Dark Nights by Christine Feehan Page B

can see, not all naturally formed. I stayed to try to find what they are looking for. Vampires do not normally put so much energy into a project. Whatever it is they want, their finding it will not benefit either the Carpathian or the human race.”
    “They don’t need to broadcast fear,” Gabrielle pointed out, reminding Traian a bit of Joie’s dry humor. “I’m doing quite well on my own.”
    Jubal nodded toward the raw wounds on Traian’s chest. “You’ve been in a few battles with them.”
    He nodded. “Yes, and I have noticed changes in their behavior. As a rule, they would have avoided me. Now vampires are running in packs. They used to be out for themselves, or occasionally a master vampire would use the newer ones as fodder for his battles, but lately they seem to have more control and are much better organized. To find two masters serving a third and bringing to him their own followers is unheard of and must be investigated.”
    Jubal shoved a hand through his hair in agitation. “I feel like I’m losing my mind. Vampires are Hollywood creations, creatures in movies.”
    “They are shape-shifters. You must be very careful of what and who you trust.”
    Joie could hear a sound accompanying the drip of the water. A soft clicking, like branches banging together in the wind. It made her edgy. Vampires were one thing, but shape-shifting? She exchanged another look with her siblings, and instantly rejected the idea as they did.
    There was no warning. One moment Traian stood in the glare of their headlamps, the next a huge, shaggy black wolf with a mouthful of lethal teeth sat in his place, eyes focused menacingly on Jubal. Gabrielle screamed and stumbled backward. Jubal reached out to catch her, dragging her away from the abyss to comparative safety beside the snarling animal, hastily unzipping his pocket to pull out his gun.
    Mouth dry, Joie circled the wolf’s neck with a restraining arm. “Totally impressive, but not something I want to take home to Mom.” Her heart was pounding so loudly, it sounded like a drum in her ears. She had doubted him and he’d done this to prove how very lethal and cunning the vampires were. Her legs shook, feeling like rubber.
    There is no need to fear me. I would never harm you.
    “Why would you think I was afraid of you?” Joie demanded. “I’m not in the least afraid. I’m keeping you under control.”
    It may have something to do with the knife you are holding to my throat. Traian said it casually, a soft amusement in his voice, as if the blade pressed so tightly against him didn’t matter in the least.
    And that scared her more than the fact he had just shape-shifted into a predator. She looked down at her arm curved around his neck. The fur was thick and luxurious, and her arm was nearly buried in it. But she could feel the handle of the knife in her hand. She let out her breath and slowly eased the blade away from his throat. “I was just making certain you were paying attention,” she said as she slipped the blade back into the scabbard.
    Traian calmly shifted back into his true form. “Just how many weapons do you carry on you? You seem to be a walking arsenal.”
    “This is insane,” Jubal said. “Cool, but insane.”
    “I think we’re caught in a mass hallucination,” Gabrielle suggested. “Can we just get out of here? Joie, find us a way out.”
    “We’re trying, hon,” Joie assured. “That clicking noise is driving me crazy. I don’t like the rhythm; it’s not natural.” The dripping of the water was more insistent. She looked anxiously toward Traian. Something was wrong. He knew it. She knew it. She looked at Jubal. He certainly felt it too.
    “I will take them across and come back for you,” Traian said to Joie. “He can protect your sister while I cross with you.” There was no sense in attempting to take his lifemate first. It was clear she would never go without the others, and he didn’t want to waste time arguing.
    “Not