Dalir's Salvation Read Free Page A

done. “Do you have a lead on Kell?”
    “Possibly. The police in New Jersey are looking for a slasher. The victims’ wounds may have been caused by a sword.”
    Knots tightened in Dalir’s gut. Since his escape, Kell had killed a woman scientist, kidnapped Lauren, and tortured Reid. Those were the incidents they knew about. Was he responsible for these murders, too? Recollections of the pain his brother had caused seared into him. Four weeks ago, he’d fought Kell and nicked his brother’s throat, but Kell had leaped time and escaped before he could finish him. He would have pursued him, but Reid’s injuries couldn’t wait. Time in nothingness had weakened Kell’s phasing and fighting skills. His brother wouldn’t make the same mistake twice. Kell wouldn’t show his face until his powers and fighting skills reached full potential.
    Colby’s green eyes grew cold with a hard expression. “Don’t worry we’ll find him.”
    “When are you reporting back?”
    “Later tonight. After New Jersey, I’m tracking down Ari.” Colby answered Dalir’s questioning look with a chuckle. “You know who she is, Celine and Lauren’s friend.”
    Right. Celine and Lauren had agonized over leaving her behind in Florida. His decision not to bring Ari to The Drift hadn’t gone over well. Lauren and Celine had a reason to occupy his home. Ari, a grown woman capable of taking care of herself, didn’t. First they’d want one friend to live with them in The Drift. Then another. He wasn’t a damn innkeeper. Just like their little redecorating project, the list of people they would have wanted at The Drift would have gone on forever. “What about Ari?”
    “We’re taking turns checking in on her so the girls won’t worry so much.”
    An electric saw buzzed to life downstairs.
    Dalir’s jaw ached from his gritted teeth. He could camp in the mountains or go to his place near the lake. Or he could let Colby do the job the recon expert did best. Hunt for leads.
    “I’ll check on Ari.”
    Colby rubbed the stubble on his jawline. “I was just going to pop in where she works, make visual confirmation that she’s okay, and move out. I can handle it.”
    “Focus on finding my brother. I’ll take care of this side errand.” Dalir stalked back to his room to change clothes. “It’s time to bring this shit to an end.”
     
     

Chapter 2
     
    Present-Day
    The Earthly Dimension
     
    The young woman tucked a strand of auburn hair behind her ear and sighed. “I’m not sure what I’m looking for.”
    “Don’t worry. Something will catch your eye.” Ari Frasier led her customer further into Diva Unique. Soothing light-colored walls, artfully draped displays, and hints of jasmine and lavender scenting the air invited customers to linger. Of all the stores in the mall, Diva Unique contained the best selection of women’s specialty gifts.
    “It has to be perfect. My mother-in-law is extremely picky.” The woman’s gaze roamed over scented candles, bath soaps and moisturizers. “Finding a gift for her is so difficult.”
    “This moisturizer is nice, and it’s one of our bestselling products. May I?” Ari pumped a small dollop into her customer’s hand. Infused with sweet orange, it would help calm the woman’s rising anxiety.
    The woman massaged it in. “I like it, but for my mother-in-law, who knows if it’s right?”
    Ari’s palm itched. A brief touch or the lightest brush over the woman’s arm could reveal the answer. Or lead to trouble. Ari curled her hands into fists. Just like it had at the car dealership, the real estate office, the catering company, and everywhere else she’d worked in the past. Her bosses had reprimanded her for not obeying the prime rule of sales. The customer is always right. She’d steered buyers toward what she sensed was best for them which didn’t always equal a profit or a happy customer. Of course, she couldn’t tell her bosses or anyone else that her special insight led the way.