Vampire Mine - Kerrelyn Sparks [53]
He shrugged that off even though he felt some warmth in his face. “So can ye protect yerself with fire?”
She winced. “I was never very good at that.”
“Show me.”
She hesitated.
“Do we need to go outside? I suppose if ye start a forest fire, ye can make it rain to put it out?”
She groaned. “That won’t be necessary.” She extended an arm, her hand reaching toward the fireplace.
Connor felt a slight frisson of energy zip across the room. A small flame ignited on the log in the fireplace, then died away.
He blinked. “Ye—ye were just warming up?”
Her face reddened as she lowered her hand. “That was it.”
He glanced back at the fireplace where only a tendril of smoke was curling over the log. “I’ve seen more fire on top of a birthday cake.”
She sighed. “I never developed the skill. I didn’t want to. It seemed destructive, and all I’ve ever wanted to do was help people. I loved being a Healer.”
She looked so dejected, he tried to think of something comforting to say. “I . . . like you the way ye are.”
Her mouth curled up and her eyes softened again with that tender look that made his heart squeeze in his chest. He guzzled down the rest of the blood and set the bottle on the table. “Which elements are left? Earth?”
“I could cause the earth to tremble. It might stop someone from attacking me.”
He winced. “It would affect everyone. Just like the thing ye do with air. It would knock everyone down. Hard to win a battle that way . . . unless . . . Do ye think ye could learn to narrow yer focus?”
“I suppose I could. I’ve seen God Warriors do it.”
“Then that is how ye will defend yerself.” Connor stood and extended a hand. She accepted it, and he pulled her to her feet. He started to release her, but her fingers curled around his hand.
“Thank you for helping me, Connor Buchanan.”
He swallowed hard. Holy Christ Almighty, how he wanted to pull her into his arms and kiss her. Would she object? Or would she melt against him? Would she use some of those instructions the ladies had given her?
He blinked and looked away. He couldn’t afford for his vision to turn red. She would know what it meant. And if he kissed her, she might see into his black soul. Right now, she labored under the false impression that he was good and noble, and God help him, he liked it. He couldn’t bear to lose her trust and respect.
Besides, there was no point in getting too close to her. She wanted to go back to heaven. The last thing he needed in his life was more heartache.
He released her and stepped back. “Do ye have any shoes?”
“Yes.”
“Put them on and meet me outside.” He headed for the front door. “We have work to do.”
Chapter Twelve
When Marielle stepped outside, the cool mountain air instantly lifted her spirits. A bird sang in the forest, and the scent of pine wafted toward her on a breeze. Glory to God in the Highest!
There was no answer, but she refused to let that get her down. She had a plan now for getting back to heaven, and even though she was stuck on Earth for a short time, she had to admit she was enjoying it. Especially her time with Connor.
The porch light was on, making it easier to see the clearing in front of the cabin. Connor was moving quickly back and forth from a woodpile to the clearing. The moon, over three-quarters full, gleamed off his red hair. His kilt swished about his knees as he stood cut logs on end in a large circle.
While digging through the clothes from Emma, she’d found socks and shoes and a hooded jacket. She was glad now that she’d put them all on. The night air was chilly, and apparently, she was going to be outside for a while.
“Come.” Connor motioned for her to join him.
She descended the steps, mindful of the odd strings dangling off her shoes. She glanced at his shoes. “Oh, I need to tie myself up like you.”
“Excuse me?”
She pointed at her shoes.
“Och, yer laces are untied. Sit and I’ll show you.”
She sat on the porch step. When he knelt in front of her, her heart rate quickened. His head was bowed so close to hers, she