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O jelä peje terád emni, absolutely not, I will be there soon. You will not take chances with your life. We have no idea how this thing is passed from one person to the next. You are already dealing with enough. I am not willing to take chances with you. Is that understood?

She wanted to hug herself. That was her lifemate, cursing at her in their ancient language. Sun scorch you, woman. She hid her amusement even from him, but somehow his reaction made her feel cherished, not oppressed as she knew the other women in the room would feel. They would take his instant response as a sign of his controlling behavior. She saw it as a sign of caring. In spite of her trying to hide her agitation at their physical separation, he knew.

Elisabeta, he prompted. I require an answer.

I understand. I wished only to help, Ferro.

“Are you going to spend what little time we have to visit talking to your lifemate?” Lorraine demanded. “Because he doesn’t let you out of his sight.”

Julija laughed. “You’re one to talk, Lorraine. I’m surprised Andor isn’t standing outside with his ear pressed to the door.” She nuzzled Carisma and kissed the side of her neck before blowing raspberries to make her laugh.

“That would most likely be Dragomir,” Lorraine redirected.

Emeline shrugged, not in the least offended. “That’s true, and I’m totally fine with it. Unlike the two of you crazy women, I don’t want to go off and fight some monster.” A shudder went through her. “I’ve seen enough of vampires to last me a lifetime. Dragomir is the most amazing man and I love the way he likes to stay close to me.”

Elisabeta liked her answer. Emeline was matter-of-fact and unapologetic. All three women were very different and she realized they must have very different relationships with their lifemates. Ferro was correct when he’d told her they would find their own way together and what was right for them.

“Are you really worried that the children might be infected, Emeline?” Julija asked, gently rocking back and forth to soothe the baby.

Elisabeta thought she looked natural with the child even though Julija had confessed she was worried about having a baby, since she’d never really been around one. She could tell Emeline was keeping a close watch but was generously giving time to Julija in order to help her overcome her fears of handling a baby. Elisabeta found herself liking and admiring Emeline even more for her compassionate nature.

Emeline nodded. “The children have been through so much already. I hate to think that whatever this is, they have, but their behavior is just so out of character.”

“Ferro and the others are checking the hunters in the compound,” Lorraine said. “I’m certain they’ll check the children if we ask them.”

“I don’t want them frightened. Amelia, in particular, has been accused of all kinds of things. She was used as a spy and still feels that deeply,” Emeline continued.

The worry in Emeline had Elisabeta sending a breeze of pure soothing energy around the room. She couldn’t help herself. She had to reassure the other woman. “Ferro will find a way for the children to be checked without them even knowing.” Ignoring the look Julija and Lorraine exchanged, she poured confidence into her voice because she had absolute conviction in her lifemate. He would find the perfect way to examine the children without upsetting them.

You know I can tell, päläfertiilam, and I would not get close to them. If I identify a problem, you and the healer can decide how best to handle it.

Masculine amusement filled her mind. I see how you survived the centuries, minan piŋe sarnanak. You keep after what you believe is right.

He was back to calling her his little songbird. That boded well and gave her even more confidence that when she was persistent, he wouldn’t get angry with her or dismiss what she thought was important. I would wait for you, but wish to reassure Emeline that you will look into this for her and take it seriously, even if they are children and the older couple are human.

Ask her about Genevieve. Are there signs of her being infected? Is she out of sorts?