Free Ascend (The Vampire Destiny Series Book #4) by Alexandra Anthony Page A

when it comes to strategic planning."
    He'd advised mental talk during Nigel and Amir's strange visit.  Nigel seemed uncomfortable as he stood with Amir, his eyes boring into Stefan's as Amir addressed them.  Nigel didn't trust Amir.  He was obviously trying his best to warn Stefan of something…but what?
    Amir was now next door at Lukas' apartment.  When we chose to leave, our departure would have to be discreet and quick.  There could be no lengthy goodbyes.  The more miles we put between us, the better.
    "What's happened, Stefan?" I whispered.  His shoulders were tense as he stretched across the foot of the bed, sleek and almost cat-like in his movements.  It reminded me of those first days together in Bali when I'd tried to deny that I loved him then.  But I'd known that very moment...that very first night my heart knew it had found its soul mate.
    His eyes flickered up to mine, his handsome face lined with concern.  He simply shook his head and rested his cheek against my thigh.  On reflex, my fingers shot to smooth through his silky blond hair, attempting to sort through his thoughts.  He knew Nigel was hiding something; however, Amir was sticking close to him for a reason.  Amir's presence alone muddled Stefan's psychic ability, leaving him only to strategize and speculate.  Unless Amir told Stefan his plans, he'd be in the dark.
    "I do not know.  Something has changed now that Lenora and Adolfo are gone.  Power struggles and mistrust are not good bedmates." His voice floated through my mind.  He relaxed marginally underneath my touch and I continued to absently stroke his head.
    "Then we should stay.  See this out."   I mused mentally.  “I don’t want anyone to suffer because of me.”
    Stefan sprang up and kneeled beside me on the bed.  His eyes searched mine for the longest time.   "No.  We need to know what your abilities truly are and the truth.  Your uncle's notes may hold the answers.  You deserve to know the truth. We deserve to know the truth.  I could not live with myself if I kept your heritage from you.”
    I licked my lips nervously.  My mind slipped back to the odd, detached way Amir's amber eyes had passed over me.  He'd been appraising me, attempting to look for obvious changes.  Something wasn't sitting right.  His impassioned pleas seemed insincere...and rehearsed.
    I didn't look away when I voiced my biggest fear.   "And if they don't?"
    He sighed heavily, but his unblinking gaze never faltered.   "Then it does not.  Will it change how you feel about me?  About us?"
    Beautiful bastard.  He didn't need to ask me.  He was goading me, wanting a reaction.  Hoisting an arched eyebrow, I pretended to think about it for a moment or two.  I pursed my lips and tapped my chin as if I was really considering the possibilities.
    "You.  You drive me crazy," he said as his thumbs caressed my cheekbones.  He chuckled darkly. "You make me forget reason."
    Shooting him a startled look, I ran my hands over the rippled muscles of his stomach. They clenched under my touch and a low moan rumbled in his chest.
    "Oh really?  Join the club," I sighed, stretching to place a light kiss on the dip between his collarbones.  "Does it worry you?"
    He wound his fingers through my long hair and pulled my head back, exposing my neck.  He placed a combination of tiny nips and soft kisses over my exposed skin.  His blazing blue eyes were fierce as they met mine.  "Yes.  You cloud my judgment.  My life centers around you, Josephine.  Your safety and your happiness is all that matters now.  Yet I do not consider this a weakness.  We are stronger together."
    I smiled at his deliberate choice of words, knowing they came from his heart.  “I love you.  It’s important that I talk to Nikolaus.” My fingers dragged over the stubble on his face .  “And we need to talk to Anna and Lukas.  I guess it’s time to move.”
    Stefan nodded in agreement, his handsome face solemn.