The Guardian's Keeper (The Guardian Trilogy, Book 1) by T.R. Raven Page A

Nikoli was becoming visibly agitated.
    Claire stepped forward towards him, placing a hand tenderly against his cheek to steady him, to re-assure him. She did it instinctually, without fear of his anger. She only wanted to comfort him, but unconsciously held her breath in anticipation of his reaction to her touch.
    Nikoli leaned into her hand, closing his eyes briefly.
    Claire exhaled, the tension draining from her.
    “ You have awakened in me feelings that have lain dormant for almost 200 years, Claire,” he explained, relishing her gentle touch. He opened his eyes again. “I don’t know how to handle this. I want to scoop you up right now, carry you off to my room and ravish you til the end of times.”
    Claire’s eyes w idened in surprise.
    “But,” Nikoli sighed, his anger spent, as he removed Claire’s hand from his cheek, “I can’t. You’re a Keeper, I’m your Guardian. I can’t allow myself to become distracted from the task at hand, no matter how much I desire you.” He stroked her hair, tentatively. “So please, please Claire, don’t tease me like that. I can hardly remain composed in your presence as it is, you offering yourself to me is one offer I almost can’t refuse.” He dropped her hair, frowning. “And how did I sleep last night? I didn’t, Claire, I couldn’t as all I could hear was the beating of your heart across the hall, all I could smell was your scent lingering on me. Twice I found myself outside your door, ready to give you the kiss you requested. Make no mistake, Claire, I want you too, but I fight it with every waking moment. Please don’t continue to make it harder for me,” he pleaded.
    “Nikoli,” Claire whispered, dumbfounded.
    “ We need to get back to the table, Joyce will be back soon,” Nikoli explained with a resolute expression on his chiseled face. “We need to talk about our plans”. He turned and headed for the kitchen, and Claire followed.
    Nikoli held her chair out for her, gesturing for Claire to sit. He sat next to her as he had the night before, instead of across from her. Neither spoke , busying themselves playing with their coffee cups and spoons to avoid looking at each other.
    Claire was first to break the uncomfortable s ilence. “Ravish me til the end of time?” she grinned at Nikoli to lighten the mood.
    Nikoli chuckled, fi nally looking at Claire again. “It’s not an unfair description,” he shrugged sheepishly.
    Claire laughed, just as Jo yce came back with the eggs.
    “ Well, food’s up in a few minutes.” She bustled about the counter, cracking and beating eggs to scramble. “Did you tell her, Nikoli?” she inquired.
    “ No, I hadn’t gotten there yet,” Nikoli replied.
    Claire looked at him expectantly.
    “ Claire, we’re leaving soon for Europe. Now that I have you, and the Fang of Stavros we must travel to Hungary.”
    “Hungary?” Claire sputtered. “ I’m not going to Hungary- for what? I’ve got things to do here, since my family is” Claire paused, gathering the strength to say it, “dead.”
    “I know, but we can’t stay here.” Nikoli shook his head. “The Myrmidons are hot on our trail; if they find you they’ll kill you. We need to get to Renka, she’ll know how to destroy the Fang.”
    “Renka? Who is Renka?”
    “Renka,” Joyce cut in, laying out plates of food, “is the Queen of the Gypsies. She has more power than the rest of the Gypsies put together. If anyone knows how dispose of that foul Fang once and for all it’ll be Renka. Eat up, now. You two have a journey ahead of you.” Joyce joined them at the table and dug in.
    “ So she MIGHT know how to destroy the Fang permanently?” Claire asked hopefully.
    “ Yes, she might,” Nikoli explained. “She is a reluctant ally of ours in this battle against Stavros and the Myrmidons. She detests vampires in general, but seeks to help destroy the Fang of Stavros in order to protect her own clan,” he continued. “She has strong magic, and knows