Carpathian 04 - Dark Magic

touched her with tenderness. I can only promise to keep you safe and to try to make you as happy as I can to make up for my deficiencies .
    I didn't say you had deficiencies , she returned softly, her voice a caress, fingers trailing over the back of his neck, down the muscles of his back.

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    Need slammed into him, low and wicked. His skin crawled with fire. His silver eyes slid slowly, possessively over her, touching her body with tongues of flame. Touching. Caressing. His urgent need exploded in him like a volcano. In his head a dull roar began. Abruptly he wished Gary gone. The cafe gone. The world gone. He wasn't altogether certain he could wait until he was home with her. The riverbank was suddenly looking very inviting.

Chapter Twelve
    Gary raised his hand for the check. There was a deep regret in his eyes. He was going back to his normal life. It wasn't that it was such a bad life, but he felt connected with these people. He had been isolated all his life. Always out of sync with others. The one who always marched to the different drummer. "So, I'm ready. Go ahead. Just promise me you'll visit once in a while."
    Gregori's hand, moving on Savannah's neck, suddenly stilled. He inhaled sharply. Savannah ?
    I feel it, too.
    Gregori leaned across the table to stare into Gary's eyes. You will do as Savannah tells you without question, without thought. Instant obedience . "Gary, I want you to go with Savannah now. We are hunted. She will shield the two of you from all eyes, and I will lead the predators in another direction.
    Savannah, we will walk together into the shadows. Can you manage to keep the two of you from sight without my assistance? I will need to maintain an image of the two of you with me for some distance, and I would like to provide an unexpected storm. The clouds will be of some aid to you."
    "No problem," she answered without hesitation. Nothing in her face betrayed her sudden apprehension.
    This was Gregori's way of life, not hers. He was the master.
    Gregori placed money on the table and smiled into the waiter's eyes. You will assist us in leaving this place without incident . His silver eyes held the waiter captive for a brief moment. When he released the man from the hypnotic thrall, the waiter waved the others over, and they formed a loose semi-circle between the table and the rest of the occupants of the patio.
    Gregori added a generous tip and nodded to Savannah and Gary to leave. Savannah moved gracefully, going directly across the darkened street, heading for the shadows of the square. She was very much aware of Gregori still close to her, his body protective. For a moment she thought he brushed her shoulder with his hand, the sensation was so real, but when she turned her head, he was several feet behind.
    Go , ma petite, take Gary to the house. Do not allow the neighbors to see either of you. And place the safeguards carefully .
    What about you?
    There is no safeguard I cannot unravel. Go now . This time, there was no mistake. He was four feet away, already turning away from her, but she felt his mouth burning possessively on hers, lingering for just a moment, his tongue tracing the curve of her lip. She couldn't believe he could make her want him, burn for him, when he was going off into the night alone to fight their enemies.
    The night has always been mine, Savannah. Do not waste your time worrying about me . The soft, Generated by ABC Amber LIT Conv erter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html
    mesmerizing voice exuded confidence. Gregori strode away, walking along the edge of the square, and at his side appeared to be Gary and Savannah, moving at the same casual pace. Leisurely. Tourists out sightseeing.
    Clouds began boiling across the sky, fast moving and dark, bringing an unexpected fine mist, steam rising in the heat of the night. Savannah concentrated on her task. It was relatively easy to make herself invisible from those she wished to avoid, but she had never attempted to shield another from prying eyes. Pulling her mind firmly from the issue of Gregori's safety, from the sure knowledge that he would have to kill yet another time, she caught Gary by the shoulder and turned him toward the line of shops leading up the square. "Stay to the inside and keep walking no matter what, even if someone looks as if they are going to bump right into you."
    Gary didn't ask any questions, but she could feel his