Dark Fire by Christine Feehan. Dark Series – book 6

There was a small silence. “A deranged vampiress,” Tempest said sarcastically. “No wonder Darius doesn’t want to chance it.” She leaned over to meet Desari’s eyes. “What else are you keeping from me?”

Desari glanced at Syndil, who nodded. “Julian says the conversion process is very painful.”

Tempest shoved at the hair spilling around her face “Oh, yeah, I’m into pain. Did you know all this when you first brought up the subject? You did mean for me to think about it, didn’t you?”

Desari looked guilty. “I am sorry, Rusti. It is just that I love my brother, and I can see the strain in him a ready. He would never shirk his duties. Even though his strength is lessening, he will continue to fight those who threaten us. I was thinking of him, not of you. I ask your forgiveness.”

“Darius was furious with both of us,” Syndil admitted “He did not raise his voice-he does not have to-but he fairly shook with rage.”

Tempest paced the length of the room. “What kind of pain?”

A flood of remorse slid over Desari. As much as she wanted her brother to live, he would be furious at this conversation, at Syndil and Desari for using Tempest feelings for Darius to persuade her.

“You cannot be serious.” Desari jumped up and caught her shoulders. “It was wrong of me to suggest such thing. It is against Darius’s wishes. He has told me he has made the decision to age and die with you, that he has no regrets. I must accept his will, although it is difficult.”

Syndil nodded. “Darius says the woman should not have to risk her very life for a man.” She looked down at her fingers, remembering Darius’s chastisement. “He said it was bad enough that he taken away your choice your old lifestyle, and he would never willingly risk you life.” There was pain in her eyes when she raised them to Tempest’s. “We should not have continued to discus this.”

“But then, it really isn’t his risk or his decision, is it

Tempest asked softly. “I have as much right to worry over his health and well-being.”

“It is the male’s duty to see to his lifemate’s health and happiness,” Desari pointed out. “He can do no other.”

“My happiness,” Tempest repeated softly, almost to herself.

The sound of a knock on the door made her heart pound. Inside she was turning over their revelations. Could she do it? Chance it? Did she have that kind of courage? The words deranged vampiress did not conjure up a pretty picture. She didn’t like the sound of that at all. But the thought of Darius losing his great strength, growing old when he did not have to, was a heavy weight on her heart.

Did she believe in the fairy tale? Darius might believe he would grow old with her, but perhaps he would soon tire of her as men often did of their women. No man could really devote himself to one woman for all time. Certainly not for an eternity. She was a loner. Solitary by nature. Yet the thought of an eternity of solitude wasn’t all that appealing. Tempest didn’t mind going around once in life, but over and over didn’t sound all that great. And then there was the blood thing.

Tempest made a face. Sucking the blood out of somebody’s neck was a sickening thought.

Baby, you think the most depressing thoughts. Just put the whole thing out of your head. I will be fine, I will not tire of you, and you will never be allowed to suck anyone’s blood. I, however, will have the pleasure of sucking on your neck and other parts of your anatomy as often as possible. After I strangle my two little sisters, everything will be fine.

You don’t have to strangle them. I was the one who asked.

I will not leave you, my love. His voice was a soft caress, but it carried total conviction. As their minds wen merged, she could clearly see his thoughts, his beliefs even his memories of the time before he met her. Hi had been a bleak, barren existence. She was his world She would always be his world. He believed that implicitly.