Page 75 of The Huntress
“Yes, and I’m sorry to say, he’s here to stay. She even named him, Gabriel.”
“Of course she did.” Warmth blossomed in his chest—bright, overwhelming, snatching his breath. Most women wouldn’t have befriended a feral rat.
“When she awakens from the power burn, you will need to aid her.” Dimitri maintained eye contact, as if to convey the severity of his warning.
Gabriel scowled, having not considered what Darius’s death might mean to Callie. All his powers had transferred to her, and the unexpectedness of it must have overwhelmed her. “Aid her how?”
“She refused my blood, asking for water, instead. This is not the norm.” Dimitri ran a knuckle along his scar. “The youngling sickness hasn’t hit her yet, and I’ve never seen it this delayed.”
“Thank you for your concern, Dimitri, and for yourpal’tsy.Any sense on Stavros’s location? I’d like a word or two with him.”
“As would I. I understand why you bolted Darius. I just wished you’d waited. He might have provided some much-needed information.” Dimitri shrugged before flashing his ne’er-do-well smile. “What we have here is a mystery. One I’m eager to solve.”
“Do come by for a drink. I’m certain Callie would like to thank you in person.”
“Tomorrow evening I shall be there.” With that said, Dimitri burst across to Mike, shook the man’s hand, then launched skyward.
Leo lowered a hand onto Gabriel’s shoulder. “I’ll bring Valerie tomorrow evening as well.”
“Thank you, Leo. Without you, I’d be…” Gabriel’s voice faltered. A sharp pain in the region of his heart reminded him of what he’d almost lost.
He lowered his gaze to Callie’s face, and he allowed it full rein to memorize every nuance he’d come to treasure.
Leo chuckled. “Claiming a woman seems like effort, Gabriel. It weakens you, You’re vulnerable now.”
Gabriel shook his head. He hadn’t regretted the Rite ofAdsumo, and he doubted he ever would. “Callie calls herself my kryptonite, and she’s right, Leo. I’d rather face my enemies than live without her.”
“I wish you the fortitude for victory. Once Callie is ready, I suggest we train her. If she’s as strong as you, then you need not fear your enemies.” Leo gestured to Dimitri’s disappearing back, volunteering his services.
Gabriel allowed a small smile to form. He was grateful for any aid his friends could offer. “I agree. We’ll be a united front, and they’ll regret ever trifling with us.”
“Us? I like that. Perhaps Ishouldclaim a woman. It’s been a while since I was anus.” Leo assessed Callie’s prone form.
Gabriel scowled. He didn’t like the intrigued and calculating expression on his friend’s handsome yet exhausted face.
“Leonardo,” he warned, his voice lowering to a growl.
“Not Callie, Gabriel. Valerie.” Leo’s focus turned inward, determination hardening his features.
Gabriel grunted. “Good because Callie’s mine.”
“Yes, yes, so you’ve said, demonstrated, and whined about. Can we go home now, because damn, I’m drained.” Leo launched into the sky, but Gabriel hesitated. He faced Mike, still waiting at his opened car door.
“Thank you,” he said the second Gabriel was close enough. “In a way, it’s your fault this happened. But you also found her. So in my book, that cancels each other out. Just don’t let it happen again. I’m old, Gabe. I can’t lose her…the heart, y’know. I promised her father I’d take care of them both, and to fail now…” He rubbed his hand over his face. He’d aged ten years in the last day.
Gabriel listened to the man’s faltering heartbeat and nodded. His heartwasfailing him, and it wouldn’t be long. Losing Mike would devastate Callie.
“I could convert you,” he said.
Mike jerked back as if punched, and he gaped, intrigued yet horrified. “I’ll think about it. Tell Callie I’ll call her tomorrow.” He lowered himself into his car, shut the door with finality, and drove off.
Gabriel glanced at Callie and sighed. He surged into the cool night air, his attention remaining on her face, searching for any discomfort. He surrounded her with warm air, but her unending unconsciousness alarmed him. Had the power burn been unbearable?
He tried to remember Darius’s lineage, but it was vague, as was his reason for acceptance into the de Winter Hold. Someone prominent had vouched for him, which would gain him entrance into the Hold. Obedience and verification of his lineage earned him membership.
Maybe she had a low pain threshold? Which also made no sense since she was a convert. Younglings could endure so much, survive many obstacles. Or was Darius’s lineage ancient? Which meant all the power from his deceased sires had flown into her veins upon his death.
Gabriel would find out more in the next few days. For now, he needed her home, in his bed, and in his arms for as long as she’d allow it.
