Dreams of faceless Chosen minions pursuing her through a labyrinth of hospital corridors. Of pushing a gurney that held Max Savoie beneath the drape of a sheet. Just as she managed to angle them inside the safety of an elevator and close the doors on their enemies, she pulled the sheet back to reveal not her lover but a mannequin with features molded to look like his. She sat up with a gasp, heart still pounding. His scent quieted her fears. That unmistakable fragrance of masculine heat and bonding pheromones, as unique as any crime scene fingerprint. Turning toward the open doors that let in the refreshing weather along with the cool wash of rain, she could just make out the silhouette of a figure at the porch rail. Cee Cee’s heart stumbled then kicked up a notch as she admired his long lines and lonely pose. She slipped out of bed, wearing just an oversized Saints T-shirt, and crossed the moisture-peppered floor to stand in the doorway.
