crazy because it was obvious they believed in vampires and ghouls. They called them human puppets, flesh-eating fiends who do the bidding of their masters.”
“Great bedtime stories,” Traian commented, taking Gerald’s arm when he stumbled on the uneven ground as they entered the dark space between two buildings. “No wonder you half believe the fairy tales.”
“Oh, I believe them all right.” Gerald lowered his voice. “There’re quite a lot of believers now. But we cleaned them out of this area.”
Traian turned, his body blocking the way so that Gerald was forced to halt his staggering progress. Tainted alcoholic blood was never a choice for any Carpathian, but sometimes—like now—it was necessary. He had to be able to monitor Gerald Von Halen’s activities. Gerald might have been more resistant to his voice had he not been consuming alcohol, but the amount allowed easy entrance into the man’s mind.
Traian bent his head to Gerald’s neck and drank, the vampire hunter’s mind docile and accepting, following Traian’s low, murmured instructions. The hunter probed the society member’s mind for information on their next hunt. There was some disagreement, but most seemed to be turning their attention and concentrating efforts to wipe out vampires in South America.
“Leave this place as soon as you can pack. It is urgent that you go,” Traian commanded and forced drops of his own blood into the opened mouth. He would always be able to whisper to Gerald, to speak across some distances and ensure he did no harm to any Carpathian. “You will forget the women you saw tonight and remember me only as a drinking buddy you have great affection for.”
They were at the entrance to the inn before Traian allowed Gerald to become aware of his surroundings, planting memories of laughter and the slow, vague idea that the society members were taking his dues money and making a fool of him. They patted one another on the back like old friends and Gerald stumbled up the stairs to his room. He waited until Gerald had gone into his room before he returned to Joie’s side. He hadn’t realized how strong the pull of a lifemate was until he had left her side the morning before. He was anxious to complete the three blood exchanges and bring her fully into his world so he wouldn’t have to leave her when the sun rose.
“Is everything all right?” Jubal asked.
Traian toed the chair closest to Joie around and sank into it, his arm sweeping around her shoulders, needing to touch her, to feel her warmth and know she wasn’t a fantasy he’d dreamt up there in the cave when the vampires had tortured him.
“Fine. I believe our friend in the glasses is about to join us. Be careful what you say.” He directed the comment mainly to Gabrielle. He could tell by her heightened color and the light in her eyes that she found the man very attractive.
The slender man stopped in front of them and held out his hand to Traian. “I’m Gary Jansen. Mikhail Dubrinsky sent me. He asked me to convey his apologies, but unforeseen circumstances prevented him from coming himself. Should there be need, he asked that you put out a call to him and he will send Falcon. Mikhail’s brother is in Italy at this time, so I was sent to aid you in any way I can.” He chose his words carefully, obviously very aware they were not alone.
Traian gripped Gary’s hand firmly. “I am Traian Trigovise. This is my lifemate, Joie Sanders, her sister, Gabrielle and brother Jubal. I trust the prince and his lifemate are well?”
“Raven has been ill,” Gary said briefly. His gaze strayed to Gabrielle, but he quickly reined himself in. “If we could go somewhere private, it would be better,” he added. “I offer whatever you need freely.”
If Traian had any doubts about Gary, that single offer immediately put an end to them. He was offering blood, a way to ensure he could not lie to Traian. The man’s mind was without a shield, although when Traian touched it, he knew Gary could have kept him out. A Carpathian had carefully constructed a thick barrier so others could not probe the human mind. Gary had set it aside, in order to gain Traian’s trust. He had to be of great value to the Carpathian people for any of them to have protected him with such strength.
Traian nodded. “We do need to speak somewhere quiet. I have news of great