Carpathian 17 - Dark Celebration

bucked, nearly throwing him to the floor.
    Nicolae roared with laughter. "That was definitely a Daratrazanoff growling."
    "It is not any way for a son-in-law to treat his father-in-law," Mikhail said. A slow grin lit his eyes. "But he will find I have the last word this night."
    "You have planned something," Nicolae guessed.
    "We need a Santa Claus and I think Gregori Daratrazanoff will fill that role nicely."
    Destiny looked from one laughing man to the other. "Gregori is not going to be happy. In all the time he spent trying to heal me, I only saw him smile at Savannah. Well, once he tried to smile at me and it was more a baring of his teeth. The thought of him entertaining a roomful of children is beyond my imagination."
    "And everyone else's as well it seems," Mikhail said with evident satisfaction. "How are you feeling? I know you experienced great pain on rising each day with vampire blood in your veins. Was Gregori able to fully heal you both?"
    Destiny nodded. "It seems a miracle every rising, to open my eyes and not feel as if razor blades are cutting through my skin. Gregori kept the blood, and mentioned it might be used to infect a warrior to infiltrate the ranks of the undead." Her gaze met Mikhail's. "Don't let them do that. It's the worst thing you can imagine to have that blood in your veins every moment of your existence. It's agony, both physically and mentally. I cannot imagine what it would do to a warrior already close to the edge of madness."
    "Nothing has been decided," Mikhail assured. "When we are back to normal, we will all meet together. Your input is very valuable to us and we are hoping you will attend."
    Destiny looked relieved. "Yes, of course."
    Nicolae slid his arm along the back of her seat. "Destiny has not celebrated Christmas in years. We are going out to get a tree. Would you like to join us?"
    Mikhail shook his head regretfully. "I have a few more stops to make before we all gather at the inn. I was hoping I would have a chance to speak with MaryAnn Delaney. I understand she's staying here."
    "Yes, she's with a young teenage girl at the moment. Francesca brought her over a few minutes ago and asked that MaryAnn speak with her. We're to take her home shortly."
    "Young Skyler. Most of the time, a girl her age would not trigger a response in her lifemate, but she is mature beyond her years and we now have an unrequited male running loose and demanding his rights." Mikhail sighed softly. "Skyler needs protection at all times. If we fail again, her lifemate will bind her to him and I am not certain what Gabriel will do, but it will not be pleasant."
    "Francesca warned us," Nicolae said. "Skyler indicated she would like to join us when we get the tree, so we'll leave as soon as MaryAnn has had some time with her. I don't anticipate any problems, but we will be careful. Destiny is a skilled hunter, so young Skyler will be doubly protected."
    "Do not let her out of your sight," Mikhail warned. "She has a tendency to wander off. I sometimes wonder why I press Raven to have another child. I have forgotten the trouble they can be."
    "See!" Destiny made a face at Nicolae. "I told you they were trouble."
    Mikhail rose. "I am off to see your brother. Is there anything you would like me to tell him?"
    "Just pass on that you're going to ask Gregori to play Santa Claus. Vikirnoff will definitely enjoy that news." Nicolae stood as well to see the prince out.
    "I do not intend to ask Gregori, Nicolae. I will give him my first order as his father-in-law."
    Nicolae swept Destiny under his shoulder. "I so want to be there when you announce to Gregori that he will play Santa Claus tonight."
    "I wish I was there to see Savannah's face. She has such a wonderful sense of humor. I never thought I would become friends with the daughter of a prince. Although, honestly, I think she's just happy she got to fight a vampire so she can have something to hold over Gregorys head."
    Mikhail's face darkened and all humor left his face. "The moment something happens to my people—in particular my daughter—I am to be informed. But somehow, this small detail seems to have been omitted. Nicolae, perhaps you would be so kind as to explain, as my son-in-law failed to do so." Gregori, did my daughter fight a vampire? And why wasn't I informed immediately ? He sent a hiss of displeasure and the image of bared teeth.
    Color receded from Destiny's face, leaving her very pale. She turned to Nicolae for reassurance. Did I say