His mouth left hers to travel to her neck, teeth nipping sharply, his tongue swirling to ease the bite. Over the creamy swell of her breast, he bit deep, without preamble, so that the pleasure-pain of it seared them both. Her small muscles clenched around his fingers and he pushed deep, felt her body rock with an explosive orgasm. He fed there while she fragmented, while her feminine muscles convulsed again and again. His tongue swept the tiny pinpricks, sealing them, but leaving his mark on her so he could see the evidence of his possession. His mouth wandered lower to the tips of her breasts, catching the fizzing water to hold the bursting bubbles around her tender flesh. He was rewarded again as she climaxed, calling his name.
Her arms circled his neck and she kissed his eyes, the comer of his mouth. His body clenched in anticipation. She feathered kisses down his jaw, over his throat; her hands began to wander, slipping below the water line. Fingers danced, stroked; her palm became a tight sheath. Her tongue lapped the pulse in his throat. His heart leapt as she bit into his flesh, as her hands followed the guidance of his mind. It was his turn to share the searing ecstasy, his turn for her ministrations.
Sounds filled the cave over the next couple of hours. Soft murmurs, cries of delight, splashing water. True intimacy. Unconditional love.
Chapter Eighteen
Gregori was close. She was sure of it the moment she opened her eyes on the next rising. Destiny’s heart was pounding so hard, so loud, the sound echoed through the small cavern. Her breath came in great gasps, and her lungs burned desperately for more air. She dressed hastily, her gaze darting around the small cave as if the healer might be in an any corner. “I need to get out of here,” she told Nicolae. “Just for a little while. I can’t breathe down here.” It sounded silly, like a fabricated excuse, but it was all too real.
“He is here,” Nicolae announced, his hand tangling casually in the thick mass of her hair. She knew the gesture was meant to steady her.
She reached up and caught his hand, clinging unashamedly to him. Her Nicolae. Her rock. He was already dressed impeccably, elegantly, a prince of old. The man materializing deep beneath the mountain would render judgment on them. He strode toward them, a stocky man with power clinging to every inch of his body, lines etched into his hard features, his eyes a slashing silver.
For one moment the world wavered, turning a strange black with countless shooting stars, but Nicolae’s arm wrapped around her body, drew her beneath his broad shoulder against the shelter of his strength. The spinning world righted, and she followed the steady rhythm of his breathing. Despite the weight of his opinion, this man in no way distressed Nicolae. He was unconcerned about the verdict. His gaze was hard and watchful. Behind them and a little to their right was Vikirnoff.
Destiny became aware of Vikirnoff’s unblinking stare, as cold as death, watching Gregori’s every move. Vikirnoff would stand solidly with his brother as always, tainted blood or no. It occurred to her that Vikirnoff had known the instant Nicolae had taken her blood and he had not merged with her in an attempt to stop him. With that awareness came the realization that Gregori had entered this small chamber beneath the earth without really knowing any of the parties within. He was truly risking his life to give them aid.
He looked big and strong and capable, a glittering menace, but the two Carpathians were ancients, every bit as well versed in battle as he. She decided Gregori was a very courageous man.
Nicolae stepped forward to greet him in the way of a warrior, gripping Gregori’s forearms, his body cleverly inserted between Destiny and the stranger. “Gregori, how good of you to come so quickly. I am Nicolae, once under the command of Vladimer Dubrinsky. This is my brother, Vikirnoff.” He waved toward the silent sentinel to his right.
Vikirnoff stepped forward, his cold, dead eyes meeting the glittering silver ones. “I thank you for answering the call. It is good that you are here,” he said, formally clasping Gregori’s forearms.
Destiny realized that the gesture made both hunters vulnerable. They were face to face, reading what they would give of their minds.
“It is good to see you. Mikhail has recently learned of the continuing existence of ancients in the world and has put out the call to return and regroup if at all possible. He will be pleased to know he has two more elders. Falcon still lives.” His glittering gaze moved beyond Nicolae to rest on Destiny.
She lifted her chin at him. Let him pass his judgment. She had lived a long while without family or friends. She could do so again. Although secretly, she wasn’t altogether certain that was the truth. She had begun to hope and dream in spite of her determination not to fall into that trap. Her gaze lifted to Nicolae. What if this strange man with his powerful eyes could take away her lifemate?
He cannot. Nicolae didn’t send her waves of warmth and reassurance. His words were simple and calm. Completely confident. The terrible rolling in her stomach subsided.
“My lifemate, Destiny.” Nicolae took her hand, drew her to him, his arm sliding around her waist possessively.
Gregori bowed low, an elegant courtly gesture she recognized from watching Nicolae. “You have had a difficult time of it. It is my privilege and honor to meet a woman so courageous.” His gaze shifted around the room. “My lifemate should be here. That woman is always late.” If he had tried to instill impatience into the beautiful tones of his voice, he failed utterly. He sounded so loving, Nicolae smirked and Vikirnoff raised an arrogant eyebrow.
There was a tinkle of laughter, and a small, dark-haired woman shimmered into form at Gregori’s side. Nicolae knew immediately that Gregori had insisted on her safety, not allowing her to appear until he had ascertained for himself that the surroundings were perfectly safe for his lifemate. It was exactly what Nicolae would have done. He was grateful to the healer for choosing to put Destiny at ease by implying his lifemate was late.
Gregori gathered the petite woman beneath his shoulder. “My lifemate, Savannah, daughter to Prince Mikhail and his lifemate, Raven. Savannah, this is Destiny, her lifemate, Nicolae, and his brother, Vikirnoff.”
Savannah wrinkled her nose. “I don’t think it’s necessary to give my pedigree, for heaven’s sake.” She rubbed her palm lovingly over Gregori’s strong jaw. “It’s such a pleasure to meet all of you. And such a wonderful surprise to know you’re in the world with us. Our race needs every single one of us.”
“Thank you for making the journey,” Nicolae said. “We do not know if it is possible to remove the tainted blood from our veins, but we hope that you will try.”
Gregori’s face was an expressionless mask, but his voice was as gentle as a breeze. “I will confess I have never run up against exactly this problem. Aidan, one of our hunters, has a lifemate who was forced to take the blood of a vampire. The undead did not completely convert her, and the amount of blood was small as he was attempting to starve her to get her to voluntarily take his blood, but Aidan was able to cleanse her. If you have been able to fight off the effects of the blood all this time, then I have to think it is possible to remove it from your system. Your soul is intact.”
Destiny’s breath left her lungs in a long rush of relief. She held the healer’s words close to her. Her soul was intact. Turning her face up to Nicolae she simply smiled.
I love you.
His breath stilled in his lungs. His body went still.
Now? You are going to tell me now?
I think it best.
We have to work on your timing. Nicolae’s arm tightened possessively.
Destiny laughed aloud, the sound spilling out of her mind and heart to fill the small cave with joy.
Velda and Inez would be disappointed with me.