Carpathian 17 - Dark Curse

that way.\"
    Destiny nodded. \"We\'re not utilizing modern technologies for our searches.\"
    \"If you create a database, our enemies will have their targets laid out before them like a feast,\" Lucian objected. \"Do you think the moment word got out, as it would, that we have stored names and locations of potential life mates our enemies would not move on that as fast as they could?\"
    Nicolas frowned. \"There has to be a way to protect the database. It does not sound like a bad idea.\"
    \"Our enemy thought of it before us,\" Destiny said. \"They have a psychic research center called the
    \'Morrison Center\' in the United States. I\'m betting they\'ve established them everywhere. The women go to the center, are tested and then they are targets for murder. The database already exists.\"
    Several of the men without life mates exchanged long looks of complete understanding. One stepped forward.
    Nicolas had seen the man once, years earlier, but only when he had passed through the Amazon forest chasing a vampire. Like most males without emotion or color, he had been solitary and rather curt when they had met.
    His name was André. Nicolas had tracked him and found evidence that the man had been wounded in the ensuing battle, but he was long gone from De La Cruz territory.
    André gave a stiff bow toward the two women before addressing the others. He stood tall and straight, his face a chiseled mask, his eyes hollow. \"If there is a database already of potential life mates, I say we take it over. We have all accumulated wealth through the years, we can buy them out legally, or hack into their system, or just walk in and take over those running the place by using mind control. Once we have control, we turn the site into a fortress.\"
    \"It is a calculated risk,\" Lucian said. \"The more we expose ourselves the chances of discovery are greater.
    The world of computers and modern technology-with cameras on every cell phone and nearly every public place one goes outside of these mountains-raises the danger to all of us.\"
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    Christine Feehan: Dark Curse
    \"I am more than willing to take that chance if it increases the odds that even one of us will find a life mate.
    We cannot afford to wait to give our protection to these women,\" André declared.
    There was a note in his voice that told Nicolas he was asking permission and most likely would go after the database whether it was okayed or not. Judging from the looks on the other males without life mates, André
    would have a lot of help.
    Gregori started to speak but Mikhail forestalled him by moving into the center of the circle. He looked around the chamber filled with many single males, men who had given their lives to sustaining a dying species.
    \"This opportunity is far too important to pass up, whatever the risk. In any case, if these women are in danger whether they are true life mates or not, they need our protection. I will meet with you next rising to discuss this issue and come up with a plan of action.\"
    André again gave a small bow toward the women and slipped toward the back of the chamber where he obviously was more comfortable and less exposed.
    Mikhail, many of our males are desperate. They could abuse this situation, turning into stalkers of these women if we are not careful. This could become a huge problem, Gregori cautioned.
    I am well aware of that. But it is a sound idea and one, once voiced, that cannot be taken back. These men are indeed desperate and they will go to whatever lengths it takes to acquire this list of potential life mates. If we control the list, we can protect the women.
    So be it.
    \"Once this information is acquired, however we do it, we have to make certain the guardian will stand against any and all who would force them to give it up.\" Mikhail took a careful look around the chamber to ensure everyone understood him. \"These women are targeted for murder. We do not want to expose them to any more risk than they already are under.\"
    \"It\'s all part of the master plan to destroy our species,\" Nicolas said. \"If our enemies can successfully eliminate our women and children, and all potential life mates, all hope is lost and a good portion of our males will join their ranks.\"
    \"Do we pull back and protect ourselves by calling everyone back to the Carpathian Mountains?\" Gregori asked. \"We have a better chance of protecting our own by gathering together. Our enemies\' numbers have increased and they are now