Carpathian 09 - Dark Guardian

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    Jaxon realized she no longer felt safe. She was in an environment where she had little or no control. If Tyler wanted to get to her, it would be easy. He could disguise himself as an orderly and waltz right into her room. And she was alone again. For a few precious moments of her life she had really shared with someone—Lucian—however bizarre that event had been. Now she was alone and once more responsible for the safety of those around her.
    You do not listen very well, Jaxon . There was that soft, soothing voice. Either that, or I have completely misread your intelligence and need to explain things much more clearly and carefully to you . She heard a tinge of masculine amusement.
    Jaxon looked around her quickly. No one else was in the room with her but the nurse. The nurse appeared not to have noticed any disembodied voice. Now you've got me hearing voices. I'm going to the nearest mental institution and insisting on immediate help . She chose her thoughts carefully, willing him to hear her response.
    He laughed. She could hear his genuine amusement, that velvet-soft and beautiful, perfectly pitched voice that seemed to caress her whether he was touching her or not. It was so very familiar now, a part of her she never wanted to lose.
    But you have to go away . She was taking a firm stand on this. Either she was completely crazy and he was a figment of her imagination because she needed someone so desperately, or he was very real—and more trouble than she could handle.
    I doubt if you would make up someone as domineering as I. You would want some fop to order about so you could continue believing you have to protect everyone.
    That isn't funny, Lucian. You have no idea what Tyler Drake is like. Some of the best people in this country have tried to catch him and failed. You're so arrogant, you're going to get yourself killed. I hate that trait in men. It isn't bravery; it's sheer stupidity. I know Drake is dangerous, and I'm always prepared, because I don't imagine myself so much more skilled than he is . There was an edge to her voice. She was becoming irritated with Lucian's arrogance.
    His voice never changed, remaining as gentle and soothing as ever. It is not arrogance, Jaxon, when one knows one's own abilities. I have confidence because I know who I am, what I am. I am a hunter. It is what I do .
    He's a killer. It's what he does.
    You are becoming distressed. I will be with you soon to take you home with me. We will have plenty of time to discuss this. In the meantime do whatever the doctor says to get you released.
    Jaxon became aware that the nurse was staring at her. She blinked rapidly to focus her attention on what the woman was saying. "I'm sorry, I was off in my own little world. What were you saying?" She forced a small smile.
    "I think anyone with a fiance like yours would be off in her own little world. Is he really a billionaire?
    What would that be like? I can't conceive of a billion dollars. He met last night with the hospital board and is giving a huge donation in thanks for taking such good care of you. He had this room guarded day and night." Her voice turned dreamy. "He said you were his world and he couldn't breathe without you.
    Imagine a man saying that right out loud to a roomful of other men. I'd give anything to have my husband feel that way about me."

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    "He probably does," Jaxon murmured, afraid of saying anything else. She was not engaged to Lucian.
    "Did he call himself my fiance?"
    What else could I do, honey? Refer to you as my lifemate? They understand that being your fiance gives me certain rights to direct your life while you are ill. They would never understand that as my lifemate you are the other half of my soul. Do not panic yet. I am merely ensuring your safety.
    I don't understand what being a lifemate means.
    I could explain it to you … he offered solemnly.
    No! I don't think I want to hear another word about it! Not one word, Lucian . She knew darn well that he wasn't in the least bit serious, and his annoying habit of laughing at her was going to get him into major trouble. He had the idea that because she was so small, she was not a force to reckoned with. She intended to change that impression soon if he kept it up. A billionaire? Isn't that just a bit dramatic?
    What if someone asks you to prove it? I thought the idea