The Scent (The Bryn and Sinjin Series Book 2) by H.P. Mallory Page B

knew he wasn’t far. My body was telling me as much; and I knew by now to trust my instincts. The time for fleeing had vanished. Now, we couldn’t run. We would have to face off with Luce. It was the worst possible outcome…
    I turned toward my sister and caught her widened, startled eyes. When I looked at her daughter, my niece, snugly wrapped in her arms, I made the decision, right then and there, to commit myself wholeheartedly to ensuring their safety. I could not and would not allow Luce to get to either one of them. As long as there was a breath of life left in my body, I would fight him. Yes, right to the end. I would make damn sure they both were safe because they were the only family I had.
    Jolie, I said in thought as soon as an idea started to take shape in my mind. Once I had her attention, I continued. There is no way we can defeat Luce because your power is depleted, and I can’t take him on my own because he’s way too strong.
    Okay, she responded, her blue eyes gleaming with interest and worry.
    So, instead, can you summon up whatever strength you have left and project it into me?
    Why?
    I closed my eyes and sent out mental feelers, trying to detect exactly how close Luce was. A slight energetic buzz coursed through me as the hairs on my body stood up again. But my body’s reaction wasn’t very different or stronger than it had been earlier. That meant Luce was somewhere in the vicinity, but he hadn’t yet arrived. He was probably finding it difficult to locate me, thanks to the sea, which surrounded us along with the cave. The rocks and water must have acted like natural barriers, insulating my telltale brain waves, making it more difficult for Luce to tune into my signal.
    Because you need to help me transform myself into you, I told her.
    I don’t understand, she started while shaking her head. An expression of dread began to appear on her face.
    We will simply create mirror images of ourselves; so as far as Luce can see, I will be you and you will be me.
    But why?
    Because dematerializing with both of us and the baby will be too much for Luce, especially considering the distance he’d have to travel to get to one of our training camps which is all the way back in the States. And not only that, but he’ll also be dealing with Sinjin …
    I thought he was all-powerful?
    I’m not doubting Luce’s power or his strength, I said, not wanting to create any doubt in Jolie’s mind about him either. He’s incredibly powerful, but de- and rematerializing all three of us is something even he isn’t capable of. Besides, as an Elemental, materializing isn’t ordinarily part of our repertoire. Usually that was something only Daywalkers and vampires could accomplish.
    Okay, Jolie said.
    So that means Luce will have to decide which one of us he will take back with him, I finished. With a deep breath, I considered that exact subject. It wasn’t something that was easy to contemplate, because even though I recognized Luce’s treachery, he was still like a father figure to me. Really, he was the only father I’d ever known. However, I also didn’t want to kid myself by sugarcoating anything. I know you’re the one he truly wants , I finished.
    Bryn, Jolie replied as she sensed the disappointment in my thoughts as well as the betrayal I felt toward Luce.
    Shaking my head, I refused to let her feel sorry for me. There’s no way I would willingly hand you or the baby over to him.
    I appreciate that, but your plan is too dangerous, Jolie argued. You’d be putting yourself right in harm’s way and who knows how Luce might punish you once he discovers what you’ve done?
    He already knows what I’ve done, I corrected her, shaking my head. I tried to offer her a consoling smile that suggested I wasn’t worried about Luce’s retribution, even though I was. But none of that matters anyway. Luce won’t hurt me—I promise you. I’ll be fine, I answered. But I wasn’t sure if I was speaking the truth. In