Carpathian 17 - Dark Celebration

shouldn't be so dependent on their women, not even lifemates.
    "I have a beach ball for a stomach, Jacques," she pointed out. "There's no rolling."
    "On your side then," he suggested.
    Shea was silent for a long moment before catching his face in her hands and forcing him to look at her. "You're my life too, Jacques, my entire world. All those things you feel for me—I feel for you."
    "Even though I can't let go of you and always have to be a shadow in your mind?" He forced himself to look into her eyes—into her heart—to read her mind.
    He found unconditional love.
    "Especially because you stay with me. I treasure that in you." Shea traced his mouth with her fingertip. "A woman cherishes being loved, Jacques, and you know how to love me."

Chapter 3
    "What is that terrible racket?" Mikhail said in greeting as Aidan Savage opened the door to the large cabin. Mikhail hadn't seen him in several years and he couldn't help smiling as he clasped Aidan's forearms in a warrior's greeting.
    Aidan's unusual eyes glittered like two ancient gold coins. "You honor us, Mikhail, with your presence."

    "Please tell me Byron's nephew, Josef, is not already here visiting." Mikhail hesitated in the doorway, the lines in his face deepening in disapproval.
    "This seems to be the place to gather. Josh has a new video game Alexandria designed and everyone wants to try it. Josef is definitely here," he added in warning as he stepped back to allow Mikhail entrance.
    Mikhail paused, one foot in the air. "Perhaps we should have Byron send for him immediately."
    Aidan smirked. "You say that as if he's a vampire."
    "I would rather face a vampire. I was hoping he might stay in Italy. Byron probably brought him along as a practical joke."
    "He is rather entertaining once you get past his exuberant manners," Aidan said.
    Mikhail's dark eyebrows drew together. "He draws attention to himself, and does not practice the most basic of our skills."
    "I did see him take a plunge off the roof this evening and when he shifted shape, he only made it partway."
    "You sound amused," Mikhail said with a sigh. "He is in his twenties. We can no longer afford for our children to take so many years to grow up."
    Aidan shook his head. "He's a mere teen in our years, Mikhail. We have lived far too long in the world of humans and have begun to think as they do. Our children deserve a childhood, Mikhail. I enjoy watching young Joshua grow. Josef is happy and healthy…"
    "Joshua is human. Josef is not. And the world has become a much more dangerous place for our kind, Aidan," Mikhail pointed out. "We are surrounded by enemies and our women and children are the most vulnerable. We need Josef and in order to ensure his safety, he must learn the ways of our people. Can he even weave his own safeguards?"
    Aidan nodded. "You are right, of course. I have been concerned ever since the concentrated strike against us, since the assassination attempt on you—that our enemies will decide to strike against our women and children. I will speak to Byron about Josef's training, make certain he is being schooled adequately to prepare for an attack."
    "It has occurred to me that our women must be prepared as well." Mikhail lowered his voice, taking Aidan by the arm and leading him to a quiet corner away from the ruckus in the living room. "We have always protected the women."
    "They are of the light," Aidan said. "They do not have the darkness needed for the kill."
    "So we all thought, but self-preservation and dwindling hunters may bring new needs.

    Times change, Aidan, and frankly, we are facing extinction. We can no longer rely on the old ways. We have to be prepared to face the new challenges with new ideas."
    "The ancient ones may not like your progressive thinking."
    A small smile softened the hard line of Mikhail's mouth. "I think the ancient ones are far more progressive and flexible in their thinking than we are. However, I do have some concerns with this Christmas party Raven has insisted on."
    "Alexandria thought it was a good idea as well," Aidan said. "It gives her a chance to meet with the other women. She also feels it will aid Shea in giving birth. With so many of us here, there is a better chance the child will survive."
    "Shea is close, this night or the next. Raven, like Alexandria, feels the party will create a feeling of family among the Carpathian couples and give hope to the remaining males, especially with the female children and Shea having a successful