Total pages in book: 155
Estimated words: 142916 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 715(@200wpm)___ 572(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 142916 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 715(@200wpm)___ 572(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
Catching his thoughts meant she was even more sensitive than he’d first considered. He had some barriers in place to shield her from his past. She didn’t need to look at the various battles and the aftermath of them throughout the centuries. But he would have to guard his mind a little more to protect her. If she knew, she wouldn’t think he was protecting her, she’d believe he was hiding important information from her.
“You believe I’m deceptive?” Everyone in the world was afraid of him just on sight. She was nervous and intelligent enough to know he was lethal, but she still stood up to him. He liked that in her. He respected that she wasn’t a pushover. He needed a woman willing to stand up for herself and not ever let him take advantage.
“Don’t play innocent.” Amusement slipped over her expressive face. “You know very well you’re hiding important information from me.” Her eyes went speculative as they moved over his face, feature by feature. “You are, aren’t you?”
She knew enough to ask a direct question. That served her well. He would either have to admit the truth or lie to her.
“I believe it is necessary for us to have truth between us at all times, even if it’s difficult. The most important thing we can have between us is trust. So yes, I’m omitting several important pieces of information.”
He saw from her expression and the feeling of relief in her mind that he’d chosen the right path with her. Had he attempted to deceive she would have known, and any chance they had at a real relationship would have been gone. He had to handle his lifemate with care. He hoped he could do so. He had never cared enough to change the way he approached life. Head-on. Directly. People got out of his way because he didn’t have time or the inclination for finesse.
Benedek was intensely loyal to the few ancients he considered his brethren. Anyone else he avoided if at all possible. He would take his brethren’s backs every time, even if that meant going into situations where he was forced to be around people. He preferred the wilds of the mountains and forests. He felt at home there.
“Why would you feel it necessary to keep from me what you just have admitted is important information?”
He didn’t hear a reprimand. More curiosity than annoyance or anger. He was beginning to believe his woman had really been created for him. Or that he’d been created for her. That was nonsensical and ridiculous for him to even entertain such a romantic notion when he didn’t even have a decent heart to give her.
Benedek held out his hand to her. She hesitated the briefest of moments, but he felt that tiny falter in the region of his chest. His fingers closed around hers. Just touching her was an experience. New. Strange. Exhilarating.
“Let’s get into the safety of the trees. I’ve never liked being out in the open. I’ll confess I have a need to protect you. I know you’re going to give me grief for even telling you that. I’m well aware you’re a slayer. I saw you in action and have the greatest respect for your abilities, but that doesn’t seem to stop my need to ensure your well-being.”
He found the small path leading into the forest. It was just wide enough for them to walk side by side, although he kept one step ahead of her to shield her quickly if needed. They weren’t alone in the forest. He recognized that immediately. She didn’t hesitate. If anything, her nerves quieted. Whatever was in the forest watching them, Silke not only was aware of but was friends with.
He took a careful look around, seeing with more than eyes. Every sense spread out to find the hidden watchers. There were several. He didn’t sense hostility so much as curiosity and a deep affection for Silke.
“We aren’t alone.”
She gave him a faint smile and shook her head. “No, we’re not.”
“Your allies. Some feel ancient to me. They participated in the Battle of Baduhenna, when the Romans were defeated.” He made it a statement.
The victory made sense. Tora had been there. She’d led an army of mystical creatures, all of them residing in that forest. It was no wonder she protected them with her astonishing safeguard weaves. Each of the brethren had taken a turn at trying to unravel the strands of protection. They were ancient. Their weaves weren’t based on the mage who had taught so many of the others. At times, the younger Carpathians had safeguards penetrated because they were still using the high mage Xavier’s base for their weaves. It wasn’t his place to tell them to start coming up with new ones. It could be done. The ancients didn’t have a mage to teach them skills. They had learned the hard way.