egg into his mouth. I’m as energized as when we got here, knowing we’re so close to the end of my quest. The revenge I’ve been obsessed with for years is right here in our grasp.
Yet, it’s interesting how my outlook has changed. I’ll be glad to end my search, to find resolution, but whereas before, it was the only thing I cared about—it was my life—now I see a different future, a future where I put the past behind me and start to live again. That is, once I’ve convinced Melissa to try.
Stuart snaps me back to preparations. “You, go sleep. I’ll gather what we need for the ritual.”
I nod, but Patrick cuts in. “Where can we do it?”
“My suite,” I say. “I have a Jacuzzi tub.”
“What the hell?” Patrick leans back. “How did you get a fucking Jacuzzi tub?”
“Came with the room.”
“Good,” Stuart says, getting us back on track. “In two hours, we meet in Derek’s room. It should give you enough time to recover before we have to head out tonight.”
Patrick stands to let me out of the booth. I’ve only eaten half my breakfast, but I wasn’t hungry. Anyway, the ritual always leaves my stomach queasy. The most important thing I can do now is sleep. My beautiful Melissa will have to wait.
Tonight is critical.
* * *
Melissa
The sound of someone attempting to be quiet, bumping around the room rouses me from the dark waters of slumber. I hate to open my eyes, because in my dreams I’m wrapped tightly in the cocoon of Derek’s strong arms. His masculine scent is all around me, and the luscious taste of him is on my tongue. It’s the closest to heaven I’ve been in so long.
A little crash followed by a sharp yelp makes me sit up in the bed and reach for the lamp. “Elaine?”
“Oh,” she laughs. “I’m sorry. I was trying to let you sleep.”
“What time is it?” I rub my eyes as she goes to the window to pull back the curtains.
“Almost two.”
“Lainey!” Throwing the sheets back, I jump out of bed. “I need to shower, change…”
“It’s okay! I already called Mariska. She’s meeting us at ACME at three. We’ve got plenty of time.”
“Oh, good.” Exhaling, I slow my pace. ACME oyster house is a half block from our hotel, and one of my favorite casual restaurants in the city. “Mind if I shower first?”
“Go ahead.” I watch as she climbs onto the bed and seems ready to nap.
My eyes narrow. “Did you get any sleep last night?”
She starts to giggle. “Did you?”
“Doesn’t count. Every night that passes, I sleep less and less.”
“Particularly the nights involving Mr. Tall, Dark, and Sexy.” She sits up and wraps her arms over her knees. “He’s really into you. I saw it in his mind.”
My jaw clenches. “That is not cool, you know.”
“Trust me, I know.” She nods quickly. “But when emotions are that strong, it’s impossible for me to stop them flooding my brain.”
I know from experience she’s telling me the truth. She’s often complained about not wanting to hear everything people are thinking.
I go over to the bed and sit beside her, lifting her hand in mine. “Derek is… the most incredible man. But I can’t pull him into my troubles. You know that.”
Her lips press together, and the way she blinks down, I can tell she’s hiding something. “What is it?”
She hesitates before answering. “Actually, he might be exactly who you need to pull into this.”
Frustration overwhelms me, and I snap. “Don’t be cryptic. Just say whatever the hell you know.”
“Hey! Whoa,” she rubs my hands. “Give me a chance! I know you’re scared.”
Dropping my chin, I cringe. “I’m sorry. I can’t seem to control my moods anymore. My emotions are all over the place.”
She gives me a little squeeze. “It’s okay. Now listen to me. When we met Patrick at Maspero’s, we both had a reaction to him.”
“You had a reaction, too?”
“I didn’t want to upset you. It’s why I suggested we go to K-Paul’s instead.”
My brow lines. “Did he make you feel sick? Nauseated?”
She starts to laugh, then clears her throat. “No. Just the opposite.” I watch as her cheeks flood with pink. “He made me feel very sexy, and… I don’t know… like I’ve never felt before. Like the crown jewels or the Hope Diamond. Like—”
“I’m confused.”
“He’s a shifter.”
“Oh my god.” I jump off the bed and start to pace the room. “How do you know? Did you see it in his mind? Can