Dark Legend (Book 8)

ChapterOne

Disoriented,hewokedeepwithintheground.Thefirstsensationhefeltwashunger.Itwasnoordinary
hunger,butoneofgut-wrenching,skin-crawlingnecessity.Hewasstarving.Everycellinhisbody
demandednourishment.Helaythereinsilencewhilethehungergnawedathimlikearat.Itattackednot
onlyhisbody,butalsohismindsothathefearedforallothers,humansandCarpathiansalike.Fearedfor
himself.Fearedforhissoul.Thistimethedarknesswasspreadingfastandhissoulwasinjeopardy.

Whatdaredtodisturbhissleep?Moreimportantly,haditdisturbedLucian'ssleep?Gabrielhadlocked
Lucianintotheearth,centuriesago,longerthanhecaredtothinkabout.IfLucianhadawakenedwhenhe
had,ifhehadbeendisturbedbythesamemovementsaboveground,thentherewaseverychancehe
wouldrisebeforeGabrielcouldfindthestrengthtostophim.

Itwasintenselydifficulttothinkwiththisterriblehungergrippinghim.Howlonghadhebeeninthe
earth?Abovehim,hesensedthesunsetting.Afterallthelongcenturies,hisinternalclockcouldstillfeel
thesettingofthesunandthebeginningoftheirtime:Creaturesofthenight.Thegroundsuddenlyshifted.
Gabrielfelthisheartslamhardinhischest.Hehadwaitedtoolong,spenttoomuchtimetryingtogethis
bearings,tryingtoclearhiscloudedmind.Lucianwasrising.Lucian'sneedforpreywouldbeasgreatas
hisown;hisappetitewouldbevoracious.Therewouldbenowaytostophim,notwhileGabrielwasso
weakhimself.

Becausehehadnochoice,Gabrielburstthroughthelayersofearthwherehehadlainburiedforsolong,
wherehehaddeliberatelyslumbered,choosingtoburyhimselfinthegroundashelockedLuciantohim.
ThefightinthePariscemeteryhadbeenalong,horrendousbattle.BothLucianandGabrielhadsustained
gravewounds,woundsthatshouldhavekilledthem.Lucianhadgonetogroundjustoutsidethesanctified
burialgroundoftheancientcemeterywhileGabrielhadsoughtsanctuarywithinit.Gabrielhadbeentired
ofthelongcenturiesofbleakdarkness,theblackemptyvoidofhisexistence.

Hedidnothavetheluxuryofchoosingtowalkintothedawnasmostofhiskinddid.TherewasLucian.
Histwin.Lucianwasstrongandbrilliant,alwaystheleader.Therewasnooneelseskilledenough,
powerfulenoughtohuntanddestroyLucian.TherewasonlyGabriel.Hehadspentseverallifetimes
followingwhereLucianled,huntingthevampire,theundeadwithhim,relyingonhisbattlesense.There
hadbeennootherlikeLucian,noneasbrilliantathuntingthevampire,thescourgeoftheirrace.Lucian
hadagift.YetLucianhadfinallysuccumbedtothedarkwhisperofpower,theinsidiouscallofbloodlust.
Lucianhadgivenuphissoul,choosingthewayofthedamned,turningintotheverymonsterhehad
pursuedforcenturies.Thevampire.

Gabrielhadspenttwocenturieshuntinghisbelovedbrother,buthehadneverfullyrecoveredfromthe
shockofLucian'sturning.Finallyaftercountlessbattlesinwhichneitherwasvictorious,hemadethe
decisiontolockhistwinintheearthforalltime.GabrielhadchasedLucianthroughoutEurope;theirfinal
confrontationtookplaceinParis,acityrampantwithvampiresanddebauchery.Aftertheterriblebattlein
thecemetery,wherebothofthemsufferedhorrendouswoundsandlossofblood,hewaiteduntilLucian
waslyingunsuspectinglyintheearth,andthenheboundhistwintohim,forcinghimtoremainthere.The

strugglewasnotover,yetitwastheonlysolutionGabrielcoulddevise.Hewastiredandaloneand
withoutcomfortofanykind.Hewantedrest,yethecouldnotseekthedawnuntilLucianwasfully
destroyed.Itwasaterriblefatehehadchosen,dead,yetnotdead,buriedforalleternity,butGabriel
couldthinkofnootherway.Nothingshouldhavedisturbedthem,yetsomethinghad.Somethinghad
movedtheearthabovetheirheads.

Gabrielhadnoideahowmuchtimehadpassedwhilehehadrestedintheearth,yethisbodywasstarved
forblood.Heknewhisskinwasgrayanddrawntightoverhisskeletonlikethatofanoldman.Atonce,
asheburstintotheair,heclothedhimself,addingalong,hoodedcapetohidehisappearancewhilehe
huntedthroughthecity.Justthatsmallactiondrainedtheenergyfromhiswizenedbody.Heneededblood
desperately.Hewassoweakhenearlyfellfromthesky.

Ashesettledtotheground,hestaredinastonishmentatthehugecontraptionsthathaddisturbedthesleep
ofcenturies.Thosecontraptions,soalientohim,hadawakenedademonsodeadlytheworldcouldnever
comprehenditspower.Thosecontraptionshadunleashedthatdemonuponthemodernworld.Gabriel
tookadeepbreath,inhaledthenight.Atoncehewasassaultedbysomanysmells,hisstarvingbodycould
barelyassimilatethemall.

Hungerateathimunmercifully,relentlessly,andherealizedwithasinkingheartthathewassocloseto
turning,hehadpreciouslittlecontrol.Whenhewasforcedtofeed,thedemoninhimwouldrise.
Neverthelesshehadnorealchoiceinthematter.Hehadtohavesustenancetohunt.Ifhedidnothunt
Lucian,protecthumansandCarpathiansalike,whowould?

Gabrieldrewthethickcloakcloseraroundhisbodyashestaggeredthroughthegraveyard.Hecouldsee
wherethemachineshaddisturbedtheearth.Apparentlythegravesiteswerebeingdugupandremoved.
Hefoundthespot,justoutsidethesanctifiedground,wherethesoilhadboiledupoutoftheearthas
Lucianhadrisen.Foramomenthesankdownonhiskneestoburybothhandsinthedirt.Lucian.His
brother.Histwin.Hebowedhisheadinsorrow.Howoftenhadtheysharedknowledge?Sharedbattles?
Blood?Nearlytwothousandyearstheyhadbeentogether,foughtfortheirpeople,huntedtheundeadand
destroyedthem.Nowhewasalone.Lucianwasthelegendarywarrior,thegreatestoftheirpeople,yethe
hadfallenassomanyhadbeforehim.Gabrielwouldhavebethislifethathistwinwouldneverhave
succumbedtothedarkwhisperofpower.

Gabrielstoodupslowlyandbegantowalktowardthestreet.Thelongyearsthathadgonebyhad
changedtheworld.Everythingwasdifferent.Heunderstoodnoneofit.Hewassodisoriented,evenhis
sightwashazy.Hestumbledalong,tryingtostayawayfromthepeoplecrowdingthestreets.Theywere
everywhereandtheyavoidedtouchinghim.Hetouchedtheirmindsbriefly.Theythoughthiman"old
homelessman,"perhapsadrunkoreveninsane.Noonelookedhisway,noonewantedtoseehim.He
wasshriveled,hisskingray.Hedrewthelongcloakevencloser,hidinghiswitheredbodywithinits
folds.

Hungerassailedhissensessothathisfangsexplodedinhismouthanddrippedwithanticipationofa
feast.Heneedednourishmentdesperately.Stumbling,almostblind,hecontinuedalongthestreet.Thecity
wassodifferent,nolongertheParisofold,butahugesprawlingcomplexofbuildingsandpavedstreets.
Lightswereblazingfromtheinteriorofthemassivestructuresandfromstreetlampsoverhead.Itwasnot
thecityherememberedorwithwhichhewascomfortable.

Heshouldhavecaughtthenearestpreyandfedvoraciouslytobringhiminstantstrength,butthedreadof

beingunabletostophimselfwasuppermostinhismind.Hemustnotallowthebeasttocontrolhim.He
hadasworndutytohispeople,tothehumanrace,butmostimportantlytohisbelovedbrother.Lucianhad
beenhishero,theoneheplacedaboveallothers,anddeservedlyso.Theyhadtakenavowtogetherand
hewouldhonoritasLucianwouldhavedoneforhim.Nootherhunterwouldbeallowedtodestroyhis
brother;itwashistaskalone.

Thesmellofbloodwasoverpowering.Itbeatathimwiththesameintensityashishunger.Thesoundofit
rushingthroughveins,ebbingandflowing,burgeoningwithlife,tauntedhim.Inhispresentstateof
weaknesshewouldbeunabletocontrolhisprey,tokeephisvictimcalm.Thatwouldonlyaddtothe
powerofthedemonrising.

"Sir,mayIhelpyouinsomeway?Areyouill?"Itwasthemostbeautifulvoicehehadeverheard.She
spokeinflawlessFrench,heraccentperfect,buthewasuncertainwhethershewasactuallyFrench.To
hisamazement,herwordsbroughthimcomfort,asifhervoicealonecouldsoothehim.

Gabrielshuddered.Thelastthinghewantedwastofeastonaninnocentwoman.Withoutlookingather,
heshookhisheadandcontinuedwalking.Hewassoweakhestumbledagainsther.Shewastalland
slenderandsurprisinglystrong.Immediatelyshewrappedherarmaroundhim,ignoringhismusty,dirty
odor.Themomentshetouchedhimhefeltasenseofpeaceseepingintohistorturedsoul.Theunrelenting
hungerlessenedandaslongasshewastouchinghim,hefeltasemblanceofcontrol.

Deliberatelyhekepthisfaceavertedfromher,knowinghiseyeswouldshowtheredhazeofthedemon
risinginhim.Hercloseproximityshouldhavetriggeredhisviolentinstinctsinsteadshesoothedhim.She
wasdefinitelythelastpersonhewantedtouseasprey.Hesensedhergoodness,herresolvetohelphim,
hercompleteselflessness.Hercompassionandgoodnessweretheonlyreasonshehadnotattackedand
sunkhisfangsdeepwithinherveinswheneveryshrunkencellandfiberofhisbeingdemandedhedoso
forhisownself-preservation.

Shewasurginghimtowardasleekcontraptionattheedgeofthesidewalk."Areyouinjured,orjust
hungry?"sheasked."There'sahomelessshelterrightupthestreet.Theycangiveyouaplacetostayfor
thenightandahotmeal.Letmetakeyouthere.Thisismycar.Pleasegetinandletmehelpyou."

Hervoiceseemedtowhisperoverhim,aseductionofthesenses.Hetrulyfearedforherlife,forhisown
soul.Buthewasfartooweaktoresist.Heallowedhertoseathiminthecar,buthehuddledasfarfrom
herashewasable.Nowthattherewasnolongeranyphysicalcontact,hecouldhearthebloodrushingin
herveins,callingtohim.Whisperinglikethemosttemptingseductress.Hungerroaredthroughhimsothat
hewasshakingwiththeneedtosinkhisteethdeepintohervulnerableneck.Hecouldhearherheart,the
steadybeatthatwentonandon,threateningtodrivehimmad.Hecouldalmosttastetheblood,knowingit
wouldpourintohismouth,downhisthroatashegorgedhimself.

"MynameisFrancescaDelPonce,"shetoldhimgently."Pleasetellmeifyou'rehurtorinneedof
medicalattention.Don'tworryaboutthecost.Ihavefriendsatthehospitalandthey'llhelpyou."She
didn'taddwhathegleanedfromherthoughts:sheoftenbroughtinindigentsandpaidthebillherself.

Gabrielremainedsilent.Itwasallhecoulddotoshieldhisownthoughts,anautomaticprotectionLucian
haddrilledintohimfromthetimetheyweremerefledglings.Thelureofbloodwasoverpowering.Itwas
onlythegoodnessradiatingfromherthatpreventedhimfromleapinguponherandfeastingashis
shriveledcellscriedoutforhimtodo.

Francescaglancedattheoldmanworriedly.Shehadn'tseenhisfaceclearly,buthewasgraywithhunger
andshakingwithfatigue.Helookedstarved.Whenshetouchedhimshesensedaterribleconflictwithin
himandhisbodyragedwithhunger.Ittookcontrolnottoracethroughthestreetstotheshelter.She
wanteddesperatelytogethimaid.Hersmallwhiteteethworriedatherbottomlip.Shefeltanxiety,an
emotionFrancescacouldnotrememberfeelinginalongwhile.Sheneededtogivethismanaidand
comfort.Theurgewassostrong,itwasalmostacompulsion.

"Don'tworry,Icantakecareofthingsforyou.Justsitbackandrelax."Francescadrovewithherusual
abandonthroughthestreets.Mostofthepolicemenknewhercarandwoulddonomorethangrinather
whenshebrokeallthelaws.Shewasahealer.Anexceptionalhealer.Itwashergifttotheworld.Ithad
madefriendsforhereverywhere.Thosethatdidn'tcareaboutfavorsorhealingcaredaboutthefactthat
shehadagreatdealofmoneyandagreatmanypoliticalconnections.

Shepulleduptotheshelterandstoppedthecaralmostatthedoor.Shedidn'twanttheoldmantohaveto
walktoofar.Heseemedreadytotoppleoveratanymoment.Thehoodofhisunusualcapeconcealedhis
hairfromher,butshehadtheimpressionitwaslongandthickandold-fashioned.Rushingaroundthe
frontofthecar,shereachedinsidetohelphimout.

Gabrieldidn'twanthertotouchhimagain,buthecouldn'thelphimself.Therewassomethingvery
soothinginhertouch,almosthealing.Ithelpedhimtoholdtheterriblecravingatbayforalittlewhile
longer.Thecontraptionhewasridingin,thespeedatwhichitrushedthroughthestreets,madehimsick
anddizzy.Heneededtoorienthimselftotheworldhewasin.Findouttheyear.Studythenew
technology.Mostofallheneededtofindthestrengthtofeedwithoutallowingthedemondeepwithinhim
toreignsupreme.Hecouldfeelitinhim,theredhaze,theanimalinstinctsrisingtoovercomethethin
veneerofcivility.

"Francesca!Anotherone?We'resofullthisevening."MarvinChallotglanceduneasilyattheelderlyman
shewashelpingtowardthedoor.Somethingaboutthemanraisedthehaironthebackofhisneck.He
lookedoldandgnarled,hisfingernailstoolongandtoosharp,buthewasobviouslysoweakMarvinfelt
guiltythathedidn'twantanythingtodowiththisstranger.Hewasashamedofhimselfforthefeelingof
revulsion,buthewasactuallyrepulsedbytheoldman.HecouldhardlyrefuseFrancesca.Shecontributed
moremoney,moretimeandmoreeffortthananyoneelse.Ifitweren'tforher,therewouldbenoshelter.

ReluctantlyMarvinreachedouttotaketheoldman'sarm.Gabrielinhaledsharply.ThemomentFrancesca
releasedhisarm,henearlylostallcontrol.Fangsexplodedinhismouthandthesoundofrushingblood
wassoloudhecouldhearnothingelse.Everythingdisappearedinaredhaze.Hunger.Starvation.Hehad
tofeed.Thedemonwithinhimlifteditsheadwitharoar,wrestledhimfortotalcontrol.

Marvinsensedhewasinmortaldanger.Thearmhehadtriedtoseizeseemedtocontort,thebones
poppingandcrackling,andfurrippledoverthewitheredskin.Marvinsmelledawild,pungentodorlike
thatofawolf.Hefoundhimselfdroppingtheelderlyman'sarminterror.Theheadturnedtowardhim
slowlyandhecaughtaglimpseofdeath.Wherethereshouldhavebeeneyes,thereweretwoempty,
pitilessholes.Marvinblinkedandtheeyeswerethereagain,redandflaming,likethoseofananimal
stalkingitsprey.Marvindidn'tknowwhichimpressionwasworsebuthedidn'twantanythingtodowith
theoldman,whateverhewas.Theeyesboredintohimliketheslashoffangs.

Marvincriedoutandjumpedback."No,Francesca,Ican'tallowit.There'snoroomheretonight.Idon't
wanthimhere."Hisvoiceshookwithterror.

Francescaalmostprotested,butsomethinginMarvin'sfacestoppedher.Shenoddedheracceptanceofhis
decision."It'sokay,Marvin.Icantakecareofhim."Verygentlysheslippedherarmaroundtheoldman's
waist."Comewithme."Hervoicewassoft,soothing.ShehidherirritationatMarvin'sreactionwell,but
itwasthere.

Gabriel'sfirstinclinationwastoputdistancebetweenthem.Hedidn'twanttokillherandheknewhe
wasdangerouslyclosetoturning.Yetitseemedsheanchoredhim.Shesoothedhimsothathecouldleash
thesavagebeastforthemoment.Gabrielleanedheavilyagainstherslenderbody.Herskinwaswarm,
whilehiswasice-cold.Hebreathedinherscentdeeply,carefultokeephisheadturnedawayfromher.
Hedidnotwanthertoseehimashewas,ademon,strugglingwithhisownsoul,strugglingdesperately
forhumanity.

"Francesca,"Marvinprotested."I'llcallsomeonetotakehimtothehospital.Perhapsapoliceman.Don't
bealonewithhim.Ithinkmaybehe'sinsane."

AsGabrielenteredthecarheturnedhisheadtolookbackatthemanstandingonthesidewalk,watching
themwithfearinhiseyes.Hestaredattheman'sthroat,hishandclosingintoatightfist.Foroneterrible
momenthealmostcrushedtheman'swindpipejustforwarningher.Withasoftancientoathhecurbedthe
impulse.Hunchingoneshoulder,hehuddleddeeperwithinthethickcloak.Hewantedtostayclosetothis
beautifulwomanandletherlightandcompassionbathehistorturedsoul.Healsowantedtorunasfar
fromheraspossibletokeephersafefromthemonstergrowingeverstrongerwithinhim.

Francescadidn'tseemintheleastbitnervousofhim.Ifanything,shewastryingtoreassurehim.Despite
Marvin'swarning,shesmiledatGabriel."Itwouldn'thurttodoacheckupatthehospital.Really,itwould
onlytakeaminute."

Gabrielshookhisheadslowlyinprotest.Shesmelledgood.Fresh.Clean.Hewastooweakeventoclean
himselfup.Itembarrassedhimthatshewouldseehiminsuchastate.Shewassobeautiful,shiningfrom
theinsideout.

Sheparkedinanareawhereitappearedhundredsofcontraptionslikehersweresittingempty."I'llbe
rightback.Don'ttrytogetout,it'sawasteofyourenergy.Thiswilljusttakeaminute."Shetouchedhis
shoulder,asmallgesturemeanttoreassure.Immediatelyhefeltthestrangelighteningofhisheavyburden.

Themomentshewasgonehewasassailedbyhungerthatclawedathisinsides,demandinghefeed.He
couldbarelybreathe.Hisheartwasbeatingveryslowly:onebeat,amissandanotherbeat.Hisbody
criedoutforblood.Fornourishment.Screamedforit.Heneeded.Thatwasall.Sosimple.Heneeded.
Craved.Needed.Itblendedtogetherintoonedesire.

Hesmelledit.Fresh.Heardit.Yethesmelledher,too,andhernearnesshelpedtoovercometheroaring
inhishead.Hisgutclenched,knotted.Amalewalkedbesideher.Thisonewasdifferentfromthelast.
ThismanwasyoungandhewaslookingatFrancescaasifshewerethesun,themoonandthestars.Every
fewstepstheyoungman'sbodywouldbrushFrancesca's.Somethingwicked,somethingdeepwithinhim
lifteditsheadandsnarledwithunexpecteddislike.Hisprey.Noonehadtherighttostandsoclosetoher.
Shewashis.Hehadmarkedherforhimself.Thethoughtcameunbiddenandatoncehewasashamed.
Still,hedidn'tlikethemalestandingsoclosetoherandittookeveryounceofhisdisciplinetokeepfrom
leapingonthemananddevouringhimthereonthespot.

"Brice,Ihavetogethome.Thisgentlemanneedshelp.Idon'thavetimetotalkrightnow.Ijuststoppedby
forafewsupplies."

BriceRenaldoputhishandonherarmtostopher."Ineedyoutolookatapatientforme,Francesca.A
littlegirl.Itwon'ttakethatlong."

"Notnow,I'llcomebacklatertonight."Francesca'svoicewassoftbutveryfirm.

Bricetightenedhisgrip,intendingtopullherback,butashedidso,hefeltsomethingmovingalonghis
skin.Lookingdownhesawseveralsmallspiderswithvicious-lookingfangscrawlingalonghisarm.
WithanoathheletgoofFrancescaandshookhisarmhard.Thespidersweregoneasifthey'dneverbeen
andFrancescawasalreadywalkingquicklytohersideofthecar.Shewaslookingathimasifhewerea
nut.Hestartedtoexplainbutwhenhecouldn'tseeanyevidenceofspiders,hedecideditwasn'tworththe
trouble.

Bricehurriedtothecar,deliberatelytakingherarmagain,bendinglowtopeerinthewindowatGabriel.
Hismouthimmediatelytwistedinadisgustedgrimace."MyGod,Francesca,wheredoyoufindthese
bums?"

"Brice!"Francescapulledherarmawayfromhimwithasmall,veryfemininegestureofannoyance."You
canbesocalloussometimes."Sheloweredhervoice,butGabriel,withhissuperiorhearing,heardthe
exchangequiteclearly."Justbecausesomeoneisoldorhasnomoneydoesnotmakehimuselessora
murderer.Thatisthereasonweneverquitemakeit,Brice.Youhavenocompassionforpeople."

"Whatdoyoumean,nocompassion?"Briceprotested."There'salittlegirlwhoneverdidanyoneany
harmsufferingandI'mdoingeverythingIcantohelpher."

Francescamovedaroundhimwhenhewouldhavestoppedher,andslidbehindthewheelofhercar.
"Laterthisevening.IpromiseI'lllookatthelittlegirltonightforyou."Shestartedthecar.

"You'renottakingthatoldmanhome,areyou?"Bricedemandedinspiteofheradmonishment."You'd
betterbetakinghimtotheshelter.He'sdirtyandprobablycoveredwithfleas.Youdon'tknowthefirst
thingabouthim.Imeanit,Francesca,don'tyoudaretakehimhomewithyou."

Francescagavehimonehaughtylittlefrownbeforeshedroveawaywithoutabackwardglance."Payno
attentiontoBrice.He'saverygooddoctor,buthelikestothinkhecantellmewhattodo."Sheglancedat
hersilentcompanion.Hewashunchedverysmallonhissideofthecar.Shestillhadnotgottenagood
lookathim.Notevenhisface.Hewashidingintheshadows,keepinghisfaceavertedfromher.She
wasn'tevencertainheunderstoodthatshewastryingtohelphim.Shehadtheimpressionofagreatman,
oneusedtowealthandauthority,probablyterriblyhumiliatedbyhispresentcircumstances.Ithadn't
helpedthatBricehadbeensorude."ItwillbejustafewminutesandI'llgetyousomewherewarmand
safe.Therewillbeplentyoffood."

Hervoicewassowonderful.Ittouchedhimsomewheredeepinside,calminghim,holdingthebeast
leashedwhenhecouldneverhavedonesoalone.Perhapsifshewasnearhimwhenhefedhewouldbe
abletocontrolthedemonwhenitrose.Gabrielburiedhisfaceinhishands.Godhelphim,hedidn'twant
tokillher.Hisbodyshookwiththeefforttocontrolitsneedforhotbloodpouringintoshriveled,starving
cells.Thiswassodangerous.Soincrediblydangerous.

Thecartookhimashortdistancefromthebusycitystreetsalonganarrowlanewheretreesandthick
shrubberygrew.Thehousewaslargeandrambledhereandtherewithnoparticularstyle.Itwasold-
fashionedwithawideverandahandlongstraightcolumns.Gabrielhesitatedwhenheopenedthedoorof
thecontraption.Shouldhegowithherorshouldhestay?Hewasweak.Hecouldn'twaitmuchlonger.He
hadtofeed.Hehadnochoice.

Francescatookhisarmandhelpedhimashestaggeredupthelongstairwaytothehouse."I'msorry,I
knowtherearequiteafewstairs.Youcanleanonmeifyouneedto."Shedidn'tknowwhyitwasso
imperativeshehelpthisstranger,buteverythinginherdemandedshedoso.

Withasinkingheart,Gabrielallowedthewomantohelphimupthenumerousstairstoherdwelling.He
feareditwasinevitablethathewouldkillher.Hewouldjointheranksoftheundeadandtherewouldbe
noonetodestroyLucian.Noonetodestroyeitherofthem.Noonecapableofdestroyingthem.Theworld
wouldhavetwomonstersunequaledinevil.Thereweretoomanyhoursuntildawn.Theneedforblood
wouldovercomehisgoodintentions.Andthispoorinnocentwomanwithfartoomuchcompassioninher
wouldbetheonetopaytheultimatepriceforherkindnessandmercytoonesuchashe.

"No!"Thedenialwasaharshgrowl.Gabrieltorehisarmfromhergraspandjerkedawayfromthedoor.
Hestaggered,losthisbalanceandfell.

AtonceFrancescawasbesidehim."Whatareyouafraidof?Iwon'thurtyou."Hewastremblingbeneath
herfingers,radiatingstarkfear.Hisheadwasaverted,hiddendeepwithinthefoldsofthehood,one
shoulderhunchedasiftoblockherout.

Gabrielgotslowlytohisfeet.Hedidn'thavethestrengthtogetawayfromthisyoungwoman,fromthe
warmthandcompassioninhervoice,fromthelifeburstinginherveins.Hebowedhisheadashestepped
throughthedoorwayintoherhome.Heprayedforstrength.Heprayedforforgiveness.Heprayedfora
miracle.

Francescaguidedhimthroughthelargeroomstothekitchen,wheresheseatedhimatanintricatelycarved
diningtable."There'sasmallbathroomofftoyourright.Thetowelsarecleanifyouwanttotakea
shower.You'rewelcometouseitwhileI'mheatingfood."

Gabrielsighedandshookhishead.Heroseslowlyandmovedacrossthefloortostandoverher.Close.
Soclosehesmelledherfaintenticingfragrancethroughthehazeofhisrawhunger."Iamsorry."He
whisperedthewordssoftly,meaningthem."Imustfeed,butthatisnotwhatIneed."Verygentlyhetook
thebowlfromherhandsandsetitonthecounter.

ForthefirsttimeFrancescasensedshewasindanger.Shestoodverystill,herlargeblackeyesstudying
hiscloakedfigure.Thenshenodded."Isee."Therewasnofearinhervoice,onlyaquietacceptance.
"Comewithme.Ihavesomethingtoshowyou.You'llneeditlater."Shetookhishand,ignoringhislong,
sharpnails.

Gabrielwasnotusingcompulsiononher.Hewasnotusinganymindmergeatalltocalmher.Sheknew
shewasindeadlyperil;hesawtheknowledgereflectedinhereyes.Herhandclosedoverhisandshe
tugged."Comewithme.Icanhelpyou."Shewasalmosttranquil,radiatingapeacethatenfoldedhim.

Hefollowedherbecauseeveryphysicalcontactwithhereasedhissuffering.Hecouldn'tbeartothinkof

whathewasgoingtodotoher.Insidehefeltlikeweeping.Aheavystoneseemedtobecrushinghischest.
Francescaopenedadoorontheleftsideofthekitchentorevealanarrowstairway.Atherurginghe
followedherdownthestairs.

"Thisisthebasement,"shetoldhim,"butoverhere,justabovethislittleoutcropping,isanotherdoor.
Youcan'tseeit,butifyouplaceyourfingertipsexactlyhere"Shedemonstratedandtherockswung
inwardtowardadarkcavern.Shewavedattheinterior."Thisleadsbeneaththeearth.You'llfinditto
yourliking."

Gabrielinhaledthesweetwelcomingscentoftheearth'srichnessbeckoningtohim.Thecoolness,the
darknessreachedouttohimwiththepromiseofpeace.

Francescasweptherheavyhairfromherneckandlookedupathimwithwide,gentleeyes."Ifeelthefear
inyou.Iknowwhatyouneed.IamahealerandIcandonootherthanofferonesuchasyousolace.Ioffer
freely,withoutreservation,Ioffermylifeforyoursasismyright."Thewordsweresoftandgentle,so
beautifullikethewhisperofvelvetoverhisskin.

Theactualwordsbarelyregistered.Onlythesound.Theseduction.Theenticement.Herneckwaswarm
satinbeneathhisstrokingfingers.Gabrielclosedhiseyesandsavoredtheexquisitefeelofher.Wherehe
hadfearedhewouldrendandtear,hefoundtheneedtocradleherbodyclosetohisgently,almost
tenderly.Hebenthisheadtofeelherskinbeneathhislips.Heatandfire.Histonguestrokedacrossher
pulseandhisbodytightenedinanticipation.Hisarmsdrewherintotheshelterofhisbody,hisheart.He
murmuredhisapologyandtookheroffering,histeethsinkingdeepintotheveinofherslenderneck.

Atoncetherushhithimlikeafireball,spreadingthroughhisstarvingshrunkencells.Powerandstrength
blossomedwithinhim.Hefeltitthen.Whiteheat.Bluelightning.Hisbodytightened.Shefeltlikehotsilk
inhisarms,asifshefitperfectlyintohisbody.Hebecameawareofhowsoftherskinwas.Thetasteof
herwasaddictive.Shehadsavedhimwithhergenerosity.Shehadsuccessfullypreventedthedemonfrom
rising.Herbloodwasfreelygiven.Freelygiven.Anewrealizationpenetratedhisfeedingfrenzy.He
couldfeel.Guilt.Herecalledtheweightinhischestashe'dfollowedherdownthebasementstairs.He
hadbeenfeelingsincethemomenthe'dchanceduponher.Hisbodywasahard,urgentacheashefed.
Sensual.Erotic.Feedinghadneverbeeninanywayconnectedtosex.Heshouldhavebeenincapableof
sexualfeelings,yetnowhisbodywasonehard,unrelenting,urgentache.

BeneathhishandherheartstutteredandGabrielimmediatelyswepthistongueacrossthepinpricksather
throattoclosethewoundwithhishealingsaliva.Hehaddrainedmostofthebloodfromherslender
body.Hehadtoactfast.Hetoreawoundinhiswristandpresseditoverhermouth.Hewasstrong
enoughtotakecontrolofhermind.Shewasfadingaway,herlifeforcesimplywaning.Francescawas
makingnoattempttofight;rathersheseemedtobequitecalmandaccepting,almostasifsheembraced
death.Gabrielforcedthebloodbackintoher.Shehadknowntheritualwordstokeepthedemonleashed.
Shehadfreelyofferedherlifeforhis.Whathadshesaid?Asismyright.Howcoulditbe?

Gabriellookeddownatherface.Shewasverypale;herlonglasheswerethickandluxurious,adeep
blacktomatchthelongsilkofherhair.Herslenderbodywasencasedinmen'spants,alightblue.Colors.
Hewasseeingincolor.Hehadnotseenanythingotherthangraysandblackssincehewasamere
fledgingovertwothousandyearsbefore.Whyhadn'therecognizedherashislifemate?Washesofar
goneafterall?

Hestoppedherfromtakingtoomuchbloodfromhim.Hewouldneedtohuntthisnight;hemustbesurehe
tookenoughforbothofthem.Hecarriedherintothecavern,andfollowingherscent,hefoundthedark
chamberthatwouldbesafefromhumansandtheundeadalike.Helaidhergentlyinthebedofsoiland
senthertosleep,reinforcingthecommandwithahard"push"toensureshewouldnotawakenuntilhe
couldgivehermoreblood.Herheartandlungswereslowandsteady,enablingherbodytomakedowith
thesmallamountofbloodflowingthroughherveinsandarteries,thechambersofherheart.

Gabrielglidedthroughthehouse,expendingaslittleenergyaspossible.Hewouldhavebeenmorethan
happytotakeBrice'sblood.ButGabrieldidn'thavethetimetoindulgehiswhims;hehadtofindhisprey
quicklyandgetbacktohissavior.Shehadsavedmorethanhislifewithhergenerosity.Shehadsavedhis
soul.

Anothermomentandhewasoutofthehouse,intothedarkness.Hisworld.Hehadlivedinitfor
centuries,yetitwasallnew.Alldifferent.Everythingwouldbedifferentnow.Hefoundprey
immediately.Thecitywasteamingwithpeople.Hepickedthreelargemen,makingcertainnoneofthem
wereusingalcoholordrugsandthatthebloodintheirveinswasnotcontaminatedwithanydiseases.
Gabrieleasilyledthemintotheshelterofadoorwayandbenthisheadtodrinkhisfill.Hetookenoughto
bringhimselftofullstrengthwithoutendangeringanyoneofthem.Whenthefirstswayedwithdizziness,
Gabrielcarefullyclosedthepinpricksandhelpedhimtositontheground.Hefedfromthesecondand
thirdalmostgreedily,hisbodycravingthenourishmentaftersolongwithout.Heneededenoughbloodfor
Francescatoensurehercontinuedsurvival.

Themomenthewasfinishedheerasedtheirmemoriesandleftthethreeofthemsittingcomfortablyinside
theoverhangofthedoorway.Gabrieltookthreerunningstepsandsprangintotheair,hisbodyshifting
shapesothatwingsspreadwideandliftedhim.Heflewinastraightlinebacktoherhouse.Fromtheair
hecouldseetheestateforwhatitwas.Obviouslyold,thehousewasinbeautifulshape,thegrounds
meticulouslycaredfor.Everywherehelookedwereunfamiliarobjects,thingsofwhichhehadno
knowledge.Lifehadcontinuedwhilehelaysleepingundertheearth.

HefoundFrancescaashehadlefther,herskinsowhiteitwasnearlytranslucent.Shewastalland
slenderwithawealthofebonyhairthatframedherfaceandtumbledaroundherbody,emphasizingher
lushcurves.Hepickedherupwithgreatgentleness,cradledherbodyclosetohis.Howcoulditbethat
thiswomanwashistruelifemate?Afterthewars,femaleshadbeenscarce.ACarpathianmalecould
searchtheworldforcenturyaftercenturyandneverfindhistruelifemate,theotherhalfofhissoul,ofhis
heart.Lighttohisdarkness.Womenofhisspecieshadbecomescarcebythetwelfthandthirteenth
centuries.Whatweretheoddsoffindingherjustwalkingdownthestreet?Practicallythefirstpersonhe
metafterbeinglockedinthesoilforsolong.Itdidn'tmakesensetohim.Nothingthathadhappenedmade
sense.ButoneIfactwasclearandsimple.ACarpathianmalecouldnotIseecolorsorfeelemotions
unlesshewasincloseproximitytohistruelifemate.GabrielcouldseeallkindsofIcolor.Brilliant
colors.Vividcolors.Colorshehadlongforgottenhadeverexisted.Feelingshehadneverexperienced.
Heinhaled,draggingherscentdeepintohislungs.Hewouldbeabletofindheranywherenow.Withhis
ancientbloodrunninginherveinshecouldcallhertohimatwill,talktoher,mindtomind,fromany
distance.

Withhisfingernailheopenedhischest,holdingherheadinthepalmofhishandsothathecouldpressher
mouthtohisskin.Hewaspowerful,infullstrengthoncemore,andinherweakenedcondition,Francesca
wascompletelyinhiscontrol.Hetookhistimestudyingher.Shepuzzledandintriguedhim.Shelooked

likeaCarpathianwoman.Tall.Slender.Ebonyhair.BeautifuleyesasblackIasnight.Sheknewtheritual
words.Shehadknownheneededblood.Sheevenhadthechamberbeneaththeearthpreparedforoneof
hiskind.Whowasshe?Whatwasshe?

Gabrielsearchedhermind.Sheseemedhuman.Hermemorieswerethoseofahumanandcontainedmany
thingsheknewnothingabout.Theworldhadgainedsomuchwhileheslept.Sheseemedwhollyhuman
andyetherbloodwasnotexactlythesameashumans.Herinternalorganswerenotexactlythesame.Still
shehadmemoriesofwalkingunderthenoonsun,somethinghispeoplecouldnotdo.Herexistencewasa
mysteryheintendedtosolve.Thiswomanwasfartooimportanttohim;hecouldtakenochances.

Francesca'sbodyonceagainhadthecorrectvolumeofblood.VerygentlyGabrielstoppedherfrom
feedingandplacedherinthehealingsoilwithoutclosingitoverherhead.Hewantedhertorestwhilehe
tooktheremainderofthenighttostudythenewworldhewouldbelivingin.Hefoundatreasuryofbooks
inalibraryonthefirstfloor.Itwastherethathelearnedoftelevisionandcomputersandthehistoryofthe
contraptions—cars—theyhadbeenusingtogetaroundin.Itwasallamazingtohimandhesoakedupthe
technologylikeasponge.WithoutthoughtheconnectedwithLucian.Itjusthappened.Forovertwo
thousandyearstheyhadsharedinformation.Gabrielwassoexcitedhereachedouttohistwinand
merged.

Lucianacceptedtheinformationandpassedwhathehadbeenobservingandstudyingjustasifthelast
fewcenturieshadnevertakenplace.Lucianwasatfullstrengthand,asalways,gainingknowledgeata
rapidrate.Hismindhadalwaysrequirednewthingstothinkabout,toworkon.ThemomentGabriel
realizedwhathewasdoing,hebroketheconnection,furiouswithhimself.Lucianwouldbeableto"see"
whereGabrielwas,justasGabrielcouldeasilyfindLucian.AlwaysGabrielhadbeentheonehuntinghis
twin,trackinghimtotrytodestroyhim.Hehadneverworriedbeforewhenhehadmistakenlymerged
withhisvampirebrothertosharenewinformation:IfLucianhadchosentousehisknowledgetofind
Gabriel,itwouldonlyhavemadethejobofdestroyinghimeasier.Noweverythingwasdifferent.Gabriel
couldn'taffordtoallowLuciantoknowwherehewasorwhomhewaswith.Nowhehadtoprotect
Francesca.Luciancouldnotfindoutabouther.Vampiresthrivedonotherpeople'spain.Francescawould
bemadetopayaterriblepriceforherinterference.

Gabrielindulgedhimselfwithahumanshower.Hecouldsimplybecleanandfreshwithathought,yet
nowhecouldfeel.Hecouldsavorcleanliness.Itwasanamazingfeeling.Againhehadtomakea
consciousefforttowithholdthefeelingfromhistwin.Evenafterallthistime,hewasusedtoslippingin
andoutofhisbrother'smind.Overthecenturieshehadusedhisabilitytotrackhisbrotherandeven
anticipatehiskillsinordertotrytoreachthevictimbeforeLuciandid.Sofarhehadnotbeenableto
preventanyofLucian'skills,butGabrielcontinuedtotry.

Afterhisshower,Gabrielwentbacktoreading.Hecoveredseveralencyclopediasandalmanacsand
everyotherbookhecouldfind.Withhisphotographicmemorythistookverylittletime.Hereadata
rapidratesohecouldgetthroughthehistoryandintothenewtechnology.HeIwantedtoreadmanuals
andfindoutexactlyhoweverythingworked.Andhewantedtolearneverythingthehousecouldofferup
aboutitsowner.

Hewanderedaroundthevastrooms.Shelikedspace.Openspaces.Sheappreciatedgreatartandsoft
colors.Shedefinitelylovedtheoceananditsinhabitants.Therewerebooksaboutunderwaterlifeand
printsandwater-colorsofcrashingwaves.Shewasameticuloushousekeeperunless,ofcourse,someone
elsecameintodothework.Shelivedlikeahuman.Thecupboardswerefull.Shehadbeautifulchinain

thekitchenandrareantiquesinthebedrooms.Therewasaroomwithaquiltinthemakingandhestudied
thework.Thepatternwasunusual.

Soothing.Beautiful.Hewasdrawntoit,buthecouldn'tfigureoutwhy.Inanotherroomshehadbeen
workingwithstainedglass.Thedesignsweremuchlikethoseonthequilt.Soothingandtranquil.Each
onewasintenselybeautiful.Hecouldstareatthemforhours.Shewasaverytalentedwoman.

Thedraperiesthroughoutthehousewereunusuallyheavy,specificallymadeforthewindowssothat,if
theoccupantdesired,notonebitoflightcouldentertheroom.Thatwouldmakesenseifshewasa
Carpathianintegratingherselfintomainstreamlife.Yetnothinginthishouseseemedtoaddup.Itwasa
mixtureofwealthandfancy,ofCarpathianandhuman,almostasiftwodifferentpeopleoccupiedthe
place.Helookedforevidenceoftworesidents.

Inthestudyhefoundherpersonalpapers,recordsofpaymentsandprivatelittlenotesshewroteto
herself.Thereseemedtobequiteafewnotes,someofwhichwerereminderstoeatcertainsoups.A
Carpathianwouldnevereathumanfoodunlessitwasimperativetodosotokeepothersfromfindingout
thetruth.AnyCarpathianatfullstrengthcouldeatandridhisstomachofthecontentslater,butitwas
uncomfortabletodoso.

WhowasFrancesca?Moreimportant,whatwasshe?Whywasn'therbloodfullyhuman?Howhadshe
knowntheritualwordstokeephimfromturningvampireinhisweakestmoment?Mostimportantofall,
whywasheseeingincolor?Whydidhefeelemotion?Whyhadsheusedthephrase"asismyright"?

Gabrielsighedandreplacedherthings,hisfingerslingeringforamomenttocaresshersmall,neat
handwriting.Shewouldhaveanswersforhim.Andifshedidn'twanttogivethemtohim,hehadwaysof
extractinginformation.Hewasofancientblood,ofalineageofgreatnessandpower.Fewofhispeople
hadtheknowledgeandskillshehadobtainedinhiscenturiesofexistence.Shewouldnotbeabletohide
fromhimorhisquestions.

ChapterTwo

Contents

Gabrielstareddownatthewomanlyingsoquietlyinthedarkrichsoil.Hisbodyrespondedthemoment
hewasincloseproximitytoher,somethingthathadneverhappenedtohimbeforeinallthelongcenturies
ofhisexistence.Hefelttightandhot,hisbodymakingurgentdemandsjustfromobservingher.Hisentire
being,heartandsoulreachedouttoher;hisemotionsweresopowerful,hewasshakingwiththe
unexpectedintensityofthem.Itwasdisconcertingtofindthatanyonewouldhavesuchaneffectonhim.
Feelingalittleoutofhisdepth,hewokeherwithacommand.

Francescastirred,asmallfrownslippingacrossherface.Herheavyeyelashesflutteredjustbeforeshe
liftedthem.Hereyeswereenormousanddeepblack.Theywenttohiminstantly,almostasifshehad
knownhewasthere.Hersmallteethtuggedbrieflyatherfulllowerlip,aquicknervousgesturethatshe
coveredbysittingup.Dizzinesssweptthroughherandsheswayed,ahandgoingtoherhead.

AtonceGabriel'sarmcurvedaroundhertosteadyher.Everyprotectiveinstinctshriekedathim,
demandedhetakecareofher.

Francescapushedathim."Getawayfromme.You'veruinedeverything.Allthoseyears,everythingI
workedfor.Getawayfromme."

Gabrielmovedbacktogiveherroom,surprisedbythereproofinhervoice.Shewasobviouslyupset
withhim."WhatdidIruin?"heaskedmildly.Herlackoffearshockedhim.Hehadn'tshieldedherfrom
whathewas.Hehadopenlytakenherblood.Sheknewit.Therehadbeennocompulsiontoforceherand
hehadnotcommandedhertoforgetwhathehaddone.

Francescastudiedhisface.Hecertainlydidn'tlookliketheelderlymanshehadfirstthoughthim.Hisskin
washealthynowandhelookedyoungandstrong.Therewasanairofpowerclingingtohim.Hestood
straightandtall,lookedexactlywhathewas,awarriorunsurpassedbyanyother.Hehadstrongfeatures
andblackgleamingeyes.Hislongblackflowinghairwastiedwithaleatherthongatthenapeofhisneck.

"Iofferedmylifeinexchangeforyours.Youhadnorighttogivemeyourblood.That'swhatyoudid,isn't
it?Youhadnoright."Herenormouseyesflashedathim,smolderingwithhiddenfire.Hersmallfists
clencheduntilherlongnailsdugintothepalmsofherhands.Herslenderbodywastremblingwith
suppressedresentment.ItwasGabriel.Sheshouldhaveknownhimanywhere,anytime,nomatterhis
appearance,yetshehadn'trecognizedhimuntilhehadtakenherintohisarms.Shehadbeensoafraidhe
mightseethroughherdisguise,shehadn'tallowedhersensestorevealtheinformationshesodesperately
needed.

"Youwouldhavedied."Hesaiditstarkly,withoutembellishment.

"Iknowthat.Iwillinglyofferedmylifesothatyoucouldcontinueyourfighttosaveourpeople."

"YouareCarpathianthen."Verygentlyhereachedoutandtookherhand,carefullypryingopenherfingers
onebyoneandexposingthefingernailmarksonherpalm.Beforeshecouldguesshisintention,hebent

hisdarkhead,hismouthbrushingthemarkswithexquisitegentleness.

Herheartnearlystoppedatthetouchofhislips,thewarmthofhisbreath.Snatchingherhandback,she
scowledathim."OfcourseI'mCarpathian.Whoelsewouldrecognizeyou?Gabriel.Thedefenderofour
people.Youarethegreatestvampirehunterourpeoplehaveeverknown.You'realegendcomebackto
life.Ittookmesometimetorealizewhoyouwere,butyouwereinbadshape.Youhavebeenthought
deadtheselastfewcenturies."

"Whydidyounotimmediatelyidentifyyourselftome?Iwouldneverhaveallowedyoutoplaceyourlife
indanger."Hisvoicewasverysoft,aclearreprimand.

ColorsweptintoFrancesca'spaleface."Don'tyoupresumetohaverightsoverme,Gabriel.Yourrights
havebeenlongsincerevoked."

Hestirred,aslightrippleofmusclewarningofhisenormousstrength.Francesca'sblackeyesflashedat
him;shewasnotintheleastintimidated."Imeanit.Youhadnorighttodowhatyoudid."

"AsaCarpathianmale,Icandonootherthanprotectyou.Whydoyouliveherealone,unclaimed,
unprotected?Hasourworldchangedsomuchthatourmalesnolongercareforourwomen?"Histone
wassoftyetallthemoremenacing.

Herchinlifted."Ourmaleshavenoideaofmyexistence.Anditisn'tyourbusinesseither,sodon'tthink
you'regoingtogetinvolved."

Gabrielmerelylookedather.Hewasovertwothousandyearsold.Itwasingrainedinhimtoprotect
womenaboveallelse.Itwaspartofwhohewas,ofwhathewas.Andifthiswomanwashislifemate,it
wasmorethanhisduty,itwashisright."Iamafraid,Francesca,thatIcandonootherthanwatchover
youproperly.Ihaveneverneglectedmyresponsibilities."

Shefeltverymuchatadisadvantagesittingtherewithhimtoweringoverher.Francescastoodupand
movedgracefullyacrosstheroomtoputdistancebetweenthem.Hewasmakingherheartpoundwith
nervousness.Francescahadforgottenwhatitwasliketobenervous.Shewasnofledgling.Shehaddone
whatnootherCarpathianwomanhadeverdone:managedtoescapeundetectedfrombothCarpathian
malesandmaraudingvampiresandliveherownlifebyherownrules.Shewasnotabouttoallowthis
maletowalkintoherlifeandjusttakeitover."Ithinkweshouldgetsomethingstraight,Gabriel.Iamnot
yourresponsibility.I'mwillingtoallowyoutousethischamberuntilyougetyourbearingsandfindyour
safeplace,butafterthat,therewillbenocontactbetweenus.Ihavemyownlifehere.Itdoesn'tinclude
youatall."

Hiseyebrowrose,anelegant,politewayofcallingheraliar."Youaremylifemate."Hefeltthecertainty
ofthosewords.Shewashisotherhalf,thelighttohisdarkness,theonewomancreatedjustforhim.

ForthefirsttimeFrancescashowedfear.Sheswungaround,hereyeswidewithfright."Youdidn'tsaythe
ritualwordstobindus,didyou?"Herhandsweretremblingso,sheputthembehindherback.Fromthe
verymomentshehadrecognizedhim,thiswasthemomentshehadfearedmost.

"Whywouldyoufearsonaturalathing?YouknowIamyourlifemate."Gabrielwatchedherclosely,
notingeveryexpression.Shewasdefinitelyfrightened.Andshehadknownbeforehehadthatshe

belongedwithhim.

Herchinwentupalmostdefiantly."Iwasyourlifemate,Gabriel,manycenturiesago.Butwhenyoumade
thedecisiontohuntvampireswithyourbrother,yousentencedmetoalifealone.Iacceptedthatsentence.
Thatwasalongtimeago.Youcan'tjustcomebackintomylifeanddecreesomethingelse."

Gabrielwassilent,touchinghermindeasilywithalightmerging.Hediscoveredavividmemoryof
GabrielstridingthroughahumanvillagewithLucian.Thetwolegendaryvampirehunters.Thepeople
weremovingoutoftheirwayinawe.Gabrielsawhimselfmovingquickly,hisstridessureandlong,his
hairflowinginthenightair.Themovementofayounggirlcaughthisattentionandheturnedhishead
withoutslowinghispace.Hisblackeyesslidoveragroupofwomen,andthenLuciansaidsomethingto
distracthim.Gabrielturnedhisheadinthedirectiontheywerewalking,notoncelookingback.Theyoung
girlremainedstaringafterhimforalongtimeinhurtsilence.

"Ididnotknow."

Hereyesflashedathim."Youdidn'twanttoknow.There'sadifference,Gabriel.Inanycase,itdoesn't
matter.Isurvivedthehumiliationandthepain.Itwasallalongtimeago.I'velivedagoodlifeformany
centuries.Iamtirednowandwishtoseekthedawn."

Gabrielregardedhersteadily."Thatisnotacceptable,Francesca."Hesaiditquietly,withoutinflection.

"Youhavenorighttotellmewhatisandwhatisn'tacceptableinmylife.AsfarasI'mconcerned,you
gaveupallrightstomewhenyouwalkedawaywithoutlookingback.Youknownothingaboutme.You
knownothingaboutthelifeI'velivedorwhatIwantordon'twant.Imadealifeformyself.I'vebeen
relativelyhappyandmorethanalittleuseful.I'velivedlongenough,thankyou.Justbecauseyou've
suddenlydecidedtocomebackfromthedeaddoesn'tchangeanythingatall.Youdidn'tcomeforme.You
cameforhim.Lucian.Hehasrisen,hasn'the?Youarehuntinghim."

Gabrielnoddedhisheadslowly."Thatisso,butyoumustrealize,findingyouhaschangedeverything."

"No,ithasn't,"Francescadenied.Shewrenchedopenthedoortothechamberandhurriedawayfromhim
alongthetunneltowardthebasement.Itdidn'timprovehertemperwhenhekeptpacewithhereasily,his
musclesripplingpowerfully,suggestively.Howdarehebesocasualaboutherlife?"Ithasn'tchangeda
thing.YoustillhaveyourjobandIhavemylife.Itbelongssolelytome,Gabriel,andonlyIcanmakemy
decisions."

"ThePrinceofourpeoplehasmuchtoanswertomefor,"Gabrielsaidinhissoft,mildvoice."Hehasnot
watchedoveryouaswashisduty.IsMikhailstillinpower?"

"Gotohell,Gabriel,"Francescabitout,angereruptingathisstatement.Shepushedherwayintothe
kitchenandmovedstraightacrosstheroomtothehallmirror.Sweepingherhairaside,sheexaminedher
neckforanytelltalemarks.

"Youaregoingout?"

Hisvoicewassolowandsoft,herheartthuddedhardinherchest.Shekeptherfaceturnedawayfrom
him."Yes,ItoldBriceIwouldlookinononeofhispatients.Ican'thavehimworriedandcomingtolook

forme."

"Bricecanwait,"Gabrielsaidsmoothly.

"ThereisnoreasonforBricetowait,"Francescatoldhim."IexpectyoutobegonewhenIgetback,
Gabriel."

Asmallsmilesoftenedthehardedgeofhismouth."Idonotthinkthatwillhappen."Hewatchedhergo
outthefrontdoor,amusementneveroncetouchinghissmolderingblackeyes.Themomenttheheavydoor
bangedshutbehindher,Gabrielflowedthroughtheroomtothewindow.Francescawasmovingdownthe
streetquicklyonfoot.Shehadn'tusedhercarasahumanwouldandshehadn'tdissolvedintomistand
streamedthroughtheairasaCarpathianmight.AsGabrielwatched,shebegantorun.Herbodymoved
lightlyandfluidly,poeticinitsbeauty.

Hereachedoutwithhismindandmergedwithherssothathewasaquietshadow.Francescawasvery
afraidofhim.Shemeanteverywordshehadsaid.Shehadbeenconductingsomekindofexperiment,one
thathadallowedhertoremaininthesunwiththehumans.Shehadspentagreatdealoftimeandenergy
researching,lookingforawaytomakethechange.Ithadtakenseveralcenturiestogetherbodytothe
pointthatshecoulddoso.Shehadbeensoadeptatappearinghumaninherthoughtsandactionsthatshe
hadfooledevensuchanancientashe.Nowhehadruineditforherbygivingherhisancientblood.She
wasveryupsetoverthat.Andshewasdeterminedthatthesewerethelastfewyearsofherlife.Shehad
beenconsideringspendingherlastyearswithBrice,growingoldinthemannerofhumans.Sheintended
tomeetthedawnwhenthoselastfewyearsweregone.Shehadbeenplanningitforsometime.

"Idonotthinkso,Francesca,"hewhisperedaloud.Hisbodyslowlywavered,shimmeredinto
transparency.Hedissolvedintoafinemistandstreamedfromthehousethroughthepartiallyopened
window.Atoncethemisttooktheformofalargewhiteowl,hisfavoritemethodoftraveling.Strong
wingsspreadwideandtookhimhighoverthecity.

Francescaranasfastasshecouldalongthesidewalk.Shecouldhearherheartthuddingwildly,heardthe
solesofherfeethittingthewalkway,theairrushinginandoutofherlungs.Inherwildestdreamsshehad
neveroncethoughtthiscouldhappen.Gabriel.Herpeoplewhisperedofhim.Twins.Legends.Theywere
dead,notalive.Howcouldthisbe?Hehadtakenherlifeawayfromher,forcedhertoliveanendless
solitaryexistence.Nowthatshehadfinallyfoundawaytolivelikeahuman,toperhapshaveahuman
relationship,toliveanddieliketheothersshehadwatchedcomeandgothroughouttheyears,Gabriel
hadcomebackfromthedead.Whatifheinsistedonclaimingher?

TherewasnowaytorunfromonesuchasGabriel.Hewasanelitehunter.Gabrielcouldtracktheghost
ofatrail,letalonehisownlifemate.Francescaslowedtoafastwalk.Maybehewouldjustgoaway
again.HehadallbutadmittedLucianhadrisen.Hewasstillhunting.Hewouldhavenointerestinher.
Shewouldneveraccepthisclaimonher.Hehadforcedhertoexileherselffromherownpeople,her
ownhomeland.She'dhadnochoiceinthematter.Asolitaryfemalelivingamongmensodesperatefor
lifemateswouldhavemadetheirlivesanendlessmisery.Andsheknewshecouldnottoleratethelossof
freedom.ThePrinceoftheirpeoplewouldhaveguardedhercarefullyintheconstanthopeoneofthemen
wouldbehertruelifemate.Theyneededchildrendesperately.Sheknewshewascompatiblewithonly
oneCarpathianmaleandhehadrejectedhertodevotehimselftotheprotectionoftheirpeople.Shehad
livedasshewantedthesecenturies,secureintheknowledgethatshewasstrongandpowerfulandno
humancouldmatchherandnovampirecoulddetecther.Itwaseasyenoughtohidefromherpeople

becausesuchbehaviorwassounexpected.

Theyhadlostsomanyoftheirwomanandchildrenoverthecenturiesthateverywomanwasguarded
closely;thewomenwereneededtobringchildren,especiallyfemalechildren,intotheworld.Mostofthe
childrenbornweremales,andmostdidnotsurvivebeyondthefirstyearoflife.Theirspeciesbordered
onextinction.Francescahadcometotermswithhersolitaryexistence.Shewasn'tabouttochangeher
entirelifebecauseGabrielhadsuddenlydecidedtoshowupoutofnowhere.

Shefeltmoistureonherfaceandglancedupatthesky.Itwasperfectlyclearaboveherhead;thestars
wereoutinfullforce.Surprised,shereachedupandtouchedthetearsonherface.Thatmadeherallthe
moredeterminedthatGabrielwouldhavenosayinherlife.Alreadyhehadmadehercry.Hehadruined
everything.Hehadtakenthesunfromherrecklessly,withoutthought.ThatwasGabriel.Hemade
decisionsandexpectedtherestoftheworldtofallinlinewithhim.Hewasalawuntohimselfandhe
wouldexpectFrancescatodowhateverhedictated.

Francescaturnedthecorner,tookadeepbreathandwalkedintothehospitalparkinglot.Shedidn'twant
anythingtoappeartobeabnormal.Bricemethersoonaftersheenteredthebuilding,leadingherto
believehehadleftstrictordersthathebealertedimmediatelyuponherarrival.Heledherthroughthe
hallstoaprivateroom.Therewereteddybearsandballoonsandflowerseverywhere.Thelittlegirlin
thebedwasverypalewithdarkcirclesunderhereyes.Asalways,Bricenevertoldherexactlywhatwas
wrongwiththepatient;instead,heallowedhertoperformherown"strange"examination.

"Doherparentsknowyouaskedmetolookather?"Francescaaskedsoftly.

Thoughhervoicehadbeenlow,thechildstirredandopenedhereyes.Shesmiledathervisitor."You're
theladyDr.Bricesaysissuchahelptopeople.Mymomsaidyouwouldcomeandseeme."

FrancescaglancedatBricewithaquickfrownofimpatience.Shehadtoldhimathousandtimesnotto
mentionhertoanyone.Shecouldnotaffordpublicity.Theyhadarguedmorethanonceovertheissue.She
touchedthechild'sthinlittlehandwithafingertip."You'reinpain,aren'tyou?"

Thelittlegirlshrugged."It'sallright.I'musedtoitnow."

ColdairstirredthecurtainsunexpectedlyandBriceglancedatthewindow,checkingtoassurehimselfit
wasclosed.Thelastthingtheyneededwasadraftintheroom.Francescawasconcentratingwhollyon
thechild.Nothingelsetouchedhermindatthesetimes.ItwasasifonlythechildandFrancescaexisted.
"MynameisFrancesca.Whatisyours?"

"Chelsea."

"Well,Chelsea,wouldyoumindifIheldyourhandforafewminutes?Itwouldhelpmeunderstand
what'sgoingoninsideofyou."

Aslowsmilelitupthelittlegirl'sface."Youaren'tgoingtopokeandprodandstickmewithneedles?"

Francescareturnedthesmile."IthinkwecansafelyleavethatjobtoBrice."Shetookthesmallhandin
hers.Theskinwasverythin,almosttranslucent.Thischildwaswastingaway."I'mjustgoingtosithere
withyouandconcentrate.Youmightfeelwarminspots,butitwon'thurt."

Chelsea'seyesrestedonFrancesca'sface,studyingherexpressionbeforeshedecidedtotrusther.She
noddedsolemnly."Goahead,I'mready."

Francescaclosedhereyes,focusedonthechildandonlythechild,drivingeveryotherthoughtfromher
head.Shesentherselfseekingoutsideherownbody,becomingasinsubstantialasenergy,heatandlight.
Enteringthechild,shebeganaslow,carefulexamination.Thechild'sbloodwasamess.Massiveattacks
werebeinglaunchedinthebloodstreamandherpitifulantibodiescouldnotpossiblymakeinroads
againsttheinvadingarmy.Francescacontinuedtolookateachorgan,thetissueandmuscle,thebrain
itself.Sorrowswampedherforamoment,endangeringherpositionwithinthechild'sbody.Shefeltgreat
empathywiththislittlegirlwhohadsufferedforsomanyyearsofheryounglife.

Sheswayed,blinkingrapidly,bringingherselfbackintoherownbody.Asalways,shefeltdisoriented
andweakafteranout-of-bodyexperience.ShesatforamomentinsilencebeforeshelookedupatBrice.

"Francesca."Hesaidhernamesoftly,ingreathope.Itwasn'taquestion.Hewasadoctor.Heknew
medicallythatChelseawasdying,herbodysuccumbingtotheterriblearmysoferociouslyattackingit.
Helookedexhausted,andsorrowetchedhisface.Hehaddoneeverythingwithinhispoweranditwas
nowherenearenough.

"Maybe."Francescaglancedattheclockonthewall.Itwasthree-thirtyinthemorning.Howmuchtime
wouldittaketohealthischild,toridthisworn-outbodyofeveryscrapofcancer?Wouldshebeableto
finishandstillmakeithomebeforethesuncameup?Diditmatter?Thechild'slifewasworththerisk.
Andshedidn'tmindwalkingintothesun.

"Leavemealonewithher,Brice,andletmeseewhatIcando."FrancescastrokedbackChelsea'shair.
"Yougotosleep,honey,andwe'llseeifwecanmakeyoualittlemorecomfortable."Shewaiteduntil
Bricehadclosedthedoorbeforesheoncemoresentherselfintothechild'sbody.

Timemeantnothingatallwhensheworkedasahealer.ShewasinChelsea'ssmallhumanform,holding
hersafeandwarmwithhermind,evenasherenergyfoughttheterriblebattleforChelsea'slife.Shewas
meticulousinherwork,tireless,carefultoensurethatnotonevestigeofthevilediseaseremainedin
Chelsea'sbody.Shehadnoideaofthehoursthatpassedorofherownstrengthwaninguntilshefound
herselffaltering,herbodywearingoutbeforeherspirithadtimetofinishthetask.Atonceshewas
floodedwithpower,astrongsurgeofenormousenergycomingfromasourceoutsideher.Sheaccepted
theenergywithoutquestion,certainoftheorigin.OfcourseGabrielwouldknowwhenshewasrisking
herhealth;hewastiedtoherthroughtheirbloodbond.Naturallyhewouldreachouttohelpher.Hewas,
afterall,amale

Carpathian.Therewasnodeepermeaningtohisaid.Hecertainlywasn'tdoingitbecausehecaredfor
her.

Francescautilizedtheenergyimmediately,gratefuleventhoughshewantednothingtodowithGabriel.
Onlyonethingmattered:healingChelsea'sworn-outbodyandrestoringhertogoodhealth.Whenshewas
certainshehaderadicatedeverylastbitofdisease,Francescareturnedtoherownbody.

Shewasbreathingheavily,tremblingfromheadtotoe.Foramomentsheremainedslumpedoverthelittle
girl,slowlyrecoveringfromthedifficulttaskshehadsetherself.Addedtothedrainofhealingwasthe
effortnecessarytoshieldheractivityfromalloutsiders.Overtheyearsshehadlearnedtoputupa

barriertohidethesurgeofpowerfromCarpathiansandvampiresalike.

Glancingupattheclock,sherealizeditwasnearlyfiveinthemorning.Shehadtogethome.Astiredas
shewas,itwouldn'tdotobecaughtoutwhenthesuncameup.Asoftenasshesaiditdidn'tmatter,
Francescawasstillsecretlyafraidofdyinginsuchapainfulway.Gabrielhadseentoitthatthesuncould
harmheragain.

"Itwasnotintentional,sweetheart."

"Buttheresultisthesame."

Bricewaswaitingforher,leaningagainstthewalljustoutsidethedoor."So,couldyouhelpher?"

"Ihopeso."Francescawasnoncommittaleventhoughsheknewverywellthechildwouldrecoverfully.
"Pleasedomethecourtesyofnotmentioningmetoanyone.Really,Brice,wehadanagreement.Ican't
affordtohavepeopleknockingdownmydoorexpectingmiracles.Giveheradayortwobeforeyou
performanytestsonher.YouknowIhatepublicity.Youtakethecreditifitworks."

Hefellintostepbesideher."I'moff.Wouldyouliketohavebreakfast?Alittlethankyouforstayingupall
nightforoneofmypatients."

Francescapushedbacktheheavyfallofherblue-blackhair."I'mtired,Brice.Youknowitalwayswears
meout."

"IfIknewwhatyoudid,maybeIcouldhelpandyouwouldn'tgetsotired,"heteased."Youwalkedhere,
didn'tyou?Comeon,I'llgiveyouaridehome."Hetookherarmandledhertohiscar.

Francescawentwillingly.Itwouldonlytakeminutestogethomebycar,andshewasexhausted.Settling
intotheleatherseat,shesnappedherseatbeltinplaceautomaticallyandsmiledupathim."Youdolike
yourluxury,Brice."

"Nothingwrongwiththat.IknowwhatIwantandIgoafterit."Hisdarkeyesmovedoverher
suggestively.

"Don'tstart,"shecautioned,alaughinhervoice."Whatisitwithyou,Brice?I'vetoldyouoverandover
wecan'tseeeachother."

"Weseeeachothereveryday,Francesca,"hepointedoutwithagrin."Wedoquitewellseeingeach
other."

"I'mtootiredtoarguewithyou.Justtakemehomeandbenice."

"Whatdidyoudowiththeoldman?You'vegottoquitpickingpeopleupoffthestreet,Francesca.That's
whyyouneedme.You'retooniceforyourowngood.Soonerorlateryou'regoingtopickupanax
murderer."

"Idon'tthinkthere'smuchdangerofthat."Francescawatchedoutthewindowasherhouseloomedlarge
attheendofthedriveway.

"Heisn'tinyourhouse,ishe?"Briceaskedsuspiciouslyasheparkedthecarandthrewhisseatbeltoff.

Sheflashedhimaquicksmile."ItakeityouthinkI'mgoingtoinviteyouin."

Bricerushedaroundthecartoopenherdoor."I'mdefinitelygoingin.Idon'twanttofindoutyou'vegot
thatflea-bittenoldmaninthere.Itwouldbesolikeyou."

Asifoncue,thefrontdoorsuddenlyopenedandGabriel'slargeframefilledthedoorway.Hecertainly
didn'tlooklikeaflea-bittenoldman.Francescafeltthecolordrainfromherfaceandherheartdefinitely
somersaulted.SheglanceduneasilyatBrice.Gabriellookedinvincible,apredator.Helookedcapableof
eatingBricealive.Hestoodtallandelegant,hissensualfeaturescarefullyexpressionless.Gabriellooked
likeadarkprinceofold;thepowerinhimwassoobviousitclunglikeasecondskin.Hewasincredibly
handsomeandshecouldn'thelpnoticingdespiteherresolvenottodoso.

Briceeffectivelystoppedherbygrabbingherarmandholdingherstill."Whothehellisthat?"He
actuallythrustFrancescabehindhimprotectively.

Thegesturewassosweetitbroughtalumptoherthroat.Noonehadeverbeensoprotectiveandattentive
toherasBrice.Nomatterhowoftensherebuffedhim,Bricewasdeterminedinhispursuitofher.

Gabrielcamedownthestairs.Glided.Flowed.Hemovedwiththegraceofalargejunglecat,powerful
musclesripplingbeneaththethinsilkofhisshirt."Thankyousomuchforbringingherhome.Iwas
beginningtoworry,"Gabrielsaidsmoothly.Hisvoicewasvelvetsoft,gentle,impossibletoignore.It
pavedthewayforwhatevercompulsionhechosetoimplantinhislistener'smind.

GabrielmovedrightuptoFrancesca,ignoringherlittlefeminineretreat.Hishandclosedoverherwrist,
drewherbeneathhiswideshoulder."Youstayedoutallnight,sweetheart,youmustbeexhausted.Ihope
shewasabletohelpyourpatient."HisarmslippedpossessivelyaroundFrancesca'sshoulders,firmly
anchoringhertohim.

Ifshestruggledorprotested,shewouldbeplacingBriceinanuntenableposition.Hewouldfeelheought
tocometoherdefenseandtherewasnooneonthisearth,shebelieved,whocouldsuccessfullydefeat
Gabriel,unlessitwashisfallentwinLucian.

"Whatdoyouthinkyou'redoing?"shedemanded,usingtheirmindmergetochastisehim.Hewastall,
hisstrengthenormous.Hemadeherfeelsmallanddelicatewhenshewasnotthatatall.Hemadeherfeel
vulnerable.

"Whoareyou?"Briceaskeduneasily.

"Hesensesyourfear,Francesco.Donotmakemedosomethingyouwillhaveadifficulttime
forgiving."

"Don'tyoudarehurthim."

"IamGabriel."GabrielthrustouthishandtowardBrice,asfriendlyasafull-grownpanther.Helooked
elegant.Helookeddangerous.Helookeduntamed.Helookedverycourtlyandold-fashionedwithhis
thickflowinghaircaughtatthenapeofhisneckbyaleatherthong.

Briceshooktheofferedhand,uncertainhowtohandlethesituation.Francescawasn'tgivinghimanycues.
Heryoungfacelookedstiffandfrightened,hereyesenormous,deliberatelyavoidinghisquestioninggaze.
SheremainednestledbeneathGabriel'sshoulderandlookedverymuchasifshebelongedthere.Certainly
therewasnomistakingthepossessivewayGabrieltouchedher,thewarninginhiseyeswhenhelookedat
Brice.Gabrielwaslettinghimknow,mantoman,thatGabrielconsideredFrancescahisandwouldn't
allowanyothermaninherlife.ItwasinhisverybodypostureasheshelteredFrancesca'sslender
feminineframeagainsthisownmuscularone.

"IguessyouknowwhoIam,"Bricesaidgrimly.Thestrangerreekedofdanger.Itclungtohim,emanated
fromhim.AndFrancescajuststoodtheresilently,helplessly,asifshehadnoideawhattodo.

Fullyawareoftheimminentrisingofthesun,Gabrielwasmovingherupthestairs,hislarger,heavier
frameurginghersmalleronetowardthedoor.FrancescawentonlybecauseGabrielgavehernoreal
choiceinthematter.Ifsheprotestedinanyway,shewouldbeputtingBriceinaterribleposition.She
forcedasmile."I'lltalktoyouthisevening,Brice."

"Donotcounttooheavilyonit."

FrancescacontinuedthecharadewithahalfheartedwavebeforesheduckedbeneathGabriel'sarminto
thesafetyofthehouse."Howdareyouinterfereinmylife?"Adrenalinewassurgingthroughherveins.
Shepacedacrossthefloor,backandforthinquick,hurriedsteps,betrayingherframeofmind.She
couldn'thavestayedstillifshehadwantedto.

Callingonthepatiencebornofathousandbattles,Gabrielwatchedherthroughhalf-closedeyes,hisbody
asstillasthemountains."Youareextremelyangrywithme."Hesaiditverysoftlywithoutahintof
expression.

Herblackeyesflashedfireathim,andsheswungherheadsothatherhairflaredoutlikeathickcurtain
ofsilk.Atoncehisbodyreacted.Shewasintenselybeautiful,everymovementsensual."Don'tdothat,
Gabriel.Don'tstartpatronizingme.Youarenothingtome,nothinginmylife.Ihelpedoutafellow
Carpathian,that'stheextentofwhatisbetweenus.Itwasmyduty,nomore,noless."

"Yousoundasthoughyouaretryingtoconvinceyourself,Francesca."Hetiltedhishead,regardingher
steadily."Youweregoingtoinvitethatmanintoyourhouse."

"Thatmanismyfriend,"shepointedout.Hedidn'tblink.Notonce.Hejustwatchedher.Francescafound
itverydisconcerting.Hewasasstillasastatue,lookinglazyyetdangerous,andthelongerhestoodthere,
thefasterherheartbeat.Hehadsomekindofpoweroverher.Itwasbecausehewasherlifemate.She
wasstillCarpathianenoughtorealizehissoulcriedouttohers.Sodidhisbody.Shecouldfeelit,the
hunger,thedesirewashingthroughherwithaslowmoltenburn.Carefullysheavertedhereyes,staringat
thecarpetbeneathherfeetinsteadofathisfascinatingbody.

"Francesca."Hesaidhernamesoftly.Gently.HisaccentwasveryOldWorldandproducedanunfamiliar
flutteringinherheart.Hisvoicewassobeautifulandpure,shefeltacompulsiontolookupathimbutshe
kepthereyescastresolutelydownward.

Intellectually,FrancescaknewGabrielwasanextremelypowerfulbeing.Hisvoicewascompelling,his
eyesmesmerizing.Becausehewashertruelifemate,itwouldbeevenmoredifficultforhertoresisthim,

butshehadnochoice."Ihavelivedmylife,Gabriel.Inolongerwishtocontinuemyexistence.I
certainlydonotwanttostartoverwithanentirelydifferentlifestyle.I'vebeenalone,mademyown
decisionsalltheselongcenturies.Icouldneverbehappybeingdictatedtobyamale.Youcan'taskmeto
changewhatI'vebecomebyyourowndecree.Tellme,willyoustilldevoteyourselftodestroyingyour
twin?"

"Thatismyduty,myvowtofulfill."

Francescasighedwithrelief.Shewasextremelytired,herbodyonceagainfeelingtheenervatingeffects
ofthesunasitbegantoclimb."Wehavenothingfurthertodiscuss."

"IfIhadnotaidedyouwhileyouhealedthatchild,youwouldneverhavehadthestrengthtomakeitoutof
thesun."Hesaidthewordsashesaideverything,withnoinflection,yetshefelttheweightofhiscensure.

Deliberatelysheshrugged,acarelessmovementofhershoulders."Itdidn'tmatterintheleasttome
whetherIdidordidn't.IhavesaiditmorethanonceandIdon'twishtorepeatmyselfcontinually."

"Youleavemenochoicebuttobindyoutome."Actually,hehadintendedtodosofromthemomenthe'd
realizedshebelongedwithhim.Fortwothousandyearshehadnotlived,hehadmerelyexistedinadark,
uglyworld.Itwascompletelydifferentnow.Everything.Emotions.Colors.Francesca.Hehadthoughtto
courtherfirst,shecertainlydeservedthatmuch.Butifherlifewasatrisk,hewouldwaitnolonger.

Shelookedathim,hereyeslikeblackopals,beautifulandglittering."Itwon'tmatter,Gabriel.Iwon't
hesitatetogotothedawn.Iwon'tberesponsibleforyourlife.Ifyoumakethedecisiontobindus,itis
yourdecisionalone.Irefusetobeapartofit.IfyouchoosetofollowmewhenIgo,sobeit.Butmylife
willbemychoice."

Gabrieltouchedhermind;herresolvewasgenuine.Shemeanteverywordshesaid."Francesca,tellme
aboutyourrelationshipwiththisdoctor.Howfarhasitgone?"

Shecurledupinadeepcushionedchair."I'mnotsurewhatyouwanttoknow.Ihaven'tsleptwithhimif
that'swhatyoumean.Hewantsto.Ithinkhe'dliketomarryme.Iknowhewouldliketomarryme."She
hesitatedamomentbeforeadmittingtherest."I'veconsideredit."

Hiseyebrowshotup."Andyouallowedahumantodevelopsuchastrongattachmenttoyou?"

"Whynot?MylifematerejectedmeandlaterIbelievedhimtobedead.Ihadeveryrighttofindaffection
ifIdesiredit,"sherepliedwithoutremorse.

"Whatdoyoufeelforthishumanmale?"

Therewasasoftgrowlinhisgentlevoice,justenoughtosendashiveralongherspine.Shewouldnotbe
intimidatedbyhim.Shehaddonenothingwrong.Shewouldnotfeelguiltybecausehehadcomeback
fromthedead.Sheowedhimabsolutelynothing.

Gabriel,remainingashadowinhermind,couldreadherthoughtseasily.Heacceptedthathewasto
blameforhersolitaryexistence.Hebelievedshehadeveryrighttofeelasshedid.Healsocouldseeher
pointthatshewouldnotlivecomfortablywithadominatingmale.Noneofitmatteredtohim.Hehad
spentalifetimeinservicetohispeople.Battles.Wars.Destroyingtheundead.Ithadgoneonendlessly.

Hehadlivedagrayandbleakexistence,alwaysthepredatorcrouchedinwaittohuntandkill.Darkness
hadspreadwithinhim,yethisironwillhadhelditoff,centuryaftercenturyasitattemptedtotakeover
hissoul.

Therewasapromisethathadkepthimgoing.Ahope.Hebelievedhewouldfindhislifemate.Atleasthe
hadbelievedituntilacoupleofcenturiesearlier.Hisfaithhadbeenshakenthen.Perhapsshewas
correct.Perhapssomepartofhimhadrecognizedherallthosecenturiesagoandthatwaswhyhehad
beensocertainsheexisted.AndmaybeitwasherdecisiontochangeherCarpathianbodyandlivelikea
humanthathadpromptedthegrowingdarknessinhimtobecomesostrongthathehadlockedhimselfand
histwininthesoilforyears.

Hestudiedhermindcarefully;hecouldallownomistakes.Hehadfoughthisdemonsalone—thatwasthe
curseoftheCarpathianmale—butFrancesca'slifehadbeensomuchworse.Hehadnotbeenabletofeel
theloneliness,theemptiness,thathe'dexperienced.She'dfelteverymomentofit.Shehadlongedfora
family,forchildren.Foramantoloveherandshareherlaughterandherheartaches.Theyounggirlhad
felthisdismissalasrejection;thewomanknewtimeswereterriblefortheirpeopleandwasproudofhis
decisiontogivehislifeinservicefortheirdyingspecies.Shehaddoneherpartbyleavingthe
CarpathianMountains,bymakingiteasierontheremainingmales.

Francescahadcopedwithherlonelyexistencebyusingmusicandart,scienceandstudy.Shehadlearned
howtomaskherpresencefromotherCarpathiansinthearea.Fromthevampiressothatshewouldnot
drawtheundeadtohercity.Shehaddedicatedherlifetohealingothers,servingothersashehaddone.
Shehadmadeuphermindthatthesewereherlastfewyearsonearth.Shewastiredandwantedeternal
rest.Hisreturnhadnotchangedhermind.Shecouldnotconceiveofanotherlifestyle.Shehadno
intentionoftryingtofitintotheCarpathianworld,whereshebelievedshenolongerhadaplace.

Gabrielcouldn'thelpadmiringher.Shelivedherlifewell.Andshewaseverybitasstrong-willedashe
was.Hewouldtoleratemuchfromher.Butanothermalewastoomuch."Francesca,arethingsso
differentfromthetimeIremember?Doourpeoplehaveallthewomentheyneed?Canweaffordforone
ofourowntobecomeinvolvedwithahumanmale?HasMikhailsolvedtheproblemoffemalebirths,has
hebeenabletocutdownonthenumberofourmalesturningvampire?"

Sheliftedherchin,tryinghardtoignorehisvoice.Ithadawayofseepingintoherskinandfloodingher
withwarmth,withunfamiliarlongings."IcouldnothelponesingleCarpathianmalewithhisanguish.Do
notthinktoreprimandmewithsofoolishastatement.Mypresencewouldonlyservetomaketheirlives
moredifficult."

"Whatofmylife?Mystruggleagainstthedarkness?"

"Youchoseyourlife,Gabriel,andyouarestrongenoughtodecidewhenyouwishtoendit.Thereislittle
chanceyouwillloseyoursoulassomanyhavebeforeyou.Youhaveheldoutlongerthananyotherofour
kind.Atthislatedate,thedangerhaslongsincepassed."

Hesmiledthen,aquickflashofhisimmaculatewhiteteeth.Thesmilesoftenedthehardlinesinhisface
andbroughtunexpectedwarmthtohisblackeyes."Perhapsyougivemefartoomuchcredit."

ForonemomentFrancescasmiledbackathimasifhe'dstruckachordinher."Morethanlikely."

InthatsmallmomentGabrielfelthowrightitcouldbebetweenthem.Thewayitwassupposedtobe,the
wayitwouldbe.Theywouldmovetogether,breathetogether,laughandlovetogether.Maybeheowed
herafinalpeace,butheacknowledgeddeepwithinhissoul,hewastooselfishtogiveupemotionsand
colorsandthebeckoningcallofhappiness.Itwastherebeforehim,theendlessdream,thepromisegiven
tothemalesofhiskind,therewardforresistingtheterriblecallofpower,ofdarkness.Shewasthereand
hewouldnotgiveherup.

Gabrielheldouthishandtoher."Wecansortthisoutonthenextrising.Cometogroundwithme."

Francescastaredathishandforwhatseemedaneternity.Foraninstanthethoughtshemightarguewith
him.Slowlysheallowedhisfingerstotanglewithhers,topullhertoherfeet.Themomenthetouched
her,shefelttheansweringjoltinherbody,thewayherhearttuneditselftohis,thewayherbreathing
soughttomatchhis.Thewayherbodycametolife,softandsensuousandneedinghis.Atonceshetried
toletgo,jerkingherhandasifhe'dburnedher,butGabrieldidn'tallowherretreatandsimplywalked
closebesidehertowardthekitchen.

"Youdidnotanswerme.Ihaveaneedtoknowwhatitisyoufeelforthishumanmale.Ihavetreatedyou
withrespectandnottakentheanswerfromyourmind.Perhapsyouwoulddomethecourtesyof
answering."Gabriel'svoicewasmild,butthethreatofhistakingtheinformationbetrayedthesmoldering
possessionoftheCarpathianmale.

Francescaglancedupathimastheywalkedsidebyside.Hewasstudyingtheirsurroundings,takingin
everyaspectofherhome.Itamazedherthathecouldbesocalmafterwakingupinanewcenturywith
technologysodifferent,withtheworldsodifferent.Gabrielseemedtotakeeverythinginstride.Hehad
suchcompleteconfidenceinhimself,shefounditalittledisconcerting.

"I'mveryfondofBrice.Wespendalotoftimetogether.Helikesoperasandtheater.He'squite
intelligent,"sheansweredhonestly."HemakesmefeelaliveeventhoughIknowI'malreadydeadinside."

Gabriellookeddownatthetopofherbenthead.Hefeltthepainofherwordsstabthroughhim.Pain.
Real,notrememberedorimagined.Genuinepainathowshehadsufferedbecausehehadnotactively
soughther.Hisfingerstightenedaroundhersandhecurledherhandagainsthischest,againsthisheart."I
amsosorry,Francesca.ItwaswrongofmenottothinkwhatmightbehappeningtomylifematewhenI
didnotfindher.Butyouarewrongtosayyou'redeadinside.YouarethemostalivepersonIknow."

Thefloodofwarmthshefeltathiswordsalarmedher.Shelaughedtocoverherconfusion."Youdon't
knowanyoneelse."

Gabrielsmiledather,savoringthefeelingofhappiness.Hecouldlookatherforalltime.Listentothe
soundofhervoice.Hewouldnevertireofwatchingtheexpressionsflitacrossherfaceorthesweepof
herlashesagainsthercheekbones.Everythingaboutherwasamiracletohimandhewasjustbeginningto
realizeshewasrealandnotafantasy.Hecouldreachoutandtouchherskin,marvelatitssoftness."That
wasnotnice."

"Iknow."Francescawasverymuchawareofthepowerinhisbodyastheydescendedtogethertothe
sleepingchamber.Shehadnotusedtheundergroundhideawayformanyyears,butsheknewitwas
necessarynow.Shecouldnotsleepthesleepofthemortalsorwalkinthesunagain.Gabriel'sancient
bloodhadchangedallthat.Shewasexhaustedandonlythewelcomingarmsoftheearthcouldrejuvenate

her,restorehertofullpoweroncemore.

Gabrielwavedhishandtoopenthesoil.Francescastoodthereforamoment,hesitatingtomoveforward.
Gabrielsimplycaughtheraroundhersmallwaistandfloatedintothewaitingearthwithher.Helocked
thehouseinastrongsafeguardfewwouldbeabletounravel.Lucian.OnlyLucian.WhatGabrielknew,
sotoodidLucian.Itwasonlyhistwinheworriedabout.Onlyhisbelovedtwinwhocoulddestroythem.
Foramomenthisheartclenchedwiththetormentofbetrayal,aheavyburdenhefeltasanactualphysical
pain.

Francescadidherbesttoputspacebetweenthem,buthefeltherexhaustionandhesimplydrewher
close,curlinghisbodyprotectivelyaroundherwhilehesweptintohermindandissuedacommandto
sleep.Hewasincrediblystrongandshesuccumbedwithouttoomuchofastruggle.Hewouldhaveto
faceheronthenextrising,butfornowhesimplysavoredtheopportunitytoholdherbodyclosetohis,to
resthisheadonhers,feelthesilkofherhairagainsthisownskin.

"Gabriel?Youareinjuredinsomeway,Ifeelyourpain."

Lucian.Evennow,lockedwithintheearthduringthesevulnerablehours,histwinfeltthewrenchingpain
inhisheart.Therewasnogloatingasonemightexpectfromtheundead,butinallthecenturiesofthe
chase,Lucianhadneversoundedanythingbutbeautiful.Gabrielkepthismindblank,notwantingtotakea
chancethathisbrothermightdiscoverFrancesca.

"Gabriel?Thisbattleisbetweenthetwoofus.Noothercaninterfere.Shouldyouhaveneedofme,say
so."

Gabriel'sbreathcaughtinhisthroat.Therewascompulsioninthatvoice,inthatcommand,anditwasso
powerfulhecouldfeelthesweatonhisforeheadashefoughttobreakthecontact.Intheenditwaseasier
justtoanswer."Itisaminorinjuryduetocarelessnessonmypart.Theearthwillhealme."

TherewasasoftsilenceasifLucianwasdecidingwhethertobelievehimornot,thenemptiness.Gabriel
layforsometimethinkingofhisbrother.HowcouldthishavehappenedtoLucian?Lucianhadalways
beenthestrongone,theoneGabrieldependedon,believedin.Lucianhadalwaysbeentheleader.Even
now,asavampire,whollyevil,whollydepraved,Luciandidtheunexpected.Healwaysstudied,hewas
alwaysunfailinglycourteous,alwayssharingknowledge.

Gabrielhadneverconsideredthepossibilityofhistwinturningvampire.HehadknownLucianhadlost
hisfeelingsandtheabilitytoseecolorsatamuchearlieragethanmost,manyyearsbeforeGabriel;yet
hewassostrong,soself-reliant,socompletelypowerful.Howhadithappened?IfonlyGabrielhadseen
itcoming,perhapshecouldhaveaidedhisbrotherbeforeitwastoolate.Histerribleguiltwas
oppressive.

Withalittlesigh,GabrielpulledFrancescaclosertohimandburiedhisfaceinherwealthofsoft,
fragranthair.Itgavehimasenseofpeacetoholdher,tohavehisbodywrappedsopossessivelyaround
hers.Heneededhersodesperately,farmorethansheneededhim.Hislastbreathtookthescentofher
intohisheartandlungs,carrieditwithhimintothehealingsleepofhispeople.

ChapterThree

Contents

Gabrielawoketofire,hunger,need.Obsession.Everyparticleofhisskinwasalivewithfierytonguesof
heat.Hisbodywashardandaching,urgentlydemandingheclaimwhatwasrightfullyhis.Besidehimshe
laypaleandstill,herskincoolagainsthis.Ignoringtheconsequences,hedisposedofthethinbarrierof
clothingbetweenthemwithasinglethought.Shetookhisbreathaway.Herbodywasslender,perfectly
moldedforhis.

Helayholdingher,carefullycalculatinghisoptions.Hewasnotwillingtoallowhertochoosedeath.He
wantedachanceatlifetogether.Hecouldnotexistwithouther.Butevenbindinghertohimwiththeritual
wordswouldnotbeenoughtokeepherfromfacingthedawn.Hehadreadhermind,herwill.Hecould
thinkofonlyonewaytodeterher.Therewasonlyonewaytoforcehercompliance.Unforgivable.He
wouldhavetoacceptthat.Shewouldnotforgivehim,butshewouldchooselifeforbothofthem.It
wouldgivehimthetimetotiehertohimemotionally.

Gabrielthoughtabouthislackofoptionsforsometime.Whilehelayholdingherhisdeterminationonly
increased.Hewouldhaveher.Itwasselfishandwrongandbeneathhim,buthewouldnotallowherto
choosedeathoverlife.Hecouldpretenditwasforthesavingoftheirrace,thatbothofthemoweditto
theirspeciestodoalltheycouldtocontinue,butheknewtherewasnothingnobleabouthisdecision.He
wantedher.Shebelongedwithhimandhewasgoingtomakesurenotonlythathepossessedher,butthat
shenolongerhadachoiceinthematter.

Heclosedhiseyesandsenthimselfseekingoutsidehisbodyandintohers.Hemovedslowlyandsurely,
determinedtherewouldbenomistakes.Hewasanancientwithincrediblepowerandknowledge.He
madecertaintoarouseherbodyevenashefoundwhathesought.Therewasonlyonethinglefttodo.As
heemergedoncemoreintohisownbody,herecognizedthatshewasahealer,awomanlongontheearth.
Hewouldhavetobecertainshehadnotimetothinkorfeelanythingbutthehungerragingbetweenthem.
Hewascompletelyconfidenthecouldmanagethateasilyenough.Carpathianmatingritualscouldbefiery
andintense.

Gabrielpositionedhisbodyoverherssothathecouldfeelthecoolsatinofherskinagainstthe
unbearableheatofhis.Hebenthisdarkheadandfastenedhismouthtoherstotakeherfirstbreathashe
issuedthecommandtowake,tocometohimneedinghim.Hismindfullymergedwithhers,hewas
unstoppable,afullyarousedmaleintheheatoftheCarpathianmatingritual.Hislifemate'sheartbeat
foundthebeatofhis,herlungsfollowedthedirectionofhisandhermindwasinstantlycapturedbythe
hungerradiatingfromGabriel.Hebuiltthefireintoafierceconflagration.Heneededherdesperatelyjust
tosurvive.Hehadtohaveher.Hisbodyragedforher,demandedher.Nooneelsecouldquenchthe
flamesthreateningtodevourhimcompletely.

Hishungerwasherhunger,hisneedbecamehers.Herbodyburnedandached,herbreastsswellingin
invitationagainsthischest,herhipsmovingrestlessly.Gabrielfoundsomesolaceinthesilkenheatofher
mouth.Hishandsexploredeveryinchofherskin,everyshadowandhollow.Hewantedtotakehistime,
savoreachdiscovery,buthecouldn'tgivehertimetoemergefromtheirmindmerge.Hestrokedhis

tonguedownthecolumnofherthroat,lingeredoverherrapidpulse.Hishandmovedtothejunctionofher
legs,hiskneepushingherlegsopentogivehimbetteraccess.

Francescacouldonlyfeelfiercelongingandterrible,emptyhunger.Therewasaredhazeofmadness,a
firesweepingthroughher.Everywherehetouchedher,flamesdanced.Sheheardamoancomefromher
throatashisfingersfoundherhot,moistcenter.Itonlymadeherlongingmoreintense.Histeethscraped
gentlyoverherbreast,teasedhernippleintoahardpeak,movedbacktothesatin-softswell.Shefelthim,
thickandhard,pressingintoher.Hismindwasfeedinghereroticimages,projectinghisfierceurgencyto
possessher.Shecouldn'tthink,shecouldonlyfeelendlessly.Feelandhungerandburn.

Herhairwaseverywhere,brushingoverbothofthem,thesilkenstrandsunbearablyeroticontheir
sensitizedskin.Therewasastrangeroaringinherears.Shereachedforhimalittledesperately,herarms
circlinghishead,cradlinghimtoherwhilehismouthdroveeverysanethoughtfromhermind,untilthere
wasonlyhim.Therewasnoearthorsky,notimeorplace,onlyGabrielwithhiswideshouldersandhot
skinanddemandingbodyneedingherasnooneeverhad.Herbodydidn'tfeelasifitbelongedtoher;it
wassoftandpliant,achingeverybitasmuchasGabriel's.

Hewhisperedsomethingtoher.Sherecognizedtheancientlanguage,buthiswordsweremuffledagainst
herbreast.Heliftedherhips,andpausedwhileonesmallheartbeatoftimepassed.Shestaredupathim,
bemusedbyhissheersensualbeauty.Hisblackgazeheldhers."Iclaimyouasmylifemate."Hisbody
surgedforwardandtookpossessionofhers.

Francescacriedout,herhandstanglinginhisdarkflowinghairinprotestofwhathewasdoing."Relax,
Francesca."Gabrielbreathedthewords,hisvoicebeautiful,mesmerizing,enthralling.Hishipsmoved
withaslow,sexysurgeforward,givingherbodytimetoadjusttotheinvasionofhis.Hebenthisdark
headtokisshersatinskin,hismouthmovingoverherpulse.Hefocusedonbreathinginandouttostop
himselffromplungingintoher.Shewastightandhot,surroundinghimwithvelvetfire.Shewassoutterly
perfect.Heclosedhiseyesforamoment,savoringthefeelofherallaroundhim.

Francescaknewsheshouldprotest,buthismouthwasmakinghercrazywithneed.Thenwhitelightning
flashedthroughherashesankhisteethdeep,joiningthemtogetherinthemosteroticwayofall.Heart,
mind,soulandbody.Herlifeforceflowedintohimevenashisbodytookhers,hishipsmovinginadeep,
hardrhythm,takingthembothtowardashatteringrelease.Gabrielwasshakingwiththeefforttoholdon
tohiscontrol.Shetastedlikenothinghehadeverhad.Heady,sexy,everythinghecouldpossiblywant.
Hot.Sweet.Addictive.Hisbodywasgoingupinflames,buryingdeeperandharder,makingthemone.

Gabrielswepthistongueoverherbreast."Please,Francesca."Thewordswerehuskywithneed.Atonce
sherespondedtotheurgentplea.Hermouthmovedovertheheavymusclesofhischest.Hisbody
clenchedasherteethteasedhispulse,scrapedbackandforth,nipped."Francesca."Hespokehername
withdesperateurgency.Francescafoundshehadtocomply.Itwasmorethanablackmagicspell;theage-
oldlurewasonher.Hisbodywassostrong,sohard,soperfect.Shesmelledhisblood,hislifeforce
callingtoher,beckoning.Hermouthmovedsensuouslyoverhismuscledflesh,herteethteasinghimuntil
hegroanedwithneed.Shesankherteethdeep.Lightningsplinteredthroughhimandheburiedhimselfin
herhot,tightsheath,losinghimselfinthesheerecstasyofherbody."Iclaimyouasmylifemate.Ibelong
toyou.Ioffermylifeforyou.Igiveyoumyprotection,myallegiance,myheart,mysoulandmybody.I
takeintomykeepingthesamethatisyours."Hecouldbarelymanagetogettheritualbindingwordsout.
Herbodywasripplingaroundhis,shattering,fragmenting,milkinghiswithhotfieryvelvetsotighthe
thoughthewouldgoupinflames."Youaremylifemate,boundtomeforalleternityandalwaysinmy

care."

Francescaswepthertongueacrossthetinypinpricksshehadmadeintheheavymusclesofhischestand
clungtohim.Hewastheonlysafeanchorasherbodywassweptawayonwaveafterwaveofsheer
moltenpleasure.Shewasdrowninginit;herbodywasnotherownanymore.Itneverwouldbeagain.
Shelaybeneathhim,herhearthammeringloudlyinherears,herbloodracing,thetasteofhiminher
mouth,hisbodyburieddeepinsideofher,andforthefirsttimeinherendlessexistenceshewastruly
content.

Gabriellayoverher,pinningherbeneathhim,andfeltheneverwantedtomoveawayfromthebeautyof
herbody.Heliftedhisheadtolookdownintohereyes,fullyexpectingcensure.Francescastrokedback
hisdamphair."So,that'swhatwe'vebeenmissingalltheseyears."Shesaiditsoftly,inwonder.

Hebenthisheadtoplaceakissagainstthesoft,vulnerablelineofherthroat.Hishandsbunchedinher
hairpossessively."Youaresoincrediblybeautiful,Francesca."Hisvoicewhisperedseductivelyover
herskin.

Sheclosedhereyesandallowedhimtoseepintoherbodyandmind.Hehadboundthemtogether.She
hadhopedhewouldn't,butitmadenodifference.Noneofthismadeadifference.Francescawasgladshe
hadexperiencedwhatshouldhavebeenhers,butitwasn'tenoughtoholdhertoearth.Hundredsofyears
hadpassed;herlifehadgoneonendlessly.ShecouldnotstartoverasaCarpathianwomanboundtoa
domineeringmale.Sherelaxedherbody,soakingupthefeelofhis.Hewassodifferentfromher,somuch
moremuscleandsinew,allmasculineandhard,anglesandplanes.

Hewasmovingagain,slowandgentle,buildingtheheatbetweenthemoncemore.Francescahad
studiouslyavoidedallthoughtsofsexandthesexualactoncesherealizeditwouldneverhappentoher.
Nowshewishedshehadincludeditinherextensiveeducation.

"Idid,"Gabrielassuredherandoncemoretookcompletecontroloftheirbodies.Hedirectedherwith
hismind;hishands,cuppingherroundedbottom,movedherbodytomeettherhythmofhis.

Therewasnodenyinghim;Francescadidn'tevenwantto.Inallthelongcenturiesofhersolitary
existence,shehadneverbetrayedherlifemate.Aslongassheknewhelived,shehadwaited,hopedin
thewaywomenoftendo.Butastheemptyyearspassedby,she'drealizedhewouldn'tcomeforher.Then
shehadturnedherattentionstofindingherwayintothesun.HerlifewithBricewouldhavecomenext.
Butnowitwassodifferent.NoothercouldevermakeherfeelasGabrieldid.Hewasflameandecstasy,
hishandsmovingoverherasifcommittingeverylineandcurvetomemory.Asifhewereworshipping
her.Asifhehadtohaveher.

Hewantedher.Heneededher.Onlyshecouldassuagethefieryburninginhisbody.Andsheknew
absolutelythatonlyGabrielcouldmakehercomealivelikethis.Completelyalive.OnlyGabrielcould
makeherbodyburnwithsuchintensitythatrippleafterrippleofpuresensualpleasureshatteredherinto
fragmentsandmadeherlosecontrol.Itwaslikenothingshehadeverexperiencedorimagined,hisbody
movinginherswithacommandingrhythm,leadingherseverclosertotheedgeofthehighestcliffs.

Gabriel'smouthmovedoverherfullbreast,hotandhungry,sothatherbodydidameltdown,herinsides
turningtomoltenlava.Shewantedhimtotouchher,toexploreeveryinchofherskinwithhismouth.His
tonguewasswirlingaroundherhardnipplesandhervelvetsheathtightenedandtightenedsothatshewas

drowninginpleasure.Hemovedwithsure,hardstrokes,theirbodiescomingtogether,hishandsbiting
intoherhipswhileheheldherstillforhisinvasion.Shewantedhimlikethisoverandover.Shecould
readtheeroticpicturesinhismind,thethingsheintendedtodotoher,thethingshewantedhertodoto
him,andshewantedeveryoneofthem.Herbodywasspinningoutofcontrolandsheclungtohim,asoft
soundofsheerpleasureescapingbeforeshecouldstopit.Shedidn'twanttostopit,shewantedthis
momenttolastforalleternity.Shewantedtotakehertimeandexploreeveryinchofhishard,perfect
body.Shewantedtodrivehimoutofhismindwithpleasureassheknewshecould.

Herarmsslippedaroundhisneckandsheheldhimcloseashethrustintoher,surginginandout,reaching
everhigherwhileshecareenedoverthecliffsintoafreefallthatwentonandonuntilheexplodedinto
her,fallingwithher,theirbodiesentangledsothatneithercouldtellwhereonestartedandtheotherleft
off.Gabrielheldhertohim,slowingtheirheartbeats,morethansatisfiedwithherreaction.Ratherthan
beingangrywithhimathisdeliberateseduction,shewaspressingherbeautifulmouthintothehollowof
hisshoulder,herbodysoftandpliant.Inhermindhereadhersatisfaction,hergrowingdesireformore.
Shewantedthisheatandfire.Shewantedhishandsonher.Itwasunlikeanythingeitherofthemhadever
experienced.

Suddenlyshestiffenedandpushedatthewallofhischest.Gabrielallowedherafewinchesoffreedom.
Abeadofsweatwastricklingdownthevalleybetweenherinvitingbreastsandlazilyheleanedhishead
down,trackingthebeadwithhistongue.Hefeltherbodyshudderandtightenaroundhis.Shepushedat
himagainandatoncehesoughthermind.Guiltwasinvadingher,guiltandconfusionthatsheshouldfeel
suchastrongsexualattractionwhenshehadneverbeforeexperiencedsuchathing.

"Itisnatural,Francesca,"hewhisperedsoothingly,histeethscrapingbackandforthoverhersensitive
breast,thenmovingtothecornerofhermouth.

"Maybeforyouitis,butnotforme.Ineedtime,Gabriel,tosortallofthisout.Ineedtobealone.Ineed
tothinkthisthrough.Pleaseletmeup."

Weretheretearsinhervoice?Hestudiedheravertedfaceforalongmoment,willinghertomeethisdark
gaze,butshesteadfastlyrefused.Reluctantlyheeasedhisbodyfromhersandatoncefeltbereft.Shedid
too,butshewasrefusingtoadmitittoherself.Shewantedtobealone.Gabrielmovedhislargeframeoff
herbody,hishandtrailingoverhersoftskinoncemorebecausehecouldn'thelphimself.Helaystaring
upattheceilingofthechamber,asmallsmileofsatisfactioncurvinghismouth.

Shewantedhimeverybitasmuchashewantedher.Therewasasensual,verypassionatewomanhidden
inFrancesca.Gabrielclosedhiseyesandthoughtofwhatitwouldbeliketoholdhereverydawn,to
wakeeachnightwithherbesidehim,toburyhisbodydeepintothewelcomingheatofheratwill.Hehad
neverimaginedsuchaparadiseinallhiscenturiesofexistence,andnowmorethaneverhewas
determinedhewouldnotloseher.

Francescahadretreatedtothebathroom.Shestoodintheshowerwithtearsrunningdownherface.How
couldthishavehappenednow,solateinherexistence?HowcouldGabrielstillbealivewhentheentire
Carpathianworldbelievedhimdead?Hewasalegend,amyth,notsomeonelivingandbreathingand
demandinghisrights.

"Itwillnotdoyouanygoodtohideinthere."ShesensedthatGabrielwasclose.Hastilyshefought
backthetearsandturnedoffthewater.Steppingfromtheshowerstall,shewrappedherslenderbodyina

largetowel.Herskinwassosensitiveshefoundherselfblushingfornoreasonatall.Hehaddonethis.
Changedherforalltime.HehadgivenherbloodandbroughtherbackfullyintotheCarpathianworld.He
hadboundhertohim,completingtheritualsothatthetwohalvesoftheirsoulweremeldedtogether,their
heartwasone.Shewouldneedhimnow,needtotouchhismindandneedtheheatofhisbodyforthe
remainderofhertimeonearth.Francesca,whohadneverneededanyone.Francesca,whonever
answeredtoanyone.

Gabrielwaslounginglazilyagainstthedoorframe,hisblackeyeswatchingherwarily.Shewasso
beautifulshetookhisbreathaway,butthetearsclingingtoherlonglashestoreathisheart.

"Iamnothiding,"sherepliedasshesteppedresolutelyinfrontofthefull-lengthmirror.Didshelookany
different?Diditshowthatshehadbeenlovedsothoroughlybyaman?"Iwasmerelycollectingmy
thoughts."

"Youbelievenothinghaschanged."Hemadeitastatement.

"Icannotgiveyouwhatyouwantfromme.Donotpushtheissue,Gabriel,oryouwillforcemetobring
thismatterbeforeourPrince."

Gabrielsmiled,apredator'sbaringofteeth.Therewasnohumor,onlyawolfishmenace.Forthefirst
timeshewasafraid."Noonewilltakeyoufromme,Francesca,certainlynotMikhail.Inanycase,you
wouldnotbringanotherintoourpersonalbattle.Thisisbetweenthetwoofus.Youbelievethatasdeeply
asIdo.Makenomistake,myfirstallegianceistomylifemate,tosafeguardingherhealth."

"Whatofherhappiness?"

"GivemetimeandIwillensurethatalso.Donotthinktocrossswordswithme.Youwillnotwin."

"Iadmireyourarrogance,"Francescasaidsmoothlyandallowedthetoweltodroptothefloor,
simultaneouslyclothingherselfinthemannerofherkindasshedidso."Ihavetogooutthisnight."She
wasnotgoingtobedrawnintoanargumentwithhim.

"Ifyouseeknourishment,Iwillprovideforyou,"Gabrielsaidsmoothly.

Shefoughttokeepcolorfromsweepingupherneckandintoherface.Shedidn'twanttothinkaboutthe
wayhewouldprovideforher.Heturnedthesimpleactoffeedingintoasexualintimacy."Thankyouvery
muchfortheoffer,butIamgoingtothehospital.TherewasamessagefromBriceaboutanotherpatient."

Gabrielreachedoutandwrappedhisfingersaroundherslenderwrist,ashackleshecouldn'tpossibly
break.Hewasn'thurtingher;infacthistouchwasgentle,butevenifshehadstruggleddesperately,she
wouldneverhavebrokenhisgrip."Iwillkeepwhatismine,Francesca.Donotputthisdoctorinthe
middleofourbattle."

"Thereisnobattle,Gabriel,"sherepliedsoftly."Briceismyfriend.Igotothehospitaloftentogiveaid
whereitisneeded.Itisalargepartofmylife,ofwhoIam.IthasnothingtodowithBrice,otherthanthat
hehappenstobeadoctorandwe'refriends."

"Youarereachingforhiminyourmindbecauseheissimple.Heissomeoneyouarefamiliarand
comfortablewith.Ifrightenyou."

Herdarkeyesrestedonhisface."Idon'tknowexactlywhatyou'replanningtodo,Gabriel,butIcanread
yourintent.YouthinktostopmefromdoingthethingsIhaveplannedforsolong."

Gabrielshruggedcasually,notbotheringtodenytheobvious."Perhapsitwouldhelpifyouconsidered
otherpossibilities,anotherwayoflife."

"Becauseyouthinkyou'vechangedyourlifestyle.Youhaven't,youknow.Inadayortwotherewillbea
killinginthiscityandyouwillbeonthehuntwithoutabackwardglance,withoutasinglethoughtforme,
justasyoudidbefore."

Gabrielsmiledather,histeethverywhite."Iwillhavenochoicebuttohuntthevampire,butIwillnot
onlylookback,Iwillcomeback."

Francescatwistedherwristexperimentally,remindinghimtoreleaseher."There'snorealneedtohurry,"
shesaidcoolly.Evenasshesaidit,evenasshetriedtodismisshim,shewasreachinguptosmoothhis
collar.

AtonceGabrielfeltthesamesoothingcalmhehadexperiencedfromthemomentshehadfirsttouched
him.Hehadnotrealizedjusthowtighthewasinside.Francescarecognizeditandknewwhattodoto
relaxhim."Youareagreatman,Gabriel,alegendamongourpeople,andyourreputationiswell
deserved.IwishthatIcouldgiveyouallthatyoushouldhave."Francesca'slonglashessweptdownto
concealthedeepsorrowandguiltinhereyes."ButIhadalifebeforeyoucamehere.Idon'tknowyou.
MybodyreactsasaCarpathianlifemate'sshould,butmyheartisnotyours."

Gabrielbroughtherhanduptoherchestandhelditoverhisheart."Youfeeladmirationforthishuman
doctor,Francesca,Icanreaditeasilyinyourmind,butdonotmistakeitforlove."

"WhydoyoubelieveIcouldnotloveahumanman?"

"Becauseyouaremylifemateandthereisonlyonemanforyou.Iamherenow,Francesca.Ishouldhave
beenheresooner,butIamherenow.Donotallowfeartosendyourunningtothisman."

"IhavefeltaffectionforBriceforalongtime,Gabriel.ItistrueIwasentertainingtheideaofsharingmy
lastyearswithhim.Ideservesomesemblanceofhappinessinsolongalifetime."Francescacouldnot
understandwhyshewasfeelingguilty.SheowedGabrielnothing.Shehadaskedhimnottobindthem
together,yethehaddoneso.Shefeltcorneredandconfused.

"Youenjoythisdoctor'scompanybecauseyousharehisinterests.Youareabornhealer.He,too,heals
people.Butthatcommonalityisnotlove,Francesca.Affection,admirationandfriendshipdonotaddup
tolove."

"Ifhehadaskedmetomarryhim,Gabriel,youwouldhavefoundhimlivingwithme."

Gabriel'sblackeyesmovedoverherface.Verygentlyhereachedouttotugherchinup."Idonothaveto
readyourmindtoknowjusthowoftenhehasaskedthisquestionofyou.Noman,humanorotherwise,
wouldtakelongtotrytomakeyouhis.Youdonotlovehim,Francesca."

"Idon'tloveyou,Gabriel.Andthatmatterstome.Ihavelivedfartoolongtoenterintoarelationshipat

thislatedatebecauseIwishtoexperiencesex."

Hiseyeslaughedather."Greatsex,"hecorrected.

Asmallansweringsmileflirtedwithhermouth."Allrightthen,greatsex,"sheconceded."Don'tgetany
ideas,I'mjustgivingthedevilhisdue.AllthistimeourpeoplecalledyoutheangeloflightandLucian
thedarkangel.Ithinktheymighthaveitbackward."Shewithdrewherhandandturnedawayfromhim."I
donotmindifyoufindanothersleepingchamber,Gabriel.Donotcounttooheavilyonwinningthisbattle
betweenus.Evenafterwhathasoccurredbetweenus,Iamstilldeterminedtocarryonwithmyplansto
growold.IhavelivedlongandItireofwatchingothersdie."

"Thereisnobattle,honey,"hemurmuredsoftlyandwatchedherwalkoutintothedarknight.Shehadno
chanceofescapinghim.Hehadmadesureofthat.Noone,humanorotherwise,couldtakeherfromhim
now.Andhisinsurancepolicywouldpreventherfromseekingthesolaceofthedawnasnothingelse
could.Heglidedthroughtheroomtothedoorandstoodstaringoutatthelightsofthecity.Somany.It
waslitupasbrightlyastheheavensabove.

Gabrielhadbeenlockedbeneaththeearthalongtime;therewasmuchtocatchupon.Hehadtorelearn
thelayoutofParis,findeveryalleyandeverybolt-holeinit.Thiswasaperfecthuntinggroundfora
demonsuchasLucianhadbecome.Soonitwouldstart.Thekillings,thedeaths,theendlesshuntandthe
manybattles.Somewhereoutthereintheslumberingcitystalkedamerciless,relentlesskiller.Noone
wassafe,noonewouldbesafeagainuntilGabrieldestroyedhim.NowwithFrancescatoprotect,
Gabrielknewitwasimperativehewinthistime.Hehadtofindawaytodestroyhisbrother.Ifhehad
hesitatedoutofmisguidedloyaltyinthepast,henolongerhadtheluxuryofbeingabletodosonow.
Francescamustbeprotectedatalltimes.Withaheavyheart,hetookthreerunningstepsandlaunched
himselfintotheair.

Francescatookhertimewalkingtothehospital.Shelovedthenight.Asmuchasshehadlongedforthe
sun,hadworkedtobeabletowalkinit,shelovedthenight.Therewaspeaceandtranquilityaftersunset,
whereaschaosoftenreignedduringtheday.Shelovedthesoundsofthenightcreatures,therushofwings
overheadthatonlyaselectfeweverheard.Therewasasecretworldshehadalwaysbeenpartof,and
nowGabrielwasdemandingshereturntoit.

Howlonghaditbeensinceshehadseenherhomeland,theCarpathianMountains?Whatwoulditbelike
towalkamongherownkind?Todigherfingersdeepintherich,healingsoil?Shehadlongagogivenup
thatdream.Whyhadhecomebackafterallthistime?Whynow?WhatwasitshefeltforBrice?Could
shegiveherbodysowillingly,socompletelytoGabrielandreallyhaveaffectionforBrice?Gabriel
hadn'ttakenwhatshewasn'twillingtogive.Hemighthaveawakenedhertohisneed,mightevenhave
plantedtheseedsofdesireinherbodybeforewakingher,butshewasnofledgling.Shecouldnotplace
theblameonGabriel'sshoulders.Shecouldhavestoppedhim,oratleastmadethingsextremelydifficult.
No,shecouldn'tplacetheblameonGabriel.Shehadwantedhimalmostfromthefirstmomentshehad
awakenedwithhisbloodcoursingthroughherveins.

Whatdidthatmean?Wassheawomanwhocouldbewithmorethanonemanatthesametime?Couldshe
loveBrice?Ifshereallylovedhim,whyhadn'tshesaidshewouldmarryhimlongbeforenow?Was
Gabrielright?WassherushingtoBricebecausehewassafeandsomeonesheknew?Someonewhocould
neverdominateher?Wasshestillharboringayounggirl'shurtandhumiliation?Shehadthoughtherself
longoverthosesillyfeelings.

ShewasboundtoGabriel.Hermindtuneditselftohis.Herbodycriedoutforhis.Theyweretied,yether
waywardheartseemedtohaveamindofitsown.Howcouldthatbe?Hadshemadeherselfsohuman,
shecouldnolongerbetiedbytheritualwords?No,shehadfelttheburningneed,theterriblehungeronly
Gabrielcouldassuage.

Sighing,Francescarubbedherpoundingtemples.Shehadbetrayedherownbeliefs.Shehadnever
committedherselftoBrice,butshehadsecretlyentertainedtheideathattherewasachanceforthem.
Bricecaredagreatdealforher;shefelthisgenuineaffectioneverytimetheyweretogether.Itwouldbe
impossibleforhimtolietoher,shecouldreadhismindsoeasily.Hewouldbesoupsetifshesuddenly
withdrewfromtheirrelationship.Shehadallowedhimtofeelforher.Didn'tthatmakeherresponsible?
Shefeltconfusedandlonely.Andshewassoverytiredoflivingsocompletelyalone.

"Notalone,Francesca.Iamheretotalkwithyou.Thereisnoneedtofeelbetrayal.Icameintoyour
lifeunexpectedly.IcannotsayIamhappyyouthinkconstantlyofanothermanandworrymoreabout
hishappinessthanmine,butIdounderstand.Icomplicatedthingsforyou."

Francescablinkedbacktears.Therewassomethingcomfortingandveryintimateaboutanotherspeaking
sosoftlyinherhead,whisperingsoothingwordsofunderstandingandcamaraderieinthefaceofher
personalcrisis.Ithadbeensolongsinceshehadusedsuchameansofcommunication.Gabriel'svoice
wasapowerfultool,strokinglikeacaressthroughhermind.Forthefirsttimeinmanycenturiesshefelt
shewasnotalone.Thewomenofherspeciesneededtheirotherhalf.Gabriel.Sheclosedhereyes
briefly.Whyhadhecomebacknow?

"Francesca!ThankGod."Bricecamehurryingoutofanalcovejustaroundthecornerfromtheentranceto
theemergencyroom."I'velosthalfmylifeworryingaboutyou.Whowasthatman?"

Brice'sarmcurvedaroundhershouldersandatonceshefelttheheavyweightofGabriel'sdisapproval.
Carpathianmalesdidnotsharetheirwomenwell.GabrielwasOldWorld.Hehadspentcenturiesofhis
lifechasingdemons,protectingothers.Hehadtheinstinctsofapredator,yethewasalsocourageous,a
courtly,elegantlord.Shecouldfeelhisstruggletoremainbalancedandunderstandingwhenhisvery
naturedemandedheeliminatehiscompetitionefficientlyandveryswiftly.Ithadbeenalongtimesince
Francescahadlivedinhisworld.Shehadalmostforgottenthewaythemenofherracewerewiththeir
women.Protective.Possessive.

"HisnameisGabriel,Brice.I'msorry,Ihadnoideahewasgoingtobethere.IfI'dknown,Iwouldhave
toldyouabouthimbeforeyoumethim."

"Helooksatyouasifheownsyou."Bricehuggedhertohim,suddenlyfeelingasifhehadalreadylost
her.Therewasawarinessinhereyesthathadneverbeentherebefore.Francescawasdifferent,buthe
couldn'texactlysayhow."Hethinkshedoes,doesn'the?Whatishetoyou?"

"Hewasmyhusband.Ithoughthewasdead,"Francescasaidsoftly,truthfully."Iwasmoreshockedtosee
himalivethanyoumustbe.I'msorry,Brice,he'sbeengoneforever.Ihadnoideahewouldcomeback.I
trulythoughthimdeadalltheseyears."

"Younevermentionedahusband."Bricewasclearlyinshock.

Shenodded."IknowIdidn't.ItwasalongtimeagoandIhadacceptedthathewasgone.Hisreturnisa

shockandIhavetodealwithit.Allofusdo."

Briceswallowedhard,visiblyupset,somuchsothatsheautomaticallysoothedhimwithhertouch.He
immediatelylacedhisfingersthroughhers."Whatdoesitmean?Hecan'tthinkafterallthistimehecan
justwalkbackintoyourlife,canhe?YouknowhowIfeelaboutyou.Washelegallydeclareddead?
Whatdoesthismeanforus?"

"Idon'thonestlyknowwhattothinkrightnow,Brice.Itoldyou,I'minastateofcompleteshock."
BecauseFrancescacouldnotbeartobedishonestwithhim,sheforcedherselftogofurther."Butitdoes
changethings.Howcoulditnot?Gabrielisaveryoverpoweringmanandhecertainlywasnever
declareddead."

Bricesteppedawayfromher,hiseyesmovingoverherfaceincensure."You'restillattractedtohim,
aren'tyou?"Itwasanaccusation.

Francescalookedawayfromhim,guiltwashingoverherinarush."Hewasmyhusband,Brice.Whatdo
youthink?"

"Damnit,Francesca!Youshouldhavemarriedmealongtimeago.Youcertainlythoughtaboutit,you
can'tdenythatyoudid.Sowhatifhe'scomeback?Hedoesn'tbelonginyourlifeanymore."Suddenlyhe
wentverystill."Heisn'tstayingatyourhouse,ishe?"

Francescaremainedsilent,hergazestudiouslyavoidinghis.

Briceslappedhisforehead."Francesca!Areyououtofyourmind?Youdon'tevenknowanythingabout
thismananymore.Wherehashebeenallthistime?Doyouevenknowwhathe'sbeendoinglately?I'll
betyoudon'tyetyoujusttakehiminasifnotimehaspassed.Forallyouknow,hecouldhavebeenin
jail.Heprobablywasinjail."Hishandonherarmdetainedherprogressintothehospital."Isthatit,
Francesca?Washeinjailsomewhereandyoujustdon'twanttotellme?Ithinkyouoweittome."

"IfIwantedtotellyou,Iwouldn'tbeableto.Youwon'tletmegetawordinedgewise,"Francesca
protested."WhereGabrielwasandwhathewasdoingishisbusiness,onlyhis,andIdon'toweyouthat
information."

"Yousleptwithhim."Bricemadeitastatement.

"Thatisn'tyourbusinesseither."Herchinwasup,hereyesflashingawarningsignal.Francescamight
feelguiltybutshecouldn'tfinditinhertoallowBriceoranyothermantochastiseher.Shehadalways
beenhonestwithhim,always.Morethanonceshehadencouragedhimtofindanotherwoman,onewho
wouldadorehimashedeserved.Francescawasjustnotthatkind.Itmadeherfeelsadthatshewasn't.It
madeherfeelinadequatethatshecouldn'tgiveherheartcompletelyandtotally.Therewassomething
wrongwithher,somethingmissing.ItwasjustaswellGabrielhadchosentofollowanotherpath;he
wouldhavefoundherlessthanperfect,hislifewithherlessthansatisfying.

"Hasitoccurredtoyouhemayhavebeenlivingwithanotherwomanalltheseyears?Hecouldhave
anotherwifeandevenchildrensomewhereandyouwouldn'tknowit."Thewordsslippedout
maliciously,beforehecouldstopthem.

Herlargeblackeyesflashedwithsuddenangeratthesuggestion."That'sbeneathyou,Brice,"shepointed
outsoftly.

"Francesca,please.Don'tdothis."Bricecircledherwaistwithhisarm,butashedrewherclosetohis
bodyhewasverymuchawarehehadcrossedsomeline.

Atonceshewasuncomfortable,stiff.Shecouldsmellhiscologneandthoughitwasexpensive,itmade
herfeelslightlynauseated.Itwasstrange,shehadalwaysratherlikedhiscologne,yetnowshethought
onlyofthewayGabrielsmelled,hismusky,malescent.Wasthatpartoftheritual,thebinding?Didit
makeitimpossibleforhertotouchanotherman?Wasthatthesecretthemenoftheirraceheldoverthe
women?Sheshovedanimpatienthandthroughherhair,foundherfingersweretrembling.Maybethere
wasawaytoundowhattheritualwordshadwrought.Afterall,shehaddonetheimpossible:shehad
foundawaytowalkamonghumansinthenoondaysun.Gabrielmighthavereversedheraccomplishment,
butthatdidn'tnegatethefactthatshehaddonewhatnootherCarpathianeverhad.

"I'mnotdoinganything,Brice.Idon'tknowwhattodo,soI'mnotdoingasinglething.I'mnotaskingyou
toputyourlifeonholdoraskingyoutowait.I'vealwaystoldyoutofindasweetgirlandsettledown."
Francescabrushedherhairaway,anervousgesturesherarelymade.

"Iloveyou,Francesca,"Bricesaidunhappily."I'mnotabouttorunoutandfindanotherwoman.You're
theoneIwant.Ican'tsayIliketheideaofaformerhusbandstayingatyourhouse,butIdon'twantyou
shuttingmeoutbecauseyouthinkIcan'thandleit."

Francescashookherhead."Ican'thandleit,Brice.YouhavenoideahowconfusedIfeel.I'drathernot
talkaboutitanymorerightnow.WhatifIjustlookatthispatientforyou?"

Bricecaughtatherarmandslowedhispacetopreventherfromenteringthehospital."Doyoulovehim?"

Francescaletoutherbreathslowly,wantingtobeentirelytruthful."HowcouldIwhenIhaven'tseenhim
forsolong?Idon'tknowhim.Ihaven'tletmyselfknowhim;Idon'twanttoknowhimrightnow.Icantell
youIthinkhe'scourageousandIadmirehimasI'veneveradmiredanyoneelseinmylife.Andhe
deservestohaveagoodlife.Ijustdon'tnecessarilywanttobepartofit."

Bricesworesilentlytohimself."Youdon'towehimanything.Idon'tcareifhewasyourhusband.You
soundasthoughyouthinkyouowehim,butyouowehimabsolutelynothing.Idon'tcareifhewasasecret
agentandsavedtheworld.Hecan'tjustcomebackhereanddecidehewantsyouagain."

Gabrielhadsavedtheworld,probablymorethanonce.Andwithapowerfulvampirelooseinthecity,he
wouldonceagainprotecthumansatgreatrisktohisownlife.Hehadgivenuphischanceathappiness,
hadgivenupfamily,emotionsandcolors.Hehaddonemorethanriskhislife,hehadriskedhisverysoul
tokeepmortalsandimmortalsalikesafe.Hehadnorealexistence;evenhisownkindfearedhispower.
Hewascompletelyalone.Gabriel.Herheartachedforhimasmuchashermindrebelledagainsthishold
overher.

"Gabrielisdifferent,Brice.Ican'texplainhimtoyou.I'vehadadifficulteveningandI'maskingyouto
dropthesubjectforawhile.Ican'tgiveyoutheansweryouwanttohearandifyoupushme,Iwould
havetosayno,there'snohopeforusandjustforgetit."Sherubbedatherthrobbingtemples."Whatabout
thispatientofyours?Doyouwanthelpornot?"

Briceshookhishead,tryingtohidehisfrustration."Allright,Francesca,haveityourway.We'llshelveit
fornow,butIwishyou'dthrowhimoutortakehimtooneofthosesheltersyou'realwaysfunding.Oneof
themoughttohaveabedforhim."

FrancescaknewverywellGabrielwasprobablyquitewealthy.Nomatterhowlonghehadbeensleeping
beneaththeearth,hewouldhaveastashofgoldorsomethingofequalvaluetosustainhim.Thoseinhis
linewouldkeephispropertiesintactforhim.Ifhehadnone,allCarpathianswouldcontributesignificant
amountstoeasehiswaybackintosociety.Itwastheirwaytoaidoneanotheratalltimeswhentherewas
need.InCarpathiansociety,wealthmeantnothing.Itwastobesharedasameansofcontinuingtheirkind,
ofkeepingthemasecret.Gabrielhadnotyethadtimetocollectwhatwasrightfullyhis,buthewould.In
anycase,Francescacoulddonootherthanlivebythecodeofherpeopleandsharewhatwasherswith
him.

"Ihaveaskedhimtofindhisownplaceassoonashegetshisbearings,butIwillnotforcehimtoleave
myhome.NowtellmeaboutyourpatientorI'mleaving."Shemeantittoo.IfBricepushedheranyharder
shewasjustgoingtowalkawayandnotcomebackforaverylongtime.

Herecognizedthefinalityinhervoice."She'sfourteenyearsold,andlooksasifshe'sbeeninatrain
wreck.Xraysshowamultitudeofbrokenbones,somesetbyphysiciansandsomeknittedcrookedlyon
theirown.She'spracticallycomatose.Shelooksatme,butwon'tsayaword.Ican'teventellwhethershe
actuallyhearsme.She'sinbadshape.Shehassomewicked-lookingscarsonherbackandsome
particularlybadonesonherhandsandarmsasifshefoughtbackmanytimes.Shelooksasifshe'sbeen
batteredrepeatedly.Herfatherbroughtherin,abruteofaman,nasty,doesn'tsaymuch.Noother
relatives.Copssayhe'sacareercriminalbutnohistoryofchildabuse.Wecan'tprovethefather'sa
sadisticabuserwithoutthechild'saccount,andshecan'ttalktous.Hewantstotakeherhome,saysshe's
retarded,butIdon'tthinkso."

Francescafeltherheartturnover.Shehatedthiskindofthing,hadfoughtforcenturiestoestablishsafe
havensforwomenandchildren,yettherewereneverenough.Fourteenyearsold.Whywouldafather
tortureandabusehisownchildwhileherspeciesfoughtsohardtopreservetheirchildren?Carpathian
malesalwaysprotectedwomenandchildrenabovetheirownlives.Itjustdidn'tmakeanysenseandher
heartbledforthepoorteenagerwithnoonetoprotectherfromtheverypersonwhoshouldhaveloved
herthemost."Wastheresexualabuse?"

Bricenodded."Absolutelytherewas.Thischildhasbeensoabusedit'ssickening."

"Youhaveneedofmyaid,honey?"Gabriel'sbeautifulvoicebrushedgentlyatthewallsofhermind.

"Showhertome,Brice,"sheinstructedsoftly."Achildhasbeenabused.Iamgoingtoseehernow.
Bricesaidtheysuspectthefather."Withoutreallythinkingaboutit,shesenthimalloftheinformation
Bricehadgiventoher."Iwillbefine."

"Iexpectyoutocallshouldtherebeneed."Alongwiththesoftcommandshewasimmediatelyflooded
withwarmthandcomfort,strongarmstoanchorherasshefacedanotheremotionalbattering.

ChapterFour

Contents

Bricepushedopenthedoortotheyoungwoman'sroomandsteppedbacktoallowFrancescaentry.
Fortunatelythegirl'sfatherwasnotpresent.ThemanwasabullyandBricewasafraidofhim.He
crossedtheroom,smilinggentlyattheyoungwomanhuddledonthebed.Shehadn'tlookedupor
indicatedinanywaythatshenoticedtheirentry.

"Skyler,I'dlikeyoutomeetafriendofmine.Iknowyoucanhearme,Skyler.ThisisFrancesca.She'san
extraordinarywoman.Youdon'thavetobeafraidofher."

FrancescawatchedBrice,noticedhowgentlehismovementshasbecomearoundtheteenager.Thatwas
oneofthethingsthatdrewhertoBrice.Thewayhewaswithchildren,withthosewhowerehurtand
wounded.Hecared.Itcouldn'thaveanythingtodowithmoney,shewascertainofthat.Bricereally
wantedtomakethingsright,wantedtohelptheselittlelostsouls.Herheartwarmedandshesmiledathim
assheglidedforwardtoseatherselfinthechairBricehadplacedrightbesidethebed.

"Hello,Skyler.Yourdoctorhasaskedmetocomeandvisityou.Ithoughtwe'daskhimtoleavesowecan
bealonetogether.Justthetwoofus."ShenoddedatBrice.

Hebentclose,hismouthsoclosetoherearshecouldfeelthewarmthofhisbreath."I'mgoingtokeepan
eyeoutforherfather.Ifhecatchesyouinhere,there'snotellingwhathemightdo."

"Youthinkhe'llbecomeviolent?"Francescawhisperedthequestion,notwantingthechildtohearher.
Thelastthingthegirlneededwasanuglysceneinvolvingherfather."Areyouexpectinghim?"

"Notanytimesoon.Heusuallyspendsthistimeofnightdrinking,"Briceassuredher.Withareassuring
winkattheunresponsiveteenagerhelefttheroom.

Francescaobservedthechildclosely.Thegirlwaslyinginthefetalposition,herhairhanginginragged
lengthsasthoughsomeonehadchoppeditoffindiscriminately.Therewasacrescent-shapedscaronher
temple,whiteandthin.Therewerebruisesalloverherface.Hereyeswereswollenandherjawwas
severalshadesofgreenandblue."SoyournameisSkyler."Sheloweredhervoicesothatitwassoftand
beautiful,hidingtheunderlyingcompulsionwithasilverysound.

Francescatookthegirl'slimp,scarredhandintohers,reachingatthesametimeforhermind.Shewanted
toexaminethechild'smemories,toseewhathadhappenedtohertomakeherliewithoutmoving,so
lifelessandwithouthope.Atonceafloodofviolenceanddepravitystormedintoher.Tearsburned,clung
toFrancesca'slashes.Suchaterribleexistence.Shefelteveryblowthechildhadreceived,everyburn,
everyrape,everyactforceduponher,everysingletorture,mentalandphysical,asifithadbeendoneto
her.Thescarswereontheinsideaswellastheoutside,scarsthatmightfadewithtimebutwouldnever
reallygoaway.Herownfatherhadsoldhertoothermen,beatenherrepeatedlyifshefoughtthemand
punishedhereachtimeshehadattemptedtorunaway.Hebeatherifshecried,beatherwhenthemen
returnedher,complainingthatshewasawoodendoll,uncooperativeandfrigid.

Theimageswereterrible,offingersforcingtheirwayintothelittlebody,handssqueezingandgroping,
menfumblingatherwithalcoholontheirbreath.Therewasbreathtakingpainastheyrammedintoabody
fartoosmalltoaccommodatethem.Large,hamlikefistscomingatthelittleface,hersmallbodybeing
flungagainstthewall.Thenightmarewentonandon,illustratingthehideousfateofachildimpossibly
young,withouthelp,withouthope.Lockedinastiflinghotcloset,lockedinafreezingcoldbathroom.
Hungry,thirsty,knowingeachtimesheheardfootstepsitwouldstartagain.

Francescapressedonehandtoherstomachasitknottedandtwistedinsympathy.Foramoment,shewas
afraidshemightactuallybesick.Thischildhadnotonlysufferedphysicalhell,buthadcompletelylost
thewilltofight.Francescapushedpastthetotaldespairandreachedformore.Shewantedtofindthereal
Skyler,theonethathadexistedbeforeherspirithadbeenbeatenoutofher.Skylerhadbeenafighter
once.Aloveroflife,ofpoetry,findingjoyinthethingsaroundher,simplethings,justashermotherhad.
SkylerRose,hermotherhadnamedher.Abeautifulrosewithoutthethorns.Shehadavoicethatcould
singtotheheavens,yetherbrutalparenthadmanagedtosilenceit.Themanwaseverybitasevilasa
vampire.Cunningandcruelandtotallydepraved.HisveryexistencesickenedFrancesca.Helivedfor
alcoholandcrack.Thatwashislife,hisonlylife.

"Listentothesoundofmyvoice,Skyler,morethanmywords."Francescaprojectedhervoiceintothe
girl'smind,reachedtotouchthehuddled,cringingspirit."Icannotlietoyou.Iknowyoudon'twantto
comebacktothisworldandIdon'tblameyou.You'vegonefarawayfromthisbodysoyoudon'thaveto
seeorhearhim.Youdon'thavetofeelwhathedoestoyouanymore.Icanhealyou.Icantakeawaythe
thingshehasdonetoyou,thescarsonyourbody.Icanlessentheimpactofwhathasbeendonetoyouso
youcanliveagainwhole.Icanevenmakeitpossibleforyoutoconceiveachildlaterifthatisyourwill.
Youcanhaveafamilyofyourown.Youwillbelievemeinthisonething,aboveallothers:youareinno
wayresponsibleforthethingsthathavehappenedtoyou.Iknowhemadeyoubelieveyouareworthless,
butthetruthis,Skyler,hecouldn'tstandyournaturalgoodness,yourverybeautyshiningathim,reminding
himeverydayofhisownsickdepravity."

Strokingbackstrandsofdullhairwithgentlefingertips,Francescaleanedclosetothegirl'shead.She
wantedtoholdherforever,keephersafeandloveherassheshouldhavebeenloved.Whyhadn'tshe
foundthischildearlier,beforehercruelparenthaddonesuchextensiveharm?Shecouldfeelthetears
tricklingdownherface,theheavysorrowpressinginonherchest.Ancientsfeltpain,emotions,much
moreintenselythanfledglings.Francescawantedtoliebesidethegirlandweep,butinsteadsheforced
herselftolookbeyondthepainbothofthemnowshared.

Sheclosedhereyes,focusingentirelyontheyoungteenager,herownbodydroppingawayfromheruntil
shebecameenergyandlight.AtonceshemovedtomergewithSkyler.Heryoungbodywasamessoftorn
muscle,brokenbones,bruisedtissue.Therewereinternalscarseverywhere.Mostofallthebodyfelt
dead,asifSkyler'sspirithadlongagodeparted.Francescaknewitwasn'tso;shehadconnectedwiththe
girl,knewthechildwaslisteningtoher,somewheredeepinsidehermind.Asmallhuddledspiritdrawn
onlybythecompulsioninFrancesca'svoice.Francescaknewthegirlwaswaitingverystillinthe
shadows,justwaitingtoseewhetherFrancescawastellingthetruth.Howcouldshebelieve?Itwasonly
thestrangeness,thepuresilverysoundofFrancesca'svoiceandthefactthatshewas"different"thathad
capturedherattentionatall.

"Baby,"Francescawhisperedsoftly,herheartaching."Baby,I'msosorryIwasn'thereforyoubefore,but
Iwon'tabandonyou.Iwillwatchoveryoualways,throughoutyouryounglife.Iwillmakesurenoone

caneverhurtyouagainlikethis."Shemovedclosertothelifeforcehuddledsosmall."Comebackand
live,Skyler.Icangiveyoubackyourlife.I'mnotyourmother,Iknowthat,butIwillneverallowany
harmtocometoyouagain.Igiveyoumyword,anditisnotgivenlightlyoroften."Shemovedcloser,
bathingthehuddled,miserablechildinherlight,hercompassion,thefullforceofhergoodness."Believe
inme,trustinme.IknowIcankeepyousafeasnoonehaseverdone.Hearmyvoice,Skyler.I'm
incapableoflyingtoonesuchasyou.Iknowyoufeelmywordsaretrue."

Hervoicewascompelling,drawingthechild'sshatteredspirittoherlikeamagnet.Sheswampedthe
teenagerwithwarmthandreassurance,apromisethatshewouldneveragainhavetofacethebrutethat
washerfather.Shewouldbeprotectedfromhimatalltimes.Allshehadtodowascomeback.Just
allowherselftotrustsomeone.

Softly,Francescachantedahealingritualintheancientlanguage,thewordsasoldastimeitself,asshe
begantoworkfromtheinsideouttorepairSkyler'sdamagedbody.Sheworkedswiftlyandmeticulously,
payingcloseattentiontodetails,notwantinganyfoulevidenceofthebeatingsorrapesinherbody.After
atimeshebecameawareofadiscordantnote.Mergedasshewaswiththechild,shebecameawareof
thegirlcringing,suddenlyradiatingfear.ShewasnotfrightenedofFrancesca,neverofher.Ifanything,
thehuddledspiritwasmovingreluctantlytowardherforprotection.Thechildseemedtosenseher
father'spresence.Hewassomewherecloseinsidethehospital,comingtowardtheroom.

Francescacaughtsomeoftheyoungwoman'sfear.Itwouldhavebeenimpossiblenottofeelitwhenthe
girlwassoterrifiedandtheywereconnected.Francescahadtremendouscontrol,bornofcenturiesof
patience.Sheknewthatshewaspowerfulandcouldhandledangeroussituations,yetatthesametimeshe
wasalsoawarethatshemustappeartobehuman.Shehadtrainedherselftoappearhuman,tomakeher
responsestotallynormal.Evenherthoughtshadtoappearhuman.Suchprecautionshadprotectedher
fromtheundead.TheyhadalsokepttheCarpathianmalesfromfindingher.Evenamindscanwould
identifyherashuman,notCarpathian.Shehadneverbeenabletoriskasurgeofpowerthatmightdraw
herownkindortheundeadtoher.

"It'sallright,sweetheart.Iwon'tlethimtouchyou.Iknoweverything,allofit,everyterriblethinghe's
donetoyou.Thepolicewilltakehimawayandlockhimupsotighthe'llnevergetoutagain."Oncemore
sheusedhervoice,thepuretonesoftruthandhonesty,sothatthegirlwouldnotretreattoofarwhenher
fatherenteredtheroom.

Francescaslowlyreturnedtoherownbody.Asalwayswhenshehealedoutofherbody,shewasdrained
tothepointofexhaustion.Sherosewithcalm,unhurriedmovements,pushedopenthedoorandbeckoned
Briceinside."It'sherfather.He'scommittedterriblecrimesagainstthischild.Callthepoliceandmake
certaintheycomedownhereatoncetoarresthim.AskforArgassy,usemyname.TellhimIsaiditwas
anemergency."

BriceglancedatSkyler,stillinthefetalposition,hereyesblankanddull."Ifshecan'ttellthem,
Francesca"HetrailedoffasFrancesca'sblackgazebegantosmolder.Attimesthecompassionatehealer
couldlookquiteintimidating.

"Shewillnothavetotestify."Itwasadecree.Francescaturnedawayfromhim.

Bricehadonehandonthedoorwhenitsuddenlycrashedopen,flinginghimbackwardtofallagainstthe
bed.Ahugeburlybearofamanstaggeredin,blinkingatthemwithhate-filledeyes.Hishandswerehuge,

openingandclosingintofists.HebarelylookedatBrice,clearlydismissinghimasanobstacle.Hisgaze
settledonFrancesca,whosehandwaslinkedtoSkyler's.

"Whatisthis?"hebellowed."Howdareyoucomeintomydaughter'sroomwhenIsaidnoonewas
allowedinhere.Whoareyou?"

Francescaloweredhervoiceuntilitwasassoftandcleanasagentlebreeze."Iamthischild'sadvocate.
Sheisveryill,Mr.Thompson,andIwantyoutoleavethisroombeforeyoudistressherfurther."

Hervoicewassocompelling,themanactuallyturnedtoleave,onehanduptopushatthedoor.Thenhe
spunaroundshakinghishead,acunningferalhatredgatheringinhiseyes."Youlittlebitch,youcan'ttell
mewhattodowithmyowndaughter."Deliberatelyhestalkedacrosstheroomtowardher.Skylerwas
essentialtohim,hisonlywaytogethisdrugsnow.

Hewasgoodatintimidatingothers,Francescaadmitted.Hehadperfectedhistechniquewithyearsof
practicingonSkylerandhermother.Hewasanuglybruteofamanwithaspecialneedtoinflictpainand
fearonothers.Shereadhimeasily,recognizedhisenjoymentofhurtingothers—men,children,women,it
didn'tmatter.Heneededtodoso.FrancescacouldseeBricemakinghimselfverysmall,coweringinthe
corner,tryingtoedgetowardthedoor.Ifhemadeit,hecouldcallsecurityandbringhelpimmediately.

Francescacontrolledthebeatingofherheart,knowingSkylerwasstillclingingtoher,stillwaitingtosee
ifshewastruetoherword.Francescasentwavesofreassurance,acalmtranquilityshedidn'tactually
feel.Thismanshouldhavewalkedoutthedoorathercommand.Hewashumanandthehidden
compulsioninhervoiceshouldhavebeenenoughtocontrolhim,butithadn'tworked.Shecouldhandle
thesituationusingotherpowersandskills,butitwasachancythingtodowithBriceintheroomanda
legendaryvampiresomewhereinthecity.Lucianwouldfeelthesurgeofpower,knowthetouchwas
feminine.Itcouldverywellbringinstanttroubletothehospital,toherfriendsaswellastoher.

Themanstoodsocloseshecouldseethehaironhischestthroughhisdirtyshirt.Hesmelledofcheap
whiskeyandrye.Thetaintofdrugsseepedfromhispores.Shemethisgazewithacalmacceptanceofhis
rage.Ifhestruckher,herfriendswouldseetoitthathewouldbelockedupforaverylongtime.Andhe
wasgoingtostrikeher.Theairwasthickwithtension.

"Youbitch.Youneedarealmantoshowyouhowtobehave.Yoursimperinglittledoctorprobablyrunsto
youeverytimeyoucrookyourlittlefinger."Deliberatelyhecuppedhiscrotchlewdly."Yousmellgood,
lady,andI'llbetyourskinisassoftasitlooks."Hewasbreathingtoofast,alreadystiffandlickinghis
lipswithanticipation.Hishandmovedtotouchherface,tofeelifherskincouldpossiblybeassoftasit
looked."Don't!"Itwasasharpcommand.Francescadidn'tmove.Hereyesblazedathim,glaringwith
contempt.Hewasincapableofperformingsexually.Sheknewthatmuchabouthim.

Vulgarlyhespatoutastringofswearwordsevenasheswunghisfistather.Francescastoodverystill
waitingcalmlyfortheblow.Briceyelledatthetopofhislungsforsecurity.Onlyaheartbeatwentby,a
tinyspaceoftime,butinthatspacetheairintheroomthickenedtoablackmalevolence.Thedoorburst
inwardatthesamemomentthatThompson'sfistconnectedwithflesh.

GabrielwassmilingevenashecrushedThompson'sfistinhishand.Hehadcaughtitbeforethebrute
couldstrikeFrancesca.Movingwithpreternaturalspeed,hehadinsertedhisbodybetweenFrancesca's
andThompson's,catchingthepunchbeforeitcouldconnectwithhislifemate'sface.OnlyGabriel'sblack

eyesseemedaliveinhisstillface.Deepwithintheirdepthsburnedthebrightredflameofthedemon.It
revealedhistruenature,thatofapredator.

ToBrice'sastonishmentSkyler'sfatherseemedtocrumplebeforeGabriel.Bricereadtheterrorinthe
man'sfaceandforgottocontinuecallingforsecurity.Hefeltfearhimself,amountingsurgeofadrenaline
thatrefusedtoabate.Gabriellookedlikeanavengingangel,awarriorofold,invincible,merciless.He
wasstaringdirectlyintoThompson'seyes."YoudonotwanttostrikeFrancesca,doyou?"Thevoicewas
verysoft,almostgentle.Althoughpleasingtotheear,itwasallthemorefrighteningbecausetherewasno
emotion.

Thompsonwasshakinghisheadlikeachild.TherewaspainetchedonhisfaceandBricecouldseethat
Gabrielretainedpossessionofhisfist.Gabriel'sknucklesweren'twhite,hedidn'tlookasifhewas
exertinganypressureatall,yetThompson'sfacegrewgrayandhebeganalow-pitchedmoaningthatfast
rosetoacry.GabrielbenthisdarkheadtothemanandwhisperedsomethingBricecouldn'thear,but
Thompsonceasedtoweep,managingonlyamoaningwhimper.HiseyesremainedfixedonGabriel's
face,eyesfilledwithhorror,withsheerterror.

SecurityburstintotheroomandimmediatelyGabrielsteppedawayfromtheman,hislargerbody
protectivelyshieldingFrancesca's.TheytookThompsonoutintothehall,astonishedthathewentwith
themsodocilely.Therewasthesoundofsomethingheavyhittingthefloorandaterriblecoughing,thena
rattling.Almostatonce,anursecalledforBrice,hervoicetense.HehurriedouttofindThompsonlying
onthefloor,bothhandsclutchinghisthroat,hisfacegrayashefoughtdesperatelyforair,hiseyesrolling
backinhishead.

"What'sgoingon?Whathappened?"Bricewasonhiskneesbesidetheman.

"Hejuststartedgaspingandgrabbedhisthroat.Hewentalittlecrazy,actingasifhewerewrestlingwith
someoneforaminute,almostasifhewerebeingstrangled,andthenhefell,"thesecurityguardblurted
out.

FrancescaheardtheexplanationandsatdownonceagaininthechairbesideSkyler'sbed."Thankyou,
Gabriel,"shesaidsincerely.Hehadnoideahowrelievedandhappyshewasathisunexpectedarrival.

Hishandmovedoverhersilkenhairinaslowcaress."YoushouldhaveknownIwouldneverallow
anyonetolayahandonyou."Hisvoicewasverygentle,almosttender.Itgaveheranunfamiliarfeeling.
ThiswaswhatitfeltliketobeprotectedbyamaleCarpathian.Cherished.SheknewThompsonwas
dead.Gabrielkneweverything,allofit,everyterriblethingthatthebeasthaddonetohisdaughter.
Gabrielhadbeenthere,ashadowinhermindallalong,monitoringhersurroundingsasthemaleoftheir
speciesoftendidtoinsurehislifemate'ssafety.

Hehadfeltthechild'sterror,hadsufferedrightalongwithFrancescaeverysingletormenttheteenhad
experienced.HehadsharedeverytearFrancescahadshedandthefearshe'dfeltwhenThompsonburst
intotheroom.Shewasoddlygratefulnottobealone.Atthesametimesheresentedtheideathatsheliked
beingprotected.

FrancescawatchedthewayGabrieltouchedSkyler,hishandsogentle,hisvoicelikeamusical
instrument.Thetendernessofthisenormouslypowerfulmanputalumpinherthroat."Hecannotharm
you,littleone.FrancescawillwatchoveryouandsowillI.YouareunderourjointprotectionandIgive

youmywordofhonoritisforalltime.Comebacktous,joinus."

TherewasnowaytoignorethecompulsioninGabriel'svoice.Thechildstirred,blinkedrapidly,madea
softsoundofdistress.AtonceGabrielmovedbacksothatthechildwouldfocusonFrancesca.Skyler
neededawoman.Francescawasallcompassionandhonesty,goodnessandpurity.Skylerwouldseeit.
Francesca'ssoulwassobeautifulthatanyonemeetinghercouldseeitshininginhereyes.

Skylerlookedupattheceilingfirst,shockedthatherbodydidn'tfeelpain.Sherememberedthevoiceof
anangelreassuringher,makingherpromises.Avoiceshehadtolistento,butshewasveryafraidshehad
madeitup.Sheturnedherheadandfoundherangel.Shewasbeautiful.Everybitasbeautifulasanyangel
Skylerhadeverimagined.Herhairwaslongandflowing,asblackasaraven'swing.Herfacewasthat
ofaMadonna.Shehadclassicalbonestructure,delicate,almostfragile,sobeautifulshetookSkyler's
breathaway.Skylerhadnotspokenawordinmonths.Itwasdifficulttofindhervoice."Areyoureal?"
Hervoicetrembled,wobbled,amerethreadofsound.

FrancescafeltGabriel'ssurgeofprideinherandithumbledherthatshecouldreceivesuchhighpraise
fromhim.Gabriel.Thehunter.Noonehadaccomplishedthethingshehadinthecenturiesofhis
existence.Shedidn'twanttofeelwarmthattheknowledgethathewassoproudofher,buthemadeher
feelasifnooneelsehadhertalents,hercapabilities.Nootherwomanhadsurvivedasshehadonher
ownforsomanycenturies.Andnootherwomanwassobeautifulorsocourageous.Hemadeherfeellike
thatinspiteofherdeterminationnottolethimgettoher.Hedidn'tsayit,hejustresidedinher,amerging
ofmindsandsouls.Shefeltit.Webelongtogether.Unsaid,butthereallthesame.

Francescaignoredhim,asmallsmilecurvinghermouth."Iamveryreal,sweetheart.Imeanteveryword
Isaid.Youhavenothingtofearanymore."

Skylershookherhead,hereyessuddenlywildwithterror."They'llgivemebacktohim,theyalwaysdo,
orhejusttakesmeback.Icannevergetawayfromhim.Hefindsme.Healwaysfindsme."

Gabriel'svoicecamefrombehindFrancesca.Itwastranquil,calm,soothing."Heisgonefromthisworld,
littleone.Goneforalltime.Hecanneverfindyouorcomenearyouagain.Hewentintocardiacarrest
whenhewasconfrontedwithhissins."

ThegirlgrippedFrancesca'shandinhers."He'sreallygone?Isthismantellingthetruth?WherewillI
go?HowwillIlive?"Shewaspanic-stricken.Sheknewhowtoretreatfromlifeandpainandabrutal
tyrant.Shehadnoideahowtoliveintheworld.Shedidn'tevenknowifitwaspossible.

FrancescastrokedbackSkyler'shairgently."There'snoneedtoworryaboutanything.Ihavefriendswho
willhelpus.Youwillbewelltakencareof,Ipromiseyou.Fornow,allyouhavetodoisliehereinthis
roomandgetwell.I'llbringyousomeclothesandbooks,maybeastuffedanimalortwo.We'llgetyou
somethingstomakeyourstayalittlelessboring.Iwillcomebacktomorroweveningandvisitwithyou.
Wecantalkmoreaboutwhatyouwouldliketodowithyourlifeandwherewe'llgofromhere."

SkylertightenedhergriponFrancesca."Ishereallydead?"

"Gabrielwouldnottellanuntruth."Francescasaiditverysoftlybutwithgreatconviction."Youneed
sleepnow,child.Iwillbeheretomorrowaspromised."

Skylercouldn'tquitemakeherselfletgoofFrancesca'shand.Aslongastheywerephysicallyconnected,
shebelievedshewassafe.Shebelievedshehadachanceatlivinganormallife.Itterrifiedhertoletgo
ofthatlifeline.SomethingaboutFrancescasoothedher,madeherbelievesheactuallyhadachance.
"Don'tleavemealone,"shewhispered,hereyesfranklybegging."Iwon'tbeabletomakeitwithoutyou."

Francescawassaggingwithweariness.Gabrielcircledhershoulderswithastrongarm,pulledher
beneathhisbroadshouldersothatshecouldleanonhim.HebentclosetoSkyler,capturinghergazewith
theblackintensityofhiseyes."Youwillsleep,littleone,along,peaceful,healingsleep.Whentheybring
youfood,youwillbehungry.Youwilleatwhattheybring.Wewillreturntomorroweveningandyouwill
havenoworriesuntilweareheretohelpyousortoutyourlife.Gotosleep,Skyler,beautiful,peaceful
dreamswithoutfear."

Atoncethegirl'slashesfellandsheretreatedfromtheworld,thistimeintoahealingsleep,whereshe'd
beensentbythemagicinGabriel'svoice.Shewoulddreamofangelsandbeautifulthingsandaworld
completelynewandexcitingtoher.

Themomentthechildwasasleep,GabrielturnedhisfullattentiontoFrancesca."Youmustfeed,
sweetheart."Hisvoicewasmesmerizing,filledwithconcern,infinitelytender.Hishandsmovedupher
armstoframeherface."Whatyouhavewroughthereisnothingshortofamiracle.Youknowthat.A
miracle."Ashespoke,hewasdrawingherintothecircleofhisarms,pressingherfaceintothewarmth
ofhisneckwherehispulsebeatsostrongly.

Thelureofitwassharpandtempting.Shewasexhaustedfromherenergy-drainingwork.Morethanthat,
morethanthecallofherdepletedcellscryingoutfornourishment,wasanewaddictiontohistaste.He
heldhersogently,sopossessively,soprotectively.Hewasheatandlight,safetyandcompanionship.He
madeherfeelcomplete.Sheclosedhereyesandinhaledhisscent,takingjustamomenttorestherhead
againsthisshoulder.Hermouthwasagainsthisbareskin,thematerialofhisshirtbrushingagainsther
cheek.Hewassoclose.Hisskin.Herskin.Hisbloodsurgedandflowed,beckonedtoher.

"Youaresotired,Francesco.Pleasegivemethehonorofdoingthissmallthingforyou.Iwillnottake
itasasurrender.Iknowyourmind.Youhavenotattemptedtodeceivemeinanyway.Ifedwellthis
night."Hiswhisperedwordswereaseduction,atemptation;hewasadarksorcererbrushingathermind
likethetouchofbutterflywings.

Francescamergedwithhiswarmth,bothphysicallyandmentally.Thefeelofhisbodysoclose,so
protective,nexttoherswasagift.Whenhadamanheldherinarmsofsteel?Whenhadabody,sohard,
sodefinedwithmasculinemuscleandsinew,shelteredherclose?

"Whydidn'therespondwhenIcommandedhimtoleave?"Thathadsurprisedher,evenalarmedher.
Shehadpromisedthechild.Ithadneverhappenedbefore.Humanshadalwayslistenedandobeyedthe
"push"inhervoice.

Gabrielrecognizedherdistress,understoodthatshejudgedherselflessthanhim,afailure."Youareof
thelight,mylove.Iamthedarknessitself.Thompsonwaswhollyevil.Youcanrestrainanddelayevil,
butyoucannotcompletelytouchitscorebecauseyoucannotconnectwithit.Mosthumansareboth
goodandevil.Notpureevil.Youcanconnectwiththembecauseyoucantouchthatwhichisgood.I
havethedemoninme;itismynature.Heresidesthere,crouchedlow,waitingtoleapoutwhenIforget
toleashhim.Iknowevileverydayofmyexistence.Whenyoucontroliteveryday,itisnotsucha

greatfeattodestroyit."Gabrieldismissedhisactionseasily."YouarenotlessthanI,Francesca.You
haveneverbeenless.YousavedlivesandItookthem.Whoisthegreater?"

Herslenderarmscreptuparoundhisneckseeminglyoftheirownaccord."Yousavedourpeople.You
savedthehumanrace.Notonce,butdecadeafterdecade.Itwasyournaturethatallowedyoutodoso."
Hervoicewhisperedoverhim,asoftsoundofadmiration,aseductioninitself.

Thefaintstubbleonhisjawcaughtthesilkenstrandsofherhairasherubbedhischinonthetopofher
headinalittlecaress."Youmustfeed,honey.Youaredroopingwithweariness."Hiscoaxedhergently.

"Briceisrightoutsidethedoor.They'vegivenuponsavingThompson.He'llbeinanymoment."Hersoft
voicebrushedhisbodylikeherfingers,producingasavage,unrelentingache,butGabrielkepthimself
strictlyundercontrol.Sheneededtobeheld,tobecomforted,tobetakencareof,notassaulted.

"Takewhatyouneed,Iamquitecapableofsustaininganillusionforhumans."Therewasafainthusky
noteinhisvoice,onethatwasachingandlonely,turningherheartover.Heneededtheintimacyof
providingforherasmuchassheneededthenourishment.

AlmostblindlyFrancescaturnedherfaceintohisthroat,inhaledthespicymasculinescentofhim.His
heartbeatstrongly,inrhythmwithhers.Thebloodebbedandflowedinhisveinscallingtoher,an
enticement.Thewarmthofherbreathagainsthisskinheightenedhispulse,tightenedhisbodytosucha
painfulache,heclenchedhisteethinresponse,hishandbunchinginthethicknessofherhair.

Hermouthmovedoverhisskin,soft,sensuous,seductive.AtonceneedslammedintoGabrielsohardit
shookhisentireframesothathetrembledwithurgentdesire.Herteethscrapedonceoverhispulse,her
tongueswirledinavelvetsoftcaress.Gabriel'sfisttensedinherhair,pressingherclosertohissuddenly
heatedskin.Inresponsetohisurging,herteethsankdeep,lancinghimwithwhite-hotlightningandablue
flamingfirethatwouldneverbequenchedagain.Itwasinhisbodyforalltime,inhismind,inthetasteof
hismouth,afieryacheinhisheartthatdancedinhisveryblood.

Warmthspreadlikethickmoltenlava.Hisheartwasachingforher.Itwasnotsimplythephysical
demandsofhisbodybeatingathimlikeajackhammer,butsomethingthatwentfardeeper.Thecloseness
ofhermind,theright-nessofthewayshefitagainsthim,crawledinsidehisskin.Herecalledthetears
shehadweptforastranger,hercourageinfacingthemonsterthatposedasaman,andrealizedshewas
farmorethanabodytosatehiswildappetitesandananchortokeephimsafefromthegrowingdarkness.

HewasawareofBriceinthehallwayturningslowlytostareatthedoorwithafrownonhisfaceand
suspicioninhismind.Bricewouldhavetobehandledcarefully.Butnottoocarefully.Aslowsmile
curvedGabriel'smouth,andtherewaslittlehumorinit.Hewavedhishandandcloakedhisbodyand
Francesca'ssothattheywereinvisibletothehumaneye.HebuilttheillusionofFrancescaleaningclose
toSkyler,whisperingsoftlytoherwithencouragement.Hisclonewasinthecorner,givingthetwo
womenasemblanceofprivacy.

Bricepushedintotheroom,revealingsomethingveryclosetofearinhiseyeswhenhelookedoverat
Gabriel'sclone.HeglancedatFrancescatalkingsointimatelywiththeteenager,andstoppedhimselffrom
speaking.HeglaredatGabriel,whosmiledrathersardonicallyathim,arroganceetchedintohisclassical
Greekfeatures.ItannoyedBricethatthemanwassogood-looking,sotough.Gabriel'srescueof
Francescamadehimlookbad.Hecouldn'taffordtotakeachanceonbreakinghishands.Hewasa

doctor,forheaven'ssake.

GabrielhalfclosedhiseyesasFrancescaswirledhertongueoverthetinypinpricksinhisnecktoclose
them,savoringthemoment,thefeeling.Sheliftedherhead,hergazedrowsy,sexy,satiated,almostasif
theyhadmadelove.Hebenthisheadandkissedherforeheadgently,holdinghercloseforonemore
heartbeatbeforereluctantlyallowinghertoslipaway,totaketheplaceofthecloneinthechairbythe
bed."Thankyou,Gabriel,Ifeelmuchbetter."

Fromthecornerhebowed,anelegant,courtlygestureasFrancescaturnedwithasmall,secretsmile.
Brice'shandsclenchedintotwotightfists.TherewassomethingdifferentaboutFrancesca,somethinghe
couldn'tquiteputhisfingeron.Shewasmorebeautifulthanever,butitwassomethingelusive.Something
shesharedwithGabriel.

"ImustspeakwithFrancescaaboutmypatient,"Briceannouncedandthenwasannoyedwithhimselffor
soundinglikealoud,defiantchild.Abrasive.Harsheven.Hemadeanefforttolowerhisvoice.
"Privatelyifyoudon'tmind,Gabriel."

"Ofcoursenot."

Bricewincedatthepurityandgoodnessinthatvoice,atsuchoddswithhisown.Itwasasgentleasa
summer'sbreeze,assoftasvelvet.

BricetookpossessionofFrancesca'selbowandallbutpulledheroutoftheroom.Francescatriednotto
noticethedifferenceinthewaythetwomentouchedher,butitwasimpossible."Whatisit,Brice?You're
upset."Shespokecalmlyevenassheremovedherselffromhisgrip.

"OfcourseI'mupset.Ijustlostamanwhohadabsolutelynothingwrongwithhim.Exceptacrushedhand.
Itwaspulverized.Theboneswerecrushedlikematchsticks."ItwasanaccusationandoncemoreBrice
realizedhehadraisedhisvoice.

Sheliftedoneperfecteyebrow."Idon'tunderstandwhatyou'resaying.Skyler'sfatherdiedofacrushed
hand?Howstrange.Ididn'tknowthatwaspossible."

"Youknowdamnedwellit'snot,"hesnapped."Hestrangled.Histhroatswelled,wascompletelyclosed,
justlikethat,fornoapparentreason."

"Aretheygoingtodoanautopsy?"

Herakedahandthroughhishair.Shedrovehimcrazy.Shejustdidn'tgetit."Ofcoursethey'regoingtodo
anautopsy.Thatisn'tthepoint."Heclenchedhisjaw.InhisheadhesworeheheardGabriel'staunting
laughter,lowandamused."It'sthatman."

"Whatman?"Francesca'sblackeyeswerewideandbeautiful,entirelytooinnocent.Ofcourseshe
wouldn'tknow,shewouldneversuspectanyoneofwrongdoing.

Exasperated,Bricetookasteptowardher,wantingverymuchtoshakeher.Atoncehefeltanoppressive
malevolencegatheringinthehall,thickeningtheair,theexactsamefeelingthathadbeenintheroom
beforeGabrielentered.NervouslyBriceglancedatthedoor.Heclearedhisthroat,jerkedhishead
towardSkyler'sroom."Him."

"Gabriel?AreyouimplyingGabrielhadsomethingtodowithThompson'sdeath?"Francescasounded
somewherebetweenoutragedandamused."Youcan'tbeserious,Brice."

"Hecrushedhishand,Francesca.YourGabrieldidthat.Crushedhisfistwithonehand.Iwatchedhimdo
itandhewasn'tevenstraining.Ineverevensawhimcomeintotheroom.Hewasjustthere.There's
somethingnotquiterightabouthim.Hiseyes.Theyaren'thuman.He'snothuman."

Francescastaredathimwide-eyed."Nothuman?Asinwhat?Aphantom?Aghostthatfliesthroughthe
air?Agorilla?What?Maybeheliftsweights.Maybehe'sstrongbecauseheliftsweightsandhis
adrenalinewaspumping.Whatareyousaying?"

"Idon'tknow,Francesca."Bricerakedahandthroughhishairagain."Idon'tknowwhatI'mthinking,but
hiseyeswerenothuman.NotwhenhewasconfrontingThompson.He'sdifferent."

"IknowGabriel.Ido.He'sperfectlynormal,"Francescainsistedsoftly.

"Maybeyouknewhim.Peoplechange,Francesca.Somethinghappenedtohim.Ofcoursehe'sno
phantom,andhecan'tfly,buthe'sdangerous."

"GabrielisoneofthemostgentlemenIknow."Shestartedpasthimbacktotheroom.

Bricecaughtherarminabruisinggrip,asurgeofangermakinghisgripmuchharderthannecessary.
Instantlysomethingpinchedanerveinhisownarm,causingittogocompletelynumb.Hecriedout,was
givennochoicebuttoreleaseherashisarmdroppeduselesslytohisside."Whatthehell?Francesca,my
arm!Whereareyougoing?"

"I'mtootiredtodealwiththisrightnow.You'rejealous,Brice.Idon'tblameyouforwhatyou'refeeling,
butI'mexhaustedandIdon'twanttodiscussGabrielanymore,especiallyifyou'regoingtosaysuch
awfulthingsabouthim.Youdon'tknowthefirstthingabouthim."Shejerkedopenthedoorandnearlyran
intoGabriel'sarms.

Hebentoverher,hisbodypostureprotective."Whatisit,sweetheart,whathasupsetyou?"Hisarms
circledherslenderbodyandpulledherintotheshelterofhislargeframe.HehadheardeverywordBrice
hadsaidtoher,everyaccusationandeachinnuendothatremainedunsaid.Overherheadhiseyesmetthe
doctor's.Inthedepthsburnedafieryflameofsheermenace.

Bricestoppeddead,terrorseizinghim.MorethaneverhewasconvincedGabrielwasadangerousman.
Hisarmhadsuddenlyreturnedtonormalandhemadeamentalnotetohaveitcheckedout.Heheldonto
thedoorforsupport,determinedtoseethisthrough."Francesca,wehavetodecidewhatwe'regoingto
doaboutSkyler.Idoubtverymuchifherfatherleftherathing,andfromwhathesaidhe'sheronly
relative."

Francescaturnedimmediatelytofacehim."She'llbewelltakencareof.Iintendtobecomeherlegal
guardian.I'vepromisedherI'dbethereforher."

Bricethrewhishandsupintheairintotalexasperation."Youcan'tdothat,Francesca.Thereyougo
again,tryingtosaveeverywoundedsoulintheworld.Youaren'tresponsibleforthisgirl.Youdon'teven
knowher.Shecouldturnoutjustlikeherfather.She'llneedtherapyforthenexttwentyyears."

"Brice—"Francescasoundedasifshewasonthevergeoftears.Takingadeepbreath,shecalmlytried
toreasonwithhim."What'sthematterwithyou?"

Hemadeanattempttogethimselfbacktogether."Iknowyouwanttohelpthisgirl;GodknowsIwantto
helphertoo,butwecanonlygosofar.Sheneedsprofessionalhelp,notthetwoofus."

"Sowhatdoyousuggest,Dr.Renaldo?"Gabrielaskedsoftly,hisvoicegentle.

Therewasnothinggentleinhisstill,watchfuleyes.TheyremindedBriceofapredator's.Awolfwith
deadlyintent.ThelookgaveBriceaneeriefeeling.Hestruggledtomaintainhiscomposure."Isuggest
shebelefttotheprofessionals.Therearepeoplewhodealwiththissortofthing.IfFrancescawants,she
candonatemoney."

FrancescalookedatBrice."Igavehermyword,Brice.Shecamebackbecauseshebelievedinme."

"Thenvisithereverynowandthen.Youdon'toweheryourlife.Wehaveplanstogether,Francesca.You
can'tmakethesekindsofdecisionswithoutme."

Gabrielstirred,arippleofmuscle,nomore,butitwasintimidating."Icanseetothechild,Francesca.I
willremovethememoryofyourpromiseandreplaceitwithmyown.Iwillseetohercareand
happinesswhileyoutakeyourtimedecidingwhatyouaregoingtodoaboutthishuman.Idonotwish
tocomplicateyourlifeanyfurtherthanIhavealready,butlikeyou,Icannotabandonthechild."

"Ikeepmypromises,Gabriel."Francescashookherhead."I'mnotgoingtoargue,Brice.I'mtootired.
I'mgoingtogooutintothenightandstareatthestarsorsomething.Ineedfreshair.IgaveSkylermy
word.Thereisnothingelsetosay."

"Ithinkthereis,"Bricesnapped,angrythatGabrielwaswitnessingthisargumentbetweenthem.They
rarelyargued,buthecouldn'tkeepquietnow.Thisteenagerwouldaffecttheirlivestogether.Hewasnot
takingachancethatanutcasewouldbelivingintheirhomewiththem.Noway.AndGabrielhadtogo.

GabrielsimplytookthematteroutofFrancesca'shands.Hecouldfeelherexhaustionbeatingathim,the
sadnessinher,theoverwhelmingneedtoleavethisconfinedspaceandbeoutintheopen.Bricecouldn't
comprehendwhatshewentthroughtohealhispatients,whatittookforFrancescatomergewiththemand
knoweverydetailoftheirlives,everymomentoftheirsuffering.ItwasbeyondBrice'scomprehension,
butnotGabriel's.

Withhisarmaroundhershoulderhewalkedquietlyoutoftheroom,takingherwithhim,hisholdgentle
butimplacable.Francescahardlyseemedtonotice.Shewentwithhimwillingly.Gabrielturnedhishead
slowly,lookingbackoverhisshoulderasheglidedsilentlyfromtheroom,hisblackeyesmovingover
Brice'sface.Hisstarewasmerciless,relentless.Foronemomenthiswhiteteethflashedinahumorless
smile,exposingaglimpseofrazor-sharpfangs.

ChapterFive

Contents

ThebreezewashedoverFrancesca'sfaceasshelookedupatthenightsky.Athousandstarstwinkledand
glitteredoverhead.Sheinhaledtotakeinthecrispcleanair,washingthehospitalsmellfromherlungs.
Gabrielwalkedunhurriedlythroughthestreets,hisstrideslowingtomatchhersperfectly.Hedidn'ttalk,
didn'tdemandanswers,didn'tdictatetoher.Hesimplywalkedbesideher,askingnothingofher.

Sheunerringlyfoundthepathtoherfavoriteplace,turningdownnarrowtwistinglanesuntilthepaved
streetsgavewaytoold-fashionedcobblestone.Shefollowedthepatternupasmallhilltoabridge
spanningasmalllake.Itwasonlyawalkingbridgeandatthislatehour,noonewasonit.Theyhadthe
largeparkandthelaketothemselves.Francescawalkedouttothecenterofthebridgeandstoppedto
leanagainsttherailing."ItseemsasifIalwayshavetothankyouforsomething."Shesaiditquietly,
withoutlookingathim.Instead,shestaredoutoverthelake.

Thewaterwasshimmeringalmostblackinthemoonlight.Shecouldhearthefishjumpingeverynowand
then.Thesoundsofthewaterlappingatthebanksandthefishleapingweresomehowreassuringand
soothing.FrancescasmiledoverhershoulderatGabriel."Icomeherequiteoften."

"Whenyoufeelalone."Hesaiditsoftly.

Sheturnedbacktothewater,hersmilefading."Iguessyoureadthatinmymemories."

Heleaneddowntofindaround,flatrockandskippeditexpertlyacrossthesurfaceofthewater."No,I
havenothadagreatdealoftimetoreadyourmemories;Iamstillattemptingtogettoknowthewoman
youarenow.AsIamstillastrangertoyouandyouhavecommitmentsinyourheartelsewhere,Ifeltit
wouldbewrongtoinvadeyourprivacymorethanabsolutelynecessary."

Francescafoundlaughterinexplicablyspillingoutherlips."Invadingmyprivacyissometimesa
necessity?"

"Iam,afterall,aCarpathianmaleandyourlifemate.IcannotchangewhatIam;certainthingsare
necessaryformypeaceofmind.ButIamtryingnottointrudewhereIamnotwanted."Hestoodtalland
lonelywiththewindblowinghislongblackhairaroundhisbroadshoulders.Hewasnotaskingfor
approval,onlystatingafact.

Francescastudiedhisface,thewaythemoonbatheditinsilverylight.Hewasveryhandsome,his
angularfacethatofaman,notaboy—hismouthwassensual,hiseyesbyturnssmolderingwithpassion
orascoldasice.Hiseyelashesmadehersmile.Theywerelongandblackandheavy.Anywomanwould
envyhimthoseincrediblelashes.Heheldhimselfaloof,carefulnottopressureher.Shelikedhimfor
that.Shefeltpressureeverywhere,fromalldirections,andshewasgladthatGabrielsimplywantedto
keephercompany.

"Ineededaplacethatwasn'texactlypartofthecity.IpretendI'minthemountains.SometimesIcanhear
thewolvescallingtooneanother."Shebrushedbackhercascadinghairbutthewindtuggedatit

playfully."Ireallymisshome.JustonceIwouldliketogobackthere,althoughI'velivedinParisforso
longnow,I'mnotcertainIwouldenjoyitasmuchasIrememberit."

Henodded."Iknowwhatyoumean.IthasbeencenturiessinceIwasthere.Thepeoplewereuneasywith
mypresenceandonceLucianturned,Icoulddonootherthanfollowwhereheled."

"Asyouhavedoneallyourlife,"Francescapointedoutwithoutrancor."Iamproudofyou,Gabriel.I
knowIhavenotbehavedaswellasIshouldhave,butinmydefense,yoursuddenappearancewasquitea
surpriseandfitinwithnoneofmyplans.InmywayIhavealwayssupportedyourfightforourpeople.I
acceptedyourcommitmentandknewyouincapableofshirkingyourresponsibility.Itriedtodosomething
withmylifethatcountedalso.IneverwantedyoutothinkIhadwastedmylife."Shelookeddownather
hands."Therewassomuchtimeformetobealone."

"Wereyouafraid?"Heaskeditgently.

Thetoneofhisvoiceturnedherheartover."Often,especiallyatfirst.IknewIhadtodisappearforthe
sakeoftheothermalesofourrace.Ididsoduringtheterriblewarswhensomanyofourpeoplewere
losttous.Ittookgreatplanning.Iwasstillquiteyoungthen,amerefledgling.IwasafraidGregoriwould
discovermeandbringmetoMikhail.Itwasmygreatestfear,yetsometimesIwassoaloneIprayedthey
wouldfindmeandthenIwasashamedofmyselfishness."

"IamsorryIputyouinsuchaterribleposition."Hisvoicewassincere,contrite.Helookedsad,his
mesmerizingeyesrevealinghisinnerturmoil.

Francescatouchedhismind;shecouldn'tstopherselffromdoingsoeventhoughshewassecretly
ashamedofherselffordoubtinghim.Sheneededtoknowwhetherhewasspeakingthetruthorsaying
whathethoughtshewantedtohear.Sheexaminedhismindcarefully.Shewasnowherenearhisage,nor
didshehavehisskillsandpower,butshewasnofledglingtobetricked.Gabrielfeltgenuinesorrowfor
hispartincausingherloneliness.Heknewhecouldnotchangewhathehaddone—toomanywouldhave
suffered—buthewisheditcouldhavebeendifferent.Hehadbeenaloneinastarkblackvoid.Witheach
killthedarknesshadspreadoverhissoul,foreverseekingtoclaimhim.Ithadbeenanendlessbattle.

Francescagaspedwhensherealizedhehadalmostlostthewarwiththebeast.Ithadoccurredaroundthe
sametimeshehadmadeherdecisiontoattempttobecomehuman.Hadherdecisioninfluencedthe
outcomeofhisfight?Hadtherebeenaconnectionandshehadinadvertentlymadehislifemoredifficult?

"Francesca,"hesaidsoftly,gently,"hasitoccurredtoyouthatmyneardisasterwiththebeastmayhave
influencedyourdecision?Whydoyouinsistonblamingyourself?Iwastheonewhosentencedyoutoa
solitaryexistence.Iwouldnotwantyoutofeelonebitofblame.Itisnotyours.Evenifsuchaconnection
existed—"

"Anditprobablydid,"sheinterjected.

Gabrielnoddedhisconcession."Itcouldbeso.Buttherecanbenoblameattachedtoyou.Notever.Iam
aCarpathianmale.Ilastedmuchlongerthanthemajorityofourmalesandthatwasprobablyduemostly
toyou,andthefactthatyouweresomewhereintheworld.Mysoulknewit.Soallthattimeyougaveme
solaceandkeptmestrong."

"I'mathousandyearsyoungerthanyou,"shesaidandthenburstoutlaughing."Livingsolonginthehuman
world,thinkinginhumanterms,doyouknowhowsillythatsounds?Wecannotpossiblybecompatible.
You'rewaytoooldforme."

Gabrielfoundhimselflaughing,too.Therewaswarmthinhisheart,agenuinejoyinhercompany.He
foundcomfort,asoothingtranquilityhehadneverexperiencedbefore.Forsolonghehadfeltnothingat
all.Nowtherewaslightandlaughterandvividcolorsandtexturesandlifeitselftobelived.Francesca.
Shehadgiventhattohim."Ithinkthatremarkbordersontheinsubordinate.Youthcanbesoimpetuous."

"Doyouthink?"Francescabentdownandfoundaflatroundrock,herfingersclosingaroundit,thepadof
herthumbrubbingbackandforthoverit."I'mprettygoodatthis.You'renottheonlyonethatcanskip
rocks.I'llbetIcanputoneoftheseacrossthelakewithtenskips."

Gabriel'seyebrowshotup."Icannotbelievemyears.Thearroganceofyouth."

Francescashookherhead."Notyouth,womanpower."

Hemadeasoundsomewherebetweenlaughterandagrowlofderision."Womanpower?Ihavenever
heardofsuchathing.Womanmagicmaybe,butneverwomanpower.Whatexactlyisit?"heteased.

"You'reaskingforasoundthrashing,Gabriel,"shecautioned."I'machampion."

Henoddedtowardthelake."LetmeseewhatIamgettingmyselfinto."

"Youwantapreview?Idon'tthinkso.Let'smakeawager.IfIwin,Igetthesleepingchamber.Ifyouwin,
yougetit."

Herubbedthebridgeofhisnosethoughtfully,hisblackeyeslaughing."Youareattemptingtotrickmeinto
somethingIwillregretfortherestofmydays.Ifwemustwager,theprizewillhavetobesomethingother
thanthesleepingchamber.IfIloseIwillbrushyourhairateveryrisingforamonth.Ifyoulose,youwill
brushmineforthesamelengthoftime."

"Whatkindofdumbbetisthat?"Francescademanded,laughing.Shecouldn'thelpherself.Hewasfartoo
good-lookingforhisowngood.Hisblackeyesweredancingandinspiteofherdeterminationnottobe
drawninbyhim,shethoughthimterriblysexy.Themomenttheadjectiveenteredherhead,shepushedit
out,butbetrayingcolorflushedherskin.

Shewasnotgoingtoshareherbodywithhimagain.Ithadnothingtodowithloveandeverythingtodo
withchemistryandCarpathianheat.Shewantedsomeonewhowantedherforherself,notbecausehehad
totakeher.Notbecausehehadnochoiceinthematter.Justonetime,beforeshelefttheworld,shewould
liketobeloved.Reallyloved.Forherself.

"Francesca."Thatwasallhesaid.Hername.Therewasanacheinhisvoice.Velvetseduction.Black
magic.

Sheclosedhereyesagainstunexpectedtears."Don't,Gabriel.Don'tpretendwithme.Iamnolonger
human.Iknowyourthoughts."

"Youwereneverhuman,honey.Perhapsontheverge,butnotwhollyhuman.Youbelonginmyworld.You

havedonethingsnootherhasdoneandIsaluteyou,butyouweremadetobetheotherhalfofmysoul.Do
youreallythinkIdonotloveandhonoryouforyourself?ThatIwouldnotknowyoubetterthanthegood
doctororanyotherhumanorCarpathianforthatmatter?Iseeintoyourheartandmind.Ishouldhave
beenthereallthoseyears,protectingyou,caringforyou,buildingafamilywithyou.Punishme,blame
me,Ideserveit,butdonotthinkyoucannotbeorwillnotbelovedforyourself."

Hewasbreakingherheartwiththesincerityofhiswords.Shecouldn'ttouchhismind;ifshedid,her
composurewouldshatter.Shehadbeenthroughsomuch—discoveringhewasalive,theirblood
exchange,whichhadtakenthesunfromherforalltime,theearth-shatteringexperienceofmakinglove
withhim,theterribleordealofthetwopatientsinthehospital.Brice.Thompson.Allofit.

Hemovedthen.Glided.Hewaspowerandcoordinationcombined,sofluidhetookherbreathaway.He
movedlikeananimal,agreatwolfstalkingsilentlytowarditsprey.Sheclosedhereyesashishand
wrappedaroundthenapeofherneck.Exquisitelygentle.Possessive."Iamnottryingtotakeoveryour
life,Ionlywanttoshareit.Iaskforachance.Onlythat.Achance.Youhadnotplannedtoendyourlife
forseveralyears.Sharethoseyearswithme.LetmetrytomakeupforthewrongIdidyou."

"Don'tpityme,Gabriel.Icouldn'tstanditifyoupitiedme.I'vehadagoodlife,remarkablereally,fora
womanofourspecies."Shemadeasmallmovementofretreat.

Hishandtightenedaroundthenapeofherneck."Youareabeautifulwoman,Francesca,withmany
talents.Thereisnothingtopity.Inanycase,weneednotdiscussthismatterjustnow.Youhavehadto
facefartoomanydifficultsituationslately.Thelastthingyouneedistoworryabouthowastrangerfeels
aboutyouandwhatyoudoordonotowehim."Hishandmovedgentlyoverthesilkenstrandsofherhair
inasmallcaress."IknowthatiswhatIamtoyourightnow:astranger.Givemethechancetobecome
yourfriend."

Thetouchofhishandsentaswirlingheatspiralingthroughher.Maybeitwasthefactthatherealizedshe
neededspaceandcaredenoughtogiveittoher."Ithinkthatmightbeagoodidea,"shereplied.Warning
bellswereshriekingather.Hewasentirelytoohandsome,toocourtly.Tooeverything.Whatifhe
managedtostealherheart,afterall?Shewastiredandwantedtogohome.

Gabrielsuppressedasuddensurgeoftriumphhewasashamedoffeeling.Hesmiledather,aflashof
whiteteeththatsoftenedthehardedgeofhismouth."Youdidnotanswerme.Areyouwillingtowager?"

Shenodded,desperatetochangethesubject."Fine,I'llmakethewagerwithyou,butonlybecauseyou
haveneverlearnedaboutrealwomanpower."Thistimewhenshemovedawayfromhim,heallowedher
toretreat.Francescastudiouslyavoidedlookingathim,concentratinginsteadonthesurfaceofthelake
andherrock.Withaquickflickofherwristshesenttherockskippingacrossthelake.Tenskipsexactly.

Shecouldn'thelpgrinningupatGabrieltriumphantly.Hetookhistimefindingtheperfectstone.Hislarge
handshieldeditsexactshapefromher."Ihavetoskipiteleventimestowin?"

Shenoddedsolemnly."Absolutely."

Hesmiledagain.Thistimeitwasdefinitelythepredator'ssmile.Wicked.Sexy.Altogethertootempting.
Francescatiltedherchinandforcedherfascinatedgazeawayfromhisperfectbodytotheshiningsurface
ofthelake.Whydidhehavetolooksoutterlymasculine?Hisbodywaswellmuscled,hard,andlooked

waytoogood."I'mwaiting,"shesaid,alltooawareofhowclosehewasstandingtoher.Howhe
smelled.Thetasteofhim.Shewantedtogroanbutinstead,shelookedsteadfastlyoutoverthewater,
pretendingshewasn'tintheleastaffectedbyhiscloseproximity.

Therockspunoutofhishandsofast,shehearditbuzzthroughtheair.Itskimmedacrossthewater,hop
afterhoplikealeapfrogracingacrossthewater.Itwentonandonuntilithadcrossedthelakeandhad
hoppedontotheoppositeshore."Well,"hemusedsoftly,amasculinetauntinhisvoice,"Iwouldsaythat
aboutwrapsthingsup.Twenty-twoskipsallthewaytotheotherside."Hesoundedverycomplacent."I
believeyougettobemyslaveandbrushmyhairformeateachrising."

Francescashookherhead."WhatIbelieveis,youriggedthiswager.Youdidsomethingtowin."

"Itiscalledpractice.Ihavespentmuchtimeskippingrocksacrossthelake."

Francescalaughedsoftly."Youarenottellingthetruth,Gabriel.Idon'tbelieveyoueverskippedarockin
yourlifeuntilnow.Youtrickedme."

"Youthink?"Heaskeditinnocently.Tooinnocently.

"Youknowyoudid.Justtowinasillybet.Ican'tbelieveyou."

Hereachedouttotuckawaywardstrandofhairbehindherear,makingherheartleapwildly."Itwasnot
justasillybet,honey,itwasawaytogetyoutobrushmyhair.Noonehaseverdonesuchathingforme
andIthinkIcraveattention."Herubbedthebridgeofhisnoseagainandgrinnedatheralmostboyishly."I
askedLuciantodosoonceandhethreatenedtobeatmetoabloodypulp."Heshruggedhisbroad
shoulders."Somethingsarejustnotworthit,youknow."

"You'renuts,"Francescadecided,butshewaslaughing,unabletohelpherself."Fine,I'llbrushyourhair,"
sheconceded,herfingersitchingtoburythemselvesinthesilkenstrands.Shewasunawarethatshewas
agreeingtofarmorethanbrushinghishair.Hewouldbespendingthedayswithherinthesleeping
chamber.Theywouldretiretogether.

Gabrielwasverymuchawareofthatfact.Hewasmakingprogress."Whatarewegoingtodowiththis
youngladyofours,Francesca?LittleMissSkyler.Wecaninsurethathermindheals,butwecannot
removeallscarsunlessweemptyhermemories.Itmightbethatlesseningtheimpactofthemisbest.We
canprovideherwithschooling,clothes,everythingsheneeds,emotionalsupport,butwecannotbethere
forherduringcertainhoursoftheday.Haveyouconsideredwhatwewillneedtodotocoverthose
times?"

Francescareachedbehindherfortherailing,intendingtopullherselfuponit.Gabriel'slargehands
spannedherwaistandliftedhereffortlessly,seatingheronthestructure.Itwasamazingtoherthathe
knewwhatshewantedalmostbeforeshedid.Theideawasbothexhilaratingandterrifying.Shehadnot
sharedherthoughts,hermind,herselfinsolong,shehadforgottenwhatitwaslike.Temptation.It
whisperedoverher,tuggedatherheartstrings.

"Iknow,Iknow,itwasrashofmetopromiseIwouldbethereforher,buttobehonest,Ihadbeenableto
walkinthesunforsomeyearsandIdidn'trememberthatIcouldnolongerdoso.Ican'tbeartheideaof
Skylergoingtosomeplacewheretheywon'tgiveherloveandaffection.Sheneedsthat,thesupportshe

shouldhavehad.Isharedherlife."Shelookedupathiminsuddenwonder,incomprehension."Bothofus
did.IknowIcanfeelthelovesheneeds.Canyou?"

Gabrielnoddedslowly."Sheisachild,Francesca.Wecandonootherthanofferherourloveand
protection.Nooneelsewilleverunderstandherorunderstandtheenormityofwhatshehassuffered.Ido
notthinkwecanturnherovertoothers."

Francescaletoutherbreathinarushofrelief.Shehadn'trealizedshehadbeenholdingit,waitingforhis
answer."Webothagree.Nowwejusthavetofigureoutwhattodowithher."

Heshruggedpowerfulshoulders."Inyourmindistheideathatyourlawyerwillhandlethenecessary
legalactionstogaincustodyofher.Wewilltakeherhomewithus.Itwillbenecessarytofindsomeone
toaidusinhercare.Iseemtorecalltherewasonefamilyinourhomelandthathadhumanscaringforthe
household.Thehumanswereexceptionallyloyaltothem.Itwasseveralcenturiesago.Perhapsitwould
beworthwhiletofindoutaboutthem.Iwasgoingthroughvariousthingsyouhadonthecomputerandthis
seemslikeapossibleuseforsuchamachine."

Francescaheardherownlaughter.Carefree.Happy.Itstartledher."Youjustwantanexcusetousethe
computer.Atechnojunkie,that'swhatyouare."

Hegrinnedather."Youhavetoadmit,itisagoodidea.Theremustbesomeofourpeoplewhoremember
thisfamilyandcantelluswhattheydid.Ifnot,wecanalwaystakebloodfromhumanservantsand
commandthemtodoourbidding.ItisnotthewayIwouldprefertoproceed,butitisaviablepossibility.
Wecanofferprotectioninreturn."

Gabrielhadbeenleaningagainsttherailbesideher.Nowhestraightenedslowly,stretchinglikealazy
cat.Therewasnorealchangeinhisexpression,yetallatonceFrancescafoundshewasshiveringwith
fear.Somethingabouthimhadchangedcompletely.Hishandssettledaroundherwaistandheliftedherto
thebridge."Wearebeingwatched,honey.ItisnotLucian,andforthatIammostgrateful."

"Theundeadishere."Shemadeitastatement.Shefeltitnow,thecreepingevilspreadinglikeahideous
stainacrosstheair."Whatcanwedo?"Shehadalwaysmanagedtohideherpresencefromthevicious
killers.Nowshewasoutintheopenanditfrightenedher.Shehadseentheevidenceoftheirdepravity
anditsickenedher.

"Thefirstthingistogetyoutosafety.YouareaCarpathianwoman.Youwillbehistarget."Hishand
wasatthenapeofherneck,soothingthetensionoutofher.Hewasbendingoverherprotectively,likea
lover,hismouthveryclosetohers.

Francescaknewitwasallshow,butitstillmadeherfeelcherished.Shehadasuddenwildurgetocling
tohim,tohisstrengthandtranquility.Thevampireinnowaydisturbedhim.Gabrielexudedcomplete
confidenceinhisabilitytodestroythecreature."Iwilldrawhimouttoopenground.WhenIdo,wait
untilIamcertainthereisonlytheone.WhenIknow,Iwillalertyou.Youwilldissolveintomolecules,
verytiny,untraceablebyanybutthebestofourhunters.Gotothehouseandsetsafeguards.Iwill
staywithyouinamindmergeunlessImustbreakawayforthekill.Donottrytotouchmymindunless
youareindanger.Thereisnoneedforyoutoexperiencesuchviolence."Hismouthbrushedhers.
Velvetsoft.Hefoundthecornerofhermouthandlingeredforjustamomentasifhewassavoringthefeel
andtasteofher.

Francescaremindedherselfitwasallforshow.Herbodydidn'tneedtoburstintoflameandherheart
didn'tneedtosomersaultsotreacherously."Tellmewhattodotohelpyou.Idon'twanttoleaveyou
alonetofightthisthing."

Helaughedsoftly,hiswarmbreathstirringthetendrilsofhairatthevulnerablelineofherneck.It
warmedhimthatsheofferedwhenhecouldfeelherfearbeatinginsidehim.Hecouldn'thelphimself,he
knewhewastakingunfairadvantageofthesituation,usingitasanexcusetotouchher,tokissher,toinch
forwardhisclaimonher.Hetoldhimselftotakeitslow,nottopushhertoohard.Ifonlyshehadn'tbeen
sokissable,itwouldmakehisplanmucheasier.Asneakattack.Surroundherandmoveinandtakeover
beforesherealizedwhatwashappening.

"Iamanancienthunter,sweetheart.Iwillhavenoproblemdispatchingthisuncleanone."Hekissed
herforehead,infinitelygentle,reluctantlyreleasingher.

Gabrielturnedandwalkedawayfromhertotheendofthebridge.Heglancedupatthesky."Comeout,
smallone.Comeoutandfacetheoneyouhavechallengedsoopenly."Hisvoicewassosoftandgentle
andcompelling,itcrawledinsideone'sheadandpushedandpusheduntiltherewasonlyonerecourse.
Obedience.GabrielmovedfartherawayfromFrancesca,towardtheopengrassyarea."Youhaveasked
forthejusticeofourpeople,uncleanone,andIcandonootherthanobligeyou.Cometome."

Francescacouldnottakehereyesfromtheancientwarrior.Hestoodtallandbroad-shouldered,hishair
flowingintheslightbreeze.Hisfacewassternyetgentle.Heseemedrelaxed,yetgavetheimpressionof
immensepower.Hisvoicewasmesmerizing,hismannerconfident.Helookedinvincible.Shegaspedas
shesawthevampireemergefromthethickbushestoGabriel'sleft.Thecreatureinchedforward,fighting
everystepoftheway,growlingandspitting,hissingwithhatred.Shehadneverseenavampiresoclose
andhewashideous.Theeyesweresunkenandred-rimmed.Theteethwererotted,jagged,andstaineda
darkcolor.Thefleshonhimseemedtosagasifitdidn'tquitefit.

Morethanthelooksoftheman,itwasthecunning,craftyhatredintherepulsivecreaturethatfrightened
her.Francesca,asfarawayfromhimasshewas,couldstillsensethestenchofdepravitythatsurrounded
him.Shemadeherselflookatthecreature,madeherselffeelitsevil.Itwasimportanttorealizejustwhat
Gabrielhadfacedhisentirelife.Thismonster.Howmanyofthem?Howoften?Howmanyhadheknown
personally,grownupwithbeforetheyhadturned?Shehadthoughtherlifedifficultandsolitary,yet
staringattheundead,shebegantounderstandjustwhathislifemusthavebeenlike.

Allthosecenturiesshehadviewedhimasahero,areveredlegendaryprotectorofimmortalsandmortals
alike.Nowsherecognizedjustwhatbeingahunterentailed.Hisownpeoplehadfearedhispowerand
skills.Maleswouldhavekeptawayfromhim,fearinghemightlaterhavetohuntanddestroythem.He
couldneveraffordtohavefriends.Worse,hisbelovedbrotherhadbecomeavampireandGabrielhad
beenforcedtotrackhim,battlinghimagainandagainoverthecenturies.

"Icanhelp."

"YoucandoasIinstructed.Iaminmoredangerhavingtoworryaboutprotectingyou.Hewillseekto
useyou.Whenherealizeshecannotdefeatme,hewilltrytodestroyyouinretaliation."Hesenthera
waveofwarmth."Thankyou,Francesca.Iwilljoinyousoonathome."

Gabrielturnedhisattentiontothevampire,who,freefromtheenthrallmentofhisvoice,wasbeginningto

stalkhim.Gabrielsmiled,histeethimmaculatelywhite."Iseethatyouareinahurrytohaveyour
sentencecarriedout.Iamofancientblood,atruedefenderofourpeople.IamGabriel.Youknowofme,
youhavegrownuponthetalesofmyexploits.ThereisnowaytodefeatonesuchasI.Come,acceptyour
sentencequietly,withdignity,rememberingthegreatCarpathianyouoncewere."

Thevampirehissedagain,flamesleapinginhisredeyes,hisfeetdragginghimevercloserdespitehis
resolvetoattackonhisownterms.ThesoundofGabriel'svoicewassopureandtrueitgratedonhim,
actuallycausedhimpain.Hecouldnotfacethatvoiceanymorethanhecouldhavelookedatareflection
ofhimselfinthemirror.Hecouldnotignorethecompulsionwoveninthenotesofthevoice;hehadno
choicebuttomoveeverclosertothehunter.Thewordsunderminedhisconfidenceinhisownabilityto
battleanddestroy.Whocoulddefeatsuchahunter?Howmanyothershadfallenbeforehimtothis
centuries-oldwarrior?

Thevampireshookhisheadhard,chantinginhismindinanattempttocounteractthespellthehunterhad
ensnaredhimin.Nomatterhowhardhetriedtobreakaway,hisfeetcontinuedtowalkforward.The
terriblevoicecontinued,lowandpureandverygentle."Youarenotcapableofdenyingme.Iforbidyou
toshiftyourshape.YouwillcometomeandreceivethejusticeofourtruePrince."

Gabrieldidn'tmove,notonestep.Hestoodquietly,handsathissides,hisfaceportrayingnoemotion.No
rage.Noremorse.Onlyhiseyeswerealive,smolderingwithintensity.Relentless.Merciless.The
watchfuleyesofapredator.Theygleamedwithmenace,withferocity.Still,thevampirecouldnotstop
hisapproach.Hewassnarlingnow,hislegsdraggingashethrashedandfoughttokeepfrommoving
forward,tokeepfromobeyingthatsoft,gentlevoice.Thevoiceofdeath.Itwentonandon.Softand
persuasive,persistent,compelling.

FrancescaknewsheshouldobeyGabriel.Shedissolvedintoafinemist,andmovedfartherawayfrom
thecombatants.Shehadneverseenanythingasterrifyingasthevampire.Heexudedevil,yetGabriel
stoodcalmly,tallandstraight,unbelievablybeautifulinhislightandtruth.Shesawhimasanangelwitha
sword,adarkguardianofthegate,defenderofthoselesspowerful.Hetookherbreathaway.Andshe
wastrulyproudofhim.Proudofhisdecisiontomakethesacrificesthathehad.

Thevampiredidhisbesttoevaporate,foundhecouldnotdoso.Itwasasifhiscellsandtissuewouldno
longerrespondtohiscommands.Thehunterhadsomehowmanagedtoensnarehim,totraphimwithhis
voicesothathisflesh-and-bloodbodywouldonlyrespondtothepurityofthosenotes,tothatperfect
tone.

Furious,thecreatureturneditshideousfacebacktowardGabriel,itsheadswayingbackandforthlikea
reptile's,hiseyesglowingwithfury.Alongslowhissescapedbetweenhisjagged,brokenteeth.Over
Gabriel'sheadalargetreebranchcrackedominouslyandplummetedtoearth.

Francescafeltherheartslampainfully,theaircatchinherlungs,butGabrielmerelyliftedhishandsothe
branchwasdeflectedawayfromhim,flungofftothesideagooddistancefromwhereheremainedso
calmly."Youareyoungtohavechosensuchapath.Losingone'ssoulisfortheagedandweak,yetyou
madeyourchoicesosoon.Whyisthat?"

"Theonlychanceofsalvationanyofushaveistoacquireawoman.ThePrincehaschosenhisfavorites
togivethewomento.Thereisnohopefortherestofusunlesswetakeoneforourselves."Theundead
surreptitiouslydroppedhishandtohissidetoseewhetherhecouldshape-shiftifheconcentratedonone

areaofhisbody.Hisarmrippledwithfur,hisnailslengthening.

Therewasarushofwind,unexpected,offthesurfaceofthelake.Thewindhitthecreaturefullinthe
chest,drivingdeep,aheavyblowmoreheardthanfelt.ThevampireblinkedandstaredatGabriel,who
wasstandingdirectlyinfrontofhim,hisarmextendedatfulllength.Shockspreadacrosstheundead's
face.Helookeddown,wonderingwhyhecouldn'tseethehandontheendofGabriel'sarm.Itwasburied
deepinthewallofhischest.

TherewasaloudsuckingsoundasGabrielextractedthevampire'sheart,steppingawayatthesametime.
Thevampirescreamedandscreamed,thesoundhideous.Taintedbloodspewedintotheairlikeageyser.
Thecreaturereachedforthehunterashefell,hisbodyfloppinghelplessly.Abovetheirheadslightning
arcedfromcloudtocloud,slammedtoearthinabluishwhitestreakofpureenergy.Itincineratedthe
heartevenasitbathedthehunter'shandscleanofthepoisonousblood.

Gabriel'smovementsweregracefulandflowing,revealingpowerandcoordinationlikethoseofadancer,
awarrior.Heliftedhishandoncemoreanddirectedthebolttothebodyofthehaplesscreature.Itturned
toashatonce,disintegratingbeforehiseyes.

Heturnedthenslowly,alonelyfigureagainstthenightsky,hisfaceintheshadowsashelookedatthe
spotwhereFrancescaremained.Sheshimmeredintosolidform,herlargeeyeslockedonhis."Areyou
allright?"Shemovedfast,amereblurasshecameclosetohim.Herhandfoundhis,herfingerslacing
throughhis.

Atoncehefeltpeacestealingintohim,deepwithinhistorturedsoul.Shehadahealingpowerunlikeany
otherhehadeverexperienced.Hehadtakenalife,oneofsomany.Gabrielhaddedicatedtheremainder
ofhislifetohuntinghistwin.OvertheyearshehadchasedLucianalmostexclusively,onlyrarely
stoppingtodestroytheundeadhecameacross.Ithadbeenyearsanditwasthefirstkillhehadmade
sincefindinghislifemate.Hefeltemotion.Notguiltexactly.Heacceptedhisdutyasasacred
responsibility.ButthetakingofalifeinfrontofsomeonelikeFrancescabotheredhim.Shewassopure,
socompassionate,sogood.Shehadbeenhealingforallthecenturiesthathehadbeendestroying.

Gabrielavoidedherenormousblackeyes,theinnocencethere.Withoutemotion,itwasfareasiertoface
thosearoundhim,thosewhofearedhim.Hewasusedtothewhispers,tothewaypeoplemovedoutofhis
way.Hewasusedtothefearintheirmindsandhearts.Hewasneeded,yetneveraccepted.

Hersmallhandmoveduphisarm,acuriouslyintimategesturethatlefthimweakandwarminside.She
wascrawlinginsidehim.Windingherwaydeepintohisverysoul.Hewasunpreparedforthat.Heknew
nowjustwhatalifematewas.Howimportantshewas.IntellectuallyhehadknownCarpathianwomen
werethelighttotheirmen'sdarkness.HehadacceptedFrancescaandwhatmustbebetweenthem.Their
unionmeantnotonlyhiscontinuedsurvival,butalsoguaranteedhewouldnotjoinLucianintheranksof
theundead.

ForthatalonehehadrespectedFrancesca.WantedFrancesca.Hewastotallyunpreparedforthejealous
streakthatmadeitdifficultnottodisposeofBrice.Hewastotallyunpreparedforthesavagedemandshis
bodymadewhenhewasnearher.Morethananything,hewasunpreparedforhisheartmeltingwhenshe
wassadorhurtorfelttired.Hehadnotcountedonhisreactiontoheratall.Hewantedtohearhervoice
allthetime,watchhersmile,seethewayherfacelitup,hereyessosoftandmelting,sobeautiful.He
thoughtaboutherfartoomuch.

"Gabriel."Francesca'svoicewhisperedoverhimlikeasoftsummerbreeze.Atoncehefeltsweat
beadingonhisbodyinreaction."YouaskedmetoleavethisplaceandIshouldhave,butpleasedon'tfeel
ashamedorembarrassedthatyouhadtodosuchanimportantjobinfrontofme.Youthinkyourtalentless
thanmine."

"Yousavelives,Idestroythem."Justthetouchofherfingerswasamiracletohim.Thescentofher,clean
andfreshandfeminine.Hehadnevernoticedthataboutwomenbefore.Thewaytheysmelled;yetnow
shefilledhislungsandhewantedtoalwayshaveherthere."Iamnotcertainkillingisconsidereda
talent."

"Theundeadarenolongeralive.Youknowthat.Theyhavechosentolosethatwhichmakesthemlive.
Vampiresaremonsterswithoutequal,merciless,livingonlyfordepravityandtherushofthekill.Without
youtostandguard,Gabriel,therewouldbenowaytohidetheexistenceofourpeople.Evennow,asmall
minorityofhumanshatestheveryideaofus.Theyhaveasocietyofpeople,professionalsandothers,
whohuntusdowntokillus.Itseemstomethatwithoutyou,ourpeoplewouldlongagohavebeenhunted
toextinction."

Asmall,pleasedsmileescapedbeforehecouldstopit.Shehadawayabouther.Therewasnodoubtin
hismindwhyBricewantedher.Itwasn'tbecauseshewasahealer,asBricewas.Itwasn'tbecauseher
Carpathianbeautydrewmalestoher.Itwastheentirepackage.Francesca.HisFrancesca."Yougiveme
fartoomuchcredit,"heansweredhersoftly."Thankyouforthat.Thankyouformakingadifficult
situationeasy.Ididnotexpecttofeelthisway."Heflashedheranothersmile."Theseemotionsare
difficulttocontrol."

Shetiltedherheadtolookupathim.Itshouldhavebeendeclaredasintolookasgoodashedid.He
madebutterflywingsbrushatherstomach,madeherheartsomersaultatthemostunexpectedtimes.His
eyescouldcreateafirestorminherwithjustonesmoldering,broodinglook.Hecouldmeltawoman,any
woman,attwentypaces.Francescaclearedherthroat,tryinghardnottoblush,suddenlyrememberinghe
wasmorethanlikelyashadowinhermind,readingheralltoointimatethoughts."Weshouldstartfor
home."

"Youwanttowalkordoyoufeellikeflying?"Heaskeditgently,unwillingtoinfluenceherdecisionone
wayoranother.Shealwayschosethehumanway.Shewouldhaveallowedherselftobestruckby
Skyler'smonsterofafatherinordertopreserveherwayoflife.Herimage.Hewantedhertoacceptthat
shewasCarpathian.WhollyCarpathian.Itwastoosoonforthat,heknew,butasignthatshewas
weakeningjustalittlewouldgivehimhope.

Francescalinkedtheirfingersoncemore."Wehaveplentyoftimebeforethesunrises.Perhapsweshould
walkanddiscussfurtherhowtomanageSkyler."

ChapterSix

Contents

Francescaavertedhereyesastheywalkedalongtheemptystreetshandinhand.Hewassointensely
male,movedsofluidly.Shefoundherselfwantingtobrushthewavesofhishair,smooththelinesfrom
hisface.Hismouthwassoperfect.Sheglancedathimfrombeneathherlashes.Herlipstingled,softened,
achingtofeelhis.Therewasthesoundofhisvoicewhenhetalkedtoher,soft,sexy,intimateassin.
GabrielflashedasmileatherandFrancescafeltherinstantresponse.Hebrushedagainstherwhilethey
walked,theslightestofmovements,yetitsetherheartpoundingandsenttinytonguesoffireflickingover
herskin.Herpalmsitchedtofeelthehardmusclesofhisbody,torunherhandsoverhischest,hisbelly.
Sheglancedloweratthematerialstretchedsotight.Sheachedtostrokeandcaress,toslidehermouth
overhimjusttoseehisreaction.Tohearhisgroan.

Shecouldthinkofnothingelse.Herbreastsachedandbetweenherlegsliquidheatgatheredininvitation.
Herclothesfeltcumbersome,fartootight.Shewonderedwhathewoulddoifshesuddenlyyankedher
blouseoffandofferedhimherbreastsrightthereonthestreet.AllshecouldthinkaboutwasGabriel.His
hardbody,hishandsastheymovedoverherskin.Thewayhesaidthemostbeautifulthingstoher.The
wayhewantedtohelpayoungstrangerwhodidn'tknowwhatlovewassupposedtobe.Thewayhehad
steppedinfrontofherbody,shieldingherbeforeabruteofamancouldstrikeher.Everythingabouthim
wasextraordinaryandshewasconsumedbyasuddenneedtoholdhim,touchhim,kisseveryinchofhim.

Astoreappearedinfrontofthem,desertednow,longafterbusinesshours."Myfriendownsthisstore.
She'sgivenmeakeyandthecodeforthealarm.Ijustleavetheinventoryslipforherandshechargesitto
myaccount."Hervoicewashusky,sexy,ablatantinvitation."Wecangoinandfindafewnecessary
thingsforSkyler."Herhandwasshakingassheturnedthekeyinthelock.

Gabrielwatchedherintentlywithhisblackvelveteyesasshepunchedinthecodeforthealarmsystem.
Thestorewasdark,deserted.Thesilencewasbrokenonlybytheirraggedbreathing.Sheturnedtohim,
herhandbrushinghisface.Herhandfoundhishairunerringly,fingerstunnelinginthethickstrands.

Asoftsoundescapedhisthroat."Francesca,youhavetostopbeforethereisnogoingbackforus.Iamno
angelasyouoftenpersistinthinkingme.Icanreadeverythoughtinyourmindandwhatyouaredoingto
mybodyisnothinglessthanasin."Histhumbsstrokedcaressesoverherjaw,tracedtheoutlineofher
lips.

"Really?"Herhandstuggedathisshirtuntilitwasfreefromhistrousers.Immediatelyherpalmsslid
overhisbarechest,herfingerssplayedwidetotakeinasmuchofhisskinasshecould.Shetracedevery
definedmuscle,achingforhim."I'vealwaysthoughtsinningmightbeaninterestingexperience."There
wasinvitationinhervoice.Blatantseduction.

Hishandsbunchedinherhair,drewherheadbacksothathisglitteringeyesrakedherface."Ihungerfor
you,Francesca,hunger.Youcannottouchmewithyourmindandyourbodyandnotexpectmetoreact.It
islikearawcravinginmybloodstreamandIknowitisthereforalltime.DoyouknowhowmanytimesI
dreamedofyou?HowmanytimesIwokeinthenightalonewithoutyou?"

"Ididthesame,"shesaidsoftly,hereyesmeetinghissteadily.Shedidnotflinchawayfromthe
concentrationofsheerpassiongatheredinhisgaze."Gabriel—"Shewhisperedhisname,leaning
forwardtopressherlipsagainsthischest.Hermouthswirledheatoverhispulse."Youtalktoomuch
whenIneedaction."Sheliftedherheadsothatherdarkeyeslaughedathim."Youdoaction,don'tyou?
Myclothesareheavyandtroublesome,"sheaddedassheleanedforwardtoflickhisflatnipplewithher
tongue.Shestoodonhertoestopressherswellingbreaststightlyagainsthischest.

Gabrielcouldn'tbeareventhethinnestofmaterialsseparatingtheirbodies.Hepushedherblousefrom
hershoulders,tossingitasideintheheatofthemoment.Hispalmsslidgentlyoverherbareflesh,tracing
thedelicatelineofherbones,thecurveofherbreasts.Hisbreathescapedhislungsinalongrushashe
cuppedthesoftweightinhishands,histhumbsstrokinghernipples.

Thestorewassilent,mannequinsstaringblanklythroughtheracksofclothes.Gabrieldrewher
deeperintotheinterioroftheroom,awayfromthewindows,intotheshadowswheretheywouldhave
privacyfromanyonewalkingalongthestreet.TheheatandhungeroftheCarpathianmatingritualwas
uponhim,broughtonbyhislifemate'seroticthoughts.Shewasbeautiful,insideandout.Itwasexciting
andarousingtoknowthatshewantedhimsobadly,thatsheknewexactlywhatshewantedandwould
demanditofhim.

Herlifemate.Francescareveledinherrighttotouchhisbody,tobeabletobringhimtoafirestormof
needsothatheburnedforherinthesamewaysheburnedforhim.Histouchonherbareskinwastorment
andpleasure.Whenheslowlybenthisdarkheadtofindherbreastwiththeheatofhismoistmouth,she
trembledwithanurgencyshehadneverknownbefore.Herfingerscrushedhishair,holdinghimtoher.
"It'salmosttoomuchfeeling,Gabriel.Idon'tknowifIcantakeit."

Hishandswereshapingherbody,pushingasideherclotheswhilehispalmsandfingerslingeredand
savored,strokedandcaressed."Yesyoucan,youweremadeforthis,"hewhisperedsoftly.Hebenthis
headlowertolickherflatstomach."Youweremadeforme."Easilyheliftedhertothetopofthecounter,
seatingherontheedge."Youweremadeforlongnights,Francesca,longlazynightsofmakinglove."His
handscaressedherthighs,andhepressedhispalmtoherhotwetcore,smiledwhenherbodyclenched
andsheshudderedwithpleasure.Hisheaddippedlowersothathissilkenhairbrushedhersensitive
thighsandasoftmoanescapedherthroat.

Francescacriedoutatthefirsttouchofhiswarmbreath,thefirstlapofhistongue."Doyouknowwhat
youtastelike?"Heaskedthequestionsoftly,intimately,inhermind.Hisvoicescorchedtheinsideofher
mindashistonguewasscorchingthecoreofherbody.Shecouldfeelherbodywindingtighterand
tighter,pleasurebuildinginforceandintensitysothatthereleaserushedoverherwithsuchpowershe
couldonlyclutchhishairaswaveafterwaveswampedher.

"Gabriel."Shesaidhisname,breathedhisname,drewthemasculinescentofhimintoherlungs.
"Gabriel."

"Wearejustgettingstarted,beautifulone,"heansweredsoftly,raisinghisheadtosmileather.

Hewassohandsome,soperfectforher,Francescacouldfeeltearsburninginherthroat.Thereinthe
night,thenightthatcalledtosomethingwildinthem,helookedatherwitheyesburningwithdesire.Hot.
Urgent.Demanding.Shehadwaitedsolongforhiseyestolookatherlikethat.

Andthenhewasdrivingsanityfromhermind,replacingitwithfrenziedpassion.Francescacouldthinkof
nothingbuthavinghisbodyburieddeepwithinhers.Oncemorehispalmpushedagainsthersensitive
core,andthenheslowlyinsertedhisfinger,allthetimewatchingherface,watchingthepleasurewash
overherashertightsheathclenchedaroundhim.

"Itisnotenough."Therewasasmileinhisvoice;hebenthisheadtotasteheragainevenashisfinger
slowlyeasedoutofher.Twofingersstretchedher,pusheddeepsothatshegaspedwithpleasure."And
thatisnotenough."Therewaspuremasculinesatisfactioninhisvoice,onhisface.

Shecouldfeelitagain,thehotpressure,moltenlavabuildingandbuildinguntilherentirebodywasin
dangerofimploding.Hepushedintoher,caressed,stroked,histongueteasedanddanced."ThisiswhatI
want,honey,more,comeforme.Iwanttoseeitonyourface,Iwanttoknowyoufeelit,too."Hisvoice
softened,wenthusky."Comeforme,mylove,justletgo."

Withachokingcrysheletherselfbetakenovertheedge,herbodyclenchingandspiralingoutofher
control.Hismouthheightenedtheeffect,bringingheranendlessorgasmthatseemedtogoonforeverand
yetwasnotenough.Sheclosedhereyesandjustgaveherselfuptopurefeeling,tothebeautyofhishands
andtongueinherbodydoingslow,mercilessthingsthatonlymadethefirehotter.Shewaswrithingnow,
herhipsunabletostaystillbeneaththeassaultonhersenses.Thenheaddedhismind,thrustingdeeply
intohers,picturingthingshewantedtodobeforehedidthem,sothatshecouldfeelherbodythroughhis
mind,thesilkenheat,theclenching,tightmuscles.

FrancescacouldfeelGabriel'smountingdesire,thewayhisbodyburnedandached,hardeningtothe
pointofpain.Hishandswerebecomingrougher,moredemanding,andshereveledinthethoughtofhis
ownlossofcontrol."Iwantyouinsideme,Gabriel,"shemurmuredsoftly,ademand."Iwantyourbody
inmine.Idon'twantyoutotreatmeasifImightbreakeither."Shesaiditdeliberately,knowingwhatit
woulddotohisbody,knowinghewascaughtupinthesamestormoffireasshewas.

Shelookedbeyondhimtothebankofmirrors,sawhisperfectlyformedmasculinebody,thedefined
muscles,thelongshinyhair,andherbodyfragmentedagain,anexplosionofsuchforceitrockedher,
shookher,sothatshecriedoutwiththefuryofit."Gabriel,now,rightnow."

"Onthefloor,whereIcangodeep,Iwanttobesodeepinsideyou,youwillnevergetmeout."The
admissionwastornfromhimashedraggedherfromthecounterandlaidheronthethickcarpet.He
followedherdown,needinghersomuchhewasthickandhardandachingwithurgency.

Francescaliftedherhipstomeethimashesurgedforward,penetratingher,fillingher,herbodyslickand
wetandhot,coilingaroundhistightly.Herbreathescaped;hislefthisbody.Therushwasaddictingand
complete.Gabrielcaughtherhipsinhishands,andsetarhythm,usinghard,surestrokesthatdrove
deeperanddeepertofindhersoul.

Sheturnedherheadtolookattheminthemirror,toseethebeautyoftheirbodiescomingtogetherin
perfectaccord.Hisfacewasetchedwithconcentration,withecstasy,withtotalfocus.Sheknewwhathe
wantedbeforehedid,everysmalladjustmentofherbodysohecouldpenetrateevendeeper,fillheruntil
theywerebothgaspingwiththepleasureofit.Sheliftedherhead,watchinghimintentlyassheflickedhis
chestwithhertongue,lappedatabeadofmoisture.Hishandstightened,hisbodyclenched.Herteeth
nippedhimgently,scrapedinacaressoverhisskin.

Gabrielthrewbackhishead,hislonghairflyingoutinasilkenhaloforonemoment.Hisbodytookhers,
harderandfaster,onandon,windingherbodytighteruntilshethoughttheywouldbothspinoutof
control.Sheswirledhertonguelazily.

"Iwillburnup!"

Hisvoicewasnearlypleading,acommand,aplea,ahusky,sensualcaress.Francescarewardedhim,
sinkingherteethdeeptojointhemtogetherbodyandsoulandmind.Whitelightningarcedbetweenthem
andsetthemonfire.Herbodywasnolongerherown,buthistodowithwhateverheneeded,whatever
hewanted.Hisbodybelongedtoher.Afairexchangewhenshewascryingoutwithherrelease,soaring
intospace,ridingthewavesofthesea.

Gabrielwentwithher,shoutinghernametotheheavens,tothesilentwatchingmannequins,intoan
unnamedplaceofsheerfeeling.Francescaswepthertongueacrossthetwotinypinpricks,gaspingfor
breath,herheartpoundingoutthesamerhythmashis,shockedattheintensityoftheirwildlovemaking.

Gabrielheldherclosetohim,bracinghimselfwithonehandtokeephisweightfromcrushingher."Are
youallright?"heaskedgently.Hebrushedherhairwithhisfreehand,hisdarkgazesearchinghers
soberly.

"OfcourseI'mfine.Itwasbeautiful,beyondwords.Iwantedyou,Gabriel.Youaresocarefulofme."She
tracedhismouthwithafingertip."Iappreciateyourconsideration,Ireallydo,butIamastrongwoman
andImakemyowndecisions.Iwouldnotbelyingbeneathyou,yourbodyinmine,unlessitwasexactly
whatIdesired."

Shewasinhismind,shecouldfeelhisguilt,yethewasaveryadeptancient.Therewassomethingelse
there,somethingshecouldn'tfigureout.

Hebenthisheadandkissedher.Thoroughly.Completely.Akissthatmeltedherinsidesandbrought
unexpectedtearstohereyes."Iamamazedatyou,Francesca.IthoughtIwouldneverbesurprisedinthis
worldagain,byanythingoranyone,butyouarebeyondanythingIhaveeverknown."Hekissedheragain,
gentlythistime,leisurely.Reluctantlyhewithdrewfromher,movingawayfromhertoclimbeasilytohis
feet.Hereacheddownanddrewherup."Thefloormustbehard.Ithinkwewillneedabednexttime."
Hesaidthewordscarefully,asifafraidshewouldthinkhewaspressuringher.

Francescacouldn'thelpherself;itwasratherexhilaratingtohavesomuchpoweroveranancient
Carpathian.Sheleanedforwardandgavehimakissofherown.Slowandhotandblatantlywanting
more."Iwillneverbeabletocometothisstoreagainwithoutthinkingofthisnight."Shemovedaway
fromhim,cleaningandclothingherselfintheeasymannerofherpeople.Thereweretremendous
advantagestobeingCarpathian,thingsshehadbeenunabletodowhilekeepinguptheillusionofbeing
human.Itwasfun,enjoyable,thoselittledetailsshehadtriedtokeepoutofhermind.

"I'llfindafewthingsforSkylerwhileyoutrytocatchyourbreath,"sheteased,flashinghimasaucygrin.

Hefollowedheraroundthestore,watchinghercarefullychooseclothingshethoughttheyoungteen
wouldbecomfortablewith.Heknewsheintendedtobuyherallthelatestfashions,butthisfirstshopping
tripwassimplytoprovidecomfort.Hefoundastuffedanimal,afluffywolfwithbrightblueeyes,and
wasimmediatelydrawntoit."Iwanttogetthisforher.Itistellingmeitneedstogohomewithus."

Francescalaughedathim."ThatisfromDimitri'sfoundation.HeguardsthewolvesinthewildsofRussia
nowandwritesbookswithbeautifulphotographs.Hewasachildwhenyouknewhim,doyouremember?
Aportionofthesalesgoestohiswolffoundation.Hehassavedmanyofourwolfbrethrenfromanearly
demiseorcapture."

"ItisgoodtoknowDimitriisstillwithus.Hewasdifferentasachild.Aloneralready,longbeforehis
fledgingdayswerepast,andtherewasadarkcoreofviolenceinhim,themarkofagoodhunter,yetoften
asignofanearlyturningtothedarkness."

"Well,heturnedhislifeinthislastcenturytopreservingthewolvesinthewild.Heisarenowned
scientistandhisfoundationisflourishing.I'mnotsurprisedthatyouwouldbedrawntohislifelikestuffed
animals.Eachoneisaworkofart."

Gabrielbaredhiswhiteteethather."Ihavegoodinstincts."Therewasawealthofinnuendoinhisvoice.

Francescalaughedsoftlyandwroteoutaquickinventoryoftheirpurchasesandanoteaskingherfriendto
sendtheitemstoheraddressthefollowingevening.Shedidaquickautomaticcheckofthestorebefore
settingthealarm."Ilikebeingwithyou,Gabriel.Comeon."

GabrieltightenedhisfingersaroundFrancesca's,makingcertaintherewasonlyacceptanceofwhathad
transpiredbetweentheminhermind.Shehadwantedtimetoadjusttotheideaofalifematebutthe
chemistrybetweenthemseemedtosizzlewiththeslightestcontact.Hehadintendedaslowcourtship,to
winhergently,notleaponherbodyeverytimehelookedather.Herstrideswerenotnearlyaslongas
his,soheconsciouslyshortenedthelengthofeachstep.Itamazedhimhowrightitfeltjusttowalk
throughthenightwithher."IfIneverhaveanotherchancetodothiswithyouagain,Francesca,thankyou
forthiswalk."Itcameoutbeforehecouldcensorthewords.Heglanceddownatherbenthead."Idonot
meantomakeyouuncomfortable.ButIhaveneverdonethis.Justwalkinginthenight,nohurry,noplan,
justdriftingalong.AndIcertainlyneverhadtheopportunitytohaveabeautifulwomanatmyside.Itmay
seemasimplepleasuretoyou,butitisuniqueforme."

Sheglancedupathim,sothathehadaquickglimpseofthesweepofherlonglashesandthenthe
perfectionofherprofile."I'mcertainyouhadplentyofopportunities,Gabriel."Hewasextraordinarily
good-lookinginhisdark,masculineway,andsheknewhewouldattractwomeneasily."Youcan'tmake
mebelieveyouwentcenturieswithout"Shetrailedoffwhenhestoppedabruptly.Hewassogoodat
pleasingher,sogoodatknowingexactlywhatsheneeded.

Gabrielcaughtherchininhishand,forcingherheaduptolookathim."Iamahunter,Francesca,a
Carpathianhunter.IdidnotfeelpassionasyouthinkIdid.Therewasnodesireforawoman.Iwanted
theretobedesireandImergedattimestoseewhatthefeelingwaslikeforthosehumansIoccasionally
met.ButIneverwantedanyoneuntilIawokefromthedeadandheardyourvoice."Afaintsmiletouched
hismouthbriefly,thenwasgone."Thefeelingsyouproduceinmearefardifferentfromtheonescreated
byhumans.Muchmoreintenseandurgent."Hedroppedhishandawayfromher."Mywordsputpressure
onyouthatyoudonotneedatthistimeandIdonotwantittobeso.Ireallywantedtorespectthe
distanceyouwishtoputbetweenus.Ihadeveryintentionofwaitinguntilyouweremoreateasewithour
relationship."

Shelaughedsoftly."Youcanhardlytaketheblameforourlovemaking,Gabriel.Thatwasentirelymy
doing."

Asmallsmileflittedacrosshisface."IdonotknowifIcanhonestlysaythatisso,butIthinkyouhave
hadenoughadventureforseveralrisings."

"Youmustlearntosaydaysornights,"shecorrectedgently."Thisistheageofcomputers.Itisdangerous
howquicklyinformationcanbeexchanged.Youhavebeenawayalongtime.Iknowyouassimilate
informationatarapidratebuttechnologyismakingthingsmuchmoredifficulttohideourpresencefrom
theworld.Youareusedtoaworldwherethehumanthreatisnearlynonexistent,butthathaschangedwith
theageofcomputers."Hishandbrushedhersandwithoutthinkingsheentwinedherfingerswithhisas
theybegantostrollalongthesidewalk.

"ImustadmitIhaveneverconsideredhumansathreat;theyareeasilymanaged."

"Yousoundveryarrogant,Gabriel,althoughIsenseyoudon'tmeantobe.Ourpeopleareindirestraits,
ourraceallbutdoomed.Ikeepuponthenewsinaroundaboutway,soIknowwhatisgoingon.There
aresomehumanwomenwithextraordinarypsychictalentwhoarecompatiblewithourrace.ThePrince
ofourpeoplehasalifematewhooncewashuman."

Therewereseveralmomentsofsilence.Onceagain,withoutconsciousthought,Gabrielhadreachedout
tosharethisnewknowledgewithLucian.Hetouchedhistwineasily,lightly,ashehaddonefornearly
twothousandyears.Lucianwasimmersedinacomplicatedtexthewasfindinghighlyinteresting.That
alwaysastonishedGabriel.ThatLucianhadretainedhisneedforknowledge.Hehadalwaysbeena
spongesoakingupinformation.Nowhereciprocated,sharingallthathehadlearnedofthemodernworld,
floodingGabrielwithsomanyfacts,hebegantolaugh.

"Whatisit?"Francescaaskedsoftly,seeinggenuineaffectionforjustamomentinthedepthsofhiseyes.

Gabrielbrokethecontactinstantly,swearingsoftlyintheancientlanguage.Whydidn'thethink?Ithad
nevermatteredbefore,hisingrainedhabitofreachingouttohisbrother.EvenafterLucianhadturned,he
hadn'tfoughtthehabit.Whyshouldhebother?Themoreknowledgetheyeachhad,thebetterthebattle.It
wasverydifferentnow.ThistimeitcouldcostFrancescaherlife.GabrielhadbattledLucianmanytimes
overthelastfewcenturies.

Hehadinflictedmortalwoundsonmorethanoneoccasion,yethehadneverbestedLucian,never
managedtodestroyhim.Hehadnoreasontothinktheoutcomeoftheirbattlewouldbeanydifferentnow.
Hecouldnotaffordtheluxuryofamistake.LucianmustnotknowofFrancesca'sexistence.

"Whatisit?"Francescarepeated,thistimeshakinghisarm."Youwentfromsmilinghappilytolooking
likeawolf,youreyesstillandwatchful.Whathappenedinsoshortatime?"Hervoicewassoftand
compelling,amixtureofconcernandcompassion.

Gabrielshookhishead."Ihavemademistakeaftermistake.Restingthesecenturieshasdonemelittle
good.Itisconfusingtowakeandfeelemotions,toseecolors.Everythingisvividandbright.Emotions
areviolentandraw,hardtokeepundercontrol.Thereisanever-presentcravinginmybodyforyours."

Gabrielwasspeakingsothoughtfully,somatter-of-factly,Francescafelthewasmusingaloud.

"Iledthatvampirestraighttoyou,youknowthat."Gabrielrakedahandthroughtheshinymassofhis
blue-blackhair."Allthistime,yousuccessfullymanagedtohide.NowIhavecalledattentiontoyour

presence,andhewillnotbetheonlyonetoseekyouout."

Hestoppedandfacedher,hishandcurlingaroundthenapeofherneck."Ishouldneverhavemademy
claimwithoutyourconsent.Ishouldhavesoughtyoursafetyabovemyownneedsanddesires.Ihave
wrongedyouinanunforgivableway."

Francescatouchedhismouth.Hiswordsandthesincerityinhisvoicewereturningherworldupside
down.Shedidn'tknowwhatshewantedanymore.Awayfromhimitwasallsoclear,butwhenhewas
closeandheallowedhertoseeintohistorturedsoul,shefeltaltogetherdifferent."Youcouldnothave
takenmybodysoeasily,Gabriel,hadInotwishedittobeso.Iwasnotundercompulsion."

Hisfingersweremassagingthebackofherneck,histhumbsbrushingintimatelyalongthedelicatelineof
herjaw.Eachcaresssentheatspiralingthroughherbodyandlittleflamesdancingoverherskin.Lostin
hisregret,Gabrieldidn'tseemtonoticethewayherbodyrespondedtohistouch."Iwokeyouwiththe
commandtocometomeinneed.Yourbodyrespondedtothatcommandandtomydeliberatearousalof
you.Ishouldhavewaiteduntilyouhadtimetoknowme.Youshouldhavebeencourtedthewayyou
deserved."

"Itwasn'tjustyou,Gabriel.Iamnofledging.Irecognizedthe'push'asIawakened.Iamnotwithout
powerofmyown.Youcouldn'thavetakenmesoeasilywithoutmyconsent.Iwantedyou.Iwantedto
feelyou,tofeelwhatitwaslike."Sheconfesseditbravely,takinghershareoftheblamewithout
hesitation."Youwerenotforcingmycompliance.Inanycase,soonerorlatertheCarpathiancyclewould
havebegunandwewouldhavehadlittlechoiceinthematter."

"Isaidtheritualwordstobinduswithoutyourconsent."

"Malesdosoallthetime,Gabriel.Itisthewayofourpeopleandhasbeensoforthousandsofyears.You
havenotdoneanythingsounforgivable.Thissituationisdifficultforbothofus."

Hedroppedhisarmsandswungawayfromher."Whydoyouacceptthesethingssoeasily,Francesca?
Whydoyounotcondemnmeasyoushould?Yourangerwouldgoalongwaytoward"Heshovedhishand
throughhishairagain."ThereIgoagain,wantingittobeeasy.Iamselfish,sweetheart,veryselfish,andI
havetiedyoutome."

"Gabriel?Youaredistraught.Youhaveneedofme?"Thevoicecameunexpectedly,easilyinhishead.
Hefoughtwithhimselftokeephismindblank,toensurethatnoinformationwenttowardthatperfect
voice.Lucianhadalwaysbeenabletocommandwithhisvoice.Hecouldmakeanyonebelieveanything
withthatvoice.Thatweapon.Gabrielhadneverheardanythingquitesobeautiful.Lucianhadretained
thatgiftevenwhenhehadlosthissoulforalleternity.

WhenGabrielrefusedtorespond,thelaughtercame,ataunt,almostlazy.ItchilledGabrieltothebone.
HehadtoprotectFrancescafromLucian'swiles.Histwinwascunningandsmart.Ruthless.Merciless.
Gabrielknewbetterthananyother.Hehadseenhiminactionfortwothousandyears.

FrancescalaidherhandonGabriel'sarm."Youaretryingtotellmesomethingbutyouhaven'tgottenthere
yet."

"Youarewithchild."Hestatedthefourwordsclearly,starkly.

Francesca'senormousblackeyeswentwidewithshock."Thatcannotbe.Itisnotsoeasy.Whydoyou
thinkourracehasborderedonthebrinkofextinction?Ourwomenareabletobearchildrenonlyevery
fewhundredyears.Iamahealer.Istudiedthisformanydecades,determinedtounlockthekeytoour
bodiessothatwecouldconceivemoreoftenandbemoresuccessfulinthecarrying.Ihadwishedtobe
abletounderstandwhyweconceivemalesinsteadoffemalesbutIcouldnotfindtheanswers."Sheshook
herhead."No,thiscannotbe."

"YouknowIspeakthetruth.Iknewourwomencanonlyconceiveeverysomanyyears,andthatthey
manipulatethattime,butIalsoknewthechanceswereverygoodthat,asyouhadneverconceived,you
wouldberipetodosoandItookfulladvantageofthat."

Shestaredupathimamomentinsilence,inshock."ButIamawoman,ahealer.Youcouldneverhave
donesuchathingwithoutmyknowledge"Shetrailedoffasshepressedherhandstoherflatstomachina
kindofwonder."Itcannotbeso."Evenasshedeniedit,sheclosedhereyesandsoughtinsideherself.
Thereitwas.Themiracleoflife.Thethingshehadlongedfor.Criedfor.Wantedmorethananything.The
verythingshehadgivenupeverhaving.Growing.Changing.Cellsdividing.Achild.Shewantedtobe
upset.Shehadgivenuptheideaseveralhundredyearsearlier.Shewaspreparedtogotothenextworld.
Shewasnotpreparedforsuchanevent.

Francescaraisedherheadsothathereyesmethis."Youreallydidthis?"

"IwouldliketosayIknewyouwantedachildaboveallelse.Ihadreadthatinyourmemories.Ihadalso
readyourresignationandacceptancethatyouwouldnot.IwouldliketotellyouIdidsuchathingfor
you,orevenmorenobly,foracause,forthecontinuationofourrace,buttheplaintruthismuchuglier
thanthat.IdiditsothatIwouldnotloseyou.Sothatyouwouldbetiedtothisworldandnotescapeme
intothenext.UntilLucianisdead,Icouldnotfollowyou.Ididnotwanttobealoneanymore.Iactedout
ofselfishness.IchangedthedirectionofyourlifeinadvertentlysomanycenturiesagoandnowIhave
deliberatelychangeditagain."

Francescajuststoodthere,shockregisteringonherface."Ababy.Ihadallbutforgottenthepossibilityof
ababy."Therewasnocondemnationinhervoice,onlyasoftmusingasifshecouldn'tcomprehendsucha
thing.

"Iamsorry,Francesca.Thereisnorealwaytomakeamends."Gabrielrubbedhisforeheadwiththepalm
ofhishand."Thereisnoexcuseandtherecanbenoforgiveness."

Shewasn'tlisteningtohim;hermindwasturnedinward.Shehadlongedforababy,afamily.Morethan
anythingshehadwantedachild.EvenifshehadchosentospendthelastyearsofherlifewithBrice,she
wouldneverhavebroughtachildtotheirunion.Herpregnancywasamiracle,andshecouldn'tquite
cometogripswiththeidea."Ababy.Idonotrememberwhatitisliketodreamofsuchathing.Itcannot
be,Gabriel.Howisthis?HowdidInotknow?"

"Youarenotlisteningtome,Francesca,"hesaid,hisblackeyessearchingtheskyoverheadasifitmight
offeranswers.Herubbedhistemple.Heneededawayoutofthemesshehadcreatedwithhisarrogant
decision,yettherewasnone.Hehadtobehonestwithher.HerespectedFrancescatoomuchtogiveher
anythinglessthanthetruth.Inanycase,shewashislifemateandeventuallyshewouldreadhismemories.

Heshouldhavewaited,takenhistime.Hecouldhavestoppedherfromchoosingthedawniftherewas

suchaneed.Buthehadtakentheattitudethatshebelongedtohimandowedhimcompletesurrender.

Francescatookadeepbreathandlaidherhandonhisarm.Shecouldeasilyreadhisinnerturmoil,his
angerathimself.Intruth,shedidn'tknowhowshefelt,butshedidn'tlikethewayhismindwasso
consumedwithguilt.Gabriel,herlegendaryhunter.Hehadgivensomuchtohispeople,hadalways
donetherightthing.Francescadidn'thaveitinhertocondemnhim."Inyourdefense,Gabriel,itwasnota
consciousdecisiononyourpart."

"Francesca!"Gabrielsteppedawayfromher,unabletobearhertouchwhenhehadsowrongedher."You
aretouchingme,yetyoudonothearme.Youarenotseeingwhatisbeforeyoureyes.Idonotwanttostart
arelationshipwithdishonestybetweenus.Ofcourseitwasaconsciousdecision.Imanipulatedthe
outcomeofourjoiningjustasIarousedyouwithmorethanmybody."Heshookhisheadinwonder."You
reallyaretheoppositeofme.YoucannotconceiveofsuchdeceptionandIcannotconceiveofsuch
goodness.Seeme,Francesca,seemewithallmyfaults.Idonotwantyoutoacceptmeeveninfriendship
merelybecauseIamCarpathianandyouarelonelyforyourhomeland.Ithoughtthatitwouldbeenough
formejusttohaveyou,butIfinditisnot.Youdonotknowjusthowwrongedyoureallyare.Lucian
himselfwillbehuntingyouandIamnotcertainIcanprotectyoufromhim."

Hereyesmovedoverhisbroodinggoodlooks."Ofcourseyoucan,Gabriel.Hehasnopoweroveryou,
notunlessyouallowsuchathing."Shetiltedherhead,herlongflowinghaircascadingdowninashiny
raven'swing."Andyouarefartoohardonyourself.ItistrueIdonotmergewillinglyorfullywithyou,
butwhenItouchyouIcanreadyou.Youwantedmetostaywithyoubutyoudidnotreallyactoutof
selfishness.YousimplycouldnotallowaCarpathianwoman,anyCarpathianwoman,todestroyherself.
Thatpreceptwasimprintedonyoubeforeyouwereborn.HadIbeenanotherwomanchoosingtomeetthe
dawn,youstillwouldhavefoundawaytostopme."

Helookeddownatthehandcurledoverhisforearm.Verygentlyhecapturedit,broughtittothewarmth
ofhismouth,anintimate,tendergesturethatmadeherheartcontract."Youtakemybreathaway,
Francesca.IfIliveanotherthousandyears,Icouldneverfindanyonewithyournaturalcompassion.Ido
notdeserveyou."

Asmallsmilecurvedhersoftmouth."Ofcourse,youdon't.I'veknownthatfromthefirst,"sheteased,
wantingtoeasethetensioninhim."Comeon,let'skeepwalking.Iwanttoshowyousomeofthesights."

ObedientlyGabrielfellintostepbesideher,retainingpossessionofherhand."Youhavenotchastised
me,notoneword."

"Whatwouldbethepoint?CanIchangewhatis?Icannotchangethepast.WhywouldIwanttomakeyou
feelworsethanyoualreadydo?Yourremorseandregretaregenuine.Chastisementwillhelpneitherof
us.Idon'treallyknowwhatI'mfeelingrightnow.I'lllookatitlaterwhenI'malone.AllIknowisIam
verytiredandatthismomentstrangelyhappy.Itisabeautifulnightandthiscityistrulyabeautifulone.
AndthereisnootherIwouldrathershareitwiththanyou."

Hehadtolookawayfromher,fromtheinnerbeautyshiningoutofher.Tearswereburninginhiseyesand
hewasashamed.Hedidn'tdeserveher,hecouldnevermakeuptheterriblewrongshehaddonetoher,no
matterhowhardhetried.Heshiftedhisbodymoreprotectivelytowardherastheywalkedalongthe
nearlydesertedstreetsswingingtheirhandstogether.

ChapterSeven

Contents

"Tellmeofyourstainedglass.Itisverybeautifulandpeaceful.WhenIwasexaminingthepiecesinyour
studioIcouldfeelthepresenceofpowerwovenintothepatterns.Safeguardsofakind."Gabrielwas
slightlyinaweofherhealingtalent.Fewhaditsostrongly.Hertouchalonecouldimpartasoothing
peaceandhedetectedthatsamesenseofpeaceinherwork.

Shesmiled,aquickflashofhappinessthathewouldbeinterestedinthethingssheenjoyed.Shewasglad
finallytohavesomeoneshecouldtalktoaboutherdiscoveries."Istartedlongagoworkingwithsmall
pieces.Theideawastousequiltsandcoveringsofthatnaturetoaidthesick.IoftenfoundwhenI
examinedapatientthattherewereotherthingsinvolvedthansimplyphysicalillness.Griefforthelossof
alovedone,maritaltroubles,thingslikethat.Ibegantoexperimentmakingspecificitemsforindividuals
Ihadtouched.Iwovepatternsthatwouldaidmypatientswhiletheyslept.Eventuallymyworkbecame
quitepopular.Peoplefoundtheyweredrawntothearticlesbecausetheyweresosoothing."Sheglanced
upathim."I'mnotexplainingthisverywell.Ijustreadpeopleandknowwhattheyneedandtryto
provideit.That'showitallstarted."

"Youaretrulyanamazingwoman,"hesaidsoftly.Sheastoundedhimwithheraccomplishments."And
now?"

"Icreatedacompany.Myidentityisburieddeepsoifsomeonecomeslookingitwillbedifficulttofind
outwhoIreallyam."Shegrinnedathim,herprideinfoolingtheancientCarpathianmalesshowing
through."Ievenaddedasafeguardtodiscouragehumansleuths."

"ACarpathianwouldfeelthedustingofpowerandcertainlyrecognizetheancientsymbolsinyourwork,"
hepointedout.

"Naturally,"shesaidcomplacently."ThatiswhyIwenttothetroubleofcreatingafictitiousmale
Carpathian,anartist,whoisahermit.MyworkisoftensoughtbyCarpathianstosafeguardtheirhomes
andbringpeacetotheirenvironment.TheysendtheirordersthroughmycompanyandIdothework.A
fewhaveaskedtoseetheartist,butIalwaysdecline."

"AnyCarpathianworthhissaltcandistinguishthedifferencebetweenthetouchofafemaleormale."

Sheraisedhereleganteyebrow."Really?Perhapsyouunderestimateme,Gabriel.Ihavelivedfor
centuriesinsecret,undiscoveredbytheundead,byCarpathianmalestravelingthroughthiscity,andeven
byyouandyourbrother.AlthoughattimesIsuspectedLucianmighthavebeenawareofmyexistence.He
returnedoftentothiscityandscannedmoretimesthanIcaretocountorremember."

"Hedid?"ThatmadeGabrielnervous.IfLuciansuspectedsuchathingasafemaleCarpathianinthiscity,
hewoulddiganddiguntilhefoundher.NothingescapedLucian'sattention.GabrielrecalledhowLucian
hadledhimbacktoParistimeandagain.Eventheirlastterriblebattlehadbeenhere.HadLucian
somehowbeenawareofafemale'spresence?Theyhadsharedinformationallthetime.Whatoneknew,
theotherdid,too.WouldLucianhidesuchknowledgefromhim?

Francescanoddedsolemnly."Yes.Ifelthispresenceoftenoverthecenturies,andImustconfessIburied
myselfdeepwithintheearthtohidefromhim.Iwasafraidofyoufindingme.Ihadlivedalonesolong
doingwhateverpleasedme,andInolongerwantedamaleinmylife."Shedidnottellhimthatshehad
beenafraidhemightrejectheragainandshecouldn'thaveborneitasecondtime.

"Francesca,Francesca,"Gabrielmurmuredsoftly,"whatalittleliaryouhavebecome.Whatisthegood
doctorifnotaman?Whywouldyouwantthetasteoflovefromonesuchashe?"

Shepulledherhandawayfromhim,cuttinghimofffromhersoothingtouch.Herfacewasaverted,the
curtainofhairconcealingherexpressionfromhim."Thatjusthappenedunexpectedly."

"Youhavelivedwithhumanssolong,sweetheart,"hesaidsoftly,gently,"youhaveforgottenwhatitis
likeamongourpeople,amonglifemates,malesandfemales.Iamashadowinyourmind,inyourthoughts.
YoucantellanuntruthtoBrice,butnevertome.Youhavelivedasahumananddonotwanttoextend
yourownfeelingsbe-yondtheircapabilities.YouareafraidoftheintensityofCarpathianemotions.Ihurt
you,Francesca,andyoudonoteverwanttoexperiencesuchpainagain."

Shepushedatherlong,wildhairandherhandwastrembling,betrayingher,evenassheshruggedher
shoulderswithstudiedcasualness."Idon'tknowifyou'reright.Icertainlyneverblamedyou.Iwashurtat
first,Iwasonlyachild,butIalwaysunderstoodthewell-beingofourracewasfarmoreimportantthan
thehappinessofoneperson."

Hecaughthershoulders,bringinghertoanabrupthalt,thecontrolledviolenceinhisgripsettingherheart
pounding.Hehadenormousstrength."NeverthinkthatIhadanoblepurposeinleavingyoubehind,
Francesca.IfIhadknownofyourexistence,Iwouldneverhaveleft.Iamfarmoreselfishthanyoucan
imagine,becauseyouarenot.Iwouldneverhavegivenyouupthen,anymorethanIintendtonow.You
aretheonlypersonwhoisimportanttome.Isawthememoryofthatdaysolongagoinyourmind.Iwas
stridingthroughavillage,asIhadgonethroughsomanyothervillages.Ifeltsomethingunusual,butmy
mindwaspreoccupiedwiththoughtsofwar.Iglancedback,Isawwomen,butdidnotreallyseethem.
Thefacesofwomenandchildrenhauntedme,Icouldneverlookdirectlyatthem.Iturnedawayasmy
brotherspoke.HadIseenyou,ourliveswouldhavebeenverydifferent.Ihaveadutytoperform,butI
wouldhaveforsakenitbackthen.IwouldhaveallowedLuciantohuntalone."

Shestudiedhisfaceforalongmoment;thenaslowsmilecurvedhersoftmouthandsheshookherhead.
"No,youwouldhavewillinglysacrificedyourhappinessforthegoodofourpeople."

"Butnotyours.Youstilldonotunderstand.Iwouldnothavesacrificedyours.Iwouldneverhave
allowedyoutobesounhappy.Ihatemyselfforwhatyouhavegonethroughtosurvivealone,feelingso
rejectedandunwanted."

"Thatwasthechild,Gabriel,notthewoman.Mylifehashadpurposeandmeaning.BecauseIamtired
doesnotmeanIdidnotenjoytheyearsIhad.IlivedwellandmademylifecountasbestIcould.Ihad
experiencesotherwomenofourracecouldneverhave.Ihavebeenindependentandlovedit.Yes,I
missedhavingafamily,butIhadotherthingstooccupyme.Itwasnotaterriblelife.AndIalwayshada
choice.Icouldhaverevealedmyselftoyouagain.Icouldhavesoughtthedawn.Icouldevenhavechosen
togobacktomyhomelandwhereatleastthesoilandthecompanyofourpeoplewouldhavegivenme
solace.Ididnotchoosetodoso.Anditwasstrictlymychoice,notyours.Iamawomanofpower,nota
childcreepingandhidingintheshadows.AllIdid,Ididofmyownwill.I'mnotavictim,Gabriel.

Pleasedonotattempttomakemeouttobeone."

"YoudonotloveBrice,youonlyadmirehim.Youhavesomethingincommon.Yourespectthewayheis
withchildren,hisabilitytoheal,andhisfocusonhismedicine.Butyoualsohaveyourreservationsabout
him."

"Idonot,"shedeniedadamantly."Whywouldyouthinkthat?"

"Ifyoudidnot,Francesca,youwouldhavecommittedyourlifetohim.Ihavebeeninyourmind—"

"Well,stayoutofit."

"Itisnotsuchaneasythingtodo,sweetheart.Infact,youareaskingtheimpossibleofme.Youdonotlike
thewayBricetreatsthepatientswhoarelessfortunate,thosewithouthomes.Youdonotlikethewayhe
isabletocompletelyforgethispatientsoncehehastreatedthem.Therearemanythingsyouhaveserious
reservationsabout.Yousharesomuchwithhim,somanychildrenwhoareill,butpartofyouknowsthat
heneedstocurethemforhisownego."

Herdarkeyesflashedathim."Maybethat'swhyIdoit,too."Therewasfartoomuchtruthinhiswords
forcomfort,andshewasannoyedatherselfevenmorethanathim.ShewantedtoclingtoBricebecause
hecouldneverhurtherthewayGabrielhad.Herlifematehadtornoutherheart.Hisvoice,socalm,so
truthful,wasenoughtomakeherwrithewithmortification.Shewasawomanofpower,notachildtobe
hidingbehindamortal;yet,intheend,thatwaswhatshewasdoingratherthanfaceherlifemate.

"Youdoitbecauseyouareanaturalbornhealerwithagiftbeyondcomparison.Youwouldneverleave
Skylerinahomewithstrangersafterwhatshehasbeenthrough.Itwouldneveroccurtoyou.Ifyoucould
notcareforheryourself,youwouldalwayswatchoverher.Thatiswhoyouare.Thedoctorwould
simplyforgether."

"Youaren'tbeingentirelyfairtohim,Gabriel.Afterall,hedidn'tsharehermemories.Hedoesn'tknow
whatshe'sbeenthrough."FrancescafoundherselfdefendingBricealmostautomatically.

"Heexaminedherextensively,"Gabrielsaid."Hesawhowwithdrawnshewas.Thatcomesfromtrauma.
Heknew.Heprobablyknowsallofit,thephysicalpartanyway,andhecanguessatthementaland
emotionaltrauma.Itdoesnottouchhimoncesheisnolongerhispatient.Thatbothersyou."

Francescaturnedawayfromhimandbegantowalkalongthesidewalk."Maybeyou'reright,Gabriel.I
don'tknow.I'mveryconfused."Hehadtornoutherheart.Hewouldagainwhenhelefthertofollowhis
twin,ashemust.Shecouldfeelthetouchofhismindgentlyreachingforhers.Shehastilyforcedherself
tothinkofSkyler,tofocusontheteenager.

"Iknowyou'reconfused,love,anditisnowonderthatyouare,"Gabrielsaidsoftly,buthewaswatching
herwithhisintentblackgaze."FornowweshouldconcentrateonhowtobringSkylerhomeandprovide
adecenthomeforher.Wewillneedtodecidewhichmemoriestoerasecompletelyandwhichto
minimize."

"Idon'tthinkwehavetherighttoerasethethingsshe'sbeenthrough,butitwouldn'thurttodullthe
memoriessothatshecandealwiththem.Themostimportantthingistohelpherfeelsafe,totrustus.I

thinksheneedsthatmorethananythingelse,"Francescasaidsoftly,worried."Ofcourse,she'smissed
mostofherschooling,too."

Gabrielshruggedindifferently."Thatistheleastofourworries.Wecanimpartknowledgeshouldthere
beaneed.Atthispointsheneedsstabilityandadecenthomelife.Onceshehasthethingsnecessaryto
buildherconfidenceback,schoolwillcome."

"Helpingherwillbeahugecommitment,Gabriel.Idonotaskthatyoushareitwithme."

"Ifeltherpain.Sheisamerechild.Butshewillsoonbeawoman.Awomanwhohaspsychicability."

Francescaswungaroundtofacehimonceagain."Areyoucertain?Ithoughtshemight,becausethe
connectionbetweenuswassostrong."

"Icouldnotmistakesuchagift.Iamthinkingshecouldnotbeinbetterhandsthanours.Wecanseetoher
happiness,protecther,andsafeguardhershouldtheundeaddetectherpresence.Sheissoyoungandhas
sufferedsomuchalready,wecannotallowherinharm'sway.Andwhensheisgrown,shemaybea
lifemateforoneofourpeople."

Francescastiffened."Shewillbefree,Gabriel,tochooseherowndestiny.Youwillnotcallinthemales
ofourraceandhandherover.Imeanit.Shehassufferedmuchatthehandsofmales,andourraceis
domineeringandattimesbrutal.Shehasitinhermindtoavoidallrelationshipsofsuchanatureandwe
mustrespectherwishes.Shemayneverfullyrecoverfromthedamagedonetoher."

Helaughedsoftlyandcurvedhisarmaroundherslendershoulders."Wemalesareneverbrutaltoa
lifemate.Ibelievewehaveamamatigeronourhands.Youareaveryformidablelady.ThekindIwould
choosetobethemotherofmychild."

Shemadeafaceathim."Idon'tthinkyoushouldbringthatupjustnow.Itcouldgetyouintrouble."She
didn'tsoundasifitwould.Hertonewasmild,teasingeven.Herdarkeyesweresmolderingbuttherewas
asoftnessabouthermouththatbeliedherflareoftemper.

"Skylerwillbeawell-lovedyoungladyinourhousehold.IwillcherishherandofferhertheprotectionI
wouldgivemyowndaughter.Shewillbehappy,sweetheart,veryhappy.Iwouldneverallowsomeoneto
claimherruthlesslywithoutherconsentasIhavedonetoyou.Youforgetshemaynotbecompatiblewith
anyofourmen.Ibelieveindestiny.Ifsheistobeclaimedbyoneofourmales,lethimfindandcourther
asheshould.Hewilltreasureherallthemore.AsIdoyou."Hethoughtitandthewordsshimmeredin
theairbetweenthem.

Francescablushedavividscarlet,herlonglashessweepingdowntohideherpleasedexpression.There
wassuchasincerityaboutGabriel.ShelovedhisOldWorldaccentandhisintensesmolderingpassion
barelyhiddenbeneaththethinveneerofcivility.Hisemotionswerestarkanddevastating,rawandreal.
Helookedatherwithsuchneed,suchhunger,hetookherbreathaway.

Francescakepthereyesfocusedstraightahead.Gabrielcouldsoeasilyoverwhelmher,swampherwith
hishungrypassion.Noonehadeverneededherbefore,thewayheseemedtodo.Shehadalwaysthought
ofhimasbeingentirelyself-sufficient,yetnowshesawhewasutterlyalone.Awarriorendlessly
walkingtheearthinsearchoftheenemy.Shedidn'twanttosympathizewithhisloneliness,toadmirehis

honor.

"Youaresmilingagain.Thatfaintmysterioussmilethatmakesmewanttopullyouintomyarmsandkiss
you.IpromisedmyselfIwouldbehaveinyourpresence,Francesca,butyouaremakingitextremely
difficult."Hesaidthewordssoftly,hisvoiceasmoothblackvelvetwhisperofseduction.

Shewassuddenlyterrifiedofreachingherhome,yetatthesametime,shewisheddesperatelythatthey
werealreadythere."Youcan'tkissmeGabriel.You'realreadydrivingmecrazy.Idon'tknowwhattodo
withyou.Ihadanicecomfortablelifewithanicecomfortablefutureallplannedoutandnowyou've
comeandturnedmyworldupsidedown."

Hegrinnedather,aquick,almostboyish,mischievousflashofimmaculatewhiteteeth."Icannothelp
myself,sweetheart.Youaresobeautiful,youtakemybreathaway.Whatmanwouldnothavesuch
thoughtswalkinginthenightbesideyou,withthestarsoverheadandthebreezeteasinghimwithyour
scent?"

"Dobequiet,Gabriel."Francescatriednottoletanypleasuresoundinhervoice.Hecertainlydidn't
needanyencouragement."Foramanwhoclaimslittleknowledgeofwomen,youcertainlyknowallthe
rightthingstosay."

"Itmustbeinspiration,"hereplied.

Francescaburstoutlaughing;shecouldn'thelpherself.Hewasbecomingmoreoutrageousbytheminute.
"ThedawniscreepinguponusandI'mtired.Let'sgohome."

Helikedthesoundofthat.Home.Hehadneverhadone.Gabrielcouldacknowledgetohimselfthathe
hadbeenluckyintheuniquerelationshiphesharedwithLucian.Hehadbeenlonely,butnevertrulyalone
liketheothermalesofhisspecies.EvenafterLucianhadturned,theymergedoften.Atwo-thousand-year
habitcouldnotbebrokensoeasily.Itwasautomatic.

ItbotheredGabrielthathehadnotfoundLucian'sfirstkillinthecity.Anykill.Lucianhadrisenstarving
fromtheirlongimprisonmentbeneaththeearth.Hewouldhavegorgedhimselfonthefirsthumanhehad
comeacross,yetGabrielhadscouredthecityforevidenceandhadfoundnothing.Heknewtherewas
morethanonevampireinthearea.Hereadthepapersfornewsofstrangemurders,butnoneofthose
murderedhadbeenkilledbyLucian.Lucianwasanartistwithaverydistinctivestyle.Therewasnothing
sloppyaboutLucian.Eachkillheldhispersonalsignature,asthoughheweretauntinghisbrothertocome
afterhim.SometimesGabrielthoughtitwasallagametoLucian.

"You'vegoneawayfrommeagain,"Francescasaidsoftly."Wheredoyougo,Gabriel?Ishetalkingto
you?"

Gabrieldidn'tpretendnottoknowwhomshewastalkingabout."Sometimeswemergeinadvertently.At
thosetimesyouareingreatdanger."

"Youlovehimverymuch,don'tyou?"Francescacurledherfingersaroundhiswrist,brushedherbody
closetohistooffercomfort.

Atoncehefelthersoothingpresence,andpeacestoleintohimasitalwaysdidwhenshewastouching

him.Hewondered,justforonemoment,ifshecouldhavehealedLucianbeforeheturned.Couldshehave
impartedthesamepeacetohissoulasshedidtohistwin?

Theyturneduptheroadleadingtoherhouse.Helikedthelookofit,thewayitseemedtoreachoutand
beckontothem.Home.Thiswashome.Wasthereanypossibilityofafamilyforhim?Couldtheyactually
liveheretogether?Raisetheirbaby?CareforSkyler?WouldFrancescaeverbeabletolovehim?She
wantedhim,herbodycravedhis,butwouldshelovehim?Forgivehim?

"Yougoveryquietwhenyouthinkabouthim,"Francescamurmuredsoftly."Icanfeelthepainitcauses
you.YetifItouchyourmind,youhaveonlygoodthoughtsofhim.Hemusthavebeenquiteaman."

"Therehasneverbeenanotherlikehim.Hewasamasteratbattle.Atanything.Ineverhadtolooktosee
ifhewasthere,Ialwaysjustknewit.Lucianwasalegend.Hesavedsomanylivesdownthroughthe
ages,humanaswellasCarpathian,itwouldbeimpossibletocountthem.Heneverfalteredinhisduty.
Notatall.Wewereclose,Francesca,"headmittedsoftly."Veryclose."

Theywerewalkingalongthepropertytowardthefrontentrance."Tellmeabouthim.Itmighthelpto
shareyourmemories.Ifeelyourreluctancetospeakofhim;youthinkitisdisloyaltohim.ButIwould
neverpresumetojudgehim.YoulovedhimandadmiredhimandIcanonlydothesame."

Gabrielpushedopenthefrontdoor,steppedbacktoallowhertoprecedehim.Hewascontinually
scanningtheareaaroundthem,ahabitlongsincedrilledintohimbyhislostbrother.Sorrowwelledup
outofnowhere."IsometimesthinkIcouldhavedestroyedhimbynowifitweren'tforthefactthatIcan't
beartobeintheworldwithouthim.IgavemywordofhonortohimlongagothatIwouldbetheoneto
destroyhimshouldhelosehissoul.Webothdid.Ifoneturned,theotherwouldhuntanddestroy,yetI
havebeenunabletofulfillmypromisetohim.Isitdeliberate,Francesca?Isit?"Hesoundedlostand
veryalone.

Sheclosedthedoorfirmlyagainstthelightbeginningtostreakthroughtheearlymorningsky."No,
Gabriel,youwouldhavehonoredyourpromiseifyouwereabletodoso.AndIbelievethatyouwill.
Youhonorhim."

"Lucianlostfeelingwhilehewasamerefledgling,longbeforeourmalesnormallydo,yetheenduredfor
twothousandyears.Ihademotionfarlongerthanhedid,soIsharedwhatIfeltwithhim.Istillcannot
believeheturned.Ihaveseentheevidenceofhiskills.Ihaveevencomeonhimwhenhewasmakinga
kill.Butsomethinginmewillnotbelieveit.Icannotcomprehendthatsostrongaman,suchaleader,a
defenderofourpeople,wouldhave,chosentogiveuphissoultothedarknessforalleternity."

"Youlovehim,Gabriel.Itisonlynaturalthatyouwouldwanthimtoremaininyourheartthewayyou
havealwaysknownhim,"Francescasaidsoftly.Shetuggedathishandandmovedthroughthehouse,
takinghimwithher."Ineedtocallmyattorneyandaskhimtodrawuptheappropriatepapersmakingme
Skyler'sguardian.Beforeweretiretoourchamber,wemustsendinquiriestoaskifanyofourpeople
havehumanfamiliestheywouldtrusttoaidusincaringforSkylerduringthedaywhilewesleep."

Hefollowedhertothestudy,watchedasshespokequicklyandfirmlytothelawyer.Shegavehimnoreal
chancetoarguewithher;therewascompulsioninhervoice,andGabrielautomaticallyaidedher,adding
theweightofhispowertohers.Herattorneywouldhaveeverythinginorderforthembyevening.Noone
wouldprotest.WhowouldwantSkylerRoseThompson?Shewasanorphanwithnorelatives.Francesca

hadmoneyandinfluence.Anyjudgewouldgladlygrantherwishes.

Gabrielwatchedcarefullyassheturnedonhercomputerandbegantypingatarapidrate.Itamazedhim,
thecapabilitiesofthenewtechnology.Herfingersflewonthekeyboardwithtotalconfidence.Shehad
watchedthistechnologyasithadgrown.Shehadexperiencedthethingshecouldonlyreadabout.He
couldreadaboutthem,buthecouldnotgobackandwatchthemastimeunfolded.Francescawas
comfortablewithspeedingcarsandairplanesthatblastedacrossthesky.Withspaceshipsandsatellites.
WiththeInternetandcomputers.

"I'vegotahit,Gabriel,"Francescasaid."Savage,AidanSavageintheStates.I'vemadeseverallovely
piecesforhishouse.IamcertainIheardhislifematewasonceahumanpsychic.Aidanhasatwin
brother,Julian."

AslowsmilespreadacrossGabriel'sface."Julian,Irememberhim.Hewasjustaboywithwildblond
hair,veryunusualforourspecies.HewaseavesdroppingonaconversationLucianandIwerehaving
withMikhailandGregori.Hewasquiteahandfulevenasaboy.Isensedadarknessinhim,buttherewas
notimetoexaminehimclosely."Hiswhiteteethflashed."Gregoriwasveryprotectiveofhim,andIdid
notwishtochallengemyownkin.Wewerehundredsofyearsapart,butourbloodisthesame.Iwould
liketoknowwhathappenedtobothofthem."

"Well,IdonotknowmuchofJulian'sfate—Iamcarefulnottorousecuriositywithmyinquiries—butI
havedonebusinesswithAidanonmorethanoneoccasion.Hedoesnotknowme,onlymyfictional
Carpathianmale,theartistwhoownsmycompany.I'lle-mailAidanandseewhathecantellusofhis
humanfamilyandhowitworks.IcanincludeaquestionaboutJulian.AsfarasGregori,itiswellknown
hislifemateisthedaughterofourPrince."

"PleasedoaskaboutJulian.Itisinterestingthatyoucantalksoquicklytosomeonehalfwayaroundthe
world.Oneofourownpeople.Youmustbeverycarefulaboutthewayyoutalktoourpeople.Anyone
mightbeabletointerceptyourmail,"hecautioned.

"Trustme,Gabriel,Iamverycareful.I'vealwayshadtobecareful."Sheturnedoffthecomputerandtook
hishandoncemoretoleadhimtothechamberbeneaththeearth.Herheartwasbeatingsoloudlyshe
knewhecouldhearit.Theywalkedthroughthehallsataleisurelypace,throughthelargekitchen
passagewayleadingtothesleepingchamber.

Gabrielbrushedhertemplewithhismouth,lingeringforamomentagainstherpulse."Iwantyou,
Francesca,IwillnotpretendthatIdonot,butIhavetoldyouIwantustobefriends.Iwillbesatisfied
withholdingyou."Hewantedthecomfortofherarms,hercloseness.

Francescatightenedherfingersinhis.Shewasjustascapableofreadinghismindashewasatreading
hers.Hewasdeterminedtoputasidehisownneedsandseetohersfirst.Hewantedtogiveherasmuch
timeassheneededtoaccepthisclaimonher.Herheartgaveacuriouslurchathisconsideration.

"Howdidyoumanagetowalkinthesunatmidday?Ourancientsareunabletodosuchthings,yetyou
managedtofindthesecret."

Therewassomuchadmirationinhisvoice,Francescafeltcolorstealintoherface."Iknewtheonlyway
toavoidrecognitionbymyownkindwastotrainmyselftothinklikeahumanandwalkandtalklikea

humanatalltimes.WhenIreachedthepointwhereIwantedtobeabletogooutintothesun,Ihad
alreadygivenupsomanyofourgifts,itseemedlikeakindofreturn,atreasure.Ihadbeenresearching
whyourwomencannotusuallyconceivemorethanonechildsuccessfully.Icametotheconclusionitwas
nature'swayofbalancingourpopulation.ThenIturnedmyattentiontowhywelosesomanychildren
duringthefirstyearoflife.Ourchildrenaremuchlikehumanchildren—theydonotdrinkblood,their
teetharenotdeveloped,andtheycannotgotoground,shape-shift,ordoanythingwecandoasadults.
Theirparents,however,mustrestduringthedaylighthours,andthechildrenarecertainlyatriskwithout
supervisionbecausetheymustbeabovegroundwhentheirparentsputthemtosleep."

"Thatisveryinteresting,butitdoesnotexplainhowyoumanagedtogooutinthesun."Hischinrubbed
thetopofherhairinalittlecaress.Tendrilsofherhaircaughtinthestubbleonhisjaw,tanglingthetwo
ofthemtogetherwiththesilkenstrands.

Shesmiledupathim."Itheorizedthatifwecoulddosoaschildren,thenwecoulddoitagain.What
changedus?Ourbodychemistryaltered,andwerequiredbloodtosustainourlivesandourgifts.Yetwe
couldsurviveforlongperiodsoftimewithtransfusionsandwithanimalblood.Iexperimentedand
eventuallychangedmyactualbodychemistry.Iwasweakandunabletoshape-shiftordomostofthe
thingsthatarenecessarytoourspecies."

Besideherhestirred.Shefeltthesuddenpoundingofhisheart.Hislifematehadbeenalone,unprotected,
performingdangerousexperimentstoenablehertowalkinthesun.Hewasproudofher,butthethought
frightenedhim.Francescafoundherselfabitpleasedatthatreaction.Shehidhersmileasshemovedthe
largebedwithacommandsothattheycouldopenthechamberbelowtheground.

Thechamberwascoolandwelcoming,thedarkenedinteriorinviting.Francescawavedherhandandthe
earthopenedtorevealthedark,richsoil.Gabrielglancedatthebed.Thequiltwasthickandsoftwith
intricateswirlsandancientsymbols.HeslippedfreeofFrancesca'sfingersandwenttoexaminethefine
craftsmanship.Francescahadaccomplishedsomuchinhertimeonearth."Howdidyouchangeyourbody
chemistry?"heasked."Itisatremendousfeatandonethatmightbeveryusefultoourpeople."

Francescashookherheadregretfully."Iexperimentedovermanyyears,Gabriel,butitwasatrade,my
gifts,forthesun.AndIwasveryvulnerable.Ifoundherbsandmadethemintosoupsanduseddifferent
compoundsinanefforttoduplicatethemetabolismourchildrenhave,nothumanyetnotCarpathian.Just
astheycouldspendtimeinthesunbutcouldnotgotoground,soitwaswithme.ForCarpathiansatthe
endoftheirdaysandwishingtotrynewthings,itmightbegood,althoughtheprocessispainfulandvery
long.Itrequiresnearlyahundredyears.Andmyeyesreallynevergotusedtothesun.Therewasstill
someweakness.Irecordeditcarefullyinourancienttongueandwouldhavesenttheinformationto
GregoribeforeIdied."

Sheturnedherheadtostudytheglitteringofhiseyes.Dark.Dangerous.ThatwasGabriel,alegendcome
tolife.Hereachedout,caughtherwrist,anddrewhertohim."Iwantyou.Alloveragain."Hesaidit
starkly,withoutembellishment.Hebroughtherhandtohistrousers,butthematerialwasgone,sliding
fromhisbodyinthewayoftheirpeoplesothatherpalmcontactedthehardthicklengthofhim.Hewas
hot,throbbingwithneed.

Shewrappedherfingersaroundhim,simplyholdinghimforamoment,andthenherfingersbeganto
moveoftheirownaccord,asmallexperimentasshewatchedhisfaceintently,ashermindmergeddeeply
withhistosharewhathefelt.Atonceshewasrewardedwiththesheerpleasureetchedintothelinesof

hisface,inhismind."Thebeddoeshavepossibilities,"shemurmuredsoftly.

"Undressforme,inthemannerorhumans,"hesaidsuddenly.Hiseyeshadgoneveryblack,burningwith
suchintensitythatshecouldfeeltinytonguesofflamealongherskin."Thereissomethingveryeroticin
thewayawomanremovesherclothes."

Hereyebrowshotup."Ithoughttherewassomethingeroticinthewayyourclothesmeltedawayandleft
metoexplorewhereIwanted."Hervoiceteasedhim,wassultrywithinvitation.Shesteppedawayfrom
him,herarmdroppingslowlytoherside,herfingersbrushingthehardlengthofhimasshedidso.
Francescatiltedherheadsothatherlonghairslidinasilkyblackcurtainoverhershoulder.Herhands
wenttothesmallpearlbuttonsonhersweater.Sheeasedeachthroughitsbuttonholesothattheedges
begantogapeopentorevealthesatinswellofherbreasts.Deliberatelyherhandstracedthepathofthe
opening,pushingthesweaterslowlyfromhershouldersandallowingittofallonthefloorunheeded.She
wasrewardedwiththedarkeningofhiseyes,theswellingofhisbodytoalarmingproportions.

Sheeasedherslacksfromherhipstorevealhersilkenpanties,ascrapoffabricthatbarelycoveredher
tightblackcurls.Shekickedoffhersandalsas,shesteppedoutoftheslacksandstoodforamomentin
herunderwear.Hernippleswerealreadyhardinanticipation,pushingatthelaceofherbra,adding
frictiontosensitizeherfurther.Withaslow,unhurriedmovementshereleasedthecatchanddroppedit
aside."Iacheforyou,"shesaidsoftly,cuppingherbreastsasanoffering."Iwantyousucklingme.Your
mouthisalwayssohot,Gabriel."Herhandstracedapathdownherflatstomachtostripthepantiesaway.

Hiseyesblazedwithdesire."Areyouwetandslickwithwantingme,Francesca?"Hisvoicewashusky,
hiseyesrakingherbodypossessively.

Herhandslippedbetweenherlegs,sampledthemoisturethere,andhelditouttohim.Hiseyesonher
face,hesteppedforwardanddeliberatelysuckedherfingers.AtonceFrancesca'slegswentweak.He
meltedher.AnythingandeverythingwasbeautifulwithGabriel.Shelovedhowhewantedher.

Hisarmcircledherwaist,draggedherclosetokissher,devouringhermouth."Youtastesosexy,
Francesca,Iwanttofeedonyouforeternity,"hewhisperedintoheropenmouth."Tasteyourself,
sweetheart,feelwhatitislikeformewhenIhaveyou.Whenyoutakemeinyourmouthandsuckonme,
hotandtight,whenIamdeepinsideyourbody.Whateverwechoosetoexpresshowwefeel,itisso
beautiful."Hismouthwanderedtoherbreast,hishandkneadingherbuttocks,pushingherdeliberately
againsthisarousal.

Francescacradledhisheadtoher,givingherselfuptothesharedecstasy.Gabrielpushedherdownonthe
bed,draggedhertotheedge."Whatdoyouwant,mylove?"

Shedidn'thesitate.Whyshouldshe?Shewashislifemateandthereshouldonlybepleasurebetween
them.Shehadeveryrighttototalfulfillmentandshewantedit.Sheopenedherlegswide,herhandgoing
tothehotwetcoreofher.Oncemoreshebroughtherfingerstohismouth."Iwanttofeedyouforeternity.
Makemecome,Gabriel,longandforever.IwantyouburieddeepinsidemeandIwanttowakethesame
way."

Heliftedherlegstohisshouldersandbenthisdarkhead,histonguestroking,caressing,andprobinguntil
shewaswrithingonthebed,unabletoholdstill.Hisfingersinspected,explored,probeddeep,onlytobe
replacedbyhistongue.Shecriedoutthen,shudderingwithpleasure,closinghereyesasheloweredher

bodytohishipsandsurgedforward,takingher,fillingherasshefragmented,catchingherathermost
sensitive.

Heplungedintoherhardandfast,ashungryandferociousasshewasfortheirjoining.Hewantedherlike
this,cravinghim,needinghim,herbodyglowingwithpleasure,hersheathatighthothomeforhisown
engorgedbody,relievingtheever-presentragingneedinhim.Hewantedittolastforever,ridingherhard,
herhipsrisingtomeethis,hisbodyandherscomingtogetherinperfectunion,herbreastsfullandfirm
andquiveringwitheachhardthrust,herhairspreadoutaroundher,andhereyesfixedonthem.Together.
Astheyshouldbe.

Whenthereleasecameitsweptbothofthemupintotheflames,hardandlong,anendlessspiral,an
earthquakewithstrongaftershocks.Theylayineachother'sarms,kissing,theirmouthsmeldingtogether,
expressingafierceneedandhungertheycouldn'tseemtoassuage.ItwasGabrielwhofloatedthemto
earth,stillentangledtogether,hismouthdominatinghers,hishandsholdingherclose.

Theysettledtoearthandstillcouldn'tstop.Hetookherasecondtime,harderandfasterthanthefirst,and
eventhenhecouldn'tquiteletgo.Helaybesideherforalongtime,hishandsinherhair,hismouthather
breast.Theylaytogetheruntilthelightintheskymadeitimpossibletostayawake.Reluctantly,Gabriel
setthesafeguardsontheirchamberandcoveredtheirrestingplace.Theirbodiesneededtherejuvenating
sleepoftheearthduringdaylighthours.Sometimestheysleptinchambersaboveground,buttheyneeded
thebenefitsofthehealingsoilforrejuvenation.

Shecurledupinhisarms,feelingsecureandprotected.Feelingasifshewasnotaloneanymore.
Francescasnuggledcloser,breathinginhismasculinescent.Hisbodywasmadeforhers.Perfect.The
wayshefitagainsthim,thewayheseemedtoshelterher,makingherfeelsomuchapartofhim.Inside
herwastheirchild,living,growing,developing,warmandsafe,agiftfromherlifematesoprecious,no
treasurecouldeversurpassit.

"Sleep,mybeautifullifemate,restwhileyoucan,"Gabrielsaidsoftly.Shefelthismouthbrushakissin
herhair.Hisarmstightenedaroundherandtheybothallowedthebreathtoleavetheirbodiesandtheir
heartstoceasebeating.

ChapterEight

Contents

WhenFrancescapushedopenthedoortoSkyler'sroom,shewascarryingthepackageofclothesandthe
stuffedanimal,theblue-eyedwolfshe'dboughtthenightbefore.Theteenagerwaslyingonherback
staringupattheceiling.Herlonglashesflutteredonceinacknowledgmentthatshewasnolongeralone,
butshedidn'tturnherhead.Francescacouldseethathersmall,batteredbodyhadtensed.Thechild'sfear
permeatedtheroom.

"Skyler."PurposelyFrancescausedhersoftest,gentlestvoice."Doyourememberme?"

Thegirl'sheadturnedslowly,andherlargesoftgrayeyesfixedonFrancesca'sfaceasifshewere
clutchingatalifeline."Icouldneverforgetyou."LikeFrancesca,SkylerspokeinFrench,yetFrancesca
hadthefeelingitwasn'therfirstlanguage.Therewereseveralheartbeatsofsilencebeforethegirlforced
herselftocontinue."Isittrue?Ishereallydead?"

Francescaglidedacrosstheroom,hermovementsasfluidandgracefulasthoseofaballetdancer.There
werenosharpedgestoFrancesca,onlyawhisperofsoundasshemoved.Shedroppedthepackageof
clothesontheendofthebed.Morecarefully,shetuckedthestuffedanimalclosebesidethegirlandtook
Skyler'shandinherown.Gently.Lovingly."Yes,mydear,hehaspassedfromthislifeandcannolonger
touchyou.Iamhopingyouwillwanttocomeandlivewithme."Withherfreehandshestrokedback
Skyler'swildhair."Iverymuchwantyoutolivewithme."Therewasatraceofcompulsioninthesilvery
purityofhervoice.

Toherastonishment,Skyler'ssteadygazewavered.Sheclosedhereyes,thelonglashessweepingdown
sotheylayliketwothickblackcrescentsagainstherpaleskin."Ifeltyouinsideme,reachingouttome.I
knowyouaren'tlikemostpeople."Hervoicewassosoftitwasamerethreadofsound."Iknowthings
I'mnotsupposedtoknowaboutpeople.WhenItouchthem,Iknowthings.Youdo,too.Youknowwhathe
didtome,thethingshelethisfriendsdotome.Youwanttomakeitallbetter,butevenifyoucouldtake
awaythememories,youcannevermakemeinnocentandgoodagain."

"Youdon'tbelievethat,Skyler.You'resmarterthanthat.Theymayhavetouchedyourbody,butnotyour
soul.Theycouldhavedestroyedyourbody,butneveryoursoul.Youarealreadygoodandinnocent.You
havealwaysbeenthat.Thethingsdonetoyoucannotchangeyourbasicnature.Theycanshapeyou,make
youstronger.Youknowthatyou'restrong,don'tyou?Youfoundawaytosurvivewhatwouldhave
destroyedothers."

Skyler'ssmallteethtouchedherlowerlipinagitationbutshedidn'tanswer.

Francescasmiledather,agentlesmileofcommitmenttoSkyler'shealing."You'rerightaboutme.Iam
different,justasyouaredifferent.Perhapstheworldarounduscanshapeus,butwearestronginside.
Youarewhole.Thereisnostainonyoursoultocauseyoutobeafraidtobewithme.Isharedeverything
withyou,yourpain,thedegradation,thebeatings,thefear,allofit.IwantyouwithmewhereIcan
shelteryou,offeryouthethingsyoushouldhavehad,thingsyoutrulydeserve.You'reholdingmyhand,
youknowthethingsIamsayingaretrue."

"Therewereotherswithyouwhenyouweresharingmymemories.Ifeltthem,twomenwithus."

"Therewasonlyoneman,"Francescacorrectedgently."Gabriel.Heisaverypowerfulman.Underhis
protectionthereisnoonewhocanharmyou."

Skylerlookedpuzzled."Therewasanother.Iamsureofit.Therewasonestayingveryquiet,lendinghis
strengthtoyouandtome.Buttheotherremainedpassivewhileyouwereherewithme.Afteryouleft,I
rememberhimholdingme,yethewasn'ttouchingmeatall.Hisarmswerestrongandfeltverydifferent
thananyother's.Hewantednothingfromme,onlytocomfortandhelp.Whoishe?"

"OnlyGabrielwaswithus,sweetheart.Maybeyouweredreaming."

"Ifeltallthreeofyoudistinctly.Hewasverystrong.Therewasnoangerorrage,onlyaquietacceptance.
Heexaminedmymemories.Iknowhewaslearningaboutyouthroughme,Ifeltit."Skylersighedin
resignation."Youdon'tbelieveme.YouthinkI'mmakingitup."

"No,Idon'tthinkthatatall,Skyler,"Francescasaid.Hewaslearningaboutyouthroughme."Isimply
donotknowwhoitwas.Ionlyfeltyou.LaterIrealizedGabrielhadsharedyourordealwithme,butI
wassocaughtupinitatthetimeIwasfocusedsolelyonyou.Ibelieveyouhavethisgift.HowcouldIdo
otherwise?Youcannotlietome.EventhoughIcannot'see'thismaninyourmind,thatdoesnotmeanhe
wasnotwithyou.YouknewIsharedyourmemorieswhenfewotherswouldhaveknown.Youareaware
Iamdifferentfromothers.Staywithus,Skyler,withGabrielandme.Wearedifferent.I'mnotgoingto
pretendotherwise,butourfeelingsforyouaregenuine."Shesentaquickmentalreportofthe
conversationtoGabriel.ItalarmedherthatSkylerrememberedsovividlythefeelingofanothersharing
theirmindmerge.

"HowcanIeverfacemyself,lookinthemirroragain?"Forthefirsttimethethin,smallvoiceheld
emotion,asobofburningpain,quicklybeatenback.Skyler'stormentimmediatelyclaimedFrancesca's
fullattention.

ShetightenedherholdonSkyler."Lookatme,sweetheart.Lookatme."Itwasasoftcommand.

Skylerturnedherheadoncemoreandliftedherimpossiblylonglashes.Shecouldseeherfacereflected
inFrancesca'sblackeyes.Likeamirror.Skylerlookedbeautiful."That'snotme."

"Yes,itis.That'showIseeyou.That'showyourmothersawyou.That'showGabrielseesyou.Whoelse
matters?Thatmanwhoclaimedhewasyourfather?Adrunkenshellofahumanbeingwhowantedonlyto
usedrugstoescapewhathehadbecome?Hisopinioncannotpossiblymattertoyou,Skyler."

"Ididn'twanttocomeback.IwassafewhereIwas."Therewasapleaintheyoungvoice,a
heartbreakingplea."Ican'tfaceitalloveragain."

Francescastrokedbackthefringeofhairtumblingoverthegirl'sforehead,hertouchsoothingandhealing
atthesametime."Yes,youcan.You'restrong,Skyler,andyou'renolongeralone.YouknowIam
different,Ihavecertainabilities.Icandullyourmemories,giveyoutimetohealproperly.Youwillstill
feelthepain,butitwillbebearable.Youaresurroundedbythosewholoveyouandyouseeyourselfthe
wayyoureallyareinside,notthewaythatmantriedtoteachyou.Hewasdeadinside,amonstermadeof
drugsandalcohol."

"Heisnottheonlymonsterintheworld."

"No,sweetheart,heisnot.Theworldisfilledwithsuchcreaturesandtheycomeinallformsandsizes.
Wecanonlydowhatwecantostopthemandrescuetheinnocentsfromtheirhands.Gabrielhas
dedicatedhislifetodoingsoandsohaveIinmyownway.Giveusthechancetoloveandcareforyouas
youshouldhavebeen."

"I'mafraid,"Skylersaid."Idon'tknowifIcaneverbewholeagain.Ican'tbearthesightofmen.
Everythingfrightensme."

"Deepwithinyourheartandsoul,Skyler,youknowallmencannotbecondemnedforthedespicable
thingsyourfatherdid.Allmenarenotalike.Mostarefairandloving."

"I'mstillafraid,Francesca.Itdoesn'tmatterthatIknowwhatyou'resayingmightbethetruth.Ican'ttake
thechance,Idon'twanttotakeachance."

Francescashookherheadgently."Youretreatedsothatyouwouldnotbecomelikethem.Youwantedto
belikeyourmother,seeingthegoodinpeopleandhavingcompassion.Ireadthatinyoueasily."

Hereyelidsfluttered,thenbravelyremainedopen."Iwantedhimdead."

"Ofcourseyoudid.Iwantedhimdead,too.Thatdoesnotmeanwearemonsters,sweetheart,onlythatwe
arenotangels.Joinwithus.Iwantyouwithme,Ihavebeeninsideyourheadandknowyouasyourown
motherdid.Betterperhaps.Iwouldcountmyselfblessedtosharemylifewithyours.Ifthatisnotwhat
youwish,Iwillprovidethemoneyforyoureducationandupbringing.Eitherway,itisyourchoice.Iwill
notabandonyou."

SkylertwistedherfingerstightlyaroundFrancesca's."Youknowwhatyou'reaskingofme.Iknowyou
do.I'llhavetogooutintotheworld,bewithothers.I'llneverbethesameastheyare.I'llneverfitin."

"You'llfitinwithme,"Francescainsisted."WithGabrielandme.Weappreciatetalentsuchasyouhave,
wereallydo.Wecanhelpyoudevelopit.Therearewaystotoneitdownorexpanditifitisnecessaryto
doso.Andyouwillhaveplentyoftimetohealbeforeyouneedtofacetheworld.Trytositup,Skyler.
You'restrongenough."

"Idon'tthinkIwantmyabilitydevelopedanymorethanitalreadyis.WhenItouchpeople,Iknowthings
aboutthemIshouldn't.SometimesIseeterriblethings.NoonebelievesmewhenItellthem."Therewas
notraceofself-pityinSkyler'svoiceorinhermind.Theteenagerwassimplystatingfactsasshesaw
them.SkylerreluctantlywithdrewherhandandwithFrancesca'saidmanagedtositup.

"Ibroughtyouafewthings,someunderwearandT-shirtsandarobe."Sheheldupthestuffedwolf."And
this.Gabrielthoughtyoumightlikeafriend."

Thegirlstaredatthestuffedanimalforamoment,hereyeswidening."Forme?Really?"Shereachedfor
it,pulledtheanimalintoherarms.Atoncepeaceseemedtostealintoherheart,alittleatatime."Noone
butmymotherevergavemeanythingbefore.Thankyou,andpleasethankGabriel,"shesaidinatearful
voice.Shepressedherfaceagainstthewolf'sfaceandstaredforamoment,entrancedbytheblueeyes.
Shehadawakenedfromalongnightmareandtheworldseemedmorefantasythanreal.Shestruggledto

stayinit,nottoslipbackinsideherownhead.

Francescastudiedtheteenager.Skylerwassothin,Francescacouldseeeveryboneinherbody.She
seemedsofragile,Francescawasafraidshemightbreak.FrancescaplacedpillowsallaroundSkyler,
tuckedtheblanketsuphigh.Skyler'sfacestillheldtracesofbruising,butshewasremarkablyhealedfrom
hersinglesessionwithFrancesca.Shewasalleyes,andshehadbeautifuleyesofsoftdovegray.They
werehauntingeyes,eyesthathadseenfartoomuchforsuchayounggirl.

"Well,howbaddoIlook?"Skyleraskeditindifferently,hervoicemoretiredthaninterested.Shedidn't
letgoofthestuffedanimal.

"IthinkGabrielisright,wewillhavetoinvestagreatdealinfoodforyou.Wereyoustarvingyourself?"

"Iconsideredit.IthoughtevenifIdidn'tactuallydie,hisfriendswouldn'twantmeifIwasreallyskinny."
ThecomforterbunchedinSkyler'sfistasshecurledherfingerstightlyaroundit."Therewasonewho
didn'tcare.Hecalledmeuglyallthetime,buthecamearoundjustthesame.Ithinkhewasworsethanmy
father."

Francescasentherwavesofreassurancebutremainedsilent,wantingSkylertocontinuetalking,wanting
hertogetitallout.Sheknewtheman,theonethegirlwasreferringto.Shehadsharedmemoriesofhim,
ofhisbrutalitytoasmallinnocentchildheheldcompletelyinhispower.PaulLafitte.Skylerwouldnever
forgethim,neverforgetthethreeotherswhohadusedandbatteredher.Theirfaceswereburnedintoher
mind,thesoundoftheirvoicesrecordedforeverinhermemory.TheywouldbeetchedintoFrancesca's
memoryforalltimealso.

"Hewashereagain,"Skylersaidsuddenly."Hewasjustherewithme."

Francesca'sheadwentup.Shescannedtheareaquicklybutfoundnoonewhocouldbeconsideredan
enemy.Therewasnotaintofpower,novoidstoindicateanevilonewasnear.Whoeverorwhateverwas
reachingouttoSkylerwaspowerfulenoughtoeludeFrancesca'ssearch."Whatdoyoumeanhewas
here?Lafitte?Oneoftheothers?Tellme,Skyler."

Skylershookherhead."Theonelikeyou.Theonethatwasherebeforeandstayedquietwhileyouhealed
me.Hetouchesmymindwhenmymemoriesareoverwhelming.Hemakesmefeelsafe."

"Gabriel?"Francescahadthoughthe'dgoneintothecitylookingforevidenceofLucian.Hehadreadthe
newspaper,givenaquickexclamation,andwasgonebeforeshecouldask.Whenshepickedupthepaper
therewasanarticleaboutanunidentifiedmanfoundinanalleywithhisthroatslashed.Hehadbeen
foundinapartoftownwherefewdecentpeopleeverwent.Francescawascertainshewouldhave
recognizedGabriel'stouchinSkyler'smind.ShereachedforGabrielandfoundhimatonce.

"Youaresafe?"Sheaskeditsoftly,alittlehesitantly,knowingfromhisdeepconcentrationhewasinthe
middleofsomethingimportant.

"Hewashere.Lucian.Thiswashiskill.Heisstillinthecity.Idonotknowwhyhewasnotwaitingfor
measheshouldhavebeen."

"Wereyouherewithusjustamomentago?Skylersaysshefeltthepresenceofanotherwhilewewere

talking."

Therewasamomentofsilence.GabrielexaminedFrancesca'smemoriesoftheconversationshehadhad
withtheteenager."Itwasnotme,sweetheart.Thisworriesme.Lucianisextremelycunningandhe
likesgames.IfheisawareofSkyler,hewouldbeawareofyou.Hewouldnotpassuptheopportunity
touseeitherofyoutogettome.Youmustbeverycareful.Heiskillingnow,leavinghispreyformeto
find."

"WhywouldhecomfortSkyler?"

"Icannotsay.Perhapstouseheragainstyou.Idonotknow,Francesca,butwecannotunderestimate
Lucian.WemustassumehehasfoundSkylerandisawaresheislinkedtomethroughyou.Heis
extremelypowerfulandsensitivetothesmallesthintofpower.Webothwerevulnerabletohis
detectionlastrising.Ishouldhavebeenmorecareful."

"WouldyoufeelhimifhehadlinkedwithuswhilewewerewithSkyler?Shesaysshefeltathird
presence.Shedefinitelyfeltanothermale,notyou,andheheldher,yetwasnotpresentphysically."

Againtherewasalongsilence."Idonotlikethis,Francesca.IthadtobeLucian.Onlyheiscapableof
slippinginandoutofmymindwithoutmyknowledge.Youareingreatdanger,youandSkyler.Heisup
tosomething.Thiskillwasdeliberate.Amessagetomethathehasopenedthegameanditismy
move."

"Howdoyouknow?"

"HisvictimisoneofthemenfromSkyler'smemory."

Francescabitherlowerliphardenoughtobringadotofruby-redbloodwellingup.Sheletherbreathout
slowly.NowitwasSkylerwhoreachedouttocomforther."Whatisit?Whyareyouupset?"

"Idon'tknowwhothismanis,theonewhocametoyouthismorning.ItwasnotGabrielasIhadhoped.
Thereisoneinthiscitylikeus,withtheabilitytoconnectwithouthisphysicalpresence,yetheisnotlike
us.Heisdangerous."Francescatriedtokeepthefearoutofhervoice.Sheknewwhatthevampirewas
capableof.Hewasaruthless,mercilesskillerwhoplayedwithpeopleandtheiremotionsforhisown
amusement.Theundeadcouldappeartobehandsomeandcourteous,friendlyandgentle,wheninfactthey
hadonlydark,demonicthoughts.LucianwasthemostpowerfulCarpathianaliveotherthanhistwin.Now
thathehadchosentolosehissoulhewasdoublydangerous.Hehadbeenfearedbefore;nowhewas
consideredthemostmenacingenemyofalltime.ItwasafrighteningthoughtthatLucianmightbestalking
themforhisowndeadlypurpose.

"Hedidn'tfeelevil,"Skylersaidsoftly."I'malwaysafraidofmen.Eventhedoctormakesmenervous,but
forsomereasonthisman'sdifferent.HealmostfeelslikeGabriel,sortofsafe.I'veneverhadasafe
feelingbeforesoI'mnotcertain."

Francescanodded."Ihopeyou'reright,sweetheart,butIwantyoutobecautiouswiththisman.Very
cautious.Nowtellmeaboutyourtalent."

Skyler'seyelidsweredrooping."I'malreadytired,Francesca.Itisn'texactlyatalent,it'sjustknowing

things.AndIcansometimesreadpeople'sthoughts,justlikeyoucan.LikeGabrielandtheother.Iprefer
animalstopeople.Icouldn'tkeepanypets,butIknewalltheneighborhoodanimalsandtheyweremy
friends,eventhedogsthatweresupposedtobemean.Iconnectedwiththem,youknow."

"HowdoyouseeGabrielandme?Whatcanyoutellaboutus?"Francescaaskedcuriously.Howmuch
couldSkyleractuallysee?

Skylerslidoncemoredownbetweenthesheets.Tryingtobecivilafterlivinginsilencesolongwasa
difficulttaskandveryexhausting."Doyoureallywantmetoanswerthatquestion,Francesca?Iseefar
morethanyouthink."

"Ibelieveifwearetolivetogetherandbecomeafamily,thereshouldbetruthbetweenus,don'tyou?"
Francescaaskedgently.

"Youarenotlikemeandnotliketheothers.Idon'tknowwhatyouare,Francesca,butyoucanhealthe
sickandcomfortthoseinneed.Thereisonlygoodinyou.Onlythat.IwishIwaslikeyou.IwishIreally
wasyourfamily."Skyleraddedthelastsadly,herlashesfanninghercheekassleepovercameher.

Francescabroughtthelimplittlescarredhandtohermouth.ShekissedthescarsonthebackofSkyler's
handandturnedherarmovertoinspectthepalm.Thechildhadfoughtoffsomeonewho'dslashedather
withasharppieceofglass.Haditbeenherfather?Gabrielhaddealthimswift,mercifuljustice.
Francescaexaminedtheteen'smemoriesoncemore.Notherfatherthattime.Ithadbeenatall,thinman
withcoarse,darkhairandlargehands.HewasfuriousbecauseSkylerrefusedtovoluntarilykissor
fondlehim.Shecouldn'thavebeenmorethaneightornineatthetime.

Sickened,Francescadroppedthegirl'shand,afraidshewouldawakenherwithherviolentreactiontothe
child'sordeal.Shepushedherhandagainstherthrobbingtemplesandherpalmcameawaysmearedwith
blood.

"Breathe,Francesca,youcandohernogoodrelivingthesememories.Lucianmayhavesoughtto
throwdownthegauntletbutheisinadvertentlyaidingmeinbringingaboutjusticeforthischild.Our
child.Wewillloveher."Gabrielfloodedherwithwarmthandsolace.Shecouldfeelthesensationofhis
armsaroundher,thestrengthofhisbodyasifhewereholdinghercloseeventhoughtheyweremiles
apart.

"Whereareyou?"Shecaughtaglimpseofabusyroom-filledwithdesksandpeople,mostlymen.

"Atthepolicestation.Iamunseenatthemoment.Ineedtoknoweverythingaboutthiskill.Iwantto
hearthepersonalcommentsandreadthereports.Ihavealreadyvisitedthesite.Idonotknowwhat
Lucianisupto,butIwantyoutobeverycareful.ScanSkyler'smemorieseachtimeyouvisither."

"Sheisasleepandbecomingrestless."

"Iwantyousafe,mylove.Perhapsyoushouldgobacktothehouseandsetsafeguards.Butdonot
thinkitwilldomorethanslowhimdownifheattemptstocomeafteryou.Shouldyoubeindanger,you
mustcalltome.Donotwait."

"Ihavetoseemylawyer.Hehasdrawnupthepapersandthejudgewillseemethisnight.Itisa

specialfavorheisdoingmeandImustattend.ThejudgewillaskSkylerifsheagreesandassoonas
Briceokaysit,wewillbeabletotakeherhomewithus.TherehasbeenareplyfromAidanSavagevia
e-mail.AfewmembersofhishouseholdareinLondonatthemoment.Hewillcontactthemandseeif
theywouldbewillingtoaidus,housekeepingforSkylerduringthedaylighthours."

"Pleasebecareful,Francesca,"Gabrielcautionedasheslowlyallowedtheconnectionbetweenthemto
fade.Helikednoneofit.ItcouldonlybeLucianmergingwithSkyler.Gabrielknewhewouldeasily
detectanyotheroftheirkindortheundead.Everythingpointedtothehandiworkofhistwin.Thiskill.It
wasclassicLucian.Neat.Tidy.UnidentifiabletoanyoneexceptGabriel.Theopeninggambitintheir
game.

HeconsideredanattempttoleadLucianawayfromthecityandthetwowomen.Bothofthemwereat
risk.

Gabrielexaminedthepicturesofthebodyfromallangles.Inafewminuteshewouldgotothemorgue
andmakesurethattherewerenotelltalesignsofvampirism.Mostvampiresweremessywiththeirkills
andtheremainsusuallyhadtobeincineratedtoafineash,leavinglittleforthehumanpolicetotrace.
Lucianhadalwaysbeendifferent.ItwasasifhedeliberatelykeptthegamebetweenGabrielandhimself.

ThisbodywasLucian'skill.Hewaslikeasurgeon,neverleavingsomuchasapinprickbehind.The
bloodwasdrainedfromthebody,notasingledropspilledontheground.Aroundtheneckwasaclean
slicelikeagiantsmile.Themedicalexaminercouldneverquitefigureoutexactlywhatwasused.The
evidencepointedtoasinglerazor-sharpclawlikethatofalong-extinctraptor.Theonlybloodremaining
inoronthevictimwasthethinlinelikeanecklacearoundthethroat.ThatmacabremysterywasLucian's
callingcard,hisideaofajoke.Inthepastnoonehadeverdeterminedwhathadcausedtheinjuryorhow
thebloodlosshadoccurred.WhenGabrielwasastepandahalfbehindLucian,ashewasnow,andthe
policefoundthebodies,thesekillsalwayscreatedamajorsensation.Everyonelikedagoodmystery.

Rightnowtheywereallspeculatingabouttheinjury.Itwassoprecisetheywerebettingitwasdonewith
asurgicalinstrumentbyasurgeon.Gabrielwalkedamongthemunseentothehumaneye.Ashemoved
throughtheirmidst,henoticedthatsomeofthedetectivesweremoresensitivethanothers.Oneortwoof
themshiveredunexpectedly,lookingaroundtoseewherethecolddraftcamefrom.

Computerscouldmakethingsmuchmoredangerousnow.WiththeirabilitytotraceeverythingfromDNA
tovoicetofingerprints,theycouldmakethejobofconcealingevidenceofCarpathiansextremely
difficult.Gabrielrealizedheneededtolearneveryaspectofthelatestscientificdiscoveries.Agreat
numberofthetopicsbeingdiscussedwerethingshehadnorealknowledgeof.Heautomaticallyshared
theinformationwithLucian,andmuchtohisshockfoundthatLucianalreadyhadstudiedthelatestin
medicalresearch.Theflowofdatareturningtohimwasastonishing,althoughheshouldn'thavebeen
surprised.AmongtheirkindLucianhadbeenshockinglyintelligent,assimilatinginformationatamuch
morerapidratethanothers.Itwasasifhisbrainconstantlycravedmoredata.NaturallyLucianhad
alreadydiscoveredthescientificadvances,theextraordinarytechnologythatcouldmakethingsso
difficultfortheirpeople.Carpathiansandvampiresalikewouldundoubtedlyhaveamuchmoredifficult
timehidingtheirexistence.

"Donotworrysomuch,Gabriel,Iammorethancareful.TheywillnotfindwhatIdonotwishtoleave
behind."

Gabrieltooktheopportunityto"see"throughhistwin'seyes.Ifhecouldlockinonhisbrother'sposition,
hemighthavetheopportunitytofulfillhisvow.AtonceLucian'ssoft,tauntinglaughterechoedinhismind
andtheviewwasdistortedsothatGabrielhadnochancetoseeanythingthatwouldhelphim."Youdonot
thinkIwouldmakeourgamesoeasyforyou,doyou?YoumustfollowthecluesIleave.Thatisthe
wayitisdone.Youcannotcheat,Gabriel."

"Thisisbetweenthetwoofus,Lucian.Theremaybeotherhuntersinthecity.Iwouldkeepthis
betweenus,asitshouldbe."

"Donotworrysomuchforthesafetyofyourbrother.IamcertainIwilldefeatallwhocometo
threatenme.Iamlearningaboutthisworldfastandtheknowledgeisratherexhilarating.Thereis
muchtoplaywithhere.Ilikethisplaceanddonotwanttohurryourbattle."

Lucianwasgonejustlikethat.Gabrielfeltapeculiarwrenchingpainintheregionofhisheart.His
brother.Hemissedtheircloseness.Missedthemanhehadfollowedforsomanycenturies.Agreatmind.
Awarriorunsurpassed.NoonecouldorchestrateabattleasLuciancould.SorrowengulfedGabriel,
nearlydrovehimtohisknees.Todestroysuchagreatman.Todestroytheonewhohadalwaysbeenthere
withhim,forhim,theonewhohadsavedhislifesomanytimes.Itwasmorethanshouldbeaskedof
anyone.

"Gabriel,youarenotalone."Francesca'svoicewasgentleandsoothing."Youknowthatisnolonger
trulyLucian.Youarehonoringhimbyfulfillingyourcommitmenttohim,bydestroyingtheverything
hefoughtagainstforsomanycenturies."

"Iremindmyselfofthatfactoften.IntellectuallyIknowitistrue,yetmyheartisheavywiththe
burden."

"Fortunately,youhaveonlytoreachouttofindmehere.Iam,afterall,ahealer."Therewasthe
meresthintofteasinginhervoice.

Gabrielinstantlyfeltwarmthsurroundhisheart.Itwassupposedtobethisway.Neveralone,thetwoof
themwalkingthroughlifetogether,helpingeachotherwiththeemotionalentanglements,witheachcrisis
thatcametheirway.Thatnoteinhervoicegavehimameasureofcomfort,gavehimhope.Hetouchedher
mindtoseeifshehadtalkedwithBrice.Hedidn'twanttoaskandhewasashamedthathewasjealous
enoughtoinvadeherprivacytofindoutifshewassharinghertimewiththedoctor."Perhapsyoushould
leaveSkylertoherrestandattendtothebusinessofgainingcustodyofhersoyoumayreturntothe
safetyofthehouse."Hemadethesuggestioncarefully,choosinghiswordssotheywouldnotsoundlike
anorder.

Francesca'slaughterwasverysoft."Iamtouchingyourmindasyouaretouchingmine.Youarenot
nearlyassubtleasyouthinkyouare.Iwillleavethehospital,Gabriel,becauseIhavemuchbusiness
toattendto."

ShewasnotabouttogivehimthesatisfactionofknowingshewasavoidingBriceonpurpose.Sheno
longerviewedBriceinthewayshehadbeforeGabrielhadenteredherlife.Itmadeherfeelguilty.
FrancescahadnoideawhattosaytoBrice.SheknewSkylerwasdestinedtolivewithher,yetBrice
didn'twantanythingmoretodowiththeteenager.Hedidn'tknowwhatFrancescawas,whatsheneeded
todotosurvive.EverythingwasdifferentnowthatGabrielhadreturned.Shewasveryconfusedand

neededtimetosorteverythingoutproperly.

Francescatouchedherstomachwiththepalmofherhand,alightcaress.Achild.Gabrielhadgivenhera
childwhenshehadgonesomanycenturiescertainshewouldneverhavesuchagift.AndnowSkyler.
Abletotouchmindsasshecould,Francescakneweverythingabouttheyounggirl.Everything.She
alreadylovedthegirlasadaughter.

Therewassoftmalelaughterbrushinghermind."Youdonotlookoldenoughtohaveadaughter
Skyler'sage."

"Iamoldenoughtobeherancestor.Sheknowswearenothuman."

"Notreally.Sheknowswearedifferent.Shethinkswearepsychicassheis.Eventuallywewillexplain
thefulltruth.Inthemeantime,wemusttreatherthewayhumanswithmoneytreattheirchildren.She
willneedabodyguardduringthedaylighthourswhenwecannotbewithher,alongwitha
housekeepertoseetoherneeds."

"Ihavetodothis,Gabriel.Icannotleaveheralonetofacetheworld.Sheneedsme."Francescawas
unsurewhethershewasapologizingornot.

"Sheneedsthetwoofus,"Gabrielcorrectedhergently."Shemustlearnfromsomeonethatallmenare
notthemonstersshehasencountered.Sheisstilloftwominds.Shewishestoretreatbackintothat
placewherenothingcantouchher,yetthehandyouareholdingouttoherisverytempting.Shehas
feltyou,theloveyouhaveforothers,thecompassioninyourheart,anditcallsloudlytoher."

"Shewillchoosetocomewithus,Gabriel.Sheistremendouslycourageous."

Francescaflaggedacabtotakehertothejudge'soffice.Herlawyerwouldmeetherthere."Wewillmeet
backatthehospitalassoonasthepaperworkisfinishedsothatthejudgecanaskSkylerifsheis
agreeabletomyguardianship.IamconcernedthatBricemaymakeasceneoveryou.Areyouprepared
forsuchathing?"

Gabrielcensoredhisthoughtsimmediately.Itwasingrainedinhimnottocallunwarrantedattentionto
himself.Thiswasasituationhewasunfamiliarwith.Hisinstinctwastoremovethethreattohimselfand
FrancescaandevenSkyler.Bricewouldnotinterferewiththeirplans.Hewouldnotallowsuchathing.

"Gabriel?"Francesca'svoicewassoftwithworry."Whyhaveyouclosedyourmindtome?Youwillnot
harmBrice,willyou?HehasbeenagoodfriendtomewhenIneededone."

Gabrielsworetohimselfinseverallanguages,mixingthemupashedidso.Francescahadawayof
forcingcomplianceonhispart.Itfeltratherlikebeinghobbled.Whatwashetodowhenshewasalways
placingrestrictionsonhisactions?"Attendyourmeeting,woman,andleavemeinpeace.Iwillbethere
shouldyouneedmelater.Fornow,Iamhuntingandcannottakethetimetogiveyoureassurance."

"Don'tgrowlatme,youfraud.Iwasnottheonemonitoringyourthoughts.Youopenedthis
conversation,notme."

Shewaslaughingathim.Gabriel.Thehunterofvampires.Awarriortwothousandyearsold.Menfeared
himbutFrancescawaslaughingathim.Itwasanewexperiencebutonehecoulddefinitelygetusedto.

Shehadawayofturninghisheartoverandmeltinghisinsidesuntilhebarelyknewhimself.

Gabrielstreamedthroughthecity,checkingeveryhauntrememberedfromcenturiesearlier.Heknewthe
layoutofthehugesprawlingcitynow.Everyrattrap,everynarrowalleyandbolt-hole.Heknewthe
cemeteries,thecathedrals,thehospitalsandbloodbanks.Helookedineveryplacehecouldthinkoffor
signsofLucian.Heknewhistwinwasinthecityyetitwasasifheweresearchingforthewinditself;
therewasnotraceofLucian'sexistenceotherthanthatbodyleftforthepolice.

GabrieltouchedFrancesca'smind,knewshehadre-turnedtothehospitalandwasenteringSkyler's
room.Hedecidedtomeetherthere.Francescaneededtoleanonsomeone,whethershewantedtoadmitit
ornot.Hefullyintendedtobethatsomeone.Hemovedthroughthenightair,astreamofmistblending
withthebandsoffogrisingfromtheground.Hewasnotabouttoallowthedoctortobetherealonewith
Francescaifanythingshouldgowrong.HedidnotwanttotakeachancethatBricemightattemptto
influencethejudgeagainstallowingSkylertolivewithFrancesca.Asmallsmilecurvedhismouth,but
didnottouchhiscoal-blackeyes.GabrielhadawayofmakingsurethejudgewouldgiveFrancesca
anythingshewanted.Heenteredtheroomasfinemoleculessohecouldeasilyslideunderthedoor.Ashe
movedinside,hispowerfulframeonceagaincametogether,stillunseenbythoseintheroom.

ShewassittingontheedgeofSkyler'sbedholdingtheyounggirl'shand.JustthesightofFrancescatook
hisbreathaway.Heknewitalwayswould.Thejudgewasatall,thinmanwithgrayinghairandkind
eyes.Thelawyerwasaltogethermuchtooyoungandgood-lookingforGabriel'speaceofmind.He,also,
wasstaringatFrancescawithakindofraptureonhisface.Anotherfan.Sheseemedtohavethem
everywhere.

"Soyousee,Skyler,ifyouwanttolivewithme,thejudgeiswillingtoagree,butyou'llhavetotalkto
him,"Francescacoaxedgently.Shewasnotusinghervoicetoswaytheteenagerinanyway.

Thejudgemovedtowithinafewfeetofthebed.Skylerwasvisiblytrembling.Gabrielreached
automaticallyforhermind.Shewasunderhisprotection,afemalechildwithpsychicability,aprecious
treasuretobeguardedatalltimes.Hedidnotlikeheragitation,theterribledistressonherface.
Francescawasalsoinhermind,bolsteringhercourage,soothingher,aidinghertofacethemalestrangers
invadingherroom.Theterrorofherchildhoodwasfartoofreshinhermindtobeabletohandlesuchan
eventalone.

AtoncehegatheredSkylerintohismentalarms,pouringhisstrengthandpowerintohersothatshe
blinkedinamazement.Hewassurroundinghermind,repeatingahealingchantintheancientlanguageof
theirpeople,whisperingteasingnonsensesothatSkylercouldhardlykeepastraightface.Herlargesoft
eyesdartedaroundtheroomsearchingforhim,butGabrielwasnowheretobefound.Sheglancedat
FrancescaquestioninglybutFrancescacouldonlysmileandshrughershoulders.Shedidn'tknowhis
exactlocationeither,onlythatGabriel'spresencewasstrongenoughtoindicatehewasverycloseto
them.

"Well,Skyler,"thejudgepromptedgently."Don'tbeafraid.Wewanttodowhat'sbestforyou,whatever
willmakeyouhappy.Francescahasindicatedquitestronglythatshewouldliketoberesponsibleforyou,
tobeyourguardian.Shehasroominherhomeandcaneasilygiveyoueveryadvantage,butyouareold
enoughtochooseforyourself.Iwouldliketohearwhatyouhavetosay."

ThedoortothebedroomswunginwardandBricewalkedin."MayIinquirewhatisgoingoninhere?

Thisgirlismypatient."

Thejudgeturnedslowly,oneeyebrowshootingup."Ithoughtyouhadagreedthatwecouldquestionher
today."HeglaredatFrancesca'slawyer.

GabrielreachedforBrice'smind.Themanwasawhirlingchaoticmassofcontradiction.Hewasangry
withFrancesca,certainshehadalreadychosentobewithGabriel.Itwasinhismindtosabotageher
effortstogaincustodyofSkyler.Gabrielforceddownhisowndesiretoallowthemantocompletelyruin
hischanceswithFrancesca.Atoncehemadethedecisiontointerfere.Hesolidifiedoutsidethedoorto
Skyler'sroom,shoveditopen,andstrodein.

Bricesworealoud,steppingbackhastilytoallowGabrielentrance.Gabriel'stall,powerfulframe
dwarfedthedoctor's.Ashebrushedby,heleanedclosesothathiswordswereheardbyBricealone.
"Youwilltellthetruthinthismatter."Hegavethecommandsoftly,hisvoicecompellingtheothermanto
dohisbidding.

Bricefoundhimselfrespondingwithwordshe'dhadnointentionofsaying."IdidsaySkylercould
answeryourquestions,"headmittedreluctantly.HeglaredatGabriel."Sheishighstrung.Allthese
visitorscouldverywellupsetherandsendherintoaregression."HeavoidedFrancesca'sdarkeyesand
thecensureheknewhewouldseethere."IhaveseriousreservationsaboutFrancescaprovidingahome
forSkyler.Ihappentoknowherhomesituationhaschangedandshenolongerlivesalone."Hesaiditina
belligerenttone,hisjealousymakinghimreckless.

ThejudgeglancedatGabriel."YoumustbeFrancesca'shusband."Hereachedout,offeringhishand."She
hasbeensayingsomewonderfulthingsaboutyou.Itisquiteaprivilegetomeetyou."

"Whatdidyoutellhim?"Gabrieltooktheofferedhandwithafirm,courteous.shake.Hisblackgaze
caughtandheldthatofthejudge.Themanstoodmesmerized,feltasifhewerefallingforwardstraight
intothatgaze.

"Theonlyrecordtheywillfindofyouhasatop-securityclearance.Icreatedafileonyouexplaining
yourabsence.Youwereheroicallyservingyourcountry.Itisnottoodifficulttodosuchthingswhen
youknowyourwayaroundthecomputer.Italsohelpstohavepeopleinhighplacesoweyoufavors.
Youlooklikeaherotoanyonewhomightinquire."Francesca'ssoftvoicebrushedrathersmuglyinhis
mind.

"IhopemylivingatFrancesca'shousewillnotbeaproblem."Gabrielsaid,staringdirectlyintothe
judge'seyes."Afterall,wearestillmarried.Shewaskindenoughtogivemeaplacetostay.Francescais
obviouslythebestpersonintheworldforSkyler.Iwouldnotwanttodoanythingtojeopardizesuchan
arrangement."

ThejudgehadneverheardavoicesopureandbeautifulasGabriel's.Hisentirebeingreachedouttoward
thatvoice,wantedtopleasethespeaker.

"Francesca,thereisnoneedtostaymarriedtohim.You'renotobligatedjustbecausehecamebackfrom
thedead,"Briceputin,furious."Hashedonesomethingtomakeyouloseyourmind?Youdon'tknowthis
mananymore.Youhaven'tseenhimforyears.Youdon'tknowanythingabouthim.Heshouldhavestayed
dead!"Suddenlyawareofthethingshewasshouting,ofthedifferencebetweenhisvoiceandGabriel's,

Bricemadeanefforttocalmdown.

SkylerwasgrippingFrancesca'shandhard,herincrediblylonglashesshadingherlargegrayeyes,hiding
hermountingterror.AtonceFrancescatouchedhermindtoreassureher,recognizedGabriel'scomforting
encouragement.

"Wearewithyou,Skyler,righthere."

TotheshockofbothGabrielandFrancesca,theyounggirlwasabletoreplyonamentalpathneitherhad
everiusedbefore.Whatifthedoctorwon'tletthemgivemetoyou?Ican'tlivewithoutyourhelp.I
knowIcan't.Itwouldbebettertojustletgo."Therewasadesperatefearinher.Someonehadtouched
herlifewithgentleunderstanding,someonesherecognizedasgood.Someonewhounderstoodhow
differentshewas.Someonewhovaluedherdespitetheterriblethingsthathadhappenedtoher.Nowshe
mightloseherrescuers.

Gabriel'sdarkeyessweptthechildhuddlingclosetoFrancescaforprotection."Lookatme."Itwasa
softcommand,butimpossibletodisobey.Skyler'slargeeyesmethisinstantly."Youwilltrustinme,in
Francesca,andbelievethatwecansortthisout.Thereisnoneedforfear.Thoseundermyprotection
cannotbeabusedinanyway.Francescawillcontinuetohealyouandyouwillceasetoworryover
trivialmatterssuchasthisuglyargument.Theycannottouchyourlife,littleone.Theywillneverbe
allowedtodoso.Theyonlybelievetheyhavesuchpower."

Skylervisiblyrelaxed,allowingherbreathtoescapeinonelongsighofrelief.Francescafoundherself
beamingatGabriel,herheartinhereyes.

ChapterNine

Contents

BricewaswatchingFrancesca'sface.Hefoundhimselfcursingsilentlyatherexpressionasshegazedat
Gabrielwithpride.Heknewhehadtobackofforloseher.Hehadneverexperiencedjealousyandfound
ittobeanextremelyuglyemotion.Whathadgottenintohim?Wasthishistruecharacter?Ofcourseit
wouldbebestforSkylertolivewithFrancesca,howcoulditnotbe?ButBricedidn'twanttoshare
Francescawithanyone,itwasthatsimple.Francescahadmanyacquaintanceswhocalledthemselvesher
friends,buthewastheonlyoneshehadallowedclosetoher.Hewasusedtohavingaspecialplacein
herlife.Ateenagerdidn'tfigureintohisplansforthefuture.Francescaknewmanypeople;shehadmoney
andmovedeasilyintheinnercircles.Shewasbeautifulandwelllikedbybothmenandwomen.By
escortinghertocharityballsandparties,hehadbecomeacceptedtoo.

Gabrielmoved.Itwasamereshiftingofhismuscles,subtlebutfrighteningallthesame.Therewas
somethingverydangerousaboutGabriel,thoughBricecouldn'tquiteputhisfingeronwhatitwas.
Somethingabouthiseyesthatwasn'tentirelyhuman.Hetriedtolookawayfromthoseblack,emptyeyes,
butinsteadhewasfallingforward,straightintotheircenters.Atoncehefeltashamedofhimself.Brice
hadaverystrongurgetoretracthiswords.Heclearedhisthroatandspokealmostwithouthisown
volition."Francescaistheperfectguardian.Ofcoursethere'snoquestionaboutthat."

Bricemanagedtotearhisgazeawayfromthosecoldblackeyes.HehadthefeelingGabrielwassecretly
laughingathim.Tohisamazement,Bricefoundhimselfclenchinghisfists.Hewasnotaviolentman,but
hedesperatelywantedtohitsomeone.HealsohadthestrangestfeelingGabrielknewexactlywhathe
wasthinking,knewitandwasdeliberatelyantagonizinghim.Itwasinhiseverylook,hissmile,his
pitilesseyes.Whycouldn'tFrancescaseethatthoseeyeswereascoldasdeathitself?

Gabrielsmiled,aflashofperfectwhiteteeth."OfcourseFrancescaistheperfectguardian.Youthinkso,
too,isthatnotcorrect,Skyler?"Hisvoicewassoftandgentle,sobeautifulitmadeBricesoundharshin
comparison.Butitwasmorethanthat,itwasthewayhesaidFrancesca'snamethatmadeBricewantto
throwthings.Therewassomethingveryintimate,verypossessiveinhistone.

Thejudgeturnedtolookattheyounggirl."Isthatso,Skyler,wouldyouliketolivewithFrancesca?It's
uptoyou.Ifyouprefertoanswerinprivate,wecancleartheroomandjustthetwoofuswillhearwhat
youhavetosay."

Skylershookherhead,huggingherstuffedwolfclosetoher."IknowwhatIwant,"sheansweredsoftly,
butveryclearly."IwanttolivewithFrancesca."

Thejudgebeamedatherasifshewereabrilliantchild."Naturally.IcanseeyouandFrancescahave
alreadyestablishedaclosebond.Itrustwecanseetotheproceedingsasquicklyaspossible?"Hefixed
asterneyeonfirsttheattorney,thenBrice.

WhileFrancesca'sattorneynoddedsolemnly,Bricesquirmed."Wehaven'tsettledthematterof
Francesca'slivingcircumstancestomysatisfaction.Afterall,Iamultimatelytheonewhomustdecideif
Skyler'senvironmentissafeornotbeforeIreleaseher.Shehassufferedatremendoustrauma.Idon't

knowiflivingwithamale,astranger,isconducivetoherrecovery."

"Brice—"Francescaputawealthoffeelingintohisname."Pleasedon'tforcemetogotocourtoverthis.
SkylerandIneedtobetogetherasafamily."

Bricerakedahandthroughhishair."I'mnotarguingthatpoint,Francesca.Ijustthinkweshouldn'tmove
toosoon.AbackgroundcheckisusuallydoneonanyoneseekingcustodyofachildandIdon'tthink
dispensingwithitispropersinceweknownothingaboutyourfriendhere."

"ButFrancescaistheoneseekingcustody,"thejudgesaid,"notGabriel.Ihavehadampletimetoreadthe
filespreparedbyMr.FerrieronGabriel,andIbelieveheisagoodanddecentman,wellsuitedtocaring
forachild."

"Whatfile?Ididn'tseeafile,"Briceprotested.

OnceagainthejudgewascaughtandheldinGabriel'sslashingblackgazeforalongminute.Hesmiled
warmly."Iassureyou,IreadthefilethoroughlyandknoweverythingnecessaryaboutGabriel.Itisa
confidentialdocument,notopentothepublic."HeleveledhisgazeatBrice.

"Iamcertainyouwilltakemywordforit."

BricewasmorethancertainGabrielwasmanipulatingthejudge.Blackmail?Money?Wastheman
wealthy?Wasthatit?EachtimeBricethoughthehadcomeupwithacompellingargument,Gabrielwould
somehowcatchthejudge'sattentionandturneverythingbackagainstBrice.Heglaredathisrival.When
Gabrielreturnedhisstare,thosedamnableblackeyesslidoverhimwithmalice,sendingashiveroffear
downhisspine.Whoishe?Wherehashebeenthelastfewyears?Washeakiller,forthegovernment?
Didtheyreallyhavekillersthatwalkedaroundfreely?Washeacriminalandthejudgeknewhimfroma
pastexperience?BricefeltsureGabrielwasholdingsomethingoverFrancesca'shead.Thathadtobeit.
Hewasforcinghercompliance.MaybeitwasagoodthingSkylerwasgoingintothathome.Shecould
seewhatwasgoingonandreportbacktohim.Itwouldbenecessarytogetintothegirl'sgoodgracesand
persuadehertowatchoverFrancesca.Hewouldhavetomakeherhisally.

Bricenoddedslowly."Iwillgivemyconsentthen,Judge,aslongasyouhaveknowledgeofhis
background."

Gabrielsmiledpleasantly."Thankyou,Doctor,althoughIwasunawareyourapprovalwasneededinthis
case.Skyleristechnicallyawardofthecourt."HesoundedmildlyamusedatthepresumptionthatBrice
wasneededatall.

Briceturnedadullred.Damnthemanandhismanner.Hisvoicewassobeautifulandcompelling,so
perfectlyamiablenoonecouldfaulthim,yethewasdeliberatelyinsulting."Skylerismypatient.She
needsmyclearancetoleavethehospital.Itakemyjobveryseriously."Hemovedatoncetoestablishhis
authority.

GabrielbowedwithanOldWorldcourtesy,acourtlygesture,asthoughhewereaprincedealingwitha
peasant.Bricegrittedhisteethtokeepfromswearing.HehatedeverythingaboutGabriel.Histall,well-
muscledframe,hisbroadshoulders,thelongshinyhairtiedwithaleatherthongatthenapeofhisneck.
Howcouldagrownmanlooksowelldressedwithhishairlikethat?Bricehatedtheeleganceofhis

clothes,thesensualityofhismouth,theinhumanlookofhiseyes.Mostofallhehatedthepowerthatclung
toGabriel,thecompleteself-confidence.Hecarriedhimselflikeamanusedtocommandingothers.It
waseasytoimaginehimasafeudallordinanotherlifetime.BricefeltasifGabrielwassecretlylaughing
athim,asifhewasasourceofamusementandnomore.

Gabrielsmiledathimeasily,ashowofthoseimmaculatewhiteteeth.Howdidhegetthemthatwhite?
BricewantedtosmashthoseglisteningwhiteteethrightdownGabriel'sthroat."Skyleriswellonthe
roadtorecovery.Francescatellsmesheisstrongereveryday.Iamcertainitwillnotbemuchlonger
beforesheisabletobehomewithus."

Toeveryone'ssurpriseitwasSkylerwhoreplied."Iamfeelingmuchstronger."Shesaiditdefiantly,her
voicesoftandtremblingbutquiteclear."Andifanyonecaresaboutmyopinion,Iwanttolivewith
FrancescaandGabriel."ShehadnoideawhyshefeltasuddencompulsiontoaddGabriel'snamewhen
shereallymeantFrancesca.Menfrightenedher.EvenGabriel,althoughshesensedonlycompassionand
caringinhisfeelingsforher.Shewasmoreastonishedbyheroutburstthananyone.Shehadn'tspokento
anyoneinmonths,yetnowshewasinaroomfilledwithadults,strangersreally,andtheyweredeciding
herlife.Itwasterrifyingandshewasgratefulforthestuffedanimalandthestrangesoothingcomfortit
offeredher.

"I'mgladtohearthat,"Bricesaidimmediately,recognizingheneededtobackdown."Thestrongeryou
are,thehappierweare,Skyler."HeturnedhisbackonGabrielashespoke.HeknewGabrielwouldread
thelieinhiseyesotherwise.Skylershouldhavebeengratefultohim:hewasherdoctor;hehadbeenthe
onewhohadriskedhislicensebybringingFrancescaintoseehispatientwithoutparentalconsent.

Bricemadehimselfsmiledownatthechild.Afterall,hecouldcharmwomen.Itwashisbestasset."I'll
haveyououtofhereinnotime,younglady,andthatshouldpleaseyouimmensely."Hisgazeswung
aroundtoencompasstheofficials."Ifyou'refinishedhere,Isuggestyouleaveandallowmypatientto
rest.Sheisquitepale."

FrancescaleaneddowntohugSkyler."I'mgoingtohavesuchfunpreparingaroomforyou.Iknowthe
thingsyoulike,."

Skylercaughtherarm,loweredhervoicetoasoftwhisper."Ihidmymother'slocketinmyoldbedroom.
It'sbehindthepanelingnexttomybed.Idon'twantanythingbutthat.Idon'twantanythingofhis."

Francescanoddedsolemnly."Don'tworry,honey,thelocketwillbewaitingforyouathome.I'llseetoit
personally."ShemurmuredthepromisesoftlyasshebrushedhermouthagainstSkyler'sforehead.

GabrielreachedrightpassedBriceasifheweren'tthereandcapturedFrancesca'shand,twininghis
fingersthroughhersasiftheybelongedtogether."Youneedtosignthepapers,sweetheart,andthen,I
thinkwewillvisitseveralshopsforouryounglady."HeflashedhissmileatSkyler,theonethatcould
lightuptheskyandtakeFrancesca'sbreathaway.Shelovedhiminthatonesinglemoment.Shelovedthe
wayhereassuredSkylerwithgenuinecaring.Shefeltitinhim.Hewasherlifemateandcouldnotlieto
herormisleadherinanywayabouthistruefeelings.HewantedSkylertosharetheirlifeandtheir
protection.Hewantedhersafefromallharm.TherewastruegoodnessinGabriel.

Francescaallowedhimtopullherfromtheroom,downthehallintothewaitingroomwhereshecould
finishherbusinesswiththejudgeandherlawyer.Gabrielremainedatherside,silentbutsupportive.He

didn'ttrytocatchhereyeorholdherattentioninanyway,yetshecouldthinkoflittleelse.Hewasthere,
largerthanlife.Hewaslife.Andlaughter.Shewantedtosmilejustthinkingofhim.Howhadhemanaged
tocreatesuchashiftingofherloyaltyinsuchashortperiodoftime?

Asayounggirlsomanycenturiesago,shehadbeencertainofwhatshewas,proudofwhoshewas.She
knewshewascreatedtobethelifemateofsomeoneextraordinary.Shehadalwaysknownit.Shehad
beenproudofGabriel,alwaysproudofhim,evenwhenshethoughthimlosttoher.Hewasalegend,a
greatvampirefighter,ahunterunsurpassedbyanyother.Francescahadknownthecallofthelifematewas
powerful,yetshehadbeencertainthepassingofcenturieswoulddiminishthatstrongpull.Shehad
countedonit.Shebitherlip,attemptingtoconcentrateonwhatherlawyerwassaying;yetallthetime,he
wasinhermind,fillinghersensesandconfusinghercompletely.

Shewantedpeace.Rest.Afteralltheemptiness,allthelongyearsofbeingalone,shedeservedrest.She
hadbeenuseful,shehadn'twastedherlifeorhergifts.

"No,mylove,youdidnot.Icouldnotbemoreproudofanyone.Youaccomplishedagreatdeal,allfor
good.WhileIwastakinglives,youweresavingthem."Thevoicewassoftinherhead,filledwith
respect,tingedwithregret.Asifheconsideredhimselfunworthyofher.

Atonceherlargedarkeyesturnedtocapturehis."Youweresavinglives,too.Gabriel,youarethe
guardianofourpeople.Youmustknowyoustoodbetweenmankindandtheundead.Yougaveupyour
happinesstodoso."

Watchingthemfromthedoorway,BricesawtherawemotioninFrancesca'sbeautifuleyesasshegazed
solovinglyatGabriel.Shehadnoideaofherownfeelings,howdeep,howintensetheyranwithinher,
buthecouldseethetruthinhereyes.Itlookedasiftheylivedintheirownsecretworld.Theyseemedto
communicatewithoutwords.Hisfingersbunchedtightlyathissides,curlinguntilhisknuckleswerewhite
andhisbodyshookwithangeranddisappointment.HehadcourtedFrancescaforsolong,devoted
himselftoher,yetneveroncehadshelookedathiminsuchamanner.Andshewasmorebeautifulthan
ever,morealluring.Watchingher,herealizedshewassexybeyondanyonehehadeverencountered.He
hadalwaysthoughtherbeautiful,aperfectornamenttodisplayinthesocialcirclesheintendedtraveling
in.Bricehadneverthoughtofherintermsofhotsteamynightsandsex,yetnow,lookingather,hecould
hardlyrestrainhimself.

JustthenGabrielliftedhisheadandlookedathim,alongcoldlookthatsentashiverracingdownBrice's
spine.Briceturnedonhisheelandwalkedaway.TherewasnowayGabrielcouldactuallyreadminds,
nowayhecouldjudgetheextentofBrice'shatredofhim.Nowayhecouldhaveseentheeroticpictures
inhishead.BriceneededFrancescaineverywayandhedeservedher.Hewasnotgoingtoallow
Gabrieltowaltzinandtakeover.Maybenooneelsecouldseeit,butheknewtherewassomething
wrongwithGabriel,somethingdarkanddangerous.Amonsterlurkedinsidehimandeverynowandthen,
Bricecaughtaglimpseofitinhiseyes.BriceintendedtoprotectFrancescafromherowncompassionate
nature.

GabrielshookhandsautomaticallywiththejudgeandwithFrancesca'slawyer.Hewasusedtothinking
andevenspeakingontwodifferentlevels.Hemadesmalltalkeasily,allthewhileturningtheproblemof
Briceoverandoverinhismind.ThedoctorwasjealousandobsessedwithFrancesca.Hewasbecoming
athreattotheirwell-being.Brice'shatredseemedoutofsyncwithhisblandpersonality.Wastherea
subtletaintofpowerthatGabrielhadnotcaught?Fewoftheundeadcouldhidesuchathingfromhim.

Lucian.Wasithistwinplayinggamesagain,usinghishumanenemyagainsthim?HeexaminedBrice's
mind.Ifitwastaintedwiththepoweroftheundead,theuserwasextremelyskilled.Heshouldrecognize
tracesofhisbrother,yethedidnot.YetBriceseemedtwistedwithhatred.ItwascenteredonFrancesca,
asGabrielknewitwouldbe.Bricewasdeterminedtogetherback,toturnheragainstGabriel.Ifthe
undeadwasusingthehuman,Gabrielcouldnotdetectthesubtlepower.

"Whatisit?"Francescaaskedsoftly,placingherhandinhis.

Hesmiledather.Shewashisworld.Theonlyoneinit.Veryslowlyhebroughtherpalmtothewarmthof
hismouth,lingeringforamomenttoinhaleherscent."Youareanextraordinarywoman,Francesca."

Shewasgladtheotherswerealreadyoutoftheroom.Shecouldhearthemastheywalkeddownthehall
together,pleasedwiththeoutcomeofthemeeting.Colorwasmovingupherfacelikeaschoolgirl's;she
wasblushingsimplybecausehehadkissedherpalm.Francescatriedtotugherhandback.

Gabrielretainedpossession,hiswhiteteethverymuchinevidence."Youareshywithmeevenafterall
wehaveshared?"Deliberatelyhisvoiceheldahuskyseduction,ateasingtemptation.

"Iamnot,"shelied,embarrassedbyherreaction.Shehadoncethoughthiseyessoemptyofemotion,yet
whentheyrestedonhertheywerefilledwithsuchhunger,suchintensity,shecouldbarelythinkstraight.

Hiswhiteteethflashedather."Ithinkweneedtofindastoreandfurnisharoomforourteenager.Inever
thoughtIwouldhaveto'father'agirlofherage,andahumanatthat.Ipityanyyoungmanwhothinkshe
mightliketotakeheroutonadate.Readingmindsisveryhelpfulincertainsituations."

Francescareacheduptorubhischin."Thankyouforwantingtodothiswithme.I'mreallyexcitedabout
bringingSkylerhomewithusandit'sniceyousharethatwithme.She'ssuchabeautifulgirl."

"Yes,sheis.Sheshouldhaveclothesthatmakeherfeelgoodaboutherself."Hesuddenlygrinned."I
knowquiteabitabouttheworld,almostanysubject,butIhavenoideawhatateenagegirlwouldwantin
herroom.Imustrelyheavilyonyouinthatdepartment.TherewerenoimagesinSkyler'sheadofwhat
shewouldlike."

"Idon'tthinkshe'severthoughtaboutsuchthings.Herlifehasbeenoneofsurvival.Ihavebeenthinking
wecouldgivehertheupstairsroomwiththebalcony,theonewiththesmallturretattachedtoit."

Henoddedsolemnly."Ibelieveshewouldlikethatverymuch,Francesca."Hetookherhand."Flywith
methisnight.Wecangototheshopsandwalkunseenuntilwedecidewhatwewouldliketopurchase.
Allowyourselftofeelthefreedomofourraceoncemore.Youhavenotdonesuchathinginaverylong
time."

Francescafoundasmallsmileformingattheidea.Itwastrue.Shehadgivenupmanyofthegiftsunique
totheirpeopleinordertothinkandfeelandacthuman.Ithadbeenverynecessaryinordertohide
herself.Butnowthetemptationwastoostrongtoresist.Allowinghersensestoflareoutintothenight,
scanningtheentirearea,shewaiteduntilsheknewtherewasnooneinthevicinity,thentookarunning
leapskyward.Asshelaunchedherselfintotheair,feathersshimmered,iridescentandbeautiful,sothat
sheflewsilentlyacrossthestarlitsky.

Thefeelingofsoaringthroughthenightwassoincredible,shecouldhardlytakeitin.Ithadbeensolong
sinceshehadallowedherselftheluxuryofthinkinglikeaCarpathian.Shehadwantedherthoughtpatterns
tobewhollyhumanatalltimes.Nowitseemedshecouldenjoythespecialprivilegesofherraceonce
again.Shelaughedwithjoyasshemovedthroughthesky.

Gabrieljoinedher,alargeraptor,silentandswiftanddeadly,wingingthroughtheskytowardtheheartof
thecity.Heknewhermind,knewshewouldgofirsttothehomeofSkyler'sfathertoretrievetheprecious
locket.HeflewclosetoFrancesca,determinedtoprotectherevenfromherownexuberanceifnecessary.
Hewasinhermind,ensuringthatsheheldtheimageofthebirdinflightsoshecouldmakenomistakes.
Hesharedherjoyandreveledinherfreedom,butheremainedashadow,determinedtoprotecther.

FrancescasettledontherooftopoftheoldbuildingwhereSkyler'sfatherhadlived.Itwasseverelyrun
down.

Therewerebarsonthewindowsandthedoor,somethingthatwasnobarrierforthetwopowerful
Carpathians.Thelittleapartmentwasawreckofsmashedliquorbottlesandfilthydishes.Therewasno
foodintherefrigerator,onlybeer.Thecupboardsheldaboxofcrackersandtwocansofsoup.Francesca
touchedoneofthecrackedmugssittinginthesink.

SheturnedtolookatGabrielwithtearsinhereyes.Shecouldfeeltheviolencelockedinthetiny
apartment.Achild'sterror.Thebrutalityamancouldimpose.ShesawflashesofSkyler'slife,thefather,
ahugeman,swingingabeltatherinthebathroom.Skylerhuddledinacornerwhileamanapproached
herwithanevilsmile.

GabrielgraspedFrancescaandshookhergently."Leavethisevilplace.Youaretoosensitiveforsuchas
this."

"Skylerwas,too.Thatbeautifulchildwassubjectedtothisdepravity.Theydrovehertotheedgeof
madness,Gabriel."

Thetearsinhervoicewerealmostmorethanhecouldbear."Sheissafewithus,Francesca.Wewillnot
allowharmtocomeherwayagain."

"Sheisahumanpsychic,araretreasuretoourmales.Shewouldhavebeeninvaluabletoourrace,but
aftersuchatrocities,Icannotimagineherbeingabletoloveonesodominantandwildasanyofour
males.Whatarewetodo?"Therewasdespairinhervoice.

"Thatdilemmaisalongwayoff,honey,notsomethingwehavetosolveatthismoment.Inanycase,we
donotknowifsheisthelifematetooneofourspecies.Ourfirstdutyistohernow.Sheisourdaughter
anddeservesourprotection.Go,Iwillfindhermother'slocket,"Gabrielassuredher.

Shelinkedherfingerswithhis,needingthecomfortofhiscloseness.Shedidn'tquestionwhyhistouch
feltsorighttoher.Sheonlyknewshewantedtobeheldinhisarmsandfeelhisenormousstrengthwhen
allaroundthemwastheevilofmankind.Gabrielfittedherbeneathhisshoulder,instinctivelyknowing
shewouldratherbewithhiminthiswickedplacethanoutsidealoneinthecleanair.Therealization
madehimhumble.Hebroughtherhandtothewarmthofhismouth,breathedakissontoherskin,his
mouthtellingherwithoutwordsthatshewasthemagicinhislife.

TheyfoundSkyler'slocketandhesecureditaroundhisneckastheymadetheirwaytotheshops.
Francescawasinherelementthere.Sheknewthecity,knewthevendors.Sheoftenboughtthousandsof
dollars'worthofclothestodonatetothepoor.Gabrieltwinedhisfingerswithhersastheyenteredoneof
thestores.ThiswasnotGabriel'sforte,buthewasmorethanwillingtosharetheexcitementwithher.He
watchedFrancescablossom,herbeautyalmostethereal.Shelituptheshopandhecouldn'thelpthinking
oftheirnightaloneinherfriend'sboutique.Whenheflashedheragrin,sheblushedandquicklylooked
awayfromhim,sharinghisthoughtsoftheirwildencountertogether.

Closinghourcameandwent,butallofthemerchantsFrancescacalledcheerfullyopenedtheirshopsfor
her.Gabrielfoundheenjoyedwatchinghermovethroughthestores,examiningclothesandfurniture,
selectingyouthfulstylesappropriateforthenewestmemberoftheirfamily.

"Areyouplanningongettingheranentirewardrobe?"heteasedwhensheshowedhimpairoffadedblue
denimpants."Whatisthisfascinationmodernwomenhavewiththesemen'spants?"Herubbedthebridge
ofhisnosethoughtfully."Mustourdaughterwearsuchthings?Dressesandskirtswouldbemuchmore
appropriate."

Francesca'seyebrowshotup,andhermouthcurledinasmallsmile."Perhapsyou'reright;perhapswe
needtolookatmorefeminineclothesforher."

Itwashervoicethatwarnedhimallmightnotbeashewouldlike.Hefollowedherwithsome
apprehensionintoadifferentareaofthestore.Francescatookanavybluesheathfromahangerandheld
itup."Thisisdarling,Gabriel.Don'tyouloveit?You'reright,Ithinkweneedtoconcentrateonmuch
morefemininearticlesofclothing."

Hereachedaroundherandfingeredthesoftmaterial."Whereistherestofit?"Hewasveryserious,his
darkeyessearchingherfaceforsignsshewasteasing.

"Thisistheentiredress.Girlswearthemquiteshortthesedays.Haven'tyounoticed?"Francescacouldn't
believehehadnevernoticedthewomeninthecityandtheclothesthatoftenrevealedagenerousportion
ofleg.

"Youdonotwearsuchclothes."Hemadeitastatement.

"OfcourseIdo.Shortandlongdresses.Anythinggoesinthisage."

"Youwearthingslikethatdressinfrontofmen?"Therewasacuriouschurninginthepitofhisstomach.
Hedidn'tquiteunderstandwhyhesuddenlywantedtoripthedoctor'sheadoff.Hadthemanseenherin
suchgarments?Thethoughtofitbroughtanunfamiliarvolcanicfeelingtohisgut.

Francescalaughedathim.Straightoutlaughedathim.Herdarkeyeswereshiningwithmerriment."You
soundjustatinybitonthejealousside."

Hishandreachedout,almostofitsownaccord,hisfingerscirclingherthroat."Iknowyouarenotmaking
funofme,areyou,Francesca?"

Francescatriedtokeepastraightface."I'msureIwouldn'tdothat,"shesaidsweetly."ButIdolooklike
dynamitewhenIdressup."

"Myheartcannotbeartheimage,"hesaid,"atleastnotifyouaredressingupforanothermale.Donottell
meanythingmore."

"Yourageisshowing."Shelaughed,thesoundcarefree,piercinghisheartlikeanarrow."Getoveritand
helpmefindhersomedressesshe'lllove."

"Iwillfindherdressesshewillbeallowedtowearinpublic,"hecounteredgruffly,lookingforthefirst
timeatthelittlefrocksonthemannequins."Wherearetheankle-lengthgarments?"

"Areyougoingtobeoneofthoseguardianswhoinsistsonbodyguardsandstrictcurfews?"sheasked
withoneeyebrowraised.

"Absolutely.Youcancountonit."Hemadenoattempttopretendotherwise.

Francesca'ssmilewashedoverhim,makingitclearshewasnotintheleastimpressedbyhisstony
featuresandgrimmouth.Shefoundtheunderwearsectionandspenttimechoosinglaceandsatinwhilehe
simplyshookhisheadinwonder.Shearrangedforherpurchasestobedeliveredthenexteveningand
followedhimoutintothenight.

Skylerwouldhavearoomdesignedespeciallyforher,theitemschosenasmuchaspossiblefromher
memoriesofthingsshehadseenandliked.Theresttheychoseforher,wantingherhappinessand
comfort.ThepatternforherquiltandsheetswasadesignfashionedbyFrancescatoaidhealingand
promotesoothingcomfortandafeelingofwell-being.Theroomtheyhaddecidedtogiveherwasaround
turretwheretheintricatestainedglasscontainedapowerfulspelltoprotecttheoccupantfromoutside
harmandnightmares.

FrancescasmiledupatGabrielastheysettledontothebalconyofherhome,oncemoretakingtheirown
shapes."Ihadawonderfulnight,Gabriel.Thankyousomuchforsharingthiswithme.Itismuchmorefun
experiencinglifewithanother."

"Youaregrowingusedtome,despiteyourintentionsnotto,"heventuredasheledherdownthestairsto
thekitchen.

"Wehavetoremembertostockthehousewithfoodthatwillappealtoateenager,"Francescasaid,
determinednottobedrawnintoaconversationabouttheirrelationship.Shewasn'treadytothinktoo
muchonthesubject.

"Skylershouldeatwhatisthemostnutritiousforher.Sheisskinandbones.Andyoumustdosomething
withherhair.Shewearsitinherfacebecauseshethinksthescarsmakeherugly."

Francescafollowedhimtothechamberbeneaththeearth."Iknowshedoes,althoughIthinkitismore
whattheyrepresent,thememoriesthataresougly.Ican'twaittobringherhome.Thishousewillbeso
different.Music,noise,ahousekeeper,probablyguards—ourliveswillbeverydifferent,Gabriel."

Hecircledhershoulderswithhisarm,gratefulshedidn'tpullawayfromhim.Hewasmakingprogress
withoutherbeingawareofit."Changeisgood,Francesca.Myexistencewasbleakandbarrenfortwo
thousandyears.Iwelcomechange."Hishandslippeddownherarm,creptaroundherstomachsothathis
palmlayovertheirgrowingchild.Heclosedhiseyesforamoment,savoringthefeelofher,oftheir

unbornchild.

Shesmiledupathim."Thedawnisapproaching,Gabriel,youmustrest."

"Youaretheonewithchild."Heopenedtheearthandfloatedwithherintothewelcomingsoil,hisarms
pullingherintotheprotectionofhisbody."Sleep,honey,tomorrowwewillfixherroomforher."His
bodyandsoul,heartandmind,werecontent.Shewaswithhim,hisarmsaroundher,herscentfillinghis
lungs,anditwasenough.

Youaretheonewithchild.Sherepeatedthosewordsinhermind,huggedthemtoher,wonderingatsuch
amiracle.Francescafelthismouthagainstherforehead,hishandovertheirchild,andsheclosedher
eyes,contenttorest.

Whenshewoke,Gabrielwasalreadyout,searchingforevidenceofLucian'swhereabouts.Theirworld
wasfragileandfilledwithdangeraslongashisbrotherhuntedintheircity.FrancescafeltGabriel
stirringinhermind,felthiswarmth,yetsheshiveredasshemovedthroughthefamiliarroomsofher
house.Duringthedaythedelivery-menhadarrived,leavingboxesofeverysizeandshape.Shehad
forgottenjusthowmanythingstheyhadpurchasedforSkylerthenightbefore.Francescaenjoyedevery
momentofarrangingtheroomandplacingSkyler'sclothesneatlyinthedresserandcloset.Shetookgreat
careworkingontheheavyquilt,puttingloveintoeachstitchasshefashioneditespeciallyforSkyler.

ShewasbeginningtoworryaboutGabrielnow.FromGabriel'sthoughtsshelearnedthatalreadyLucian
hadstruckagain;therewouldbeanotherunsolvedmurderforthepolice.ShesensedLucianwas
deliberatelybaitingGabriel,leadinghimtowardatrapofsomekind.Shemovedaboutthehouse,taking
careofbusinessbeforehertriptoseeSkyler.Shemadecallstovariousorganizations,tomembersof
society,tooldacquaintances.Itwasalwaysnecessarytokeepupappearances,nowmorethaneverwith
Skylerasherward.

Thefirstorderofbusinesswastosecureahousekeepertheycouldtrust.AidanSavageintheUnited
Stateshadrecommendedatrustworthycouple,hisownhousekeeper'sson,Santino,andtheman'swife,
Brasilia.TheywouldmoveinandprotectSkylerduringtheday.SantinoknewAidanwasCarpathian,and
AidanassuredFrancescaitwouldbesafetoconfideinhim.

Satisfied,shemadeherwaytothehospital.Skylersmiledtentativelyassheenteredtheroom."Ithought
maybeyouchangedyourmind,"thegirlsaid.Thestuffedanimalwasinitsusualplaceinherarms.

"No,youdidn't,"Francescacorrectedwithasmile."Youhadapanicattack.Thingsarefallinginplace,
honey.GabrielandIfoundyourlocketforyou.It'sinajewelryboxinyourroom.Youhaveeverything
youneedwaitingforyoutocomehome.Allyouhavetodoisgetbetter.Areyoueating?"

"I'mtryingtoeat,"Skyleransweredhonestly."Itisn'teasy.Ididn'tforsolong,I'mneverhungrynow.
Where'sGabriel?"

FrancescathoughtitagoodsignSkylerhadinquiredafterhim."Outhunting."

Skylerwassilentamoment."Hunting?"sheechoed."Ididn'tthinkhewasthekindwhowouldwanttokill
alivingcreature."Sheseemeddisappointed.

Skylerobviouslyhadanaffinityforanimals.Francescasmiledgently."Notanimals,silly.Things."She
brushedthehairoutofthegirl'seyes,hertouchtenderandsoothing.Thecontactgaveheraccessto
Skyler'semotions.

Thechildwasfrightenedbutwasmakingeveryattempttobebrave.Thefutureterrifiedher,lifeterrified
her,butnotFrancescaandnotGabriel.Shehadmadeuphermindtotrytogivelifeanotherchance."I
can'tgotoschool,"sheblurtedoutsuddenly."Ican'tbearoundanyone.Idon'twantanyonetoseeme."

Francescanoddedsoberly."Iunderstand,honey.Ithinkitbestwesticktogetherforawhile,thethreeof
usandourhousekeeper.I'mgoingtohireacouplewhowillworkforus,keepaneyeonyou."

Francescatookherhandandsimplyheldit,allowingherspecialgifttoflowoutofherandintothegirl.

"NowIwantyoutorest,younglady.I'mgoingtoaskBricetoreleaseyouassoonaspossible,butyou
havetodoyourpart.Ifyouhavetroubleeating,oryou'reafraid,reachforGabrielorformeinyourmind.
Likeyou,wearetelepathicandwewillhearyouandcometoyouraid.Callifyouareinneed.Iexpectit,
isthatunderstood?"

Thegirlnoddedsolemnly."I'mtiredallthetime."

"That'stobeexpected.Yousufferedatrauma,Skyler,andyouwerebeatenverybadly.Yourbodyand
mindneedtimetohealaswellasyourspirit.I'llbebacklater.Fornow,rest."Withawaveofherhand
shepushedopenthedoorandglidedout.

"AreyouFrancescaDelPonce?"TherewasastrangerstandingoutsideSkyler'sroom.Shesensedhehad
beenlurkingthereforsometime.Francescahadscannedhim,ofcourse,thatwasasnaturaltoheras
breathing,andshehadknownhewaswaitingtotalkwithher.

Shesmiledpleasantly,herlonglashesveilingtheexpressionofannoyanceinhereyes.Forabriefmoment
sheconsideredusingamental"push"onhim,buttherewassomethingabouthimthatwasn'tquiteright.
Shecouldn'tquiteputherfingeronwhatitwassoshestoppedtofacehim."Yes,that'sright.I'm
Francesca."Sheflashedasmileathim,onethatcaughthisattentionimmediately.

"BarryWoods,MissDelPonce.I'mareporterlookingforagoodstory.Iunderstandyouhealpeople."

Hereyebrowsshotupandasmallsmilecurvedhersoftmouth."I'msorry,Imusthaveheardyouwrong.
WhatdoIdo?"

"Healpeople.Iwastoldyouhealedalittlegirlwhohadcancer."

Francescahesitatedforamomentbeforeansweringhim.Therewassomethingaboutthemanthatbothered
her,thatwasn'tquiteright.Acraftiness.Somethingsubtlyevil.Perhapsshewasmistaken,buthesenta
shiveralongherspine.Shetouchedhismindverydelicately.

Atonceherbreathcaughtinherthroat.Sheforcedasmiletoherlips,herlargedarkeyeswideningsothat
theywereasblackasnight."IwishIhadsuchawonderfulability.Thetruthis,Ihavenosuchtalent."
Withherstomachlurching,Francescamadeherselftouchhismind.Gabrielwouldneedinformation.This
manwasnotwhatheseemedonthesurface.Hewasafanatic,hismindfilledwithimagesofvampires
andstakesandgarlic.

Thereportercontinuallyclutchedatthegoldenchaincirclinghisthroat.Sheknewinhishandhehelda
cross."Mysourceisveryreliable,MissDelPonce."

"Thedoctorsherearequiteremarkable,"shesaidsoftly."Don'tyouthinkitismuchmorelikelythey
healedthechildifhercancerisinremission?Igoandreadtothechildrenoften,butIcannothealthem,
muchasIwouldliketo.Haveyouseenthemonthecancerward?Theyaresobeautifulandbrave.It's
ratherheartbreaking.Perhapsyoushouldvisitthem.Thestorywouldhavetremendoushumaninterest,
don'tyouthink?"Sheburiedthesubtlecompulsioninhersuggestioncarefully.

Thereportershookhisheadasiftoclearit."Ihavetogetthestory."

Shenoddedgently,herlonghairmovinglikeasilkencurtainaroundhershoulders."Yes,thestoryabout
thedoctorshereinthehospitalandhowremarkabletheyreallyare."Herdarkeyesstareddirectlyinto
his."Youreallymustwriteabouttheirwork."

Woodscaughthimselfashewasturningtowardthecancerward.Heshookhisheadhardtoclearoutthe
cobwebs.Foramomenthewasdisoriented,unabletorememberexactlywhathehadbeendoing.
Uppermostinhismindwastheoverwhelmingurgetowriteastoryaboutchildrenwithcancer.Heshook
hisheadagain,certainhehadnotcomehereforthatreason.Awomanwaswalkingawayfromhim,her
hipsswayinggently.Herhairhungbelowherwaist,thickandrichandshiningwithhighlights.Shewas
sobeautifulshetookhisbreathawayandhehadn'tevenseenherface.

Hestoodamoment,reluctanttomove.Hecouldn'tthinkwhathewasdoing.Hewantedhertoturnsohe
couldseeher.Hewantedtofollowher,buthisfeetfeltlikelead.Hehadcomehereforareason,an
importantreason,buthecouldonlyrememberthathewantedtowriteastoryonchildrenwithcancer.
Therewasadoctorheneededtotalkwith.NotFrench,butEnglish.Strangename.Bricesomething.
Woodsscratchedhisheadandturnedresolutelyawayfromthecancerward.Hefeltverylost,very
confused.Hehadnorealideawhathewasdoing.

ChapterTen

Contents

"Howlongdoyouthinkyoucankeepavoidingme?"BricedemandedashecameupbehindFrancesca.

"Don'tflatteryourself,Brice,"Francescasaidexasperated."Thisisn'tthebesttimetoconfrontme.Ijust
hadalittlevisitfromaveryunsavoryreporter.Hewasmakingmeouttobesomekindofnutcase.I
suspectIhaveyoutothankforthat."

Bricehadthegracetolookashamedevenashetriedtoshrugheraccusationoffcasually."Ionlytoldthe
truth.Youexaminedmypatient.Atthetimeshewasterminallyill.Thereisnoquestionthatwasso.Itwas
fullydocumentedandIhavealltherecordstoproveit.Afterwardeverybloodtestcameoutclean,
Francesca.She'scompletelycured.Ididn'tdoitandIhavenoideahowitwasdone."

"Soyoujustgavemeuptoreporters,thefreakmiracleworker.Youmadesuremyprivacywas
completelydestroyed.Isthatsupposedtomakemelookuponyouwithfavor?"Francescatossedherhead,
herthickcurtainofblue-blackhairflying."I'mbusyavoidingyourreporters,Brice.Idon'thavetimefora
littlechat."

"Francesca,itdidn'thappenlikethat.Comeon,youknowmebetterthanthat.IadmitIliketograbthe
headlines,butitwasn'tmewhotalkedtothereporters."Hecaughtherarm,bringinghertoahalt."Stop
running,Francesca,you'rewearingmeout.Itwasn'tme.Itwasthegirl'sparents.HernameisChelsea
Grant.HerfatherisaUnitedStatessenator.Imentionedyoutohermotherwithoutthinking.Therewasno
hopeforChelsea.None.Herparentsknewthat.Iwasn'ttheonlydoctorwhohadexaminedher.Iwasonly
oneinalonglineofopinions.Mrs.Granthadyouinvestigated.Severalformerpatientswereonlytoo
happytobeabletotalkaboutyouandthemiracleyouworkedforthem."

Francescaglanceddownatthefingerstrappingherarm.Therehadbeenatimethebrushofhisfingers
hadwarmedherheart;nowheirritatedher.Wasshesoshallowthatherfeelingscouldchangesoeasily,
soquickly?Orhadshesomehowdeceivedherselfabouthistruecharacterbecauseshehadbeenso
lonely?Shehadwantedtoshareherlifewithsomeoneoncebeforesheallowedherselftodie.Now
FrancescacouldclearlyseehowimportantheadlinesweretoBrice,howimportantpleasingasenator's
wifereallywastohim."Importantenoughtosellmeout,"shemusedaloud."Youwantedhertooweyou
afavor."

"I'msorry,Francesca,Iwantedthebestformypatient.Andyes,shehappenstohaveparentswhocould
smoothmywaytothehospitalIwant.Aplacewheremyskillscanreallymakeadifference."

"Ithoughtyoucaredaboutthesekids."

"OfcourseIcareaboutthem,I'vededicatedmylifetothem.Youhaven'tlearnedthatit'sokaytowantto
makeadecentliving.Youhavemoney,Francesca.Youhavemorethanenough,althoughyou'regivingit
awayatanalarmingrate.Ineedtomakealiving.It'saseasyandasheroictohelparichsickchildasitis
tohelponethat'shomeless."

"LikeSkyler,"Francescasaidsoftly."Shecan'tdoathingforyourcareer.Youdidn'twantherinyourlife
soyoutriedtomakecertainshewasn'tinmine.Thatisbeneathcontempt,Brice.Thatchildneedsahome
andIcanprovideherwithagoodone.Foryoutotrytokeepmefromtakingherhomewasabsolutely
unforgivable.Howcouldyoudosuchathing?"

"Damnit,Francesca.You'retheonewho'schanged,notme.YouknewIwantedcertainthings.Thisisn't
aboutme,it'sabouthim.Gabriel.Whatishe,exactly?Agovernmentspy?Amobbossofsomekind?Ishe
holdingsomethingoveryourhead?Overthejudge's?Areyouallafraidofhim?Don'tthinkIhaven't
noticedsomething'snotquiterightabouthim.Washeinprisonforacrime?Wherehashebeenallthe
yearshewasgone?"

"Youheardwhatthejudgesaid.HehasallheneedstoknowaboutGabriel.Hislifeisamatterof
security.It'sclassified."

Bricebitbackanexplosionofswearwords."Isthatwhathetoldyou?Andyoujustbelievehim?Don't
yousee,Francesca?Hecouldbeacriminaloftheworstsort.You'retootrusting.Hejustwaltzesback
intoyourlifeafterdroppingoffthefaceoftheearthandyouaccepthim.Thejudgeacceptshim.Your
attorneyacceptshim.MyGod,don'tyousee?He'snotlikeus."

"No,he'snot.He'sgoodandkindandhasnoulteriormotivewhenitcomestoSkyler."Francesca'sdark
eyeswereflashingfireathim.ShewassobeautifulBricefoundhimselfreachingforher,wantingtotake
herintohisarms.Hemusthaveblinkedbecauseshemovedsofasthedidn'tactuallyseehermove,buthis
armsdroppedemptytohissides.

"That'sahellofathingtosaytome.IwantedSkylertogetbetter.Iwastheonewhoaskedyoutolookat
herinthefirstplace.Herfatherhadnomoney.Don'tforgetthat,Francesca,whileyou'resobusy
condemningme.Anddon'tthinkforoneminuteyourpreciousGabrielhasnoulteriormotivewhenit
comestoSkyler.Hismotiveisyou.Hewantsyouandhe'lluseanyonetogetyou.IsGabrielholding
somethingoveryourhead?Areyouafraidofhim?Isthatwhatitis?Youcantellme.Icanhelpyou.He
can'tbesopowerfulwecouldn'tfighthimtogether."

Francescaalmostburstoutlaughing.Bricehadnoconceptofwhatpowerreallywas.Thetwoofthem
andanarmycouldnotdefeatGabriel."No,Brice.I'mnotafraidofGabriel,butthankyouforasking.I'm
gratefulyouwouldwanttohelpme."

"Whyhaveyoutakenhimbackintoyourlifewithoutsomuchasafight?"Bricedemanded."Hejust
showeduponyourdoorstepandyoulethimin.Why?Whydidn'tyoutakesometimetogettoknowhim
again?Don'tyouseewhatamistakethisis?I'myourfriendandIcanseehimmoreclearlythanyou.He's
dangerous,Francesca.Imeanreallydangerous.He'sacriminalofsomesort.Hereeksofit."

Francescashookherheadwearily."Idon'twanttofightwithyouanymore,Brice.Icanassureyou
Gabrielisnocriminal.IfthejudgehasinformationonhimandiswillingtoallowSkylertostaywithhim,
youmustacceptthatheisagoodman.Youknowhe'snocriminal.You'rejustangrybecauseI'veallowed
himbackintomylife.Idon'tknowwhatI'mgoingtodoaboutGabriel,butit'sformetodecide.I'venever
deceivedyou,notonceinourrelationship.InevertoldyouIlovedyou,Inevercommittedtoa
relationshipwithyou."

"You'vealwaysknownhowIfelt.Ihaven'tchanged.I'msorryI'mjealous.Justspendsometimewithme."

Hisvoicesuddenlyturnedcajoling,appeasing."Comehomewithme.Spendthenight."Bricebentover
her,hismouthhoveringclose.Hisfacewassuddenlyfilledwithakindofcrafty,greedylust,hiseyesflat
andunfamiliar.

Francesca'sheartslammedinalarm.Itwasallshecoulddonottojerkawayfromhim.Shewasvery
awareofhissuddenlystronggriponherupperarmsashedrewherbodyintohis.Heseemeddifferent
somehow,astranger,notatallliketheBriceshethoughtsheknew.Couldshehavebeensowrong?Had
shebeensodesperateforcompanionshipthatshehadoverlookedhistruecharacter?Itdidn'tmakesense.
Itwasn'tinFrancescatomakeasceneanditwasingrainedinhertoacthumanatalltimes.Shestood
verystill,likeadeercaughtintheheadlightsofaspeedingcar.Justashislipswereabouttotouchhers,
hecoughed,bothhandsgoingtohisthroatashebegantochoke.Hiseyesglazedwithinstantalarm.

"What'swrong?"Francescadeliberatelytouchedhisarmtoreadwhatwashappeninginhisbody.Wasit
Gabriel?Shedidn'tfeelthesurgeofpowerhispresenceshouldcause,buthewasanancient.Shehadno
realideaofhistruepower.AllshecouldtellwasthatBrice'sairwaywasblocked.Shecouldn'ttellwhat
waswrong.Histhroatseemedswollen,almostasifhewashavinganallergicreactiontosomething.

Bricewentlimp,hiseyesrolledbackinhishead,andhiskneesbuckledsothathebegantotoppletothe
floor.Francescaeasilycaughthimwithpreternaturalstrength,easinghimtothefloor,reachingtoopenhis
shirt,franticallyseekingtofindifhisairwaywasopen."Gabriel!"Shereachedforhimalmost
automatically."Helpme."

Hewasthereinstantlyinhermind,asoothingcalmintheeyeofthestorm,assessingthesituation.
FrancescawasattemptingtobreatheforBrice,butnoaircouldmakeitthroughhispassageway.Whenshe
triedtoenterhisbodyusingpureenergyandlight,therewassomeobstructionshecouldnotpass.Gabriel
wasgratefulthatshehadsuspectedhimonlyfleetingly,hadturnedinstantlytohimforaid.Shewas
beginningtotrusthimfarmorethansherealized.

"Lucian,Iknowyouarethere."Gabrielwasverycalm."Youarekillingthisman.Lethimbe."

"Youdonotfightyourownbattles."Itwasataunt,areprimand.Francescarenewedhereffortstoenter
Brice'sbodytohealhim,buttheobstructionwaslikeabrickwall.SharingGabriel'smindenabledherto
"hear"theexchangebetweenthetwinbrothers.

"Whoisthismanthatyoudonotremovehimwhenhecausesyousuchannoyance?Youhavegrown
soft,Gabriel.Youexpecttohoardthesetwowomenwhenyoucannotevendestroyyourenemies?"

Thevoicewasbeautiful.SobeautifulthatFrancescahadtotrytoblockitout.Itwascompellingwithout
thevampireeventryingtomakeitso.Shewasfrightenedtothinkwhatpowerhewieldedsoeasily.
"Hurry,Gabriel."

Shewhispereditontheirownprivatementalpath.Bricehadbeenwithoutairforfartoolong.

Atoncesheheardthesoft,beautifullaughterechoinginhermind."Sheisbeggingforthelifeofthis
worthlesshuman.Yourwoman,beggingforthelifeofanothermale.Whatdoesthatmean,brother?You
cannotevenkeepyourwoman."

Itwasshockingtodiscoverthattheprivatepathusedbetweenlifemateshadbeensoeasilyinvadedbythe
vampire.Itwasunheardof.Herheartbegantobeatloudly.Shefeltveryvulnerableandshewas
desperatenowtosaveBrice.Gabriel,however,remainedascalmasever,completelyunruffled."Keep
thisbetweenthetwoofus,Lucian.Youarebecomingrathertediouswiththesedisplays.Showingoff
forwomenisbeneathyou.Areyousoafraid,then,thatIamnotpayingenoughattentiontoyou?Iwill
cometoyouatonceifthatisyourdesire."Hewassearchingforapathtolocatethevampire.

Allatonce,Bricecoughedandchoked,gaspingforbreath.Francescafelttheunmistakablerippleof
power.Itfilledthespacesaroundher,vibratedintheair,andthenitwasgone.Sheshuddered,sitting
backonherheelsbesideBrice,herhandonhisshoulder,herlargedarkeyesanxious."ShouldIcall
someone?"

"Water,"hecroaked,hisvoicestrangledandhoarse.Hishandsgropedtheirwaytohisneckrather
weakly.

FrancescacouldfeelGabriel'sfrustrationasherealizedthatonceagainthevampirehadslippedaway
beforehecouldpinpointhisexactlocation.SincetherewasnothingshecoulddotohelpGabriel,she
hurriedtofindacupofwaterforBrice,nearlyspillingitasshehelpedhimintoasemisittingposition.

"ItwasGabriel,"heaccused,hisvoicerasping."Ifelthishandsonmythroatstranglingme."

"Brice,itwasnotGabriel.Heisnowherenearthishospital.Youwerechoking.Iclearedyourairwayso
youcouldbreathe."Shemadethesuggestioncalmlyandclearly.

Brice'seyesflashedather."ItwasGabriel.Ievensmelledhim.Itwashishandsaroundmythroatandhe
triedtomurderme.Isawhim.IknowIdidandyou'retryingtocoverupforhim."

"Thereisnousetryingtopersuadehimotherwise,Francesca."Gabrielsaiditsoftly,matter-of-factly,
notbotheredbyBrice'sopinionofhim."Lucianisfartoopowerfulforyoutoovercomethecompulsion
hehasburiedinthisman.Ihaveseenhimdestroyanentirearmy.Whenwehuntedtogetherheoften
orderedavampiretoridtheworldofitsexistenceusingonlyhisvoiceanditwasdonewithoutafight.
Thevampireendedhisexistencewithoutsomuchasastruggle.Youknowvampireswilldoanythingto
continuetheirlife,yetLucianisabletocontrolthemwithonlyhisvoice.Youhavenoideaofhis
power.AllowBricetothinkwhathewishes.Iwillhaveestablishedaperfectalibiwiththejudge.It
willnotbehardtodoso."

Francescaclimbedslowlytoherfeet,turningherfullattentiontotheproblemathand."Youmaythink
anythingyouwish,Brice,butrememberwhenyouaccuseGabrielofthisterriblecrime,youarealso
accusingmeofaidinghimbymydenial.Iwasherewithyou,Ihelpedyou.WhatmotivewouldIhavefor
lyingtoyou?"

Briceshookhishead,rubbinghissorethroatandneck."Iknowhe'sevil,Francesca,andIknowyouhave
todoashetellsyou.Iknowyouwouldn'twantmehurt.He'smakingyousayanddothethingsyou're
doing.You'reafraidofhim,aren'tyou?Youprobablydidsavemylife,butyou'recoveringupforhim
becauseyou'reafraid.Ifyou'djusttellmewhathe'sholdingoveryourhead,Icouldhelpyou."

Francescasighed,sweptahandthroughherlongsilkenhairimpatiently."Ithoughtyouknewme,Brice.

Reallyknewme.IfIwasafraidofGabrielandthoughthimcapableofoutrightmurder,ifhewas
threateningmeinsomeway,evenwithsotrivialathingasblackmail,doyouthinkforonemomentI
wouldexposeSkylertosuchaperson?Never.Icouldnever,underanycircumstances,bepersuadedor
inducedtoplaceherinjeopardy.Ifyouknownothingelseaboutme,youshouldknowthat.AndifGabriel
hadtriedtostrangleyou,youwouldbedead.Iwouldnotbeabletofighthimoff,norwouldanything
inducemetoprotecthimifhehadattemptedtomurderyou."

"Idon'tknowwhathe'sdonetoyou,butyoucanexpectavisitfromtheauthorities,becauseIintendto
presschargesagainsthim."Bricemassagedhisneckandthroat,coughingseveraltimes.

"Dowhateveryouthinkyouhavetodo,Brice,"shesaidsoftly."Obviouslyyouthinkmecapableofbeing
anaccomplicetomurder."Regally,sheturnedandsweptdownthehalltowardthedoubledoors,leaving
Bricetostumbleunsteadilytohisfeetbyhimself.

"IdonotknowwhereLucianis,Francesca."Gabriel'svoicewasascalmaseverbutshewasbeginning
toknowhimwellenoughtohearhewasworried."DonotleavethehospitaluntilIamonceagainwith
you.Iamonmyway."

"Whatifthat'sjustwhathewants?Whatifheisusingmetolureyououtwherehecanharmyou?"
Therewasrealfearinhervoice.

"Hehasneverdefeatedmeinbattle,sweetheart.Youshouldhavemorefaithinyourlifemate.Lucianis
averyunusualvampire,justashewasanunusualCarpathian.Thereisnootherlikehim.Itdoesno
goodtotrytosecond-guesshim.Healwaysdoestheunexpected.Hecouldjustaseasilyhaveattacked
youorSkyler.Heisintelligentfarbeyondyourimagining,justasheismorepowerfulthanthelegends
havetold.Toguesswhatheisuptoisimpossible,buthehasfoundyouandhehasfoundSkyler.Ido
notwantyoutosetonefootintothenightwithoutmebyyourside."

Forsomereason,Francescawasannoyed."Iamnotabouttoallowthisvampiretochangemylife,
Gabriel.Thisismycity.ThereismuchIdohere,muchIlove.Overthecenturiestherehavebeenmany
vampireswhohavecomeandgone.Forthatmatter,therehavebeenmanyCarpathianmales,yetIlive
onanddoasIplease."

"Lucianlikesgames,Francesca.Hismindcravesactionatalltimes.Heisnotoneyoucan'play'with
andexpecttowin."

"Iwillnotlivemylifeinfearofhim."

Shesaiditdefiantly,bothtohimandtothevampireifhewasmonitoringtheirconversation.Shedidn't
thinkitwaspossible,butthenshehadnotthoughtitpossiblethatanyonebutGabrielcould"hear"their
privatepath.AllCarpathianscommunicatedonacommonmentalpath,butthiswasdifferent.Gabrielwas
herlifemate.Theirpathwasanindividual,veryintimate,personalone.Noothershouldhavebeenableto
penetratetheirprivatecommunication.Lucianwasindeedpowerfulandunique.Assheemergedintothe
darknessofnightthatwasherworld,intothefreshairwhereshecouldbreathewithoutthestenchof
humansuffering,Gabrielmaterializedbesideher,hisstrongarmencirclingherslenderwaist.

Francesca'sheartnearlystopped,hispresencewassounexpected."Ithoughtyouwereestablishingan
alibisomewhere."

"Itisnotsohard,honey,tosendvividimagestothosehumansIhavetouchedalready.ThejudgeandI
havespentapleasanteveningtogetherinhishome.Heplayschess,didyouknowthat?NaturallyIwas
thevictor,butitwasaclosegame.HebelievesIdrankhisfavoritebrandywithhimandconversedonall
sortsofsubjects.Asheresidesalone,itwasnotatallcomplicatedtoplantthememoriesinhismind."

"Therewasanothermurder?"Francescaaskedunnecessarily."ItwasLucian,wasn'tit?Whatishedoing?
Whatdoeshehopetogain?"

Gabrielshruggedeasily,themovementasubtlerippleofpower."Heseekstodrawmeintohisweb.Do
notworry,honey,hewillnotdefeatmeatthesceneofoneofhiskills.Hemaybehighandpowerfulfrom
oneofhiskills,butIknowhisways.Iknowthewayhedoesbattle,howhethinksandmovesandplans.
Hewillbefarmorecleverthananordinaryvampire.Hehasamasterplan.Thisisjustbeginning,rather
liketheopeningmovesinachessgame."Hebenthisheadtoinhaleherfragrance,needinginthatmoment
toburyhisfaceinthewarmthofherneck.Hecouldfeeltheage-oldcallofherpulse,herblood,the
essenceoflifecallingtohim.Hisbodywashardandachingandhishungerintensified.

Francescawasshockedathowherbodywasrespondingtohis.Everycellwasalive.Inside,heatwas
spreadingatthemeresightofhim.EvenwiththevampirestalkingthemandBriceouttoblackenGabriel's
name,allshecouldthinkaboutwasGabriel'shardbody,theheatofhisskin,thesoftnessofhislonghair,
theperfectionofhismouth.

"Stopit."TherewasahuskysensualitytoGabriel'svoice.Thewordswerelowandhishandbitintoher
ribsjustbeneathherbreastsothateverysteptheytookshecouldfeelthebrushofhisthumbagainstthe
undersideofherswellingflesh."Iamtryingtobethehunter,thelegendyouhavenamedme.Donottempt
me.IamnotnearlyasstrongasIwouldliketothink."

Shesmiledupathim,herlonglashesconcealingthesuddenhungerinhereyes.Shelikedthewayshefelt
besidehim,safeandprotected.Caredfor.Shehadbeensoaloneforsolong.Lethimhuntanothertime.

Gabrielstoppedabruptlyandcaughtherchininhishand."Iwasalone,too,Francesca.Allthoseempty
years.Totallyalone.Youarecaredfornow.Andsafe.Andprotected.Youaremyreasonforexisting,the
airIbreathe."Histhumbfeatheredalongthesideofherface.Hisblackgazeburnedoverher,needing.
Needing.Hetookherbreathawaywheneverhiseyesmovedoverhersopossessively.

"Iwantyou."Shesaidthewordsinthesamelowtonehehadused.Shewantedhimonfire,unableto
resisttemptation.Shenolongerwantedhimincontrol.Itwascontraryofherandsheknewitwaswrong
ofher.Hehadajobtodo,sheshouldn'tdistracthim,sheshouldn'tseemtoknowthatheneededtobewith
herinthesamewaysheneededtobewithhim.Sheknewshewasplayingwithexplosives,butitdidn't
mattertoher.Theworldwascavinginaroundherandshewantedhisarmsandhisbodyandthehot
flamesonlyhecouldignite.Shewantedhimnolongerthinkingandincontrol;shewantedhimneedingher
beyondanythingelse.BeyondhuntingLucian.

Hemadeasoundlowinhisthroat,easilyreadinghereverythought."Youarenotmakingthiseasy,
Francesca.Weareinanopenplaceanditisbecomingdifficulttotakeastepwithoutpain."

Aslowsmiletuggedathermouth.Herhandbrushedhischest,droppedlowertocaresstheinvitingbulge
thatwasalreadyhardandthick.Herlongfingernailsrakedthefabric,teasinghim,deliberatelyarousing
himfurther.Shetooktheleadtowardtheriver,herbodyenticinghimwitheverystep.Herbreastswere

achingandswollenwithneedandherhungerwasrisingsharply.Insidehermindwerehot,erotic
pictures."Itisn'tasifwewillnotknowifsomeonecomesalong,"shewhisperedsoftly.Francesca
reachedupandbegantoslowlyunfastenthebuttonsofherblouseastheyapproachedtheshelterofsome
trees.

Gabrielwatchedincompletefascinationastheedgesofherblouseslowlypartedtorevealhercreamy
breaststhrustingsoinvitinglytowardhim.Hersmilewaspureseduction."Youthinktoresistme,
lifemate?"

"Wearenotinasafeplace,"hereplied,buthisblackgazewasburningoverhernakedskinsointensely,
hernippleshardenedinresponse.Hehadscannedtheareajustasshehad.Heknewtheywerealone,and
theknowledgedidn'thelphisdisciplineatall.Heknewthatifsomeonecamealongtheriver,hewas
perfectlycapableofshieldingtheirpresence.

Shedraggedtheshirtfromhisshoulders,wantingtoseetherippleofpowerinhishardmuscles.Herhand
movedoverhisskin,herfingersimprintingthememoryofhimonherbrainforalltime."Iwanttofeel
whatyou'refeeling,"shesaidsoftly."IwanttoknowwhatIcandotoyourbody,toyourmind."Herhands
wenttohiswaistbandandwithdeliberateslownesssheopenedthematerialsothathespilledoutthick
andhardandthrobbingwithfullnessandneed.Atoncethewarmthofherhandscuppedhim,herfingers
committinghimtomemory.

Gabrielgroanedwithpleasure,allowedhermindtofullymergewithhissothatshecouldfeelthe
intensityofhisenjoyment,thelustrisingsharplyinhim,thehungerthreateningtoconsumehim.Herlong
silkenhairbrushedhissensitivetipasshefoundhischestwiththewarmthofhermouth,hersoftlips
followingthepathherfingershadtaken.Anothergroanescapedasshemovedeverlower,soslowlyhe
thoughthemightdiebeforeshetouchedhim.

Herlipsmovedoverthehardlengthofhim,hertonguetastinghim,gentlyatfirst.Thenhermouth,hotand
tight,tookhimtoaplacehehadneverimagined,tookhertherewithhim.Francescacouldfeelevery
pleasureshegavehim,knewexactlywhathewanted,whatheneeded.Herhandfoundthetightmuscleof
hisbuttocksthroughthematerialofhistrousersandurgedhimdeeperintoher,revelinginthepowershe
wieldedinthatmoment.Shereveledinthefactthathecoulddonothingbutthrusthishipshelplessly,his
fistsclenchedinhersilkenhair.Itfeltlikenothingshehadeverexperienced,hotandsexyandsoerotic.It
seemedincredibletohavesuchpoweroveralegendarybeing.

Hemutteredhername,hisheadthrownback,hisvoicehuskywithneed.Hedraggedheruptohim,
fasteninghismouthtohers,hardandrelentless,dominating,hungry,intenselymasculine.

Hekissedheruntilhewasdrowninginher,mergedsodeeplyhedidn'tknowwhereshestartedandheleft
off.

Francesca.Hislife.Theairhebreathed.Hisarmstightenedpossessively.Hislipsdriftedfromtheheatof
hersilkenmouthtoherthroat,downlowertofindhercreamybreast,softandfullandinviting.Hislips
closedoverthehardpeak,pulledstrongly,atormentforbothofthem.

Shecircledhisheadwithherarms,cradledhimtoher."Tellmethisisreal,Gabriel,thisisus,youand
me,nottheCarpathianheatrisingbetweenus."Therewasapleainhervoice,anachingneedforittobe
real.

"Onlyyou,Francesca,"hewhisperedfiercely."Lookintomymindandseethetruth;itisthereforthe
taking.Iwantyouandonlyyou.Foryourself,notjustyourbeautifulbody.Formetherewillneverbe
another.Noothercouldsatisfythisdesperatecraving.Acravingasoldastimeitself.Beautifuland
magical."Hishandwanderedoverherskin,pushedlowintothewaistbandofherjeans."Ilookatyou
andremembertheendlesscenturies,allthosewarsandbattles,mypeopleturningundeadandthe
countlesstimesIwasforcedtodestroythem.YouarethereasonIdidit,thereasonIenduredit.Justyou.
Notsomenoblepurpose,butsomewhereonthisplanetIknewyoumightbe,achildjustbeginningandit
wasnecessarytokeepyousafe."

Hispalmmovedalongthecurveofherhipashepushedherjeansaside,traveleddownhersoftskin
followingtheslenderlineofherlegs."IthoughtofyoueverytimeImadeakill,whenmylifewasdark
andbleak,withouthope.Ithoughtofyouinavillageortownsomewhere,highinthemountainsordown
inavalley.IwhisperedtoyouthatIwascoming,thatnoharmwouldfindyouaslongasIexisted.AndI
continuedtoexist,centuryaftercentury."Gabrielclosedhiseyesashishandsmovedoverherbody,
savoringthefeelofher,theperfectionofher,committingeverycurvetomemory.Tocarrywithhim
always.Foralltime.Foralleternity."Foryou,Francesca,Icontinuedtoexistforyou."Tocarrywithhim
whereverhewentafterhisdeath.

Francescafelttearsburningbehindhereyes,shockedthathiswordscouldmovehersodeeply.Thefeel
ofhismouthdriftingoverherbreast,theheatofhisbreathashewhisperedbeautifulthingsagainsther
skinwereascompellingasanyblack-magicspellhecouldhaveused."YoumakemeashamedthatIgave
upallhope,"shewhispered,tearsinherthroat,asshecradledhisheadtoher.

Heliftedhereasilywithhisenormousstrength."Idonotwantyouevertofeelsuchathing,"hechastised
softly."Youarethestrengthinmymind,theironinmywill,youaresobraveandbeautiful,insideand
out,andIdonotdeserveonesuchasyou.Somanycenturiesoflivingalone,cutofffromyourpeople—
forsomeoneelseitwouldhavebeenalivinghell,yetyoumanagedtodogoodwithyourlife."

Francescaclaspedherhandsaroundhisneck,threwbackherheadasshewrappedherlegsaroundhis
waist,andsettledoverthehardlengthofhim.Herhairfellinadarkcurtainofsilk,envelopingthemina
privateworld.Shewantedthis,theunionoftheirbodies,soperfectinthenightair.Thenightwherethey
belonged,wheretheirpeoplelivedandthrived.Sheheldhimtoher,rodehim,atfirstslowly,savoring
thehotslickfeelofhimfillingherwithhisstrength,sendingpleasurecoursingthroughherslenderbody.
Sheclutchedhim,tremblingwithecstasy.

Shebentherheadslowly,seductivelytowardhisthroat.Hehadfedwellthisnight,andshewasshaking
withherlongingtohaveeverypartofhim,toconsumehiminherownfieryneed,inthefiresofherdark
desire.Hewhisperedhername,hisarmslikeironbands,holdingherclose.Heclosedhiseyesasher
breastsmovedoverhischest,ashertightsheathenvelopedhim,clutchingwithahotvelvetfriction.
Unbelievablepleasure.Herteethsankdeepintothesideofhisneckandwhite-hotlightninglanced
throughhim,throughbothofthem,weldingthemtogether.

Hebegantomovethen,takingthelead,pickingupthepace,surgingdeeperanddeeper,strivingtofindthe
verycoreofher.Herhairwasslidingoverhisskin,sensitizinghimevenmore.Sheseemedtobehis
world,hisbreath,hisblood,hisbody,hiseverypleasure.Therushbuiltlikeafireball,afirestormoutof
control.Hefelthergasp,closethepinprickswithhertongue,asensuouscaress,herbodyclutchingathis,
milkinghimuntilhewantedtoshouthisjoytotheheavens.Tofeelthis.Toexperiencethis.Thelovethat
welledupinhimoverflowed.Hisbodywasexplodingintotheuniverse,followinghers,starsshootingin

alldirectionsandcolorswhirlinglikeakaleidoscope.

Heheldhertohim,theirheartsbeatingasone,theirbodiesunited.Theybelongedtogether.Hestoodthere
inthedarknessholdingherclose."Iloveyou,Francesca.Ireallydo."

Shewentverystill,herheadburiedagainstthewarmthofhisneck."Gabriel."

"Ido,Francesca,verymuch,morethanIeverthoughtitpossibletoloveanyone.Ididnotknowhow
strongsuchanemotioncouldbe.Iamnotaskinganythingofyou,sweetheart,donotthinkthat.Ionlywant
youtoknowwhatIfeel.Iwanttosaythewordstoyoualoud.Andjustsoyouknow,Iloveyourbody,
too."

Shelaughedsoftly."Iwastheonewhoseducedyou."Shewantedtomakethatveryclear."Timeand
again."

"Itwasnotforlackofwanting,lady,andyouwellknowthat.Iwasbeingagentleman."Verygentlyhe
allowedherfeettotouchtheground."AndItoldyoufirstthatIlovedyou.Justrememberthatwhenyou
arebeingsmug."

Francescastretchedsensuously,turningherfaceuptothestars."Takemehome,Gabriel.Setsafeguards
forSkylerandtakemehome.Iwanttospendtherestofthisrisingmakinglovetoyou."Shegrinnedat
himmischievously."Andyourememberwhenyou'rebeingsmug,Iwastheonetomakethesuggestion
first."

"Itisonlyfairthatyouspendtimewithyourlifemate.Soonourhomewillbefilledwithothers.Ithinkit
istimeyoustayedwithmeandadmittedyoumadeaterriblemistakelookingatthatpoorexcusefora
humanman."

"Heisnotasbadasheislookingatthemoment."TherewasgenuinepuzzlementinFrancesca'svoice.
WithoutgivinganymorethoughttoBrice,Francescastraightenedherclothes,herbodyverycloseto
Gabriel's.

"Itisallrightwithmethatyoushowedpoorjudgmentinthisonesmallareabeforemyarrival,"hesaid
withastraightface."Afterall,youshowedyourcommonsenseinallotherthings."

FrancescabeganlaughingsohardshehadtoflingherarmsaroundGabriel'snecktokeeponherfeet."I
can'tbelieveyou'resuchaschmuckaftertwothousandyears.Iwouldthinkyou'dhaveacluehowtotalk
toawoman."

Hebenthisdarkheadtohers."Sweetheart,doyouwanttohearmetalktoyou?"Hisvoicewassofter
thanthenightsky.Atonceherdarkeyesfoundhis.Hewaslookingatherwithhunger.Nothingelse
describedit.Hunger."BecauseIverymuchwanttotalktoyou."Hishandcuppedherbreast,histhumb
movinggently,insistentlyoverthehardpeakofhernipple."CanyouhearwhatitisIamsayingtoyou?"

Francescashiveredandwrappedherarmsaroundhim."Let'sgohome,Gabriel.Skylerneedsafewmore
daysinthehospitalandIwanteveryminutewehavealonewithyou.Everyminute."Hermouthfoundhis,
everybitashungryashiseyes.

ChapterEleven

Contents

Somethingterriblewasgoingoninthecity.Francescacouldhardlybeartolookatthenews.Therewere
stringsofmurders,mutilations,terriblethingsthatseemedtobebreakingoutalloverthecity.Wasit
Lucian?WasheresponsibleforthecrimessweepingherbelovedParis?IfsheandGabrielleft,wouldhe
followthem?Itwasmorethanthebrutalmurders,itwasthefeelofthecity,asifsomethingevilresided
there.Somethingdarkandmalevolent,crouching,awaitingitsmomenttorise.Somehowitseemedto
permeatethecityuntiltheresidentswereaffected.Fightsbrokeout,wrecksoccurredonthestreets,and
conflicteruptedeverywhere.

ItwasimportanttohertospendasmuchtimeaspossiblewithGabriel.Shewantedtobewithhimeach
rising,whenthenightwassobeautifulittookherbreathaway.Shewantedtheearlymorninghours.She
wantedtomakelovetohim,watchhisgazebecomesointentthatshefeltarushofheatthroughherbody.
Theyhadspenteverymomenttheycouldtogether,theironlyresponsibilitycheckingonSkyler.Francesca
wasn'tyetreadytorelinquishhertimewithGabriel,buthewasahunterandthenewspaperreportedthat
evilhadfounditswayintohercity.Hecoulddonootherthandestroywhatthreatenedhisfamily.

Gabrielmovedupbehindher,silentaswashisway,hispalmshapingthenapeofherneck,histouch
warm."ItisnotonlyLucian,mylove.IbelieveSkylerandyouaretargetsoftheundead.Youarenowout
intheopen.Ihaveexposedyoutoadangeryoumanagedtoeludeforlongcenturies.Skylerisnotofage,
butherabilityisstrongandshehascomeoutofherownmindwhereshehadsosuccessfullyremainedin
hiding.TheundeadseekonessuchasSkyler.Weneedtomovehertothishouseimmediatelyandsetup
strongsafeguardsforher."

"Bricesaidonemoreday,"Francescamurmured,alltooawareofhishandsonher.Shewasalwaysso
awareofGabriel.Hisrichscent,thepowerinhisbodywhenhemoved.Mostofall,thewayheneeded
her.Thewayitwassonecessaryforhimtotouchher,toallowhisfingerstodriftthroughherhair,to
touchherskin.Theconnectionbetweenthem.Shelovedthewayheglidedupbehindherandcircledhis
armsaroundher,hishandslockedprotectivelyovertheirchild.

Theirchild.Itwasgrowinginsideher,apartofher,apartofhim.Amiracleshehadneverexpected.He
thoughthehadcommittedanunforgivablecrime,yetshewantedtoweepwiththejoyofit.Hehadgiven
heragiftbeyondmeasure,beyondherdreams.Francescawantedtolaughaloudatherself.Howsillyand
childishshehadbeentothinkshewouldwalkintothedawn.

Shewasahealer,awomanofpower,onewhoknewherbodyintimately.Gabrielcouldnothave
deceivedherunlessshehadwantedtobedeceived.Shehadtakenhisdarkdesirewillingly,returnedit
tenfold.Hethoughthewieldedsomuchpoweroverher,yetonsomelevelshehadknownallalongwhat
washappening.Shehadknown.Shewasnofledging;shewasanancient.Hecouldnothaveseducedher
withoutherconsent.

Wasthecallofalifematesostrong?OrwasitthelureofGabrielhimself?Thelegend.Themyth.The
Carpathianwantingtoshareherlife,no,needingtoshareherlife.Sheleanedintohim,herbodyfinding

theexactnicheitsoughtasiftheyhadbeenmadeforeachother.

Gabriel,ashadowinhermind,refrainedfromremindinghertheyhadbeenmadeforeachother.
Exclusively.Francescawastheotherhalfofhissoul,hisheart.Shewashisworld,thereasonhehad
spenttwothousandyearsindarkness.Shewasthereasonhefoughtsohardtoridtheworldoftheundead.
Sheneededtoknowhewasthereasonshehadheldontolifeforaslongasshehad.Theybelongedto
eachother.

Francescaglancedoverhershoulderathim,herlargedarkeyesveryexpressive."Iamreadingyour
mind,Gabriel,"shesaidsoftly,asmallsmiletuggingintriguinglyatthecornersofhermouth.

"Ifyouwerereadingmymind,"herespondedwickedly,"youwouldbeblushingrightnow."

Shefoundherselfblushingjustatthesoundofhisvoice,thebrushofvelvet,thewhisperofhisbreath.
Shedidn'tneedtoseetheimagesinhismind,sovividindetail,socompletelyerotic."Stopit,wehave
worktodothisrising."Shetookadeepbreath."Especiallyyou."Shecouldfeelherheartskipabeatat
herwords.Shewassendinghimoutintothecitytohuntthevampire,totrytofindoutwhatwas
happeningtoherbelovedhome.EvilwasstalkingParis.Lucian.Darkangel,thefallenangel.Atonceshe
feltincrediblysadandknewshewascatchingGabriel'ssorrow,sointenseitwashedthroughhimlikea
turbulentstorm.

Gabrielturnedawayfromher,removinghistouchaswellashismindtosparehertheintensityofhis
grief,butFrancescaimmediatelyswungaroundandcapturedhimwithinthecircleofherarms.Soothing,
tranquil,hishealeraswellashislifemate.Hermindfoundhisunerringly,sendinghimwavesofpeace
andcomfort."Iamwithyou,Gabriel,alwayswithyou.Donotfeelasifyouarealoneinyourtask."

"Ifyouaresharingmymind,Francesca,thenyouwillseehimashewas,awarriorunsurpassedbyany
other.Hegavehislifeforourpeople,formankind.Ibelievedinhimalwaysandheneveronceletme
down.Afterallthebattles,allthetimesIwitnessedhiskills,itisstillimpossibleformyhearttoaccept
whatIknowtobetrue."Gabrielrakedahandthroughhislongblackhair,hisdarkeyesstricken."He
foughtthevampirenightafternight.Hesufferedmanywounds,terriblewounds,andoftenhetookmy
placewhenIwouldhavebeeninjured.Hemovedthatswiftly,insertinghisbodybetweenmineandthe
undeadwhenwebattled.Ineverheardhimcomplain,notonceinallthoseendlesscenturies.Healways
didtherightthing,nomatterthecosttohimself,yetnowIamsworntodestroyhim."

Francescachoseherwordsverycarefully."Itisnolongerthemanyouarehunting,Gabriel,butashell
leftbehind.Whatoncewasgreat,thesoulandmindandheartofyourtwin,islonggonefromthisearth.
Youcannotthinkofhimasbeingtheoneyoulovedsomuch,theoneyouheldinsuchhighesteem.Thisis
avampire,theundead,andisnotyourtwin."

Gabrielcaughtherhand,heldittohischestoverhisheart."Iknowwhatyousayistrue,yetheisnotlike
theundeadIhavehuntedanddestroyedformyentirelife.HeretainscertainqualitiesIwouldneverhave
expected."

Shemovedclosertohim,asmallprotectivegesturehetreasured."Perhaps'thosesmallthingshavebeen
yourdownfallwithhim,Gabriel.Perhapshewascunningenoughtoknowthememorieswoulddefeatyou
wherehecouldnot."

Hebroughtherhandtothewarmthofhismouth."IknowonlythathewasagreatmanandIlovedhim
much.Weweretogethertwothousandyears,Francesca,evenduringthelastfewcenturieswhenwe
battledlong.Hewasalwaysthere,touchingmymind,sharinginformation,achallengeinaworldof
emptiness.ItwasLucianwhoallowedmetocontinuewhenthedarknessthreatenedandthewhisperof
powercalledtome.Hewasalwaysthere,mymissiononthisearth.Toallowanothertodestroyhim
wouldbeasacrilegeandIhavegivenmywordofhonortohim."Heshookhishead,hissorrowsogreat
itweighedbothofthemdown,astoneontheirhearts.

"Gabriel?"

ThevoiceshimmeredinhismindandFrancescahearditasclearlyasGabrieldid.Itwassoftand
beautiful.Lonely.Concerned.Itsentashiverdeepinsideherverysoul.Howcouldonesoevilpossess
suchagift,suchaweapon?Ifhecommandedherobedience,wouldshebestrongenoughtoresistthelure
ofthatvoice?

"Ifyouseekme,Lucian,simplyrevealwhereyouareandIwillcometoyouinallhaste."Gabriel
soundedweary,andhistonealarmedFrancesca.Shetookafirmergriponhisarm,terrifiedthatthat
beguilingvoicewassomehowwearingGabrieldownsothathenolongerbelievedinhisabilities.

"Youaretired,brother.Iwouldnotwanttotakeunfairadvantagewhenthereismuchmore
entertainingprey.Iwillleaveyoutoyourrest."

Thecontactwasbrokenaseasilyandasswiftlyasithadbeenmade.Gabrielburiedhisfaceinthe
warmthofherneck."DoyouseewhatIamsaying?Itwasmysorrowthatbroughthismindtomine.He
retainsastrongconnectionwithmethatIcannotsever."Heliftedhishead,hisblackeyessearchingher
facewithsuchintensityshecouldhardlybearhisscrutiny.

"Iwantyoutoknowsomething,Francesca.Youhavegivenmemorehappinessintheshorttimewehave
beentogetherthanIhaveeverknowninallthecenturiesofmyexistence.IamhonoredthatIwasgiven
suchawonderfullifemate,awomanofcourageandbeautywhenIhaveonlyknownevil.Ihaveneverhad
ahomebefore.IlookaroundthisdwellingofyoursandIseeyoueverywhere.Iwentintotheroomyou
puttogetherforSkyleranditwassobeautifulitbroughttearstomyeyes.Itouchedthequiltyouhad
wroughtforher.Itwasyou.Soothing.Compassionate.Courageous.Itwasfilledwithlifeandloveand
laughter.Ifeltthesafeguardtokeephernightmaresatbay.Itwasstrong,asyouarestrong."

Embarrassedbyhiswords,Francescalookedawayfromtheblackdepthsofhiseyes.Inaway,hiswords
werefrightening,almostasifheweresayinggood-bye.Hecaughtherchininhisfingers,stillingherso
thathisgazecouldcapturehers."Donotlookawayfromme.Youdeservetolookintomyheartandmind
andknowthetruthofmywords.Thereisnootherwomanintheworldlikeyou.Iwouldwantnoother.If
somethinghappenstome,Iknowyouwillchoosetostayinthisworld,youwillbestrongenoughtoraise
ourchildwithenoughloveforbothofus.YouwillseetoitthatourchildknowswhoIwasandwhatI
stoodfor."

"Gabriel,don't!"Francescajerkedawayfromhim."Youaretalkingaboutyourselfinthepasttense.You
willdestroyLucian,Iknowthatyouwill."

Henoddedslowly."Yes.Ihavenochoice."

Francescafoundherselfclutchinghisarm,givinghimalittleshake."Youdon'tbelieveyouwillreturnto
me."

"No,Lucianwilltakemewithhim."Hishandsframedherface."Youareinmyheart,andwhereverIgo,I
willtakememoriesofyouwithmeuntilsuchtimeasyouareabletojoinme.Itisenoughthatyouand
Skylerandourchildwillremainsafe."

"Iamyourlifemate,Gabriel.Youinsistedontheritual,youboundustogether,yougavemeachild.You
cannotgointobattlewiththeideathatyouwillnotreturn.Lifematesremaintogether,"sheprotested.He
believedwhathewassaying,andallatoncesherealizedhewaseverythingshehadeverwantedinher
life.Gabriel.Herlifemate.Herlegendcometolife.

Asmallsmiletuggedathissculpted.mouth."Youaresobrave,mylove,youwillremainevenwhen
otherswouldnot.Youhaveknownalifeonthisearthfewotherscouldhavemanaged.Youwouldnever
abandonSkylerwhensheisinsuchneed.Shemustbeguardedatalltimesandbroughtuptoknowher
ownpowerandstrength.Withoutyou,Skylerwouldretreatbackintohermindandbelosttoourpeople.
Youknowthat.Inyourheartyouknowitisonlythelinkyouforgedwithherthatkeepsherwithus.You
cannotleaveher.Andthereisourchild,growinginsideyou,partofme,partofyou.Youmustbetheone
toraiseandguidehimsothathehasthestrengthsomanyothersdonot.Iwouldwantnoothertoperform
thistask.Hemustknowyou,andthroughyou,me."Gabrielkissedherforeheadgently,hishandstunneling
inherhair.

"Andyoumustbeheretohelpmewiththesetasks,Gabriel,"Francescareplied,strivingtoremaincalm.
Hewascalm.Tranquileven.Shefelthisdeepsorrow,buttherewasacceptanceinhim,complete
acceptanceofthefuture."Imeanit,Gabriel.Calltheothers.CallGregori.Heisagreathunterofthe
undead.Youdonotknowhisreputation,butvampireswalkinfearofhim.Thereareseveralotherswho
couldhelp.AidanwouldcomefromtheUnitedStates.Heisfearedbythosehehunts.Hisbrotheris
powerfulandthePrincewouldcometoaidyou.Allwoulddoso.Luciancouldnotdefeatallofthem."

Gabrielbroughtherhandtohismouth,lingeredoverthepulsebeatingsofranticallyinherwrist."Thisis
allagametoLucian,Francesca.Rightnowheissoakingupwhatthiscenturyhastooffer,feedinghis
intellect,buthewillsoongrowboredandthegamewillbegininearnest.IfIbrokemyvowtohim,my
wordofhonor,Icouldnotlivewithmyself,andworse,hewouldusehispowerinsuchawayasto
destroyallthosewhosoughthim.ThePrincehasalifemate;Ibelievetheothersdoalso.Theirlovedones
mightbehistargets.Wecannottakesuchachance.Youwouldnotwantmetodosuchathing."

Sherestedherforeheadonhischest,strugglingnottocry."Iamveryafraid,Gabriel.Youattributeall
kindsofwonderfultraitstome,butIamawomanwhohadchosentoendherlonelyexistencebeforeyou
came.NowyouthinkIwillnotonlychoosetostaywithoutyou,butIwilldosoforatleasttwomore
centuries.Alone."

"Orlongerifyoumust.Thechildismostlikelyamale.Hewillneedyoutogivehimmemoriesthatwill
lastuntilhislifemateisfound."

"YoucandefeatLucian.Iknowyoucandoit.Theremustbeaway,Gabriel.Wehavetofindaway."She
raisedherheadtolookdirectlyintohiseyes."Ihaveexaminedyourmemoriesofhim.Iknowthatyou
bestedhimonce.Youcaughthimbysurpriseandlockedhimintothegroundwithyou.Hedidnotexpect
suchanattackbyyouanditworked.Wehaveonlytothinkofsomethingsimilar,somethinghewould

neverexpect.Iwillworkwithyou.Hewillnotthinkawomanwoulddosuchathing.Donotsmile,
Gabriel,Iamserious."

Hebenthisdarkheadtokissher.Shewassobeautifultohimineveryway.Whenhelookedather,she
warmedhim.Whenshetalkedthisway,shemeltedhisheart."Youareincapableofharmingafly,
Francesca.Youwouldwanttoaidme;indeedyouwouldtry,butthehealerinyouwouldpreventyoufrom
destroyinganother.Eventheundead.AndLucianisnotlikethevampiresyouhaveseenorheardof.He
appearsbeautifulandismoredeadlythanallothers.Youwouldhesitate,andhewouldkillyou.Iwould
neverallowsuchaneventtotakeplace."

"Thendonotconfronthimuntilwecomeupwithaplanthatwillwork,"Francescasaiddecisively."I
willnotgiveyoutohimsoeasily.Iwillnot,Gabriel.Youmustdefeathimandlive."

"Wehavebeentiedtogethertwothousandyears,"herepliedsadly.

"Wearetiedtogethernow.Whathappenstoyouhappenstome.Iwillnotallowhimtotakeyouwith
him,"shesaidfuriously.Hersilkenhairwentflyinginalldirections."Hecannothaveyou,Gabriel.Heis
usinghisvoicetodefeatyou,usingyourownemotions.Youareanancientandthestrengthofyourloveis
vast.Heknowsyoufeelforhimwhilehecannot.Itishisadvantage.Youmustseparatewhatremainson
thisearthfromwhatwaslosttoyou.HeisnolongerLucian,yourtwin,yourhero;heisfoulandunclean
anditwashischoice."

Gabrielshookhishead."Iwishthatweretrue,mylove.Itwouldmakemytasksomucheasier,butLucian
didnothaveachoice.Hewaitedlongwithme,farpastthetimehewouldhavemetthedawn.Hewaited
toprotectmeeventhoughhelosthisemotionscenturiesbeforeIdid.Hewaitedtoolongformysake.In
theendhewasunabletomakearationalchoice.Hewastooclose.Herosewithoutmeanditwasdone."
Hebowedhisheadinshame."Iwasstrugglingwiththedemon.Itwaswithmeendlessly,calling,
whisperingthatallwaslosttome.IthoughtIwouldriseundeadifIdidnotchoosethedawn.Therewas
somuchdeatharoundus,somuchviolence.Ioftenwonderifmystrugglepushedhimovertheedge."

Francescaflungherarmsaroundhisneck."Donotdothattoyourself,Gabriel.Wehaveenoughburdens
tobearinourliveswithouttakingonthosethatbelongtoothers.YoumusthonorLucian'slastrequestand
defeathim.Rememberyourtruebrother,theonewhosharedyourlifeforthosetwothousandyears.He
foughttoprotectyouthatyoumightfindme,andyouhave.Yourrealbrotherwouldwantyourlife,not
yourdeath."

Hebrushedatthesilkenebonystrandstumblingaroundherface."Youhavegivenmefoodforthought,
Francesca.Inthemeantime,Imusthuntthisnightforthelesservampiresthathaveinvadedthecity.They
areafoulstenchintheair,impossibletoignore."

"Iwillsendoutthequiltsandstained-glasspiecesIhavebeenworkingon.Idohaveabusinesstorun,"
Francescasaid,tryingtothinkofmundanethingssothatshewouldn'tliveinterrorofwhatLucianmight
dotoGabriel.

"Thereisnoneedforworry,"hesaidsoftly,hisvoicemagicandsopureFrancescafeltinstantlybetter.
Hewaslikeaclearbreezeblowingthroughherbody,removingtheterriblefear.

Francescaknewhewasusinghisvoice,hismagicalvoicetoaidher,butshedidn'tmind.Shepressedher

handstoherstomachandthoughtoftheirbabyforfurthercomfort.Gabriel,likealloftheirrace,would
believeshecarriedamalechild.Yetsheknewshecarriedoneofthepreciousfemales.Shehada
daughter.Fragile.Soveryvulnerable.Francescatookadeepbreathandletitoutslowly.Wastheirbaby
oneoftherarefemalesbecauseshehadsucceededforashortwhileinchangingherbodychemistry
enoughtowalkinthesun?Asahealeritwasallimportanttofindthatanswer.Femalechildrenwereso
unusualwithintheirrace,andveryfewmanagedtosurvivetheninemonths'gestation.Theoneina
centurythatdid,stillhadtofacethatdifficultfirstyearoflife.Francescadidnotwanttohavetofacethat
fightwithoutGabriel.Shedidnotwanttoloseherchildandnothavehimbesideher,rocksteady,tolean
on.

Gabriel'seyesmetherswithsuddenunderstanding.Hecaughthertohim,nearlycrushingherslender
bodyinhisarms.Yetatthesametime,heheldhersotenderlyhemadeherwanttocry."Itisimpossible.
Ourfamilyproducedonlyonedaughterineighthundredyears.Beforethat,itwasnearlyathousandyears
andshedidnotsurvive.Wecannotbesoblessedastohaveagirl."

Francescaleanedintohim,savoringtheheatofhisskin,hismasculineframe,sodifferentfromherown.
"Iexaminedherearlierwhileyouwentouttofeed.Thechildisfemaleandsheclingstolifestubbornly.I
donotwanttofacethistestalone,Gabriel.Findawaytoliveforus.YouarerightaboutSkyler.Without
myaid,withoutherbeliefinme,shewouldslipbackintohermind.Wewouldsurelyloseanotherofour
malestotheundead.Morethanthat,wewouldbewithoutabrilliant,raretreasure.Icannotdoitwithout
you,Gabriel.Liveforus."

Heburiedhisfaceinthesilkencurtainofherhair."Icandonootherthanasyoucommand,mylove.Itis
mydutytoseetoyourhappiness.Iwillfindaway."

Hemeantit.Shecouldheartheresolveinhisvoice.Thewearinesswasgone,aswastheacceptanceof
hisowndestruction.Lucianhadheldhimfortwothousandyears.Francescawouldnotgivehimupso
easilytohisdarktwin.Shewouldfightwitheverycellinherbody,everyweaponshepossessedtokeep
himwithher.Lucianwouldnotwin.Itdidn'tmatterthathewasGabriel'stwinandhadbeenagreatman
once;hewasnowthebiggestthreattoherfamily.Shewouldfindawaytocombathim.Therewasaway.
Somehow.Therewasaway.

Theyclungtoeachotherforafewminuteslonger,eachawareoftheother'sthoughts,eachdeterminedto
findawaytodefeattheultimatevampire."Youmustgo,"Francescafinallywhisperedreluctantly."Ihave
somuchtodothisrising,andImustattendtoSkyler.Ihaveneglectedsomanyofmyresponsibilities."

Gabriel'ssmilewasslowandsexy,heart-stopping."IamverypleasedthatIwasabletoprovidesucha
distractionforyou."

Fornoreasonatall,Francescafoundherselfblushing.Atoncesheduckedherheadsoherhairfell
aroundherface,protectingher.Helaughedsoftly."Mybeautifulwoman,Icannotbelieveyouare
blushingafterallthatwehavedonetogether."

"Atleastyoudidn'tmentionmyage,"shesaid.

"Iamnotthatunbalanced,althoughIwilladmitIdonothavemuchpracticewithwomen."Hebowed,that
curiouslycourtlybowthatalwaysmadeherbreathstop.

Francescaglaredathim."Goaway,Gabriel,youhavethatlookinyoureyesandIhavemuchtodo."

Hishandmovedpossessivelyoverthelongcurtainofherblackhair."Nothingismoreimportantthan
satisfyingtheneedsofyourlifemate."Hisfacewasinnocentandveryserious.

Francescablinkedonce,thengavehimagoodhardshove."Gotellittothelastcentury,ancientone.Iam
amodernwomanwithmanycommitments."

"YouareawomanmuchsoughtafterbythesehumanmalesandIambeginningtofindittedious."

Hereyebrowshotup."Tedious?"sheechoed."DoIhearaveiledthreatintheresomewhere?"

Hebenthisheadtokissher."Itwasnotallthatveiled."Hisgrinwasboyishandseductiveatthesame
time."IcannotverywelladmitIambotheredbythosewhoseekyourattentionwhenIamyourlifemate.
AsanancientIamabovesuchtrivialthings."

Francescafoundherselflaughing."You'reabovesomethingallright,butI'mnotentirelycertainwhatit
is."

"Watchyourselftonight,Francesca,"Gabrielcautionedasheglidedthroughtheroomtowardthedoor.
"Youmustalwaysrememberyouareatargetnow,andsoisSkyler."

"I'llsendwordtoAidan'sfamily,askingthemnottodelay.ThatwayifSkylerishome,shecanbe
protectedwhilewesleep."Herdarkgazewassuddenlyanxious."Gabriel,don'tletLucianundermine
yourconfidenceinyourself.Ireallyneedyouandsodoesourchild.Ourchildren."

Hepausedatthedoor,lookingbackather,hisworld,theonlyrealjoyhehadknown."Ilovethishomeof
yours,"heansweredsoftly.

Shewatchedhimleave."Ours,"shecorrected,knowinghecouldstillhearhereventhoughthedoorwas
closed.Gabriel'shearingwasphenomenalandheoftensharedhermind.

Itwastheirhouse,theirlife.Gabrielhadtoseparatehimselffromhistwinifheweretosurvivethebattle
thatwastocome.Francescawascarefullyfoldingquiltsintolargeboxeswhenitsuddenlyoccurredto
herthatLucianmightleadhimoutofthecityandfarawayfromher.Herhandwentprotectivelytoher
throat.

"Stopworryingoverwhathasnothappened."TherewasawealthofloveinGabriel'svoice.Itfeltlike
acaress.

Sheglancedatherselfinthemirror."Quitmooningaboutandgettowork.Youhavemuchtodoandlittle
timetodoitin."ShewasverysternwithherselfbutacurlingheatstolethroughherbodyasGabriel's
warmlaughterechoedsoftlyinhermind.

Francescacompletedasmanytasksasshecould.Shetookordersforherstained-glasspiecesandher
quilts.Shesentouttheonesshehadcompletedandpaidherbillsmeticulously.Therewerethesheltersto
callandthehospitals.Therewerecharitiesshehadneglectedandfriendsshewantedtokeepintouch
with.Becausetheyhadrisenlateandspentagreatdealoftimetalkingtogetheritwasalreadywellinto
theeveningandpasttimetocalltoomany.Shekepteachconversationbrief,butveryupbeat.Itwas

necessarytomaintaintheappearanceofbeinghumanatalltimes.Shewasfirmlyentrenchedinsociety
anditwouldn'tdotosimplydisappear.HercontactswouldbehelpfultoSkyler.

Onceherphoneconversationswereconcluded,Francescadrovetothehospital,scanningthesurrounding
areaalongtheway.ShewasworriedaboutSkyler,worriedthatsomethingwasgoingtoupsettheir
carefulplansforher.Shehadbeenvaguelyuneasyeversinceherencounterwiththereporter.Something
abouthimbotheredherimmensely.Hewasthetypeofmanwhocouldcausehertremendoustrouble.

Shewalkedintothehospital,greetingthenurseswithalittlewaveofherhandasshemadeherwaydown
thehalltowardSkyler'sroom.Herheartdroppedwhenshecaughtaglimpseofthereporterlurkingjusta
fewfeetfromtheroom.Francescapausedforamoment,wavedherhandtocreateaclonelikeimageas
sheblurredherown.Shesenthersoftmusicalvoiceoutahead,sothatherbodyseemedtobemoving
quicklyalongthehallasshecalledtoanunseennursearoundthecorner.

Atoncethereporterturnedhishead,catchingaglimpseofherslendershapeandlonghair.Hehurried
downthehallinanattempttocatchuptoher.Francescalaughedsoftly,waitinguntilhedisappeared
beforeenteringSkyler'sroom.

Thegirlturnedherhead,hersoftdove-grayeyeswideandbeautiful.Therewasawelcominglookinher
gazethathadn'tbeentherebefore."Iwaswaitingforyou."HervoicewasstrongerandFrancescanoticed
forthefirsttimehowmelodiousitwas."Ithoughtyou'dnevergethere."

"Ihadquiteabitofworktodo,"Francescasaid,seatingherselfandreachingforSkyler'shand."Imake
stained-glasswindowsandalsoquiltsforpeopleinneed."

Aslowsmilecurvedtheyounggirl'smouth."Ihadmyfriendheretokeepmecompany."Shehuggedthe
stuffedwolftoher."Ilikethewayyousaythat.'Peopleinneed.'Peoplelikeme.I'venoticedyouhavea
wayofmakingmefeellikeeverythingisgoingtobeallright.Sometimes,whenmymindisverychaotic,I
thinkofyouandfeelyouinmymind."Herlonglashessweptdown,concealingherexpression,but
Francescawasholdingherhandandcouldreadhermixedfeelings.Thegirlwasstrugglingtocometo
termswiththeideaofenteringlifeagain.

"I'llbewithyoueverystepoftheway,Skyler,"shesoftlyreassuredher."Youwon'tbealone,andyou
won'tbeexpectedtotakeonmorethanyoucancopewith.Iseeyouareworriedaboutschool.Itisn't
necessarytothinkaboutitatthistime."

Skylerturnedherfacetowall."Dr.BricesaidIwouldhavetogotoschoolimmediatelysoIwouldn'tfall
behind.Ididn'twanttotellhim,butIhardlyeverwenttoschool.I'mdifferent.Icouldneverfitin."

"Youaredifferent,"Francescaaffirmed,"butthatisnotabadthing.Itdoesn'tmatteraboutschool.Youare
gifted,quitebrilliantactually.WecanprovidetutorsforyouandIcanhelpwhenthereisneed.Itis
certainlynothingtoworryabout.Dr.Briceisagoodmanandhewantswhatisbestforyou,buthedoesn't
haveaclueaboutyourspecialtalentsandgifts.Hedoesnotunderstandwhatitisliketobeawomanand
beabusedasyouwere.Hedoesnotunderstandwhatitisliketobeachildandhavenoguidance,noone
toloveyouunconditionally.Hehasnosayinyourfuture,Skyler."

Skyler'sfingerstwistedtogether,asmallbetrayalofhernervousness."Idon'tlikeithere.Ineverfeelsafe
unlessyou'rehere,or"Shetrailedoffasifshehaddonesomethingwrong."Sometimestheotherone

touchesmymindandIfeelreassured."

Francesca'sheartskippedabeat."NotGabriel?"

"Heistheresometimes,butitisdifferent.Theotheroneneverreallysaysanything,he'sjustthere,
touchingme,butIcanfeelI'mnotaloneandheonlycomeswhenI'mveryfrightened.LikewhenIhavea
nightmareandIwakeup.Inthemiddleoftheafternoontherewasastrangerinhere.Ididn'tlikehimandI
wassoscared.That'swhentheotheronetouchedmymind.Itwassoothingandcomforting."

Francescabitherlip.TheotherhadtobeLucian.Washesostrong,then,thathecoulddefeatthedaylight
andreachouttotouchSkylerwhenshewasfrightened?Washealreadysoconnectedwithherthathe
couldreadherfearevenwhenhisstrengthwasatitslowestebb?Sheforcedairthroughherlungs,
remainingcalm."Whatstrangerenteredyourroom,Skyler?"

"Aman.Heaskedmelotsofquestionsaboutyou,butIdidn'tanswerorlookathim.IretreatedlikeIdo.
Intomyownmind."Skylercontinuedtolookatthewallasifshewereslightlyashamedofherself.Her
handswereclutchingthelittlestuffedanimaluntilherknucklesturnedwhite."Idon'tknowifIcankeep
fromdoingitwhenI'mreallyafraid."

Francescagentlypushedherhairfromherforehead.Shecouldn'twaittogetthechildhome,whereshe
wouldbesurroundedbylove,byfemininethings.Shecouldn'twaittodosomethingwiththewealthof
hairthathadbeenneglectedforsolong."He'sareporter,honey,nothingmore.Someonetoldhimastory
aboutmeandhewantstowriteaboutit.Ithasnothingtodowithyou,butI'llmakecertainthere'saguard
postedoutsideyourdooratalltimes.Nooneelsewillgetin."Sheshouldhavepostedaguardlong
beforethis.

AsmallsoundescapedSkyler'sthroat,somethingbetweenalaughandacry."Aguard?Idon'tthinkyou
havetogothatfar.Ithinkit'salittlelateforguards."

Francescaleanedovertheteenagerandbrushedherforeheadwithherlipsinasmallcaress."Youareso
silly,younglady,tothinkitistoolateforaguard.Youarebeautifulandunique,araretreasure.Iintendto
guardyouandkeepyousafeforalltime.Thereisnoneedtohaveidiotreportersbreakingintoyour
hospitalroomandquestioningyou."

"Heaskedstrangethings.HewantedtoknowifIhadeverseenyouduringdaylighthours.Isn'tthata
strangethingtoask?"

Francescawentverystillinside.ThereweremanypeoplethroughoutPariswhowouldtestifytheyhad
seenherduringdaylighthours;andtherewerephotographstoproveit.Herpicturehadappearedmore
thanonceinthenewspapersatvariouscharityfunctionsaroundthecity.Thereporterwouldsoonlose
interestinherifhewasnomorethanasimplereporter;shewouldn'tfittheprofileofwhathewas
lookingfor.Butifhewasmorethanareporter,ifhewasamemberofthesocietyhuntingtheCarpathian
people,seekingproofoftheirexistence,sheneededtoknow.

"Francesca?"Skylersoundedtiredandforlorn."Iwanttogohomewithyou.WhencanIgetoutofhere?
Everythingscaresme,evenDr.Brice,andIknowhemeanswell.Ijustcan'tstandtobearoundhim
anymore.Hedoesn'tfeelthesame."

Skylerwasverysensitivetotheemotionsofothers.Allaroundher,theplotswerethickening.Francesca
hadtogetBricetoagreetoallowthechildtogohomewithher.Shewouldhavetofacehimandusethe
powerofhervoiceifnecessary.Theycouldbetterprotectherifshewasintheirhome.

"Ithinkyou'reright,honey.I'lltrackdownthegooddoctorandgethispermissiontoallowyoutoleave.
You'lllikethehouse.It'sbigandroomyandfilledwithallkindsofbooksandtreasures."

"I'veseenstainedglassinchurchesbefore.Isthatwhatyoudo?"

"MostofthetimeIcreatepiecesforprivatehomes.SometimesI'maskedtodowindowsforachurchor
cathedral.Imostlyliketodoresidences.Iwanttoknowallaboutthepeopleandgetafeelforwhothey
areandwhattheyneed.Itrytoincorporatefeelingsofsafetyandcomfortintothepatterns."Francesca
shruggedcasually."SometimesI'msuccessful."

"Canyouteachmehowtodoit?"Therewasinterestinhervoice.Realinterest."Idrewpicturesof
wolvesonetime.They'resobeautiful.IusedtoreadeverythingIcouldfindonthem.That'swhyIlovemy
blue-eyedwolf.Ialwayswantedtostudythem,butIknowitwon'teverhappen.Nothereanyway.But
maybeIcoulddoapictureinstainedglass."

"Youcandoanythingyouwant,Skyler,anythingatall.Ifyouwishtostudyanimalbehavior,Iambehind
youonehundredpercent.AndIknowyoucanmakestainedglass.Iwouldlovetoworkwithyou.Rest
nowwhileIgotofindBrice."Shepattedthewolfgentlyandbenttokissthegirl'sheadbeforeleaving.

ChapterTwelve

Contents

FrancescabitherlipasshequietlyclosedthedoortoSkyler'sroom.Thereporterwaswaitingasshehad
knownhewouldbe.Shehadheardhisfootfalls,thesoundofhispacing.Shereadhisdeterminationto
confrontherevenasshewasspeakingtoSkyler.Itwasokay,itwaswhatshewanted,too.Sheneeded
informationandhewasconvenientlyoutsidethedoor.Shewouldn'thavetogolookingforhim.

Themanspunaroundwithadeterminedlookonhisface."Ineedtotalktoyou."

Francesca'ssmilewasmysteriousandinviting."WhatcanIdoforyou?"

Hiseyesweredevouringher,roamingfreelyoverherbody.Therewassomethingaboutherthatmadehim
alittlecrazy.Thewayshelooked,theswayofherhips,thesultrysmile.Hehadneverseenawomanwho
movedhiminquitethewayshedid.Helikedwomen,intheirplace,buthehadalwaysboughttherightto
theirbodiesandkeptitstrictlybusiness.Nofuss,noemotionalentanglement.Thiswomanwasvery
differentfromtheaveragewoman.Therewassomethingmysteriousandsexyabouther.Hecouldstare
intohereyesforever,listentothesoundofhervoiceforeternity.Allatoncehissuspicionsseemed
totallyridiculous.Thiswasnovampirepreyingonthehumanrace.Shewasawomanofextraordinary
talentsandhewantedtoprotectherfromthosewhosoughtherforstudy.

FrancescacouldfeelGabriel'spowerflowingthroughherwhenshelookedintothereporter'seyes.Itwas
notthesameashers,butfarmoreaggressive.Gabrielwouldmakesurethismanwouldneverharmher,
wouldinfactdietosaveher.Hediditeasilyashedidallthings,thecommandsflowingthroughhermind
intothereporter's.ShehadnoideahowGabrielcoulddothethingshedid.Hewashelpingheratthe
sametimeashehuntedtheundeadandwatchedfortrapsalongtheway.Heseemedcapableofoperating
onmorethanonelevelatatime.Evenwhenthestakeswereashighashisownlife.

"Nothingismoreimportanttomethanyourlife."Hisvoicewasfadingawayasifhewasinmotion
somewhere.

Francescadidnotseektosustaintheconnectionbetweenthem.Shewantedtoconcentrateentirelyonthe
reporter.Sheneededtoknoweverythingheknewaboutthesocietyhewasapartof,asocietythathad
huntedandmurderedhumansandCarpathiansalike,namingthemvampires.Shesmiledathim."It's
Woods,isn'tit?BarryWoods?Yousaidyouwereareporter.I'msosorryabouttheotherevening.Iwasin
suchahurry,lateforsomanyappointments,Ican'trecallexactlywhatwetalkedabout.Ipromisetogive
youmyfullattentionnow.Wouldyoucaretogosomewhereandhaveacupofteaorsomething?"

"Toneitdown,Francesca.Heisverysusceptibletoyouandthatinitselfcanbedangerous."Thistime
therewasadistinctgrowlinGabriel'svoice.

Shetiltedherchin,althoughsheknewhecouldn'tseeher."Goaway,Icanhandlethisproblemallby
myself.Youhavebiggerfishtofry."Shesoundedfaintlyhaughty,snippy,warninghimtobackoff.

BarryWoodswasgapingather,astoundedthatshewasactivelyseekinghimout.Sheleanedclose,

envelopinghiminhermysteriousscent."YouwillneverattempttoseeSkylerRoseagain."The
commandwasoneofthestrongestshehadeverissued.

Shecouldreadhisacceptanceofherauthority,butallthesame,Francescaguidedthereportertothe
seclusionofoneoftheemptyroomswitheveryintentionofensuringobediencebytakinghisblood.

"Youwillnot!"Thecommandwassharpandauthoritative.Gabrielwasnotplayingnow.Thethreatwas
veryreal."Iwillseetoitthisbuffoondoesnoharmtoourgirl,butyouwillnotdothisthing."

Exasperated,FrancescadecidedagainstarguingwithGabriel'styrannicalways.AtonceshefeltGabriel
relax,felthisamusement,andsheshookherheadoverthesillyidiosyncrasiesofmen."Didyouhave
somequestionsyouwantedtoaskme?"shequeriedsoftly,lookingdirectlyintoBarryWoods'seyes."Or
didyouhaveinformationthatyouthoughtwasveryimportanttotellme?"

Hecouldfeelhimselffallingforward,deeper,deeperstilluntilhewassomesmerizedhewantedtostay
thereforeternity.Heclearedhisthroat,unable,unwillingtobreakawayfromthebeautyofhereyes."I
havefriendswhoheardthingsaboutyou.They'redangerousmen.Wehuntvampires.Realvampires,not
themake-believethingsinthemovies.Noonebelievesthecreaturesexistbutus.We'vebeencollecting
proofovertheyears.Wejustneedtogetone,abody,somethingtangibletomaketheworldtakeus
seriously.Rightnowtheythinkwe'refanatics,nutstobelaughedat,butwe'rescientistsandwe'retrying
tosavetheworld."

Francescawrappedhiminwavesofwarmth,swampinghimwithapproval,withtheideathatshe
believedinhimandwhathewasdoing.Hebrokeoutinasweat,buthisgazeremainedcapturedbyhers.
Hewantedtodowhatevershewantedofhim,whateverittooktomakeherhappy.Hewantedherto
believeinhim.Shetippedherheadtoonesidesothatherhairfellinaseductivesheetofsilkacrossher
shoulderandtumbledpastherwaist."Whywouldanyonethinksuchathingofme?Ihavelivedinthis
communityforsometimeandhavebeeninvolvedinmanythings.Ithinkmylifeisratheranopenbook.It
isnotsodifficulttofindthosewhoknowme."

Woodsleanedforward,needingtohearthepurityofhervoice,ormaybehewantedtotouchherhair.He
reallywasn'tcertainwhichwasmoreimportantatthatmoment."IthinkIcandigupindisputableproof
thatyou'renovampire."Therewasatraceofhumorinhisvoice.Theideaofherbeingintheranksofthe
undeadwastotallyludicrous.Hecouldconvincehisfellowstheywerewrongaboutherandshewouldbe
crossedofftheirlist.

"Aretheremanyofyou?"Francescarequestedtheinformationsoftly."Arethereanyothersnamedonthis
listofpotentialthreats?PerhapsIcanaidyouinsomeway."

"Wehavetoprotectourselvesnow.We'velostmanyofourbestpeople.It'sawar,arealwar,between
themandus.Weonlyknowafewofeachother'snames;ourmeetingsaresmall.Weusephonenumbers
andaplaceontheInternettoleavemessagesbackandforth.Thatwayifoursocietyispenetrated,we
willonlyloseafew."

Francescacouldseethatsomethingwasmakinghimveryresistanttogivingoutthenamesofthoseonthe
vampirelist,althoughhewasdeeplyensnaredbyhercompulsion.Shepushedfurtherintohismindand
foundastrangephenomenon.ImmediatelyshereachedforGabrielandsharedtheinformation,puzzledby
whatshefoundinBarryWoods'smind.

"Hehasundergonesomekindofstronghypnosis."Gabrielrelied."Youcangetaroundit,buthemight
haveflashbacks.Icanremovealltracesofyoufromhismemory.Itisnotsodifficulttoextractthe
informationfromhismind.Hewillneverknow."

"Goaheadthen,Gabriel.Idon'twanthimtotakeupanymoreofmytime."Francescawantedtogether
businessoutofthewayandreturntoGabriel.Shedidn'tlikehimbeingoutinthecityhuntingtheundead.
Shewantedhimbackinthesafetyoftheirhome.ShewantedSkylersafewithinthewallsoftheirhome.
Shewantedthereporterlonggone.

"Areyouattemptingtodistractmefrommytaskwithyourwantonthoughts?"Therewasacurling
caressinGabriel'svoice,brushingatthewallsofhermind,floodingherbodywithheatandexcitement.

"Wantonthoughts?Youneedacheckup,myboy.Yourfantasyworldseemstobegrowinglargerwith
eachpassingday.Iwantedyouhometotakeoutthetrash."ShewasstaringdirectlyatBarryWoods,so
thatGabrielcoulduseherashisinstrument,could"see"thereporterandextracttheinformationthey
neededfromhismind.Gabriel'steasinghadliftedherspirits,givenhertheimpressionofacoolcleansing
breezemovingthroughhermind,erasingherworries.

Francescasmiledatthereporter.Gabrielhadwhattheyneededanditwastimeforhertoreinforceher
mostimportantcommand.Sheleanedclosertohimsothathereyesheldhis."Youwillnever,underany
circumstances,gonearSkyleragain."AtonceshefeltGabriel'spowermovingthroughhermind,swift
anddeadly,unbreakable,relentless.Heissuedhisowncommand,strongerthananyshecouldhavemade.
Thereporterwouldprotecther,ensurethatothersleftherstrictlyalone.

Francescashookherheadoverthevehemenceofthatcommand,butshefeltveryprecioustohim.
Cherished.

"Youarecherished.Nowdosomethingwomenaresupposedtodo,somethingIwillnotworryabout."

"Lookwho'stalking!"Shetriedtosoundindignant,buthewasmakingherlaughwithhisnonsense.

"Itisnotnonsense.Thesearecommandsfromyourlifemate,andyoushouldlistenandobey."He
soundedveryarrogantasonlyGabrielcould.

"You'reshowingyourageagain.Youawokeinthetwenty-firstcentury.Womennolongerlistenand
obey,worseluckforyou.Ihaveworktodo,andyouareinsomeplaceverymustyandsmellingofwet
dirt.Whatareyoudoing?"

"Performingsecretmasculinerituals."

Francescafoundherselflaughingoutloud.Woodsstartledherbysmilingandreachingouttoshakeher
hand.Shehadalmostforgottenhisexistence."Thankyousomuchforyourtime,andIenjoyedthetea."He
soundedverybriskandbusinesslike.Gabrielhadensuredhisobedienceandthereporterwasdoing
exactlyashehadbeeninstructed.HewasleavingFrancescaandgoingtoreporthisfindingstohis
friends.Theywouldbelievehim:Francescawasahumanwomanwithextraordinarytalentsbutshe
walkedinthesunlightanddranktea.Woodswascertainhehadsharedsuchathingwithher.

Francescasmiledgently."Iampleasedtohavemetyou,Mr.Woods.Goodluckwithyourwork."

Sheturnedandmadeherwaythroughthecorridors,movingsilently.ShewasscanningforBrice.Heoften
sleptinoneoftheemptyroomsifhehadbeenworkingalldayandlateintothenight.Whenhewasnot
attendingsocialevents,Bricespentthemajorityofhistimeatthehospital.Shecaughthisscentandturned
unerringlytowardthesmallroomattheendofthehall.Itwasoneofhisfavoriteplacestoescape.

Gabrielmovedsilentlythroughthecemetery,theveryplacewherehehadspentsomanyyearslockedin
theground.Theearthwastornupwheregraveswerebeingopenedandthecasketsremovedtomakeway
forprogress.Heshookhisheadatthewayoflife.Ahundredyearsagonoonewouldconsiderdisturbing
agravesiteinsuchamanner.Itwouldbesacrilegious.EvilstalkedParis,anditsleptwithinthisancient
cemeterythatheldthebodiesofsomanyofthedead.

Ashemovedthroughthegraveyardlikeasilentwraith,hethoughtofthatlong-agobattle,nearlytwo
centuriesago.HehadfoundLuciancrouchedoverhislatestvictim,amaninhisearlythirties.Thevictim
hadbeendrainedofblood,alifelessragdollthatLucianhadtossedcarelesslydownonthegroundwhen
heturnedtoconfrontGabriel.Asalways,Gabrielwasstruckbyhistwin'selegance,thewayhemovedso
silently.Therewasneverastainofbloodonhisclothingorhisteethornails.Hewasalwaysimmaculate.
Nothingabouthimseemeddifferent,yethewasaterriblemonster,notthelegendaryhuntertheirpeople
whisperedabout.

Justthememoryofhisbrother,tallandelegantandsocourtly,sentawaveoflovethroughGabriel.He
hadnotfeltitforsolong,onlyrememberedtheemotion,butnowitwasstrongerandmoreintensethan
ever.Gabrielbowedhishead.Lucian.Hisbrother.Thegriefwasoverwhelminghimandheshookhis
headdecisivelytoclearit.Thatwaylayhisowndestruction.Hismindhadtobeclearandfixedonthe
hunt.Heneededeveryadvantageferretingouttheevilundead.Theywerehereinforce.

Agravecaughthiseye.Heturnedbacktoexamineit.Freshlydug,itwasoneofthenewestinthe
cemetery.Theheavyequipmenthadnotreachedthiscornersoneartherockwall.Hetouchedthesoiland
atoncefeltthevibrationsofdestructiveforces.Sotuned,hesnatchedhishandaway.Theearthitselfwas
groaningfromthetouchofthevileabomination.Heremainedhunkereddown,hiseyescastingalongthe
floorofthecemeteryevenashissensesflaredouttoscantheregionaroundhim.

Gabrielsighed.Heheardthesoftshuffleofbootsinthedirt,theheavybreathingoftheghoulavampire
hadcreated.Dangerouscreatures,ghoulslivedtoservetheirmasters,feastingontaintedbloodandthe
fleshofhumans.Theywereviciousandwithoutmercy.Hewaited,hispowerbuildingandbuilding,
gatheringuntilitflowedthroughhimandpouredoutintotheairaroundhim.

Theghoulapproachedfrombehind,shufflingcloser,anevilbeing,clumsybutverycunningand
impossiblystrong.Ahumanbeingwouldbeingravedangershouldhemeetwithaminionofthevampire.
Gabrielwasoneoftheancients,powerfulandfartooexperiencedtogivetheghoulmuchthought.Asthe
grotesquecreatureclosedthedistancebetweenthem,Gabrielwhirledaround,caughtthemisshapenhead
betweenhishandsandjerkedhardenoughtobreaktheneck.Thecrackwasloudinthesilenceofthe
night.Themonsterwailedloudly,flailingitsarms,butGabrielhadmeltedaway,hisspeedfartoogreat
forthemacabrepuppet.

Theghoulwasshriekinginabrutalanimalrageofpainandanger.Itmovedwithjerkysteps,swingingits
bodythiswayandthat,searchingforGabriel,searchingasithadbeenprogrammed.Itsheadfloppedata
sicklyangle,andthecreaturedrooledcontinuously.Gabrielmaterializedinfrontofit,plungedhishand
deepwithinthechestcavity,andremovedthealreadydeadheart.Atoncelightningslammedtothe

ground,incineratingthebodytoafineash.Gabrielflungtheputrefiedorganintotheblue-whitestreakand
turnedaway,shakinghisheadatthehorrorofthelong-deadcreature.

Hefelttheirpresencelongbeforehesawthem.Threevampiresweremovingsilentlytowardhim,gliding
throughtheairsothattheirfeetdidn'ttouchthesurfaceoftheearth.Heinhaledthestenchoftheirfoul,
poisonousbodies.Heturnedslowlytofacethem.Theywereolderthanhewouldhavelikedand
powerful.

"Cometome,then,"hesaidsoftly."Iwillgiveyouthedarkdeaththatwillfreeyoufromyourchosen
path."

BricesatupwhenFrancescacalledhisnamesoftly.Rakingahandthroughhishair,heregardedherwith
speculativeeyes."Francesca.Ididn'texpecttoseeyoutonight."Hegottohisfeetandsmoothedhis
rumpledclothes.

Francescanoticedhisclotheswerestained.Alwaysbefore,hewasimmaculateandmeticulousinhis
appearance.Thisshockedher.Therewasevenafaintshadowofabeard,somethingBricehadabhorred
inthepast.Hewasalmostcompulsiveabouthisappearance.Heoftensaiditwasbecauseheattendedso
manymeetingsandpressconferences.Heneededtoknowhelookedgoodatalltimes.

Guiltsweptthroughher.Hadshecausedthis?Wasshegoingtobetheinstrumentofhisdestruction?"I
wantedtoseeyou,Brice.We'vebeenfriendsalongtime."Francescasighedsoftly.Outofrespectfor
theirfriendship,shehadnever"read"hismindunlessitinvolvedapatientoracrisisheneededhelp
with.IthadbeenimportanttohertobeashumanwithBriceaspossible.Nowitwasatemptationtolook
intohismind.Washegoingtobeallright?Hadshereallybrokenhisheart?Maybesheshouldplanta
subtlecompulsioninhismindtogetoverher.

"Iwasn'tsurewewerefriendsanymore,"heresponded."Comeon,let'sgetoutofhereandgosomewhere
quietwherewecantalkthisout."

Francescaglancedaroundtheroom."It'sprettyquietrighthere,Brice."Forsomestrangereason,
Francescawasreluctanttoleavethehospitalwithhim.Gabrielwasoutinthecityhuntingtheundead.She
neededtoarrangeaguardforSkyler'sroom,anduntilshewascertainthechildwouldbesafe,she
wantedtostayclose.

"Youknowifwestayinthehospitalwe'llbeinterrupted.Ireallywantustoremainfriends.Comeon,
Francesca.It'snotlikeI'maskingallthatmuch."

Shenoddedreluctantly.Brice.immediatelyopenedthedoorandwavedherdownthehall.Hefollowed
closebehindher,occasionallyrestinghishandonthesmallofherback.Hispalmfelthotandsweatyright
throughherclothes.Francescafoundherselfsquirmingtogetawayfromhim,walkingfasterthroughthe
corridorandoutintothenight.Cloudswereswirlingominouslyoverhead.

"Theweatherislookingabitgrim,Brice.Whereshouldwego?"

"Youneverwereafraidofalittlerainintheolddays,Francesca,beforeyouhadtolookperfectforyour
hero."

Francescastoppedrightthereattheedgeoftheparkinglot."Ifyou'regoingtobesnide,Brice,there'sno
pointinthis.Idon'twanttofightwithyouanymore.Ireallydon't.I'vealwaysvaluedyourfriendshipand
Iprefernottoloseit,butifyoucan'tbecivilaboutGabriel,oratleastavoidthesubject,thenour
conversingisacompletewasteoftime."Suddenly,shedidn'twanttogowithhim.Adarkfeelingofdread
wasstealingoverherandshewantedtobebackwithSkyler,orbetteryet,wrappedsafelyinGabriel's
armsinthesanctuaryoftheirhome.

Bricedeliberatelytookherarm."I'msorry.Jealousyisanuglything,Francesca.I'llbehave.Justcome
withme.Please."

Sheowedhimthatmuchandsheknewit.Bricehadalwaysbeenherfriend.Itwasn'thisfaultthatshe
wasn'thuman.Hehadnoideaofhertruenature.Hecouldn'tpossiblyfathomtherelationshipbetweentrue
lifemates.Francescaglancedupathisfaceasshewentwithhim.Shethoughtshesawsomething
flickeringinthedepthsofhiseyes,justforamoment,somethingslyandcunning,butheblinkedandit
wasgonebeforeshewascertain.Allthesame,Francescawasuneasy.

Briceclearedhisthroatastheywalkedalongthebankoftherivertowardtheseclusionofthepark."I
haven'tlikedmyselfverymuchlately,"headmitted."Ididn'tmuchlikelearningcertainthingsabout
myself."

"Brice"—hervoicewassoftandsad—"Ididn'twantyouhurt,notfortheworld.I'mtheonewho'ssorry.I
didn'ttellyouaboutmypastwithGabrielbecauseItrulythoughthimlosttome.Otherwise,Iwouldnever
haveallowedyoutothinktherewasachanceforus.YouknewIdidn'tloveyou.ItoldyouIdidn't."

"Ilovedyouenoughforbothofus."

Hiswordsstabbedatherheart."Brice,noonepersoncanmakearelationshipwork.Ittakestwopeople
together.IwishIwastherightwomanforyou,butIknowI'mnot.There'ssomeoneoutthere,someone
veryspecialwhowillloveyouasyoudeservetobeloved."Sheusedhervoice,givingalittlepusheven
thoughshedidn'tliketodosuchthingsdowithfriends.Shehatedhispain,hatedknowingshewasthe
causeofit.

Bricewassilentforamoment;thenheletgoofherarmandclutchedhishead.Francescatouchedhim.At
onceshecouldfeelhispain,asharpsplinteringheadachegrowingandbuildingatanalarmingrate.She
settledherfingersaroundhisarm."Letmehelpyou,Brice.YouknowIcan."

Hebrokeawayfromher,breathingheavily."No,Francesca,justletmebeforamoment.I'vebeengetting
theseheadachesthelastfewdaysandthey'rekillers.IevenhadaCATscandonetoseeifIhadatumor."
Hepulledatubefromhispocket,tookoffthelid,andshookseveralsmallpillsintohismouth.

Francescacouldseehishandwastrembling."Youdon'tneedmedication.Icantakethepainaway,"she
saidsoftly,feelinghurtbyhisrejection.

Heshookhisheadagain,thistimedecisively."Don'twasteyourtimeandtalentonme.Thepillswork
justfine.GivemeafewminutesandI'llbeokay."

Asmallfrowntouchedhersoftmouth."Brice,Iknowyou'reangrywithme,buttheseheadachessound
serious.YouknowIcanhelp.Howoftenareyoutakingthesepills?Whatarethey?"

Heshruggedandcutthroughtheparkalongadarkpathway,holdingasidethelow-lyingbranchesto
preventthemfromhittingFrancesca."Itdoesn'tmatter.Whywereyoulookingforme?"

"Whereintheworldarewegoing,Brice?Thispathleadsoutoftheparktowardthecemetery.Let'sgo
back."

Heswungaroundtofaceherandonceagainshethoughttherewassomethingcraftyinhiseyes.Thenhe
blinkedanditwasBricelookingdownatherwithsadeyes.ButFrancescawasveryuneasynow.Nothing
feltrighttoher,notBrice,notthepaththeyweretaking,noteventhenightitself.Shebitdownonher
lowerlipwhileshetriedtothinkwhathecouldbeplanning.Bricewasnotaviolentman,sheknewthat
muchabouthim.Hewasgentleandcaring,evenifhewasambitious.

"Wearen'tgoingback,Francesca,notuntilwetalkthisout.Ifnothingelse,Iwanttostayfriends.I'mhurt,
Iwon'tdenythat,andI'veactedlikeaspoiledchild,butIalwaysthoughtyouwouldcomearoundand
marryme.Ireallydid.Inmymindwewerealreadyengaged."Heshookhisheadashepickedhisway
alongtheunevensurfaceoftheroad."Youneverlookedatothermen,never.Ithoughtthatmeantyoutruly
feltsomethingforme,butyouhadbeenhurtandwereafraidtoloveagain."

Francescacouldseethefirstofthemanyheadstonesstandinglikesilentsentinelsofthedeadinthe
graveyard.Itwasabeautifulplacereally,ancient,aplacewhereitwasbelievedthesacredandthe
damnedhadtobekeptapart.Onesideoftheburialgroundswassanctified,blessedwithholywater,
whiletheotherwasforthosewhohadlivedlivesofsinanddebauchery,criminalsandmurderers.Itwas
nowbeingtornup,thedeadremovedtothenewcemeteryawayfromthemiddleofthecity.Themachines
hadn'tyetreachedtheareawheretheywalked.Theimminentdestructionmadehersad;shehadmany
humanfriendsburiedthere.

"Ineverwasinterestedinanyoneelse,Brice.Ipreferredyourcompany,butitwasfriendshipIfelt,the
loveofasister.Ioftenwantedtofeelmore,andwhenIthoughtaboutthefuture,IwishedIcouldloveyou
asyouwantedmeto,butIneverlovedanymanotherthanGabriel.Ithoughthimdeadtome,allthese
years,butIwasnotoverhim."

"Whydidn'tyouevermentionhim?"Bricedemanded,soundingpetulantagain."Notoncedidyoueven
sayhisname.Ifweweresuchgoodfriends,whydidn'tyousharewithmesuchaterribletragedyaslosing
yourhusband?"Hespatthelastwordoutdistastefully."Ididn'tknowyou'deverbeenmarriedtoanyone."
Hewasmovingfaster,now,takingthelead,pushinghiswayoverthesmallrockwalltohurryalonga
little-usedpathleadingtothemausoleum.

"Ineverspokeofhimtoanyone,Brice.Itwastoodifficult."Thatwasthetruth.Evenhermotherhad
neverknownaboutthatsmallincidentinthevillagesomanycenturiesearlier.Whenherfamilyhadbeen
wipedoutinthewars,shehadfledtheCarpathianMountains,makingherwaytoParis,whereshelearned
tohideherselffromherpeople.Tearsshimmeredunexpectedlyinherdarkeyes,thememoryofthattime
stillraw.SheblinkedthemawayandfollowedBricealongthewindingtrail.

"Iwasn'tjustanyone,Francesca.Iwasyourbestfriend.Butyoualwaysheldapartofyourselfawayfrom
me.NomatterhowhardItried,Inevercouldgetclosetoyou."

Shehatedthatwhineynoteinhisvoiceandthatmadeherfeelguiltierthanever.Hehadeveryreasonto
feelbadaboutwhathadhappenedbetweenthem.Shehadthoughtaboutspendingherremainingyears

withhim.Sheduckedherhead,herlonghairfallinginacascadearoundherface."Ididn'tmeantolead
youon,Brice.Ihopeyoubelievethat.Itriedtobehonestwithyou,butthereweretimeswhenIseriously
thoughtaboutbecominginvolvedwithyou.BecauseIwasconsideringarelationshipwithyou,Imust
havebeeninadvertentlysendingyoumessagesthatwemighteventuallybetogether.Thatwasverywrong
ofme,butIdidn'tdoitonpurpose."

Heturnedhisheadforamoment,furyinhiseyes."Thatdoesn'ttakeawaywhatIfeel,Francesca,or
absolveyouofguilt."

Shesighed.Heseemedtobegoingbackandforthbetweenrecriminationandgenuinelywantingtoretain
theirfriendship."Perhapsitistoosoonforaconversationlikethisone.Maybeweshouldwaitafew
weeksuntilyoucanseeIneverwouldhavebeenrightforyou,Ineverwouldhavefeltthewayyou
wantedmetofeel."

"We'llneverknowthatforsure,willwe?"hesaid.Hewasmovingrapidlythroughthegraveyard,moving
awayfromthenewerheadstonesintoanolderpartofthecemeterywherethestonesweresoancient,they
werecrumblingandgrayfromtheeffectsofweather.

Francescaslowedherpace."Brice,doyouhaveanyideawhereyou'regoingorareyoujustwalkingas
fastasyoucanbecauseyou'resoangrywithme?"Shecouldhearthebloodpumpingfuriouslythroughhis
heart,therushofadrenalinecoursingthroughhimashemoved.

Hecaughtherwristandyanked,asnarltwistinghishandsomefeatures."Comeon,Francesca,hurryup."

Shemovedwithhimafewsteps,deliberatelytouchinghismindasshedidso.Atonceshewasafraid.
Therewasnothinginhismindexcepttheoverwhelmingdesiretogethertoacertainplaceatthefarside
ofthecemetery.Hewaswillingtouseanymethod,fromcajolingherorhumoringher,tobrutestrength.
Hisneedtogettothisplacewassostrong,itblockedouteverythingelse.

"Brice,"shesaidverysoftly,"you'rehurtingme.Pleaseletgoofme.Icanwalkallbymyself."Heneeded
helpdesperately.Whateverwaswrongwithhim,whetherhehadbeenshadowedbyavampire,orwas
usingdrugs,orwasonthevergeofamentalbreakdown,Francescawantedtohelphim.Shefearedfor
himnow,morethanforherself.Therewassomethingterriblywrongwithhimandshewasdeterminedto
healhim.

"Well,hurryupthen,"hegrowled,stillretainingpossessionofherarm.Heloosenedhisholdbecauseshe
hadpickedupherpaceandwaswalkingwillinglywithhim."Honestly,Francesca,youwanteverything
yourownway.Youdidn'twanttotalktomeaboutourfriendship.Youprobablywantedtodiscussyour
littlepatient."

"IdowanttofindoutwhenIcanbringSkylerhome.She'sanxiousandboredinthehospital.Anda
reportergotintoherroom.Shewasveryfrightened."Shekepthervoicereasonableasshewalkedbeside
him,studyinghimintently.Ifsheusedherpower,thevibrationsofitwouldscatterintothenightanddraw
unwantedattention.Shewouldhavetobepersuasivetogethimtoherhome,whereshecouldcontrolhim
andhelphimwithoutthethreatofinterference.

"Ifshewassodarnfrightened,whydidn'tshetellmeaboutit?"hedemanded,angryalloveragain."I'm
herdoctor,notyou,notGabriel.Ifshehasacomplaint,shecanvoiceittome.Weknowshecantalk.Not

thatshetalkstoanyonebutyou."

"Brice,"Francescaprotested,slowingherpaceagain.Heseemedtobepullingheratbreakneckspeed,
almostasifhewassoenragedhedidn'tknowwhathewasdoing."Slowdown,I'mgoingtofall.Doyou
haveapressingappointmentsomewhere?Let'sgobacktomyhouse.I'llmakeussometea,yourfavorite
kind,andwecantalk."

Heinstantlyslowedhispace,shakinghishead."I'msorry,I'msorry,"herepeated."Idon'tknowwhatgot
intome.Itisn'tgoodforthatgirltodependsoheavilyonyou.Shewon'ttalktothecounselorswesendin,
shewon'tspeaktothenurses,ortome,justyou."

"Shehasbeenseverelytraumatized,Brice.Youknowthat.There'snoquickfixforherpain.I'mtakingit
onestepatatimewithher.OnceIhavehersettledathome,Iwillgetheracounselor.Iwillfollowyour
advice.YouknowIrespectyouasadoctor.I'msorrywe'vegottensoofftracktogether,butourfeelings
foreachotheraregenuine.Istillwantustoremainfriends.Youmightnotbeabletoacceptmyfriendship
now,butperhapsyouwillintime.Meanwhile,wecanstillkeepaprofessionalrelationshipgoing,
maintainthatconnection."Francescatriedtobehopeful.Sheputagentlehandonhiswristtorestrainhim,
togethimtocomewithher.Shewasreallyafraidforhimnow,certainhewaslosingcontrolofhimself.

Briceshookhishead,turnedontoafainttrailthroughthickshrubbery.Francescafeltasifshewasina
maze.

Nowthefeelingofimpendingdoomwasgrowing.Overheadthestormcloudsweredarkandheavy.The
windwaspickingupsothatitblewherhairintoawildmess.Shecaughtatit,twistedandclippeditat
thenapeofherneck.Withthewindcamethescentofdanger,andFrancescastoppeddeadinhertracks.
Whyhadn'tshescannedtheareaassheshouldhavebeendoing?Sheknewtheundeadwereinthecity
somewhere.

"Gabriel!"Shesentthecallinstantly.ShehadwalkedstraightintoatrapandpoorBricewaswithher.
Shehadalreadyruinedhislifeandnow,becauseofherfailuretobealert,hewouldmostlikelylosehis
life.

Thestenchoftheundeadpermeatedtheairaroundher.Briceyankedonherarmoncemore,draggingher
outoftheshrubberyandintotheopen.Atonce,inthedistance,shesawGabriel.Hewasstandingwithhis
armsathissides.Tall.Strong.Powerful.Hislongblackhairwasflowingtohisshoulders.Helooked
relaxed.

Onthreesidesofhimweretheenemy,circling,movingtheirfeetrhythmicallyinanattempttoweavea
holdingspell.Atfirstthethreeappearedtobetall,rathergaunt,handsomemen,butatonceFrancesca
sawthroughtheillusion.BricestoppedabruptlywhenhesawGabriel,suddenlyconfused.Whatwashe
doinginthisdark,drearyplace?Gabriellookedsopowerfulstandinginthemidstofthethreeothermen.

BeforeBricecouldmakeasound,Francescadrewhimbackintothemazeofshrubbery.Without
consciousthoughtshetookcommandofhim,pushinghisbodyalongthepath,turningontoanotheroneso
shecouldgetabovethecombatants.Therewerethreevampires,allflushedfromfreshkills,highonthe
adrenalinerush.Gabrielmightneedherstrength,or,ifhewaswounded,herbloodintheaftermathofthe
battle.

Shetouchedhismind,unabletostopherselffromdoingso.HewasGabriel,alwaysthesame.Tranquil.
Calm.Withoutfear.Hisstrengthenabledhertobreatheeasier.FrancescapushedBricealonguntilthey
werewellabovethelowerpartofthecemetery.Shemovedoutwhereshecouldbetterseewhatwas
happening.Thescenebelowwasfrightening.Fromhervantagepointshecouldseeadarkshapeonthe
groundnearoneofthegraves.Ayoungwomanbythelookofher,herthroattorn.Shelaylikeabroken
doll,onehandstretchedouttowardthecrossmarkingthegrave.Gabrielwouldhavesenseddeathand
violenceinthecemeterybuthewouldnothavebeenabletoseethebodywiththemachineryblockinghis
lineofvision.Shesenthimavisionimmediately,warninghimofwhathadbeendone.

Francescaclosedhereyesforamoment,sentupaquickferventprayerforthevictimandherfamily.How
couldsheaskGabrieltobeanythingbutwhathewas,ahunterfortheirpeople,exterminatingthevicious
creatureswhocommittedsuchsenseless,cruelacts?BesideherBricestirred,comingoutofthe
semistuporhehadfalleninto.

"Whatthehell'sgoingon?"hesnapped,glaringdownatthescenebelow.Hecouldclearlyseethebodyof
theyoungwomanandofftotheright,farawayfromthem,wheretheheavyequipmentwasparked,he
couldmakeoutwhatlookedlikeanotherbodyslumpednearthebulldozer.Aman,byhissize."Itoldyou
Gabrielwasacriminal.He'sinvolvedwithmurder."

Francescawavedherhandtosilencehim,herentirefocuscenteredbelow.Thevampiretotheleftof
Gabrielsuddenlylaunchedhimself,wingsburstingthroughhisbackasheleapedintotheair,talons
twistinghishands,hisfacecontortinguntilheworearazor-sharpbeak.Evenasheattacked,thesecond
vampire'sbodyrippledwithfurandhisfacelengthenedintoalongmuzzletoaccommodatetheteeth
fillinghismouth.Whilethebirdwenthigh,thewolfattackedlow.Thethirdvampirewavereduntilhe
wastransparent,dissolvingintodropletsofmiststreakingtowardGabriel.

ToFrancesca'shorror,shecouldseeavinecreepingalongtheground,alongdeadlytendrilreachingout
towardGabriel'sankle.Shepressedahandtohermouthtokeepfromscreaming.Itwouldn'tdotodistract
him.ShehadtotrustinthefactthatGabrielwasveryexperiencedandwouldseeeachandeverythreat
directedathimeventhoughtheattackshadbeenlaunchedsimultaneously.

"Gethomenow!"Gabriel'svoiceissuedthecommandinhermind.Itwassentsharplyandwithastrong
underlyingcompulsiontoobey.Sheknewhehadnoenergytosparetoforcehiswillonher.

Francescafelttheseriousnessofhiscommanddeepwithinherbody.Hisfirstconcernwouldbeher
protection,notthatofhisownlife,andwithheroutintheopen,vulnerable,shewouldbeaweapontobe
usedagainsthim.Theinformationfloodedhermindoutofnowhere;shewasn'tevencertainitcamefrom
Gabriel,butsheturnedatoncetoobeyhim.

HerhandcaughtBrice's."Comeon,we'vegottogetoutofherenow."

Theybeganrunningdowntheembankmenttowardtheriver,awayfromthecemeteryandtheterriblebattle
takingplace.AsFrancescaturnedtowardthelightsofthecity,asinglefiguremovedoutofthenightand
blockedthewaybetweenthetwoofthemandfreedom.

Thebeastwastallandgauntwithgrayskinstretchedtightlyoverhisskull.Histeethwereblackenedand
jagged,stainedwiththebloodofsomanyinnocents.Hesmiledather,aterribleparodyofasmile.

ChapterThirteen

Contents

Francescawasscreaming,althoughnosoundemergedfromherthroat.Gabrielwasengagedinaterrible
battlewiththreeferociousenemies,hisverylifeatstake.Sheclosedherselfofffromhimimmediately,
notwillingtotakethechanceofdistractinghimfromhisduty.Hecouldnothelpher.

"Whatthehellisgoingon?"Bricemuttered,hisvoicestrangledinhisthroat.Hewasterrified,certain
someonehadslippedhimahallucinogenic.Thiscouldnotbereality,notwithmonstersfighting,demons
turningintowolves,andwingedgargoylescomingtolife.

AutomaticallyFrancescareachedouttosoothehim,herfingerssettlinglightlyaroundhiswristsoshe
couldmanipulatehismind.Hervoicewaslowandcompelling,thecompulsionembeddingitselfdeep
withinhisbrain.ShemightnotbeabletosaveBrice'slife,butshecouldmakethedyingeasier.Hewould
neverfeeltheteethinhisthroat,rippingandtearingwhilethemonstergulpedfreshblood.

Withherheadheldhigh,shefacedthecreature,hereyesblazingdefiance,hersoftmouthsetwithdistaste.
"Howdareyoucometomeinsuchaway?"shesaidsoftly."Youarewellawaresuchthingsareagainst
thelawsofourpeople."

Thevampire'ssmilewasamacabreparody."Standaside,healer,allowmetodinethisnight."

FrancescaretainedherlightholdonBrice,keptherbodypositionedslightlyinfrontofhis.Theenemy
wascallingtohim,thecommandfloatingintheair,butshehadsuccessfullycutBriceofffromtherestof
theworld.Hisheadwasdownlikeasmallchild's,innocentofthethingshappeningaroundhim."Iwill
not.Goawayfromthisplace.Youdonotbelonghere."

Thevampirehissedhorribly,spittlesprayingintotheairbetweenthem."Takecare,woman,thehunteris
otherwiseoccupied.Hewillnotrescueyouthisnight.Iwouldnotwanttoseeharmcometoyou,butif
youdonotplaceyourselfinmycare,itwillbenecessarytoforceyourcompliance."

"Youtakecare,evilone.Iamnorankfledgingtobeforcedintoanything.Ihavenointentionofgoing
anywherewithyou,"Francescasaidquietly.Shepressedahandtoherstomachprotectively.Hewould
forcehertoaccepthistaintedblood.Itwouldruninherveins,itwouldcontaminateherchild.She
screamedagainsilently,usingeveryounceofself-controlshepossessednottocallouttoGabriel.Her
onlychancewasforGabrieltodefeathisenemiesandrescueher.Butherbaby,itwouldbefartoolate
forherchild.Vampiresdeceivedthemselvesintobelievingthatiftheyfoundawomanofthelight,their
soulsmightberestored.TheysoughtCarpathianwomenandhumanwomenwithpsychicabilitiesinthe
hopeofregainingwhattheyhadchosentolose.

ShewouldhavetomakethedecisiontosacrificeBricetothisthing;eventuallyshewouldhavenoother
choice.ItwouldbeBriceorherdaughter.InadvertentlyherhandtightenedaroundBrice'swristasifshe
couldanchorhimtoher.ShekepthermindfirmlyawayfromthoughtsofSkyleranddisciplinedherselfto
keepfromcallingoutfranticallytoGabriel.Hewouldcometoherassoonashewasable.Itwasupto
hertostallthevampire.

"Donotangerme,woman.Iamfarmorepowerfulthanthatonewhoclaimsyou.Anunknownupstartwho
believesheisahunter.Iknoweveryhunterandthisonehasnoreputation.Iamanancient.Donotthinkhe
cansaveyou."

Hedidn'tknowwhoGabrielwas.Sheheldthatrealizationtoher.Itwasammunition,mighthaveshock
valuewhensheneededitmost.Hisheadwasbeginningtomovefromsidetoside,aslowreptilian
motionthatwascuriouslyhypnotic.Francescaknewbetterthantofocusherattentiontoocloselyonthe
movement.Somethingaboutitfascinatedher,yetatthesametimerepelledher.Thatwaswarningenough.
Heblinkedhishooded,bloodredeyesjustonce.

SheblurredherimageandthatofBrice,jerkingthehumanwithherasshespedwithpreternaturalspeed
justasthevampirestruck,grabbingforherwithhisclawedhands.Shefeltthewindofhisstrikeashe
missedherbyscantcentimeters.Thecreatureshriekedhisanger,whirlinginacloudofdirtandtwigs,a
powerfuldustdeviltoweringhigh,blackeningtheairaroundthem.

Francesca'sheartwaspoundinginalarm.Shehadsucceededinangeringhim.Therewasnotellingwhat
hemightdotohernow.Overheadthestormcloudsweregathering,adarkominousportentofthingsto
come.Lightningarcedfromcloudtocloudwhileallaroundhertheskiesdarkeneduntileverystarwas
blottedout,untilthemoonwasnothingbutamemory.

Thevampirehissedagain,adeadlysoundwhilethewindwhippedathistatteredclothingandrakedthe
lankhairhangingaroundhisskull-likeface."Youwillbepunishedforthat.Iwillhavethishuman,andhis
dyingwillbelongandpainful.Iwilldestroyeveryonewhohasevermeantanythingtoyou."

Francesca'sheartwaspoundingfranticallyandshetookadeepbreathtocalmherself.Insideshefelther
daughterleapinfear.Immediatelyshecoveredherwombwithhertwohandsasshefacedthebeast.He
wasundulatinghisheadagain,arhythmicmotiondesignedtobehypnotic.Heattackedagaininablurof
motionandFrancescawaiteduntilthelastpossiblesecondtoescape,towingBricewithher.Beforethe
vampirecouldreachher,somethinginserteditselfbetweenthemsothattheundeadwasforcedtohalthis
attack.Withahowlofrage,hejumpedbackward.

Betweenherandthevampireaformshimmered,solidified.Foroneheart-stoppingmomentshethoughtit
wasGabriel.Thefigurewastall,broad-shouldered,withthesamelongblackhairandhauntinglyperfect
featuresasherlifemate.Hiseyeswereblackandempty,althoughFrancescacouldoccasionallyseethe
beginningsofsmallredflamessmolderingdeepwithintheemptydepths.Powerclungtohimasifhe
werepowercometolife,powerpersonified.Hemovedwithaflowinggrace,yetwhenhestopped,he
wasasstillastheverymountains,apartoftheearthitself.HewaslikeGabriel,yetunlikehim.He
bowedtoher,acourtly,princelikegesture,beforeturninghisattentiontothevampire.

Francesca'sbreathstilledinherbody.ThiswasLucian.Itcouldbenoother.Gabriel'stwinandavampire
withoutequal.Herheartbegantothudpainfullyindespair.Whereshehadfearedtheothervampire,she
wasnowterrified.ItwassomethingaboutLucian,somethingshecouldn'tname,butheseemedinvincible,
seemedsopowerfulthataforceofhunterscouldnotdefeathim.ThiswasGabriel'smortalenemyandthe
onehelovedaboveallothers.Shebitherliphardtokeepfromcryingouttoherlifemate.

AndthenLucianspoke.Itwasasifmusicwereplaying,musicnotofthisworld,butsopureandbeautiful
itwasimpossibletoforget.Hisvoicewasthemostbeautifulthingshehadeverheardinherlife."You
havecomeheretothisplaceandyouhaveannoyedme,undead.Ihavechosenthiscityasmyown

personalplaygroundandyetyouthinkyoucansimplyignoremyclaim.Yousentyourminionsto
challengemybrotherwhileyouattackthisonethathehaslaidclaimto.SheisunderhisprotectionandI
canallownoothertointerfereinourgame.Youunderstandthat."Thevoicewassoperfect,so
reasonable,anyonecouldunderstandhim."Youlostyoursoulmanycenturiesago,deadone,andyou
yearnforthefreedomofthefinaldeath.Gonow.Yourbreathisnolongerabletosustainyou;yourheart
shallceasebeating."Heraisedhishandintotheairandslowlybegantoclosehisfingersintoafist.

Francescawatchedinhorrifiedfascinationastheundeadobeyedthecompulsioninthatsweetlylethal
voice.Thevampiregaspedforair,andasthefistclosedtighter,hisfacebegantoturncolorashechoked
andstrangledbeforehereyes.Thevampireclutchedathischestashisheartstuttered,buthemadeno
attempttofighttheorder,sopowerfulwasthatvoice.Francescacouldscarcelytakehereyesfromher
lifemate'stwin;she,too,wascaughtinthespellofhispower,mesmerizedbythetruebeautyofhisvoice.
Itwasonlywhenheplungedhisfistdeepwithinthecavityofthevampire'schestandextractedtheheart,
whenlightningslammedtoearthinajaggedboltofbluewhiteandincineratedthealreadydeadorganand
itshost,thatshemanagedtojerkherselfawake,onceagainawareofherownveryprecarioussituation.

Francescawaitedinsilence,onehandoverherstomachtoprotectherunborndaughter,theotherholding
ontoBrice,whowasstillunderhermindcontrol,unabletocomprehendanythinggoingonaroundhim.

Lucianwasathousandtimesmorepowerful,moredeadly,thanthevampireshehadjustfaced.Shestood
watchinghimwithherdarkeyes,hersmallteethbitingdownonherlowerlip,betrayinghernervousness.
Hemovedthen,aflowingofgraceandtimelessbeauty,atwo-edgedswordmoredestructivethan
anythingshehadeverknown.Gabrielwasrighttohuntthismonster.Nothingcouldstophim,nothingthe
humanshadwouldslowhimdownifheshoulddecidetogiveupthemurderousgameheplayedwithhis
brotherandturntosomethingevenmorevicious.

Francescaswallowedthetightknotoffearblockingherthroatandliftedherchindefiantly."Imustthank
youforcomingtomyaid,darkone."

"Tomybrother'said,"hecorrectedsoftly,movingaroundherwithaflowinggrace.Heseemednotto
touchtheground,buttoglidethroughtheairitself.Hemovedsosoftlytherewasnosound,nodisturbance
intheair.Lucian'sblackeyesmovedoverherface,andheseemedtoseerightintohersoul."Mybrother
istheonlyoneabletoprovidemewithdiversion.Lifeistediouswhenoneissomuchmoreintelligent
thanallothers."

"Whyhaveyoucometohisaid?"Francescaaskedsoftly,puzzledthathedidnotappearasfoultoheras
theothervampiresshehadencounteredoverthecenturies.Washesogoodatillusionthatevenanancient
suchasshecouldnotrecognizewhatwasfoulandwhollyevil?Hispowerwasverydisturbingtoher.

Thebroadshouldersshruggedinalazyripple."Idonotallowotherstointerfereinourgame.Youarean
anchorheweighshimselfdownwith.ApawnIcanuseagainsthimwhenIsodesire.Whatisbetweenmy
brotherandmeshallremainsoalways.Anywhodarestointerfere,hunterorvampireorwoman,willdie
atmychoosing."

Shetiltedherchin."Whatareyougoingtodowithme?"

Theperfectmouthslantedintoabrief,humorlesssmile."Callhimtoyouraid.Youwouldnotwantmeto
makeyoumyslave.Callhim."Hisvoicewaspleasingandsubtle,aninsidiouswhisperofpurity.He

seemednottomove,yethewassocloseshecouldsmellhisscent,clean,notfoul.Shecouldfeelhis
power.

Francescaswallowedhardandtookastepbackward,shakingherheadtobesureshewasn'tunder
compulsion."Never.Thereisnothingyoucandotomakemebetrayhim,notofmyownfreewill.Gabriel
isagreatmanandmylifemate.Iwillinglyexchangemylifeforhis."Shewaitedtobestruckdown.There
wasasilence,longandempty.Shecouldn'thearhimbreathing,couldn'thearhisheartbeating,ifhehada
heart.

Herlonglashesflutteredassheregardedthemastervampirestandingsomotionless,lookinglikethe
statueofanancientgod.Ittookamomenttorealizetherewasnoentrapmentinhisvoice,justplainblack
magic.Hisvoicesimplymadeonewanttocomplywithhiseverywish."Whyaren'tyouforcingmetodo
yourbidding?"sheaskedcuriously,sweepingonehandnervouslythroughherlongblue-blackhair.

"Idonotneedtheaidofwomeninmybattle."Shefeltawhipofcontemptinhiswords."Ifinditrather
astonishingthatmybrotherhasgrownsoweakhehasallowedthismortalyouguardtoremainalive.
Whatdoyouseeinthismortalthatyouwouldpreferhiscompanytothatofoneofyourownpeople?He
isself-seeking;hismindisfilledwithplansofrevenge.Hismainpurposeinlifeseemstobetogetatmy
brother."Hisblackeyesweresteadyonherface."Butyouknowthat,Francesca."

Sheshivered,runningherhandsupanddownherarms.Shewassuddenlycold.Itwashisvoiceagain.
Thetonewasexactlythesame.Soft.Pure.Beautiful.Yetsomehowshefeltthreatenednow.Andworse
thanbeingthreatened,shefelttheheavyweightofhisrebuke.Itshouldn'thavemeantanythingtoher.He
wastheundead.YetshefeltasifshewereayounggirlcensuredbythePrinceoftheirpeople.Ithurtand
itwashumiliating.Francescacouldnotmeetthoseemptyblackeyes.Insteadshefoundherselflooking
downatthetoesofhershoes.Shewantedtomakehimunderstand,yetshedidn'tunderstandherown
feelings.Howcouldshepossiblyexplainthemtosomeonewhohadnoemotionsatall?

"Iwouldstayandplaylonger,butthefoolishoneisforgettingallthatwastaughthim."Luciansaidthe
wordssoftlyasheshimmeredforamoment,hisonce-solidformtransparentsothatshecouldseethe
treesrightthroughhim.Therewasapeculiarprismeffectshehadneverseenbeforerightbeforehe
dissolvedintodropletsofmistandstreamedthroughthefog-filledterrainawayfromher.

Francescaletoutherbreathslowlyandrelaxedmusclesshehadn'trealizedwerecrampedandtaut.At
onceshereachedforGabrieltowarnhim.Hewasinadesperatebattle,whirlingamongthethreelesser
vampires,allminionsoftheoneLucianhaddestroyed.Theyweredartingin,seekingtowearhimdown
withlong,razor-sharptalons,attemptingtoslicesmall,deepcutsinhisfleshtoweakenhim.

"Lucianishere."

Softlaughterechoedthroughhermind.AtfirstshethoughtLucianhadsomehowmanagedtogetintoher
head,butthensherealizedhewasinGabriel'smind.BecauseshesharedGabriel'sthoughtsand
memories,shecould"hear"theirstrangeconversation.

"YouhaveforgottenallthatItaughtyou,brother.Whywouldyouallowtheselesservampiresto
surroundyouthisway?"LucianshimmeredintosolidformbetweenGabrielandthelargestandmost
aggressiveofthethreeundead.

Gabriellaunchedhimselfatthesmallestvampire,theonedirectlybehindhim,movingsoquicklyhehad
plungedhisfistintothechestandextractedthepulsingheartwhilethevampirewasstillstaringinshock
atLucian.Gabrielwasonthesecondvampirebeforehehaddroppedtheheartofthefirstone.The
creaturescreamedhisdefiance,lashingout,butwasfartoolate.Gabrielhadtakenhisheartandwhirled
away,evenasboltafterboltofjaggedlightningbeatattheearth,incineratingthetwobodiesandtheir
taintedhearts.

Ithappenedsoquickly,FrancescawasunabletocomprehendhowGabrielhaddoneit.Therewasno
thought,noplaninhismindthatshecouldread,notevenacommunicationbetweenthetwinbrothers,yet
evenasGabrielhadusedLucianasadistraction,sohadLucianusedGabriel.Hehadattackedthelargest
oftheundeadwhileitwasgapinginhorroratGabriel.Thethirdbodywaslyingshriveledandlifelesson
thegroundwhileLuciantossedthetaintedheartintothefieryballofenergyGabrielwasusingtodestroy
theothertwo.

ItwasthenGabrielsuddenlycomprehendedthathisbrother,themortalenemyoftheirpeople,hadonce
againaidedhiminhisbattle.Francescareadhisguilt,hisannoyancewithhimselfthathehadnottakenthe
opportunitytodestroyLucian.Hewassoaccustomedtoworkingwithhistwin,hehadsimplyactedon
instinct.Beforehecouldlaunchhimselfinhisbrother'sdirection,Lucianhaddisappeared,leavingno
tracebehind.Therewasnotrailofdroplets,nominuteparticles,nosuggestionofpoweroremptyspaces
thatGabrielmightuseasapathtofollowtheundeadtohislair.

Ashefinishedincineratingthethreevampiresandallevidenceoftheirbattle,hewentovereverydetail
ofLucian'sappearance,thetoneofhisvoice,thethingshehadsaid.Lucianhadfloodedhimwithmore
informationaboutthecity,hideawayscommonlyusedbytheundergroundpeople,thosewhowereoften
usedasminionsbytheundead.

Gabrielsworesoftly,eloquentlyintheancientlanguage."Iamuseless."

"Donotsaythat,Gabriel."

"YouseewhyIhavenotdestroyedhim.Ihavealwaysfollowedwherehehasled.Heknowsitand
tauntsmewithmyfailure.IfIhadnotdonesotonight,Icouldhavehadagreatadvantageagainst
him."

"Youwouldhavebeenfightingfourvampires,GabrielHewouldhavedefeatedyou.Youwouldbedead
andIwouldbeforcedtofleetotheCarpathianMountainstohavethischild.Youcannottakesuch
risks."Theveryideaofhisdeathfrightenedher.Hewasalreadyapartofher,burieddeepwithinher
soul.Shewouldliveahalflifewithouthim.Andshewouldnotevenhavetheoptionoffollowinghimto
theafterlife.Shecarriedtheirdaughterandshemustbringherintotheworldsafely.Shewouldhaveto
seekshelterandprotectionfromthePrinceoftheirpeople."Gabriel."Shewhisperedhisnameinsudden
terror.Hecouldnotleaveheralonelikethat,notafterhehaddraggedherbackintoaworldshehadgiven
up.

"Hewouldnothaveallowedtheotherstodestroyme."Gabrielsoundedascalmasever,hisvoicesoft
andcomforting."Itisagametohim.Noothercanplayit.OnlyIhavethepotentialtodefeathim.He
wouldhavelikedmetoattackhim.HeisprobablydisappointedthatIdidnot."

Thepure,beautifulvoicefilledtheirheads."Youhavegrownsoft,Gabriel.Iwaspreparedforsuchan

action,yetyoupasseduptheperfectopportunity."

"Youlookedtired,Lucian.Ididnotwantanunfairadvantage."Gabriel'sreplywasgentle."Youneeda
rest,youseekevertofindarestingplace,awaytoleavethisworldbehind.Tellmewhereyouarethat
Imaycometoyouandaidyouinyourlong-awaitedjourney."

Francesca'sheartjumpedattheidea,fearracingthroughherbloodstreamsothatsheactuallyfelt
physicallyill.Shewaitedfortheanswer,terrifiedthatLucianwouldcallGabrieltohisside.Theywould
fighttothedeath.Sheknewitassurelyassheknewherownname.Gabrielwouldnevergounscathedby
sopowerfulabeing.

ThelaughterthatfollowedGabriel'swordsshouldhavebeenuglyandhorribletohear,yetLucian'svoice
wasabeautifulinstrumentfillingthemwithasoothing,tranquilfeeling.Theirtranquilitywasquickly
dispersedwhenhespoke."Youseektoentrapmewithyourvoice,brother.Idonotthinkentrapmentis
possiblebetweenus."

"Ididonce."

"LockingmetoyoubeneaththeearthwasaninterestingmoveandoneIdidnotexpect."Therewasa
certainnoteofadmirationinthebeautifulvoice.

"Youwereweakfromlossofblood."

"Nowyouseektoangerme,hopingIwillcontinueourconversationsoyoumayfollowmytrail.Iam
incapableofemotion,brother,notevenanger.Thepreciousgiftwasnotbestowedonmeasoneofthe
legionsofundead.ButIamgladtotellyouwhereIamatthismoment.Iambendingoverthechildyou
claimasyours.Sheisunusual,ararityinaworldfilledwithcarboncopies."Therewasasubtlethreat,
asubtlechallenge.

FrancescacriedoutandwithoutthinkingdroppedBrice'swrist.Shehadallbutforgottenhim.Nowshe
couldthinkonlyofSkylerlyinghelplessinbedwiththevampirebendingeverclosertoherneck.She
pushedBriceintoasittingposition,issuingacommandtoawakenfromhisdreamevenasshedissolved
intoamilliondropletsofwaterandstreamedbacktowardthehospital.

"Iforbidthis,Francesca."Gabriel'svoicewasquiet,authoritative."Itisatrap."

"Iwillnotgivehertohim."Therewasasobinhervoice,inhermind.SheknewGabrielwasalready
winginghiswaytowardtheirshareddestination.

"Iamsorry,mylove.Icannotallowsuchathreattoyou."Gabriel'svoicewhisperedagainstthewalls
ofhermindlikebutterflywings.

WithoutwarningFrancescaabruptlychangeddirection.Alarmed,shecriedouttoGabriel.Shewasno
longerincontrolofhermotion,someoneelsewascontrollingherflight.Instinctivelysheattemptedtofall
totheground,toshape-shift,butitwasimpossible."Gabriel!"

"Donotfearso,Francesca,Iammerelydoingmyduty.Youwillwaitformeintheprotectionofour
home."

Thesoft,tauntinglaughtercameagain,movingthroughtheirmindsandbodieslikeawarm,moltenspread
ofsunshine.ThepowerofLucian'svoicewasincredible."Whatsafeguardsdoyouthinktousetokeep
meatbay?Haveyoulearnedmuchthatyouhavenotsharedwithyourowntwin?"

"Donotthinkyourselfinvincible,Lucian.Ihavebestedyouonce,Imaydosoagain,"Gabrielreplied
calmly.

Hisverycalmnessstrengthenedher,allowedFrancescatopushasideherhorror.Shewasshockedat
Gabriel'sstrength,thathecouldcommandanancientsuchasherselfinflight,holdhercoursesteady,
safeguardher,yetcontinuehisjourneytowardthehospitalevenasheconversedsocalmlywithhismortal
enemy.Hiscalmwasnotafacade.Hewascompletelyconfident,anancientwarriorwhohadbattled
continually,foughthiswaythroughthelongcenturies.Theforthcomingbattlewouldbetheculminationof
thosecenturiesofexperience.Atonceshestoppedfightinghim,notwantingtomakehistasksmore
difficult.

FrancescahadtoforceherselfnottopleadwiththevampiretospareSkylerfurtherpain.Vampires
thrivedonthepainofothers.Itwasoneofthedarkgiftsoftheun-dead.Throughtheirvictims,theycould
feelmomentarily,afleetingglimpseofwhattheyhadlost.Eachemotionwasdarkandugly,butitwas
emotionallthesame.

Shequietedherthoughts,centeredherself."Skyler?Canyouhearme?"Theteenagerwasasleep."Do
notopenyoureyes.Youareindanger."

Therewasaslightstirringandtheyounggirlwasaware.Francescawassofamiliarwithhermind,she
couldactuallyfeelthechildscanninghersurroundingsmuchastheCarpathianpeopledid.Herpulserate
stayedthesame;herheartdidn'tjumpintheleast."Icannotbe.HeisherewithmeandIamperfectly
safe."

"Hashetakenyourblood?"

TherewasalongsilencewhileSkylerpuzzledoverthequestion."Heisn'talabtech.Iknowheisn't.
Whywouldyoubeafraidhewouldwantmyblood?"

Francescathoughtforamoment.Skylerhadobeyedher:sheremainedstill,breathingeasily,feigning
sleep.Yetforsomereasonshefeltsafedespitethethreatofterribleevil.Skylerwasgiftedwithasense
ofdanger.Lucianmustnotmeanheranyrealharm.Thatwastheonlyanswer.Hewasbaitingatrapto
drawGabrieltohim.

SheknewGabrielcouldreadherthoughts,wassharinghermind.SheshouldhaverealizedLucianwas
sharingGabriel'smindaswell.Hislaughtercameagain,thatsoftmusicalsymphonyofbeauty."Nowyou
seethefutilityofstrugglingagainstonesuchasI.Thishumanchild,thoughsheisrareinthisworld,
cannotfoolonesuchasIbypretendingtosleep.Youcannotprotectherfromme,notwithyour
safeguards,andnotbytryingtohideherfromme.WhatGabrielknows,thensodoI.WhenIwishto
makehermyslave,Iwilldoso.Rightnowitistedioustothinkofsuchaburden."

"Lucian."Gabrielsaidthenamesoftly,gently."Yougrowtiredofyourexistence.Thereisnothingto
holdyoutothisworld.Youchosetoloseyoursoulandfollowthepathofdarkness,yetyougainedno
emotions,nopoweryouhadnotalreadywielded.Allowmetoaidyouinleavingthismadnessbehind.

Youwantmetoaidyou.Youhavealwayswishedsuchathing."

"Thatwasyourvowtome,brother,andyoucandonootherthanhonorit.YetIfindthisworld
different,muchchangedsincelastIarose.ItistrueitistedioustocontinuewhenIhavenooneto
matchwitswith,yetyouremain.Doyouthenalsoseekthedawn?"Helaughedsoftly,asiftohimself."I
thinkweshouldcontinueourgameforatimeinthisstrangeworld."Hewasfading;Francescafeltit
throughherlinkwithGabriel.HehadluredGabrieltothehospitalwiththeintentionofbattle,yethe
seemedtohavelostinterestquickly,fadingfromSkyler'sroom,fromtheveryairitself,leavingnotrace
ofpowerbehind.

Gabrielsighedwithfrustration.Lucianknewaboutbothwomen.Howcouldhenot?Thepower,
unmistakablyfemale,wasthereforanytoread.Alreadytheundeadwerebeingdrawntothecity,looking
fortheonethingthatmightsavethem.Luciancouldnothavefailedtoreadthesigns,wouldknowthat
SkyleraswellasFrancescaexisted.AndhewouldknowGabrielhadclaimedFrancesca,thatshewasan
ancientCarpathian.Heprobablyknewshewaswithchild.WhatGabrielknew,sodidLucian.Skylerwas
nolongersafeinthehospital,awayfromhisprotection.

Gabrielshape-shiftedashelanded,alreadystridingacrossthehospitalparkinglottotheentrance.He
blurredhisimage,notwantingtodealwithhumanswhilehecheckedtoseeforhimselfthatLucianhad
nottouchedSkyler.Theyhadtomoveherassoonaspossible.Luciancouldusehumanminionstoharm
herduringthedaywhenGabrielwasunabletoprotecther.Skylerneededtobeintheirhomewherehe
couldusesafeguards.Wherehecouldsupplyhumanbodyguardsthatcouldbetrustedtowatchoverher
whenhewasdeepwithintheground.Inallthecenturiestheyhadbattled,Gabrielhadneverknown
Luciantouseaservantinanattempttodestroyhimduringtheday,butwithSkylertoprotect,hecould
takenochances.Andtherewereothersinthecity,vampiresoflesserpower,butstillevilandvicious.
AnymightattempttoacquireSkyler.Hecouldnotallowsuchathing.Hermindcouldnottakeonemore
battering.

Skylerwaslyingquietly,staringupattheceiling,whenheenteredherroom.Hisshadowreachedher
first.Someonewithfewerpowersofobservationwouldneverhavenoticedthetinyshiverthatran
throughhersmallbody."Doyoufearme?"Gabrielaskedsoftly,givingherthecourtesyofstayingoutof
hermind.Heknewhewouldhaveto"read"hertobesureLucianhadnottakenherblood,buthewas
determinedtorespectherprivacywheneverpossible.

Skyler'sfingerscurlednervouslyinthesheet."Notreally."Beneaththethincovering,theoutlineofthe
stuffedwolfwasvisibleclosetoherside.

Therewashonestyinhervoicebuthertonewasamerethreadofsound."DoyouknowwhyIamhere?"

Shelookedathimthen,herlargegrayeyessoftandwide,longlashesthrowingthickcrescentshadows
acrosshercheek.Shelookedbeautifultohim.Skylerswallowedhardandbroughtupherhandtocover
thescarrunningalongthecurveofherface.VerygentlyGabrielcaughtherwrist,preventingherfrom
coveringthethin,jaggedwhiteline.Tenderlyheturnedherhandover,ranhisthumboverthemyriadof
scarscrisscrossingherforearm,wrist,andhand."Wearefamily,child,realfamily.Thereisnoplacefor
embarrassment.Iamproudofyou,proudofthewayyoudefendedyourselfandkeptyourselftruetoyour
ownsoul.Donothideyourbadgesofcourage,Skyler,notfrommeandnotfromFrancesca."

Herlargeeyesmovedoverhisfacealittlemoodily."Ihavealwaysbeenalone,asfarbackasIcan

remember.Eversincemymotherdied,Ihavebeenalone.I'mnotcertainIknowhowtobewithothers."

Gabrielhadabreathtakingsmileandheuseditshamelessly."Welcometothefamilythen,Skyler.Ihave
beenalonefartoolongandsohasFrancesca.Wewilllearntogether."Hestrokedbackherhairwith
gentlefingers."Wemaybeamateursatit,butintheendwewillbesuccessful."

Thesmallestghostofasmileflickeredacrossherface."Youthinkso?"

"Iknowitabsolutely.Idonotfailinmytasks,noteventhoseabhorrenttome.ThisisthefirsttimeIam
undertakingsomethingformyself.Believeme,child,Iwillnotfail."

Shestudiedhim,moreadultthanchild."Whattasksareabhorrenttoyou?"

Hiswhiteteethflashedather,asmalltributetoherinsight,toherspecialgifts."TherearetimesIhaveno
choicebuttoorderthewomeninmyfamilytodoasIbidthem,"heansweredmischievously.

Hersoftgrayeyeslitupbriefly,asmallvictoryforhim."Andthatisabhorrenttoyou?Idoubtit,
Gabriel."Shefeltverybraveteasinghimback.

Hesatdownsohewouldn'ttoweroverher.Itwasimportanttohimthathedidn'tintimidateher.
Francesca'sinfluencehadhelpedSkylertoaccepthim,toseehimassomeonegood,notanenemy,buthis
positionwithherwastenuous.Hemadecertainhismovementswereflowingandgracefulsohewould
notstartleher.

"IfItakeyourhandasFrancescadoes,Icanreadyourthoughts,"heexplainedsoftly,"muchintheway
youreceiveinformationaboutthosearoundyou.Idonotwanttofrightenyouwithmytouch,butitis
necessarythatI'read'yourmemoriesoftheotheronewhovisitsyousooften."

Herlonglashesfluttered,veiledherlargeeyes."WillIbeabletoreadyours?"Therewasahesitationin
hervoice,asifshefearedangeringhim.

"Wouldyouliketo?"

"Iusuallycan."Whenhecontinuedtolookather,Skylertwistedthesheetbetweenherfingers."I've
alwaysbeenabletoreadpeopleifItouchthem."Sheglancedathim,aquicksurreptitiouslook."Idon't
thinkit'sthesamewayyouandFrancescareadmindsthough.Ijustseemtoknowthings.Icanhearand
feelhertalkingtome.Iknowshe'stherewithme."Herfingerscontinuedtoplucknervouslyatthesheet.
"JustliketheotheroneistherewhenI'mafraid."

"Skyler,"Gabrielsaidverygently,"ifyoudonotwishtoreadmyemotionsormythoughts,thenyouwill
beshieldedfromthem.Ifitwouldreassureyoutodoso,then,byallmeans,letusbegin."

Herlargedove-grayeyeswereveryexpressiveastheymovedoverhisface.Hewaitedquietly,allowing
hertomakeupherownmind.Eventuallyshenodded.Gabrieltookherhandwithextraordinary
gentleness,leanedclosesothathisblackeyescouldtrapSkyler'sgazeinthedarkdepthsofhis.Shedidn't
evenblink.Whentheyoungwomanmadeuphermindtodosomething,shethrewherheartandsoulintoit
anddidit100percent.Hewouldhavetokeepthatinmindwhenhewastryingouthisnonexistent
parentingskills.

Shestartledhimwithherlaughter,notaloud,butinhermind."I'mreadingyourmind,too,"shereminded
him.

"Great,youaregoingtobeapainintheneck,justlikeFrancesca,"hegroused,teasinghergentlywhile
floodinghismindwiththeextentofhisloveforFrancesca,withhiswarmthandfeelingsofprotectiveness
towardSkyler.Shefelthispresenceinhermindoccasionally,butshedidn'trealizehehadalreadyshared
hermemoriesofherchildhood.Thatwouldhavehumiliatedher.Heknewitinstinctivelyandhadno
intentionofallowinghertobeembarrassed.Shereadwhathewantedhertoread.Hisdesiretowelcome
Skylerintohisfamily,hishopehewouldbeagoodparent,someonewhowouldprotectherandguideher
andalwaysmakeherfeelsafe.Hesharedhisfeelingsofinadequacyasahusband,hisfearshewould
somehowletFrancescadown.HelovedFrancescamorethanlifeitselfandheallowedSkylertoknowhe
wouldgrowtoloveherthesameway.

Allthetime,hewasdelvingdeeperintohermindinanattempttofindatraceofpower,ahintthathis
twinintendedtousehertostrikeagainstFrancesca.HesawFrancesca'sworkanditwasflawless.He
sawtheircombinedsafeguards,thestrongprotectiontheyhadwroughttogether,yethecouldfindnotrace
ofLucian,nohintoftaintedpower,nodarkhiddenagenda.Gabrielwascareful,searchingeverywhere
fortheslightestanomaly,findingmany,examiningthemallmeticulously.Sheseemedtobefreeofall
outsideforces.

Hesighedsoftly,releasingherbeforehissudden,unexpectedsurgeofangertransmitteditselftoSkyler.
Shehadbeenhideouslyabusedandtherawwoundsinhermindwouldforeverleavescars.Shewasan
extraordinaryyoungwomanwithrareinsightandgiftsbeyondmeasure.Butthemanwhoshouldhave
lovedandprotectedherhadbeentheveryonetoinitiateandperpetuatetheabuse.

Gabrielwascarefultobreathedeeply,wantingtoappearcompletelycalmandincontrol.Heknewthat
Skylerwouldbeterrifiedbyanymasculinedisplaysoftemper.LucianhadalreadydestroyedSkyler's
abusersonebyone.Hehadtakenthegirl'senemiesaspartofhislittlechessgamewithGabriel,toshow
heknewwhatGabrielknew.

"Didyouseeanythingintherethatchangesyourmindaboutwantingtotakemehomewithyouand
Francesca?"TherewasachallengeinSkyler'ssoftvoicebuthergazehadslidawayfromhistheinstant
hereleasedher.

Gabrielcaughtherchinintwofingersandtippeditupsoshehadtolookathim."Youhaveanastonishing
mind.Istandinaweofyouandthethingsyouhaveaccomplishedandthethingsyouarecapableofdoing.
IamhonoredyouwouldwantmetoserveasyourguardianalongwithFrancesca.Didyounotsee
yourselfthroughmyeyes?"Heaskeditverygently.

Afaintflushofcolorcreptupherface."I'mnotlikethat.Notlikeyouthinkofme—courageousandbrave
andbeautiful.Nooneelsethinksthat."Whenhecontinuedtolookatherthecolordeepened."Well,only
Francesca,butshedoesn'thaveameanboneinherbody.Shewouldfindsomethingnicetosayabouta
monster."

AsmallsmiletuggedatGabriel'smouth."Youareverylikelycorrect,Skyler,inyourassessmentof
Francesca.Shewouldthinkthebestofamonster,butshealsoisveryastute.InyousheseeswhatIsee.
Youneedtobegintoseeyourselfaswedo.Weareyourguardians,andyoumustlearntotrustandrelyon
us.Ifeveryouwish,youmayexaminemymindandIwillsharemythoughtswithyouopenly."

"IwishtogetoutofthishorribleplaceandgohomewithyouandFrancesca."

"Shewassecuringthedoctor'spermissionwhenwewereinterrupted."

Skylerbitherlip,startedtospeak,andthendraggedthestuffedanimaltoherface.

"Tellme,littleone,"heencouragedsoftly."InourhomeIwillexpecttruthandrespecttobegivenonboth
sides.Ifyouwishtosaysomething,Iwilllistenandvaluewhatyouhavetosay."

"Youwon'tbelieveme,butIknowI'mright."Shedugherfingersintotheplushwolfinhernervousness.

Gabrielgentlyplacedhishandoverhersandsentherasmallwaveofwarmthandreassurance."Ifyou
knowyouareright,Skyler,Iwillbelieveyou."

Shelovedthesoundofhisvoice,theaccentshecouldn'tplace,thefunnywayhetwistedhiswords.
Mostlyshelovedtheconvictioninhim,thewayhemadeherbelievehim."Idon'tthinkthedoctoris
reallygood.Something'swrongwithhim."

Gabrielnodded."HewasverymuchinlovewithFrancescaandhewasnothappywhenIreturned.You
see,FrancescathoughtIwasdead.Ithinkthedoctorishavingdifficultyovercominghisjealousy."

Skylerstaredathimalongwhile,thenshookherhead."Itismorethanthat.Ifeelitwhenhetouchesme."

Foramoment,theredflameofthemonsterdancedinGabriel'seyesandinsidehim,clawsunsheathed.
Hetookamomenttobreathebeforeheresponded."Whatdoyoumean,littleone?"Hisvoicewasquieter
andmorebeautifulthanever.

Skylerfelttheairintheroomgrowstill,asiftheearthitselfwerewaitingforheranswer.Herlonglashes
sweptdown,concealingherexpressiveeyes."Whenhecomesintoexamineme,hetriestohideit,butI
knowsomething'swrongwithhim.He'stwisted.It'smorethanjealousy,Gabriel."

"Iamgoingtosecureyourreleasefortomorrowevening.FrancescaandIwillneedtosetthingsupat
homesowecangiveyouadequatecarewhileyourecover.Inthemeantime,Francescahashireda
bodyguardforyou.Heisyourguard,notahospitalemployee,andhewillensureyouaresafeinour
absence.Ifyoufeelthreatened,youtellhimtogetyououtofthisplaceandtakeyoutoourhome."He
pulledthekeytothefrontdoorofFrancesca'shousefromhispocket.Takingathinchainofgoldfrom
aroundhisneck,hesecuredit."Thisisthehousekey,littleone."Heplacedthechainaroundherneck."If
youneedtocomehome,youhavethekey."

Hefeltherrelief.Shewasliftingthekey,turningitover,andholdingittoherasifhehadgivenher
somethingprecious.Gabrielstoodup,toweringoverher."YourroomisreadyandFrancescahasoutdone
herself."Hewrotetheaddressonaslipofpaperandtuckedthatintoherhandalso.

AsmallsmileshapedSkyler'ssoftmouth."Iknewshewouldgocrazy."Thesmilefadedfromherface,
leavingherwanandpale."Doyoubelievemeaboutthedoctor?"

Therewasananxiousnoteinhervoiceshecouldn'tconceal.

Gabrielregardedhergravely,hisblackeyesserious."Ibelieveyou,Skyler.Ihavefeltthesame

uneasinessaroundhim.DonotfearforFrancesca.Iwilldoallwithinmyveryconsiderablepowerto
keephersafe."

Skylersearchedhisfaceforalongwhilebeforeherlashesdrifteddownandshesubsidedquietlyinher
bed,obviouslysatisfiedwithhisreassurance.

Gabrielautomaticallyscannedduringhiswakinghours,andnowhefeltBriceenteringthehospital.He
glidedawayfromthebedtowardthedoor.Asmallgaspofalarmspunhimaround."Whatisit?"heasked
softly.

Skylerwasstaringathimasifhewereaghost.Selfconsciouslysheforcedalaugh."Justnowyou
remindedmeof"Shetrailedoff.

Hedeliberatelygrinned,aboyish,mischievousgrin."Arockstar?"heaskedhopefully.Skyler's
astutenesswasfarmorethanhehadgivenhercreditfor.

Shemanagedanervouslaugh."Nothardly,Gabriel.Awolf.Abigbadwolf."Sheheldupthestuffed
animal,"lustlikehim."

Helaughedwithherbuttookgreatcaretoappearmorehumanashelefttheroomwithareassuringwave.

ChapterFourteen

Contents

"Thecouplewillarrivetoday,Gabriel,"Francescasaid.Shewassittingatherdesk,ratherabsently
weavingtogetherabstractdesigns.TheylookedajumbleofmaterialstoGabriel,buthecouldseehow
herfingerstracedeachswatchlovingly,eventhoughherminddidn'tseemtobeonwhatshewasdoing.

Gabrielcrossedtheroomtostandbehindher,wantingtheclosenessofherslenderbody."Iamwell
awareoftheirarrival,Francesca.Whatisityouaretryingnottosaytome?"Therewasahintoflaughter
intherichnessofhisvoice.Hewasherlifemate,hehadonlytosharehermindtouncoverherworry.

Francescatookadeepbreath.Herfingerssoughtapieceofclothandunconsciouslybegantorubher
thumboverit."Aidanhasrequestedwedonottaketheirblood."

Therewasasmalltellingsilence.Theairwasheavywiththeweightofhisdisapproval.Francesca
understoodcompletely.TherewereonlyahandfulofhumanswhoknewoftheexistenceoftheCarpathian
people.Gabrielwasanancient,ahunterunsurpassedbyany,otherthanhistwin.Hehadremainedalive
byconcealinghissleepingchambers,byblendinginamongthehumanrace.Carpathianscouldeasily
controlthebehaviorofhumanstheytookbloodfrom,yetAidanhadaskedthattheynotdosuchathing.If
thehumanhadknowledgeoftheirraceandlivedintheirhome,heheldpowerinhishands.ToGabrielit
wasputtingthelivesofhisfamilyatrisk,trustingtwopeoplehedidnotknow.

"Whatdoyousaytothisstrangerequest?"

Francescafeltherheartleap."Gabriel."Shebreathedhisnamesilently,heldittoher.Shehadbeenher
ownpersonforsolong,makingherowndecisionsjustasGabrielhad,yetheremembereditwas
importanttoconsiderheropinionasifshewashispartner.

Gabrielfoundasmilecurvinghismouth.Francescawashispartner,hisotherhalf.Heropinioncounted
wherenootherevercould.Hewasextraordinarilyproudofherachievements.Shedidn'tseemtorealize
justhowmuchshemeanttohim.Thatastonishedhim.Sheneededtoseeherselfthroughhiseyes.Inhis
opinionshewaswithoutequalintheworld."OfcourseIvalueyouropinion.Youmaynothavemixed
withourpeopleallthesecenturies,butyouhavekeptupwiththenews.Youmanagedtohideyouridentity
fromthoseinpowerandfromtheevilonescontinuouslysearchingforfemalesofourrace.Ibelieveyou
arebetterequippedtojudgethisstrangerequestthanI,whohavebeenburiedintheearthfornearlytwo
centuries."

"IhavehearditsaidthatAidandoesnotcontrolthisfamily,hasneverusedthemtofeed,thatherespects
themgreatly.Theyhavehelpedoutothermembersofourraceintimesofneed.Notallofthemareprivy
tooursecrets,butthosewhoknowhaveneverbetrayedus.IfAidanhasrecommendedtwoofhishuman
familytoaidus,thenIbelievehemusttrustthemimplicitly.Hehassaidthisisthesonofhishousekeeper.
Thismanhasknownofourpeopleforsometime.Ibelievehiswifewastoldonlyrecently,butshehas
provedtobeloyal.HerhusbandhasassuredAidanthatsheistrustworthy."

"Idonotliketheideaofthewifenotbeingunderourcontrol,"Gabrieladmitted."Obviouslythehusband

hasknownformanyyearsandhasprovedhisloyalty,butthiswomanisahugedangerwhenweareunder
siege.Shecouldturnintoaliability."

Francescanodded."Whatyousayisverytrue,especiallynow,whenLucianishereandhuntingus,butI
thinkwecanmonitorherthoughtswellenoughtocontrolthesituation.Ifwebelievethereisdanger,we
willhavetimetocontactAidan."

Gabriel'seyebrowshotupandFrancescaturnedawayfromhimtohidehersuddenamusement.Gabriel
didnotlikeherideaofconsultingAidanSavageoveranymatter,letaloneonewithinhisownhousehold.
Itwasallshecoulddotokeepherfacestraight.

Gabrielreachedoutlazilyandheldhershoulder."Areyoulaughingatme?"heinquiredverysoftly.His
voicepurredwithmenace.

"WouldIdothat?"Hereyesweresodarktheywereblack,andtheyglintedwithlaughter.

Hewrappedhisarmaroundherwaistandpulledherrightintotheshelterofhisbody."Yes,youwoulddo
that,"hewhispered,bendinghisdarkheadtotheinvitationofherneck.Hismouthskimmedoverher
satin-softskin."Areyousobusywiththesepeople,youhavenotimeatalltodiscussmyailments?Ineed
healing."

Shereachedupbehindherselfandcircledhisneckwithherarm,leaningintohimsothathiseverymuscle
wasimprintedonherslenderbody.Shefoundhismouthwithhers.Theearthseemedtostandstillbeneath
herfeet.Foroneheart-stoppingmomentbreathceasedtobeimportant.Theirheartshadasinglebeat,
theirmindswerefullymerged,theirsoulsone.Francescameltedintohim,herbodysoftandpliant.He
coulddothatwithhiskiss.Sendmoltenlavacoursingthroughherbloodandraisehertemperatureseveral
degreesinseconds.

"Wehaveachild,"shemurmuredsoftlyagainsthisthroat."She'smovingtowardusrightatthismoment."

Gabrielgroanedsoftly.HehadheardthesoftpadofSkyler'ssmallfeetassheexploredtheirhome.Atthe
firstrising,Gabrielhadhuntedprey,feedingwellforhimselfandforFrancesca.Theyhadmuchtodo,
seeingthatSkylerwassettledinhernewhome.GabrielapprovedofthebodyguardFrancescahad
summoned.JarrodSilvawasamanofalmostthirtywholookedverycapable.Hewasn'ttheleastbit
intrusiveandGabrieleasilyreadhisdesiretodoagoodjob.GabrielreinforcedJarrod'sdetermination
withasubtlecompulsionandwassatisfiedthemanwouldprotectSkylershouldtheneedarise.

Francescaturnedallthewayaroundinhisarms,topressherslenderbodyalongthelengthofhis.He
laughedsoftly,holdingherclose."Ilookatyou,Francesca,"hewhisperedsoftlyasheframedherface
withhishands,"andIcannotbelievemygoodfortune.Youaremylife,myverybreath.Ihopethatyou
alwaysknowthatandcarrytheknowledgeinyourheart.YoumakethetormentIenduredallthose
centuriesworthwhile."

Francescafelttearsgatheringbehindhereyes.Shesensedhisuttersincerity,theintensityofhisemotion.
Certainlyhewantedherbody,shecouldfeeltheheatandneedinhimrisingliketheinevitabletide,but
evenstrongerandmoreintensewasthelovehefeltforher.Shetoldherselftobreathe,justtotakea
breathandinhalehisscent.

Asoftsoundhadbothofthemturningtheirheads."Ilovethataboutthetwoofyou,"Skylerannounced.
Shewasmovingslowly,carefully,hersmallbodystillbatteredphysically."Thewayyoulookateach
other.I'veneverseenanyoneelsedothat.Youlookateachotherwithsuchlove.Itshinesbetweenyou."

Francescaimmediatelyheldoutherhandtothegirl."Andyouwonderifthere'sanyroomforyou."

Skylerlookedveryfragile.Herskinwaspale,almosttranslucent,hereyesenormousinherdelicateface.
Shelookedfaryoungerthanherfourteenyearsuntilonelookedathertoo-oldeyes.

Skylerduckedherhead,herlonglashesveilingtheexpressioninhereyes,butshemovedforwardand
tooktheoutstretchedhand.Francescadrewhergentlytothem.Gabrielcoveredtheirhandswithhis."We
haveenoughlovetogoaround,Skyler,"herepliedgently."Morethanenough.Wearefamily,thethreeof
us,andwealwayswillbe,nomatterwhatthefuturebrings.Itstartshere,withus.Francescahaslivedher
lifealone,asIhave.Youalso.Wedothistogether,helpingoneanother."Hisvoicewasbeautifuland
compelling.Hecouldcommandtheheavensandmaketheveryearthriseupbeneaththeirfeet.Hemade
Skylerabelieverwithoutanyhiddencompulsion.

FrancescasmoothedbacktheraggedendsofSkyler'shair."Ourhousekeepersarrivetoday.Theywillbe
livingwithusonapermanentbasis,wehope.GabrielandIhavemanydutiestoperformandforabrief
timeduringthedaylighthourswewillnotbehomeanditwillbedifficulttoreachus.IwantsomeoneI
trustwithyouatalltimessoyoufeelsafe.Butyourememberthisisyourhome.Ifsomethingisdoneor
saidthatyoudonotlike,Iexpectyoutoconveyittomesowecandealwithittogether.Ifyouhavefears
orwishtochangesomethinginthehousehold,pleasesayso.Yourhappinessandcomfortmattertous.It
isnobother.Wewanttodothingsforyou."

"Myroomisbeautiful,Francesca,"Skylersaid,hervoicestillsosoftandthinitmadeFrancescawantto
gatherthegirlintoherarms."Thankyouforgoingtosomuchtroubleforme."

"Itwasfun.Shoppingtogetherwillbefun."Francescalaughedsoftly."Youturnedpaleatthethoughtof
shopping.Mostgirlswouldbethrilled.Ifinallygetmydaughter,oryoungersister,whicheverlabelyou
prefer,andyoudonotwanttoshopforclothes."

Skylerbroughtatremblinghandtothethinscaronherfaceandrubbeditself-consciously."Ihaven'tbeen
outinpublicinalongtime,"sheconfessed.

Gabrieltookherhandgentlyandbroughttheworstscartohischeek."Whenyoudecideyouareuptoit,
wewillallgoandlookatthestrangepeopleouttheretogether.Itwillbemuchmorefunthatway."

Skylerstaredupathimforalongtime,hereyesmovingoverhisharsh,sensualfeatures,studyingevery
inchofhisface.Hersmilewasveryslowincoming,butwhenitdid,itlituphereyes."Ithinkyouare
almostasafraidofallthosepeopleasIam,justnotinthesameway."

FrancescalaughedatGabriel'swryexpression,thejoyfulsoundfillingtheirhomewithlove.Shecould
dothat,Gabrielthought.Francescacouldfillupeveryinchofthathugehousewithlove.Eachmoment
spentinhercompanyonlydeepenedhisfeelingsforher.Therewassomuchlightspillingoutofherit
fascinatedhim.Gabrielhadlivedinaworldofdarkness,ofviolence,forsolong,hecouldonlystarein
aweatFrancesca.HisblackeyesmetSkyler'sdove-graygazeandtheysharedasmallsmileofmutual
understanding.Shefeltthesameway.BothofthemwantedtobaskinFrancesca'shealinglightforall

eternity.

FrancescaslippedherarmaroundSkyler'swaist,agesturesonaturaltoher,Skylerdidn'tthinktopull
away."Wewon'thavetoworryaboutgoingoutinpublicuntilyou'reready,honey.Ijustwantyoutofeel
comfortableandsafehereathome.Ithinkyou'lllikeournewhousekeepers."

SkylermadeafaceandexchangedanotherquicklookwithGabriel.Hewasmakingthesameface.
Francescalaughedatthem."Icanseehowit'sgoingtobe.Youtwoareacoupleofhermits.Therewillbe
nogangingupagainstFrancesca,youtwo.Skyler,youlikeyourbodyguard,don'tyou?"

Skylershrugged."Itrynevertolookathim."

"Well,youshould.He'squitenice-looking,"Francescareplied.

"Thatwillbeenoughofthat,"Gabrielinterrupted."Youdonotneedtofindanymangood-lookingother
thanme."

Francescasmiledverysweetly."Butthen,Idon'tremembereversayingyouweregood-looking."

Skylerfoundherselflaughing.Foronemomentintime,sheforgot.Sheforgotthescarsonherbody.She
forgotthescarsonhermindandsoul.Shewasayounggirlenjoyingamomentofhappinesswithtwo
peopleshewasgrowingfondof.Itwasnearlyimpossibletobelieveshecouldtrustthemsoquickly,but
shedid."Areyougoingtolethergetawaywiththat?"sheaskedGabriel,hereyessparkling."Youare
good-lookingandshe'snoticed.Iknowshehas."

HeshackledFrancesca'swristwhenshewouldhaverun,anddraggedherclose."Iamgoingtohypnotize
herandplantallkindsofsuggestions.Youcanhelpme,Skyler.Ithinksheshouldrevereme."

"Whileyou'remakingsuggestions,youcantellhernooneelseneedstotakecareofme,Ionlywanther,"
Skylersaidsoftly,morethanhalfserious.

"Nooneelsehasauthorityoveryou,Skyler.ThesepeoplearecomingtohelpyouduringthehoursI'm
away,"Francescarepliedgently."Theyaredoingusatremendousfavorsothatyouwillnotbealone."
HervoicewasmusicalandseepedintoSkyler'smindwithahealingcompulsion.

Gabrielmadearudenoise,drawingSkyler'sattentiontohim."Inoticedsheusedthewords'nooneelse.'
Didyoucatchthat,Skyler?Issheexcludingme?IthinkI'mtheauthorityinthishouse."

"You'renotevengood-looking,"Skylerpointedout,laughingdespitetheseriousnessofthesituation.

"Oh,sonowyouneedtobehypnotized,too,"hethreatened."Ishouldhaveknownyouwomenwouldstick
together.Justrememberthiswhenyoufindyourselfbarkinglikeadoginyourroomandwonderinghow
yougotthere."

"I'dbewonderingwhyIwasbarking,"Francescacontradicted."Thebarkingwouldbeabitmuch."

"Idon'tknow,"Skylermused."Ifthehousekeepercameinandfoundusallbarkinglikedogs,she'd
hightailitoutofhereandI'dbeveryhappy."

"Youwillgivethemachance,won'tyou,Skyler?"Francescaaskedgently.

Skylersighedsoftly."IguessIdon'thavemuchchoice.ButIknowIcouldstaybymyself.I'mnotababy
andI'vespentmostofmylifealone."

"Youhaveapoint,"Gabrielacknowledged."Pleasedonotmisunderstand,Skyler.FrancescaandIwant
youtohaveahousekeeperbecausewewanttoensureyourcomfortandsafety,notbecausewedon'ttrust
you.Wearewealthy,littleone,andyoumaybecomeatargetbecauseofthat.Francescawouldspendan
inordinateamountoftimeworryingifwedidnotadequatelyprotectyou."

Skyler'seyeswerefixedonhisfacewhileshedeterminedwhetherhewastellingherthetruth.Eventually
shenodded."Ididn'tthinkofthat.Iwouldn'twanteitherofyoutoworryaboutme."

Francesca'stouchwassoothing,asalways."Tryitforawhile,honey.Iftheydon'tworkout,we'llfind
someoneyoulike."

SkylermadeanattempttoeasetheconcernonFrancesca'sexpressiveface."Aren'tyouworriedabout
spoilingmejustalittle?"

AtonceFrancescasmiled,herdarkeyesbrilliantwithlaughter."Ihopethatwedo.Itwillbesuchfun."

"Youdon'tknowthefirstthingaboutparenting,doyou?"Skylerchastised."I'mgoingtohavetobetheone
torunthingsaroundhere.".

Thedoorbellcutoffanyfurtherbyplaybetweenthem,wipingthesmilefromSkyler'sface.Francesca
immediatelycircledtheyoungwoman'stoo-thinshoulderswithacomfortingarm."They'rehere,aren't
they?"Skylerwhisperedit,asifshewereafraidtospeakanylouder.Francescacouldfeelhersmallbody
trembling.

SheglancedatGabriel,clearlyworried."Perhapswearepushinghertoohard,expectinghertoaccept
toomanypeopleinherlifetoofast."

"Shemustbeprotected,mylove.Ouronlyotherchoiceistocommandheracceptanceandweboth
agreedwewouldnotdosounlessnecessary."GabrielreachedovertotakeSkyler'shand."Idonotlike
strangersinmyhomeeither,littleone.PerhapsyouwillbemystrengthwhileFrancescaperformsher
magic.Ifneitherofusfeelsanythingwrongwiththesepeople,wewillattempttointegratethemintoour
home.Isthatadeal?"

"WhatifIdon'tliketheman?"Skylerasked,voicingherworstfear.

"Understandthis,Skyler,"hesaidsoftly."Ifyoueverhavemisgivingsaboutanyman,myselfincluded,
whetheryouhaveconcretereasonornot,godirectlytoFrancesca.Donotthinkaboutit,orworryabout
it,orhesitateinanyway.Tellherimmediately.Promisemeyouwilldothat."Hisvoicewasmagical,so
gentleandperfectitwasimpossibletoresist.

Skylerstoodstillforamomentbeforeshenoddedsolemnly.ShefoundherselfgrippingGabriel'sand
Francesca'shandsastheymovedthroughthehousetothefrontdoor.Somehow,physicalcontactwith
themmadehercalmer.Therewassomethingextremelysoothingaboutthecouple.Whenshewasbetween
them,theirpeaceseemedtofillherupandkeepherfearsatbay.Shecouldn'trememberatimeinherlife

whenshewasn'tafraid.NotuntilFrancescahadfoundherhuddledinsideherownmindandhadswamped
herwithwavesofwarmthandreassurance.EventhefactthatGabrielwasaveryoverwhelmingmale
didn'tbotherher.Sheknewhewaspowerful,shecouldfeelitwhenshewasclosetohim,yetSkyler
foundGabriel'spowercomforting.Hehadgivenherhiswordandshebelievedhim.Shebelievedinboth
ofthem.Theyweredeterminedtomakeherwholeagain,makeherunderstandloveandkindnessandwhat
truesafetywas.

AboveSkyler'sbenthead,Francesca'sblackgazemetGabriel'sdarkoneinmuteunderstanding.Bothof
themeasilyreadtheteenager'sthoughts.Gabrielsmiledhisreassurance,wishinghecouldtakeFrancesca
intohisarmsandholdherclosewithintheshelterofhisheartandhismind,intheshelterofhisbody.She
alwaysthoughtofothers,alwayswantedtohelpthoseinneed,andhercompassionwasslowlyrubbing
offonhim.

"Iloveyouverymuch,Francesca."Theemotionwassointense,thewordsspilledoverfromhismind,
intohers.

Francescafeltthecolorrisinginhercheeks.Gabrielcouldmakeherfeellikeateenager,herheart
flutteringatthebrushofhishand.Sometimesheallowedhimselftobesovulnerable.Itwasavery
unusualtraitinaCarpathianmale.

Hissoftlaughterechoedinhermindassheopenedthefrontdoor."Youdonotknowthefirstthingabout
theCarpathianmale."

Francescagavehimherhaughtiestlookwhenwhatshereallywantedwastoflingherselfintohisarms.
Insteadshesmiledawelcomeatthecouplestandingonherporch."Pleasecomein.Aidansentwordto
expectyou.It'sverykindofyoutohelpusoutwhenweareinsuchgreatneed."

ThemansteppedforwardwithaneasysmileandheldouthishanddeliberatelytoGabriel."I'mSantino
andthisismywife,Brasilia."Hewasclearlyateasedespitethefactthathesuspectedwhattheywere.
HewascompletelyunafraidtohaveGabriel"read"him,andGabriellikedhimforthat.

Santinowasagoodmanwithasenseofdutyandadeterminationtodowhateverittooktoprotecthis
family.Hehadbeenthroughsiegeswithvampiresandtheirminionsandknewthedangerandwhatittook
forthehunterstoprotecthumansandCarpathians.Hehadwillinglyjoinedtheranksofthefightersby
acceptingtheresponsibilitythatcamewithknowingthatvampiresreallyexisted.Hehadaquiet
confidenceabouthim,anairofcapabilitythatGabriellikedimmediately.

GabrielcouldalmostseeFrancesca'sinwardsighofrelief.Skylerwasveryquietduringthe
introductions,herfaceverypale,butbothSantinoandhiswifewereextraordinarilygentlewithher.
Drusillawasasmallwoman,withmuchthesamebuildasSkyler,onlyrounderandsoft-looking.Shewas
morenervousthanherhusband,butneitherCarpathiancoulddetectanythingotherthansincere
compassionforSkyleranddeterminationtobeofassistancetoachildindistress.Francescalikedher
immediatelyforthat.Skylerobviouslyreadonlygoodinthecouplebecauseshebegantoslowlyrelax,
looseningherdeathgripontheirhandsandevenmanagingafaintsmileonceortwiceinthecourseofthe
conversation.

Francescashowedthecouplearoundthehouse,purposelyexcludingSkyler'sbedroom.Itwasimportant
theyoungwomanfeltshehadherownprivacy,asanctuarynoonewouldintrudeonwithoutpermissionor

invitation.Drusillawasparticularlyhappywiththekitchenandgardenarea.Santinowasunhappywith
theeasyaccessfromthestreet.Tohimprotectingthehouseholdwasalogisticalnightmare.Bothspoke
FrenchfluentlywithadistinctlyAmericanaccent.

ItwasimpossiblenottofeelathomeandatpeaceinFrancesca'shome.Therewassomethingsoothing
andtranquilaboutthehouse.Drusillasmiledatherhusband,suddenlyhappywiththedecisiontheyhad
made.Ithadnotbeenaneasyone.Theirtwochildrenwereincollegeandtheywerereadyforachange,
butcomingtoFrancehadnotbeenintheirplansatall.

Ithadbeenthethoughtofthelittlegirlsoterriblyabusedandinneedofsomeonetoloveandcareforher
thathadtippedtheirdecisioninfavorofthemove.Still,ithadbeenparticularfrighteningforDrusilla.
ShelovedAidanandhiswifeAlexandria,butshehadknownthemalongtime.Thethingsherhusband
hadtoldherweresofar-fetched,shewasuncertainwhethershebelievedthemornot.Itwastrueshehad
neverseeneitherAidanorhiswifeduringtheday,althoughhermemoriesseemedtobevague.Before
SantinohadtoldherthetruthaboutAidanandAlexandria,shewouldhaveswornsheoftenhadbeenwith
themduringallhoursoftheday.Nowsheknewshehadn't.

ShelookedatFrancescaclosely,sneakingquicklooksinanattempttojudgeherpersonality.Wouldshe
beeasytoworkfor?Drusillawantedtomakethishousefeellikeherownhome.Shewantedtolovepoor
littleSkylerlikeadaughter.AndshewantedtoloveFrancescaandGabrielasshedidAidanand
Alexandria.Santino'sparentshadworkedforAidanalloftheirmarriedlives.Santinohadgrownupin
Aidan'shomeandlovedhimverymuch.Sheknewherhusband'sloyaltyrandeep,abondalmostasstrong
ashermarriage.Maybestronger.Shesighedandlookedatherhusband.Santino.Shelovedhimsomuch.
Andshewasveryproudofhim.

DrusillacaughtFrancescasmilingatherandhastilygaveheratentativesmileinreturn."Ireallylovethe
house,"shesaid,hopingtobreaktheice.

Francesca'ssmilereachedhermagnificenteyes."Thankyou,I'velivedherealongtimeanditfeelslike
hometome.I'mhopingitwillfeelthesametoyou.Iftheroomsaren'ttoyourlikingupstairs,oryouneed
anythingforthekitchen,pleasesayso.Itis,afterall,entirelyyourdomain."

"Icancook,"Skylersaidsuddenly,surprisingeveryone.Shehadbeenveryquiet,simplywatchingthe
othersastheymovedthroughthehouse.ShestayedveryclosetoFrancescaandsometimesreachedout
andtouchedherarmasiftoassureherselfshewasn'talone.

"That'swonderful,"Drusillasaidimmediately."You'llhavetoshowmeallyourfavoriterecipes.Iknow
whatSantinolikes.Justaboutanythingedible."

AghostofasmileappearedonSkyler'sface,butitdidn'tquitereachhereyes.Thistimeshecurledher
fingersinFrancesca's.Evenasshedidso,astrangelookcrossedherface.SheleanedtowardFrancesca.
"Youaskedmetotellyouwhentheotherwashere.Icanfeelhimrightnow."

Francescawentverystill,herfingersformingaloosechainaroundSkyler'stinywrist."Donotlookat
anyoneinthehouse,honey,justconcentrateonsomethingelsetokeepyourmindoccupied.""Gabriel,he
iswithSkylernow.Iamafraidhewillusehertoharmsomeone.Skylercouldn'tbearthat."

"Donotenterhermindwhilehedwellsthere.IwilldosoandseewhatitisLucianisseeking.More

thanlikelyitisinformationandmischief.Hedoeslikehisgames."Gabrielsmiledhisreassuranceat
SkylerevenwhilehesentasilentsignaltoFrancescatokeeptheconversationgoingwithSantinoand
Drusilla.

"Becareful,Gabriel,"Francescasaidworriedly.ShewasveryafraidofLucian.Sheknewhispower;
knewhewasaforceunlikeanyother."YoubelievehewilluseSkyleragainstme,butIfearhewilluse
heragainstyou."

Gabriel'sonlyanswerwasafloodofwarmthinhermind."Comewithme,sweetheart,"heinstructedvery
gentlyandtookSkyler'shandinhis,walkinghertotheden.Ashepassedthebookshelf,hehandedhera
bookhehadtakenatrandom."Iamcertainyouwillenjoythisverymuch."

Skylertookthebookwithoutquestionandopenedit.Shereadinearnest,butevenasshedidso,asmall
smilewastuggingatthecornersofhersoftmouth."Allthiscloak-and-daggerstuffisinteresting,isn'tit,
Gabe?"

Gabriel'sblackeyebrowsshotupnearlytotheceiling.Inallthelongcenturiesofhisexistence,noone
hadeverthoughttocallhimGabe."Morerespect,younglady,andlessofthisGabestuff."Hemergedhis
mindwithhersquickly,notgivinghertimetothinkaboutitortipoffLucianthathewasjoiningthem.
Immediatelyhecouldfeelthesurgeofpowerthatsignaledhistwin'spresenceinthegirl'syoungmind.

Lucianfelthimatonce."Alittlecrowdedforthetwoofus."

"Whenwereyoureducedtousingchildrentogetyourway?Ithoughtperhapsyouwerestrongenough
tomeetmeface-to-face,butIseethatyourpowerhasbeenslowlydwindlingaway."Gabrielspokeina
soft,purevoice,histonehypnotic.

"Youpersistintauntingme.Ithasneverworked,Gabriel.IdoubtifIwillbedriventoacceptyour
challenge.Whileyougrowsoftinthathousesurroundedbywomen,Iambuildingakingdomtorule."

Gabrielsighedsoftly."Yousoundlikeachild,Lucian.Youwouldbeboredrulingakingdom.Finda
monasteryandreadsomebooks."

"Ihavealreadydonejustthat."BeforeGabrielhadachanceto"see"throughLucian'seyesandgivehim
anideawherehistwinmightbe,hefeltthewithdrawal.LucianwasgonefromSkyler'smindthatfast.

Skylerlookedupathim,"Heknewyougavemethebook.Hequotedfromitandtoldmetolookonpage
eighty-two.Ilookedupthequoteandhe'drepeateditwordforword."Shesoundedawedbythefeat.

"Lucianisagenius,Skyler,andhehasaphotographicmemory."

Sheturnedherwideeyesonhim,oldeyes."Youhaveone,too,don'tyou?"

Gabrielnodded."Yes,Ido,honey.Lucianismybrother,mytwin.Helikestoplaygames,notalwaysnice
ones.Idonotwantyoutobeafraid,buthehaspowerandsometimesmisusesit."

SkylershookherheadandhandedGabrielthebook."I'mnotafraidofhim,notatall.WhydidFrancesca
tellmenottolookatanybody?"SheaskedthequestiontoseeifGabrielwouldtellherthetruth.

HiswhiteteethflashedandforthefirsttimeSkylerfeltasmallshiverrundownherspine.Shecouldsee
thepredatorinhimclearlyforamoment."Luciancandomorethantalktoyoumindtomind.Heis
telepathic,buthealsohasotherpowers.Hecanuseyouifheismergedwithyou."

Shehadn'texpectedthisanswer.Skylerstoppedwalkingandstaredupathim."Youreallywillanswermy
questions,won'tyou?Nomatterhowbaditis,youwilltellmethetruth."

"Whatwereyouexpecting,Skyler?"

Sheshrugged."Mostpeoplelietokidsifthetruthisdifficult."Skylerduckedherheadsothatherhair
spilledaroundherface."Ishouldn'thavetestedyoulikethat.Isuspecteditwassomethinglikethat."

"Isittoofar-fetchedforyoutobelieve?"Gabrielaskedcuriously.

"Isn'titfar-fetchedthatyouandFrancescacantalktomeinmymind?Isn'titfar-fetchedthatIcantalkto
animals?"

Heraisedoneeyebrow."Canyou?"

Shenoddedwithoutlookingathim,halfafraidhemightnotbelieveher.

"Iknewyouhadabuiltinbarometerfortrouble,butIdidnotrealizehowgiftedyoureallyare.Wewill
havetoworkonthatparticulartalent.Doyoulikeanimals?"

"Betterthanpeople,"sheadmittedwithalittlegrin."Muchbetterthanpeople.Irelatetoanimals.They
haveacodetheyliveby.Anhonorablecode."

"Somepeoplehavecodes,sweetheart.Somepeopleactuallyhavehonorandintegrity.Youshouldknow
that;youareoneofthem."

"Canyoureallyhelpmespeaktoanimalsbetter?"

"Icanhelpyoudevelopwhattalentyouhave,"heanswered."AnditisverypossibleFrancescaandI
mightbeabletoteachyoutoshieldyourselffromunwantedemotionswhenyouarewithotherpeople."

"I'dlikethat."Hersmallteethtuggedatherlowerlip.

"Youhaveadifferentaccent.It'snice.Ilikethewayyoutwistyourwords."

"HowdidyoulearntospeakbothEnglishandFrench?"

Skylershruggedagain."Languagesareeasyformetopickup.Idon'treallyknowwhy,butIthinkmy
motherwasthesameway."

"Shemusthavebeenaremarkablewoman.IwishthatIhadknownher,Skyler."

"Thankyou,"Skylermurmured.Hervoicewassoftandsweet,reminiscentofFrancesca's.Shedida
peculiarlittleskiptowardthestairs.

Gabrielmovedthroughthehouse,silentlylisteningtothesoundsofthehumans.Itwasn'tnearlyas
uncomfortableashe'dthoughtitwouldbesharingthesamedwelling.HehadtouchedSantino'smindand
foundhimtobealoyal,courageousman.Hehadneverspentmuchtimeamonghumans,couldcallnone
hisfriend.ButSantinowassolidandhadagoodheart.Therewasnohiddenagendaintheman.Andhis
wifewassweetandgood-natured.ShewasuncertainwhetherornotshebelievedthethingsSantinohad
toldheraboutAidanandhislifemate,butshewaswillingtolivewithSantinoanywherehechoseandshe
wasdeterminedtomakehishomeahappyone.

Gabrielfoundhimselfsmilingashemovedthroughthelargehouse.Thenoiseswerebecomingfamiliar,
almostcomforting.Thedifferentscentsthatfilledtheairmadethehouseallthemorehomey.

"Youlikethem."FrancescamadeitastatementassheslippedupbehindGabrieltocirclehisnarrow
waistwithherarms.Sherestedherheadagainsthisbroadback.

"Yes,Ilikethem,"heconceded."Idonotknowwhetherthewomanwillrunscreamingfromthehouseifa
vampireshouldactuallyattackushere."

"Idon'tknowifI'drunscreamingfromthehouse,"Francescalaughed."Skylerhasgonetobed.She'svery
tired.Isatwithherforafewmomentstobesureshewashealing.Butyouknow,mylove,I'mincredibly
hungry."Therewasasoftsuggestioninhervoice.

Heplacedhislargerhandoverhers."Again?JusthowoftenamIgoingtohavetofeedyou?"

Herhandsmovedoverhisbody,shapinghismuscles,exploringthemostintriguingplaces."Itisn'tjustfor
me,"sheremindedhim."Inanycase,youknowperfectlywellthatisn'tthehungerI'mtalkingabout."

Heturnedaroundtopullherintohisarms,cradlingherasifherweightwasnomorethanachild's.His
blackeyesburnedoverherfacewithsuchhungerandintensityittookherbreathaway."Andwhatkindof
hungerwouldthatbe,Francesca?Ilovewhenyouaskmeforwhatyouwant."

"Gabriel."Shebreathedhisnamewithakindofwonder,drewacaressinghandalonghisstubbornjaw.
HerGabriel.Herlegend.Soincrediblysexy."Iamnotasking,lifemate,Iamdemanding.Mybody
hungersforyours.I'mburninginsideandonlyyouknowhowtosatisfyme."

Theyweremovingquicklythroughthecorridortotheirbedchamber."Icandonootherthanpleaseyou."

"Hmmm,IthinkIwishtopleaseyou.Iwantyouinmymouth,Iwanttoseeyourfaceasyoumakeloveto
me,IwanttofeelyouhardandhotandsomuchapartofmeIwillnever,neverbeabletogetyouout."

Hismouthfoundhers,rockingherworldwhileclotheslitteredthecorridor.Alreadyhisfingerswere
deepinsideherwet,welcomingcore,pushingdeep,strokingtheheat,whilehekissedheruntilshedidn't
knowwherehestartedandsheleftoff.Inthechambershepushedatthewallofhischest,insistingonher
ownrighttotastehim,toteasehim,hermindmergedwithhistosharetheexperience,toallowhimthe
headysatisfactionofknowingshewantedtodrivehimovertheedgeofcontrol.Gabriel,whowasalways
socontrolled,wasthrustinghelplessly,aharshcrytornfromhisthroatasshetastedhisessence.He
pulledherintohisarmsandsettledherontohislap,fillinghercompletely,hishandsguidingherhips
whilehewatchedherslow,lazyride,herhaircoveringherbodysothatherbreastscouldpeek
provocativelyathim.

ChapterFifteen

Contents

Thedoorbellletoutasoft,melodiouspeal,announcingavisitor.Santinoglancedathiswifeandwished
hedidn'tfeelsoapprehensive.EverythinginFrancescaandGabriel'shousewasharmonious,eventhe
doorbell,yethehadanominouspremonitionofdisaster.Skylerpaledvisiblyandshrankintoalittleball
inthearmchair.Hereyesseemedenormousinhersmallfaceasshehuggedherstuffedanimaltoher.
Santinowantedtoputhisarmsaroundherandholdher,butshewascarefultoavoidanyphysicalcontact
withhim.

Drusillaglancedathim,thenmovedovertostandbesideSkyler'schair,partiallyblockingthevisitor's
viewoftheteenager.TheyhadbothnoticedthatSkylerseemedtoknowwhentroublewascoming,and
rightnowsheseemedveryapprehensive.

Bricestabbedatthedoorbellagainwithhisfinger,determinedtoseeFrancesca.Hehaddevelopedan
obsession.Hecouldn'tsleepatnightanymore,certainshewasindanger.Hethoughtofhereverywaking
moment,planningandschemingwaystogetheroutfromunderGabriel'sblackspell.Nowheknewjust
therightthingtosaytomakeherlisten,butitwasatotalstrangerwhoansweredthedoor.Bricehearda
buzzinginhishead.Itwashappeningmoreandmorefrequently,apreludetotheterriblemerciless
headaches.

"Whothedevilareyou?"hedemandedrudely.HowmanymendidFrancescahaveinherlifeanyway?
Washegoingtohavetoresorttoviolence?Gabrielprobablyhadagangofsomekind;maybehereally
didbelongtoorganizedcrime.

Santinoraisedhiseyebrow."Ibegyourpardon,"heansweredsoftly,hisfaceanexpressionlessmask.

Briceclenchedhisteeth,hisfingersactuallycurlingintofists."ThishousebelongstoFrancescaDel
Ponce,averyclosefriendofmine.Whereisshe?"

"Sheisoutatthemoment.MayItellherwhoinquiredafterher?"Santinoaskedpolitely.Hewatchedthe
othermanclosely,wonderingabouthim.Noonehadwarnedhimtoexpecttroubledressedinan
expensivesuit.

Briceswallowedhisangerandpressedhisfingertipstohisthrobbingtemple."I'mSkyler'sdoctor.I'm
heretocheckonher."

Drusillafelttheyoungwomaninstantlygrowstillandshelookeddownather.Skylerwassowhiteshe
lookedlikeaghost.Thechildhadburiedherfaceagainstthewolf;onlyhereyespeeredoutinalarm.
DrusillareacheddownandputherhandverylightlyonSkyler'sshoulder.Thegirl'sslightbodywas
trembling.

"Iwasn'tawareSkylerhadadoctor'sappointment.Francescaisusuallyverygoodaboutinformingmeof
theday'sschedule,"Santinoimprovisedsmoothly.

"FrancescapromisedmeshewouldbringSkylertothehospitalforacheckup."

Skylermadeasmallsoundofdistress,solowonlyDrusillaheardher.Santinoglancedbackatthem,and
hiswifeshookherheadquickly."I'msorry,Doctor,butuntilFrancescareturns,I'mafraidthere'slittleI
cando.I'lltellheryoucalled,"hesaidsoftly,easily.

"I'lltakeSkylertothehospitalmyself,"Bricevolunteeredimmediately.

Skylerpressedbackamongthepillows,determinednottomoveoneinch.ShestaredupatSantino
helplessly.

Santinosmiledhisreassuranceattheteenager."I'mverysorry,sir,butasIhaven'treceivedanyorders
fromFrancesca,IcannotallowSkylertoleavethepremises.I'mcertainFrancescawillmake
arrangementsassoonaspossibletobringSkylerin."HestoodsolidlyinthedoorwaysothatBricehad
nochancetopushhiswayin.

ColorsweptinstantlyupBrice'sneckintohisface,givinghischeeksaruddyglow.Histempleswere
throbbingsohardhedughisthumbintothepulsepointtotrytoeasethepain."Sheismypatientwhether
Gabriellikesitornot.Iwon'tallowthatmantodictatetomewhetherornotIexaminemypatients."

Santinocontinuedtosmilepleasantly."I'mverysorry,sir.MyFrenchmustnotbeveryeasilyunderstood.
Gabrieldidnotgivemeanyordersconcerningyouatall.IwasspeakingofFrancesca.Sheistheonewho
insistedSkylerremainindoorsandwithoutthestressofcompany.I'mcertainshedidnotmeanyou,sir,as
youareSkyler'sdoctor,butIcannotgoagainstherdirectorders.I'msureshe'llclearupthis
misunderstandingassoonasshereturns."

Bricesworeangrily,glaringdaggersatSantino."Idon'tevenknowyou.WhywouldFrancescaleaveyou
inchargeofmypatient?IinsistoncominginandspeakingwithSkyler.Iwanttomakecertainsheisall
right."

Santinocontinuedtosmile,buthiseyeswereflatandcold."AreyousuggestingImightbeholdingthe
youngladyincaptivityinherownhouse?"

"Idon'tknowwhatyou'redoing.Francescaisaclosefriendofmine."Brice'stoneimpliedallsortsof
things."Shewouldhavetoldmeifshe'dmadearrangementsforSkyler'scare."

"Perhapsyouarenotquiteasgoodafriendasyouthoughtyouwere,sir,"Santinorepliedverysoftly.

Bricesteppedforwardtocrowdtheman,furyrippingthroughhim,nearlyoverwhelminghisgoodsense.
"Howdareyou?"

Santinodidn'tbudge.Hedidn'tflinch.Hesimplystoodinthedoorway,asolid,muscularframe
impossibletomove.BehindBriceamanmovedoutoftheshadows.Skyler'sbodyguardstoodatthe
bottomofthestairswithhisarmsfolded.BriceswallowedhisrageandsteppedawayfromSantino.
"Skyler,getouthere.You'recomingwithme.Imeanit.Ifyoudon'tcomenow,I'mgoingstraighttothe
judgeandinsistyoubeplacedinmycustodyimmediately."

Skylerburiedherfaceinherhandswithasmallmoanoffear.

Beneaththeearthinthesecretchamberlaytwobodies,asstillasdeath.Asingleheartbegantobeat
wherebeforetherehadbeenonlysilence.Gabrielfeltthestrengthofthegirl'sfearandithadawakened
him.Instantlyhefelthistwin'spresence.Atthatmomenttheywereonebeingwithonethought.Someone
hadthreatenedachildundertheirprotection,andthiswasn'ttobetolerated.

GabrielcouldnotexplainsuchaphenomenontoFrancesca.ThiswaswhatmadeLucianunique.Itwas
whatmadeitsodifficulttocondemnandhunthim.Lucianmergedwithhimandatoncetheywerebonded,
strongandlethal,ofonemindonthehunt.Whateverhismotive,LucianwasasdeterminedasGabrielthat
Skylernotbefurtherintimidated.Gabrielcouldnomoreclosehimselfofftohisbrotherthangiveup
protectingthewomen.Atthatmoment,theyweretrulyonebeing.

Gabrieldisconnectedwithhisbody,hisspiritrisingabovehisbodyandmovingswiftlythroughtheearth
upwardtowardthemainhouse.Itwasapeculiarwrenchingfeelingtobeoutofone'sbody,disorienting
andyetstrangelyexhilarating.Gabrielwasathislowestpointofpowerintheafternoon,buthecould
travelwithouthisbodyandhedidsonow,movingswiftlythroughthehouseuntilhewasintheroom
wherethedisturbancewasoccurring.

LightwasstreamingintotheroomdespiteSantino'slargeframeblockingthedoorway.Gabrielflinched
fromthesunlightalthoughhewaswithouthisbodyandthelightcouldnotblindhim.HewenttoSkyler's
tremblingfigurehuddledsosmallonthecouch,forlornandlostwithoutFrancescaandGabrieltoprotect
herfromtheworld.Hefloodedherwithwarmthandafeelingofsafety,whileLucianlenthisown
strengthandpowersothatshewasinstantlysoothed.

Skylerliftedherheadandlookedaroundher,puzzledthatsheshouldsenseGabriel'spresenceeven
thoughhewasn'tintheroomwithher.SheglancedatDrusillatoseewhethershefeltanything.Shewasn't
goingtogowithBricenomatterwhatanyofthemsaid.

"Ofcourseyouwon't,honey."Itwasadistinctlymasculinevoice,soothing,comforting,fillingherwith
confidence."NeitherSantinonorIwillallowanyonetotakeyouagainstyourwillfromthishouse.
Briceisill."

SkylerfeltthepresenceofGabriel,strongandpowerful,inhermind.Sherecognizedthetouchofthe
otherone,theonetheyallseemedtoworryabout,justasstrongandpowerfulasGabriel,hisstrength
pouringintoheralongwithGabriel's.Skylerknewshewouldbeprotected.Shehadneverfeltpartofa
familybefore.Itwasastrangeandevenunnaturalfeelingtoher,yetshewanteditdesperately.She
wantedtobelievethatSantino,Drusilla,andthebodyguard,JarrodSilva,wouldprotectherandbeloyal
toherinthesamewaysheknewGabrielandFrancescawould.Shehadreservationsabouttheother,only
becausesheknewGabrielandFrancescabothwerewaryofhim.Shecouldn'tfathomwhy,althoughshe
hadgivenitmuchthoughtandhadeventriedto"read"thecouplewhentheytouchedher.

SkylerattemptedtoreachouttoGabriel,feltfrustratedforamoment,thenlaughedsoftlyatherself.All
shehadtodowasthinkareplyinherhead."ItoldFrancescasomethingwaswrongwiththedoctor.He
doesn'tfeelthesameasheusedtofeel.IammoreafraidforFrancescathanformyself.IthinkDr.
Briceisnuts."

"Youmusthavefaithinme.IwouldnotallowBricetoharmFrancesca."Gabrielknewwhatherfear
was,knewSkylerwasafraidthatBricewouldhurtFrancesca,wouldsomehowseparatethem."Itwill
nothappen,noonewilltakeyoufromus."Hisvoicewasreassuring,soperfectlytranquilandsoothing

thatSkylerregainedherconfidenceimmediatelyandwasabletopeeraroundDrusillatosmilealittle
impertinentlyatthedoctor.

"IthinkyouarefrighteningSkyler,sir,"Santinosaidmoresoftlythanever.Therewasthemeresthintofa
threatinhisvoicethistime.

Besidehim,Gabrielstirred,acoldbreezewashingoverBrice,swampinghimwithfearsuchashehad
neverknownbefore.Hewaschokingonit,hisskincrawlingwiththefeeloftinyinsects,thousandsof
themattackinghisbodysothathebeganrakingathisownfleshinanattempttoridhimselfofthethings.

SantinoexchangedaworriedglancewithJarrodoverthedoctor'shead.Themanwasactingasifhehad
theDTs.MorethanevertheyweredeterminedtoprotectSkylerfromthedoctor.Themanneededa
paddedcellinapsychward.Maybeagooddetoxcenter.Withoutwarning,thedoctorslammedhisbody
intoSantino'sinanefforttogettoSkyler.

Afterward,Bricecouldneverrememberwhyhe'ddonesucharashthing.Hisheadwaspounding
abominablyandhisskinwascrawling;hethought;hewouldgomad.Hisonlycoherentthoughtwas
Francesca.Sheechoedinhismindwitheachthrobofhispulse.HeliterallybouncedoffSantino'schest
andlandedonhisbackside.

AtonceJarrodwasloomingoverhim,hisfaceanexpressionlessmask."Ithinkitbestyouleave,sir,"he
saidfirmly."Idonotwanttoembarrassyoubycallingtheauthoritiestoescortyouofftheproperty.I
knowyouareagoodfriendofFrancesca'sandshewouldbeappalledatthisdisplay.Ifyoudon'tmindmy
sayingso,sir,Ibelieveyouneedtocheckyourselfintoaclinic."HebentdownandwitheaseliftedBrice
tohisfeet.

Bricewasawreck,physicallyandmentally.Hecouldhardlythinkwiththeterriblebuzzinginhishead.
Hisbodywasjerkingandtwitchingalmostasifheweresufferingseizures.Pills,heneededmorepills,
thenhisbodyandmindwouldcalmdown.Hetriedtobereasonable.Someshredofdignityandpride
promptedhimtowalkaway,yethecouldn'tforcehistremblingbodytodoit.Thebodyguardhadtodrag
himofftheproperty.

Skylerheldherhandsoverhereyes,shuttingoutthesightofherdoctor,almostfoamingatthemouth.She
hadseendroolandspittlesprayingashetalked."What'swrongwithhim?"shewhisperedaloud,
whisperedittoGabriel.BeneathBrasilia'spalm,theteenwastrembling,retreating.AtonceFrancesca
andGabrielmovedquicklytosurroundher,theirwarmthandlovesendingherwavesofreassurance.She
felttheotherone,too,hispresencestrongandpowerful.

Santinoclosedthedoorfirmlyonthedistastefulscene."I'msorry,Skyler.I'mafraidthatpoordoctorhas
beensamplinghisownmedicine.He'swaygoneondrugs."

"Whywashetryingtogettome?"Skyleraskedinalowvoice.Shewasbeginningtobelieveshemight
actuallybesafehereinthishouse.

Gabrieldecidedthetruthwouldbebest."Ibelievehethoughttouseyouinsomewaytogetto
Francesca."

"Idon'tknow,"Santinoansweredgently."Perhapshethinksinhistwistedmindthatyouareinsomekind

ofdangerandheisrescuingyou.Hedoesn'tknowme,I'mastrangerinthisland.Whateverhisreason,he
can'ttakeyoufromthishouse.Youareperfectlysafehere,Skyler.IgavemywordtoFrancescaandIdid
notgiveitlightly."

Skylerwasveryconfused.Whywereallthesepeoplesuddenlyprotectingher?Theywereallvirtual
strangers,yettheywerewillingtoriskviolencetoprotecther.Why?

Sheclutchedtightlyatherstuffedanimal,thefirstgiftshe'deverreceived.

"Youarenowapartofourfamily."Itwassaidquietlyandwithgreatauthority.Therewasnowayto
disputeGabriel'sbeautifulvoice.Hespokewithsuchpurity,Skylercouldonlybelievehim.Atonceshe
relaxed,allowingherselftobreathenormally.

Gabriel'shearttwistedatthesightofher.Shelookedverysmall,faryoungerthanherage.Exceptforher
eyes.Therewassomethingaboutherlargegrayeyesthatheldfartoomuchknowledge,noneofitgood.
Gabrielwishedhecouldstampoutthatlookforalltime,butitwasimpossible.

"Youhavegrownsosoft,Gabriel.Thischildyouprofesstofeelsuchaffectionforshouldhavebeen
avenged."

Francesca,listeningthroughGabriel,wentverystill,touchingSkyler'smindtolearnwhetherLucianwas
broadcastingtotheteenaswell.Shecouldhearthevampirethroughhisconnectiontoherlifemate.But
Skylerwasunawareoftheconversation,payingattentioninsteadtoSantino.

"Igrowwearyofyourconstanttaunts,Lucian.Perhapsitistheonlywayyouhavelefttotormentme,
butitisgrowingtediousandnolongerbothersme.Revengehasneverbeenourway.Wedowhatwe
musttomaintainthesecretsofourrace.Wedestroytheundead,butitisoutofduty,notoutof
revenge.Inanycase,themanclaimingtobeherfatherhadtoberemovedfromthisearthandyou
destroyedtheothersthatwereinhermemories,savingmethetrouble.Youhaveforgottenthe
differencebetweenjusticeandrevenge.Meetwithme,Lucian,thatwemaycometoterms."

"Iknowwhatisinyourmind,brother.Youseektohuntme.Youbelievestillthatyoucandestroyme.If
Iwishit,Icankillthegirl,yoursillywoman,andthosehumansyouhaveinstalledinherhouse.You
cannotpreventitwithyoursafeguards.Itaughtyouthosesafeguards."

Gabrielgavethementalequivalentofashrug.Hewasfloatingbacktowardthechamber,awayfromthe
lightofdayintotheearththatheldhisbodyforhim.HesawFrancescalyingthere,althoughheknewher
essencewasnotasleep.Atonceasenseofpeaceandwarmthseepedintohissoul.Withoutthoughthe
projectedittohistwin,asharingofintenselove.Evenbeforehecouldregisterthathehaddonesucha
thing,beforehecouldjudgeLucian'sreaction,hisbrotherwasgone.

Gabriel'scryofanguishathisbrother'srejectionechoedtoFrancesca.Gabrielsettledintohisownbody
besideFrancesca,wide-awakebutunabletomove.Hisheartwaspoundingloudlyintheunderground
chamberandhischestwastightandburningwithpainforhislostbrother.

BesidehimFrancesca'sheartbegantobeataslow,strongrhythm.Sheturnedherheadslowlyandlooked
upathim.Themovementmusthavetakentremendouseffort,yetherexpressionwasoneofsuchloveit
robbedhimofbreath.Shemovedherhand,aslowprocessofpushingherfingerstowardhissothatthey

finallymet.

"Youareneveralone,mylove."Herwordswereclearandstrong."Itdoesnotmatterthathecannot
feelwhatyoushare.Heisundead,nolongeryourbelovedtwinbrother.Mourntheonelonggonefrom
thisearth.Hisemptyshellremainsbehind,buttheoneyoulovesomuch,theoneyouhonorisbeyond
painandheartachenow.Iamherewithyou,ourchildgrowsinme,andourhouseisfilledwith
warmthandpromise."

"WhywouldhemergewithmeandgivemeaddedpowertohelpSantinoandJarrodkeepSkylersafe?
Whatplancouldhehavebuttousethatchildasaweapon?"

"Hisplansdonotmatter,Gabriel.Togetherwearestrongenoughtofacehim.Weareamirrorhe
cannotlookin."Hervoicefilledhimwithloveandwarmth.HefeltsopeacefulGabrielwantedtostay
thereforeternity.

"IwantyoutoseehimasIonce,did."Gabrielwantedhertounderstandhisgreatsorrowinthefaceof
theirlove.HewantedhertoknowhevaluedherallthemorebecauseofLucian,neverless.Heopened
hismindfullytoher,sharinghispast,theterriblebattles,theendlesslonelinessthatonlyhislinktohis
twinhadmadebearable.HeshowedLucian'sendlessstrengthandpower,hisgreatgenius,hissearchfor
knowledgetounderstandthemysteriesoftheirrace.TimeandagainLucianhadriskedhisbodyandsoul
forGabriel'ssafety,forthesafetyoftheirpeopleandthatofthehumanrace.

FrancescawatchedthescenesplayingoutfromGabriel'smemories.ShecouldseeLucianashehadonce
been.Withoutthetaintofavampire.Intelligent.Alwaysplacinghimselfindangertoshieldhistwin,
alwaystakingtheleadineverydangeroussituation.Countlesstimeshegavehisbloodwhenhewas
mortallywoundedhimself,countlesstimeshedraggedhimselftohistwinandhealedhimwhenhewas
closetodeath.GabrielsawhistwinasthemostselflessCarpathianeverbornandhesharedthatmemory
withFrancesca.Sheunderstoodandherheartachedallthemoreforherlifemate.

HehadexchangedvowswithLucian,promisingtodestroyhimshouldhelosehissoulandbecomethe
verythingtheyhunted.GabrielknewLucianwouldneverhaveresteduntilhehadcompletedthetask,and
hecoulddonoless.Francescaunderstoodtheenormityofthatvow,knewitwasapartofGabrielas
muchasthelungsheusedtobreathe.Shelovedhimallthemoreforhisdevotion,wasdeterminedtofind
awaytoaidhim.

Lucianwasalivetohernow.Shehadsharedtheirlivesandthosecenturiesoflonelinesstheybothhad
endured.Gabrielnowhadher,butLucianwaslosttothem,losttotheirpeoplealongwithhisgreatgenius
andhisironwillandtremendouspower.Hislosswasasenseless,terribletragedy.

Witheffort,FrancescainchedherbodyclosertoGabriel'ssothattheirskintouched.Theirlimbsfeltlike
lead,lethargicandheavy.Normallytheyshutdowntheirheartsandlungsduringdaylighthours,sparing
themselvestheterribleknowledgeoftheirhelplessnessandvulnerabilitytoenemies.Francescalayclose
toGabrielforalongtimebeforeshespoke."Whenyoufeltthedisturbance,Gabriel,andSkyler'sfear,
didyoureachforLucian?"

Gabrielthoughtitover."Icannothonestlysay,IfelthimwithmeasIalwaysdoinmomentswhenI
needstrengthandpower.Itisaningrainedhabitneitherofusseemstobeabletobreak."Hewas
silentamoment."Ifyouthinktofindawaytoexploitthisstrangephenomenonbetweenustodefeat

him,Ihavealreadytried.Itisasnaturalasbreathing.IdonotknowwhenIdoitandneitherdoeshe."

"Yes,butheisavampire.Anundeadcreature.Heshouldnotbeabletotravelwhilethesunisatits
highestpeak.Youarethemostpowerfulofourmalesanditwasagreateffortforyoutoreleaseyour
spiritfromyourbody.Howcouldhedosuchathing,beingavampire?"

Gabrielgavethementalequivalentofashrug."Hismindsharedmineandhethrewhispowerbehind
me.Hecouldhavejustaseasilyattemptedtostopmeorkeptmefromreenteringmybody.Itisjustas
wellthatwhatevergamehethinkstoplayrequiresourSkyler.Hispowerisgreat,Francesca.Iwould
havebeenhappythrowingupawallinfrontofthedoctor,butLucianwasnot.Hetwistedmypowerso
thatBricefeltthousandsofinsectscrawlingonhisskin."

"Don'tremindme."Francescawasnothappywiththatatall.ShefeltguiltyaboutBrice.Somethingwas
happeningthatshedidn'tunderstand."Itriedtotonedownhismemoriesofmesothathewouldthinkof
meonlyasafriend,butitdidn'twork.I'veneverhadthathappenbefore."

Gabriel'sfingerstightenedaroundhers.Heknewthereasonshecouldnotcontrolthedoctor'smindand
Francescamustknowitalso.Shesimplywasn'treadytofacethetruth.Gabrielwantedtoholdherclose
inhisarmstoprotecther.Inhismindhesurroundedherwithloveandsupport."Avampirehassomehow
managedtoensnarehim.Thereisnootherexplanation."

Francescawantedtoshakeherheadindenial."Thereareotherexplanations.Isawhimpoppingpills."

"Andwhydidheleadyoutothecemeterywherethevampireswerewaitingforyou?Heisinleague
withthemanddoesnotknowit.Theyareusinghimtogetyou.Thatiswhyyoucannotcontrolhim.He
iscontrolledbytheundead.Whenyouattempttoreachhismind,thereisnothingtherebuttheorders
theyhavegivenhim."

"IsitLucian?HasLuciandonethistopunishmeformyfeelingsforBrice?"

"Youcannotimaginewhatitisliketobeunabletofeelemotion.Lucianhasnoneedtopunish.Hefeels
nothingatall.Heusesothersaspuppetsinthehopeoffeelingamusement,buthecannot.Ididnot
detectthetaintofhispower,yetIcannotsayforcertain.Lucianpreferstoworkaloneatalltimes.To
myknowledgehehasneverbroughtanotherintowhathereferstoas'thegame.

"CanyouundowhattheydidtoBrice?Isthereawaytomakehimwholeagain?Thisismyfault,
Gabriel,entirelymyfaultbecauseIbecamefriendswithahuman.Nowtheythinktousehimagainst
us.Heistotallyhelpless."

Gabrielcouldnotbearherunhappiness.Hewoulddoanythingtotakethesorrowfromhermind.He
tightenedhisfingersaroundhersevenashefloodedhermindwithloveandwarmthandcomfort."Youare
soright,mylove.Wearenotaloneinourstrugglesandourtasks.Wehaveeachothertodrawstrength
from.Aslongaswebelieveineachother,itwillallcomeright.IwilldowhatIcanforBrice.Ifyou
wishmetotrytosavehim,youknowIwillhavetotakehisblood.Withoutabloodbond,IdoubtifI
canbreakwhatothershavewrought."

Francescaturnedthatideaoverinhermind.Thebloodbondwasapowerfulweapon.Woulditsomehow
putGabrielindanger?Wouldthevampire,perhapsLucian,expectsuchamoveandsomehowbeableto

useBriceasaweaponagainstGabriel?

Gabriel,lockedashewastohermind,wasenormouslypleasedthatherfirstthoughtwouldbeforhim,
forhissafety.Shelovedhiminthewayofatruelifemate.Forwhohewasandwhathewas.
Unconditionally.Shesawgoodinhimwherehewasnevercertainitreallyexisted,butheliveduptoher
expectationsallthesame.

"Doitthen,Gabriel.TakehisbloodandIwillseetohishealingwithyou.Iowehimthatmuch.Heisa
greatdoctorandtheworldwouldlosemuchifhishealingabilitiesweredestroyed."Shesmiledupat
himevenasherlashesdrifteddown.

Gabrielfelthersmileinhisheart.Itwaslikethatwithher.Sheturnedhiminsideoutwithonelook.Just
byclosinghereyes.Helayforalongwhilebeneaththeearth,feelingitsvibrations,allowingittomurmur
tohim,sootheandcomforthim,rejuvenatehisbodywithitsnourishment.Heleftthechamberatthefirst
settingofthesunandfedwellbeforereturningtoawakenhislifemate.Heliftedherbodyinhisarms,
floatedtothebedchamberhiddenintherocksoftheearthyetfittedwithhumancomforts—thefour-poster
bed,thelong,heavydrapes,andhundredsofcandles.

Thecandlessprangtolifewithasimplewaveofhishand,immediatelyenvelopingthechamberinasoft,
freshscent.Heinhaledsharply,thentookinthesightofherbody.Shewassobeautiful,sofeminine.
Gabrielbentoverherandwhisperedsoftly,"Wake,mylove,IwantyousobadlyIdonotthinkIcanwait
untilyouarebreathingproperly."Hismouthmovedoverherneck,hersmallshell-likeear.Hefoundher
pulseandlingeredasitbegan,asherbodyheatedbeneathhishands.Histeethscrapedherexquisiteskin.
Sosoft,soperfect.

Gabriellikedthewaythedancingflamesplayedoverherbody.Herhigh,firmbreastswerefulland
inviting,herribcagenarrow,herwaistsmall.Hebenthisheadtofollowthecleanlineofherform,
followedthedancingshadowswithhismouthevenwhilehecreatedhisownflameslickingalongher
skin.Hislipsexploredthesmallmoundofherbelly,theintriguingridgesofherhipbones.

Francescasmiled,hereyesstillclosedwhileherheartracedandherbloodheatedandherworld
contractedtoincludeonlysensuous,eroticfeeling.Histhickhairbrushedoverherbodywhilehisteeth
nippedandhistonguestrokedandherbloodheatedtomoltenlavainherveins.Shefelthimworshipher
withthegentletouchofhisexploringhands,whichlingeredineverysensitivespotonherbody.Shelay
quiet,simplyenjoyingthesensationshewascreatingwitheachstrokeofhistongue,eachtimehissilky
hairmovedoverherbareskin.

Howhadsheeverfacedarisingwithouthim?Howhadsheeverwantedtoopenhereyeswithoutthe
promiseofseeinghisbelovedface?Shekneweveryline,thestrengthinhisjaw,thearchofhisbrow,the
perfectshapeofhismouth.Shesighedsoftlyincontentmentandmovedtogivehimbetteraccesstoher
breast.Herslenderarmscurvedaroundhishead,cradlinghimtoherwhileheleisurelyenjoyedher.

Hisscentenvelopedherandhertemperaturesoared.Withitroseherhunger.Shestirredbeneathhis
stronghands,herbodyalivewithneeds,withathousandsecrets.Shewasatemptation,aninvitation,an
enticement.Sheburiedherfaceinhisneck,felthisbodyburnhotteragainsthers.Francesca'ssmilewas
franklysexywithawoman'sknowledgeofherownpower.Herteethscrapedhisneck,hertongue
swirlingaroundinasmall,lappingcaress.Sheopenedhermindmorefullytohimsothathecouldseeher
desire,shareherfeelings,thepleasurehewasbringingtoherbody.

Atonceherespondedtotheeroticimagesinherhead,hishandmovinglowertofindherhotpulsating
entrance.Shewascreamywithneedandexcitement,wantingtoshareherbodyandheartwithhim.
Gabrielcouldn'thelptheshudderofpleasuremovingthroughhimwhenherhandsshapedhisbody,her
fingerstighteninglikeasheath,hermouthonhisneck.Shewhisperedsomethingsoftlyinhismind,aplea,
aneed,ahungershecouldn'tignore.

Gabrielcaughthersmallhipsinhishandstoslideherbeneathhimmorefully,toliftherbodytohis.His
breathcaughtinhisthroatasheheldherstillforoneheartbeat,onemomentwhilehelookedintoher
beautifuleyes.Hesawherstarkhunger,sosexual,soerotic,allforhim.Hewantedtocapturethe
moment,keepit,prolongit,butthensheslowlyloweredherheadtohischestanddeliberatelycaressed
hispulsewithhertongue.Itwasslowandsexyandbeyondanythinghisimaginationcouldhaveconjured
up.

Hesawthebeautyofhermouthasitslidoverhischest,felttheheatofhercall,wildanduntamed,and
thenwhite-hotlightningsizzledanddancedthroughhisbody,throughhismindandheart,andhesurged
forwardwithonedeephardstroke,takingpossessionofherbodywhileherteethsankdeeplyintohis
skin.Heheardhisownhuskycry,drawnfromsomewheredeepwithinhissoul,andhefelttearsburning
inhisthroatandbehindhiseyesatthesheerbeautyofitall.

Shewasfireandvelvet,lightningandthunder,moltenlavatakinghimtoaplacehehadn'tknownexisted.
Hisfingersdugintoherhips,clampinghertohimwhileheperformedthemosterotictangoofhislife.
Shekneweverywaytomovetopleasehim,herbodyadjustingtohisrhythmalmostbeforeheknew.Her
mindwasfilledonlywiththoughtsofhim,ofhisbody,ofgivinghimpleasure,ofthepureenjoymenthe
gaveher.Shelappedatthetinypinpricksonhischestwhenshewasfinishedfeeding.

Francescacaughthisthickhairinherhandandbroughthisheaddowntohers,findinghismouthand
kissinghim,sharinghisexotictastewhileshemovedherhipseverfaster,risingtomeeteachthrustwith
oneofherown.Hermusclesclenchedtightlyaroundhim,afieryfriction,holdinghim,milkingand
teasingandluringhimonsothathewasaswildasshewas.

Hestretchedherarmsoverherheadwhilehetookheragainandagain,whiletheearthshookandher
bodyandmindwentupinflames.Stillhegavehernorest,lappingatthesmallbeadsofsweat,tasting
theirpleasurefromtheporesofherskin,wantingallofherincasethismemorywouldhavetocarryover
intothenextworld.Thisunionwithher,thiswastruemating.Hewantedtogiveherasmuchpleasureas
amancouldpossiblygivetheonewomanheloves.Hewantedthememoryofhimselfinherskin,inher
body,inherdeepestsoul.

Whenshewastiredandlaypassiveinhisarmshefoundherbreasts,sofullandseductive,fillinghis
mouthwithcreamysoftnessuntilhernippleswerehardandbeggingformore.Hecuppedherbottom,
pressingherclosetohim,hishandseverywhere,arousing,memorizing,simplyworshiping.Hewould
nevergetenoughofher,nomatterhowlonghelived,andifhehadonlyashortwhile,hewantedtobring
hereverypleasurehecould,givehereverygoodthingshedeserved.

Francescalayquietly,knowingwhathewasdoing,knowingheneededtobewithherthisrisingbeforehe
wentofftofacetheworstofhisenemies.Shewantedhimtomakelovetoher,toneverstop.Shewanted
herbodytoholdhimtoher.Shewantedhimsafeintheirchamber,intheirownworldofpleasureand
beautyandlove,notoutthereinthenightwheresomethingmalevolentcrouchedandwaited.

Onceshefoundherselflaughingonthefloor,andneitherofthemhadanyideahowthey'dgotthere.Butas
shewenttoclimbintothebed,hetrappedheragainstthemattress,leaningoverher,hisbodypossessive,
hishandsstrongashetookheragain,ridingheruntiltheybothwentupinflames.Itwasparadise,yetat
thesametimeitwasakindofhell.Betweenthemalwayslaythefactthathewasgoingout;hemusthunt
theundead.Longafterthecandlesburnedlowandthelightswerebarelytinyflickersonthewalls,they
curledupineachother'sarms,holdingeachotherclose.

Francescawantedthemtobewearingthesameskin,shewantedtobethatclose.Shewishedsomehow
shecouldpreventthefuturefromhappening.Shewouldn'taskhimnottogo,hehadtogo.Sheknewitin
heartandmindandsoul.ItwaswhoGabrielwas.Forthefirsttimeshetrulyunderstoodwhyhehad
chosentofight,tohunt.GabrielwastheonlyonecapableofdefeatingLucian.Theentireworld,human
andCarpathianalike,dependeduponhim.

Hishandsweretangledinherthickhair,hismouthagainstherbreast."Listentome,mylove.Hearme.If
Idonotsucceedthisnight,itwillbeallright.YouwilltakeSkylerandourchildandgohometothe
CarpathianMountains.Mikhailwillguardyouforme.Youandonlyyouwillraiseourchild.Iwantour
childtoknowyouandtoknowmethroughyoureyes.Iknowitwillbedifficultforyou,butyouarestrong
andIwilldwellinyourheart.WhereverIam,Iwillwaitpatientlyforyou,knowingyouarecarryingout
thetaskthatissoimportanttome.Tobothofus."

Francescaclosedhereyesagainstthehottearsthreateningtofall.Shefelthisbreathsowarmagainsther
skin,hisarmstightaroundher,lockingherbodytohis.Theirlegsweretangledtogetherandyetitwasn't
enough.Itwouldneverbeenough.Shecouldn'tgowithhim,andifhewasdefeated,shecouldn'tfollow
himuntiltheirchildnolongerneededher.

Gabrielraisedhimselfaboveher,lookingdownontoherbeautifulface."Francesca,youcandothisthing
forbothofus.Givemeyourword."

"Doyouhaveanyideawhatyouareaskingofme?"Thewordswereastrangledwhisperandwiththe
stirringofherbreaththelastoftheflamessplutteredandwentout.Thechamberwasoncemoreinky
black.

Gabrielcouldeasilyseeherbelovedface,theshimmeringtearsshewassovaliantlytryingnottoshed.
Hebenthisheadtotasteateardrop."YouhavegivenmemorehappinessthanIcouldeverhavedaredto
hopefor.Iwantourdaughtertoknowyou,Francesca,yourcourage,yourcompassion,theessenceofyou.
Youarethebestpartofme.Iloveyoumorethanlifeonthisearth,morethanmyownlifeorthatofmy
brother.IthankGodeverydayforyou."Hismouthdriftedlazilyoverherface,herlong,wetspikylashes,
alongherhighcheekbones,thecornersofhermouth,anddowntoherthroat."Pleasedonotfeelsorrow.
WhatIhavedone,Ihavedonetothebestofmyability.Icannotregretmychoices,norwouldIchange
anythingbutthebriefnessofthetimeIhavehadwithyou.EternitylooksgoodwhenIknowI'lleventually
shareitwithyou,honey."

Francescaclaspedherarmsaroundhim,holdinghimtightlytoher.Lovewasanoverwhelming,all-
encompassingemotion.Hewasherlife;hehadsomehowbecomeherlife."Comehometome,Gabriel.
Donotmakemefacealifeofemptinesswithoutyouagain.IwasstrongthefirsttimebecausesomehowI
convincedmyselfthatwewereworkingtogether,youhuntingandmehealing.Wewereapart,butfor
manycenturies,youwerestillwithme."

Histongueswirledoverthecreamyswellofherbreast,thentracedalinealongherrib."AndIwillstill
bewithyou.Nomatterwheremybodymaybe,Iwillbeinyourheart,inyoursoul."Hismouthmoved
overherheart,awarmdanceofflames.

"Youhavetobelieveyoucandefeathim,Gabriel.Youhavetoknowyoucan.Iamwillingtoaidyou.We
canworktogether.Icanatleastsharemystrengthandpowerwithyou."

Gabrielsmiledagainsthersatinskin,nuzzledherbreastagain,unabletoignoresuchanerotictemptation.
"Youwillnotaidmeinanyway.YoucannotconnectwithmymindwhileIamhunting.Itisdangerous,my
love.Lucianwillknowthemomentyouarewithmeandhewillusemetoharmyouinsomeway.That
wouldbemuchmorelikelythanyourgivingmestrength.Youhavetotrustmetoknowwhattodo."

Herbodywasamiracletohim.Everywherehetouchedher,eachtimehetouchedher,itwasan
incredibleexperience.Heshiftedhisbodytoblanketheroncemore,histhighedgingherssothathecould
lieoverher,hisbodyeasily,naturallypinninghers.

Francescacouldfeelhim,thickandheavy,sohotwithneedtherewasanansweringfireimmediatelyin
herbody.Shesmiledupathim,raisingherhipsashesurgedintoher,leavingherbreathlessandbeautiful
andhungryforhimalloveragain."Justcomebacktome,Gabriel,"shewhisperedsoftlyagainsthis
throat."IloveyousomuchandIamnolongersoverystrongwithoutyoubesideme."

Hewastenderandgentle,hisbodymovinginherswithlong,surestrokestoheightenherpleasure."Iwill
alwaysbewithyou,Francesca.Inthislifeorthenext,thereisonlyyou.ThatisapromiseIknowIcan
keep."

ChapterSixteen

Contents

Itwaswellpastmidnightandthelightsofthecityweresoftandmutedbythelayersoffoghanginginthe
nightsky.Gabrielstoodonthebalconylookingnotatthecitybutattheyounggirlasleepinsidethe
adjoiningroom.Shelookedfartoosmallforherlargebed,aslightfigureclutchingastuffedanimal
beneaththeintricatequiltFrancescahadmade.Hisheartwentouttotheteenager.Shelookedso
vulnerableandchildlikeinhersleep.Shestillwasnotcompletelysafe.Shewasararegifttohispeople
andshewouldbemuchsoughtafter.Itwasaprecioustreasurehewasguardingandtheweightofthe
responsibilitywastremendous.Inherslenderbodyandgiftedmind,shemightcarrythelifeordeathof
oneoftheirCarpathianmales.

Withawaveofhishandheclosedthedoorfirmlyandthelocksslidintoplace.Hishandsmoved
gracefully,weavingintricatesafeguardsateveryentrancetotheroom.Skylerwouldbesafefromallbut
Lucian.Gabrieldidnotfoolhimselfintothinkinghistwinwouldbeunabletogetpastwhathehad
wrought.Lesservampireswouldbehurt,trapped,andprobablyhelduntilthedawncouldbringthem
justice,butnotLucian.Intwothousandyearsnotraphadeversuccessfullyheldhimandtherewasno
safeguardthathecouldnotunravel.

Gabrielrestedhispalmsonthewrought-ironrailingandstareddownatthegreenerybelowhim.The
gardenwasbeautiful,colorsexplodingeveninthenightair.Hefoundhimselfsmiling.Francesca.Shehad
awayofmakingeverythingshetouchedalivewithbeauty.Ofcourseshewouldchooseflowersthatcould
bloomatnight.Shewouldwantthingspleasingandsoothinginherhouseandinhergarden,nomatter
whatthetimeofdayornight.Itmatteredtoherthatotherswerecomfortable,weresurroundedbybeauty.

Hefilledhismindwiththoughtsofher,andofcourseshefilledhisheartinstantly.Shealwaysputothers
beforeherself,beforeherownneeds.Shehadtriedtobesotoughwithhim,butfromthemoment
Francescahadenteredhislife,shehadbeentheonecontinuouslygiving.Shesoothedthosearoundher
withherspiritalone.Shedidn'thavetodoanythingotherthansimplybewhoshewas,yetshedidso
muchmore.Evennow,shewasallowinghimtogo,knowinghemightnotreturntoher,selflesslygiving
himtotheworldwhenshewantedhimsodesperatelybesideher.Shewaswithchild.Hischild.Ifhe
weretodiethisnight,shehadpromisedtocontinuewithouthimeventhoughtheseparationwouldbe
agonyforher.

Hisbodyachedforhereventhoughhehadjustspenthourswithher,precious,wonderfulhoursthathad
givenhimsomuchmorethanhehadeverthoughtpossible.Hisheartandsoulachedforher.Thishouse
washishome.Thesepeoplewerehisfamily.Butoutinthenight,creatureswerestalkingtheinnocentand
hehadnochoicebuttostopthem.

Gabrielwatchedtheheavyfogmovingthroughthecity.Itwasnotanaturalfog,butonecreatedtoallow
theundeadtomoveunseenbytheirprey.Heliftedhisfacetotheshadowofthemoonanddrankinthe
beautyofit.Hewasahunterofthenight.Anaturalpredator.Heleapedeasilyontotherailingandspread
hisarmswide,embracingtheairashesteppedintospace.

Atoncehisbodyshimmered,becomingtransparentsothattheheavyfogcouldbeseenrightthroughhim.
Heseemedtodissolveintomillionsofdroplets;whichstreamedthroughthesky,weavinginandoutof
thedarkcloudsandtheheavyfog.Heflewoutoverthecity,scanningashewent,lookingfor"dead"
spacesthatmightindicatewheretheenemywashiding.Thesmallgroupofvampiresthathadbanded
togetherinthecitywerehuntingforvictims,forlivepreytobeusedanddiscarded.

Gabrielwasdeterminedtoridthecityoftheundeadthisnight,andhewantedtofindBrice.Heknew
Brice'sfateweighedheavilyonFrancesca'sconscienceandhewasdeterminedthathewouldputthings
right.Hefreelyadmittedhehadlittleusefortheman,butFrancescafeltaffectionforthedoctorandthe
thingshehaddonelatelyhadbeencommittedundertheinfluenceofavampire.PerhapsevenLucian,
althoughGabrieldoubtedit.HewouldneverhavesentBricetothehousetotakeSkylerfromthemand
thenaidGabrielinsendinghimaway.Therewasnopointinsuchamove.

Afewnightspotswereteamingwithlife,theperfecthuntinggroundsforthevampires.Theywouldfind
preytotheirliking,youngmenandwomentheycouldmanipulateintoallkindsofdeviantbehaviorjust
fortheperversepleasureofmakingthemsquirmbeforegivingthemdeath.

Hemovedthroughthecityinsilence,scanningfortheundeadevenashesearchedforahintofBrice.
Twicehemovedoverthehospital,knowingBriceoftenspentlonghoursthere,but,instead,hefoundhim
inthecemetery,drawn,nodoubt,byhisconnectiontotheuncleannosferatu.Gabrielstayedhighinthe
fog,carefullyexaminingtheareaforoneoftheundead.Bricewasshufflingovertheunevenground,
stumblinglikeadrunkenman,mutteringtohimself,andconstantlybattingathisbodyasifhestillfeltthe
crawlingofbugsoverhisskin.

GabrielhadwithdrawnthatillusionassoonasBricewasofftheproperty,butoneofthevampires
controllingthedoctormusthavepickedthememoryoutofhisheadandusedittopunishhisfailureto
obtainSkyler.Gabrielfeltthemalevolentpresenceofoneofthevampires.Notanancient,morelikely
onerecentlyturned,runningwithapacktolearnasmuchashecouldasfastashecould.Theythought
theywerebandingtogetherforprotectionagainstthehunters,butmoreoftenthannot,theancientvampires
usedthelesseronesaspawns,tobesacrificed.

HadLucianjoinedthisgroup?ThequestionnaggedatGabriel.Heshookthethoughtaway.Itwasmuch
morelikelythatLucianwouldcontrolthosearoundhimfromadistancesothattheywouldneverknow
whatwashappeningtothem.Gabrielhadseenhimdoitoftenenough.Hisvoicealonewasoneofthe
mostpowerfulweaponsGabrielhadeverencountered.Lucianhadneverallowedanyoneelsetointrude
ontheirbattles,hehaddisposedofothervampiresintheareaswhereGabrielhadchasedhim.Henever
leftevidenceanyotherhunterwouldrecognize.Lucianwasnotmessyabouthiskills.

Gabrielstreamedtoearth,thetinydropletscomingtogetherjustoutofsightofBrice.Foramomentthe
largeframeshimmeredandsparkledlikecrystalbeforeitsolidified.ThenGabrielwasstridingthrough
thecemeterytocutBriceoffbeforehecouldmakehiswaytothecavernswherethevampirewaited.

Gabrielcouldfeelthecompulsiontheundeadwasusingtocallhisvictimtohim.Bricewasmutteringto
himself,hisclothesdisheveledanddirty.Therewerelongscratchesonhisskinwherehehadattemptedto
dislodgetheillusorybugscrawlingonhim.Gabrieltriedtofeelsorryforthedoctorbecauseheknew
Francescawouldbesohorrified.ButBricehadopenedhimselfuptothevampire'scompulsionthrough
hisownjealousy,andGabrielcouldnotforgivehimforaidingtheundeadinhisattempttoensnare
FrancescaandSkyler.

Bricekepthisheaddownashehobbleddeterminedlyforward.Hedidn'tseemtonoticeGabrielstanding
solidlyinhisway.Gabrielwavedhishandtoputupablock,oneinvisibletotheeye,butstrongenoughto
interruptthecompulsionintheair.Brice'sbloodhadobviouslybeentaintedbythevampire,sohe
continuedtoshufflehisfeetalthoughhewasunabletomovebeyondtheboundaryGabrielsetforhim.

Thedoctor'seyesweredilated,fixed,andstaring.Hewasfargoneunderthespell.Gabrielenteredhis
mindtocounteractthecompulsionandgivethehumansomerelief.Brice'sfacewentslackandhis
musclesrelaxedsothathestoppedattemptingtomovetowardhisdestination.

GabrielverygentlyeasedhimintoasittingpositionandBricecompliedlikealostchild.

Fromsomewhereclose,Gabrielheardashriekofrage.Vampiresdidn'tlikeinterferencewiththeir
chosenvictims.ThepuppetmasterwasnotgoingtoletBricegosoeasily.Gabrielsmiledandturnedhis
faceuptothesky.Thecloudsweredarkeningtoanangryblackabovehishead,andsmallveinsof
lightningleapedfromcloudtocloud.Heshookhisheadslightly,andastheelectricalchargebeganto
buildwherehestood,heraisedhishandandsweptitinasmallsemicircle.

Anyonewatchingwouldhardlyhavenoticedthegesture,butthelightninginthecloudsreacted
immediately,slammingtoearthjustbeyondthegentlyrollinghill,outofsight.Theclapofthunderwas
deafening,aswasthebangastheboltsscorchedearthandshatteredgravestones.Ascreamofhateand
vengeancerosewiththewhirlingwind.Thetreesbegantoshakeundertheonslaught,firsttwigsandthen
branchesshakingloosetohurtlethroughtheskytowardGabriel.

Heblewsoftlyintohispalmsandstoodtallandstraight,unconcernedasdebrisraineddownaroundhim.
Bricesatathisknees,unknowing,uncaringofthedanger.Therewasnowarningasthewindsuddenly
reverseditself.Theskyrainedleavesanddirtandbranchesoverthesmallhill.Gabrielleapedintothe
airwiththelargestbranch,camouflagedbyitsbulk.

Hewasonthevampirebeforeithadtimetorealizeitwasindeadlyperil.Gabrielblastedoutofthesky
likeamissilestraightatthegauntfigurestandingonthecharredgrass.Aroundhimwerebroken
headstones,shatteredbythelightningboltsandthebranchesandwickedwind.Thevampirestoodfrozen,
tryingtodecidehisnextmoveevenasheattemptedtoprotecthimselffromtheflyingobjectscomingat
hisbody,

Gabrielcameinbehindthebranch,hittingthevampiresohard,theblowdrovethecreaturebackward
withGabriel'sfistembeddeddeepinhischestcavity.Hegrippedtheblackened,pulsingheartand
extractedthething,separatingtheorganfromthebody.Evenashedidso,heleapedawaytominimizehis
contactwiththetaintedblood.

Thevampire'sshriekofdespairechoedthroughthecemeterysothatthebatsroseupintotheairingreat
clouds.Theundeadsimplyfoldedinhalfandsankinaheaptothebloodstainedground,flopping,
draggingitsbodytowardGabriel,towardthedark,uglythinghetosseduponarockjustoutofthe
vampire'sreachingclaw.Almostwithoutconsciousthought,Gabrielbuiltthechargeofelectricityand
directeditatthehorribleorganstrainingtoreturntoitsbody.Thethinwhite-hotlashincineratedtheheart
andleapedtothebodyoftheundead,reducingittoashes.AtonceGabrielbathedhishandsintheheat,
removingeverytraceoftaintedbloodbeforecheckingthatthegroundwascleanofallinfection.The
vampirecouldn'thaveturnedverymanyyearsearlier;he'dbeenunskilledandslow.Hecouldn'thave
beentheonetoputBriceundersuchawell-hiddencompulsion.Thedarknessinthedoctorrandeep,it

taintedhisbloodandwaseatinguphiswillandrottinghimfromtheinsideout.Hewasn'taghoul,
feastingonthefleshofhumandeadandlivingforthevampire'sblood,buttheonecontrollinghimwasa
powerfulbeing.

Gabrielcouldn'tseeLucian'shandinBrice'scorruption.Lucianwouldconsideritbeneathhimtodosuch
athing.HemightharmBrice,orkillhimoutright,buthewouldn'tusethemantoentrapSkylerand
ultimatelyFrancesca.Hewouldnotneedtostooptosuchathing.Lucianwasatruegenius.Hepossessed
apowerfulbrainthatconstantlythirstedforknowledge.Lucianneededdifficultiesforhismindtowork
on.Intellectualchallengewaswhatkepthimfromgoingcompletelymad.

Gabrielshookhishead,exasperatedwithhimself.Lucianhadgonemad;hehadchosentolosehissoul
manycenturiesago.IfGabrielwasgoingtoprotecthisfamily,hecouldnolongerthinkofLucianasbeing
partofhim.

Francescawashisheartandsoulnow.Hecouldn'ttakethechanceofLucianharmingher.Gabrielmade
hiswaybacktoBrice.Heneededtotakethemanbacktothehouseandputhimunderastrongsafeguard
topreventthevampirefromharminghimfurther.Bricewassofargone,Gabrielwasn'tcertainthedoctor
couldbehelped.ObviouslythevampirehadbeenworkingonBricesubtlyforalongwhile.

Thedoctorwashuddledinaballontheground,oblivioustohissurroundings,deepwithinGabriel's
spell.GabrielknewnoonebutLuciancouldbreakthroughthesafeguardkeepingBrice'smindintact.It
wasagamblebringingBriceintoFrancesca'shome.Theywouldhavetotakehimtotheunderground
chambersoSkylerwouldnotbefrightenedbythesightofthedoctor.Andifhecouldn'tbehealed,it
wouldbeuptoGabrieltoshowhimmercy;itwasnotsomethinghethoughtFrancescawouldthankhim
for.

Gabrielliftedthemanasifhewerenomorethanachild.UnderthestronghypnotictranceGabrielhad
puthimin,Bricewascompletelytrusting.HelaypassiveasGabrieltooktotheairwithhim.Thecloud
coverwasheavyenoughtopreventpryingeyesfromseeingmorethanablurmovingfastthroughthenight
sky.

Francescawaswaitingonthebalconyforhim,ananxiouslookonherusuallysereneface.Gabrielhadn't
attemptedtokeeptheextentofthedamagefromherandsheknewifsheweretosaveBrice'ssanity,they
wouldhavetoworkfast."Thankyoufortrying,Gabriel,"shewhisperedsoftly,hervoiceavelvetcaress.
Hereyesmovedoverhimcarefully,searchingforanyinjuryhemighthavesustained.

Atoncehefeltthatcuriousmeltingsensationhewasbecomingfamiliarwith.Shewasworriedabouthim,
checkingtobesurehewasfineevenwhenhewasbringingherahumanfriendwhosemindhadbeen
damagedbytheundead.Francescathoughtofhimfirst,andherconcernmeanteverythingtohim."Ihave
directedSantinoandDrusillaawayfromthekitchensothatwecantakehimsafelydowntothechamber.
Skylerisasleepinherroom.Seetoitthatshestaysthere."Hisvoicewasalittlebitgruff,madehuskyby
emotionhecouldn'tcontrol.Shewassobeautifulstandingthereinthenight,tallandslenderwithherlong
hairinathickbraidandloveshininginhereyes.

Gabrielreachedouttorunhisfingertiptenderlydownherface."Ithinkthereisachancethathecanbe
healed,Francesca,butitwillbedifficult.Thepoisonisalreadywelladvancedinhissystem."

"Canthevampirereachhiminourhome?"ShewasworriedaboutyoungSkyler.Thegirlhadsuffered

enoughatthehandsofahumanmonster;shedidn'tneedtowitnesswhattheundeadwascapableofdoing.

"UnlesstheoneusinghimisLucian,thereisnowayhecanpenetratethesafeguardsIhavewrought.Ido
notbelievethisisLucian'swork.Butitmustbeanancienttohavedeceivedbothofusashedid.Hemust
havetakenBrice'sbloodsometimeago.Briceisusingdrugstocounteractthepaininhishead,buthe
doesnotunderstandwhatishappeningtohim.Hethinksonlywhatthevampirewisheshimtothink.Heis
apuppetnowwithnoneofhisownthoughts.Iwarnyou,Francesca,thedamageissubstantial.Hemay
neverbethesameagain."

"Iwilltry,"Francescavowedasshefollowedhimdownthestairsthroughthekitchenandbelowtheearth
wherethefirstchamberlay.

GabrielplacedBriceonthebedandturnedtohelphislifematefilltheroomwiththepungentodorof
healingherbs.Atonceafrownreplacedtheslackexpressiononthedoctor'sfaceandhemovedrestlessly.
GabrieltookFrancesca'shandinhis,broughtherknucklestothewarmthofhismouth."YouknowImust
gobackoutandfindthisevilone.Withouthisdeath,Briceislostnomatterwhatwedo.Thevampire
knowswehaveBriceandheisangrierthanever.Wecannotkeepthemanaprisonerdownhereforever."

FrancescaturnedherfaceawayfromGabrielinanattempttohideherexpressionfromhim.Hewasgoing
backouttohunt.Theybothknewhehadtodoit,butshedidn'thavetoliketheidea.Gabriel'sarm
encircledherslendershouldersandpulledherintotheshelterofhisbody."Iamnotgoingtoallowany
vampiretodefeatme,mylove,whenIhavesomuchatstake.IwillremovethethreattoBrice'ssanity.
Thenwewillseewhatcanbedonetohealhim."

Reluctantlyhereleasedher,hishandslingeringforamomentinthewealthofherhair,crushingthethick
braidinhisfist.Heknewshewasafraidforhim,buthewaspleasedthatsherefusedtovoiceherfears,
rathergavehimatentativesmiletosendhimoff.

"DonotattempttohealthisoneuntilIreturn.Hisbloodistaintedwiththevampire'sblood.Youcannot
walkinhismindaloneandunaided.ShouldInotreturn,youmustgetanotherhealertoaidyoubeforeyou
makeyourattempt.Promiseme,Francesca.Itwouldbefartoodangerousforyoutogoinwithout
additionalstrength.Rememberalways,youcarryourlifewithinyourbody."

Shegavehimaquicklookofreprimandfromunderthelongsweepofherlashes."Itisnotnecessaryto
remindmeofeitherfact.Idonotcaretodwellonthepossibilitythatyoumightnotreturn.AndIhave
never,foronemoment,forgottenIcarryourchild.Sheisamiracletome.Iwouldneverriskthebaby,not
evenforBrice.Youwillreturntomethisnight.Iwillexpectyouverysoonwithoutamarkonyourbody.
Nowgoanddowhatyouwerebornfor."Sheleanedintohim,restingherbodyalltoobrieflyagainsthis,
savoringthefeelofhim.Strong.Masculine.Powerful.

Shehadneverexpectedtolovehimsomuch.Andshehadneverexpectedtofeelsoloved.Gabrielwasn't
shyaboutshowingherhisemotions.Hehungeredforherwithanintensityshehadneverdreamedof.Not
simplyherbody,buthercompany,herheartandsoul.Helikedtobeinhermind,sharingherlaughter,the
wayshelookedatlife.Thewayshelived.Hehadsuchprideinher,suchadeepbeliefinher.

"Gabriel."Shebreathedhisname,herbodysoftandpliant,moldingitselftohis."Hurrybacktome."She
hadnothoughtofseduction—thelastthingonhermindwasmakinglove—yetshefeltaterribleneedfor
him.

Gabrielfilledhermindwithloveandwarmthasheheldhertohim;thenhewasstridingaway,back
throughthetunneltotheupperstories.Bythetimehehadreachedthekitchen,hewasinvisible,moving
fast,acoldblastofair.

ThistimeGabrielstreamedunderthedooroutintothegarden,takingtotheskyimmediately.Hehad
destroyedaminionofthevampire,hadtakenoneofhispuppetsfromhim.Thevampirewouldbeina
rageandeasytolocate.AlreadyGabrielcouldfeelthedisturbingvibrationsintheair.Theyflowed
throughthesky,leadinghimlikeanarrowtowardthevampire.

"Yougotothisone'slairlikeanamateur.Hehassetatrapforyou,hunter."

Gabrielcontinuedmoving.Luciansoundedfartoocloseforcomfort.Ifhetookahandinthebattle,there
wasnowaytoknowwhichsidehewouldcomedownon."Doyousuggestanotherapproach?"Gabriel
replied.

"Backoff.Youknowbetterthantogointobattlewhentheenemyiswaitingforyou."Thevoicewasas
softandgentleasalways,withnohintofareprimand.Gabrielfoundhimselfsmiling.Lucian'spresence
wassofamiliartohim,somuchapartofhim.

"Ithankyouforyouradvice,ancientone."TheoldtauntwasareminderthatLucianwasolderbyafew
minutes.Gabrielwasunswervingonhispath,butmorealertnow.Hehadnofearoftheupcomingbattle
withthevampire,buthistwinwasadifferentmatter,

"Youarenotheedingmyadvice."

"Thisoneisnotaspowerfulasthosewehavefacedinthepast."

"Thisoneisanancient."

Gabrielwithdrewfromthemerge,hismindturningoverthepossibilities.WhatwasLucianupto?He
shiftedhiscourse,turninginacircletoapproachfromadifferentdirection,scanningbelowhimashe
went.Hewasoverariver,whereavastbridgecoveredthewater.Twotubesranalongtheembankment,
emptyingtheircontentsintotheriver.Thetubeswerequitelargeandsurroundedbymassesofreeds.He
couldfeelthepresenceofthevampire.Therewasadark,malevolentfeelingintheair,heavyand
oppressive.

Gabrielwasveryfamiliarwiththefoulstenchoftheundead.Itcloggedtheairasnothingelsecould.They
weremastersofillusion,presentingthemselvestotheirhumanpreyashandsomeorbeautiful,butin
realitytheyweregauntandgray,withrecedinggumsandsharp,stainedteeth.Gabrielfelttheirpresence
likeablowdeepinhisgut;heabhorredthesubversionofsuperiorgiftsandtalentsmeanttobeusedfor
good.

Belowhimtheregionlookedstable,butthewindtoldhimdifferent.Thevampirewaswaiting,lurkingin
theshadows,unseen,bloatedwithhisownpower,enraged.ThescentofbloodreachedGabrieljust
beforethesoftchokedcrythatsignaledakill.Thewindcarriedthetale,thefearandadrenalineinthe
bloodofthevictimthatwouldgivethevampirearush,makehimevenmorepowerful.

Thevampirehadknownhewascoming,hadbaitedthetrapandwaitedlikeaspiderinthemidstofhis

web.Hehadhumanprey,keptaliveandterrorized,sothatadrenalinewouldfloodthebloodstream.The
rushwasaddictingtotheundead.Theybelieveditmadethemstrongerandmuchmoredifficulttokill.
Gabrielcouldn'tspottheexactlocationofthevampire;therewasmorethanonesuspicious"dead"spotin
theair.

Hetookapassovertheareabeforesettlingtoearth.Atoncethegroundshiftedslightlyandhisfeetsank
intoablackmire.Itsuckedathisshoes,thegripastonishinglystrongasifthebogactuallywantedtodrag
himunder.Somethingmovedtowardhimbeneaththesurface,fast,serpentine,large,raisingthereed-
chokedmud.Gabrieldissolvedquicklyintodropletsofmist,mergingwiththeheavyfog.Atoncea
ferociouswindbegantoblow,strikingatthemoleculeshiddeninthefoginanattempttoscatterthemand
stopGabrielfrombringinghisbodytogether.Afouldarkshapehurtledthroughthefogbankdirectlyatthe
droplets.

TheshapehitabarrierbeforeitcouldreachGabriel'sbodylessform.Itfellfromtheskyintothebogeven
asGabrielrosesharplytoavoidthedarkmass.Themonsterhiddeninthemudattackedatonce,dragging
atthestrugglingformwhileGabrielshape-shiftedabovethescene.Hehadn'tthoughtitnecessarytothrow
upabarrier,sohesupposedhistwinhadonceagainjoinedthebattle,insertinghisbodybetweenGabriel
andthevampire.YetGabrielcouldnotdetecthispresence.ThatwasLucian'sskill.Hecouldgo
undetectedwhileotherscouldnot.Thewindwouldnotwhisperofhispresenceorgivehimawaytoany
seekinghim.

Thevampirehowledinangerandpain,hurlingfromhimthewormlikecreaturehe'dcreated.He
extricatedhimselffromthemud,whirlingthiswayandthatinanattempttolocateGabriel.Gabriel
droppedfromthesky,onerazor-sharptalonrippingacrossthevampire'sthroat.Thecreaturescreamedin
rageandatoncelightningarcedinthecloudsandtheairboiledwithdarkmalevolence.

Theystruckfromallsides,dark-wingedgargoylesrippingatGabriel,clawingandbitingathim,landing
onhisheadandshoulders,weighinghimdowninanattempttodrivehimtoearthandtheblackmire.
CalmlyGabrieldissolvedbeneaththem,streamingintotherankairtowardthevampire.Heshiftedinto
hisformjustashemadeathrustatthevampire'schest,hisfeetinchesabovetheground.

Hisfistpenetratedthechestwall,butthevampirewasalreadymovingawayfromhim,hisvoiceajarring
cacophonyofsoundsohideousanddiscordant,ithurtGabriel'sears.Toprotecthimself,Gabriel
immediatelymutedthesoundandturneditbackonthevampire.Hishandwasburningwiththepoisonous
bloodcoatingit.Hehadtokeepmovingtoavoidthegargoyles.Therewasnostandinginoneplacewith
thecreaturesconstantlycirclinganddartingathim.Theyrakedathisskinandeyes,clawingandbitingto
aidtheirmaster.

Gabrielwaspatient.Thevampirehadtwomajorwounds,draininghimofhisstrength.Inthemuckand
mire,withbloodseepingbelowtheground,thewormcreaturewasbecomingdifficultforthevampireto
control.Itwasinafrenzy,snappingandbitingatitscreator,lookingforfleshandblood.Gabrielhad
closedhimselfofftopainandfatigue.Hisentirebeingwasfocusedonthebattle.

Ashepreparedtolaunchanotherattackonthevampire,lightningeruptedunexpectedlyfromthesky
above.Gabrielhadn'tfeltthesurgeofpower,sohewasassurprisedasthevampirewhenthelashof
white-hotenergywhippedacrossthesky,ajaggedstreakthatclearedtheairinstantlyofthemalevolent
gargoyles.Theyfelltothemuck,scorchedandseared,incineratedbytheblastofenergy.Atoncethe
wormcreatureroseuptoconsumethem.Anotherboltcameoutoftheclouds,missedthevampirebyscant

inches,andreducedthewormtoashes.

Thestenchwasincredible.Gabrielstruckwhilethevampirewasreelingfromtheshockofthelashof
lightning.Heblurredhisimageandmovedwithpreternaturalspeed,slammingintothevampire,driving
hardwithhisfistintothesamewound,thistimereachingtheblackened,witheredorganhewasseeking.

Ashebegantoextracttheheart,hefeltthewarninginhismind,andshiftedhisbodyweight.Something
hithimhardinhisside,penetratinghisribcage,breakingbonesasitwent.Thepainwasexcruciating;it
drovethebreathfromhisbody.Atoncetheentireskylitup,asiftheworldweregoingupinflames.In
theairwasafeelingofdarkforeboding.Gabrielhadneverfeltanythinglikeit.Thedarkskywentredand
orangewithflamesstormingacrosstheblackclouds.Anetworkofwhite-blueveinssizzledanddancedin
theroilingclouds.Allaround,thegroundseemedtoexplodeasboltafterboltoflightninghittheearth.

Gabrielcalmlyextractedtheheartandtosseditintothefieryconflagration,turningashedidsotomeet
thethreatbehindhim.Theancientundeadhadrevealedhimself,believingGabrieltobeoccupiedwithhis
partner.Thevampirewasthinandgray,hisskinshrunkenoverhisbones.Hishairwaswhiteandgray,a
longtangleoffrost.Hiseyesglowedredhot,aferalcunninginthem.HebackedawayfromGabriel,his
gazedartingfromsidetoside,lookingforawayout.Hedidn'tunderstandtheintensityofthestormraging
aroundthem.Hedidn'trecognizethehunterconfrontinghim.Hehadlivedbyknowinghowtoavoid
confrontationwiththehunters,bystudyinghisenemiesandpickinghismomentstofight.

Therewasavoicewhisperinginhishead.Atfirsthecouldn'thearthewordsovertheexplosions
slammingallaroundhim.Hewatchedthehunterbackslowlyawayfromhim.Thevoicewaspureand
beautiful,movingthroughhismindalmostgently.Itwaspainfultohearthatvoice,tolistentothetone.It
hadbeenlongsincethevampirehadlistenedtosuchpurity,andhisbodycringedawayfromthesound.

Thevoicewasthebrushofblackvelvet,asoftwhisperofdeath.Thevampiredidn'ttakehiseyesfrom
thehunternow,believinghewouldattempttodeliverthekillingblowmomentarily.Hewasreadyforit.
Hehadtricks,illusions,somuchpower.Hewasfresh,withoutrealinjury,whilethehunterhadbeen
weakenedbattlinghislesserservants.Theundeadknewhehadscoredaterribleblowtothehunterand
thecreatureshaddrainedpreciousbloodfromhim,yetthehunterstoodtallandstraightwiththeblack
eyesofdeath.

Wasthathisvoicewhisperinginhishead?Wherewasitcomingfrom?NoCarpathianmalehadever
exchangedbloodwithhim.Hehadnoconnectionwithanyone,yethecouldhearthatsoftwhispercalling
himtohisdeath.Thewordswereclearernow.Theyspokesogentlyofdeath.Ofhopelessness.There
wasnohope.Thishunterwouldtakehislife.Hewoulddiethisnightaftersurvivingwhereotherscould
not."Whoareyou?"Thevampireshrieked.

"Death,"thebeautifulvoicewhispered.

"IamGabriel,"Gabrielreplied.Hewasleeryofthefirestormragingintheskies,hiseverysenseflaring
outtolocatetheoneinitiatingtheblasts.Theircreatorwasdefinitelyoneofmuchskillandpower.
Lucian.Therewasnospillage,nothingtotellwherethepowercamefrom,itsimplysurroundedGabriel
andthevampire,aforceofgreatdestruction.

Thevampiresnarled,hissharpteethstainedfromyearsoftaintedblood."Youthinktodefeatmewith
clevertricks.Nohunterhasdefeatedmeincenturies,butyou,anunknown,presumetochallengeme."

AllatonceGabrielwasweary.Hehadplayedoutthissamesceneonsomanybattlefields,insomany
countries,insomanycenturies.Itwasalwaysthesame.Thevampirewasattemptingtousehisvoiceto
weakenGabriel'sconfidence.

Gabriel'sheadwentup,hisdarkfeatureshardeningintoanexpressionlessmask."Youknowofme,
ancientone.Youdonotwanttoknowme,asIhavebeennamedlegendbyourpeople.Youcannotdefeat
me.Thebattleisalreadywonandjusticehasfinallycometoyou."

TherewasacuriouswhisperbrushingGabriel'smind.Asoftnoteofcensurealmost,yetnotquite.
Gabrielwasnotusinghisownvoicetodefeattheancientkillerasheshouldhavebeen.Hewastired
frombloodloss;thestenchofdeathfilledhismindandheart.Hewastiredofdestroyinghisownpeople
timeandtimeagain.Hewoulddowhatwasnecessary,buthedidnothavetoenjoyit.

Thevampiresuddenlycoveredhisearsandbegantowailinahigh-pitchedtone,attemptingtodrownout
theinsidiouswhisperingofthatvelvetvoice.Therewasaqualitytothatvoicethatinsistedonbeing
heard.Itwassappinghisstrength,takinghispower,removinghisabilities.Shriekinghishatredandfear,
thevampireplayedhislastcard,jerkinghisarmswideandcallinghisminionstothekill.

Atoncethemireeruptedwithhundredsofhugeleeches,boilingoutofthemudtoswarmatGabriel.Even
astheydidso,theairgroanedwithasuddeninfestationofowls,ablackcloudofbodiesthatdove,talons
ex-tended,straightforthehunter.Thevampireturnedtomakehisescapeandranstraightintothe
Carpathian.Thehunterseemedtoshimmeroutoftheairitself,hisfaceamaskofgranite.

Thevampirelookeddownandsawhischest,wideopen,hiswitheredheartpulsinginthefistofthe
hunter.Themanneverchangedexpression,yetheseemedtobefadinginandout,almostanillusion.Only
hisfistwasalltooreal.Thevampirescreamedhishatredanddefiance,lungingforwardinanattemptto
recoverhisstolenheart.Hefellfacedowninthemuckofhisownmaking,theleechesfindinghim
immediately.Theycoveredhisbody,fillingtheemptyholeinhischest.

Gabrielhadbeenforcedtodissolvewhenthevampiresenthisservantstoattack.Hehadrisenhighabove
theground,intothecloudsthemselves.Nowhedirectedtheelectricallychargedairinathinwhipalong
thegroundtoseartheleechesandfrytheraptorsrightoutofthesky.Theyrainedontheearth,their
blackenedbodiesploppingintothebog.Hecouldseethevampirelyinginthemuckalongwithhis
minionsandwonderedforamomentwhattricktheundeadthoughttoplay.Whatgoodwoulditdoto
pretenddeath?

Withhissuperioreyesight,Gabrielcouldseethevampire'sheartseveralfeetfromhisbody,lyingatopa
rock.Lucian.Hehaddefinitelyjoinedthehunt,removingallotherplayersfromtheirbattleground.
Gabrielcouldseethatthevampirewasdragginghimselfforward,inchinghiswayeverclosertothe
witheredheart.AtonceGabrieldirectedthewhipoflightning,reducingthehearttoapileofashes,
ensuringtheundeadcouldneverriseagain.Thevampireletoutahideoushiss,alastprotestjustasthe
lightningbolttookhim,incineratinghisbody,removingallevidenceofhisexistence.Therewasnothing
lefttodobutcleanup.Gabrieltookcaretoeliminateallevidenceofthevampireandhisworkfromthe
area.Thebogwouldbeatrapforanimalsandhumansalike,andGabrielusedpreciousenergyto
eradicateit.Ittookalongtimetoextracteveryevilthingfromthatplace,replacingitwithgood.

WhatevergameLucianwasplaying,itwouldhavetowait.Gabriel'swoundswerethrobbing.Hekeptthe
painatbay,buthisenergywasgone.HewouldnotattempttopursueLucianthisnight.Hecouldonlyfind

ChapterSeventeen

Contents

Themomentheenteredthehouse,Gabrielknewsomethingwaswrong.Therewasanoppressivefeeling
ofdanger.Somemenacedisturbedtheusualtranquility.AutomaticallyhetouchedFrancescaandfoundher
filledwithfear.ButthefearwasforGabrielandtheirunbornchild,notforherself.Gabrielglided
throughtheupperstory,hisfeetbarelytouchingthefloor.Therewasbloodoozingfromthedeepscratches
onhisarm,andthepuncturewoundinhissidewasthrobbingwitheachmovement.Thepaininhisribs
tookhisbreathaway.Hewastired,hisgreatstrengthdrained.

NaturallyLucianwouldchoosethistimefortheirbattle.HeknewLucianwasinthehouse;therewasno
otherexplanation.OnlyLucianwaspowerfulenoughtoconcealhispresencefromtheairitself.As
Gabrielcontinuedthroughthehouse,heshutoffhisemotions,hisfearforFrancescaandSkyler,hisdoubt
inhisabilitytodefeathisbrother,thepainofhiswounds,andhisfatigue.Hebecametheemotionless
robothewouldhavetobetodefeatthegreatest,themostpowerfulvampireeverinexistence.

Thelargelivingroomwasempty,buthecaughtaglimpseofSantinoandDrusillalyingtogetheronthe
flooroftheirbedroom.Hedidn'tbothertocheckiftheywerealiveordead;itwouldn'tmakeadifference
atthispoint.Heacceptedthathecoulddonothingforthemuntilhehadtakencareofhisgreatesttask.
Lucianmustbedefeated.GabrielscannedthehouseforSkyler'spresence,andfoundherinherroom
seeminglyfastasleep.HecouldsenseFrancesca'shandinthat;therewasaveryfemininefeeltothe
powerthatclungtoSkyler'sroom.ItwaslikeFrancescatothinkofthegirleveninherownmomentof
starkterror.IfshecouldhelpSkylersleepthroughthisnightmare,thenshewoulddoso.

Gabrielscannedfarther,checkingtheundergroundchamberwhereBricesleptfitfully.Thevampire's
taintedbloodwasstillinhissystem,poisoninghim,makinghimrestlessdespitethehealingherbsandthe
deepsleephehadbeenplacedin,buthewasnotindangerfromLucian.Thosesafeguardswereintact.

Gabrielcontinuedmovingthroughthehouse,makingnoattempttohidehispresence.Lucianwas
expectinghim.Hemovedslowlyintothedrawingroom.Francescawasseatedinahigh-backedarmchair
facinghistwin.Lucianwasintheshadows,hisfacehiddenfromGabriel,buthestoodtall,shoulders
wide,hisclothes,asalways,immaculate.

"Wehaveavisitor,Gabriel,"Francescaannounced,hervoicematter-of-fact."Skylerthoughthewasyou
whenhecametothedoor."

Gabrielnodded.HemergedwithFrancescato"see"hermemories,notwantingtoaskquestionsinfront
ofLucian.Skylerdidn'tknowshehadallowedtheirenemyentranceintotheirhome.Lucian,apowerful
ancient,hadeasilychangedhisthoughtpatternsandauratothoseofhistwin.Hehadn'trevealedhistrue
identitytoSkylerandneitherhadFrancesca.Francescahadputherundercompulsiontosleepinan
attempttosaveherfromwhatwastocome.

"Didhetouchyou,harmyouinanyway?"

"Heaskedmequestions."TherewasanoteinFrancesca'svoicethatGabrielcouldn'tdefine."Personal

questionsaboutmyself.Hedidnotcomenearme,butstayedintheshadowswhereIcouldnotseehim
ortouchhim.Hedidnotattempttotakemybloodorthebloodofanyresidinginthishouse."

"Itrustyourgreetingsaresatisfactoryandareovernow,"Luciansaidinhisbeautifulvoice.Itseemedto
sendoutawaveofpurityandgoodness.

"Youarewelcomeinourhome,brother,"Francescasaidsuddenly,softly."Pleasecomeinandsitwithus
foravisit.Ithasbeenlongsinceyouandyourbrotherhavehadanoccasiontovisitinatranquilsetting."
Shegesturedtowardachair,hermovementsgraceful.

Francescahadawayabouther—hervoice,thewayherbodymoved,herverypresence—thatsoothed
andmadethosenearbyfeelatpeace.Shewaswieldinghermagicnow,hergreatestgift,inanattemptto
reachLucian.Sheknewitwashopeless.OnceaCarpathianmalehadchosentogiveuphissoul,hewas
lostforalltime.Therewasnogoingback.EvenFrancesca,withhergreathealingpowers,couldnotdo
theimpossible.Gabrielachedtogatherherinhisarmsandholdhertohim,bothascomfortforhimself
andforher.

"Youwishustobecivilbeforeourbattle."Lucianlookedaroundtheroom."Thisdoesseemaplaceof
peaceratherthanwar."Heloweredhisvoicesothatitbecameacompulsion."Comeheretomethen,
sister,andshareyourstrengthwithme."

Gabrielinsertedhisbodybetweenhistwinandhislifemateimmediately.Hecrouchedlow,hisstancethat
ofafighter.Behindhim,Francescawatchedwithsorrow-filledeyesasthetall,elegantmanapproached
them.Hecameoutoftheshadows,lookingwhathewas,adark,dangerouspredator.Hisblackeyes
glittereddangerously.Theyweregraveyardeyes,eyesemptyofallemotion.Eyesofdeath.Hemoved
withananimalgrace,arippleofpower.

"Stayback,Lucian,"Gabrielwarnedsoftly."Youwillnotendangermylifemate."

"Itwasyouwhobroughthertodanger,Gabriel,"thevoicesaidsoftly."Youshouldhavedonewhatyou
vowedsomanycenturiesago.Nowyouhavebroughtmorepawnsintoourgame.Ididnothaveanything
todowiththat."Thevoicewassweetlyreasonable."Iseeyouareinjured.Itrustthatwillnotpreventyou
fromdoingyourdutyanddestroyingme."

"Youweretheonewhodestroyedtheancientundead."

"Whatdoyoumean?Luciankilledthevampire?"Francesca'svoicewasinhishead,hervoice
thoughtful.

Insteadofansweringhermind-to-mind,GabrielchosetothrowLucianoffguardwithhisanswer."Lucian
preventedthevampirefrominjuringmefurtherandheusedhisvoicetoweakenhim.Icouldnothearthe
murmuring,butIknowhewasthere.HecreatedamassivestormandeventuallyitwasLucianwho
destroyedtheundeadwhileItooktotheairabovethebattlescene."

Lucianshruggedhisbroadshouldersandturnedhisemptyblackeyesonhistwin."Youmademea
promise,Gabriel,andyouwillnowcarryitout."Thevoicewasawhisperofvelvet,asoftcommand.

Gabrielrecognizedthehiddencompulsionevenasheleapedforwardtostrike,closingthedistanceto

LuciansofastevenFrancescacouldnotseehimmoving.Aneternitytoolate,withhislifemate'scryof
denialloudinhismind,hewhippedhisrazor-sharpclawedhandathistwinbrother'sthroat,evenasit
registeredthatLucianhadopenedhisarmswideinacceptanceofthekill.Lucianhadgivenhimadirect
shotathischestandjugular.Novampirewouldeverdosuchathing.Theundeadfoughtwiththeirdying
breathtokilleveryoneandeverythingaroundthem.Tosacrificeone'slifewasnottheactofavampire!

Theknowledgecametoolate.Crimsondropletssprayedtheroom,arcedovertheheavycurtains.Blood
pouredinasteadystreamfromthegapingwound.Gabrieltriedtogoback,toreachhisbrother,but
Lucian'spowerwasfartoogreat.Gabrielwasunabletomove,stoppedinhistracksbyLucian'swill
alone.Hiseyeswidenedinsurprise.Lucianhadsomuchpower.Gabrielwasanancient,morepowerful
thanmostonearth.UntilthatmomenthehadthoughthimselfLucian'sequal.

GabriellookedhelplesslyatFrancesca.Hereyesweredrowningintears."Helphim.Savehimforme.
Hewillnotallowmetoaidhim."

"Hewantstoendhislife.Ifeelhisresolve."Francescamoved,aslowsubtleglideofgraceand
tranquility."Youmustallowustoaidyou,"shesaidsoftly.Hervoicewascrystalclear,soothing.Shehad
atremendousgiftforhealing;ifanyonecouldpreventLucian'sdeath,shecould."Iknowwhatyouhave
done.Youthinktoendyourlifenow."

Lucian'swhiteteethgleamed."Gabrielhasyoutokeephimsafe.Thathasbeenmydutyandprivilegefor
manycenturies,butitisended.Igonowtorest."

Bloodwassoakinghisclothes,runningdownhisarm.Hemadenoattempttostopit.Hesimplystood
there,tallandstraight.Therewasnohintofaccusationinhiseyesorvoiceorinhisexpression.

Gabrielstoodverystill,hiseyesalivewithpainandsorrowforhistwin."Youdidthisforme.Forfour
hundredyearsyouhavedeceivedme.Youpreventedmefrommakingthekills,gavemenochancetoturn.
Why?Whywouldyouriskyoursoulthisway?"

SmallwhitelinesofstrainwerebeginningtoappeararoundLucian'smouth."Iknewyouhadalifemate.
Someonewhowouldknowtoldmemanyyearsago.Iaskedhimandknewhewouldnottellanuntruth.
Youdidnotloseyourfeelingsandemotionsearly,asIdid.Ittookcenturies.IwasamerefledgingwhenI
ceasedtofeel.ButyoumergedyourmindwithmineandIwasabletoshareyourjoyinlifeandsee
throughyoureyes.YoumademerememberwhatIcouldneverhaveformyself."Luciansuddenly
staggered,hisgreatpowerdrainingawaywithhislife.

GabrielhadbeenwaitingforthemomentwhenLucianwouldweakenandtheholdonhimwouldloosen.
Hetookadvantage,poweringthroughthebarrier,leapingtohisbrother'sside,sweepinghistongueacross
thegapingwoundtocloseit.FrancescawasatLucian'sotherside,hersmallhandonhisarm,gentleand
soothing.SheslippedherhandintoLucian'stoconnectthem."Youthinkthereisnomorepurposetoyour
existence."

Lucianclosedhiseyestiredly."Ihavehuntedandkilledfortwothousandyears,sister.Mysoulhasso
manypiecesmissing,itislikeasieve.IfIdonotgonow,Imaynotgolaterandmybelovedbrother
wouldbeforcedtohuntanddestroyatruevampire.Itwouldbenoeasytask.Hemustremainsafe.
AlreadyIcouldnotwalkquietlyintothedawn.Ireliedonhisaid.Ihavedonemydutyonthisearth.
Allowmetorest."

"Thereisanother,"Francescawhisperedsoftly."Sheisnotlikeus.Sheismortal.Atthismomentsheis
veryyoungandinterriblepain.Icanonlysaytoyou,ifyoudonotstayshewilllivealifeofsuchagony
anddespairaswecannotimagine.Youmustliveforher.Youmustendureforher."

"YouaretellingmeIhavealifemate."

"Andthatherneedofyouisgreat."

"Skylerisnotmylifemate.Imergedwithherrepeatedlytosparehersufferingwhenshewasaloneand
theterriblenightmaresinvaded.Butsheisnotmylifemate."Evenashemadethedenial,Lucianwasnot
resistingasGabriel'slifematebegantoworkonthesavagewound.

"Nevertheless,Iamnottellinganuntruthtoholdyoutothisearth.IcannottellyouwheresheisorhowI
know,butsheexistsinthistimeperiod.IfeelhersometimesandIknow,now,shebelongswithyou.
Allowmetohealyou,mybrother,"sheinsistedsoftly,"ifnotforyoursakeorours,foryourlifemate,who
hasgreatneedofyou."

Gabrielfilledtheroomwithhealingherbsandbegantheancienthealingchant.Hecuthiswristand
pressedthewoundtohistwin'smouth."Ioffermylifefreelyforyours.Takewhatyouneedtoheal.We
willputyoudeepwithinthesoilandguardyouuntilyouareatfullstrength."

LucianwasreluctanttotakeGabriel'sbloodwhenhistwinwasalreadysodepletedfromhiswounds.
Gabrielpressedhiswristtighttohisbrother'smouth,ensuringthathefed.Hewasdeterminedtosave
Lucian'slife.Hecouldnotbelievewhathistwinhadsufferedforhim.Heshouldhaveknown,should
haverealizedeverythingLucianhaddonewasforhisprotection.Lucianhadalwaystakenonthemost
ancientandskilledoftheirenemies,alwaysinsertedhisbodybetweenGabriel'sanddeath.

"Donotfeelsuchguilt."Francesca'svoicewasgentleinhismind."Itwasalwayshischoice.Hemade
eachchoicewithfullknowledgeoftheconsequences.Youwouldneverhaveagreed.Donotlessenhis
sacrificetoeaseyourguilt."

FrancescasmiledupatLucianassheappliedprecioussoilfromherhomelandthatshekeptfordire
emergencies.Shehaditstoredwiththenumerousherbsshegrewforjustsuchanevent."Youaided
Skyleronmorethanoneoccasion.Ithankyouforthat.Andyoubroughttojusticethemeninvolvedin
harminghersothatGabrielwouldnothavetodoso.Icouldnotunderstand,atfirst,whymylifematehad
suchtroublewiththeideaofdestroyingacreaturehebelievedtobeavampire,butIunderstandnow.A
partofhimknewyouhadnotturned.Nothisconsciousmind,buthissoul."

GabrielhelpedtolowerLuciantothesafetyofthecouch.Evenasheaidedhistwin,hecouldfeelhis
owngreatstrengthdraining.Theywereindesperateneedofblood.Heglancedattheserenityof
Francesca'sfaceandatoncefeltbetter.Shealwaysknewwhatwasneededandhecouldtrusther
completelywithhislifeandwiththatofhisbrother.

"Ineedtohealyourwound,Lucian,"sheinformedGabriel'stwingently.

Lucianclosedthelacerationinhisbrother'swristandlookedintoFrancesca'seyes."Iamnogentleman.I
havekilledsolong,Iknowofnootherexistence.Tyinganywomantome,Carpathianormortal,is
sentencinghertolivewithamonster."

"Perhapsamonstersuchasyourselfisneededtoprotectherfromthemonsterswhowoulddestroyone
suchasshe.Yourfirstdutyistoyourlifemate,Lucian.Youcandonootherthanfindherandremoveher
fromdanger."

"Thedarknessisalreadyinme;theshadowsarepermanentnow."

"Havefaithinyourlifemate,"Gabrielcounseled,"asIhaveinmine.Youwerestrongenoughtosacrifice
yourlifeformine.Youarestrongenoughtolivewhileyouhuntforthiswomanofyours."

FrancescasignaledtoGabrielandclosedhereyes,shuttingherselfofffromtheirconversationandallthat
wasaroundthem.Sheseparatedherselffromherbodyandwentseekingoutsideofherselfintothebody
somortallyinjured.Shemadetherepairswithalltheskillofasuperiorsurgeon.AllthewhileGabriel
chantedthehealingwordsandthescentoftheherbsfilledtheair.

FrancescaremovedherselffromLucian'sbodyandimmediatelyenteredGabriel's.Shewasnotaboutto
allowherlifematetosufferneedlessly.Shemeticulouslyattendedeverywound,everylaceration,pushing
outthepoisonouscellsthevampirehadinjectedthroughhisminionsandrepairingalldamagefromthe
insideout.Ittooktimetorepairhisribs,hislungs,thebattlescarssodeeplyentrenchedinhisbody.She
wasswayingwithwearinesswhensheemerged.

AtonceGabrielputhisarmaroundher."Rest,honey,Iwillgoouttohuntthisnighttoreplacetheblood
weneed."

Francescagavehimoneswiftlookofcensurewithherenormousblackeyes."Idonotthinkso,Gabriel.
Youwillstayrightinthisroom.Iamthehealerandyouwillfollowmyinstructionsinthismatter.You
andLucianwillstayherewhereyoubothareperfectlysafeinyourweakenedconditionandIwillreturn
soonwiththebloodyouneedsodesperately."

Sherosewithalittleswishofherhips,averyfemininegestureofimpatiencewiththemaleofthe
species.Shelookedquitehaughty.Gabrieldidn'tdarelookatLuciantoseehisexpression.Hewatched
herleave,hisfeaturescarefullyexpressionless.Itwasonlywhenhewascertainshehadleftthehouse
thatheturnedhisheadtomeethistwin'sblackgaze.

"Donotsayit,"Gabrielsaidwithquietmenace.

"Isaidnothing,"Lucianpointedout.

"Youraisedyoureyebrowinthatobnoxiouswayyouhave,"Gabrielreplied."Youarealreadyinenough
troublewithmewithoutaddingasneertoyoursins."

"SheisnotlikethewomenIseemtorememberfromouryouth."

"Youdidnotknowanywomeninouryouth,"Gabrieltoldhim."Francescaisalawuntoherself.Shehad
hiddenfromthePrinceofourpeopleforastheselongcenturies."

"Shehidfromme,"Lucianadmitted.Heslidfartherdownintothecushionsofthecouch,hislargeframe
drainedofitslife-givingfluid."Isensedhercloseonmorethanoneoccasionandoftenledyouhereinthe
hopesofdiscoveringher,butshewasalwaysoutofreach."

GabrielwasinordinatelyproudofFrancescaforthat.

WhenLucianhuntedtheundead,nonewassuccessfulinhidingfromhim,yetFrancescahaddonejustthat
overseveralcenturies.Lucianshookhisheadtiredly."Ifshehadnotbeensosuccessful,wewouldhave
foundherlongagoandyouwouldhavebeensafe."

"Andthenyouwouldhavechosentoendyourlifeandyourlifematewouldbewithouttheonesheneeds
sodesperately,"Gabrielpointedoutrathersmugly,

Lucian'semptyblackeyesgleamedforamoment,movingoverhistwininakindofwarning.Gabriel
grinnedathimlikealittleboy."YouhateitwhenIamright."

"Sheiswithchild,"Luciansaidsuddenly,hiseyesclosing.Hislonglashessoftenedthelinesofstrainin
hisface."Shecannotenterthedoctor'sbodywithoutendangeringbothofthem,evenwithyouraid.You
knowitisso."

"Yes,Iknow,"Gabrieladmitted."TherewasnoreasontotellherwhenIdidnotknowifIwouldreturnto
her.ShegavemeherwordshewouldcallGregoriintoaidherifIhadfailedtocomebacktoher.
GregoriwouldneverhaveallowedFrancescatoplaceherselforthechildinjeopardy."

Therewasasmallsilence.Lucianhadslowedhisheartandlungsbecausehisbodywascryingoutfor
blood.Gabrielsighed."Youshouldnothavedoneit,Lucian.Youarecorrect,Iwasclosetoturning.I
believeIfeltFrancesca'sdecisiontowithdrawfromthisworld.Shewasabletofindawaytolive
partiallyasahuman.Herintentionwastogrowoldanddieinthistimeperiod.Shehadbeen
experimenting,seekingwaystobecomemorehumanforseveralcenturies."

"Sheisanextraordinarywoman.Iwasastonishedbyherstrengthandingenuity."Lucian'svoicewasvery
low,amerethreadofsound."YouaretheonlyreasonIcontinuedmyexistence,Gabriel.Ifnotforyou,I
wouldhavechosentoendmytimeinthisworldandgoontothenextalongtimeago.Ididnotbelieve
therewaseverhopeforme.Ilostmyabilitytoseeincolor,tofeelemotionalmostimmediately.Ididnot
lastthetwohundredyearsourmalesusuallyhaveasfledglings.ForyearsIusedyouremotions,butthen
you,too,lostthem,andtherewasonlyonewayforbothofustosurvive.IhadtoconvinceyouIwasa
dangertotheworldorwebothwerelost.IfyoudidnotbelieveIwastoodangeroustoallowothersto
huntme,youmighthaveturned.Andifthathadhappened,IknewIwouldnotbeabletodestroyyou."

Gabrielsmiled."Youcouldhavedestroyedme.YouarefarmorepowerfulthanevenIimagined."

"Iwouldnothavedestroyedyou,Gabriel.Youaretheonewhosoughttokeepourvow.Iwouldnever
haveallowedanyonetokillyou."

"Youwouldhave,Lucian,"Gabrielsaidsoftly,knowingitwastrueinhisheart."Youneverhavestepped
asidefromourchosenpathandyouneverhavegonebackonyourwordofhonor.Youwouldhavekept
ourvow."

"Yourbeliefinmeisgreaterthanmyown."Lucianliftedhisheadtiredly."Shereturnstoyou,brother.She
willattempttoreplenishmeasshebelievesIaminthemostneed.Takethebloodandthengiveittome.I
havediscoveredyouhaveafewflaws,andjealousyisoneofyourworst."

Francescafoundthebrothersstretchedoutonthecouchesinherdrawingroom,asmallsmileonGabriel's
mouth,Luciandevoidofallexpression.ShestartedtowardLucian,butherlifematestoppedher."Come
tome,mylove.Iwillfeedandthencareformybrother.Wewillhavetoutilizethesoilbeneaththe
chamberwherethedoctorrests."

IfFrancescawantedtoarguewithhim,Gabrielcouldn'tfinditinhermind.Shewenttohissideinstantly,
leaningherbodyintohis,herhandsmovingoverhimasiftoassureherselfhewasinonepiece.Shewas
carefultostayclearofhiswounds,althoughshepassedherpalmoverthemultitudeofdeepscratchesand
bitemarks,leavingbehindasoothingbalm.Whetheritwasinhismindorreal,Gabrieldidn'tknowand
didn'tcare.Shemadehimfeelaliveandwhole.Shemadehisworldrightagain.

Hegatheredherclose,inhaledherfragrance.Hecouldhearthebloodflowinginherveins,beckoningto
him.Herscentmixedwiththeheadytemptation,andtheuntamedbeastinhimrosequickly,hisneedand
thatofhisbrothergreat.Gabrielbenthisdarkheadtoherslenderneck,tastedhersatinskin,thewarmth
ofherpulse.Hismouthdrifteddownthewarmcolumntothehollowofhershoulder,histeethgrazingher
skingently.

Francescafelttheshiverrunalongherspine.Gabrielhadawayofdoingthattohernomatterwhatthe
circumstances.Hisarmstightenedaroundherashefittedherbodymorecloselyintohis.Despitethe
measureofhisneed,heknewtheyweren'taloneinthedarkenedroomandhewouldn'ttakesustenance
fromhislifemateinfrontofhisbrother.Itwasfartoointimatearitualforthat.Hemovedherbackward
intotheprivacyoftheheavydraperies.Hismouthwanderedlower,travelingoverhershouldertoward
thecreamyswellofherbreast,pushingthethinmaterialofhershirtoutofthewayashedidso.

InstantlyFrancescafeltaliveagain.Shehadbeenholdingherbreaththeentiretimehewasgone,herheart
poundingwithfear,butnowitwaspoundingwithexcitement.Therehadbeensomethingwrongallalong
withthepictureofLucianasavampire.HehadintervenedtoooftentoprotectGabrielandthoseGabriel
loved.HehadcometoSkylertosootheher,ratherthanharassandfrightenher.Shewasashamedof
herselffornotputtingthepiecesofthepuzzletogethermuchquicker.

Herheadwentback,herslenderarmscradlingGabriel'sheadtoherasthewhite-hotwhipoflightning
dancedthroughherbloodstream.Histeethhadpierceddeepandhewasfeeding.Akindofdrowsy
contentmenttooktheplaceofherleapingpulse.Itwasedgedwithsexualexcitement;shecouldn'thave
Gabrieltouchherlikethisandnotwanthim,needhim,evencravehisbodyinhers.

Gabrieldraggedhercloser,hishandsmovingoverher,pushinghershirtfartherfromhershoulderstofeel
theheatofherskin.Shewassoftandwarm,ahaveninhisworldofdark,dangerousbattles.Heclosed
thetinypinprickswithasweepofhistongueandallowedhismouththepleasureoftastingherskinfor
justonemoment.Hefoundtheslopeofherbreast,thedeepvalley,driftedupwardalonghercollarboneto
hersoft,vulnerablethroat.

Beneathhispalmherheartwasbeatingwiththesamerhythmashisheart.Hermindwasfilledwithdesire
forhim,herbodywithliquidheat."Iamhome."Hewhisperedthewordsagainstthecornerofhermouth.
"Reallyhome."

Francescasmiledashekissedherface,hersmalldimple,herchin."Ofcourseyouare,mylove.Now
kissmeandgiveyourbrotherwhatheneedssothatlateryoucangivemethethingsIneed."

Hervoicewasnomorethanawarmbreathinhisear,butGabriel'sentirebodytightenedatherwords.
Hismouthsettledoverhers,rockingtheearthbeneaththeirfeet,whirlingthemtogetherintoanother
world,atimeandplacewheretheywerealonewiththeheatoftheirbodiesandpleasureuppermostin
theirminds.

Luciancougheddiscreetly."Iamtryingnottoshareyourmind,Gabriel,butyouarecloseandyour
combinedemotionsfillthissmallroom.Ihavebeenlongwithoutfeelingsandthetemptationis
strong."

GabrielpulledawayfromFrancescainstantly,hisblackeyesglittering,butshewaslaughing,herface
washedwithcolorlikeateenager."Wewerebeingthoughtless."Shepointeditoutgentlyevenasshe
adjustedherclothingandmovedaroundhim.

Gabriellovedthewayshemoved.Silent,veryfeminine,asymphonyofmotionsthatcouldrobhimof
breath.Inhismindheheardasoftsigh,histwin'sremindertogetonwiththejob.Francescawasbending
overLucian,touchingthewoundonhisthroatandneck,herfingertipsgentle,hermannertranquil.Gabriel
knewshewasprovidinganotherhealingsession.Shecouldnottouchsomeonewhowashurtorinneed
andnotprovidesolaceofsomekind.

Lucianattemptedawansmile,althoughhedidnotopenhiseyes."Youarethemiraclemybrotherhas
namedyouinhisthoughts."

"Hashenamedmeamiracle?"EvenhervoicewassoothingandtranquiltoGabriel'sears.Hewantedto
touchher,baskforeverinherbeauty,inherserenity.Afterthechaosofableak,grayworldfilledwith
violence,shewasamiracle.

"Yes,andforonce,hewasright."TherewasanedgeofwearinesstothebeautifulpitchofLucian'svoice
anditalarmedGabriel.Hehadneverheardhisinvincibletwinsoundsoutterlydrainedofstrength.

"Iamrightatalltimes,"Gabrielcorrected,movingatoncetohisbrother'sside."Itisapeculiar
phenomenonLucianfindsdifficulttolivewith,butallthesame"

Lucianopenedhiseyestoregardhisbrotherwithanicystareclearlymeanttointimidate."Francesca,my
dearsister,youhavetiedyourselftoonewhohasamuchinflatedopinionofhimself.Idonotremembera
timewhenhewasrightaboutanything."

Gabrielmovedtothecouch,seatinghimselfbesidehisbrother."Donotlistentohim,mylove,he
practiceshisintimidatingstareinthemirroronadailybasis.Hethinkstosilencemewithhisglare."Very
carefullyheslitalong,deepgashinhiswristandpressedthelife-givingfluidtohistwin'smouth."Drink,
brother,thatyoumaylive.Ioffertoyoufreelyforyouandyourfuturelifematewherevershemightbe."
DeliberatelyGabrielremindedhisbrotherofthewomanwaitingforhimsomewhereinthevastworld.

HecouldfeelLucian'swearinessbeatingathim.Hewastiredoftheemptybleakexistencehehadlived
forovertwothousandyears.Hisbodycriedoutforblood;hiseyessawonlytheshadows,grayanddark;
therewerenoemotionsotherthanthefewheborrowedwhenhemergedhismindwithGabriel's.Hehad
livedwithouthope,hadsacrificedrepeatedlythatGabrielwouldnothavetokill,givinghimrespitefrom
theendlessbattles.

Luciantooktheancientbloodreluctantly,sparingly.Hehadspenthisentireexistencelookingoutforhis
brotherandhewantedhimstrongandhealed.Lucianfelthisshriveledcellswelcomingthefluids,
buildingandgrowinginstrengthandpower.

Oncemoreheclosedhiseyes,notwantingtherenewaloflife.Forsolonghehadbeensetonhisfuture,
butnowitwasnecessarytomakeaswitch.WhatifFrancescawaswrong?Howcouldshepossiblyknow
suchathing?Shehadnobloodtietothismythicalwoman.Wasshesimplysayingwhateverittookto
keephimonearth?

"Shecouldnot,"Gabrielassuredhim,wearinesscreepingintohisvoice."Francescacouldnotpossibly
tellanuntruth.Ifshesaysthereisalifemateinneed,thenitisso."

"Andhowdoyouknowthis?"LucianaskedFrancesca.

Asmallsmilecurvedhersoftmouth."IwishIcouldtellyou,butinfactIcannot.ForsometimeIhave
feltaconnectiontoanotherbeing.Sheisveryyoung,perhapsafewyearsolderthanSkyler,andsheis
experiencinggreattrauma,butherspiritisstrong.Sheisfaraway,perhapsinanotherland,butasI
touchedyoutohealyou,sheappearedinmymind.Sheisapartofyou,Lucian.ThatisallIcantellyou.I
wishitwasmore."

Lucianclosedthewoundonhisbrother'swrist,carefulofhistwin'shealth."Donotfeelyouhavefailed
me,sister."

Francescalookedstartled,hereyesflyingtoGabriel.Herlifematelaughedsoftly."Hewouldhaveyou
believeheissopowerfulhecanreadthethoughtsofallCarpathians,butintruth,heisreadingmy
thoughtsandIammergedwithyou.Hecanfeelyouremotionsthroughme."

Lucianraisedhiseyebrow."Donotbesocertain,brother.YoudonotknowifIcanreadmindsornot."

Francescabeganlaughing."Icanseethetwoofyouaregoingtobeobnoxious.Gabrielisright,Lucian,I
wouldnotlietoyouaboutsomethingsoimportantasalifemate.IamcertainIamnotwrong.Thischild
criesoutinthenight.IfeelherpainandsorrowevenstrongerthanIfeltSkyler's.Sheisconnectedtous
asnootherhasbeen.Wemustputyoudeepwithinthesoiltoheal.Youmustbestrongbeforeyoubegin
yourjourneyofdiscovery."

"FirstIwilltakecareofyourdoctorfriend.Youcannotdoso."Lucianmadeitadecree.Hisblackeyes
glitteredforamoment,sheericeandmenace.

Francescaglaredathim,herblackeyessparkling."Iwilldowhatisnecessary.Youhavenosayinit."

Lucian'semptyeyesturnedonhisbrother,oneeyebrowarched."Youwillallowthislunacy?"

"Thesethingsaredifficult."GabrielshruggedhisbroadshouldersasiftosayLuciandidn'tknow
anythingaboutwomen.

Francescatossedherthickbraidoverherleftshoulder."Irealizeyouwerebornmanycenturiesago,
Lucian.Ishouldhavenotshownsuchimpatience.Womennolongerdowhateveramandecrees."Her
voiceheldafaintlyhaughtytone.

"Francesca!"ThelookinGabriel'sblackeyeswassomethingbetweenlaughterandcensure.Hecould
notrememberanyoneeverspeakingtoLucianinsuchaway.

Sheturnedawayfromherlifemate,tryingdesperatelynottolaugh.Thetwomenwereveryold-fashioned
intheirmanners.Courtly.Elegant.Sexy.Thatthoughtcreptinunbiddenandwashastilycensored.She
sharedGabriel'sthoughts,knewitwasinhismindtopreventherhealingBriceuntilhehadremovedall
tracesofthetaintedbloodhimself.Rightnow,Gabrielneededthehealingearth,asdidLucian.Both
ancientswerewoundedandweak.

"Ihavenoticedforsomecenturiesnow,itisthewomenwhotakecareofallthelittledetails.Iwill
ensurethatBricesleepsthisdayuntilthenewrising.Itisnecessarytopreparetheearthforyourbrother.
Heisingreatneed,despitehisbeliefinhisownomnipotence.Donotworry,Idohavebrainsandhave
managedquitewellwithoutguidanceofanykindforcenturies.Iwillbeabletohandleallthedetailsby
mylittlelonesomewhileyoupoorboysrest."

"ButyouwillnotgonearBrice,"Gabrielsaid,tryingtomakeitmoreofastatementthanacommand.

Francescasweptpastherlifemateandglideddownthehalltowardthekitchenandtheunderground
chambers.Ofcourseshewouldn'triskherunbornchildtryingtohealBricewithoutaid.Didtheythink
shewasadolt?Thetwoofthemcouldsleepintheundergroundchambertogether!

"Iwillnotbesleepingwithmybrother,woman,believeme.Iwillbesleepingrightalongsideyou
whereIbelong."Thistimetherewasdistinctlaughter,adrawlingmaleamusementinthedeeptimbreof
Gabriel'svoice.Hisvoicealwaysheldthatlazy,sexynoteshecouldn'tignore.

"Donotcountonyourcharmtogetyououtofthisone."Francescaopenedtheearth,asectionofdeep
richsoillargeenoughtoaccommodateLucian'spowerfulframe.

"Iammuchgratifiedtoknowyoufindmecharming."

"WasIthinkingthat?Idonotthinkso.IbelievewhatIwasthinkingwashowirritatingthemalesof
ourraceareandIamcertainIhadgoodcausetohidemyexistencefromthemallthesecenturies."
DeliberatelyFrancescakepthervoiceashaughtyasever.Teasinghim.Lovinghim.Wantingtobealone
withhim.Gabriel.

"Youwerethinkingaboutmakinglovetome,notsentencingmetoalonelybed."

"Youthinkmuchofyourself,sir."

"Onlybyreadingyourthoughts.IfindIlikethewayyouviewmefarbetterthantheviewIhaveof
myself."

Francescascatteredhealingherbsacrossthedirtfloorandaddedprecioussoilfromherhomelandfrom
thesmalltreasureboxshehadguardedoverthecenturies.ThesoilwaswhatLucianneededmorethan
anythingelse."Itisready."

Gabrielreachedforhistwin,helpinghimtohisfeet.ItfeltrighttobewithLucianagain.Theymovedthe
sameway;theirexpressionsweretotallyalike.ItsuddenlyoccurredtoGabrielthatperhapsFrancesca
couldn'ttellthemapart.

"Donotbesosilly.Youarepartofme,theotherhalfofmyheart.Youthinkthesilliestthings,
Gabriel."Thewhisperofhervoicewasaninvitation.Itheatedhisbloodasnothingelseevercould.

GabrielguidedLucianpastthechambercontainingBrice.Thetwinstouchedthemindofthesleeping
humanattheexactsametime,sharingtheknowledgewithoutthinkingaboutit,awell-rehearsedaction.

FrancescasteppedtoonesidetoallowLucianintothenarrowopeningleadingtohissleepingarea.
"Sleepwell,brother."

Lucianlookeddownatherwithhisemptyblackeyes."Ithankyouforyourkindnesstome,sister,but
mostofallforthewayyoucareformybrother."Hesaiditsincerely.

Therewaspuremagicinhisvoice.Francescafoundherselfsmilingupatherlifemate'stwin.She
believedhimfartoopowerfulforhisowngood,butsheknewhelovedhisbrother,andthatreassuredher
asnothingelsecouldhave.

GabriellockedhisarmaroundherwaistthemomentLucianhadfloatedtoearthandthesoilhadclosed
overhishead."Aloneatlast.Ididnotthinkitwouldeverhappen."

Shegavehimhersnootiestlook."YouseemtoforgetpoorBrasiliaandSantino.Theydeservean
explanationoftonight'sevents.IprotectedthemasbestIcouldandIsuspectLucianprobablydidalso,
butSantinoisnotonewecontrol.WegaveourwordtoAidan.Besides,youwentoutandgotyourself
hurt.Thatwasuncalledfor."

Heleaneddowntonuzzleherneck,inhaleherfragrance."Ilovethewayyousmell.ThemomentIentered
ourhouse,itwasfilledwithyourpresenceandIknewIwashome."

Francesca'shandcreptuptohisface."Iloveyouverymuch,Gabriel.Idonotappreciategrayhairatthis
stageinmylifewhenIamabouttobecomeamother."

"Youwouldlookverysexywithgrayhair,"Gabrielreplied,holdingherhandtohimsothathecouldturn
hisfaceandpressakissintothecenterofherpalm."AndIwouldliketogoupstairsandseeyoungSkyler
beforethenightisgone.YoucanseeSantinowithoutme."

Shebithispalm,alittlenipofreprimand."Youwillnotgowithoutme,andyouwillnotleaveallthetiny
detailsofourlifetome."

Hemanagedtolookinnocent."WasIdoingthat?"

Francescalaughed,herheartlightandhappynowthathewasbesideherandtheyweresafewithinthe
wallsoftheirhome.

ChapterEighteen

Contents

FrancescawokeinGabriel'sarms.Gabrielhadremainedbelowtheearthfortwodays,butnowhis
woundswerecompletelyhealedandFrancescafeltsafecallinghimtoher.Shefeltshehadbeenpatient
longenoughwheneverythinginhercriedoutforhim.Abovethemthenightwasstirringtolifeandthe
comfortingsoundsofherhouseholdweresettlingintotherhythmofthenight.

SkylerwaslaughinginthekitchenwithDrusilla.Francescalayforamomentsavoringthewonderofthat.
Skylerdidn'tlaughoften,andwhenshediditwasbrief,butthesoundwasincrediblybeautiful.Francesca
wasalreadybecomingfondofDrusilla.Shewasamotherlywomanwhoranthehouseveryefficiently.
Shehadanopen,lovingpersonality.TherewasampleroominherheartforyoungSkyler.

Santinowasamiracle.Hehadimmediatelysettoworkwiththebodyguardtoensurethehousewas
protectedinsideandout.ItwouldbenecessarytochangeFrancesca'smanneroflivingtoaccommodatea
highfencearoundthegroundsnowthattherewerehumanstoprotectalso.Santinowasquicktofinda
designthatfittheold-fashionedarchitecture.HehadincorporatedthesafeguardsFrancescahadchosento
buildintothefenceitself.

Itwasalreadywellunderconstruction;Santinodidn'tbelieveinprocrastinating.Francescawascertain
GabrielandSantinowouldbecomegoodfriendsintime.

"Youarecertainlyaccurateinyourthinking,"Gabrielmurmured,hisheartalreadyfindingtheperfect
rhythmofhers.Shewashisworldandhelovedwakingupwiththeknowledgethatshewasthere,waiting
forhim,socoolandsereneandbeautiful.

Francescasmiledassheturnedinhisarms,herbodymoldingitselftohis,alreadysoftandpliant,herskin
warmingashisbloodthickenedandheated.Shereveledinthefeelofhisbody;howdifferenthewas
fromher,hismusclessodefinedandhard.Withherhandsshesoughthiships,thecolumnsofhisthighs,
smoothedoverhischest,lingeredovertheareawherehehadbeenwounded."Youhunger."Shemadeita
statement.Shehadknownhewouldawakenravenous,andshewasmorethanwillingtoprovideforher
lifemate.Shecouldfeelthehungerinhim,agrowing,livingthing.

Gabrielburiedhisfaceinthehollowofhershoulders,hismouthmovingoverherscentedskin.Hishands
shapedherslenderbody,tracingherperfectform,herlushbreastsandroundedhips,hersmalltucked-in
waist.Theirchildlaybeneathhispalmanditexcitedhimtothinkofitgrowingthere,anotherbindingtie
betweenthem.Arushofheathithimwiththespeedofafireball,explodinginhislowerbellyasher
fingersdancedoverhim.

"Francesca."Hebreathedhernameagainstthecreamymoundofherbreast,hiswarmbreathteasingher
nippleintoanansweringeroticpeak.Hislipskissedthevulnerablelineofherthroat,foundhermouth,
fastenedthere,hismouthdominatingandverymale.Shewaseverythingtohim."Everything."He
whispereditintohermouth,slidinghistonguealonghersinafierytango.

Heclosedhiseyestofeelherwithhisbody,hishandsexploringwhilehismouthmovedalongherneck

backtothedeepvalleybetweenherbreasts.Hisbodywasgrowinghardanduncomfortablewithwanting
her,hishungerrisingsharply.Shemurmuredsomethingsoftlyagainsthisskin,alittleendearment,an
enticementeven,whileherhandsmovedoverhishipsandsettledwithteasing,dancingfingersalongthe
hardevidenceofhisgrowingneed.Hisbreathseemedtoexplodeoutofhisbodyasshemovedoverhim,
herbreastaninvitationbeneathhisseekingmouth.

Fangslengthened,grewashisteethteasedandscrapedherskinoverherpounding,beckoningpulse.Her
fingerswereinflaminghim,teasingandshaping,evenasshearchedherbodyclosertohis.Fieryheat
streakedthroughher,throughhimashisteethsankdeep.Whipsoflightningdancedovertheirskinashe
fedvoraciously,herblood,hotandsweet,flowingintothestarvedcellsofhisbody.

Hisbody.Wrackedwithfires.Flamesthatcouldneverbeputout.Hewassohotheburnedwithneed.
Evenashefed,hecaughtherslenderhipsandpinnedherbeneathhimsohecouldsurgeforward,a
powerfulthrust,buryinghimselfdeepinhertightsheath.Shewashotandslickwithneed,withhunger.
Colorswhirledanddancedandthefireragedoutofcontrol.Gabrieljustletithappen,letitconsumehim.
Herbodywasallthatmatteredinthatmoment.Hewouldplumbeverysecretplace,delvedeeperand
deeperuntilhefoundcompletesanctuaryfromthehostofdemonsforeverhauntinghim.

Hemovedharderandfaster,longsurestrokesdesignedtoinflameher,tobringhertothesameburning
feverhefelt.Hewhisperedhernameashestrokedhistongueacrossthetinypinpricks,closingthewound
inherbreast.Hegatheredhertohim,revelinginthemysteriesofherwondrousbody.Hewaslostforall
time;shewashisworldandeverythinggoodinit.

Francescalookedupathisfaceaboveher,etchedinsensualbeauty,hisblackeyesglitteringwiththe
intensityofhiswildlovemaking,swimminginunexpectedtears.Shegasped,.touchedateardroponhis
impossiblylongeyelashes.Hisperfectmouthsoftened,curvedinresponse."Youarejustsobeautiful,
Francesca.IstillcannotbelieveIamherewithyou,sharingyourlife,sharingyourbody.Youhaveno
ideawhatyoumeantome."

Sheleaneduptocapturehismouthwithhers,merginghermindmorefully,offeringtotalacceptanceofhis
wildnature,matchinghisfierydemandswithherown.Longafterwardtheylaytogether,listeningtotheir
combinedheartbeat,savoringtheluxuryofsimplylyingineachother'sarms,inthedifferencesoftheir
bodiesandtheirabilitytobesoentwined.

"Iloveyou,Francesca,"Gabrieltoldhersolemnly."Icannotexpressinwordswhatyouaretome."

Shesmiledupathim."Youdoafairlygoodjobexpressingyourself."

Hiseyebrowshotup."Fairlygood?"

"Ithinkyouregoisalreadyfartoolarge.Iamnotabouttocallyouthegreatestloverintheworld."

Hishandcuppedhersoftbreast,histhumbstrokingsmallcaressesoverhertautnipple."Butyouwouldif
itwerenotforfearofmyego?"

EachstrokeofhisthumbproducedanansweringrushofliquidheatandFrancescashifted,risingabove
him,flingingherabundanceofhairoverhershoulderassheslowlystraddledhim,loweringherbody
overhis.Hegaspedaloud,hiseyesclosingforamomentinecstasy,thenopeningtowatchherbodyas

shebegantoslowlymove.

"IbookedBriceinatamedicalclinicinMilan.Ihavefriendstherewhowillbackupmystory.Itold
themhewasrecoveringfromanaddictionandwewerehelpinghimhere.Theyowemeafavorortwo,"
FrancescaaddedwhenGabrielfrowned.Hewasn'tusedtorelyingonhumansforaidbutFrancesca
slippedeasilybetweenthetwoworlds.Sheknewthevalueofmoneyandsocialposition.Sheknew
medicalclinicsreliedheavilyonwealthybenefactors.Shewasverygenerousinthatregardandrarely
askedanythinginreturn.Ifshewantedoneofherfriends,particularlyagreatphysician,tobebookedin
asrecoveringfromaviolentflu,theclinicwasmorethanhappytohelp."Andyes,IknowyouandLucian
willaidindestroyingthevampire'sholdonhim.Ireadyourmindeasily,mylove;nothingwillharmour
daughter.Eitherofourdaughters.IwillwaituntilBriceisfreeofallshadowingbeforeIaidinhis
healing."

"Yes,youwill,"hesaidsoftly,hishandsgoingtoherwaist.

Shemovedherbodyalittlefastertoaccommodatethesuddeneroticpictureinhismind.Francesca
smiled,aslowseductivesmileasshesensedthefirebuildinginhisbody.

"Youbelieveitiswisetoinvolveanotherclinic?"Gabrielhadtoworkatkeepinghisvoicenaturalwhen
shewastyinghimupinknotsagain.Herwaistwassonarrowandherbreastsjuttedsotemptinglyover
him."Surelyhecannotsimplypickupandleavehisjobwhenthewhimcomesuponhim."

"Ofcoursenot,butitwasn'ttoodifficulttoputinaphonecallfromtheclinicinvitingBricetospeakata
fictitiousseminar.Briceoftendoessuchthings.Ihadhissecretaryarrangeforotherdoctorstotakeover
hispatientsandthensimplyfollowedupwithanotherphonecallsayinghehadbecomeillbuttheclinic
wastakinggoodcareofhim.Whenwehealhim,hewillstillbeingoodstandinginthemedical
community."Shewastryingnottosmileathisreactiontoherbodyteasinghis,atthewayhiseyeshad
gonesmokyandglazedashewatchedhersointently.Hewasstrivingdesperatelytofollowthe
conversation,tomaintaininterestinitwhenhisbodywasinecstasy.

"Doyoufixeverythingforeveryonesoeasily?"Gabrielaskedher,bendinghisheadforwardtothe
temptationofherinvitingnipple.Hecouldn'thelphimself.Hehadtotouchher,totasteher.Herskin
remindedhimofwarmhoney.Hishandscaughtheraroundthewaistassheundulatedherbody,so
beautifulsherobbedhimoftheabilitytothink.Helovedherface,hereyes,herlushmouth.

Francescatossedherheadbackasshebegantomovefaster,herbodyhotanddemanding,herbreastsbare
tohissight,whileherhairspilledaroundthemindarksilkenclouds.Shewatchedhisbreathshortenand
shesmiled,movingalittleharder,herbodytighteningaroundhisinresponsetohisevidentpleasure.
"Actually,yes,Ido,"sheansweredslowly."Particularlyyou.Forinstance,Iknowyoulikecertain
things."

Hecouldbarelybreathe,watchingherridehimwiththatsexylittlesmileonherface."Whatthings?"he
daredtoask.

Sheleanedback,movingdeeper,teasinghim,enticing,watchinghimwatchher.Itwaswildlyexcitingthe
wayGabrielgavehersomuchpoweroverhim.Shelovedbeinghispartner.Hisotherhalf.Shelovedto
beinhismindwhiletheyweremakinglove,lovedthewayhethoughtabouther,thewayherbody
pleasedhim.

"Youpleaseme,"hecontradicted,suddenlymovinghisownhipsintoahard,rhythmicsurging.He
watchedherridehim,thesightaddingtohisintensepleasureuntilhecouldonlythrustatheralmost
helplessly,reachinghigherandhigher,building,foreverbuilding.Herhairbrushedhissensitiveskin,
scorchinghim,burninghim.Nothingmatteredexceptherbodyoverhis,slidingwildly,rockingand
teasinguntilhewascryingouthernametotheveryheavensandshewasclingingtohimsomewhere
betweenlaughterandtears.

Neithercouldbreathenormallyforthelongesttime.Theysimplyheldeachothertightly,savoringthese
momentsalonetogether.OverheadthesoundsofthehouseholdwerecomfortingtoGabriel.Bricewould
beseentoassoonastheywereable.Skylerwasformingbonds.Lucian,hisbelovedtwinbrother,slept
safelybeneaththesoil,healing,gatheringstrength,hisironwillrenewed.Francescawasinhisarms,his
bodyandsoulwrappeddeeplyinhers,andallwasrightwithGabriel'sworld.

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