“Commander Borek,” the Prince repeated. “Your soldiers have deserted you, while you risked death to stay with your charge.”

The Prince extended his hand to Raven, lifting her to her feet. “Has this one touched you?”

“No.”

“How has he treated you?”

“He forced Stefan to examine Cara when he refused. He gave me a dagger for protection and told me to conceal it from the others. I used it on the hunter. It bought me time.”

“Shall I kill him?”

Borek’s dark eyes sought Raven’s.

She shook her head. “No. The others would have thrown us to the hunters, but he protected us.” She scanned the clearing, her heart racing. “Where’s Cara?”

“She can’t have gone far. I scented her on my approach.” The Prince returned his attention to the commander. “Where is the other human?”

“With one of my detachment. He was told to flee south. We should be able to overtake them.”

William gazed at Borek appraisingly. “Your bravery and attention to my pet has earned you your life. If you serve me well, you’ll earn the right to return to Florence. If you don’t, I’ll kill you.”

Borek bowed. “Yes, my lord.”

“You may stand.”

Borek stood, still gazing uneasily at the Prince.

“Where is Stefan of Montréal?”

“I don’t know, my lord.” Borek’s sharp eyes took stock of the bodies scattered nearby. “I don’t see his corpse.”

“How unfortunate for him. The hunters would have been merciful.” William lifted Raven into his arms. “You have seen some of my power, Borek; a glimpse I am sure you will keep to yourself.”

The commander shifted his weight uneasily. “Yes, my lord.”

“You’re from Prague, as I recall. I am sure you wouldn’t want the Curia aware of your true heritage.”

Borek’s eyes met Raven’s. He looked uneasy.

“Serve me well, and your secret will also remain secret.” William turned and ran into the woods, carrying the woman he loved.

Chapter Nine

“YOU AREN’T WEARING KEVLAR.” Raven’s hand had slipped inside William’s shirt, making contact with his cool skin. He carried her, moving at a high rate of speed through the trees.

“No, I am not.”

“Your soldiers are.”

“I am an old one, Cassita. I am faster and stronger than the others.”

“I wish you’d wear it.” She spoke against his chest.

William’s expression was impassive. “Hunters are the least of my worries.”

Raven sighed and withdrew her hand. “Borek told me he was Russian.”

William glanced back at the soldier, who strained to keep up with him. “He’s from Prague.”

“Why did he lie?”

“The Curia laid waste to the covens in Czechoslovakia. No vampyre dares live within its borders or lay claim to its heritage. No doubt Borek was afraid the Curia would kill him if they discovered the truth.”

Raven shivered. “So much death. So much killing. I don’t know how they live with themselves.”

William snorted. “They baptize their actions by claiming God is on their side.”

“Are they really so blind? There must be some way for them to combat a vampyre take-over of the world without killing.”

“If there is such a way, they aren’t interested in finding it.”

“I thought you were dead.” Raven’s voice grew small. “I agonized over it. You promised we’d stay together, and you broke that promise.”

“Cassita, I—”

“How could you send me away?” She squeezed his shoulder, her green eyes fixed on his face.

William slackened his pace.

“You could have been killed. Or worse, you and your sister could have become pets to anyone. Do you understand what that means?” His tone revealed the simmering anger that swirled in his chest.

“Machiavelli wasn’t interested in us.”

“Someone would have been. The best decision was to make everyone think the Curia wanted you and to have you escorted outside the city.”

“I was nearly killed by a feral. A hunter grabbed me. I could have died not having—not having—”

William interrupted her. “I swear by the name of my teacher that I will never send you away. But if your priest persuades the Curia to take you from me…” He trailed off.

“I will persuade Father Kavanaugh to let me stay with you.”

“I’ve always admired your optimism, Raven, but I cannot share it.” He increased his pace. “Still, I have one ally left.”

“Good.” Fatigue overtook her, and she closed her eyes, resting her cheek against his shoulder.

It was easier like this—to close her eyes as they whipped past the scenery. The speed made her dizzy, and jostling gave her a headache. But the tender, tight embrace of her beloved comforted her. He would protect her, even with his life.

William was much, much faster than Borek, even with her in his arms. Twice he had to slow his pace so the commander could catch up.

At length they approached a hill and quickly climbed toward the summit. But before they crested the top, William halted.

“My lord?” Borek’s voice was tight as he caught up.

William nodded toward the peak. “Your men and the other human are up there. But they are not alone.”