Dark Song

“I did not find anything in her memories to indicate that Sergey placed anything in her to spy on this compound or that would allow him access to her remotely,” Gary announced.

Elisabeta nearly sagged with relief, but the fact that Ferro didn’t seem relieved prevented her from doing so. She felt every one of his emotions, even when she was certain he didn’t feel them. He seemed to distance himself from emotions, as if, because he was incapable of feeling for so many centuries, he still didn’t process sentiment at all. He simply didn’t acknowledge emotion unless it was in regard to her. There was a part of her that got a tiny secret thrill from that, although like everything, it frightened her as well.

That amazes me, Julija said. That’s like some kind of hero, Elisabeta. Everyone thinks he’s a first-class jerk, at least all the women do. Lorraine, Andor’s lifemate, is going to give him a lecture to end all lectures. I’d better warn her not to make a fool of herself.

Ferro had a very specific feel to him. Strong. Very strong. A predator’s edge. Almost feral. Not almost, Elisabeta had to acknowledge, but definitely feral. Untamed. He felt like a law unto himself, and when he surrounded her, she could identify him instantly not only by his scent but by that distinctly powerful feel to him.

The moment Julija told Elisabeta she was going to have to tell Lorraine not to lecture Ferro, Elisabeta felt him in her mind. He had been there all along. Quiet, monitoring, just to make certain she was all right and didn’t need him. Now, he poured himself into her, surrounding her. To her astonishment, there was a bite of humor.

Tell her not to say anything to Lorraine. I want to hear Lorraine’s lecture.

She didn’t want all the women in the compound to have a poor opinion of her lifemate because he was shielding her, but she didn’t want to disobey him, either.

Julija, please do not say anything to Lorraine. She wasn’t good at deception, and Julija glanced at her sharply and then at Ferro, who appeared to be listening to Tariq question the healer.

He’s paying attention to our conversation, isn’t he? Julija asked.

Reluctantly, afraid she was doing something wrong, Elisabeta nodded her head. I do not feel comfortable without him. I am afraid.

You do not have to apologize to anyone for the way you are, minan piŋe sarnanak. Ferro sounded fierce. There is nothing wrong with needing your lifemate to get you through these first risings.

This time, Elisabeta knew Julija could hear him and that had been deliberate. It was also a threat. I fear my need of you being with me will be far longer than just these first risings, Ferro.

She wanted Julija to know it wasn’t Ferro at fault. His staying in her mind even when he was present in the room with her was all on her. He wasn’t monitoring her to know what was said between them. She was terrified that if he wasn’t sharing her mind, Sergey would find his way inside her again.

Piŋe sarnanak. His voice softened, was so gentle it turned her heart over. As long as you have need of me, I have the need and privilege to protect you.

Elisabeta looked up at him. Ferro seemed to be paying attention to Tariq and the others as they discussed the possibility of Sergey having another spy in the compound, but she knew his focus was on her. She felt him surrounding her with his strength, and that gave her the courage to sit up straighter. She dared to take a look around the room that she hoped to call her home one day.

The first sneak peek was dizzying, and she hastily closed her eyes and pressed back against Ferro’s broad chest. He felt like a rock, steady and immovable, something she could count on when she felt the smallest breeze could knock her over.

Julija chose to ignore Ferro’s interruption. What does he call you? Piŋe sarnanak? What does that mean? Or minan piŋe sarnanak?