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)
Do not answer him, Ferro, Gary said immediately. The healer glided in between the two ancients. Something is going on here that I do not understand.
“Tariq, you must have misunderstood Ferro. Elisabeta will have to be present when we examine Josef for any hidden evil intrusion. That presents a danger to her. Naturally, she will need to be guarded, as will you. Your safety is paramount and he knows that. We all know you chafe under the restrictions placed on you by the prince, but it can’t be helped. You must have guards.”
Tariq rubbed at his temples in much the same way Sandu and Dragomir had. Ferro and Gary exchanged a quick, uneasy glance. Something malevolent was invading the compound and it was spreading among the ancient warriors, even those with lifemates to anchor them. How could they possibly examine Tariq without offending him deeply and triggering the aggression that seemed to be pervading his mind?
“Yes, of course. I don’t know what got into me. Forgive me, Ferro.”
Sandu, make certain none of the brethren take their turn learning this new technology from Josef until we know what is going on, Ferro warned.
He used their private telepathic pathway rather than that of the brotherhood or the one established by the soul-bond. He didn’t know why he wanted to exclude the healer, but for the moment, he needed to count on those he had formed a bond with in the monastery. Gary, sent by the prince, was loyal to Tariq.
Until we know what is going on, we cannot go outside of our circle. Something is not right and the danger is spreading.
They had to know where each of the brethren stood. Dragomir was the biggest question mark, as he had a child with Emeline and she wanted to stay in the protection of the compound. If his loyalties were to Tariq rather than the brethren if they decided to leave, they would have to withhold that information from him. That would forever weigh heavily on him.
As they walked across the compound grounds, Elisabeta clamped to his side, her face buried in his ribs so she didn’t have to look at the wide-open spaces, he scanned continually, searching the ancients surrounding them for signs of emotions that shouldn’t be there, whether they had lifemates or not. He didn’t need to be able to get into their minds, just read the energy surrounding them.
Maksim seemed fine to him. He walked with Gary, Tariq between them. Dragomir sat on his porch with Emeline, holding hands. Ferro could no longer detect any surge of violence in Dragomir. Benedek hadn’t been near Josef, nor had Petru or Nicu Dalca. The three had spread out, but kept pace with Ferro and Elisabeta as they made their way to Tariq’s home. Ferro found himself slowing his steps, reluctant to enter and put his woman in the position of danger he had a feeling she would be in.
I do not like this, Sandu. Something feels very wrong to me.
A trap? Is it the vampire? We know he will come for her. The safeguards on this compound have been woven and interwoven again and again. We provided extra layers over those after Tariq and the others used their strongest. We provided for every eventuality we could conceive of.
And yet Elisabeta summoned him and he was able to slip in like a worm from the netherworld right under our very noses, Ferro pointed out. He still had that feeling that Gary and Tariq regarded Elisabeta as a threat to them. He just wasn’t certain how or why.
Elisabeta winced. He tightened his arm around her. That is not a condemnation, piŋe sarnanak. We are grateful to you for showing us one of the many weaknesses a fortress this size holds. We need to find them all.
Ferro let his mind expand, reaching as he had done for centuries, looking for hidden ruses, a deception or illusion that his eye might miss. He knew the brethren at his back were doing the same.
Elisabeta, we are not necessarily safe. I want you to be very alert at all times. If you feel anything you are distrustful of, no matter how small or elusive, you alert me. Do you understand? Even if you think it is coming from someone I trust. That is an order and I expect obedience. He poured command into his voice. He disliked sounding as if he was controlling her, doing anything that in any way resembled Sergey, but this was too important and she responded to clear guidelines. Tell me you understand.
Yes, of course, I will tell you.
Pay particular attention to the healer, but be cautious, Elisabeta. He is extremely powerful and he will know if you are touching his mind. Anyone or everyone in that room is a potential enemy or they may be marked by the enemy to use against all of us here. We have to know to be able to help them.