Dark Tarot (Dark Carpathians)

Dominic smiled at her. “This is my lifemate, Solange.” He waved toward the newcomer.

Solange had thick sable-colored hair, very wild, and when she moved, a few golden streaks could be seen. She had very distinctive cat’s eyes, amber at times, but green flecks that spread and would turn nearly as emerald as the other young woman’s. She was short and curvy, with defined muscles, and looked as if she could handle herself in a fight. Dominic indicated the other young woman. “This is Jasmine. This is Jubal Sanders, and that’s Jasmine’s daughter, Sandrine.”

The little girl stuck her head around Jubal’s leg and waved, her little pixie face flashing a smile and then disappearing again.

“I apologize for being so cautious, but we had visitors when your request reached us.” He indicated the three in the room. “Your request was worded so carefully, Sandu, and a rumor had also come to us around the same time that an old enemy may be on the way to our part of the world.”

Adalasia noted that Jubal once again dropped his hand to the child’s head. She had the feeling that he had been the one to bring the news of an old enemy on the way.

“Jasmine is my cousin,” Solange said. She looked a fierce warrior in contrast to Jasmine’s wholly feminine appearance. Still, her voice was gentle, and when she looked at her cousin, her expression was gentle.

“Please do sit down, everyone. When Dominic told us we were going to have so many visitors, it was quite a shock. Occasionally, my cousin Juliette comes to visit with her lifemate, Riordan. He’s a De La Cruz. When that happens, one or more of the other brothers accompanies them, but that’s very rare. We usually make the trip to their ranch.”

Sandu chose one of the pods that were for two people. The moment Adalasia sank beside him, the chair seemed to wrap them up, conforming to their bodies. It felt cozy and very nice after the trek through the forest. She rubbed her palm on the arm surrounding her. “This is amazing, Solange. Where did you find it? I’ve never seen anything like it in my life.”

Solange’s face lit up. “Actually, it’s Jasmine’s design. She came up with the idea, and I loved it so much I begged her to let us try it out for her.”

“Seriously? You’re brilliant, Jasmine,” Adalasia said. “This is the most comfortable chair I’ve ever sat in.” She put her head on Sandu’s shoulder. “I could live in this chair.”

“It is comfortable,” Sandu agreed. “I usually pay little attention to such things, but I have to agree with Adalasia.”

Color swept into Jasmine’s face. “That’s kind of you to say. I just came up with the design; Jubal built the furniture. The credit really goes to him.”

“Perhaps both of you,” Dominic corrected. “They own a furniture company together. It is getting to be quite popular. Solange and I are very proud of them. We knew they’d be successful.” He looked very lovingly at Jasmine.

“We can take Sandrine in the other room while you talk,” Jubal offered. He held out his hand to the little girl. “It’s past her bedtime. We promised her she could stay up to see the company. She doesn’t like to miss anything.”

Jasmine stood up. “She’s very much like Solange.”

Jubal held out his hand to Jasmine. There was the slightest hesitation, but Adalasia caught it. Those beautiful emerald eyes lifted to his face, and then she smiled and put her hand in his. Jubal pulled her to his side, as if he hadn’t noticed her hesitation at all. “Let’s get our girl ready for bed. She wants a bedtime story.”

“You have to read to her,” Jasmine said. “You do all the voices.” She turned back to smile at them. “It was nice to meet everyone.”

Jubal nodded toward them but didn’t say anything as he escorted the two females from the room.

“This man is related to Joie, Traian Trigovise’s lifemate.” Sandu indicated Jubal. It was a statement of fact more than a question.

Dominic nodded. “Yes. He is Joie’s older brother and has been in our world a long time. He’s fought at the side of the Carpathian people against the undead as well as fought with Solange and her family against the Jaguar men and their many attempts to take Solange and her cousins. He knows Danutdaxton and Riley. He saved Riley’s life on more than one occasion, along with Gary before Gary’s conversion. He is a man much respected in the Carpathian community.”

Even the brethren in the monastery heard of Jubal Sanders once we left our sanctuary. He isn’t Carpathian; he is human, but he’s strong, able to face vampires and every enemy our species must fight.

There is so much to be learned, Sandu. Dominic. Solange. Jubal. Jasmine. All of them are strong in their own way, Adalasia pointed out. She sank farther into the chair and moved against him, her thigh sliding against his.