Carpathian 17 - Dark Celebration

she does not love? That is wrong .
    There is only one lifemate. Her love for Gary will fade with time and if she truly gives her new life a chance, she will find happiness with her true mate.
    Raven sniffed in exasperation. You have no idea what you re going to do about this situation, do you ?
    Mikhail raked a hand through his hair. He loves her so much. Whenever I am with him I feel it. And he has spoken to Gregori often of his feelings for her. Since her near death, he has rarely left her side, holding vigil until she awakened. None of us could get him to eat.
    This is going to be bad, Raven .
    Raven sent him comfort, camaraderie, a soothing touch of her fingers trailing down his face. He wanted to leave this house with all its complications and go to where there was joy. In the midst of all the problems, with the enemies coming at them from every side, there was Raven and her ready smile, her warmth and ability to bring happiness and laughter to those around her.
    "They're here!" Joie announced. "Mom, be gentle with her," she added, clinging tightly to Traian's hand.
    "You don't have to tell me that," Mrs. Sanders said with a small frown.
    Mikhail rose intending to excuse himself. Jubal came in, flicking a warning glance at his mother and father, then stepped aside to allow Gabrielle into the room. She looked beautiful, tall and dark-haired with gray eyes and a full mouth. Her skin was pale and she trembled visibly, but the man at her side slipped his arm around her for support.
    "Mom. Dad. It's wonderful to see you." Tears swam in Gabrielle's large eyes, turning them charcoal.
    Her parents rose, taking several steps toward their daughter. Mrs. Sanders stopped abruptly, the color draining from her face. She lifted her face and sniffed several times, testing the air. One hand went up defensively and she screamed, backing away from the couple.
    Gabrielle's skin went dead white and she turned her face into Gary's shoulder at her mother's rejection. Joie and Jubal sprang in front of their sister, blocking her from her parents' view. Mikhail moved with blurring speed, putting his body between the hysterical mother and her daughter. Gary swept Gabrielle into his arms, holding her close, and Traian stepped between Joie's parents and his sister-in-law, shielding them with his larger frame.
    Mrs. Sanders dropped to her knees, her keening wail rising, filling the house. Mr.
    Sanders tried to bring her to her feet, but she struggled against him, shaking her head from side to side, wailing the entire time. "Mom! Get control," Jubal snapped. "It's Gabrielle and she needs you to be strong, not turn away from her."
    Traian and Mikhail exchanged an apprehensive glance.
    Joie raised her chin. "She is what I am. If you can't deal with Gabrielle as a Carpathian, you'd better know that I'm one and so is Traian. We stand with Gabrielle."
    Mrs. Sander's entire demeanor changed. She rose slowly to her feet, her eyes going opaque, her body suddenly fluid and catlike. Her head went down in a classic stalking manner. "Get away from my daughter." She enunciated each word.
    "Marissa," Mr. Sanders reprimanded sharply.
    She growled at him, a deadly hiss accompanying the warning. Her fingers began to curl and her body stretched, muzzle elongating. Bones cracked and her spine bent.
    "Mom!" Joie sounded horrified. "Mom, stop!"
    Traian stepped in front of his lifemate, his heavier body shoving her back. At the same time he swept her brother behind him with one powerful arm.
    "Mom." Jubal added his plea. "What are you doing?"
    Mikhail stepped up to Traian's side. The two Carpathians stood shoulder to shoulder facing the threat. "Mrs. Sanders." Mikhail was calm, trying to reach the mind of Gabrielle's mother.
    He found a red haze of anger, a cauldron of fear. Seams burst. Material ripped. Fur burst across skin and she was on the floor, teeth filling her muzzle. Mr. Sanders tried to put a calming hand on her, but she ripped at him with razor-sharp claws.
    Traian sprang forward, using preternatural speed, a blur of motion, scooping up Joie's father and shoving him toward his daughter. Mr. Sander's arm bled from the long, deep scratches, and Joie sobbed as she hastily reached for her father.
    "Dad, what's wrong with her? You obviously know. Tell us."
    "What is she?" Jubal demanded.
    "Jaguar," Traian supplied. "She is from a pure jaguar bloodline."
    The cat crouched, tail switching in agitation, eyes on the two Carpathian males blocking her path to her