Her eyebrow shot up. “You obviously dropped the ball on that one. Good thing I was here to pick it up. The children needed costumes for the pageant.”
“Costumes?” He seemed to be repeating her words, but he couldn’t help it. He ran a finger around the neckline of his shirt. Traian, get in here before I do something like send an earthquake rippling through this house.
“Did you expect to simply produce the outfits out of thin air?”
“I suppose I was, yes.”
Mikhail! Raven’s voice reprimanded him sharply before he could speak. Don’t you dare say another word and I mean it. That poor woman has two daughters who are now Carpathian. She deserves a little respect.
Mikhail closed his eyes briefly. Of course she deserved respect, but he shouldn’t have to deal with her. Where is my second in command? It’s your job to protect me at all times and distance me from these unpleasant tasks.
Gregori gave a derisive snort. I think you are capable of handling one little woman. I have my hands full at the moment with your daughter.
Mikhail struggled between self-preservation and prank, and the prank won. He was not going to pull out his son-in-law card. He could handle this woman no matter what she threw at him. It would be well worth it to see Gregori prancing around in a Santa Claus outfit.
“Just like a man. You order a huge celebration and then expect it all to get done on its own.” Mrs. Sanders crossed her arms over her chest and regarded him with a stern eye. “Just what has been going on with my daughter Gabrielle? Joie and Traian said she was with you. I certainly hope you aren’t the kind of prince who believes in harems because, and let’s get this straight…” She leaned forward to look him in the eye, bent on intimidating him. “I’m not the mother to stand for it.”
Mikhail choked. Coughed. Traian! I’m commanding you to get into this room immediately.
Sorry, Mikhail. I am on the way. Joie and I were just a little bit occupied.
Mikhail heard Raven’s soft laughter at the admission. They don’t need to be enjoying themselves while I’m stuck with this woman.
Maybe they’re making a baby. Do you really want to disturb them? Raven breathed in his ear, teasing his senses and stirring his body.
Yes! And stop that. I need my brain to actually function around this woman.
We are occupied with Gabrielle, Joie hastily added, clearly embarrassed.
Mikhail sighed. Forgive me. I should have known you would be with your sister. It wouldn’t be easy for Gabrielle to rise and know she needed blood to survive. Newly converted Carpathians always seemed to have difficulty with the concept. He could never understand the big deal. Carpathians weren’t flesh eaters like humans and they didn’t kill like the vampire, yet they were reviled for their need of blood.
“I won’t have my daughter regulated to the status of a—a—concubine. I won’t allow it. I know you’re married, so don’t bother to deny it. You don’t even have a country that I can see.”
Mikhail let his breath out and reached for the woman’s mind, uncaring if it was impolite. He could make her forget all this nonsense and simply go into the kitchen.
Her mind collided with his, as if she were reaching for him at the exact same time. Thunder rolled. Lightning sizzled in the sky and the clouds roiled impressively. The two minds impacted, slamming against one another, hitting hastily erected barriers. Mrs. Sanders jumped to her feet, her face pale, both hands clutching her head in pain.
Puzzled, Mikhail rose as well. He bowed slightly. “Forgive me, Mrs. Sanders.” It took a moment to recognize the unfamiliar brain patterns. It was no wonder her children were so gifted and such phenomenal psychics—all three of them. “You have the undiluted blood of the jaguar.”
“And you are Carpathian.” She looked around the house, took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment. “Of course. That explains a lot. Traian is Carpathian, isn’t he?”
Mikhail felt the flicker of another’s presence. Her husband stood silently in the doorway, his mind trying to assimilate what was being said. It was obvious that Mrs. Sanders was capable of telepathic communication. Her psychic abilities were very strong, and she had called her husband to her in her distress. Mikhail continued the conversation as if there were only the two of them present. “It is essential for Carpathians to pass as humans at all times.”
She sank into a chair. “I have never heard that a human can become Carpathian, but Joie is, isn’t she? That’s why she looks different—a subtle difference, but it is there. And you really were going to make the costumes out of thin air.”
To Mikhail’s alarm, she looked as if she might cry. “I am very sorry, Mrs. Sanders. You can understand why Traian couldn’t simply give you this information. It is necessary to protect our species at all times.” He studied her averted face. “You haven’t revealed your lineage to your children. They have no idea, do they?”
She shook her head. “I didn’t want them to know. I was afraid for them. My husband knows, but he’s very protective of me. When I need to let the cat out, he goes with me and I run in the hills. He stands by to make certain no accidents happen.”
“Can any of them shapeshift?”
She shook her head. “I never taught them. I’ve seen them all grow restless and moody at times, but I didn’t want them to carry that burden. I don’t know if I did the right thing or not. But having a son and trying to raise him right is a big responsibility when he is jaguar. His instincts…”
“Jubal is a fine man. He’s very protective of his sisters.” Mikhail reached out a hand and touched her.
Immediately she calmed, blinking the tears back, regaining the control she thought lost. “Jaguar males are very dangerous.”
“I am centuries old, Mrs. Sanders. I will admit I did not have a lot of contact with your species as we resided in separate parts of the world, but I remember many of the males were wonderful people. Need and fear often cause people to do things they would not ordinarily do. Jubal was born a good man, and will remain so throughout his lifetime. Should he be forced into extreme circumstances, I believe he will rise to the occasion with his mind and strength and the gifts given to him, not fall back on primitive means.”
She took a deep breath. “Thank you for that. It’s my worst fear.”
He had glimpsed that small piece of information clearly, as it had been in the forefront of her mind before she had slammed the barrier down. “You have remarkable children, Mrs. Sanders. Joie is a treasure we all seek to protect. Jubal has been helping with vital research—as has Gabrielle.”
“Gabrielle met a young man, Gary Jansen. She says she has been working with him on a huge research project. Is he Carpathian too?”
The half smile faded from Mikhail’s face. “Gary is human—a friend and protected by all Carpathians. Always.” If there was one human in the world the Carpathians would go to war for—it was Gary Jansen. But now…
“What is wrong with Gabrielle?” Mrs. Sanders asked. “I know there is something, but even Joie and Jubal have refused to discuss it with me.” She shook her head. “My family has too many secrets, yet you seem to know them all. Gabrielle is alive, isn’t she?”
Mikhail rubbed his hand over his face, hating to be put in such a position. This woman deserved answers—deserved the truth about her daughters. “Just as Joie was converted to our species because unless she was she would have died, so was Gabrielle converted.”
Mrs. Sanders made a small sound of despair and turned her head to meet her husband’s gaze. He stood in the doorway, tall and straight, his face an expressionless mask. “Rory. Oh, honey. I’m so sorry. This is my fault. All my fault.”
He hurried to her side, dropping down on one knee to take both of her hands in his. “Don’t do that to yourself. You’ve done nothing wrong.”
“Is it so difficult for you to know your children are Carpathian?” Mikhail asked. “They will always be treasured. Always be protected.”
“Joie, yes, but what of Gabriel
le? She’s different, not adventurous in the same way Joie is. She has a love of research and home. This life isn’t for her.”
“It is life, Mrs. Sanders. She would have died and we gave her the choice. It is what she wanted. Our healers are with her now and they will assist her in her new life. She is tied to a lifemated Carpathian, Vikirnoff Von Shrieder, and to me. We will always see to her happiness and safety.”
Mrs. Sanders took a deep breath and gripped her husband’s hand. “At least I do not have to worry that a jaguar male will get their hands on either of my daughters. That has been a huge worry, especially with Joie traveling so much.” She attempted a small smile for her husband. “I don’t mind Carpathian or human, but no jaguar blood.”
“I thought there were very few,” Mikhail said.
“Purebloods, but of course, there are many descendents and I don’t want either of my daughters near a male jaguar.”
Mikhail didn’t point out that Jubal was a male jaguar, or that he didn’t tolerate prejudice toward any race or species. The woman feared the male jaguars and with good cause. He had impressions of a past she kept locked away. Mikhail held out his hand to her husband and introduced himself just as Traian and Joie rushed in. Mikhail had relayed the conversation to the couple, urging them to come quickly to ease Mrs. Sanders’s tears.
“Mom!” Joie said. “I’m so sorry I didn’t tell you about Gabrielle. I wanted to. I didn’t know how.”
Mrs. Sanders hugged her daughter tightly. “Have you seen her? Is she all right?”
Joie bit her lip and sent a quick glance to Traian. “She is apprehensive. And it isn’t as easy for her. I had Traian to guide me. And when I need to feed, he provides for me and it isn’t so horrible. But Gabrielle is in love with someone who isn’t Carpathian and he can’t give her the things she needs.”
Mrs. Sanders’s hands fluttered helplessly to her throat. “Who provides for her?”
“The man who saved her is named Vikirnoff Von Shrieder. He and his lifemate, Natalya, have been with Gabrielle often, talking to her and working with her to accept her new life. She won’t take blood from Traian or me, but she has from both of them. They’re good with her, Mom. And she’s trying.”
“I want to see her.”
“We both do,” Mr. Sanders said firmly.
Joie hesitated. “Mom, she’s very emotional. Her entire life has changed. Fortunately, there is a woman visiting here with us. Her name is MaryAnn Delaney. She’s a counselor for battered and abused women, and she’s dealt a lot with trauma victims as well. Gary has her with him and they’re talking to Gabrielle right now. I really think it best to let them work with her. You know Gabby, she’s a fighter. It’s just the initial shock of waking up so different.”
“I’m her mother. I should be with her.”
“She’s promised to come here as soon as possible.” Joie looked up at Traian and he wrapped his arm around her shoulder. The trauma of her sister nearly dying had taken its toll on Joie. She adored Gabrielle, and had brought her into this life, exposing her to vampires and Carpathians, and it weighed heavily on her that Gabrielle had been converted.
“This man, Gary, is he the one she’s so crazy about? The one she stayed here in the mountains to be close to?” Mr. Sanders asked.
Joie nodded. “She doesn’t talk much about their relationship, but they’re obviously drawn to one another. Gary has been beside himself over this and has gone to her rest…Gone to be close to her daily since this happened.”
Mikhail reached for the comfort of his lifemate. Tied to Gabrielle the way he was, he could feel her unrelenting sorrow. None of them had considered the larger picture. Gabrielle was now fully a Carpathian female. The other males would be desperate for her to be a lifemate to one of them. Gary’s attentions to her would not be welcomed by any of them. It was possible for Gabrielle to be a lifemate to one of the men without being in love with him. Affection often came later, after the raw sexual need and the intimacy of being lifemates. Conceivably, Gabrielle could love Gary and still be a lifemate to a Carpathian male. The potential for explosive trouble was building inside the already complicated world of Carpathians.
She is in love with him. Raven’s voice was gentle. He deserves happiness after all he has done for us. You know he has earned his place in our world.
Mikhail sighed heavily. I know this, but logic does not dictate to a male near the end of his time. If she is a lifemate, she must give up what ever affection she feels for Gary and embrace her new life fully.
There was a small silence. You would force her to choose a man she does not love? That is wrong.
There is only one lifemate. Her love for Gary will fade with time and if she truly gives her new life a chance, she will find happiness with her true mate.
Raven sniff ed in exasperation. You have no idea what you’re going to do about this situation, do you?
Mikhail raked a hand through his hair. He loves her so much. Whenever I am with him I feel it. And he has spoken to Gregori often of his feelings for her. Since her near death, he has rarely left her side, holding vigil until she awakened. None of us could get him to eat. This is going to be bad, Raven.
Raven sent him comfort, camaraderie, a soothing touch of her fingers trailing down his face. He wanted to leave this house with all its complications and go to where there was joy. In the midst of all the problems, with the enemies coming at them from every side, there was Raven and her ready smile, her warmth and ability to bring happiness and laughter to those around her.
“They’re here!” Joie announced. “Mom, be gentle with her,” she added, clinging tightly to Traian’s hand.
“You don’t have to tell me that,” Mrs. Sanders said with a small frown.
Mikhail rose intending to excuse himself. Jubal came in, flicking a warning glance at his mother and father, then stepped aside to allow Gabrielle into the room. She looked beautiful, tall and dark-haired with gray eyes and a full mouth. Her skin was pale and she trembled visibly, but the man at her side slipped his arm around her for support.
“Mom. Dad. It’s wonderful to see you.” Tears swam in Gabrielle’s large eyes, turning them charcoal.
Her parents rose, taking several steps toward their daughter. Mrs. Sanders stopped abruptly, the color draining from her face. She lifted her face and sniff ed several times, testing the air. One hand went up defensively and she screamed, backing away from the couple.
Gabrielle’s skin went dead white and she turned her face into Gary’s shoulder at her mother’s rejection. Joie and Jubal sprang in front of their sister, blocking her from her parents’ view. Mikhail moved with blurring speed, putting his body between the hysterical mother and her daughter. Gary swept Gabrielle into his arms, holding her close, and Traian stepped between Joie’s parents and his sister-in-law, shielding them with his larger frame.
Mrs. Sanders dropped to her knees, her keening wail rising, filling the house. Mr. Sanders tried to bring her to her feet, but she struggled against him, shaking her head from side to side, wailing the entire time. “Mom! Get control,” Jubal snapped. “It’s Gabrielle and she needs you to be strong, not turn away from her.”
Traian and Mikhail exchanged an apprehensive glance.
Joie raised her chin. “She is what I am. If you can’t deal with Gabrielle as a Carpathian, you’d better know that I’m one and so is Traian. We stand with Gabrielle.”
Mrs. Sander’s entire demeanor changed. She rose slowly to her feet, her eyes going opaque, her body suddenly fluid and catlike. Her head went down in a classic stalking manner. “Get away from my daughter.” She enunciated each word.
“Marissa,” Mr. Sanders reprimanded sharply.
She growled at him, a deadly hiss accompanying the warning. Her fingers began to curl and her body stretched, muzzle elongating. Bones cracked and her spine bent.
“Mom!” Joie sounded horrified. “Mom, stop!”
Traian stepped in front of his lifemate, his heavier body shoving her back. A
t the same time he swept her brother behind him with one powerful arm.
“Mom.” Jubal added his plea. “What are you doing?”
Mikhail stepped up to Traian’s side. The two Carpathians stood shoulder to shoulder facing the threat. “Mrs. Sanders.” Mikhail was calm, trying to reach the mind of Gabrielle’s mother.
He found a red haze of anger, a cauldron of fear. Seams burst. Material ripped. Fur burst across skin and she was on the floor, teeth filling her muzzle. Mr. Sanders tried to put a calming hand on her, but she ripped at him with razor-sharp claws.
Traian sprang forward, using preternatural speed, a blur of motion, scooping up Joie’s father and shoving him toward his daughter. Mr. Sander’s arm bled from the long, deep scratches, and Joie sobbed as she hastily reached for her father.
“Dad, what’s wrong with her? You obviously know. Tell us.”
“What is she?” Jubal demanded.
“Jaguar,” Traian supplied. “She is from a pure jaguar bloodline.”
The cat crouched, tail switching in agitation, eyes on the two Carpathian males blocking her path to her goal.
Mikhail, step back, Traian warned. She is about to attack.
She is Joie’s mother, Mikhail reminded him. We cannot hurt her.
There is no we. Get back. Traian edged forward in an effort to protect Mikhail as well as his lifemate and the others.
“She never did that when we were in school and she was really upset with our teachers,” Jubal said. “What the hell, Dad? Did you know?”
“Shut up, Jubal,” Mr. Sanders snapped. “Now is not the time for levity. She is very dangerous.”
“You think? You’ve got blood dripping all over the floor.”
“What triggered this?” Mikhail asked calmly.
Mr. Sanders shook his head. “I have no idea. She seemed to accept everything you told her.”
“All of you back out of the room. Let Traian, Mr. Sanders and me handle this,” Mikhail ordered.
I am on my way, Mikhail. Wait for me. Gregori, as always, was perfectly calm.
Oh, now you want to help. I think I can take care of one jungle cat.
Christine Feehan 5 CARPATHIAN NOVELS Page 141