“I’m sorry I panicked. I must seem like a crazy person to you,” she told Solange. “I felt like I had been thrown back centuries.” She squared her shoulders. “I need you to believe me when I say your jaguar is causing you far too much anxiety. She doesn’t know how to be feminine. Or soft. She really doesn’t know how to have a child. It isn’t that she is causing a problem on purpose; she just doesn’t know how to fit into your life. She’s all warrior, not the lifemate of a Carpathian male.”
Solange turned toward Dominic and held out her hand. “What do you suggest we do, Sarika? How can Dominic and I see and feel what you have?”
Sarika scrubbed her hand down her face as if she could lower a mask to cover her terrified expression. “I don’t know. Tomas suggested that I give consent to him and Dominic to look into my memories to see what I saw and felt from your jaguar.” She answered tentatively, unsure she could follow through. “I just don’t know if I can let them. I despise being a coward, but anytime I think about a Carpathian entering my mind, I panic.”
Why are you feeling threatened?Luiz’s voice pushed into Sarika’s mind. It was echoed by Lojos and Mataias.Tomas, the safeguards are up on Dominic’s home. We cannot get in to aid Sarika. We will have to use our blood bond to see through her eyes to come to your aid.
Sarika realized she had been broadcasting her fear rather thancontaining it. Her champions had taken that as a call to arms. Her champions. She had to think of them that way. They were Carpathian, and they would come for her. Fight for her. Just as she knew Tomas would. Her lifemate might be standing beside her, looking relaxed, giving off friendly vibes to Dominic, but he was in full protection mode. He wouldn’t hesitate to take on Dominic and Solange in their home if he thought she was in trouble.
I’m sorry. Thank you for your concern, but I have just been confronting nightmares that seem all too real. Tomas is here with me. Dominic and Solange are being lovely over my panic attack.
The three men obviously consulted with Tomas, and then they faded from her mind.
In front of her, Solange nodded her acknowledgment of Sarika’s fears. “I understand how you would feel that way. I did, too, for different reasons. All I can say to you is that we want this child. I never believed I could have one. To us, she is a miracle baby. If something is wrong, I would ask that you help us fix it.”
Tomas, I can’t allow a child to die because I fear someone looking into my memories.She felt desperate and turned to the only person she had any real trust in. She based that trust on all the letters she’d read of his over the years. No matter where he’d been in the world, no matter what he was doing when he’d disappeared for months—and now she knew he hunted vampires—he always answered her. Always made her a priority.
I will be with Dominic. I have ways of shielding you so only the things that need to be seen can be seen. Trust me to do this for you. You can show Solange and Dominic her jaguar so they can deal with her.
Sarika didn’t think Solange and Dominic could deal with the jaguar. She had a nagging feeling she would have to. She knew they were waiting. Patiently. Calmly. All on the outside. Inside, she could hear Solange weeping and Dominic comforting her.
“I will, of course, give my consent to Dominic accompanyingTomas to look at my memories and see if he draws the same conclusion.” She forced a smile at Solange. “I think we need to stick together when it comes to our jaguar sides.”
Gripping Tomas’ hand, she faced Dominic. “Tell me what you need me to do.”
Chapter
13
Sarika is petrified,Tomas told Dominic.
You do not have to tell me to have a care for her,Dominic said.I feel her fears, as does Solange. We are profoundly grateful, whether we come to the same conclusions as Sarika or not. We both realize the incredible gift she is giving us.
Tomas led Sarika to a single chair, knowing the furniture would fit around her once she sank into its unique design. It would feel as if the chair were holding her close, keeping her safe. He couldn’t sit with her and hold her the way he wanted, not when she needed to count on his protection.
He had known Dominic for centuries. He was a man of absolute honor. He was also completely devoted to his lifemate. Tomas understood. In the short time that his world had changed due to discovering her, Tomas knew he would do anything for Sarika.
“This won’t take long. Do you want to be aware of us and what we’re seeing, or would you prefer not to know?”
She caught his hand. “Thank you for giving me the choice.” She knew his preference through their blood connection. He didn’t want her aware. He didn’t push his choice on her; he simply allowed her to decide. He wanted to shield her from every fear.
“I would like to be aware.” She whispered her answer, not knowing if she was testing him or not. She only knew she was so scared of what was in her mind and how that would impact not only her but Tomas and everyone around her. Because whatever was inside her was powerful, and it was insisting on being acknowledged. Not only acknowledged, but it demanded she act on the compulsions it was placing on her. She needed to see for herself if that entity was for good or evil.
Her hand crept up to her amulet. It felt warm, the head of the jaguar pushing into her palm as if offering comfort. “I’m ready.”
Solange seated herself directly across from Sarika. Despite her trepidation and fear at what would be revealed, Sarika felt her determination to offer her comfort and support. She chose solidarity with Sarika even before she knew what they would find. Tomas was able to feel all of that through Sarika.
Sarika felt the instant Dominic entered her mind, following Tomas. Tomas knew, to Sarika, he felt intimate, yet Dominic felt like a gentle intruder. Tomas couldn’t change that and was grateful to Dominic for ensuring he showed Sarika respect and was as gentle as possible.
They both examined Sarika’s earlier memories, the ones where she sat in the room with Solange and Dominic and felt every emotion Solange was feeling.
Highly unusual,Dominic commented to Tomas.Disturbing in that I didn’t detect her, and neither did Solange. I can see why she was reluctant to reveal what she is capable of. This kind of intrusion to a Carpathian couple could be considered an attack.
Tomas was careful not to react to Dominic’s concerns. He knew the ancient was right. Both also knew that Sarika hadn’t tried to connect with Solange. It had happened, and it made her very uneasy. She’d considered leaving.
She is struggling with the need to help Solange, to ease her fears,Dominic said, continuing along the path Sarika’s mind had taken.
Tomas and Dominic felt the punch of the powerful compulsion atthe same time. Sarika had been nearly overwhelmed with the need to aid Solange.
