Carpathian 05 - Dark Challenge

the women. They were dangerous, powerful predators, even when protective of women and mortals, Generated by ABC Amber LIT Conv erter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html
    they were dominating, arrogant, and thus truly perilous if they turned. It wasn't in Syndil's feminine nature to chafe under the males' constraints or to rebel against them. Desari alone did what she wanted and damned the consequences, which only served to make the men more dominating and protective. Yes, they would all be in grave danger if Darius were to die or turn vampire.
    "You will have to drive the bus, Syndil," Desari instructed. "I will guard the rear to ensure we are not followed."
    Syndil wished she could navigate the big vehicle and also cast an illusion over it to hide from the mortals, but it was impossible for her. She would have to leave it to Desari, even in her weakened state, to fashion as many blockades as possible to any that might follow them. They were evidently in danger from some murderous group of mortals.
    "Go, Syndil," Desari said, making her way to the back of the bus.
    Who was it that had saved her life, she wondered. Why had he done so? Darius said he could detect no evil, no tainted blood in her, and he should know. He had hunted and killed the undead often enough down through the centuries. He knew better than any of them the stench of tainted blood. He said it burned skin, raised blisters, and ate through flesh if left in contact too long. Darius had learned that bit of important information as he had everything else: the hard way.
    Desari knelt on the bed at the back of the bus and stared out at the scene of dwindling chaos.
    Ambulances and police cars were pulling away, the crowd was beginning to disperse. She hadn't thought to ask Darius if any of their attackers had escaped. Knowing Darius, she doubted it, but he might have been so concerned with her, Barack, and Dayan that he had allowed some of those guilty to escape his particular brand of justice.
    Syndil drove the bus with surprising expertise, and Desari kept her eyes glued behind them, watching for any lights trailing the vehicle. Suddenly her heart was in her throat, pounding in alarm. For some reason she didn't want to leave the bar. She felt she was leaving behind her destiny. She needed to be where he could find her. He ?
    Desari gasped and sank back onto the bed.
    "What is it?" Syndil demanded, looking into the rearview mirror. She could hear Desari's increased heartbeat, her sudden gasp of alarm. The blood was pumping through her veins far too fast. Syndil couldn't see anyone behind them. "What is it, Desari?" she repeated.
    "I cannot leave this place," Desari said softly, sadly, sorrow in her heart. She pressed her hands to her pounding temples. "Let me out, Syndil. I must stay here."
    "Breathe, Desari. Just breathe your way through it. Whatever happened to you, we can fix it," Syndil assured her, stomping harder on the gas pedal. She was not about to leave Desari anywhere in her condition.
    Desari ? The faint stirring in her mind was Darius. She recognized his touch, the natural arrogance in his voice. Do you have need of me ?
    I cannot go away from him. The creature who gave me blood has tied us together in some way.
    Darius, I am so frightened.

    Generated by ABC Amber LIT Conv erter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html
    Syndil has given you good advice. Remain calm and think. Breathe. You are powerful, maybe every bit as much as this creature who is attempting to ensnare you. Use that power now. If you fear leaving him do not. He will come for you again. And this time I will be waiting.
    There is a terrible emptiness in me. I cannot bear to go away from him. He is calling to me.
    You hear him ? Darius's voice in her mind was stronger, his interest caught despite his need to rest and heal. You hear his voice ?
    Desari shook her head, forgetting for a moment that her brother couldn't see her. Her arms were across her stomach, and she was rocking herself back and forth for comfort. Her battered body was not nearly as painful as her aching soul. No, it is not like that. Only a terrible wrenching, a feeling of being ripped apart. He is so strong, Darius. He will never let me go. Never .
    I will rid you of this creature, Desari.
    Again she shook her head. I do not think you can, Darius .
    I will not fail you.
    Desari pressed the back of her hand to her trembling mouth. "You cannot," she whispered softly aloud.
    "If you kill him, he will take me