they need to be. They find a way to work things out. A male Carpathian knows what makes his lifemate happy and does everything within his power to do it for her. And it works both ways. We always have telepathic communication open to us, so, in a sense, we are used to living in each other’s heads. I know that is a big adjustment to make, and I am doing my best to give Joie as much space as she needs. But she is already learning quickly.”
“It’s what I want, Jubal,” Joie said. “Be happy for me.”
“I know you, Joie. You aren’t going to be satisfied sitting on the sidelines while vampires are hanging around. You’re going to go save the world.”
Joie couldn’t lie to her brother. “Probably. On the other hand, I have no intention of giving up my business. I thought Traian might work with me.”
“This is where it is necessary for you to have faith in me, Jubal,” Traian said. “I cannot allow anything to happen to Joie.”
Jubal laughed without humor. “You don’t know Joie if you think you’re going to be protecting her. More than likely, it will be the other way around.”
“Forgive me for butting in, but I’ve been around the Carpathian race for some time now,” Gary said. “Traian is an ancient Carpathian male. He is far more powerful than you can imagine. They do not allow their women to come to any harm.”
“But then you haven’t met someone like Joie before,” Jubal pointed out. “She’s the guardian of the world.”
“At least I go after people, not little organisms that you can’t see and can’t do anything about.”
“Hey now,” Gabrielle objected, “don’t turn the spotlight on me.”
A small smile curved Traian’s mouth. “I think you are misjudging me because of our first meeting, when I was being held prisoner. I have survived countless battles with the undead, Jubal. A master vampire is every bit as powerful as our greatest hunter.”
He turned his attention once more to Gary. “Mikhail must know they are traveling in packs, and that they are planning something big. I also believe it is important to discover whatever it is they are seeking in those caves. Vampires always seek power. They would never waste time working the way they are unless it resulted in more power. That cave now belongs, or once belonged, to a powerful mage,” he added in warning. “There are items of great power in the caves, guarded by a shadow warrior.”
“I don’t know what that is.”
“Mikhail and Gregori will know. No one wants to meet a shadow warrior.”
Gary nodded. “I’ll tell him.”
“I’ll be returning to the cave just before sundown tomorrow. I hope to surprise them before they rise. In any case, I will do my best to discover what they seek.”
“Well, of course I’m going with you,” Joie said.
Traian brought her fingertips to his lips, breathed warm air over her hand. “I can travel faster on my own, Joie. And you have not yet learned to prevent them from reading your mind. I would be at risk because of your unguarded thoughts.”
Joie’s gaze flicked to Gary. The man nodded. “They are adept at reading our thoughts and even controlling us. Traian can go in without their being aware of his presence, but they would know the moment you were near.”
Joie frowned. “I don’t like the idea of you going in alone. There are several of them, and you’ve admitted there’s more than one master vampire. I might be able to help. Could you block them from reading my thoughts?”
“Probably, but the more tasks I have to perform, the more energy I expend. I have to go in fast and hard and get out the same way.”
Jubal immediately stepped to his sister’s side. “What if we were nearby, waiting just in case you run into trouble?” he suggested.
Gabrielle nodded. “I think that would be best, Traian. We might be able to slow them down and even incinerate the things for you.”
Traian looked at the three of them. Family. Solidarity. Jubal and Gabrielle might not agree with Joie’s choice. They might be afraid for her. But when it counted, they stood with her. He bent his head and kissed Joie right in front of them. It was that or humiliate himself with tears shimmering in his eyes. As it was, a lump threatened to choke him.
“Thank you for letting me be a part of your family, Joie. They are wonderful.” He looked at Jubal. “I appreciate the