CriticsPraise

ChristineFeehan

“Amagnificentstoryteller”(RomanticTimes)

ARK

YMPHONY

“Feehan’s followers will be well sated by the latest addition to her dark series…laced with romance and erotica…
unconventionalandintriguing.”

—PublishersWeekly

ERY

OTHIC

HRISTMAS

“[A] captivating story…. Christine feehan has written a gothic novella that is not only a page-turner but is highly
recommended!”

—RomanticTimesMagazine,on“AftertheMusic”

“Amoderndaygothictalethatwillthrillyouandchillyou…plentyofsexualtensionandwildromancetoheatthebloodaswell.”

—TheBellesandBeauxofRomance,on“AftertheMusic”

ARK

UARDIAN

“Askillfulblendofsupernaturalthrillsandromancethatissuretoenticereaders.”

—PublishersWeekly

ARK

EGEND

“Vampireromanceatitsbest!”

—RomanticTimes

ARK

IRE

“Ifyouarelookingforsomethingthatisfunanddifferent,pickupacopyofthisbook.”

—AllAboutRomance

AIROFTHE

ION

“Feehanaddsagothictwisttoaclassicfairytaleinthiseerieandengrossingnineteenthcenturyromance…steamysexscenes
heatupthepage.Feehan’sinspiredretellingislikelytogarnerhertheattentionshedeserves.”

—PublishersWeekly

ARK

HALLENGE

“TheexcitingandmultifacetedworldthatimpressiveauthorChristineFeehanhascreatedcontinuestoimprovewithage.”

—RomanticTimes

ARK

AGIC

“WitheachbookMs.Feehancontinuestobuildacomplexsocietythatmakesformesmerizingreading.”

—RomanticTimes

CARLETTI

URSE

“ThecharactersandtwistsinthisbookheldmeontheedgeofmyseatthewholetimeIreadit.Ifyou’veenjoyedMs.Feehan’s
previousnovels,youwillsurelybecaptivatedbythisstepintotheworldofgothicromance.”

—UndertheCoversBookReviews

ARK

OLD

“Imbuedwithpassion,danger,andsupernaturalthrills.”

—RomanticTimes

ARK

ESIRE

“Averywell-written,entertainingstorythatIhighlyrecommend.”

—UndertheCoversBookReviews

ARK

RINCE

“Forloversofvampirenovels,thisoneisakeeper…Ihadahardtimeputtingthebookdown…don’tmissthisbook!”

—New-AgeBookshelf

BooksbyChristineFeehan

AVeryGothicChristmas

(withMelanieGeorge)

PublishedbyPocketBooks

Thisbookisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,placesandincidentsareproductsoftheauthor’simaginationorareusedfictitiously.Any
resemblancetoactualeventsorlocalesorpersons,livingordead,isentirelycoincidental.

AnOriginalPublicationofPOCKETBOOKS

APocketStarBookpublishedby
POCKETBOOKS,adivisionofSimon&Schuster,Inc.
1230AvenueoftheAmericas,NewYork,NY10020

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever. For information address Pocket
Books,1230AvenueoftheAmericas,NewYork,NY10020

ISBN:0-7434-8027-9

POCKETSTARBOOKSandcolophonareregisteredtrademarksofSimon&Schuster,Inc.

VisitusontheWorldWideWeb:

http://www.SimonSays.com

Dedication

ThisbookisdedicatedtomysisterLisa,whohasaspecialmagicallherown.

Acknowledgments

ThankyoutoHeatherKingandRoseBrungardforthewonderfulchillingChristmaspoemtheysograciouslyprovidedtometo
useforthisbook!

BesuretowritetoChristineat

Christine@christinefeehan.comtogetaFREEexclusivescreensaverandjointhePRIVATEemaillistto

receiveanannouncementwhenChristine’sbooksarereleased.

TheTwilightBeforeChrismas

HeatherKingandRoseBrungard

’TwasthetwilightbeforeChristmasandallthroughthelands,

Notathinghasoccurredthatwasnotofmyhand.

Thesnowglobetheyholdhasasecretinside,

Wherethemistrollsinplaceofthesnowthat’soutside.

Achill,colderstillthantheairtheywillfeel,

AsIrejoiceinreleaseasIslippasttheseal

Awreathofhollymeanttogreet,

Looksmuchbettertossedinthestreet.

Atowndreamsofsweetthoughtswhilenestledinbed,

Untilnightmaresofmebegintodanceintheirheads.

Thetime,itwasright,forapresentortwo,

Andthefogonthesandholdsasecret,aclue

Asloversmeetbeneathmistletoebright,

Terrorignitesdownbelowthemthisnight

Andthebloodrunsredonthepristinewhitesnow…

WhilearoundallthehousestheChristmaslightsglow.

Astarburnshotinthedeadofthenight,

Asthebelltollsit’snowmidnight

Beneaththestar,thatshinessobright,

Anactunfolds,tomydelight

Inthestockinghungwithgentlecare,

Amystery,Iknow,ishiddenthere.

Acandleburnswithaneerieglow,

Asitmelts,thewaxdoesflow,

Mylastgiftnow,isaspecialone,

Acandycaneforaspecialson,

Hewatchesandtendsandknowstheland,

Butnotenoughtoevademyhand.

Alldeedsarenowdone,forgivenessismine,

Astwopeoplesharealoveforalltime.

Chapter

’TwasthetwilightbeforeChristmasandallthroughthelands

Notathinghasoccurredthatwasnotofmyhand

“D

ON’T SAY IT.

ON’T SAY IT,”

Danny Granite muttered the mantra under his breath as he sat in the

truck watching his older brother carefully selecting hydro-organic tomatoes from Old Man Mars’s fruit
stand.Dannyglancedatthekeys,assuringhimselfthetruckwasrunningandallthathisbrotherhadtodo
was leap in and gun it. He leaned out the window, gave a halfhearted wave to the elderly man, and
scowledathisbrother.“Getamoveon,Matt.I’mstarvinghere.”

Mattgrimacedathim,thensmiledwithsmoothcharmattheoldman.“MerryChristmas,Mr.Mars,”

hesaidcheerfullyashehandedoverseveralbillsandliftedthebagoftomatoes.“Lessthantwoweeks
beforeChristmas.I’mlookingforwardtothepageantthisyear.”

Dannygroaned.AblackscowlsettledoverOldManMars’sface.Hiscraggybrowsdrewtogether

inastraight,thickline.Hegruntedindisgustandspatontheground.

ThesmileonMatt’sfacewidenedintoaboyishgrinashehurriedaroundthebedofthepickuptruck

to yank open the driver-side door. Almost before settling into his seat, he cranked up the radio so that
“JingleBells”blaredloudlyfromthespeakers.

“You’dbettermoveit,Matt,”Danmutterednervously,lookingoutthewindow,backtowardthefruit

stand.“He’sarminghimself.YoujusthadtowishhimaMerryChristmas,didn’tyou?Youknowhehates
thatpageant.Andyouknowverywellplayingthatmusicisaddinginsulttoinjury!”

ThefirsttomatocamehurtlingtowardthebackwindowofthetruckasMatthitthegasandthetruck

leaped forward, fishtailing, tires throwing dirt into the air. The tomato landed with deadly accuracy,
splattering juice, seed, and pulp across the back window. Several more missiles hit the tailgate as the
trucktoreoutoftheparkinglotandraceddownthestreet.

Dannyscowledathisbrother.“YoujusthadtowishhimMerryChristmas.Everyoneknowshehates

Christmas.Hekickedtheshepherdlastyearduringthemidnightpageant.Nowhe’llbemoreornerythan
ever. If you’d just avoided the word, we might have gone unscathed this year, but now he’ll have to
retaliate.”

Matt’s massive shoulders shook as he laughed. “As I recall you played the shepherd last year. He

didn’thurtyouthatbad,Dannyboy.Alittlekickontheshinisgoodforyou.Itbuildscharacter.”

“Youonlythinkit’sfunnybecauseitwasn’tyourshin.”Dannyrubbedhislegasifitstillhurtnearly

ayearlater.

“Youneedtotoughenup,”Mattpointedout.Hetookthehighway,athinribbonofaroad,twisting

andturningalongthecliffsabovetheocean.ItwasimpossibletogofastontheswitchbacksalthoughMatt
knewtheroadwell.Hemaneuveredaroundasharpcurve,settingupforthenextsharpturn.Itranuphill

andnearlydoubledback.Themountainswelledonhisright,ahighbankgrownoverwithemeraldgreen
grassesandbreathtakingcolorsfromtheexplosionofwildflowers.Onhisleft,anarrowribbonofatrail
meandered along the cliffs to drop away to the wide expanse of blue ocean with its whitecaps and
boomingwaves.

“Oh, my God! That’s Kate Drake,” Danny said gleefully, pointing to a woman on a horse, riding

alongthenarrowtrailonthesideoftheroad.

“That can’t be her.” Matt hastily rolled down his window and craned his neck, gawking

unashamedly.Hecouldonlyseethebackoftherider,whowasdressedallinwhiteandhadthickchestnut
hairthatflamedredinthesunshine.Hisheartpounded.Hismouthwentdry.OnlyKateDrakecouldget
awaywithwearingwhiteandridingahorsesoclosetothesideoftheroad.Ithadtobeher.Heslowed
thetrucktogetabetterlookashewentby,turningdowntheradioatthesametime.

“Matt!Watchwhereyou’regoing,”Dannyyelled,bracinghimselfasthetruckflewofftheroadand

rolledstraightintothegrass-coveredbank.Ithaltedabruptly.Bothmenwereslammedbackintheirseats
andheldprisonerbytheirseatbelts.

“Damn!”Mattroared.Heturnedtohisbrother.“Areyouallright?”
“No, I’m not all right, you big lug, you ran us off the road gawking at Kate Drake again. I hurt

everywhere.Ineedaneckbrace,andIthinkImighthavebrokenmylittlefinger.”Dannyhelduphishand,
grippinghiswristandemittinggroansloudly.

“Ohshutup,”Mattsaidrudely.
“MatthewGranite.Goodheavens,areyouhurt?Ihaveacellphoneandcangoouttothebluffand

callforhelp.”

Kate’svoicewaseverythingheremembered.Soft.Melodic.Meantforlongnightsandsatinsheets.

Mattturnedhisheadtolookather.Todrinkherin.Ithadbeenfourlongyearssincehe’dlastspokenwith
her.Shestoodbesidehistruck,reinsloopedinherhand,herlargegreeneyesanxious.Hecouldn’thelp
but notice she had the most beautiful skin. Flawless. Perfect. It looked so soft, he wanted to stroke his
fingerdownhercheekjusttoseeifshewasreal.

“I’mfine,Kate.”Itwasamiraclehefoundhisvoice.Histongueseemedtosticktotheroofofhis

mouth.“Imusthavetriedtotaketheturnalittletoofast.”

AsnortofderisioncamefromDanny’ssideofthetruck.“Youweredrivinglikeaturtle.Youjust

weren’tlookingwhereyouweregoing.”

The toe of Matt’s boot landed solidly against his brother’s shin, and Danny let out a hair-raising

yowl.

“NowonderOldManMarswantedtokickyoulastyear,”Mattmutteredunderhisbreath.
“Daniel?Areyouhurt?”Katesoundedanxious,butherfascinatinglowerlipquiveredasifcloseto

laughter.

Determinedtogetherawayfromhisbrother,Matthastilyshovedthedooropenwithmoreforcethan

necessary. The door thumped soundly against Kate’s legs. She jumped back, the horse half reared, and
Danny,damnhim,laughedlikethehyenahewas.

Matt groaned. It never failed. He was a decorated U.S. Army Ranger, had been in the service for

years,runningcovertmissionswherehislifedependedonhisphysicalskillsandhiscooldemeanor,yet
healwaysmanagedtofeelclumsyandroughinfrontofKate.Heunfoldedhislargeframe,toweringover
her,feelinglikeagiant.Katewasalwaysperfect.Poised.Articulate.Graceful.Thereshewas,looking
beautifuldressedallinwhitewithherhairattractivelywindblown.Shewastheonlypersonintheworld
whocouldmakehimlosehiscoolandraisehistemperatureatthesametimejustbysmiling.

“Is Danny really hurt?” Kate asked, turning her head slightly while she tried to calm the nervous

horse.

ItgaveMattagreatviewofherfigure.Hedrankherin,hishungrygazedriftingoverhersoftcurves.

He’dalwayslovedwatchingherwalkawayfromhim.Nobodymovedinthesamesexywayshedid.She
looked so proper, yet she had that come-on walk and the bedroom eyes and glorious hair a man would
wanttofeelslidingoverhisskinallnightlong.Hejustmanagedtostifleagroan.Howhadhenotknown,
sensedthatKatewasbackintown.Hisradarmustbefailinghim.

“Danny’sfine,Kate,”Mattassuredher.
Shesenthimaquicksmileoverhershoulder,hereyessparklingathim.“Justhowmanyaccidents

haveyoubeenin,Matt?ItseemsthatontherareoccasionsI’veseenyou,overthelastfewyears,your
poorvehiclehasbeencrunched.”

Itwastrue,butitwasherfault.KateDrakeactedassomesortofcatalystforstrangebehavior.He

was good at everything. Everything. Unless Kate was around—then he could barely manage to speak
properly.

Thehorsemovedrestlessly,demandingKate’simmediateattention,givingMatttimetorealizehis

jeansandbluechambrayworkshirtwerestreakedwithdirt,sawdust,andapowderycementmixturein
complete contrast to her immaculate white attire. He took the opportunity to slap the dust from his
clothing, sending up a gray cloud that enveloped Kate as she turned back toward him. She coughed
delicately,flutteringherlongfeatherylashestokeepthedustfromstinginghereyes.Anotherderisivehoot
camefromDanny’sdirection.

MattsenthisbrotheralookthatpromisedinstantdeathbeforeturningbacktoKate.“Ihadnoidea

youwereintown.Thetowngossipsletmedown.”InezatthegrocerystorehadmentionedSarahwasin
town,aswellasHannahandAbigail,threeofhersixsisters,butInezhadn’tsaidawordaboutKate.

“Sarahcamebackforavisit,andyouknowhowmyfamilyis,wegettogetherasoftenaspossible.”

She shrugged, a simple enough gesture, but on her it was damned sexy. “I’ve been in London doing
research for my latest thriller.” She laughed softly. The sound played right down his spine and did
interesting things to his body. “London fog is always so perfect for a scary setting. Before that it was
Borneo.”Katetraveledtheworld,researchingandwritingherbestsellingnovelsandmurdermysteries.
Shewassobeautifulithurttolookather,sosophisticatedhefeltprimitiveinherpresence.Shewasso
sexy he always had the desire to turn caveman and toss her over his shoulder and carry her off to his
privatelair.“Sarah’sengagedtoDamonWilder.”Shetiltedherheadslightlyandpattedthehorse’sneck
again.“Haveyoumethim?”

“No,buteveryoneistalkingaboutit.NooneexpectedSarahtogetmarried.”
Matt watched the way the sunlight kissed her hair, turning the silky strands into a blazing mass of

temptation.Hisgazefollowedherhandstrokingthehorse’sneck,andhenotedtheabsenceofaringwith
relief.

Dannyclearedhisthroat.Heleanedoutthedriver’sside.“You’redrooling,bro.”Hewhispereditin

anover-loudvoice.

Without missing a beat, Matt kicked the door closed. “Are you going to be staying very long this

visit?”Heheldhisbreathwaitingforheranswer.Tomakemattersworse,Dannysnickered.Mattsentup
asilentvowthattheirparentswouldhaveonelesschildtofussoverbeforethedaywasout.

“I’veactuallydecidedtostayandmakeSeaHavenmyhomebase.Iboughttheoldmilluponthe

cliffsaboveSeaLionCove.I’mplanningonrenovatingthemillintoabookstoreandcoffeeshop,andto
modernizethehousesoIcanliveinit.I’mtiredofwandering.I’mreadytocomehomeagain.”

Kate smiled. She had perfect teeth to go with her perfect skin. Matt found himself staring at her

while the earth shook beneath his feet. He stood there, grinning at the thought of Kate living in their
hometownpermanently.

A shadow swept across the sky, black threads swirling and boiling, a dark cauldron of clouds

blottingoutthesun.Aseagullshriekedonce.Thentheentireflockofbirdsoverheadtookupthewarning
cry.MattwassocaughtupinKate’ssmile,hedidn’trealizethegroundwasreallyrolling,anditwasn’t

justheramazingeffectonhim.Thehorsebackeddangerouslyclosetotheroad,tossingitsheadinfright,
nearly dragging Kate from her feet. Matt swiftly reached past her and gathered the reins in one hand to
steadytheanimal.HeswepthisotherarmaroundKate’swaist,anchoringhersmallerbodytohis,tokeep
her from falling as a jagged crack opened several feet from them and spread rapidly along the ground,
headingrightforKate’sfeet.Mattliftedherupandawayfromthegapinghole,draggingherbackseveral
feet, horse in tow, away from the spreading crack. It was only a few inches wide, but it was several
inchesdeep,verylong,andranupthesideoftheembankment.

“Youallright,Danny?”hecalledtohisbrother.
“Yeah,I’mfine.Thatwasabigone.”
Kate clung to Matt, her small hands clutching at his shoulders. He heard the sharp intake of her

breaththatbeliedhercalmdemeanor,butshedidn’tcryout.Thegroundsettled,andMattallowedherfeet
to touch the path but retained his hold on her. She was incredibly warm and soft and smelled of fresh
flowers. He leaned over her, inhaling her fragrance, his chin brushing the top of her head. “You okay,
Kate?”

Appearing as serene as ever, Kate murmured soothingly to the horse. Nothing ruffled her. Not

earthquakes and certainly not Matthew Granite. “Yes, of course, it was just a little earthquake.” She
glancedupattheboilingcloudswithasmallfrownofpuzzlement.

“Itwasafairlygoodone.Andthegroundopeneddamnnearatyourfeet.”
Katecontinuedtopatthehorse’sneck,seeminglyunawarethatMattwasstillholdingher,cagingher

bodybetweenhisandtheanimal.Hecouldseeherhandstrembleasshestruggledtomaintaincomposure,
and it made him admire her all the more. She lifted her face to the wind. “I love the sea breeze. The
minuteIfeelitonmyface,IfeelasifI’mhome.”

Matt cleared his throat. Kate had a beautiful profile. Her hair was swept up in some fancy knot,

showing off her long, graceful neck. When she turned, her breasts thrust against the thin shirt, full and
round and so enticing it was all he could do to keep from leaning down and putting his mouth over the
clingingwhitefabric.Hetriedtomove,tostepawayfromher,buthewasdrawntoher.Mesmerizedby
her.She’dalwaysremindedhimofaballerina,withherelegantlinesandsoft,femininecurves.Hislungs
burnedforair,andtherewasastrangeroaringinhishead.Ittookthreetriesopeninghismouthbeforea
coherentwordcameout.“Ifyou’rereallyseriousaboutrenovation,Kate,itjustsohappensmyfamily’sin
theconstructionbusiness.”

Sheturnedthefullpowerofherhugeeyesonhim.“Idorecallallofyouarebuilders.That’salways

struckmeasawonderfuloccupation.”Shereachedoutandtookhishands.Hehadbighands,roughand
callused, whereas her hands were soft and small. “I always loved your hands, Matthew. When I was a
young girl I remember wishing I had your capable hands.” Her words, as much as her touch, sent little
flameslickingalonghisskin.

Mattwascertainheheardasnortandprobablyasnickercomingfromthedirectionofhisyounger

brother.

“Ithinkyou’veheldontoherlongenough,bro,”Dannycalled.“Thegroundstoppedpitchingafew

minutesago.”

Matt was too much of a gentleman to point out to his brother that Kate was holding his hands.

Lookingdownather,hesawfaintcolorstealunderherskin.Reluctantly,hesteppedawayfromher.The
windtuggedattendrilsofherhair,butitonlymadeherlookmorealluring.“Sorry,Kate.Thisisthefirst
timeinawhilewe’vehadanearthquakeshakeusupsohard.”Herakedhisfingersthroughhisdarkhair
inagitation,searchingforsomethingbrillianttosaytokeepherthere.Hismindwasblank.Totallyblank.
Kateturnedbacktoherhorse.Hebegantofeeldesperate.Hewasagrownman,hardworking,somesaid
brilliant when it came to designing, and most women quite frankly threw themselves at him, but Kate
calmlygatheredthereinsofherhorse,noweakknees,completelyunaffectedbyhispresence.Hewiped

thesweatsuddenlybeadingonhisforehead,leavingasmearofdirtbehind.

“Kate.”Itcameoutsoftly.
Dannystuckhisheadoutthewindowonthedriver’sside.“Doyouwantalittlehelpwiththeold

mill,Kate?Mattactuallyisfairlydecentatthatsortofthing.Heobviouslycan’tdrive,andhecan’ttalk,
buthe’shellonwheelswithrenovations.”

Kate’s eyes lit up. “I would love that, Matthew, but I really wouldn’t want to presume on our

friendship.Itwouldhavetobeabusinessarrangement.”

Matthadn’trealizedshethoughtofthemasfriends.Katerarelyspoketohim,otherthantheirstrange,

briefconversationswhenthey’drunintooneanotherbychanceduringherhighschoolyears.Helikedthe
idea of being friends with her. Every cell in his body went on alert when she was near him, it always
happenedthatway,evenwhenshe’dbeenateenagerandhe’dbeeninhisfirstyearsofcollege.Katehad
always brought out his protective instincts, but mostly he’d felt he had to protect her from his own
attractiontoher.ThathadbeendistastefultoamanlikeMatt.Hehadtakenhissecretfantasiesofherto
everyforeigncountryhe’dbeensentto.Shehadsharedhisdaysandnightsinthejunglesanddeserts,in
the worst of situations, and the memory of her had gotten him home. Now, a full-grown man who had
foughtwarsandhadmorethanenoughlifeexperiencetogivehimconfidence,hefoundhecouldspeak
easilyandnaturallytoanyotherwoman.OnlyKatemadehimtongue-tied.He’dtakefriendshipwithher.
At least it was a start. “Tell me when you want me to take a look, Kate, and I’ll arrange my schedule
accordingly.Beingmyownbosshasitsadvantages.”

“ThenI’mgoingtotakeadvantageofyourgenerousofferandaskifyoucouldgoouttherewithme

tomorrowafternoon.Doyouthinkyoucanmanageitthatsoon?Iwouldn’task,butI’mtryingtogetthis
projectoffthegroundassoonaspossible.”

“It sounds great. I’ll pick you up at the cliff house around four. You are staying there with your

sisters,aren’tyou?”

Kate nodded and turned to watch the sheriff cruise up behind the pickup truck. Matt watched her

face,mainlybecausehecouldn’ttearhisgazeawayfromher.Hersmilewasgracious,friendlyeven,but
hewasawareevenbeforeheturnedhisheadthatthemangettingoutofthesheriff’scruiserwasJonas
Harrington.ItoccurredtohimthatheknewKatefartoowell,hereveryexpression.Andthatmeanthehad
spenttoomuchtimewatchingher.Katewassmiling,butshehadstiffenedjustthatlittlebit.Shealways
didthataroundJonas.Allofhersistersdid.ForthefirsttimehewonderedwhyKatereactedthatway.

“Well,Kate,Iseeyoucausedanotheraccident,”Jonassaidingreeting.HeshookMatt’shandand

clappedhimontheback.“TheDrakesistershaveatendencytowreakhavoceverywheretheygo.”He
winkedatMatt.

Katesimplyliftedaneyebrow.“You’vebeensayingthatsincewewerechildren.”
Jonas leaned over to brush a casual kiss along Kate’s cheek. Something black and lethal, whose

existence Matt didn’t want to recognize, moved inside of him like a dark shadow. He put a blatantly
possessivehandonKate’sback.

Jonas ignored Matt’s body language. “I’ll still be making the same accusation when you’re all in

youreighties,Kate.Whereiseveryone?”Helookedaroundasifexpectinghersisterstoappeargalloping
overthemountaintop.

“Youlookalittlenervous,Jonas,”Dannyobservedfromthesafetyofthetruck.“What’dyoudothis

time?ArrestHannahandthrowherbeautifulbuttinjailonsometrumped-upcharge?”

HesubsidedwhenKateturnedthefullpowerofhergazeonhim.Thewindrushedupfromthesea,

bringing the scent and feel of the ocean. “I had no idea you were so interested in my sister’s anatomy,
Danny.”

“Comeon,Kate,she’sgorgeous;everyman’sinterestedinHannah’sanatomy,”Dannypointedout,

unrepentant.

“Andifshedoesn’twantthemtolook,whatisshedoingallowingeveryphotographerfromhereto

hellandbacktotakepicturesofher?”Jonasdemanded.“Andjustforyourinformation,Iwouldn’thaveto
trumpupchargesifIwantedtoarrestHannah,”headdedwithablackscowl.“Ioughttorunherinfor
indecentexposure.ThatglitzymagazineinInez’sstorehasheronthecover…naked!”

“Sheisnotnaked.She’swearingaswimsuit,Jonas,withasarongoverit.”Katesoundedascalmas

ever,butMattnotedthatherhandtightenedonthereinsofherhorseuntilherknucklesturnedwhite.He
movedevenclosertoher,insertinghimselfbetweenherandthesheriff.

“Shemighttryadecentone-pieceandmaybearobethatwentdowntoheranklesorsomething.And

doesshehavetostrikethatstupidposejusttomakeeveryonestare…”Jonasbrokeoffasthewindgusted
again,howlingthistime,bringingwhispersintheswirlingchaosofleavesanddropletsofseawater.His
hatwassweptfromhisheadandcarriedawayfromthegroup.Thewindshifteddirection,rushingbackto
theocean,retreatinginmuchthesamemannerasawavefromtheshore.Thesuddenbreezetookthehat
withit,sailingitoverthecliffsandintothechoppywaterbelow.

Jonasspunaroundandlookedtowardthelargehousesetuponthecliffsinthedistance.“Damnit,

Hannah.That’sthethirdhatI’velostsinceyou’vebeenhome.”Heshoutedthewordsintothevortexof
thewind.

Therewasasmallsilence.Mattclearedhisthroat.“Jonas.Idon’tthinkshecanhearyoufromhere.”
Jonasglaredathim.“Shecanhearme.Can’tshe,Kate?SheknowsexactlywhatI’msaying.Youtell

herthisisn’tfunnyanymore.Shecanstopwithherlittlewindgames.”

“YoubelieveallthethingspeoplesayabouttheDrakesisters,don’tyou,Jonas?”Dannysaid.He

imitatedtheopeningthemeofTheTwilightZone.

Matt stared down at Kate’s hand. The reins were trembling. He covered her hand with his own,

steadying the leather reins she was clenching. “I’ll be happy to come look at the mill tomorrow, Kate.
Wouldyoulikealegup?”

“Thanks,Matthew.I’dappreciateit.”
Hedidn’tbotherwithcuppinghishandstogethertoassistherintothesaddle.Hesimplyliftedher.

Hewastallandstrong,anditwaseasytoswingherontothehorse.Shesettledintothesaddleasifborn
there. Elegant. Refined. As close to perfection as any dream he could conjure up and just as far out of
reach.“I’llseeyouthen.Sayhellotoyoursistersforme.”

“I’ll do that, Matthew, and you give my best to your parents. It was nice to see you, Danny.” Her

coolgazesweptoverJonas.“I’msureyou’llbebythehouse,Jonas.”

Jonasshrugged.“Itakemyjobseriously,Kate.”
Mattwatchedherrideaway,waitinguntilacurveintheroadtookheroutofsightbeforeturningon

thesheriff.“Whatthehellwasthatallabout?”

“YouknowallsevenoftheDrakewomendrivemecrazyhalfthetime,”Jonassaid.“I’vetoldyou

all the trouble they get up to. You’re always grilling me about them. Well—” he grinned evilly as he
indicatedthetruck—“Isn’tthisthethirdaccidentyou’vehadwithKateinthevicinity?Youshouldknow
whatImean.”

JonashadgrownupwithMattGranite,hadgonethroughschool,joinedtheArmy,theRangers,and

foughtsidebysidewithhim.HeknewhowMattfeltaboutKate.Itwasnosecret.Mattwasn’tverygood
athidinghisfeelingsfromhisfamilyandfriends,especiallysinceJonashadgottenoutoftheservicetwo
yearsbeforeMattandMatthadcontinuallyinterrogatedhimaboutKate’swhereaboutsandmaritalstatus.
Matthadbeenhomethreeyearsandhe’dbeenwaitingforKatetocomehomeforgood,too.

Dannysnickered.“Youweretherebackinhiscollegedays,Jonas,whenhedroveDad’struckinto

thecreekbedandhungituponarock.Wasn’tKateaboutthreeatthetime?”

Matttookadeepbreath.Hecouldn’tkillhisbrotherinfrontofthesheriff,evenifitwasJonas.The

timehehadwreckedhisfather’struck,drivingitwithoutpermission,Katehadbeenaboutfifteen,fartoo

youngforacollegemantobelookingather,andhewasstillembarrassedthathisbrothersandJonashad
knownwhyhe’dwreckedthevehicle.Ofcoursehe’dknowntheDrakesisters,everyoneintownknew
them, but he’d never looked at them. Not in a fascinated, physical, male way. Until he’d seen Kate
standing in a creek bed picking blackberries with the sun kissing her hair and her large sea-green eyes
looking back at him. The second time he’d wrecked a vehicle had been four years ago. Matt had been
home on leave, and he’d been so busy looking at Kate walking on the sidewalk with her sisters, he’d
failedtorealizehewasparkedinfrontofacementhumpandhadhunguphismother’scaronitwhen
he’dgonetopullout.Now,ignoringhisbrother’sjibe,hemovedaroundthetrucktoinspectthedamage.
“IthinkIcangetthetruckoutwithoutatow.”

“IseeyouupsetoldmanMars.”Jonaspointedtothetomatosmearsontherearwindow.
“YouknowMatt,hejusthadtowishtheoldmanaMerryChristmas.”Dannyshovedopenthedoor.

“Helikestostirtheoldgeezeruprightbeforethepageant.Hedoesiteveryyear.ThetimeMommademe
playthelittledrummerboy,Marsbrokemydrumsticksintotenpiecesandthrewthemonthegroundand
thenjumpedupanddownonthem.Allmybrothersgotakickoutofthat,butI’vebeentraumatizedever
since.Ihavenightmaresaboutbeingstompedbyhim.”

Jonaslaughed.“Marsisastrangeoldman,buthe’sharmlessenough.Andhegivesawaymostofhis

producetothepeoplewhoneedit.Hetakesittosomeofthesinglemomsintownandsomeoftheelderly
couples.AndIknowhefeedstheRuttermyerboy,theonewithDown’ssyndromewhoworksatoddjobs
foreveryone.HepersuadedDonnatogivetheboyaroomrightnexttohergiftshop.Iknowhehelpsthat
boywithhisbills.”

“Yeah,deepdownhe’sagoodman,”Mattagreed.Aslowgrinspreadoverhisface.“Hejusthates

Christmas.” He nodded toward the other side of the truck, and the other two men went to the front to
scrape away the mud and dirt and push until they separated the bumper from the embankment. “I didn’t
appreciateyousayinganythingtoKateaboutherandhersistersbeingdifferent,Jonas.”Mattsaiditina
low voice, but Jonas and he had been friends since they were boys, and Jonas recognized the warning
tone.

“I’mnotgoingtopretendthey’relikeeveryoneelse,Matt,notevenforyou,”Jonassnapped.“The

Drakesarespecial.Theyhavegifts,andtheyusethemselvesupforeveryoneelsewithoutathoughtfor
themselvesortheirownsafety.I’mgoingtowatchoutforthemwhethertheylikeoritnot.SarahDrake
nearlygotherselfkilledafewweeksago.HannahandKateandAbbeywerewithherandalsomighthave
beenkilled.”

Matt felt the words as a blow somewhere in the vicinity of his gut. His heart did a curious

somersaulting dive in his chest. “I heard about Sarah, but I hadn’t heard the others were there. What
happened?”

“To make a long story short, Wilder had people trail him here. They wanted information only he

couldgivethem.Hehelpeddesignournationaldefensesystem,andthegovernmentwantedhimprotected
atallcosts.WithSarahbeingfromSeaHaven,itwasnaturalenoughfortheFedstosendherintoguard
him.Thesepeoplehadgottentheirhandsonhimoncebefore,killedhisassistantrightinfrontofhim,and
torturedhim.That’swhyheusesacanewhenhewalks.TheybrokeintotheDrakes’house,armedtothe
teeth when he was there, and were ready to kill Wilder and the Drakes to get what they wanted.” The
angerinJonas’svoicedeepened.

“No one said a word about Kate being in the house at the same time. I knew Sarah was guarding

Damon Wilder and that he was a defense expert in some kind of trouble, but…” Matt trailed off as he
lookedbacktowardthehouseonthecliff.ItwascoveredwithChristmaslights.Besideitwasatallfull
Douglas fir tree, completely decorated and flashing lights even before the sun went down. When he
looked toward the house he felt a sense of peace. Of rightness. The Drake sisters were the town’s
treasures.Helookedawayfromtheclifftowardtheoldmill.Itwasfartheruptheroad,builtoverSea

LionCove.Astrangecloudformationhungoverthesmallinletandspreadslowlytowardland.Theshape
capturedhisimagination,ayawningblackmouth,jawsopeningwide,headingstraightforthem.

“Allofthemwerenearlymurdered,”Jonassaid.Hiseyeswentflatandcold.“TheDrakestakeon

fartoomuch,andeveryonejustexpectsthemtodoitwithoutthinkingofthecosttothem.”

“Ineverthoughtofitlikethat,Jonas.Nowthatyoumentionit,I’veseenthemalldrainedofenergy

after helping out the way they do.” Matt didn’t take his eyes from the sky. He watched a seagull veer
franticallyfromthepathoftheslow-movingcloud,brakingsharplyinmidair,wingsflappingstronglyin
agitation.Wispsoffogbegantorisefromtheseaanddrifttowardshore.“Maybeweallshouldpaymore
attentiontowhat’shappeningwiththem,”hemurmuredsoftly,moretohimselfthantotheothers.

Chapter

Thesnowglobetheyholdhasasecretinside

Wherethemistsrollinplaceofthesnowthat’soutside

NHALING THE M INGLED SCENTS OF CINNAM ON

and pine, Kate wandered into the kitchen of the cliff house. The

sound of Christmas music filled the air and blended with the aroma of fresh-baked cookies and the
fragrance of richly scented candles. “Is that Joley’s voice?” Kate asked, leaning her hip comfortably
againsttheheavilycarvedwoodcabinet.“WhendidshemakeaChristmascollection?”

Hannah Drake spun around, teakettle in her hands. Her abundance of blond hair shimmered for a

momentinthelastraysofsunshinepouringthroughthebaywindow.“Kate,Ididn’thearyougetoutofthe
shower.IthinkIwasinmyownlittleworld.JoleysenttheCDasasurprise,althoughshemadeapointof
sayingitwasnottogooutofthefamily.”

Theybothlaughedaffectionately.“Joleyandthatbandofhers.Shecansingjustaboutanythingfrom

gospeltoblues,fromrocktorap,butshe’ssocarefulnottoletanyoneknow.Ithinkshelikesherbadgirl
image.Didshementionwhethershe’scominghomeforChristmas?Iknowshewastouring.”

Hannah’sfacelitup,hersmilebrilliant.“She’sgoingtotry.Ican’twaittoseeher.Wekeepmissing

eachotherinourtravels.”

“Ihopeshegetsheresoon.Talkingonthephonejustisn’tthesameasallofusbeingtogether.”Kate

sweptastraytendrilofhairbehindherear.“WhataboutMomandDad?Hasanyoneheardfromthem?
AretheycominghereforChristmas?”

Hannahshookherhead.“LastIheardtheysentkissesandhugsandweresnugglingtogetherintheir

littlechaletintheSwissAlps.LibbygotinaquickvisitwiththembeforesheheadedouttotheCongo.
ShesaidshewascominghomeforChristmas.MomandDadpromisednextyearthey’dbeherewithus.”

Katelaughedsoftlyassheleanedovertosniffthecanisterofloosetea.“MomandDadarestillsuch

love-birds.Whatareyoumaking?”

“Iwasinthemoodforalittlelavender,butanythingisfine.”HannahscrutinizedKateclosely.“But

let’sgowithchamomile.Somethingsoothing.”

Katesmiled.“YouthinkIneedalittlesoothing?”
Hannahnoddedasshemeasuredtheteaintoasmallpot.“Tellme.”
“I ran into Matthew Granite and his brother Danny.” Kate tried to sound casual, when her entire

bodywastrembling.OnlyMattcoulddothattoher.OnlyMattmovedher.She’dneverunderstoodwhy.

“MatthewGranite?Ithoughtthatmightbehim.”Hannah’shugeblueeyessettledonhersisterwith

compassionandinterest.“Howdidheseem?”

Kateshruggedherslendershoulders.“Wonderful.Helpful.Heofferedtolookattheoldmillforme

and help with the renovations.” She always enjoyed looking at her younger sister. Hannah wasn’t just

beautiful,shewasstrikinglyso,exoticallyso,withherbonestructure,abundanceofpale,almostplatinum
hair, her enormous, heavily lashed eyes, and sultry lips. Beauty radiated from her. Kate had always
thoughtHannah’sextraordinarybeautycamefromtheinsideout.Shewatchedthegracefulmovementsof
Hannah’shandsasshewentaboutmakingtea.“Matt’salwayssohelpful.”Shesighed.

Hannahreachedouttoher,claspingKate’shandsinagestureofsolidarity.“Wasitthesame?”
“You mean with his brothers laughing all the time? Well, only one was with him, Danny.” Color

creptupunderKate’sskin.“Yes,ofcourse.EverytimeIgetanywhereneartheGranitestheyalllaugh.I
have no idea why. It isn’t the same way Jonas is with you. Matthew never needles me. He’s always
perfectlypolite,butIseemtohavesomehumorouseffectonhisfamily.ItryashardasIcanjusttobe
polite and calm, but the brothers laugh until I want to go check a mirror to see if I have spinach in my
teeth.Matthewjustglaresatthem,butitreallydrawsattentiontoallthesillythingsIdoinfrontofhim.”
ShesqueezedHannah’sfingersbeforelettingherhandgo.“I’veshoweredandchanged,butIcamehome
withmyclothescoveredwithdirt.PoorMatthewjustcamefromwork,wasdustinghimselfoff,andIhad
tobetwostepsbehindhim.Whenhetriedtoopenhistruckdoor,ofcourseImanagedtogettooclose.”

“Oh,Katie,honey,I’msosorry.Whathappened?”Hannah’sfacemirroredhersister’sdistress.
Kateshrugged.“Thedoornearlyknockedmeover,andhehadtoapologizeyetagain.Thepoorman

spendseveryminuteapologizingtome.I’llbethewishesheneverhadtoseemeagain.”

“Nohedoesn’t,”Hannahsaidfirmly.“Ithinkhe’salwaysbeensweetonyou.”
Katesighed.“YouandIbothknowMatthewGranitewouldneverlookatmetwice.He’swildand

roughandanadrenalinejunkie.Heplayedeverysportinhighschoolandcollege.HejoinedtheRangers.
Iresearchedwhattheydo.Eventheircreedisabitfrightening.Theyarriveatthe‘cuttingedgeofbattle’
and they never fail their comrades and give more than one hundred percent. The creed says things like
fightonevenifyou’rethelonesurvivor,andsurrenderisnotaRangerword.”Sheshuddereddelicately.
“He’sawildman,andhedoesveryscarywildthings.He’sgoingtolookatwomenwhoclimbmountains
andscoffinthefaceofdanger.Canyouseemedoingthat?”

“Kate,”Hannahsaidsoftly,“maybehe’smoresettlednow.Hewentoutanddidhissavetheworld

thingandnowhe’scomehomeandhe’sworkingthefamilybusiness.Hecouldhavechanged.”

Kateforcedafleetingsmile.“MenlikeMatthewdon’tchange,Hannah.Iwastellingyoumytaleof

woe. We were just at the point where Jonas drove up. You know how he has to make his little ‘Drake
sisters’ comments. He implied every time I was around something awful happened. It just made the
situation worse.” She sighed again. “I tried to look as though it didn’t bother me, but I think Matthew
knew.”

“Jonas Harrington needs to fall into the ocean and have a nice hungry shark come swimming by.”

Hannah dragged the whistling teakettle from the stove and splashed water into the teapot, a fine fury
radiatingfromheratthethoughtofJonasHarringtonsayinganythingtoupsetKate.Thewaterboiledin
thelittlechinateapot,bubblesroilingandburstingwithasteadyfury.Steamrose.

Katecoveredthetopoftheteapotwithherpalm,settlingthewaterbackdown.“Youwereoutonthe

captain’swalk.”

Hannahnodded,unrepentant.“Theearthquakebotheredme.Ifeltsomethingrisingbeneaththeearth.

Ican’texplainit,Kate,butitfrightenedme.IwassittingherelisteningtoJoley’sChristmasmusic,you
knowhowmuchIloveChristmas,thenIfeltthequake.Almostontheheelsofit,somethingelsedisturbed
theearth.Ifeltitasadarknessrisingupward.Iknewyouwereoutriding,soIwentouttothewalkto
makecertainyouweren’tintrouble.”

“Andyoufeltthewindcomeinoffthesea,”Katesaid.Sheleanedherhipagainstthecounter.“Ifelt

it too.” She frowned and drummed her fingers on the tiled counter. “I smelled something, Hannah,
somethingoldandbitterinthewind.”

“Evil?”Hannahventured.

Kateshookherheadslowly.“Itwasn’tthatexactly.Well,”shehedged,“maybe.Idon’tknow.What

didyouthink?”

Hannah leaned against the brightly tiled sink, her body so graceful the casual movement seemed

balletic.“Ihonestlydon’tknow,Kate,butitisn’tgood.I’vefeltdisturbedeversincetheearthquakeand
when I looked at the mosaic, there was a black shadow beneath the ground. I could barely make it out
becauseitseemedtomoveandnotstayinoneplace.”

Kateglancedatthefloorinthehouse’sentryway.Hergrandmother,alongwithhergrandmother’ssix

sisters, had made the mosaic, women of power and magic, seven sisters creating a timeless floor of
infinitebeauty.Tomostpeopleitwassimplyauniquefloor,buttheDrakesisterscouldreadmanythings
in the ever-changing shadows that ran within it. “How very strange that neither of us knows precisely
whether the disturbance is evil.” She shrugged her shoulders and drew in a deep breath filled with
cinnamonandpine.“IlovethefragrancesofChristmas.”Shetappedherfoot,asmallsmilehoveringon
herface.

“You’re holding back on me,” Hannah guessed, her voice suddenly teasing. “Something else

happened,didn’tit?”

“Whentheearthquakestarted,Matthewputhisarmaroundmetosteadyme,andwejuststoodthere,

even after it was over.” She grinned at Hannah. “He is so strong. You have no idea. That man is all
muscle.It’sawonderIdidn’tendupinapuddleathisfeet!ButImanagedtolookcoolandserene.”

Hannahpretendedtoswoon.“IwishIcouldhaveseenit.Matthewisdefinitelyhot,evenifheisa

Neanderthal.Imusthavecomeuponthecaptain’swalkjustafterthat,justintimetoseetheslimytoadof
the world arrive in his little sheriff’s car.” She smirked. “Too bad the wind came up, and his precious
littlehatwentsailingouttosea.”

“Shame on you, Hannah,” Kate scolded halfheartedly. “Jonas means well. He’s just so used to

everyonedoingeverythinghesays,andwealwaysseemtobeinthemiddleofanykindoftroubleinSea
Haven.You’rebeginningtoenjoytormentinghim.”

“Whyshouldn’tI?He’stormentedmeforyears.”
There was so much pain in Hannah’s voice that Kate slipped her arm around her sister’s waist to

comfort her. Jonas had known them all since they were children, and he’d never understood Hannah.
She’dbeenanextraordinarilybeautiful,veryintelligentchild,butshe’dbeensopainfullyshyoutsideof
herownhome,thesistershadhadtoworktheirmagicjusttogethertoschooleveryday.Jonashadbeen
certainshewashaughty,wheninfact,she’drarelybeenabletospeakinpublic.“Well,allinall,itwasa
goodday.YoumanagedtoloseanotherhatforJonas,andIgottobeupcloseandpersonalwiththehottest
maninSeaHaven.”KatehuggedHannahbeforepouringherselfacupofteaandwalkingintotheliving
roomwithit.

Hannahfollowedher.“Didyougetyourmanuscriptmailedoff?”
Katenodded.“Murderandmayhemwillprevailinasmallcoastaltown.Iforgottoputtheteacozy

backonthepot,willyoudoit?”

Hannahglancedintothekitchenandliftedherarms.
WhenKatelookedback,thecozywassafelyontheteapot.“Thanks,Hannah.Idohavetosay,Jonas

wasinvaluabletomewiththeresearch.”

“Iknowhewas,butdon’tcredithimwithdoingittobeniceoranything.”Hannah’slargeblueeyes

reflected her laughter. “He was trying to get on your good side so you’d persuade me to stop messing
aroundwithhisprecioushats.”

Theybothswungaroundasthefrontdoorburstopen.AbigailDrakerushedin,asmallwomanwith

darkeyesandawealthofred-goldhairspillingdownherbackinathickponytail.Herfacewasflushed
andhereyesover-bright.Themomentsheglimpsedhersisters,sheburstintotears.

“Abbey!”Hannahsetherteacupdownonthehighlypolishedcoffeetable.“Whatisit?Younever

cry.”

“IhumiliatedmyselfinfrontoftheentireChristmaspageantcommittee,”Abigailsaidmiserably.She

threw herself into the overstuffed armchair, curled her feet under her, and covered her face with her
hands.“Icanneverfaceanyofthemagain.”

Hannah and Kate rushed to her side, both putting their arms around her. “Don’t cry, Abbey. What

happened?Maybewecanfixit.Itcan’tbethatbad.”

“It was bad,” Abigail muttered from between her fingers. “I accidentally used the voice. I wasn’t

paying attention. There was the earthquake, and I was so distracted because I felt something under us,
something moving just below the surface seeking a way out. I felt it.” Of all the talents gifted to the
sisters,Abigailfeltherswastheworst.Hervoicecouldbeusedtoextractthetruthfrompeoplearound
her.Asachild,beforeshe’dlearntocontrolthetoneandthewordingofhersentences,she’dbeenvery
unpopularwithherclassmates.Theywouldoftenblurtoutthetruthofsomeescapadetotheirparentsora
teacherwhenevertheywereinherpresence.Abigailpulledherhandsdownandstaredatthemwithher
sadeyes.“Itisn’tanexcuse.I’mnotateenager.IknowIhavetobealertallthetime.”

Hannah and Kate exchanged a long, fearful look. “We felt the shadow too, Abbey. It was very

disconcertingtobothofus.Whathappenedatthemeeting?”

Abbeydrewherlegsuptighterintoherbody.“WewerealldiscussingtheChristmaspageant.”She

rubbedherchinonthetopofherknees.“Ifelttheriftintheearth,ablacknesswellingup,andthenext
thing I knew I was asking for the truth.” She clapped her hands over her ears. “I got the truth too.
Everyone did. Bruce Harper is having an affair with Mason Fredrickson’s wife. They were all in the
room.BruceandMasongotinaterriblefistfight,andLettyHarperburstintotearsandranout.She’ssix
months pregnant. Sylvia Fredrickson slapped me across the face and walked out, leaving me standing
therewitheveryonelookingatme.”Sheburstintotearsalloveragain.

Katefrownedassherubbedhersister’sshoulders.Shecouldfeelthewavesofdistresspouringoff

ofAbigail.“It’sallrightnow,honey.You’rehome,andyou’resafe.”Atonceasoothingtranquillityswept
into the room, a sense of peace. The wicks on the unlit candles on the mantel leapt to life with bright
orange-redflames.Joley’svoicepouredintotheroom,upliftingandmelodic,bringingwithitasenseof
homeandChristmascheer.Kateleanedintohersister.“Abigail,yourtalentisatremendousgift,andyou
have always used it for good. This was a distortion of your talent, not something any of us could have
foreseen.Letitgo.Justbreatheandletitgo.”

Abbey managed a small smile, the sobs fading at the sound of her sister’s voice. Kate the

peacemaker.Mostthoughtshepreventedfightsandsolvedproblems,butintruth,shehadamagicabout
her,atranquillityandinnerpeaceshesharedwithothersjustbythewayshespoke.“IwishIhadyour
gift,Kate,”Abbeysaid.Shepressedherhandtohercheek.“Ididn’tmindeveryone’sfindingoutabout
Sylvia—she likes to think she can get any man—but poor little Letty, pregnant and loving her stupid
unfaithfulhusbandsomuch.Thatwasheartbreaking.AndatChristmastoo.Whatpossessedmetobeso
careless?I’msoashamedofmyself.”

“Whatexactlydidyousay,Abbey?”Kateasked.
Abbeylookedconfused.“Everyonehadputinavarietyofideasforactingouttheplaywedoevery

yearandsomeoneaskediftheyreallylikedtheoldscriptandshouldwekeepitasatraditionorshould
wemodernizeit.IthinkIsaid,nowwouldbeagoodtimetotellthetruthifyouwanttomakeanymajor
changes.Imeantwiththescript,notinpeople’slives.”Sherubbedhertemples.“Ihaven’tmadeamistake
likethatsinceIwasateenager.I’msocarefultoavoidthewordtruth.”Shescrubbedherhandoverher
faceasecondtime,tryingtoerasethestingofSylvia’shand.“YouknowifIusethatwordeveryoneinthe
immediatevicinitytellsthetruthabouteverything.”

“Itworriesmethatweallfeltthesamedisturbance,”Katesaid.“Hannahsawadarkshadowinthe

mosaic.Yousaidsomethingyouwouldneverhavenormallysaid,andacrackopenedupnearlyatmyfeet

andranallthewayuptheembankment.”

Hannah gasped. “You didn’t tell me that. Kate, it could have been an attack on you. You’re the

most…”Shebrokeoff,lookingatAbbey.

Kateliftedherchin.“I’mthemostwhat?”
Hannahshrugged.“You’rethebestofus.Youdon’thaveameanboneinyourbody.Youjustdon’t,

Katie. I’m sorry, I know you hate our saying that, but you don’t even know how to dislike someone.
You’rejustso…”

“Don’t say perfect,” Kate warned. “I’m not perfect. And I think that’s why Matthew’s brothers

alwayslaughatme.TheythinkIwanttobeperfectandfallshort.”

HannahandAbbeyexchangedalong,worriedlook.“Ithinkweshouldcalltheothers,”Hannahsaid.

“Sarah will want to know about this. She must have felt the earthquake too. We can ask her if anything
strangehappenedtoher.AndweshouldcallJoley,Libby,andElle.Something’swrong,Kate,Ijustfeel
it.It’sasiftheearthquakeunleashedamaliciousforce.I’mafraiditcouldbedirectedatyou.”

Katetookalongsipoftea.Thetastewasassoothingasthearoma.“Goahead,itcan’thurttosee

whattheothershavetosay.I’mnotgoingtoworryaboutit.Ididn’tfeeladirectthreat.I’mnotcalling
Sarahthough.SheandDamonareprobablytwinedaroundoneanother.Youcanfeeltheheatrightthrough
thetelephoneline.”

“I can go to the captain’s walk and signal her,” Hannah said wickedly. “Their bedroom window

facesus,andforsomeutterlymysteriousreasonthecurtainkeepsopeninginthatparticularroom.”

“Hannah!”Katetriednottolaugh.“You’reimpossible.”
Hannahdidlaugh.“Andyouareperfectwhetheryouwanttoacknowledgeitornot.Atleasttome.”
“Andme,”Abigailsaid.
Katesmiledatthem.“I’mnotallthatperfect.I’dliketogiveSylviaFredricksonapieceofmind.

Shehadnorighthittingyou,Abbey.Eveninhighschoolshewasnasty.”

“I’ll take care of Sylvia,” Hannah said. “Don’t worry, Abbey. She’ll spend a long time thinking

abouthowstupiditwastohityou.”

“Hannah!”KateandAbbeychorusedhernameinprotest.
Hannah burst out laughing. “I get the message, Kate. You’ll talk to Sylvia, but you don’t want me

castinginherdirection.”

Kategrinned.“Ishouldhaveknownyouwerebaitingme.”
“WhosaidIdidn’tmeanit?Sylviagiveswomenabadname.”
Kate shook her head. “Hannah Drake, you’re becoming a bloodthirsty little witch. I think Jonas is

havingabadinfluenceonyou.”ShetouchedAbbey’scheekgently.“Evenforthiswecan’tuseourgifts
foranythingotherthangood.”

Hannahmadeaface.“It’sgoodforJonastohavetochasehishat.Itkeepshimfrombecomingtoo

arrogantandbossy.AndwhoknowswhatgreatlessonSylviaFredricksonwouldlearnifItweakedher
justalittlebit.”Beforeeithersistercouldsayanything,shelaughedsoftly.“I’mnotgoingtodoanything
horribletoher,Ijustlovetoseeyoubothgetthat‘there-goes-Hannah-look’onyourfaces.”

Kate nudged Abbey, ignoring Hannah’s mischievous grin. “Guess what I’ll be doing tomorrow?

MatthewGraniteagreedtolookoverthemillwithmetomorrow.I’mhopingnoneofhisbrotherswillbe
aroundtolaughatme,andmaybehe’llnoticeI’magrownwoman,notagawkyteenager.You’dthinkthe
factthatI’vetraveledallovertheworldandthatI’masuccessfulauthorwouldimpresshim,buthejust
looksatmeexactlythesamewayhedidwhenIwasinhighschool.”

Hannah and Abbey exchanged a quick, apprehensive look. “Kate, you’re going to spend the

afternoonwithhim?Doyoureallywanttodothat?”Abigailasked.

Katenodded.“Iliketobewithhim.Don’taskmewhy,Ijustdo.”
“Kate, you haven’t been home in ages. Matthew has a certain reputation,” Abigail said hesitantly.

“He’salwaysbeeneasygoingwithyou,andhe’sverycharming,buthe’s…”Shetrailedoffandlookedto
Hannahfordirection.

“What?Aladies’man?Iwouldpresumeamanhisagehasdated.”Katewalkedacrosstheroomto

touch the first of the seven stockings hung in a row along the mantelpiece. It allowed her to keep her
expressionhiddenfromhersisters.“Iknowhe’sbeeninrelationships.”

“That’sjustit,Kate.Hedoesn’thaverelationships.Atbesthehasone-nightstands.Womenfindhim

charmingandmysterious,andhefindsthemannoying.Seriously,Kate,don’treallyfallforhim.Helooks
great on the outside, but he has a caveman attitude. He was in the military so long, doing all the secret
SpecialForceskindofstuff,andhejustexpectseveryonetofallinlinewithhisorders.It’sprobablywhy
heisn’timpressedwithyourworldtravels.Pleasedon’tfallforhim,”Hannahpleaded.“Icouldn’tbearit
ifhehurtyou,Kate.”

“You’resocertainhewouldn’tfallforme?Afewminutesagoyouweresayingyouthoughthemight

besweetonme.”Katetriedtoguardhervoice,tokeephertonestrictlyneutralwhentherewasapeculiar
ache inside. “I really don’t need the warning. Men like Matthew don’t look at women like me.” She
shrugged.“Itdoesn’tbotherme.Ineedsolitude,Ialwayshave.AndIdon’thaveatremendousamountof
timetogivetoarelationship.”

“Whatdoyoumean,Matthewwouldn’tlookatawomanlikeyou?”Abbeywasoutraged.“Whatare

youtalkingabout,Kate?”

Katetookanothersipofteaandsmiledathersistersovertherimofherteacup.“Don’tworry,I’m

not feeling sorry for myself. I know I’m different. I was born the way I am. All of you stand out. Your
looks,yourpersonalities,evenyou,Hannah,withbeingsopainfullyshy,youembracelife.Youallliveit.
Youdon’tletyourweaknessesorfailingsstandinyourway.I’manobserver.Ireadaboutlife.Iresearch
life.Ifindacornerinaroomandmeltintoit.Icanbecomeinvisible.It’sanart,andIamawonderful
practitioner.”

“Youtravelallovertheworld,Kate,”Hannahpointedout.
“Yes,andmyagentandmypublishersmooththewayforme.Idon’thavetoaskforathing,it’sall

doneforme.Matthewislikeallofyou.Hethrowshimselfintolifeandliveseverymoment.He’saborn
hero, riding to the rescue, carrying out the wounded on his back. He needs someone willing to do the
same.I’mabornobserver.Maybethat’swhyIwasgiventheabilitytoseeintotheshadowsattimes.A
partofmeisalreadythere.”

Hannah’sblueeyesfilledwithtears.“Don’tsaythat,Kate.Don’teversaythat.”Shewrappedher

arms around Kate and hugged her close, uncaring that a small amount of tea splashed on her. “I didn’t
knowyoufeltthatway.HowcouldInothaveknown?”

Katehuggedherhard.“Honey,don’tbeupsetforme.Youdon’tunderstand.I’mnotdistressedabout

it.Myworldisbooks.Italwayshasbeen.Ilovewords.Ilovelivinginmyimagination.Idon’twantto
goclimbamountain.Ilovetostudyhowit’sdone.Ilovetotalktopeoplewhodoit,butIdon’twantthe
experienceofit,therealityofit.Myimaginationprovidesawonderfuladventurewithouttheriskorthe
discomfort.”

“Katie,”Abbeyprotested.
“It’sthetruth.I’vealwaysbeenattractedtoMatthewGranite,butI’mfartoopracticaltomakethe

mistakeofbelievinganythingcouldeverworkbetweenus.Herunswild.Irememberhimbeingrightin
themiddleofeveryroughplayinfootballbothinhighschoolandincollege.He’sdonesomanycrazy
things,fromservingasaRangertoskydivingforthefunofit.”Sheshuddered.“Idon’tevenscubadive.
Hegoeswhitewaterraftingandrockclimbingforrelaxation.Ireadagoodbook.Wearen’tintheleast
compatible,butIcanstillthinkhe’shot.”

“Areyoucertainyouwanttospendtimewithhim?”Abbeyasked.
Kate shrugged. “What I want to do is to take a look at the mosaic and see if I can make out the

shadowsintheearththewayHannahdid.”

“Maybeallthreeofuscanfigureoutwhatisgoingon,”Hannahagreed.ShefollowedKatetothe

entryway, glancing over her shoulder at Abigail. “Doesn’t Joley sound beautiful? She sent us her
ChristmasCD.ShesaidshemightbeabletomakeithomeforChristmas.”

“Ihopeso,”Abbeysaid.“DidElleorLibbycall?”
“LibbyisinSouthAmerica,”Hannahsaid.
“IthoughtyousaidshewasintheCongo,”Kateinterrupted.
Hannahlaughed.“ShewasintheCongo,buttheycalledhertoSouthAmerica.Shephonedrightafter

thequake.SomesmalltribeintherainforesthassomepuzzlingdiseaseandtheyaskedLibbytoflythere
immediatelytohelpandofcourseshedid.Shesaiditwillbedifficult,butnomatterwhat,she’scoming
homeforChristmas.Ithinksheneedstobewithus.Shesoundedtired.Reallytired.Itoldherwewould
get together and see if we could send her some energy, but she said no. She told me to conserve our
strengthandbeverycareful,”Hannahreported.

AbbeyandKatestoppedwalkingabruptly.“AreyoucertainLibbydoesn’tneedus,Hannah?”Kate

asked. “You know what can happen to her. She heals people in the worst of circumstances, and it
thoroughlydepletesherenergy.Travelingthosedistancesontopofitwithlittlesleepwon’thelp.”

“Shesaidno,”Hannahreiterated.“Iheardthewearinessinhervoice.Sheobviouslyneedstocome

homeandregroupandrest,butIdidn’tfeelasifshewasinadangerousstate.”Shekneltonthefloorat
thefootofthemosaichergrandmotherandhergrandmother’ssistershadworkedsohardtomake.

Relief swept through Kate. Libby always drove herself too hard, and her health suffered

dramatically for it. Libby was too small, too slender, a fragile woman who pushed herself for others.
LibbyworkedfortheCenterforDiseaseControlandtraveledallovertheglobe.“We’llhavetowatch
her,”Katesaidsoftly,musingaloud.

It was one of the best-loved talents of the sisters, to be able to stay in communication with one

anothernomatterhowfaraparttheywerephysically.Theycould‘see’oneanotherandsendenergyback
andforthwhenitwasneeded.KatekneltbesideHannahintheentryway.

Kate always felt a sense of awe when she looked at the artwork on the floor. The mosaic always

seemed to her to be alive with energy. Anyone looking into the mosaic felt as if they were falling into
anotherworld.Thedeepblueoftheseawasreallytheoceaninthesky.Starsburstandflaredintolife.
Themoonwasashiningballofsilver.Katebentclosetothemosaictoexaminethegreens,browns,and
graysthatmadeupmotherearth.

Only Joley’s voice poured into the room, then melted away on the last notes to leave the room

entirelysilent.Thethreesisterslinkedhands.Smallburstsofelectricityarcedfromonetotheother.Inthe
dimly lit room the energy appeared as a jagged whip of lightning dancing between the three women.
Powerfilledtheroom,energyenoughtomovethedrapesatthewindowssothatthematerialswayedand
bowed.

Katekepthereyesfixedonthedarkerearthtones.Somethingmoved,downclosetotheedgeofthe

mosaic, in the deeper rocks. It moved slowly, a blackened shadow, slipping from one dark area to the
next.Ithadaserpentine,cunningwayaboutit,shiftingfromtheedgesuptowardthesurfaceasiftryingto
breakthrough.Kateletherbreathoutslowly,inhaleddeeplytofillherlungs,andletherbodygo.Itwas
theonlywaytowalkintheshadowworldthatwasinvisibletomosthumaneyes.

Shefeltthemalevolenceimmediately,atwistedsneakiness,shrewdanddetermined,abeinghoned

by rage and fueled by the need for revenge. The turmoil was overwhelming, spinning and boiling with
heatandanger.Itcreptclosertoher,awarenessofherpresencegivingitakindofmaliciousglee.She
heldherselfstill,tryingtodiscernthedarkforceinthedeepershadows,butitblendedtoowell.

“Kate!”Hannahshookherhard,catchingherbytheshouldersandrockingheruntilherheadlolled

backonherneck.

AbbeyyankedKateawayfromthemosaicandintoherownbody.Therewasalongsilencewhile

theyclungtooneanother,breathingheavily,closetotears.Theshrillringingofthephonestartledthem.

“Sarah,”theysaidsimultaneously,andbrokeintorelievedlaughter.
Abbey jumped up to answer the phone. “I’m telling Sarah on you,” she warned Kate, “and you’re

goingtobeinsomuchtrouble!”

KategrippedHannah’shand,tryingtosmileatAbbey’sdireprediction.“Didyoufeelit,Hannah?”

shewhispered.“Didyoufeelitcomingafterme?”

“Youcan’tgointothatworldagain,Kate.Notwiththatthingthere.Icouldn’treadwhatitwas,but

youhavetostayawayfromit.”HannahheldKateeventighter.“Iknowwhatit’sliketobeafraidallthe
time,Katie.Ican’tfunctioninacrowdbecausetheenergyofsomanypeopledrainsme.Theiremotions
bombard me until I can’t think or breathe. You all protect me, you always have. I wish we’d done the
sameforyou.”

Kate smiled and leaned over to kiss Hannah’s cheek. “I accepted my limitations a long time ago,

Hannah,andI’veneverregrettedmychoiceoflifestyles.Icontrolmyenvironment,anditworksforme.I
didn’thavetheneedtodoallthethingsyouwantedtodowithyourlife.Myworldiscarefullybuiltand
haslargewallstoprotectme.You’refarmoreopentotheassault.I’llbecareful,Hannah.I’mnotarisk
taker.Youdon’thavetoworrythatI’lltrytofindtheanswerswithouttherestofyou.”

“Katie!”Abbeycalledout.“Sarahhasafewthingsshewantstotalktoyouabout.”Sheheldoutthe

phone.

KatehuggedHannahagain.“Itwillbeallright,Ipromiseyou,honey.It’sChristmas.Mosteveryone

iscominghome,andwe’llhavethebesttimeever,justlikewealwaysdowhenwe’retogether.”

Chapter

Achill,colderstillthantheairtheywillfeel

AsIrejoiceinrelease,asIslippasttheseal

ATT STOOD BESIDE THE ENORM OUS

OUGLAS

fir tree decorated with hundreds of ornaments and colorful lights.

Thetalltreegrewintheyardupnearthecliffsinfrontofthehouse.Itwasoneofthemostbeautifulsights
he’d ever seen, but it paled in comparison to Kate. She stood on her porch, a snowglobe in her hands,
smilingathim.Hereyeswereasgreenasthesea,andherlong,thickhairwastwistedintosomekindof
intricateknotthatmadehimwanttopullouteverypinsohecouldwatchittumblefree.

He walked up the porch steps and held out his hand. “Where in the world did you get that

snowglobe?ThesceneinsidelooksexactlylikeyourhouseandthisChristmastree.”

Sheputtheglobeinhishands.Twoofhersisterswerestandingontheporchwithher,watchinghim

withseriousexpressionsontheirfaces.HehadbeensobusystaringatKatehehadn’tevennoticedthem.
Hishandsclosedovertheheavyglobe,hisfingersbrushingKate’s.Atingleofelectricitysparkeditsway
uphisarm.Almostatoncethesnowglobegrewwarminhishands.“Afternoon,ladies.”

“Hi,Matt,”Hannahgreeted.Abbeynoddedtohim.
Althoughhe’dmadeeveryefforttocleanupafterwork,scrubbinghishandsforagoodhalfhourto

getthedirtoutfromunderhisfingernails,henoticedwithdismaythathehadn’tbeensuccessful.Hisnails
seemedtobespotlightedfromthestrangeglowcomingfrominsidetheglassoftheglobe.Thelightsofthe
treeblazedunexpectedlyinsidetheglass,whileaneeriewhitefogbegantoswirl.Fascinated,heheldthe
globe at every angle, trying to see how he had turned it on, but he couldn’t find a battery or a switch
anywhere. Peering closer he noticed a strange dark shadow taking shape at the base of the tree and
creeping up the path toward the steps of the house. His body reacted, going on alert as he watched the
shadowmovestealthily.

“Thisthingisspooky.”HehandedthesnowglobetoHannahandtookKate’selbowinadeliberate,

proprietaryaction.Stakinghisclaim.Declaringhisintentions.Hisfingerssettledaroundherslenderarm,
andhisheartactuallyjumpedinhischest.Shewaswearingsomelacywhiteshirtthatclungtotheshape
ofherroundedbreastsandleftherlowerarmsbare.Thepadofhisthumbslidoverherpetal-softskinjust
to feel the texture. She shivered, and he moved his body closer to block the breeze coming in off the
ocean.Theysaidgood-byetohersistersandheadedforhiscar.

Kate cleared her throat. “I appreciate your coming to pick me up, Matthew. I could have met you

there.”

“That’ssilly,Kate,sincewe’rebothgoingtothesameplace,andyou’reonmyway.Ithoughtwe

mightdiscusstheplansfortherenovationoverdinnerwhenwe’refinishedinspectingthemill.”Hepulled
open the door to his Mustang convertible. The top was securely up. “What were you doing with the

globe?”

She smiled up at him and just that easily took his breath away. “We’re still putting out our

decorations. Hannah just brought the globe down from the attic and was cleaning the glass. It’s a
Christmastraditioninourfamilytowishonit.”

“Whatwasthatstrangedarkshadowmovingintheglobe?”
Kateabruptlyturnedbacktowardthehouse.Mattwasstandingclosetoher,holdingthedooropento

theMustang,andshebumpedhischestwithhernose.Forasecondshestoodtherewithhereyesclosed,
thensheinhaleddeeply.Hefeltthatbreathrightthroughhisskin,allthewaydowntohisbones.Thetips
ofherbreastsbrushedhisribcagesendingfireracingthroughhisbloodstreamandpoolingintoathick
heatlowinhisbelly.Shesmelledofcinnamonandspice.Hewantedtopullherintohisarmsandkissher
rightthere.Rightinfrontofhersisters.

“Matthew.” For the first time that he could remember, Kate sounded breathless. “What are you

doing?”

Herealizedhisarmswerearoundher.Hewasholdinghercaptiveagainsthim,andhisbodywas

growing hard and making urgent demands. He cursed silently and let her go, turning away from her. “I
thoughtyouweregettingintothecar.”Hisvoicewasrough,eventohisownears.Hehadneverwanteda
womanthewayhewantedKate.Hedidn’tfeelgentlewhenhewantedtobegentle.Hedidn’tfeelnice
andcharmingwhenitwasusuallysoeasyforhimtobecharming.Hefeltedgyandrestlessandachyas
hell.Hehadamaddesiretoscoopherupandlockherinhisvehicle,aprimitive,out-of-characterurge
whenshelookedonthevergeofflight.

“Youreallysawashadowintheglobe?”sheasked.
“Whatwasitdoing?”
Itwasthelastthingheexpectedhertosay,anditsentachillskitteringdownhisspine.“Icouldn’t

tell what it was. The dark shadow went from the base of the tree up the path toward the porch of the
house.Itisyourhouseintheglobe,isn’tit?There’sfogormistinsteadofsnowflakesswirlingaround.It
givestheglobeaveryeerieeffect.”

Kateglancedbackathersisters.Hannahsetthesnowglobeverycarefullyonthewidebanisterand

steppedawayfromit.Insidetheglass,heavyfogswirled.ThelightsfromthetinyChristmastreeglowed
astrangeorangeandredthroughthemist,almostasifonfire.MattwatchedKate’ssisterclosely.Hehad
livedinSeaHavenallofhislife.HehadheardstrangethingsabouttheDrakesisters.Upclosetothem,
he felt power and energy crackling in the air, and it emanated from them. The power filled the space
aroundthemuntilhebreathedit.Hannahliftedherarms,andthewindsweptinfromthesea.Withitcame
soft voices, whose words were impossible to distinguish, but the chant was melodious and in harmony
withthethingsoftheearth.Thestrangelightinthesnowglobefadedanddiminisheduntilitwasasoft,
faint glow. The voices on the wind continued until the lights behind the glass flickered and vanished,
leavingtheglobeaperfectlyordinaryChristmasornament.

The wind swirled cool air around them. Matt tasted the salt from the sea. He looked down at his

fingers curled around Kate’s arm. He had pulled her protectively to him without thought or reason. He
knewheshouldreleaseher,buthecouldn’tletgo.Herslenderbodytrembled,withpowerorwithfear,
Mattwasn’tcertainwhich,butitdidn’tmattertohim.

Katelookedupathim.“Ican’texplainwhatjusthappenedwiththesnowglobe.”
“I’mnotaskingforanexplanation.Ijustwantyoutogetinmycar.”
Shesmiledupathim.“Thankyou,Matthew.Ireallyappreciateit.”Sherelaxedvisiblyandallowed

himtohelpherintothewarmleatherseats.

KatefeltverysmallbesideMatt.Insidethecar,heappearedenormousandpowerful.Hisshoulders

were wide enough to brush against her in the confines of the Mustang. When she inhaled, she took the
masculinescentofhimdeepintoherlungs.Foramomentshefeltdizzy.Itmadeherwanttolaughaloudat

the thought. Kate Drake dizzy from the scent of a man. None of her sisters would believe it. The car
handledthetightturnsalongthecoastalhighwaywithprecisionandease,flowingaroundthecornersso
thatsherelaxedalittle.BeingaroundMattalwaysmadeherfeelsafe.Shedidn’tknowwhy,butsheno
longerquestionedit.

Heglancedoverather.“Doesitbotheryou,thewaypeoplearealwaystalkingaboutyourfamily?”
“Theytalkinaniceway,”Katepointedout.
“Iknowtheydo.You’rethetown’streasures,butdoesitbotheryou?”
Katesmiledathim.“Onlyyouwouldaskmethatquestion.”Shesighed.“Itshouldn’tbotherme.We

aredifferent.Wecan’texactlyhideit,andofcoursepeoplearegoingtotalkaboutourstrangeways.We
grewuphere,soeveryoneknowsusandtosomeextenttheyprotectusfromoutsiders,butyes,itdoes
bothermethatpeoplearealwayssoawareofuswhenwe’rearound.”She’dnevervoicedthataloudto
anyone,notevenhersisters.

“I miss you when you’re gallivanting around the world, Kate. I’m glad you’ve decided to come

home.”

Hersmilewidened.“You’resuchaflirt,Matthew,evenwithme,andI’veknownyouallofmylife.

You haven’t calmed down much since your wild college days. When I was in high school, all the girls
saidyouwerelegendaryatStanford.”

“Well, I wasn’t. I should have gone to a college far away from here instead of only a couple of

hours.Itmighthavecutdownonthetalk.AndIdon’tflirt,”hesaidfirmly.Hewantedtoparkthecarand
justlookather.Touchhersoftskinandkissherforhours.Themomentthethoughtscreptintohisheadhis
bodyhardenedintoadull,painfulache.Hecouldn’tgetnearherwithoutithappening.Hewasagrown
man,andhisbodyrespondedtoherasifhewereanadolescent.

“Matthew, you flirt with everyone. And your reputation is terrible. If I wasn’t already so talked

about,I’dbeworried.”

“Noonetalksaboutme.”
Shelaughedsoftly.“IcanrelatethestoryofyouandJaniceCarltonbyheart,I’vehearditsomany

times.”

Hegroaned.“Isthatstillgoingaround?Thathappenedlongago.Iwasonleave,itmusthavebeen

what?Sixyearsago?Ididpickherupinthebar,shewasdrunk,Kate.Icouldn’tjustleaveherthere.”

“Andhowdidherblousegetonthebushesoutsidethegrocerystore?”
Mattglancedsidewaysather.“Allright,I’lladmititwasherblouse,butcomeon,Kate,Iwasn’tin

highschool.Givemealittlecreditforgrowingup.Shewasasdrunkasaskunkandbeganpeelingoffher
clothestheminuteweweredrivingdownthestreet.Shethrewherblouseoutthewindowandwouldhave
thrownherbrabutItoldherI’dputheroutonthesidewalkifshedid.Itookherstraighthome.Andin
case you want to know why my version was never told, I don’t like talking about women who throw
themselves at me when they’re drunk. In spite of what you’ve heard, my mother raised me to be a
gentleman.Wemaybealittlerougharoundtheedges,buttheGraniteshaveacodeofhonor.”

The Mustang swung fluidly into the driveway leading to the old mill on the cliff above Sea Lion

Cove.Mattdrovestraightupthedirtdrivewaytothelong,woodenbuildingandparked.Heturnedoffthe
engineandslidhisarmalongthebackofherseat.Theoceanboomedbelowthecliffs,atimelessrhythm
thatseemedtoechothebeatofhisheart.“Mostofthestoriesaboutmearen’ttrue,Kate.”

Katestaredstraightaheadattheoldbuilding.Muchofthewoodwaspittedfromseasalt.Thepaint

hadlongsincewornawayfromthesteadyassaultofthewind.Shelovedthelookofthemill,thewayitfit
thereonthecliff,apartofthepastshewantedtobringwithherintothefuture.Shetookadeepbreath,
composedherself,andturnedtotakeMattin.

Up close, Matthew Granite was a giant of a man with rippling, defined muscles and a strong,

stubbornjaw.Hismouthwassomethingshespentfartoomuchtimestaringatanddreamingabout,andthe

shape of it had managed to slip into her bestselling novels on several heroes. His eyes were amazing.
Theyshouldhavebeengraybuttheyweremoresilver,astartlingcolorthatmadeherheartdotripletime.
Hehadthekindofthick,darkhairthatmadeherwanttorunherfingersinit,andheworeitlongerthan
mostmen.Katefeltabitfaintlookingathisheavilymuscledchest,thenupintohisglintingsilvereyes.
“Well,darnit,Matthew,allthistimeIthoughtIwasinthepresenceofgreatness.”Shemanagedtoconjure
upalightheartedlaugh.“It’snotnicetodestroyawoman’sillusions.”

Hefrowned.“Ididn’tsayIwasn’tthebadboyofSeaHaven.”
“IthoughtJonasHarringtonwasthebadboyofSeaHaven.”
Matt looked affronted. “I never come in second place.” His hand came up, unexpectedly spanning

herthroat.

Kate was certain her heart skipped a beat. His palm was large, and his fingers wrapped easily

aroundherneck,histhumbtippingherheadupsoshewasforcedtomeetthesuddenhungerblazinginhis
eyes.ItwasthelastthingKateexpectedtosee,andhisintensityshockedher.“Matthew.”Shebreathedhis
nameinasmallprotest.Itwasn’tagoodidea.Theyweren’tagoodidea.

Hesimplyloweredhisheadandtookpossessionofhermouth.Hiskisswasanythingbutgentle.He

draggedherclose,astarvingmandevouringherwithhot,urgentkisses.Thebreathslammedoutofher
lungs,andeverynerveendinginherbodyscreamedather.Electricitycrackledbetweenthem,arcingfrom
MatttoKateandbackagain.Fireracedoverherskin,meltingherinsides.Hetookthelead,kissingher
hungrily,hotly,histongueduelingwithhers,demandingaresponseshefoundherselfgiving.

Herarmscreptaroundhisneck,herbodypressingclosetotheheatofhis.Shefeltsomuchheat,so

muchmagicshecouldn’tthinkstraight.

TheblareofahornmadeKatejumpawayfromhim.Mattcursedandglancedatthehighwayintime

toseehisbrotherswaving,hooting,andhonkingastheydroveby.“Damnedidiots,”hesaid,buttherewas
awealthofaffectioninhisvoiceimpossibletomiss.

Kate pressed a trembling hand to her swollen mouth. Her skin felt raw and burned from the dark

shadowonhisjaw.Shedidn’tdarelookinthemirror,butsheknewshelookedthoroughlykissed.“They
savedus.”

“Theymayhavesavedyou,butI’mindirestraitshere,woman.”Anddammitall,hewas.Whatwas

itaboutthiswomanthatmadehimlosecontrolwheneverhewasaroundher?Wasshereallyawitch?He
wasgoingtohaveafewthingstosaytohisbrotherswhenhegothishandsonthem.Hewasn’tlooking
forwardtotheribbinghewasgoingtogetafterbeingcaughtneckinglikeateenagerwithKateDrake.It
didn’t help matters that he saw Jonas Harrington cruising by very slowly, obviously looking for them.
DamnDannyandhisradio.ItwouldbealloverSeaHaveniftheyweren’tmorecareful,andthelastthing
hewantedwasforKatetorunfromhimbecauseofgossip.

HetouchedKate’sredface.Hersoftskinwasrawfromhiswhiskers.“Ishouldhaveshaved,Katie,

I’msorry.Iwasn’tplanningonkissingyou.”So,okay,hewantedtokissher.He’dhopedtokissher.He’d
actuallygottendownonhiskneesbrieflylastnightwhennoonewasaroundandaskedforaChristmas
miracle,butshedidn’tneedtoknowhowbadlyhewantedher.

The way he said Katie, turned her heart over, sending a million butterfly wings brushing at her

stomach.“Idon’tmind.”

Hecaughtherfaceinhishands.“Imind.Ineedtobemorecarefulwithyou.”Abruptlyhelethergo

andopenedthedoor.Itwastheonlysafethingtodowhenshelookedsotempting.Thechillfromthesea
rushedintodisplacetheheatoftheirbodiesinsidethecar.

Katedidn’twaitforhimtocomearoundandopenherdoor.Shewastooshaken,tooshockedbyher

reactionstohim.Itwassoun-Kate-likeofher.Katethepracticalhadjustmadeaterriblemistake,andshe
couldn’t take it back. She could still taste him, still had his scent clinging to her body, still felt a
tremendous,edgypressure,aneedaselementalashungerandthirst.Shestoodinthewindandliftedher

face,hopingherskinwouldcoolandthattheragingneedthatwasalwaysinsideofherwouldonceagain
findrest.

Matttookherhandandledherupthebrokenandunevenpathtothebuilding.Shedidn’tresistor

pullaway.

“Thestructure’ssound,”sheassuredhimassheunlockedthedoor.“Iwanttobeabletoincorporate

as much of the original building as possible when I expand. I was thinking decks outside with some
protectionagainstthewindforthesunnierdays,andindoors,alargeareawithchairsandsmalltablesfor
readinganddrinkingcoffeeorchocolateorwhatever.There’salargestonefireplaceinwhatmusthave
beenanoffice,andI’dliketokeepthattooifpossible.”

Katecoveredheranxietywithtalk,pointingouttherusticfeaturesshewantedtosaveandasmanyof

theproblemareasassheknewabout.ShewasveryawareofMatt’shandholdingherssecurely.Twice
she tried to casually disengage, but he tugged her across the room to examine a rotted section of wood
nearthefoundation.

“Wheredothestairslead?”Heopenedthesaggingdoorandpeereddownintothedarkinterior.The

stairsappearedtobeverysteepandhalfwaydownhewascertainthewallsweredirt.“Istherealight?”

“Ofsorts,”Katesaid.“It’soverthesecondstairdown.Ican’treachthechain.”
“Whywouldn’titbeuphere?”Hepulledthechaingingerly,half-expectingthelighttoexplode.It

cameon,butitwasadimyellowandmadeastrangehummingsound.“Whatisthat?”

“Idon’tknow,butthefiremarshalassuredmeitwassafeinhere.”Shesmiledathim.“Isn’toneof

yourbrothersanelectrician?”

“Itwillbeawhilebeforeweneedhim,”Mattsaid,startingdownthestairs.Thestaircasewassolid

enough,buthedidn’tlikethelookofthewall.Severalcracksspreadoutfromthecenterofthewallinall
directionslikespiderwebs.HeglancedatKate,hiseyebrowraised.

Sheshookherhead.“Theearthquakemusthavedamagedit.Itwasn’tlikethatwhenIcamedown

here with the Realtor. I actually came down twice just to make certain the entire place wasn’t going to
sinkintotheocean.Iknowit’sinbadshape,butit’ssuchaperfectlocation.IfIhaveto,Icanpulldown
themillandstartfromscratch.Ifyouthinkthat’sthebestthingtodo,I’lltakeyouradvice,butIreally
wanttosaveasmuchoftheoriginalbuildingaspossible.”

“It’sgoingtocostmoremoneythanitmightbeworth,Kate,”hewarned.
Kate shivered as they went down the stairs to the dimly lit basement. It was far colder than she

remembered.Alwayssensitivetoenergy,shefeltanicymalevolencethathadn’tbeentherebefore.She
looked around cautiously, moving closer to Matt for protection. The atmosphere vibrated with
unrestrainedmaliciousamusement.“Matthew,let’sleave.”Shetuggedathisarm.

He looked down at her quickly. “What is it, Katie?” There was a caress to his voice, one that

warmedherinspiteoftheicychillinthebasement.“YoucanwaitupstairswhileIlookaround.”Hefelt
hershiverandtookthejacketshewasholdingfromhertohelpherintoit.“Itwon’ttakemeverylong.”
He pulled the edges of the jacket together and buttoned it up, his fingers lingering on the lapels, just
holdingherthere,closetohim.

Kateshookherhead.“Itfeelsunhealthydownhere.Idon’twanttoleaveyoualone.Matthew,”she

hesitated,searchingfortherightwords.“Thisdoesn’tfeelrighttome,notthewayitdidbefore.”

Hissilvereyesmovedoverherface.Hesuddenlywinked,aquicksexygesturethatsentherheart

thudding.“I’llmakeitquick,Ipromise.”

Katetrailedafterhim,reluctanttobetoofarfromhiminthegloomybasement.Itwaslongandwide

andhadadirtfloor.“Ithinkthiswasusedasthesmugglers’storehouse.There’sastairwayleadingtothe
covethroughanarrowtunnel.Partofthetunnelcollapsedsomeyearsago,butIreadinmygrandmother’s
diary that the mill was used to store supplies and weapons and spices coming in off the boats.” She
pressed her lips together, determined not to distract him as he studied the walls and the floor of the

basement.

“What’sthis?”Matthaltednexttoastrangecoveringinthedirt.Itwasatleasttwoinchesthickand

looked almost like the lid of a coffin, except it was oval in shape. The surface was rough and covered
withsymbols,whichwereimpossibletoreadwiththedirtandgrimeoverthem.Runningstraightthrough
themiddleofthelidwasalargecrack.

Katefrowned.“Ididn’tnoticeitbefore.Itmusthavebeencoveredbythedirt.Couldtheearthquake

have shifted that much dirt?” She moved closer to it reluctantly. The icy cold air was coming from the
deepcrack.“Idon’tlikethis,Matthew.”

“Itisn’tagrave,Kate,”hepointedout,crouchingbesideitandbrushingatthedirtalongtheedges.

“It’smorelikeasealofsomekind.”

She hunkered down beside him. A blast of cold air touched her palm as she passed it above the

crumblingrock.Shebrushedthedirtawayfromthesymbols,tryingtodeciphertheoldhieroglyphics.The
language was an ancient one, but it was all too familiar to her. Her ancestors, generations of powerful
witches, had used such symbols to communicate privately. Her mother had urged them to learn the
language,andKateknewafewofthesymbols,butnotall.“Itsayssomethingaboutrage.Thesymbolsare
chippedandwornaway.Icanmakeoutthewords,‘sealeduntilthedayoneisborn’—”Shebrokeoffin
frustration,leaningclosertotrytofigureoutthemeaningofthewords.

“Wheredidyoulearnthosesymbols?AretheyEgyptian?”Mattasked.
Kateshookherhead.“No,it’safamilything.Wewereallsupposedtohavelearned.Doyouthink

thisisawellofsomekind?”

Mattcontinuedtodigaroundtheedgesofthethicklid.“Itcan’tbeawell,Kate.Maybesomekindof

memorial?”Hepushedattheheavyslab.Itcrumbledaroundtheedgesbutslidslightly.

“No!” Kate caught Matt’s arm, tugging hard. “We don’t know what’s inside. Something about this

doesn’t feel right to me. Can’t you feel the malevolence pouring out of the crack?” She stumbled back,
takinghimwithher,nearlysprawlingonthegroundsothathehadtocatchherasanoxiousgaspoured
fromtheslitthathadopened.

“It’s just gas created from decomposed matter that’s been trapped for a long time,” Matt said,

draggingherasfarfromthecreviceashecouldgetthem.Hepushedhertowardthestairs.“Sometimes
thegasescanmakeyousickorworse,Kate.Don’tbreatheitin.”Shelookedpale,hereyeswidewith
horror.Shestaredatthelidwithoutmoving,onehandpressedtohermouth.Mattcouldseethatherentire
bodywastrembling.

Atoncehewrappedhisarmsaroundheranddrewherclosetohim.Hepracticallyenvelopedher

entirebody,yetsheneverlookedawayfromtheoddityinthebasement,mesmerizedbytheyellow-black
vapor streaming from the crack. “It’s nothing Kate, just a hole in the ground. It’s probably a couple of
hundredyearsold.”Heremainedcalminordertoreassureher,butallofhissenseshadgoneonalert.

Matthew obviously couldn’t feel the malicious triumph pouring out of the ground, a welling-up of

victory,acoupofsorts.Shecouldn’tidentifyit,hadnoideawhatitwas,butshewasterrifiedtheymight
haveunleashedsomethingdangerous.Horrified,shewatchedthedark,uglyvaporswirlaroundtheroom,
thenstreamupthestairstowardfreedom,leavingbehindanicycoldthatchilledhertoherbones.

“Stopshaking,Kate.It’sgas.Ithappensallthetimeintheseoldvents.”Mattcouldn’tbearthatshe

wassofrightened.“Wefindpocketsallovertheplace.Youhaven’tgoneintothetunnel,haveyou?That
couldhaveallsortsofgaspocketsaswellascave-ins.”

“Haveyoueverseengasdothat?Travelaroundtheroom?”
“We’re getting some kind of wind off the ocean, Kate. Can’t you feel the draft in here? It’s very

strong.”

“Ihavetotakealookatthosesymbols,Matthew.Ithinksomethingwassealedbeneaththatlid,and

theearthquakedisturbedit.”Sheknewshesoundedutterlyridiculous.Sheprobablyappearedacrackpot

to him, but she was certain she was right. Something had slid out of that vent, something not meant to
inhabittheworld.

Mattstudiedherseriousface,thefearinhereyes.“Letmemakecertainit’ssafe,Kate.”Hegently

setherasideandmadehiswayacrosstheunevendirtfloortothecrumblingrocklid.

“Be careful, Matthew.” When he looked at her, she wished she’d kept her mouth shut. She was

soundingmoreandmoreparanoid.

He sniffed the air cautiously. The odor was foul, but he could breathe easily without coughing. “I

think it’s safe enough, Kate. I’m not keeling over, and I don’t feel faint. I don’t know what the hell you
thinkjusthappened,butifithasyousoafraid,I’mgoingtobelieveit.Jonassaysnevertodoubtanyof
youDrakes.”

Shewasgratefulthathewastryingtounderstand,butsheknewhecouldn’t.Kateduckedherhead,

avoidinghisgaze,afraidtoseethewayhewaslookingather.Shesankdownbesidethelidanddusted
lightlywithherfingers,afraidofcrumblingtheoldrockevenmore.

Mattwaitedsilentlyaslongashecould.Therewasthesoundoftheseaboominginthebackground.

Theechoofitpoundedoffthewallseerily.“Doesitmeananythingtoyou?”Hetriedtokeepimpatience
fromhisvoicewhenallhewantedtodowassnatchKateupandcarryheroutoftheplace.

Katepeeredclosertodecipherthewords.Sevensisters.SevenDrakesisters.Herancestors.They

hadboundsomethingtoearth,committeditsspirittotheventholetoprotectsomething.Shecouldn’tread
itexactlyaspartsofthelettersweresmashedandwornaway,butshewasafraiditwasthetownspeople
whoneededtobeprotected.ShecouldalsomakeoutsomethingtodowithChristmasandfireandone
whowouldbebornwhocouldbringpeace.KatelookedupatMatt.Therewasnowaytohidetheterror
inhereyes,andshedidn’tbothertotry.“Ineedtogohomerightnow.”

Chapter

Awreathofhollymeanttogreet

Looksmuchbettertossedinthestreet

ATT SAT IN HIS CAR WITH THE HEATER RUNNING

and his favorite CD playing low. Joley Drake’s unique, sultry

voicehadtakenherupthechartsfast.Helovedthisparticularcollection,usuallyfindingitsoothing,butit
wasn’tdoinghimanygoodnow.Hegrippedthesteeringwheelandstaredupattheblazinglightsofthe
Christmas tree in front of the cliff house. The fog was beginning to roll in off the sea, stretching white
fingerstowardlandandthehousehewaswatching.Therewerenoelectriclightsinthewindows,yethe
couldseetheflickerofcandlelightandanoccasionalshadowasoneoftheDrakesistersmovedpastthe
glass.

The passenger door jerked open, and Jonas Harrington slid into the seat beside Matt, shutting the

dooragainstthecold.

“Dammit,Jonas,youscaredthehelloutofme!”Mattsnapped.Hehadn’trealizedjusthowjumpyhe

wasuntilJonashadpulledthedooropen.

“Sorryaboutthat.”Jonassoundedaspleasantasever.Toopleasant.Mattturnedhisheadtolookat

hischildhoodfriend.“Whatareyoudoingouthere?It’scold,andthefog’scomingin.Youaren’tstalking
ourKate,areyou?”

Matt studied his friend’s face. He was smiling, looking amicable, but his eyes were ice-cold. “Of

courseI’mstalkingKate.DoyouthinkI’velostmymind?Thatwomanbelongswithme.”Hegrinnedto
relievethetensiongatheringbetweenthem.“Ijusthavetofigureouthowtoconvinceherofthat.Whatare
youdoinghere?Andwhydidn’tIseetheheadlightsofyourcar?”Heglancedintherearviewmirrorand
notedJonashadcruisedsilentlyupbehindhim.

“Iranwithoutheadlights,didn’twanttoscareyouaway.Whathappenedtonight?Whyaretheyall

upset?”Therewasnoobviousaccusationinthevoice,butMatthadbeenaroundJonashisentirelife,and
herecognizedtheunderlyingnoteofsuspicion.

“What the hell are you trying to say, Jonas? Spit it out and quit beating around the bush.” Temper

wasbeginningtoflare.“I’vehadahellofanevening,andyouaren’thelping.”

Jonasshrugged.“Ididjustspititout.They’reupset.Icanfeelit.Allofthem,everysinglesister.

DoesithavesomethingtodowithyouandKate?”

“Whatkindofquestionisthat?Hell,yes,IwantKate.Andyes,I’ddojustaboutanythingtogether,

butIsurewouldn’tlayafingeronherifshedidn’twantmeto,andIwouldn’teverhurther.Isthatwhat
youwanttoknow?”

Jonasnodded.“That’saboutwhatIwaslookingfor.I’dhatetohavetokickyourass,butifyouhurt

thatgirl,I’dhavetodoit.”

“As if you could.” Matt tapped his finger against the steering wheel, frowning while his temper

settled.“Whatdoyoumean,youcanfeelthey’reallupset?”

“I’vealwaysbeenabletofeelwhensomething’swrongwiththeDrakes.Andrightnow,something’s

verywrong.”Jonascontinuedtolookathimwithcool,assessingeyes.

Mattshookhishead.“Itwasn’tme,Jonas.Somethingweirdhappenedattheoldmill,andKatewas

verydistressed.Sheaskedmetotakeherhome,andIdid.”Herakedhisfingersthroughhishair,notonce,
but twice. “I didn’t even have a chance to ask her out again. I was just sitting here, trying to figure out
whetherIshouldgouptothehouseandaskherwhathappened,orgobacktothemillandtrytofigureit
out.”

“There they are!” Jonas muttered an ugly word beneath his breath. “What the hell do they think

they’redoinggoingoutinthemiddleofthenightwiththefogrollingin?”

MattcouldjustmakeoutthethreeDrakesistersswirlingdark,hoodedcloaksaroundthemasthey

hurried down the steps. The fog was heavy and thick, an invasion of white mist that hid the women
effectivelyastheyrusheddownthewornpathwaythatwounddownthehilltowardtheroad.Mattleaped
outofhiscar,losingsightoftheminthecurtainoffog.HewasawareofJonasswearingunderhisbreath,
keepingpaceastheyangledtocutofftheDrakesbeforetheycouldreachthehighway.

Jonasbeathimtothewomen,catchingHannah’sarmandyankingheraroundtofacehim.“Areyou

outofyourmind?”

Kate’sexpressionwentfromstartledtotroubledwhenshecaughtsightofthem.“Matthew,Ithought

youwenthome.”Shelookeduneasilyaroundheratthefog.“Youshouldn’tbeouthere.Idon’tthinkit’s
safe.Andneithershouldyou,Jonas.”

Hannahglaredatthesheriff.“Hasanyoneevertoldyouyouhavebadmanners?”
“Hasanyoneeverturnedyouovertheirknee?”Jonascountered.“Ifyoudon’tthinkit’ssafeouthere,

whatareyoudoingrunningaroundinthedark?”

Kateindicatedtheheavywalloffog.“Itisn’tlikewe’regoingtogetveryfarinthisstuff.Wehave

anerrand,Jonas,animportantone.”

“Thenyoushouldhavecalledme,”Jonassnappedimpatiently.Hannahstirredasiftosaysomething

butJonas’sfingerstightenedaroundherarm.“I’mreally,reallyangryrightnow,Hannah.Don’tmakeit
worse.”

“Jonas,”Kate’svoicewasplacating.“Youdon’tunderstand.”
“Thenmakemeunderstand,Kate,”hesnarled.
MattimmediatelysteppedbetweenJonasandKate.“Idon’tthinkyouneedtotalktoherlikethat,

Jonas.Letherexplain.”

Kate’s fingers curled around Matt’s arm. “Jonas worries about us, Matthew. We probably should

havecalledhim.”

Matt didn’t want her calling Jonas; he wanted her to call him when something was wrong. And

something was obviously wrong. Before she could pull her hand away from his arm, he covered her
fingerswithhis.“We’realreadyhere,Kate.Telluswhatyouneedtodo.”

Hersea-greeneyesmovedoverhisface.Hehadthefeelingshecouldseemoredeeplyintohimthan

mostpeople,butitwasalwayslikethatwithKate.Hetightenedhisholdonherhand.“Kate.Youtrust
Jonas.Hecanvouchforme.”

Kate closed her eyes briefly. Matthew Granite was her dream man, and after he witnessed what

reallywentonaroundtheDrakesistersshewouldn’tevenbeabletosustainthefantasyofarelationship
withhim.Shesighedbutshesquaredhershoulders.Somethingswerejustmoreimportantthanromantic
dreams.Shetookadeepbreath.“Somethingwasunleashedtoday,somethingmalevolent.Wethink.”She
lookedathersistersforcouragebeforecontinuing.“Wethinktheearthquakemayhaveawakeneditorat
leastprovideditwiththeopportunitytorise.Itwastheshadowyousawintheglobe,Matt,andmysisters

and I saw in the mosaic. It’s very real, and it feels dangerous to us.” She stared up at him, clearly
expectinghimtolaugh.

Matt kept his face completely expressionless. He knew the Drakes were different; some said they

performed miracles, some said they were genuine witches. Sea Haven was a hotbed of gossip, and the
Drakesisterswerealwaysattheforefront.ButnotKate.NeverKate.

“Soitfeltdangeroustoyou,andthefirstthingyoudoisrushoutintothenightinthemiddleofoneof

theworstfogswe’veeverhad,”Jonassnapped.“Dammit,Kate,AbbeyandHannahmightrushheadlong
into danger, but you usually show some trace of sense.” He hauled Hannah back against him when she
triedtosquirmaway.“I’mnotplayingaroundwithyou,Hannah.Keepitup,andI’lllockyouawayforthe
night.”

Hannah’sbeautifulfaceradiatedfury,butinsteadoftakingJonastotaskasMattexpected,shewas

gaspingforbreath.

Abbeyleapedtoherside.“Breathe,Hannah,veryslow.”
Hannah shook her head, fear filling her eyes. Abbey extracted a paper bag from her purse and

handedittohersister.“Breatheintothis.”

Lookingalarmed,JonaswrappedhisarmaroundHannah’swaisttosupportherasshedoubledover,

clearlyunabletobreatheadequately.“Whatthehelliswrongwithher?Shouldwegetanambulance?”

“Wouldyoupleasestopswearingather?”Abbeysnapped.“Beverycareful,Jonas,orI’llaskyou

questionsyoudon’twanttoanswer.”

“Shutup,Abbey,don’tyoudarethreatenme,”Jonasgrowledback.
“Stopit,allofyou,stopit,”Katepleaded.
Seeing the anxiety on Kate’s face, Matt stepped closer to her and put his arm around her. Hannah

breathedintothepaperbagforacoupleofminutesandliftedherhead.Shelookedreadytocry.“Abbey,
if you want to take Hannah back to the house, I’ll go with Kate to do whatever it is you all think is so
important.”Hemadetheofferbeforehecouldstophimself.Katewasshiveringinthecoldfog.Shedidn’t
needtobeoutonsuchanight.Hewantedjusttopickherupandtakeherhomeandliedownwithherby
thefireplace.

Jonas pushed back Hannah’s wealth of blond hair. “Are you all right, baby doll?” His choice of

wordsshouldhavebeeninsulting,butthegentleconcerninhisvoicemadethemanendearment.

Hannahnoddedbutdidn’tlookatanyofthem,stillclearlyfightingforair.
“Maybe that’s a good idea, Hannah. I’ll go with Matt and just look around a little, and you and

Abbeypulloutthediariesandseeifyoucanfindanythingthatmighthelpusfigurethisout,”Katesaid.
“Matthew,areyoucertainyoudon’tmind?Iwanttowalkaroundtownandjustgetafeelforwhat’sgoing
on.”

“Idon’tmind.Areyougoingtobewarmenough?”
“Justhowdangerousisthis,Kate?”Jonasasked.
“Ihonestlydon’tknow,”shereplied.“IwishIknew.Wethoughtifwewentouttogether,allofus

mightbeabletopicksomethingup,butIalreadyfeelit.IthinkIcantrackit.”

Matt cleared his throat. “Track a shadow?” If they weren’t all so serious, he would be thinking it

wasaHalloweenprank.Heglancedupatthehouse.Thefogwasaheavyshroud,almostobliteratingthe
house.HecouldseethelightsoftheChristmastree,butonlyaspale,orange-glowinghaloesdistortedby
the blanket of grayish white. He went still. The fog was changing color, darkening from white to a
charcoalgray.Justasthefoghaddoneinthesnowglobewhenhe’dpickedituptoexamineit.

“Thefogisbad,Kate.I’veneverseenitlikethis,”Jonassaid.“StayclosetoMatt.I’lltakeHannah

andAbbeybacktothehouse.”

HannahstiffenedandlookedatAbbey.Abbeysmiled.“We’llmakeithomefine,Jonas.It’sjustup

thehill.Weknowthepath.”

“I’mcomingwithyou,Abbey,sodon’targue.”Jonasturnedresolutelytowardthehouse.“Matt,ifit

feelswrongtoyou,oryouthinkKate’sinanydangeratall,getherbackhereanddon’tlethergiveyou
anynonsense.”

KatesmiledatJonas.“Inevertalknonsense.Youtakecareofmysistersbecauseifanythinghappens

tothem…”

“Iknow,I’vehearditallbefore.”Jonaswavedather,andthefogswallowedthemup,evenmuffling

thesoundoftheirfootstepsonthepath,leavingKatealonewithMatt.

Shelookedupathim.“Youdon’thavetodothis,youknow.I’mcapableofwalkingupanddownthe

streetsofSeaHaven.”

Matthewstareddownintoherbeautifulsea-greeneyes.“ButI’mnotcapableofleavingyourside

when there’s even a hint of danger near you.” He lowered his head slowly to hers, drawn as if by a
magnet,expectinghertopullaway,givingherplentyoftimetothinkaboutit.

Katewatchedhiseyeschange,godarkwithdesire,rightbeforehismouthtookpossessionofhers.It

didn’tmatterthattheairwascold,andthewindchilledthem,theirbodiesproducedaremarkableheat,
theirmouthsfusedwithfire.Hedraggedheragainsthisbody,hismusculararmsenvelopingher,holding
herasifshewerethemostpreciouspersonintheworldtohim.Hewasexquisitelyrough,yetimpossibly
gentle,voraciouslyhungry,nearlydevouringhermouth,yetsotenderhebroughttearstohereyes.Shehad
noideahowhedidit,butshewantedmore.

“You’renotgoodforme,”shewhisperedagainsthismouth.
His tongue slid along the seam of her lips, teased her tongue into another brief, but heated tango.

“I’mabsolutelyperfectforyou.”Hetuggedathercapeuntilherbodywaspressedtightlyagainsthis.“I
was born to be with you, Kate. You’re supposed to be some kind of a magical woman, filled with the
second sight, yet you don’t see what’s right in front of you. Why is that?” He didn’t give her the
opportunitytodebate,hejustkissedherlongandthoroughly.

Katefeltherinsidesmelting,turningtoawarmpuddleandsettlingsomewhereinherlowerregion

as a frustrating and unrelenting ache. Her knees actually went weak. “I can’t think straight when we’re
kissing,Matthew.”

“That’sagoodthing,Kate,becauseneithercanI,”heanswered,hislipsdriftingintothehollowof

herneckandbackuptofindherear.

Heatpulsedthroughher,butsheforcedherselftopullawayfromhim.Hewasn’tforher.Sheknew

that,andoncehefoundoutwhatshewasreallywaslike,he’dknowittoo.Shemightseemcourageous
and strong, but when it came to losing him, she knew she’d be very fragile. Starting up with Matthew
Granitewas a decidedlyridiculous thing forher to do. “Matthew,really, I haveto find this malevolent
shadowandhopefullyhelpitfindsomepeaceorgetmysisterstohelpmesealitbackup.”

Mattsilentlycurseddarkshadowsandevilentitiesandeveryotherthingthatwentbumpinthenight.

She obviously believed they had let something harmful loose on the small town of Sea Haven. He was
certainitwasapocketofgas;butifitmeantwalkingaroundtownwithheratnight,holdinghandsand
kissinghereverychancehegot,well,hell,hewasherman.Hecoulddothat.Andhewouldeventryto
keepanopenmind.

“Thenlet’sgo.”Hewrappedhisarmaroundher.“I’vegotaflashlightinmycar.Thisfogisreally

thick.”

“Wewon’tneedaflashlight,Matthew.Ihaveacoupleofglowsticks.MysisterEllemakesthem.

They work very well in the fog.” She pulled several thin tubes from the inside pocket of her cape and
handedhimone.“Justshakeit.”

“I forgot about little Elle and her chemistry set. She blew up more missiles on the beach than any

other kid at Sea Haven. Didn’t she get a full scholarship to Columbia or MIT or some other very
prestigiousschool?Oneverybravetotakeheron?”

Katelaughed,warmthspreadingthroughher.“Theywereverybrave,butfortunatelytheyturnedout

aremarkablephysicistabletodojustaboutanythingshewantstodo.Elleisageniusandutterlyfearless.
She’snotafraidtocrawlaroundincaveslookingatstrangerockformations,andshe’snotafraidoftaking
apartabombwhenshe’sneeded.Unlikeme.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”Matttightenedhisfingersaroundhers.
“My sisters do incredible things and people expect it of us, but I wouldn’t want you to think I’m

capable of climbing mountains or jumping out of planes because you’ve heard of all of their exploits.”
Shewasfeelingherwayinthefogratherthanfollowingtheglowstick.Sheliftedherfacetothedroplets
ofseamoisture,inhalingtotrytocatchthescentofsomethingfoul.“Wehavetocrossthehighway.”

Withthefogsothicktherewasvirtuallynotraffic.Mattmovedwithheracrossthecoastalhighway

andtooktheshortcutthatledtothecenteroftown.Shewassoseriousallofasudden,sodistantfrom
him,thathewasactuallybeginningtobelieveshewasonthetrailofsomethingevil.Hecouldsensethe
stillnessinher,thegatheringofenergy.

The survival instincts he’d honed during his years as a Ranger kicked in. His skin prickled as he

went onto alert status. Adrenaline surged, and his senses grew keener. He felt the need for complete
silenceandwonderedifhewasbeginningtobelieveinsupernaturalnonsense.Matteasedtheglowstick
insidehisjacketwithoutactivatingit.ThefogmuffledthesoundofKate’sfootsteps.Hewasawareofher
breathing,oftheeeriefeelofthefogitself,ofeverything.

By mutual consent they were silent as they walked along the street. He became aware of a slight

noise.Apuffing.Itwasdistantandhushed,barelyaudibleinthemurkyblanketofmist.Mattfoundhimself
strainingtolisten.Therewasarhythmtothesound,remindinghimofabulldrawingairinandoutofits
lungs hard before a charge. Breathing. Someone was breathing, and the sound was moving, changing
directionseachtimetheychangeddirections.

Mattpressedhislipstoherear.“There’ssomeoneinthefogwithus.”Hewascertainsomeonewas

watchingthem,someonequiteclose.

Katetippedherheadback.“Something,notsomeone.”
Kate turned toward the residential area. The town looked strange shrouded in the gray-white fog.

HeavilydecoratedforChristmas,themulticoloredlightsonthestoresandofficebuildings,thehousesand
trees gave off the peculiar glow of a fire in the strange vapor, giving the town a disturbing infernal
appearance rather than a festive one. Matt wished he had brought a weapon with him. He was a good
hand-to-handfighterbecausehewasabigman,strong,withquickreflexesandextensivetraining,buthe
hadnoideawhatkindofadversarytheyfaced.

Somethinghithimintheback,skittereddownhisjeans,andfelltothestreet.Mattwhirledaroundto

facetheenemyandfoundnothingbutfog.

“Whatisit?”Kateasked.Hervoicewassteady,butherhand,onthesmallofhisback,wasshaking.
Matt hunkered down to look at the object at his feet. “It’s a Christmas wreath, Kate. A damned

Christmaswreath.”Helookedaroundcarefully,tryingtopenetratethefogandseewhatwasmovinginit.
Hecouldfeelthepresencenow,real,notimagined.Hecouldhearthestrange,laboredbreathing,buthe
couldn’tfindthesource.

Ashestood,asecondobjectcamehurtlingoutofthefogtohithiminthechest.Heheardthesmash

ofglassandknewimmediatelythatthewreathhadbeendecoratedwithglassornaments.“Let’sgetoutof
here,offthestreetatleast,”hesaid.

Katewasstubborn,shakingherhead.“No,Ihavetofaceithere.”
Matt pulled Kate to him, shielding her smaller body with his own as more wreaths came flying

throughtheair,hurledwithdeadlyaccuracyatthemfromeverydirection.Hewrappedhisarmsaround
herhead,pressingherfaceagainsthischest.“It’skids,”hemuttered,brushingakissontopofherheadto
reassureher.“Alwaysplayingpranks;it’sdangerousinthisfog,nottomentiondestructive.”

Hehopeditwaskids.Ithadtobeanarmyofkids,tearingwreathsoffthedoorsofthehousesand

throwingthematpassersbyasaprank.Heheardnolaughter,notevenrunningfootsteps.Heheardnothing
buttheroughbreathing.Itseemedtocomeoutofthefogitself.Thenapeofhisneckprickledwithunease.

“Itisn’tchildrenplayingaprank,Matt.”Katesoundedclosetotears.“It’smuch,muchworse.”
“Kate.”Hestrokedacaressdownthebackofherhead.Herhairwasinsidethehoodofthecape,

buthispalmlingeredanyway.“Itisn’tthefirsttimeagroupofkidsdecidedtoplayaround,anditwon’t
bethelast.”

The Christmas wreaths lay around them in a circle, some smashed or crushed and others in

reasonablygoodshape.Kateliftedherfaceawayfromhischestandtookabreath.“Icansmellit,can’t
you?”

Matt inhaled deeply. He recognized the foul, noxious odor of the gases in the old mill. His heart

jumped.“Dammit,Kate.I’mbeginningtobelieveyou.Let’sgetthehelloutofherebeforeIdecideI’m
crazy.”

Shepulledfreeofhisarms.“Isthatwhatyouthinkaboutme?ThatI’mcrazy?”
“Ofcoursenot.Thisisalljustsodamnedodd.”
Hersea-greeneyesmovedoverhisface,alittlemoody,alittlefey.“Well,braceyourself,it’sgoing

togetdamnedodder.Staystill.”

The fog swirled around them, their faces, their feet, and bodies, spinning webs of charcoal gray

matter.Asatthecliffhouse,Mattgottheimpressionofbonyfingers,andthistimetheyweretryingtograb
atKate.Withoutthinking,hecaughtherupandstartedtorun,theurgestrongtogetherawayfromthelong
graytentacles,buttheblanketoffogwasthickaroundthem.

Kate pressed her lips to his ear. “Stop! I have to try to stop it, Matthew; it’s what I do. We can’t

outrunthefog,it’severywhere.”

“Dammit,Kate,Idon’tlikethis.”Whenshedidn’trespond,hereluctantlyputherdownandstayed

veryclosetoher,readyforaction.

She turned in the direction of her home, her face serene, thoughtful, yet determined. She radiated

beauty,aninnerfireandstrength.Shewhispered,asoft,melodicchantthatbecamepartofthenight,ofthe
air surrounding them. She wasn’t speaking English but a language he didn’t recognize. Her voice was
soothing,tranquil,asoftinvitationtoaplaceofpeaceandharmonywiththeearth.

Thefogitselfbreathedharder,inandout,aburstofairsoundinglikeapredatoryanimalwithteeth

and claws. The mist seemed to vibrate with anger, roiling and spinning and growing darker. Gray fog
whirledaroundtheChristmaswreathsatMatt’sfeet,spinningfastenoughtoliftthemintotheair.Bright
green wreaths withered and blackened as if all the life was being sucked out of them. The objects
reminded Matt of the garlands at funerals rather than the cheery decorations for a holiday, and each of
themseemedtobeaimedstraighttowardKate.

His breath caught in his throat, and his heart pounded. Kate looked small and fragile under the

onslaught of the vicious gray-black vapor. He moved, a fluid glide that took him into the path of the
blackened garlands so that they smashed into his larger frame. Kate ignored the fog and the wreaths,
concentratingonsomethinginsideofherself.Shestaredtowardthehouseonthecliffsandabruptlylifted
herarmsstraightupintotheair.Thewindrushedinfromtheoceanwithwildforce.Itcarriedthecrisp
scent of the sea, the taste and feel of the waves, and a spray of salt. It also carried voices, soft and
melodiousandveryfeminine.Thewindsweptthroughthefogbank,thevoicesswellinginstrength,Kate’s
voicejoiningtheirsuntiltheywereinperfectharmony,intotalcommand.

ThespinningChristmaswreathsdroppedtotheroad.Thefogreceded,headinginland,blanketingthe

residential homes; but the wind was persistent, shifting directions and herding the fog back toward the
ocean.Katelookedtranslucent,herskinpaleandbeadedwithmoisture,wispsofhairclingingtoherface,
but she didn’t falter. Her voice brought a sense of peace, of tranquillity, of something beautiful and

satisfying.ItfilledMattwithlongingforahomeandafamilyofhisown.Itfilledhimwithadeepsenseof
prideandrespectforKateDrake.

Hewatchedthefogreluctantlyretreatuntilitwasfaroutovertheocean,dissipatedbytheforceof

thewind.Therewasasilenceleftbehindinthevacuumofthetempest.Katedroppedherarmsasifthey
wereleaden.Shestaggered.Heleapedforwardtocatchherbeforeshecollapsed,swingingherintohis
armsandcradlingheragainsthischest.

“It’sgrowinginstrength.Icouldn’thavesentitawayifmysistershadn’thelped.”Katelookedupat

himwithfrightenedeyes.

Mattkissedher.Itwastheonlythinghecouldthinktodo.Sheseemedweightlessinhisarms.He

kissedhereyesandthetipofhernoseandsettledhismouth,feather-lightoverhers.“It’sallrightnow,
Kate.Rest.Yousentitaway.Tellmewhatyouneed.”Hecouldseethateverydropofherstrengthhad
beenusedupinfightingtheunseenenemyinthefog.She’dmadeabelieveroutofhim.Hewasamanof
action, having spent several years in the service training to protect his countrymen, yet there had been
nothinghecoulddotostoptheevilshadowinthemist.“Whatisit?”

Sherubbedherfacetiredlyagainsthisjacket.“Idon’tknow,Matthew,Ihonestlydon’tknow.”
“Howdidyouknowwhattosaytoit?Whatlanguageitwouldunderstand?”
“I didn’t know. I was using a healing chant my family has passed down from generation to

generation.Iwasattemptingtohealitsspirit.”

Hestaredather,tryingnottolookshocked.Thedarkshadowseemedbeyondanysortofredemption

tohim,somethingdarkanddangerous,lookingforachancetostrikeoutatanythingoranyonearoundit.

Katelookedatthewreathsstrewnallovertheroad.“Strangethathewouldchoosetoattackuswith

thewreaths.”

“Strangethatitcouldusethematall.Doyouthinkit’sahe?”
Sheshrugged.“Itfeltmaletome.”
Theadrenalinewasbeginningtosubside,buthecontinuedtoeyethecliffswarily.“I’mnevergoing

tolookatfogagaininthesameway.”

“Awreathisacontinuouscircle,Matthew,anditsymbolizesreallove,unconditional,trueaffection

thatneverceases.”Hervoicewasthoughtful.

“Ididn’tfeelloveflowingoutofthefog,”heanswered.Hebeganwalkingbackinthedirectionof

herhouse,Kateinhisarms.

“ButhetoretheChristmaswreathsoffeverydooronthestreetandthrewthem.”
“Atus,”hesaidgrimly.“I’musedtolookingmyenemyintheeye,Katie,fightinghimwithweapons

ormybarehands.Icouldn’texactlygrabthefogandthrottleit,althoughIwantedto.”

“Putmedown,Matthew,I’mtooheavyforyoutocarryallthatway.”
“IwasaRangerfortenyears,Katie,IthinkIcanpackyourweightwithnoproblem.”
Shewasn’tgoingtoargue,shewasjusttoodrained.“Tenyears.That’sright,youjoinedrightoutof

college. I’ve been wandering around so much, and I knew you didn’t live here, but your family always
madeitseemasifyouwerehere.”

“Ispentmyleavehere,everychanceIcould.IpickedupmylifehereagainimmediatelyafterIgot

outoftheservicebecausethefamilybusinesswaswaitingforme.Myfatherandbrotherskeptmeapart
ofit,eventhoughtheydidallthework.”

“WhydidyoujointheRangers,Matthew?AssoonasIheard,Iresearchedwhattheywereallabout.

It was very—” she hesitated, searching for the right word—“intense. And frightening. Why would you
wanttodosomethinglikethat?”

“I’vealwaysneededtopushmyselftofindoutmylimits.AndIbelieveinmycountry,soitseemeda

perfectfitforme.TheRangersembodyeverythingIbelievein.Movefartherandfasterandfightharder
thananyothersoldier.Neversurrender,neverleaveafallencomrade,surviveandcarryoutthemission

underanyconditions.”

Katesighedheavilyandturnedherfaceintohisshoulder,hidingherexpressionfromhim.Something

aboutthatsighgaveMattasickfeelinginthepitofhisstomach.Hewantedtoaskheraboutit,butbythe
timehereachedthepathleadingtothehouse,Katewasasleep.

Chapter

Atowndreamsofsweetthoughtswhilenestledinbed,

Untilnightmaresofmebegintodanceintheirheads.

“K

ATE.

ATIE.

AKE UP, HON.”

HE SOFT VOICE

beckonedKatefromlayersofsleep.“Youneedtoeatnow,wake

up.”

Kateopenedhereyesandstretched,blinkingdrowsilyupathersister.“Sarah.Whatareyoudoing

here?”Shepushedattheheavyfallofhairtumblingaroundherface.Shealwaysbraidedherhairbefore
she went to bed, yet it was everywhere. She turned her head and went still. Matthew Granite was
sprawledinachairbesideherbed,hissilvergazetrainedintentlyonherface.Herstomachdidafunny
littleflip.

A slow smile softened his tough features, lit his gray eyes, and stole her heart. “You’re finally

awake.Iwasgettingworried.”

“You slept in the chair?” Kate couldn’t imagine his large body finding a relaxing position in her

bedroomchair.

“Well,Ididwanttoshareyourbed,butIwasworriedaboutyoursistersgivingmetheevileye.”

Hissmilewidenedintoateasinggrin.“Jonasslunkoutofhereacoupleofhoursagoafraideventodrink
acupofcoffee.Hewarnedmeoneofyoumightslipaneyeofnewtintomycoffee,soIthoughtitbestto
stayineveryone’sgoodgraces.”

“Youlikecoffeethatmuch,doyou?Enoughtostayinourgoodgraces?”Shecouldn’tstoplookingat

him.Therewasablue-blackshadowalonghisjaw,andhisclotheswererumpled,butitdidn’tmakehim
anylessattractivetoher.“JustsoI’mnottheoneslippingtheeyeofnewttoyou,whyareyousleepingin
myroom?”SheglaredatSarahratherthanatMatt.

Sarahheldherhandsup,palmout.“Wealltriedtogethimtoleavelastnight,Kate,buthewouldn’t

go.Granitemightbehislastname,butit’salsowhathe’smadeof.Noonecouldbudgehim.Jonastried
scaringhimoff,butthatdidn’tworkeither.”

Katetriednottobepleased.ShetriedtofrownatMatt,topretenddispleasure,buttherewasnoway

she could carry it off, so she gave up. He just winked at her anyway, looking sexier than ever with the
darkstubbleshadowinghisjaw.

Sarahsatontheedgeofthebed.“Ihateinterrupting,butyouhavetoeat.Youexpendedfartoomuch

energylastnight.EvenJoleycalledandwasfeelingdrained.”Shewavedahandtowardthedrapes,and,
toMatt’sastonishment,thecurtainslidopentoallowthemorninglighttopourin.“Iknowyoudon’tfeel
hungry,youneverdoafterward,butyouhavetoeatforallofus.”

NeitherKatenorSarahseemedtothinkanythingwasunusual.Mattblinkedseveraltimestotesthis

eyesight.

“How’sHannah?”Katesatup,thankfulshewasstillwearingherclothes.Mattandhersistersmust

haveremovedhercapeandhershoesandsocksbeforeputtingherinherbed,butatleastshewassafely
cladinherslacksandblouse.“Icouldn’tbelievewithallofusworkingonher,shestillhadanattack.
That’sthefirsttimeIcanrememberthatourjoiningtogetherfailedher.”

SarahglancedatMattandhesitated.Heraisedhishands.“IfyouneedtobealonewithKate,I’llgo

on down to the kitchen and see what kind of trouble I can get into.” He stretched out his hand to Kate,
restingitpalmdownonthebed.

“It’sjustthatHannahissuchaprivateperson,Matthew.”Kateplacedherhandoverhis.“Shewas

embarrassedthatithappenedinfrontofyouandJonas.EspeciallyJonas.”

“It?Youmeanherasthmaattack?”Heturnedhishandtocircleherswithhisfingers,knowingshe

wastrustinghimwithsomethingprivate.“Itwasanasthmaattack,wasn’tit?”

“Notexactly.”Katesighed.“IwishJonaswouldletuponheralittlebit.”
“Sheseemstobeabletodishitrightbacktohim.”Mattleanedovertobrushstrandsofhairfrom

herface.“Idon’tquitegetyourrelationshipwithJonas,butIservedwithhimintheRangers.Jonas,me,
andJacksonDeveau.Jonasisagoodman.”

“JacksonDeveauisthedeputywhoscaresthehelloutofeveryone,”SarahinformedKatewhenshe

frowned.“Youmusthaveseenhimafewtimes.Hedoesn’teversaymuch,buthelookslethal.Hecameto
SeaHavenwithJonaswhenhereturnedfromtheArmy.”

“Jackson’sagoodmantoo,”Mattsaid.
Katehadn’tmetthedeputybecauseshehadn’tbeenbacklong,andshetendedtowrapherselfupin

thecocoonofherownworld.“ItakeitJacksonisn’tfromhereoriginally.”

“No, but he often came to Sea Haven on leave with us. He had no family and nowhere else to go

whenhelefttheservice,soweaskedhimtocomebackwithus.Thistownisfriendlyandtolerant,and
Jackson needs tolerance. He’s family to us. As for Jonas, you have to understand him. I saw him go in
underheavyfiretodragawoundedmanoutofabattlezone.Hecarriedthatmanformilesonhisback.
AndJackson…”Hebrokeoff,shakinghishead.“IknowJonaswatchesoveryouall.”

“Likeahawk,”Sarahinterjecteddryly.
Mattshrugged.“Maybeit’sbecausehereallycaresaboutallofyou.”
“Don’tworryaboutourrelationshipwithJonas,”Katesaid.“Wealllovehimdearly,evenwhenwe

wanttoconjureupaspelltoturnhimintoatoad.”

Mattclearedhisthroat,rubbedthebridgeofhisnose,andsatbackinhischair.“Canyoureallydo

that?”

Kate exchanged a mischievous grin with Sarah. “You never know about the Drake sisters. Really,

Matthew, Jonas is intertwined deeply with our family. He always seems to know when something is
wrong.He’ssensitivetothingsnotseenwiththehumaneye.”

SarahleanedtowardMatt.“Youfeltitlastnight,didn’tyou,whenyouwereinthefogwithKate,

andwejoinedwithher?Youknewsomethingwaswrong.”

Matt sighed. “I don’t know what happened last night, but I sure as hell don’t want Kate facing

anything like that again.” His gray eyes smoldered with something dangerous as he looked at Kate. “I
didn’tlikethewaythefogseemedtobeattackingyou.”

Sarahgasped.“Whatdoyoumeanattackingher?”
“Nothing came at me,” Kate denied hastily. “Really, Sarah, it was just throwing Christmas

decorationsaroundandMatthewwasactuallyhitafewtimes.Iwasnevertouched.”

SarahlookedatMattsteadily.“WhydidyouthinkitwasafterKate?”
“Isteppedinfrontofhertoprotecther.Thewreathswerethrown,butnotveryhardinthebeginning,

yet when Katie began to talk to it, whatever it is, the Christmas wreaths were thrown much more
forcefullyandwithgreateraccuracy.”

“Wereyouhurt?”Katelookedsuddenlyanxious,cominguponherkneesonthebedtolookathim.

“Libby’sthebestathealing,butSarah….”

“I’mfine,”Mattsaid,butwishedhedidn’thavetoadmitit.Shelookedincrediblybeautifulleaning

towardhimwithherhairtousledandhereyesenormouswithconcernforhim.

“Kate—”Abbeystuckherheadintheroom—“Ginaoveratthepreschoolsayssomething’swrong,

andsheneedsyou.Icouldhearthechildrencryinginthebackground.Itoldheryouweren’twell,butshe
saiditwasanemergency.Shesaidsheneededyourhelp.I’llgoifIabsolutelyhavetogo.”

Abbey was clearly apprehensive about going in Kate’s place. Matt looked at Sarah. “What does

Katehavetodowiththepreschool?”

“Haven’tyounoticedKatehasagiftforcalmingpeoplewithhervoice?She’sabletobringpeaceto

eventhemostdistressedpersonorsituation,”Sarahanswered.

“Isthatwhatyourlivesarelike?Peopleneedyou,anditdoesn’tmatterifyou’retiredornot,you

justgotothem.”

“Wewerebornwithcertaingifts,Matt,”Katesaid.“We’vealwaysknownweweremeanttoserve

others.Yes,itisn’talwayseasy,andallofushavetohavewaysofprotectingourselvesbutwhenwecan
help,wehavetogo.”

“Howdotheyknowtocallyou?”
Sarah smiled. “You were older than us, Matthew, ahead of us in school, so you really weren’t

aroundwhenourtalentsbegantodevelop.I’msureyou’veheardtherumors,butyoudidn’twitnesswhat
wecoulddothewayotherpeopleintowndid.Jonashasalwaysconnectedwithusinsomeway,soit
waseasyenoughforhimtobelieve.”

“Kate?”Abbeyprompted.
“I’llgo.Givemeafewminutestoshowerandhaveacupoftea.”
Matt followed her to the bathroom door. “I don’t like this, Kate. You look fragile to me. I think

Sarah’sright.Youneedtostayhome.”

Sarah’seyebrowshotup.“DidIsaythat?”
KaterubbedacaressalongMatt’sstubblyjawrightinfrontofhersisters,thenclosedthebathroom

door on his startled expression. When he turned around, Sarah and Abbey were grinning at him. “She
doesn’tlisten,doesshe?”heasked.

“Not very well,” Sarah agreed. “Kate may be quiet about it, but she goes her own way and does

whatshethinksisright.”

“DoyouhaveanotherbathroomsoIcancleanupreallyfast?”
Sarahgrinnedathim.“Ievenhaveanextratoothbrush.You’vegotthatlookinyoureyewhenyou

lookather.”

Hefollowedherdownthehall.“Whatlook?”
“Youlookatherlikeyoucan’twaittokissher,”Sarahsaid.“Atoothbrushisdefinitelyinorder.”
“DoesshehavesomethingagainsttheRangers?”Mattasked,rememberingthesmallsighfromthe

nightbefore.Ithadhauntedhimmostofthenight.

Sarahpushedopenadoortoapowderbluebathroom.“Ofcoursenot.Whywouldyouthinkthat?”
“No reason. Thanks, Sarah.” Matt didn’t want to think about that strange little sigh of Kate’s. She

wasn’tthetypeofwomantoreactthatwayunlessshehadareason.He’daskheraboutitlater.Hehurried
throughhisshowerwantingtogetbacktoher.

Kate was still in the bathroom when he returned to her room. He rested his palm on the door, the

exactlevelasherhead.“Comeoutofthere,Katie,you’rebeautifulenoughwithoutworkingatit.”

From behind the door she laughed. “How do you know? You took a terrible chance staying. You

couldhavewokenupandmymaskcouldhaveslippedoffinthemiddleofthenight.”

“Ididn’tgotosleep.Iwatchedoveryou.”

Therewasasmallshockedsilence.Katejerkedthedooropenandstaredupathim.“Youmustbe

exhausted.Gohomeandgotobed.”

“I’drathergowithyou.”Hereachedoutandpulledhertohim.Herbodyfitperfectlyagainsthis,as

ifmadetobethere.

“Matthew.”TherewashesitationinKate’svoice.
Hekissedher.Hedidn’twanthertovoiceherreservations.Kissingherwasamuchbetterandfar

moreenjoyableidea.Itwasmagic,iftherewassuchathing,andhewasbeginningtobelievetherewas.
He meant for it to be a brief, good morning kiss, a gentle shut-up-and-just-kiss-me kiss, but she caught
fire,orhedid,andtheybothjustwentupinflames.Hewantedmorethantokissher,hewantedtotouch
her,toclaimhersoftbody,tofeelhermovingbeneathhim,herhandsclinging…

“Stop!”
Matt and Kate drew apart, their hearts racing, and blinked at each other, then looked around in

surprisetoseeSarah,Hannah,andAbbeyinthedoorwayglaringatthem.

“Kate,”Sarahsaid,takingadeepbreath.“Youknowwe’reallconnectedinsomeway.Youcan’tbe

insuchcloseproximitytousandcarryonlikethat.We’reallinoverdrive,thankyouverymuch.”

Unrepentant,MattgrinnedatthemashepulledKatetightagainsthim.“Sorryaboutthat.We’reoffto

see some preschoolers.” Kate hid her face in his shoulder, trying not to laugh. He did the gentlemanly
thingandgotheroutoftherequickly,wavingatDamon,Sarah’sfiancé,astheyhurriedpasthim.

“Themanshouldthankus,”hewhispered,andpretendedtowincewhenKatesmackedhisarm.
Kate stared out the window of the Mustang at the white-capped ocean as they drove along the

highway toward the exit to the street where the preschool was located. “The fogbank is very thick out
overtheocean,”shesaid,anoteofapprehensioninhervoice.“Seehowdarkitis,moregraythanwhite,
anditseemstobechurning.”SheturnedhergazeonMatt.“Ishouldhavebeenmorecareful.Somewhere
inthediariestherehastobesomethingaboutthisstrangephenomenon.”

“Whatdiaries?You’vementionedthediariesbefore.Howcantheyhelp?”
“Myfamilykeepsahistory,bookshandeddowngenerationtogeneration.Somewherethiseventhad

toberecorded.Theproblemis,allofusweresupposedtolearntheearlierlanguagesused,butwegave
it a halfhearted attempt. All of us know a little, but Elle really can read it. We have to decipher the
books.”

Mattturnedthecarontotheexit.“Youthinkthisthingiscomingback.”
“Iknowitis.Can’tyoufeelitonthewind?”
He could only feel how close he was to her. How just out of his reach she always seemed to be.

Mattparkedthecarinthelotatthepreschool,andtheysatforamoment,absorbingtheunnaturalsilence.
Therewerenochildrenplayinginthesmallyard.

Katesquaredhershoulders.“Doyouwanttowaitouthere?”
Forananswer,hegotoutofthecarandwentaroundtoopenherdoor.Hewasn’tabouttomisshis

opportunitytoseemoreclearlywhatKate’slifewasallabout.

Gina Farley greeted them with obvious relief as they entered. Many of the children were sobbing

andsnifflingasifthey’dbeencryingalongtime.SomeofthechildrenstaredsilentlyatKateandMatt
withlarge,frightenedeyes.Othershidtheirfaces.Intheroomwereseveraladults,manyofwhomMatt
recognizedandnoddedto.

There was tension and fear in the room, but Kate smiled at everyone and went directly to the

children.“Hello,everyone.I’mKateDrake.”Shesatdowninthecircleandlookedatthelittleonesin
invitation.

Matt stood back and watched her. She looked utterly serene, a center of calm in the midst of a

violentstorm.Immediatelythechildrenweredrawntoher,pushingandshovingtositasclosetoheras
theycouldget.Shebegantalkingtothem,andahushfellovertheroomsothatonlyKate’smagicalvoice

couldbeheard,bringingasenseofpeaceandcontentment.

“So most of you had a bad dream last night?” Kate’s smile was a starburst, radiating light and

warmth.“Dreamscanbeveryfrightening.Allofushavehadthem.Haley,wouldyoutellusaboutyour
dream?”Sheaskedthelittlegirlwhohadbeensobbingthehardest.“Dreamsarelikestorieswemakeup
inourimaginations.Imakeupstoriesandwritethemdownforpeopletoread.Mystoriescanbevery
frighteningsometimes.Wasyourdreamscary,Haley?”

Itwasn’tsomuchheractualwordsthatweremagicasitwashervoice.ItbecameapparenttoMatt

thatsomehowKatedrewtheintensityofthechildren’semotionsoutofthem.Astheroomgrewcalm,and
thechildrenquieter,thetensiondroppeddramatically.ItwasonlyMattwhocouldseetheeffectonKate.
How draining it was to accept the backlash of emotion not only from the children but their parents as
well.

Haleyrevealedherdreaminhaltingsentences.Askeleton-likemaninalongcoatandoldhatwith

glowingeyesandbonyfingerscameoutofthefog.HeburnedtheChristmastreeandstolethegifts,andhe
didsomethingawfultotheshepherdintheChristmaspageant.Mattstoodupstraightwhentheshepherd
wasmentioned.Hisbrother,Danny,alwaysplayedtheshepherdintheChristmaspageant.Hisalarmgrew
aschildafterchildrevealedthey’dhadasimilardream.

Katedidn’tseemtheleastbitalarmed.Hersmileneverwavered,andhervoicecontinuedtodispel

the trauma the nightmares had caused. She told several Christmas stories and soon had the children
laughing. As she stood up to leave, Matt saw her sway with weariness. Without a word, Matt waded
throughthechildrenandslippedhisarmaroundher.Sheleanedheavilyintohimastheyspentthenextten
minutestryingtoleavegracefully.

“You look a bit on the fierce and forbidding side,” she said once they were back in the car. “I’ve

neverquiteseenthatexpressionbefore.”

“Iwascontemplatingpickingyouupandcartingyououtofthere.”
Kate laughed softly. “That would have given everyone something to talk about, wouldn’t it?” She

pressedherfingerstohertemples.“Whereareyoutakingme?”

“TotheSaltBarandGrill.Youneedtoeat.Danny’sbeendatingthewaitressthere,TrudyGarret,so

we’vespentquiteabitoftimesamplingthefood.It’snotbad.”Heglancedatherandnotedthatherhands
were shaking. “You were using some sort of magic, weren’t you? With your voice, and it drained your
strength.”

“There’s always a cost to everything, Matthew.” She shrugged without looking at him, closing her

eyesandleaningbackagainsttheleatherseat.“I’mnotcertainI’llbeabletoeat,butI’lltry.”

“You’realreadytoothin,Katie.”
Shelaughed.“Awomancanneverbetoothin,Matthew,don’tyouknowthat?”
“That’s what women like to think, but men think differently.” He parked the car. “I don’t mind

carryingyou.”

Sheopenedhereyesthen.“Don’tyouhaveworktodo?”
“I am working. I’m courting you the old-fashioned way. Showing you what a great guy I am and

impressingyou.”HeopenedthecardoorforKateandhelpedherout,happytoseeherlaughing.Someof
theshadowshaddisappearedfromhereyes.

“Youthinkyou’reimpressingme?”
“IknowI’mimpressingyou.”
“Only when you kiss me. I’m really impressed when you kiss me,” she admitted, deliberately

temptinghim.Sheneededthecomfortofhisarmsmorethansheneededanythingelse.

Matt didn’t need a second invitation. He pulled Kate’s slender body into the shelter of his and

lowered his mouth to hers. He brushed her lips gently, back and forth, giving her teasing little kisses
meant to prolong the moment. Then his mouth settled over hers, and he kissed her hungrily, like a man

starvingformore.

Kate’sslenderarmscircledhisneck,andherbodypressedtightlyagainsthis.Heknewshecouldn’t

helpbutfeelhisbody’sstarkreactiontoher,butshedidn’tseemtomind,burrowingevenclosertohimso
thathefeltthewarmthofherbreastsandthecradleofherhipsbeckoningwithheat.

Tendrilsoffogfloatedinfromthesea,ghostlygraystrandsdriftingpastthemastheystoodtogether

on the steps of the restaurant. Kate stiffened, her fingers gripping Matt’s shoulders. “Did you hear the
weatherreport?Didtheysaytherewouldbefog?”

Matt scowled at the mist floating lazily into the parking lot. “We get fog all the time here in Sea

Haven,Kate.”Butitdidn’tmakethehaironhisarmsriseorhisreflexesleapintosurvivormodeasithad
thenightbefore.“Idon’tsmellthatnoxiousodor,doyou?”

She shook her head. “But the sun should have burned this fog off. The sky isn’t that overcast,

Matthew.”

“Let’sgoinside.”Heheldthedooropenforhertoprecedehim.Atoncetheycouldhearthewailing

ofachildinterror.Thetensionintherestaurantwastangible.

“Oh, Kate! I’m so glad you’re here.” Trudy Garret beckoned to them from behind the counter, her

expressionanxious.Shewastallandprettyevenwiththeapronshewaswearing.Heryouthfulfacewas
linedwithworry.

DannyGranitestoodbehindher,hisarmwrappedaroundher.Helookedrelievedtoseethem.There

wereafewpeopleintheSaltBarandGrill,buttheywereobviouslytenseandupsetoverthecontinual
unrestrainedsobscomingfromsomewhereintheback.

“Danny,whyaren’tyouatwork?”Mattasked.“Iseverythingallrightathome?”
“Trudy’ssonhadabadnightmarelastnight.Shecan’tseemtocalmhimdown,soIofferedtocome

overandseewhatIcoulddoforhim.He’sonlyfouryearsold,acutelittletyke,andIcouldhearhim
cryingwhenIcalledher.Icouldn’tstandit.”

“We haven’t been able to calm him down,” Trudy said. She was wringing her hands and looking

imploringlyatKate.“I’msogladyoucamein.Wouldyoutalktohim,Kate?Please?”

Thecookstuckhisheadoutofthekitchen.“Kate,thankheavenyou’rehere!”
Afewofthelocalpatronsbrokeintoapplause.
MattlookedatKate.Herfacewaspale,hereyestoobigforherface,andtherewereshadowsunder

hereyes.Hestirredprotectivelybutdidn’tspeakwhenKateputalight,restraininghandonhisforearm.
ShesmiledatTrudy.“Ofcourse,I’llbehappytotalktohim,Trudy.Heisn’talone,manyofthechildrenat
thepreschoolhadnightmareslastnight.”

Matt slid his hand down her arm, circling her wrist with his fingers. Her pulse was very fast, her

skincool.“WhileKatetalkstoyourson,Trudy,maybeyoucanheatabowlofsoupforher.”

“Ofcourse,behappyto,”Trudysaid.“Rightthisway,Kate,he’sintheback.”
MattfollowedKatebehindthecountertothebackroom.Thewailsgrewlouderastheyapproached

thesmallroom.Kateopenedthedoor.Mattwincedatthehigh-pitchedshrieks,buthesteppedinsidewith
her. It was the same scenario as at the preschool. Little Davy Garret sat in Kate’s lap, telling her the
detailsofaskeletoninalongcoatandoldhatinbetweengulpingandtears,finallylisteningtothesound
of her magical voice. Kate replaced the boy’s memory of the terrifying nightmare with several funny
Christmasstories.Sherockedhimwhileshetalked,usinghertalent,hergift,tobringhimpeace,tosoothe
him,andmakehimfeelthathisworldwasrightagain.

AfterKate spent twentyminutes sitting onthe floor with theboy, Matt reacheddown and took the

childfromherarmsandsethimasidetoplayhappilywithhistoys.“Dannycantakeover,Kate.Comeeat
thesoup,thenI’lltakeyouhome.You’reexhausted.”Hepulledhergentlytoherfeet.

Kate nodded. “I am tired. I wish I knew what was going on, though. I’ve never seen anything like

this.Howcouldallthesechildrenhavethesamedream?Atthepreschool,atfirstIthoughtmaybeHaley

told her dream to the others, and they all became upset because she was; but the parents said, no, the
childrenhadwokenupthatway.AndDavycertainlydidn’thavecontactwithanyofthem.Idon’tlikeitat
all.” She slipped into a booth near the window and peered out. “The fog seems to be rolling in again,
Matthew.”Shecouldn’tkeeptheapprehensionshefeltoutofhervoice.

“Inoticed,”hesaidgrimly.Thebright,blinkingChristmaslightsandcheerfulmusiccouldn’tquite

dispelthetensionintheair.“Tellmemoreaboutthediaries.”

Kate sipped at the hot tea Trudy brought her and stared out the window, avoiding his gaze. “Each

generationinourfamilyrecordsouractivitiesinjournals,ordiariesaswesometimescallthem.They’re
consideredthehistoryoftheDrakefamily.Theearlierjournalswererecordedusingalanguageorcode
ofsymbolsliketheoneswesawinthemill.Icouldreadpartofwhatwaswrittenontheseal.Someonein
my family sealed that malevolent force in there. If it was that dangerous that they decided to seal it
withoutlayingittorest,itwasbecausetheycouldn’tgiveitpeace.Andthat’sveryfrightening.”

“AndElle’stheonlyonewhocanreadthelanguage?”
“Sarahknowsalittle,justasIdo.Theothershavesomeworkingknowledgeaswell,butthere’sa

lotofhistorytogothroughwhenyoudon’thaveagoodunderstandingofthelanguage.WeneedElle,but
I’mcertainSarahandtheotherswillkeeptryingtofindtheproperentryandhopefullydecipherit.”

ThewindwhirledthroughtheroomasthedoortotherestaurantwasthrustopenandJonasstrodein,

coming directly to them, his face etched with deep lines. Without asking, he slid into the booth beside
Kate.“It’sJackson,Kate.I’veneverseenhimlikethis.Ineedyoutocomeandtalktohim.”

AchillwentdownMatt’sspine.“What’swrongwithhim?”
At Matt’s tone, Kate looked up quickly and caught an expression passing between the two men.

“Whatisit?Whyareyoubothsoworried?”

Therewasasmall,uncomfortablesilence.“YouknowhowyousaidHannahwasaprivateperson

andwouldn’twantpeopletofindoutwhathappenedtheothernight?Jacksonisthesameway,”Mattsaid.

Jonassatupstraight.“Whatdoesn’tHannahwanttalkedabout?”
“We’retalkingaboutJackson,”Kateremindedhim.“What’swrongwithhim,andwhyareyouboth

soworried?”

Thetwomenexchangedanotherlonglook.Jonassighedandshruggedinresignation.“Ineedyour

helporIwouldn’tbetellingyouthis,Kate.Iexpectyoutokeepitconfidential.”

Shenoddedbecausehehadactuallywaitedforheranswer.
“Jacksonis—was—isaspecialistfortheRangers.”
Therewasanothersilence.Katewatchedtheireyes.Theylookedgrave,morethanalittleworried.

Whenneitherwasmoreforthcomingshetookaguess.“He’strainedinthingsIdon’twanttoknowabout,
and you don’t want to talk about. Right now he’s in a bad way and both of you are concerned for his
mentalwell-being.Andwhatdoyoumeanbyis—was—is?”

“Thataboutsumsitup,Kate.Let’sgo,”Jonassaid.
“Once a Ranger always a Ranger,” Matt added. “And she needs to eat her soup. Give her a few

minutes.”

“Do you have any idea what’s going on, Kate?” Jonas asked. “Your sisters are all upset, and

whateverhappenedlastnighttoyouandMattsoundsbizarre.Youweresodrained,evenIcouldfeelit.”

Sheshookherhead.“Mysistersarestilllookingintheoldfamilydiariesforanexplanation,butI

don’thaveanyanswers,Jonas.IwishIdid.”

Chapter

Thetime,itwasright,forapresentortwo,

Andthefogonthesandholdsasecret,aclue.

ACKSON

EVEAU PACED BACK AND FORTH IN

complete silence. That was the first thing Kate noticed, how very

silenthewas.Hisclothesdidn’trustle,andthesolesofhisshoesdidn’tmakeanynoise.Hiseyeswereas
coldasice,asbleakandasdeadasshehadeverseeninahumanbeing.Shesatdownintheonegood
armchairandtriedtorepressashiver.Ifthemanhadanygentlenessinhim,shecouldn’tdetectit.

“I told you I didn’t need a damned psychiatrist, Jonas,” Jackson snapped, without looking at her.

“Get her out of here. You think I want anyone to see me like this?” Sweat beaded on his forehead,
dampenedhisdark,unrulyhair.

“I’mnotapsychiatrist,Mr.Deveau,”Katesaid.“I’msimplyafriendofbothJonasandMatthew.I

haveagift,andtheythoughtitmighthelpyouinsomeway.Neithermeanttoupsetyou.”

“StopgrowlinglikeaNeanderthal,Jackson,andlethertalk,”Matthewsaid.“You’dthinkyoudidn’t

haveacivilizedboneinyourbody.”

“Howstrangethatyouwouldchoosethatparticulardescriptionwhenmysisterssaidthesamething

aboutyou,Matthew,”Katereplied.“Didyouhaveaparticularlydisturbingdream,Mr.Deveau?”

Jacksonwhirledaroundandstalkedtowardherfromacrosstheroom,hisbodymovinglikealarge

predatorycat’s.“What’dtheytellyouaboutme?ThatI’mcrazy?ThatIhavenightmaresandcan’tsleep?
Whatthehelldoyouwantmetosay?”

KatenotedbothJonasandMattwereclosetoher,readytodefendherifnecessary.Inspiteofthe

shiver of fear, she calmly looked up at the deputy. “They didn’t say anything. They’ve told me next to
nothingaboutyou.Mostofthechildrenintownseemtohavehadacollectivenightmare.Sofar,noneof
the adults have admitted to it, but everywhere we’ve been today, there’s unexpected tension. I thought
maybeyouwouldbeabletotellmeaboutit.I’mgettinggarbledaccountsfromthechildren,andsofarno
adulthasbeencourageousenoughtoadmittheyhadthedreamtoo.”

Jacksonrakedbothhandsthroughhisdarkhair,themusclesripplingunderhisthin,tightteeshirt.He

lookedfromJonastoMatthewasifexpectingatrap.“Kidshavebeenhavingnightmares?”

Katenodded.“Lastnight,afterthefogrolledin,somethingbizarrehappened.Thismorning,children

from all over town were distressed and in tears, some traumatized by a dream they all seem to have
shared.”

“About what?” For the first time since she’d entered the room, Jackson sat down, his hands still

grippinghisheadasifhehadaviolentheadache.

“Theydescribedaskeletonmaninalongcoatandoldhat.”
Jacksonhesitated,clearlyreluctanttodiscusshisproblemwithher.HelookedfromJonastoMatt

andfinallycapitulated.“Thecoatandhatwereold-fashioned,aheavywool,maybe.Therewasnoreal
face,justwhite-graybones.Therewasawomanandababyandashepherd,oratleastsomeonewitha
shepherd’sstaff.”Hescrubbedhishandoverhisface.“Igoafterrealpeople,realthreats,butthisthing,
thiswasfromaplaceIcan’tgetto,andIsensethateveryoneisindanger.”HelookedatKate.“Morethan
theactualdream,itwasthefeelingthedreamleftmewiththat’sdisturbing.Thedangerwasreal.Iknow
itsoundscrazy,butdammit,itwasreal!”

Mattstiffened.JacksonDeveauhadneverfearedverymuch,certainlynothisownmortality,yethe

wasdeeplyshakenbythenightmare.

“Thenyoufeltittoo.Thatthethreatisreal,”Katesaid,leaningtowardJackson.
Jacksondrewback.MatthadforgottentotellKatethedeputydidn’tlikephysicalcontact.“Iknowit

is.”HelookedatJonasandMatt.“YoutwoprobablythinkI’vefinallygonearoundthebend,butIswear,
whateverthatthingwasinmydream,he’slookingforawaytowalkamongus.”

“Heusesthefog,”Kateexplained.HewasnochildtobesoothedwithChristmasstoriesandloving

smiles.Hewasagrownman,awarrior,andwhatheneededwasthenakedtruth.Itwastheonlythinghe
would accept. He needed facts to assure him he was not losing his mind. “Whatever he or it is, he’s
growingstronger.Ithinktheearthquakecrackedaseallockinghimdeepintheearth,andhemanagedto
escape.MatthewandIfoundabrokenlidinthebasementoftheoldmill.Somethingcameoutofacrack
intheformofanoxiousvapor.I’vesmelledthesameodorinthefog.”ShemetJackson’sgazesteadily.
“Ifyou’relosingyourmind,soamI.SoisMatthew.AndsoareallthechildrenofSeaHaven.”

Matthew heard it then, that magical note that brought absolute peace to a troubled mind. He had

become attuned to it, aware of the surge of energy in the room, going from Kate to the person she was
speakingwith.Hewasalsoawareofherabsorbingthenegativeenergy,takingitinandholdingitaway
fromitsvictim.

“That’sarelief.IthoughtthistimeIwasreallylosingmymind.Ihavenightmares,andIcandeal

withthem,butthiswassomethingoutofahorrorfilm.”Jacksonshookhishead.“I’mnotgoingintoan
institution.”

“You’re the only one who ever thinks that way,” Jonas said quietly. “So do your sisters have any

ideas, Kate? This is more your field than ours.” He nodded toward the other two Rangers. “We can be
yoursoldiers,butyou’regoingtohavetogiveusadirection.”

Kate leaned back in the chair, fatigue in every line of her body. “We’re working on it. Abbey and

SarahandDamonweregoingthroughthediariesthismorning.We’llfindthereferenceandatleasthavea
startingpoint.”

“Inoticeyoudidn’tmentionHannah,”Jonasobserved.Therewasachallengeinhisvoice.“Isshe

ill?Isthatwhat’swrongwithher?”WhenKatedidn’tanswer,Jonasswore.“Dammit,Kate,ifshe’sill,
youoweittometotellme.Something’swrongwithher.”

“Something’s always been wrong with her, Jonas, you just never noticed before.” Kate folded her

arms.

“I’mnotgoingtobebulliedintotellingyousomethingthatisHannah’sprivatebusiness.Askher.”
Jonassworeagainandstormedout.Katerolledhereyes.“Histemperhasn’timprovedmuchwith

age.”

“Comeon,Kate,I’mtakingyoutodinneratmyhouse.I’magreatcook.”Mattreacheddownand

drewherupfromthechair.“Ithinkit’stheonlysanctuarylefttous.”

“Ishouldgohomeandhelptheothers.”
Jacksonstooduptoo.“Youmademefeelbetter.Howdidyoudoit?”
Katesmiledathimandofferedherhand.“Itwasapleasurefinallytomeetyou,Mr.Deveau.Jonas

andMatthewspeaksohighlyofyou.”

Hehesitatedbuttookherhand.“PleasecallmeJackson.”

Katefeltthejoltofhisheavyburdengoupherarm.Itwasdifficulttomaintainhersmilewhenshe

feltthebroodingdarknessintheman.Shewasn’tLibby.Shecouldn’thealthesick,andinanycase,she
didn’t sense that Jackson Deveau was physically ill so much as spiritually so. “I wish you peace,
Jackson,”shemurmuredsoftly,andallowedMatthewtodrawherfromthehouseoutintothecoolair.

“He didn’t have a Christmas tree up, or any decorations at all,” she said sadly. “If anyone needs

Christmas,it’sthatman.”

“He’llworkitout,Kate,”Matthewassuredher.“Hehashisdemons,butthebottomlineis,honor

andintegrityrulehislife.Hewouldneverdoanyofthethingshe’safraidhewill,and,justlikeJonas,he
wouldprotectthistownandthepeopleinitwithhislastbreath.”

“I’m glad you brought him to Sea Haven. You were right about this place. There’s just something

aboutthewaythepeoplearehere—they’rewelcomingtooutsiders.”Theinteriorofhiscarwaswarm
afterthechillingwindblowinginofftheocean.

“DidyoursistersreallycallmeaNeanderthal?”
Sheburstoutlaughing.“Well,yes,butinagoodway.Ithinktheycouldeasilypictureyoubeating

yourchestandtossingyourwomanoveryourshouldertocarryherofftosomewhereprivate.”

He nodded. “I can understand that. I do have those urges. Often.” He looked at her, his hand still

aroundthekey.“Ireallywanttotakeyoubacktomyhouse,Kate.”Hewaitedaheartbeatbeforestarting
theengine.

“Are your brothers going to be there? Because, honestly, I think I’m too tired to have them all

laughingatmetoday.I’dprobablyburstintotears.”

Hepressedahandtohisheart.“Don’tevensaythat.IthinkI’drathertakeabulletthanseeyoucry.

Andmybrothersdon’tlaughatyou.”Heglancedathertoseeifshewasserious.

“Theyalwayslaughatme,”shesaid.“I’malwaysdoingtheseidioticthingswheneverI’maround

you.LiketheotherdaywhenyouhadthataccidentandyoutriedtogetoutofthetruckandIwasstanding
tooclose.”Shelookeddownatherhands.“Dannyjustaboutfelloutofthetrucklaughing.”

“Atme,Katie,neveratyou.MyentirefamilyknowshowIfeelaboutyou,andtheythinkit’sariot

thatIcanmakesuchacompletefoolofmyselfeverytimeyou’renear.”

Katesatverystill,hergazefixedonhisface.“Howdoyoufeelaboutme?”
“I’vemadethatprettydamnclear,Kate.”
“Haveyou?Iknowyou’reattractedtomephysically.”
Hegaveasmallsnortofderision.“Isthatwhatyoucallit?Ihaven’thadagoodnight’ssleepsinceI

lookedatyouwhenyouwerefifteenyearsold.Ihateadmittingthat.Ishouldn’thavebeenlookingatyou,
butIdid,andIjustknew.I’vehadmoredreamsaboutyou,morefantasies,thananymanshouldadmitto
having.”Hepulledthecarintothedrivewayofhisyardandturnedofftheenginebeforefacingher.“Hell,
Kate,ifyoudidn’tknow,you’retheonlypersoninthistownwhodidn’t.JonasaskedmelastnightifI
wasstalkingyou.”

“Hewouldn’tdothat.You’rehisfriend.Hemusthavebeenkidding.”
“With his hand on his gun. Afraid not, and here you are, at my house, all alone with me. Are you

comingin?”

“AmIsupposedtobeafraidnow?”
“Ithoughtmyfantasiesmightscareyouoff.”
“Didyou?”Kateslidoutofthecar.Thewindwhippedherhairaroundandtuggedatherclothes.

“ActuallyI’mintrigued.”

Hisentirebodyreactedtohersultrytone.Maybeshedidn’tmeanitthewayitsounded,buthewas

goingtotakeherwordsasaninvitationtolovehereverywayamancouldloveawoman.

Katesmiledtoherselfasshewentupthestairstohishome.Itwassituatedonthebluffabovethe

ocean,hisdeckwrappingaroundthehouseprovidingaviewfromeverydirection.Thehouseitselfwas

obviouslybuiltforamanofMatt’ssize.Theceilingswerevaulted,therewerefewwalls,sothespace
seemed enormous, one room running directly into the next. His furniture suited the house, casual, yet
overstuffedtogowiththedimensionsofthehouse.

“It’ssobeautiful,Matthew.Iloveallthebaywindowsandthealcovesandthewayeverythingisso

spacious.Didyoudesignit?”

Hefeltalittleglowofpleasure.“Yes,IwantedahomeIwascomfortablelivingindayinandday

out.Ineedspace.Eventhedoorwaysarewiderandtallerthannormal,soIdon’talwaysfeelasifImight
havetoduck.”

“Ilovetheopenbeamsandtherockfireplace.ThisiswhatIhadinmindformyhouse,oratleast

somethingverysimilar.Ilovethebeamsandthenatural-lookingfireplaceinthemill.”Sheturnedtosmile
athim.“Wedohaveverysimilartaste.”

Hisheartdidacurioussomersaultinhischest.Hegrippedtheedgeofthedoor.“Ithinkso.Itshould

beeasytocomeupwithadesignyou’llreallyfallinlovewith.”Hesaidthewordsdeliberately.

Katestilledandturnedherheadtolookathim.Themovementwasgracefulandelegant.SoKate.

Heached,justlookingather.Colorsweptherface.SheglancedfromhimtothetallChristmastreeinhis
frontroom.Itwasasilvertip,beautifulanddecoratedwithlightsandafewornaments.“Didyouputup
yourtree?”

“Ibroughtinthetreeandhungthelights.MominsistedIgetornaments.ShesaidIwassupposedto

haveatheme,butIjustpickeduponesIliked.”

Katewanderedaroundthetree.Oneoftheornamentswasawoodenhousecarvedbyalocalartist.

Shewassurprisedandpleasedtoseeitwashercliffhouse.Shedidn’tcommentontheornament,butshe
hopeditmeanthe’dbeenthinkingofherwhenhe’dboughttheminiaturereplicaofherhome.

“This is my favorite room. I spend a lot of time in here. My office is straight ahead, and I have a

largelibrary.Icallitalibrary;DannyandJonascallitmyden.”Hegrinnedather.“Theytalkedmeintoa
pooltable.”

Shelaughed.“Ofcoursetheydid.I’llbettheyhadtotwistyourarm.”
Matthastilygatheredupafewshirtshe’dtossedasideearlierintheweek.Therewasanoldpizza

boxonthecoffeetablealongwithanemptydoughnutboxoverturnedbesideahalf-fullcoffeecup.

Kategrinnedathim.“Iseeyou’reintohealthfood.”
“Iactuallyliketocook.Iusedtocookallthetimeforthemeninmyunit.”Heopenedadoor,tossed

his shirts inside without looking where they landed, and hastily closed the door to gather up the dirty
boxes and coffee cup. “I haven’t been home much. Dad’s running a big job, and all of us have been
workingtobringitinontime.”

“Matthew.”Kateputherhandlightlyonhisarm.“Areyounervous?”
He stood there looking down at her upturned face. Her enormous soft eyes. Her tempting mouth.

Could she be any more beautiful? “Hell, yes, I’m nervous. I don’t even know what a woman like you
wouldbedoinginthesamehousewithamanlikeme.”

“Awomanlikeme?”Shelookedgenuinelypuzzled.
Mattgroaned.“Comeon,Kate.Areyoutellingmeyouhaven’tknownI’vebeenwildaboutyoufor

years?Ican’tevenhaveagoodtimewithanotherwoman.I’vetrieddatingnumerouswomen.Wehave
onedate,andIknowitisn’tgoingtowork.”

“You’rewildaboutme?”sheechoed.
He tossed the boxes on the couch and pulled her into his arms. Hard. Possessive. Commanding

Rangerstyle.“Ican’teventhinkstraightaroundyou.”

Therewasnowaytothinkwhenhismouthtookhers,hotandhungryanddevouringher.Herbody

melted into his, her arms sliding around his neck, her fingers brushing the nape of his neck intimately,
creepingintohishairwhileshemethisravenoushungerwithherown.

Hecouldn’tkissherandnottouchhersoft,temptingskin.Withoutconsciousthought,heslidhishand

beneath her blouse to move up the soft expanse of skin. Just that slight contact brought him such deep
pleasureitborderedonpain.Hetrembled,hishandactuallyshakingashebrushedthepadsofhisfingers
overherribcage,anduptocupthesoftweightofherbreastinhispalm.Hisbodywentintooverdrive,
hisheartslamminginhischestandhisjeansgrowinguncomfortablytight.

“Aren’tyougoingtostopme,Kate?Oneofusshouldknowwhatwe’redoing.”Hewantedtobefair

with her. She was exhausted and obviously not thinking straight, arching into his hand, pushing closer,
rubbingherbodyagainsthis.Softlittlemoanscamefromherthroat,drivinghimrightovertheedge.He
foundhimselfkissingheragainandagain,longhotkissesthatpushedtheirtemperaturesevenhigher.

Herlipssmiledundertheassaultofhis.“IknowexactlywhatI’mdoing,Matthew,you’retheone

who’sunclear.”Herhandsdroppedtothebuttonsofherblouse.

There was a strange roaring in his ears. He had waited years for this moment. Kate Drake in his

home.Inhisarms.Kate’sbodyopentohisexploration.Itwouldtakealifetimetosatisfyhim.Morethan
that.Muchmore.Herblousefellopen,exposingthecreamyswellofherbreasts.Whitelacecuppedher
skinlovingly.

Matt stared down at her body, mesmerized by the sight of his large hand holding her, his thumb

brushinghernipplethroughthewhitelace.Foronemoment,itoccurredtohimhewasmakingtheentire
thingup.KateDrake.HisChristmaspresent.Hebenthisheadtoherbreast,hismouthclosingaroundsoft
fleshandlace.Histongueteasedanddancedoverhernipplewhilehisarmsenfoldedhercloser.

The pounding on the front door was abrupt, loud, and unexpected. Kate cried out, and he felt her

heartbeneathherskinjumpwithfear.

Mattliftedhishead,hisgrayeyesappearingsilverastheysmolderedwithamixtureofangerand

desire.“Don’tworry,Katie.”Hepulledtheedgesofherblousetogether.Whycouldn’ttheworldleave
themaloneforonedamnedhour?Wasthattoomuchtoask?

Katebuttonedherblouseandtriedtofingercombherhair.Hecaughtherwristandbroughtherhand

tohismouth.“Youlookbeautiful.Whoeveritiscanjustgoaway.”

Shewaitedinthemiddleofhislivingroomwhileheyankedthedooropen.Thesheriffstoodthere,

hisfistpoisedforanotherassault.“Jonas,I’mbeginningtothinkourfriendshipisgoingtosuffer,”Matt
greetedwithascowl.

Jonas pushed right past him. “Come on out here and take a look at this.” His voice was grim. He

stalked through the house to the ocean side, pushing open the double doors leading to the deck
overlookingthesea.“Whatthehellisgoingon,Kate?”

Thefogwhirledaroundthehouseasifalive.Darkandgrayandgloomy,themistwasthick,almost

oily. It crept up the walls and swirled around the chimney. Jonas glared at the fog. “No one can drive
anywhere.Caraccidentsarehappeningallovertown.YoursisterEllecalled.She’sintheislandsandyet
shehadtheexactsamedreamasJacksonandthechildren.Howcouldshehavethesamedream?She
said to tell you the symbols meant something. When I asked her what they meant she said you would
know.”

BothmenlookedatKate.Shehesitated,tryingtoremember,buttherewasnothingthatseemedtobe

ofgreatsignificance.“Thereweresymbolsontheseal,buttheonlythingofimportanceIcouldreadwas
thatalockingspellhadbeenplacedonthelidtoholdsomethingintheground.I’llcallElleandaskherto
givemedetails.Issheonherwayhome?ShewasgoingtotrytomakeitbackforChristmas.”

“Shesaidshe’dbecatchingalateflight.”Jonasstaredatthethickgrayblanketofmist,frowningas

hedidso.“Theworstofthefogseemstobecenteredhere.It’smuchheavieraroundyourhouse,Matt.
People are going to start dying if we don’t figure out what’s going on. We’ve been lucky, most people
pulledtheircarsovertowaititoutandtheaccidentsthathaveoccurredhavebeenminor.Butitwouldbe
veryeasytodriveoffthecliffinthisdensefog.We’veaskedtheradiostationstoalerteveryonetothe

drivinghazards.”

“I’m guessing you called the weather station and the meteorologists there told you this fog is

unnatural,” Matt said with a small sigh. The supernatural wasn’t his realm of expertise, but he had the
feeling he was going to have to learn more about it very fast. A part of him had hoped it would all go
away.Instead,thefogwaswrappedtightlyaroundhishouse.HeglancedatKate.Shestoodverystill,her
handtoherthroat,staringoutintothedarkgraymist.Therewasfearonherface.

Angerbegantosmolderinthepitofhisbelly,nothotandfiery,butice-coldandclear,dangerous

and deadly, an emotion he recognized from his combat days. Matthew took Kate by the shoulders and
pulledherback,awayfromthedeckandintothesafetyofthehouse.“DidSarahsaywhetherornotthey
foundanythinginthediaries,Jonas?Theywerealllooking,hopingtofindanexplanation.”

Jonasshookhishead.“Sarahsaidshedoesn’thaveaclueastowhat’sgoingon,butshethoughtwith

allthesistersconcentrating,theymightbeabletodrivethisfogbacktoseatogiveusmoretimetofigure
itout.”

Matt’s hands tightened on Kate’s shoulders. “I don’t want you to do it again, Katie. I think you’re

makingitangry,andit’sstrikingbackatyou.Whyelsewouldithavefollowedustomyhouseandstayed
here?”Hecouldn’tarticulatetheemotionsthefoggaveoff,buttherewassomethingdarkanduglyaboutit
thatreekedofpitilesshostility.Hedidn’twantKateanywherenearit.

“We can’t take chances, Matthew,” Kate said, her voice trembling. She pressed her lips together.

InstinctivelyshemovedbacktowardMattasifforprotection.“Jonassaidtherehavealreadybeentraffic
accidents.”

Matt could feel her reluctance. Whatever was in the fog had grown in strength and intensity. The

previousnightithadbeenaneerieannoyance;nowitseemeddarker…moreaggressiveanddangerous.

“Thefogsweptthroughtown,Kate,rightafterthetwoofyouleftJackson’shouse,”Jonasexplained.

“People came out of their houses to stand there and watch it. The sheriff’s office logged well over a
hundred calls. When it receded, it left behind a mess. All over town gifts left outside, everything from
bicyclesandATVstogardenfurniture,weresmashedandcoveredwithseatrash—sand,kelp,driftwood,
smashedseashells,younameit.Evencrabscrawlingaround.”Jonaspushedbackhishatandrestedhis
gazeonKate’sface.“Theworstdamagewasdonetothetownsquare.Thethreewisemenstatueswere
all but destroyed, and the gifts they carried were ground into the lawn. The statues had kelp wrapped
aroundtheirnecksandwristsandankles.Itwasbizarreanduglyanditscaredeveryoneenoughthatthe
folksonthecommitteeareconcernedaboutthesafetyofthemenplayingthepartsofthewisemeninthe
pageant.Doyouthinkitwasawarning?”

Katerubbedatherthrobbingtemples.Shewasalreadysotired.Shefeltdrainedandjustwantedto

lie down for a few hours. “I honestly don’t know, Jonas, but the entity is accelerating its destructive
behavior.”

“Dammit,Kate,whatthehellcouldbealiveinthefog?”Mattburstout,wantingtothrottlethething.

“Idon’twantyouanywherenearthisstuff.Whydoyouhavetobetheonetofaceit?”

“Myvoice.Theotherscanchannelthroughme.AndHannahcancallupthewindtodriveitbackto

sea.”

Hewasn’ttouchingthat.Itsoundedlikewitchesandspellsandthingshesawinmovies,notinreal

life.

Matt began a slow massage at the nape of Kate’s neck to help ease the tension out of her. “Katie,

whywouldthisthingsmashgifts?Ifit’scapableofdestroyingthingsandmovingobjectsasitdidwiththe
wreathsonthedoors,whysuchasilly,almostpettydisplay?Whydothegiftsbotherit?Whatwouldbe
thesignificance?”

Jonas followed them back to the sliding glass door. “That’s a good question. Is that all it can do?

When the calls started coming in I thought it was kids and childish pranks. Smashing gifts and outdoor

ornamentsandleavingbehinddeadfisharerelativelyharmlessactsofvandalismakidmightdo.Well,at
leastIthoughtakidmightbetheculprituntilIsawthethreekingssmashedtopieces.Jacksoncameoutto
thesquaretotakealookatthedamage,andhesaidthescenewasreminiscentofhisnightmare.”

Kateshookherhead.“Ithinkit’sgrowingstronger,testingitsabilities.Itdoesn’tfeelchildishtome.

Itusedwreaths,asymboloftenassociatedwithChristmas,andnowgifts.Ellesaidthesymbolsmatter.
GiftsobviouslyareanothersymbolofChristmas.”Shesighedandrubbedathertemples.“Obviouslythis
thingdoesnotlikeChristmasatall.Anyguessesastowhy?”

“I have no idea,” Matt said. He used his body to gently shepherd her farther back into the room,

wantingtoclosethedoorsagainstthefog.

Sheturnedinhisarmsandpressedherbodyclosetohisforstrengthandcomfort.“Mysistersare

waiting.EvenLibby.Itisn’teasytosustainachannelingforanygreatlengthoftime.”

Matttightenedhisarmsaroundher,holdinghercaptive,holdinghersafe.Heburiedhisfaceagainst

herneck.“Ihatethis,Kate.Youhavenoideahowmuch.Iwanttopackyouupandtakeyoufarawayfrom
thisplace.Iknowyou’reindanger.”

“IfIdon’tdothis,Matthew,oneofmysisterswilltry,andtheydon’thavemyvoice.”Shehugged

himhardandslowlypulledawayfromhim.

Mattallowedhertoslipfromhisarms,tautwithfearforherwhenshesteppedontothedeck.He

steppedbesideher.Close.Protective.Daringthethingtocomethroughhimtogettoher.Jonastookupa
positiononherotherside.Kateclosedhereyesandraisedherfacetothesky.

Abreezefromtheseaflutteredagainstherface.Shefeltthecoolingtouch.Shefeltthejoiningofher

sisters.Allseven,togetheryetapart.Strengthflowedintoher,throughher.Sheliftedherarmsandknew
Hannahstoodonthebattlementoftheirancestralhomeandsimultaneouslydidthesame.

Matt heard the moaning of the wind. Out on the ocean, the caps on the waves reached high and

foamedwhite.Thefogbecamefrenzied,whirlingandspinningmadly,windingaroundKatesothatfora
moment it obscured Matt’s vision of her. He reached out blindly, instinctively, and yanked her into the
protection of his body. “This is bullshit, Kate.” He pressed her face against his chest and wrapped his
armsaroundherheadtokeepthefogfromgettingather.

Katedidn’tstruggle.Shedidn’tactinanywayasifshenoticed.Hervoicewassoft,barelyabovea

whisper,yetthewindcarrieditintothebankofmist,anditvibratedthroughthevapor,takingonalifeof
its own. Kate remained against him, her eyes closed but her chanting continuing, a gift of harmony and
peace,ofcontentmentandsolidarity.Shecalledontheelementsoftheearth.Mattheardthatclearly.

Voices rose on the wind. Seawater leaped in response to the chant, waves rising high, bursting

throughthefogbankandbreakingitintotendrilsoutovertheocean.Thewindhowled,gatheringstrength,
rushingatthem,bringingthetasteofsaltanddropletsofwatertobrushovertheirfaces.Thundercrashed,
shakingthedeck.Stillthevoicescontinued,andthetempestbuilt.

“Hannah.” Jonas said her name softly, slightly awed by the raw power forged and controlled

betweenthesisters.

Katetookadeepbreathandletgo.Letgoofhersistersandherbodyandthephysicalworldshe

lived in to enter the shadow world. Far off, she heard the echo of Hannah’s frightened cry. The world
wasn’tsilentasonewouldexpect.Shenevergotusedtothat.Therewerenoises,moansandcries,not
quitehuman,unidentifiable.Static,thesoundofaradionottunedproperly.Andtheterriblehowlofthe
windendlesslyblowing.Itwascoldandbleakandbarren.Aworldofdarknessanddespair.Shelooked
aroundcarefully,tryingtofindtheoneshewasseeking.

She wasn’t alone. She could feel others watching her. Some were merely curious, others hostile.

Nonewerefriendly.Shewasalivingbeing,andtheywerelonggone.Somethingslitheredclosetoher
feet.Shefeltthetouchofsomethingslimyagainstherarm.Katetookanotherbreathandcalledoutsoftly.
Atonceshesawit.Aterrifyingsight.Tall,barewhitebones,theskullghastlywithagapingmouthand

empty sockets for eyes. It wasn’t fully formed. A great hole was in the chest cavity. The ribs were
missing.Itcamestridingtowardher,andshenoticedthattheskeletonworeold-fashionedbootsstuckat
theendofthesticklikebonesofitslegs.Shemighthavelaughedhaditnotbeensofrightening.Thebones
rattledasitrushedtowardher,deadlypurposeineverybone.

“Kate!”Abigail’scryechoedHannah’sandSarah’s.
Kateheldupherhandtowardthethingoffasitreachedher.
Matt felt Kate’s energy crackling in the air around them, a fierce force never wavering, yet her

slenderbodyshookwiththeeffort,ormaybewithfear,crumblingbeneaththestrain.Withoutwarninghe
felteveryhaironhisbodystandup.Katewentsicklypale.Afraidforher,hesweptherupintohisarms
andheldhertightagainsthischest,theonlythinghecoulddotoshelterherfromtheonslaughtofthewind
andthemenaceofthefog.

Kate wrenched herself from the shadow world, opened her eyes, expecting to see Matt. Empty

socketsstaredbackather.Theskull’smouthgapedwide,thejawloose,bonyfingerswrappingaround
herthroat.Shescreamedandpulledaway,tryingtorunwhentherewasnowheretogo.Thepressureon
herthroatincreased.Shechoked.

Thewindrosetoahowl.Femininevoicesbecamecommanding.ThebonyfingersslidfromKate’s

throat.ShefelltothegroundandstaredinhorrorasthevoicesoftheDrakewomenforcedtheskeleton
away from her one dragging step at a time. Those pitiless empty eye sockets stared at her with malice.
Kate tried to scoot crablike in the opposite direction, feeling sick as the entity clacked white bones
togetherinadark,uglypromiseofretaliation.

The wind blew sand into the air, obscuring Kate’s vision. She squeezed her eyes closed tightly

againstthenewassault.AtonceshefeltMatt’sbodypressedclosetohers.Afraidtolook,sheliftedher
lashes, hands out in front of her for protection. Matt’s reassuring face was there, the planes and angles
familiartoher.Sheburiedherfaceagainsthisthroat,feltthewarmthofhisbodyleechingsomeoftheicy
coldfromhers.

Thefogcreptbacktowardtheoceanslowly,almostgrudgingly,retreatingfromaroundthehouseand

decktothebeach,withobviousreluctance.WithKatesafelyinhisarms,Mattstaredinhorroratthewet
sand. Distinct footprints were left behind, as if someone had backed toward the ocean with short,
dragging steps, a man’s boots with run-down heels. A cold chill swept down his spine. His gaze went
fromtheprintsinthesandtoJonas.“Whatthehellarewedealingwithhere?”

Chapter

Asloversmeetbeneathmistletoebright,

Terrorignitesdownbelowthemthisnight.

ATTSTAREDDOWNAT

ATE’SFACE.

HELAY

inhisbed,soundasleep,thesignsofexhaustionpresentevenasshe

slept. She looked more fragile than ever, as if fighting back the entity in the fog had taken most of her
spiritanddrainedallofherstrength.Thecurtainsoverhisslidingglassdoorwerepulledbacktoallow
himaclearviewoftheocean.Hehadalwaysenjoyedthesightandsoundofthewavespounding,butnow
hesearchedthehorizonforsignsofthefog.Katewaswornout.Heworriedthatiftheentityreturned,she
wouldn’t have the strength to fight it, even though she’d slept for hours. The day had disappeared, and
nighthadfallen.

He rubbed his hands over his face to wipe away his own exhaustion. He hadn’t slept the night

before, standing watch at Kate’s bedside, and he was feeling the effects. He had stripped her of her
clothes and wrapped her in one of his shirts. It was far too big for her and covered every curve. He’d
tuckedherinhisbedandallthewhileshelaypassively,makinglittleefforttodoanythingbutcloseher
eyes.Hehadthefeelingshe’dfacedsomethingfarworsethanthefog,butshehadn’tbeenreadytotalk
aboutitwithhim.Recognizingthesignsofexhaustion,hehadn’tpushedher.

Mattremovedhisshirtandshoesandsocksandstretchedoutbesideher.Hehadbuilthishomein

thehopesoffindingawifewhenhereturnedfromservinghiscountry,butnomatterhowmanywomenhe
haddated,therehadbeenonlyonewomanforhim.Katehadbeeninhisdreamsfromthemomenthe’d
firstlaideyesonher.Hewouldneverforgetthatmoment,drivinghisfather’struck,hisrowdybrothers
crankingupthemusicandlaughinghappily.Hehadglancedcasuallytohisrightnotrealizingthathislife
was about to change forever. Kate was standing in the creek bed with her six sisters, her head thrown
back,laughing,hereyesdancing,totallyoblivioustohisgaze.Ajoltofelectricityhadsizzledthroughhis
entirebody.Inthatonemoment,KateDrakehadmanagedtoburnherbrandintohisverybones,andno
otherwomanwoulddoforhim.

“Matthew?” Her voice was drowsy. Sexy. It poured into his body with the force of a bolt of

lightning,heatinghisbloodandbringingeverynerveendingalive.

“I’m here, Katie,” he answered, wrapping his body around hers as he slipped his arm around her

waist.

“Didn’tSeaHavenalwaysseemlikehometoyou?Whenyouwerefaraway,inanothercountry,in

danger,didn’tyoudreamofthisplace?”

“I dreamed of you. You were home to me, Kate.” There in the darkness with the ocean pounding

outsidehisbedroomhecouldadmitthetruthtoher.“Yougotmethroughthegunfire,andtheugliness,and
itwasthethoughtofyouthatbroughtmebacktoSeaHaven.Myfamilyalwayskepttrackofyouforme.”

Kateturnedherfaceintohisshoulder,snugglingclosertohim.“Iheardyouweredoingthingsthat

seemedsoscarytome.Ihavesuchanimagination,andIwouldwakeupinthemiddleofnightpicturing
you rising up out of the desert sand in your camouflage fatigues with your rifle and enemies all around
you.SometimesthedreamsweresovividI’dactuallygetsick.I’venevertoldthattoanyone,notevenmy
sisters.Theysawthedifferencesinusandknewweweren’trightforeachother.”

“Kate.”Hesaidhernametenderly.Withanachingneedinit.“Howcanyousaythat?Oreventhink

it?Iwasmadeforyou.Tobewithyou.Ifeelitsostrongly,therightnessofit.Youfeelittoo.Iknowyou
do.”Heheldherpossessively,hisarmslockinghertohim.Mattburiedhisfaceinthesoftwarmthofher
neck. “Katie, you can’t hand a man his dream, then take it away. Especially not a man like me. I stood
back and gave you all the room in the world when you were too young for me. Later, when you were
grown,youwerebusyandhappywithyourlife,travelingaroundtheworlddoingwhatyoudo.Inever
oncemadeamoveonyou.Iknewyouneededyourfreedomtopursueyourwriting.Butnowyou’rehome,
tellingmeyou’rereadytosettledown,andIcan’tjuststepbackandpretendwedon’tfeelanythingfor
oneanother.Everytimeyoulookedatme,youhadtoknowwebelonged.Youshouldneverhavekissed
meifyouweren’twillingtogivearelationshipbetweenusatry.”

Kateclosedhereyes,feelingtearswellingup.Hislipsmovedoverherneck,driftedlowertonudge

thecollaroftheshirtaside.Herpulsepoundedfrantically.Herheartwentintooverdrive.“I’mnotbrave
thewayyouare,Matthew,”sheadmittedinasmallvoice.“Ican’tbelikeyou.I’mnotatallapersonof
action.Inafewmonthswhenyourealizethat,you’llbesodisappointedinme,andyou’llhavetoomuch
honortotellme.”

Matt lifted his head and looked down at her. Tears shimmered in her eyes, and his heart nearly

stopped beating in his chest. “What the hell are you talking about, Kate?” He bent his head to kiss the
tears away. He tasted grief. Fear. An aching longing. “Dammit.” He muttered the words in sheer
frustration,thenkissedherhard,hismouthclaiminghers.Aravenoushungerburstthroughhim,overhim.
Therewasastrangeroaringinhishead.Hischestwastight,hisheartpoundingwiththeforceofthunder.
Hehadfacedenemyfirewithoutflinching,buthecouldn’tbeartheideaofKatewalkingawayfromhim.

Hepouredeverythinghefeltintohiskiss.Everythinghewas.Hishandsframedherface,heldherto

himwhileheravagedhermouth.Heatspreadlikeawildfire,throughhim,throughher,catchingthemboth
on fire until he thought he might ignite. She melted into him, her arms sliding around him, nearly as
possessiveashewas.Heliftedhisheadtolookather,memorizingeverybelovedlineandangleofher
face.Hewasgentle,hisfingertipsstrokingcaressesandtracinghercheekbones,theshapeofhereyes,the
curveofhereyebrows.Thepadofhisthumbslidbackandforthoverthesoftnessofherlips.Heloved
hermouth,lovedeverythingabouther.“Kate.”Hekissedhergently.Once.Twice.“HowcouldyouthinkI
don’tknowyou?We’velivedinthesametownpracticallyallourlives.I’vewatchedyou.I’velistenedto
you.DoyouknowhowmanytimesI’vedreamedofyou?”

“Dreamsaren’tthesameasreality,Matt,”Katesaidsadly.
Hergazemovedoverhisface,examiningeveryinchofhisfeatures.Mattwaited,holdinghisbreath.

Hewasroughandshewaselegant.Hewasamanwhoprotectedtheonesheloved.AndhelovedKate
Drake.

“Matthew…”Therewasthatcatchinhervoiceagain.Need.Caution.
Mattcouldn’timaginewhyKatewouldfeararelationshipwithhim,alifewithhim,butthethought

thatshemightpullawayhadhimbendinghishead.Histeethtuggedatherdelicateear.Histonguemadea
forayalongthesmallshape.Sheshiveredinreaction.Hegrewharder.Thicker.Hisbodywasheavyand
painful,strainingagainsttheconfinesofhisjeans.“Katie,unzipmyjeans.”Hebreathedthewordsinto
herear,hislipsdriftinglowertofindherneck.Hersoft,sensitiveneck.

Kate closed her eyes as his teeth nipped her chin, her throat, as his lips found her collarbone, his

chin nudging aside the shirt collar again. She ached with wanting him, her body hot and sensitive. Her

breastsfeltswollen,beggingforhisattention.Whatwassowrongwithreachingforsomething,justthis
onetime?Hewaseverythingshe’deverwanted,yetwasalwaysoutofherreach.MatthewGranitewasa
fighter,larger-than-life.He’ddonethingsshewouldnevercomprehend,neverexperience.Hefeltlikea
herofromoneofhernovels,notquiterealandtoogoodtobetrue.Sheknewshe’dthoughtofhimwhen
she’dwritteneachandeveryoneofherbooks.She’dusedhimasherrolemodelbecause,toher,hewas
everythingamanshouldbe.Whywouldheeverchoosetobewithawomanwholookedatlife,wrote
aboutlife,butrefusedtoparticipateinit?

Katewascertainshewasgoingtoleapfromthebedandrun,butherbodyhadamindofitsown.

She was already working on the button at the waistband of his jeans, finding the zipper and dragging it
down.Theairlefthislungsinarushwhenherhandshapedthethick,heavybulge,caressedandstroked
withlovingfingers.“You’rewearingtoomanyclothes,Matthew,”shepointedout,determinedtohaveher
timewithhim,evenifitcouldn’tbeforever.

“So are you.” His hands dropped to the buttons of her shirt, sliding them open so that the edges

gapedapart.Heraisedhisupperbodyinordertostaredownather,todrinkinthesightofKateDrakein
hisbed.Sheshruggedoutoftheshirtandalloweditfalltothefloorbeforelyingback.Hismouthwent
dry.

Outside,thecontinualboomingoftheseaseemedtomatchthepoundingofhisheart.Inthesoftlight,

herskinwasflawless,inviting.Herbreastswerefullandround,hernipplestautinvitingpeaks.Kate’s
longhairspilledaroundthepillows,justashe’dalwaysfantasized.Foramomenthewascaughtandheld
bythesightofher,unabletobelieveshewasreal.“Therewasmorethanonenightoutinthedesertwhen
Iwaslyinghalf-buriedinthesand,surroundedbytheenemy.Itwasimportanttogetinandoutwithout
beingseen.Theenemyshowedupandsetupcampvirtuallyontopofus.Itwasthefantasyofyoulying
justlikethisinmybed,waitingformeathome,thatgotmethroughit.”

“Then I’m very glad, Matthew.” She tugged on the loop at the waistband of his jeans. “Get rid of

thosethings.”

He didn’t wait for a second invitation. “I’ve always loved you, Kate. Always.” She would never

knowhowoftenhethoughtofher,inthehotariddesertandthefreezingnights,inthepainfulsandstorms.
Lyinginafieldwiththeenemynottenfeetfromhim.Hehadbeenallovertheworld,performinghigh-
riskcovertmissionsinplacesnoAmericanleaderwouldeveradmittosendingtroops,andKatehadgone
withhimeverysingletime.

Hestrokedhishanddownherleg,moretoensureshewasrealthanforanyotherreason.Hefelther

shiverinresponse.Herlipspartedslightly.Hersea-greeneyeswatchedhiseverymove.Mattkneltonthe
bed, tugging on her ankles, a silent command to open her legs. She complied, parting her thighs wide
enoughtoallowhimtoslidebetweenherlegs.

Matt was a big man. At once Kate felt vulnerable, the cool night air teasing the tiny curls at the

junctionofherlegs.Hishands,slidingupherthighs,weregentle,removingheranxietyasfastasitrose.
Shelovedthewayhelookedather,almostworshipingherskin,herbody,hishotgazeexploringinthe
samethoroughwayashishands.Awaveofheatrushedthroughher,ofanticipation.Matttookhistime
caressing every curve along her slender leg, even the back of her knee as if memorizing the texture of
everyinchofherwasterriblyimportant.

His touch sent darts of fire racing over her skin, penetrating every nerve ending until she could

hardly lie still beneath his touch. Her breath was coming in a gasp, and heat coiled deep inside her, a
terriblepressurebeginningtobuild.

Mattcouldn’tcontainhimselfanothermoment.Shelaytherelikeabeautifuloffering.Hebentover

her,kissedherenticingnavel,histongueswirlinginthesmall,sexydip,hishandscontinuingtheirforay
lower. He felt her reaction, a warm, moist welcoming against his palm as he pushed against her. He
kissedhiswayuphersmoothbodytotheundersideofherbreast.Kategaspedandarchedherbody,her

hipsmovingrestlessly.Sheflushed,herluminousskintakingonafaintpeach-coloredglow.

Hegroaned.Hisbodyreactedwithanotherswellingsurge.Fireracedthroughhisveins.Histongue

flickedhernipple,once,twice,andhismouthsettledoverherbreast.Katecriedout,herhandsgrasping
handfulsofhishair,tugginghimclosertoher.Shewasmagic.Hecouldthinkofnootherwordtodescribe
her.Hisbodypressedintothesoftnessofhers,whilehelavishedattentiononherbreasts.He’ddreamed
of her skin, of the feel and shape of her every curve, and his imagination hadn’t come close to the real
thing.Hecuppedherotherbreast,teasinghernipple,feelingtheresponseinKate.Shewasverysensitive
tohistouch,tohismouth,toeverycaressingstroke.Andsheshowedhimshelovedhistouch.

HersoftmoansheightenedMatt’spleasure.HehungeredforthesoundsandresponsesKateshowed

him.Heneededthem.Shewasgenerousinherreception,herhandsmovingoverhim,herbodyrestless
with the same hunger. He flicked her nipple one more time with his tongue and took possession of her
lips,swallowinghermoan,robbingherofbreath.

MattkissedhermouthoverandoverbecausenoamountofkissingKatewouldeverbeenough.He

trailedkissesdownherthroat,inthevalleybetweenherbreasts.Herfingersdugintohiships,urginga
union,buthetookhistime.Herainedkissesacrossherstomach,pausingtodipagainintoherfascinating
bellybutton.

“Matthew,really,Idon’tthinkI’mgoingtolivethroughthis.”Herbreathcameinaseriesofragged

gasps.

“Iwaitedalongtime,Kate.I’mnotrushingthings.”Heduckedhishead,histongueslidingwickedly

overherwet,hotsheath.Shenearlyjumpedoutofherskin.Hegrinnedather.“Imayonlyhavethisone
chancetoprovemyworthtoyou.I’mnotabouttoblowmychancesbychargingthebattlefield.”Hebent
hisheadandblewsoftlyagainsthersensitivebody.Hecaughtherhipsmorefirmly,draggedhercloserto
him,andbenthisheadtotasteher.

Kate screamed and nearly rose off the bed. He held her hips firmly, locking her to him while he

feasted.Shewashotterthanhehadeverimagined,awellofpassion,andhehadjustbeguntotapintoit.
Hefeltthefirststrongrippleofhermusclesrushingtoovertakeher,andhisbodyswelledevenlargerin
response.

“Ithinkyou’rereadyforme,Kate.”Hedidn’tbothertohidethesatisfactioninhisvoice.Itwasstill

amiracletohimthatshechosetobewithhim.Hepushedherthighsalittlewidertoaccommodatehis
hips,pressingagainsthersothatthesensitivetipofhispenisslippedintoherhot,welcomingbody.The
breath slammed out of his lungs. He pushed deeper so that she swallowed the tip, her tight muscles
grippingwithsoftrelentlesspressurethatsentviolentwavesofpleasureshootingthroughhisbody.

Kategaspedandclutchedatthebedsheets.Mattfroze,understandingdawning.Hebitbackastring

of swear words, took a deep breath, and let it out. “Relax, honey, just relax. I swear, we fit together
perfectly.”

She smiled at him. “I’m not afraid, you idiot, I’ve never felt this before, and it’s amazing. I want

more,Matthew,allofyou.Stopbeingsocareful.”Ifhedidn’tquitmovingsoslowly,shewasgoingto
spontaneouslycombust.Shewantedtopushherbodyoverhis.Itwasdifficulttoholdbackwhenevery
instinctdemandedsheliftherbodytoreceivehis.

“Dammit,Kate,you’renotexperienced.”Hewassweatingnow.Itwasimpossibletoholdback.She

wassquirming,herhipspushinghardintohis,andhewasinchinghiswaydeeperintothehotcoreofher.
Pleasurewasbuildingatsuchaferociousratehewaslosingallcontroljustwhenheneededitthemost.
Shewassodamnedtight,squeezingandgrippinghim,thefrictionlikeahotvelvetfistpumpinghimdry.
Mattthrustdeeperbecausehehadnootherchoice.Itwasthatorriskdeath.Hewascertainofit.Shetook
himin,gaspingwithpleasure,whenhe’dbeensoworried.

Mattletgoofhisfearsandtooktheride,thrustingdeep,tiltingherbodyuntilshecouldtakeallof

him.Hemovedthewayhewanted,thewayheneeded,hardandfastanddeep,joiningthemtogetherina

rushofheat.Theoceanpoundedtheshorejustoutsidetheglassdoor.Mattwasunawareofit,unawareof
anythingbutKateandherbodyandthewayshegaveherselfsocompletelytohim.Shecameoverand
over,cryingout,clutchinghisarms,liftinguptomeethimaseagerlyashesurgedintoher.Theexplosion
startedsomewherenearhistoesandblewthroughhisentirebody.Hisvoicewashoarse,aroarofjoy,as
heemptiedhimselfintoher.

He sank on top of her, completely spent, completely sated, his lungs burning for air and his heart

poundingoutofhischest.Anditwasaperfectmomentintime.Herbodywassoftandwelcomingbeneath
his.Heturnedhisheadtocaptureherbreastinhismouth,toliethereincontentment,tohaveherwithhim.
He had been in hell many times in his life. But he had never been in paradise until now. His arms
tightened around her possessively. “Dammit, Katie, don’t ask me to give you up.” He said the words
aroundhertantalizingbreast.

Katecombedherfingersthroughhishair,lyingbackwithhereyesclosed,savoringeveryaftershock

while his mouth pulled strongly at her breast, and his tongue did delicious things to cause fiery sparks
zinginginherdeepestcore.“Sillyman,”shemurmured,clearlyamusedbyhisreaction.“I’mrighthere.
DidyouthinkIwasgoingtograbmyclothesandgoslinkingoff?”Thesmilefadedfromhermind.There
wasasmallpartofherthatwantedtodojustthat,runwhileshestillhadthechance.Self-preservation
wasstronginher.EverythingaboutMatthewappealedtoher.Hislovemakingdazzledher,butshewasn’t
sofargonethatshecouldn’tlookaheadtothefutureandrealizetheycouldn’tspendeverymomentinbed.

Mattshiftedpositionenoughtotakemostofhisweightoffofhersmallerbody,buthisarmsheldher

inplaceandheturnedhersohecouldkeepaccesstothetemptationofherbreasts.Histongueflickedher
nipple.“Iwantyouforever,Kate.Iwanttogrowoldandhaveyouhereinmyarms.Iwantchildren.I’ve
wantedyouforsolong.Idon’tthinkthat’sabouttochange.”Henoticedthatwhenhedrewherbreastinto
hismouthherhipsmovedrestlessly.Itwasawonderfulfindandoneheintendedtospendtimeexploring.
Hestrokedherstomachandmovedhishandbetweenherthighstocupherheat.Shejumpedbutpushed
againsthishand.Histhumbcaressedher,hisfingerpusheddeeptofindtheonespotthatcouldgiveher
anotherrelease.

KatewasKate.Shedidn’ttrytopullawayorpretendshewasn’treadyforanotherorgasm,sherode

hishand,gaspingwithpleasure,herfingersdiggingintohisshoulderwithonehandandtheothercurledin
hishairdirectinghismouth.Hewantedthiseverydamndayofhislife.NotjustaChristmaspresent.He
wantedtogotosleepwithherbreastinhismouth.Hewantedtowakeupwithhisbodyburieddeepin
hers.Hewantedtobethemantobringherpleasureineverywaypossible.

“Marryme,Kate.Staywithme.”
Sheheardhimthroughahazeofpiercingfulfillment,sosatedwithcontentment,withthethrobbing

firespreadingthroughherlikeastorm,shecouldonlylaytheredazedbythegifthewasholdingoutto
her.Thetemptation.

Matt lifted his head to look at her, his fingers still buried deep inside of her. “Kate. I’m serious.

Marryme.I’llmakeyouhappy.”

“Iamhappy,Matthew,”shesaid.“Ileadarelativelyquietlife.Iworkhard,meetmydeadlines,and

I’mlookingforwardtorenovatingtheoldmill.”

Sensing her withdrawal, he turned to lie over the top of her, his head resting on her stomach. He

pressedaseriesofkissesalonghersensitiveskinandflickedherenticingnavelwithhistongue.“Wecan
renovatetheoldmilltogether,Katie.”

“You’removingalittletoofastforme,Matthew.”
HisKatewasbecomingcautiousagain.Heshouldhaveknownshewould.Henibbledhiswaydown

herbodytoherthigh.“Wedon’thavetomovefast.Wedon’thavetogofortheweddingandchildrenand
theentirepackageifthat’stoomuchforyourightnow.”Histeethnippedashisfingersmoveddeepinside
ofher.Hewasn’tabovealittlepersuasion.“Wecankeepittogreatsex.Incrediblesex.”

She heard the note of pain in his voice, and it upset her. “Matthew, I’m not normal. I’ll never be

normal.Youthinkyouknowme,butyoudon’t.Youcan’t.MysistersandIinheritedalegacythatwehave
no choice but to use. It comes with a price. Sarah has phenomenal athletic abilities, and she can sense
thingsbeforetheyhappen.Abigailcandemandthetruth.Icanbringpeacetopeopleinneed.Libbyheals
people.Joleyhasincrediblepowers,andsodoesHannah.Bothcommandthewindandthesea.Andour
Elle.”Kateshookherhead.“Elle’slegacyistremendousandimportantandveryfrightening.Shehasit
all,alongwiththeresponsibilitytobringthenextgenerationintotheworld.Weeachhavegifts,butwhen
we’retogether,weareverypowerful.Wetrytoleadourownlives,butwekeepthecliffhousesowe
alwayscanbetogether.”

Heliftedhishead,hissilvereyesdarkeningtosmolderingcharcoal.“YouthinkIcan’tunderstand

honorandcommitment?YoulivebyacodethesameasIdo.Iunderstandcodes.Youhaveawayoflife
that’simportanttoyou.Whywouldyouthinkitwouldbeanylessimportanttome?Idon’tmindsharing
youwithyoursisters,Kate.”

She sighed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you, Matthew. I just want you to know what we do

isn’tgoingtogoaway,evenifwewanteditto.Anditisn’tonlysharingmewithmysisters,butwithalot
ofotherpeopleaswell.”Butitwasmorethanthat.Shewasn’tlikehersisters,embracinglifeintheway
theydid.Inthewayhedid.

“I know a lot of ways to be happy with you,” he promised, dipping his head to her breasts, not

wanting her to see his face. “We’ll take it slow if that’s what you need, Katie. Just don’t shut me out
becauseyou’reafraid.”

Shetriednottoreacttohiswords.Ofcourseshewasafraid.Shewasafraidofeverything,andthat

wasexactlywhyshecouldn’tagreetomarryhim.

He kissed her ribs, her belly button. The phone rang, startling them both. He ignored it, dropping

kisses over her stomach. The shrill ringing of the telephone persisted. Matthew sighed heavily and
reachedlazilyacrosshersmallbody,deliberatelybrushingacrossherbarebreasts.“Hello.”Itwasthe
middleofthenight.Hedidn’thavetobepolite.Hedidn’twanttowasteasinglemomentofhistimewith
Kate,especiallywhensheneededpersuasiontostaywithhim.

“This is Elle Drake. I need to speak with Kate.” It was Kate’s youngest sister, reputed to be

travelinghomeforChristmas.Therewasanxietyinhervoice.Withoutaword,Mattpassedthephoneto
Kate.

Shesatup,draggingthesheetoverherbreasts.“Elle?What’swrong,hon?”
“Something’s there, Kate. Something’s where you are. Below you. It’s dangerous, and it’s below

you.”

“Are you certain?” Kate leaned over the bed to examine the floor. Matt could clearly hear the

terrifiedvoiceontheotherendofthephone.“Calmdown,Elle,I’mfine.We’rebothfine.”

“Kate, I’m really afraid for you. What’s going on? I saw you clearly. You were kissing Matthew

Granite.Therewasmistletoeveryclosetoyou,butnotdirectlyoveryourhead.Andthensomethingbright
burstoutfromunderyou,aflashandflamesanditwastrulyfrightening.Whatisit?”

“Idon’tknow,butwe’llfindout.”
Matt was already out of the bed, pulling on his jeans, his eyes searching every inch of the floor.

Moonlightpouringthroughtheslidingglassdoorprovidedenoughlightforhimtosearcheverycornerof
the room. With his training ingrained in him, Matt chose not to turn on the light and give their position
awaytotheenemy.Hemighthavedismissedthephonecallashysteriaoranightmare,buthehadbeen
aroundtheDrakesisterslongenoughnowtoseethestrangethingsJonassometimesspokeofandtoknow
totakethemseriously.

“I’llcallyoulater,Elle,”Katesaid,hereyesmirroringherfright.“Thankyouforthewarning.”She

placed the receiver in its cradle and looked up at Matt. “She’s never wrong, Matthew. Do you have a

basement?Maybewhateveritishasfoundawaytogetinthroughthebasement.”

Heshookhishead.“Thereisnoactualbasement.Ididtakethespacebeneaththedeckandcreate

storageroomsandalabtodevelopphotographs.”Theireyesmetinsuddensilence.

Kateslidoutofbedandcaughtuphisshirt,thenearestarticleofclothingshecouldwrapherselfin.

“Doyouhavemistletoeinthehouse,Matthew?”

“No,butitgrowsinseveralofthetreesoutsidenearthedeck.I’vestoodonmydecktoknockitout

ofthebranchesafewtimes.”

Quicklybuttoningtheshirt,shefollowedhimonbarefeet.Hedidn’tlikeherexposedtodanger,but

atleasthecouldkeepaneyeonherifshewerewithhim.Hereachedbacktotakeherhand.Shelooked
smallandvulnerableinhistoo-largeshirtwithherhairtousledfromtheirlovemaking.Hebenthishead
and kissed her, a brief hard kiss of reassurance. Kate’s public image was always neat and elegant. He
likedthatKateverymuch.Helovedtheonewithhimnow.Hissexy,passionate,privateKate,withher
hair mussed and her delicate skin red from his five o’clock shadow. Nothing was going to harm her.
Nothing.

Kate felt her heart beating wildly in her chest. She tightened her fingers around Matt’s hand. Matt

slid open the glass door leading outside. The wind rushed in, bringing a cold chill and the scent of the
salty air. The roar of the ocean was loud, whereas before the walls of the house had muffled it. She
glanced nervously out toward the open sea, afraid of seeing the gray fog, but the ocean’s surface was
clear.

“Kate.”Mattsaidhernameasawarning.
Katefrozeanddroppedhergazetothesandbelowthem.Itwaswetfromthecontinualpoundingof

thewaves,rollingupontothebeachandrecedingaccordingtothetide.Therewasacleartrailofboot
prints, coming out of the ocean, and marks alongside them that indicated something heavy had been
dragged.KelplayintanglesalongthepathtowardthestairsleadinguptoMatthew’shome.Therewasa
heavydarkstain,muchlikeoilinseveralspotsinthesand.Katewantedacloserlookandsteppedout
ontothedeck.

Mattpulledherbackandthrustherbehindhim.“Itdoesn’tfeelrighttome.”Hehadlongagolearned

torelyonhissurvivalinstinctswhensomethingwasn’tright.“Stayinthehouse,Kate.”

“The fog isn’t out there anymore,” she pointed out, but she stayed behind him, holding tight to his

hand.“ShouldwecallJonas?”

Mattsighed.“IimagineEllecalledhim.Don’tallyoursisterscallhimwhensomethingsupernatural

happens?Idon’tthinkthepoorman’shadanight’ssleepsinceSarahcamehome.”

“Supernatural? I never thought of it like that. We’ve always had certain gifts. We were born with

them, and using them seems as natural as breathing. Some people call us witches, and others just think
we’reabletousemagic,butit’sdifferent.More.Andless.IwishIcouldexplainit.”Katefrownedupat
him.“It’snaturaltous.”

Matt pushed her hair from her face, his fingers lingering in the silky strands. He tucked her hair

behind her ear, the gesture tender. “You don’t have to explain it. I’m a believer, Kate.” He paused and
drew in a deep breath. “Something’s wrong. We’re not going out on the deck. Come through the house
withme.”Mattsilentlyslidtheglassdoorclosed,liftinghisgazetothenightsky,wherepatchesofdark,
ominouscloudsfloatedlazily.

Deliberatelyhedidn’tturnonanylightsasheledherthroughthehouse.Hepausedlongenoughto

slipaleathersheatharoundhiscalf.Kate’seyeswidenedasheshovedalongknifedownintoit.“Doyou
thinkthat’snecessary?”

“Ibelieveinbeingsafe.You’rewithme,Kate.Nothing’sgoingtotakeyouawayfromme.Idon’t

careifit’samonsterinthefogorsomethingcrawlingoutoftheocean.”Hepushedopenthedoortohis
house and stepped outside. His eyes searched the terrain restlessly, never stopping. “Do you smell

somethingburning?”

Thebreezeshiftedagain,butKatecaughtthepeculiarpungentodor.“Oilyrags?”
Matthurriedoverthestepping-stonesleadingaroundtothebackofthehouse.Hehadagoodocean

viewonthreesides,butthebedroomwastotheback.Thedarkstainsledfromthebeachtothestairsand
straighttothesmallphotographylaboratoryhehadbuilt.Thedoorwasclosedandappearedlocked,but
therewereoilysmudgesalloverthedoor,thesameoilysmudgesthey’dseenonthebeach.

Kate’s heart began to pound. She felt the danger swamping her. Glancing up, she could see the

branchesofthetreespreadoverthetopofthedeck,reachingoverthebedroomwheresheandMatthad
been kissing. In the branches were nests of mistletoe and the base of the tree was covered in the oily
substance.“Matthew,let’swaitforJonas.”

“Ihavephoto-developingchemicalsinthere,Kate.I’mnotlosingmyhousetothisthing.”Hesether

awayfromhim.“Youstayback.Imeanit,Kate.IfIhavetorun,I’llneedthewayclear.Dragthehose
overhereforme,butdon’tgettooclose.”

Mattfeltthedoor.Itwasn’thottothetouch.Heopeneditcautiously.Thestenchwasoverpowering,

smelling of the sea, dead fish, and heavy oil. Black smoke seeped from a pile of photo paper and rags
piledwithsmashedglassandamixtureofwhatheknewwaslethalchemicals.Hedraggedsomeofthe
papersfromthepile,tryingtostoptheinevitable.Tinyflameslickedupthesidesofthepile.Therewasa
flashofwhiteandapoppingsound.

Katethrustthehoseintohishands.Thewaterwasrunningfullout.Heturneditonthegreedyflames.

“Getoutofhere,Kate,”heordered.

KatestifledascreamwhenJonasemergedoutofnowhereandpulledherback,awayfromthedeck.

“Callthefiredepartment,”hesnapped.“Usemycarradioandstayoutofthehouse.”Hepointedtothe
driveway,wherehe’dpulledinandleftthedooronthedriver’ssideopen.“Ihaveajacketitinthecar,
putiton,youaren’twearingverymuch.”

Kateheardthewailofasirenandsawthedeputy’scartearupthedriveway.SherantoJacksonas

hesteppedoutofhiscar.“Jonassaystocallthefiredepartment.”

Hemadethecallfromhisradio,pointingsilentlytothecar,asifthatwasenoughtomakeherstay,

thenhequicklyjoinedJonasandMatt.KatedraggedonJonas’sjacket,nearlysaggingwithrelief.There
was something utterly reassuring about the three men being together. They exuded complete confidence
andworkedasateam,almostasifeachknewwhattheotherswerethinking.Theyhadthefireoutbefore
thefiretrucksevenarrived.Ittooklongertogothroughthemessinthephotolab,searchingforevidence.
She was grateful to be able to return to the house where it was warm. Kate curled up in a chair and
waitedforMatttoreturntoher.

Chapter

Andthebloodrunsredonthepristinewhitesnow…

WhilearoundallthehousestheChristmaslightsglow.

ATT STARED OUT THE LARGE BAY WINDOW OF

hiskitchenatthepoundingsea.Hefrownedatthefoamingwaves,

peering toward the darkness far out in the distance, almost at the horizon where a mass seemed to be
congealing.Darkcloudshadspreadacrosstheentireskybythetimethethreemenhadsiftedthroughthe
messinhisphotographylab.Matthadtakencallsfromhisparentsandhisbrothersmakingcertainhewas
aliveandwellandthehousewasstillstanding.Katehadreceivedcallsfromhersisters.

Kate, fresh from her shower and wrapped in his robe, sat in the chair nearest him. “It’s out there,

isn’tit?”sheaskedquietly.“I’msorryaboutallyourequipment.”

Hespunaroundtolookather.“DoyouthinkIblameyouforthis?”
Shehesitated.“Idon’tthinkhewouldhavecomehereifIhadn’tbeenhere.Idon’tknowwhyIdraw

him,”shesaid,shakingherhead.“Maybehegotmyscentintheoldmill,ormaybeheperceivesmeasa
threat.”

“Soit’sdefinitelyahe.Ithinkit’stakingshape,gainingaform,”Mattsaid.
“Ineedtogohomeandhelpfindtheappropriateentryinthediaries.Therearequiteafewwrittenin

thesymbols,andmysisterswillneedhelp.Idon’tthinkwehavealotoftimetofigurethisout,Matthew.
It’s only a few days until Christmas, and I think this thing means to stop the town from having a
Christmas.”Itsoundedmelodramaticeventoherownears.Howcouldsheexpecttohaveanykindofa
relationshipwithMatthewGraniteandstillbewhoandwhatshewas?

“Timeenough,Kate.We’llgorightafterwetakecareofthingshere.Ipromise.”
Sheliftedaneyebrow.“Whatthings?IthoughtyouandJonasandJacksontookcareofeverything.”
Mattpaddedovertoheronhisbarefeetandsimplyliftedherinhisarms.“Ittakessomegettingused

to.”

Kate clasped her fingers at the nape of his neck. “I’ll admit I’ve never faced anything like this

before.”Shewantedhim.Suitedornot,forjustthisspaceoftime,Matthewbelongedtoher.

“Iwasn’treferringtoourfoggyfiend.Iwasreferringtoyou.Havingyouinmyhouse.Havingyou

rightherewhereIcanlookatyouortouchyou.”Hesetheronthetiledcounterandslidhishandinside
thewarmthoftherobe.

He loved her instant response, the way she pushed into his hand. Welcoming him. “Remind me to

thankyoursisterforthewarning.”Mattleanedforwardtotakeherofferingintothewarmthofhismouth.

“Ithinkyou’reabreastman,”sheteased.
“Mmmm, maybe,” he agreed, his hands sliding down her waist and over her hips inside the robe.

“Butyoualsohaveabeautifulbutt,Kate.Iabsolutelylovethewayyouwalk.Iusedtogetbehindyoujust

tobreathealittlelifeintomyfantasies.”

Hewaswedginghimselfbetweenherlegs,andKateopenedherthighswidertoaccommodatehim.

“You’vehadfantasiesaboutmyrearend?”

“More than you’ll ever know.” He leaned in to capture her mouth. To spread heat and fire. Her

fingerstangledinhishair.Hisfingerstangledinhers.Theirmouthsweldedtogethersothattheybreathed
foroneanother.Hepulledherbottomclosertotheedgeofthecounterandyankedherrobealltheway
open.“I’vehadfantasiesabouteveryseparatepartofyou.”Verygentlyheslidherlegsapart.

“Matthew.”Therewasagaspinhervoice.Katestaredatthelongbankofwindows,herhandsstill

inhishair.“Whatareyoudoing?”

“Havingyouforbreakfast.I’vealwayswantedyouforbreakfast.”
IfKatehadthoughttoprotest,itwasfartoolate.Hewasalreadydevouringher,andshewastoofar

gonetocarewheretheywere.Itwasadeliciouslydecadentmoment,andshereveledinitaswaveafter
wave of pleasure crashed over her and rushed through her. The room spun dizzily, and colors mixed
together,whilehistongueandhisfingersworkedmagiconherbody.Herhandsgrabbedtheedgeofthe
smooth-tiledcountertokeepherselfanchoredwhenshewasflyingsohigh,butthenhewasliftingherand
layingheronthetable,hisbodyburieddeepinsideofhers,andtherewasnoroomforthought.Noroom
for anything but feeling. The sound of his body joining with hers, their pounding hearts and heavy
breathing,wasakindofmusicaccompanyingthestrongorgasmsastheybrokeoverherandthroughher.
Hisheatwassodeepinsideofher,shefeltasthoughsheweremeltingfromtheinsideout.

Shestaredupintohisface,thehardanglesandplanes,theroughshadowonhisjaw.Hiseyesheld

secrets, things he had seen that should never have been witnessed. She realized how alone he seemed,
eveninthemidstofhisfamily.LikeJonas.OrJackson.Amanapart,notbychoice,butbyexperiences.
Kateframedhisfacewithherpalms,herthumbslidinginacaressoverhisfaintwhiskers.“You’reavery
wonderfulman,MatthewGranite.Ihopeyouknowhowspecialyouare.”

Hegatheredhertohimasifshewerethemostpreciousbeingonthefaceoftheearth,carryingher

tenderlytothebathroomsotheycouldshower.Hesaidlittle,buthewatchedherallthetime,wouldreach
outandtouchherbody,herface,hisfingerslingeringagainstherskin,almostasifhecouldn’tbelieveshe
wasreal.

“Myclothesaredirty,”shesaid,pullingthemon.Atleastshemanagedtotameherhair,braidingthe

longlengthandswirlingthebraidaroundthebackofherheadinanintricateknot.

Hesmiledather.“Yourclothesareneverdirty,youjustthinktheyare.”Hedraggedoutafreshpair

of jeans from his drawer. “How can we find out what this thing is, Katie? I need to know what we’re
facing.”

“My sisters are poring over the diaries, and I think Damon is helping them. I can try as well, and

Elle’sonherwayhome.Weshouldbeabletofindsomeclue.”

“What’syourguttellingyou?”
She pressed her lips together to keep from smiling. There was something raw about the way Matt

talked,somethingthatalwaysintriguedher.“Ithinkithastodowiththehistoryofourtown,possiblyan
eventthathappenedaroundChristmas,maybethepageantitself.Ithinkwhateverisinthefogisgaining
strengthandbecomingmoredestructive,butI’mnotentirelycertainwhy.Thetreebesidethedeckwith
themistletoeinitisafirtree,andyouhadlightsstrunginit.Youdidn’thavethemon,butthedarkstain,
which seemed to be oil of some kind, was all around the bottom of the tree and going partially up the
trunk.”

“Inoticedthat,”heagreed.“Buttherewasnothingtoigniteit.”
“IfEllehadn’tcalledandwarnedus,weneverwouldhavegoneoutside,Matthew.Wewouldhave

beenabovetheroomwhenthefiretookoff,anditmighthaveexploded.Ithinkthefirewouldhaveraced
tothetree,andhewashopingitwouldgoupinflamesaswell.”

“Strangewaytokillus.”
“Maybenotjustus.Maybeitwasthefirtree.”Shesatontheedgeofthebedtowatchhimdress.He

movedwithsuchpower,sofluidly,withamasculinegracehedidn’tseemawareofhaving.“Eachsymbol
attackedsofarhasbeenattachedtotheChristianbelief.TherewereancientbeliefsfarbeforeChristianity
evercelebratedChristmas.It’swidelybelievedthebirthofChristwasinApril,notDecember.”

Hepausedintheactofbuttoninghisshirt.“Ididn’tknowthat.”
Shenodded.“I’mnotElle,ortheotherswhosometimesareabletoseethingsclearly,butIfeelit’s

connectedinsomeway.”

“I get feelings when there’s danger near.” He suddenly grinned, transforming his face from man to

boy.

“UnlessI’motherwiseoccupied.”
Katecouldn’thelpsmilingback.Inspiteofeverything,helookedmorerelaxedthanshe’deverseen

him. She always thought of him as a great tiger prowling through town. “We can forgive you that.” She
stoodup.“Thefirtree’sneedlesrisetowardthesky,andthefirtreestaysgreenallyearround.”

“Andthatmeanssomething?”
“Everlastinghope,and,ofcourse,theraisedneedlesarereputedtorepresentman’sthoughtsturning

toward heaven. If I were right, why would he want to destroy those symbols? He’s not attacking Santa
Claus. He isn’t someone thinking Christmas is too commercial, he’s actually destroying the symbols
themselves.”Shelookedupathim,rubbedhertemple,andsmiledabittiredly.“Ornot.Icouldbeway
offbase.”

“I doubt it, Katie. I think your guess is as close as we can get right now.” Matt looked across the

roomather,stillastonishedthatshewasinhisbedroom.“Let’sgoshoppingforgroceries.Wecantake
themtoyourhouseandspendthedaygoingoverthosediariesuntilwefindsomething.”

“Soundsgood.Iwanttogethomeandputsomedecentclotheson.”
Shewanderedoutoftheroomwhilehepulledonhissocksandboots.Thehousewassoopen,it

beckoned her to walk the length of it. Entering the kitchen, she found herself smiling. In her wildest
dreamsshehadneverconsideredmakingloveonatabletop.Acharacterinoneofhernovelsmightdo
suchathing,butnotKateDrake,withhereveryhairinplaceandherneedfororder.She’dneverbeable
tolookatakitchencounterortableinquitethesamewayagain.

MattlistenedtoKatemovingaroundhishome.Helikedthescentofher,thesoftfootfalls,theway

herbreathwouldcatchwhenshelookedatsomethingsheliked.

“Matthew?”Katecalledouttohim.“Youhaveaveryinterestingkitchen.Iwantedtoputthecupsin

thedishwasher,anditseemstobeabreadbin.”

Therewasasmallsilence.Mattclearedhisthroat.“I’veneveractuallyusedthedishwasher,Kate.I

justdodishesbyhand.”

“Isee.Iguessthatmakessense.Butwhywouldyouputallthefruitinthemicrowave?”
Hehurriedintothekitchen.“It’sconvenient.Whatareyoulookingfor?”
Shegrinnedathim.“Youdon’treallycookmuch,doyou?”
Herubbedthebridgeofhisnose.“Idoameanbarbecue.”
“I’lljustbetyoudo.Areyouready?”
Matttookherhandanddrewherclosetohimastheywentoutintothemorningair.Shefitwithhim,

belonged with him. She didn’t believe it. He could see the reservations in her eyes, but he was
determinedtochangehermind.

Alltheregularsconsideredthegrocerystorethecenteroftown.InezNelsonhadawaywithpeople.

Shedidn’tknowthemeaningofthewordstrangerandnearlyeveryoneshoppedatthelocalmarket,more
tocatchuponallthenewsandseeInezthanforanyotherreason.ShehadknowneveryoneoftheDrake
sisterssincetheirbirthsandconsideredthemakintofamily.

MattparkedhiscarinfrontofthetownsquarejusttotheleftofInez’sstore.“TheChristmaspageant

is growing, so many people want to participate that I think we’re going to have to get a larger town
square.Theactorscanbarelygetthroughthecrowdastheywalkupthestreettothemanger.”

“Ilovethefactthateveryoneparticipates.It’ssofunforthechildrenafterward,whenSantashows

up with his reindeer and gives out candy canes.” Kate took the hand Matt held out to her. They stood
togetherlookingatthenativitysceneinthetownsquare,astonishedthatthestatues,minusthewisemen,
hadalreadybeencleanedandthesceneputbacktogether.ItwouldbereenactedwithhumansChristmas
Eve,butalocalsculptorhadcreatedthebeautifulstatuesandseveralartistshaddonewoodworkforthe
mangerandlife-sizestable,andothershadpaintedtheentirebackdrop.Thisyear,Inezhadmanagedto
findapowderysubstancethatlookedexactlylikesnowandhadsprinkleditontheroofofthestableand
on the surrounding ground, to the townspeople’s delight and amusement. Snow was rarely seen in their
coastaltown.

“How many kids do you think have snuck into the square for a snowball fight?” Matt lowered his

voiceandlookedaround,half-expectingIneztohearhimeventhoughshewasasafedistanceawayinside
thestore.

Kateturnedherlaughinggazeonhim.“Youwouldhave,wouldn’tyou?”
Fast-movingshadowsslidacrosstheground,blockingoutthesun’srays.“Damnright.JonasandI

wouldhavemadeasnowfortandpeltedeveryonewithinthrowingdistance.”Hissmilefadedevenashe
finishedhissentence.Hishandgrippedherarmtodrawherattention.Henoddedtowardthesky.Seagulls
filled the air overhead, winging their way fast inland. The birds were eerily silent, their great wings
flappingastheyhurriedawayfromtheocean.

Kateshookherheadandlookedouttowardthesea.Thegrayfogwasrollinginfast.Itroiledand

churned, a turbulent mass, displaying raw energy. Lightning arced, chains of red-orange flashing within
thecenterofthegraymist.

Mattsworeandtuggedhertowardthestore.“Let’sgetinside.”
“It’sgrowingstronger,”Katesaid.
Matt could feel her trembling against him. He pulled her closer to him. “We knew he would get

stronger,Kate.You’dthinkthedamnedthingwouldtakeavacationandgiveusabreak.We’llfigurethis
out.”

“Iknow.”Shewalkedwithhimtothestore.Theentitywasgrowingstrongerandshefeltstretched

andtiredandbreakable.Shecouldn’tverywelltellMatt.Hewasalreadyworriedabouther.Shecould
read it in his eyes. How had she never managed to see the stark loneliness in him before? The aching
desire? It was deep and intense and swamped her sometimes when he looked at her. Yet still, as he
walkedbesideher,atall,formidablemanwithwideshouldersandathickchestandeyesthatwerenever
still,shecouldbarelytakeinthathelovedher.

MattslidhisarmaroundKate’sshouldersastheyenteredthebuilding.Asalways,thesmallstore

hadmorethanitsshareofcustomers.Inezgreetedthemloudly,gazingatthemspeculativelywithbright
eyes and a cheerful smile. “Kate, how lovely to see you, dear. And with Matt. I swear you grow taller
everyday,Matt.”

Hercommentseffectivelyturnedhimintoaboyagain.OnlyInezcouldmanagetodothat.“Ifeela

littletallertoday,Inez.”HewinkedatKate.

“Are you two coming to the pageant practice?” Inez asked. “I organized another one after the big

fiascotheothernight.NooneblamesAbbey,Kate.Itcertainlywasn’therfaultthatratBruceHarperis
havinganaffairwithlittlemisshotpantsSylviaFredrickson.”

“Abbeyfeltterrible,Inez,”Katesaid.“I’msureitmusthavecausedproblems.”
“Well,Bruce’swifelefthim.Youknowshe’sduetogivebirthanydaynow.Theyalldroppedoutof

theproduction,andIhadtofindreplacements.”InezglaredatMatt.“Dannywasinafinesnitsayinghe

wasn’tcertainhecouldworkwithamateuractors.Itoldhimhewasanamateuractor.”

“Inez,”Kateprotested.“Youprobablybrokehisheart.”
ForamomentInezpursedherlips,lookingrepentant.“Well,hedeservesit.I’vegotenoughtrouble

withoutthatboycomplainingabouthispart.Thethreewisemenarenervous,andI’mafraidthey’refixing
todropout.Idon’twanttocancelthepageant.It’sbeenputoneveryyearsincethistownwasfounded.”

“Dannywon’tdropout.Helikestoherdthosesheeparound,”Mattsaid.
Inezscowled.“Helikestochasethemtowardthekidsandgetahugereaction.”
“Thatisthetruth.”Mattgrinnedather,buthiseyeswereonthewispsofgray-whitefogslippinginto

town. He moved away from the women toward the plate-glass window, where he studied the fog. The
enemy.Itwasstrangetothinkofthefog,anearlyeverydayoccurrenceonthecoast,astheenemy.

The dark tendrils stretched toward houses, reached with long, spiny arms and bony fingers. The

image was so strong Matt took a step closer to the window, narrowing his eyes to peer into the fog.
“Katie,comehereforaminute,”hesaidsoftly,andheldouthishandwithouttakinghiseyesfromthefog.
Somethingwasmovinginsideofit.

Kateimmediatelyputherhandintohisandsteppedupbesidehim.“Whatisit?”
“Lookintothefogandtellmewhatyousee.”
Kate studied the rapidly moving vapor. It was darkening and spinning, almost boiling with

turbulence. She shivered as long streaks stretched across the highway and began to surround the
residences. It made her think of a predator hunting something, sniffing for the right scent. She thought
somethingmovedinthemiddleofthethickfogbank,somethingshapedvaguelylikeatallmaninalong,
flowing coat and an old hat. She glimpsed a form, then it disappeared in the seething mass, only to
reappear moments later, fading into the edges of the whirling mists. It was tall with bare white bones,
pitiless eyes, and a wide, gaping mouth. She stepped back, gasping. The skeleton had more than taken
shape.Thistimetheentirechestwasintact,andsmallpiecesoffleshhungonthebody,makingitmore
grotesquethanever.

Kateputahandprotectivelytoherthroattostiflethescreamwellingupasshebackedcompletely

away from the window. She realized the store was eerily silent. Inez and the patrons stared out the
windowfearfully.

“It’stakingshape,isn’tit?”Mattasked.
JonasandJacksonstalkedintothestore,Jonas’sexpressiongrim.“Kate,getoutthereandgetridof

thisbeforewestarthavingfatalities,”Jonassnappedwithoutpreamble,ignoringeveryoneelse.“Noone
can see to drive the highway. I issued a warning on the radio, but we’re going to have people not only
drivingovercliffsbutalsowalkingoverthem.Unfortunately,noteveryonelistenstotheradio.”

“Go to hell, Jonas.” Matt was furious. Furious. At the thing in the fog. At Jonas, and at his own

inability to stop the entity. “You’re not sending Kate out there to battle that damned thing alone again.
She’sscaredandtired,andI’llbedamnedifyoubullyherintothinkingshe’sresponsiblefortakingthis
thingonbyherself.Youwantsomeonetofightit,bemyguest.”

“Dammit,Matt,don’tstartwithme.YouknowIwouldifIhadachanceinhell,butIdon’t.Thisis

theDrakes’territory,notmine,”Jonasbristled.

Kateputarestraininghandonbothmen’sarms.“Thelastthingweneedistofightamongourselves.

Jonas,Ican’tmanageitalone.Ireallycan’t.IneedHannah.”SheleanedherheadagainstMatt’schest.“I
don’tbringthewind,Hannahdoes.She’sexhaustedwithfightingthisthing.Mysistershavebeenworking
withmetheentiretime.WithoutHannah,wecan’tdoanything.”

Matt glanced down at her face, saw the lines of weariness there, the look of far too much energy

expended,andforthefirsttime,uncertainty.Hewrappedhisarmsmoretightlyaroundher,andaddressed
Jonas.“Howbadisitoutthere?Cantheypassonthisoneandgetsomerest?”

“I’mgettingdamnedsickofthissecrecywhereHannah’sconcerned,”Jonassaid,obviouslytryingto

gethistemperundercontrol.HefelteverybitasimpotentagainsttheentityasMattdid,anditwasclearly
wearingonhim.“Wemayhavearunningbattlegoing;butifshe’sill,itmatterstome,Kate.You’vebeen
myfamilyforaslongasIcanremember.”

KatefeltMattstirring,afinetremorofangerripplingthroughhisbodyatthetoneJonasusedwith

her.Sherubbedherheadagainsthischest.“Iknowthat,Jonas.Hannahisawareyou’reangrytoo.You
knowweallhaveadifficulttimeafterweuseourgifts.Hannahhastoexpendatremendousamountof
energycontrollingsomethingascapriciousasthewind.Usingourgiftsisverydraining.Andwhateveris
inthefoghasbeengrowinginstrengthandresistingus,sowe’rehavingtoexpendmoreefforttocontain
it.”

“Canyougetridofit,Kate?”Inezasked.
Everyoneinthestoreseemedtoholdtheirbreath,waitingforheranswer.Katecouldfeelthehope.

Thefear.Alleyeswereonher.“Ihonestlydon’tknow.”Butshehadtotry.Shecouldalreadyhearthe
femininevoiceswhisperinginthesoftbreezeheadinginlandfromthesea.Shefelthersisterscallingto
hertojoinwiththem.Hannahwasalreadyonthebattlement,droopingwithweariness,butfacingthefog,
waitingforKate.SarahandAbbeystoodwithher,andJoleyhadarrived.She’dbeentravelingfortwo
days,yetshestoodshouldertoshoulderwithhersisters,waitingforKate.

Kateclosedhereyesanddrewinadeepbreathinanefforttosummonherstrength.Hercourage.A

paralyzing fear was beginning to grip her, one she recognized and was familiar with. Like Hannah, she
suffered from severe panic attacks. Unlike Hannah, she was not a public figure. As a writer, her name
might be known, but not her face. She could blend into the background easily, yet now everyone was
watching.Waiting.ExpectingKatetoworksomekindofmagicwhenshedidn’tevenknowwhatshewas
dealingwith.

Matt felt the fine tremors that ran through Kate’s body and turned her away from everyone in the

store, his larger body shielding her. “You don’t have to do this, Katie.” He whispered the words, his
foreheadpressedagainsthers.

“Yes,Ido,”shewhisperedback.
Jonasinstinctivelysteppedinfrontofhertoprotectherfrompryingeyes.Jacksonspoke.Hisvoice

was utterly low, so soft one felt they had to strain to hear his words, yet his voice carried complete
authority. “Inez, move everyone to the center of the store away from the windows, and let’s give Kate
some room to work. We have no idea what’s going to happen, and we don’t want to take chances with
injuries.”

Katewasgratefultothethreemen.ShetookanotherbreathandpulledawayfromMatt,deliberately

yanking open the door and slipping outside before her courage failed her. At once she felt the
malevolence,abitter,twistedemotionbeatingather.Thedarkfogwrappedaroundherbody,andtwice
sheactuallyfeltthebrushofsomethingaliveslidingoverherskin.Shepressedherteethtogethertokeep
them from chattering. Strength was already flowing into her—her sisters, reaching out from a distance,
callingtoherwithencouragingwords.

Matt joined her outside, slipping behind her, circling her waist with his arms, drawing her back

againsthishard,comfortingbodysothatshehadananchor.Jonastookupapositiononherrightside,and
Jacksonwasatherleft.Threebigmen,allseasonedwarriors,allreadytodefendherwiththeirlives.It
was impossible not to find the courage and the strength she needed when it was pouring into her from
everydirection.

Katefacedthedark,boilingfog,liftingherarmstosignaltoHannah,tosignaltobringinthewind.

Shebegantospeaksoftly,calmly,usingthegiftofhersoothingvoiceinanattempttobringpeacetothe
swellingmalevolenceinthefog.Shespokeofpeace,oflove,ofredemptionandforgiveness.Gathering
everyvestigeofcourageshepossessed,Katemadenoattempttodriveitaway.Rathershesummoneditto
her,tryingtofindawaytopiercetheveilbetweenrealityandtheshadowworldwhereshecouldseeinto

thesoulofwhatwasleftbehindand,hopefully,findawaytohealthebrokenspirit.

The fog spun and roiled in a terrible frenzy, a reaction to the sound of her voice. Her sisters

protestedforamoment,frightenedbywhatshewastrying,butjoiningwithherwhentheyrecognizedher
determination.Jonasmadeasmallsoundofdissentandmovedclosertoher,readytojerkherbackinto
reality.

Moansassaultedherears.Theshadowworldwasvagueandgray,ableakhazyplacewherenothing

waswhatitseemed.Shechantedsoftly,hervoicespreadingthroughtheworldwithlittleeffort,stilling
themoansandalertingwhateverlivedtheretoherpresence.Katefelttheimpactwhentheentityrealized
she’d once again joined him in his world. She could feel his blazing rage, the fierce anger, and the
intensityofhisguiltandsorrow.Thethingturnedtowardher,atallskeletonofaman,blurredsothathe
wasnearlyindistinctinthegrayvaporssurroundinghim.Heworealongcoatandshapelesshat,andhe
shook his head and pressed his bony hands over his ears to stop the enchantment of her voice. Flesh
saggedfromthebones,aloosefitinsomeplaces,stretchedtightinothers.

Katewhisperedsoftlytohim,calling,beckoning,tryingtocoaxhimtorevealthepainhesuffered,

the torment of his existence. She used her voice shamelessly, cajoling him to find peace. The shadowy
figure took a few steps toward her. Kate held out her hand to him, a gesture of camaraderie. There is
peace.Letyourselffeelitsurroundyou.

The being took another cautious step toward her. Her heart pounded. Her mouth was dry, but she

keptwhispering.Speakingtohim.Promisinghimrest.Hewasonlyafewfeetfromher,hisarmstretching
outtowardherhand.Thebonyfingerswereclose.Inchesawayfromherflesh.Sherememberedthefeel
ofthefingerbonesclosingaroundherthroat,butshestoodhergroundandkeptenticinghim.

Something slithered around his boots. Snakelike vines wrapped around bony ankles. Out of the

barrenrocksboundedahugecreaturewithmattedfurandyelloweyes.Inthecoldoftheshadowworld,
shecouldseethecreature’svaporousbreathminglingwiththefog.Theeyesfixedonher,anintruderin
theirworld.

Thetipsofherfingerstouchedthebonyendsoftheskeletonasitreachedtowardher.Thecreature

howled, sending a shiver of fear down Kate’s spine. Her sisters held their collective breath. Jonas
stiffened,communicatinghisapprehensiontoMattandJackson.

Kate continued to whisper of peace, of aid, of a place to rest. The being took more shape, the

pitilesseyesswimmingwithtears,extendingitshandasfarasthesnakelikevinesallowed.Abruptlythe
skeletonthrewbackitsheadandroared,rejectingher.Rejectingtheideaofredemptionandforgiveness.
Sheglimpsedaraginghatredofself,ofeverythingsymbolizingChristmas,ofpeaceitself.Therecanbe
nopeace.Shecaughtthatasthebeingbegantowhirlaround,furious,usingthevortexofitswildspinning
tohurlobjectsather.Themoansrosetoshrieks.ThehugecreatureboundedtowardKate,breathingas
loudly as any bull. Kate made one last grab for the hand of the skeleton, but it had turned on her
completely,rushingatheralongwiththebeast.

“Getheroutofthere!”Jonasshouted,catchingthecollectivefearthatranthroughtheDrakefamily.

HegrippedKate’sarmhard,shakingher.“Matt,pullherbacktous!”

“Kate,”hersisterscriedout,“leavehim,leavehimthere.”
“Hannah!”Jonascriedthenamedesperately.“Thewind,Hannah,bringinthewind.”
Katestaredattheterriblefigurecomingstraightather,furyinitseveryline.Theeyesglowedred

throughthedarkfog;thefacewasmadeofbones,notflesh.Themouthgapedopeninasilentscream.She
was trapped there in the world of shadows, real, yet not, unable to find her way back. The worst of it
was,shecaughtsightofasecondinsubstantialfigurecomingatherfromtheleft.

“Kate.”Mattwhisperedhername,liftedherintohisarms.Herbodywasanemptyshell,hermind

caughtsomewhereelse.

“Kate,darling,gowiththeotherone,he’llleadyouout.”Elle’ssoftvoicepushedeverythingelse

away.

The dark demon was almost upon her. Kate felt a hand on her arm. She looked down and saw

Jackson’sfingerscirclingherwristlikeavise.Shedidn’thavetimetogovoluntarily;heyankedherout
oftheshadows,backintothelight.Sheheardaroarofrage,shudderedwhenshefeltbonesbrushagainst
herskin.Mattwasrealandsolid,andshegrippedhimhard,needingtofeelgrounded.Shefeltphysically
ill,herstomachachurningknot.Sheclosedeyes,slidingintoadeadfaint.

Thewindsweptinfromthesea,astrongtempestofretaliation.Hannah’sfearaddedtothestrength

ofthestorm.Rainburstdownonthem.Thedarkfogswirledandfought,notwantingtogiveground.Fora
briefmomenttherewasaconfrontationbetweentheentityandtheDrakesisters,sticksanddebrisflying
in the wind. The three men could hear the desperate cries of seagulls. And then it was over, the fog
retreating to the sea, leaving behind silence and the rushing wind and rain. Matt stood there on the
sidewalk,Kate,safeinhisarms,staringinshockatthemessleftbehind.

Cloudsoverheadobscuredthesun,thedayovercastandgloomy.Christmaslightstwinkledonand

offwheretheyhungoverthebuildingsinrowsofvividcolors,aterriblecontrasttothesceneleftbehind
inthetownsquare.Featherswereeverywhereandinthepristinewhitesnowbythemangertherewasa
brightredpoolofblood.

Chapter

Astarburnshotinthedeadofthenight,

Asthebelltollsit’snowmidnight

“N

EVERAGAIN.

EVERAGAIN.”

ATTSHOVED

bothhandsthroughhishairandglaredattheDrakesisters.“Iswear,

Kate,youareneverdoingthatagain.”Hepacedrestlesslybackandforthacrossthelivingroomfloor.

Sarah, Kate’s older sister, rested her head against her fiancé’s knee, and watched Matt in silence.

Abbeysatonthecouch,Joley’sheadrestinginherlap.Joleylaystretchedout,hereyesclosed,appearing
to be asleep in spite of his tirade. Hannah lay on the couch closest to the window, lines of exhaustion
visibleonheryoungface.

“It doesn’t do any good to get upset,” Jonas said. “They do whatever they want to do without a

thoughtfortheconsequences.”

Sarahsighedloudly.“Don’tstart,Jonas.That’snottrue,andyouknowit.Ifyouweretheonetrying

to get rid of this thing, you wouldn’t worry about your own safety, and you know it. You’d just do
whateverhadtobedone.”

“That’s different, Sarah,” Jonas snarled back. “Dammit anyway. Look at Hannah. She can’t even

move.Ithinksheneedsadoctor.WherethehellisLibbywhenweneedher?”

“Are you ever going to stop swearing at us?” Sarah asked. She rubbed her face against Damon’s

knee.“Hannahneedsrestandmaybesometea.”

“I’llmaketea,”Damonoffered.“Ithinkallofyoucoulduseit.”
“Damon,youareadarling,”Sarahsaid.“Thekettle’sboiling.”
Mattglancedintothekitchen,and,sureenough,thekettlewassteaming.Heknewverywellithadn’t

evenbeenturnedonminutesearlier.

DamonleaneddowntobrushakissacrossSarah’stemplebeforemakinghiswayintothekitchen.

“Thisfeelslikeoldtimes,”hecalledout,reachingfortheteakeptforjustsuchoccasions.

“Wecouldusealittlemorefestiveatmosphere,”Abigaildecided.Shestaredattherowofcandles

onthemanteluntiltheysplutteredtolife,flamesleapingandflickeringforamoment,thentakinghold.At
oncethearomaofcinnamonandspicescentedtheair.

“Good idea,” Sarah agreed and focused on the CD player. Instantly Joley’s voice filled the room

withapopularChristmascarol.

“Notthatone,”Joleyprotested.“Somethingelse.”
“Are you all insane?” Jonas demanded. “Kate could have been killed. Are we going to pretend it

didn’thappenandhavealittleChristmasget-together?”

“Jonas,itdoesnogoodyellingatthem.Whatdoyouwantthemtodo?”Damonreturned,carryinga

traywithseveralcupsofteaonit.HedistributedthemamongtheDrakesisters.

“Andyouweretheoneaskingme,no,tellingmetogetoutthereandstopthefog,”Katepointedout.
JonasmutteredsomethinguglyunderhisbreathandreacheddownforHannah’slimpwristtotake

her pulse. As he did a breeze swirled around the room, and his hat sailed from the chair where he’d
placeditandlandedinthemiddleoftheroom.JonasstraightenedandglareddownatHannah,whodidn’t
stir.

“Jonas, we didn’t know the entity was going to try to hurt Kate,” Abbey pointed out. “We have to

knowwhathismotivationis.”

Sarahshovedaheavybookacrossthefloor.“TryingtoreadthisthingwithoutElleisimpossible.

She’s the only one that can read the language our ancestors used. The writing is in that strange
hieroglyphiclanguagewewereallsupposedtostudybackwhenwewereteens.Momtoldustolearnit,
butwekeptputtingitoff,wonderingwhyweneededtodelvethatfarbackintothepast.Withthelittlebit
weknow,it’simpossibletofindasingleentryinallofthis.”

Mattstoppedpacing,comingtoahaltbesideKate,hishandrestingonthenapeofherneck.“Elle’s

onthewayhome,isn’tshe?Itshouldn’tbelong.Howcomeshelearnedthelanguagewhentherestofyou
onlyknowalittle?”

Abbeyblewonhertea.“Shelearneditinordertoteachthenextgeneration,justasourmotherdid.”
“SpeakingofElle,howdidsheconnectwithyou,Jackson?Howdidsheknowyouwereabletogo

intotheshadowsandbringKateout?”Sarahasked.

Therewasasuddensilence,andalleyesturnedtoregardthemansittinginabsolutestillnessjustto

the side of the window. His cool dark eyes moved over their faces, a brooding perusal. “I don’t know
whatyou’retalkingabout.Idon’tevenknowElle.”

Abbeysatupstraighter.“That’snotthetruth,Jackson.”
Jonassuckedinhisbreathsharply.“Don’t,Abbey!”Hiswarningcameaheartbeattoolate.She’d

alreadysaidit,hervoicepitchedperfectlytoturnpeopleinsideout,toreachintotheirdarkestdepthsand
pullthetruthfromthem.

Jackson stood up slowly, his eyes hard steel. He walked across the floor without a single sound.

Joleysatupandblinkedathim.MattmovedinononesideofAbbey,Jonasontheother.Ignoringthetwo
men,JacksonbentdownuntilhewaseyelevelwithAbbey.“Youdon’teverwanttoaskmeforthetruth,
Abbey.NotaboutmeandnotaboutElle.”Hehadn’traisedhisvoice,butAbbeyshivered.Joleyputher
armaroundhersister.

“I’llbeoutside,”Jacksonsaid.
“He’s never met Elle,” Sarah said, after the door closed behind the deputy. “Jonas, he hasn’t, has

he?”

Jonasshookhishead.“Nottomyknowledge.Andhe’snevermentionedher.Theybothhadthesame

nightmare,butsodidhalfthekidsinSeaHaven.”

“He scares me,” Abbey said. “I don’t want Elle near him. She’s so tiny and fragile and so sweet.

Andhe’s…”

“Myfriend,”Jonassaid.“Hesavedmylifetwice,Abbey.”
“Andminetoo,”Mattadded.“Youshouldn’thavedonethat.”
Abbey looked down. “I know. I don’t know why I did. It’s just that he’s so frightening, and the

thoughtthatEllewasoutthereintheshadowworldtoo…”

“But she wasn’t,” Kate interrupted. “She wasn’t there. I heard her voice, but she wasn’t in the

world, she was in my head.” Her voice trailed off in sudden speculation. The sisters exchanged a long
look.“Jonas,isJacksontelepathic?”

“HowthehellwouldIknow?”Jonasasked.
“Well, because you are. Sort of.” The sisters looked at one another again and burst out laughing.

Theirbrightlaughterdispelledtheairofgloomintheroom.

JonasmadeafaceatMatt.“SeewhatIhavetoputupwith?”Hestompedacrosstheroomtoreach

downandretrievehishat.Beforehisfingerscouldclosearoundtherim,theflamesonthecandlesflared
fromasuddengustofwind,andthehatleapedawayfromhimtolanddangerouslyclosetothefireplace.
Jonas straightened slowly, his hands on his hips, glancing suspiciously around the room at the Drake
sisters.Theyallworeinnocentexpressions.“Youarenotgoingtogetmetobelievethatthewindisinthe
housewithoutalittlehelp.”

Unexpectedlythelogsinthefireplaceburstintoflame.Jonastookasteptowardhishat.Itwentup

ontherimandrolledafewinchestowardtheburninglogs.“Myhathadbetternotgointothatfire,”Jonas
warned.

“Really,Jonas.”Joleydidn’topenhereyes.“You’rebecomingparanoid.Hannah’salreadyasleep.”
HecontinuedtostudytheirfacesandfinallycrossedtothecouchwhereHannahlayasleep,looking

almostachild.“I’mtakingthebabydolltobed.It’stheonlysafethingtodo.”Hesimplyliftedherinone
quickmovementand,beforeanyonecouldprotest,startedoutoftheroom.

“Thetower,”Sarahcalledafterhim.
“Whatasurprisethere.IcanseeHannahastheprincessinhertower,”Jonascalledback.
The sisters looked at one another and burst out laughing. Matt shook his head. “You all are

downrightscary.”

Joleyleanedherheadbackandgrinnedathim.“I’dliketoknowwhat’sgoingonwithmysisterand

youallaloneupinthathouseofyours.IwasgoingtohelpHannahwhipupalittlelovepotionandstickit
in your drink the next time I saw you, but they tell me you’ve been playing fast and loose with her
already.”

Kateturnedaparticularlyfetchingshadeofcrimson.“JoleyDrake,thatwillcertainlybethelastwe

hearonthatsubject.”

Joleydidn’tlookimpressedwiththesterntone.“Incaseanyoneisinterested,Itookagoodlookat

Kate’sneck,andshehasaparticularlyimpressivelovebite.”

Kateclappedherhandoverherneckandshookherhead.“Imostcertainlydonot.Drinkyourtea.”
“What’sevenmoreimpressive,”Joleycontinued,“isthatMattseemstobesportingoneofhisown.”
Acollectivegaspwentup.“Wewanttosee,Matt,”Abigailpleaded.
“OnlyifIgettomakeawishonthesnowglobe,”hebargained.
Therewasinstantsilence.Sarahsatupstraighter.“Matt,”shepausedandglancedatKate.“Wishing

onoursnowglobeisnotlikemakingasilly,frivolouswish.It’sveryseriousbusiness.Youhavetoknow
whatyouwantandreallymeanit.Youhavetohaveweighedyourdecisionverycarefully.”

“I can assure you I have. If you want to see the love bite, you can produce the snowglobe.” Matt

foldedhisarmsacrosshischest.

“Matt,”Katecautioned,“ifyou’rethinkingaboutwishingforanythingwealreadydiscussed—don’t.

Itwouldn’twork.”

Joley lifted her head off the back of the couch and eyed them both. “This sounds very interesting.

Does anyone else want Christmas snacks to go with the tea, because I really could go for those little
decorated sugar cookies.” She waggled her fingers in the direction of the kitchen. “Tell us more, Matt.
Thesnowglobeisrightovertherebythefireplace.PleasedosteponJonas’shat.Italwayslivensthings
upwhenhedoeshissheriffhe-manroutine.”Sheturnedherheadtoglanceatthestairs.“He’sbeenup
therealongtime.Youdon’tsupposehe’stakingadvantagewhileHannahisasleep,doyou?”

SarahnudgedJoleywithherfoot.“You’reterrible,Joley.”
MattskirtedaroundJonas’shatandreachedforthesnowglobe.Itfeltsolidinhishands.Heglanced

atKate.Sheshookherhead,lookingfearful.Theglobewarmedinhishands.Hestaredatthescene,the
snowflakeswhirlingaroundthehouseuntiltheyallblendedtogethertobecomefog.Thelightsonthetree
sprangtolife.

“Youactivatedit,”Sarahsaid.“That’snearlyimpossible.”
“Notunlesshe’s…”
“Joley!”Kateinterruptedhersistersharply.“Matt,really,itisn’tsomethingtoplaywith.”
“I’veneverbeenmoreserious.Tellmewhattodo.”HelookedatSarah.
SheglancedatKate,thenshrugged.“It’srelativelyeasy,Matt,butbesure.Youlookintothefogand

picturewhatyouwantmostintheworldandwishforit.Ifyoumeetthecriteria,theglobewillgrantyour
wish.”

“Anditworks?”
“Accordingtotradition.Familyisallowedonewishayear,nomore.Andyoucan’twishforharm

toanyone.”

“That’swhywedon’tallowJonasaccesstoit,”Joleysaid.
Matt inhaled the fragrance of the candles and fresh-baked cookies wafting from the kitchen. He

didn’tquestionwhomadethecookies.Hewasn’tevensurprisedbythefactthattherewerecookies.He
staredintothefoginsidethesnowglobeandconjureduptheexactimageofKate.Witheverythinginhim,
body, soul, heart, and mind, he made his wish. The fog was still for a moment, then swirled faster,
dissipatinguntiltheglobewasoncemoreclearandthelightsonthetreedimmed.Heplacedtheglobe
backontheshelfcarefullyandgrinnedatKate.

“Let’shopeyouknowwhatyou’redoing,”Joleysaid.
Suddenlyinamuchbettermood,Mattflashedherasmile.“Attheriskofsoundinglikeanadoring

fan, I love your collection of blues. You have the perfect voice for blues.” He grinned at her. “Or
Christmasmusic.”

Joleywinced.“Ijustsentthattomyfamilyforfun.”
“It’sbeautiful,”Abbeysaid.“Areyouhavingfunonyourtour?”
Joleyfrowned.“Yes,it’stiring,andtherearealwaysthefreaksoutthere,butthere’snothingquite

liketheenergyoffortythousandpeopleataconcert.”

“What freaks?” Jonas demanded, walking back into the room. “Hannah didn’t even wake up, not

evenwhenIcalledherBarbiedoll.Areyoucertainshe’sokay,Sarah?”

Sarah paused for a moment, seeking inside herself, reaching out to her sister. “She’s exhausted,

Jonas,andneedssleep.We’llhavetofindawaytogetsomefoodintohersoon.”

Jonasrolledhiseyes.“Wecan’thaveMissAnorexicgaininganounce.She’sprobablyworriedthe

camerawon’tloveher,andshewon’tbeabletoparadearoundhalf-nakedonthecoverofamagazinefor
theentireworldtosee.”

Kate tossed her napkin at Jonas. “Go away, you’re annoying me. We have to have clear heads to

decidehowtohandlethis,andyoujuststireveryoneup.”

Jonasshrugged,innowayperturbed.“Ihavetogobacktoworkanyway.ButIwanttohearabout

thesefreaksofyours,Joley.Youhaven’tbeengettinganynut-casesstalkingyou,haveyou?”

Joley took a sip of tea and looked up at Jonas. “I don’t know. I hired a couple of bodyguards,

bouncersreally,justtoprotectthestage.Eachconcerthallhasasecurityforce,ofcourse,butIthoughtif
thesetwotraveledwithus,we’dhavealittleextraprotection.Stalkerscomewiththeterritory,youknow
that.Themorefamousyouget,themorecraziesyouattract.”

MattsatdownbesideKate.“Dowritershavethatkindofproblem?”
BeforeKatehadachancetodenyit,Jonasanswered.“Ofcoursetheydo.Anyoneinthepubliceye

does,Matt.Writers,musicians,politicians,and—”heglancedtowardthestairs—“supermodels.”

Joleylaughed.“Youworrysomuch,Jonas,yououghttogointolawenforcement.It’srightupyour

alley.”

“Ha-ha,veryfunny.I’llcallyoulatertoseeifanythingnewhashappened.”Jonasglancedoutthe

window.“IneverthoughtI’ddreadnightfall.”

Matthewlookedoutthewindowtothepoundingsea.“IsElleexpectedtonight?”
“Shesaidaroundmidnight.She’sflyingintoSanFranciscoandrentingacartodrivehere.Ioffered

topickherup,”Abbeysaid,“butshedidn’twantanyofusontheroadwiththefog.Shepromisedshe’d
checktheweatherstationbeforeshecameintoSeaHaven.”

Jonasscoopeduphishat.“I’llkeepaneyeoutforher.Youallrestandstayoutoftrouble.”Heleft,

bangingthedoorbehindhim.

AtSarah’surging,DamonnoddedtowardthekitchenandMattobliged.
Abbeywaiteduntilthemenwereoutoftheroom.“Ididn’tmeantochallengeJacksonlikethat.”She

pressed her hand to her mouth, her eyes enormous. “That’s twice now. And the house should have
protectedme.Howcouldthathappeninourhome?”

“Youwererelaxed,”Sarahsaid.“Youletyourguarddown.”
Abbey shook her head. “I haven’t let my guard down since I caused such a problem during the

committeemeeting.PoorInezcalledmethisafternoonandtoldmenoonerealizeditwasme,butSylvia
knew.”

“Shewenttoschoolwithus,”Joleypointedout.
Hannah walked back into the room. Tall and blond and beautiful, she looked so fragile she could

havebeenmadeofporcelain.“Don’tworryaboutSylvia.I’mcertainshe’sverysorryshehitAbbey.”

Joleyheldoutherarms.“Comehere,baby,sitbyme.Youlookdonein.Youwereverybadteasing

poorJonasthatwayandmakinghimthinkyouweresleeping.”JoleykissedHannah.“Youreallyshould
beinbed.”

“Icouldn’tsleep,”Hannahadmitted.“Ineededtobewithallofyou.”
Joleystrokedbackherhair.“Youdidn’tdoanythingawfultoSylvia,didyou?”
Hannah’seyeswidenedinasemblanceofinnocence.“YouallthinkI’msobentonrevengeallthe

time.”

Sarah paused in the doorway to the kitchen. “That’s not an answer, you bloodthirsty little witch.

ExactlywhatdidyoudotoSylvia?”

Hannah leaned against Joley. “I’m glad you’re home. You don’t give me that stern face like Sarah

does.”

“HannahDrake,whatdidyoudotoSylvia?”
Hannahshrugged.“Iheardfromareliablesource…”
“Inezatthegrocerystore,”Abbeysupplied.
“Well,she’sreliable,”Hannahpointedout.“IheardSylviadevelopedabrightredrashontheleft

sideofherface.Itappearstobeintheshapeofahand.Icouldn’thelpbutthinkitwasfitting.”

Sarahrubbedherhandoverherface,tryingtostaredownheryoungersisterwithoutsmiling.“You

knowverywellyoucan’tuseourgiftsforanythingotherthangood,Hannah.You’reriskingreprisal.”

HannahstretchedherlegsoutinfrontofherandgaveSarahasweetsmile.“Youneverknowwhata

humblingexperiencecandoforsomeone’scharacter.”

“I’mgettingyourteaforyou,butIhopethisisabigjoke,andIwon’thearaboutitlateratthestore.”

SarahturnedawayquicklytokeepHannahfromseeingherlaughter.

Abbey squeezed Hannah’s hand. “You didn’t really do anything to Sylvia, did you?” There was a

hopefulnoteinhervoiceshecouldn’tquitehide.

“Drinkyourtea,”Sarahsaid.“Andeatsomecookies.You’retoopale.MattandDamonaremaking

usdinnertonight.”

“Did I miss anything important while I was making Jonas carry my deadweight up those long and

windingstairs?”

“Only Matt wishing on the snowglobe,” Joley said. “And we’re all fairly certain what he wished

for.”

“You’resobrave,Kate,”Hannahsaid.“Icouldneverbewithamansoabsolutelyfrightening.They

have those cold eyes and those scary voices, and I just want to curl up and fade away.” For a moment
tearsshimmeredinhereyes.ShelookedovertherimofherteacupatKate.“YouthoughtIwassobrave
togooutintotheworldandbeseen,whileyouchosetostayoutofsightandshareyourwonderfulstories
withtheworld,butyou’rewillingtotrywithamantohaveareallifewithhim.”

“Ihaven’tmadeupmymindyet,”Kateadmitted.“I’mafraidhe’llwakeuponedayandrealizewhat

acowardIam.You’llfindsomeonethough,Hannah.”

Hannahshookherhead.“No,Iwon’t.Idon’twantsomemansnarlingatmebecauseIforgottoput

thedishesinthedishwasher,orangrybecauseIhadtoflytoEgypttodoaphotoshoot.AndIcouldnever
livewithamanwhoalwaysseemedontheedgeofviolence,orevencapableofviolence.I’dbesoafraid
I’dbeparalyzed.”

Kate laid her hand on Hannah’s knee. “Matt isn’t capable of violence against a woman. He’s

protective,there’sadifference.”

“That’s how everyone describes Jonas, as protective, but he’s really a bully. He’ll order his wife

arounddayandnight.”

“If Jonas ever falls in love with a woman, I think he would move heaven and earth to make her

happy,”Katesaid.“Helooksafterallofus,andwe’resometimesveryaggravating.Hehasajobtodo,
andheworkshardatit.Weoftenmakehisjobmuchmoredifficult.Anditmustbeverydisconcertingto
besoconnectedemotionallytous.Hesenseswhenwe’reintroubleorhurt,andunfortunatelywe’rein
troublequiteoften.”

Hannahsighed.“Iknow.He’sjustsoannoyingallthetime.Iclosedthewindowintheentryway;too

muchfogwasdriftingin,anditscaredme.”Sheforcedanuneasylaugh.“IneverthoughtI’dbeafraidof
thefog.”

Katestoodupandlookedaroundthehouse.“Whatdoyoumeantoomuchfogwasdriftingin?”She

staredoutthewindowtowardthesea.“Yousawit?Youweren’tdreaming?Whatdiditlooklike?”

Sarahstooduptooandbegantomoveuneasilyabouttheroom,checkingthewindows.
“Itlookedlikefog,”Hannahsaid.“Icamedownthestairsand,tobehonest,wasalittleunsteady,so

I sat on the floor in the entryway for a couple of minutes. I could see fog drifting in through the open
window.Itappearedtobenormalfog,alongwispofit,butthefactthatIcouldseeitinthehouseupset
me.SoIclosedthewindow.”

“Nothing can get into the house, Sarah,” Abbey said. “It’s protected. You know that the house has

alwaysprotectedus.”

Sarahshookherhead.“MomtoldusweneededtoknowtheancientlanguageoftheDrakesisters,

andweallshruggeditoffwiththeexceptionofElle.Shealsotoldusweneededtorenewoursafeguards
every single time we came home, but did we do that? No, of course not—we’ve become complacent.
Momhasprecog,weallknowit.Itwasaforeshadowing,butwedidn’ttakeherinstructionsseriously.”

Abbey put a hand to her throat. “Do you think the entity was influencing me to use my voice on

Jacksonaswellasatthecommitteemeeting?”

Sarahnodded.“There’sagoodchanceofit.Wehavetobeverycareful.Noneofusarehandlingthis

verywell.We’veneverfacedsuchathingbefore.”

“AndIneverwanttoagain,”Katesaidfervently.
“Dinner,”Mattcalledfromthekitchen.“Comeeat.AndbringHannahwithyou.Jonassaidshehad

toeatsomething.”

Hannahrolledhereyes.“There’smypointexactly,Kate.Menalwaystrybossingwomenaround.It’s

theirnature,theycan’thelpthemselves.Weknowthethinginthefogisamale,andI’llbethe’sseriously
upsetwithawoman.”

They all started into the kitchen. Sarah and Kate helped steady Hannah. “Actually, I felt guilt and

sorrowandragecomingfromhim,”Katesaid.“Icouldfeeltheconnection,buthetosseditawaybecause
hefeelshedoesn’tdeserveforgiveness.Somethingterriblehappened,andhebelieveshe’stoblamefor
it.”

“Whyishecausingterriblethingstohappennow?”Hannahasked.
“Idon’tknow,”Kateadmitted.“ButithassomethingtodowithChristmas.Sarah’sright.Wehaveto

reallypayattentiontoeverydetailnow.Hecan’tgetanystronger,orwewon’tbeabletostophim.”

Mattspenttherestofthedayporingovertheentriesinthediariesandlisteningtotheeasyteasing

back and forth between the sisters. The women slept on and off throughout the day. Damon and Sarah
spentalotoftimekissingeverychancetheycouldstealaway,andhewasabitjealousthathedidn’thave
therighttobeasopenlydemonstrativewithKate.Asthehoursslippedby,allhecouldthinkaboutwas
Kateandbeingalonewithher.

Heslippedhisarmaroundhershoulders.“It’slate,let’sgobacktomyhouse.”
“Elle’s driving in tonight. I’d like to wait for her. She’s supposed to be here any minute, and we

sleptmostofthedayafterthathorribleencounterthismorning,”Katereplied.

“The fog is coming in,” Matt announced. He opened the door and wandered out to the wide,

wraparoundverandatostareoutovertheocean.

“Elleshouldbehereanyminute;shetoldusmidnight,”Katesaid,studyingthewispsoffogasthey

driftedtowardland.“She’llmakeitbeforethefoghitsthehighway.”

“Who decorated your Christmas tree?” Matt indicated the huge tree covered in lights and adorned

withavarietyofornaments.

Katewentdowntheporchstairstostandinfrontofthetree.Shetouchedasmallwoodenelf.“Isn’t

itbeautiful?Frank,oneofthelocalartists,didthiscarving.Manyoftheseornamentshavebeenhanded
downfromgenerationtogeneration.”

“Don’tyouworryaboutthemoutintheweather?”Thetreewasinsidetheyard,andtwolargedogs

protectedthearea.Sarah’sdogs.Noonewouldsneakinandstealtheornaments,eventhemoreprecious
ones,buttheseaairandthecontinualraincouldruinthedecorations.

“We never worry about weather,” Kate said simply. “The Drakes have always decorated a tree

outsideand,hopefully,wealwayswill.”

Thefogburstovertheminarollingswirl,wrappedaroundthetree,andfilledtheyard,streamingin

fromtheoceanasifpushedbyanunseenhand.

“IthinkouroldnemesisisattackinganotherChristmassymbol,”Mattsaid,pointingtothetopofthe

hugeChristmastreeinthefrontyard.“Whatdoesthestarstandfor?Therehastobeameaning.”

The fog tangled around the branches, amplifying the glow of the lights through the vapor. Kate

lookedupatthestarasitshortedout,sparksrainingdownthroughthefog.Itbrightenedmomentarily,then
faded completely. She was looking up and saw through the wisps of clouds a hot, bright star streaking
across the sky, plunging toward Earth. She went still, the color draining from her face. “Elle.” She
whispered her sister’s name. “He’s coming for Elle. That’s what he was doing in the house. He’s after
Elle.”Thefogwaschokingtheroad,makingitimpossibletosee.

“What the hell do you mean, it was in the house?” Matt raced back inside the house just as her

sistershurriedoutsidetojoinKate.HecaughtupthephoneandcalledJonas.HehadnoideawhatJonas
coulddo.Noonecouldseeinthefog.Theydidn’tknowexactlywhereEllewas,onlythatshewasclose.
Shehadsaidshe’darrivesometimearoundmidnight.Itwasclosetothatnow.Shemightbeontheworst
sectionofnarrow,twistinghighwayleadingtoSeaHaven.

Katewhirledaround,facingtowardthetownasabellbegantoringloudly.Thesoundreverberated

throughthenight.“Thebellisthesymbolforguidance,forreturn.She’sherenow.She’scomingupthe
highwaynow,returningtous.Returningtothefold.Sarah—”shecaughthersisterbythehand—“she’s
nearing the cliffs right now. Even if Hannah had the strength to bring in the wind, it’s too late. He’s

warningus,tellinguswhathe’sgoingtodo.Whywouldhedothat?”

Katereachedforheryoungestsister,mindtomind.Shewasn’tthemosttelepathicofhersiblings,

butEllewasastrongtelepathic.Kateheardmusic,Joley’svoicefillingthecarwithherrich,warmtones.
Elle’svoicejoiningin.Elledroveslowly,crawlingthroughthethickfog,knowingshewasonlyamile
fromherhome.Itwasimpossibletoseeinfrontofthecar;shehadnochoicebuttopullofftheroadand
parkuntilthefoglifted.

Ellepeeredatthesideoftheroad,tryingtoseewheretheshoulderwaswideenoughtogethercar

off the highway in case another vehicle came along. She steered slowly over, aware the cliff was high
above the pounding sea. Joley’s voice was comforting, a sultry heat that kept the chilling cold from
enteringthecar.Elleturnedofftheengineandpushedopenthedoor,needingtogetherbearings.Ifshe
couldseethelightsfromanydirection,shewouldknowwhereshewas.Sheknewshehadtobecloseto
herhome.Thefogsurroundedher,athick,congealedmassthatwasutterlycold.

Katedrewinherbreath,triedtotouchElle,triedtowarnheroftheimpendingdanger.Ellekepther

handonthecar.Whatisit,Kate?

Katecursedthefactthatshecouldn’tformananswerandsendittohersister.Shecouldonlysend

theimpressionofdangerveryclose.Theyallknewwhentheirsiblingswereindanger,ortiredorupset.
ButKatedidn’thavetheabilitytoactuallytellEllesomethingwasinthefog,somethingthatwastaking
enoughofaformthatitcouldcausebodilyharm.Shedidn’tevenknowwhethertotellhertostayinthe
carortogetawayfromit.ShecouldonlyhopethatEllewassufficientlytappedintoallofhersistersand
wouldknowwhatwastranspiring.Elleturnedinthedirectionoftheirhomeandbegantowalkalongthe
narrowpath.

Matt rushed past Kate, heading toward the highway. The fog swallowed him immediately. “Try to

clearitout,Kate,”hecalledback.Hisvoicesoundedmuffledinthethickmist,eventohisownears.He
knewthetrail;he’dwalkeditenoughtimesovertheyearsandwascertainEllewoulddothesame.

Jonas and Jackson were converging from their locations as well, all of them running to Elle’s aid

fromthreedifferentdirections,butMatthadnoideaifanyofthemwouldbeintime.Heonlyknewthat
hisheartwasinhisthroat,andhehadsuchanoverwhelmingsenseofimminentdanger,hewantedtorun
flatoutinsteadofcarefullyjogginghiswayalongthesteep,unevenpath.

Chapter

Beneaththestar,thatshinessobright,

Anactunfolds,tomydelight.

ATTHEARDVOICES,THERISEANDFALLOF

femininevoices.HeknewKateandhersistersweredoingtheirbestto

fightagainstthewalloffogcrouchedsomalevolentlyonthehighway.Hepickedhiswayasfastandas
carefullyashecould.Theoceanpoundedandroaredbeneathhim,wavesslappingagainstthecliffand
leapinghighsothateverynowandthen,ashejogged,hecouldfeelthesprayonhisface.Rocksandthe
unevengroundimpededhisprogress.Thewindpickedup,blowingfiercelyagainstthefog,takingchunks
outovertheroilingsea.

“Matt!”Jackson’sdisembodiedvoicecalledtohimfromdeepinsidethefog,somewhereaheadof

him.“She’sgoneoverthecliff.She’snotinthewater,butshe’snotgoingtobeabletolastmuchlonger.
Searchalongtheedges.”Thevoicewasmuffledanddistortedbythefog.

“Watch yourself, Jackson, the cliff is crumbling in places,” Matt cautioned. He didn’t ask how

JacksonknewEllehadgoneover.Hell,hewasbeginningtobelievehewastheonlypersonintheworld
withoutsomekindofpsychictalent.“Dammit,dammit,dammit.”Hecouldn’treturntoKateandtellher
Ellewasdead,thatthey’dbeentoolate.He’dneverbeabletofacehersorrow.

Mattinchedtowardthecliff,testingthegroundeverystepoftheway,makingcertainitwouldhold

his weight. “Elle!” He shouted her name, heard Jackson, then Jonas echo his call. The ocean answered
with another greedy roar, lifting higher, seeking prey. “Dammit, Elle, answer me.” He felt desperation.
Rage.FearforEllewasbeginningtoswirlinthepitofhisstomach.Hedetestedinaction.Hewasaman
whotookcharge,gotthejobdone.Hecouldhaveendlesspatiencewhenneeded,buthehadtoknowwhat
hewasdoing.

ItseemedahundredyearsuntilJacksoncalledout.“Found!I’llkeepcallingoutsoyoubothcanget

adirection.She’snotgoingtobeabletohangon,soI’mgoingdownafterher.I’vetiedoffasafetyrope.”

Even with the fog distorting the voice, Matt got a sense of Jackson’s direction and moved toward

him.Jackson’svoicewasfarmoredistantthesecondtimehecalledout,andMattknewhe’dgoneover
thesideoftheclifftotrytogettoEllebeforesheplungedintothesea.He’dbeenincombatwithJackson,
hadservedonmanycovertmissionswithhim.Hewasn’tamantorushheadlongintoanything.Ifhewas
already going over the cliff to get to Elle, she needed the help. He was counting on Jonas and Matt to
rescuethemboth.Heknewthey’dcomeforhim.

Matt felt the crushed grass with his hand and flattened his body, belly down, reaching along the

crumblingedgeofthecliffuntilhefoundtherope.Jacksonhadtiedofftheend,usinganoldfencepost.
Mattsuckedinhisbreath.Thefencepostwasrottedandalreadycomingoutoftheground.“I’mtyingoff
again,Jackson,givemeaminute,”Mattcalleddowntohim.Hepeeredoverthecliff.

Jackson was climbing down almost blind, feeling with his hands and toes for a grip. Elle lay

sprawledoutonasmallledge,clingingtoaflimsytree.Hecaughtonlyglimpsesofherasthefogwas
pushedouttowardthesea.Theheavymistcrawleddownbelowthecliffline,hoveringstubbornlyinthe
moreprotectedpockettoobscurethevisionoftherescuers.

“Passtheropebacktome,”Jonassaid,comingupbehindMatt.
Mattdidsoimmediately,nottakinghiseyesfromthesceneunfoldingbelowhim.Thefogwasthick

and churning, but the wind kept attacking it, driving it out in feathery clumps. It was the only thing that
providedhimwithglimpsesoftheaction.Jacksonmadehisway,withpainstakingcare,downthesheer
sideofthecliff.Jonastiedofftheropetoamuchmoresecureanchorbehindthem,whereMattcouldn’t
see.

“We’rereadyuphere,Jackson,saytheword,”MattcalledwhenJonassignaledhimtheropewas

safetouse.“Elle,I’mnothearinganythingfromyou.”Hehadn’t.Notamoan,notacallforhelp.Itwas
alarming.Hethoughthecouldseeheractivelyholdingontothesmalltreegrowingoutofthesideofthe
cliff,butthemorehetriedtopiercetheveilofthefog,themorehewascertainEllewasn’tmoving.

AsJacksonreachedher,Mattheldhisbreath,waiting.Afraidtohear,afraidnottohear.Hisheart

beatloudlyoverthesoundofthesea.

“She’salive,”Jacksoncalledup.“Shehasanastybumponthehead,andshe’sbruisedfromheadto

toe,butshe’salive.”

Mattleanedfartherovertheclifftoheartheconversationbelowhim.Jackson’svoicedriftedupto

him.“Liestill,letmeexamineyouforbrokenbones.I’mJacksonDeveau,thedeputysheriff.”

“Thisledgeiscrumbling.”Elle’svoicetrembled.“Someonepushedme.Ididn’thearthem,butthey

pushedme.”

“It’sallright.Don’tmove.You’resafenow.”Jackson’svoicewassoothing.“Doyourememberme?

Wemetoncealongtimeago.”

Matt recognized instantly the calming quality to Jackson’s voice. He was talking to keep her from

beingagitated.“Jonas,IthinkElle’sinjured.IcantellbythewayJackson’sacting.”Keepinghisvoice
low,hegavethenewstothesheriff,awarethatJonaswasanxioustoknowElle’scondition.

“I heard your voice, in a dream,” Elle said. Her words blurred around the edges, sending Matt’s

hearttripping.“Youwereinpain.Terriblepain.Someonewastorturingyou.Youwereinasmallcloset
ofaroom.Iremember.”

Mattwentstill.Jonasfrozebehindhim,obviouslyhearingElle’sresponse.
“Thenyouknowyou’resafewithme.YouhelpedmewhenIneededit.I’llgetyououtofthis.That’s

thewaythebuddysystemworks.”

ItwasthemostMatthadeverheardJacksonsaytoanyone.HeglancedbacktolookatJonas’sface.

Thefogalongthehighwaywasclearing.Thewindgusted,careeningofftheclifffaceinordertopushthe
heavymistawayfromElleandJackson.Jacksonnevertalkedaboutbeingcaptured.Nevertalkedabout
thetreatmenthe’dendured.Heneverspokeoftheescapethatfollowedorhowdifficultithadbeenashe
ledasmallragtaggroupofprisonersbackthroughenemylinestojointheirforces.

ThataDrakesistermightbeawareofdetailsMattandJonasweren’tprivytonolongersurprised

eitherofthem.

“Can you hold on to me as I climb up?” Jackson asked. “I can send you up by the rope. Matthew

GraniteandJonasHarringtonareuptopwaitingforyou.You’reboundtoaccumulateafewmorebruises
beinghauledupthatway.”

“I’dfeelsafergoingupwithyou,butIseemtokeepfadinginandout.Thingssortofdriftaway,”

Elleanswered.

Mattfeltthetugoftherope,knewJacksonwastyingthesafetylinearoundElle.
“Thenwe’llgouptogether,”Jacksonsaid.“I’mnotgoingtoletanythinghappentoyou.”

“Iknowyouwon’t.”Ellecircledhisneckwithherarmsandcrawledcarefullyontohisback.Matt

feltmoretugswiththeropeandknewJacksonwastyingherbodytohis.

“Yourarmisbroken.Canyouholdon?”
“Idon’texactlylikethealternative,andLibbyisblockingthepainforme.”
Matt shook his head. Libby Drake, the doctor. A woman reputed to have a gift for healing the

impossible.“DidyouknowLibbywasanywherenearhere?”heaskedJonas.

Jonasshookhishead.“IknewshewascominghomeforChristmas,butnotthatshewasontheway.

Butthatisn’tunusualfortheDrakes.They’reallconnectedsomehow,andtheytendtodothingstogether.”

Jackson’svoicedrifteduptothem.“Good.I’mgoingtostartclimbing,Elle.It’sgoingtohurt.”
EllepressedherfaceagainstJackson’sbroadback.MattwatchedJacksonstartupthecliff,testing

eachfinger-andtoeholdcarefullybeforecommittingtotheclimb.MattandJonaskepttheropejusttaut
enoughtoallowhimtoscaletheverticalrockface.WhenJacksonwashalfwaytothetop,thefogsimply
gaveup,retreatingbeforetheonslaughtofthewind.MattleaneddowntograspElle,asJacksongained
thetopofthecliff.

Matt untied the rope and gently laid Elle on the ground. “I’ll get to a car and radio for an

ambulance,”Jonassaid.

Elleshookherhead.“Libby’sonherway.She’llfixmeup.”SheturnedherheadtolookatJackson.

“Thank you for coming for me. I didn’t think anyone would find me.” She touched the bump on her
forehead.“Iknowthefallknockedmeout.”

JacksonshruggedandglancedatMattandJonas,shookhishead,andremainedsilent.Acarpulled

upbesidethemandLibbyDrakeleapedout,draggingablackleathercasewithher.“Howbadisshehurt,
Jonas?”

“I’mfine,Libby,”Elleprotested.
Libbyignoredher,lookingtoJonasforthetruthasshekneltbesidehersister.Jacksonansweredher.

“I think her left arm is broken. She definitely has a concussion, and she’s either bruised her ribs or
possiblyfracturedthem.She’sverytenderontheleftside.There’sonelacerationonherleftlegthatlooks
asifitcoulduseafewstitches.Otherthanthat,she’samassofbruises.”

“Idon’twanttogotothehospital,Libby,”Elleprotested.
“Toobad,baby,Ithinkwe’regoingtogoandcheckyouout.”
Libby’s word was obviously law. Elle protested repeatedly, but no one paid any attention to her.

MatthewfoundhimselfholdingKate’shandinthewaitingroomwhileLibbywentthroughalltherequired
testswithElleandfinallysettledherinahospitalbedfortheremainderofthenight.

Kate leaned into Matt’s hard frame, looking up at him. “Thank you. I don’t know what we would

havedoneifyou,Jonas,andJacksonhadn’tfoundher.Shelooksallcutup.”Therewasalittlecatchin
hervoice.

Matt immediately put his arms around her. “I’m taking you home. To my home, where you can get

some rest, Kate. Elle’s in good hands, you’ve kissed her ten times, and Libby’s going to stay overnight
with her. She can’t be safer than that. Jackson brought her car to your house and left it for her, so
everything’stakencareof.Comehomewithme,Katie.Letmetakecareofyou.”

“Youneedashave,”sheobserved,herhungrygazedrinkinghimin.
Theywalkedtogethertohiscar,theirstepsinperfectharmony.Mattsmiledbecausehelovedbeing

withhermorethananythingelse.Herubbedhisjaw.“You’reright,Ido.You’renotonlygoingtohave
whiskerburnonyourface,butifI’mnotmorecareful,you’llhaveitotherplacestoo.”

Sheblushedbeautifully.“Ialreadydo.”
Heopenedthedoorforher,caughtherchinbeforeshecouldslidein.“Seriously?”Justtheideaofit

madehisbodyhard.

Katenodded.“It’snicetohaveaconstantreminder.”Itwasmorethannice.Justthethoughtofhow

themarkshadgottentheremadeherhotwithneed.

Mattdraggedherclosetohim,hismouthtakingcommandofhers.Itseemedfartoolongsincehe’d

beenabletokissher.Tohaveheralltohimself.“IwanttogetyouhomewhereIcanputyouintomybed.
Istillhavesuchahardtimebelievingyou’rewithme.”

Shelaughed.“ImaginehowIfeel.”
Kateleanedherheadbackagainsttheseatofhiscarandlookedathim,thesmilefadingfromher

face.“Matt,youshouldn’thavewishedonthesnowglobe.Itisn’tanordinaryChristmasglobe.”

He glanced at her, then back at the road, his expression settling into serious lines. “Nothing about

youoryourfamilyisordinary,Katie.IknewwhatIwasdoing.”

Sheopenedhermouthtospeak,shookherhead,andstaredoutthewindowintothenight.
Mattsearchedforsomethingtosaytoreassureher.Ormaybeitwashethatneededthereassurance.

Katewasstillresistanttotheideaofalong-termrelationship,andhewasn’tcertainhecouldchangeher
mind.Hecouldn’tbegintoexplainthesenseofrightnesshefeltwhenhedroveuptohishousewithKate
besidehim.Hesatinhiscar,lookingupatthehousewithitsbankofwindowsfortheview,andthewide,
invitingdecksgoingineverydirection.“Ibuiltthishouseforyou.Ievenputinalibraryandtwooffices,
justincaseyouwantedyourownoffice.IaskedSarahafewyearsago,whenIfirstcameback,ifyouhad
apreferencewhereyouwrote,andshesaidyoupreferredaroomwithaviewandsoftmusic.Iaddeda
fireplacejustincaseyouneededtheambience.”

Kateblinkedbacktears,leanedover,andkissedhim.Whatcouldshesay?Everyoneintownknew

Sarah.Sarahwasmagic.Shecouldscalecliffwallsandsheknewthingsbeforetheyhappened.Shecould
leapoutofairplanesandclimbtallbuildings.Sarahlivedherlife.Shedidn’tdreamthewayKatedidor
liveinherimagination.

Matttookherhandandpulledheroutofthecar.“Isoundproofedyourofficesothenoisewouldn’t

botheryou.”

“Whatnoise?”Sheknewbetterthantoask,butshecouldn’tstopherself.
“Ourkids.Youdowantkids,don’tyou?I’mafraidtheGranitestendtothrowmales.Idon’thavea

singlefemalecousin.Youdolikeboys,don’tyou?”

Katelookedawayfromhim,outtotheboomingsea.Sarahwouldhavechildren.Allofhersisters

wouldhavethem.She’dprobablytellthemallstories.Maybesheshouldhavebeentheonetowishonthe
snowglobe.Maybesheshouldhavewishedforthecouragetodotherightthing.

“Katie,ifyoudon’twantchildren,I’llbehappywithitbeingjustthetwoofus.Youknowthat,don’t

you?”Heunlockedthedoortothehouseandsteppedbacktoletherin.“Childrenwouldbewonderful,
butnotnecessary.Ifwecanhavethem.Sometimeinthefuture,afterI’vespentendlesstimemakinglove
toyoualloverthehouse.”

KatewentstraighttotheChristmastree.Shewantedhim.Shewantedhimforaslongasshecould

havehim.Sheswallowedhertearsandliftedherchin,smilingathim.“Ilikethatidea.Makingloveto
youalloverthehouse.WouldyouturnontheChristmaslights?Iloveminiaturelightslikethese.”

Matt plugged in the lights for her. His house was dark and quiet and a bit on the cool side. He’d

neverbotheredwithheavycurtainsinthelivingroombecausehehadnocloseneighbors,andthebankof
windowsfacedthesea.Katedroppedherpurseonthenearestchairandkickedoffhershoes.“It’sniceto
comehome.Justfortonight,IwanttothinkaboutChristmasandnotsomeawfulthingcomingoutofthe
fogtohurteveryone.”Shelookedupathim,herlargeeyessad.“Doyouthinkwe’llmanagetogetone
nighttogether,Matthew?”

“Idon’tknow,Katie.Ihopeso.I’mgoingtocheckthehouseanddownstairs,andI’llberightback.”

Hedidn’tthinkhecouldsleep,notevenholdingherinhisarms,untilhecheckedthesandoutsideforany
peculiarfootprints.

“That’sagoodidea.I’llmakeusupabed.Youdon’tmindifwesleepoutherebythetreedoyou?”

Mattlookedaroundthehuge,spaciouslivingroom.Theminiaturelightswinkedonandoff,colors

flickeringalongthewallsandthehighceiling.“I’dlikethat,Kate.”

Hecircledthehouse,checkedtheroomsbeneaththedeckandthebeachforanysignsofintrusion.

Hehadthefeelingtheenemywasasfatiguedastheywere.Heglancedouttosea.“Howaboutgivingusa
break,buddy,”hemurmuredsoftly.“Whateverhasyouallupset,Katehadnothingtodowithit.”

Abovehisheadtheskiesopenedupandpoureddownrain.Mattgrinnedwrylyandhurriedbackto

the house. Back to Kate. The gas fireplace was lit, the “logs” burning cheerfully. On the mantel were
severallightedcandles.Thescentofberrypermeatedtheair.Intheflickeringlights,hesawKate,lying
nakedonthesheets,herbodybeautiful,sprawledlazilyonthecoverswhileshewatchedthelightsofthe
Christmas tree. His breath rushed from his lungs, so that he burned for air, just standing there in the
doorwaystaringinsurpriseatthemostincredibleChristmaspresenthecouldimagine.Thatwashowhe
thoughtofher.HisChristmaspresent.Hewouldlovethistimeofyearforever.

“Matthew.”Sheturnedover,smiledathim.“Comeliedownwithme.”
HecouldseetherealKateDrake.Ontheoutside,sheseemedflawless,perfect,outofreach,yetshe

wasreallyvulnerable,andasfragileasshewascourageous.Kateneededashieldandhewasmorethan
happytobethatshield,forher.Hecouldstandbetweenherandtherestoftheworld.“Givemeaminute,
Kate.”

Kateturnedbacktothetree,watchingthelightsblinkingonandoff,somanycolorsflickeringacross

thewall.Itwasheavenjusttoliedownandrest.Torelax.MorethananythingshelovedtofeelMatt’s
heatedgazeonher.Hemadeherfeelbeautifulandincrediblyspecial.Hewasalargeman,andthefeelof
hishandsonherbody,thewayhisbodycamealiveatthesightofher,wasagift.Atreasure.

Kate lay with the sheets cool on her skin and the lights playing over her body. She imagined his

handsonher.Hiseyesonher.Thinkingabouthimmadehergrowhotwithneed.Asmallsoundalerted
her,andshelookeduptoseehimtoweringoverher.Foramomentshecouldn’tbreathe.Shedrankhimin.
His strong legs and muscular thighs. His amazing erection. His flat stomach and heavily muscled chest.
Finally,hiseyes.Hiseyeshadturnedsmoky,seductive,andnowtheysmolderedwithintensityandheat.
“Youtakemybreathaway.”Itwasasillythingtosay,butitwastrue.Shepattedtheblanketbesideher.
Shewantedtotouchhim,toknowhewasreal.Tofeelhimsolidandstrongbeneathherfingertips.

“I’msupposedtosaythattoyou.”Hestretchedoutbesideher,gatheredherintohisarmstoholdher

tohim.“Iwanttolieherewithyouforaverylongtime.”

Sherestedherheadonhisshoulder,fittingherbodymorecloselytohis.“Iwouldn’tmindstaying

herefortherestofthewinter,lockedawayinourownprivateworld.”Shestretchedlanguidly,pleasedto
beabletorelax.Tohavehimholdingherwithsuchgentleness.

Mattknewshewastired,anditwasenoughtoholdherinhisarms,evenwithhisbodyragingathim

and her body so soft and inviting and open to his. His mouth drifted down the side of her neck. She
snuggledcloser,turningherheadtowardtheChristmastree,givinghimevenbetteraccess.

“Ilovethewayyousmell,”hesaid.Becausehecouldn’tresist,heslidhispalmoverherskin.He’d

never felt anything so soft. He traced her ribs, a gentle exploration, not in the least demanding, simply
wantingtotouchher.Hersoftbellycalledtohim,amysteryforabreastman,buthelovedthewayshe
reactedeachtimehecaressedherthere.

Katesmiled.“Ilovethefeelofyourhands.”
“I’vealwayshatedmyhands.Workingmanhands,roughandbigandmeantformanuallabor.”
“Meanttobringpleasuretoawoman,youmean,”shecontradicted,andcaughthishandtobringitto

herlips.Shekissedthepadsofhisfingers,nibbledonthetips,anddrewoneintohermouth.

Hecaughthisbreath,achingwithlove,burningupwithneed.“Everythingaboutyouissodamned

feminine, Kate. Sometimes I’m afraid if I touch you, I’m going to break you.” He measured her wrist
looselybycirclingitwithhisthumbandindexfinger.

Shelaughedandrubbedherbodyagainsthisaffectionately,almostlikeacontentedcat.“Idoubtyou

havetoworryaboutbreakingme.Thisthingwiththefogisdraining,butIrecoverquickly.”Shefrowned,
even as she ran her fingertips along the hard column of his thigh. “I am a little worried about Hannah
though,andnowElle.”

He was very much aware of her fingers so close to his throbbing erection. She was tapping out a

little rhythm on his upper thigh. His stomach constricted, and his blood thickened. The lights on the
Christmastreeblinkedonandoffinharmonywiththedrummingofherfingers.Everytapbroughtasurge
ofheatthroughhisbody.“ThedoctorssaidEllewasgoingtobefine.She’llhaveawhaleofaheadache,
though,andJacksonwasrightaboutherribsandarm,butshe’llhealfastwithLibbyaround.”

Matt cupped her breast in his hands, his thumbs teasing her nipples into taut pebbles. He felt her

response,theswiftintakeofbreath.Theflushthatcoveredherbody.“Itseemssuchamiracletometobe
abletotouchyoulikethis.Iwonderifeveryothermanknowswhatamiracleawoman’sbodyis.”

“Andallthistime,Ithoughtthemiraclewasaman’sbody.”Kateranherfingernailslightlyalonghis

belly.

“MaybethemiracleisjustthatIfinallymanagedtostopyoufromhidingfromme,”Mattdecided.

Hebenthishead,flickeredhernipplewithhistongue,madealazyforayaroundtheareola.Shemoved
slightly,turningtogivehimbetteraccess.

“I’vebeenthinkingaboutthefog.Somethingisn’tquiteright.”
“Quite right?” He lifted his head to look at her, arching his eyebrow. The Christmas lights were

playingredandgreenandblueoverherstomach.Abrightredlightglowedacrossthesmalltriangleof
curls at the junction of her legs. It was distracting and made it hard to concentrate on conversation. He
slippedhishandinthemiddleoftheflashinglight,watchedhisfingersstrokethenestofcurls,feltKate
shiver,andpushedhisfingersdeepintoherwarmwetsheath.Shepushedbackagainsthim,asoftmoan
escaping. He dipped his head to find her breast, suckling strongly. “What are you thinking, Kate?” His
tongueswirledoverhernipple,andhepusheddeeperinsideheruntilherhipsbeganahelplessride.

“Heisn’tgoingafterHannah.Whyattackme?OrElle?OrevenAbbey?HeshouldgoafterHannah.

Shesummonsthewindtodrivehimouttosea.Shestopshim.”Herwordscameinlittleshortbursts.She
gaspedasshepushedagainsthishand,asherbodytightenedwithalarmingpressure,withthepuremagic
ofpassionsharedwithMatthew.

“Takethepinsoutofyourhair,”hewhispered,hisvoiceraw.“Iloveyourhairdown.Youlookvery

sexywithyourhairdown.”

“YouthinkIlooksexynomatterwhat,”shepointedout.
Histeethteasedhernipple,nibbledoverherbreast.“True,butIlovethehair.”
“Youwon’tloveitwhenit’sfallingalloveryou.”Butshewasliftingherarms,pullingoutpinsand

scattering them in every direction while he shifted her, lowering his body into the cradle of her hips,
thrustingdeepinsideher.

She cried out when he surged forward. Whips of lightning danced through her blood. “Matthew.”

Therewasapleaformercy,andhehadn’tevengottenstarted.

“Wehaveallthetimeintheworld,Katie,”hewhispered,hislipsslidingoverherthroat,herchin,

anduptohermouth.Hisstronghipspaused,waiting.Sheheldherbreath.Hethrusthard,alongstroke
surging deep to bury himself completely within her. A coming home. She was velvet soft and tight and
fieryhot.Hewantedalongslownightwithher.Hishandsshapedherbody,strokingandcaressingevery
inchofher.

“Idon’tfeellikewehaveallthetimeintheworld.”Sheprotested,breathless,archingherhipsto

meettheimpactofhis.“IfeellikeI’mgoingtogoupinflames.”

“Thendoit,”heencouraged.“Comeformeahundredtimes.Overandover.Screamforme,Kate.I

loveyousomuch.Ilovewatchingyoucomeforme.AndIloveyourbody,everysquareinchofit.Iwant

tospendthenightworshipingyou.”

Katewantedthesamething.Shedidscream,clutchingatthebedcoversforananchorasherbody

fragmented,andshewentspinningoffintospace.Shecouldn’ttellifthewhirlingcolorswerebehindher
eyesorfromtheChristmastreelights.Shefounditdidn’tmatterwhenhecaughtherhipsfirmly,heldher
still,andbegansurgingintoheroncemorewithhisslow,deepstrokes.

Chapter

Inthestockinghungwithgentlecare,

Amystery,Iknow,ishiddenthere.

ATTWOKEALREADYAROUSED.

EWAS

thickandaching,sotighthethoughthe’dburstthroughhisownskin.The

blanketshadfallenontothefloorasifhehadspentalong,restlessnight.Hisbodywasstarknakedand
mercilesslyaroused.HelookeddownatKate.Shesmiledupathim,hersea-greeneyessultry,herhands
movinggentlyoverhisflatstomach.Herlonghairspilledoverhishipsandthighs,teasingeverynerve
ending.Heknottedalongstrandaroundhisfist.“Idreamedofyou,Kate.”

Her smile was that of a temptress. “I hope it was a good dream.” She bent her head to her task,

lovinglystrokinghertongueoverthethickinvitinglengthofhim,slidingthevelvetknobintotheheated
tightnessofhermouth.

Mattgaspedasthepleasure/painofitrockedhim.“Howcoulditnotbe?”heaskedwhenhegothis

breathback.Hertonguemadeateasingforayalongtherigidlengthandstrokedoverhimbeforesheonce
againslidhermoutharoundhim.

Heclosedhiseyes,hishipssurgingforward,wantingmore,needingmore,aswavesofheatspread

through his body, as every muscle clenched and tightened. Kate’s fist wrapped him up while her mouth
performedmiracles.“Idon’tknowifI’llsurvivethis,Kate.”

Heranswerwasmuffled,herbreathwarmandenticing,hermouthhotandtight.Hewascertainhe

feltherlaughtervibratethroughhisentirebody.TherewasjoyinKate.Thatwashersecret,hedecided.
Joyineverythingshedidwithhim.Shedidn’tpretendnottoenjoyhisbody,shereveledinexploringhim,
teasinghim,drivinghimtotheveryedgeofhiscontrol.

Kate kissed her way up his belly and over his chest. She mounted him, the way an accomplished

horsebackridersmoothlyslidesaboardahorse,settlingherbodyoverhiswithexquisiteslowness.She
putupherhandsandhetookthemsoshecoulduseleverageasherbodyroseandfell,strokinghis.Her
hair spilled around her, adding to her allure as her full breasts bounced and beckoned with every
movement. She threw her head back, arched back, moving differently, tightening muscles until he was
certainhewouldexplode.

“Kate.”Hernamewasahusky,almosthoarsesound,escapingfromhisconstrictedthroat.Hislungs

burned.Afirespreadthroughhisbelly,centeredinhisgroin,andgatheredintoawildconflagration.He
couldn’ttakehisgazefromher.Therewasasheentoherskin,aflushoverherbody.Shemovedwitha
woman’s sensuous grace and mystery. “The feel of your hair on my legs and belly makes me crazy.” It
shouldhavetickledhisskin,butthesilkyfallbrushedoversensitivenerveendingsandaddedtotheheat
and fire building in the deep within him. He felt as if every part of his body was being pulled in that
direction.

Kate moved with exquisite slowness, undulating her body, sending him right out of his mind. The

erotic visual only increased his raging hunger for her. In the soft morning sunlight, her hair flashed red
streaks,andherpaleskinseemedmadeofdewypetals.Mostofall,theexpressiononherface,deeply
absorbedintherideoflustandloveandpassion,shookhisentirebeing.Hecouldreadthewayherbody
begantobuildpressure,hermusclesclenchingtightly,grippinghimstrongly.Hecouldseeitonherface,
therapture,thepassion,theintensityoftheorgasmasitovertookher.Hewatchedherrideitout,watched
theexcitementandpleasureonherface,inherbody.Seeingherlikethatheightenedhisownpleasure,and
he wanted more, wanted her flushed body to feel it again and again and bring his body to his own
explosiveorgasm.

Hecaughtherhipsinhishands,takingcontrol,guidingherride,thrustingupwardhardassheslid

down over him, encasing him in a fist of hot velvet. He shuddered with pleasure, feeling the pressure
buildingrelentlessly.Hecouldfeelherbodypreparingforasecondshock,themusclestighteningaround
him,addingtotheintensityofhisexplosion.Itshookhim,avolcanogoingoff,detonatingfromtheinside
out,takingeverythinginitspath.Hecaughthertohim,fightingforair,fightingtoregainsomesenseof
where he was, of a time and place, not fantasyland, where his every dream came true. It seemed
impossibletobelyingonhislivingroomfloor,hisheartragingathim,hisbodyinecstasy,andtheloveof
his life in his arms. His world had been guns and sand and jungles and an enemy fighting to kill him.
WomenlikeKatewerenotrealandtheydidn’twindtheirarmsaroundhisneckandrainkissesallover
hisfaceandtellhimhewastoosexytobealive.

Theylaytogetherjustholdingoneanother,tryingtogettheirheartratesbacktonormalandtopush

air through their lungs. Kate lay stretched out on top of Matt, pressing her soft body tightly against his.
Beneathher,hesuddenlystiffened.

“Whatthehellisthat?”hegrowled,hearinganoiseoutsidethehouse.
Kate gasped and rolled off of him, landing on the pile of blankets. “We have company, Matthew,”

shewhispered,gatheringthesheetsaroundher.

Hesatupabruptly,hisbreathhissingthroughhisteeth.He’daskedforanightwithKate,heshould

have asked for the entire damned week. He was never going to get enough of her, never be sated. “I
thought I’d at least get you for a few more hours,” he groused as he padded naked across the floor. He
suddenlyhaltedhalfwaytothedoorandutteredastringofcurses.“It’smyparents.”

Kate’seyeswidened.Sheclutchedthesheettohernakedbreasts.“What?”
“My parents,” he announced. He reached down to help her up. “Why is it that even when you’re

grown,parentscanmakeyoufeellikeateenagercaughtintheact?”

Kate wrapped the sheet around her and hurried toward his bedroom while Matt scooped up the

blanketsandfollowedher.“Didyougetcaughtintheactoften?”

“Areyoulaughingatme?”heasked,adangerousglintinhissilvereyes.
“OnlybecauseI’mdisappearingintothebathroomtoleaveyoutofacethemusicalone.Youmight

get dressed.” She grinned mischievously at him as she gathered up her clothes and retreated behind a
securelylockeddoor.

Mattcaughtsightofthewispofpeach-coloredlacethatlayonthefloorandfoundawickedsmile

stealingoverhisface.Hestoopeddownandpickeditup,bunchingitintohishandbeforeshovingitinto
thepocketofhisjacket,whichwaslyingonthebackofachair.Hedraggedonclothesasfastashecould,
combinghishairwithhisfingersjustasthepoliteknockonhisdoorcame.

He could hear Kate laughing, and it was contagious. He couldn’t wipe the grin off his face as he

opened the front door. Victoria Granite threw her arms around her son and hugged him hard. “You
frightenedus,Matt!Wecalledandcalledandyouneveranswered.FirsttherewasafirehereandDanny
toldusaboutthathorribleincidentatthestoreandthenacallwentoutand…”

“Victoria,takeabreath,”HaroldGraniteadvised.Hesmiledlovinglyathiswife,usedtoherrun-on

sentences. “We heard the fog came in last night, and Elle Drake went over the cliff. Victoria was
worried.”

Matt’s mother made a face. “Really, Harold, I knew he was perfectly fine; you were the one who

spenttheentiremorningtryingtocallhimandpacingbackandforthlikeawildtiger.Iwasfine!”

Mattmethisfather’sgazeoverthetopofhismother’shead.Theybothstifledaknowinggrin.“I’m

sorry,Dad.Ishouldhaverememberedafteralltheseyears,howyouworry.”

Victoria smiled and patted Harold’s arm. “There, dear, you see there was nothing at all to worry

about.Allthatpacing.”Sheshookherhead,stoppinginmidsentenceasshelookedupatthemanteland
the candles that had burned down to the holders. “Oh my goodness.” She looked around carefully.
“MatthewGranite,youhadawomanherelastnight,didn’tyou?”

“Mom,onceIturnedthirty,IthoughtweagreedIdidn’thavetotalkaboutwomenwithyou.”
Fromthebedroomcamethesoundofadoorclosing.Hisparentsexchangedalong,satisfiedlook.

Victoriaarchedhereyebrowatherson.“She’sstillhere?”

“Asamatteroffact,yes.Anddon’tstartonher,Mom.Idon’twantherscaredoff.Thisistheone.”
Therewasanotherstartledsilence.“Kate’shere?”Haroldasked,clearlyastonished.“KateDrake?”
“Ofcourseit’sKate,”Victoriasaid.
Katecameoutofthebedroomwithabrightsmileanddesperationinhereyes.Shewaswearingone

ofhisshirtsoverherthinwhiteblouse.Matthewwasinstantlymortified.Hethoughthewouldteaseher,
andatthesametime,he’dhavetheaddedpleasureofknowingshewassittingbesidehiminthewarmth
ofhiscarwithoutabra.He’dplannedtosliphishandinsidethewhitesilkofherblouseandcaressher
softcreamyskin.Theideaalonehadmadehimashardasarock.Ithadn’toccurredtohimthatherblouse
wassheerenoughthatherdarkernippleswouldshowsoalluringly.

Katealwayspresentedanearflawlessappearancetotheworld,andherealizedimmediatelywhen

hesawthedesperationinhereyesthatitwasherarmor.Sheworeherclothesandhairandmakeupto
keeppeoplefromseeingtherealKate.ThevulnerableKate.TheKateshesharedonlywithhersisters,
andnowwithhim.

“HelloMrs.Granite,Mr.Granite,”shegreeted.
Matthewdrewtheedgesofhisshirttogetheraroundher,slidingseveralbuttonsinplace.Hebentto

kiss her, shielding her from his parents’ scrutiny for a brief moment. When he was certain she was
sufficientlycovered,hecircledherwaistwithhisarmsandheldherinfrontofhim.Hecouldfeelhersoft
unbound breasts pushing against his arms. Instantly his body reacted, thickening, hardening, an ache
poundingthroughhisblood.Heheldherclosetohim,coveringthepainfulbulgestretchingthematerialof
hisjeans.Katewaswithoutmercy,slowlyandsensuouslyrubbingherroundbottomoverthehardridge.
“Iwouldverymuchliketovisit,butElle’sinthehospital,andwehavetogobyKate’shousebeforewe
go to see her.” Was that his voice? It sounded thick and husky to his ears. He was even afraid color
burnedinhisface.HispalmsitchedtocupKate’sbreastsinhishands.Thesoftweightonhisarmswas
driving him crazy. His mouth had actually gone dry. And if she didn’t stop the way she was rubbing
against him, he was going to shock everyone right then and there. “Let’s have dinner tonight,” he
suggested,indesperationmakingeyecontactwithhisfather.

Harold,takingthecue,caughtVictoria’selbowfirmly.
“DannywillbespendingtheeveningwithTrudyGarretandherlittleboyattheGrange.SantaClaus

isstuffingstockingsanddeliveringpresentsaroundseven.Weweregoingtowatch,”Victoriasaid.“Can
weplanforanothernight?”

“Tomorrow is the pageant rehearsal,” Matt said. “You all are in that. Maybe we can grab dinner

afterward.”

“There’snevertime.”Haroldshookhishead,butheadedacrossthelivingroomtothefrontdoor.

“Thepageantrehearsalneverrunssmoothly,andwe’realwaysthereuntilmidnight.”

“Goodpoint,”Mattagreed.“Don’tworry,Mom,we’llhavedinnertogethersoon.”Hewalkedthem

tothedoor.“Who’splayingSantaClausthisyear?”

Haroldgrinned.“Noone’ssupposedtoknow,Matt.”Hewentoutintothelightdrizzleandpaused.

“JeffBurleybrokehislegacoupleofweeksago.He’sdoneiteveryyear,andwehadabitoftrouble
findingareplacement.Everyone’safraidofthefog.Someofthetownspeoplethinkit’ssomekindofalien
invasion.”

Victoriaputupherumbrellaandmadealittleface.“Peoplearesosillysometimes.”
“Ihopeyou’renottryingtoaskmetobeSantaClausthisyear,I’mmoreafraidofthekidsthanIam

ofaliens.”Mattsoundedassternashedaredwithhismother.

Kate made a move to retreat back into the house, but Matt held her firmly as if she were his only

refuge.ThecoldairhardenedKate’snipplesintotightbuds,andshewasacutelyawaresheworenobra
beneathMatt’sshirt.Thedrizzlewaspenetratingstraightthroughthematerialandturningthesilkblouse
beneathittransparent.Shecrossedherarmsoverherchestandkepthersmilefirmlyinplace.

“Therearen’tanyaliens,”Victoriasaid,exasperated.“Andno,youdon’thavetoplaySanta.Iknow

betterthantoaskanyofyouboys.You’dfrightenthechildrenwithyournonsense.”

“NotDad!”Mattsuddenlysoundedauthoritative,andKatelookedup.“Dad,thedoctortoldyounot

tooverdo.”

“PlayingSantaClauswouldn’toverdoanything.”Haroldwasclearlyannoyed.“Andno,itisn’tme.

We had someone come forward, but he wishes to remain anonymous. It would ruin all of his fun if I
revealedhisidentity.”

Mattfollowedhisparentstotheircar,takingKatewithhim.“I’mnotgoingtotellanyone.”
“Thelastmanyou’deverexpect,”Victoriasaidprimly.
“ThelastmanI’deverexpecttoplaySantawouldbeOldManMars.”Mattlaughed.“Can’tyousee

Danny’sface?He’drunfromSanta.”

VictoriaandHaroldlookedatoneanotherandburstoutlaughing.VictoriawavedgailyatKate.Matt

staredafterthem.“Youdon’tthinktheymeantthatmeanoldmanisgoingtoplaySanta.”

“Ican’timagineit.Ithinktheywereteasingyou.Doyouhavethecarkeys?I’mgettingcold,andI

havetostopbymyhousetopickupsomeclothesbeforewegotothehospital.”

“I’vegotthem.Comeon.Let’sgetyououtoftherain.”Mattdrewherbrafromhisjacketpocketand

helditouttoher.“I’msorry,Katie.Icouldn’tstopthinkingaboutplayingoutmylittlefantasyofbeing
abletotouchyouwhenIwastakingyouhome.Itwaschildishofme.”

Katemerelylookedatthepeach-coloredbrainhisoutstretchedhand,butmadenomovetotakeit.

“Andyouwantedtobeabletotouchmehow?”Shewalkedpasthimtothecar.Therewasadistinctsway
toherbeautifulrear,onehecouldn’tresist.Katesettledintohiscar,slowlyunbuttonedthewetovershirt,
and allowed the edges to gape open to reveal the transparent silk blouse underneath. She leaned back
againsttheseat.

Mattdroveslowlyalongthecoastalhighway,fightingforairwhentherewasnoneinthecar.The

shapeofherbreastswasnotonlyoutlinedbeneaththesee-throughmaterial,buthighlighted.“Kate,you’re
anincrediblewoman.”

“I’maluckywoman.Iratherlikeyourfantasies.Byallmeans,tellmewheneveryougetone.”
He couldn’t resist. Matt slipped his hand inside her blouse, cupped the soft, creamy flesh in his

palm. His knuckle rubbed gently over her breast, the pads of his fingers possessive as he caressed her
body.Rightatthatmomenthecouldthinkofahundredfantasies.Heturnedthecarontothedriveleading
tothebluffoverlookingthesea.Themomentheparked,hecaughtthebackofherheadandheldherstill
whilehedevouredhermouth.

They spent an hour in the car, laughing like children, necking like teenagers, wildly happy as they

heldhands,touchedandkissedandwhisperedofdreamsandhopesanderoticfantasies.

WhentheyarrivedattheDrakehouse,noonewashome;thesisterswereallatthehospital.There

was a note for Kate telling her Elle was doing much better and instructing her to join them when she
could.Katetookthetimetoshower.Mattjoinedherandspentalongwhileleisurelylatheringsoapover
herandrinsingheroff.Hemadelovetoherunderthesprayofwater,thendriedheroffwithlargetowels.
Hecouldn’ttakehiseyesoffofherwhileshedressed.“I’veneverbeenhappier,Kate,”headmitted,as
shepinnedthethicklengthofhairontopofherheadintoher“perfectKate”style.

“Meeither,”sheanswered,andleanedovertokisshim.
Mattcaughtherhandanddraggedherthroughthehouseintothelivingroom.“Kate,doyouloveme?

YouknowIloveyou.Itellyou.Ishowyou.Iwanttospendmylifewithyou,andI’vemadenosecret
aboutthat.Doyouloveme?”

Kate nearly stopped breathing. She touched his face. “How could you not know, Matthew? I love

yousomuchIachewithitsometimes.”

“Thenwhywon’tyouagreetomarryme?Idon’tthinkyourfamilyobjectstome,andobviouslymy

familywouldwelcomeit.”

Sheletherbreathoutslowly.“Ihavesomethingstoworkout,Matt.Iwanttomarryyou.Ido.ButI

havetobecertainit’srightforyou.ThatI’mrightforyou.”

“Katie. Honey. I know you’re right for me.” He looked around the room. “Where’s that damned

snowglobeanyway?”Heretrieveditfromtheshelf.

Kate took it out of his hands. “You only get one wish, Matt, and you’ve had yours.” She went to

placetheglobebackontheshelf,butitcamealiveinherhands,thefogswirling.Waiting.Kateclosedher
eyes and made her wish. She couldn’t stop herself. She wanted Matthew Granite more than she’d ever
wantedanythinginherlife.

Mattsaidnothing,askinghernoquestions.Hesimplytookherhandinagestureofsolidarity.
KateandMattspentmostoftheafternooninthehospitalwithKate’ssistersinElle’sroom.Mattand

Damonplayedagameofchesswhilethesevensisterscaughtuponnews.JoleyhelpedDamon,andwhen
Matt expressed disapproval, Abbey immediately took Matt’s side. They did their best to entertain Elle,
wholookedbruisedandveryyoung.Herbrightredhairtumbledaroundherwhitefaceandheightenedher
pale skin and deepened the purple in the bruises. She was in good spirits but weak and still had a
headache.

MattandKateleftthehospitalintheeveningtomeettheGranitesattheGrange,wheremostofthe

townspeoplewerebringingtheirchildrenforphotoswithSantaandasmallparty.

TheGrangehallwaspackedwithparentsandchildren.“JingleBells”blaredthroughthebuilding,

mistletoe was hung in every conceivable place, and holly decorated the tables laden with cookies and
punch.Afakemantelwentalongtheentirelengthofonewallwithholly,candles,andtinysleighsfilled
withcandycanesadorningthetop.Rowsofstockingshungongleaminghooks.Thesilver-tippedfirtree
nearly reached the ceiling and was covered in lights, ornaments, and a multitude of white angels with
silverwings.

“Theladiesattheartsandcraftsshophavebeenbusy,”Mattwhispered.
Kateshushedhim,buthereyeswerelaughing.Severalelveshurriedpastthem,bellstinklingfrom

their hats and ankles. Kate and Matt followed the elves through the crowd to the back of the building,
where Santa Claus sat in a high-backed chair surrounded by more elves and a reindeer that looked
suspiciouslylikeadogwithplasticantlersattachedtohishead.ThelinetovisitSantawaslong,small
childrenclutchingparents’handsandstaringwithlargeroundeyesatthejollyoldman.TheSantasuitfit
perfectly, and the white beard and mustache seemed natural, both bushy enough to hide the face
successfully.MatttriedtogetcloseenoughtogetagoodlookattheSanta.Severalpreteenagersrushed
pasthimlaughingloudly,tossingpopcornateachother.

“Doyouthinkit’sOldManMars?”Mattwhispered.

“Howcoulditbe?”Kateasked.“HehatesChristmas.”
“Rightheight.Icouldtellifheweretalkingloudormaybeevenbythewayhewalks.”Mattweaved

hiswaythroughthesmallchildren.

“Hey!”Ayoungboywithredhairprotested.“Nocuttingin.”
“IjustwantedtoaskSantaifhe’dgivemeKateforChristmas,”Mattexplained.
Unimpressed,theboywrinkledhisnose,andallofhisfriendsmadefaces.“Well,yougottostandin

linelikeeveryoneelse.”

KatelaughedanddraggedMattawayfromSantaClaus.HespottedInezandpulledKatetowardher.

“IfanyoneknowswhoSantaClausis,it’llbeInez.Sheknowseverything.”

“Doesn’tthatcomeundertheheadingofgossip?”
“News,Katie.Howcanyouevenusethewordgossip?”Mattstoppedmovingabruptlyandbrought

herupshort,staringoutthewindow.Hebitoutastringofcurses.“Thedamnedfogisrollingin,Kate.It’s
comingrightthisway.”

Kate looked at him, then looked around at the children. “I don’t want people to panic and run for

theircarstogetawayfromhere.Noonewouldbeabletodriveinthefog.I’llfindawaytodistractthe
kids.”ShehurriedtowardSantaClaus,whisperingsoftlytothechildrensothatthethrongpartedlikethe
RedSeatogiveheraccesstothejollyoldmansittingwithachildonhislap.Sheleanedinandspoketo
him.

From a distance, Matt watched Santa stiffen, listen some more, and nod. Kate straightened up and

directedthechildrenintoalargecircle.Santagaveoutcandycanes,pattingheadsandlaughingashedid
so. Several mothers began distributing cookies and punch while Kate started an enthralling Christmas
story.Matthadneverseenanyoneholdanentireroominherhand,buttherewasnosoundotherthanthe
faint background of Christmas music and Kate’s spellbinding voice. He found himself caught up in the
sheer beauty of the magical tone, even when the fog began to seep through the cracks of the doors and
windows.

Therewasnowaytokeepthefogout.ItwasonlythemagicofKate’svoice,theanonymousSanta

Claus’scheerfulpunctuationofho,ho,howovencleverlyintothestoryline,andtheGranitereputationin
thecommunitythatkeptpanicfromspreadingasthegray-whitevaporfilledtheroom,bringingwithitthe
scentandfeelofthesea.Katesmoothlyincorporatedthefogintothestoryline,havingthechildrenhold
hands and interact with Santa’s ho, ho, ho. The children did so with enthusiasm, laughing wildly at the
antics of Kate’s characters in the fog. Matt realized she was creating the illusion that the fog was
deliberate,apartofthestoryshewastelling,usedforeffect.Hecouldseeparentsrelaxing,thinkingKate
hadfoundawaytokeepthechildrenfromfearingtheincomingfog,apartoflifeforanyonewholivedon
thecoast.

ItseemedhourstoMatt,watchingthefogchurning,swirlingindeepershadesofgray,spinningwhen

there was no breeze to create the effect, yet it was only a few minutes before the fog began a hasty
retreat…almostasifitcouldn’ttakethesoundofKate’svoice.Itwasasillynotion.Foghadnoearsto
listen,butitalsoshouldn’thavebeenabletoleavefootprintsinsandordodamagetoproperty.Hemade
hiswayclosertoKate,knowingshewouldpayasteeppriceusingherenergytokeepsuchalargecrowd
under the spell of her voice. As he moved toward her, he felt something in the fog, something tangible
brushagainsthisarm.

Mattwhirledtowardit,handsgoingupinafighter’sdefensiveposition,buttherewereonlycoilsof

vaporsurroundinghim.Heheardasound,agrowlingvoicemutteringawarning.Achillwentdownhis
spine.Hefeltthetouchofdeathonhim,bonyfingersreachingforhim,orsomeonewhobelongedtohim.
Thehaironhisbodystoodupinreactiontothehalfmoan,halfgrowlthatcouldhavebeenwind,butthere
wasnowindtogeneratethesound.Mattknewitwasawarning,butthewordsmadenosense.

Angerwasimpotentagainstfog.Hecouldn’tfightit,couldn’twrestleit;hecouldn’tevenshootit.

HowcouldheprotectKatewhenhecouldn’tseeorgethishandsontheculprit?Hestoodverystillasthe
vapor simply rolled from the building, leaving behind the soft Christmas music and the laughter of the
children. He looked around the room, at the sunny faces, at the tree and decorations. Why had the fog
come,onlytorecedewithoutincident?

HemadehiswaytoKate’sside,slippinghisarmaroundherwaisttolendherstrength.Shesentthe

childrentothetablesoffood,asmileonherface,shadowsinhereyes.Laughterpickedupasifthefog
had never been; but Matt continued to survey the room, inch by inch, concerned there had to more,
somethingtheywereallmissing.

Kateleanedintohimastheylookedoutthewindow.“It’sheadingouttoseaonitsown.Whywould

itdothat?Whywoulditcomehereandleave?”

Matt watched the children eating. Santa Claus was eating. “Could it have poisoned the food some

way?”heasked,hisheartinhisthroatatthethought.HisparentswereseatedatatablewithDanny,Trudy
Garrett,andheryoungson.

“Idoubtit,Matthew,howcouldit?”
“Howcouldhedoanyofthethingshe’sbeendoing?”Hishandstightenedonhershoulders.“Santa

ClausisasymbolofChristmas,right?Whatdoesherepresent?”

“You don’t think he came to attack the man playing the part of Santa, then decided against it, do

you?”Heranxiousgazefollowedtheburlymaninthered-and-whitesuit.

Mattshookhishead.“Ifeeldanger,Katie.WhenIfeelitthisstrong,it’shere,closeby.Tellmewhat

Santarepresents.”

Sherubbedherthrobbingtemples.“Goodwill,Isuppose.Herepresentsgoodwillandgenerosity.He

givespresents,stuffsstockings,eatsthechildren’smilkandcookies.”

“Hespreadsgoodwillamongthepeopleandisgenerous,teachingbyexampletobegenerous.”Matt

tuggedonherhand,movedtowardthetreewhereSanta’spacklay.Hepeeredinside.Therewereafew
nettedcandycanestockingsholdingsmalltoys,candy,andvarioussmallpersonalitemsthetownalways
generously donated for the event. Santa had slipped most of the candy cane net stockings into the
children’sstockingshangingfromthefakemantelearlierwhenhe’dfirstarrived,sothateachchildwould
havesomethingtotakehomeaftertheparty.

Mattwenttothebrightlycoloredstockings,eachwithachild’snamestitchedinboldlettersacross

the top. Kate’s fingers tightened around his. She already knew, just as he did. They peered inside. She
drew back, stifling a cry, looking at him with fear. Inside each stocking, the fog had added to Santa’s
generousgift.Amassofsandandseabugswrithedinhideousblackballsinthetoesofthestockings.All
were damp with seawater and smelled faintly of the noxious odor the fog seemed to leave behind.
Crushedshellsandspinyseaanemone,kelpandsmallcrabsweremixedwiththewigglinginsects.

Santa Claus joined them, staring at the mess while all around them children ate and laughed and

played.“Wehavetogetridofthese.Someofthesecreaturesarevenomous.”

Matt glanced quickly at the man, recognizing the voice. Old Man Mars was indeed playing Santa.

“You’reright.I’llgetacoupleofthemen,andwe’llgetthestockingsoutofherebeforethechildrenstart
tryingtocollectthem.Kate.”Hepulledoutachairforher.“Sitdownbeforeyoufalldown.I’lltakeyou
homewhenwe’rethroughhere.”

“Tomyhouse,”shesaidinawearyvoice.“Ineedtogotomyhouse.”
Henodded,hisgutknottingtightly.

Chapter

Acandleburnswithaneerieglow,

Asitmelts,thewaxdoesflow

“T

HETHINGINTHEFOGSPOKETOM E.”

ATT

madetheannouncementaftertheDrakesistershadsettledEllefirmly

inthelivingroom.Itwaslateafternoonbeforethedoctorslethergohome,andherfamilyhadbeenso
anxious,Matthadsteeredclearofthesubjectofthedangerinthefog.HeandKatehadgonetothemill
earlierinthemorningtoreexaminethesealandseeifshecouldfindanythingnewaboutthespirit.He
hadn’twantedtobringupthesubjectattheverysourceofthetrouble.

There was a sudden silence. He had their attention immediately. Kate set down her teacup. “You

didn’tsayanythingtomeaboutit.”

“YouwereexhaustedandworriedaboutEllelastnight,Katie,andagainthismorning.Ididn’twant

tobringitup.Nowthatshe’shomeandsafe,Ithoughtitwasagoodtimetodiscussit.”Enmasse,the
Drake sisters were difficult to contend with. He could feel every eye on him. There was power in the
room,intangible,feminine,butasteadyflowofit.Anenergyhecouldn’tbegintoexplain,butheknewit
movedfromsistertosister.

“Whatdiditsay?”Sarahasked.Hervoicewasgentle,nonjudgmental.Practical,magicalSarah.She

wastheoldestandthemostinfluential.

“It made no sense. It was a moan and a growl mixed together. The syntax was old-fashioned, but

fromwhatIgot,itwasawarningtokeepmylovedonesawayfromonewiththestaff.”

“Thestaff?Heusedthewordstaff?”Kateasked.
Mattnodded.“I’vethoughtalotaboutit,andmaybeitalltiesupwithChristianityandthestaffof

lifeorsomething.AnythingtodowiththeChristianbeliefsofChristmasisunderattack?”Hemadeita
question.

ElleliftedtheoldjournalSarahhandedtoher.“I’lldomybesttotrytofindareferencetoastaffin

here,”shesaid.“Idon’tthinkIthankedyouforcomingtomyrescuetheothernight,Matt.OneminuteI
was making my way home, and the next I felt something shove me over the side of cliff. I broke every
fingernailonthewaydown,grabbingatdirtandrocks.IhavenoideahowJacksonclimbeddowntoget
me.Icouldn’tevencalloutwithastrongenoughvoiceforhelp,andIwasafraidtomove.Theledgewas
literallycrumblingunderme.”

“Iknowitwasfrightening,Elle,butwehaveyou,you’resafenow,”Joleysoothed.
“Kate said something the other evening about how the entity didn’t go after Hannah. It’s strange

becauseHannah’stheoneprovidingthewindtodrivehimouttoseaandawayfromthetown,”Mattsaid.
“Doanyofyouhaveanyideawhyhe’schosennottotrytoharmher?”

Sarahfrowned.“ItreallyonlywentafterElle.”

Kate shook her head. “It definitely tried for me, Sarah. And I think it tried to use Sylvia and her

amorouswaystogettoAbbey,thenmadeasecondattempthereinthehouse,pittingheragainstJackson.
Jackson’samercurialman,andSylvia’sunpredictable.IthinkitwantedAbbeyoutofthewaytoo.Ofall
ofus,wouldn’tHannahbeitsmainobstacle?”

“What do you all have in common?” Matt asked. He watched as Sarah moved through the living

room lighting tall, thick candles at each entranceway. The candles each had three wicks and sat in
wrought-ironholders.Shemurmuredsomethinghecouldn’thearassheliteachcandle.Herealizedthe
windowshad arrangements ofcolorful flowers andherbs tied in bundleson either sideof the sills and
above the window frames. The bundles of dried arrangements hadn’t been there before. The fragrance
was a blend of outdoors and strong scents of rosemary, jasmine, and something else he couldn’t quite
identify.Thelightsofthecandlesflickeredonthewalls,dancingandleapingwitheverymovementofthe
sisters,asiftunedtothem.

“Abbey, Kate, and Joley all have special gifts involving their voices,” Sarah answered, bending

overatallcranberrycandlenearthebaywindow.Sheglancedoveratheryoungestsisterbeforelighting
the round candle. “Elle has many talents, but she doesn’t share their voice. She is, however, a strong
telepath,andshecansharetheshadowworldwithKate.NeitherJoleynorAbbeyhavehasthatability.”

“ButnothinghappenedtoJoley,”Mattsaid.Hesighed.“Somuchformygreatdetectivework.”
Joleymadeasmalldissentingsound.“That’snotexactlytrue.”Immediately,shehadtheattentionof

allofhersisters.

“Somethinghappenedthatyoudidn’ttellus,”Kateasked.
“Ididn’twanttoworryanyone,”Joleyadmitted.“Igetallkindsofsillythreatsontheroad,andin

lightofthethreattoKate,Ididn’twanttoworryanyone.”

Joleystretched,asensuousflowoffemininemuscle.EverythingJoleydid,everywayshemovedor

evenspokewassultry.Itwasasnaturaltoherasbreathing.Mattfoundhecouldappreciateherlooksand
voice,yetnotreactintheleast.Itwasafurtherrevelationtohimjusthowdeeplyinlovehewaswith
Kate.HesankontothefloorinfrontofKateandleanedagainstherknees.Atonceherfingerstunneled
intohisthickhair,aconnectionbetweenthem.

“Whathappened,Joley?”Sarahprompted.
“Iwentuptomyroomafterwealltalkedtheotherday.Hannahsaidsheclosedthewindowbecause

thefogwasslippingintothehouse,anditmadeheruncomfortable.IwassotiredIjustcrashedonthe
bed,andIdidn’tthinktopayattentiontothefeeloftheroom.Iwokeupchoking,stranglingreally.Atfirst
IthoughtI’dwrappedascarfaroundmyneckinmysleepandsomehowpulledittight.Butthefogwas
everywhere,layersofit.Icouldbarelysee.Ipulledthescarfawayfrommythroatandturnedonthefan.
My throat hurt and…” She hesitated, sighed softly, and dragged the turtleneck sweater away from her
throat.Distinctroundbruisesmarredherskin.

“And you didn’t think it was important to tell us?” Sarah turned on her younger sister. “That we

shouldn’t know this thing has advanced to such a sophisticated level of violence? Joley! You weren’t
thinking.”

“I know.” Joley rubbed her palm over her thigh. “At first I was terrified, and I went through the

houseandbegantogathertheherbsandflowersforthewindows,buttheentiretimeIwonderedwhyit
justdidn’tkillme.Ifitcouldpartiallystrangleme,whydidn’titjustdoitalltheway?”

“Maybeheisn’tstrongenough,”Abbeyventured.
Sarahglancedtowardthesea.“He’sstrongenough.Hemanagedtotakeshapeand,fromwhatMatt

says,evenfindavoice.”

“Areyousayinghedidn’ttrytokillJoley?HecertainlytriedtokillElle,”Abbeyargued.“Maybe

hewasn’tpreparedforhowhardshefought.”

“I’msayingitdidn’ttrytokillme,”Joleysaid.

“Thenwhatwasitdoing?”Sarahasked.
“Ithinkitwastryingtosilencemyvoice.”
Kateputaprotectivehandtoherthroat.“Intheshadowworld,hewentformythroataswell.”
SomethingdeepinsideofMattwentverystill.Katehadanincrediblevoice.“Ifhewantstostillthe

voicescapableofenthrallment,Joley,Abbey,andKatearedefinitelyonthehitlist.”HelookedatElle.
“Butwhyyou?”

Shesmiled,hergreeneyesbright.“Maybehedoesn’tlikeredheads.”
“Ithinkhedoesn’twanttobesaved,”Kateannounced.“WhenItouchedhim,Ifeltrage,yes,butit

wasn’t his primary emotion.” She leaned towards Elle. “Didn’t you feel sorrow and guilt? You were
there,youhadtohavefeltit.”

Ellelookeddownatthejournal,herexpressionsorrowful.“Ifeltit,”shesaidinasmallvoice.
Mattraisedhisheadsharply.“Ellesharesemotions,doesn’tshe?YouconnectedwithJacksonwhen

hewastakenprisoner.”

Ellerefusedtomeethiseyes.“Yes.”
“Buthewashalfwayaroundtheworld,”Mattprotested.
Libby put her hand out to her youngest sister, and Elle took it immediately. “It’s very difficult

sometimes,Matthew,”Libbyexplained.“We’redifferent.Welookthesameandtrytoactthesame,but
we’renotnormalandsometimestheoverloadis…”Shesearchedfortherightword,lookinghelplesslyat
hersisters.

“Dangerous,”Sarahsupplied.“Usingourtalentsisverydraining.Eachofushastoovercomeby-

productsofhergift.”

“I’veseenitinKate,”Mattagreed.“Isthereanywaytominimizeit?”
Thesevenwomenlookedatoneanother.Asusual,itwasSarahwhoanswered.“Weallhandleitin

differentways.Mostofusfindourownspaceandlivethere,asshieldedaswecanmanagetobe.”She
smiledatMatt.“IknowitwillhelpKatetohaveyou.Damonhelpsme.”

“SofarIhaven’tmanagedtokeepherfromwearingherselfout.EverytimeIthinkwe’regoingtoget

a little respite, the fog comes in again,” Matt pointed out. He was extraordinarily happy that Sarah had
acceptedhisrelationshipwithKate.

“You’vehelpedenormously,”Kateacknowledged.
Elleleafedthroughthejournal.“Yousaidthereweresymbolsontheseal,Kate?Couldyoureaditat

all?”

“Thefirst Drake settlersmust have beenthe ones to sealthe restless spirit,Elle. It was definitely

formedaroundthetimethetownwassettled.FromwhatIcouldread,itwassomethingaboutrageand
sealinguntiloneisbornwhocoulddosomething.Iwentbacktotakeanotherlook,butmostoftheseal
wascrushedandtheactualwritinglost,”Kateadmitted.

“Untiloneisbornwhocandosomething,”Sarahrepeatedaloud.“Somethingtodowithavoice.”
“Hereitis,”Ellesaidtriumphantly.“‘Hewhowillnotreceiveforgivenessshallremainsealeduntil

oneisbornwhocangivehimpeace.’”

Therewasalongsilence.Mattstaredatthecranberrycandleasthethreeflamesleapedandburned.

Hotwaxpouredoverthesidelikealavaflow,formingathickpoolaroundtheholder.Itwasafascinating
sight,deeppurplewaxflowingalmostlikedarkblood.“Whywouldheneedpeace?”

Elle pushed a pair of glasses on her nose and studied the faded writing. “One of the sisters who

helped to seal the spirit must have had precognition the way Mom does. If that’s the case, it means we
shouldbeabletofindawaytoallowhimtorest.”

“Unlesstheearthquakeopenedthecrackinthegroundandallowedhimtoescapebeforehistime,”

Mattsaid.

“I doubt it,” Sarah said seriously. “Things usually happen the way they’re supposed to happen,

Matthew.It’sobviouslyourtime.Wehavenochoicebuttofigurethisout.It’sourdestiny.”

Mattwipedhishandoverhismouth.Hewasn’tcertainhebelievedindestiny.HefeltKate’shandin

hishairandchangedhismind.“Hannah,areyoufeelinganybetter?”Shedidn’tlookbetter.Withouther,
hewasn’tpositivetheycouldhavemanagedtogetEllebackupthecliffinthemidstofthethickfogor
drivetheentityouttoseaandawayfromthetownspeopletimeaftertime.

“I’vebeenresting.Libby’shelped.”
LibbyDrake.Mattlookedather.Shewaslegendaryinthesmalltown.ShewastheonlyDrakewith

midnight black hair and pale, almost translucent skin. She was a natural-born healer, the real thing. He
smiledather.“It’sgoodtoseeyouagain,Libby.Maybeyoubetterhideoutwhileyou’rehome.Ifword
getsoutyou’reback,you’llhaveeveryoneintownliningupforacure.”

“IdowanttovisitIrene’ssonwhileI’mhome.Mysisterswenttoseehimanddidwhattheycould

tomakehimcomfortable,butIpromisedI’dgoseehim.”

“Libby—”Mattshookhishead—“youknowhehasterminalcancer.Evenyoucan’tgetridofthat.”

Hewaited.Whennoonesaidanythinghelookedather.“Canyou?”Theideawasunsettling.

“Iwon’tknowuntilIvisithim,”Libbyadmitted.
“What would be the price?” Matt couldn’t imagine what it would cost Libby to actually cure

someonesenthometodie.

Libby smiled at him. “I can see why Kate loves you so much, Matt. You’re very discerning. It’s a

trade-off.Imightsaveoneperson,butwhileI’mrecovering,Imightloseahundredothers.”

“Thatbad?”HereachedhishandforKate.Thethoughtofwhatthewomenhadtogothroughona

dailybasismovedhim.Intheirownway,theywerewarriors,andhehadadeeprespectforthem.

“Doesanyonewantmoretea?I’mgettinganothercup,”Hannahvolunteered.
“Icangetit,”Mattoffered.Hefeltalittleuseless.
Hannahpausedjustafewfeetfromtheentrancetothekitchen.“I’malreadyup,butthankyou,”she

said, and took two steps, halting abruptly, staring at the flickering candle in the bay window facing the
sea.“Sarah,youneedtocomelookatthis.”

Mattgottohisfeet,pulledKateupbesidehim.Apprehensively,heglancedoutthelargewindowto

the sea. He already knew what he would see. Anytime anything strange happened, the fog was back,
settlingoverthetownlikeasmokymonstercrouchedandwaiting.

“Whatisit,Sarah?”Elleaskedfromherpositiononthecouch.Shehadpillowspiledaroundher,a

comforteroverher,andstrictorderstoremainwhereshewas.

“Thewaxisformingsomethingasitrunsdownthesides,”Sarahexplained.“Itlookslikeahookto

me.”

“Oracandycane.”Mattwasmorepragmatic.
“It’sastaff,”Hannahcorrected.“Alongstaff,ormaybeacane.Somethingusedtowalkwith.”
“Thisisgettingmorebizarrebytheminute,”Abbeysaid,rubbingherhandsupanddownherarms.

“Andwhilewe’reonthesubjectofbizarre,Joley,I’msorry,buttherewasnoexcuseforyournottelling
therestofuswhathappened.Youtakeshieldingallofuswaytoofar.”

Sarah’ssmileatJoleywasgentle.“She’sright,hon.Youshouldhavetolduswhathappened.Doyou

haveanyotherbadnewsyoudon’twanttoworryuswith?”

Joleyhesitatedforabriefmoment,thenshrugged.“I’msorry,Ishouldhavementionedthestrangling

fog.Doyouhaveanyideahowridiculousthatsounds?”Sheburstoutlaughing.

Katejoinedher.“Ihavetoadmit,itthrewChristmaswreathsatme.”
“Andnooneisgoingtobelievethefogpushedmeoverthecliff,”Ellesaidwithasmallgrin.“This

onewillgointoourjournalandnowhereelse!”

“Iplanontellingourchildren,”Mattannounced.“It’sagreatstoryforaroundthecampfire,andthey

aren’tgoingtobelieveusanyway.They’llthinkI’mabrilliantstoryteller.”

“Children?”Joleyraisedhereyebrow.“IlovetheideaofKatehavingchildren.Don’ttheGranites

produce boys? Very large hungry boys?” Her sisters erupted into laughter while Kate covered her face
andgroaned.

“Youaren’thelping,Joley,”Mattsaid,puttinghisarmsprotectivelyaroundKatesoshecouldhide

herfaceagainsthisshoulder.“Shehasn’tevenagreedtomarrymeyet.Don’tbescaringheroffwiththe
ideaoflittleboysrunningaround.”

Sarahcontinuedtostudythewaxflowoverthesidesofthecandle.“Doyouseeanythingelsethat

couldbehelpfulinthatbook,Elle?”

Elle rubbed at the bump on her head and frowned at the thin pages. “There was no single

predominantreligioninthetownatthetimepeoplefirstsettledhere.Afactioncelebratedthebirthdayof
a pagan god. This is very interesting.” Elle looked up at her sisters. “Many of the settlers here came
togethertocelebratetheirdifferences,unabletoliveanywhereelse.Thefoundingfatherswantedasafe
havenbythesea,aplacetheyenvisionedwouldonedayhaveaportforsupplies.Itactuallysaysalot
aboutthetown’sfoundersandperhapsgivesusinsighttowhythepeopleherearesotolerantofothers.”

“Anditexplainswhyourownpeoplesettledhere.”
Kate nuzzled Matt’s throat. “If I remember my grandmother and her history lessons correctly, she

said Christmas was slow to catch on in America, that the colonists didn’t celebrate it, and in some
instancesactuallybannedit.”

“That’sright.”Joleysnappedherfingers.“Itwasconsideredapaganritualinsomeplaces.Butthat

wasalongwhilebeforethistownwassettled,wasn’tit?”ShesweptElle’shairawayfromherfaceand
fashioneditintoaponytail.“Doesthathaveanythingtodowithallofthis?”

“Thanks,Joley,”Ellesaid.Shesmoothedthewornpages.“Thetownspeoplewantedtocelebratethe

Christmasseasonandsettledonapageant.Theyaskedeveryonetoparticipateregardlessoftheirbeliefs,
justforthefunofit.Theytreateditmoreasaplay,aproductionthatincludedalltownmembers,meantto
be fun rather than religious.” She looked up with a small smile. “Libby, our however-many-greats-
grandmotherhasyourveryinterestinghandwriting.Asidefromthelanguage,Ihavetodeciphertheworst
handwritingonthefaceoftheearth.”

“Idonothavetheworsthandwritingonthefaceoftheearth.”Libbytossedasmallpillowather

sister,missingbyagreatdistance.

“There’ssomethingelseinthewax,”Sarahsaid.“Allofyou,lookatthis!Tellmewhatyousee.”
Thesisterscrowdedaroundthecranberrycandle.Katetiltedherhead,studyingitfromeveryangle.

“Wheredidyougetthiscandle,Sarah?IsthisoneMommade?”

“Yes,butIdidn’tknowitwoulddothis.”
“IsacandleasymbolofChristmas?”Mattasked.
“Yes; some people say the light of the candle relieves the unrelenting darkness,” Kate answered.

“Mymothermakesincrediblecandles.”

“Icanimagine.Dotheyalldothis?”Mattindicatedtheflowingwax.
“It’saface,Ithink,”Sarahsaid.“Look,Abbey,don’tyouthinkit’saface?”
“Thatwouldn’tsurpriseme.”Mattpeeredatthethickpoolofwax.“Thespiritfoundfeet,acoatand

hat,andbones,whynotgethimselfaface,evenifit’smadeofwax.Doesithaveeyes?Maybehewants
togetagoodlookatus.”

“Ugh.”Katemadeaface.“That’sahorribleidea.ItcouldneveruseoneofMom’scandlesforthat.

Mominstillsahealing,soothingmagicineachofthem.Weweretheoneswhoforgottoguardourhome.
Sheinsistedwemakecertaineverytime,butwejustgotcomplacent.I’mnotforgettingthislessonfora
verylongtime.”

“Meeither,”Joleyagreed.
“I think I found it now,” Elle said in excitement. “Most everyone wanted to participate with the

exceptionofasmallgroupofbelieversinthegodsoftheearth.TheyconsideredthepageantaChristian
holidaycelebrationandfeltitwaswrongtoparticipate.Oneofthemostoutspokensaidthepageantwas
evil and those participating would be punished. His brother-in-law, Abram Lynchman, went against his
adviceandallowedhiswifeandchildtotakepart.BecausehestooduptoJohann,therestofthegroup
alsodecidedtojointhetowninthepageant.”

“IsthisJohannangrybecausehisflockwasoutofhiscontrol?”Joleyasked.
Elle held up her hand for silence. Her hand went to her throat. Matt noticed that her hand was

trembling.“Everyonehelpedwiththeproduction,bringinghomemadecandlesandlanterns.Theshepherd
herdedseveralsheepwithhisstaff,andthesheepgotawayandranthroughthecrowd.”

Noneofthesisterslaughed.TheywerewatchingElle’sfaceintently.Mattglancedoutthewindowto

seethefogsolidlyinplace.Forsomereason,hisheartbegantopound.Thestrangeradarthatalwaystold
himdangerwasnearwasshriekingathim,eventhereinthewarmthandsafetyoftheDrakes’home.

“The people were having fun, laughing as the sheep rushed through the crowd with the shepherd

runningafterthem.Thesheeppanickedandranstraightintothesmallshelterthetownhaderectedtouse
asthestablefortheplay.Thesheltercrumpled,knockingseveralcandlesintothedrystraw.Firespread
along the ground and across the wooden planks used to make the shelter. Several participants were
trappedunderthedebris,includingAbram’swifeandchild.”Ellehadasobinhervoice.Sheshookher
head.“Ican’treadthis.Ican’treadthewords.Anastasia,theonewritingthejournal,wasthere,shesaw
the entire thing, heard the cries, saw them die. Her emotions are trapped in the book. I can’t read it,
Sarah.”Shesoundedasifshewerepleading.

Matt wanted to comfort her. The feeling was so strong he actually stepped toward her before he

realized he was feeling the emotions of Elle’s sisters. They rushed to her side, Sarah pulling the book
fromherhands,KateputtingherarmsaroundElle.Theotherstouchedher,helpingtoabsorbthelongago,
verystrongemotionsstillclingingtothepagesofthejournal.

“I’msorry,honey,”Sarahsaidgently,“Ishouldhavethoughtofthat.You’vebeenthroughsomuch

already.Kate,doyouthinkyoucangetanideaofwhathappenednext?Iwouldn’task,butit’simportant.”
SheheldthebookouttoKate.

Mattwantedtoyankthebookoutofherhandsandthrowit.“Kate’sbeenthroughenoughwiththis

thing,Sarah.Youcan’taskhertodoanymore.”Hewasfurious.Enoughwasenough.“Ellealmostdied
outthere.WithoutJackson,shewouldhave.Youhavenoideawhatamiracleitwasthatshedidn’tendup
atthebottomoftheocean.”

Kate put a restraining hand on his arm. Sarah simply nodded. “I do realize what I’m asking,

Matthew,andIdon’tblameyouforbeingangry.Idon’twantKatetotouchthejournal,butthetruthis,if
wedon’tknowwhythisspiritisdoingthethingshe’sdoing,someoneverywellcoulddie.Wehaveto
know.”

KatetookthebookfromSarah’shand.Mattmutteredastringofcursesandturnedawayfromthem,

feeling impotent. All of his training, his every survival skill, seemed utterly useless in the unfamiliar
situation. Not wanting to look at Kate, not wanting to witness the strain and weariness on her face, he
staredhardatthecranberrycandleandtheeerieflowofwax.Hestaredandstared,hisheartsuddenlyin
histhroat.Hetookastepcloser,stareddowninakindofterror.“Katie.”Hewhisperedhernamebecause
shewashisworld,histalisman.Becauseheneededher.

Kateputherarmaroundhim,heldhim.Hecouldn’ttakehiseyesfromthefaceinthewax,praying

hewaswrong.Knowinghewasright.Shelookeddownandgasped.“Danny.It’sDanny.”

Chapter

Mylastgiftnow,isaspecialone,

Acandycaneforaspecialson,

Hewatchesandtendsandknowstheland,

Butnotenoughtoevademyhand.

ATT TOOK

ATE BY THE SHOULDERS AND SET

her aside. She made a grab for him, but he was already moving

swiftlyforthefrontdoor.

“Danny’satthepageantrehearsal,”Kateremindedhim.Sheranafterhim,tossingthejournalonto

thefloor,tryingtokeepupwithhim.HannahgrabbedKate’scoatandhurriedafterbothofthem.

ThefogobstructedMatt’svision,buthecouldhearthewomen.“Goback,stayinthehouse,Kate.

It’stoodangerous.”Hisvoicewasgrim.Authoritative.ItmadeKateshiver.Hedidn’tsoundatalllike
herMatthew.

“I’mcomingwithyou.Staytotheleft.Thepathleadsdownthehilltothehighway.Ifwecrossright

beside the three redwood trees, like we did the other night, we’ll end up quite close to the shortcut to
town.”Katefollowedthesoundofhisvoice.Hannahtookherhandandheldontightly.

“Kate,dammit,thisonetime,listentome.IhavetofindDanny,andIdon’twanttohavetoworry

aboutwhat’shappeningtoyou.”

Kate wished he sounded angry, but Matt’s tone was chillingly cold. Ice-cold. She tightened her

fingersaroundHannah’shandbutcontinuedhurryingalongthenarrowpath.“Hannah’swithme,Matthew,
andyou’regoingtoneedus.”Shekepthervoiceverycalm,veryeven.Sheachedforhimandsharedhis
risingalarmforthesafetyofhisbrother.ThefeaturesinthewaxhaddefinitelybeenDanielGranite.She
hadastrongfeelingofimpendingdoom.

Hannahpressedclosertoher.“It’sgoingtohappentonight,Katie.”Hervoiceshook.“Shouldwetry

toclearthefognow?”

Mattloomedupinfrontofthem,startlingbothofthem,catchingKatebytheshoulders.“Ithasnever

goneafterme.Onlyyou.Gowithyoursistersandworkyourmagic.Clearthefogoutoftown,andthis
timegetridofit.I’lldowhatIcantokeepDannyalive.I’msafe,Kate.”Hisgrayeyeshadturnedtosteel.
“Ineedtoknowyou’reassafeaspossibleinthismess.”

Sheclungtohimforjustonemoment,thennodded.“We’llbeuponthecaptain’swalk,wherewe

canbetterbringinthewind.”

Mattdroppedahardkissonherupturnedmouth,turned,andhurrieddownthenarrow,well-worn

trail.Hismindwasracing,workingouttheroutetheactorsinthepageantused.Hadtheynoticedthefog
rollinginandtakenshelterinoneofthebusinessesalongtheparaderoute,orhadtheygoneaheadwith
therehearsalplans?Mattmadeittothehighwayandstoodlisteningforamomentinsilence.Hecouldn’t
hear a car, but the fog seemed capable of muffling every sound. Still, he didn’t want to wait. He felt a
terriblesenseofurgency,ofhisbrotherinacutedanger.Hecursedasheran,nearlyblindinthefog.It
wasonlyhistrainingthatkepthimfrombeingcompletelydisoriented.Hemovedmorefrominstinctthan
from sight, making his way toward the town square. Most of the committee meetings were held at the
chamber of commerce building near the grocery store. The players were supposed to be rehearsing,
though,andhedoubtedwhetherInezwouldletaheavyfogandsomeentityshecouldn’tseechangeher
plans.

He heard a shrill scream, the sounds of panic, and his heart stuttered. “Danny!” He called his

brother’s name, using the sheer volume of his voice to penetrate the cries coming out of the fog. He
followedthesoundofthevoices,nottowardthesquare,butawayfromit,backtowardtheparkonthe
edgeoftown,wheretheriverroareddownthroughacanyontomeetthesea.Thewallalongtheriverwas
onlyaboutthreefeethigh,madeofstoneandmortar.HenearlyranintoitinhishastetoreachDanny.At
thelastmomenthesensedtheobstructionandveeredaway,runningparallelwithittowardthecries.

Hewasgettingclosertothesoundsofthescreamsandcalls.HeheardIneztryingtocalmeveryone.

Heheardsomeoneshoutforarope.Theriver,rushingovertherocks,addedtothechaosintheheavyfog.
“Danny!” Matt called again, trying to beat down his fear for his brother. Danny would have heard him,
wouldhaveanswered.

Right in front of him, Donna, the owner of the local gift shop, suddenly appeared. Her face was

whiteandstrained.Hecaughthershoulders.“Whathappened,Donna?Tellme!”

Shegrabbedbothofhisarmstosteadyherself.“Thewallgaveway.Agroupofthemenweresitting

onit.Yourbrother,theyoungGrangerboy,Jeff’sson,Idon’tknow,moremaybe.Theyjustdisappeared
downtheembankment,andalltherocksfollowedlikeaminiavalanche.Wecan’tseetohelpthem.There
weresomegroans,andweheardcriesforhelp,butwecan’tseethematall.Wetriedtoformahuman
chain, but the bank is too steep. Jackson went over the side by himself. He was crawling. I heard a
terriblecrack,nowhe’ssilent.Iwasgoingtotrytofindatelephonetocallforhelp.Thecellphonesjust
won’tworkhere.”

“What was Jackson doing here?” He knew the deputy never participated in the town pageant. “Is

Jonashere?”Ashetalkedhewasmovingalongthewall,feelingwithhishandsforbreaks,takingDonna
withhim.

“Jacksonhappenedtobedrivingbywhenthefogthickened.Hewasworriedaboutus,Ithink,sohe

stayed.Ihaven’tseenJonas.”

“Don’twanderaroundinthisfog.Hopefully,Kateandhersisterswillmoveitoutofhereforus.”

He patted her arm in reassurance and left her, continuing the search for the break in the wall with an
outstretchedhand.Whenhefoundit,hesworesoftly.Heknewthesectionofwallwasoverasteepdrop
andtheriverbelowhadafast-movingcurrentrunningoverseveralsubmergedboulders.Thebankwas
litteredwithrocksofeverysize,withlittletoholdtheminplaceshouldsomethingstartthemrolling.

“Danny! Jackson!” His call was met with eerie silence. He began to crawl down the bank,

distributinghisweight,onhisbelly,searchingwithhishandsbeforeslidingforward.Itwaspainstakingly
slow.Hedidn’twanttodisplaceanymoreoftherocksincasehisbrotheroranyoftheotherswerestill
aliveandinthepathofanavalanche.

Matt’sfingertipsencounteredaleg.Heforcedhimselftoremaincalmandusedhishandstoidentify

the man. Jackson was unconscious, and there was blood seeping from his head. In the near-blind
conditions,itwasimpossibletoassesshowbadlyhewasinjured,buthisbreathingseemedshallowto
Matt.

Something moved an arm’s length below Jackson. Matt followed the outstretched arm and found

anotherbody.TheGrangerboy.Mattknewhimtobesixteenorseventeen.Agoodkid.Theboymoved
again,andMattcautionedhimtostaystill,afraidhewoulddisturbtherocks.

“Youokay,kid?”heasked.
“Myarm’sbroken,andIfeellikeI’vebeenrunoverbyatruck,butI’mallright.Thedeputytoldme

nottomove,andthenextthingIknewhewassomersaultingandsmashedhardintotherockrightthere.He
hasn’tmoved.Ishedead?”

“No,he’salive.Whatabouttheothers?WhataboutDanny?”HecrawledaroundJacksontogetto

theboy,totakehispulseandrunhishandsoverhimtoexaminehimforotherinjuries.

“Tommy Dockins fell too. Danny tried to push him clear when the slide started. We didn’t really

haveanytime.Ididn’tseeeitherofthem,butTommy’syelledforhelpacoupleoftimes.Icouldn’ttell
fromwhichdirectionthough.”

The kid sounded tinny and distorted in the fog, and his voice shook, but he lay quietly and didn’t

panic.“Yourname’sPete,right?PeteGranger?”Mattasked.

“Yes,sir.”
“Well,I’mgoingtoslideonaroundyouandseeifIcanlocateDannyandTommy.Don’tmove.The

fogwillbegonesoon,andJonasisonthewaywiththerescuesquad.Ifyoumove,you’llsendtherestof
thoserocksrightdownontopoftheothersandme.Gotit?”

“Yes,sir.”
“I’ll be back as quick as I can.” Matt glanced in the direction of the cliff house, where the Drake

family had lived for over a hundred years. He needed the modern-day women to work their magic, to
removethefogsohehadasemblanceofachancetosavehisbrotherandTommyandtogetJacksonand
Petetosafety.

“Comeon,baby,”hewhispered,hopingtheswirlingcloudswouldtakehisvoicetoher.“Dothisfor

me.Clearthismessoutofhere.”

Asiftheycouldhearhiswords,thesevenDrakesistersmovedtogetheroutontothebattlementand

facedthesea.LibbyandSarahbothhadtheirarmswrappedaroundElletoaidherastheystoodinthe
midstoftheswirlingfog.

Sarahlookedupatthesky,totheroilingcloudsgatheredoverSeaHavenandbacktohersisters.

“Thistroubledspiritisinterriblepainanddoesnotbelievetherecanbeforgivenessforhismistake.He
cannot forgive himself for what he believes to be bad judgment. I am certain his motive was to save
othershissorrow.Hebelievesthatbyhaltingthepageant,historywillnotrepeatitself.Hehaslivedthis
unbelievablenightmarerepeatedlyandneedstobeabletoforgivehimselfandgotohisrest.”Shelooked
atKate.“Yourgifthasalwaysbeenyourvoice,Kate.Ithinkthejournalisreferringtoyou.Onebornwho
canbringpeace.”

KatecouldthinkonlyofMatt,somewhereoutinthefog.Shedidn’twanttobeuponthecaptain’s

walkfacinganotherstruggle,shewantedtobewithhim.Itwasthefirsttimeinherlifeshehadeverfelt
sodividedaroundhersisters.SheknewatthatmomentthatshebelongedwithMatthewGranite.Itdidn’t
matterthatshewasanobserverandhewasadoer,shelovedhim,andshebelongedwithhim.

Asifreadinghermind,Hannahtookherhand,squeezedittightly.“He’scountingonyoutodothis,

Kate.He’scountingonallofus.”

Katetookasteadyingbreathandnodded.ShesteppedawayfromHannah,knowingHannahwould

needroom.Facingthesmalltowninvadedwiththefog,Katebegantochantsoftly.Aninquiry,nomore,a
softpleatobeheard.HervoicewascarriedonthesmallestofbreezesasHannahfacedtheseaandlifted
herarms,directingthewindasshemightanorchestra.

Behind Kate, Joley and Abbey began to sing, a soft melody of love and peace, harmonizing with

Kate’sincrediblevoicesotheyproducedasymphonyofhope.Powerbegantobuildinthewinditself,in

the sky overhead. Lightning forked in the spinning clouds. Kate spoke of forgiveness, of unconditional
love.Ofaloveoffamilythattranscendedtime.Shebeckonedandcajoled.Shepleadedforahearing.

“You’vetouchedhim,”Ellereported.“He’sfightingthecall.He’sdeterminedtokeeptheaccident

fromhappening.Thereisnopastlifeorfuturelifeasheunderstandsit,onlywatchinghiswifeandchild
dieahorribledeathoverandover,yearafteryear.”Shestaggeredundertheburdenoftheman’sguilt,of
hisloss.

Kate didn’t falter. Matt was out there somewhere in the fog, and she felt him reaching for her,

counting on her. And she knew he was in danger. She talked of the townspeople coming together with
everybeliefrepresented.Oftheelderlyandtheyounggiventhesamerespect.Shespokeofaplacethat
wasatruehavenfortolerance.Andshespokeofforgiveness.Oflettinggo.

Power spread with the building wind. The ocean leaped in response. A pod of whales surfaced,

flippingtheirtails,almostinunison,asifcreatingagiantfan.Joley’svoice,asultrypuritythatcouldn’t
beignored,swelledinvolume,takingoverthelead,whileAbbey’svoicejoinedinperfectharmony.

Hannah’s voice called on the elements she knew and loved. Earth. Wind. Fire. Rain. Lightning

flashed.Thewindblew.Rainpouredfromtheclouds.Andstillthepowercontinuedtobuild.Herhands
movedinagracefulpatternasifconductingasymphonyofmagic.

Kateluredthespirittoherwithpromisesofpeace.Rest.Afamilywaitingwithopenarms,holding

him dear, not placing blame. An accident, not the hand of an ancient god angry that he had allowed his
lovedonestoparticipateinsomethingdifferent.Simplyanunfortunateaccident.JoleysangofChristmas,
past, present, and future. Of a town committed to all the members celebrating together in a variety of
ways.Offestivalsforancientgodsandagalaforthosewhodidn’tbelieve.Thetwovoicesblended,one
insong,oneinstorytelling,weavingaseamlesscreationtodrawthelostsoulbackhome.

Abbeyliftedhervoicefinally,acallforthoselosttowelcomelovedones.Asshecoulddrawtruth,

sodidshespeaktruth.Sheaddedhervoicetothetapestry,promisingpeaceandrestandfinalsleepinthe
armswiththosehelovedmost.

“He’scoming.He’sbeginningtobelieve,towanttotakethechance,”Ellesaid.“He’shesitant,but

he’ssoutterlyweary,andtheideaofseeinghiswifeandchildandrestingintheirarmsisirresistible.”

LibbyraisedherarmswithHannah,sendingthepromiseofhealing,notthebody,butmindandsoul.

Sheaddedherpowertotheforceofthewind,addedherhealingenergytoKate’ssoothingpeace.

Thewindincreasedinstrength,blowingwiththeforceofasmallgale,tearingthroughSeaHaven,

herdingthefog,guidingittowardthesea.Towardthehouseonthecliffandthesevenwomenwhostood
onthebattlement,handinhand.Thefemininevoicescarriedunbelievablepowerthroughouttheair,land,
andsea.Risingonthewind.Calling.Promising.Leading.

And the fog answered. The thick gray vapor turned toward the sea, drifting reluctantly at first,

tendrilsfeelingtheway,hesitantandfearful.Thevoicesswelledinstrength.Thewindblewthroughthe
fog.

EllereachedforKate.“Now,Kate.Gotohimnow.”
Kateneverstoppedtalkinginherbeguilingvoice,butsheclosedhereyesanddeliberatelyentered

theworldofshadows.Hewasthere.Atall,gauntmanwithsorrowweighinghimdown.Helookedather
andshookhisheadsadly.Sheheldoutherhandtohim.Besideher,Ellestiffenedasabeastlycreature
withglowingeyesandfurstareddownatKatewithhate.Asthesnakelikevinesslitheredandcoiledand
hissedasifalive,wantingtogettohersister.Ellemovedthem,holdingthembackwiththesheerforceof
herpower,givingKatethenecessarytimetolurethespiritofAbramtoher.

Kate told a story of the love of a man for his wife and children. A man who made a courageous

decision to go against what others said was right and allowed his family to participate in a production
designedtobringpeopletogether.Shespokeoflaughterandfunandhisprideinhisfamilyashewatched
them.Andthehorrorofaterribleaccident.Thecandlesanddrystraw,theheavyplankscomingdownon

so many. The man watching his loved ones die. The guilt and horror. The need to blame someone…to
blamehimself.

JoleyandAbbeysangsoftly,thevoiceofawomanandchildcallingfortheonetheylovedtojoin

them. Kate used the purity of her voice, silver tones to draw him closer. The woman and child waited.
Loved.Longedforhim.Hisonlyjobwastogotothem,toforgivehimself.Therewasnoonetosavebut
himself.

Kate kept her hand extended and pointed behind him. Clouds of dark gray fog drifted aside. He

turnedtoseetheshadowsthere.Awoman.Achild.Faroffinthedistancewaiting.

There was a sharp cry like that of a seagull. The waves crashed against the cliff, rose high and

frothed white. Lightning veined the clouds, forked into the very center of the fog. The flash lit up the
shadows,throwingKateoutofthatworldandbackintotherealityofherown.Shelandedheavilyonthe
wetsurfaceofthecaptain’swalk,inthemiddleofhersisters.Libbyheldherclose.

“You’reallright.It’sallrightnow.Youdidit,Kate.Yougavehimpeace,”Sarahsaid.
“Wedidit,”Katecorrectedwithawansmile.
They sat together, too weary to move, the rain lashing down at them. Sarah turned her head to

calculatethedistancetothedoor.“Damonwillbeherewithtea,butIdon’tthinkhecancarryusback
inside.”

ElledrapedherselfoverAbbey.“Whocaresaboutgoinginside?Iwanttojustliehereandlookup

atthesky.”

“IwanttoknowMatt’ssafeandthathewasabletogettoDanny,”Katesaid.“WhenDamoncomes

up,pleasehavehimcallJonas.”

Mattscootedcarefullydownthesteepbank,skirtingrocksuntilitbecameimpossibletogofarther.

Hehadnochoicebuttogooverthem.

“I’mTommy,notKate,”avoicecalledweaklyfromhisrightside.
Mattdidn’trealizeuntilthatmomentthathewaswhisperinghernameoverandoverlikeaprayer.

He glanced up at the sky, felt the wind in his face, the first few drops of real rain. He felt power and
energy crackling in the air around him. “Thank you, Katie, you are unbelievable.” He said it fervently,
meaningit.Alreadythefogwasbeginningtothinsothathecouldmakeouttheboylyingafewfeetfrom
him.“Areyouhurt?”

“I don’t think so. I don’t know what happened though. One minute I was falling off the fence and

rolling,andthenextDannyshovedme.IwokeupafewminutesagoandwhenItriedtomove,Idislodged
severalrocks.Ididn’tknowwhereanyonewas,soIthoughtI’dbetterjustwaituntilhelpcame.”

Matt remained lying flat, searching carefully for Danny. The wind drove down through the canyon

andshiftedabruptly,comingbackofftheriver.Hecaughtsightofhisbrotherafewyardsaway.Danny
waslyingfacedownonthecliffoverthewater’sedge,partiallyburiedunderdebris.Hewasn’tmoving.
ThepulsepoundedinMatt’stemples.Heforcedhimselftogototheboyandexaminehimfirst.“You’llbe
fine.Juststaydownuntilwecangethelptoyou.I’mcheckingonDanny.”

Hetookadeepbreathandcalledtowardthetop.“Donna?IsJonashereyet?”
“He’sonhiswayalongwiththerescuesquad,”Sheyelledback.
“I’mworkingmywaydowntoDanny.Everyoneelseisalive.Jacksonlookstheworst.Couldbea

concussion.Theentiremountainsideisunstable.TellthemtobecarefulmovingaroundupthereuntilIcan
getDannyoutoftheavalanchezone.”

Mattpattedtheteenageboyandproceededtomakepainfullyslowprogressthroughtherocks.The

smallesttrickleofpebblescouldbringdownatremendousstormofbouldersonhisbrother.Heinched
hiswaythroughtherubbleuntilhereachedDanny’sside.

Danny was precariously balanced at the edge of the bank. It was actually the rocks that saved his

life,holdinghimpinnedinthedirt.Mattwasverygentleasheexaminedhisbrother.Hecouldn’tfinda
single broken bone, but there were several lacerations, particularly on Danny’s hands. His face was
pushedhardintothedirt.HecarefullyturnedDanny’shead,scoopingdirtfromhismouth.Dannycoughed,
andtherocksslid.Somedislodgedandonefelltotheriverbelow.“Don’tmove,Danny,don’tevencough
ifyoucanhelpit,”Mattinstructed.

“Telluswhatyouneed,Matt,”Jonasshouteddowntohim.
“I’vegottomoveDanny.WhenIdo,everythingabovehimisgoingtoslide.You’llhavetogetPete

outofthereandJackson.Whenyoumovethem,Jonas,don’tdisturbtherocks.IfItakeDannynow,there’s
achancewe’lllosethosetwo.I’llshieldmybrother,justworkfast.”

Matt knew Jonas wouldn’t bother to argue with him. There was no way Matt would leave his

youngerbrotherhangingoutovertheedgeofthefast-movingriverwithanavalancheofboulderspoised
toslide.TheDrakesistershadmanagedamiracleremovingthefog,buttherewasstilldangerousworkto
bedone.

“Don’tforgetaboutme,”Tommycalled.
“We’llgetyou,”Jonaspromised.
“You’regoingtobejustfine,Dannyboy,”Mattsaid,brushingmoredirtfromthelaceratedface.
“Get out of here, Matt,” Danny barely mouthed the words. “Breathing moves the rocks. If they’re

workingupabove,theboulderswillsmashusboth.”

“Havealittlefaith,bro,that’sJonasupthere.Areyouhurt?”
“Whatdoesitlooklike?”
Mattheardtheominousrumbleabovehim.“Incoming,”Jonasyelledfromabovethem.Mattshifted

sohisupperbodyprotectedDanny’shead.Heputhisarmsoverhisownheadandtriedtoshrinkasrocks
bounced down, knocking a few more loose. The rocks rained down and splashed into the river below.
Oneglancedoffhiscalfandrolledaway,dislodgingmorerocksbeforeithitthewater.

“Dammit, be careful.” Matt could hear Jonas snarling at the rescue team. “If you can’t move them

withoutsettingoffalandslide,getthehellbackuphereandletsomeoneelsedothat!Youallrightdown
there,Matt?”

“We’refine.Justbecareful,”hecalledback.
“Youweighmorethantherocksdo,”Dannycomplained.
“Youdeserveit,scaringthehelloutofmelikethis.Anythingbroken?”
“Naw.I’maGranite.We’retough.”
Mattrubbedhisbrother’sheadinarough,affectionategesture.Heglancedup.“They’vegotJackson

andtheboysout,andthey’reonthewaytous.Whenwemoveyou,Danny,theentiresideofthebankis
goingtocomedown.Iwon’tbeabletobeverygentle,butI’mnotgoingtoletanythinghappentoyou.”

“Justgetmethehelloutofhere.”
Itwasnotaneasytask.Therescuersinchedtheirwaydownandworkedoutacoordinatedplanto

move Danny, knowing once they pulled him from under the pile of rocks it would set off an avalanche.
Mattstayedbesidehisbrother,joking,keepingDanny’sspiritsup.Themenclearedasmanyoftherocks
fromDannyastheycouldwithouttriggeringthelandslide.ItwasonlythesoftdampdirtthatsavedDanny
from terrible injury or death. His body was pressed deep into the muck. They dug around him with
painstakingslowness,carefulnottodisturbtheprecariousbalanceofboulderspoisedovertheirheads.

“Ready,Dannyboy?”ItwasMattwholockedarmswithhisbrother.
“Morethanready.”TherewasfearinDanny’seyes,buthewinkedathisolderbrotherandmanaged

aweaksmile.

Mattdidn’twait.Theyhadclearedasmuchofthegroundaspossibleoutofthewayofthelandslide

pathsothatMatthadacleartrailonthesteepembankmenttodragDannyquicklyoutofharm’sway.He

exerted his great strength, pulling his brother out from under the rocks, moving as fast as humanly
possible.Therocksimmediatelycrashedintotheriver,startingtheavalanche.Thebouldersabove,with
nothingtoholdthem,rolleddown,takingmostoftheembankmentwithit.MattcoveredDanny’sbodya
secondtime,waitinguntilthedebrishadcleared.

Dannytriedtostand,buthisbrotherheldhimdown.“Youmademecomedownhereandplaymud-

cakes with you, you can just get on the stretcher and let the medics carry your butt to the hospital and
checkyouout.”

“I’mfine,”Dannyprotested,astheystrappedhimintoalitter.“Ifeellikeanidiot,”hesaid.
“That’sgood,Danny.Youareanidiot.”Matttookupapositionattheheadofthestretchertohelp

carryhimupthesteepbank.Theywerestillcautious,worriedabouttheunstableconditions,butmanaged
togethimtothetopwithoutincident.

Dannyprotestedmorewhentheyputhimintheambulance,butnoonepaidhimanyattention.Matt

jumpedinbesidehim,keepingonehandonhisbrother’sshoulder.Itwasn’tuntilthedoctorspronounced
Dannybruised,butfinethatMattlefthimtogocheckonJacksonandtheteens.

Bythetimehereturnedtothecliffhouse,hewastiredandonlywantingtoholdKatetohim.The

Drakesistersweresprawledineverychairofthelivingroom,paleanddrawn,allgreetinghimwiththeir
brilliantsmiles.

Matt gathered Kate to him, holding her close. All he wanted to do was take her home with him

whereshebelonged.Shelookedexhaustedandinneedofahotmealandtwoorthreedaysofsleep.Kate
clungtohim,turningherfaceupforhiskiss,burrowingagainsthim.

“Iheardtherewasanaccidentontheriverwall,”shegreeted.
“Everyone’sfine.Shookup,butfine.DidJonasstopby?”
Sheshookherhead.“Inezcalledtomakecertainwewereallright.Sheknewwemusthavecleared

outthefogandthatwewouldbeexhausted.Shetolduswhathappened.Jackson’sinthehospital,butthe
twoboysweretreatedandreleased.ShesaidJackson’sgoingtobefine.”Hersmilewasslowcomingbut
bright.“Ihaveafeelinghe’llmakeaterriblepatient.”

“SomehowIthinkyou’reright.Dannywastreatedandreleasedalso.He’sbruisedfromheadtotoe,

but he didn’t have a single major injury.” There was elation in Matt’s voice. “He’s hoping Inez will
upgradehispartnextyearinthepageantduetohis,quote,‘heroism.’Itwasprettydicey,Kate.Thanksfor
allyoudid.”

“Wealldidit.Icouldneverhavemanagedwithoutmysisters.I’msogladyourbrotherisfine.The

pageantjustwouldn’tbethesamewithouthiminhisannualroleastheshepherd.Speakingofthepageant
—”Shebrokeoffashersistersburstoutlaughing.

Matt’s head went up suspiciously. He was beginning to know the Drake sisters, and their laughter

heraldedtroubleforhim.Hewascertainofit.

“Inezsentoveracostumeshemadeforthethirdwiseman.Aking,”Katesaidbrightly.“Sheaskedif

youwouldbewillingtofilltheroleatthelastminuteandofcourse,withInezbeingsodistressed,we
saidwewerecertainyou’dwanttohelpout.”

Hestiffened.“I’dratherbeboiledinoil.”
“Actingrunsinyourfamily,”shepointedout.
Hehelduphishand.“Youcan’tlookatmewiththoseeyeswhileyou’reweakandtired,it’sunfair

tactics.”

“Iknow,Matthew,”shesaid.“I’mtryingnotto,butInezissuchagoodfriend,andIcouldn’tbear

herbeingsoupset.Thepageantisimportanttothetownafterallthenearaccidents.Weneedtogetour
confidenceback.”

“And I have to be in the pageant in order for our town to do that?” He raised one eyebrow

skeptically.

“Allyouhavetodoiswalkthroughthetown.Nolines,nothingawful.Youdon’tmind,doyou?”
“DoeswantingtobeboiledinoilinsteadsoundlikeIwanttodothis?”
Sheturnedherfaceintohischest.Pressedherlipsagainsthisskin.
Hegrowled,deepinhisthroat.Thegrowlturnedintoagroan.“Icanseewhatmylife’sgoingtobe

like.I’lldoit.Thisonetime.Neveragain.”

“Thankyou.”Shekissedhimagain.“Ijustwanttogohomewithyouandsleepinyourarms,”she

said,uncaringthatherfamilycouldhearher.“Let’sgohome,Matthew.”

Mattkissedhergently,herlips,herthroat,bringingherhandtohismouthaselationsweptthrough

him.Shehadsaid,“Let’sgohome.”Heliftedherwithease.“I’lltakegoodcareofher,”hepromisedher
family.

Sarahnodded.“Wehaveeveryconfidencethatyouwill,Matt.”

Chapter

Alldeedsarenowdone,forgivenessismine,

Astwopeoplesharealoveforalltime.

“W

E’REGOINGTOBELATE,”

ATESAID,EVADING

Matt’soutstretchedhand.“Wepromisedthecommitteeyou’dbeon

time.Wedidn’tmakerehearsals,andeveryone’sworriedyou’regoingtomessuptheirplay.”

“Iwasn’ttheonewhoagreedtowearthatsilly-lookingrobeInezmade.YouagreedI’dwearit!Isit

my fault they lost a couple of their stars to a scandalous affair?” He stalked her through the house, one
slowstepatatime.

Kate laughed and dodged around the table, putting a chair between them. “You theater people are

alwaysinvolvedinscandals.”

He moved the chair out of the way and proceeded to back her into a corner. “I’d be more than

willingtocauseascandal.Justletmegetmyhandsonyou.”

“I don’t think so. Inez is probably watching her clock and tapping her foot. I’m not about to get a

lectureaboutthebenefitsofbeingontime.Putonyourcostume!”

“Iaminmycostume.Whatkingtravelsbystarlightfromonecountrytoanotherandwearsasatin

bathrobewithcheesylightningboltssewnalloverit?AndIdoubtverymuchifhesatonthatcamelnaked
undertherobe.”

Kateheldherstomach,laughingsohardshecouldbarelymanagetosqueakthroughasmallopening

he’dleftbesidethecounter.“SomehowIthinkInezmightobjecttotheideathatyouwererunningaround
naked in her kingly robes. I, however, am rather intrigued by the idea.” She backed down the hallway,
holdingherhandpalmout.“Seriously,Matthew,she’llreprimandyouinfrontoftheentiretownifyou’re
late.”

She was nearing the entrance to the bedroom. His silver eyes gleamed with anticipation. “If you

thinkthat’smorehumiliatingthanwearingthisdamnedrobe,which,bytheway,istwosizestoosmall,
you’resadlymistaken.IthinkBrucehadtheaffairwithSylviajusttogetoutofwearingit.”

She pressed her hand to her mouth to keep an undignified giggle from emerging. “I think it looks

dashingonyou.”Hewasright;therobelookedutterlyridiculousonhim.Hishugemusclesstrainedthe
materialsothatitstretchedtightoverhiswideshouldersandback.Insteadofreachingtheground,itwas
halfway up his calves, and the front gaped open to reveal…She laughed. “I think it has interesting
possibilities.”

Hespreadhisarmswideandrushedher,usinganoldfootballtackle.Shescreamedandturnedto

run,buthecaughtherupandcarriedheracrossthefloortothebed,whereheunceremoniouslydropped
her.Thekinglyrobemadeitswaytothefloor.“I’mtheking,andIdemandmyrights.”

Kate pushed one hand against his chest to fend him off. “You have no rights. Inez has you under

contract,andyou’resupposedtobeontime.Doyouwanttheentiretownwaitingforyou?”

“Iwouldn’tmindintheleast.”Hecaughtherlegs,pinninghertothebed,stoppingherfromscooting

away from him. “I think everyone should wait on me. I have this tremendous need to see your breasts.
Whydon’tyouunbuttonyourblouseforme?”

“Itdoesn’thavebuttons,ohmightyKing.”
“Whothehellcares,”hegrowled.“Getridoftheshirt.”
“Ithinkthatrobewenttoyourhead.”Excitementracedthroughher,curledheatinherdeepestcore.

Shedrewtheblouseobedientlyoverherheadsothatherfullbreastsspilledoverthefinewhitecupsof
herbra.“Isthiswhatyou’relookingfor?”Sheslidherhandoverherskin,drawinghisattentiontothetaut
peaks.

Mattreachedtodrawthezipperofherjeansdown.“Exactlylikethat.”Therewasahuskycatchto

hisvoice,theplayfulnessslippingawayashetuggedthematerialfromherbody.Helefthersexylittle
thong.“EverytimeIseethatthing,Iwanttotakeitoffwithmyteeth,”headmitted,andbenttothetask.

Kateenjoyedthefeelofhishandsonherbody.Bighands.Capable.Nearlycoveringherbuttocksas

heliftedherhipsandteasedherskinwithhisteeth.Justthatfastshewasswampedwithheat,herbody
flushedandaliveandindesperateneed.ThethoughtoftheChristmaspageantwentoutofherhead,and
muchmoreeroticthoughtstookitsplace.Hismouthwaseverywhere,histongueteasinganddancing,his
teethpullingattheonlybarrierbetweenhimandhisgoal.

Shefeltthesuddenreleaseasthematerialparted,thecoolairminglingwithherownheat,thenthe

plungingofhistonguegoingdeepwhileshenearlycameoffthebed,airburstingfromherlungsinawild
rush.Itwasonlyhishandsholdingherdownthatkeptheropentohimwhilehemadecertainshenotonly
waspreparedforhim,butthatshehungeredforhim.Laughing,heslidhisbodyoverhers,settlingover
hersoftform,grippingherhipstopullhertomeetthehardthrustashejoinedthemtogether.

“Ithinkthatkinglyrobeworksjustfine,”Katemanagedtosay,inbetweengaspsofpleasure.
“MaybeI’llkeepitifitgetsthiskindofresults,”heteased.Hebegantomove,aslowassaultonher

senses, driving deep, needing her body, needing to feel the way she welcomed him. The heat and fire.
Flames licking over his skin. “I love watching you when we make love,” he admitted. She was so
completelyabandonedinthewayshegaveherselftohim.

Katelovedthewayhewatchedher.Therewasdesireetchedintothelinesofhisface.Therewas

hungerinthedepthsofhiseyes.Therewassteelinhisbodyandafinehotheatthatmadeherflame,catch
fire,andburnwithpassion.“Ilovemakinglovewithyou,”shetoldhim,slidingherarmsaroundhisneck
todrawhisheaddowntohers.

“That’s a good thing, Katie.” His teeth nibbled at her chin, her full bottom lip. “Because I think

we’regoingtobespendingalotoftimedoingjustthat.”

Kategaveherselfuptothesheergloryofhisbodydrivingsodeeplyintohers.Thepressurebuilt

andbuilt,andshedugherfingersintohisshoulders,holdingonastheysoaredtogetherinperfectunison.

Helayoverher,fightingforhisbreath,tryingtoslowhisheartrate.
“You’relaughing,”sheobserved.“Itoldyou,yourentirefamilylaughsatme.”
“I can’t help it, Kate. And I’m laughing at me. I feel like one of those sappy men who run around

withabiggrinonhisfaceallthetime.Ifeellikegrinningallthetimearoundyou,andit’ssoidiotic.”

Kate’s answering smile was slow. She rubbed her face against his chest. “I’m just beginning to

realizehowmuchImeantoyou,Matthew.”

He kissed her tenderly, his hands framing her face. “I adore you. Why else would I ever put that

horriblerobeoninfrontoftheentiretown?”

Kate looked smug. “And you know what I’ll be thinking about when you come walking down the

streetlookingsexyandkingly.”

“I’lltellyouwhatyou’dbetterbethinking,Katie.”Hetookadeepbreath.“You’dbetterbethinking,

‘herecomesthemanIintendtomarry.’”Hefeatheredkissesalongthecornersofhermouth.“Marryme,
Kate.Spendyourlifewithme.”

Shelookedupathisbelovedface.Herfingersslidthroughhishairinalovingcaress.“Idon’tclimb

mountainsorswimseas,Matthew.Isitinthecornerandreadbooks.I’mnotatallbrave.Youhavetobe
verysurethatit’smeyouwant.”

“Morethananythingintheworld,Kate.You.WithyouIhaveeverything.”
“Well, I guess that kingly robe is lucky after all.” She kissed his throat, his chin. Found his mouth

withhersandpouredheatandfireandpromisesintoherkiss.

Herespondedjustthewaysheknewhewould,hisarmswrappingherclose,hisbodycomingalive,

growinghardandthickdeepinsideher.Hemadelovetoherslowly,leisurely,asiftheyhadallthetime
intheworldandtheentiretownwasn’twaitingonthem.Hemadeathoroughjobofit.Katefeltlikethe
mostimportantpersonintheworld.Andthehappiest.

Theylayonthebedinatangleofarmsandlegs,fightingtobreathe.Sheturnedherheadtolookat

him.“I’mthinkingyoushouldwearthatrobemoreoften,Matthew.”

Hesnortedhisderisionandglancedathiswatch.“Kate!We’relate.”
“Itoldyouwewerelate.”
“Not this late, we’re holding up the parade.” He hastily leaped off her, looking around for his

clothes. Kate laughed at him through the entire drive to the park where the members of the production
wereassembling.HecaughtKatebythehandandranacrossthelawntothepavilion.

“Where have you been?” Inez demanded, gesturing toward the huge crowd assembled along the

streets.“We’veallbeenwaitingforyou.”

“And,”Dannyadded,“youdidn’tansweryourcellphone.”Heshookhishead,handsonhiships,

cluckinglikeanoldhen.“Youaren’teveninthatlovelycostumeInezmadeforyou.Whathaveyoubeen
doing?”HewiggledhiseyebrowsatKate.

“Areyoufeelingallright,Danny,”Kateasked.
He tugged her hair affectionately. “I’m fine, but don’t tell Trudy, she’s babying me. And Mom’s

worse.”

Inezallbutstampedherfoot.“Whyareyoulate?”
“Katemademelate,”MatttoldInez,andtheinterestedgroupofactorscrushedtogethertoseethe

fireworkswhenIneztoldMattoff.Mattexchangedalong,slowsmilewithKatewhilehelistenedtoInez
politely.

“I believe him,” Jonas said. “You know how the Drake sisters are. Barbie doll alone takes three

hourstogetreadyforanything.Putthemalltogether,itcouldtakedays.”

KateglaredatbothformerRangersandtookHannah’shand.“Whyaren’tyouparticipatingthisyear,

Jonas?” she asked sweetly. “Inez, didn’t he promise you last year? I could have sworn Sarah told me
Jonasreallywantedtoplayamajorrole.”

“He likes to stand out,” Hannah added, smiling at Inez. “If you don’t offer him a lead, he won’t

cooperate.YouknowJonas.Hehastobethestar.”

Inezturnedtothesheriff.“Whydidn’tyousignupthisyear?”
“Ididn’tsignup,”Mattpointedout.
“Wedon’thavetimeforthisargument,”Jonassaid,glaringatKate.“Trafficisgoingtobebackedup

fromheretohellandback.Getthisshowontheroad,Inez,orwe’llhavetoshutitdown.”

Inez began barking orders like a drill sergeant. Hannah nudged Jonas. “Don’t look so smug. I’m

putting your name in for the role of donkey next year. I’m certain Inez will come up with a suitable
costume.”

Deliberatelythesheriffleanedintoher,socloseherbodywaspressedupagainsthis.“That’sgreat,

babydoll,aslongasyou’retheoneridingme.”Hebreathedthewordsagainstherear,thenstalkedaway

fromher.

Thewindrushedoverhimandsenthishatsailingtowardtheriver.Heglancedback,hisgrinwide.

“Youhavesuchabadtemper,Hannah.MerryChristmas.”

MatttriedtoclingtoKatebutwasdraggedfirmlyawayandforcedintohissatincostume.Hedidhis

bestnottonoticetheotheractorshidingtheirsmilesbehindtheirhandsastheylookedathim,orthatInez
and Donna looked horrified. The streets were lined with townspeople, from the oldest to the youngest.
EvenSylviahadturnedup,withonesideofherfacecoveredinaredrash.

Theparadebegan,andMattwasforcedtoenduretrudgingthroughthestreetswhereeveryonecould

seeInez’sbizarrecreation.Theothertwowisemenwentbeforehim.Hethoughttheylookedsomewhat
ridiculousintheirrobesofvelvet,butifhesquintedenough,hecouldusethewordregal.Cursingthefact
thathiscostumelookedmorelikeawoman’sbathrobethanaking’srobe,Mattthoughtittookaneternity
togetthroughtown,witheveryonesingingslightlyoff-key,andtofinallycatchsightofthetownsquare.
Worse,hecouldn’tpreventthesillygrinfrombreakingoutonhisface.Itjustwouldn’tgoaway,andhe
knewithadtolooklikehewasenjoyingparadingthroughtowninawoman’sbathrobe.HeknewKate
andhersistershadgrabbedaspotnearthemakeshiftstablestowaitforhim,andhekeptasharpeyeout
forthem.Heletoutasighofreliefwhenhefinallyspottedthem.

“Youlookreallygoodinthatsatinrobe,bro,”Dannydeclared,nudginghisbrotherwiththehooked

endofhisstaff.

“Shutup,Danny,orI’mgoingtokickyourbutt,”Mattthreatenedoutofthesideofhismouth.Hekept

his eyes straight ahead, trudging like a man doomed, carrying his gift of frankincense on a white satin
pillowoutinfrontofhim.He’darguedthewisemenhadn’thadwhitesatinpillowstousecarryingthe
foul-smelling stuff, but not a single person had listened, and his protests had earned him a black scowl
fromInez.Hekepthiseyesstraightahead,notlookingatthewavingtownspeopleashemarchedstoically
onwardtothetownsquarewithhissillygrinonhisface.

Danny whistled at him. “That robe manages to show your butt off nicely, Matt.” He tapped the

offendingpartofMatt’sanatomywiththestaffagain.“Sorry,littleaccident,couldn’thelpmyself.”

“I hope you have life insurance,” Matt said in his most menacing voice. He made the mistake of

lookinguptojudgethedistancetothesquare.Hehadtoknowtheexactamountoftimehewouldhaveto
sufferfurtherhumiliation.Katestoodtherewithhersisters.Everylastoneofthemhadahugesmileon
her face. Matt entertained the idea of throwing the frankincense at their feet and hauling Kate over his
shoulderliketheNeanderthaltheyallthoughthewas.He’dkeeptherobe,itmightcomeinhandy.

Dannypokedhimwiththestaffagain.“Getalongtherelittledogie,”heteased.
Matt’sfuriousgazesettledonOldManMars.Hestoodslightlyapart,watchingthepageantwitha

peculiarlookonhisface,somewherebetweenmortificationandshock.ItwasobvioushesharedMatt’s
viewoftheidioticrobes.Theoldmancaughthiseye,readthepainonMatt’sface,andsteppedcloserto
commiserate.HewalkedalongsideMatt.

“Shemadeyoudothis,didn’tshe?”Marsasked.
“Damnright.Otherwise,Iwouldn’tbecaughtdeadinthisgetup,”Mattreplied,hopebeginningto

stir.

MarsnoddedasifheunderstoodMatt’stotalmiseryandsteppedbackawayfromhimwithhisarms

folded. Behind him, Danny began the mantra. “Don’t say it. Don’t say it. Don’t say it.” He glanced
nervouslyattheoldmanasheapproachedhim.

“Merry Christmas.” Matt turned back with a cheerful grin. “Merry Christmas, Mr. Mars,” he said

happily.

AblackscowlsettledoverOldManMars’sface.Hiscraggybrowsdrewtogetherinastraightthick

line. He made a single sound of disgust and spat on the ground. The old man delivered his yearly kick
right to Danny’s shin and shuffled off, muttering something about tomatoes. Danny howled and jumped

around,holdinghisinjuredshin.Thestaffswungaroundinawidecirclesothattheparticipantshadto
breakranksandrunforsafety.MattkeptwalkingstraightpastInezandtheoutragedlookonherface.Kate
met him at the stable, lifting her face for his kiss, while Inez followed Danny, giving him her annual
Christmaslectureonbehavior.

“Allinall,Katie,”Mattsaid,holdingherclose,“I’dsaythiswasaverysatisfactorypageant.”

Epilogue

“S

O,DIDYOURWISHCOM ETRUE?”

ARAH

asked.

Mattreachedouttotakethesnowglobefromher,turningitoverandoverinhishands.Helooked

acrosstheroomatKate.HisKate.Theflamesleapedanddancedinthefireplace.TheDrakesisterswere
decorating a live tree they’d brought in for Christmas Day. The next day they would plant it on their
propertynearthemanyothertreesthatmarkedthepassingoftheyears.

Thehousesmelledofcedarandpineandcinnamonandspice.Berrycandlesadornedthemanteland

thearomaoffresh-bakedcookiesdriftedfromthekitchen.Jonasappearedinthedoorwayofthekitchen.
Redandgreenfrostingsmearedhisfaceandfingers,andanaproncoveredhisclothes.“Nooneaskedme
ifmywishcametrue,”hecomplained.

“You’resuchababy,Jonas,”Joleyinformedhimwithalittlesniff.Shecaughttheapronstringsand

draggedhimbackward.“Youweretheonewhosaidtherewasnothingtobakingcookies,andweshould
tryourhandatdoingittheold-fashionedway.”

Jonasescapedandracedbackintothelivingroom.“You!You!”heprotested.“Womenbakecookies.

That’swhattheydo.Theysitaroundthehouselookingprettyandhandtheirmanaplateofcookiesanda
drinkwhenhecomeshome.”

Jonas grinned at the women tauntingly. Matt groaned and covered his face with his hands, looking

betweenhisfingers.Healreadyfeltpowermovingintheair.Curtainsswayed.Hairstoodup.Cracklesof
electricitysnappedandsizzled.Theflamesonthecandlesandinthefireplaceleapedanddanced.Jonas
watchedthesisters,clearlyexpectingreprisal.Itcamefrombehindhim.Thesmallfishtankliftedintothe
air and tilted part of the contents over Jonas’s head. Water rushed over his head. He stiffened, but he
didn’tturnaround,nordidheattempttowipeitoff.

“I just want to point out that this is Christmas Day,” he said. “And you all just came back from

church.”

Joley sat down at the upright, perfectly tuned piano. “And we’re all feeling full of love and

goodwill, Jonas. Which is why you aren’t swimming in the sea with the sharks right now. Shall I play
somethingcheerful?”

“Oh,pleasedo,Joley,”Hannahentreatedwickedly.“I’mfeelingverycheerful.”
“Youwouldbe,”Jonasmuttered.HetookthetowelLibbyhandedhimandwipedoffhisfaceand

hair.

Hannahblewhimakiss.
“Mattdidn’tanswermyquestion,”Sarahpersisted.
“Theglobeonlyworksforfamily,”Abbeysaid.
Music swelled in volume, filling every corner of the house with joy. Matt heard the sound of

feminine laughter, felt his heart respond. Kate walked around the tree, an ornament in her hand. She
movedwithgraceandelegance,hisperfectKate.Feelingtheweightofhisgaze,shelookedacrossthe
roomathimandsmiled.

“Yes, that’s true, Abbey,” Sarah said. “It only works for family. Matt? Did the globe grant your

wish?”

Heclearedhisthroat.“Yes.”Theaffirmationcameoutonahuskynote.
Joley’s fingers stilled on the piano. She turned to look at him. Libby put her hand out to Hannah.

AbbeyputherarmaroundElle.AlloftheDrakeslookedatMatt.Kate’ssisters.Themagicalwitchesof
SeaHaven.Hethoughthefitinrathernicely.

“Whatdidyouwishfor,Matthew?”Sarahasked.ShesatdowninDamon’slap,wrappingherarms

aroundhisneck.

“IwishedforKatie,ofcourse,”heansweredhonestly.
Katewalkedovertohim,leaningdowntokisshim.
“Iwishedforyou,”shewhisperedaloud.
“Sothatlittlejewelryboxinyourjacketpocketmeanssomething?”Elleasked.
“ItmeansKatesaidyes,”Mattsaid.Hebelievedhisgrinwasapermanentfixtureonhisface.
Jonas shook his head, still mopping up the water. “You got her to say yes just by wishing on that

snowglobe?”

“That’swhatittook,”Mattsaid.“Buttheysayitonlyworksforfamily.Iguessitacknowledgedthat

Katiebelongedwithme.”

“Really?Itcanreasonallthatout,canit?”Jonasstaredatthesnowglobesittingsoinnocentlyonthe

shelf.“Familyhuh?Well,I’vebeenfamilyforaboutaslongasIcanremember.”

AcollectivegaspwentupfromthesevenDrakesistersasJonasreachedforthesnowglobe.
“No!Jonas,don’ttouchthat.”Hannahsoundedfrightened.
“Youcan’t,Jonas,”Sarahsaid.
His hand hovered over it. Matt could swear he heard hearts beating loudly in the sudden silence.

Jonas picked up the globe. Almost at once it sprang to life, the tiny lights on the tree glowing, the fog
beginningtoswirl.

“Jonas,putitdownrightnowandstepawayfromit,”Joleywarned.
“Youcan’tplaywiththingsinthishouse,”Elleadded.“Theycanbedangerous.”
“Jonas,”Abbeysaid,“itisn’tfunny.”
Jonasturnedtowardthewomen,hishandsabsentlycradlingtheglobe.“Aren’tyouallsupposedto

becookingdinnerforus?Jackson’sgoingtobehereanyminute,expectingthefullChristmasfare,andall
he’s going to get is some cookies I made.” As he spoke, he kept his gaze on Hannah. All the while his
palmrubbedtheglobeasifhecouldconjureupagenie.

“Don’tyoudarewishonthatglobe,JonasHarrington,”Hannahhissed.Sheactuallybackedastep

awayfromhim.“I’msorryaboutthefishtank.Andthesillyhatthingaswell.Justputtheglobedownand
keepyourmindblank.We’llcalliteven.”

“Areyouwatchingthis,Matt?”Jonasasked,clearlytauntingHannah.“Thisiscalledpower.”
“Not for long,” Kate said. She held out her hand for the globe. “Hand it over and stop tormenting

Hannah.We’reliabletoserveyouupdragon’sliverfordinner.”

“Allright,”Jonasagreed.Helookedintotheglass.“It’scertainlybeautiful.”Insteadofgivingitto

her,hestaredintoitforalongmoment.Thefogswirledintoafrenzy,obliteratingthehouseuntilonlythe
lightsonthetreeblazed,thenitslowlysubsided,leavingtheglassclearandthelightsfadingaway.Only
thendidhehanditovertoKate.

Therewasalongsilence.Jonasgrinnedatthem.“I’mteasing.Youalltakethingssoseriously.”He

nudgedMatt.“I’mnotadreamerlikemyfriendhere.Iwouldn’tletasnowglobedecidemyfate.Come

on,let’sgetthatturkeycarved.”

KateacceptedMatt’skissandwatchedhimgointothekitchenwithDamonandJonas.Shejoined

hersistersasshedideachyearinsurroundingthetree,handsconnectingtheminacontinuouscircle.The
overhead lights went off, leaving them in the shadows with the flickering candles and Christmas lights.
Shefeltthefamiliarpowerrunningupanddownherarms.Runningthroughher.Tinysparksleapedinto
theairlikelittlefireflies.Electricitycrackledaroundthem.Shecouldfeeltheminusculethreadsinthe
tapestryofpowerthatwovethemtogether.Energysprangfromonetotheother.

MattstoodinthedoorwaywithDamonandJonasandJackson,whohadcomeinthroughthekitchen,

andwatchedthesevenwomenastheystoodhandinhandcirclingtheChristmastree.Thewomenlooked
beautiful and fey, with their heads thrown back and the sparks leaping around them like miniature
fireworks.

Jonasnudgedhim.“WelcometotheworldoftheDrakesisters,Matt.AndMerryChristmas.”
Mattcouldn’timagineabetterone.

ChristineFeehan

recently took time from her busy writing schedule to talk to us. Here are the highlights of that
conversation.

Whatinspiredyoutowriteanovellaaboutafamilyofwitchesduringtheholidayseason?

Ilovedgrowingupinmyfamily.Ihavetensisters.Andyes,theyareallbiological.Wehadanamazing
childhood. Our friendships with one another were, and remain, very strong. Christmas was my favorite
timeoftheyear.Myunclewasinawheelchair,andhelivedwithus.HemadeChristmasanexcitingand
specialholiday.Wecollectedornamentsfromaroundtheworld,andtothisdayIkeepthattradition,asdo
mychildren.Ithinklovingmysistersandfeelingthatwhenwearetogetherthereisaspecialmagic,first
broughttheideaofwritingaboutafamilyofverymagicalsistersintomyhead.Allofushavedifferent
talents as well as different trials, and we’re strong women…but when we’re together, we’re at our
strongest.Weseeoneanotherthrougheverydifficulttimeandeveryjoyousoccasion.Andweallloveto
cometogetheratChristmas!

Kate Drake, the heroine of The Twilight Before Christmas, is a bestselling author. Readers can’t
helpbutwonderhowmuchyoumodeledherafteryourself.Anysimilarities?

Maybeafew.Katedoesthingsshedoesn’tthinkshecandoandshedoesn’tconsiderherselfcourageous.I
thinkIstartedoutthesameway,believingIcouldn’tdothings,althoughmartialartsdefinitelychanged
thatinme.ButKateDrakeandIsharealoveofbooks.Myall-timefavoritethingtodoiscurlupina
chair and read a book by my favorite author, or to read a great new find. I’m a reader, and I read
everything.Ilovethewrittenword,andifIcouldsitintheoldmillcoffeeshopordownonthebeachand
read,I’dbeverycontent.Kateismoreofacompositeoftwoofmysistersandawonderful,bestselling
author,JayneAnnKrentz,whoIthoughtofoftenasIwrotethisstory.Ievenpicturedherintheroleof
Kate.I’veoftencurledupwithJayne’sbookandescapedintoanotherworld,anditwaseasytoimagine
herasKatewritingherwonderfulbooksformetoread.

Your martial art expertise is fascinating. Can you tell us how old you were when you started
training,whyyoustartedtraining,andthelevelofyourabilitytoday?

Istartedtrainingwhenmostwomendidn’tdomartialarts,sointheearlyyearsItrainedmostlywithmen.
Ihadalwaysbeeninterestedinkarateasanartform,thebeautifulandpowerfulkatasand,ofcourse,I
wanted the benefits of gaining more confidence in myself. I loved the discipline and philosophy of the
variousartsandstudiedmanyofthem.IwasluckyenoughtotrainunderawonderfulmanintheKorean
art of Tang Soo Do and I hold a third degree black belt in that art. I also hold rank in several other
disciplinesaswell.Itaughtself-defensetowomenandmartialartstobothmenandwomenandhelped
withbatteredwomenseminarsandvariousotherprojectstoempowerwomen.Martialartsbecameaway

oflifeforme,oneIbelieveinandhighlyrecommend.Ihadtoretireduetomyhealthafewyearsago,but
thetrainingIreceivedhasenabledmetowriterealisticactionscenesandtodeveloprealcharactersin
difficultsituations.Mytrainingallowedmetospendagreatdealoftimearoundacertaintypeofalpha
male so I developed an understanding of how they act and react when they are attacked or encounter
physicaldanger.Andno,itisnotalwaysthewayoursocietywouldpreferthemtodoso!

No doubt there’s a touch of magic in the Feehan household during the holiday season. Are the
Feehanfamily’scelebrationsanythingatallliketheDrakesisters’holidayfestivities?

Yes, very much so. Christmas is one of the biggest events of the year for my family. Everyone comes
home.It’satimewelookforwardtothroughouttheyear.OurChristmascelebrationishuge.Mymother
has a very large two-story house (and it is needed!) and we all gather there on Christmas Eve. My
brothers and sisters are married and have children of their own. My parents have seventy-two
grandchildren.Thehousehashighceilings,andthetopofthetreetouchestheceiling.Mysistershavea
traditionalpartyjustbeforeChristmastodecorate,andtheornamentsareblownglassfromalloverthe
world!Youcanimaginethenumberofgiftsbeneaththetree.There’salwaysmusicandlaughter,andmy
momlovescandles,sothescentiswonderful!Severalsisterslovetobake,sowehavetonsofwonderful
desserts. Everyone brings an enormous amount of food. Wineglasses have been handed down from
generation to generation and the glasses are brought out and we toast the coming seasons and any new
babiesinthefamily!Usuallyatsomepointacatrunsupthetree.Dogsmillaround.WeplayPing-Pong
andcardsandothergames.Wetellstoriesandopengifts.Andweoftenattendmidnightmasstogether.

Doyouhaveafavoriteholidaytraditionyouperformeveryyear?

Yes,wealwaysdecoratealiveChristmastree.Thechildrenlovedecoratingthetree,asI’vecollected
ornaments over the years. I get teased about my ornaments because the children think I have too many!
And my husband says I have too many lights to go with my too many ornaments. We spend hours
decoratingthetree.There’salotoflaughter,butmostlyatmyexpense!Thechildrenspendhoursplaying
“Ispy”withtheornaments.WhenChristmasisover,weplantthetreeintheyard.MyfamilythinksIhave
atreefetishaswellasanornamentfetish.Wealwayswatchmyhusband’sfavoriteChristmasfilm,It’sa
WonderfulLifetogetheraswell.Thenthechildrenallteasehiminsteadofme!

Whatisyourfavoriteholidaytune?

“I’mDreamingofaWhiteChristmas.”

Okay,thisisa“revealing”interview,sowouldyoupleasetelluswhetheryouandyourfamilyopen
presentsonChristmasEveorChristmasDay?

MyfatherisaretiredfiremanandusuallyworkedChristmasDay,soitbecameatraditiontoalwaysopen
the gifts Christmas Eve. We’ve continued that, going to my parents’ house and spending Christmas Eve
withthem,andthenopeninggiftsattheFeehanhouseveryearlythemorningofChristmasDay.Thefloor
iscoveredwithpaper,andthere’salotoflaughterandteasing!

AndwhocooksChristmasdinner?

My husband Richard is a fabulous cook and he always cooks Christmas dinner. Some of the grown
childrenbringsidedishes,butforthemostpart,heplans,shops,andcookstheentirething!

Gettingbacktoyourprofessionallife,whatpromptedyoutobecomeawriter?

IbelieveIwasbornawriter.Ihonestlycan’trememberatimeinmylifewhenIdidn’twrite.Iusedto
make up stories as a child, and my sisters would have to listen. Once I could write my brilliant
masterpiecesdownonpaper(andtheyweretrulyawful)mysisterswouldreadthemalldutifully.Writing
isapartofme,justlikebreathing.Ican’timaginenotwriting.WhenthedaycomesthatIamnolonger
published,Iwillstillbewriting!

Criticsandreviewershailyouasoneofthemostimaginativeauthorswritingtoday.Wheredoyou
get your ideas? And why do you choose to write stories with Gothic elements and paranormal
characters?

Iloveactionandveryedge-of-the-seatcreepysuspense,bothinmoviesandinbooks.Iwantedtobeable
tocombinethatwithmyloveofromanceandhappy-ever-afterendings.Ialsoamveryintriguedwiththe
paranormalandwithmythsandlegendsthathavepersistedthroughoutthehistoryoftheworld,inevery
country. What better way than to combine them all and write what I love to read? As for my ideas and
whereIgetthem—everywhere!EverythingIsee,orhear,newspaperarticlesonsomestrangehappenings.
It can be something small like the way a woman turns her head, or more intense, such as a freak fog
movingintoatownthatneverhasfog!Myimaginationdoesn’tneedmuchhelptotakeflight.

WhatwasthebiggestchallengeinwritingTheTwilightBeforeChristmas?

Inallhonesty,itwasfindingthetime.Ihadthetown,thecharacters,andthelegacyoftheDrakesisters
alreadyfirmlyinmymind.IdidresearchonsymbolsandsettlersandeventhehistoryofChristmas,butI
hadwantedthisstory,alltheDrakestories,tobeincrediblymagical.Todothat,Ihadtofindthetime.I
stayedinawonderfullittlehouseonthecoastandwanderedupanddownthecoastalhighwaytoreally
gettherightfeelbeforeIbeganwritingtheactualstory.

YoustronglyevoketheatmosphereofaCaliforniacoastaltowninTwilight.Haveyoueverlivedin
atownlikethefictionalSeaHaven?

IgrewupinasmalltownveryclosetotheCaliforniacoastandhavelivedmuchofmylifeinorneara
smallcoastaltown.Ilovetheatmosphereandhavesomanypleasantmemoriesofmymomandmysisters
andmewalkingalongthewoodensidewalksandenjoyingtheyear-roundflowersgrowingwild.Herdsof
wild elk populate the area, and the beaches are wonderful. Seals are in the water, and you can whale
watchduringcertaintimesoftheyear.IlovethefishingvillagesandhavefavoriterestaurantsIenjoy.

WillreadersseemoreoftheDrakesistersinthefuture?

Icertainlyhopeso!IlovetheDrakefamily.InfactIreallyenjoyallthecharactersinSeaHaven.Yes,I
haveplanstogiveeachsisterherownuniquestory.

Finally,isthereonespecialwishyouwouldliketohavecometruethisChristmas?

ItsoundssappytosayPeaceonEarth,butitsurewouldbewonderful.

Andthisinterviewwouldn’tbecompleteifIdidn’task:HowdoCarpathianscelebrateChristmas?

TheCarpathianshavetheirowntraditions,butasforChristmas,theyonlybegancelebratingthatholiday
recently.RavenDubrinsky,lifematetothePrince,wasanAmericanandlovedChristmasverymuch.She
invited her family and friends to the Dubrinsky home this year. Antoinetta Justicano agreed to make the
tripwithByrontoplaythepianoforeveryonesotheycouldallsingtime-honoredcarols.Ravenhadfun
insisting that Mikhail decorate the tree using human methods and he ended up wrapping the Christmas
lights around the tree, around himself, and around the furniture. Each Carpathian made an ornament to
adorn the first Carpathian Christmas tree and mark the occasion. They came from all over to sing and
celebrateandjoininthefestivities.IftheyhadonewishtomakeontheDrakes’snowglobe,itwouldbe
thattheirwomencouldbringbabiessafelyintotheworldtoliveandthrive!

MerryChristmasfromtheFeehans,theDrakes,andalltheCarpathians!

ChristineFeehan

Document Outline

Dedication
Acknowledgments
The Twilight Before Christmas
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Epilogue
Christine Feehan

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