Carpathian 17 - Dark Celebration

Claus suit."
    "Julian always loved a good prank," Dimitri admitted, "but I will visit him later when I am in more control. Isn't his lifemate kin to Gregori?"
    Mikhail nodded. "Desari is Gregori's younger sister. She's very talented."
    "Have you met the man who kept them all alive when we thought they were lost to us?"
    Dimitri asked. "He must be a powerful Carpathian."
    Mikhail nodded. "Ah, Darius. Elusive. Quiet. Says what he means. Few would ever think to cross him. He is much like his brothers. Confident in his abilities and powers. It is interesting to witness the Daratrazanoff brothers together. There is no jostling for leadership. Each is his own man, yet blends well with the others. It is a strong lineage."
    "I heard Dominic of the Dragonseekers had returned."
    "He was gravely injured in our last battle with the vampires and the mage, Razvan.
    Dominic still rests beneath the ground. Francesca and Gregori would very much like to have a healing session for him before she leaves for Paris."
    Dimitri stood up, squaring his shoulders. "Tell Julian I will see him later, at the party. I will patrol the forest and try to pick up the scent of our enemies. The wolves may have information for me."
    "Be very careful, Dimitri. They followed the trail of energy back to Skyler, but if blood is calling them, remember you also carry her scent as she does yours. You could be marked as well."
    Dimitri's mouth hardened into a cruel line. "I would welcome the chance at them. They will not find me as easy a target as they would find Skyler."
    Before Mikhail could respond, Dimitri turned and sprinted away, shifting on the run, going to all fours without breaking stride, the movement so seamless and fluid that Mikhail knew no one could have matched him. The ripple of power was breathtaking, and Mikhail stared at the spot where Dimitri had shifted, the tracks in the snow, one moment man, the next wolf. The wonder of his species struck him as it did so often, but as always, on the heels of that wonder came the inevitable burden of responsibility.
    My love. You are worried . Raven touched his mind with her warmth. At once the rush of love filled his mind bringing him comfort.
    It is nothing. I will be with Julian and Desari. Would you like to join us?
    I cannot. I do not like the look of this gravy. It is… lumpy.
    Mikhail found himself smiling at the annoyance in her voice. If the gravy didn't behave, Raven was going to throw it outside in the snow and use it for target practice. The woman had a bit of a temper, and apparently the cooking wasn't going very well.
    I do not find your amusement in the least bit helpful.
    Amusement ? Mikhail took to the sky, his body reshaping into that of an owl. He winged his way over the forest toward the house where Julian was staying. I am certain I did not feel in the least amused over you muttering threats to human gravy you are not going to be consuming yourself.
    There was a heartbeat of silence. Alarm spread through him. Raven? You are not going to attempt to eat human food, are you ?
    I'm considering whether or not it would add to the illusion that we are human. Some of the villagers will be there as well as a guest or two.
    Mikhail drew in his breath, his wings beating ferociously as he dipped through the trees, the snowflakes on his feathers. You go too far with this silly feast of yours, woman .
    Her retaliatory amusement washed over him, bringing a flood of warmth. Only Raven teased him like this—unexpectedly, lovingly—daring the wrath of the prince of the Carpathian people. He sent her an impression of bared fangs, but it didn't do much to intimidate her. She only laughed and went back to her lumpy gravy.
    Below him, Mikhail spotted Julian Savage running in the snow, his long blond hair like his brother Aidan's—streaming behind him, something tucked under his arm, while a woman chased after him and another man raised his hand, calling out. Julian launched the object into the air and the man caught it, waving it triumphantly over his head. Mikhail landed on the railing of Julian's home and shifted back to his normal form.
    "It isn't funny, Julian," the woman called out with a small sniff of disdain. "That's for the midnight dinner." She glared at the other man. "Barack, you give that to me right this minute."
    "No one could eat it, sweetheart." Julian circled around her, careful to keep out of reach.
    "Unless they plan on using it for shoe leather."

    Barack flashed a grin. "We could