Dark Song

by Feehan, Christine

  Ferro turned his attention to Dragomir. “Is this true?”

  Dragomir gave his blackest scowl to Sandu. “Of course, it isn’t true. Why would I care whether songs are sung over the campfires of my exploits? Ancient hunters do not expect songs of their legendary battles. Only those vain carry on about them.”

  “I was referring to young Josef throwing a tablet at you,” Ferro said, striving for patience.

  “Yes, well. That part might be true. He muttered something along the lines of ‘dim-witted blockheads’ and flung the tablet at my head. Fortunately, I am very fast and caught it before it could fall to the ground. The little upstart thought he might go toe-to-toe with me.”

  Ferro ignored the taunting amusement in Dragomir’s voice. He could see that Tariq, Maksim and Traian found the young Carpathian’s behavior laughable, but he found himself uneasy. He had known Dragomir for centuries and never once had the ancient had that particular mocking, almost snide tone when he was referring to the young tech. Ferro tried to change the sound in his mind but it always came out slightly sneering. The others around him didn’t seem to hear it, or at least if they did, no one reacted.

  “You thought this warranted calling for Elisabeta to calm the situation? Dragomir, you have a lifemate, and unlike Sandu, there is no way for you to turn. Josef is not yet fifty years of age, his emotions have not begun to fade. When using any psychic gift there is a price the user pays. What about this situation did you feel made it worth Elisabeta paying this price?”

  The amusement faded instantly from Dragomir’s expression to be replaced by pure ice in his golden eyes. He straightened to his full height, the lines deepening in his face. “What are you saying, Ferro? That I would hold your lifemate in less esteem than my own? Or that this child the new prince sent to force us to learn technology he didn’t bother to learn when he should have should be able to call me names? I should put up with the indignity of that after centuries of serving my people? I should have torn his head off his shoulders and thrown it into the lake.”

  His voice was so cold that ice particles drifted in the air between them. Sandu coughed and moved back, away from the specks, and Ferro turned Elisabeta around.

  Do not breathe those in. See if you can connect with him as you did Sandu and tell me what is happening to him.

  “Dragomir.” Ferro pitched his voice very low even as he flicked his gaze around to his brethren.

  They closed in around Dragomir, walling out Tariq and the others. To his relief, Gary removed Tariq altogether, although the leader the prince had chosen to represent him there in the United States stayed within viewing distance of the unfolding drama.

  Emeline, Dragomir’s lifemate, raced unchecked from their home toward them. Dragomir saw her coming and stepped back, frowning. Shaking his head. Ferro felt Elisabeta instantly reach out to Dragomir and surround him with her soothing peace. He knew the moment all the brethren felt her gift and then when it encompassed Emeline as well. Emeline shot her a grateful glance. She’d skidded to a halt when Gary raised his hand and then stepped between her and her lifemate.

  “Dragomir, your lifemate will breathe ice into her lungs. Get a hold of yourself. Let me in to aid you. Let the healer in.” Ferro kept his voice pitched very low.

  Dragomir shook his head again, his gaze on Emeline. She held out her hand to him in entreaty. He pressed his lips together to keep from breathing ice particles, and then those golden eyes jumped to Ferro and the healer. He nodded.

  Ferro and Gary used their blood-bond with Dragomir to enter. Elisabeta, merged with Ferro as she was, slipped in as well. Ferro found weird streaks of color in a ferocious red across Dragomir’s mind, almost like the vicious claw marks a cat might make. The lines were thin and already fading. Elisabeta’s gentle breeze sent them drifting away, thinning until the claw marks wore away to nothing. Gary’s healing spirit moved through Dragomir’s brain carefully, looking for any sign of damage or an intruder that had somehow managed to slip past their safeguards. Other than them being uneasy, they could find nothing.

  Dragomir scowled and shook his head several times as if he could shake loose whatever was inside his mind. “What happened to me, Ferro? I cannot turn vampire, and yet I could not stop wanting to rip that imbecile child’s head off, or worse, yours.”

  Elisabeta, you said something to me about Sandu, and I dismissed it thinking, rather arrogantly, that I knew what you meant. You said there was something else at work here other than a dislike of modern technology. What did you mean?

  Josef didn’t have a dislike of modern technology, and Dragomir could not possibly turn when Emeline was his true lifemate. Gary had not found even the slightest shadow in Dragomir’s brain.

  The feel of evil was prevalent in Sandu’s mind, an overwhelming need for violence. It was there in Dragomir’s but not nearly as bad. She hesitated. Not evil exactly. That taint was there faintly, but more like malevolence. The need for violence.

  Ferro turned what she said over and over in his mind. Ancients had no emotions. Sandu was incapable of feeling a need for violence. If Elisabeta said that was in his mind, then it had to have been there.

  What do you think, Gary? he asked the healer.

  Women often feel the emotions in the ancients that we cannot.

  Ferro heard the speculation in his voice. Elisabeta didn’t say anything more. She didn’t weigh in one way or another, nor did he expect her to. He kept his arm firmly around her, holding her close there in the middle of the compound, trying to decide what was the best course of action, because something was very much off.

  “Has anyone examined the boy?” he asked. “This is now two of our ancient warriors that have had a similar reaction after an encounter with him.”

  Traian frowned. “Do you believe that Josef has managed to do something to introduce something evil to ancient warriors that would make them turn even if they had lifemates? A boy? A Carpathian boy who has worked hard to identify potential lifemates for those without them before the vampire can get to them? He’s placed himself in danger numerous times and proven himself over and over.”

  “No one has accused him,” Gary said, his tone, as always, mild. “But something is wrong here. We have to make certain this compound is safe for our women and children, including Josef. There is no question that he is a valuable asset to our people. Like with Sandu and Dragomir, it is best, given the circumstances, that we examine him. I will need Elisabeta, Ferro. We will need to go to Tariq’s home to conduct the examination.”

  Ferro gave an exaggerated sigh in order to make his woman laugh when he knew she would be nervous. “Of course you will. Is there anyone here who does not need my lifemate?”

  He flicked his gaze at Sandu and Benedek, two of his brethren from the monastery. Entering Tariq’s home with his bodyguards close meant exposing Elisabeta to danger without anyone at his back. Gary was Tariq’s second-in-command and sworn to protect Tariq. As much as he would want to count on the ancient and the fact that their souls were tied together, he couldn’t do that, not when it came to Elisabeta’s safety, not when he still felt that strange, vague threat to her.

  “I will need Sandu and Benedek with us,” he said.

  Tariq had started toward his home but he spun around, his face darkening, as if his honor had been called into question, which—Ferro conceded—it had. “You do not feel as if you can bring your lifemate into my home, where Charlotte resides, without two of your brethren with you?”

  It was a direct challenge and one Ferro hadn’t expected. Tariq was a man born to lead, one very careful of his tone and his wording. He wasn’t a confrontational man. In all things, he was diplomatic. He was also an ancient with an ancient’s patience. Having Sandu and Benedek in his home seemed a small thing and something often required when examining for any type of evil entity, especially if a lifemate was close. It was not an unreasonable request.

  Do not answer him, Ferro, Gary said immediately. The healer glided in between the two anc
ients. Something is going on here that I do not understand.

  “Tariq, you must have misunderstood Ferro. Elisabeta will have to be present when we examine Josef for any hidden evil intrusion. That presents a danger to her. Naturally, she will need to be guarded, as will you. Your safety is paramount and he knows that. We all know you chafe under the restrictions placed on you by the prince, but it can’t be helped. You must have guards.”

  Tariq rubbed at his temples in much the same way Sandu and Dragomir had. Ferro and Gary exchanged a quick, uneasy glance. Something malevolent was invading the compound and it was spreading among the ancient warriors, even those with lifemates to anchor them. How could they possibly examine Tariq without offending him deeply and triggering the aggression that seemed to be pervading his mind?

  “Yes, of course. I don’t know what got into me. Forgive me, Ferro.”

  Sandu, make certain none of the brethren take their turn learning this new technology from Josef until we know what is going on, Ferro warned.

  He used their private telepathic pathway rather than that of the brotherhood or the one established by the soul-bond. He didn’t know why he wanted to exclude the healer, but for the moment, he needed to count on those he had formed a bond with in the monastery. Gary, sent by the prince, was loyal to Tariq.

  Until we know what is going on, we cannot go outside of our circle. Something is not right and the danger is spreading.

  They had to know where each of the brethren stood. Dragomir was the biggest question mark, as he had a child with Emeline and she wanted to stay in the protection of the compound. If his loyalties were to Tariq rather than the brethren if they decided to leave, they would have to withhold that information from him. That would forever weigh heavily on him.

  As they walked across the compound grounds, Elisabeta clamped to his side, her face buried in his ribs so she didn’t have to look at the wide-open spaces, he scanned continually, searching the ancients surrounding them for signs of emotions that shouldn’t be there, whether they had lifemates or not. He didn’t need to be able to get into their minds, just read the energy surrounding them.

  Maksim seemed fine to him. He walked with Gary, Tariq between them. Dragomir sat on his porch with Emeline, holding hands. Ferro could no longer detect any surge of violence in Dragomir. Benedek hadn’t been near Josef, nor had Petru or Nicu Dalca. The three had spread out, but kept pace with Ferro and Elisabeta as they made their way to Tariq’s home. Ferro found himself slowing his steps, reluctant to enter and put his woman in the position of danger he had a feeling she would be in.

  I do not like this, Sandu. Something feels very wrong to me.

  A trap? Is it the vampire? We know he will come for her. The safeguards on this compound have been woven and interwoven again and again. We provided extra layers over those after Tariq and the others used their strongest. We provided for every eventuality we could conceive of.

  And yet Elisabeta summoned him and he was able to slip in like a worm from the netherworld right under our very noses, Ferro pointed out. He still had that feeling that Gary and Tariq regarded Elisabeta as a threat to them. He just wasn’t certain how or why.

  Elisabeta winced. He tightened his arm around her. That is not a condemnation, piŋe sarnanak. We are grateful to you for showing us one of the many weaknesses a fortress this size holds. We need to find them all.

  Ferro let his mind expand, reaching as he had done for centuries, looking for hidden ruses, a deception or illusion that his eye might miss. He knew the brethren at his back were doing the same.

  Elisabeta, we are not necessarily safe. I want you to be very alert at all times. If you feel anything you are distrustful of, no matter how small or elusive, you alert me. Do you understand? Even if you think it is coming from someone I trust. That is an order and I expect obedience. He poured command into his voice. He disliked sounding as if he was controlling her, doing anything that in any way resembled Sergey, but this was too important and she responded to clear guidelines. Tell me you understand.

  Yes, of course, I will tell you.

  Pay particular attention to the healer, but be cautious, Elisabeta. He is extremely powerful and he will know if you are touching his mind. Anyone or everyone in that room is a potential enemy or they may be marked by the enemy to use against all of us here. We have to know to be able to help them.

  They were right at the door, the entrance to Tariq’s home, and Ferro knew he couldn’t hesitate to enter. He’d already gotten Tariq on edge just by making a common and proper request. He stepped across the threshold, lifting Elisabeta as he entered so that her feet didn’t touch the floor. She didn’t protest. If anyone noticed and became upset, he had the perfect excuse; he could tell them that she was unused to walking. He was certain Gary would notice.

  Tariq and Maksim led the way to the conference room and took their places at the large oval table where often they had to hash out war plans against the vampires who were already in place, doing their best to stamp out the existence of the Carpathian people.

  “We’ve sent for Josef,” Maksim said. “Traian and Joie both have said they are willing for Gary and Elisabeta to examine them if Gary feels it is necessary. They traveled together.”

  “If it comes to that,” Gary said smoothly. “I think all of us are in trouble, Tariq. I think there is something working against us within this compound that is not yet known to us.”

  Tariq rubbed at his temples. “Something is happening. We never seem to be able to have five minutes before we’re attacked by something new.” There was an accusation in his voice, as if he blamed Gary. He even narrowed his eyes at the healer. His face was flushed. His heartbeat accelerated. It was clear to those in the room that his blood pressure was rising and his body was preparing to take physical action against some unknown threat.

  Elisabeta’s hand slid up Ferro’s chest. His head is hurting very badly. He feels . . . anger mounting to rage and is not used to such an emotion. He is fighting against it. It flared bright and hot when the healer suggested there was a problem here. He is very strong and does not like the idea that he cannot control his emotions.

  Can you soothe him without touching his mind?

  Elisabeta tilted her head and suddenly Ferro found himself looking down into his lifemate’s dark eyes. His heart stuttered at what he saw there. Amusement. Warmth. She looked at him as if he might not be quite as bright as she first thought. He was concentrating on her safety, not paying as much attention to the details of his woman’s abilities. Of course she could soothe Tariq from a distance. She had that gift from when she was a child. As she had grown, so had that talent and that need in her to bring peace when those around her were agitated or lost. Tariq seemed both.

  Ferro had never forbidden her to use her talent. If anything, he had encouraged her. He had told her he was proud of her for it. He should have known she was already sending those waves of peaceful energy into the room, encompassing everyone, not just Tariq. Every ancient felt the way her gift penetrated straight to the soul and healed the centuries of shredding, of that gray void of emptiness.

  Scents of Italian bergamot and rare camellias mixed with extract of orange, lime, vetiver and sandalwood, drifting across the room in just a hint of a blended fragrance. Ferro knew it was all Elisabeta. It was impossible for any negative emotion to persist under the onslaught of that gentle persuasion.

  I realize now that you will always have the upper hand between us, piŋe sarnanak. How will I ever stay annoyed with you when I inhale and you smell like the breeze that takes all cares away? He ran his hand down the back of her head, making certain she knew he wouldn’t ever mind that she would have the upper hand between them.

  Elisabeta had found her way into his heart with her quiet stillness. With her gentle compassion and this—that need to bring peace to his brothers, the other hunters weary from holding on to honor over so long. Not just those in the monastery, but all Carpathian hunters. It was his lifemate’s nature and h
e loved her all the more for it.

  Why would you become annoyed with me? Do I do anything that already makes you believe I will upset you?

  The anxiety in her made him want to groan. She was very literal with him. She was programmed to want to please him. Naturally, she would take him seriously in spite of the fact that he was all but petting her hair in an effort to show her he was teasing her, trying to keep a balance when he didn’t know what they were going to find and what the others were going to expect from his lifemate.

  “Perhaps everyone should be examined again,” Ferro said. “Starting with me. Starting with all of us from the monastery. Is it possible, Tariq, that we carried an unknown shadow with us that Xavier or another mage cast upon the gates without our knowledge? I do not want to take chances with the women and children here in the compound. If there is the slightest possibility that you believe we are putting them at risk, we will be examined or we will plan our escape. We can get past Sergey and his spies and cross back to the Carpathian Mountains. Once there, he cannot get to us.” He poured confidence into his voice. All the while he kept his gaze fixed on the leader’s eyes, needing to see what was going on with him.

  Tariq once again rubbed hard at his temples and once again the flare of his rage filled the conference room. They all heard his elevated heartbeat. Gary glanced at Ferro as if he knew the ancient was doing his best to get Tariq to suggest that all warriors in the compound be examined. Clearly that wasn’t going to happen. Before Tariq could speak, Gary did.

  “We need every warrior here, Ferro. Had there been a taint on those of you from the monastery, we would have known. Valentin and Dragomir have been here for some time, as has Siv. All have the code of honor scarred into their skin as brethren.”

  Maksim nodded. “That is so. I agree, though, Ferro, that we should all be scanned again. First young Josef and then the rest of us, starting with Gary so we clear him to look at the rest of us. Tariq and I can go next.”

  He is aware something is wrong with Tariq, Ferro said to Elisabeta.