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he could leave no evidence of the vampire's handiwork or tainted blood to be analyzed by some human
coroner. Protecting his race was top priority. He had no other choice. He took one last look around to
assure himself he had done all he could to hide any evidence of the undead. Satisfied, he began to walk
toward their own campsite.
Chapter Ten
Desari kicked the wheel of the bus. "The darn thing refuses to start. I knew it. I knew it would happen at
the worst possible time." She kicked the tire again in frustration.
Julian stood in the shadows of the trees, swaying slightly, his eyes glued to Desari's slender figure. She
was all grace, like flowing water, her ebony hair cascading around her like waves of silk. She was
beautiful even in her fit of temper.
She swung around, her enormous eyes instantly locating him beneath the trees. At once her expression
changed to one of deep concern. He was gray and drawn, blood coating his shirt. He looked so tired,
she was alarmed. She instantly leapt across the space separating them, one slim arm curving around his
waist in an attempt to support him. "Lean on me, Julian," she crooned softly. He had walked the distance,
not flown or used his astonishing speed in any way. It was evidence of his ebbing strength.
He circled her shoulders, putting a small amount of his weight on her. She looked so anxious, he wanted
to kiss her in reassurance, but the poison inside him was growing and spreading, and he wouldn't take the
chance of infecting her. "You must call Darius to us, Desari," he ordered softly. He had given this much
thought on his return to her. He had wanted to call Gregori to him, the healer he knew and trusted, but
there was no time to lose. He would need to avail himself of Darius's strength and expertise.
She helped him up the step and into the bus. Julian went down the aisle on shaky legs and nearly fell
onto the couch. "You need blood, Julian, and then, once in the ground, you will recover quickly." She
sounded anxious in spite of her determination not to.
Julian shook his head. "Call Darius to us." His voice was a thread of sound, his lashes sweeping down as
if he were fighting to stay awake and cognizant.
Darius. Can you hear me? Desari was alarmed now. Julian was not the kind of man to ask for help.
You have need? Darius was far away, but he could sense her fear.
Come to us now. Please hurry, Darius. I am afraid.
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Julian laced his fingers through hers. "You have called him to us?"
She tightened her grip on him, afraid he was slipping away from her. "Yes. Feed now, Julian, and go to
earth until he gets here."
"I will not take a chance on contaminating you. Go to the others. They will protect you until your brother
and I are able." His eyes were closed now completely, his skin ashen.
Desari brought his hand to her mouth, but before she could kiss the lacerations on his knuckles, heal
them with the agent in her saliva, he had snatched his hand away.
"Do not!" It was a sharp reproof.
"Talk to me. Tell me why you refuse what I offer. It is my right to heal you, to feed you and care for
you." Desari was hurt and afraid, the emotions swirling around until she could not separate them.
There was a stirring in her mind, warmth, the impression of arms stealing around her shoulders, holding
her close. His heart was beating abnormally slowly, she could feel it in her mind, hear the irregular
pulsing. "This was an ancient,cara , one of the eldest vampires, much skilled in the old ways. His blood is
extremely dangerous."
"You took it out of my system, Julian." She bent over him anxiously. "Take it from your own."
"I do not have the strength,piccola . Do not fear for me. I will not leave you. Go now to the others so
that I know you are safe."
Desari sat up straight, suddenly comprehending. "You think more undead might come."
"I believe you and the other female Syndil are drawing them here. They seek mates, thinking that will
guide them back to their emotions and souls. Go, Desari, while the sun is still far away." Julian fearedhe
would come, his ancient enemy, feared he would be drawn right to Desari.
Julian's voice was nearly gone. Even his breathing was labored. Whatever was spreading inside him was
taking a stranglehold on his lungs and heart. Desari stroked back the golden hair falling across his
forehead. He was cold and clammy. She knew his fears for her were very powerful, but how could she
leave him?
He had only been in her life a short time, yet he was the air she breathed. Her body recognized his. Her
heart and soul were finally complete. She had to be wherever he was.Darius, please hurry , she
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