“I had something to tell you that I didn’t think could wait, but … I can’t really tell you out here.”

“Oh!” I said. “Come in. I’m sorry. I was having a dream …”

“Was I trying to drown you again?” he asked as he came inside.

“No,” I said, blushing. The heat on my skin made me aware of how close to naked I was. I grabbed a sweater from the hall closet and pulled it on over my nightgown. “You weren’t in it.”

Or had he been? I’m here, Liam had said in the dream, and then Duncan had appeared at the door. But Duncan couldn’t be my incubus. Liz had carefully vetted him …

“… and I thought you should know.”

“Thought I should know what?” I asked, realizing I hadn’t heard a thing he’d said.

“Grove members are arriving today in Fairwick.”

“They’re here early,” I said. “The meeting isn’t until Monday. We still have two days.”

“I suppose they wanted to make a weekend of it.” Duncan smiled wryly at the idea of anyone choosing to spend anymore time in Fairwick than they had to. I had felt the same ten months ago, but now I was offended for my town. Perhaps sensing that, Duncan’s smile faded. “Or maybe they know you’re trying to increase your power and they’re worried.”

“Good,” I said, “they should be worried.”

Duncan smiled again, but guardedly. “I just don’t want them to force you into a conflict prematurely. I thought I should warn you that they’re here.”

He touched my arm and I felt the gold spirals tightening inside me. Wasn’t this what I had felt in my dream with Liam? Perhaps the dream had been sent as a message telling me that Duncan was really my incubus come in a new form. I studied his face. The high cheekbones and strong jaw, the aquamarine eyes, skin the color of honey … yes, he looked like a creature from another world, but was he my creature? Shouldn’t I be able to look into his eyes and recognize him?

But I didn’t. And when he dipped his head to mine and brushed his lips against my cheek the spirals flared up in the air between us and singed the lock of hair that was always falling over his eyes.

“Damn,” I said, “I’m so sorry. I don’t know why …”

Duncan smiled, his jaw tight. “I think I do,” he said. “As long as you’re still bound to the incubus no mortal man will be able to come close to you. It’s your decision, Callie. I’ll be here when you make it.”