Across the Veil

  ***

  Keth nailed the vampire with a spin kick to the face. The immortal crashed into the brick wall before hitting the pavement face first.

  In one fluid motion, Keth jerked the stake free from the inside pocket of his trench coat, but before he could jam it through the vampire’s chest, pain erupted in his wrist.

  He lost his grip on the stake, and instinctively pulled his arm in close to his body. With his other hand, he reached out toward the vampire. “Oighríonn tú. Now!”

  The vampire hissed, straining against the spell. Keth picked up the stake, clenching his teeth. Hot fire burned through his veins and up his arm as color rose through his pale skin, gradually taking shape.

  The vine. Talia needed him.

  Clasping the stake in his other hand, he growled, “Scaoilim. I release you.”

  With fangs bared, the vampire dove for him. Keth spun, staking the vampire from behind just as the final strand of vines braided his wrist. While the vampire shriveled to dust, he opened and closed his hand. The pain lessened to a tingle.

  He kicked his boot through the ashes, scattering the remnants of his attacker. Normally he’d clean up the dust, but right now, he didn’t have time. He had to hurry.