Total pages in book: 155
Estimated words: 142916 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 715(@200wpm)___ 572(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 142916 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 715(@200wpm)___ 572(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
“I don’t know why I’m so nervous,” Silke admitted to her mother. “It isn’t as if I have to accept his terms.”
Fenja lifted an eyebrow. “I think you know that isn’t so.”
That was the last thing she wanted to hear from Fenja. It was true. How could she allow an ancient hunter with Benedek’s skills loose on the world? He had learned far too much about battle technique and strategy. He had also held out for centuries against all odds. She deeply admired him for that alone. According to Tora, few Carpathians would have survived intact upholding their code of honor. He was one of the few.
“I don’t want to believe I have no choice at all,” she admitted. “I am also a little concerned that he wanted you here. He didn’t give me the choice of Tora, which I think would have been much more informative.”
“I’m your mother. He knows you want me in your life. He was showing respect.”
Silke wasn’t certain Fenja’s assessment was correct. Benedek might respect her mother and even want her there for moral support, but he didn’t want Tora there. Tora was Carpathian. She had told Silke lifemates didn’t lie to one another. But could they deceive one another through omission? He was hiding something from her, something she was sure she wouldn’t like.
It was exactly one hour after sunset. She felt him before the two men materialized at their door. She was watching out the window, and the moment she saw him, her heart jumped and her pulse skyrocketed. Her mouth went dry. None of those reactions were good.
Nicu came through the door first. She hadn’t noticed him before, but now it was impossible not to see how truly good-looking he was. He had skin the color of gold, his hair long and black, his eyes a slate gray, and there was a wicked—and intriguing—scar curving from his left temple to his eye.
There is no need to find his scar intriguing.
Silke had been so tense that she was nearly holding her breath. Air exploded out of her lungs in a long rush. He was already in her head.
Get out. I mean it. We’re here for business negotiations, and you don’t get to take unfair advantage.
You have the same advantage, Benedek pointed out. You’re just not utilizing it.
She looked over Nicu’s shoulder right into Benedek’s eyes as the Carpathian ancient gave her a courteous bow. Benedek didn’t look or feel the least bit remorseful.
You have pretty friends, Benedek. I don’t fit with them.
His expression changed instantly from the mask of indifference to something dark and unreadable. Those icy fingers crept down her spine in warning. Benedek might be the most attractive man she’d ever seen, but he was also the most dangerous.
“Thank you for coming,” she murmured to Nicu politely as she stepped to one side and waved them through the door.
She didn’t belong with these people. If all the women looked like Tora with her sensual allure, and the men, despite battle scars, were truly gorgeous, she knew she would stick out like a sore thumb. In any fight, she had every confidence she would be an asset, but standing by Benedek’s side and being introduced to his friends and family, she would always be at a disadvantage. Just the fact that she was young, a mortal and plain in comparison would always make her noticeably different.
“Invite us in,” Nicu ordered. At her puzzled look he flashed a brief smile that didn’t light those gray eyes. “This is a formal meeting. We need the formality of an invitation into your home.”
He sounded businesslike. Matter-of-fact. But something was off. Her warning system suddenly shrieked at her. Her gaze jumped once again to Benedek’s face. He was back to wearing his mask, making it impossible to read him. But she knew she was missing something very important, and she hesitated.
Fenja came up behind her, giving her a little frown of reprimand. “Please do come in, Nicu and Benedek. We welcome you.”
Silke pressed her lips together, all the while watching Benedek closely. Had there been a change in his eyes just for the briefest of moments? Satisfaction? Or was that her imagination? Was this another reason to have Fenja present rather than Tora? She had no choice but to step completely out of the way to allow both men into her home. The moment they crossed the threshold, she felt the shift of energy, of power.
Tora, why would Nicu and Benedek insist on being invited into my home?
The moment she sent the query to her friend, both men spun around to face her, Nicu stepping slightly in front of Benedek as if to protect him or possibly her.
“We keep this meeting strictly between the four of us in this room,” Nicu said. “It is highly unusual and could undermine Benedek with his enemies should word of it get out.”