Carpathian 09 - Dark Guardian

glanced up at Lucian, he was grinning at her with that infuriating male taunt. "I will return to help you out of there after I dispose of our guests."
    He actually turned around and sauntered away from her. For a moment her breath stilled in her lungs.
    She wanted to cry out after him to come back, but her pride wouldn't allow it. She wasn't afraid of spiders. Not really. Her ears picked up the sound of something scratching around somewhere close by.
    Too close. Okay. Rats. There are rats here, Lucian. I won't put up with rats .
    I am certain you can manage until I return . He sounded smug. At least I know you are safely stuck there instead of trying to shoot someone. If any rats come around, try talking to them .
    They're probably related to you , she sniped. Hands on her hips, she turned around twice, trying to figure out how she could manage on her own. She would get out, and she would shoot someone, preferably Lucian. How did he do it? How did he manage to float the way he did? Did she have to picture herself floating to the top? She tried it, but nothing happened. She tried two short hops. Still nothing.
    Lucian's laughter brushed at her mind like butterfly wings. Could she possibly strangle him? If she thought about strangling him, would it work? She knew exactly where he was. In the kitchen. He was moving silently, not a single footstep audible, but she knew where he was. When he breathed, she breathed. How did that happen? How did she suddenly need him so much, need the touch of his mind to hers, just so she could breathe?
    She was very still for a moment, waiting to see what Lucian would do next. She did not want him Generated by ABC Amber LIT Conv erter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html
    confronting intruders without her, but she knew that was his intention. Suddenly she was smiling. How did something float? It wasn't that hard. It was lighter than air. So light it just moved through space, drifting upward toward the sky. In this case, more toward the floor of the sleeping chamber, but she'd take what she could get because… Ha! I did it !
    She felt his hand brush her face, his touch tender. Inside she was suddenly warm, as if he had praised her. She felt his smile in her mind. I knew you would. Now just stay put while I ask these gentlemen their reason for visiting .
    Jaxon rolled her eyes heavenward. That sounds like something I'd do — just sit around twiddling my thumbs while you go serve our guests tea .
    Tea was not my first choice, but then, it has been a long while since I was expected to entertain with civility . There was an edge to his voice, as if the thin veneer of civilization had worn through and the velvet gloves were coming off.
    Jaxon found she was shivering. Don't do anything rash. I'm a cop, remember? We arrest people for breaking and entering. They're already going to jail. Maybe they're reporters looking to get the scoop on the love nest of the local billionaire .
    Stay clear until I have them under control.
    Jaxon was already racing through the passageway into the basement and up the stairs leading to the kitchen. You're already in control, Lucian. I'm more worried for them, not about you. I can feel the weight of your … She searched for a word to describe it. Nothing. He wasn't angry. There was no rage. He smoldered with menace, yet he was tranquil, even serene. Nothing disturbed him or shook his complete confidence in his own powers.
    They pose a danger to you, angel, not to me.
    You are reading their minds.
    That is so. Our guests are from out of state. Do not worry so much, my love. I will do nothing to embarrass you or harm your status as a police officer.
    I just want you to know I will arrest you in a heartbeat if you lay a finger on any of them.
    His laughter was soft and sensual, brushing at her mind and body like the touch of his caressing fingers.
    My beloved angel, I would never be so crass .
    Her heart almost stopped at the drawling menace she caught beneath the surface. She knew him now.
    She knew he was more lethal at that moment than when he had so casually destroyed the vampire who had tracked him to his home. What had he said? They pose a danger to you, not to me . Of course he would remove any threat to her. He believed she was his heart and soul. She felt his tremendous need of her. He would never allow anyone or anything to threaten her.
    Lucian, I know you handle things differently in your world, but this is my world. These men are human. They must be