Carpathian 17 - Dark Celebration

it. You should have seen us. I couldn't really see the ingredients, so Byron read each off and Josef handed them to me."
    "Oh, no." Skyler's smile flashed again, this time wider, reaching her eyes. "He probably didn't know what they were."
    "Neither did Byron. I didn't think about the fact that they wouldn't know what seasonings or anything else was for that matter. Our first attempt ended up in a hole in the backyard."

    "Francesca and I made gingerbread houses and we insisted Gabriel help us. It was fun to see him look so helpless. He's always so invincible."
    "That is a good thing, Skyler," Antonietta pointed out. "I think the men are finished with their quiet and well-ordered discussion."
    There was a moment of silence, and then both women broke into laughter. Skyler waited a heartbeat and Gabriel was beside her. He held out his hand and she took it immediately.
    "I'm sorry, Gabriel. I really couldn't stop myself."
    "I know, baby. You are not in trouble, although I am thinking of tying you to my side.
    Francesca needs to see you. She's very anxious."
    Skyler nodded. "Where's Dimitri? You didn't fight with him, did you? You really do know that he saved my life?"
    "It is difficult for one Carpathian to mislead another. Dimitri spoke the truth. He thought it best if he didn't upset you further." Gabriel flashed a smile toward Antonietta, reached to take her hand and bow low over her fingers. "Antonietta, as always, it is a pleasure to see you. Thank you for looking after my daughter."
    "It was my pleasure," Antonietta said. "She is welcome anytime."
    "Are we going to hear you play this evening?"
    "They've asked me to play. I am not certain the children will appreciate it, but as I hear Gregori is to play the role of Santa Claus, it may be the only thing that soothes them."
    Josef raced into the room, tried to skid to a halt and knocked into Gabriel, who caught him by his shirtfront and steadied him. Josef didn't seem to notice. "Skyler! I was afraid you'd already left. Paul and Ginny are expecting us over at their house. We have to hurry.
    We promised Sara we'd help her with the costumes."
    "Skyler will have to meet you there," Gabriel said firmly. "I'll bring her myself," he added before either could protest. "Francesca wants to see her."
    Josef scowled. "You don't think I can take care of her."
    "No one needs to take care of me," Skyler protested, glaring at Josef. "I'm not a baby."
    "He only meant keeping you safe from any outside harm," Antonietta hastily intervened.
    "Josef, Skyler will meet you there in a few minutes. You be careful as well." She smiled up at Byron as he materialized beside her, having escorted the other males out. He slipped his arm around her ultra feminine, curvaceous figure and dropped a kiss on the top of her head.
    They followed Gabriel and Skyler to the door to wave. Byron pulled Antonietta into his arms. "What is it? I could feel you becoming agitated, but I couldn't read why." His hands framed her face, thumbs sliding in a caress over her skin. "I'm sorry our house was invaded just when you were composing. I know it's very important for you to have quiet while you work."
    "That's not it. And besides, Josef is never quiet." The young Carpathian stayed with them most of the time. He enjoyed Italy and the palazzo where they resided. Mostly, Antonietta thought he admired Byron and wanted to be close to him. There were times he got the exact same expression on his face and imitated Byron's gestures. Byron paid attention to him, worked with him on his Carpathian skills—showed an interest.
    He exasperates me no end.
    You love him and he feels that. He needs you.
    Byron made gave an inelegant snort. "Josef, if you think for even one moment your life is in danger, you call me and every other male in the vicinity You have no business taking on a vampire at your age. You may have the courage, but not yet the skill." He eyed the younger man with a stern eye. "Do I have your word?"
    Josef nodded. "Yes." He started out the door, then turned back toward Byron, tears glittering for a brief moment before he managed to control them. "I nearly got her killed, didn't I? I should have reached out the minute I saw the trapped wolf shifting. It all happened so fast." He ducked his head. "I couldn't move. At all. I don't have courage, Byron. I was afraid."
    "You are supposed to be afraid. No one does everything right in their first encounter with a vampire. Dimitri is a hunter and a damn good one. He's