Total pages in book: 153
Estimated words: 141492 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 707(@200wpm)___ 566(@250wpm)___ 472(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 141492 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 707(@200wpm)___ 566(@250wpm)___ 472(@300wpm)
“All she had to do was know how a Carpathian male thinks. Aura explained to me that the vampire was once Carpathian. Wouldn’t Lilith know about Carpathian lifemates through her association with vampires? All she would need to do is find a way to amplify your feelings of guilt and shame, Petru.”
“What purpose would she have?”
Safia was in his mind and knew he already had ideas but wanted her opinions. She liked that he valued what she might think.
“It is possible you would take me far from here rather than risk losing me again. Or you might not want me to fight with you to destroy demons while you hunt vampires. There could be any number of reasons. If you held too tight and I was used to freedom.”
Petru nodded, his demeanor thoughtful. “You bring up very good points. I am uncertain how a vampire or even Lilith could imprint on me. That is not arrogance. I just do not see how they could get into my mind—unless . . .” He looked at her.
Safia realized immediately what he was thinking. “Through me. I opened a pathway to you, and they took advantage in that short time.”
“It’s the only way I can think of that they might have been able to accomplish such a thing.”
“I’m sorry, Petru.” She spread her hands out in front of her. “I had no idea of the consequences when I connected with you. You were this larger-than-life hero, and I was so drawn to you. I remember it was such a compulsion to reach out. But I found it hard to resist everything I wanted to know more about, even before the war. Animals, people, the land, flowers, trees, rocks—everything. I was a very curious child. There was no resisting connecting with you to see what you were like.”
“Do not wish you hadn’t. I see that in your mind, Ku Tappa Kulyak.”
His voice was velvet soft, sending a shiver of desire down her spine. She liked the way he called her Ku Tappa Kulyak. “Demon Slayer” might not be sweet and syrupy, but it made her feel as if they were partners and that he respected her. That was what she wanted above all else in a relationship.
“I believe everything happens for a reason. You were meant to be my lifemate. I cannot imagine having another, and I would not want any other woman.”
She heard the sincerity in his voice. More, she felt it in his mind.
“Your answer will not change my intention to go through the conversion, although to be honest, I need to work up courage to do that and ask a few more questions, but your answer to this question is very important to me.”
Petru’s gaze held steady on hers. “This is the time for us to get to know one another, Safia. It is important we trust one another as much as possible in the short time we have. It will be the two of us the others depend on to get them through the coming war with Lilith. I believe that you’re right, that she sought to drive a wedge between us. We can’t allow that to happen.”
“Do you plan to take me from my family once the war is over should we survive?”
His gaze drifted over her face. The hard lines softened until he looked almost tender. “Sívamet, you would be unhappy if we spent too much time away from your family. I meant every word of my vows to you. No, I have no intention of taking you away from your family. I know that Aura has a commitment to guard the gate and that she needs help. She counts on you, the defender, the one to keep the demons at bay. There are duties enough here to keep us busy. There might be times we are called to other places, but this will be our home until your family passes and you wish to move on.”
She had to look away from him when she unexpectedly felt tears burning behind her eyes. It was impossible for him to lie to her when she was in his mind. At least she was almost certain it was. He might be powerful enough to keep the truth from her, but she doubted it.
Safia swallowed the lump in her throat. “I appreciate that. I love my family and can’t imagine living apart from them. I thought I would have to go with you to your home.”
“Someday we will travel to the Carpathian Mountains. I would like to show you many things, but we have time to visit the various lands and forests I would enjoy seeing through your eyes. First, I would like to learn the ways of your people. Amastan has been instructing me in the little time we have had together, as have your brother and father.”