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He knew eventually something was in the room with them but not what, only that the newly made vampires were uncomfortable and feeling alarmed. He is animal enough that he acted on that warning.

So, they are uncertain that hunters have followed them.

Elisabeta was silent for a moment. Ferro was patient. He tried to follow her wherever she went, but as far as he could tell, she simply went blank, disappearing into her own mind, a refuge she’d retreated to over the centuries when Sergey’s cruelties were too difficult to bear. As he attempted to follow her, he was aware that Gary silently attempted the same thing, even though he was on a different path. Elisabeta had shut him out, closing every pathway almost automatically, as she must have done when Sergey tried to get into her mind.

Cornel and Dorin urge caution. Sergey is angry that Ambrus disturbed him from his lair when clearly there was no threat. Cornel wants to wait before leaving to go to the lair beneath the city, and when they go, he wants their servants to go with them to protect Sergey.

Ferro sighed. She clearly hadn’t retreated. She had a way of reaching Sergey and getting into his mind. He didn’t understand how it was that he, as her lifemate, couldn’t find that path and follow her.

Does Cornel believe Sergey can really lead them?

No. He does not care who leads as long as he can direct the leader, at least that is my impression of him. I cannot always read his thoughts.

That was a revelation. Elisabeta, you never have said you can read thoughts.

She was silent for a moment. Did I do something wrong? You read thoughts. I did not realize I would be doing anything wrong.

You did nothing wrong. If I scan someone’s mind or take their blood and force them to take mine to tie us together, then I can read their mind. The way you do it appears to be something very different. His lifemate was truly extraordinary and she didn’t even realize it.

I spent centuries watching these vampires. Every expression. The way they move. The things they say. Eventually, I knew the way they think. That allowed me more and more to read their minds, I suppose.

Ferro could feel the restless buildup of tension emanating from a small grove of trees independent of the forest about sixty yards from where the five ancients had stopped moving.

Sergey grows impatient, doesn’t he? he asked Elisabeta.

Yes, he is insisting they leave to head for the lair in the city. He does not want to wait for the lesser vampires’ servants. He does not like to wait, he never has. He feels it makes him look small. He says clearly there are no hunters close. He is insisting Sedrick and Edward go out in plain sight, walking beside the lake. They are to take to the air and see if that draws anyone out. If it does not, he will send the whining, simpering newly made vampires next. I am quoting him.