جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 260

Jacob was winging his way through the air fast, hard on the tail feathers of Dedari. The rain had slowed to a steady drizzle, but the air felt heavy and thick. Jacob shook his head at the foolishness of what they were doing. Dedari believed in the straightforward approach. At the same time, he was a lethal adversary, one fully committed to destroying an enemy even if it meant his own life. Jacob understood, but through long experience he had learned to pick his battles. Dedari had to attack anything threatening those under his protection, but some part of him was urging him to fight to the death, wanting to take the vampire with him to eternal rest.The idea of losing Dedari left Zande raw with fear. And Jacob found he could not bear Zande’s fear. He felt the presence of evil, the thick air surrounding them making it difficult to think. It was a common trick used by the undead to buy time. Jacob simply directed his body on his instincts, trusting himself and his own strength and

Jacob didn't blame Prest.Prest felt fiercely protective of Amia and was still in a dangerously combative state. Once the demon within was aroused, it was difficult to overcome the savage, predatory instincts of their kind.Zande’s answer was so perfect, it was all Jacob could do not to clasp her to him. She didn't so much as glance at Jacob or in any way act as though they had communicated. "Amia." She whispered the woman's name softly, lovingly, so that the leopard shimmered between human form and animal. "Do not leave me as yet. I am in sore need of your comfort." Zande projected just the right note of weariness into her voice, and even Jacob was a believer.How could she not be tired after her tremendous ordeal? Of course she was. He could feel it in her now as her body swayed slightly against his. Her large eyes touched Prest’s stone-hard features.I know she wishes to flee, Prest, but if you would, please step aside and allow her to come to me. I have a great need to be with m

Dedari’s voice was so low now, Jacob was unsure whether he was really speaking aloud or mind to mind. "You grow weak, Dedari. Sleep. We can talk of such things when you are healed." Deliberately, Jacob allowed his voice to drop an octave, to take on the low, hypnotic tone of his kind. Soothing, peaceful, healing. An underlying command, very subtle but nevertheless powerful.Dedari smiled, a mere flash of strong white teeth. He heard that "push" in Jacob’s voice and recognized it for what it was. Even in his weakened state, he would ordinarily have resisted such a mind touch, but Jacob was going to do as he wished anyway. He would hunt the undead without Dedari, and argument with him would be futile. And tiring. Dedari planned to sleep for a long while. "I go under, golden one, but do not think you managed to make me overlook the fact that I must thank you for my continued existence.""Or curse me." Jacob stepped away from the black, rich soil, then watched as the breath ceased and

Jacob was silent for a moment. "I, too, want to see her. She will give me a better explanation."Than the old woman. He added, shielding his mind from Zande.He wondered where the old woman could be, and if/when she would show herself to him. He needed to ask her some questions. He believed she would be their best shot in locating Olivera."Then we will go." Zande pretended there was no vampire waiting to destroy her family. "Tell me what the people are like in the Mountains."Jacob thought about that for a moment. A slow smile softened the faintly harsh edge to his mouth. "You always come up with great questions, piccola. To be honest, I never thought much about what they are like. Mostly they are hardworking people. They pull together in times of crisis. The Prince and his healer are very much like Dedari. Leaders, hunters, protectors, healers. It will be an experience meeting your older brother, for you and Dedari." His smile deepened, reaching his glittering eyes. "Raven is th

For one moment Amia’s beautiful eyes came alive with a flash of brilliance quite close to anger. "You are taking far too much on yourself, Prest. You have no claim to make on my behavior. Our leader can chastise me if he so desires - not that it would do any good if I did not choose to follow him. I tire of these tantrums. Whatever I did to cause Clent to turn on me, I have paid for, many times over. You can quit punishing me for my sins. I refuse to tolerate it any longer.”"Is that what you think, Amia? That I blame you for Clent’s behavior?" Prest rubbed his forehead thoughtfully. "What am I saying? Of course you think that. I have been in your mind and have read the guilt you feel. But do not reflect such thoughts back on me, Amia. I live to protect you, that is all. And I will do so despite your harsh judgments of my capabilities. It is my duty and my right."Amia stood up, her slender figure fragile and beautiful. Her chin was up, her eyes alive with pain and pride. "You wish