Dark Magic

Chapter Seventeen

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop was darkand mysterious, the perfect setting for the begi

Within the bar’s darkened interior, the peculiar night vision their species had gave them an advantage. Gary flanked them, astonished at how many tourists actually went on these hunts. Sava

Gary leaned close. “If you wouldn’t read people’s thoughts all the time, snoop, you might not get so bent out of shape.”

“I was not reading your thoughts,” Sava

Gregori was definitely having a hard time. Carpathian males rarely allowed other men near their lifemates, certainly not unattached males. He hated the press of bodies. Sava

It was inevitable that someone would recognize her; it always happened. Gregori was surprised the press hadn’t gotten wind that she was somewhere in the city and had every tourist spot staked out waiting for her. He gave a little sigh as the first wave of fans swarmed them, pressing close to Sava

She signed several autographs, a hard enough feat with Gregori acting like her bodyguard. Gary walled her in from the other side, recognizing the menacing glitter in the cold silver of Gregori’s eyes. Sava

When their guide entered, a faint hush followed him. He was impressive, with his long, thick braid, his walking stick, and his dramatic appearance. Gregori raised an eyebrow at Sava

He’s good, this guy,Sava

He is a fake.

This isn’t meant to be real, Gregori,she scolded it is fun. Everyone is here to have a good time. If you prefer not to go, I can meet you later. It isn’t as f it’s really dangerous. We aren’t going to meet any real vampires.

Like hell I will meet you later. If I left your side, every man in the room would be swarming around you.

Gregori knew the moment the two society members entered Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop. He felt the dark compulsion of the kill, knew they were searching for a likely target. He sca

He followed the group through the door, dropping money into the outstretched hand as he did so. Sava

Gregori watched them shift into position, trying to work their way through the crowd to her side, but it was impossible. He concentrated on them, dulling the compulsion, fogging their thoughts so that they found themselves entering into the spirit of the hunt Sava

They started walking through the streets at a brisk pace, and as they did so, the crowd stretched out into a long line. Their guide stopped at a home, perched on a fence, and began a dramatic tale of love and murder within. He wove the story brilliantly, putting in enough truth mixed with melodrama to make it credible. Sava

Sava

They felt her impact immediately, the mesmerizing snare. Gregori heard their hearts slam unexpectedly, then begin to race. Her blue eyes caught and held their gazes, trapping them in the silver-star centers. “Randall Smith,” the shorter of the two answered eagerly. “I moved here several months ago from Florida. This is John Perkins. He’s originally from Florida also.”

“Did you come here for Mardi Gras and just stay for the fun?” Sava

What the hell do you think you are doing?Mon Dieu, mafemme, you are enough to drive me crazy. I forbid this.

Sava

“We came here to help out a friend of ours,” Randall admitted. He began rubbing his suddenly pounding temples. His head was hurting and felt as if it might shatter.

Sava

“We belong to a secret society,” he whispered softly, his voice so low that only the two Carpathians could possibly hear. He didn’t want his partner to know he was betraying the members. There was a curious buzzing in his head, like a swarm of bees. He broke out in a sweat.

Sava