Total pages in book: 182
Estimated words: 165649 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 828(@200wpm)___ 663(@250wpm)___ 552(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 165649 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 828(@200wpm)___ 663(@250wpm)___ 552(@300wpm)
Just the size difference alone would have been enough for anyone to be shaken, but the fact that Sandu had so much battle experience was enormous. He was considered one of the best hunters the Carpathian people had. The boy had to have realized that he had been very close to death, although not once had the knowledge shown on his expression or in his voice.
A man holding the hand of a woman with a cap of rich brown hair and cool gray eyes came toward Ferro and Elisabeta. Ferro recognized that this man had to be Traian Trigovise, Elisabeta’s brother. His eyes held piercing intelligence and also a determination that meant Ferro might really have to fight his way out of the compound if this man had his way. He wasn’t alone in that assessment of the situation. The brethren, including Gary, shifted positions, spreading out to cover the grounds and exits, giving Ferro and Elisabeta a clear path, if necessary, to escape.
“You were gracious, Josef, in spite of my brief outburst,” Sandu said. “I apologize for breaking your demon device, although I should have crushed the thing much sooner and been done with it when I realized it was making my head pound. Call, should you have need, and I will come to your aid.”
That was a huge promise, and one not lightly given by one of the brethren. Josef had earned not only Ferro’s respect, but that of Sandu.
In spite of his modern appearance, Josef was well versed in Carpathian etiquette. He bowed in a courtly manner, showing he could be as elegant and old-world as the ancients. “I accept your astonishing offer, although it isn’t necessary. I have thrown my share of tablets.”
Every Carpathian could hear lies, and Josef wasn’t lying. Ferro liked him all the more for his confession. Sandu gripped the boy’s shoulder for a moment and then stepped away from him, turning as Tariq and Maksim came up on either side of Josef. Ferro didn’t like that Tariq had once again put himself in harm’s way by stepping between Traian and Ferro.
Now that Sandu was safe, Elisabeta’s gaze shifted around her. Ferro felt her instant retreat. Her vision shimmered, wavered, as if her eyes couldn’t focus properly on the large area her sight encompassed. Her body began shivering uncontrollably. He wrapped his arm tighter around her, pressing her front to his side, his large body nearly hiding hers from the others.
You are completely safe. The brethren are here with us. Sandu will never allow anything to happen to you, not after what you did for him. You saved his honor. Andor and Lorraine are close. Do you feel them? Julija and Isai are to our right. Julija is not only Carpathian but mage as well. We have the ability to go back to our home, stay and talk, or leave this place. Your brother has only your best interests in his heart. Feel that flowing from him.
She moaned in his mind and he knew immediately she had made as many decisions as she was going to make for this rising. She’d come through when no one had asked it of her and she hadn’t even realized that saving Sandu had been her choice alone. In saving Sandu, she had saved Josef and she had also spared Ferro from having to kill his friend and brother.
This decision will be mine to make, piŋe sarnanak. You will abide by what I decree. She was back to needing firm guidelines and he would provide them.
“Traian and his lifemate, Joie, have come a long way to see his birth sister,” Tariq said. “Traian, this is Ferro, Elisabeta’s lifemate.”
Ferro inclined his head. “I realize you would like to speak with her, but she does not do well out in the open. It is too much for her. I invite you and your woman back to our home. I am taking her there now. Tariq and Maksim can show you the way if it is your wish to spend time with her.”
Ferro didn’t wait for an answer. Abruptly, he swung his lifemate into his arms and took to the air. He felt the brethren rise with him. They were silent, unseen, but he knew they were there. Niceties mattered little to him when his lifemate was near to having a breakdown.
You gave us a miracle, sívamet. How did you know you could pull Sandu back from turning? I have never seen anyone come back once they were that far gone. Even the healer could not reach him. None of us could.
For a moment he didn’t think she would answer him, but his question distracted her enough that her mind turned the query over and over as if it were a puzzle she was trying to figure out. That kept terror at bay. Something was at work there, Ferro. Something beyond Sandu and his dislike of modern technology.