Carpathian 20 - Dark Slayer

nor had the wolves. One moment there was no one and the next he stood there, tall and powerful with slashing silver eyes. He kept his gaze on her, and she had the feeling he took in everything—her wolves, Gary, the battle scene and every wound.
    â€œAre you all right, Gary?―
    â€œShe saved our lives, Gregori,― Gary explained.
    Ivory had known exactly who this man was the moment she’d laid eyes on him. She’d known his elder brothers, Lucian and Gabriel, but Gregori was a legend in his own right—and she wanted no part of him. She stood slowly, careful not to make any sudden moves, keeping the arrow trained on him. She signaled to the wolves and they all moved behind her.

    â€œWe are in your debt, lady,― Gregori said, inclining his head. “I am a healer. Perhaps I could aid you in return for the great service you rendered.―
    She knew he was deliberately formal in his speech, recognizing her as an ancient, but she refused to allow him to lull her into a false sense of security. She didn’t trust him any more than she had Sergey. Behind him another man materialized and she heard herself gasp. For one horrible instant she was certain Draven was alive and had come for her again. It took her a moment to realize this had to be Mikhail Dubrinsky, Draven’s younger brother, the reigning prince of the Carpathian people.
    She took a step back, the arrow switching immediately to cover the intruder’s heart. Gregori stepped deliberately in front of the prince, holding his hand palm outward toward her. “No one wants to hurt you. We are in your debt.―
    Behind him, the prince gently guided Gregori to one side. “I am Mikhail Dubrinsky and we are in your debt.―
    â€œI know who you are.― She couldn’t keep the bitterness from her voice. “I gave my aid freely to the child, and this man has more than repaid any debt owed to me.―
    Farkas, on your feet now .
    The wolf rose obediently and stumbled, nearly falling again.
    She cursed, knowing he was too weak to cross the distance on his own. She couldn’t go back to her lair, not wounded and bleeding. She’d leave a blood trail in the sky. It wouldn’t be visible, but the droplets could be scented and anyone who wished to could find her.
    Gregori took a step closer and her other hand went to her holster. Ivory shook her head. “I do not wish to do battle with you, but if you insist, I will do so.―
    â€œI wish only to aid you.―
    â€œDo so by giving me free passage through your land. I will take my pack and go.―
    â€œYou are a Carpathian woman without a lifemate and in need of our protection,― Gregori said, his voice soft and compelling.
    â€œI am an ancient warrior with a lifemate and I fight my own battles. I have no allegiance to your people and none to your prince. Know this, dark one—I will fight to the death to retain my freedom. I wish only to be left alone.― She took another step back.
    â€œIf you leave without aid, you will be vulnerable to any attack,― Gregori answered, his voice more gentle than ever.
    â€œAs a Carpathian warrior, a male, the healer of our people, I cannot allow you to go without first seeing to your care.―
    Her sword swung up, her dark eyes catching fire even as despair swept through her. “Then know it will be a fight to the death. I want no help from you or from any of your people.―
    Her wolves spread out, even Farkas, facing the Carpathian males—enemies now—circling the men with teeth bared.
    4
    Razvan came aware slowly. At first he thought he was dreaming, but dreams such as lying in soil had long ago disappeared from his imagination. He was certain though, absolutely certain, he could feel loam, rich in minerals, surrounding him like a warm comforting blanket, the earth cradling him, his body warm, hunger a distant memory. And that made no sense.
    His eyes snapped open, power consuming him, shaking him, more than he’d ever imagined, more than he’d ever conceived of or dreamt. It ran through his body like a rising tidal wave, rushing through veins, pumping through his heart, exploding through organs and sinew until he was filled with power. Light radiated from his body as he burst through the layers of soil to the surface. Dirt geysered up, hitting the high rock ceiling above his head and