Carpathian 17 - Dark Curse

memories. We have to invite that part of her to return and it must feel safe to do so.\"
    \"Invite it?\" Nicolas echoed.
    Gregori shrugged. \"Do not worry, I will get back what is lost for her. We dare not leave even a small fragment of her soul in the lower realm too long. If Xavier is alive, he will sense her there and like Lara tracking his evil, he will be able to acquire a piece of her.\"
    More sage and sweet grass was laid on the hot rocks. The women began the healing chant, the longer version often used to retrieve the soul of someone who had died. Nicolas found every muscle tight, his stomach Page 160

    Christine Feehan: Dark Curse
    muscles bunched and knotted in apprehension. He would much rather face a dozen skilled vampires than have to rely on someone else to aid Lara.
    I am a healer and I cannot help my children or my life mate.
    Nicolas accepted the brief statement as the closest thing to an apology he would get from Gregori. And he understood what would drive a man to rage now. Impotence. Helplessness. The inability to defend what was his.
    Nicolas bent his head and brushed kisses along Lara\'s cold forehead. She shivered continually, but she was aware of him. Her gaze clung to his and there was trust there. He was grateful for that much from her.
    Gregori wasted little time, shedding his physical body and traveling, first into Lara, and then guiding them straight to the tree of life. His experience showed, Nicolas thought. He moved with complete confidence, meeting animals along the way, showing respect as he made inquiries, tracking what Lara had left behind in her haste to bring a killer from Raven\'s body.
    Gregori\'s manners on the journey were impeccable, even when he found what was lost, politely inviting it home, persuading the stressed fragment it would be returning to a safe environment. The soft healing chant added to the healer\'s persuasive voice and in the end, the fragment returned to Lara without much trouble.
    Gregori swayed a little from the drain of energy. \"She needs blood and rest.\" He had seen the wealth of childhood memories pouring into Lara\'s mind.
    \"I am taking her home,\" Nicolas declared.
    \"No!\" Savannah pressed both hands over the rounded curve of her belly. \"I feel that thing tearing at my children, hurting them. Making them feel unwanted. I can\'t wait another rising.\" She reached out her hand toward Lara in a pleading gesture. \"I swear to you, I would if I could. I know what this costs you, but they\'re hurting.\" Tears streamed down her face and she turned to Gregori.
    He was there instantly, cupping the back of her head, pressing her damp face against his chest, but he said nothing-simply waited.
    Lara turned back on shaky legs, her stomach knotting at the prospect, but Savannah was right. They couldn\'t allow the babies to suffer any longer than necessary.
    \"Absolutely not,\" Nicolas said. \"I forbid it, Lara.\" He ignored the stubborn look on her face. \"You barely made it out last time in one piece. If it has to be done, I will do it.\"
    \"How? If a man could do it, the healer would have already. It has to be a woman and that woman has to recognize Xavier\'s touch. It\'s very faint and difficult to follow.\"
    \"Natalya can go,\" Nicolas said. He was beginning to feel desperate, his skin too tight, his skull pressing down on his mind.
    \"She cannot and I think you know that. There is no one else.\" There was quiet despair in her voice and it shattered him.
    The chamber was quiet, but he could feel all eyes on him. His gaze was locked with Lara\'s. She didn\'t want to go, and a part of her even wanted him to stop her, but both of them knew she had no real choice. How could Page 161

    Christine Feehan: Dark Curse
    she live with herself if she allowed two unborn babies to suffer as she had suffered, when she knew the lasting effects? When she knew the killer would double his efforts to rid the world of the grandchildren of the prince?
    Nicolas.
    She whispered his name and for the first time he heard love. His heart jerked hard in his chest. This then, was love. This terrible wrenching inside, an ache that was unrelenting. The terrible need to make her world right.
    SÃ-vamet-my heart. And he meant it.
    I will need blood to make this journey.
    He swallowed his protest. She had to go and he had to let her.
    Gregori stepped forward, drawing their attention, extending his wrist. \"I offer freely, my life for your life.\"
    There was a small silence. Lara forced a