Sandu’s thumb continued to slide back and forth along the back of Adalasia’s hand. He turned her wrist over so he could feel her pulse. Her heart was beating too fast. She did need to stay hydrated, just as Teagan had suggested. She’d refused anything that evening before their arrival. He didn’t like forcing his lifemate any more than he already had. He’d told her they’d be partners, and he wanted to keep his word.
His gaze returned to Andre. The man was meant to be his guide in some way. He was certain of it. Andre held to the old ways, just as Sandu did. They were both traditional. His lifemate, Teagan, had clearly mellowed him somewhat, but Andre would always be an ancient Carpathian: wary, battle-ready, in love with his lifemate and protective of her. She ruled until he felt she might be in danger, and then he would be ruthless in his takeover. There would be no remorse, and Teagan knew him well enough and evidently loved him enough, even though she was a modern woman, to let him be who he was.
Sandu needed Adalasia to love him as fiercely as Teagan loved Andre because, sadly, he was very much like that ancient. He would always be the ancient she feared, with the scars on his soul he couldn’t get rid of.
Teagan leaned toward Adalasia. “I know how that is, Adalasia. Any of us can help you get water or juice down to nourish your body. You just have to give consent. Your lifemate is waiting for that. He doesn’t like taking from you, but in the end, to keep you safe, you know they have no choice. They can’t do anything else.”
Adalasia’s long lashes fluttered. Lowered. Raised. She flicked him a puzzled glance and then returned to Teagan’s face. “Of course there’s always another choice.”
“Not really,” Teagan denied. “They’re hardwired a certain way. Carpathian males have no choice but to protect us. You will understand that the more you’re in his mind.”
Adalasia glanced at Sandu. His fingers tightened around hers. He’d explained that concept to her, but maybe it sounded different coming from a woman who, at one time, had been human.
“So, you’re saying if I didn’t take care of myself properly, eventually Sandu would be forced to do so because he couldn’t stop himself,” Adalasia clarified.
Teagan nodded. “Absolutely. It’s better to just give in and let him help you drink whatever horrible concoction there is to nourish your body. He’ll help you keep it down, and you won’t remember drinking it.”
Or you could do the third blood exchange and bring her into our world, where she would be safe. I feel very strongly that she would be far safer from this point beneath the ground with you than alone, sleeping aboveground. I have no idea why, but I feel it, Andre said.
The four ancients echoed the assessment. Sandu wanted to bring Adalasia into their world more than anything, but he also wanted Adalasia to come to him fully aware. If she didn’t agree, he would have to make the choice for her, and he’d said he would give her time to come to him. Andre’s revelation about having such a strong feeling wasn’t to be ignored. He felt equally as strongly. He had put that instinctual need down to his ancient Carpathian teachings, but more and more, he was uneasy.
Another murmur of agreement going through the path of communication among the brethren told him he wasn’t alone in his worry for her safety. Sandu’s nod toward Andre was barely perceptible.
Sandu brought Adalasia’s hand to his mouth and spoke very gently against her palm. “I think it best if you have juice, with plenty of vitamins, ewal emninumam. Teagan is right about your nutrition.”
Adalasia nodded reluctantly. “You’ll have to help me get it down. Just the thought of it makes me feel nauseous, Sandu.”
Teagan immediately placed a tall glass of what appeared to be a refreshing strawberry-and-orange drink on the table on the other side of Sandu. He infused it with the necessary nutrients before waving his hand to put his lifemate in a receptive state so she was able to drink the liquid and keep it down.
He handed the glass to Teagan as he brought his lifemate out from under his control. Adalasia blinked a few times and looked from him to the empty glass. Teagan waved it away.
“Thank you,” Adalasia said simply, “for making me feel accepted and at ease. This is all so frightening to me. I have my own enemies, and now I’m facing Sandu’s as well. I appreciate that you’ve offered your friendship so readily.”
“I’m very happy you both came to visit us. We don’t get that many visitors,” Teagan said. “Still, I need companionship more than he does.”