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  He swore to himself. He hadn't realized just how still he'd held his body. Movement was agony. She wiped the beads of blood from his face with a soft cloth, murmuring soothingly to him. He couldn't quite catch the words. His pulse thundered in his ears, drowning out everything around him. The edges of his vision faded.

  I'm not certain what the advantage of being Lycan, Carpathian, Dark Blood or mixed blood is right at this moment. I thought I was supposed to heal fast, he said sarcastically to Fen and Dimitri.

  You're supposed to use the gifts given you, Fen said, and get the hell out of the way when bombs go off. Had you moved a little faster, you would have escaped, but no, you just had to play hero and get your ass handed to you by a table, no less.

  Zev tried not to laugh. When he did, fiery pain ripped through his gut. I need to learn my woman's water trick.

  Branislava pushed back the hair tumbling into his eyes with gentle fingers. "My sister and Skyler are on their way."

  His eyes met hers. He knew she looked at the wolf. I said I wanted us to talk. There was that voice again. Alpha. A command.

  She couldn't have everything her way, especially not this. He wasn't going to go to ground without resolving a few of their issues. Not and go the next evening to try Mikhail and Gregori's combined radical treatment that could kill him. He wasn't stupid. If Fen was uncomfortable with the idea of it, then it was dangerous. Fen might kid around with him, but there was genuine affection and respect. Fen wasn't a man to proclaim his feelings, but he had accepted Zev as his brother and he definitely felt the need to protect him.

  Branislava bit her lip. Her long hair banded with color, that deep swirling red that looked almost like glittering rubies falling over dark red wine. Her natural red gold nearly disappeared, although he could make it out through the changing color.

  I would be very grateful to you and the others to take this pain away and see what you can do with the wound, he said, but I'll wait to go into the ground until we're alone and we have a chance to talk. Can you live with that?

  Barely.

  She gave him that look from under her lashes, the one that said she meant business, the one a secret part of him found amusing. God, she was beautiful. How the hell did I get to be so lucky to have someone like you be my lifemate? I'm about as rough as a man can get and you--you take my breath away.

  She ran her fingers down the shadow along his jaw. You are a very charming man, and I can see you'll find your way out of trouble very quickly.

  That was news to him. No one had ever said he was charming, but he'd take it if that meant she agreed with him. So we'll wait to go to ground.

  The thought of that cool earth surrounding him was almost too much. The rich minerals and rejuvenating soil called to him. For a moment his lashes drifted down as he imagined sinking into the soil and allowing it to cover him. . . .

  His eyes flew open, narrowed at her. Rich minerals? Rejuvenating soil? Woman, what do you think you're doing? I'm Lycan, not Carpathian. I would never think in those terms.

  Her soft laughter brushed through his mind. It was worth a try. And you are both.

  He wanted to kiss her. The thought came out of nowhere. He was staring up at her, at the laughter in her eyes and her full lips that were slightly parted, and all he could think about was tasting her. That wild honey and cinnamon mixture.

  He had taken her with him when he'd left the Carpathian Mountains for the forests of Russia. She hadn't known it of course. That was his secret, that need to relive that moment he first saw her, when he'd first held her in his arms and replay it over and over in his mind. Her body had moved against his and he knew there would never be another woman in his life.

  He had no idea of lifemates, but he did know the real thing when he felt it. He had been alive a long time and he had never wanted a woman for himself--until Branislava. There had been something so mysterious and elusive about her. She had intrigued him from the moment he saw her, and after the music stopped and he'd had to let her go, she was forever imprinted on his body.

  I have often regretted that I did not kiss you that evening, Branislava admitted.

  He could have groaned aloud. Of course she was reading his thoughts. Branka, you're far too innocent for a man like me. You can't go around saying things like that to me when we have company. Wait until we're alone.

  Her fingers were back in his hair, her touch sending little darts of fire through his body--the body that shouldn't have been able to feel anything but pain.

  I like that you call me Branka when everyone else calls me Bronnie.

  He smiled at her. You will always be Branka to me. Or mon chaton feroce.

  She raised her eyebrow at him. I can be fierce, but a kitten? And French? That is French, isn't it? How many languages do you speak?

  He grinned at her, enjoying their moment together. Claws. Spitting. Mine. And about ten very well and I can get by in five others. Well, now eleven if you count Carpathian.

  She rolled her eyes, but she didn't claw or spit at him, which he took as a victory.

  "When you two are done flirting with each other, you might consider the answer to our question," Fen said.

  "What question?" Zev asked.

  "Yeah, that's pretty much what I thought. You're so wrapped up in your woman that your brain short-circuited."

  Dimitri gave a little snort of derision. "Where can we find the all-important information on your grandmother and mother, that's the question. Whether Skyler, Tatijana and Bronnie can have children if they're mixed blood like we are."

  "Why would they be mixed blood?"

  Fen groaned. "You've really lost it, wolf man. Totally."

  "Did you just call me 'wolf man'?" Zev demanded. "I'm going to get up and kick your ass."

  "Fen." Tatijana slipped into the room. "What in the world are you doing provoking Zev at a time like this? Can't you see he's ill?"

  Zev groaned dramatically and placed a hand over his stomach.

  Tatijana shot Fen a glare and hurried over to him. She hugged her sister. "How is he?" How are you? I've been so worried.

  "He needs to rest and go to ground again," Branislava answered aloud. I know, Tatijana. I'm sorry I worried you. He was slipping away and I had to stay focused on him.

  Don't feel bad. If it was Fen I would have done the same. You told me he was your lifemate and I believed you, although I have no idea how.

  Zev managed another very real-sounding moan, which earned Fen a dark glare from both women.

  "Are you kidding me?" Fen said. "Can't you see he's faking it?"

  Dimitri snickered at his brother. Now you've done it. The man's a hero with blood dripping all over the floor, a hole the size of Texas in his gut and you're mocking his pain to women. You need lessons, bro.

  "Fen, if you can't have just a little compassion when a man's at death's door, I suggest you wait outside for me," Tatijana said. "I'm sorry, Zev. I have no idea what's gotten into him."

  "Oh, for God's sake," Fen burst out. "Zev, you'd better hope you keel over tomorrow, because if you don't, you're going to be taken out behind the barn and learn what big brothers are all about."

  You're just digging that hole for yourself deeper, Dimitri commented, his amusement growing.

  Before Tatijana could singe Fen's hair, which she looked as if she might do at any moment, Skyler rushed in. She flung herself into Dimitri's arms and kissed him. "You're amazing. Amazing and incredible. I'm so lucky to have you."

  Dimitri sent his older brother a quick triumphant glance. Did you hear that? Amazing and incredible. She's lucky to have me. What was that Tatijana said about you?

  Zev could barely contain his laughter. "Why is Dimitri so amazing?"

  "He told me it looked as if it might be possible that we could have children together." She bent over Zev to inspect the wound.

  Zev thought it was significant that Tatijana and Branislava moved aside for her. Skyler was much younger than both women but she was the acknowledged healer.
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  "Why in the world did they allow you to wake?" Skyler spun around and glared at Fen. "I told you he would need at least another two or three months in the ground before we could even start to believe he was out of the woods."

  Fen didn't defend himself. Instead he apologized. "I know, Skyler. I'm sorry. Is there anything you can do to help? He's in a lot of pain."

  Zev could tell Fen's reaction was genuine. Fen had put all teasing aside and focused on the young woman.

  "Fen, it isn't that bad," Zev said.

  Fen shot him a warning glance. She can help. And she can feel your pain, whether or not you downplay it. She saved your life.

  Of course Zev knew that. She might be the youngest of the Dragonseeker women, but she was talented, strong and determined. He didn't realize she could feel his pain. Instantly he did his best to push the pain away, so that if she touched him, she wouldn't hurt like he did.

  Thank you, Dimitri said simply. I know it isn't easy when you're weak to do that.

  Skyler ignored all of them. She sank down onto the floor, her spirit leaving her body as pure, white-hot healing energy to enter Zev's. He was shocked at the heat. He could feel her cauterizing and sealing off veins and tissue deep inside. The pain lessened almost the moment she entered him, and he could hear her soft voice somewhere in his mind.

  That which is torn, raw and gives pain,

  I draw upon fire to heal and reclaim.

  Light that is life, fire that seals,

  I cast forth your power to each vessel seal.

  Fen tore at his wrist with his teeth and held the dripping blood over Zev's mouth. "I offer freely, my brother. Take what you need to survive."

  Zev's body suddenly seemed starved. He hadn't even known it until that very moment. He knew that Fen and Dimitri had come regularly to his resting place to give him and Branislava blood to sustain them through the healing process. He shouldn't be starving but he could feel every cell in his body, every organ reaching for that infusion of life-giving ancient blood.

  When he knew he'd taken enough he instinctively ran his tongue over the laceration and to his surprise, the bleeding on Fen's wrist stopped and the wound closed. That was a neat trick he could have used a few times in the past years.

  "Thanks," he said. "I appreciate all you've done for me, Fen."

  Tatijana reached out her hand to Fen. "I knew you weren't really being mean about Zev," she said softly.

  Fen brought her hand to his mouth. I don't like this, my lady. I should have found another way. If he dies tomorrow night . . .

  Don't. Don't think it. Don't say it. Don't put it out into the universe. We discussed this. You and Dimitri argued with Mikhail and the entire council of warriors. They believe we have no choice, and if we're going to save lives, maybe we don't. The prince would never take such a risk unless he believed there was no other choice.

  There's always another choice, Fen said. Unfortunately none of us could find it. Waking Zev was right there and once that was put out there as the solution, no one went on to try for another one. He sounded bitter.

  Fen. She whispered his name into his mind--surrounded him with warmth and love. That's your love and fear for him talking. You know better. Mikhail had to have looked at this from every conceivable angle before he decided to wake Zev.

  I know. Fen scrubbed his hand over his face. You're right. But look at him. Skyler's had to stop the bleeding every single time we brought him close enough to the surface to give him blood. And now he's bleeding all over the place.

  She's here. And she's taking care of it, Tatijana assured.

  But look at the toll it's taking on her. Fen shook his head.

  "Fen." Zev said his name very softly, but his voice was commanding. "It's my choice." He felt Branislava's fingers tighten around his. "Our choice," he corrected. "You laid it all out for me, and we both feel strongly that we want to take the chance to try to help out."

  "I don't have to like it," Fen snapped. He turned on his heel and was gone.

  Dimitri dropped his hand on Zev's shoulder. "You know how he feels about you. And he's always been overprotective, much, I'm sure, as you've been all your life."

  Zev grinned at him. "It's different from this side of the fence."

  Dimitri shrugged. "I'm used to it, and I know he gets like that because I matter to him. So I just let him do his thing and then I go my own way."

  Tatijana leaned over to kiss Branislava's cheek. "I'll see you next rising?"

  Branislava nodded. "Take care of him."

  "You know I will."

  Skyler came back into her own body, pale and trembling after using up most of her energy to do the best she could to heal the gaping hole in Zev's stomach. Dimitri immediately enveloped her in his arms, sheltering her protectively while he gave her blood to recover.

  "Are you all right on your own?" Dimitri asked Branislava.

  She nodded. "If we need anything, I'll call. Thank you, Skyler. Go have fun with your wolves."

  "Before you go," Zev said. "How do we find out if the things we suspect about my grandmother and mother are true?"

  "Mikhail, of course. He can ask the ancients." Dimitri lifted his hand and, one arm around Skyler, left the room.

  Zev made a move to sit up, but Branislava kept a hand on his chest. He capitulated, but he didn't like lying there, not if they were going to have a serious discussion about their relationship. He placed his hand over hers, holding her captive.

  "I know it feels like you have to do your duty and keep me from acting like a wolf among sheep, but, Branka, I have great control and there is no need for you to feel trapped."

  "Our souls belong together. When you say the words of the binding ritual to me, we will be tied together for all eternity and there will be no going back," she explained. "You have the power. I would not be able to leave you."

  He rubbed her arm, from the back of her hand to her elbow, his touch soothing. "Mon chaton feroce. I do not believe in cages. No matter how much I want you with me, you have to want that same thing. You don't know me, Branka."

  She nodded. "I thought that until I spent time inside your mind. You're a good man, but a little frightening. The idea of being with someone so dominant is daunting." She touched her breast beneath her clothing. "Carpathians do scar, no matter what is said, if the wound is bad enough and isn't healed in time."

  Her lashes swept down and she looked away from him. His heart turned over. He continued to stroke her arm. He couldn't hold her. He couldn't kiss away her fears or take away the fact that they were lifemates and she knew she was tied to him no matter what reassurances he gave her. He couldn't imagine being in her shoes. Despite the comfort of his pack, he had always been fiercely independent, even as a boy. His dominant nature would never allow anyone else to have control over him, yet this woman who feared his power over her held his fate in her hands. It was a two-way street.

  "Branka," he said gently. Intimately--even tenderly, when he wasn't aware he could feel such an emotion for anyone. "Look at me. Really look at me. I have been in many battles with rogue packs. Too many times I fought alone and I've been wounded time and again. My body is a road map. I'm not afraid of scars on your body or mine. Stop worrying about our future together. Let's take one day at a time."

  She was silent a long moment and then she smiled at him. "Night. We'll take one night at a time."

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  4

  Zev woke to the sound of the rain pouring down. A song of nature. He wondered how he could hear it when he was so deep beneath the ground, under the house that was intended for his home. He didn't want to move or open his eyes. He held Branislava in his arms and in the first instant of waking, with the music of the rain and the warmth of her soft body curled next to him, the moment was perfect.

  He inhaled the scent of her hair, all that soft silk falling over him. He was naked, skin to skin with her, and he recognized her as he never had before. His body was spooned around hers, protectively, bec
ause, even in his deepest sleep, that was his strongest instinct. One thigh was over hers and in his palm he held her breast, a soft, sweet mound that rose and fell with every breath she took.

  She was awake, he realized, and just like him, she didn't move. She didn't want to chance disturbing that perfect moment, either. He kept his eyes closed, savoring just holding her. He could feel the subtle beat of the earth's heart beneath him, reaching toward the water pouring down to feed the veins and arteries that ran throughout the land nourishing all life. They were part of the planet's cycle of life.

  "I spent two years allowing the earth to comfort me," Branislava whispered. "I lay listening to her heart calling out to me. The warmth she provided made me feel whole. I was so cold in the ice cave. Tatijana could just absorb the cold, but I couldn't. Here, beneath the earth, I feel whole. I'm warm and safe. I didn't think anything else could make me feel that way." She moved, turning her head to look at him over her shoulder. "I was wrong."

  He brushed his lips over the top of her head. "Safe isn't living, Branka."

  She smiled and settled back, her head pillowed on his arm. "No, it isn't. I heard you, that night we first met. I knew my lifemate was close just by the drumming of the earth's heart. Mother Earth woke me, nudged me to embrace life. There was an insistence when I woke and I knew. I wasn't going to join the celebration even though I knew Tatijana wanted me there, but I could already feel you so close. My soul reached for yours."

  She made her confession in her soft, musical voice, the rain her orchestra. He could listen to her for hours, that soft turn of her voice, those perfect notes that somehow reached inside of him and wrapped around his heart.

  "But you came." He nuzzled the top of her head gently with his chin. Her soft hair got caught in the rough shadow along his jaw, weaving them together just as she had woven their spirits. "Knowing what you were facing, you still came, and you danced with me. That was brave of you."