eyes.

Instantly, Declan leaned back, his face casual.

There was a moment there when his eyes had lit up, and she thought he might have been pulling her leg.

Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com) Almost as if he said that just to get a rise out of her. Could he be joking? Surely not. Not that she would put it past him to make fun at her expense, but he didnat seem capable of humor.

Rose added another bowl, poured the milk, and distributed the food. Georgie crawled into the chair next to Declan and poked at his Mini-Wheats with a spoon.

aThank you for the meal,a Declan said, picking up his own spoon.

aThank you for the meal,a Georgie echoed. Well, at least one good thing came from the blueblood being here: Georgie said thank you without being reminded.

Georgie looked at Declan, probably waiting for a clue to his next move. She understood why. Something about Declan telegraphed aman.a It wasnat his face, although he was heart stoppingly handsome, if grim. He had a great build and he carried himself well, but that wasnat quite it either. It wasnat his swords, or his cloak, or his leathers. It was something unidentifiable, something in his eyes or in the air he projected, something she couldnat quite pin down.

For lack of a better word, Declan radiated masculinity. The adepend on him in a dark alleya kind of masculinity. The ahit the bad guy with a chair before he shoots usa kind of masculinity. If they were attacked, he wouldnat hesitate to put himself between them and the danger, because thatas what men did.

The boys didnat stand a chance.

Under different circ.u.mstances, she might not have stood a chance either. But experience had taught her very well: bluebloods were to be feared and avoided. All that rock-steady manliness could be an elaborate act. She had to watch her every step.

Declan put a spoonful of cereal into his mouth. Georgie hesitated. Getting him to eat was an ordeal lately.

Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com) He was hungry all the time but ate like a bird, a bite here, a bite there. And if he didnat eat enough, he got shaky.

Declan chewed, scooped more cereal into his spoon, put it into his mouth, and glanced at Georgie. Georgie fidgeted under the pressure of those green eyes, picked up his own spoon again, and started eating.

aGeorgie, youare staying with Grandma today,a she said.

aWhy?a aItas not safe to walk to the bus stop or back up from it.a Declan paused. aYouare going to work? Shouldnat their safety be your first responsibility?a aI know my responsibilities well, thank you very much. I donat work, we donat eat. Itas that simple.a They chewed their food. She glanced at Declan. He ate quietly, enjoying his meal. He caught her looking.

aItas quite good, thank you.a He had to be used to much better. He was probably just being polite. aYouare welcome,a she murmured.

Georgie stirred in his seat, glancing at her. aJack said you smelled like William yesterday.a aGeorgie!a Too late. A predatory light sparked in Declanas eyes. The blueblood came to life like a shark sensing a drop of blood. aWhoas William?a aNone of your business,a Rose snapped.

aHeas a guy. He likes action figures,a Georgie said helpfully.

aHe asked Rose on a date, but she didnat go.a aDoes your sister go on dates often?a aEvery week,a Rose said.

aNever,a Georgie declared at the same time. aItas because Brad Dillon tried to kidnap her on their last date.a She stared at him. How did he know that?

aMmre told me. Brad hit her on the head with a club, and she fried him with her flash. Jack and I liked Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com) William okay. But Brad is a sc.u.mbaa"a aGeorge.a Rose loaded her voice with steel. aGo brush your teeth and wake up your brother.a He slid off the chair and took off.

Declan leaned forward, his features iced over. aThis William.

What does he look like?a aShockingly handsome,a Rose told him.

aThat covers a lot of ground.a aYou donat need to know what he looks like!a aOf course I do. If I meet him, Iall have to discourage him from courting you. You donat want me to a.s.sault some random stranger, do you?a She took her bowl to the sink.

aRose,a he called. aThis is important. What does William look like?a Rose rinsed out her bowl, glanced up to the window, and saw Leanne Ogletree on the path to her house, striding forward in a determined fashion. A worried expression pinched Leanneas face into a pale mask. If a big pink elephant with rainbow wings had appeared at the end of the path, Rose wouldave been less surprised. The words died on her lips. Now what?

Declan came to stand by her. aWho is that?a aThe former bane of my existence. Stay inside, please.a Rose braced herself and stepped out onto the porch.

Leanne walked up to the steps. She was a thin, narrow-hipped woman, who seemed to consist entirely of sharp angles: sharp elbows, prominent knees, defined face, and a stare, which, as Rose knew from experience, could slice like a knife. They hadnat spoken a word to each other for the last four years. Rose kept to herself, and Leanne wasnat a social b.u.t.terfly either, not since Sarah Walton married and moved away. The few times they had run into each other in public, theyad silently conspired to ignore each otheras Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com) presence.

It was d.a.m.ned hard to ignore somebody who was standing right there by the porch.

aMorning, Leanne.a Rose kept her tone civil.

aMorning.a Leanneas face was pale, and in her blue eyes, Rose glimpsed a small echo of fear.

There were a dozen things Rose could saya"about Sarah, who now refused to recognize Leanne; about Leanneas husband, Beau Ogletree, who had taken off to adventures unknown; about Leanneas dad, who just last Sunday got so hammered he puked his guts out right on the steps of the church, scandalizing all local Edger Christians forever. But Leanne stood there, with that fear in her eyes, and Rose let it go.

aWhatas wrong?a she asked simply.

aItas Kenny Jo. We went to visit Amy Haire to help with her grandma Elsie. You know her.a aElsie Moore? With the tea parties?a aYeah. She shut herself in her room and wonat come out.

Shead tied herself to her rocker, and when Amy and I tried to move her, she scratched Amy b.l.o.o.d.y. So I called Kenny Jo to come undo the knots while we held her down. He got into the room and started screaming. I tried to take him out of the room, but something ripped his clothes. It clawed the T-shirt right off of him and scratched his chest. Elsie says we canat see it because itas hiding and our magic isnat strong enough. But Kenny Jo sees it.a aWhy come to me?a Rose asked.

aHe was screaming your name.a Leanne swallowed and said in a hoa.r.s.e voice, aLook, I know I made your life h.e.l.l in high school. But itas my kid in there. Please help me save my boy.a aYou canat see anything outside of the room?a Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com) Leanne shook her head. aI felt something. Cold and wet . . .a aLike slime down your back?a Rose shivered, recalling the beast that attacked Jack.

aYes. Like that.a aWait here for me, please. Iall be only a minute.a ROSE hurried inside the house, dropped the atticas ladder, and climbed up, flicking on the light. For years the attic had served as the repository of all sorts of junk her father had found in his adventures, and now piles of bizarre objects greeted her: old books, broken weapons, twisted puzzles which, when solved, showed a way to some fabulous non-existent treasure, rolls of fake maps, dime-store antiques . . .

aJack!a she called.

He scrambled up the ladder.

aI need the see-lantern. Hurry!a He breathed in the stale scents of the attic, scrambled up the pile of oddities, and plucked the lantern from the heap. It was an old, beat-up maritime lantern.