Dark Tarot (Dark Carpathians)

Adalasia nodded and visibly relaxed. There was no way Andre’s sharp eyes didn’t take in her tense body, Sandu’s gesture of reassurance and then her body’s reaction. Sandu wanted Andre to see that he was every bit as protective of his lifemate as Andre was with Teagan, and yet he did travel with his ancient brethren.

“Adalasia”—Teagan’s voice was gentle—“would you care for a cup of tea, water or juice? You really need to stay hydrated. I know that it can be very difficult to keep anything down, but you have to try. I can help you. I’ve been through this.”

Adalasia pressed her free hand to her stomach. “It’s just that the thought of eating or drinking anything makes me feel sick.”

You need to take control, ekäm, Andre said. He used the path of the brethren in the monastery. Few Carpathians could hear, and certainly none of the undead.

She is afraid.

That is natural. She is entering an unknown world. Her human body must die in order to be reborn as a Carpathian, but she trusts you.

Sandu’s thumb continued to slide back and forth along the back of Adalasia’s hand. He turned her wrist over so he could feel her pulse. Her heart was beating too fast. She did need to stay hydrated, just as Teagan had suggested. She’d refused anything that evening before their arrival. He didn’t like forcing his lifemate any more than he already had. He’d told her they’d be partners, and he wanted to keep his word.

His gaze returned to Andre. The man was meant to be his guide in some way. He was certain of it. Andre held to the old ways, just as Sandu did. They were both traditional. His lifemate, Teagan, had clearly mellowed him somewhat, but Andre would always be an ancient Carpathian: wary, battle-ready, in love with his lifemate and protective of her. She ruled until he felt she might be in danger, and then he would be ruthless in his takeover. There would be no remorse, and Teagan knew him well enough and evidently loved him enough, even though she was a modern woman, to let him be who he was.

Sandu needed Adalasia to love him as fiercely as Teagan loved Andre because, sadly, he was very much like that ancient. He would always be the ancient she feared, with the scars on his soul he couldn’t get rid of.

Teagan leaned toward Adalasia. “I know how that is, Adalasia. Any of us can help you get water or juice down to nourish your body. You just have to give consent. Your lifemate is waiting for that. He doesn’t like taking from you, but in the end, to keep you safe, you know they have no choice. They can’t do anything else.”

Adalasia’s long lashes fluttered. Lowered. Raised. She flicked him a puzzled glance and then returned to Teagan’s face. “Of course there’s always another choice.”

“Not really,” Teagan denied. “They’re hardwired a certain way. Carpathian males have no choice but to protect us. You will understand that the more you’re in his mind.”

Adalasia glanced at Sandu. His fingers tightened around hers. He’d explained that concept to her, but maybe it sounded different coming from a woman who, at one time, had been human.

“So, you’re saying if I didn’t take care of myself properly, eventually Sandu would be forced to do so because he couldn’t stop himself,” Adalasia clarified.

Teagan nodded. “Absolutely. It’s better to just give in and let him help you drink whatever horrible concoction there is to nourish your body. He’ll help you keep it down, and you won’t remember drinking it.”

Or you could do the third blood exchange and bring her into our world, where she would be safe. I feel very strongly that she would be far safer from this point beneath the ground with you than alone, sleeping aboveground. I have no idea why, but I feel it, Andre said.

The four ancients echoed the assessment. Sandu wanted to bring Adalasia into their world more than anything, but he also wanted Adalasia to come to him fully aware. If she didn’t agree, he would have to make the choice for her, and he’d said he would give her time to come to him. Andre’s revelation about having such a strong feeling wasn’t to be ignored. He felt equally as strongly. He had put that instinctual need down to his ancient Carpathian teachings, but more and more, he was uneasy.

Another murmur of agreement going through the path of communication among the brethren told him he wasn’t alone in his worry for her safety. Sandu’s nod toward Andre was barely perceptible.

Sandu brought Adalasia’s hand to his mouth and spoke very gently against her palm. “I think it best if you have juice, with plenty of vitamins, ewal emninumam. Teagan is right about your nutrition.”