Dying Wish: A Novel of the Sentinel Wars by Shannon K. Butcher

promise.”
    “You wouldn’t,” said Jackie.
    “Do I look like a man who jokes around? If you go, I go, too. Like it or not, you picked me. Now you’re stuck with me.”
    “I won’t ever put on your necklace.”
    He shrugged. “Fine. Don’t. I’m still not letting you die out there. I gave you my vow, and I intend to uphold it.”
    Kind and gentle were not words she’d use to describeIain. She’d picked him because he was cold—because he seemed to have no expectations of her—but now she was beginning to see the error in her decision. That coldness wasn’t going to gain her any favors or understanding. The best she could hope for now was that eventually he’d figure out she wasn’t worth the effort, and go find some other woman.
    “Fine,” she snapped. She went to where her suitcase was standing and raised the handle to wheel it out. “But I’m already packed and ready to go, and I’m not waiting.”
    Iain took the handle from her grasp. His fingers grazed hers, and the result of his touch was immediate. A string of bubbles slid through her veins and burst into pinpoints of warmth. It felt shockingly good, startling her with the force of it. She had to fight the urge to simply close her eyes and enjoy the sensation, letting it fill her up. It made her forget all about the chill of the caves and the things she’d endured. Her entire focus was on the small patch of her skin that made contact with his.
    It wasn’t right. It wasn’t even real. She had to remember that and not let whatever magic he possessed sway her from her path.
    Jackie jerked her hand away, already regretting the loss of contact.
    His body clenched tight, like he’d just taken a punch, but he continued to stare at her without blinking.
    Jackie rubbed her skin in an effort to rid herself of his touch. She didn’t want to feel anything magical, no matter how good it may have been. All she wanted was for everyone to keep their hands to themselves.
    Joseph opened his mouth, but Helen grabbed his arm, stopping him before he could speak. She leaned over and whispered something in his ear. Joseph nodded, then stared at Jackie in speculation.
    “We’ll see you when you get back,” said Joseph.
    “What was that about?” she asked, looking at her half sister.
    “Nothing,” said Helen. “You two go do what you need to do. You’ll always have a place here if and when you want it.”
    Jackie wasn’t sure what they were up to, but she doubted she’d like it if she knew. “I don’t plan on coming back.”
    “I know,” said Helen. “But I hope you change your mind. I’ll miss you while you’re gone.”
    Jackie couldn’t bear any emotional farewells. Helen was her sister by blood, but that was all. They didn’t know each other. They had no connection, no shared history. All they had was a similar affliction—a magical disease that drew these men to them—one Jackie hoped she could either find a cure for or come to live with eventually.
    “Where will you go?” asked Joseph.
    “South,” she lied. “Florida, maybe.”
    Beside her, Iain grunted his disbelief. “Daylight’s burning. If you’re serious about leaving, we need to put some miles behind us before dark.”
    Jackie looked at Helen, seeing her hazel eyes fill up with tears. “I’m sorry I can’t be what you want—what any of you want.”
    “I don’t want you to be anything but happy,” said Helen.
    Jackie wasn’t setting her sights nearly that high. She’d be satisfied with simply being free.
    Tori pulled the hood up over her head, shoved stolen sunglasses on her face, and walked through the halls of Dabyr as if she belonged there. She kept her head down, looking at no one while she made her escape.
    She heard voices of children as she passed through the large open dining and recreation area. The smell of coffee—something that reminded her of her dead mother—filled her nose, giving her a pang of grief. Mama had been gone a long time now. The demons had