Carpathian 18 - Dark Possesion

cannot risk you.
    Please do as I ask and wait here where you are protected for Riordan to come. I cannot worry about you and fight Maxim at the same time."
    She stared up at his black, glittering eyes, realizing there was nothing she could do to stop him. He believed he had to protect her, and he would. He would die for her. He would kill her for. He would do anything for her. No matter the consequences to him, he would go where the vampire had all the advantages.
    His smile was gentle, the pad of his thumb sliding over her lower lip. "What makes you think he has the advantage, csitri ?"
    "He's meaner than you, and much more cunning. And he's had time to plan."
    His smile widened, until he looked wolfish. "I do not think you have to worry about who is meaner or more cunning. He has had time to plan, but he is counting on me trying to stay in this world. He will send others here. They will come, so do not leave until Riordan is here to escort you."
    He was already fading, his spirit slipping back, away from her, away from the living world. MaryAnn tried to hold on to him, but there was no use. He was gone, and only his body remained, a shell, faded and drawn, no longer vital. There was enough spirit left for him to sink down, leaning his back against the railing, and then that, too, was gone and she heard his call.
    Riordan. I have great need of you. MaryAnn is unprotected, and the vampire will send everyone he has to slay her. You must get to her.
    The answering in his head sounded slurred and demonic. She could barely make out that he was speaking another language, one she didn't understand. Abruptly Manolito pulled away, confused. The voice was so distorted, he couldn't tell whether he was speaking with his brother or not.
    MaryAnn took a deep breath and let it out. She could do this. She had successfully merged with Manolito when she had wanted to; she could do the same with Riordan. All she had to do was follow the original path Manolito had used.
    Riordan . Her first attempt was hesitant, but she felt him stir and latch on to the path immediately.
    MaryAnn. What is wrong with Manolito? Juliette and I are transporting Solange and Jasmine to the ranch.
    Neither is safe here. I can tell he is in trouble, but I cannot reach him.
    She swallowed the surge of fear. How long will it take you to get back here ? Her stomach did a hard roll, but she dug her fingernails into the railing and waited.

    We are starting back now. If we take Jasmine and Solange home to the others, we cannot aid you in time.
    We're turning back, so hold on. Can yon reach Manolito? Can you get to him and hold him to this world?
    MaryAnn glanced at Manolito's body. If she went to find him in the shadow land, his body would be completely vulnerable. I can go to him when you get here, and I know I can bring him back . She put much more confidence in her voice than she actually felt. Accepting she was psychic and could talk telepathically wasn't easy. Her brain kept telling her she was crazy. Hurry, Riordan. I don't think we have much time .
    The monkeys in the surrounding trees screamed a warning. Birds erupted into the sky, wings flapping hard, stirring the air so that she scented intruders. Jaguar. A human she believed to be mage. He had the taint she associated with vampire on him. And one other. Her heart thudded hard as her nose wrinkled. The wind carried the scent of decay. Vampire? She was not equipped to deal with a vampire.
    MaryAnn rushed to the railing and peered down. Oh yeah. She was in deep, deep trouble. She could see the jaguar emerging from the forest of ferns along the embankment. His fur was dark with water, and as she looked down, he lifted his head and looked right at her. Their eyes met. He bared his teeth.
    She ran her hand down her thigh. At least Manolito had provided her with a pair of designer jeans, one of her favorite. She could die looking good. She took a deep breath, considering her options. If she ran, they might follow her, but she doubted all three would, and that would leave Manolito's body vulnerable. They would certainly destroy it and with it—him.
    You must leave, MaryAnn. The mage will unravel the safeguards, and you cannot face jaguar, mage and vampire. Go now.
    Manolito's voice was far away and thin, his spirit in another realm.
    I'm not leaving your body here for them. Riordan's coming.
    You cannot wait too long. You cannot face a vampire alone.
    She certainly didn't want to face one, alone or with an