Dominic was about to broach the subject with her when a crackling rush of static filled the space, and Richard appeared. He stood on the platform at the end of the arena, his eyes glowing bright blue and his face stamped with concern. Richard jumped from the platform and stalked toward the group, his gaze fixed on Eric and Zachary.
Dominic telepathed to him earlier and told him their suspicions about Eric and Zachary. Needless to say, Richard was not taking it well. Dominic couldn’t blame him because it was yet another betrayal, another brother at arms who threatened their mates and brought violence to the ranch.
“We end this tonight,” Richard said tightly. He scanned the room, looking at each of them individually, but stopping on Dominic. “Chances are the Purists have others prepared to strike while we make the exchange with Moravian. Ladies, you will go back to New York City and wait at the vampire stronghold until this is finished.”
Kerry and Tatiana started speaking at once, but Richard raised one hand, silencing them.
“I know you feel this is a sexist decision, especially given what I said before, but things have changed.” A sad smile played at his lips, and Dominic knew he was referring to the issue with either Eric or Zachary. “I’ve already spoken with Layla, and she gave me an earful. However, she has done as I requested and left for New York with Salinda.”
Dominic linked his arm around Tatiana’s waist and pulled her into the shelter of his body, needing to feel the weight of her and the warmth of her skin against his. He kissed the top of her head and inhaled her sweet cherry scent. His heart beat in perfect sync with hers as their energy signatures merged as one and swirled through the air.
“I am also fully aware of the difficulties that can arise when mates are separated, but we cannot risk your safety.” Richard looked from Kerry to Tatiana. “You are far too important to us and to the future of our race. The Purists have made it clear that hybrid mates are the focus of their hatred and their wrath. Therefore, we need to remove you from imminent danger. If and when they attack, you will be the first ones they go after.”
Richard’s word was resolute, and while Dominic sensed the frustration from the women, Tatiana in particular, he was enormously relieved by the prince’s decision. He wanted Tatiana out of harm’s way more than anyone, but he knew if he had been the one to insist on it, she would resist. However, since the prince was commanding it, no one would argue.
“What about Courtney?” Tatiana spoke up.
So much for no one arguing the point, Dominic thought on a sigh.
“I’m the only person, other than Steven, who is even remotely qualified to help her. With all due respect, Richard, I feel that I should stay behind with Steven and Courtney.”
“No.” Dominic’s eyes glowed, and his fingers dug into her waist. “You will do as Richard says and go to New York with the others.”
“No, I won’t. You might be my mate, Dominic, but you’re not my father or my boss.” Tatiana slipped out of his arms and crossed to Richard. “Look, I know the risks, but I can’t leave Courtney here. Steven is a hot mess, and the guy isn’t thinking straight. If something goes down, I don’t know if he’ll to be able to handle it on his own.” Hands on her hips, she jutted a thumb at Dante. “If you’re so worried, then leave Dante and William with us in the medical suite. They have enough firepower to take out half the state.”
Richard’s eyes narrowed as he stared at Tatiana, clearly weighing his options.
“Your highness,” Dominic said. “You can’t seriously be entertaining this idea?”
“Wait a minute!” Tatiana snapped her fingers and pointed at Richard as an idea bloomed. “I know Steven doesn’t want to move Courtney, and he’s only doing it if he absolutely has to, right?”
“True,” Richard said slowly. “He said he would if danger was imminent.”
“Well, if things get really hairy around here, we will use that blinky thing to get out of here. I mean, they’d find us eventually, but it could buy us time.”
If need be, Tatiana touched her mind to Richard’s and Dominic’s using a protected path, we could go to my home in Oregon, Richard. None of the others know where it is, and we would be safe there, at least for a while.
Hands clasped behind his back, Richard nodded and looked from Tatiana to Dominic.
“Your highness,” Dominic said. “Please don’t listen to this nonsense. She doesn’t know how to use her visualization abilities yet.”
Dominic regretted the words before they were even out of his mouth.
“I’m a quick learner,” Tatiana bit out. She shot him a dirty look and turned her attention back to the prince. “I could do it if I had to. Besides, I won’t be alone. Dante and William would be there too.”
Dominic’s jaw clenched, and his hands balled into fists at his side as held his breath and waited for the prince to make his decision. The others stood in stunned silence, and all eyes were on Richard as he kept his gaze on Tatiana.
“Fine.” Richard flicked his glowing eyes to Dominic. “You have a brave mate, Dominic. You should be proud.” Richard looked at his watch. “Kerry, you should go now and join Salinda.”
“Yeah, about that,” Kerry said on a sigh. “I’ll be with Tatiana. She might need psychic backup, so since none of you have that particular ability, I’ll be sticking around too.”
Richard let out a weary sigh and ran one hand through his hair as he held Kerry’s gaze briefly before looking to Dante for help.
“She’s not wrong, Richard.” Dante wrapped his arm around Kerry’s waist. “We might need her help. Besides, I learned a long time ago that arguing with Kerry is pointless. Once she has made up her mind about something, that’s it.”
“Fine.” Richard’s face grew serious. “Dante, you and Kerry will go with Tatiana to the medical suite, but if you get even a whiff of a Purist, then you get the hell out of there. I don’t care how much Steven protests. You leave and take him and Courtney with you.”
“We better get this show on the road, Richard,” Zachary said. He nudged Daniella toward Dominic. “She’s all yours, dude. Bye, sweetheart. It’s been real.”
“Shut up,” Daniella seethed.
“Hold on.” Dominic extended one arm but didn’t take his eyes off Tatiana. “I need a minute.”
“Oh Christ,” Daniella groaned. “Spare us the sappy good-bye.”
Dominic’s eyes shifted to the glowing amber eyes of his tiger, and he growled a warning over his shoulder to his sister, silencing further comments. He took Tatiana’s hand and led her to the other end of the arena, which was the most private spot he could find given the circumstances.
Looking into her eyes, his heart hammered in his chest as his worst fears bubbled to the surface. What if she was hurt or needed him, and he couldn’t be with her? What if she was in danger, and he couldn’t get to her in time? Dominic rested his forehead against hers as he cradled her face in both hands.
“You’re a pigheaded woman, do you know that?” he whispered.
“So I’ve heard… but I can’t leave Courtney, Dominic.” Tatiana clasped her hands over his and pressed her lips to his cheek. “So you better come back to me.”
“Does that mean you’ll stay with me, Tatiana?” He pulled back and looked her in the face, and his voice dropped low. “When this is all over, will you commit your life to mine?”
“I guess you’ll have to survive this mess in order to find out,” she said with a smile.
Tatiana pressed her lips to his and kissed him tenderly as one tear rolled down her cheek. The warm liquid trickled over his fingers, and her sweet fragrance filled his head. Dominic suckled her lip and broke the kiss as his mind grazed hers. I’ll come back to you, Tatiana.