The Riddle

Prolog

Eerie silence fell across the room the instant they walked into the club. Everyone in town knew who they were and they were feared by both men and women alike. The group of four only appeared at the setting of the sun and by morning light would disappear to the castle high in the mountains making the streets safe once again.

Salem was a small town with a small population, but they were still know world wide. It wasn't the tales of witches or ghost that made them so popular....it was the fact that they populated the largest colony of vampires...or so it used to be.

Their population was large, quite large, but their breed became a game to the townsmen and the power of the vampires were weakened when they were hunted and tortured. Suddenly no one feared them and their population began to dwindle as their tortures turned into deaths and slowly the town became uninterested in the colony.

Four sires are all that remain in the breed and their need to populate brought fear back to the town again leaving each man, woman, and child running scared.

Not many would venture from their homes once the sun would set, but those that dared never went out alone. To look at the four men one could never imagine how deadly they could be, but in their determination to keep their kind alive their hunt had begun and everyone was in danger.

Men were needed by them for their blood, their source for living, it kept them alive and kept them young and the power that ran through them once they'd been fed was unstoppable. The women were needed not only for their breeding, but for pleasure as well, but not just any woman was chosen. She had to be perfect, had to fit their criteria for producing the perfect child, and those who didn't fit or were unable to breed were used as their blood source. Those chosen women would carry their future......and their future would begin now.

Chapter One - Justin

The four coven members made their way into the club perching at a tall table located just to the right of the dance floor. The club was small and the only one located around for miles and was the only real source of entertainment for the younger generation of the town. These four members were perfectly aware of that fact and the club was chosen for their searching ground.

No one dared to step near them, but the spell of their beauty often sent the young girls flailing into their arms, letting the vampires drive them to the brinks of passion. It was in those moments that the breed could sense those that were barren and those that were fertile, leaving those moments their most pleasurable or their most deadly.

Christopher knew she was there long before she ever walked into the club. He watched as she mingled in and out of the crowd and a knowing grin spread across his face as her eyes locked with his. He would have her....without a doubt, he would have her... and soon.

Christopher was the oldest of the coven and the ruler of the other surviving members. He held the most powers, but it was Lance who was the strongest of the four, and it was with Lance that he had every intention of mating her with. Their mating would produce unremarkable offspring, bringing to life the full powers of the coven once again.

He casually sipped at the red wine that sat before him and waited patiently for the others to make their choices. Tonight she would have to wait....tonight was not the night...tonight she was lucky.

Justin was the youngest of the four and by far the most seductive. He could draw as many women to his feet as he wanted with a single look, but the only pleasure he had been allowed had been oral and to leave with a drink of their blood. Christopher had made them wait. The time had not been right and Justin had been impatient for over 100 years, but tonight they had been allowed to unleash, tonight they must breed, and Justin was more than ready.

He spotted the brunette across the room and his mind called out to her drawing her attention to him. She sauntered across the dance floor and her eyes locked with his as she made her way to him falling at his feet. Justin stood, reaching down to caress her face and clamped her chin in his hand bringing her to her feet.

Her neck was long and slim and his hunger grew stronger within him as he leaned down running his tongue along the vein in her neck. He inhaled sharply and her scents filled his nostrils sending a grin across his face. She was fertile and she would be his.

His arm circled her waist and the tip of his tongue snaked out touching the warmth of her flesh sending her melting into his arms as her knees grew weak. Christopher smiled, bringing his glass to his lips finishing off the red wine and calling for another. Justin had made a fine choice and Lauren, her name, would be with child before morning light. Justin nodded to the oldest sire and disappeared with the young girl on his arm to the castle.

She hadn't had a drink, that he made sure of, he needed her blood to be fresh, not filled with toxins. He laid her upon the large four post bed and moved slowly letting his hands roam her body as he removed her clothes piece by piece. She laid before him feeling intoxicated from the passion he poured onto her and allowed him full charge of her body. Soon she was free of her clothes and her desire for him caused her to grow impatient. She needed to taste him, to feel him, she needed to be his and was ready to be taken.

Justin watched, chuckling softly to himself, as she moved onto her knees crawling to the edge of the bed where he stood. Rising to her knees, her hands worked quickly removing the black button down shirt from his body and walked her fingers down his chest to the button of his black pants pulling till the button popped open and the zipper slid down the bulge of his erection.

Her nimble fingers pushed at the fabric till it slid free from his hips and fell to the floor at his feet. His hunger was growing out of control and he could no longer hold back. With a touch of his finger to her chest she fell back onto the comfort of the dark feathery down comforter and breathed raggedly waiting for him.

Kicking his shoes and pants to the side he removed his boxers and crawled onto the bed running his tongue up her leg to her inner thigh where her aroma grew stronger and his lips parted letting his fangs extend. His tongue licked around his designated area and gently he bit into the milky flesh of her thigh moaning as the sweet crimson liquid rose to the surface and he sucked, drinking as much into his mouth as he could hold before closing his eyes, savoring the taste, and swallowed.

His teeth pulled from her flesh and she gasped, already growing weak, as his tongue slid along her folds and quickly moved away. Time was wasting and he had to take her now. Quickly he moved, hovering over her, and looked down into her eyes lifting her leg over his hip. Resting his weight on the palms of his hands, he slid between her folds and into the warmth of her core, groaning at the heat that enveloped him. She was as pure as snow and the tightness of her caused pain to his harden shaft as he shoved deeper into her.

Without care, he began to thrust into her relentlessly as she laid beneath him bucking her hips and clawing at the blanket under her as her screams echoed through the walls of the castle. Pleasure was not the concern at hand as he continued to thrust into her feeling the tightness of his balls as they began to swell. His erection throbbed as her muscles became tighter and he rose to his knees raising her legs in the air holding them against his chest as he pushed deeper, ignoring her please and cries of mercy.

Raising her hips from the bed, he shoved forward and howled as his painful orgasm tore through him and long hot spurts were released inside her. Satisfied, he pulled away, dropping her legs to the bed and dressed quickly, leaving her practically lifeless body spread across the bed.

There were no concerns of her leaving. She belonged to them and she carried his mark as well as his child. His first mission complete, he fled from the castle before the sun could rise. He had others to pursue and he would return to her for his pleasure later.

Chapter Two - Lance

Joseph had walked past her twice and she knew at that moment all of them knew she was there. Christophers eyes had never left her as she walked around the club dodging Joseph and Lance as they made their rounds picking their choices.

She had taken a huge risk coming to the club, but she knew she would find them there and part of her needed to see them once again. Each one of them had reached out to her with the power of their minds at some point since her arrival, but she'd refused to respond......refused to let them back in and gain power over her.

She had felt Lance's presence when he approached behind her and picked up the signals when Christopher threatened him silently with his mind. Lance instantly moved away from her and continued on to the girl he'd already chosen for his victim. Choosing a corner table within viewing distance she sat and watched the show as it played out.

Lance slid between the two females that stood at the corner of the bar and smiled down at the woman of his choice.

"Hello Natasha."

She stared at him, puzzled for a moment, then smiled back before sipping at her drink.

"You know my name, may I have the pleasure of knowing yours?"

He laughed and took her by the hand leading her across the club to the dance floor.

Suddenly he stopped and turned to face her, pulling her against his chest as one arm circled her waist and he began to move in a slow exotic motion grinding his hips into hers. She began to slip into the spell he was putting her under and once satisfied, he turned and led her away from the club to the limo parked outside the door.

The ride to the castle had been just as quiet as the dance had been and she watched the scenery through the window with a dozen questions running through her mind that she was too afraid to ask. She stared at the castle in amazement, never knowing of it's real existence, as he helped her from the car and through the twelve foot iron doors that led into a magnificent marble foyer.

The castle was dark and large candles lined the walls, their flames a low flicker, giving off just enough light for them to travel up the winding stair case and into a room she assumed belonged to him. She watched as he walked around the room, a small candle in his hand, moving from one side to the other lighting the other candles that sat about.

"May I ask again, what is your name?"

He sat the candle on the nightstand and locked his eyes with hers removing his shirt and shoes and pulled back the covers on the tall king size bed. Her eyes cut from his, glancing to the bed, and she breathlessly laughed folding her arms across her chest.

"If you think i'm going to sleep with you, then......"

Her words were cut short as he practically floated to her and brushed the back of his hand against her cheek leaning in close to her.

"Then what Natasha?"

Her body filled with a lust and desire that she had never before experienced and her lids grew heavy as her eyes traveled to his lips.

"Then you're right." she whispered and he grinned, leaning closer, closing the distance between them, and ran his tongue along her ear.

"Lance."

She tilted her head back, closing her eyes as his hands traveled along her body tugging at her clothes to remove them.

"The name is Lance." he breathed and moved slow, taking his time and got to his knees reaching for the zipper on her skirt as his tongue drew lazy circles across her stomach.

"Oh God Lance....."

Her hands tangled in his spiky hair and he laughed cockily letter her skirt fall at her feet.

"God can't help you now."

He ripped her panties from her and tossed them to the side running his hands up her long legs urging her to separate them. His eyes turned a bright yellow, glowing in the light of the candles, and his fangs pushed forward to sharp points digging into the flesh of her thigh as he sucked hungrily at the blood that surfaced.

She gasped, jerking her head forward and watched him as he moved up her body and retracted his fangs urgently placing his lips to hers. She could taste the blood on his lips as their tongues mingled and her hands roamed to the waist of his pants and she pulled, jerking the button open and forced his zipper down, shoving his pants to the floor. He stepped from them and grabbed her ass lifting her, carrying her to the bed, laying her down.

He kneeled over her and ran his tongue over her tasting her flesh and dipped his fingers inside her moaning as the wetness soaked his fingers.

"Now Lance....take me NOW."

Without hesitation he moved between her legs and positioned himself slipping inside her easily and growing larger from the warmth that engulfed him. She panted against his lips with each thrust and stared into his eyes feeling the heat in her grow stronger.

His tongue ran along her throat and she tilted her head to the side exposing her neck to him.

"I know....I know who.....you are." she panted. "You can......have me...."

His thrusting slowed and he pushed up onto the palm of his hands staring down at her.

"I'll take you when I want you."

He thrust forward, hard, and stifled her screams with his lips as he kissed her hungrily and shoved deep inside her releasing as she constricted around his shaft climaxing and fell limp from her orgasm.

He pulled free from her and dipped his head, covering her neck, shoulders, and face with kisses.

"You're beautiful."

She groggily smiled up at him and closed her eyes drifting off to a deep sleep. He laid next to her feeling exhausted from the mating and groaned knowing Christopher would be angry if he didn't return for another victim. Deciding to deal with the consequences, he pulled Natasha close to his body and drifted off to the best sleep he'd had in years.

@2004lancesharmony

Chapter Three - Joseph

Joseph was different from the other members of the coven when it came to women and Christopher often found him amusing. Never wanting to deal with one at a time, Joseph would use his powers to create a harem and tonight that harem would be a perfect choice for breeding.

He had taken his time searching through the club pressing his body to each female arousing them to such a state that even Christopher could sense their fertility from where he sat.

Christopher had been surprised, however, when Joseph had chosen only two victims and took them to the back of the club to a room that was designated for special occasions only.

The room remained dark as he closed the door, shutting them off from the noise and action of the club and grabbed Janet by the arm roughly as she reached for the light switch. His breath was hot against her neck and she leaned her head back against his chest and closed her eyes as his hands roamed under her shirt and to her breast.

She was intoxicated....too intoxicated for him to drink from and he groped at her using his powers to put her into a trance.

"Sleep for now love. My need for you will be later."

Her eyes closed and her body grew heavy as the trance took affect and Joseph lifted her into his arms laying her on a couch that sat against the far wall.

The room was dark.........very dark, and Sarah could barely make out the figure as he advanced his way back to her. Fear took over sobering her quickly, and she moved to the door hoping to get away from the stranger who had seduced her on the dance floor.

Her mind was fuzzy and she searched through her memory begging to put a name to the face that had looked so familiar to her just moments ago. Realization of who he was hit her and her getaway was halted as she was slammed face first against the door, his body pressed against her back holding her immobile.

"I'm not here to hurt you. I need you......and you need me."

The feel of his body and his breath against her excited her so, that she would have given her life to him at that very moment. He was right......she needed him. Needed someone to look after her once again. She had been unhappy and lonely for far too long and just his touch alone made her feel alive.

His hands were placed against the door on either side of her head and he pushed his body away from hers, grinning, as she slowly turned to face him.

"What do you want from me?"

Leaning down, he captured her lips with his and sucked gently, pulling her bottom lip between his teeth before moving a breath away.

"I want simply what you want."

She stared into his eyes and took a deep breath tilting her head to the side.

"Then give me life."

Before she could register what was happening, she was laid naked on the empty couch and Joseph's face was buried between her legs. His tongue moved expertly in and out of her and she gasped as her orgasm built and exploded all through her. Leaving his mark on her inner thigh, he moved up her body and settled between her legs thrusting at a pace he knew would drive her insane and have her begging for more.

He emptied his seed inside her and moved from the couch leaving her naked and trembling from his touches. He stared at the door and grinned as it opened with a gush of wind and the guard standing outside turned to peer into the room.

"You called sire?"

He motioned his head toward Sarah and gave strict orders for her to be taken to the limo parked outside and for him to stand guard till he called again. With a nod the guard lifted her weightlessly and followed out his orders.

Janet was pulled from her trance and blinked several times focusing on the man standing over her. The alcohol had quickly warn from her blood and the only reminder of her drinking was the pounding in her head and the stranger. His beauty cleansed her of any fear she felt for him and he sat next to her on the couch running his hand up her smooth leg. Her eyes closed and she arched her back feeling his hand slide beneath her skirt and his fingers slip just inside her panties teasing her with soft strokes to her center.

She slid further down the couch and her head tilted back as her knees raised and she grabbed at his arm wanting his fingers inside her. His soft laughter echoed through the room and her breathing turned to panting as he shoved three fingers inside her twisting and turning them, pushing his fingers against every spot that excited her.

Sensing her orgasm he moved quickly, striping her of her panties and pushed her skirt up pulling her to his lap as he leaned back against the back of the couch. His hands jerked her down impaling her onto his shaft and his name echoed from her lips as he worked her furiously on him. Feeling her muscles begin to constrict, he held her hips firmly raising her to her knees and slid down between her legs till his mouth reached the inside of her thigh, sinking his teeth into her mercilessly. Her body shook from her climax and he moved back up, jerking her down to his shaft once again and rocked her body back and forth till he released inside her.

She collapsed against his chest panting heavily and he raked his fingers through her hair and blew the door open once again silently calling for the guard. The large man appeared in the door way and Joseph leaned his head against the back of the couch using his powers to silently give his orders.

Take her to the car. Wait for me.

The guard moved into the room and pulled Janet from his body wrapping her in a sheet before carrying her to the car.

Joseph sat motionless for a long moment before finally standing to dress and stepped into the darkened hallway grabbing the man by the neck as he walked past him and sunk his teeth into the protruding vein feeding from him. Once done, he let the lifeless body tumble to the ground and stepped over him and out the door to the waiting car.

Chapter Four - Raven

Christopher stood from the table and wiped the back of his hand across his mouth wiping away the wine that still moistened his lips. It had been a long night, but the boys had made him proud.

Christopher had watched her leave hours before and had called out to her, but her mind was blocked and he couldn't read her, couldn't get through to her thoughts. It didn't matter though, for tonight there had been a need for a hunt, and that hunt had been completed. Their coven was being filled once again, and now he could concentrate on going after her.

His veins throbbed with the need to feed and he moved silently through the bar and onto the street looking for his next meal.

***********

***********

She stepped into the Cathedral and looked around to the few elderly people of the the town who sat quietly in the pews with their prayers. Glancing at the bowl of holy water next to her, she grinned and was careful to avoid it as she stepped further in hoping to find the man she was looking for.

The clicking of the door to her right drew her attention and she nodded to the priest as he looked her way and stood frozen in a trance like state. Even to a man of the cloth her beauty captivated him and a familiarness about her ran warm through his blood. Her long dark hair with it's soft highlights complimented her sun kissed skin and her eyes glowed a crystal blue that could captivate any mans souls. She slowly approached him and extended her hand giving his a gentle shake as he offered it to her and a warm smile crossed her lips settling the uneasiness he had begun to feel.

"Hello Father. My name is Raven. I was hoping I might have a word with you."

He glanced around the Cathedral to the elders who had raised their heads in curiosity and looked their way. Glancing back to her, he gave a gentle nod and placed his hand to her arm with a smile.

"Yes ma'am. Right this way to my office where we may have some privacy."

She glanced around to those who had continued on with their prayers and took note of them before falling into step with the Father down the long corridor to his office.

Once inside, he motioned toward the soft leather couch that sat directly in front of his desk and she made herself comfortable glancing around to the art that lined the walls as he closed the door and sat behind his desk watching her.

"Your art is magnificent. You have a fascination with old castles, or just with art itself?"

Her eyes landed on him and he smiled lacing his fingers in front of him atop the desk.

"I have a fascination with art itself. The beauty of a painting can hold so many mysteries that I find it relaxing just looking at them. As far as old castles go......well.....they do hold many mysteries and many stories, but that was a favorite of Father Mulhee's. He traveled all over the world in his life and visited many of those old castles. He loved to tell the stories of them."

He glanced around to some of the paintings as he spoke and turned his eyes back toward her with a smile and wonderment of who she really was.

"Mrs........"

He left the question hanging as she laid her purse to the side and crossed her legs lacing her fingers and laid her hands on top of her knee.

"Just Raven. And you're wondering what I need?"

He softly laughed and was embarrassed by the blush that filled his cheeks when she spoke.

"Father Mulhee was a dear friend of mine. I was sorry to hear of his passing. He was a wonderful man."

He looked away and nodded his head as he glanced to a photo sitting to the left corner of his desk of the man he considered a saint.

"Father Mulhee was a wonderful man indeed. He taught me everything I know about the Catholic religion and played the biggest part of my training in my priesthood. He taught me many wonderful things and I will always remember him."

She cleared her throat distracting him from his daze and smiled as his eyes returned to her.

"Father Mulhee taught me a lot as well and kept me protected for many years from the harms that would have come to me had he not. I tried to get back here before his passing, but do to some.... unfortunate circumstances, I was unable to. That is why I come to you for help."

The Father's brows creased with curiosity and he watched as she rose from the couch locking her fingers behind her back and moved from one painting to the next studying it as she spoke.

"Father Mulhee kept in his possession a book that I am in need of getting my hands on. You now hold that book and I am here to ask that you turn it over to me."

She returned to the front of his desk clearing a spot and sat down looking into his eyes as he nervously leaned back in his chair.

"What book is that that you are speaking of?"

"The Book of Nod."

His eyes grew wide and he stood from his chair shoving it back as he moved to the door.

"I do apologize to you Mrs.....Raven, but I do not know....."

"YES you do."

She stood from the desk quickly moving to stand in front of him before he could blink an eye.

"You know EXACTLY what book I speak of and that book is what I need if I want to survive this life time. Father Mulhee would have given me that book and I am asking you to do the same. Please."

The Father slid from between her and the wall and slid his hand into his pocket gripping the crucifix tightly in his hand that was hidden deep within.

"How do you know of such a book?"

She sighed, becoming frustrated with him and fought back the urge to vamp on him.

"Father.....that book is my history, and right now I need that history. There are things that you could not begin to understand and i'm not asking you to. I know the powers and the evil  that is within the pages of that book, but it belongs to me......Father Mulhee kept that under lock and key for me when he helped me to get away. He knew there would come a day that that book would be of vital use to me and that time is now. Now please....I ask you again....help me, and give me the book."

He sat behind the large mahogany desk and laid his hands in front of him staring down at the crucifix that still remained tightly in his hands.

"I can not help you Raven. I am sorry. Those books are sealed and I was given strick orders from Father Mulhee himself never to let those seals be broken. I will not go against Father Mulhee's wishes. I am sorry."

She reached across the back of the couch and grabbed her purse angrily walking to the door and stopped, turning toward him as her hand reached for the nob.

"I shall have that book Father Chasez........I promise you. You can't imagine the evil that is about to take place here."

She jerked the door open moving from it so quickly that Father Chasez could have sworn she floated through it. Resting his elbows on the desk, he rubbed his fingers across the beads and leaned his forehead against his hand whispering a few hail Mary's. Taking a deep breath he stood from his desk and grabbed a set of keys from the top drawer and slipped into the corridor to the end of the hallway and took a right stopping at the last door. He slid the key into the lock and pushed the door open at the sound of the click, quickly slipping inside. It had been awhile since he had stepped foot into the office. Too many memories of Father Mulhee laid inside, and although they were all good, he still couldn't bare to be there.

He walked to wooden file cabinet that stood hidden away in a corner and slid another key into the lock on the last door and motioned his hands with the sign of the cross before pulling it open and stared down at the book hidden inside.

"You spoke of her so much Father.....I don't think I can help her."

He pulled the book from the drawer and clutched it tightly to his chest locking everything behind him and stopped briefly in his office grabbing his coat and briefcase and snuck away from the church to lock himself inside his home.

Chapter Five

Christopher sat at the end of the large wooden table, his eyes slowly moving from each female that sat before him. Each retainer remained silent as they waited for their sire to join them.

Joseph moved through the room taking his seat between Sarah and Janet and grabbed both of them by the hair kissing each one roughly as Christopher folded his hands and impatiently drummed his thumbs together sighing loudly.

Justin and Lance, get to the dinning hall NOW.

Joseph laughed softly to himself as he heard the groans of Justin and Lance and leaned back in his chair knowing it would be a long wait.

"Plans for tonight Christopher?"

He smiled, an evil smile, and rubbed his fingers against the corse stubble of his chin.

"Tonight I bring Christabela home. She has returned to Salem and I want her back here at the lair. She has blocked us from her mind, but this time she can't hide. I can sense her and I will find her."

Joseph nodded and leaned forward resting his elbows on the table as he lazily picked at the grapes that lined the silver platers.

"Need us to tag along?"

He shook his head and reached for his goblet of red wine taking a sip.

"No Joseph. The night is yours. Play with your retainers, find yourself a good feeding. I want to see my sister on my own."

Lance rose from the bed stretching and groaned at Christopher calling out to him. It was bad enough that he didn't return for another hunt the night before, but now he was late for their gathering. That was something Christopher used to be unconcerned about until recently. He had changed, and where his leadership before really had no meaning, now meant they no longer had their freedom. An evil side that he had never seen before was pouring out of Christopher and the three kindred were becoming concerned about what would happen to the coven. But those were things he could not be concerned about at the moment. He had somewhere important he needed to be and time could not be waisted any longer.

Pulling back the thick black drapes, he yawned, watching the sun as it began to set and smiled at his memories from the night before.

Drop the visuals Lance and get your ass down here now.

Lance laughed and glanced over to the bed where he heard moans coming from under the covers and moved over sitting on the edge pulling the covers back. Natasha curled into a ball and wrapped her arms around her knees squeezing them to her tightly. Pains shot through her body and nausea racked her in such a way that any small movement would have set off a vomiting spell she was afraid would never stop. She felt weak, her energy completely drained, and it seemed as though something had taken over her body.

"Oh God Lance...what is happening to me?"

He placed his hands on either side of her and leaned down kissing her forehead softly.

"You are with child Natasha. The baby is growing, sucking from your blood. You will be fine. The gestation period for a child of a vampire is only five months. The fetus will grow much faster than a mortal fetus."

She rolled to her back and looked up into his eyes shaking her head.

"This just doesn't feel right Lance....it's just...."

Her body broke into a sweat and she suddenly jumped from the bed running to the in-suite bathroom slamming the door as the vomiting took over her.

He stood from the bed, rubbing his chin, and walked to the bathroom door shoving it open.

"Natasha, I will have one of the servants look after you. You will need blood for the baby. I will return later."

He quickly moved from the room and floated down the stairs to the dinning hall taking the chair to the right of Christopher.

"She is sick. If something is wrong with her then you must put her from her misery."

Christopher turned his head toward Lance and grinned as Lance's eyes began to glow a bright yellow.

"She will be FINE. I have one of the servants watching her."

Justin quietly took his seat opposite from Lance and next to Laura and pulled a young girl down into the seat next to him as Christopher turned his attention toward them sniffing the air.

"You have not touched her. Why did you bother to bring her here?"

Justin sipped at his wine and leaned over kissing Laura before looking toward Christopher speaking silently.

She's wholesome, untouched. Her blood smells fantastic. Thought you could use her. No matter what you say Christopher, you're never to old.

Christopher rested his elbows on the table and folded his hands resting his forehead against them.

"I always prided you as being one of the most intelligent Justin, but sometimes you frighten even me with the things that you do."

The four vampires laughed and Justin shrugged his shoulders lifting his glass to his lips as he grinned.

"You don't want her, that's fine. I'm sure Joseph could use her for his little harem."

Justin reached up grabbing the stake as it flew at him, never removing the glass from his lips.

Do it again Joseph and your ass is dust.

Lance sighed and grabbed a hand full of grapes, standing from the table.

"If there is no business, the I must go. Natasha needs a feeding."

Joseph creased his brow and shifted his eyes from Lance to Christopher.

"How the hell did he embrace her and us not be told? When did you give him permission?"

Christopher leaned back in his chair and folded his hands across his chest smiling.

"Our Lance has not embraced her. Seems our most powerful has created a son with as much strength as he. The child needs blood. Go Lance. Feed them. We will discuss an embracing of the retainers later."

Lance nodded and moved quickly from the castle to the waiting car outside blocking his mine. He had to get to her and the last thing he needed was for Christopher to find out.

Chapter Six

She leaned against the railing of her balcony and looked down into the darkened woods below her waiting for any type of movement. It had been awhile since she'd had a decent feeding and her body ached for fresh blood.

She closed her eyes listening to the sounds of the night and reopened them, a grin spreading across her lips, as she heard the soft sound to the right of her.

"You better not have been followed."

"You didn't sense me coming did you? Trust me, I'm alone."

She turned facing him and threw herself into his arms hugging him tightly.

"Is is so good to see you Lance. I have missed you so."

He laughed, setting her back to the ground, and cupped her face dropping a light kiss to her lips.

"You are so beautiful Christabela. I am so glad you are back home. When will you return to the lair....or have we been captivated too much by THE Father Chasez?"

She stepped back away from him arching her brow as her eyes set off a soft glow.

"Bite your tongue Lance. I will never return to the lair.....not as long as my brother has lost his mind."

He slid his arm around her waist and pulled her tight against him looking down to her lips.

"I would rather bite your tongue than my own."

She placed her hand on the back of his neck and pulled him down to her slipping her tongue between his soft lips. His teeth sank into her tongue and he sucked hungrily at the blood that flowed from it, moaning as he pulled away wiping away the drops that remained on his lips.

"You do taste sweet Christabela......God how i've missed the taste of you."

She giggled and took him by the hand pulling him into the house.

"Come. The last thing we need is Christopher finding you are here."

He sat on the arm of the couch and watched her as she sat moving into a comfortable position.

"You are hungry. It shows in you. Come with me and get yourself a proper feeding. I can tell it has been awhile since you've had a decent meal."

She laughed and waved her hand in the air dismissing his words.

"Do not worry of me dear Lance. I have survived quite a few years without the coven. I will be ok. I will fetch a meal later. Now.....you come to me for a reason. What is it?"

He smiled as he slid from the arm of the couch to the cushions propping his leg across his knee.

"My purpose was that I needed to see you. It has been too many years and I tried to get away to see you again. Christopher has made it impossible here lately."

He shifted on the couch and grabbed her hands pulling them into his. "Please come back to us. With you there Christopher would change..."

"Christopher would do no such thing. He wants to lock me away and use me as a breeder...a way to rebuild a coven that I no longer approve of. He's turning toward the Sabbat Lance and I can not believe the three of you have not stopped him. I will not let him use me and I will not let him destroy any of you."

Lance laughed and reached out caressing her face lightly.

"You still are the feisty one." He leaned in closer brushing his nose to hers and smiled. "It is with me that he wishes to breed you with. Would that really be such a bad thing?"

In one swift motion she moved herself across the couch and straddled him, lowering herself and rubbing her hips against him.

"No...that would not be so bad after all....BUT that would be a true wish of Christophers and I can not grant him his wishes. Besides, you are here to discuss Natasha. You are in love with her......I am not surprised."

He pushed her from his lap and stood from the couch walking slowly to stare out the sliding glass doors.

"She is a mortal. Just a retainer that I will use for breeding. I am NOT in love."

She laughed, standing from the couch and moved over behind him resting her cheek on his back.

"You are in love........your blood flows through mine.....I know what you feel. She is no ordinary mortal you know. You sensed that when you chose her. She has lineage."

She stepped back grinning and wrapped her arms around her waist arching her brow as he spun to face her.

"She has no lineage. Granted....I thought there was something about her when I laid my eyes on her, but it was nothing more than she was the perfect choice to carry my child."

"Don't be blind Lance." She laughed moving to the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water holding it up. "Want some?"

He shook head and leaned against the door frame folding his arms across his chest.

"No...and don't change the subject. Where do you get this lineage shit? You have been with the ancients way too long."

She opened the bottle taking a drink and moved back to the couch sitting down.

"She is a 14th generation of Santiago. Granted, the blood line ended some years ago....but it's there Lance. "

She took a sip of her water never taking her eyes from him as he sat down across from her and stretched out his legs sighing.

"She is sick."

"I know."

"What is wrong? Christopher says to put her from her misery....."

"Christopher is her misery."

Setting the bottle to the table, she folded her legs indian style and patted the couch next to her smiling as he moved across the room taking the seat.

"Natasha has lineage.....Christopher knows this, and it pisses him off. Santiago and my father were arch enemies. Santiago ..........I believe....had a hand in my fathers death. For that I owe him a lot. My father was an evil man Lance, and you know that. Natasha needs to be embraced....and soon. This baby could kill her, your son is powerful. Almost as powerful as our child would have been."

He sighed and threw his head to the back of the couch closing his eyes.

"Then Christopher will never agree to an embracing. He would rather see her dead. I can not embrace her without his permission Christabela."

"No." She smiled. "You can not embrace her without the permission of the leader of the coven. I....as queen.. reign over Christopher, and with my permission, she can be embraced. She will need one vial of my blood, along with yours of course, but it must be done soon."

Lance nodded and sat up on the couch staring down as he laced his fingers together.

"She is pretty special to me you know. I don't want to lose her."

She leaned over running her fingers through his hair and kissed his cheek.

"You will not lose her. Tomorrow night, you embrace her......make her your childe....I can take care of Christopher. The ancients took great care of me over the years Lance and I learned a lot from them. If I can get that book from that damn Father Chasez then........"

"You do not need a book." He laughed sarcastically cutting off her words. "You have walked hand in hand with the ancients.....lived with them. You are rare to our kind Christabela. Females are not know to be born to our kind and you are one of the few who have........hell you are one of the only two remaining. You have powers that we would all suck another dry for and still not be able to gain. You don't need some damned book to find the names you need to stop Christopher. You are queen......and you can take him down."

"Lance....."

She looked down to the floor and took a deep breath before looking back up to him.

"Know why I have really refused to breed with you all these years?"

He shrugged his shoulders and narrowed his eyes watching her.

"There is something you have hidden from me all these centuries? You kept that one blocked good. So tell me 'ol wise one.....why have you refused my great body?"

She laughed at his playfulness and her smile slipped from her lips looking into his eyes.

"Because I didn't want to have to send her away to the ancients to protect her from Christopher the way I had to be protected from my father. Father Mulhee saved me......"

"Father Mulhee was foolish. He should have remained with the coven instead of hiding in the Catholic Church."

He stood from the couch and ran his fingers through his hair turning back to her, a questioning look lingering on his face.

"A daughter? Really?"

Christabela nodded her head and looked down her hands.

"Trust me Lance. We would have created a daughter.....and I can't do that."

He sighed deeply and moved back to the couch sitting down next to her, cupping her face in his hands.

"I have someplace I need to visit. I will return here at sundown tomorrow and get you. Christopher will be out looking for you so it will be safe for you to return to the castle. Once she has been embraced she will need your help to survive Christabela. I can't teach her everything on my own."

She grinned and kissed him softly on the lips and pulled back pushing against his chest.

"Get out of here and tend to your needs. Tomorrow night I will be ready. Keep her safe Lance.....and most importantly....keep her from Christopher."

He quickly kissed her on the lips and moved back to the balcony disappearing into the night. She sighed and stood from the couch stretching walking back out to the balcony and inhaling deeply in the night air. She sensed a victim and smiled floating to the ground below her to begin her hunt.

Chapter Seven

Joshua Chasez closed the book he'd spent the last few hours reading and tossed it on the couch next to him while standing to stretch. His stiff muscles popped as he walked into the kitchen and he opened the fridge pulling out a carton of orange juice, letting the door close as he opened the carton and took a long slow drink.

"Mortals who find the truth about us have to suffer the consequences."

The carton slid from his hand hitting the floor causing the liquid to puddle around him as he stumbled back against the fridge.

"How did you get in here?"

Lance slid from the counter and laughed a low deep laugh as he stepped toward him.

"How I got in should not be your concern....the fact that I'm here should be."

Joshua moved his hand across the front of his body motioning the sign of the cross and glanced to the left and right of him for a way to get away.

"A thousand Hail Mary's can't help you right now. You and I have some things to discuss."

He ran his finger slowly down Joshua's cheek and smiled as he watched the blood run from the scratch that followed his path.

"You denied Christabela her request and that makes me very angry."

Joshua shook his head frantically and widened his eyes trying to step back closer to the fridge.

"I don't know a Christabela. I don't know what you are talking about."

Lance raised his hands in the air and a strong gush of wind blew through the room knocking objects from the shelves to the floor with a loud crash causing Joshua to gasp in horror. He lowered his hands making the room quiet once again and moved away from Joshua back to the counter lifting himself up and sitting back down.

"Father Mulhee told you to much information that you never should have known. You knew who she was the minute she stepped into the church."

"No.......I.....I didn't...I mean..." he nervously stumbled over his words and closed his eyes saying a silent prayer before opening his eyes again.

"I didn't know till she asked for the book and then I suspected.....but I wasn't for sure........"

"You weren't for sure till you read it."

Joshua nodded, letting himself relax slightly.

"Father Mulhee told me about her. I knew he was protecting her, but I never knew why."

"I've watched you for the past nine years. Knew the things he told you about us." Lance said, slipping from the counter again causing Joshua to tense as he stepped closer to him.

"Ever wonder how Father Mulhee knew so much, or why a man of the cloth would protect someone from the dark side?"

Joshua shrugged and reached up touching the scrape along his cheek.

"I did ask once, but he refused to answer. Just said it was important that I knew of your kind and about Christabela. He told me about the book, but said it must never be found or opened. I never questioned him, but when Raven......when she came asking for it.....well........"

He watched as Lance folded his arms across his chest and began pacing the space in front of him stopping to glance over his shoulder. He nervously swallowed as Lance's eyes glowed a bright yellow and began to tense once again.

"You will not take her from our coven. Death will come to you before you do. She is part of us and you will not change that."

"I would never.....she never said anything to me about a coven, or saving her. Only asked for the book. I had nothing to do with what Father Mulhee did. I'm telling you the truth."

Lance grabbed a towel from the counter and threw it at Joshua, laughing softly as the man jumped with fear.

"Clean up the mess. I will wait for you in there." he said, pointing to the den, and glided across the kitchen to the den sitting down on the couch. Joshua glanced occasionally to the stranger sitting in the lowly lit room and quickly cleaned up the mess tossing the towels into the laundry room. He carefully made his way into the den and sat down across from Lance watching as he flipped the pages of the book without lifting a finger.

"So...how did he......Father Mulhee...know so much?"

Lance cut his eyes up from the book looking at him and looked back down continuing to read.

"And if I tell you?"

He thought for a moment then shrugged, pointing to the book.

"Then I turn that over to Raven."

A cold chill ran through him as silence filled the room and he waited for any response from the stranger. He had told the truth when he said he didn't know of who she was at first, but as his conversations with Father Mulhee flipped through his mind as he read the pages of evil he knew instantly who she was. She had captivated him with her beauty and awakened feelings deep inside him that hadn't been felt since he was 18.

"She is very beautiful.....isn't she."

Joshua quickly looked up to him, jerking from his thoughts and stared into the unusual green eyes as they stared back.

"I can read your thoughts. Have been for years. You can't hide anything from me."

He closed the book setting it to the couch next to him and smiled as he folded his hands in his lap.

"You would give that book to her anyway whether I told you about the priest or not. You've fallen for her, and rather quickly I might add. Someone in your clothing should never have such desires for a woman the way you have the past few hours. Your thoughts almost made me blush."

Joshua's cheeks burned as he looked away and shifted in his chair wishing the man would hurry and leave.

"I will soon." he chuckled and leaned forward resting his elbows on his knees.

"Maharet was his name. He was close to being an ancient when he fell in love with Pandora."

He took a deep breath leaning back on the couch and stretched his arms out across the back on either side of him.

"Pandora, however, was married to Petradon who ruled our coven and when he discovered the affair between the two of them he became irate......went on a killing spree and became the most evil vampire in any coven. When Pandora discovered she was expecting he almost killed her, but she assured him that the child was his. He believed her and let her live, but she was locked away in the castle and was not allowed out. Feedings were brought to her to keep her nourished and alive and the servants watched over her, but she still managed to see Maharet. Vampires sire only sons, females born to a vampire are rare.....very rare....and they hold more powers than any vampire could ever dream of. Pandora had a girl and Petradon had plans to use her....use her blood to create a coven of vampires so evil that the sabbat would look like angels compared to them. Maharet kidnapped the infant girl and took her away to the ancients in Madrid. He swapped his lives for her."

Joshua's brow creased and he tilted his head letting the story sink in.

"Lives? How many lives does a vampire get?"

Lance shrugged and glanced out the window toward the moon. He still had to find a feeding for Natasha and get home to her before Christopher returned and there wasn't much time left.

"Depends. Don't piss off another vampire and you have many lives. But he gave his for them to seal her mind and keep her safe from Petradon."

He stood from the couch glancing back to the moon again and turned toward Joshua flashing his yellow eyes.

"Get that book to her.....she needs it."

Before Joshua could make a move Lance was gone.....disappearing into the night. He pinched himself checking to make sure he was awake and winced, laughing slightly, at the pain that shot through his arm when he did. He took a deep breath and running his fingers through his hair grabbing the book from the couch. He had to do what he had to do and he wasn't going to wait.

Grabbing his keys from the table he said a silent prayer and locked the door behind him as he hurriedly left the house.

Chapter Eight

Raven stepped from the shower and slipped into her robe drying her hair with a towel and tossing it into the hamper. She moved into the kitchen pouring herself something to drink and settled down on the couch to watch tv. She'd fed for the night and her veins were tight with the blood that flowed through them. She was full and ready to relax, but the sound of the doorbell stopped her from doing so. Sighing in frustration she stood from the couch and moved across the room pulling the door open.

The fact that he was nervous showed all over him and she was surprised at seeing him standing at her door, especially so late.

"Father Chasez. What can I do for you?"

He shifted the object covered in black velvet around in his arms and smiled the best that he could.

"I brought something for you."

She stepped back and motioned him into the house closing the door behind him as he entered.

"Have a seat......can I get you anything?"

He shook his head and sat down on the couch watching her as she sat in the chair across from him crossing her legs and letting her robe slide down to her hip exposing her smooth silky flesh. She cleared her throat smiling as his eyes met hers and motioned toward the object in his lap.

"So what do you bring me?"

"First there are some questions I have....if you'll answer them, then I will hand this over to you."

He brushed away the fabric revealing The Book Of Nod and looked back to her.

"Wanting to strike deals now huh? Ok....what do you have to ask?"

He covered the book back up and tried to swallow away the dryness he felt in the back of his throat.

"Well......I know some of the story of Pandora, Petradon, and Maharet, but I believe there is more and I would like to hear it."

She narrowed her eyes digging her nails into her palms as her hands fisted and moved her eyes to the fresh scratch across his face, concentrating on reading his mind.

"Who came to visit you?"

Her tone held that of anger and he gripped the sides of the book preparing to get away quickly if he had to.

"I don't know."

She searched through his mind again and rolled her eyes sighing as she used her powers to reach him.

LANCE...you son of a bitch.

His soft chuckle rang loud in her mind and she closed her eyes concentrating on him.

A lady should use no such language love. Especially a queen.

Fuck you. WHY did you go to him and why did you tell him that story. Do you know how much danger you have now put him in?

She heard his sigh and what sounded like leaves being crushed under the pressure of feet.

You ought to be thanking me you know. I got him to you and he brought that damn book. Unfortunately my time ran short and I couldn't finish the story. Thought maybe you could handle that.

Father Chasez stared at her in confusion as her eyes remained closed and he nervously looked around the room waiting for something to happen.

He's quiet fun to scare ya know. You should try it. I bet that man stays on his knees the rest of the night praying....unless....well...he's on his knees between your legs.

She groaned as his laughter echoed in her head and she clenched her jaw opening her eyes as she heard Father Chasez's voice.

"Raven...are you ok?"

Lance laughed again and quietly made his way into the castle checking for Christopher.

Talk to him. Your wonderful Father Mulhee told him more than you can imagine. It would take you months to get into his head and read it all. I think he might be able to help out with Christopher. I'll see you tomorrow sweet heart.

She felt Lance slip away from her and turned her eyes back to Father Chasez and shifted in her seat causing her robe to slide up a tad bit more.

"Why do you want to know the rest of the story?"

"Why do you want this book?"

She was taken aback by his braveness and grinned nodding her head.

"OK.....from where Lance left off?"

Deciding not to question how she exactly knew he slowly nodded and she took a deep breath folding her hands in her lap.

"After Maharet took the baby to the ancients he returned to Pandora and the two of them planned to go into hiding. Petradon became enraged when his daughter came up missing and he couldn't find her anywhere. He sent his strongest childer out to find her, promising them that he would end their lives in torture should they not return with her.

Three Vampires were destroyed before the fourth one, Samuel, returned with the infant. Maharet fled, but Pandora refused to leave her daughter and swore she would get her away from Petradon......unfortunately he kept close watch on the two of them and years passed before Pandora finally escaped and was reunited with Maharet.

The two of them took the child back to the ancients for them to protect and Petradon went on search again for them, but the ancients had them under secure protection as well. Pandora became so afraid that Petradon would find their daughter that she returned to Salem and he killed her instantly upon her return. Fifty years passed and he continued his search becoming more enraged as time passed and she was nowhere to be found. He turned his rage toward the other kindred vamping on them, determined that if he could kill them off one by one he would find his daughter.

He had made a deal with the leader of the Sabat right after his daughters birth. A rare daughter held powers so mystical that even the ancients envied them, and she was to be sacrificed to the Sabat to be bred over and over to create a coven that was so powerful they could kill off the other covens and rule the world.

It's said a tiff started between between Petradon and an ancient called Santiago. No one really knows for sure....and if they do, well they certainly aren't saying, but it's believed that Petradon was brave enough to go head to head with Santiago and Santiago beheaded him followed by a steak to the heart."

Father Chasez arched his brow and sighed.

"Wow.....that is some story. But what about the daughter and what ever happened to Moharet?"

She slid down in the chair uncrossing her legs about to answer his question when a voice rang through her head.

Tell him Bella Raven. He already knows too much as it is, what is this going to hurt. We take care of Natasha first.....then......you embrace him.

Shut up Lance

She stared at the man in front of her running her eyes over his surprisingly long wavy hair and beautiful blue eyes to his strong cheekbones. His arms were strong and muscular and his slight tan seemed darker against the black of his clerical clothing. She couldn't help but smile at the thoughts that ran through his head and sighed softly breaking the silence.

"Moharet grieved so much when Pandora was killed that he was ready to end his own life, but the ancients convinced him that Pandora's daughter would still need him for protection. After Petradon was killed, Maharet returned to Salem and hid himself in the Catholic community keeping watch over the coven making sure the remaining kindred did not go after her. "

Father Chasez sat amazed by the whole story and wondered why Father Mulhee had never told him of that one.

"The daughter...what about her?"

She sighed and stood from the chair motioning for him to follow her to the kitchen.

"She is alive and well....Maharet, however, is no longer living. He finished out his last century as an incommu......that is one who removes himself from kindred."

Father Chasez pulled out a chair at the kitchen table and sat, nodding his head as she offered him something to drink.

"But the daughter....what is her name? Where is she?"

She handed him his glass and sat down at the table across from him folding her hands in front of her.

"Father Chasez...."

"Joshua....Please....just call me Joshua."

"Fine" she smiled "Joshua...why are you so intrigued with vampires?"

He sipped at his drink and sat the glass to the table following his finger with his eyes as it ran around the rim of the glass.

"When I was younger, my grandfather always told me of the tales of the vampires that roamed the town and how the towns people slayed them many many years ago. I was always fascinated by those stories no matter how many times he told them to me. I often wanted to be a part of that world. When I was 18 I made the decision to dedicate my life to God and I became a priest. Father Mulhee trained me, taught me of the ways of the Catholic church, but after two years he began to teach me of the "dark world" as he called it. Growing up with all those vampire tales to begin with I enjoyed listening to him tell his stories and teach me of the vampire beliefs and rituals and their chants. He always told me it would be important for me to know. I never understood why though. I never knew vampires held such magic, almost like wizards."

He stopped, taking a deep breath, but never looked up to her as he continued.

"He talked of Christabela so much and how he had to keep her protected, but he never told me from what or whom. The way he talked of her it's as though I knew her myself."

He glanced up and stared into her blue eyes feeling himself becoming lost.

"And now I do."

Her senses went on full alert as a cold chill ran down her spine and she quickly stood looking all around her. Danger was close by and she had to get Joshua away from her.

"Hurry....you must go....and go straight home and lock your doors."

His brow creased and he stood taking a step toward her.

"Raven..what is wrong?"

She cupped his face in her hands and stared into eyes casting a chant to block his mind from anyone to read.

"Go home Joshua. Get out now."

She grabbed his hand pulling him through the house and to the front door.

"If you're in danger..."

"IF i'm in danger I can protect myself, but you must go. Tomorrow night I will find you. Till then you talk to no one...is that understood?"

He nodded his head and watched her look around as she opened the door stepping into the darkness.

"Go, and remember...talk to no one."

He walked to his car and stopped briefly turning back to look at her.

"GO....Please...."

He quickly got into his car and pulled from the drive down the long winding roads of the forest.

He had promised Father Mulhee he would keep her safe, and keep her safe is what he intended to do no matter the consequences.

Chapter Nine

Natasha woke, startled, at the images that haunted her from the nightmare that had pulled her from her sleep. Lance sat on the bed brushing away the sweat dampened hair that clung to her face and kissed her gently on her forehead turning to Christabela and holding out his hand.

She watched as the strange female placed two small objects in his hand and swore she could hear the two of them talking, yet no words were said aloud.

She must drink these two vials completely. No drop can be left. Allow her to sleep and by morning she will be complete.

Lance nodded and stood, kissing her softly on the lips.

Thank you Christabela. I owe you for this.

She smiled, cupping his face in her hands and shook her head.

"The only thing you owe me is to put a stop to Christopher."

He nodded and dropped the two vials to the stand next to the bed and turned to face Justin.

"Keep watch over her till i'm done. I will need her for feeding when it's over."

Justin nodded and slipped his hand into hers leading her from the room.

Lance removed his shirt, dropping it to the floor along with his pants and lifted the covers laying down next to Natasha.

"Are you feeling better?"

Her smile was weak and she nodded, watching him with curiosity.

"Don't be afraid."

She stared into his eyes and he leaned toward her kissing her softly on the lips.

"I want to spend my eternity with you."

He laid his hand on her side caressing her as he moved it along her flesh to her hip, and between her legs teasing her with slow gently strokes before slipping his finger inside her. She moaned against his kiss and he slid his tongue between her lips moving it along hers in an exotic dance.

Another finger slid inside her and she arched into his strokes trying to break the kiss for a much needed breath. He moved on top of her and pulled his fingers free, replacing the aching void with his hardened shaft and held still as he stared down at her.

"You must do as I tell you, when I tell you."

She nodded and arched up beneath him encouraging him to begin his movements.

He moved out of her and thrust forward driving deep inside her and covered her lips with his to quiet her moans. She felt him growing larger inside her as he did once before and his movements became faster as he leaned down, his fangs extending, and sunk his teeth into her neck covering her mouth with his hand as she screamed.

She could feel the life being sucked from her and she gasped as her vision became blurry and his thrust unforgiving. Her panting and moaning echoed loudly through her ears and his voice was heard in her mind of confusion.

Drink from me Natasha, and you will be mine.

She bit hard into his shoulder and choked on the overpowering sweetness of his blood as it filled her mouth.

Don't stop my love, keep drinking.

Her hands clutched his back and she pulled him tighter against her sucking hungrily to draw more blood into her veins. He ran his tongue across the bite of her neck, sealing it, and grabbed the two vials of blood as she arched into him and her walls constricted squeezing him tightly as he forced himself to hold back his release.

Blood ran down his shoulder as she pulled her mouth from him and he quickly placed the first vial to her lips forcing her to drink it. Once the first one was empty he did the same with the next one and tossed the empty bottles to the floor as he continued his rhythm driving her closer to the edge.

Her veins throbbed as the blood filled them, mixing together, and her body ached in a mixture of pain and pleasure feeling herself releasing not only to her intense orgasm, but to the life that was dying quickly inside her. She gasped for air and her body trembled violently beneath him as she felt his release and the sounds of the room seemed to intensify as bolts of lights darted behind her closed lids.

Suddenly everything stopped and the only sound she could hear was the whispering of his distant voice.

Don't fight it Natasha. Let it happen. Come home to us.

The room fell silent and there was nothing. No sounds, no light, no life around her and she laid in the dark feeling what was left of her life slipping away from her.

***

Christabela walked the halls of the castle keeping her ears and mind open so as to detect anyone around her. She had been an infant when she was taken from within it's walls, but in her mind she walked those same steps a thousand times over. She longed to be within the haven and had taken a huge step sneaking away from Justin to journey into the places she'd always wanted to see. She knew her fathers library wasn't too far away and she hurried herself through the darkness knowing she would feel safer once she was there.

Christopher had blocked his mind from everyone and that had Justin and Joseph worried....but not her. She knew if she concentrated enough she could reach him. She had the powers. But using those powers would wear down her energy and Lance would need her once he was done with Natasha.

She continued on with her journey and quickly stepped into the library when she reached it, closing the door behind her.

***

Christopher leaned over Yvette gently kissing her lips and stroked her cheek with his fingertips as he pulled away staring down at her.

"You will belong to me now. You will be one of us."

She tilted her head to the side and watched from the corner of her eyes as his fangs extended and she quickly closed them as he leaned down putting pressure against her neck.

He suddenly pulled away, leaving just the impression of his fangs, and moved away from her grabbing his head in his hands.

Sounds echoed so loudly in his mind the intensity of them caused great pain to his head. Knowledge that Lance was embracing Natasha hit him and he quickly moved from the bed pulling on his pants and in a wild rage stepped toward the door jerking it open. Yvette sat up leaning back against the pillows and pulled the covers up to her neck peering out over the top of them.

"What is the matter Christopher?"

His eyes blazed like a burning fire as he looked at her and turned, vanishing from the room leaving her behind in fear.

Chapter Ten

Before she knew he was there she was against the wall with his hands wrapped tightly around her throat and his breath ghosting across her face. His eyes glowed a deep red and she braced herself, ready for him to vamp on her.

"Pretty pretty Christabela. I knew you would return home to me eventually."

Her eyes narrowed and she stared him down, ready to fight back at any given moment.

"I did not come home for you Christopher. Now, remove your hands or you will pay dearly."

He threw his head back laughing and she turned her head away from him as the evil sound echoed through the castle. He looked back toward her and released his hands from her throat slipping his finger under her chin forcing her to look at him.

"You are quite brave child, coming back here with such an attitude. I have big plans for you, but unfortunately those plans will have to wait."

She held steady, hiding all fear inside her as he moved his finger from her chin and placed his hands on her shoulders holding her against the wall.

"I'm a little pissed with you right now Christabela. Seems our Lance has taken it upon himself to embrace that bitch."

He leaned in closer to her and grinned as she tried to turn her face away from him once again.

"I think you had a little something to do with that precious one. Must I remind you of the laws of the coven?"

She opened her mouth to speak, but was silenced as his hand returned to her throat placing a firm grip on her.

" First Law, That each coven must have its leader and only he might order the working of the Dark Trick upon a mortal, seeing that the methods and the rituals were properly observed. Second Law That the Dark Gifts must never be given to the crippled, the maimed, or to children, or to those who cannot, even with the Dark Powers, survive on their own. Be it further understood that all mortals who would receive the Dark Gifts should be beautiful in person so that the insult to God might be greater when the trick is done. Third Law........"

"I don't need to hear the laws......"

His hand connected with her cheek knocking her face to the side and causing her head to pound against the wall behind her. He laughed as she grabbed her cheek and placed his hands on either side of her head against the wall.

"THIRD LAW.....That never should an old vampire work this magic lest the blood of the fledgeling be too strong. For all our gifts increase naturally with age, and the old ones have too much strength to pass on. Injury, burning — these catastrophes, if they do not destroy the Child of Satan will only increase his powers when he is healed. Yet Satan guards the flock from the powers of old ones, for almost all, without exception, go mad.

Fourth Law....."

She dropped her hand from her cheek daring to face him head on once again as her eyes began to tint with yellow.

"Enough Christopher."

Without warning a stake was driven through her side and she doubled over in pain feeling the tip of it scrape against her ribs. He looked down at her and tilted his head as he shook it.

"Tisk tisk Christabela. You really must learn to not interrupt."

He pulled her back up straight and placed his palms against the wall on either side of her once again.

"Fourth Law, That no vampire may ever destroy another vampire, EXCEPT the coven master has the power of life and death over ALL of his flock. And it is, further, his obligation to lead the OLD ones and the MAD ones into the fire when they can no longer serve Satan as they should. It is his obligation to destroy all vampires who are not properly made. It is his obligation to destroy those who are so badly wounded that they cannot survive on their own. And it is his obligation finally to seek the destruction of all OUTCAST and all those who have broken these laws. And last but not least the fifth law....That no vampire shall ever reveal his true nature to a mortal and allow that mortal to live. No vampire must ever reveal the history of the vampires to a mortal and let the mortal live. NO vampire must commit to writing the history of the vampires or any true knowledge of vampires lest such a history be found by mortals and believed. And a vampires name must NEVER be known to mortals, save from his tombstone, and never must any vampire reveal to mortals the location of his or any other vampires lair."

A stake was driven through her left thigh and she cried out in pain dropping to the floor in front of him as he laughed and squatted down in front of her.

"Seems you have a little trouble with the last one there precious one. Your Father Chasez is in quite a bit of trouble himself. Seems Nathaniels coven is in town for a little visit and they seem quite pissed that he knows so much of our history. Your Chasez has The Book of Nod. Have any idea how he got his hands on that one....RAVEN?"

She pulled the stake from her leg and tossed it to the side laying her hands on top of the blood that ran from the wound.

"I knew Nathaniels coven was in town. You're a son of a bitch Christopher. You called them here and you know it. Call them off and I do mean call them off now. If one hair is harmed on Father Chasez's head i'll......:"

"What Christabela....what exactly will you do?" he smirked.

*******

Lance stumbled from the bedroom weak and dizzy from the blood he lost to Natasha's feeding, and placed his hands on the side of his head leaning back against the wall.

Justin, Joseph...bring her to me. I need her.

Justin groaned, moving from the couch where he laid with Laura and hit Joseph in the head as he passed by him.

"Come on Joseph, grab Christabela and let's go."

Joseph pushed Sarah from his lap and stood from the chair bending down where Janet had sat at his feet, dropping a quick kiss to her lips. He glanced around the room, and wide eyed, searched in his mind for Christabela.

Justin.....she's gone.

Justin quickly stepped back into the room and looked around before letting his eyes land on Joseph.

What the fuck? Where did she go?

Joseph sighed, rubbing his forehead and looked up in time to catch Lance as he fell into the room.

"Where the hell is she? You were supposed to keep your eyes on her."

Lance's head suddenly flew backwards and he grabbed his cheek, wincing at the pain that burned against it. Justin stepped closer to him and removed his hand starring at the angry red welt that suddenly appeared there.

"Lance?"

Justin's voice was quiet and his eyes took on a yellow hue searching for an unseen force that the mark could have come from. Lance yelled, grabbing his side and Joseph looked on in horror as blood poured from Lance's side between his fingers.

"Christopher.....Christopher has her. He's trying to kill her." His voice was full of pain as he tried to speak and his knees gave way sending him crashing to the floor as blood began to seep from his thigh.

Joseph dropped to his knees in front of Lance and grabbed his shoulders holding him up, supporting him.

"How do you know Lance? We can't read her."

Justin dropped to his knees helping Joseph with Lance as his body became weaker from the loss of blood.

"Her blood.....her blood runs....through me....I....I feel what she feels...."

They grabbed Lance pulling him to his feet and supported him as they literally drug him down the hallway and to the stairs.

*******

"You think you have the powers....then fight back Christabela. Let's see exactly what you've learned over these centuries while you were away."

She moaned, getting to her feet and stared down at the blood that dripped through her fingers as she pulled her hand away from her leg.

"Fuck you Christopher. You believe you are unstoppable, but you are wrong."

Her eyes glowed red and he was slung across the room hitting the wall and crumbling to the floor below him. He laughed, getting to his feet, and wiped away the blood that ran from the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand.

"Oh please, certainly you can do better than that."

A stake flew her direction and she caught it with her hand sending it flying back toward him and striking him in the arm. He groaned and reached over pulling it from his bicep flinging it in the direction of the doorway as the three coven members entered the room.

The three of them dodged the stake causing it to hit the wall and tumble to the ground as Justin and Joseph lowered Lance into the nearest chair.

"Christopher......you must stop this at once."

He quickly turned his head toward Justin and narrowed his eyes sending Justin tumbling backward.

"You DO NOT interfere with others challenges. Sit down Justin....enjoy the show."

Christabela glanced over to Lance and called out with her mind to the ancients for help. If Lance didn't feed soon he would die a slow death and she was not about to let that happen. Christopher needed to be stopped and she had the powers at that point to stop him.

She pushed from the wall and stepped closer to Christopher lowering her head and lifting only her eyes toward him. He tried to raise his arm and was shocked to see it wouldn't move.

"So you have a few tricks under your hat.....can't stop me....."

Stakes began to fly from all directions knocking him backwards and driving through his inhuman flesh nailing him to the wall. Blood poured from every area of his body and she tranced his mind blocking him from any powers he could use to get away.

After moments of struggling and fighting to break free his body grew weak and the fight to keep his eyes open was lost as he drifted into unconsciousness from the loss of blood.

Christabela quickly ran to Lance sitting down on the chair next to him and tilted her head pulling his weak body against hers.

"Feed Lance. Now....do it now."

Justin shook his head and reached down pulling Lance away from her.

"NO Christabela....you've lost too much blood. He feeds from you and you'll be in the same shape he is."

She shook her head pulling Lance back to her softly kissing his lips.

"Do it now Lance....before it's too Late. Do it now."

Joseph turned his head away as Lance dug his fangs into her neck and wrapped his arms around her tightly as his hunger took over and he sucked, taking drink after drink filling his veins once again.

Justin quickly reached out pulling Lance away from her and pushing him from the chair as she collapsed back against it feeling her eyes growing heavy. He sat in the chair next to her and placed his wrist to her lips, slipping his free arm under her head.

"Come on Christabela. It's ok....just take a little."

Lance's eyes began to return to normal and he took in a deep breath watching Justin with Christabela.

"I got carried away....I'm sorry. Joseph....she's got to be fed. Get someone and get them now."

Joseph nodded and fled from the house into the night in search of the nearest feeding. Lance dropped to his knees in front of Christabela and Laid his hands upon her leg running them across her wound and healing it the best he could before moving them to her side. She flinched at his touch and released Justin's wrist from her mouth wiping away the drops from her lips.

"Take Christopher to the lower levels. Tie him down. He'll be out for a few day....three at the most. I've got to get to Joshua. Lance.....don't leave Natasha. I'm calling in the ancients. We're going to need all the help we can get."

Justin nodded pulling Christopher from the wall and threw him over his shoulder carrying him to the lower levels of the castle. Lance sat down on the chair next to her pulling her into his arms and kissing her forehead lightly.

"We're going to beat him Bella Raven. I promise you.....we're going to beat him."

Chapter Eleven

Christabela watched as Justin chained Christopher to the table making sure he was secure.

"I knew last night the coven was here. Knew the instant they hit town. Christopher claims they are after Father Chasez because he has the book and knows too much, but that's not the truth. They're here for Natasha."

Lance sighed, sitting down in the large winged back chair and propped his feet on the stool in front of him.

"I knew something wasn't right. Christopher told me he was giving her to the Sabat for the blood feast."

Joseph hopped onto the table watching Justin as he yanked on the chains and shrugged.

"What is it with that girl he hates so much? I don't get it."

"She's a decedent of Santiago." Christabela claimed.

Justin dropped the chains from his hands and laughed. "Way to go Lance. You know how to pick them."

The group laughed and Justin hopped onto the table next to Joseph taking the bottle of wine from his hands.

"Y'all, what do we do about Yvette? She belongs to him now."

Christabela shook her head walking over and staring down at her brother. "He didn't embrace her. But i'll trance her...keep her sedated for a few days. She won't even remember him and that will give the ancients time to arrive and help me figure out what to do with Christopher."

They all nodded and Justin took a drink of the wine handing the bottle back to Joseph.

"Natasha has been embraced."

Lance lifted his eyes to Joseph and nodded his head as a slow smile spread across his face.

"Yep. She has."

"So besides the fact that Christabela has finally returned, Christopher is also pissed that you embraced Natasha?"

Christabela nodded her head and squeezed onto the table between Joseph and Justin.

"There's really not much he can do to Natasha. He just doesn't know it yet. Once she's trained on how to use her powers properly he won't be able to beat her. Between the powers she'll gain from Lance's blood and the powers she'll gain from my blood she'll outdo him."

Joseph arched his brow as he turned toward Christabela. "You gave her your blood?"

She smiled and slid from the table rubbing her hand against her leg to sooth the light pain.

"Two vials of my blood. I knew she'd need it to defend herself from Christopher."

Everyone turned as Lance jumped from the chair running to the doorway wrapping his arms around Natasha.

"Are you OK? you should be resting."

She giggled and placed her hands on his face leaning forward to kiss him.

"I am fine. Things just seem strange right now. Little whispers sound as though someone is pounding in my ears."

She moved her hands from Lance's face and placed them on her stomach smiling.

"I actually woke up because I heard our son crying. It's amazing he's still in the womb, not very old, and I could hear him crying."

Lance pulled her into his arms and kissed her forehead before motioning to Christabela.

"Natasha, I want you to meet someone."

Christabela stepped up to the couple and laid her hand on Natasha's shoulder smiling.

"It is more than a pleasure to meet you Natasha. I am Christabela....the queen of this coven. I am the sister of Christopher, but please do not judge me by that."

Natasha stepped from Lance's arms and stood before Christabela bowing to her.

"The pleasure of meeting is all mine. I am fully aware of the fact that I am a decedent of Santiago. I knew of the vampire history from the time I was little. I am honored to be a part of it once again."

Christabela smiled and turned to Lance kissing him quickly on the cheek.

"Take good care of her. I must go to Joshua, but I will pay a visit to Yvette before I go."

He nodded and grabbed her hand giving it a light squeeze.

"Be careful. I am still in some pain here from earlier."

She laughed and pulled her hand free from his leaving the group to watch over Christopher.

****

Joshua closed the book in frustration and laid it on the table in front of him resting his head in his hands. He'd been up for over 48 hours now and the lack of sleep was getting the best of him. Christabela had rushed him from her home the night before promising she would pay him a visit and as the night wore on and no sign of her had been seen he was afraid something had happened to her.

Upon returning home the night before he sat down on the couch with the Book of Nod and began reading from the front of the book all about the vampire history. Twenty four hours later he still sat in the same spot trying to decipher the last few 100 pages of the book.

The begining of the book had been quite easy to understand. Written in english, it was mainly a list of names, places, and their covens. But as the book turned to stories, and the stories became more detailed, the writings turned to Latin making it more difficult to understand.

Being a catholic priest, he had studied Latin and knew the language well, but it had been years since he had put that knowledge to use and his rustiness along with the vampire terms proved too difficult for him to understand.

He stood from the couch and glanced at the grandfather clock standing in the corner as he passed it on the way to the kitchen. It was 2 a.m. and no word from Christabela made him extremely nervous. He opened the fridge and leaned against the door looking through the contents of it, but seeing nothing as his mind drifted so far away.

"I am greatful that you worry about me, but please don't. I'm ok."

Joshua spun around, spotting Christabela standing in the darkness behind him and smiled, feeling relieved she was there.

"You......"

"Frightened you. I am sorry. I promised I would find you tonight and I didn't want to disappoint you."

She stepped closer to him and laid a stack of books on the table resting her hands on top of them.

"I got these from my fathers library. You seemed so interested in vampires I......"

"You are the child. The daughter that was taken away to the elders. Christabela."

She stood in silence, her expression unreadable, and locked her eyes with his.

"Yes Joshua, I am."

"And since Father Mulhee was protecting you Raven.....or Christabela, then that means....."

He shook his head, running his fingers through his hair as he walked across the kitchen away from her and turned back.

"It just can't be possible."

She sat down at the table watching in amusement as he traced his tracks walking back and forth.

"Joshua, it is possible. Father Mulhee was Mohared. He gave up his eternity to see that I was protected. For him I will always be greatful."

Stunned, he walked past her into the other room and sat down on the couch pulling the book back into his lap and staring down at the pages sensing her as she walked into the room.

"How could Father.....how could he be a vampire?........a part of the dark world, and teach the word of God?"

She sat down on the couch next to him and laced her fingers laying her hands in her lap.

"Father Mulhee never taught the word of God. Think about it Joshua. In the nine years you knew him did you ever see him preach a sermon?"

He leaned his head back closing his eyes still refusing to believe what he was hearing.

"But he walked the ground of Christ's home....he....."

"People have the wrong assumptions about us Joshua."

She turned sideways on the couch tucking her feet underneath her as he raised his head and stared off into space.

"We can walk in sunlight....we can't look directly at the sun and our powers are weak, but we can still walk in sunlight. We can walk through a church without turning to dust, and a cross against our flesh doesn't burn. We're not all evil Joshua, and we can feed on a mortal without actually killing them. Mohared was a priest, a vampire priest, and the catholic church was his only place of safety from my father. Why Father Mulhee chose you to teach about our world I don't know, but he was a good man and he had reasons behind everything."

He sat in silence letting his eyes drift to the book that laid in his lap and rubbed at his tired eyes sighing.

"The rest of the book is in latin. I'm having a hard time figuring out what all of it says. I'm only getting bits and pieces and .........."

She reached over pulling the book from his lap and closed it laying it back on the table.

"You need rest. Go get some sleep."

He turned his head facing her and stared into the face that had captured him so much. Through the years his desire to be with a woman tugged at him now and then, but he always seemed to push those feelings aside and be proud of the life he'd chosen.......until her.

The moment he laid his eyes on her, those desires returned to him and thoughts of sin continually flooded his mind and now as she sat in front of him the control of those desires were quickly fading.

He reached out, running his fingers through her long silky hair and stared at her soft pink lips inching his way toward them. Maybe with just one taste the guilt would overtake him and his desires for her would vanish without another thought. As his lips met hers, slowly moving against them, he proved himself completely wrong.

She placed her hands on his back pulling herself closer to him and gripping his white cotton t-shirt in her fist letting him take them however far he needed to. His face tilted and she followed his lead parting her lips slightly as his tongue carefully touched against her bottom lip and found it's way inside kissing her thoroughly.

He had completely lost control and his body ached in ways that it had never ached before. Slowly he pushed her back, laying her down on the couch as their tongues continued to explore and allowed her to stretch her legs out before covering her body with his.

Her hands tugged at the hem of his shirt, pulling it over his head as they broke the kiss and in a quick hungry manner met once again with a force a passion neither one could control. His lips moved to her neck sucking against her chilled skin leaving a mark of his own and nipping at the bruised flesh. Her fangs pushed forward extending to their fullest and she fought with everything in her not to sink her teeth into the sweet flesh that laid just inches from her mouth.

She could hear the blood rushing through his veins as his heart began to beat faster and his hands worked, shakily, unbuttoning the few buttons that ran down the front of her shirt. Her hand slid into the waist of his black pants pushing the button and zipper free from their locking positions and ran her thumb across the head smearing the precum down the length of his harden shaft and circled her fist around him moving her hand in a slow delicate rhythm.

His moan echoed through her whole body and her mouth watered needing desperately to taste, if nothing, but a small sample of the sweet crimson liquid that caused the muscle she held in her hand to throb so achingly. Her need to feed and the excitement that coursed through her body ended suddenly with the loss of his warm body against hers.

She slowly pushed herself into a sitting position watching him as he sat at the end of the couch breathing heavily and running his hands through his sweaty hair. His face was flushed and though she wanted to step into his mind to see what had stopped him she already knew her answer.

Without words she buttoned her shirt and stood from the couch gathering her things and walking toward the front door. He couldn't bring himself to look at her for not one ounce of guilt ran through his body. He wanted her......needed her.....craved her in a way that scared him more than anything and giving into that craving would be the biggest sin he could commit.

He leaned his head back against the couch and closed his eyes listening to the sound of the door as it closed behind her. If only things were different he could give into those desires, but he belonged to God.....and she.......she belonged to the night.

Chapter Twelve

Three days had passed and the ancients had finally arrived to the large castle during the wee hours of the morning. Christabela had kept watch over Joshua making sure he had stayed safe, but he hadn't tried to contact her since their last night together.

Nathaniel and his coven had laid low so far, but she knew their evil was brewing and Christopher had awoken that morning, weak and in desperate need for a feeding. Christabela had sat by his side in the dark dampness of the large room denying him any source of blood, listening to his threats of the torture he would place upon her and smiling as those threats turned to pleading.

He felt as though he was dying a slow death, and in all actuality he was. His veins craved the blood he had lost and his body ached from head to toe as the wounds that covered his body slowly healed. Lance had allowed Yvette to visit the lower level of the castle the day before and she stripped Christopher from his bloodied clothes and gently bathed him with a soft rag covering him with a black cotton blanket once she was done.

Christabela had lifted the trance from Yvette seeing that she could do no harm and Christopher would be too weak once he awoke to even do a power so simple as to block her mind from them. Lance had only allowed her a few hours with Christopher, not understanding Christabela's purpose for lifting the spell, and then sent her back to her room, only allowing her to come out for meals.

Christabela was pulled from her thoughts as McKeer, the oldest of the ancients, sat down next to her laughing as Christopher pleaded with Christabela to give him just a small taste of blood. Christophers eyes roamed to McKeer as he sat, and an unmistakable look of disgust flashed in them for a brief moment.

"Dear ancient one, please don't allow her to do this to me. I am Prince and leader of this coven and she has no right to sentence me to my death."

McKeer chuckled for a moment and arched his brow leaning back in the winged back chair.

"Ahhh, but you are wrong Christopher. Our precious one is Queen, and her rank is much stronger than yours. You sir have been very disrespectful, not only to her, but to your ancients as well. Laurent is thousands of centuries old and she has grown too tired to carry on as queen. Soon Christabela will not only be the queen of your coven, but to all covens as well. I suggest you settle down before she chooses to use more of her powers on you."

Christabela smiled as anger rose in Christopher, and she shook her head sighing with annoyance as he jerked on the chains once again, trying to break free. She reached over, brushing the long gray hair off of McKeer's shoulders and touched his cheek lightly, looking into his dark brown eyes smiling.

McKeer had always been one of her favorites of the ancients and immediately took over as her father figure from the day she arrived to them. He was close to 2,000 years old, and still he remained as handsome as he had been in his youth with his smooth facial features and strong jaw bones. His hair had begun to gray over the years, but it's length always remained it's same shoulder length style and with a wonderful smoothness of silk.

He had a gentleness about him that she'd always loved, and he held much patients through the years as he taught her the force of her powers. She loved him very much, and though she'd only been away from him for a short time, she had missed him most of all.

"I am so glad all of you were able to make it."

McKeer smiled, leaning sideways to the chair where Christabela sat next to him, and kissed her on her forehead.

"You did not need us precious one."

He leaned back taking a good look at her and brushed his black cape from around him, folding his hands in his lap.

"You are too frightened to use your powers against Christopher. Want to explain to me why?"

She glanced to her brother, frowning, as his struggles with the chains ceased and he perked up paying full attention to their conversation.

"I am NOT afraid." She huffed, and folded her arms across her chest with a pout tugging at the corners of her mouth.

"I believe I gave him a good licking if I do say so myself."

The chuckles that came from the doorway behind her caused Christabela to roll her eyes and McKeer patted her arm calling out to his kindred.

That will be enough Japheth and Laurent. I am waiting for her to tell me the truth.

The two ancients crossed the room and leaned back against the high padded table that Christopher laid on. Christabela tried her best to keep her laughter in, but failed miserably as she broke into uncontrollable laughter.

The two of you will never move into modern times and get yourselves some new clothes. The Dracula look went out centuries ago.

Her laughter stopped abruptly as a spike stuck into the wooden chair that she sat in right next to her head and Japheth folded his arms across his chest, his smile holding more than a bit of evil.

"Precious one, our clothing may appear a bit out of date for you, but we ancients, as you know, never travel from Madrid very much, and our clothing suits us fine. Now...maybe you can explain to us why we are here when you yourself hold all the answers."

McKeer and Japheth could not help but smile at Laurent's words, and all eyes turned to Christabela waiting for her to answer.

She felt a touch of relief as Lance and Natasha entered the room and hoped that the company of the two would draw the attention away from her. Lance stepped toward them, bowing to the three ancients, and Natasha followed his lead refusing to take her eyes off the three of them.

She had known when they arrived at the castle that morning, but this had been her first time seeing them and she was completely amazed at how they looked as though they had just stepped from the screen of an old horror movie.

Laurent's dress was that of gothic style, black in color and tying down the front like a corset. It was trimmed in burgundy and her long black hair hung to the center of her back with a touch of highlights reminding her a lot of Christabela's.

Her eyes were a dark blue and you could see the signs of her ageing deep within them, though her smooth beautiful features and perkiness in attitude could fool you. She was queen....one of the only two surviving queens, and with just seeing her, Natasha could tell she was very much respected.

Japheth surprised her as being an ancient. His charming good looks and his short sandy blond hair could win any female over and that combined with his muscular six foot frame and beautiful blue eyes gave him the appearance of a 20 year old. His black pants and black shirt are not what made his dress so odd, but the black cape, the same black cape she noticed tied around McKeers neck, is what did.

Laurent was the first to push away from the table and cupped Lance's face in her hands kissing him lightly on the cheek.

"It is so good to see you again Lance. It has been quite awhile since you have visited us in Madrid."

Christopher raised his head from the table, his eyes barely showing a tint of yellow, and stared at Lance, trying to drag up enough strength to use one of his powers, but his body failed him, and he dropped his head back to the table staring up at the ceiling above him.

"I have promised you Christabela over the years, and you knew of her whereabouts the whole time. You have played against me all this time Lance. Once I feed, and regain my strength, then you owe me a challenge."

The chains suddenly tightened around his wrist and ankles causing his already sore body more pain and he squeezed his eyes shut, clenching his jaw, as he screamed out a Christabela.

"YOU BITCH!"

Japheth turned, giving Christopher a hard thump on the forehead and the group laughed as they turned their attention away from Christopher.

"Natasha, welcome to our world. You willingly allowed yourself to be embraced. Santiago would have been very proud. He spent his last century trying to bring his lost family back into the dark world."

Natasha smiled, bowing once again to Laurent, and lifted her head, surprised to find Japheth standing in front of her with his arms folded tightly across his chest and his eyes roaming from her long brown hair, to the soft pink that touched her pale cheeks, and finally resting on her protruding belly that seemed even larger on her small frame.

"So it is you who carries the child of the strongest sire in this coven. I hope you feel honored? You should you know?"

McKeer stood from his chair, shoving Japheth to the side with a laugh and placed his hands on Natashas shoulders.

"Do not let the arrogant one get to you. His role as ancient has gone to his head and he tries to appear intimidating."

Japheth sat in the chair McKeer had vacated and a loud "hmmph" flowed from him as he pouted.

"Why look here dear Laurent." Mckeer exclaimed as he pointed to Japheth and Christabela sitting side by side. "I know now where our precious one learned her pouting abilities from."

He turned to Laurent shaking his finger in her face revealing a look of mock anger.

"I told you when Christabela was just a small child not to let Japheth alone with her. There is no telling what else he taught her when we were not around."

Christabela stood from the chair and, in a manner in which she would never normally conduct, stomped her foot and placed her hands on her hips.

"I called you all here for your help. Not to terrorize me and make fun of me. I have very important things I could be doing right now. So if you'll excuse me, I'll get to them."

She dropped her hands to her side and spun around heading toward the door when the sound of McKeers voice stopped her.

"You are not excused to leave Christabela. We have matters to discuss and I intend to get them over with now."

She turned back facing him and the fear she felt as a small child when McKeer would raise his voice to her when she would get into trouble, began to creep inside her and just like when she was little, she knew she was not going to be able to get away from him until she answered his questions.

"Why, Christabela, do you fear using your powers on Christopher and what is the story on Father Chasez?"

Christabela moved back across the room and returned to her seat with a sigh. It was going to be a long day, and from the look that had settled on McKeers face, a long night as well.

Chapter Thirteen

Christopher was put under a sleeping trance and Joseph had been sent out to find a feed for Christopher. He was becoming weaker and weaker and Christabela wanted to get some blood to him, not much, but just enough to keep him going. Lance had taken Natasha back upstairs for her to get some rest, for he was taking her out at night fall to teach her how to feed on her own for the first time.

Christabela sat nervously in her chair waiting as the three ancients got comfortable on the couch directly across from her. Once Christopher had been put under his trance, they had moved up to the main floor to the library where the servants brought them wine and cheese to snack on. With their stomachs filled, McKeer announced it was time to talk and Christabela gathered her thoughts of what they wanted to hear as she waited for them to get situated.

Stop trying to come up with what to say and speak from your heart Christabela.

The words had come from Laurent, and Christabela knew that she was right, lies would get her nowhere and McKeer would see through them instantly. She glanced up seeing all eyes on her and took in a deep breath ready to begin.

"My father was an evil man, but Christopher was never like him. I would often sneak away at times while growing up and would sit in the fields behind the castle listening to his thoughts. Mahared taught me so much about my mother and showed me what she was like that I felt I knew her.......that she was right with me all the time. Listening to Christopher, he reminded me so much of her and there were so many times I wanted to come back home and be with him, to be a part of the coven I belonged to, but I knew the time wasn't right. Something happened to Christopher over the past couple of years and I never could figure out why he'd turned so evil, and what had brought such darkness to him, until I looked into his eyes for the first time."

The three ancients exchanged a look between them and Christabela closed her eyes reliving the night she had stepped into the club for the first time. Christopher had spotted her from across the club and instantly tried to reach her, but she'd closed herself off to him. Their eyes locked and the minute the blue met brown she knew why he'd fallen to the dark force.

She shuddered reliving that moment and her eyes flew open as she looked up watching the smile that smoothed across McKeers face.

"He's my father."

McKeer slowly nodded and stood from the couch moving across to Christabela where he took her hand and pulled her from her chair.

"Don't stop Christabela. Keep going....you hold the answers."

A tear slid down her cheek and she brushed it away wanting to get the truth out of her, digging deep through every emotion only she could feel, and letting all the truth be know.

"He was so determined to get revenge on Mahared and my mother that even in his death he could not rest, could not let the past remain history and he found his next life in Christopher."

Her body began to grow weak from her confessions and more tears spilled from her eyes as she closed them, leaning into the opened arms of McKeer. Laurent was soon at their side wrapping her arms around the two of them and looking into McKeers eyes speaking to him silently.

"Enough....let the child alone. She's dealt with too much upon her return."

McKeer knew he couldn't give in, couldn't make her stop. She had to get out of her what she knew so she could be strong enough to win the battle he knew was coming. He feared Christabela was in more danger than he realised and until she revealed the truth and made herself stronger no power in the world could help her.

Pushing her away from him, his gentle hands grasped her shoulders and he ducked his head meeting her eye to eye.

"Listen to me Bela, the Festival is soon and your father will rule the Sabat and rein havoc on the dark world if you don't stop him. Christopher is still alive and well, but you have to bring him back, you have......"

"HOW?" she yelled, moving across the room and placing her hands on her temples feeling the darkness trying to consume her.

"How do I STOP him McKeer? I have been sheltered all of these centuries, protected from the evil that is now consuming me and you expect me to put a stop to a force so powerful that he managed to bring himself back to our world? HOW MCKEER?"

She dropped to her knees, her face scrunching in pain as loud, screeching sounds echoed through her mind driving her on the brink of insanity. Her blue eyes turned a smokey white and traces of red began to tint her eyes as her fangs extended and darkness drifted all around her.

"Oh Lord of the darkness look what has happened. Do something McKeer, help her."

Laurent cried out as she dropped to her knees next to Christabela wrapping her tightly in her arms.

"Hold her down, tie her, and if you must then drive stakes through her to stop her, but don't let her leave this room." McKeer cried "The child has never drifted into that stage of the dark world before and Petradon will have her for sure if we don't get her back."

With a fling of his cape, he hurriedly made his way to the door and vanishing from the room, left his voice echoing as he disappeared.

Japheth, stop Joseph from feeding Christopher. His powers are being restored and he's slipping into Christabelas mind.

In an instant Japheth had disappeared leaving Laurent to tend to Christabela.

**

Something was wrong very wrong, and Lance sat straight up in bed looking over to Natasha who laid next to him sleeping peacefully. Calling out to Christabela, he jumped from the bed as a mixture of evil voices rang through his mind speaking jumbled sentences in latin, confusing him, and he ran to the balcony over looking the dark foyer and jumped to the marble floor below, running to the library and throwing open the doors.

His mind was in a whirl wind and he couldn't think clearly as he searched the room for Christabela. Laurent stood in the center of the room, wind gusting around her as windows blew open and there in front of her against the wall was Christabela, her feet floating inches from the floor and her eyes glowing a crimson red with fangs extended and her hands up in front of her ready to strike at anything that dared near her.

Calling her name, he couldn't break through to her, and suddenly she was on him digging her nails into the flesh of his arms and sinking her teeth into his neck sucking hungrily and forcefully, bringing his blood to the surface and drinking every drop that she could.

Justin and Joseph appeared from no where and each vampire grabbed a hold of her trying to pull her away.

Laurent threw her hands into the air calling to the powers of the other ancients for help.

"Hurry boys.....she'll kill him if she doesn't stop."

Chapter Fourteen

Joshua sat in his bed intently studying the pages of the books that Christabela had left behind the last time she had come to visit. He hadn't looked for her or tried to contact her in any way and part of him felt guilty for that, but more guilt lied in the fact that he had let himself get too carried away with her. He'd spent the entire first day after the incident on his knees in the church with his rosary in his hands repeating hail mary's over and over. The second day he stayed home letting some of his guilt wash away and noticed the books that Christabela had brought.

Each one contained information on vampires, their rituals, and the vampire slayers who had rid most of them on this earth. He'd noticed that Petradons name had been mentioned a couple of times in each book and he'd found himself lost in the stories and returned to the Book of Nod once again trying to figure out the latin that was written in the last half of the book.

Still unable to decipher much of the words, he found himself frustrated again and tossed the book to the side, leaning his head back against the headboard, running his hands across his face.

"There has to be some way to understand the scriptures." he mumbled to no one but himself, but was startled as anothers voice echoed across his silent room.

"The answers you need can not be found within the pages of those books."

Joshua searched the ill lit room seeking the owner of the voice and gasped as the figure stepped from the darkness and into the soft light that flowed from the lamp sitting on his beside table.

"The answers to the riddle have been given to you already Joshua. Mahared spent years training you and now your time has come."

Joshua stared at the man before him and instead of fear he found himself eager to know more, eager to know how he could help him uncover the secrets that the man insisted he already had the answers too.

McKeer smiled at the startled express that remained on Joshuas face and clamped his hands behind his back pacing the room as he inspected the items around him, occasionally glancing over his shoulder to peek at Joshua, and although he seemed startled, he had to admit that an ounce of fear never crossed the mans eyes. A kindess surrounded him and McKeer could see why he had been chosen, he had deserved it.

Stopping at the dresser positioned directly across and to left of the bed that sat dead center in the room he ran his finger across the small cross that laid atop a bible that was worn from it's years of usage. Picking up the object he turned to Joshua and tossed it across the room watching as the man quickly caught it.

"Christabela has captured your heart......I think it's time you gave her your soul. She needs you, and together you and I must work quickly to save her, before it's too late. This journey is not going to be an easy one Joshua, but you are prepared and only you can complete the riddle."

**

Christopher stood over Japheth as he laid passed out on the cold concrete floor of the lower level room, and folded his arms across his chest as a smirk of satisfaction played at the corners of his mouth.

Joseph had left the two of them alone to rescue Lance from the clutches of Christabela and Christopher had used that moment to use the strength he'd gained from his feeding to break through the chains and attach Japheth, feeding from him, until his powers were completely restored and Japheth was weak from the loss of blood.

It had only taken moments for Japheth's mind to sink into unconsciousness when Christopher pulled his fangs from him and released him letting his body fall to the floor. With a rumbling laughter Christopher left the ancent to fend for himself and in record time, made his way up the black marble staircase to the main floor and into the library grabbing Christabela by the waist and letting Lance's limp body fall to the floor as he pulled her away from him and floated to the far corner holding onto her tightly.

Justin, Joseph, and Laurent fell to their knees next to Lance and grabbed a hold of him pulling him with them as the three backed against the opposite wall from Christopher.

"Let him die." Christopher shouted, and his voice echoed eerily across the room as stakes whizzed about waiting to make one of them it's target.

"He went against me and helped those fucking ancients hide her, he must pay the price."

The three vampires dodged the stakes that flew about them and Laurent rose to her feet holding out her hands as she walked toward Christopher.

"Give her to me Christopher. I know you can hear me. You don't want to harm her."

Laurents body flew across the room as though she'd been picked up and tossed like a rag doll and her side was pierced with a stake as she fell to the floor in a heap and blood poured to the wooden floor as it seeped from the edges of the wound. Christabela watched what was going on around her, but nothing made sense or seemed clear to her. She was bordering on the edge of insanity and though she'd tried to push it away, darkness was consuming more and more of her mind sending a shiver of excitement down her spine the further she slipped.

Lance's blood had been pure pleasure to her and the more she felt his body go limp in her hands the more excitement coursed through her causing her to crave more and more. The fact that she was killing him was exciting to her, and had she not been stopped she would have drained him completely and moved on to the next available body, but that was not what Christopher wanted, or as she discovered the further she slipped to the darkness, it's not what her father wanted.

Joseph looked between Lance and Laurent as Christopher settled his feet to the floor and quietly called out to McKeer for help. Although he knew that McKeer had to be fully aware of what was going on, Joseph still felt the need to hurry him back any way that he could. The coven had seen Christopher angry before, especially the past couple of years with his search for Christabela, but never had they seen him in the state he was in at the moment and Joseph and Justin were confused as to what exactly to do. To kill another coven member was completely wrong unless the leader had ordered the blood hunt, but in this case it was the leader that the blood hunt needed to be called on and with Christabela slipping away Joseph and Justin couldn't make that decision.

His eyes remained on Christopher and Christabela as he inched his way over to where Laurent laid in a heap and spoke to Justin silently as the two of them blocked their minds from those around them.

Force Lance to bite your wrist. Let him drink from you Justin and give him some strength until we can get more to him.

With a slight nod of his head to let Joseph know he heard him, he casually slipped his wrist over Lance's mouth and pressed the flesh against his fangs forcing them to break through the skin and causing blood to dribble into Lance's mouth. Tasting the sweetness of the crimson fluid, Lance weakly latched onto Justins wrist, grabbing a hold of him, and drank more and more of the sweet juices feeling his veins throb as his powers began to pour through him once again.

Laurent flinched as Joseph pulled the large wooden stake from her side, and placed her hands over the gaping wound causing it to heal instantly. A crashing sound caused each of them to turn their attention back to Christopher and Christabela to discover Christopher standing on the ledge of the window looking through his red eyes to each and every member as he clutched Christabela in his arms stretched open his mouth revealing the long pointed fangs as he positioned them above Christabela's neck, but stopped in mid air as the latin words rang loudly through the library.

"EGO exerceo thee , plurimus nequam phasmatis , valde embodiment nostri hostilis , universus phasmatis , universitas legio , in nomen of Jesus Sarcalogos impetro sicco quod effugio is creatura."

Christophers eyes narrowed to small slits as he peered up to Father Chasez and pulled his fangs away from Christabela laughing with an evil roar.

"Fuck you and your catholic powers. You can do nothing to me. Christabela will belong to the sabat and Christopher shall remain in hell forever and you can't stop that you fucking idiot."

Joshua continued with the exorcism, holding his cross into the air as the winds began to blow furiously throughout the room stirring debris around him.

"He Speciality be high thee who has sequence those depress because love height incomplete hope be the cause of love intelligence incomplete love base. Man be high thee , man who compel love multitude , love be convoluted , with love violence."

Laurent stood from the floor with the help of Joseph and moved across the room to take her place next to McKeers side as the two of them began to chant with their minds in an attempt to call back Christabela.

"Do not deny thy darkness, but turn away from the beast that calls upon you. Return to your coven and cast the evil that consumes to the bowels of hell."

Joshua ran to Justin's side helping to lift Lance to his feet and three vampires watched in amazement at the scene that surround them. Glass shattered and voices of evil echoed all around them and their eyes widened as Joshua stepped closer to Christopher lowering his cross and lifting his other hand to reveal a small vile they all assumed to be holy water.

Christabela blinked from the daze she had been cast under and stared down at Joshua as he removed the cap from the vile and slowly she turned her head glancing back to Christopher. Evil seeped through his pores and she reached down squeezing her hands around his arm that held tightly to her waist and watched him carefully as he continued to watch Joshua with cautious eyes, but was unable to hide the nervousness that sounded through his laughter.

"You know of nothing you fool. Holy water is of no use for you and your damned God cannot harm me, in fact" his smile broadening with a touch of evil "Your damned God can't help you."

Christopher lifted his free hand into the air, but his chants were lost in the sounds of the wind and the cracking of glass as it splintered from the windows crashing all around them and Joshua stood his ground glaring into the eyes of Petradon as he remained unharmed by the dark force.

Slowly a smile spread across the faces of the two ancients as Christopher was shocked over Joshua remaining standing on his feet. His powers should have given a hard blow to Joshua, but the man remained unharmed, and without thinking he tossed Christabela to the floor flying from the window seal to stand directly in front of Joshua.

"Stand back Petradon" McKeer's voice boomed and silence suddenly fell around the room as good and evil stood for battle. "That vile in not that of holy water, but of blood so holy that you would turn to dust at the smallest drop. Release Christabela and Christopher from their darkness and return to the bowls of hell where you belong."

Christopher cut only his eyes to McKeer and in one swift move grabbed Joshua by the throat catching him off guard. His hand tightened cutting off Joshuas air supply and his nosed pressed to the other mans as his words hissed through the air.

" I'll see you in hell."

Chapter Fifteen

The last thing Christabela had remembered was speaking with the three ancients about Christopher and her mind becoming hazy with a darkness that she didn't quite understand. Now she stood watching Christopher cutting off the life of the man she had become fond of so quickly and fear filled her over how far Christopher would take his little game.

Suddenly, she lunged forward, driving a stake into his shoulder that held Joshua at bay and her eyes became a sickly yellow as his hand released it's grip from Joshua and he turned on her, grabbing her by the throat and pinning her to the wall that was mere inches behind her.

"You, bitch, have defied me for the last time. I call upon my coven a blood feast at once and you, Christabela, will belong to me for eternity."

Nathaniel and his coven appeared on the windows ledge, eyes blazing red, and fangs already dripping blood from the mortals that they had already began to feast upon in the short time since night fall. Laurent lowered her head and raised her hands to the air driving a force so powerful through Christopher that it sent him crashing to his knees, but his hand remained locked against Christabelas throat and he drug her weakened body along with him, refusing to let go.

Nathaniel and his coven moved in for the kill, but were quickly knocked away by the powers of Joseph and Justin, as Christabela struggled to release Christophers grip from her throat.

"If I am to rot in hell, then so shall you." He whispered, and sent the force of a stake driving into her side to drain her life from her.

Blood splattered and Christopher released her, standing to his feet, and angrily pulled the stake from his shoulder , bending down and driving the spiked wood into the muscle of her thigh.

"Death will come to you slowly, for you have tortured me for too many centuries."

Teeth sank into the flesh of his neck and he cried out, swinging his arms, trying to knock away the form that had threatened to feed from him. Both bodies were knocked to the ground from their struggles and the fangs managed to remain in Christophers neck, pulling the blood quickly from his body and draining him, once again, making his powers weak.

Lance was shoved backwards as he attempted to step forward and pull Natasha from the hold which she held onto Christopher with.

"Let her be Lance." McKeer warned. "She knows what she's doing. Santiago is guiding her."

With the remaining strength he had left, Christopher gave one final shove to Natasha, knocking her free, and sending her tumbling across the room, hitting her head on the desk near by. Lance broke free from McKeers grip and ran, falling to his knees at Natasha's side and cradling her unconscious body in his arms, rocking her gently back and forth.

With a flick of his wrist, blood shot from the vial Joshua held in his hand, and the sign of the cross was splattered across Christophers chest burning deep into his flesh and reaching to the soul that had taken over the carcass of his own son. Petradons screams rang loudly through the room causing the other vampires to turn away and cover their ears in fright as the soul tore from the flesh in which it was entombed stirring in a cloud of black laced with fire.

Nathaniel and his coven watched in horror, and Joshua turned, splashing the remaining blood across the Sabat coven surprised as their bodies turned to ashes, blowing across the floor of the library and swirling in the wind, mixing with the cloud that rose above them.

Joshua stepped closer to the cloud, trembling, as he held his hands high above his head and spoke in a loud tongue casting away the evil that hovered above them.

"Love receptacle incomplete depth look forwards you. Elapse ye violence with state these life disjoined incomplete your hurtful."

McKeer placed his hand on Joshua's shoulder repeating his own words and closed his eyes drawing in a deep breath as a final scream was heard, the room around them stilled and a deafening silence fell upon their ears causing everyone to look around in question.

The cloud was gone and relief was felt through out the room as the coven began to relax and move to one another helping those in need. Joshua lowered his hand to side and glanced over his shoulder to McKeer giving him a week smile as McKeer nodded to him.

"You have done well Joshua. Now.....it is you that must help restore this coven."

McKeer moved away, leaving Joshua confused, and kneeled in front of Lance and lifting Natasha into his arms as he stood once again.

"Come, let us take her to the bed chambers. She must be drained and fed from you and Christabela once again. Be strong Lance, for she will be alright in due time."

Lance nodded, following McKeer to the upper floors where the bed rooms were located as Joshua, Justin, and Laurent followed behind.

Christabela grunted in pain as she tried to push herself from the floor, and gasped as Joshua quickly lifted her into his arms smiling warmly as he looked into her crystal blue eyes.

"Hello."

She smiled wrapping her arms around his neck and leaned her forehead against his, closing her eyes to all that was around her, enjoying the feel of being in his strong arms once again.

"Hello." She whispered and leaned her head back, slowly opening her eyes once again to peer at the one who had captured her and saved her coven from the doom that had threated to take over them.

"Thank you could never be enough for what you have done. I never knew it was you all along that was the answer. I just......"

His lips quickly met with hers, silencing her before he could lose his never and the chance to have her again, and moved in a slow motion working over the softness of her pink lips, stopping before mistakes could be made again.

"It is not completely over Christabela, we must get to Natasha and help her and the child."

She nodded glancing over his shoulder to her brother laying pale and motionless on the hard wooden floor and let the tears that filled her eyes for the pain that he had suffered, flow down her smooth cheeks. Natasha was their first concern, but Christabela vowed to herself to return to Christopher and bring him back once Natasha had fed. If it meant giving up her eternity to allow Christopher to return to the darkness, then giving up her eternity is exactly what she would do.

Chapter Sixteen

The room held a soft glow from the candelabra that sat on the bedside table just to the left of the four post bed, giving just enough light on the three ancients as they hovered around Natasha's body, feeding from the poisoned blood and draining her to the point of near death.

With Patradon gone, Japheth had broken free from his restraints and joined McKeer and Laurent in their quest to save Natasha and her unborn child from the hands of hell that grasped for her. With their task complete, they moved away from the bed in which Natasha laid and made room for Christabela and Lance to return, what is known as their life, back to her again.

Justin and Joseph stood against the wall at the end of the bed watching as Lance sat on the bed next to Natasha and pulled her weakened body into his arms, pressing his wrist against her bottom fangs, breaking through the flesh and letting the blood drip into her mouth, much in the way Justin had done with him earlier.

Just the few drops that landed on the tip of her tongue brought her to consciousness enough to suck against the marks, drinking till she fully awakened. He tried to move his arm from her lips once he felt she'd had enough, but she grabbed at it, moaning as she sucked harder, needing more of the crimson liquid in her mouth. Christabela pried Natasha's fingers from his arm as Lance placed his free hand on her forehead, pushing her away as he pulled his arm free from her fangs.

"Settle down baby, you're going to get fed."

Christabela slipped her arm in front of Natasha, wincing as she grabbed a firm hold of it sinking her fangs deeply into her wrist, drinking quickly at the blood that poured freely through her veins. After a moment of feeding, McKeer stepped closer to the bed gently pulling Christabela's arm from Natasha and brought it to his lips flicking his tongue across the wound to heal it.

"We must be on our way. A plane awaits to take us to Madrid for Christophers safety. We will revive him once we arrive. Boys, gather your mates and let us leave."

******************

Once the plane landed in Madrid the group made their way into the castle as the servants of the ancients carefully carried the coffin that contained Chris' body to the parlor of the castle.

The haven of the ancients wasn't much different from the castle in Salem, for it sat high on a hill surrounded by fields of trees and the interior was laid with the same black marble while beautiful columns lined the foyer.

Joshua was amazed by the beauty of the architecture and stood taking in the sight around him until Christabela gently grabbed his elbow pulling him from his trance.

"The ancients are gathering in the court yard, we must join them for the ceremonies."

He nodded, taking one last look around and slipped his arm around her waist leading her through the foyer and out into the darkness of the court yard. Christophers body laid on a marble slab that had been draped with black cloth and the ancients surrounded him dressed in black hooded cloaks holding a lit candle as they chanted in foreign tongue.

McKeer moved gracefully across the court yard greeting Christabela and Joshua and held his hand out for Joshua to take.

"Come along Joshua, we await you."

Joshua glanced to Christabela, confusion on his face, not completely understanding the role he had to play in the ritual. McKeer led him over to Christophers side and removed the hood of his cloak looking up to the ancient who stood across from them on the other side of Christopher as Christabela took her place next to Joshua and gasped as the ancient across from them removed his hood revealing his face.

"Joshua.....my precious Christabela Raven....it is so good to see you both once again."

Joshua felt his knees grow weak as he stared into the eyes of Father Mulhee, shocked and speechless.

"Maharet.....how....you're....I don't understand." Christabela gasped, as she fumbled over her words.

"It is by Joshua that I was able to return to this world as an ancient once again. Joshua, I trained you the best I could to take your place in our world and now the time has come. It was you who kept my Christabela alive and you who can bring Christopher back to us."

"But I don't understand...how am I....how are you.....?"

Joshua fell silent once again, still reeling in shock, as he turned to McKeer feeling his hand on his shoulder begining to speak.

"Christabela's blood is needed to bring Christopher back, but it is your blood, Joshua, who will keep him protected from Patradon for eternity. You put Patradon where he belongs, but over time he could possess Christopher once again, but you can stop him from doing so."

"You, Joshua, were chosen the day you were born. You were the biggest part of the riddle, the pages of the book you were having so much trouble interpreting, those pages were of you. I was to find someone to take my place as royal priest in this world and turn over the job of protecting Christabela to and you were the perfect choice. In the palm of your hand lies the sign of the celtic cross, the chosen, you were born with it and I was able to find you and train you, impressing the ancients so that that I was granted my eternity back, and now with Patradon gone I can roam free, and I thank you. You have made our world better with him gone."

He moved around the marble slab placing his hand on Joshua's cheek as he approached him and smiled, slipping his arm around Christabela pulling her into a hug.

"I loved this child's mother more than anything you could ever imagine and I was not about to allow anyone to harm her. I knew once you could see her you would protect her all the same, but the fact that you fell in love with her was a surprise to all of us. The choice now is left only up to you Joshua. You can resurrect Christopher and go back to Salem living out your life, or you can be united with Christabela in an embracing and join our world for eternity. What will your decision be?"

Joshua looked from Maharet and into the eyes of the woman who had awakened a part of him he never dreamed to be in touch with again, feeling every emotion possible rush through him. He had, without a doubt, found his soul mate, but his life had been dedicated to God and it had been a decision he had never regretted. The life that was welcoming him was eternity in a dark world that had fascinated him for so long, but choosing to walk that path instead of the one he walked now would be paved with great consequences, and it was those consequences he was uncertain that he was ready to make.

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Seventeen

Christabela sat next to Christopher on the marble slab and reached her hand out gently touching his cheek letting her fingers travel across his smooth skin. His once hardened and cold features suddenly seemed angelic as she held her hand out accepting the two vials of blood Maharet had drawn from Joshua, and opened the first one, touching Christophers lips, gently parting them and poured the blood slowly into his mouth, smiling when she saw him swallow.

She had been able to witness a ritual like this once when she was a small child, and though she was ready to rush through it and see her brother, truly, for the first time, she knew the procedure had to go slow to make it work.

Giving him a moment to taste the first vial of blood and allow it to begin to flow through his veins, she opened the second and placed it to his lips doing the same as with the first. His eyes began to flutter as he swallowed the last of the second vial and his eyes opened staring up at her as she smiled down at him.

The ancients began to chant once again and christopher sat up brushing away Christabela's long dark hair from her shoulder as she tilted her head offering her neck for him to drink from. His eyes traveled from hers to the throbbing blue vein pushing against the silky skin of her neck and he leaned forward sinking his teeth into the soft flesh, moaning as the blood burst forth, filling his mouth full of sweet flavor. His arms circled her waist, pulling her against him, sucking fiercely in a manner of that of a starving child.

Joshua took a step closer, ready to pull her away, but was stopped by the strong hand of Maharet holding him back.

"Let her be Joshua."

He hesitantly stood back as Christopher continued to drain her and broke free from Maharet as Christopher released her limp body from his arms and pulled her into his, brushing the stray strands of hair from her face.

"Take her inside." McKeer spoke. "Lay her down in one of the bed chambers. We will be in shortly to feed her."

Joshua lifted her and carried her into the castle as Christopher stood, his legs weak, and held onto McKeer for support. The confusion was clear in his eyes as he looked around, uncertain of where he was, or what had occurred.

"McKeer, old friend, what is going on?"

McKeer smiled, patting Christopher on the back and slipped his arm around his shoulders leading him to the five females who stood in a row watching the scene as it took place.

"Many things have occurred dear friend, but we will talk of that another time, for now I would like for you to meet your mate"

Yvette looked into the familiar eyes, but saw a stranger that she knew she would love more than she did before. He reached out, placing his hands on her arms, and pulled her closer to him, a soft smile spreading across his face.

"You hold more beauty than anything I have ever seen walk this earth in centuries."

She stood on her tip toes gently touching her lips to his and smiled as she pulled away dropping back to her feet.

"I am Yvette."

He chuckled softly and pulled her into his arms hugging her tightly and closed his eyes enjoying the feel of her against him.

"Come along." Laurent laughed, clapping her hands together. "Let us go inside an have ourselves a festival. We shall hold off on the embracing for another night."

The ancients entered the castle, followed by Christopher and his coven, and gathered in the dinning hall where the servants served platters of fruit, cheese, and goblets of red wine mixed with blood of the extreme ancients that had been bottled for special occasions. The party ran on till the breaking of the sun where they parted and retreated to their rooms to sleep away the day.

**************

Joshua had sat by Christabelas side all night till his tiredness took over, and he leaned his head back on the plush high back chair he'd been resting in and closed his eyes falling into a deep, but uncomfortable sleep. Laurent had entered the room just before Joshua had fallen asleep and brought along a servant with her to help Christabela drink the goblet of blood they had brought for her. Her body was weak from Christophers feeding, but the blood of the ancients would help give her a little strength to rest for the the feeding she would receive when she awoke.

Her feeding would have to wait till morning when she would be somewhat stronger to handle the sacrifice that would be brought to her. For now the blood of the ancients and sleep was all that she would need.

*****

Christabela opened her eyes smiling up to the female that sat next to her and stretched, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

"Hello. Night will fall soon. Did you sleep well?" Natasha asked.

Christabela nodded and looked around the room spotting Joshua asleep in the chair by her beside, his position appeared uncomfortable and the peacefulness that usually showed on his face was no longer there.

He didn't belong in her world, she realised, and she wasn't about to force him to make a decision she knew he was battling with. His mind was a raging war and she knew the decision she would have to make was going to be painful, but would have to be done none the less.

He had helped bring Christopher back from the abyss he had been locked into and Patradon, thanks to him, had been put to rest, or so she'd hoped. His purpose had been served, and he would return to the world in which he belonged.

"He will return to Salem tomorrow." Christabela whispered. "He should not have to chose this life over the one he has."

Slinging the covers back, she threw her legs over the side of the bed and stood, quickly moving across the room pulling open the closet and pulling out a low cut black long sleeved velvet dress.

The length hung to her ankles and hugged at her hour glass figure, flaring off at her hips causing the fabric to gather beautifully around her. Her black heels peered out from beneath the fabric and her long silky hair was pulled into a lose bun with stray ringlets hanging around her face.

The Festival of the Spirits would be held that night and all the females that had been chosen by her coven members would be embraced and their new lives would begin. Natasha watched in silence as Christabela finished preparing herself and frowned as she walked toward Joshua, brushing a strand of hair from his restless face, and dropped a kiss to his forehead whispering words in latin she couldn't quite hear before walking from the room leaving the two of them behind.

Christopher sat in the winged back chair in the silence of the library, his elbows resting on the velvet arms of the chair, and his palms pressed together, with his fingers laced, and his chin resting atop them. His sister was in pain, he could feel it, but it was a pain he had not felt in centuries. McKeer had sat with him in the darkness of that very room the night before with his palms resting against Christopher's temples and their eyes closed as McKeer showed him of the past century and what Christopher had been away from.

Their father had tortured Christabela tremendously and it had been this Father Chasez, or Joshua, as they called him, that had saved, not only him, but his sister as well. It was, however, this same Joshua who brought so much pain to their precious one and Christopher was determined to end that pain for her. She had sacrificed so much to bring him back, and now it was time for him to return the favor.

Chapter Eighteen

Joshua paced the floor of his small home for what seemed like hours before finally dropping to the couch, running his fingers through his hair and sighing in frustration. He had begged, even pleaded with McKeer to see Christabela, but she would not see him and the ancients had been ordered to send him back to Salem, no questions asked, and no one was to visit with him again.

He had had spent his hours on the private plane wracking his brain over what could have possibly happened for Christabela to turn away from him so quickly, but the more he thought the madder he became. Maharet had given him a decision to make and that decision had been a struggle for him, but he'd thought it over, and as he sat by Christabela's side watching her struggle with what is know as their life, he knew without a doubt what his decision would be. He didn't, however, get to share that decision before he was forced onto a plane and sent back to the little town of Salem.

He stood from the couch and began pacing the floor once again, till suddenly he stopped in his tracks and nodded, speaking to himself.

"I don't care what she says, I'm going back."

Picking up the phone he dialed information, getting the phone number to the small airport and prepared to make his reservations for his return to Madrid.

**

Christopher watched as his sister sat quietly in the corner of the parlor starring out the window across the garden to the festivities that were going on with the coven. She'd kept to herself and had spoken to no one since she had sent Joshua on his way and he wanted so badly to see her smile just once.

She had watched in silence as each member of the coven embraced their mates a few nights before and without a word she slipped away into the darkness, disappearing into the woods not to be seen again until the next evening and Christopher was worried about her.

A party had been held the past two nights since the embracings and Christabela had not joined in on the gatherings at all. Christopher had left her alone with her thoughts as McKeer and Laurent had wished, but enough was enough and he moved across the room squeezing himself into the chair next to her smiling as she turned her head his way.

"After centuries of waiting I thought I was finally going to get to know my sister, but all I see is sadness. Your thoughts of him have been non stop, why did you send him away?"

"Our life is not an easy one." She smiled sadly. "His life is dedicated to the one we stand against. Asking him to give all that up and live an eternity of battles and uncertainty is wrong. I just can't do it."

He slipped his arm around her shoulders and took in a breath of the air around him as she laid her head on his shoulder closing her eyes.

"You know, Christabela, you should have given him the opportunity to make that decision on his own, he may have just surprised you. Maharet has been preparing him for this for a couple of years now. He obviously feels pretty strongly about you to risk his life going against father and saving not only you, but me as well. He never left your side that night and we all know what his decision was going to be. So tell me.....what are you so afraid of, because I feel your fear."

Raising her head from his shoulder, she stood from the chair, folding her arms loosely across her chest, and stood in front of the window watching as the coven laughed and sipped at their wine having a good time.

"I don't know what I fear. Maybe I fear father will return, or maybe that Joshua will regret choosing the darkness over the life he had, or maybe......"

"Maybe you just fear falling in love precious one."

She dropped her arms to her side and turned to the sound of Maharets voice, leaning against his chest as he wrapped his arms securely around her.

"You've had to hide your whole life and that is all you know how to do. You don't know how to let yourself be free and face whatever is going to happen."

He placed his hands on her shoulders and pushed her slightly away from him allowing him to see her face as he slide his finger under her chin tilting her face up toward him.

"Love is the biggest fear you will ever have to face in your life, but it's the best feeling you will ever experience. I loved your mother with all my heart and soul and losing her killed me. I no longer cared to live an eternity without her, but I had you to look after and that is what kept me going......you and to seek out Joshua. He loves you with all his heart Christabela and he's willing to give up everything to walk eternity with you. That, precious one, shows true love."

Maharets words stabbed at her and deep down she knew he was right, but no matter what, the fear still remained strong and her decision still and would always remain the same, Joshua belonged and Salem and she didn't want him back.

"I know what I feel and I don't want Joshua here." She stated firmly, turning her face away from Maharet and quickly moving across the room in anger at her own self. "The coven is together, we are whole for the first time and soon the children will begin to be born and Christopher and I will have our hands full teaching them their powers and limits and our way of life. It is our responsibility as the leaders to......."

"Hold on." Christopher chuckled, standing from the chair and holding his hand into the air stopping her. "I have a mate dear sister, and though we are responsible for the teaching of the coven those children will have their fathers to teach them and I am going to spend time with Yvette and our future children and I hope....." he smiled, cupping her face in his hands. ".....to get to know my sister."

She sighed, letting her eyes close for a brief moment and opened them looking into the brown eyes that stared back at her full of love and concern, and smiled nodding her head.

"You are right. Go spend time with Yvette and you and I will chat later, perhaps take a trip into the city for a feeding."

Pushing herself up on her toes, she kissed the corner of his mouth lightly and pulled away from him patting him on the shoulder before walking out the doorway of the parlor.

***

Joshua stepped from the plane and pulled the strap of his carryon bag back upon his shoulder as he looked around the crowd of people that moved around the small airport as though one of them should be waiting for him. Finding the castle was going to be a chore, but he had a vague memory of where is was and his determination was going to get him there one way or another.

Chapter Nineteen

The night air was cool and Christabela closed her eyes, stretching her arms out on either side of her, and tilted her head back, letting the breeze brush across her face, blowing her hair all around her.

For the first time in years she felt at peace and the aching that had been tugging at her heart just a few short hours earlier was no longer there, instead was warmth and a feeling of completeness she had never known. The quietness of the dark engulfed her and she welcomed the strength it offered her and the satisfaction she received from it's beauty.

The figure in the shadows watched her from a distance and slipped away just as quietly as he had appeared, back into the darkness of the night, and moved around to the front of the house stepping into the waiting car. Folding his hands calmly in his lap, he watched out the window as the servant closed the door and took his place behind the wheel of the limo driving them to their destination.

Christabela watched the small deer trek softly through the woods and stop, leaning it's long neck down to graze at the grass beneath it's feet. Her eyes glistened it's yellow hue and her feet lifted from the ground below her as she moved across the woods to the animal, descending on him before he could ever sense her presence. Her hands grabbed his head holding him steady as her teeth sunk through the muscle and into the vein below it, drawing the warm blood into her mouth, closing her eyes to the flavor that satisfied her hunger.

She stopped and sealed the wound so as not to send the poor animal to it's death and stepped back, watching as the deer staggered away once released from it's grip. Satisfied, she moved back toward the castle, stopping in the garden to sit on the concrete bench located along a row of shrubbery and flowers and closed her eyes again, listening to the sounds that echoed through the night.

"Laurent taught me how to feed from animals once I was old enough to learn, to prepare me for feeding from humans. You have to learn control to be able to stop before you kill someone. Though human blood taste much more pleasing, I enjoy feeding from the animals better, the less contact I have with mortals, the better it is for me."

Natasha had been following behind Christabela, watching her from the distance, wondering why she had chosen to feed from the deer. Lance had already begun to teach her to feed from mortals, but never had he mentioned feeding from animals, and it seemed odd that Christabela would do such a thing. Once Christabela had acknowledged her presence, she moved toward the bench, sitting next to her and stared out across the garden to the patio of the castle where figures moved around in the soft moonlight that shown down on them.

"Lance has been worried about you.....we all have."

She placed her hands to her stomach and rubbed gently at the over active bundle moving around inside her and took a deep breath ignoring the slight twitch of pain she had felt.

"You've blocked everyone from you, if nothing else, at least let Lance in so that he will rest better and his mind will be at ease."

"Lance has better things to worry about. He has you, and your son will be here, I believe, before his actual time. He's a strong little boy....maybe now with Christopher back and a mate at his side then they will have a girl and your son could chose her as his mate. They would make a strong......"

"What about your child?" Natasha asked, becoming more frustrated with her then intended.

"Christabella, I may not know you as well as Lance or the others but I can sense that something is wrong. Please know that you can talk to me about anything and it shall remain between us, you have my word."

Christabela stood from the bench and turned her gaze toward the sky wrapping her arms around her waist as her head shook slowly from side to side.

"I trust you without a doubt Natasha, I helped Lance give you your new life because I knew you would be perfect for him, and a great friend to me, but my life is destined to be here, with the ancients, and live a quiet life all to myself till my eternity is over. I accept that, and the future of our kind depend on the vampires like you and Lance, and Justin and Lauren, and Joseph has secured his self with Janet and Sarah. And my dearest brother...."

She turned herself toward Natasha and smiled softly, determined not to let the tear shed that threated to fall from her eye.

"And you, my dear Christabella, who will you secure yourself with? Surely you deserve a mate as much as we do?" Natasha spoke, as she pushed herself from the bench and stood in front of Christabela continuing to hold her hand firmly against her stomach to still her son, but moved her hand away as Christabela reached out placing her hands on either side of her stomach, stilling the child at her instant touch.

"I am queen Natasha, and the queens carry a curse. We are few and far between, and love, for us, is misery in itself. My mother died at the hands of my father because of her love for Maharet. Laurent has chosen a love three times only to have all three of them sent to their deaths not long after their embracing resulting in no offspring and eternities of loneliness. Joshua is not meant for me, no matter how much training Maharet thinks he has given him, or what decision everyone feels that Joshua was going to make. I accept that, I am fine. I only ask that you let me be and all of you go back to Salem where this coven belongs. Laurent will not be with us too much longer, I am afraid, and I will be the only surviving queen, leaving my task too large and keeping me busy here in Madrid."

"We shall honour your request Christabella, but surely you can't argue with the fact that if anyone deserves true love, it should be our queen?"

"Shush child, In due time you will learn of the troubles and pleasures that will come with this new life, but for now Lance is looking for you. He senses that you are in pain and he is frantic. Go calm him, let him know that his son is just being uncooperative the way he can be sometimes."

With a faint smile Natasha wrapped her arms around Christabela hugging her tightly against her, as she heard Lance moving closer to them in the distance.

"I must go, but remember I am always here for you Christabela."

Touching her softly on the cheek, Christabela smiled and motioned her head toward the approaching Lance before turning and walking away back into the woods.

******

The hand on his shoulder startled him, and Joshua swallowed uneasily as he turned around and came face to face with Christopher in the center of the small, crowded airport, and remained silent as Christopher lead him to the closest exit door shoving him into the car that sat just outside those doors.

What seemed like an eternity of silence past, before the car began to move away from the curb and Christopher turned his eyes away from the window he had been staring out of and let them fall upon the frightened Joshua that sat extremely still across from him.

"You were told not to return to Madrid, that no contact was to be made between you or any member of this coven, and that Christabela did not want to see you under any circumstances. So tell me Joshua......what are you doing back in our world?"

Chapter Twenty

The being sitting across from Joshua in the black stretch limo intimidated him, and caused fear to course through his veins, making his heart beat faster and his blood run quicker, sending off a sweet sent of the crimson liquid to the threatening vampire.

He had dared to step back onto their grounds, but he was ready to face any consequences that he had to to get back to Christabela. His words would have to be chosen wisely, for the fate of his life depended on the leader of the coven he so desperately wanted to be a part of.

"I love her with all of my heart and I simply want the chance to prove that to her. The choice of life I wanted to lead was given to me by Maharet and McKeer and she did not allow me to make that choice, she made it on her own and I have returned to voice my opinion."

Christopher's lips turned into a sly grin as Joshua finished his words and he glanced out the window seeing the castle approaching in the distance.

"You dare to stand against her, as well as us." he spoke, returning his gaze once again to the fear filled man.

"You are a brave soul to dare such a task. We as her coven will stand by any decision that she makes and you do understand you have put yourself in great danger? We will do whatever we must to protect her."

Joshua nodded his head slowly and knew, without a doubt, that Christopher would take him down in an instant without so much as a second thought.

"You saved me Joshua, you sent my father to the pits of hell, and you've certainly captured the heart of Bella, for that I will give you the opportunity to stand before her."

The car pulled to a stop in front of the castle and Joshua turned his gaze away from Christopher for one brief moment to watch as the door to the limo swung open and returned his gaze back to him as he finished his statement.

"If she wants you gone, then you will leave and not return UNLESS I or one of the ancients call upon you. Should you chose not to obey the second time, then this life time as you know it will end."

With that said Christopher stepped from the vehicle and made his way to the castle doors stepping into the foyer as they immediately opened upon his presence and turned to wait for Joshua to follow. Joshua immediately noticed the change in the castle from the air alone and followed closely behind Christopher letting his eyes dart from side to side expecting someone or something to jump out at him at any given moment. The feel of the castle was no longer cold and stale, but warmer and a feeling of closeness among those behind the large stone walls. They were no longer a group of people.....a coven of many....it was as if they had become one whole being and Joshua, who left as a friend to those there, now seemed to be an enemy and a threat to those hidden from him.

Lost in his thoughts as he watched the area around him, he ran into Christopher as he came to stop on the patio and turned, facing him, as he stumbled back away from him.

"My sister means the world to me and I won't see her hurting any longer. You are the one who has caused her so much pain, but I know that it was not intentional, Christabela is a stubborn one."

Joshua followed Christophers gaze as he turned his head toward the garden and sighed at Christabela sitting amongst the flowers in the moonlight.

"This is your last chance Joshua, go to her and tell her how much you lover her, if she turns you away, then i'm afraid you will have to go, but should she chose to embrace you, then we will all welcome you with open arms."

Joshua felt relief wash over him as he turned finding Christopher watching him, a soft smile forming across his face.

"Good luck to you Joshua."

He held his hand out offering a firm shake to him and pointed out across the grounds toward Christabela.

"Go to her."

With a nod, Joshua took in a nervous breath and stepped away from Christopher toward the steps that would lead him to the garden where his future awaited him.

"Hold it right there."

Joshua froze in his tracks as Lance stepped away from the darkened corner of the patio and allowed the light to graze down upon him and the stern look he held on the christian man. Thoughts of the first time he had ever met the man before him filtered through his head and he reached up, lightly touching his cheek where a slight scar still remained.

"You disobeyed this coven and stepped back into our world unwelcomed and for that alone I should stake you till your blood runs dry. You are lucky Christopher let you off with nothing more than a warning and took you at his side, for if it weren't for him you would have become a blood feast."

His eyes changed from green, to yellow, to red within a split second and Joshua braced himself, preparing for the rathe, as Lance moved closer to him putting them nose to nose.

"The pain she has suffered through since your leaving has been extremely hard on her and I don't like it one bit. She is very dear to me and I have loved her for a long time so take heed to my warning, if she does not approve of this return I will personally see to it that you leave here at once with a reminder of why you should never return. Do I make myself clear?"

Joshua swallowed uneasily and nodded his head in a slow rhythmic motion not daring to move his eyes away from him or make any sudden move that would upset the already angry vampire in any way. This man held hatred for him from day one and somehow Joshua knew that is was not Christopher that he would ever have to be afraid of, but the one in front of him who would always be close by watching him from the shadows.

He felt himself relax a bit as Christopher stepped up pushing Lance away from him and slipped his arm around the angry mans shoulder guiding him toward the double french doors that stood opened.

"The decision about Joshua is up to Christabela, not you. Let us go inside and leave the two alone to speak and decide on Joshua's fate."

The two vampires disappeared into the low lit castle leaving him alone with the rough task ahead of him and his silent prayers for her to hear him through.

The moonlight cascaded across her silky skin, setting off a warm glow, and his heart raced as he stepped from the patio and inched his way toward her, stopping just a few feet behind her, taking in her beauty. Never had he felt such strong feelings for someone in all his life and the thought of not being able to be with her frightened him to no end.

***

She knew he was there, she had sensed him the minute he stepped from the plane, and had hoped she had been wrong, but feeling him behind her, she knew she hadn't been and remained still, waiting for him to make some sort of move.

Hesitantly he reached his hand out to touch her, and quickly pulled it back as though he had been burned, taking a deep breath of the air that seemed to be closing in around him. She heard all of his thoughts as they raced through his mind and closed her eyes, speaking to relieve him of his misery.

"Why did you come back Joshua, when you were told I didn't want to see you?"

She knew his answer, had heard the conversation between him and Christopher, but she wanted to hear the words from him and she waited patiently for him to allow himself to be seen and heard.

He was startled when she spoke to him, but the short time he had spent with the coven he had learned that there was no hiding from them, they knew of mortals whereabouts no matter how hard you tried to hide from them.

"I only ask that you give me a chance to explain and not turn me away without really listening to what I have to say."

She opened her eyes and glanced up at him as he stepped around in front of her, nervously meeting her eyes.

"I love you more than I have ever loved anyone in my life and I want to be a part of you, I want to be your eternity and have a family with you. Give me that chance Christabela, please."

The pleading in his eyes was too much for her to bare as she looked away from him, standing to turn her back to him.

"You don't belong here Joshua, go home, and forget that you ever knew I existed, erase me from your memory and live your life the way it should be."

She felt the pain that stabbed at his heart, but refused to change her mind and allow herself to fall for him any harder than she already had. Turning him away was too much for her to bare, but feeling his pain as well was torture.

"I can't erase you from my memory, when my heart knows every detail about you."

Tears of blood fell down her cheeks and she tried to wipe them away before he stepped in front of her, trying to take her into his arms as she shoved him away, keeping her distance from him.

"NO JOSHUA. GO. And don't ever come back here."

She ran a short distance before her feet left the ground and in an instant she had disappeared completely from his site, leaving him alone and in tears in the garden. It was of no use, her mind had been set and no amount of begging or pleading would make her give in to him and he knew there was only one option left for him to try. If Maharet and the other ancients wouldn't help him then he would take his own life to keep from suffering from living without her.

@2004Lancesharmony

Chapter Twenty one

Christopher paced the floor as the other ancients sat quietly watching him, and kept Joshua's thoughts from reaching Christabela the best he could, stopping suddenly as he felt Natasha approach Joshua.

"Give her time Joshua, she'll eventually give in and allow herself to love you, she's just frightened right now."

He shook his head, sitting down upon the bench, and reached over pulling a red rose from the bush next to him, wincing as a thorn poked at his finger, drawing blood to the surface.

"She's not going to love me."

He watched as the blood ran down his finger to the palm of his hand, and dropped the rose to the ground, raising his head to look at Natasha as she reached down placing her hand into his.

"Come with me, there is something I must show you."

He stood from the bench, allowing her to pull him along into the castle, and down the stairs to the lower levels.

"We must be quick before Lance senses us, or the two of us will be in a lot of trouble."

She released his hand and walked to a corner where a pine cabinet stood, detailed with carving of demons and swords and latin phrases he didn't take the time to read, and reached inside, pulling out a small vile and walked back to him holding it out in the palm of her hand. Carefully he took it from her and lifted it to his face, creasing his brow at the red liquid stored inside the small glass tube and lowered it, cutting his eyes to her.

"What is this?"

She glanced around the semi dark room a bit nervously, and hoped that her powers were strong enough that the block she had placed around her and Joshua worked, if not, then every vampire who roamed that castle would be on the two of them in a matter of seconds.

"That is the blood of Christabela, it's sacred." She whispered, pulling the vile from his hands and pulling the top off passing it back to him.

"It was taken from her a few centuries ago, drink it, and for the next twenty four hours you will feel what she has felt, what she feels now, what she hears, and get a glimpse into her past to know what she has been through. You think you know her Joshua, but you don't. Those books don't even come close to explaining her in any way, and with this you will be able to understand her fears, with this, you'll know what it is like to be a vampire."

Joshua lifted the vile to his lips and lowered it before the first drop could pour free into his mouth.

"I can't do this, what if it doesn't work?"

She moved closer to him, placing her hand on top of his, urging frantically for him to drink it.

"Trust me Joshua. Why do you think Lance despises you so? He feels everything she does and he knows her thoughts. He knows the love she has for you, and knows the pain she is suffering through because of that love. Her blood courses through him strongly, but not enough in me to feel or know what he does. Drink it, please."

Looking into her eyes he knew the words she spoke were true, and quickly he lifted the vile back to his lips and turned it up drinking every last drop. His head pounded and his ears hurt from the sudden loud ringing that echoed through them. Voices could be heard talking all at once around him and he fell to his knees squeezing his eyes shut, pressing his fist into his temples.

"Get control Joshua. You have to concentrate and get control."

Natasha dropped to her knees in front of him and placed her hands on top of his helping to relieve some of the pain.

"You have to try to clear your mind, push all the other voices to the side and concentrate on hers."

"I can't....too much pain...."

Tears rolled down his cheeks, and his scream echoed through the hallways of the lower levels causing Natasha to rise to her feet as complete silence fell around them. Joshua dropped his hands to his lap and opened his eyes looking hesitantly around the room, stopping as his eyes landed on Natasha.

They know.

He stared at her, realising her lips had never moved, and closed his eyes concentrating on his thoughts.

What do they know?

That someone has entered our world unwelcomed.

He opened his eyes, amazed at the fact he was speaking to her without opening his mouth, yet frightened over what would happen to him now.

"Listen to me Joshua." she whispered, moving to stand in front of him as he stood, cupping his face into her hands. "Close your eyes and turn all your thoughts to Christabela. We have to accomplish as much as possible before they discover what we have done."

He closed his eyes and concentrated on the whispers that began around him, till he heard her voice and blocked everyone out but her.

Who is there?

He blocked his thoughts, not allowing her to know who he was, as flashes of light popped behind his closed lids and images began to appear in his mind. A little girl played in a field of flowers, jumping to catch the lightning bugs that flew around her in the darkness. He smiled at the image, but that smile quickly turned to confusion as he saw himself, a boy at age twelve, when he flew to Paris for the first time with his family for vacation.

He stood at the base of the Eiffel Tower staring up at the tall structure, and glanced over to the young female who stood a few short feet away from him, her head tilted as she watched him, never turning her eyes away. He remembered those images, and the moment of staring into that girls eyes....the eyes whom he now knew to belong to Christabela.

You are the one.

Those words echoed through his head, the same way it had all those years ago, as other images suddenly began to fill his mind. Visions of unfamiliar faces and moments of torture and blood shed burned clearly as he pressed his palms to his temple trying to stop the images as Petradons face became visible to him. His heart felt as though it had stopped beating and he opened his eyes, looking around the room quickly, as panic rose strongly in him.

Natasha grabbed his shoulders, stopping him before he could run, and calmed him, staring into his brilliant blue eyes.

"Those images are what he has tortured her with all these years. There is more."

He quickly shook his head, moving away from her, and through the long hallway to the stairs, taking them two at a time.

"I don't want to see them....I can't......"

He ran to the top of the stairs and through the foyer, shoving open the door to step out into the darkness of the night, and away from the visions that had terrified him.

@2004Lancesharmony

Joshua

In his mind he heard his name being called and turned to find Natasha standing behind him, her long hair flapping in the night breeze.

"She senses you, she's calling out to you. Answer her."

"I can't."

"ANSWER HER."

He sat down in the moist grass, wet from the dew, and sighed in frustration, closing his eyes, letting the images appear to him again. He was standing outside the church talking with Maharet when a movement in the distant caught his eyes, and he turned to find two figures standing side by side watching him, and he concentrated, straining to hear their conversation until their voices became clear to him.

"Take him Christabela, and you will be doomed to hell. He does not belong in our coven."

The visions became blurry, but he could still see the pain that clearly showed in her eyes.

"You walk this earth for me and me alone."

"But I love him."

The voices faded along with the image, but her last words continued to echo over and over in his mind, as he opened his eyes, looking up to Natasha, and stumbled as he stood, feeling his whole body grow weak.

"She loves me."

Natasha nodded as a weak smile grew across her face and reached out touching his cheek lightly.

"Go to her before it's too late. Only you can reach her."

He hugged her quickly and ran back into the castle and up the stairs stopping as he came face to face with Lance and Justin, their eyes red and the anger reaching his soul.

"You were warned." Lance growled, and reached out for Joshua, missing him as he dodged his grasp and ran the hallway in search of Christabela. His mind searched, seeking out her location and he felt himself lift from the ground as he quickly floated to the door at the end of the hallway and disappeared through the thick wood, away from the steaks that flew toward him and the two vampires that were quickly advancing on him.

He moved the heavy armoire with ease to the front of the door, blocking it and tested the powers he momentarily held, keeping Justin and Lance from getting inside. Turning from the door, his eyes adjusted to the darkness and he found Christabela laying comfortable in the center of the four post bed sleeping heavily, and moved toward her, sitting down on the edge of the bed, gazing down at her beauty.

He had to do what he could to convince her he belonged, and with Lance and Justin hot on his trail he had little time to do so before they found a way to him. The powers he held for the next twenty four hours were uncertain to him and he knew the vampires were perfectly aware of that, with greater powers they could break him down and with only Natasha on his side they would turn him into a feeding frenzy and torture him to his death.

He listened closely to Justin and Lance as they struggled outside the door, desperately trying to break through his powers, and leaned down pressing his lips to her soft, silky ones, lightly moving his lips against hers and reaching out with his mind calling her name.

Someone was with her, she knew as well as the others did that a stranger had entered their world, only to her, he was no stranger. Natasha had left her open, allowing her to see all that was taking place and feeling Joshua as he drank her blood, witnessing each vision that flashed through his mind as he glimpsed into her life. He knew the truth now, knew the horrors Petradon had placed in her mind, knew the threats of her falling in love with him, and knew that she was, in fact, deeply in love with him, and was doing what she could to block that love.

His lips were soft and gentle and she allowed herself to awaken and respond to the soft touches he placed upon her. Her lips parted, shocking him, but his shock quickly faded to passion as her tongue slid between his lips and through his teeth grazing against his own.

She tasted sweet from the traces of blood that still lingered from her earlier feeding, and he tilted his head slightly, deepening the kiss and allowed his trembling hand to touch the softness of her leg and find it's way to her thigh, stopping, feeling nervous about exploring any further.

Their lips parted and their eyes opened, gazing into the others, speaking to one another with silent words of love, as Lance's voice echoed through the room with promising threats of torture, and Joshua quickly pushed his fears to the side, moving both his hands under the hem of the t-shirt she wore, and slid his fingers under the waist of her panties, slowly sliding them down her

long, lean legs, pulling them free and tossing them to the floor.

Christopher moved quickly through the castle with McKeer and Maharet behind him, shoving past Justin and grabbing Natasha, pulling her from where she had been hidden in the corner from Lance's rage.

"What the hell have you done?" His voice boomed, and her eyes filled with fear as she looked around to all the vampires that began to gather around them, waiting on Christopher to give his orders of attack.

"She loves him Christopher, I only wanted him to see that before the two of them were lost forever. Don't deny them that love, Petradon has already taken so much from you, don't allow him to rewrite the books for her. They were meant to be together, don't stop them."

Lance moved to Natashas side, forcing her to look into his anger filled eyes, as the yellow grew stronger, turning into a crimson red.

"NEVER go against anyone in this coven again, you had NO right....."

"ENOUGH."

The vampires parted, allowing Laurent to pass through the crowd and to Natasha, pushing Lance away from her, and placing her hands on Natashas cheeks with a smile.

"This child did nothing wrong." she claimed, turning to the angry vampires lined around her. "I am the one who put the idea in her head, and I am the one who led her to those viles of blood. If any of you have a problem with that, then you face me, but you are to leave her alone. Is that understood? From this point on whatever happens between Christabela and Joshua is between the two of them, and NO ONE will interfere."

Silence remained heavy over the crowd and Lance nodded, allowing himself to relax, and his eyes to return to their normal green. Laurent had given a command, and though he knew he should follow it, his determination to end Joshua was stronger and he swore to get to him before Joshua could convince Christabela to embrace him.

Joshuas hands moved slowly with gentle ease, as he pulled the t-shirt Christabela wore up and over her head, and leaned back taking in the view of her beauty, completely naked before him.

He had dreamed of this moment for what had seemed to be an eternity to him and he ached to move slowly and enjoy every touch, every feel, and every breath that they shared, but time was of the essence, and he knew Lance was getting closer to getting through.

Her hands pulled at the cotton material of his t-shirt, gathering it into her fist, and pulling it over his head, tossing it to the pile of discarded clothes, and slid her fingers into the waist of his jeans pulling him with her as she leaned back onto the feathered mattress, allowing him to settle between her legs before pulling the button open and pushing down the zipper, releasing some of the restraint that was binding his growing erection.

His jeans were pushed down his legs and he rolled to his back next to her kicking them, along with his boxers, to the floor, and moved back, resting his weight on his arms as he settled back between her legs, gazing down into her eyes, burning a trail with his passion filled eyes to her lips, leaning down to capture them with his own.

His erection ached with more pain than he had ever known before and he felt as though he would burst when she grasped him in her hand and moved it in a slow, up and down motion, jerking him firmly, and pulling him toward her, spreading her legs, and opening herself up wider for his invasion.

She released her grip as the large tip pushed through her tight walls and he moaned, pulling his lips from hers, and burying his face against the softness of her neck, licking at the flesh through his mumbled words.

"Forgive me God....for I have sinned."

The velvety texture of her was so inviting, he continued pushing forward until his entire length was inside, and she panted, clawing her nails into his back, and wrapping her legs around his waist needing more of him. With slow rhythmic strokes, he withdrew from her completely, re-entering her again and again driving both of them closer to the edge.

Their bodies became drenched with sweat as he leaned down, nipping at the flesh of her neck, his voice strangled with the need to release.

"Now Christabela.......Do it....now."

She threw her head back, pressing it into the pillow, moaning, as his thrust became long and deep powerful strokes, and without warning she raised her head, biting into the protruding vein in the side of his neck, draining him of the blood that pumped through him fiercely from the flow of adrenaline. He waited till his body began to weaken, and bit into her neck, thrusting faster, and coming with a force that shook her completely, pushing her over the edge, causing her muscles to constrict, and joining him in their final ecstasy.

He collapsed on top of her and felt the rhythm of his heart beat slow, till it beat no more, and gasped for a breath of air, bringing him into his new life. He rolled to the side, laying next to her, and looked around the room seeing things differently for the first time, and feeling a complete calm wash over him.

Lance slid down the wall and dropped to the floor in a sitting position, gasping for air from exhaustion. He had felt everything Christabela had just experienced, and he let himself relax, giving up to the fight to get to Joshua. It was too late, Joshua belonged to the coven, but most of all he belonged to Christabela, and that now gave him title of Prince....a prince of darkness, and a prince of Christabelas heart, and he would never do anything to break her heart.

Laurent watched, along with the other vampires, as Lance rose from the floor and stood in front of Natasha pulling her into his arms and hugging her tightly against his chest. His anger over Joshua had taken over him, and it wasn't till he felt the love that Christabela released for Joshua that he realised that he had been wrong in the things he had done.

He needed so badly to protect her, that he failed to realise he was keeping her from happiness and the one who could protect her the most, and came close to hurting the love of his life and his child.

"I am so sorry. I love you so much."

Natasha clung to him, silently accepting his apology as Laurent motioned the other vampires toward the stairs.

"Come, let us take in a nightcap before the sun breaks, and sleep comes upon us."

She glanced over her shoulder as she followed the coven down the stairs, and winked to Natasha as she smiled and winked back to her answering Lance's unspoken words as she descended the stairs.

"No Lance, now that Joshua is one of us, you will no longer feel her ecstasies with him again."

He frowned at Laurent's laughter and ducked away from Natasha with a pout as she slung her hand, hitting him in the arm.

"You're a jerk, you know that?"

He laughed and pulled her back into his arms kissing her softly on the tip of her nose.

"I do know that, and I'm sorry. It's just......."

She placed her finger to his lips and silenced him with a smile.

"Shhhh.....no need to explain, let's just let them be."

He kissed her lips and slid his arm around her waist, resting his hand gently against her tummy, and carefully helped her down the stairs where the others waited.

Joshua smiled and wrapped his arms around Christabelas waist, and buried his face in her neck signing contently at the feel of her lying in his arms.

"She's going to be beautiful you know?"

She smiled and slid her arms around his shoulders holding on to him tightly and enjoying pure happiness for the first time, silently thanking Natasha and Laurent for what they had done. For years she denied the fact that he was indeed the one chosen for her, and allowed her father to torture her with visions and threats of misery, and promises of a life in tortured hell, and fought against the love that was offered to her.

If not for Joshua's determination and the help of a new friend, she would have lost that happiness forever, but love brought him into her world and it was that love that would bind the two of them through eternity.

Chapter Twenty Three

Joshua watched as the little girl ran through the field jumping to catch the lightening bugs that flew around her head and sat down on the step of the gazebo resting his arm across Christabelas shoulders.

"Thank you.....for letting me be a part of your world."

She smiled, leaning in closer to him, and placed a soft kiss on his lips.

"You, Joshua, are my world."

They leaned in for another kiss, stopping as the sounds of giggles interrupted them and turned to see blue eyes sparkling back at them with laughter. Joshua grabbed her, pulling her into his lap and kissed the top of her head, tickling her as she tried to squirm away.

"Noooo daddie...it twickles."

He leaned his head back laughing at her pronunciation and glanced over to Christabela as she punched him in the arm and pointed to the blond haired, green eyed little boy that suddenly appeared before them.

"Can Aubrie go pway width me?"

Joshua leaned forward, narrowing his eyes playfully as he looked the young child in the eyes and smiled.

"You don't plan on running off with her to marry her do you James? I may just have to come after you if you do."

Christabela laughed as the little boys eyes widened and he shook his head quickly from side to side.

"No..we's just going over dere."

He turned pointing to the field where Aubrie had been playing earlier and turned back to Joshua as his laughter rang in his ears.

"Ok" He said, gently pushing Aubrie from his lap and patting her on her bottom to shoo her away.

"I guess that would be alright. Just be careful, you never know where monsters are lurking around the corners."

James grabbed Aubrie's hand and the two of them ran toward the field giggling, stopping to catch the lightning bugs that began to circle around them.

"You torturing my son Joshua?"

Joshua laughed as Lances voice rang loud and clear in his head and looked to his left seeing Lance approaching them in the distance.

"Might as well start now, that way when they're teenagers he'll know I mean business when he wants to carry away my daughter."

"Lance sat down in the grass in front of Christabela and Joshua and leaned back on the palm of his hands, smiling at the couple who sat in front of him.

"Hard to believe they are almost four years old. Seems like yesterday I was holding James in my arms for the first time."

Christabela nodded, resting her hands on her swollen stomach and smiled glancing from Joshua to Lance.

"Yes it does, and just think, pretty soon Natasha will give birth to your next son and Aubrie will have a little sister to play with."

The two men nodded, starring off across the field deep in thought as they watched their children holding hands, laughing and playing in the night. It had taken Lance some time to trust Joshua completely, but once he did their friendship grew and the two of them counted on each other more than they would admit.

"Come Joshua, I think it's time we taught our children a lesson in feeding."

Lance pushed himself from the ground, smiling as Joshua leaned over placing a kiss on Christabelas lips, and the two of them disappeared through the field to teach their future coven the life they were destined to live.

THE END.

THE RIDDLE