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)
I want to be selfish this rising, sívamet. I have safeguarded our home from the rest of the world. It will be just the two of us. He poured seduction into her mind.
Immediately, there was a reaction, both in her body and mind, but there was also a very strong hesitation. Fear. He had hoped they had dispensed with that emotion between the two of them, but he was making new demands of her each rising. She wanted to please him, to meet his every expectation, and even looked forward to his “lessons,” but she was terrified of letting him down, especially when it came to anything physical between them. Elisabeta had a talent for soothing everyone around her. He had to be the one person who could soothe her.
I have a surprise for you, piŋe sarnanak. He used a coaxing tone. Still sensual. He wanted her to feel the sexual pull between lifemates. Anticipation. But no pressure. Once you have fed, we will go together into the forest. It is so beautiful there, and I have made certain no one is around, nor can they disturb us. I have a long cape for you to wear while you practice your walking to get there.
He would have to forgo seeing her feminine form, but she would feel too vulnerable naked. He wanted to build her confidence, not make her feel helpless. Once there, we will practice shifting into any form you wish. If it pleases you, you can truly become a little songbird and fly. You do not have to go high into the sky, but go from branch to branch, if seeing through the eyes of a bird is still too difficult.
Her heart rate accelerated as she opened the earth above her. He was extremely proud of how smoothly she was able to move the dirt. He doubted she even noticed because she was concentrating on floating out of the soil and freshening her body at the same time. He noted that she paid particular attention to her hair. That required even more concentration. He had been coming up out of the soil clean and fully clothed for so long the action was automatic, but Elisabeta hadn’t been allowed to do the simplest task for herself.
Ferro noted that she had no problem floating, or removing the fine particles of soil from her body, but was extremely frustrated with freshening and braiding her hair. He was tempted to help her, especially as she tried several times without success. Still, she had achieved two of the three tasks easily, and he didn’t want to take those accomplishments from her. She didn’t look to him for aid so he stayed quietly merged with her, aching to do her hair but knowing she needed to feel as if she could be independent when she wanted to be. He found that watching her struggle was one of the most difficult things he’d ever done—and he’d fought countless battles with master vampires.
Feminine triumph burst through his mind when she managed the thick braid on her own. Elisabeta’s joy was worth the agony of stepping back and witnessing her battle for so small a victory, and yet it wasn’t small. For Elisabeta, it was an enormous accomplishment. He let his pride in her swamp both of them.
My amazing lifemate. Believe me, I wake each rising knowing what a miracle I have been given. Come to me, sívamet.
This was another hard chore, and he had struggled with whether or not to push her out of her comfort zone so quickly on these smaller tasks. Every Carpathian child was taught as a toddler to open the soil, float, clean and clothe themselves, as well as get from one place to the other easily. He knew Elisabeta felt inferior to others because she didn’t know how to do the things she regarded as simple—things she knew children could do. The knowledge that a child could do more than she could made her feel ashamed. He detested that. She was a brilliant woman and just needed a little time to catch up.
How do I find you?
Fear swamped her, but she didn’t falter or refuse. He felt her determination. The woman could bring him to his knees.
Do you feel me close? We share a mind merge yet you do not seek my knowledge. Reach for my location. I will shield you from the battles that would distress you, Elisabeta. I know a woman as compassionate as you would have difficulties viewing the things I have seen and done over the centuries. Unlike the vampire, I do not wish to expose you. He was cruel and enjoyed watching you suffer. I do not. Trust me. Share my mind the way I share yours.
He knew he was asking for a huge leap of faith. He was centuries old and Elisabeta had already heard the rumors of Ferro from the Malinov brothers, the relentless Carpathian hunter feared even by other Carpathians for his renowned skills. He felt her hesitation, heard her pulse jump and then begin to race. His woman had serious trust issues and yet she still wrapped herself in him.