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)
Elisabeta could see that all three women had already been contacted by their respective lifemates.
Julija was up and handing the sleeping child to Emeline. “Isai comes to collect me. Thank you for allowing me to spend time with Carisma. She’s beautiful.”
“Dragomir is also on his way,” Emeline said. “I’m going to talk to him about the children and Genevieve. She might be in real danger.”
“No worries, Emeline,” Elisabeta said. “I promise I will see to them without them realizing anyone is checking for trouble. You have a little one to protect.”
“You’ve been through hell,” Emeline protested.
“It helps me to concentrate on others.” Elisabeta told the strict truth. “I do not have to think about all the little details I am expected to learn about this new life.”
Dragomir’s broad shoulders filled the doorway, his golden eyes moving over his lifemate, seeing everything. He gave a courtly bow to the other women as he stepped inside and took Carisma from Emeline, his mouth brushing a gentle kiss on his lifemate’s temple. He took her hand and tugged until he brought her under the protection of his shoulder.
“Ferro and the healer will be careful with the children, Emeline. Elisabeta will keep them in line.” He smiled at Elisabeta and then he was gone, taking his family with him.
Isai came in next, Andor right behind him. Elisabeta folded her hands in her lap, uncertain of what to do. This wasn’t her home. Apparently, it wasn’t Emeline’s home, either. Isai saluted her and Julija waved as he all but carried her out.
It was good to see you out with just the girls, Elisabeta, Julija said. I’m so proud of your progress. Isai is railroading me back to our home. Will you be okay until Ferro gets there?
Would she? Elisabeta didn’t move, frozen in the comfortable chair. Of course, I will be fine. He is bound to turn up soon. She wasn’t going to ask him where he was. He would come for her. He knew the others had come for their women.
“Do you want us to stay with you until Ferro gets here, Elisabeta?” Lorraine asked.
Andor shook his head before Elisabeta could answer. “Ferro gave very strict instructions. He wants Elisabeta to sit in here. When we leave, we will leave the door open behind us. Amelia will come in at Genevieve’s request to check the house and, Elisabeta, you introduce yourself and tell her you are waiting for Ferro to come. He will be here, unseen but close, should there be trouble.”
Elisabeta nodded, hurt that Ferro hadn’t given her the instructions himself. It felt strange to her to have Lorraine’s lifemate speaking directly to her. Did that mean she needed to answer him? Her fingers twisted in the skirt of her dress. She couldn’t look up at Andor or Lorraine.
He does not expect you to answer, piŋe sarnanak. I am Ferro, after all, and I do not share my lifemate. Just sit there and look demure. Lorraine will lose her mind again and call me a caveman. The night air will be cooling to you when they leave the door open.
“That horrid Ferro has commanded you not to answer Andor, hasn’t he?” Lorraine demanded.
Before she could shake her head, Ferro laughed. You are not to answer Andor, Elisabeta.
You said that on purpose. She was relieved all the same. She gave the tiniest of nods to Lorraine.
Yes, Ferro admitted to her, making her want to laugh.
“I am going to strangle that man,” Lorraine proclaimed. She went out the door. Ferro, you had better not bully that girl. I thought we cleared this up.
Elisabeta heard Lorraine’s voice in her merged mind with Ferro. He didn’t respond until Lorraine and Andor were gone completely.
You really like to get her riled up.
She has a bit of a temper. Andor finds her very appealing when she gets fired up and passionate. I like to give her an outlet to vent.
Someone is coming up the stairs. I can hear them. It is definitely the younger girl.
Amelia. Gary and I are in the house with you. Do you feel me close, sívamet? You will have to talk to her.
Elisabeta felt his hand sweep down the back of her head in a long caress.
She is fifteen now, but has had vampires assault her and use her as a spy. Her life has been turned upside down. She needs and wants to be converted but not without her brother, Danny. She does not want him to be alone. Her little sister and Lourdes can both be converted, but she refuses to allow at least Bella to be converted until Danny is safe.
Elisabeta knew Ferro wanted her to feel compassion for the teenager to make it easier to speak with her. A young girl stalked right into the room without hesitation. She was very slim and had thick, dark hair and vivid green eyes.