Page 125 of Crimson Oath
“The knyaz of the Kievan Rus has visited us many times.”
Oh, you have no idea.
“Of course he would. He must be a very close ally.”
“He is.” Radu nodded. “But I didn’t want you to be surprised by an unexpected face.”
“I appreciate that.” She motioned toward the stream. “When the fireworks start, I can go down by the stream. That way if any sparks are lit, I can put them out quickly.”
Radu pressed both his hands together and bowed a little bit. “You are a credit to your clan and your sire, Tatyana Vorona.”
She had no clan.
She had no sire.
Her heart twisted in her chest a little bit, but all she could do was smile.
Tatyana was nearlyat the position she’d chosen near the stream when she felt a hand grab her arm and yank.
She sucked in a breath, and the amnis in her veins jumped to life at the threat.
Quicker than a blink, she whirled around, only to be met with nothing.
Darkness.
Then a whistle from above.
She looked up and saw Vano sitting on the roof of a nearby vardo.
Wind vampire.
“You walk very comfortably through our camp, Miss Vorona.” One dark eyebrow arched up. “You should be more careful.”
It was another warning, another attempt to push her under his thumb.
“Radu and Kezia led me to believe that my security is absolute within the kamvasa.” She looked up and caught the silhouette of a Hazar hovering in the distance. “The Hazar are always watching.”
“They are, and I am the one who trained them. In fact, many ofthem share my blood.” Vano looked down at her as if she were a curious insect.
Tatyana had the distinct impression he was testing her.
“So they report to you?” She lifted her chin. “Should I go to your brother and sister and let them know that I do not feel safe?” Her amnis reached for the water nearby, and the mist in the air clung to her hands. “Perhaps I should ask Madina or Darius—René DuPont maybe—if they’ve also felt unsafe.”
He didn’t try to hide his fangs. “That would be unwise. After all, if you feel unsafe, it’s likely because you are welcoming an outsider into your trailer when all are forbidden.”
Oh, he was good.
Tell on me, and I’ll tell on you.
Too bad Tatyana was a professional at hiding her true feelings. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Vano left the roof of the trailer where he was perched and hovered over her, making Tatyana crane her head to keep him in sight.
“So you deny that a vampire is sneaking into your trailer before dawn?”
Interesting. He had some of the information, but not all. He apparently thought Oleg was staying with her.
“I share my day chamber with no one.” She stepped backward, away from the narrow alley between the trailers and toward the creek. She could feel her amnis become stronger every step that she took toward her element. “I don’t trust easily. Especially vampires.”
