Lover Beware

shape, gray, translucent, but there all the same, growing in form until a faceless ghoul emerged with outstretched arms and a long thin body. The mouth yawned open wide, a gesture of greed and craving for the addiction Death had developed. The arms could have been reaching for either Jonas or Damon.
    Damon hunched away from Jonas, pain flickering across his face, his shoulders stiffening as if under a great load.
    Alarmed, Hannah reached out and jerked Jonas halfway across the room out of harm’s way. Jonas swore under his breath and planted his feet firmly, thinking she was attempting to throw him out of the house.
    Sarah adjusted the blinds at the window, filtering out the light, and returned to Damon’s side, touching him gently. That was all. The lightest of touches. She simply laid her hand over his, yet peace stole into him as he buttoned his shirt. The terrible weight that always seemed to be pressing him into the ground lightened.
    Kate’s eyes filled with tears and she pressed her fingers to her mouth.
    Abbey left the room to return with a cup of tea. “Drink this, Damon,” she said. “You’ll enjoy the taste.”
    The aroma alone added to the soothing touch Sarah had provided. He didn’t think to ask how she had managed to make hot tea in a matter of seconds.
    “I could use a cup of tea,” Jonas said, “if anyone’s asking. And a touch of sanity in the house would be nice, too. Baby Doll was going to huck me right out the door and you all just stood there watching.”
    “I’ll make it for you.” Hannah leaned against the door frame and looked up at the sheriff. Her fingers twisted together, the only sign of her agitation. “Do you like it sweet? I’m certain I can come up with an appropriate concoction.”
    “I think I’ll pass altogether. One of these days I’m going to retaliate, Hannah.”
    She made a face at him as he crossed to the sliding-glass door to stare outside at the pounding waves. “I have a bad feeling about this, Sarah. I know you’re used to doing things differently and people have no idea how you do it. Maybe you don’t know either, I certainly don’t, but I believe in you. I sometimes just feel things. It’s one of the things that makes me good at my job.” He turned to look at her. “I have a very bad feeling about this. Frankly, I’m afraid for all of you.”
    There was a small silence. “I believe you, Jonas,” Sarah said. “I’ve always known you had a gift.”
    His gaze moved around the room, restlessly touching on each woman. “I’ve known this family since I was a boy. Feuds”—his smoldering gaze went to Hannah—“are petty when it comes to your safety. I’m not losing any of you over this. I want to be called if one of you stubs your toe. If you see a stranger or you hear a funny noise. I’m not kidding around with you over this issue. I want your word that you’ll call me. You have my private number as well as the number to the office and 911.”
    “Jonas, don’t worry, we’ll be fine. I’m very good at what I do,” Sarah said with complete confidence.
    Jonas took a step toward her, very reminiscent of a stalking panther. Damon was grateful he was too old to be intimidated. “I want your word. Every one of you.”
    Damon nodded. “I have to agree with Harrington. These men tortured us. They don’t play around. I’ll admit when I’m around you, I feel magic in the air, but these men are evil and capable of torture and murder. I have to know you’re all safe or I’ll have to leave this town.”
    “Damon!” Sarah looked stricken. “They’ll just follow you.” Worse, he would carry Death with him wherever he chose to go.
    “Then cooperate with the sheriff. Give him whatever he needs to stop these men.” As ridiculous as it seemed when he’d just met her, Damon couldn’t bear the thought of leaving Sarah, but he wasn’t about to risk her life.
    “I don’t mind calling you, Jonas,” Kate said readily.
    Abbey held up her hand. “I’m in.”
    Sarah nodded. “I’m always grateful for help from the local law.”
    All eyes turned to Hannah. She shrugged indifferently. “Whatever helps Damon, I’m willing to do.”
    Jonas ignored the grudge in her voice and nodded. “I want all of you to watch your step. Be aware of your surroundings and any strangers. Keep those dogs close and lock up the house!”
    “We’re all over it,” Sarah agreed. “Really, Jonas, we don’t want any part of men with guns. We’ll call you