She hadn't just impetuously jumped into the rescue without thinking it through. She wasn't an impulsive person. Her earlier life had made her very cautious. Dimitri was severely injured and felt helpless, she understood that. She was human and vulnerable in his eyes, and she understood that as well.
Csitri, I am not in any way reprimanding you. You saved my life. You've given me hope and surrounded me with love. I cannot bear the idea of you hurt or injured.
Dimitri, I'm your best chance at escape right now. The longer you're there, the more likely something goes wrong. I'm not willing to take that chance. I'm just not. If what you say is true, and they are preparing for a war, then they need you dead. And just for the record, I know it's difficult for you to think of me hurt or injured. Can you imagine what it's like for me to know you're hurt? To know they tortured you? That the first night I finally found you I wasn't capable of removing all the silver? Or stopping the terrible burn?
She brushed at the tears running down her face. She hadn't been able to hold the connection long enough, but that didn't make it any easier to bear. Why do men always think they suffer more when their partner is in danger? Women love as much, they suffer as much. You aren't alone in this, Dimitri. She couldn't help the edge to her voice.
There was a small flash of amusement, and then he poured love into her mind. It was impossible to stay angry with him when he merged his mind so deeply with hers.
I stand corrected, päläfertiilam—my lifemate. I had no idea I had such a fierce warrior woman for a partner. Just make certain you're protected. I trust that Josef and Paul will watch out for you while you do this.
Relief swept through her. I promise to be careful, my love. If I get into any trouble, you'll know. So will the world. I'll send for Gabriel immediately. Rest now.
One more thing, Skyler. I'm up in a tree, wrapped in silver chain. I cannot free myself. You will need to find a way to remove the chain as well as the hooks.
I am prepared. She had absolutely no idea yet what she was going to do to get him free.
He laughed softly in her mind, as if he knew she was struggling to figure that piece of his escape out. His laughter wrapped her up in his love, and then the connection between them slowly faded as if he were exhausted.
Skyler took a deep breath and let it out. She might be afraid to walk out in the forest, seeking a Lycan, but still, she looked forward to it. That would bring her one step closer to freeing Dimitri. She sat up gingerly, feeling faint and dizzy.
Josef looked up immediately from his conversation with Paul. "Are you okay?"
She shook her head. "I'll need your help again."
"You're going to have more Carpathian blood in you than Josef does," Paul said with a little grin. "You should see the weapons Josef managed to get for me."
Skyler rolled her eyes. "Men. You just couldn't wait for me to know all about your cool weapons, could you?"