(56) When all else is lost the future still remains

The clouds scuttled across the face of the moon as the three companions inched their way closer to the dhampir’s hideout. Across a small clearing surrounded by tall trees, Shan saw the clapboard building that was posing as a research center.  He easily sensed the wards the dhampir sorcerer had erected and motioned for Addie and Race to stay put where they were.

::Problems?::  Addie asked.

::Nothing I can’t handle, that I can tell, but it’ll take some time. Try to keep Race from exploding from tension while I do, please.::

With that said, Shan began to explore the layers of wards. Some were easily removed, as they were just set to warn of intruders and not directly connected to the dhampir. Those he dealt with first, leaving him three that would be trickier to handle. He approached them the same way he would any well made security system. The trick was to bypass the various parts with ‘wires’ that would trick the dhampir into thinking the wards still existed as he had constructed them. It took Shan's full concentration and every bit of his not inconsiderable sorcery skills to achieve that, but in the end he was satisfied that it was safe to proceed to the next step, taking out the dhampir and his father.

Returning his attention to Addie and Race he had to smile. She seemed to be regaling the young man with stories of her adventures, speaking very quietly as she leaned against his shoulder, her lips bare inches from his ear.

::If you’re planning on seducing him may I suggest you wait until we return to Darian’s,:: Shan said, laughter in his voice.

::As if. He’s so all yours I don’t think he’d look twice at anyone else:: she replied with a snort of amusement.

Shan nodded, smiling at Race before saying, “We can get inside now, so I suggest we do it. Now.”

Race was instantly on his feet. Shan was glad to note that he immediately checked all his weapons before taking a deep breath. He wasn’t quite so happy to see the flash of fear that crossed Race's face. “Just remember,” he said quietly, wrapping an arm around Race’s waist, “both Addie and I can shield you if things get bad. You’re coming out of this whole and in one piece. I won’t have it any other way.” Cupping the back of Race’s head Shan kissed him quickly but thoroughly and then stepped away, signaling where he wanted Addie and Race.

Then the three companions moved towards the building.