Dark Slayer

The others looked at one another. It didn't surprise Gregori that Vikirnoff's brother, Nicolae, traveled with him. The brothers had been guarding one another's backs for hundreds of years. The other four hunters were also ancients, returning to the Carpathian Mountains to establish ties with the prince. It occurred to Gregori that all of these ancient hunters did not really know Mikhail and had every reason to worry about his judgment. They were far older and more experienced than the prince, and were used to relying solely on their own judgment.

Tariq Asenguard had come from the United States. Over the centuries he had amassed a huge personal fortune, which he often fed to the other Carpathians. He owned several businesses. Tall, like most Carpathian males, he wore his hair long, but his eyes were midnight blue, almost gemlike. Tariq was a man used to going his own way and the thought of an ancient book in the hands of Razvan and a Malinov was enough to set him traveling fast to see for himself just what the pair was up to.

Andre moved through countries like a ghost, drifting in only to pay his respects and pledge his allegiance. A man of very few words, he stayed aloof, as most ancient hunters did, his eyes restless, the urge to continue moving, the drive to find his lifemate ceaseless now as he neared the end of his tolerance. He was one of the single males Gregori kept a firm eye on, as both Tariq and Andre seemed very close to turning.

Mataias, Lojos and Tomas were never far from one another. Like most siblings raised together, they had formed a bond to see each other through the darker times. They came from a long line of famous warriors, a respected family that always produced multiple children, yet rarely gave birth. Two daughters had been born after the boys, both living no more than their second year. A master vampire had claimed their parents while their mother was pregnant with another set of triplets. The brothers had hunted the vampire across two continents, never ceasing in their pursuit until they had destroyed the undead, exacting justice for their parents and siblings and earning themselves quite a reputation.

Gregori folded his arms across his chest and regarded them all, making certain not to show amusement or exasperation. These men were some of the most respected ancients. They were experienced hunters, every one of them. Yet what they were doing was very foolish and more than a little dangerous and they all should have known better.

«Have you considered that you are following a couple that your prince has promised safe passage to?» he asked, keeping his voice mild and nonjudgmental.

Vikirnoff shrugged, equally casual. «This is an uncertain road. We would be remiss in not guarding the prince's guests.»

Gregori's eyebrow rose even higher. «I see. You don't mind if I just tag along and make certain you're all safe, right?»

Swift impatience crossed Vikirnoff's face. «I doubt we'll need protection, but you're welcome. Just make certain you mask your presence. I gave both of them blood so I will have no problem following them.»

«That will be interesting. I also gave them blood. Between the two of us, we should have no problem.»

Andre and Tariq exchanged a long look and then peered through the snow. It was coming down faster and faster.

«Is there something about this couple we should know, Gregori?» Tariq asked. He still held a faint European accent beneath the American one.

Gregori shook his head. «I am certain none of you would have come on such a mission without a clear idea of who you are chasing.»

«A woman,» Andre said. «Just a woman and her lifemate. One fairly unskilled.»

Gregori followed the others through the snow. «To be fair, they did encounter a master vampire and saved four humans.»

Andre gestured around him. «They play like children in the forest, while they carry a book of immense importance.»

«Do they now? A book of immense importance?»

Vikirnoff glared at him. «Enough, Gregori. You choose to be amused by this situation, but you did not see the things I did when Natalya recovered that book. It is dangerous. Too dangerous to go unguarded with people we do not know and with enemies closing in around us.»

«Oh, I assure you, Vikirnoff, amusement is not what I am feeling.» Gregori strode away from the man before he cursed him for being bull-headed. He dropped back, allowing the others to take the lead, knowing the seven hunters were underestimating their prey. In fact, chasing the pair into their own territory was probably the worst idea anyone had had in a long while, but he refused to waste his breath.