Open the door...
The command washed across the silence, threatening yet enticing. The urge to do as he asked stormed through her. Clenching her fist, she rose and backed away. Jasper was just beyond the front door. She could feel his heat, the sense of depravity that was his essence. Hope flared slightly. If she could feel that, then her psychic senses weren't as dead as she feared. Her head might pound every time she moved, yet maybe, if she pushed hard enough, she might be able to defend herself.
Do not ignore me. Open the door.
No. Never. She reached down and slid one of the silver knives from her boot. Power swept around her, black wings that beat against her resistance. Where was Michael? Why wasn't he here to stop Jasper?
I have arranged a persion for your lover. He will not arrive in time to help you. Nikki closed her eyes and tried to ignore his mocking confidence. Jasper couldn't harm her unless she allowed him in her house. She had to keep resisting.
The zombies will delay him. By the time he realizes his mistake, I will have you. Again hope stirred. The zombies were dead. So where the hell was Michael?
The trail is long and twisted.
His amusement slithered around her. She shivered. The only thing twisted around here was Jasper's mind. I will never be yours .
You are mine already, sweet thing. Shall I prove it to you?
She made no reply and backed further across the room, the knife clenched so hard in her hand her fingers were going numb. Power washed through the room, a psychic beam that wrapped around her like a chain, heavy and cold.
Open the door.
"No!” she screamed. Yet her whole body trembled, muscle fighting muscle, the urge to obey battling the will to fight.
The chains drew tighter. Cold sweat ran down her back. She wouldn't give in, she wouldn't... He laughed. The sound stung her heart.
You have no choice. Open the door, pretty one.
Power whipped around her, beating at her resistance, searing her senses. She fought the urge to obey with every ounce of strength she had.