Carpathian 09 - Dark Guardian

the sky in an attempt to spot the fleeing vampire. If the others had arrived to aid him, the master vampire would certainly return to fight.
    The undead do not have friends. Each is out for his own gain. The master vampire will use the others to wear me down. The others can be used by us.
    How? What do we do?
    They are seeking you, my love. They wish to find a woman to remove their sins and recover their souls. It is impossible, but they will not accept that.
    What should I do?
    There was warmth filling her mind, strength pouring into her Lucian was close by; she could feel him.

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    Just look beautiful and sexy. Choose one to be flirtatious with, but do not allow either to touch you, not even a slight scratch. Keep both of them in sight at all times.
    And my big he-man will come and rescue me ? She was annoyed, and it showed in her sarcastic tone.
    His laughter was soft and sexy in her mind, brushing at her skin like gentle fingers. They will most likely fight each other and save me the trouble. I will be waiting for the strong one .
    Then you think the ancient one will return.
    Three against one? He will like the odds and come immediately.
    Two. There are two of us . She was even more annoyed with him than ever.
    A vampire would never expect a woman to participate in a battle, angel. It is not done. Our women are filled with compassion, not with a penchant for violence.
    She wanted to stay irritated but found herself laughing instead. Then he's in for a surprise, huh? But you think I have a penchant for violence? I've been incredibly sweetnatured, while you've been arrogant and impossible .
    You do not understand the difference between arrogance and confidence, but I will teach it to you.
    I can't wait for the lesson . Jaxon's alarm system was working overtime now, the air becoming thick with waves of malevolence.
    She searched the skies above her as she moved away from the trees so she had plenty of open space for maneuvering. It was strange to be facing an enemy as depraved as a vampire without so much as a weapon. For a moment her confidence wavered, but instantly she felt Lucian moving within her, strong and assured. He was very close by; his presence was too strong for him not to be near. That made her feel better, and she had his memories of many battles to draw on. While she waited out in the open under the drizzling sky, she examined as many of his encounters with the vampires as possible, paying close attention to the strategies Lucian had used with his brother. One of them often lay in wait while the other drew their enemy to them. Lucian was basically employing the same strategy.
    A chilling wind blew through the very middle of the storm, settling close to earth only yards from where Jaxon stood. A tall, gaunt man shimmered into view. He was remarkably elegant and courtly-looking, his clothes impeccable, not at all what she had expected. He was rather pale, and his teeth gleamed at her when he smiled. He was handsome and compelling, much different from the others of his kind she had encountered. Watching his every movement closely, Jaxon searched his features for hidden signs of depravity.
    He has only recently turned, angel , Lucian informed her softly. Do not listen to his voice with a human ear , he added as a caution.
    The vampire bowed from his waist. "Good evening, ma'am. This is an unseemly place for a woman to be alone." His voice seemed soft and musical.
    You are hearing him as he wishes you to do so. He can manipulate with his voice alone.

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    It was Lucian's voice that allowed her to unmask the undead and his illusion of soft gentleness. Lucian's voice was purity itself, the sound so perfect it was almost not of the world. Now, in contrast, the vampire's tone grated like fingernails on a chalkboard.
    Jaxon tilted her head a bit coquettishly. "I happen to like the peace of the mountains. Even in the storm, it is beautiful up here. Where did you come from? Is there a town nearby?"
    The vampire moved slightly, a stirring of strength, his eyes glittering and red-rimmed. "Where is the one who would protect you?"
    Jaxon shrugged. "He often leaves for long absences. One of power challenged him, and Lucian doesn't like to be challenged."
    An elegant eyebrow shot up. "Lucian? You have named one long thought dead. This cannot be. Lucian is vampire. All