Consciousness crashed into Naia like fifty-pound cymbals. She snapped upright and quickly oriented herself. She was in her room, tucked neatly under her covers. How did she get here?

Throwing the covers off, she checked her limbs for the cuts and bruises she’d amassed, but she had none. Her shoulder was completely healed. Her legs were baby smooth. Someone had dressed her in a clean nightgown. She rubbed her skull where there should be a massive lump where she’d been pistol-whipped. There wasn’t even a tinge of pain. The only evidence of her violent scuffle was the dirt caked under her nails from when she had clawed and fought for her life.

Her throat should be burning from how hard she’d sung. Had she truly sung a man to his death? Was that even possible? Was she a two-time killer? She mentally dug around in her self-evaluation bin, seeking a shred of guilt, finding not even a kernel. That fucker had shot Cortez—

Oh, god! Cortez!

Leaping out of bed, she raced for the living room. She skidded to a halt when she spotted Cortez sitting on the couch. Ryder was next to him and Donovan was across the room, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. Their heads shot up at her entrance, worry etched in their features.

She let out a sound of pure relief and then burst across the room, landing in his lap and throwing her arms around his neck.

He winced at her hold and she immediately pulled back. “Are you hurt?” He’d changed into one of Cole’s old sweaters. A spot of blood had already seeped through the fabric near his shoulder. She shifted to get off his lap, but he stayed her at the waist.

“The bastard had gotten his hands on some illegal ammo. I’ll heal, though it’s taking longer than normal.”

“How long was I out?”

“A couple hours.”

Yet I’m completely healed? “Is the hunter...is he really dead?”

Cortez nodded solemnly, warily, and she knew the answer to her next question.

“I...I killed him?”

Ryder interjected with his typical enthusiasm. “You’ve got a scary set of lungs on you, girl. I thought my brain was going to explode.”

She gasped. “You were affected too?”

“Dropped us all like stones,” Donovan said. “Never thought a sound could be worse than torture.”

Vampires had never before been affected by her abilities. “I hurt all three of you?”

“Seven,” Ryder said.

Her eyes bugged.

Cortez lightly squeezed her hips. It was oddly comforting and despite herself, she relaxed. “After we talked on the phone, I summoned all the available members of my clan, and we set out to bring you home.”

The word home fluttered through her like a cool drink on a hot day. “You remembered the code Cole and I use.”

He nodded. “I nearly panicked when you said it, but your voice was strained. I figured someone might be listening in if I let on I knew something was up. I wasn’t sure of the level of danger you were in, so I thought it best to come in full force. Then I scented your blood and I thought I was too late.” He closed his eyes momentarily as though the memory pained him. “But it was only traces, and we were able to follow it like a trail.”

She smiled, preening.

He noted the triumph in her expression. “That was your plan?”

“Yes. I cut myself before he forced me out of the apartment, but I feared the rain would wash it away too quickly.”

“Luck was on our side tonight. The hunter only saw the three of us, but we had him surrounded. Dane was getting in position to take him out when he fired on me. Then you went all banshee.” She flushed, but he only grinned at her with pride and cupped her cheek. “My beautiful banshee. Remind me not to bring out your vengeful side.”

She rolled her eyes. “Are the others alright?” she glanced around as if they’d appear on command.

“I sent them up to his campsite. As we caught up to you, I read his thoughts and learned he’s been holding another woman up there. They’ve gone to help her.”

Naia slumped forward, resting her forehead on his good shoulder. “That poor woman.”

“If she’s still alive, we’ll do what we can to help her.”

Considering what that woman had probably endured, Naia didn’t think a dose of vampire blood was going to be enough. “That reminds me.” She sat back. “Did you feed me your blood?”

He eyed her for a moment before slowly shaking his head.

“Then how am I completely healed?” In turn, she glanced at Ryder and Donovan.

Ryder put his hands up. “Don’t look at me.”

“Nope.” Donovan shook his head.

“Whatever you did to the hunter healed you simultaneously,” Cortez informed her. “There wasn’t a scratch on you.”

She contemplated that a moment. Sucking the life-force from him had made her whole again. She didn’t know how to feel about that, and honestly didn’t want to think about it right now. Plus she had more important things on her mind.

She faced Cortez. “So we’re not bonded yet?”

He hesitated. “Not yet. No.”

“When can we make that happen?”

He smiled, letting all his relief and desire and love shine through his eyes. “As soon as these two assholes leave us alone.”

“You think they’re giving us a hint?” Donovan asked Ryder.

“It’s more like a big flashing sign that says FUCK OFF,” Ryder replied.

Naia laughed, then said to Cortez. “Take me home first.”

“As you wish,” he replied, still grinning like he’d won some kind of lottery, and impossibly, she fell even deeper in love with him.