“Savannah, this is Aidan Savage. He is loyal to your father and a good friend to me,” Gregori introduced them. “Aidan, my lifemate, Savannah.”
“You look like your mother,” Aidan observed.
“Thank you. I take that as a great compliment,” she said, suddenly wishing her mother was there. She missed Raven and Mikhail. “You honor me, to come at this time of the evening to share my grief. I know it’s difficult for all of us, but I had to choose a time to accommodate Peter’s human friends.”
“There is danger for you nearby, Aidan,” Gregori warned. “I would have you and your family safe from these butchers. They are human, of the same secret society that hunted in our lands several years ago.”
A shadow crossed Aidan’s face. He had humans in his family to protect, as well as his lifemate. The amber eyes glowed a deep gold. “The reporter.” A soft growl of menace rumbled deep in his throat.
Gregori nodded. “I will find out what I can this night from Mr. Wade Carter. I intend to take Savannah and lead him and whoever his cohorts are far from this city, so that there is no danger to you or yours.” They were in the house, free from prying eyes, but Gregori could feel the reporter’s evil presence permeating his territory. “I sent a clear warning to you, Aidan.” There was a hint of censure in his words, although his voice was soft.
There was a hard edge to Aidan’s mouth. “I received your warning. But this is my city, Gregori, and my family. I take care of my own.”
Savannah rolled her eyes. “You could just beat on your chests, you know. It probably works just as well.”
You will show some respect,
Gregori ordered.
Savannah burst out laughing, then reached up to caress his shadowed jaw. “Keep hoping, my love, and perhaps someday someone will obey you.”
Aidan’s mouth twitched, the golden eyes sliding over Gregori in amusement. “She inherited something besides her mother’s good looks, did she not?”
Gregori sighed heavily. “She is impossible.”
Aidan laughed, ignoring the warning flash from Gregori’s pale eyes. “I believe they all are.”
Savannah ducked out from under Gregori’s arm and found an overstuffed chair to curl up in. “Of course we’re impossible. It’s the only way to stay sane.”
“I would have brought Alexandria to meet you, but Gregori’s warning dictated prudence.” Aidan sounded smug, as if he had been able to lay down the law to his woman when Gregori was unable to do so.
Savannah flashed an impish grin up at the man. “What did you do, leave her sleeping while you ran off to play hero? I’ll just bet she has a thing or two to say to you when you wake her.”
Aidan had the grace to look sheepish. Then he turned to Gregori. “Your lifemate is a mean little thing, healer. I do not envy you.”
Savannah laughed, unrepentant. “He’s crazy about me. Don’t let him fool you.”
“I believe you,” Aidan agreed.
“Do not encourage her in her rebellion,” Gregori tried to sound severe, but she was turning him inside out. She was everything to him, even with her silliness. Where did she get her outrageous sense of humor? How could she ever be happy with someone who hadn’t laughed in centuries? She melted his insides. Melted him. He was careful to keep his face expressionless. It was bad enough that Savannah knew he was practically wrapped around her little finger. Aidan didn’t need to know it, too.
“Seriously, Gregori, there is no need for you to lead these butchers from my city. Together we can deal with them,” Aidan said. “Julian is somewhere close. I feel him, though he will not answer my call.”
“Julian is close to turning. You would not want his help. The more kills, the more the danger increases. You know that. Julian will work out his destiny, Aidan. And if it becomes necessary to hunt him, if he does not come to you before the change, you must call me. Julian has grown very powerful. Very dangerous. Do not take chances because you are his brother. One of Mikhail’s brothers turned, and when justice sought him, he tried, like any other vampire, to destroy everyone. He would not have spared even Mikhail.” Gregori did not add he had been the one to bring justice to Mikhail’s brother. It had been such a difficult deed, he became determined never to get close to another as he had to Mikhail and his family. Gregori glanced at Savannah, found her incredible blue eyes on him, and somehow the painful memory was eased. “Julian has always been a dangerous and knowledgeable man,” Gregori concluded.
“Like you, healer.” Aidan couldn’t help but make the accusation. He hated the talk of his twin turning vampire.
Gregori didn’t flinch. “Exactly like me. That is the point. You will call for my aid should there be the need.” He was staring directly into the other man’s golden gaze. His voice was low and compelling, beautiful and haunting.
Aidan looked away from those silver eyes. Eyes that could see into a man’s soul. “I will, Gregori. I know what you say is true, although I do not want to believe Julian could turn.”
“Anyone can turn, Aidan. Any one of us without a lifemate.” Gregori glided across the room because he could not stand the physical distance Savannah had put between them. Her eyes were once again shadowed and haunted, the memorial service filling her with sadness and guilt. He slipped behind her chair, his hands coming down on her shoulders to begin a gentle massage. He needed the contact as much as she did.
Aidan hid his shock. He had known Gregori for centuries, had learned healing arts from him, had learned to stalk and kill the vampire from him. Nothing ever touched Gregori. Nothing. No one. But those cold silver eyes, as they swept over Savannah, were molten mercury, the man’s posture clearly protective, possessive, and the touch on her shoulders was frankly tender.
Are you all right,
chйrie?
Perhaps you should lie down for a while.
Savannah smiled wanly up at him. She was looking far more pale than he liked. He had hunted that evening despite the early hour, taking enough blood to sustain both of them. But she had refused to feed, as if denying her hunger were some kind of penance for her sins. His hand went to the nape of her neck and massaged gently. Her hunger beat at him, and he knew Aidan could feel it, too.
The Carpathian male was watching him, without obvious censure but with a puzzled expression all the same in his deep golden gaze. Gregori felt it like a knife: he wasn’t taking care of his lifemate the way he should.
Don’t be silly, Gregori.
Savannah’s soft voice swirled in his mind.
You take great care of me. Who cares what anyone else thinks?
“So, healer,” Aidan said, “have you made up your mind where you wish to lead these butchers?”
Savannah stirred, twisting to look back at Gregori, her blue eyes suddenly alive. “Do you have somewhere you particularly want to go?”
“You have a place in mind?” he asked. He knew it was a mistake to look into her eyes. He could drown in her eyes. It was like falling over the edge of a cliff.
“Yes. New Orleans. The French Quarter’s jazz festival is this week. I’ve wanted to go for a long time. Now we can go together. Do you like jazz? I love jazz.” She flashed a broad smile at him. “I had made plans to go before... all this happened. In fact, I got a place there.”
She really wanted to go. It was in her eyes, in her mind. This was important to her. Gregori could feel a terrible dread rising. It was almost impossible to deny Savannah anything. Yet he could not take her to New Orleans, vampire capital of the world, city of sin. The butchers probably had their headquarters there. He stifled a groan. “You have a residence in New Orleans?”
“Don’t sound so gloomy. You wanted to go somewhere, lead the society away from the Savages, so where better than the next place on my schedule? No one will think our move the least bit odd or suspicious,” she pointed out, “since it was already on my agenda.”
Gregori glanced at Aidan and shook his head. “Do you hear the logic of that? She has never been to the French Quar
ter of New Orleans, but no one will think it odd that she suddenly shows up in a home there.”
“Very logical,” Aidan agreed. “I can see you have your hands full, and I must return to Alexandria. First, though, I would very much like to visit with the reporter with you.” For a moment his face was hard, a cruel edge to his mouth. “I remember what was done to our people by this society.”
“This fight cannot be yours, Aidan,” Gregori said. “I would not put you and your human family in danger.”
Aidan inclined his head. “He prowls out there. I can feel him stalking around the compound.” There was an eagerness, a need to do battle.
Savannah knew it was the instinctive, predatory nature of the untamed Carpathian male. “Go now, Aidan,” Gregori said firmly.
“It was nice to finally meet you, Aidan,” Savannah added. “I hope to meet Alexandria soon. Perhaps when Gregori and I remove the threat of these human butchers, we can get together.”
“When Gregori removes the threat,” Gregori corrected her, using his implacable, commanding, don’t-even-think-of-challenging-my-authority voice.
Aidan nodded his farewell. Then his solid form wavered, began to shimmer, and disappeared out the open window in a kaleidoscope of colors carried on the night breeze.
Savannah reached behind her and took Gregori’s hand. “New Orleans. What do you think?” There was a small silence. “It is dangerous there,” he said carefully.
“True, but it will be dangerous anywhere we go, won’t it?” she pointed out reasonably. “So what difference does it make where we are? We may as well have some fun.”
“I prefer the mountains.” He said it quietly, neutrally.
She suddenly grinned at him, that mischievous, impish smile he couldn’t resist. “When an old geezer marries a young chick, he has to learn to get back into the swing of things. Party time. Night life. Does it ring a bell, or has it been too long?” she teased.
Gregori bunched her hair in his hand and tugged. “Show some respect,
bйbй
, or I might have to turn you over my knee.”
“Kinky.” One delicate shoulder rose and fell in a sexy little shrug. “I’m willing to try anything once.”
He leaned over and kissed her. He had to kiss her; he had no other choice. Once his mouth fastened on hers, he was in trouble. She was heat and light, spice and satin, lace and candlelight. And he was lost. Utterly, completely lost. Gregori jerked himself away from her, swearing in his ancient tongue.
Savannah’s eyes were cloudy, dreamy, her lips moist and slightly parted. Her soft mouth curved with that sensuous, mysterious smile he could never quite figure out.
“I have a great idea, Gregori,” she told him wickedly. “Let’s take a commercial flight.”
“What?” He was staring at her mouth. She had a great mouth. A perfect mouth. A sexy mouth.
Mon Dieu,
he wanted her mouth.
“Doesn’t a commercial flight sound fun? We could take a night flight, mingle with people. It might even throw off the reporter.”
“Nothing is going to throw off the reporter. He is tenacious. And there will be no commercial flight. There will be no discussion on this, either. None. If we go to New Orleans, and I am not saying we will, commercial flights are out.”
“Oh, Gregori. I was only kidding. Naturally we’ll do things your way,” she added demurely.
He shook his head, exasperated at himself. Of course she had been teasing. He wasn’t used to anyone treating him as Savannah did.
Outrageous woman.
“I need to go out and talk with Wade Carter.”
She stood up instantly, expectantly, her blue eyes wide in anticipation. “Tell me what you want me to do. I can probably manage mist. I’m stronger now, using your blood. I can back you up.”
Amusement warmed the cool silver of his eyes. “
Mon Dieu.
Savannah, you sound like a cop movie. No, you will not back me up. You are not talking to Carter. You will stay here, safe, where I know he cannot touch you. Am I making myself crystal clear,
bйbй?
You are not to leave this dwelling.”
“But Gregori,” she said softly, “I’m your partner now. I’m supposed to help you. If you Insist on tackling this Wade Carter, men I have to help you. I’m your lifemate.”
“There is no chance that I will allow such a thing. You may attempt to defy me, but I assure you, it is a waste of your energy.” He spoke gently, that mocking male superiority setting her teeth on edge. “I am your lifemate,
chйrie,
and I will give any order I deem necessary for your safety.”
She thumped his chest hard with her clenched fist. “You make me so mad, Gregori! I’m trying very hard to get along with you and your arrogant orders. You don’t even change expression! We could be discussing the weather instead of having a fight.”
His eyebrows shot up. “This is no fight,
ma petite. A
fight is where we both are angry and have a contest of wills, a battle. There cannot be such a thing between us. I do not feel anger when I look at you, only the need to care for you and protect you. I am responsible for your health and safety, Savannah. I can do no other than to protect you, even from your own folly. You cannot hope to win. I know this absolutely, so there is no reason to become agitated over the issue.”
She thumped him again. He looked startled, then caught her flying fist in his hand and gently pried her fingers open. Very carefully he pressed a kiss into the exact center of her palm. “Savannah? Were you trying to hit me?”
“I did hit you—twice, you scum. You didn’t even notice the first time.” She sounded very irritated with him.
For some reason it made him want to smile. “I apologize,
mon amour.
Next time, I promise I will notice when you strike me.” The hard edge to his mouth softened into a semblance of a smile. “I will even go so far as to pretend that it hurts, if you wish it.”
Her blue eyes flashed at him. “Ha, ha, ha, you’re so funny, Gregori. Stop being so smug.”
“It is not being smug to know my own power,
chйrie.
I am trying to care for you as best I know how. You do not make it easy for me. I find myself making poor decisions just to see that smile on your face,” he admitted reluctantly.
Savannah laid her head on his chest. “I’m sorry I’m so much trouble, Gregori.” She wasn’t certain if that was the strict truth. She rather liked stirring him up. “I just want us to be partners. That’s how I’ve always envisioned my relationship with my lifemate. I don’t want to be some shrinking violet protected from the real world and used as a brood mare to advance the Carpathian race. I want to be my lifemate’s best friend and confidante. Is that so wrong?” She was pleading with him for understanding. “They’re humans. We can handle them,” she said with more confidence than she felt. If Gregori was concerned, there must be good reason. Still, she was determined to go with him, to share every aspect of his existence. She knew the hunt would always be a huge part of his life.
His arm swept around her, held her close to him; his hands stroked her hair. “Humans have managed to kill our kind throughout the centuries. We have great powers, yes, but we are not invincible. I do not want these people touching you. I will see what Wade Carter and his friends have in mind, just what evidence they actually have, and who is in danger. Then we will discuss where we will be going and how involved I will allow you to become with this situation.”
She cringed visibly at the word
allow,
and he wished he could take it back. He tightened his hold possessively and dropped a brief, hard kiss on the top of her head. “You will stay within these walls, Savannah, no matter what happens.”
She clung to him for a moment “Don’t let anything happen to you, Gregori. I mean it—I’ll be very angry with you.”
A small smile touched his mouth but
didn’t light his pale eyes. “I will stay in your mind,
chйrie,
and you will know I am fine.” He hesitated a moment. “You may not like my methods.” It was a warning. There was a shadow in the depths of his silver eyes, one he didn’t attempt to hide from her.
Her chin lifted. “I may act like a child, Gregori, but I’m not. The preservation of our race always comes first, has to come first. I know it’s necessary for you to use whatever means it takes to make that happen.”
“I hope you do, Savannah. I hope you are prepared for the reality of my way of life. I can do no other than protect our people. It is not always pretty or clean.” He spoke gruffly, his beautiful voice mesmerizing. He stepped away from her abruptly, yet her small fingers retained possession of his hand. “You will stay inside,
ma petite.
I will provide safeguards for you. Do not attempt to defy me.”
She rubbed the back of his hand against her cheek. “I’ll do as you
re quest.
”
He caught her chin firmly, tipped her face up, and fastened his mouth to hers. At once the electricity arced and sizzled between them. White-hot heat enveloped them both. Then Gregori put her from him and simply disappeared.
He moved through space, unseen, with the ease of long practice, a soft wind blowing through the trees. Wade Carter was attempting to scale the west wall. Three of the wolves were pacing beneath him, fangs gleaming in the gathering dusk. Carter’s trousers snagged on a rock outcropping, momentarily holding him prisoner. Gregori shimmered, hanging in the wind, insubstantial, then solidified a few feet from the reporter.
Carter’s breath exploded out of his lungs. “My God, you really are a vampire! I knew it! I knew I was right.”
Gregori could smell the man’s fear, his agitation. He perched casually on the wall beside Carter with his easy, lazy grace. “I told you we would meet again soon. I always keep my promises,” he replied softly.
The voice seemed to slice right through the reporter’s mind. Wade rubbed his pounding temples. He had never been so afraid, never so excited. The real thing was sitting right beside him. He fumbled in his pocket for reassurance, felt for the dart gun. “Why did you decide to show yourself to me?” He tried to keep his voice from shaking.
Dark Magic (Dark Series - book 4) Page 15
