Carpathian 04 - Dark Magic

protect you, even from your own folly. You cannot hope to win. I know this absolutely, so there is no reason to become agitated over the issue."
    She thumped him again. He looked startled, then caught her flying fist in his hand and gently pried her fingers open. Very carefully he pressed a kiss into the exact center of her palm. "Savannah? Were you trying to hit me?"
    "I did hit you—twice, you scum. You didn't even notice the first time." She sounded very irritated with him.
    For some reason it made him want to smile. "I apologize, mon amour . Next time, I promise I will notice when you strike me." The hard edge to his mouth softened into a semblance of a smile. "I will even go so far as to pretend that it hurts, if you wish it."
    Her blue eyes flashed at him. "Ha, ha, ha, you're so funny, Gregori. Stop being so smug."
    "It is not being smug to know my own power, chérie . I am trying to care for you as best I know how.
    You do not make it easy for me. I find myself making poor decisions just to see that smile on your face,"
    he admitted reluctantly.
    Savannah laid her head on his chest. "I'm sorry I'm so much trouble, Gregori." She wasn't certain if that was the strict truth. She rather liked stirring him up. "I just want us to be partners. That's how I've always envisioned my relationship with my lifemate. I don't want to be some shrinking violet protected from the real world and used as a brood mare to advance the Carpathian race. I want to be my lifemate's best friend and confidante. Is that so wrong?" She was pleading with him for understanding. "They're humans.

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    We can handle them," she said with more confidence than she felt. If Gregori was concerned, there must be good reason. Still, she was determined to go with him, to share every aspect of his existence. She knew the hunt would always be a huge part of his life.
    His arm swept around her, held her close to him; his hands stroked her hair. "Humans have managed to kill our kind throughout the centuries. We have great powers, yes, but we are not invincible. I do not want these people touching you. I will see what Wade Carter and his friends have in mind, just what evidence they actually have, and who is in danger. Then we will discuss where we will be going and how involved I will allow you to become with this situation."
    She cringed visibly at the word allow , and he wished he could take it back. He tightened his hold possessively and dropped a brief, hard kiss on the top of her head. "You will stay within these walls, Savannah, no matter what happens."
    She clung to him for a moment "Don't let anything happen to you, Gregori. I mean it—I'll be very angry with you."
    A small smile touched his mouth but didn't light his pale eyes. I will stay in your mind, chérie , and you will know I am fine." He hesitated a moment. "You may not like my methods." It was a warning. There was a shadow in the depths of his silver eyes, one he didn't attempt to hide from her.
    Her chin lifted. "I may act like a child, Gregori, but I'm not. The preservation of our race always comes first, has to come first. I know it's necessary for you to use whatever means it takes to make that happen."
    "I hope you do, Savannah. I hope you are prepared for the reality of my way of life. I can do no other than protect our people. It is not always pretty or clean." He spoke gruffly, his beautiful voice mesmerizing. He stepped away from her abruptly, yet her small fingers retained possession of his hand.
    "You will stay inside, ma petite . I will provide safeguards for you. Do not attempt to defy me."
    She rubbed the back of his hand against her cheek. "I'll do as you request ."
    He caught her chin firmly, tipped her face up, and fastened his mouth to hers. At once the electricity arced and sizzled between them. White-hot heat enveloped them both. Then Gregori put her from him and simply disappeared.
    He moved through space, unseen, with the ease of long practice, a soft wind blowing through the trees.
    Wade Carter was attempting to scale the west wall. Three of the wolves were pacing beneath him, fangs gleaming in the gathering dusk. Carter's trousers snagged on a rock outcropping, momentarily holding him prisoner. Gregori shimmered, hanging in the wind, insubstantial, then solidified a few feet from the reporter.
    Carter's breath exploded out of his lungs. "My God, you really are a vampire! I knew it! I knew