A WHISPER OF ETERNIT

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Dominic nodded, wondering if she had also been reminiscing, or merely reading his mind.
"And so, we meet again. I wish it could be under more favorable circumstances." "Indeed."

"I cannot let you destroy Petrina . She is mine, and I protect what is mine." "She has hunted in my territory. She has broken my law."
"She did not feed on the boy."

"No," Dominic said, his voice hard. "You did."

"And very sweet he was, too," she said with a wolfish grin. And then she grew serious once more. "I have also broken your law. Will you destroy me as well?"

"Could I?"

A slow smile spread over her lips. Her green eyes glinted like emeralds touched with hellfire. "No. But then, you are mine, as she is mine."

It had been years since he had known fear. It crawled over him now. "You cannot protect us both."

Dominic watched her carefully, wondering which of her fledglings she would choose to defend. All too clearly, he recalled her threat of long ago to bring him to his knees and though she seemed friendly enough now, he wondered if he dared trust her, or if she was just toying with him, hoping to catch him off guard.

"We can end this amicably enough," she remarked. "You have only to send Petrina and her cohorts away."

"Then you have not come here to help her seize my territory?" Kitanalaughed softly. "Is that what you thought?"
"It crossed my mind."

"Foolish creature.I came here to make sure you did not destroy each other. So, mon ami , will banishing her from this place be punishment enough?"

Though it wasn't what he wanted, it was a decision he could live with. And the sooner it was over, the sooner he could return toTracy .

He nodded his assent.

"You have chosen wisely," Kitana said. "I will summon Petrina ."
All eyes were on the door when Petrina and Zarabeth entered the room. Dominic slid out of the booth, his cloak flowing behind him. "You have broken my law," he said.