of the Doyle estate. She walked out like

ng rain battered her pale face. She didn't have an umbrella. She didn't car

er. Its massive tires hit a deep puddle, sending

he asphalt. She crashed hard onto the rough street. Th

es skidded on the wet road, stoppi

door open. He popped a black u

up her right leg. Her ankle was swollen to the size of

rear window of the SUV and tapped

glided do

rest. His eyes were closed. His fingers rubbed his tem

r. Take her to a hospital. Don't leave a mess,"

uled Ayleen's shivering body up,

mmed shut. The cab

down. The car was pitch black inside, illuminated only by the brief flashes of streetli

clung to her skin. A violent shiver racked h

sius's jaw ticked. He hated noise. He

AC vents circu

oses mixed with rain drifted

e body we

ct same scent that had pu

s head toward the corner, his gaze t

ive movement. She shrank back, her wet

en, a massive bolt of lightning flashed outside. The blinding

uried her face deep into her arms. Al

d. The scent wrapped around his bra

ed up a dry towel from the cente

el. She hesitated,

ertips brushed ag

them. Cassius yanked his hand back as i

," Ayleen

was a harsh, broken rasp. It sounded absolutely

, but the voice was entirely wrong. He didn't press her further, but a sharp seed of doubt had been plant

his eyes, and simply

ed the door. Ayleen clutched the towel and scrambl

er heart hammering against her ribs.

The scent in the cabin faded quickly. The sharp

" he snapped at Arthur. A sudden, intense wave