Dark Blood Read Online Free PDF Page B

battles—and he probably had. He had been their go-to man during the day when the Carpathians were underground.
    “I’m Darius.” The man who looked much like Gregori introduced himself. “Gregori has told me so much about you. All good, which is rare for him.”
    Zev managed a smile. He scented a woman on Darius, and knew instinctively he had a lifemate. He breathed away the itch that seemed to come and go over his skin. “It’s good to meet you, too.” He’d definitely been awakened too early. His wound throbbed and pulsed with pain. No matter how hard he tried to push it away, the pain pushed back.
    Zacarias De La Cruz, his brother Manolito and the newcomer Luiz joined them. Luiz was built like a Jaguar, compact with ropy muscles and a fluidity when he walked that couldn’t be mistaken. Manolito was like Fen, Dimitri and Zev, a mixed blood.
    Zacarias looked Zev over, bowed to Branislava without saying a word to her.
    See, now that’s courtly. Gary might be able to learn a few things from the man.
    Branislava’s soft laughter moved through his mind, but she didn’t reply.
    Zev, hurry through the introductions, you’re looking like you might drop dead all over again,
Fen warned.
    Zev nodded at Luiz, gritting his teeth. He
felt
like he might drop dead as well, but that was impossible now. Two unattached males were very close to Branislava, and both were looking at her as if they might engage her in conversation at any moment. And just why the hell would that be so wrong? What had gotten into him? Joints and muscles ached. His skin itched. His jaw felt as if it might shatter, and he clenched his teeth trying to breathe away the need to change. His wolf prowled closer than ever to the surface.
    “It’s nice to finally meet you,” Luiz said. “I’ve heard of you, of course.”
    Zev tried to reply, but Luiz’s gaze kept straying to Branislava, and if he shook hands or attempted speech, all they would get was his wolf.
    As if he knew there was a problem, Zacarias glided smoothly between Luiz and Zev. He didn’t posture, but he was definitely a threat. Instead of backing down, the alpha wolf rose with a snarling challenge Zev could barely suppress.
    Why is your wolf so close?
Dimitri asked.
I can feel that you’re fighting him.
He stepped closer to Zev, moving in on his other side protectively.
    I don’t know, but he wants out and he’s looking for a fight.
    Zev.
Gregori reached for both Dimitri and Fen as well, as they were now tied to Zev. He knew all three could hear.
Your eyes have changed color and you’re giving off a very dangerous scent. Should I remove the prince?
    Zev breathed hard to try to stay in control of the wolf raging to get out. He saw in images of heat, colors banding and shimmering. He pinpointed the hearts of every single person in the room. He heard them, loud and strong, calling to him.
    Gregori, Zev is severely wounded,
Fen reminded.
He can barely stand.
    He’s dangerous, one of the most lethal men I’ve ever met, and there’s no quit in him. He’ll fight until he’s dead. And he’ll take as many with him as he can.
    Zev wished he could reassure them all, but he wasn’t certain anything more than a growl or snarl would come out of his mouth. He concentrated on trying to breathe, but it seemed as if every breath he drew contained fire so that his lungs burned, adding to the need to change. He kept his head down, knowing if Gregori and Zacarias could see the wolf rising, the other warriors in close proximity could as well.
    Branislava moved closer to him, almost protectively, sliding under his shoulder. That small movement seemed to appease his wolf enough for him to breathe. Unfortunately, that small movement on her part instantly drew the attention of the men around them, including that of Luiz, who couldn’t seem to stop staring at her. A low warning growl escaped before he could stop it.
    Mikhail looked at him and then at Branislava speculatively.
    Get me out of this