"looked startled to find himself there. " --Darkness take it," Eric swore. "What a hell of a night." "Her body needs more time to make the change and heal," Celeste added, watching Gregori work. She knew she was witnessing a miracle. She had never been this close to the legendary Carpathian everyone whispered about, and it gave her an eerie feeling. Few of their people actually saw Gregori up close. Power emanated from his every pore. He guarded Mikhail, unless he was out hunting vampires and bringing Carpathian justice to one. No one ever wanted him on their tail. He was unrelenting, implacable, and he killed swiftly without hesitation. "She is right," Mikhail agreed weakly. "I will continue to breathe for her, continue to ensure her heartbeats. Eric, you must care for Jacques." "Rest, Mikhail, see to your woman. Jacques will be fine. Tienn is here if there is a problem. Gregori has many hours of work ahead of him," Eric replied. "If it is necessary, we can call others in to help." Jacques reached up his hand to his brother. Mikhail took it. "You must calm your anger, Mikhail. The storm is too strong. The very mountains rage with you." He closed his eyes and laid his head against the bedframe, his hand still clasped in Mikhail's." --