Wariness flickered in his eyes. “What?"
"Don't die."
He smiled grimly. “I promise. Now go."
Another lie. Tears filled her eyes. She stared at him a moment longer, then turned and walked out the door.
* * * *
The door slammed shut behind her, a harsh sound in the silence. Michael listened to her fading footsteps and knew his heart went with her. But it didn't matter. Nothing did, except keeping her safe from Jasper's taint.
"I shall savor your defeat, as I shall savor your woman in your memory,” Jasper hissed. Michael pushed away from the wall and lightly shook his arms, loosening tight muscles. “You must win first, worm."
"Oh, I shall."
Michael quirked an eyebrow. “As your brother won?"
Jasper snarled in fury. Power seared the room, washing around Michael. He watched Jasper's body twitch. He wouldn't be able to hold him much longer. Jasper was close to his equal now that he'd shared some of his strength with Nikki. And maybe that was for the best. With a snap that stung his mind, the chains shattered. Jasper howled and launched himself across the room. Michael dodged and swung his fist, smashing Jasper's jaw, knocking him sideways. It was totally unnecessary, but the sound of flesh smacking against flesh appeased some need in his soul. Jasper shook his head, laughing as he turned. Energy gathered in the room like an approaching storm. He shifted his stance, watching Jasper warily. Madness lit the younger vampire's eyes. He'd have to be careful. Jasper was as cunning as a cobra, and, in this mood, probably ten times more dangerous. No matter what else happened here today, he had to make sure Jasper died—so Nikki could live her life in peace, without fear, without darkness.
Energy hit him, flaring around him in a red wave of heat. He flung a bolt of his own and followed right after it. He hit the younger vampire side on, knocking him backwards, closer to the window and the warm morning light.
Jasper laughed again, a high, inhuman sound. Too late, Michael felt the presence of silver. He thrust backwards, but the blade pierced his side, biting deep. White heat flared, swirling through his body, a tide that promised death.
But not without Jasper.
He staggered upright. Energy lashed at him. Michael ignored it and walked forward, watching Jasper's eyes, watching the hint of fear grow as the younger vampire backed away. Ignoring the pain pounding though his body, dredging up every reserve he had, Michael reached out kinetically. The cords of power wrapped chains around Jasper, stopping him cold.
"How long has it been since you tasted the sun?” he said quietly. “Can you remember its warmth, Jasper? Can you remember the feel of it against your skin?" Jasper made no comment, struggling against Michael's hold, fighting with mind and body to survive. White fire ran through his mind. The knife was weakening him, weakening his ability to hold on. It didn't matter. The window was only a few feet away.