Destiny curled her fingers through Nicolae’s, brought his hand to her mouth. Her teeth nibbled nervously on his knuckles. She had spent so little time with other people. Her instincts told her Gregori was powerful. There was a slight chance he could heal them. Deep inside, where it counted, where she would admit things she couldn’t face, she knew Nicolae spoke the truth about the darkness in him. She recognized it. It was very strong in Vikirnoff, and it was strong in Gregori. She had learned, from her experience with Nicolae, to discern the difference between the hunters carrying the darkness and the actual taint of the vampire’s blood.
But it was there. It was present. She was surrounded by it, and it made her nervous. It also called to the darkness in her blood. She was hot and restless, having to work at controlling her body’s temperature. Only her love for Nicolae kept her in the small confines of the cave. If she went along with this, she would be totally vulnerable. Nicolae would be under a stranger’s control.
I am an ancient, Destiny. Vikirnoff remains to see to our safety, even though he feels a need to begin his hunt. There is little that can be done to harm me without my knowledge. I will be able to break away from Gregori should there be need. But it is up to you. If you do not want to do this thing, we will not.
She heard the utter sincerity in his voice. It was that simple for him. If she were uncomfortable and chose not to allow the healer to perform, he would calmly go along with her decision.
“You’re crazy, you know that?” She gave an exaggerated sigh as she shoved him toward Gregori. Her heart was pounding like crazy, but she would not allow him to suffer because she was a coward.
“In case you are wondering what that meant,” Nicolae explained to the others, “Destiny is showing me her affection and complete devotion.”
“It sounds familiar to me,” Savannah laughed. “Don’t worry, Destiny, he’s in good hands. Gregori goes around looking intimidating and mean because in the old country the mothers scared their children by telling them stories of the dark one. He liked the image and cultivated it.”
Gregori flexed his broad shoulders, and muscles rippled impressively across his body. His expression didn’t change. “It always helps when I wish to intimidate Savannah’s father.”
“The Prince?” Destiny asked.
“Why are you listening to him?” Savannah demanded. “As if my father would ever be intimidated by him. They’re best friends, Destiny. He’s teasing you.”
Destiny looked skeptical. Gregori didn’t intimidate her nearly as much as Vikirnoff, but only because of Savannah. The way Gregori looked at the petite woman negated every vestige of menace in his eyes. Vikirnoff was without emotion, simply watching all of them with his flat, cold stare. It was only his intense loyalty to Nicolae that kept him there, that allowed him to take Destiny under his protection.
Vikirnoff is no different from me before I found you. He must hold on until he finds his lifemate.
Just hurry and do this, Nicolae, before you find out I’m not nearly as courageous as you think I am.
Nicolae framed her face with his hands, ignoring the others. “Stay right here while Gregori is working on me.”
She looked into his dark, intense eyes. “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Someone has to watch over you.”
He closed the scant inches between them, claiming her mouth, storming his way straight to her heart. She kissed him back hungrily, a little desperately, afraid for him. Nicolae held her close while her heart beat frantically against his.
“Hurry, Nicolae, before I change my mind.” It was a soft whispered plea.
Gregori opened the earth, searching for a bed of deep soil. Nicolae seated himself in the lush richness, drawing Destiny down beside him, his hand firmly enveloping hers. She found herself clinging to his strength, her mind remaining firmly merged with his. Her body was trembling. There was so much riding on this—their entire future.
No, there is not, Destiny. Our future is secure together whether Gregori succeeds or not. The difference is whether we will be able to bring children into the world.