Dark Tarot (Dark Carpathians)

Jaxon came close. “Is that helpful to you?”

“It must be. Do you know anything about the tribal Italians?”

Jaxon shook her head. “I’m embarrassed to say, I never thought in terms of Italy having tribes, but of course, they had people there pre-Rome and after.”

“Exactly. The history is very diverse. That’s why their looks are diverse. If my family insisted that I learn a long-forgotten language that was swallowed up centuries ago, then it’s safe to say that’s a huge clue to Sandu’s past. He must have ties that go back to that tribe of people.”

“That’s a huge leap, Adalasia.”

“I always go with my intuition, and this feels right to me. His family could have been somehow involved with the Etruscan tribe. There were quite a lot of wars going on during that time period. So many tribes fighting for territories. There were migrations from Greece, Syria, Central Asia, Macedonia and Northern Europe. That’s why you see blond and blue-eyed Italians. Don’t forget the Sabines. There were so many more. The point I’m making is, Lucian said that Carpathians didn’t have surnames. That they changed them depending on how long they stayed in one place to blend in and not have anyone become suspicious of them.”

Jaxon nodded. “Lucian explained that to me. He actually told me he would re-create our house if I loved it, and bring our wolves, or their descendants, but we would have to move occasionally. He told me we would have to shed one name and take on another through the centuries. It is the only way to ensure we stay alive and our species are not ever found out by humans. That made me a little sad because I love our name. He comes from a very respected lineage within the Carpathians. They still use the name amongst themselves, he said. So I guess it isn’t lost. I would want any child we have to bear that name.”

Adalasia hadn’t considered children with Sandu. They were too new. But his name. She turned it over and over in her mind. “In very ancient days, they didn’t take surnames, but as time went on, it became necessary. The practice of taking a surname in Rome began in the more affluent households. Sandu goes by Sandu Berdardi. If he kept that name, or just occasionally went back to it, the name could easily have been shortened from Sandu di Berdardo. A common practice in Rome when first assigning a surname was simply stating the boy’s name, “son of,” and the father’s name. In this case, it would be Sandu, son of Berdardo.”

Jaxon lifted an eyebrow. “You seem very well versed in the history of Italy.”

“I was homeschooled. I am sadly lacking in some things other children are very well versed in. This I was drilled in over and over. Fortunately, I found it fascinating.”

“So that would make his father’s name Berdardo,” Jaxon said. “Maybe one of the Carpathians would recognize that name.”

“That’s definitely my hope,” Adalasia said.

“Lucian’s brother Gabriel traveled extensively, and he knows a lot of Carpathians. He’s in France. I have this very strong feeling you should go see him. He would welcome you. Francesca, his lifemate, has amazing quilts she weaves strong safeguards into. You might have need of one.” Once more, Jaxon’s fingers went to her throat. “You could use all the help and guidance you can get. Perhaps you might seek them out, Adalasia.”

France. The thought settled over her. She knew Sandu was with her. The destination felt right to him as well. Do you recognize the name Berdardo?

I am sorry, Sivamet, I do not recognize this name. I will return shortly, but I am about to go into battle and must break contact while I engage with the undead.

I would like to stay with you. She wanted to witness a vampire from a safe distance. More, she needed to know he was safe at all times.

Sandu groaned. I do not want any of them to know you exist.

Her heart nearly stopped at his admission. Then it began to pound. She could tell he didn’t want her with him. Any of them? As in more than one? Sandu. There are more than one of those evil creatures you told me about?

Breathe for me, ewal emninumam, there is more than one hunter chasing the master vampire. You cannot be with me. If you gave yourself away . . .

I wouldn’t.

I will be injured. When battling a vampire, a hunter is always injured. You must go. He withdrew from her mind.

Very carefully, Adalasia returned the book to its place behind the glass. Her lifemate wasn’t going to dismiss her quite so easily. She would obey his instructions to stay silent and not give herself away no matter what, and she would creep into his mind without his knowledge. She knew he was an ancient, and because he was going into battle, his senses would be heightened, but he wouldn’t be looking for his lifemate, with the lowest of energies to drift into his mind so silently and small, settling into the tiniest groove where no one would ever find her, least of all Sandu.