Page 124 of Crimson Oath
Radu winked at her. “The darigan take good care of us, do they not?”
Tatyana felt a genuine smile spread over her face. “I truly believe the Poshani have no equal in hospitality.”
He put a hand to his chest. “If there is one compliment that will warm our still hearts, it is that one. Thank you.”
She nodded toward the mowers. “What is going on?”
“Ah, the clan is starting to gather for the Vashana Zata. Kezia told you about it, I’m sure.”
Odd that Radu assumed that, but perhaps he’d seen them together. The vampire appeared distracted, and his energy was… strange.
Tatyana sensed his amnis in an entirely new way. Oleg’s blood? It was the only explanation.
“I did hear about the Vashana Zata. Lucky for me that I happened to choose this year to join your caravan. It sounds like a very special festival.”
“And we are pleased that you will join us in our celebrations. The festivities will start to increase soon, but tonight a brother of ours has brought fireworks to enjoy.”
Tatyana looked around at all the wildflowers and long grass. They were still green but drying as the summer waned and the autumn season started to turn.
“I see from your eyes that you anticipate the same thing I did,” Radu said. “The grass is getting dryer this late in the summer.”
“Would you like me to keep an eye on the fireworks tonight?” she asked. “I know you don’t have many water vampires in the clan.”
“You are correct, but of course, you are our guest first, so feel free to refuse.”
“I don’t mind.” She waved a hand and gathered a bit of mist from the air. “It’s an easy thing.”
“Your heart is a generous one.” Radu’s eyes were warm. “It is no wonder that you have won the affection of so many of the people here.”
“I consider a number of them friends,” Tatyana said. “Being here has truly been a wonderful respite.”
A jolt of fear stabbed her heart. Her time with them was coming to an end. After the Vashana, there were only six weeks left before the kamvasa stopped roaming for the season.
Radu must have seen the worry in her eyes. “Do you have plans for the winter?”
“My mother has a farm,” she said. “I might return to visit her.”
She didn’t even want to think about Oleg yet, what a return to his territory might mean.
“Ah.” Radu’s face brightened. “So your mother is aware of your…”
“Yes.” Tatyana smiled. “She knows what I am.”
“And the rest of your family?”
“It’s just my mother.” Tatyana was quick to add, “She is a favorite of Oleg’s, so they’re friendly. Despite living alone, she always seems to have one vampire or another coming by.”
Hopefully that would let Radu know that her mother was well-protected. She didn’twantto distrust him, but when it came to Anna, Tatyana trusted no one.
Except—by some twist of fate—Oleg. Who seemed to hold Tatyana’s mother in some strange and inexplicable regard.
“I see.” Radu’s eyes were laughing at her. “I have known your old boss for many years. Oleg is able to charm women of every age.”
“But my mother has no use for charm,” she said. “I think that’s why he likes her. She insults him to his face.”
Radu threw his head back and laughed. “Yes, I think he would enjoy that.” He cleared his throat and hooked his thumbs in his pockets. “He is coming to the kamvasa soon. For the Vashana Zata. I invited him months ago, long before we knew…”
“The Poshani people have been more than welcoming to me.” Tatyana was quick to reassure him. “I feel very secure here. Please don’t be concerned about my comfort.”
