Dark Destiny(86)

She has little time. It is a fast-acting poison and one I have not yet seen. They are almost upon us. Nicolae was not disturbed by the gathering vampires. He felt the weight of their anger and determination.

They thought him trapped in the mountains, unable to move with a woman to watch over, but they did not yet know his Destiny. Nor did they realize Vikirnoff was streaking across the skies, determined to join the battle.

Using saliva and the rich soil, Nicolae hastily packed each laceration. The tiny, razor-sharp teeth had bitten deep to find Destiny’s veins and inject poison into their victim. He worked swiftly but methodically, not taking a chance on missing anything. The vampire who had orchestrated the attack had been clever and quick, using the cover of the fog and waiting for the moment when Destiny’s inattention made her vulnerable. At no time had the vampire exposed himself to danger or injury. It was a smart move, and Nicolae acknowledged the enemy was a dangerous adversary.

It was the poison moving through Destiny’s body that alarmed him the most. “Wake, my love. Wake with the knowledge of our coming battle.”

Destiny obeyed his command with a gasp of pain. Her gaze, darkened with suffering, met his. “They seek you, Nicolae. They come for you.”

He waved the information away casually. “Let them come. They have underestimated you. They will come to their own doom. I must drive the poison from your body as quickly as possible, and I will need all of your strength and aid.”

She nodded, trust shimmering in the depths of her eyes. “Tell me what to do and I’ll follow your lead.”

Nicolae forced his mind away from the absolute trust in her gaze, in her words, and how much it meant to him. How much

she

meant to him. He slowed his heartbeat to a strong, steady beat designed to hinder the swiftness of the poison. He had sent her to sleep for the same reason. He took her hand and placed it over his heart. “Like this, Destiny. Keep your heart rate exactly the same.” His thumb caressed the back of her hand while his heart beat directly into her palm.

She became aware of the rapid pounding of her heart. It filled the chamber with the sound of thunder, a powerful drum that beat a rhythm of death. At once she slowed the beat, taking control of her body, following the slower, much steadier beat of his. She felt sluggish and drained, tired beyond belief as her heart slowed down.

“You will be shocked when we are inside. Do not panic, and do not fear for me. I have dealt with poison many times. Concentrate on what must be done. Fear is our biggest enemy.”

Destiny nodded her understanding. “I won’t let you down.” She was very aware of the danger they were in. She was in Nicolae’s mind, even felt the presence of Vikirnoff. He didn’t bother to shield his presence from her any longer. She knew he was racing to their aid.

Nicolae allowed his body to drop away, become light and energy so that he could enter Destiny’s body to survey the damage. He spent precious minutes studying the chemical compound used to poison his lifemate. It was replicating itself quickly, and mutating as it spread through her body. The mutant form seemed to sense him, an army of hostile intent, ready to attack his light.

Pull out! Destiny didn’t wait to see if he listened to the order; she struck with every bit of strength she had, driving him from her body, using their blood bond to draw him with her.

The move was so strong, so unexpected, it caught Nicolae unawares. He found himself back in his own body blinking at her.

If I had a sense of humor, I would be laughing right now. Vikirnoff sounded the same as always. Calm, undisturbed by the fact that they were being stalked by an unknown number of vampires, and a bloody battle would soon take place.

Nicolae sighed. “You should not have done that, Destiny,” he reprimanded. “The poison must be driven from your body; we have no other choice. We have no time for arguing.”

“No, we don’t,” she agreed. Beads of sweat dotted her skin. Some were pink, the first traces of blood. “You will have to delay them, defend us while I do this myself. The poison was designed to attack the healer. Both of us cannot be infected.” She laid her hand on his arm. “You know I’m right, Nicolae.”

She does actually make sense once in a while.

“I heard that,” Destiny said. “Nicolae, we don’t have time to argue about this. Even your brother agrees I’m right, and you know he’s totally living in the Dark Ages when it comes to women.”

Nicolae swore eloquently in the ancient native tongue. He included Vikirnoff in his litany just for good measure. The poison was a virulent strain. He bent his head to rest his brow against hers. “Being your lifemate is not the easiest on a man’s ego.”