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the trees fast. Outside, he listened to the night creatures calling to one another, giving away the location of
the intruder as he moved closer to the house.
Had he not been banished he would have gone, out of respect, to meet the man instead of making him
come all the way up the tree to him. The elder was in his eighties and, although in great shape, would still
feel the affects of the long distance. He ducked back inside to comb his hair into some semblance of
order.
Rachael watched him, saw the small frown, the worry lines around his eyes. Most of all she saw that Rio
changed his casual appearance, and that meant something. She took her cue from him, brushing the
tangles from her hair, checking to see that her skin was clean and brushing her teeth. She hadn't used the
small stash of beauty supplies she'd stuffed in her pack since she'd arrived, but she pulled them out.
"What is that?
"Makeup. I thought I'd try to look presentable for your -elder." She hesitated, tried again. "Wise man.
Personage."
"Elder is fine." He stalked across the room and took the lip gloss from her hand. "You're beautiful,
Rachael, and you damned well don't have to look perfect for him."
For the first time in a while a ghost of a smile curved her mouth. Talk about someone who has little
moods! Actually, tree dweller, I was going to look perfect for you, not your brainless elder." She held out
her hand for the Up gloss.
He put it in her palm. "I should at least get points for the beautiful compliment."
Her smile widened. "I censored because of the beautiful compliment. It would have been a lot worse than
tree dweller."
"You terrify me." Rio bent and kissed her upturned mouth. How had he managed to live so long without
her and think he was alive? Had he just been walking through life all those years? Loving her terrified him.
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It was so strong, a tidal wave welling up inside of him, consuming him, so at times he couldn't even look
at her.
"Well that's a good thing as far as I'm concerned." Rachael applied the lip gloss and a bit of mascara. She
was apprehensive and struggled to hide it. She glanced at Rio from under her long lashes. He was
definitely on alert in spite of the banter back and forth between them. She reached across to the table,
slipped a knife from the sheath and slid it beneath the cushion of her chair. Assassins came in all shapes
and sizes and genders. Age never seemed to matter either.
Chapter 17
Delgrotto was tall and thin, a tough, sinewy man with lines etched deeply in his face. His eyes were a
strange amber, glittering with some hidden fire, a focused, haunting stare that carried a great degree of
menace. Rachael had expected a wizened, elderly man staggering under the weight of his years, but
Delgrotto carried power and danger in his piercing eyes. He stood straight, fully clothed. The only sign of
the long, arduous trip was the sheen of sweat on his skin and the breath moving in bursts in and out of his
lungs that he couldn't quite hide.
"You honor us with your presence, Wise One," Rio said formally.
Rachael made a small strangling noise in her throat and then covered her displeasure by coughing when
Rio tossed a quick warning glance her way.
Rio stepped back to allow the older man entrance. "If you wish to come in, please do so." He felt
awkward, uncertain what to say or how to act. By all of their laws, the elder should not come near him,
acknowledge him or speak to him let alone enter his dwelling. Rio had no idea whether he was being
discourteous in inviting the man inside.
Delgrotto bowed low. "I must ask you for a glass of water. I have not traveled so fast, or so far, in years.
My lungs are not what they used to be. Forgive me bothering you, when I have not properly greeted you
in many years." His gaze settled on Rachael.
There was a small silence. Rio stood very still. Rachael lifted her chin, her dark eyes alive with distaste.
"This is obviously your woman. You've found her. You must introduce me."
"I'm sorry, Elder, forgive my lack of manners. I'm so surprised by your visit I've forgotten basic
courtesy." Rio handed the man a glass of water. "This is Rachael. Rachael, Peter Delgrotto, an elder in
our village."
Rachael managed a smile but she didn't murmur pleasantries. She was pleased that Rio thought to protect
her, that he hadn't given away her infamous last name. Sensing how nervous Rio was, she stood up and
casually crossed the room to stand just behind him, wanting to be close in case he needed her.
Delgrotto inclined his head, returning her smile, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Very nice to meet you,
Rachael." He turned to look at Rio and the smile faded.
Rio felt the impact of the elder's stare. It had been many years since any other than his unit members had
looked at him or spoken to him. He felt behind him for the sink, something to grip out of sight of the
elder. Rachael slipped her hand into his. A show of solidarity and support. "What is it, Elder? What is so
important that you would break the law of our people?" There was little point in beating around the bush.
.
"I have no right to come to you, Rio. Not after the sentence handed down by the council." Delgrotto met
his gaze steadily. "By me. I have removed myself as a council member and am prepared to pay the
consequences of my actions. I told the Seat of Power what I intended and asked they withhold
sentencing until it is done. They agreed."
Rachael could see the pride on the older man's face. Rio reached out and took his arm, led him to the
most comfortable chair and seated him. "What is it?" Delgrotto suddenly looked every bit of his eighty
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years and then some.
"My grandson lies near death. No one can save him without your blood. None of us carry the rare blood
you have. Without you he will die. I lost my firstborn son to poachers. He had no children. I lost my only
other child and his mate to an accident. I have no other family left. I don't want to lose him. Not out of
pride or stubbornness. Not for any antiquated law. I'm asking you to save him."
"Where is he?"
"He lies in the village at the small hospital there."
"I'll leave now, Elder. I can go faster alone. Will they allow my help?" [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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