Yes. I feel it, Tomas. I know there is great danger here. It makes sensethat your enemies would strike at the ancients through the women. Do you feel what I feel?That was her greatest hope—that Tomas wouldn’t have to simply believe her and then try to convince the others; he would feel the growing threat looming over the day that should have been one of great joy.
Yes. There is no doubt that you have gifts, Sarika. In this case, we are all going to be the beneficiaries of those gifts. We have advance warning of the impending attack, and therefore, we can be ready.
Wouldn’t it be better to cancel the baby shower?Sarika found herself gripping the verandah rail so tight her knuckles turned white. She knew the Carpathians wouldn’t cancel. Individually, they were powerful. Together, that power would be beyond imagination. They would believe they were nearly invincible when together.
You know they will not do so. Dominic knows Solange has trouble with events such as this one. She wants to have a celebration for their child, and he is determined to give this to her.
The lifemate bond. She couldn’t imagine that Solange ever asked for anything. If she asked Dominic for this, he would move heaven and earth to give it to her.
There will be many of us inside Dominic’s home and more outside. Even if we’re wrong about the intended targets, the hunters will be able to stop our enemies.
Sarika wanted to be reassured, but that growing dread continued to spread, casting ominous shadows in every direction.Can you rise?
Will come to you after I hunt this rising. Need to feed and take a look around. Touch base with Kinta, my dragon.
Her heart stuttered at the idea of meeting his dragon.What does your dragon look like?
Kinta looks as if he is made of stone at times, but his color is violet, so he blends with the nighttime shadows. He will be happy if you find a dragon you like to match his. You may be able to call one to you. Or if you allow me to make you one, I can do that as well.
I’m not certain how one can make a dragon, but if it is at all possible, I want a real one.
My brothers and I made dragons from stones for children in the States. It was necessary to fly them out of danger. They loved the dragons. We were able to place them as statues on the grounds of their home, and the children can awaken the dragons when they want to play with them. They are real now. The spirits of long-lost dragons moved into the stone dragons at the call and needs of the children. It was always the choice of the lost dragon, not ours. I don’t know if every stone dragon we made has the spirit of a lost dragon dwelling in it, but those that do are very real.
Sarika pressed a hand to her chest, over her heart.You have a way of making my dreams come true.
There was a short silence.That is the nicest thing you could say to me. I worry I’m bringing you into a nightmare world. I don’t know what the future holds for me or how I will continue to evolve. I only know I want the world for you, the one in your dreams, not the nightmare life I may be offering you.
I know you don’t think I have a choice, Tomas. You bound us together in the way of your people, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have choices. I do. I made you my choice. Whatever happens in your world happens in mine, and I believe we’re stronger together. I believe we will be able to face anything in our future as a couple.
I am grateful you feel that way,sivamet. It is humbling to have your support when you haven’t been given the time needed to process our world fully.
I know things. I don’t know how I do. I believe it is my jaguar. I believe in her wisdom. She has memories I closed myself off from, but her gifts, the incredible warning system as well as her ability to feel when something is right, have always been shared with me.
She wanted the reassurance that should anything affect her jaguar, they wouldn’t proceed with the current plan of converting her.What would we do if things go wrong with Coh?She made certain her mind was open to any possible solutions he might make.I try to plan for anycontingency. This is huge for me. It is the only thing that would stop me from going through with becoming fully Carpathian.
Sarika waited, trying not to hold her breath. Trying to give Tomas complete trust.
Solange’s jaguar remained intact. I believe that yours will as well. If we can see there is a problem, we will stop what we’re doing and wait to consult with our greatest healers. Luiz has much skill. It will be uncomfortable for us, and certainly the others will think it is an inconvenience when we must travel, but your safety and that of your jaguar must come first.
Tears were suddenly burning in her eyes, and Sarika was grateful no one was there to witness the tremendous relief that washed through her at Tomas’ response. He was the right man for her. Steady and careful thinking. He seemed to truly put her needs first.
They had been connected mind to mind, and she caught glimpses of the problems—and there would be numerous ones—Tomas and his brothers would encounter if she wasn’t able to go to ground during daylight hours. They would have to find a way to keep her safe while she remained aboveground and they were rejuvenating in the soil. Vampires would not be able to get to her, but they created puppets, humans that were no longer capable of thinking for themselves. They only served their masters. Those puppets ate human flesh.
A little shudder went through her body. She didn’t think it would be a very pleasant way to go, eaten by a puppet of the vampires.
You are not going to be eaten by puppets.
There was definite male amusement not only in his voice but pouring through her mind. She had to admit, she liked the smooth sound. She could listen to his voice forever.
First of all, you are quite capable of defending yourself even from something as vile as a puppet.
Sarika really liked his belief in her. It was no wonder she found him attractive. He treated her with respect, and she needed that.
Thank you for believing I could defeat a flesh-eating puppet of thevampire, but I think I’d prefer to faint and let you take care of it. I’ll put aside my badass status and try the fainting, fragile flower approach.
I see. You’ll play that card whenever you see something you don’t want to do?
Of course, kind of like asking the husband to take out the trash because it’s so heavy, when in reality it’s just smelly and not a good job to have to do.
