Carpathian 15 - Dark Secret

contemplate the possibility of caring for me. How do you expect your lifemate to react?

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    It was almost a snarl. Her heart thudded hard against her chest. Ben? You're jealous of Ben? Are you nuts? Ben thinks I'm loony. He loves me like a sister or something. And I love him back the same way.
    Do not speak to me about loving another man when you refuse to love me.
    Rafael, Ben does not try to take over my mind and rule me like I'm some brainless sex toy. Maybe you should try to learn a little something from him.
    Ben does not try because you do not belong to him.
    "Oh, for God's sake!" Exasperated, Colby jumped up. "Men are idiots. I can't take this. I really can't.
    Ben, go away and take Rafael with you."
    Ben looked completely confused. "You never make any sense, Colby."
    "I make perfect sense, Ben. Men don't make sense. I need rest. I'm upset and I'm cranky and frankly if you don't get out of my house, I'm setting the dog on the both of you." She glared at Rafael, her hands on her hips.
    He straightened slowly. It was a lazy movement, but catlike and sensual. Or predatory and sensual.
    Colby couldn't decide which. Whatever it was, she could hardly breathe with him staring at her.
    Devouring her. Stripping off her clothes and claiming her with his black hungry eyes. He took one step toward her and stopped abruptly, the smoldering intensity riding from his gaze, replaced by ice-cold calculation. She instantly felt the darkness creeping through the sky, invading her lands.
    What is it? But she already knew. It was out there, maybe watching, maybe after Paul again. The vampire had risen.
    He knows I am not yet at full strength and he wishes to test me in battle. The vampire will always take the advantage.
    '"Then don't go. Stay here with me." Colby crossed the small distance between them, catching his arm.
    "Wait until you're stronger." It was perverse, and totally an about-face, her motions swinging wildly out of control at the thought of Rafael in danger. She couldn't stop herself from clinging to him even though she'd wanted him gone only moments before.
    Ben threw his hands into the air in exasperation. "Two minutes ago you were throwing us out and setting the dog on us, now you want us to stay. Colby, get a handle on your emotions."
    Rafael bent his head toward Colby. He framed her face with his hands. "You know I have to go, meu amor. Paul is in too much danger to let this pass."
    "Then call Nicolas."
    He pressed his forehead against hers, blocking out Ben, the vampire, everyone, until there was only them. Colby and Rafael. "You know I cannot. He is too weary, too far gone. He fights the darkness every moment."
    "He'll fight it more if anything happens to you," she whispered. "Rafael, don't go alone. That's what he

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    wants."
    "Do you know something about these disappearances, De La Cruz?" Ben demanded. "If you're meeting someone dangerous, I'll go with you."
    Rafael didn't turn his head, but kept his gaze fixed on Colby's. "I thank you for your concern but I must handle this problem alone. Perhaps you could drive to the Everett ranch and take Colby with you. Tell Juan and Julio to watch the boy."
    He kissed her. Took possession of her mouth the way he did with no coaxing, no light foreplay, instead claiming her, branding her, his mouth hot and hungry and demanding a response. Colby wrapped her arms around his neck, her body melting into his, completely oblivious to Ben's presence.
    Rafael put her from him and turned and walked out. Colby went to the window to watch him go. He simply dissolved, was no longer there, but she caught sight of a harpy eagle winging across the sky.
    "I hope to hell you know what you're doing, Colby," Ben snapped.
    "I hope so too," she said absently.
    "Come on, I'll take you to the Everett ranch."
    "I can't go, Ben, but will you make certain Paul and Ginny are safe?"
    "Are you sure?" He shoved his hat on his head.
    "Very." She didn't turn her head, just watched out the window until the giant bird had disappeared behind the foliage of the trees. Her heart sank. "I have too much to do."
    "Be careful, Colby, and take care of that leg."
    She'd all but forgotten about her leg. Rafael had healed the cut. Long after Ben had driven away Colby continued to stare out the window into the night, blinking back tears. She finally put her hand