Damian's Oracle

Her throat tightened, understanding the honor despite his nonchalant delivery. She nodded.

"What list?" Dustin asked.

"You're not on hers," Jule assured him. "I imagine only Pierre is on it now."

She laughed.

"I sense a reassignment," Dustin said, gaze going to the fire.

Her gaze fell to Darian. He was struggling. By the blank look in his unseeing eyes, he'd fallen into his thoughts again. She shifted away from Damian and touched Darian's forehead, absorbing the horror of his memories. She drew a sharp breath but forced herself to stay, to take his pain.

"No, kiri, you've done enough," Darian said, taking her hands. "I have much to atone for."

His heavy words broke her heart, but she respected his request and returned to Damian's side. The horrors from his mind fell away as she curled against her mate again.

The men fell into silence, and she sensed the silent communications she couldn't hear. Comfortable against Damian, she drifted into a restful doze until he shifted. She roused herself, surprised to see the other three had disappeared at some point. She sat up, forcing herself to meet his golden gaze. His face was unreadable, his gaze steady.

"Please don't be angry," she said, touching his face. He took her hand in his and leaned forward, allowing his forehead to rest against hers. She sighed, delighting in the tender moment.

"Are you going to run from me again?" he asked without moving.

"No, Damian. Never again. I promise," she swore just as quietly.

"Good." He stood and swept her into his arms. "I've got plans for you tonight," he said, desire flaring on his face as he carried her into his bedroom. "And every night from here on out."

Her heart sang as she realized she hadn't lost him after all, her body echoing the desire on his face.

*****

The next morning, the sight of snow falling outside her window drew her gaze as she packed for the evacuation. Damian replaced his necklace around her neck, a small comfort until his work in the European front was finished. She approached the window, amazed at the snow, until her gaze fell to a figure kneeling like a dark gargoyle in the middle of the white lawn. He'd been there long enough that the snow had covered his footprints.

Alarmed, she swung on her robe and snatched one of Damian's trench coats. She flew down the stairs and through the teeming hallways. Pierre trotted after her into the cold morning. The air was cold, brisk, the snowflakes falling faster. Snow crunched under her feet and quickly soaked her flimsy slippers.

"Darian!" she exclaimed, dropping to her knees beside him. His eyes were closed, his body hunched and hands clenched together. He wore nothing more than a T-shirt and jeans. Snow covered his hair, and his skin was cold. "Darian!" She touched his face.