Red Mortal by Deidre Knight Page A

back of her arm. She wished to hide there, to fade to nothing—be removed from her beloved’s sight. “You know how much I love you,” she moaned.
    “Yes,” he agreed softly. “I do.”
    And then he said nothing more. He simply sat there on the sofa, watching her, waiting for some explanation of her rationale during the past months. Never could he understand the level of control and fear her brother had exercised over her, throughout her immortal years. She knew more than anyone ever could exactly what Ares was capable of.
    She held her hands out imploringly. “I was protecting you . Ares might have sped up the process if I’d warned you. And you’ve stayed young! Until today, you’ve been as youthful as ever. Why should I have troubled you or placed you in any greater danger?”
    Leo stood, clasping her by the shoulders. “But I have aged, you know it. You’ve noticed, during these recent months.”
    She said nothing, blinking back tears.
    He squeezed her shoulders, his touch gentle again, loving. “ Have you seen?” His hushed voice was like the low rumble of a distant, very threatening storm.
    She had no idea how to answer, not without making matters far worse. She also knew that Leo, like any man, had his moments of vanity.
    “And so you have.” His tone was grim, resolved. “As I said, perhaps if you’d warned me, the progression might have been stopped or slowed.”
    She gaped at him, teary-eyed, feeling as if he’d just slapped her. This man whom she had loved for so long, a paragon of calm strength and quiet patience, had never lashed out at her or been cruel. Until now.
    “Well, it seems that I’ve failed you in every regard, my lord,” she said stiffly, trying to gain control of her quavering voice. She moved away from him and began summoning her power. She couldn’t stay, had to find higher, safer ground—emotionally. Leo believed that she’d betrayed him, and perhaps he was correct. Perhaps her actions had been unforgiveable.
    Leo strode after her, his heavy footsteps swift and certain behind her. “I’m sorry for speaking so callously. I simply want to understand.” He took hold of her arm, forcing her to face him again. He searched her face, apology and regret in his almost black eyes. He opened his mouth and then closed it, squeezing her arm in reassurance. “I . . . I should not . . . I did not mean to say . . .”
    She gave him a tremulous smile. “Oh, but you did. Or you wouldn’t have said it, would you? And you’re right. I should’ve done more, told you or warned you. But I’m not like you, Leonidas of Sparta. I’m no brave warrior . . . when it comes to the thought of losing you, I’m a coward.”
    She lifted her hands, preparing to teleport, but Leo lunged toward her. “No!” he howled. “Don’t leave, no!”
    But it was for the best this time. She’d hurt him, deeply—and perhaps placed a death sentence upon his head. She had to go.
    A whirlwind began in Leo’s study. She lifted her hands higher. Leo wrapped his arms about her, holding on as if his next breath depended on it, trying to anchor her to his world.
    “Daphne! Talk to me. Don’t leave, not like this.”
    “I’ll return . . .” she reassured him. But she did not say when, or make empty promises.
    His cries and pleas began to sound like distant voices at the end of a tunnel, but they did not stop her from leaving. As she moved away from Savannah and into the dimensions, the last sound in her ears was Leonidas crying her name.

Chapter 5
     
    W hat a fool. Leo had gotten Daphne back and managed to lose her again in the space of an hour. Yes, he’d felt betrayed, but he never should have lashed out or blamed her. There was no way Daphne could ever betray him, not to anyone, least of all her wicked brother. Yet what had Leo done with his asinine accusations? Driven her to leave him this time; ensured her abandonment. And he’d done so now of all times, right when they were running out of time