His grip remained unmoving, his lips murmuring sweet reassurances into my hair that I couldn't understand while my jaw used my teeth as percussion ins...truments. Slowly, painfully, the burn of his flesh receded to a pleasant warmth, thawing me from the outside in until I no longer shivered, allowing me to draw a full breath of Talon-scented air."What happened?" I was exhausted now and a bit worried about myself. I couldn't recall ever having an episode like that and I surely didn't want a. "Elizabeth isn't doing anything, weare in control. Ulric, the ultimate sorcerer!"Ulric? We? What was going on."For centuries" my voice went on to explain "We have been but a spirit,an entity waiting to strike. But with that fool Merlin limiting what youlowly witches could do, I was never able to do what was needed to get mypower back. Until this day, when a special one with more power than allof you combined would arrive." My arms gestured to my body."But now, with this power in our control, we. Abe had brought a bottle of Grey Goose Vodka and we settled in the living room, music playing, and liquor flowing. My wife was not a big drinker, but when Abe gave her his winning smile, she accepted a shot glass. We all downed our first shot together. I served beer for a chaser and we told stories and had a great time. Shots flowed smoothly, and I noticed Abe flirting with my wife, as we had planned. Their knees touched, and Jill didn’t pull back. Perfect! I was surprised, but very excited and. Woodson told me about you taking on an armed guard singled-handed with just a knife. You are a most impressive woman, Ms. Durrani, and it's been an honor serving with you. As a small token, I'd like to present you with this gold Seal and Trident pin, the symbol of the SEALs. More important, my men have asked me to tell you that if at anytime you need our help or protection, you have but to ask. This is not an empty gesture, ma'am; they mean it. It's a promise rarely given and never broken.".