Dark Slayer(73)

The smile faded from Savannah's face. "Each time we go into the ground, I worry that the microbes will attack the babies again. And Lara is exhausted."

Xavier had found a way to use extremophiles to attack the Carpathian females and babies, very effectively reducing the population over hundreds of years so they were now on the brink of extinction. The pregnant women were terrified of losing their babies, and Lara, Razvan's daughter, could not be fully brought into the Carpathian world because, while the extremophiles could detect the Carpathians hunting for them, they could not detect Lara, as she was mage.

"She does a sweep on all the pregnant women each evening, and yet there's always a recurrence. Even though she makes certain the men are without the microbes, it doesn't take long before we're all infected again. She has to be converted soon. Neither of them complain, but it is difficult for Nicolas."

Gregori's fingers settled around the nape of Savannah's neck. "She has years before she will be in trouble, but yes, it is difficult on her lifemate. And if she gets pregnant . . ." He trailed off with a small sigh. "I am hoping Ivory and Razvan are the answer."

"How can they be?"

"I don't know, but I think your father does. He was too calm, too certain that Razvan wouldn't drive that knife into his throat."

"He is sure of his skills, Gregori."

"That is true, although he should take more caution with his life. Still, it was more than that. He trusted Razvan when he shouldn't have."

"You can't know everything, Gregori," she said gently.

His brooding silver gaze slid over her. "When it comes to your father, I should. He is my greatest responsibility. Without him, our species would fade away, lost as so many others have gone." He spread his fingers over her rounded womb, holding his children to him. "We have to safeguard their legacy, Savannah."

"We will," she replied, leaning into him.

Gregori lifted his head. "We are about to have visitors. They've spared our daughters another lecture from their father."

Savannah's laughter warmed him. She hugged him. "They are very grateful to our visitors, especially the little one. She gave the equivalent to rolling her eyes."

His silver eyes slashed at her. "You are not encouraging them, are you? I thought I would not have to deal with that behavior for another twenty years or so."

"She thinks you are very bossy."

"I am bossy because I know what's best for her."

Savannah laughed again. "You argue with her and she isn't even born yet."

Gregori huffed out another breath, a man driven beyond endurance by his stubborn unborn child, but his fingers lingered with loving strokes. Savannah laid her hand over his and they stood quietly a moment, feeling the presence of their daughters, surrounding the twins with love.

The knock on the door was expected and Gregori opened it to Syndil and her lifemate, Barack. One was never far from the other, he'd noticed. He welcomed both of them with a traditional Carpathian greeting. "Pesasz jelabam ainaak-long may you stay in the light."

Syndil and Barack responded in kind and stepped into the house. "How are you feeling, Savannah?" Syndil asked.

"Very pregnant," Savannah replied with a small smile. "If I get any bigger I might pop."

"It is good to gain, especially with twins," Gregori said. "You are right where you're supposed to be."

"He monitors me carefully to make certain the babies are growing properly," Savannah explained. She leaned in to kiss Barack on the cheek, ignoring Gregori's sharp reprimand.

There is no need for kissing.

Savannah laughed again and rubbed her cheek against Gregori's shoulder affectionately.

"Mikhail sent word that you wished to talk to me."

Gregori indicated for her to sit. Barack sank into the seat beside her and took her hand.

"I am certain you've heard the news, that Razvan has escaped Xavier and that Ivory Malinov is alive. You were not raised in the Carpathian Mountains, and did not know the rumors of these two, but suffice it to say it is a shock to everyone to find out all we believed of them is wrong."

Syndil tangled her fingers with Barack's. It always surprised Gregori to realize this one woman who wielded so much power was so shy and humble. She walked on the ground and new life sprang up after her. She danced and sang and toxic soil was restored to health. They had chanced on the knowledge, the prince spotting her healing an entire battlefield destroyed by vampire venom. She had been so quiet about her talent, so modest, no one would have ever known had Mikhail not seen her gift with his own eyes.

Syndil merely nodded her head, shifting just a little toward Barack. He moved closer to her, slipping his arm around her shoulders.