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Ramiro rose and began to thoroughly brush off his clothes.  Guess I ll be forced to buy
some hiking boots and overalls if I m going to continue to spend time here, he mumbled.
Gunnar took Ramiro s hand and led him towards the trees. Growly or not, he liked the
idea of Ramiro spending time at the vineyard.
The moment they stepped into the forest, Gunnar sighed.  Feels good to be home.
 Does it bother you?
 What?
 Being here and not being able to shift?
Gunnar stopped in a small clearing and thought about the question. If it were anyone
else, he would downplay his physical reaction to his old running ground, but Ramiro
deserved so much more.  It s hard to explain. I think more than anything, I miss running
with a pack. Even though I tried not to pal around with the men I work with, when we were
in wolf form, I felt part of the group. He shrugged.  So, yeah, I guess I miss it, although my
body doesn t ache to change like it did in the beginning, my heart longs for that sense of
belonging.
Ramiro stepped in front of Gunnar and wrapped his arms around his waist.  You
belong with me now. The big question is will I be enough for you?
Once again, Gunnar gave it some serious thought before answering.  I need to tell you
something before I can answer that. Gunnar stepped back and took Ramiro by the hand
once more.  But first I want to take you to my spot.
CRIMSON MOON Carol Lynne
64
Gunnar led Ramiro down a winding path.  Not much further, he said over his
shoulder.
 Thank the Gods, Ramiro mumbled.
Deep in the timber was a small clearing with a rock-lined fire circle in the centre.  Here
it is, he said, pulling Ramiro down to sit beside him on the smooth wooden bench he d
made nearly a hundred years earlier.  This is where I spend most of my time when I m not
working.
Ramiro looked up, but the majority of the night sky was hidden behind the tree canopy.
 You know, in another hundred years or so, you ll be able to sit out here in the daylight
hours for small stretches of time.
Gunnar had grudgingly given up hope of ever stepping outside during the day.
 Really?
 Yes. Ramiro turned sideways to straddle the bench.  Maybe sooner if you wear a
strong sun block. He rested his chin on Gunnar s shoulder.  Is this where you d like to build
a house?
 Hell, I d give anything for that, but this is Neo s land and he won t allow it. Gunnar
had even mentioned to Neo not long after he started work for him that someday he d like to
build a house in the woods. Neo hadn t agreed. He d explained to Gunnar the importance of
leaving the forest intact.
Ramiro brushed a kiss across Gunnar s cheek.  Maybe we can change his mind. He
sucked Gunnar s earlobe into his mouth.  Neo wants something from me. Perhaps I ll use
this piece of land as my bargaining chip.
Gunnar s spine stiffened as jealousy crept into his mind.  What does he want from
you?
 He wants me to be the new Vampire King. I told him no, and I don t plan to change
my mind on that, but perhaps with the right incentive, I could be persuaded to retain my
position as security chief.
It was a reminder of Neo s obvious respect for Ramiro.  Where will that leave me?
Gunnar asked.
 Right here where you belong. Ramiro turned Gunnar around until they faced each
other.  With me, he whispered against Gunnar s lips.
 Neo won t need two heads of security on Le Uve del Regno.
CRIMSON MOON Carol Lynne
65
 I won t be working for the vineyard. I ll probably be overseeing vampire affairs, but I
can just as easily do that from here. Ramiro suddenly jerked back.  Unless, of course, you
don t want me here.
Gunnar sighed. It seemed he wasn t the only one feeling insecure. He tried to think of a
way to make Ramiro understand. Gods, he wished he was better at saying what he felt.  I
want you here. I m just not sure that I deserve you.
 Does this have something to do with the darkness that you claim lives inside of you?
Ramiro asked.
Gunnar knew the time had come.  Yes. Gunnar turned away, unable to look Ramiro in [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]