DRAGAN’S REDEMPTION

DRAGAN’S REDEMPTION

Book One of the Manor at Echo Lake Trilogy

Dedication

Sara Bruce and Gillian Fay the cleanup crew in my imagination factory, I would be lost without you.

For the One that has given me this gift.  Thank you for never leaving me.  I am yours forever.

This book is a work of fiction.  Names, characters, places and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.  Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

Cover art Jimmy Thomas

www.romancenovelcovers.com

Copyright@2012 by Kelly Ilebode

www.kellyilebode.com

“Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)”

Chris Tomlin

Amazing grace

How sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me.

I once was lost, but now I’m found

Was blind, but now I see

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear

And Grace my fears relived

How precious did that grace appear

The hour I first believed.

My chains are gone

I’ve been set free

My God, My Savior has ransomed me

And like a flood His mercy rains

Unending love, Amazing grace

The Lord has promised good to me

His word my hope secures

He will, my shield and portion be

As long as life endures.

My Chains are gone

I’ve been set free

My God, my Savior has ransomed me

And like a flood His mercy rains

Unending love, Amazing Grace

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow

The sun forbear to shine

But God, Who called me here below

Will be forever mine.

Will be forever mine.

You are forever mine.

PROLOGUE

“Good morning, Doctor.  Miss Coulter is waiting for you in your office.”  Hesitating, sadness crossed her face.  “Just so you are aware, she has been here for thirty minutes already.”  Taking the file from his secretary, Harvey Kinsley inhaled deeply.  It was never easy as a doctor to deliver bad news to a patient and in this case, it was even worse because he had grown attached to the young lady waiting on the other side of the door.  Opening the folder, he looked down frowning.  Amira has been his patient since the age of ten and he, in essence, watched as she grew into a beautiful woman with one of the strongest faiths he has ever witnessed.  Seeing her, sometimes weekly, for the past 16 years, he noted that she had never seemed depressed or in denial of her condition.  His patient faced her illness head on following his direction and courses of treatments with a positive attitude.  Harvey could not understand what happened.  It was not that this was a simple blood disorder, but it never should have reached a point of causing a death that had nothing to do with the actual disorder, especially in one so young who was being monitored the way she has been.  When he learned of the change in her condition, he had spent the past week calling every specialist all over the United States and Europe that he knew of or been referred to.  Not one had ever seen the mutation that he presented to them.  They also had no explanation of how or why it had manifested, but they all agreed on one thing, Amira Coulter would die from this disease.

Pushing open his office door, he watched as she stood turning quickly to face him.  Motioning for her to return to her seat, he felt his heart constrict.  He was getting too old for this.  “Please, Amira, make yourself comfortable.”  Amira returned to her seat searching his face for any sign of good news.  The chair creaked as he sat down while his eyes scanned all of the notes in her folder, praying that the words would change like magic in front of him.

“I am afraid I do not have good news.  It seems that there is an anomaly that has presented itself in your blood, Amira, a mutation of your cells, for lack of a better word.  I have called everyone I know and even those that I do not know.  We have never seen this occur before, so there is no treatment available.”  Looking across his desk, he braced himself for the tears that he was sure would come.  Her emerald eyes stared back with compassion, her dark hair framing her face.  She looked so angelic.  It was this thought that ironically caused his eyes to fill with tears.

“Thank you, Dr. Kinsley, for everything you have done to help me.  I could not have asked for a better physician to be by my side.  It must be very hard for you to give me this news.”

“I don’t think you should give up, my dear.  We can still do the chemo and blood transfusions.”

Cocking her head to one side, her eyes bored into him.  “Would you be offering me these treatments because you know they have a chance of working, or because you do not like my prognosis?”

Resigned, Harvey dropped his head in defeat.  Amira read the answer on his face.

“I am 26, Doctor. I have spent more than half my life trying to get well.”  Raising her hand as he started to speak, she continued.  “I am not giving up.  You keep doing the best you can to find a treatment for me, because I will not look at this news as a death sentence.  What I will do is look at this moment as being the first day of the rest of my life – however long that should be.  What I cannot do is spend those days sitting in a hospital getting sicker through chemotherapy or ingesting drugs that we do not even know will cure me without having breathed everything life has to offer.  We all die, as you know Doctor, what I do not want to happen is that I find I have worked so hard at keeping this body alive, that when I do die, I realize that I never truly lived.”

Standing, he walked around the desk as she stood allowing him to hug her - realizing that she did this more for him than for her.  It was only when she stepped out into the bright warm sunshine, did she feel the first tears fall down her face.

CHAPTER 1

(12 months later)

The nurse eased the door open into the small room while poking her head around to view the interior.  Even though it was midnight, the shades were drawn to shut out the streetlights, and the room was in complete darkness except for the sliver of light coming from the hallway.  She looked to the far corner where she knew the cot was. With relief, she saw the outline of the figure she needed.  Her eyes, adjusting quickly to the darkness, noticed that he had flung a hand over his eyes, while his chest moved up and down rhythmically.  A twinge of compassion rushed through her.  She hesitated waking him knowing that he had just pulled a double shift.  This was the first sleep he had since the beginning of the first.  Looking behind her down the long hallway at Brigham and Women’s hospital, she saw Mr. Wallace pacing up and down while Mrs. Wallace gestured for him to sit.

“What is it, nurse?”

“Dr. Reynolds, it’s Jennifer…uhmmmm, it’s the Wallace’s.  They are insisting that they speak with you, actually, Mr. Wallace more than the Mrs.  Should I tell them that you are resting?”

Removing his hand from his eyes, he rolled off the bed, placing his feet firmly onto the floor.  Resting his head in his hands, he struggled to shake the cobwebs from his mind.  Damn he was tired and very hungry.  He hated the hunger the most.  The burning in his gut always changed his mood and not for the better.  Taking a deep breath, he silently prayed for patience as he snapped on the lamp next to the cot before standing.

“No thank you, Jennifer – it’s okay, I will see them now.”

Jennifer watched as the doctor stood to his impressive 6’4” height.  With appreciation, she took in every movement he made.  He was absolutely delicious to look at with his thick, jet-black hair, Mediterranean skin and strong chiseled features. There was not an ounce of fat on his body, and there were many times she fantasized about what was under that shirt. Beauty could always be appreciated for just that, but this man exuded something that was intangible, something that made woman want to beg.  Jennifer knew there was not one nurse, including herself, in the hospital that did not know who Dr. Reynolds was or vie for his affections.  When it came to the good doctor, it did not matter if you were married or not, you wanted to be close to him any way you could.  You wanted him to look at you with that devilish smile of his.  There were some, mostly men, who said he had to be gay.  He never dated in the medical circle, as many of them did, and no one could ever remember him speaking of a significant other.  He always came alone to all of the holiday parties, and he left the same way.  As Jennifer watched his massive form walk over to the locker, remove his white coat from the hanger before shrugging into it, her breath caught watching his muscles rippling underneath the fabric.  There was no way he could be gay.

“Can I get you anything, Dr. Reynolds?”  Please say me, please say me, she chanted in her head.

Dragan walked over to where she was still standing in the doorway; his eyes made contact with hers while a slight smile appeared on his face.  Looking down at her, Jennifer’s breath caught in her throat as he leaned in.  “I would love a cup of coffee from the cafeteria.  Please tell Daphne that it is for me.  She knows how I like it.  Oh, and Jennifer – in the future when you are waking me up, please call me Dragan.  I prefer it.”  Brushing past her, he strode into the hallway.

Jennifer raised a shaky hand to her throat, feeling her heart beating wildly.  “Yes, Dr. Reynolds.  Anything you want, Dr. Reynolds.  Lord have mercy,” she muttered under her breath.  “There’s no way that man is gay.”

“Mr. and Mrs. Wallace, you requested to see me?”  The middle-aged couple looked startled.  They did not even hear him approach.

“Yeah, over an hour ago!”

“Henry, please.”

“I apologize, I just learned of your request; otherwise I would have been here to see you sooner.  Is there something wrong?”

Henry Wallace had to tip his head back to look into the doctors eyes feeling at a disadvantage.  “I want to know why there have not been any changes in my father’s condition.  You said that you felt it would take about 10 hours, and it has been over 20.  Is the medicine working or not?”

Dragan’s many years as a physician saw past the anger immediately to the fear in the man standing before him.  His compassion flowed through him.  “Mr. Wallace, these things take time.  Your father’s stroke was quite massive, and it will take a bit for the medicine to have any affect.  However, due to your quick action in getting here, and with the new drugs we were able to give him, I believe the damage of the stroke will be minimal.  We are doing the best that we can.  I do have complete confidence that he will come out of his coma very soon.  Only when he wakes will we know if the drug has worked.”

Taking Mrs. Wallace’s arm, he directed them both to the room where the patient was lying.  A nurse was busy changing the IV bags and adjusting the bedding.  She shook her head at him as they walked through the door letting him know that no changes had occurred.  He nodded back to her as he continued speaking to the Wallace’s.

“I would recommend that you both go home and get a good night’s rest.” Raising his hand to stop Mr. Wallace from speaking, Dragan continued, “Cots have been provided for you both if you do not want to go home and prefer to sleep here.  I would encourage you to both try to get some rest.  If you need anything, the nurses can assist you.”

He placed a hand onto the older man’s shoulder as if to give whatever comfort he could.  “Mr. Wallace, your father is very blessed to have you as a son.”  Tears immediately sprang to Henry’s eyes.  “Thank you, Dr. Reynolds.”

“You are more than welcome.”  Turning, Dragan left the room as the Wallace’s and the nurse stood transfixed watching him leave.  Mrs. Wallace turned to the nurse.  “Oh my, he certainly is charming isn’t he?   What a wonderful doctor.”

“He certainly is, I am lucky to work with him.”

Dragan walked into the hallway.  He liked the nighttime routine at the hospital because of the quiet.  His senses heightened, he heard the scratching of the pen on paper.   Looking over at the nurses’ station, Tina hunched over the desk busy catching up on the paperwork.  A further distance away, he could hear a cart being wheeled from room to room.  Blood would be drawn and tested.  He grimaced at the thought.  Hearing his stomach rumble, he strode quickly to the elevator to find his coffee and get a bite to eat.  The fire in his veins would have to wait a little bit longer, but the one in his stomach could easily be satisfied.  Pushing the down button, he watched as the numbers lit up above the elevator doors, each ding echoing like a cannon in his brain.  He stepped in just as Jennifer was stepping out and they collided.  In a flash he snatched the large container from her hand before it spilled onto her skin, then caught her with one arm steadying her.

“Oh, Dr. Reynolds, you scared me.” Staring at the cup that was now in his hands, her voice trailed off.  “How?”

“Thanks for the coffee, Jennifer.”  The elevator closed in her face.  Reaching the first floor quickly, a voice greeted him before he could step off.

“You are starving, Dr. Reynolds.”

“Obviously my senses are weakened, if I did not hear you, Daphne.  You are the loudest person in this God forsaken place.”  Looking affectionately at his favorite person standing in the hallway   holding a very large non-descript bag.  He inhaled the delicious aroma coming from inside of it.  She watched his eyes checking out the bag frowning.  “This is not the only thing you need my old friend.”

He reached out to take it from her hands, but she pulled it out of his reach.

“When are you going to feed?”

Before she could blink, he was in front of her taking the bag out of her fingers gently.  Patting her on the cheek with ice-cold fingers, he mimicked her frown.

“Stop worrying about me.  I am heading home soon and will take care of it then.  All I need right now is some of your delicious cooking.”  Placing one arm around her shoulders, he hugged her large frame gently while steering her back to the kitchen.  Knowing that her concern was valid, he wanted her to know it did not go unappreciated or unnoticed.

“When are you coming to work for me at my house, Miss Daphne, so that I can eat like this all of the time?  You know the marriage offer is still there if you ever want to leave Mr. Daphne.”

Pushing him away, she blushed at his compliment.  “Never in my lifetime you big flirt.  That may work with the other woman in this place but not me, and besides, I am sure your chef would not appreciate me in his kitchen.”  Staring at him, she sobered.  “Please, go home soon.  You need to start taking better care of yourself.”

Dragan returned her stare wishing she did not know his secret.  “Thanks for the food my love.” Planting a kiss on her cheek, he headed back to his room to eat the food provided.

Twenty minutes later, he felt like a new man with food in his stomach.  Glancing at the clock by the cot, he saw that it read 4:00 a.m.  It was definitely time to go home.  Taking off his scrubs, Dragan slipped into his jeans and white tee shirt before putting on his leather jacket.  Reaching into the side pocket, he took out his car keys before stepping into the hallway.  Hesitating for a moment, he turned and headed to the Wallace room for one more look.  Peering in, he saw Henry and Anita fast asleep on the cots provided.  Turning his gaze to the bed, he was startled when he made contact with a set of eyes.  Peter Wallace was awake.

Quietly, he strode over to the bedside reaching for his patient’s hand squeezing gently.  Keeping his voice to a low whisper so to not wake the others, he leaned in so the old man could hear him.  “Peter, can you hear me?”

Reassured at seeing the nod, Dragan continued.  “My name is Dr. Reynolds.  I have been helping take care of you.  Do you know why you are here, Mr. Wallace?”

His heart leaped at seeing another affirmative nod, then to his relief saw him try to speak.

“Yes.  I had a heart attack.”

Patting his hand Dragan shook his head.  “No, you had a stroke, but you will be fine.”  The old man smiled, and his eyes slowly closed.

“Tired.”

“I know, and that is to be expected for someone in your condition.  Sleep now. Your family will be very excited when they wake.”

Feeling lighter, he headed out the door.  This was one of the reasons why he was in the medical field.  The hope that lives could be saved and continue was renewed everyday for him by people like Peter Wallace.

Stepping out into the early morning air, he paused while breathing in deeply.  How many days had in been since he had fresh air? Walking toward the parking garage, he heard a siren.  Attempting to tune it out, he failed miserably as he heard the voices from inside the ambulance.  Turning back to the emergency room doors, he waited for the tires to stop before opening the back doors.

The paramedics looked relieved seeing him.

“Dr. Reynolds!”

“What do you have?”

“Victim’s age is approximately 6 years old.  He went through the windshield of his drunken father’s car – guess he decided home was close enough so he didn’t strap the boy in.  He took the corner too hard, slamming into a tree in their front yard.  Father has hardly a scratch on him.”

“Where is the dad now?”

The paramedic shrugged as he hopped out of the vehicle.  “He refused treatment.  The police were more than happy to take him to the station.  The mom is hysterical though, so the cops are taking her the long way to the hospital to give us time.  We don’t think the kid is going to make it.”

Pushing the paramedic aside, Dragan continued the chest compressions as they wheeled him into a bay in the emergency room.  Thinking of the father, the familiar rage welled up inside his chest at the stupidity of some humans.  Refusing to accept the paramedic’s diagnosis, Dragan barked orders causing a flurry of activity to build around him.  This boy was not going to die without a fight.  An hour later, blood covering his clothes, he stared down at the lifeless body and conceded defeat.

“Doctor, you need to call it.”

He turned his head, face set as stone and devoid of emotion.  She took a step back afraid.

“Time of death - 5:42 a.m.”  Pulling off the latex gloves, he threw them to the floor.  “I will talk to the mom as soon as I clean up.” Stroking the boys head gently, his voice cracked.  “Please take care of this child so the mom can come in to say goodbye.”

“Yes, Doctor.”

Returning to his room, Dragan quickly stripped the blood soaked clothes off his body before stepping into the shower.  The scent was in his pores.  He scrubbed his skin hard attempting to remove it from his skin.  Hearing movements from his room, he stood still listening then continued scrubbing as he recognized the sound of the nurse quietly placing his clothes in a plastic bag to throw away. Placing both hands on the wall of the shower, he leaned forward to allow the pulsating spray to wash over him as he pushed down the waves of nausea that were trying to overtake him.  Unable to hold it back, he quickly stepped out of the shower to the toilet, vomiting then gagging as the acid burned his throat.  Leaning against the sink, he looked into the mirror watching as the beginnings of red entered the corners of his eyes.  He needed to leave the hospital but he still had one thing left to do.

Quickly dressing, he returned to the emergency room entering the room where the little boy was.  Stepping quietly, he viewed the tiny form lying now on clean sheets. Staring at the tiny face, he wondered why dead people looked like they were sleeping.

Out in the hallway, he noted the mom rocking back and forth in agony waiting for news on her son as a nurse knelt by the chair rubbing her back. Steeling himself inside before approaching her, Dragan took a shaky breath as she looked up.  Feeling her eyes searching every inch of his face, he knew the instant she realized that her son was gone.

“I am sorry.  We did everything we could.”

She crumbled to the floor wailing loudly as he turned away towards the exit.  The emergency doors slid open automatically allowing him to step through and then close.

Stepping outside for the second time that morning, this time the air did not smell as sweet to him.  His hunger was raging through his system almost overpowering him.   Dragan knew he had waited too long to feed.  Picturing the police station in his mind, he willed himself into a cell with his remaining strength.  Dragan looked down at the man lying on the cot, the scent of the fathers blood stained clothes tickled at his nose.  Grimacing at the stench of alcohol, he knew he was going to regret this later.  Reaching down he grabbed the man by the neck, squeezing as he hauled him to his feet.  Choking sounds filled the tiny cell.

Drunken eyes, wide in fear, stared into red ones.

“I just wanted to let you know that your son is dead and probably lying on a cold slab in the morgue as we speak.  Strangers surround your wife, whose heart probably feels like it has been ripped from her chest because of your stupidity. Those same strangers are attempting to console her, and all she wants is to have her baby back.  I am in a bit of a quandary, for here you are sleeping off the beer and whatever crap you have in your system, and my first thought is to kill your body ending your pathetic excuse of a life...”  Dragan watched the fear rise in the man’s eyes.  “…but that would be too easy for you and another crushing blow for her.”

Seeing the man’s lips turn blue, Dragan eased up on his grip slightly.

“Who are you?”

“I am your conscious, and right now that would make me your worst enemy.”  Dragan’s face contorted before dropping his head to the man’s neck.  The father’s scream turned to a gurgle within seconds as his lifeblood was quickly and efficiently drained from his veins.  After 300 years of being a vampire, Dragan knew the exact moment to pull away before causing death.  The beating of his victim’s heart would slow until it was barely audible to him.  Letting the fangs retract, he swiped at the puncture wounds with his tongue, sealing them tight, before releasing the now unconscious body.  Swaying on his feet, Dragan felt the urge to vomit again, this time from the alcohol that rushed through his system.  He disliked feeding off drunken people.  Checking one more time to ensure that the father of the dead boy was still alive, he quickly pictured the hospital in his head – within seconds he was heading to the parking garage.

CHAPTER 2

Dragan shifted gears as the powerful engine roared around the curve in the road.  His skillful fingers took the corner cleanly.  Even at 110 M.P.H., he did not brake when he reached the bend.  He knew this route to the Berkshires with his eyes closed.  Dragan shook his head trying to get the little boy out of his mind, hearing the mom’s scream echo repeatedly.  Turning the next bend he slammed his foot on the brake hard causing the car to strain, tires squealing, as the automobile did a 360 in the middle of the road before stopping abruptly.  New blood from his victim roared through his veins, now free of the alcohol, his whole system and senses heightened again from the feed.  Closing his eyes, he listened again for the sound.  Yes, that was another scream, and this one was not in his head. Quickly looking out to his right in the early morning light, he saw them.  She was running hard across the field.  Her back was to him, hair flying out behind her as she headed to the woods.  The huge white arctic wolf, albeit further in the distance, would catch her easily.  She did not have a chance.  They were less than a mile away; Dragan figured he still had time.  Jumping from the vehicle, he ran toward them panic setting in as he briefly lost sight of first her, then the wolf, as they disappeared into the line of trees.  Within seconds, he was through the brush.  Shock rippling through him; he stopped.  The woman had the massive wolf pinned to the ground, arms wrapped around the hairy shoulders.  Her long skirt, now riding up, baring well-muscled thighs and legs were also wrapped around the animal so it could not move.  Both were breathing hard from the chase.  Laughter rang through the trees as she ignored the low growls coming from the animal.  Dragan realized that she was taunting the wolf.

“There!  I got you, you silly dog.”  The wolf squirmed until she slid off of his back then giggled uncontrollably as the animal proceeded to lick her face until she fell backwards onto the hard ground.  Its massive form towered over her. Dragan was mesmerized and desire coursed through him as he appreciated the contrast of her dark hair against the wolf’s white fur.  “OK!  OK,…maybe you got me.  Can you please stop slobbering all over me?  Your breath stinks.”  The wolf sat back on his haunches looking at her, and if Dragan was not mistaken, a grin spread over its hairy face.

“Shadow!”  Both wolf and human turned, startled at the curt command.  The woman watched curiously as the animal jumped to his feet, lowering his head, taking a place on the right side of the incredibly large man now standing in front of her.

Scrambling to her feet, she smoothed down her skirt while pushing back the hair that had fallen into her face while glaring at him.  Hiding a smile, Dragan realized that she was not afraid of him either.

“That’s my dog!”

“Lady, I hate to break it to you but this is most certainly not a dog but a wolf, and he is mine.”  Amira ignored the disdain in his voice as she stared at the animal while it stood calmly next to the giant, who obviously did own him.

Gritting her teeth, she spoke directly to the wolf. “When I get my hands on you again, you are going to get it.”

The wolf grinned back panting.

“What the hell do you think you were doing?  Hasn’t anyone ever told you not to play with stray animals?  You could have gotten yourself killed.” At his words Amira burst out laughing - the unexpected sound causing a strange sensation in his stomach.  “I hate to break it to you but ‘your’ wolf is a big baby.  He wouldn’t hurt a fly.”

Incredulous, his face darkened slightly.  He was not used to someone speaking to him that way. He so wanted to tell her that he had personally seen this ‘dog’ take down someone within seconds and without thinking twice. Instead, he stared at her, watching as she sized him up.  Leaves stuck in her dark hair, and he had an urge to reach out and brush them free.  Turning away from them both, she walked out of the woods back into the field.  Master and wolf followed silently.  Amira’s eyes looked in the distance at the car parked in the road.  Turning back to him now with a curious look on her face, she said nothing to him, just stared with her hands on her hips, head cocked to one side.  To Dragan, she was the most amazing woman he had ever seen. He figured she had to be incredibly stupid or one of the most fearless women he had ever met.  If his guess was correct, she was the latter.  His dark eyes roamed her body, noting with appreciation her tall, lean and well-sculpted figure.  She worked out, another plus for her.  Away from the protection of the trees, a gentle breeze blew causing her hair to move gently in the wind.  His eyes followed the movement. Catching her scent, his body tensed.  She smelled fantastic.  Feeling the pressure in the back of his eyes, he had an uncontrollable urge to feed again, not because he was hungry, but because he desired her.  Balling his hands into fists, he took a step towards her.  Shadow, sensing his master’s conflict, moved in front of his legs letting out a low growl.  Dragan immediately closed his eyes reaching down to the wolf, clutching the mane of hair with his fingers as he waited for the urge to pass.

“Hey! Are you ok?”

Dragan’s eyes snapped open.  “You need to leave.  This is private property.  Shadow will take you home.”

Looking into his eyes, her chin rose slightly.  “I am not afraid of you, you know.”

In the blink of an eye, his face was inches away from hers.  She had the most amazing green eyes, he thought.

“That is a mistake on your part.  You should be.”

Without flinching Amira put both hands on either side of his face while a smile spread across hers, never once losing eye contact.

“No! I think you should be afraid of me.”

Yanking from her touch, he spoke in an unfamiliar language to Shadow before turning to jog back to his car.  Both she and Shadow watched as he gunned the engine, then with tires squealing, sped away.

Shadow looked up at her.  Gazing at the now empty road, she stroked his head before leaning down to whisper in his ear.  “Your master is weird - cute, but weird.  Hey! You wanna snack?”

Turning, Amira slowly walked back to her new home.  She felt incredibly tired all of a sudden.  She should never have run for so long or hard, but when she woke up feeling good and in seeing the dog laying outside on her doorstep….Amira looked down at the animal walking beside her – okay maybe it was a wolf, she couldn’t resist.  He seemed to like to play, and he certainly loved to run.   She knew she was never in any danger from him.

“Shadow?”  The wolf looked up at her expectantly. “Just checking.  I guess the name is okay.  I would have given you something much nobler ….like….” Stumbling over a root, Shadow leaned against her, offering his body as support while preventing her from falling.

“Thank you.  I am good, just a bit tired.  I will tell you someday what is going on with me when we get to know each other better.  Secrets can only be left with those that are trustworthy you know.  If we are going to be best friends, you cannot leave me for any dark and handsome man that comes our way.”  Amira sighed.  “He was pretty delicious looking in a goliath kind of way wasn’t he?”

Rounding the bend, the little cottage came into view.  She smiled.  It looked like it had popped out of one of her fairy tale books she used to read as a little girl – or maybe a Kincaid painting.  The rounded roof, intersected with pitched sections giving it a whimsical flair.  Every window held a flower box that was overflowing with wavy petunias in a mirage of colors and vines winding to the earth.  The cobblestone path meandered gently leading to the front of the house.  Flowers amassed on either side of the pathway.  The blooms were vibrant and random.  They looked like they had been there forever and had just popped up.  However, she knew that the gardener had planted them to get the effect she now viewed.  He was very gifted.  A gift she envied.  Her favorite part of the white house was the front door.  You could open the top half and leave the bottom half shut, which she did to get a constant view of Echo Lake and the rolling mountains.  This was a true fairy tale cottage.

Amira still could not believe that she was lucky enough to rent it before someone else snatched it up.  She had seen the pictures in the book of available rentals at the realtor’s office in Boston.  Knowing immediately the house was exactly what she was looking for, she was surprised when the realtor seemed to go out of his way to convince her otherwise stating that it had been on the market for quite some time and was very remote.  Little did he know that remote was exactly what she was looking for. Now it was all hers. Sight unseen except through pictures, she paid a years rent in advance.  Stepping over the threshold, she turned when Shadow did not follow.  “Guess you have to go back home to Goliath before he gets mad at you, huh?”  Shadow blinked then whined.  Laughing she walked back to him to rub his head.  “Okay.  Goliath isn’t frightening you enough for you to give up your Scooby Snack though, is he?”  Amira wagged a finger at him.  “You better come visit me again tomorrow.”  Turning to the counter, she reached into the cookie jar pulling out a large cookie.  Tossing it through the door, Shadow caught it in midair.  Without looking back, she watched as he ran down the path the way they came, heading in the direction of the large manor on another part of the lake.  This, she assumed, was home for both man and wolf.  Quietly she closed the door.

CHAPTER 3

Throwing his keys onto the silver tray that had been placed for that exact purpose on the mahogany table in the front foyer, Dragan turned and walked briskly to the living room of the old house.  He could still feel the imprint of her fingers on his face.  Stepping down into the giant room, he walked across the carpet to the bar at the farthest end and poured himself a shot of whisky before walking to the large leather sofa dominating the center of the room.  Taking a deep sip before leaning his head back to rest on the cushions, he let out a deep sigh. It felt good to be home.

From the kitchen, the normal every day sounds of his chef hard at work preparing the meals for the day, the hiss of a match being struck then rush of gas from a burner, resounded loudly in his ears as if it was right next to him.  Listening again, he then heard the snap of a sheet shaken over a bed.  His heart constricted when he realized that he was trying to listen for nails clicking on the marble floor hurriedly.  Dragan wistfully remembered how excited the dogs became when they realized he was home.  Within moments of sitting on the couch, a golden retriever would inevitably bound into the room.  Right behind her was always the bulldog, waddling, trying valiantly to keep up.

Dragan would hold his drink high as the golden pounced up on the couch trying to get to him with her wiggling body and wet tongue.  Dragan used to laugh aloud at seeing them.  He had known that he indulged in them too much, but after centuries of owning animals, he also knew they would be gone in a blink of an eye.   Taking a gulp from his drink, he wondered if it was time to get another dog.

From another part of the house, he heard a door close quietly and then footsteps approaching the room.  Dragan finished his drink quickly before the butler walked in.

“Good morning, sir.”

“Good morning, James.”

Ignoring the disapproving look from the butler at his now empty glass, he stood and placed it on the bar.

“Are you ready for breakfast, Dr. Reynolds, or have you just finished?”

“I could use something to eat, thank you.  James, are you ever going to call me by my first name?”

The old man smiled at Dragan.  For forty years, they had the same conversation.  He appreciated the persistence.

“Probably not, Dr. Reynolds.”

“I didn’t think so.”

“If that would be all sir, I will inform the Chef you are home and ready for your breakfast.”

Dragan nodded absently as he watched the old man pick up the empty glass before walking back out of the room in the direction of the kitchen.  The butler’s gray hair combed neatly, not one piece out of place, was cut military short.  His body, now bent slightly with age, wore the same outfit he had for the past forty years: black suit with crisp white shirt and tie - uniform of choice by the butler.  Dragan’s style would definitely have been much more relaxed.  James could have retired years ago but opted instead to stay on staff at the manor, much to Dragan’s relief.  James was reliable, trustworthy, discreet, and extremely protective of his boss.   Not one time in all of the years of service did anyone on his staff question how everyone aged but him.  He knew that they talked behind his back, having heard many of their conversations from a distance, but not one would ever dare approach the subject with him directly.  James in particular would shut them down if they had the conversations in front of him.  It was in hearing his butler defend him repeatedly, that made James a solid fixture in the manor and in his heart.

Walking into the dining room, he noted the place setting at the far end of the table.  Striding over, he sat.  Within moments there was a flurry of activity as coffee was poured, piping hot, into his cup.  The silver carafe placed close so that he would have easy access to more if he so chose.  Platters of eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes and oatmeal were also set around him.  His eyebrows rose at seeing the abundance of food then looked to the eleven empty chairs around him.  He wished that someone would just sit and eat with him - just once.  His stomach growled indicating that it was time to eat.  Bowing his head, he folded his hands in prayer giving thanks for the abundance in his life and for the meal in front of him.  The waitstaff waited silently with their own hands folded in front of them until he finished his prayer and lifted his head up before they resumed their activities.  Dragan served himself before looking around for James who immediately appeared at his side.

“Sir?”

“How do you do that?”

“Do what, Dr. Reynolds?”  Dragan saw the corner of James mouth lift and knew that he understood the question.

“The cottage by Echo Lake seems to have an occupant.  Do you know anything about this?”

For the first time Dragan noted the hesitation in his servant.

“Yes, sir.”

“Would you care to elaborate or must I ask fifty questions?”

“You would have to speak with Connor sir for all of the details.  From my understanding, it is occupied by a young lady looking to get away from the city.”

A picture of the woman Dragan met this morning flashed across his mind.  She did not seem like the city type.  He indeed wanted to speak with the groundskeeper.  “Find Connor and send him to me.”

“Now, Dr. Reynolds?”

“Yes now!”

Dragan had finished with his meal by the time the groundskeeper was escorted into the room.  He watched as the short, balding man hovered near the door.  Jack Connor had taken off his hat, which he now twisted nervously in his hands.  He always reminded Dragan of one of the seven dwarfs.  He just wasn’t sure which one.

“Come.”  Dragan waved his hand impatiently.  Directing the man to the seat to his left, Connor looked desperately to James for help before taking the offered seat.

“Coffee?”

“No thank you, Dr. Reynolds.”

“I understand that the cottage on my property is now occupied with a tenant.  It is also my understanding that you may know something about this?”

“Sir? Yes, sir.” Connor swallowed hard, searching all the faces in the room, trying to determine if he was in trouble.

“Miss Amira is living there.  She moved in a week ago today, as a matter of fact.  Didn’t come with too much stuff as the place came furnished.  She really loves the place, and it seems to fit her just fine.”  Connor grinned, remembering the day she drove up riding in the limousine.  He had just finished weeding flowerbeds in preparation of the new resident.  He had hoped that all of his hard work was not in vain and that the person that was to occupy the little cottage would appreciate the flowers.  He wouldn’t have to worry long.  After jumping out of the car, she had rushed over to the flowers, knelt checking out each one as if they were long lost friends. When she learned that he was the one that had planted each seed and bulb himself, she threw her arms around him and gave him a hug calling him a genius.  No one had ever called him a genius before.

Catching Dragan’s expression and the raised eyebrows, the grin immediately disappeared from his face.  “Have I done something wrong, Dr. Reynolds?”

“Who gave you permission to rent out this place?

Connor looked surprised, glancing to James then back to Dragan.  “Why, the other Mr. Reynolds did sir. Didn’t you know?”

“Aaron?!!  No.  I most certainly did not know. I will take it up with my brother, thank you Jack.”

Jack Connor stood knowing he was dismissed and that he really should leave but was unsure as to what the issue was in renting the cottage.

“Is there something else, Mr. Connor?”  Irritation now edged the words.

“Sir, if I may say so.  You have nothing to worry about with Miss Amira.  She won’t be any trouble to you or anyone else for that matter.  She is as sweet as they come, and you would have thought that she had lived there for many years, she fits in so good.  She sure does love them plants and seems to even have a gift with the animals.”

“Indeed?”  Dragan thought about the chase between her and his beloved wolf.  “That will be all, Mr. Connor.”

Not having the courage to press further, Jack left the room to leave Dragan deep in thought.  So, his brother was back. Frowning, he searched his memory as to when the last time he had seen Aaron.  London 1985.  Running a hand through his dark hair, he felt old all of a sudden.  Had it really been that long?  Dragan realized that it would be good to see him again, wondering why he had not made an appearance yet at the manor.

Rising from the table, he strode to the front door stepping outside into the warm morning sun. Dragan slipped the sunglasses on his face before walking around to the back of the giant stately home.  He took in the meticulously landscaped property.  He never tired of the view of the mountains and lake or lost appreciation for his staff who managed the upkeep of the land.  With four seasons to contend with in New England, they were constantly kept busy ensuring that not a leaf or blade of grass was out of place.  Rounding the corner, he sensed Shadow as the wolf approached only to fall into place a step behind his master, the giant animal lowering his head slightly in respect.  Tapping his leg giving the wolf permission to step closer, he reached down touching the beautiful white fur in acknowledgment of his presence.  “I take it she made it home safe.  Not that I had any doubt.”  Shadow reached up with his nose and pushed at Dragan’s hand as if to answer the question.  The wolf had remained faithful to him from the moment he was found, near death, in a bear trap.  His paw had healed years ago from not only the teeth of the trap, but the wolf’s own fangs as it had started to tear away at his skin in an attempt to get free.  Thankfully, Dragan had arrived in time before the poor thing finished its work, or even worse had died.  Now, the only sign of the trauma was the scar where the hair could not grow back.  Trapping or hunting was strictly forbidden on his land, but he knew that the foolhardy still tried at times to sneak in and violate his rules.  Very few got away unpunished by him personally.  It bothered him to this day that he never found the one that had laid the trap that almost killed Shadow.  On the other hand, he was grateful for the wolf’s presence in his life.  It was the staff that gave the wolf the name Shadow, because he rarely left the master’s side.  Dragan frowned, thinking of this morning’s incident between the wolf and his tenant.  It was interesting in so many ways, in particular for the simple fact that Shadow never showed any interest in any other person except for him.  Looking down at the wolf walking so proudly beside him, he never remembered anyone else daring to touch the wolf besides him.

Reaching the grove of white birch trees on the edge of the lawn, Dragan stopped, looking ahead of him. In the center of the magnificent trees stood a tiny chapel still standing strong, each stone placed by his very own hands.  The stained glass, shipped over a hundred fifty years ago from Europe, stood the test of time against the harsh New England elements.  There were four main windows, each formed by a kaleidoscope of colors with a distinct red cross in the center of each.  The heavy, wooden door was four inches thick, a large brass ring as its handle.  Above the door was inscribed “nosce te ipsum,” know thyself.  This was to serve as a reminder and a warning to all that entered to pay no attention to the opinion of the multitude.  Dragan pulled on the ring.  Stepping into the tiny chapel was a step back in time for him.  This was the only place on his property that had a consistency that gave peace to the unrest in his soul.  Crossing the threshold, he immediately removed his shoes, setting them off to the side before dropping to one knee, as a sign of respect to his God before moving forward.  There were very few pieces of furniture in the room.  There were four wooden pews, two on either side of the center aisle with its thick red runner leading to a stone altar.  The altar itself was also designed and made by him from stones taken from the Holy Land, while the granite was excavated off of his own property.  On the center altar, he had placed a large brass cross which gleamed from its daily polishing.  To the right of the cross, a bible opened to his favorite passage.  I John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  This passage gave him hope to continue.  Hope for not only his salvation, but hope for his death, and with his faith, enough forgiveness to be reborn.  Stepping to the altar, he dipped his fingers in the holy water before making the sign of the cross on his forehead before, again, dropping to his knees at the altar to begin his daily ritual of prayer to anyone in the spirit world that would take the time to listen.  His hope was that even just one intercessor would have enough mercy on him and take even just one of his supplications to the only One that could save him.

Behind him, a figure stood quietly unseen in the corner of the chapel.  His glowing white robe flowed as if moved by a wind not felt.  As always, his massive hands clasped in front of him out of respect of the person praying.  Listening to the prayers sent forth, he could actually feel the anguish emanating from the kneeling figure.  He felt such a deep compassion for the vampire.  Sebastian felt his teacher enter the space next to him.  After nodding his head in greeting, he turned his gaze back to the vampire.

“You are here again, Sebastian.”

“Yes, Elder.”

The Elder looked with empathy at his protégé.

“Why do you keep coming to him as he prays?”

“I come because that is my job.”

“No!  Your job is to address the living and their supplications.  He is dead already.  His fate is sealed.”

“Be that as it may, he is not disingenuous in his supplications but quite sincere.  More sincere, I might add, than most that I listen to daily.  Very few so devout that they continue this ritual several hours a day faithfully for over a hundred and fifty years.”

“Ah, Sebastian - that is the crux of the problem is it not?  It has been over a century, and he still breathes – he is undead.”

“His faith is to be admired.  I will continue to watch and listen as he is not like the others of his kind.”

The Elder looked curiously at his protégé.  “Please explain.”

“There has been a shift.  The holy water no longer burns his skin, as it should.  That grace can only come from our Father.”

The Elder turned his gaze to fall on the kneeling vampire.  “Interesting.  Very well, I will allow you to continue for now, but at some point you will have to accept the fact that not all of them can be saved.”

Sebastian looked at the vampire, who was now sobbing with his head in his hands, overcome in his grief because of his plight.  He felt the Elder was wrong with this one.  This one should be saved, and he was going to make sure that he would do whatever he could to make that happen.

Shadow, standing guard outside of the chapel, waited patiently on the stone step knowing that soon his master would exit the building.  As if sensing that the time was near, he stood, eyes trained on the door.  Dragan walked out feeling no release from his mediations.  Looking to Shadow, he snapped his fingers.  “Come.  Let’s go find this new friend of yours and see what she is all about.”

CHAPTER 4

“Like this, Jack?”

“That’s exactly right, Miss Amira!  Are you sure you haven’t done this before?”  Amira glowed at his praise.  She had spent the morning helping divide and move some of the perennials around the yard with the groundskeeper, and she loved it.  Her eyes were bright and shining as she looked up at him.  Jack knew he was smitten with the new tenant, she embraced everything she did with such a passion and energy that he envied.  He could not help it and grinned down at her.  Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a movement to the left of the garden.  Pushing the trowel deep in the ground, she pretended not to notice.  “Hey Jack?”

“Yes, Miss?”

“Do you know the wolf, Shadow?”

She heard the fear in Jack’s voice. “Yes ma’am, but you would want to stay away from him.  He is wild.”

Smiling, Amira looked back down at the ground.  “I am going to get a drink, do you want one?”

“Ah, sure, that would be great.”

Amira walked to the house while brushing the dirt off her pants.  She caught another glimpse of white fur as Shadow, now crouching low on the ground, eased toward her, waiting for the right time to pounce.

Dragan watched from the trees at the game Shadow was playing with the woman.  This was not the wolf he knew, and he was not sure the game was a good idea.  He was afraid that she would be frightened.  As Shadow was getting ready to make his move, Amira picked up her pace and was quickly at the front door and inside before the wolf could make it to her.  Sitting on his haunches, he cocked his head to the side, whining, waiting for her to open the door and come back out.  Incredulous, Dragan caught movement from the side of the house.  “I’ll be damned.”

Amira had snuck out of the back door and was easing around the side of the house.  Within seconds, she had the wolf pinned again; her laughter rang out.

“Are you kidding me?  What kind of stealth attack was that?”  Letting him go, she knelt down while he licked her face.  Jack Connor ran up to them with a rake in hand.  Shadow turned quickly and in the blink of an eye had Jack on the ground, his teeth around the man’s neck.

“Release!”

Immediately the wolf released him, and Amira watched as Shadow jogged over to his master.

Running to Jack, she eased him up to a sitting position.  His face was now a bright red.

“Are you ok?”

Nodding while wiping his bald-head of the sweat that seemed to be pouring out of him in buckets with his handkerchief. Amira jumped to her feet flipping her dark hair over her shoulder and stood glaring at Dragan.

“Really?  You could have given the poor man a heart attack.”

Dragan looked down at her surprised.  “I wasn’t the one that ran at a wolf with a rake in my hand.”

“True, but you didn’t do anything to stop it.”

“Oh good grief. If Shadow wanted him dead, he would be dead right now.  That was just a gentle warning.”  Walking over to the man still sitting on the ground, Dragan extended his hand.  Jack accepted the help, admiring the strength of his boss as he was easily hauled to his feet.

“Thank you, Dr. Reynolds.”

“You are welcome, Mr. Connor.  Why don’t you go back to the house and take the rest of the day off.”

“Oh, sir.  That is not necessary.  I am fine.”   Looking warily at Shadow, he moved further away from the wolf.

“I insist.  In fact, why don’t you take tomorrow off also?  Go visit your sister.  You haven’t seen her in awhile, and I am sure she would be happy to see you.”

“Thank you, Dr. Reynolds.  I will do that.”

“Catch you later, Miss Amira.  Thank you for your help.”

Amira looked from Dragan to the groundskeeper not sure what was happening, but it was obvious that the man had been dismissed.  Walking over to Jack, she kissed him on the top of his head.

“Thank you, Jack!  We have to do that again soon.  I love learning about all of the plants.  You are so patient with me.”

Jack beamed from the kiss, patting the top of his head as he walked off.

“Are you going to do that to all of my help?”

“Do what?”  Amira stood facing Dragan with her hands on her hips.

“Have them all fall in love with you so they do not do their jobs.”

Amira threw her head back and laughed.  Dragan’s eyebrows rose as her slim neck arched.  He followed the curve to the top of her blouse where her chest swelled underneath her shirt.

“Like what you see, Dr. Reynolds?”

His eyes caught her emerald green ones, and a bolt of something shot between the two of them, catching them both off guard.

Nonplussed, Dragan smiled.  “As a matter of fact I do, Miss Amira.”

Feeling her face heating up, Amira struggled to find something to say.  She was not used to such blatant flirtation.  Who was she kidding; she never experienced flirtation in her life.  Having spent all her years attempting to get well, she never had a boyfriend or even the precept of one.

Shadow came up and nudged her hand.  Kneeling down, she grabbed his face in her hands while stroking him.  “You silly thing.  You must be nicer if you want to come back here.  I can’t have you scaring the only company I have, now can I?”

Dragan felt his heart twitch at her words while Shadow whined, pressing his nose on the side of her face.  “No, I am not upset with you, but you scared the poop out of poor Mr. Connor.”  Standing and grinning down at him, she knew what would make him feel better.  “I have a surprise for you.  Want something to chew on?”  They both ran to the door with Shadow now in the lead.  Pushing open the door, she hesitated before turning to her other visitor.  “Would you like something also, Dr. Reynolds?”  Without waiting for an answer, she stepped inside the little cottage leaving Dragan no other option but to follow.  Amira was already busy at the stove heating the water in the teakettle before placing scones on a plate. Shadow lay on a thick cushion in a corner, gnawing on a very large bone.  No wonder the wolf was here all of the time, Dragan thought.  Turning his attention to his tenant, his eyes roamed her body, loving the way her curves swelled in all of the right places.  To his surprise, desire rushed through him again.  He found it fascinating that he wanted her.  Walking up behind her, he watched her fingers hesitate over the plate sensing his approach.  Turning nervously, she looked up into his eyes as they flared with confusion and something she seemed unfamiliar with but he knew all too well.  The realization that she was attracted to him came as a shock to him.

He was standing so close to her that Amira could actually feel the heat from his body enveloping and wrapping around her as if he had physically touched her.  She held her breath as he brought his hand up, only to reach behind her, picking the plate up off the counter.  She felt his breath caress her check as he leaned in, whispering in her ear.

“Here, let me help you with that.”

Amira’s face flushed with color again.  She got the distinct impression that he knew what he was doing to her; every move calculating, as if she was being tested.  Well, she hated tests.

Watching him walk back to the small table, she wondered what he was doing at her house.  She was sure that he had enough staff at his home, that if he had a message or needed something from her, he could have sent one of them over.  She had been surprised to see him and Shadow this morning.  Her landlord had been on her mind since meeting him in the forest, but she never would have thought that he would ever be sitting in her kitchen.  She would be lying to herself if she didn’t admit that she was happy he came.  Picking up the mugs, she placed one down in front of him before taking a seat opposite him at the wooden table.

“It has just dawned on me, Dr. Reynolds, that you and I have not officially met.”  Leaning across the table, she extended her hand out to him smiling.  “My name is Amira.”

“Yes I know.  I learned that this morning.  Please call me by my first name – Dragan.”

“Dragan.  What an interesting name.  That is Slavic, correct?  It means precious.”

“What are you doing here?”

Amira took a sip from her cup locking eyes with him.  “You certainly are direct.”

“I tend to find that being direct is the best way to reach a destination.”

”Agreed.”  Amira paused.  “From my understanding, you listed this place with a realtor searching for a tenant.  I am that tenant.”

She knew this was not what he was asking and from the look on his face, was not happy with her response.  Her heart fluttered in her chest but not from fear.  There was a strong chemistry between them.  He seemed to choose to ignore it, but she found it fascinating.

“It was not I that listed this cottage, but my brother Aaron.  I am, in actuality, the owner of this land.”

Amira’s heart dropped in her chest.  Frowning she looked down at her hands that were now wrapped tightly around her mug.  She knew she was a tenant at will and realized that if he did not want a tenant, then she would have to move out.  Moving out was not on her agenda.  This was the perfect place for her to heal – or die, whichever one came first.

“Is there a problem with me being here?”

“This is private property.”

“Hmm, yes, you stated that this morning, but…”

Dragan tried to read her but realized quickly her thoughts were hidden from him.  Frowning, he shifted in his chair, uncomfortable at losing the advantage. It was rare for him not to be able to read a human’s mind if he wished.  In fact, he could only remember one other time that he was blocked the way he was now. Dragan realized that he could still feel her energy though, and her emotions were mixed.  There was disappointment, but the strongest emotion emanating from her was fear and sadness.  These emotions confused him.  Why would she be afraid to leave or even be sad for that matter?  The groundskeeper said she has only been living here for a week.  Reaching for the mug, he took a sip.  His face grimaced.  “What the hell is this?”

“Blackberry tea.  Do you not like it?”  Amira blinked innocently.

“No I most certainly do not, and it doesn’t seem to be one that will ever become part of my favorites list.”  Gingerly setting the cup back on the table, he looked at her.  “Why do I get the feeling you are laughing at me?”

Amira shrugged.  “You seem to be an easy target.”  Standing up, she moved to the chair to the right of him.  Sliding one leg under her, she leaned on the table with her elbows while reaching out to him picking up his hand in hers.  Dragan’s first instinct was to pull away from her touch, as again, electricity shot between the two of them. He could hear her own pulse as it quickened from her heartbeat picking up speed, pushing her lifeblood throughout her body.  Amira’s head came up, eyes wide.  Dragan kept his face impassive not wanting her to see that she affected him as strongly as he did her.  Looking back down at his large hand, she turned it over within hers.  Leaning forward over him, her hair touched his skin as she took several fingers and traced them down the center of his palm as if to study the lines.  A shiver ran through him.  Her touch felt intimate and private, as if she had caressed him.  He wondered what it would be like to have her touch him on other parts of his body.  This thought caused another unexpected surge of desire to course through him.

Pulling his hand away, he shifted in his chair.  “Are you trying to read my palm?  Let me guess, you think you are some kind of witch.”

Leaning back, she took another sip of her tea while gazing at him curiously. She touched him attempting to gauge his reaction to her.  She was not disappointed. “No, Dr. Reynolds, I do not think that I am ‘some kind of witch’.  That would not jive with my beliefs.”

“And what would those beliefs be dear tenant of mine.”

Amira bristled at the sarcasm lacing his words.  Forcing herself to relax and smile she stated simply.  “I believe in God.  My belief does not permit me to practice the dark arts.”

Thoughtfully, he looked at her.  “But you do believe in them.  Interesting - and in what denomination do you practice your faith?”

“Don’t you think that religion and politics should be left to better minds than ours, Dr. Reynolds?”

“No, actually, I do not.  Moreover, I have a feeling that your mind is quite capable of handling the questions.”  Leaning in, he pressed her to continue.  “I really am interested in hearing what you have to say, Amira.”

“I have practiced a number of denominations in my lifetime.  Not one ever made my heart peaceful, nor did I feel that I could follow the man made rules of any of them.  I guess you could say that I had an epiphany one day, and now I choose to follow my heart in terms of my faith.  I believe the God I pray to is an all-forgiving one.  It does not matter whether you have committed some heinous crime, if you are truly repentant and believe in Him, you will be forgiven.”

Amira jumped when Dragan slammed his hand, palm down on the table making the cups jump, spilling their contents while the noise reverberated within the tiny kitchen.  “How can you say that?  Not all is forgiven.  Sometimes there are circumstances that prohibit forgiveness.”

“Not in my world.”

“Then you are a fool and live in a fairy tale world.”

“Hey!  You asked me a question. I answered you with honesty.  You do not need to be insulting.”  Amira watched in disbelief as he rose to his feet, turning angrily to walk out the front door.  Shadow immediately jumped up from his spot on the floor, running after his master.  Amira sat for a moment confused.  “Cripes.  What the heck?”

Walking outside she saw him at the edge of her walkway looking out towards the lake and to the mountains that rose in the distance.  Quietly approaching, she stood a few feet behind him.  Amira knew he was aware she was there.  The sun had gone behind the clouds, and a breeze rose up over the water.  Pulling her sweater tighter around her body, she shivered.  He seemed to be filled with anguish about something and fighting some internal demon within himself.  Amira wanted to wrap her arms around his waist and give him whatever comfort she could.  His voice reached out to her.  “You can stay in the cottage.  It seems that Shadow has taken a liking to you, and I am sure he will be here often, especially on the days I am working.  I would appreciate it if you did not spoil him with too many treats.  If there is anything you need, please let Mr. Connor know or anyone on my staff.”  Turning his head, he caught the relief that passed over her face.  Knowing he was the reason for the relief warmed his heart.  To Amira, he seemed to want to say something else but instead turned and walked away from her.

“Dragan!”  She watched him hesitate then stop, but this time he did not turn around.  Softly her words reached out to him – “There is a Buddhist monk named Thich Nhat Hanh, who once told me that you must embrace the roots of your suffering.”  Dragan’s body stiffened at her words.  Knowing she had hit home, her voice softly continued.  “He said to me – ‘You are fighting against the tide, and the current is too strong for you to fight.  If you are always fighting against the flow, then that will be your only focus.’  I believe you are in the same spot I was in this life.  Stop fighting, Dragan, let the current take you.  Only then will the doors be opened; only then will you have rest.”  Getting no response, she continued.  “He also said that at times the current will take you to small inlets where the waters are calm and still.  It is there that you are able to rest and gain the courage again to go back out into the raging water, this time with a faith that there is someone greater than you that has prepared your way and will provide you with another inlet.”  Hearing her voice crack, Dragan turned and walked back to her, noting the tears that now hovered in her eyes.   Looking down as she placed her hand on his arm, he realized that she was allowing him to see her vulnerability, and he was touched.  “You asked me earlier why I am here.  I am here at this cottage because I made a leap of faith and decided to stop fighting the current, Dragan.  This beautiful place is my resting place for a time.  My inlet, if you want to call it that.  Maybe it is time for you to stop fighting also – especially if you have not made any progress in your journey?”

Her words seemed to break his hard shell, melting the edges around his heart.  Expressionless, he reached out with his hand to run a finger down her cheek then along her neckline - feeling the vein pulse strong under his fingertips; before moving around to the back of her head tugging on her hair, not unkindly, forcing her to look up at him.  His eyes searched her face before settling on her lips that had opened slightly in surprise.  His want for her was strong.   He wanted to taste her mouth, just this once, to see if she was as sweet as she seemed.  He wanted to taste her lifeblood …. Feeling pain behind his eyes at the thought, he knew he should pull away, but he was caught in her scent. Leaning in, he kissed her softly on the lips.  Surprised when he did not feel any resistance, he pressed harder, testing.  Amira was stunned, feeling for the first time the touch of a man’s lips on hers.  Where was this coming from?  She could feel her lips tingling from his touch.  Curious, she opened her mouth wider, feeling his tongue ease into her space.  The sensation that this interaction was having on her body was intoxicating.   Letting go of her head, Dragan no longer touched her except with his mouth.  Moving slowly, tasting.  He was overwhelmed and could not get enough.  Amira began to return the kiss.  Soon, her tongue was sparring with his until he caught hers and sucked gently.  Feeling overcome and incredibly weak, she grabbed his hips to steady herself.  He was not expecting her touch, and her hands on his body enflamed him even more.  He had just wanted a taste, but kissing her now, he realized it was not enough.  It would never be enough.  He had to have all of her.  Wrapping his arm around her, he bent her over his arm as he kissed her more deeply increasing the intensity while his other hand moved under her shirt sliding his fingers across her ribcage before easing up to caress her breast.  Moaning into his mouth, Amira felt herself swell under his touch as her whole body came alive.  She had waited her whole life to be touched this way, and what she was feeling now was more than she had ever expected.  Pulling out of her arms, they stared at each other, both breathing heavy.

CHAPTER 5

The second Dragan was out of sight of the cottage, he started to run, trying to get her out of his thoughts.  She confused him the way she looked at him.  She had no fear of him, and she seemed genuinely happy to see him, inviting him to come in and have tea with her.  He grimaced at remembering the blackberry tea.  He would be sure to have James run over a different selection for her.  If nothing else, he would have something to drink the next time he visited.  He stopped running abruptly at his thoughts.  What was wrong with him?  He was already planning to return to see her.  Standing in the woods, he breathed deeply remembering her words and her touch.  It had been less than twenty-four hours since they met, and he already felt like he had known her forever.  It was startling how closely she had hit home with her words.  It was as if she could read his mind.  He should never have kissed her.  He was not expecting her response to him.   It seems they both felt the same attraction.

Deep in the woods now, he heard a screeching sound of something in distress.  Both man and wolf sniffed the air.  Shadow’s hair stood up on his back as a low growl emitted from his throat.  He looked up at his master.  They both could smell the scent of an unfamiliar man, but the scent was not recent.  The energy trails were at least several hours old.  Frowning, Dragan sped through the trees listening while attempting to follow the sound of the cries.  What ever it was, it was afraid and in great pain.  Within seconds, he saw what was making all of the noise.  Lying on the ground was a large hawk that by now had seen the wolf and fear radiated off the bird in waves.  The bird was fluttering and squawking in an attempt to get away from what he sensed was imminent death.  Dragan’s voice reached out to the bird.  Clucking and cooing, trying to calm it down before it did any more damage to itself.  It was obvious to him that the bird had suffered an injury to its wing.  He needed to bring it home so that he could get a better look and bandage it up.  “Shadow, retreat!”  Heeding the command, Shadow went deeper into the woods away from the bird.  This immediately calmed the hawk.  Cocking its head to one side, it looked up at Dragan as he approached.  The hawk tried unsuccessfully to fly before screaming in pain once more. Dragan reached into his pocket, removed a handkerchief, before kneeling down to gently place it over the birds head.  Unable to see, the hawk lost all fight, and its body lay still on the ground.  Gently taking its wing in his hand, Dragan spread the feathers out while speaking in low tones to the bird allaying his fears.  Seeing a piece of silver lodged near the bone, a surge of anger flowed through him.  The bird shot by a pellet, had caused some of the tiny bones to break in the wing.  Dragan knew it was not one of his staff members who had committed this crime.  More than likely it was from the person he smelled earlier.  As he picked up the injured bird that now rested quietly in his hands, he whistled for Shadow to follow.

Arriving back at the manor, Dragan went around to the side of the building where the barn stood.  Stepping in, he walked into the tiny sanctuary designed specifically for birds.  Gently guiding the hawk onto one of the many perches throughout the area, he worked quickly and efficiently bandaging the bird’s wing.  The hawk stood quietly during the procedure.  Dragan had such respect for the hawk’s courage.  Cutting the tape, he reached out and gently removed the cloth covering the hawk’s eyes.  Blinking in the light, it turned its head to one side as it looked up at Dragan.  Sensing no danger, the bird cooed.  Reaching out with his finger, Dragan ruffled the feathers on top of its noble head.  “You are welcome my new friend.”  Stepping out of the room, he gently closed the door.

“Is everything okay, Dr. Reynolds?”

“It is fine, James. There seems to be a recurring visitor to my property shooting at the animals again; the newest victim being a hawk.”

James peered into the room at the regal bird perched with its wing bandaged tightly to its side.

“You are very kind, sir, to take it in.”

“I could not leave it, James.”

“Of course not, sir.  May I ask how your visit went with the new tenant?”  James was worried.  Jack had come back and said that he was going to have a couple of days off.  He was unclear about the story relayed to him by the groundskeeper.  Jack had rambled on about something to do with the wolf jumping and almost killing him, then something about the woman jumping the wolf.  Nothing made sense.

Reading his thoughts, Dragan held back a smile.  “The visit went well, thank you for asking.  I was able to meet with Amira, and she is going to stay for now.”

“Very good, Dr. Reynolds.”

“James, before I forget.  I have given Connor a couple of days off to recuperate from a stressful moment he had today at Miss Coulter’s.  Please ensure that he is paid for the time off.  Also, have a basket with assorted teas sent to Miss Coulter as a housewarming gift.”

“A basket?”

“Is that a problem?”  Dragan turned and looked at the butler.

”No, of course not, I will get on it right away.”

“Oh, and James, please deliver it yourself.  It does not need to go until tomorrow so you should have plenty of time to prepare it.  I am sure the chef would love to help put something together.”

“Would you like a card attached?”

“A card? Hmmm, I had not thought of that – Yes.  Please write Welcome to private property - My initials will be fine for the signature.”

James watched as Dragan walked away.  He could not remember one time in his employment that he ever sent a gift to anyone for him.  Smiling, James realized that he was looking forward to meeting this new tenant.

CHAPTER 6

The following morning James pulled up in front of the cottage.  The flowers in the beds seemed to be bursting out of the ground.  The colors, vibrant and wild, still held onto the morning dew.  The petals seemed to radiate with the sun’s reflection.  James had to admit that Jack did a great job fixing up the building.  He smiled while stepping out of the car.  The groundskeeper actually did wonders.  The cottage was falling down around itself last year.  Looking at the structure now, he wondered if Jack and his crew had to rebuild from scratch.  It was in pristine condition.  Reaching into the back seat, he pulled out the giant gift basket the chef put together, grunting from the weight of the contents.  The basket was stunning.  Inside were over 25 different variety of teas ensconced in a wooden tea box.  On the top of the box, the chef had the foresight to ask the wood smith if he would engrave her initials to personalize the set.  As usual, the wood smith went a step above and designed not only her initials in scroll lettering, but also a vine of flowers to cascade along the side of the box.  It was quite a masterpiece.  The tea was not the only thing overflowing the basket.  Inside they had placed two different types of honey from the beehives at the manor and an assortment of jams and jellies, scones and breads, made by the chef himself.  A beautiful red cast iron teapot with matching cups held center court. The entire gift wrapped in a sheer piece of fabric tied at the top with twine and in the knot, a spray of evergreens, holly, and baby’s breath were tucked in, adding to the very rustic feel of the gift.  Whomever the new tenant was, James hoped that she appreciated the amount of work and talent that went into putting it together.

Walking to the front door, he realized that he didn’t have a free hand to knock.  Seeing the top of the door open, he called out.  “Hello?  Anyone home?”

A female voice called out in response.  “I am in the back.”

Shifting the basket in his hand, sweat now breaking out on his forehead, he gingerly headed around to the side then the back of the cottage praying he would have a spot to put down the heavy item. Within moments, he saw her.  She was sitting in a reclining chair, writing something in a book. Seeing him, a look of surprise crossed her face before she jumped up to help him with his heavy load.

“Please, place it on the table.”

After gingerly placing the basket on the table, James mopped his brow with his handkerchief before bowing slightly to Amira.  “Good morning ma’am.  My name is James, and I am from the manor.  Dr. Reynolds asked me to deliver this to you.”

Amira looked from the butler to the basket then back to the butler with a stunned expression on her face.  Realizing that she must seem incredibly rude held out her hand.

“Hi.  My name is Amira – are you sure this is for me?”

“Yes, Miss Amira, most assuredly.”

“And you say this is from Dr. Reynolds?  Really?”  Without waiting for a reply, she walked over to the basket admiring the handiwork.  Tugging gently on the twine, a card fluttered to the table along with the spray of evergreens.  Picking them up, she inhaled deeply of the pine scent.  James watched the emotions flow across her face.  He was sure there would be some that would say that she was not a great beauty, but true beauty was the only thing he saw.  Every movement she made was graceful.  From her hair that was flowing freely framing a strong face, to the most brilliant green eyes he had ever seen, to the hand that reached out eagerly for the card.  Amira, he could tell, was so much more than her looks.  She exuded peace and a gentle kindness.  It was as if she glowed from the inside out.  Yes, James thought to himself.  She was unusual indeed, and he was smitten at first sight.

He watched as Amira opened the card then quickly attempted to stifle the laughter that was fighting to erupt from her at reading the words.

Welcome to private property. – DR

James watched in fascination, marveling how her face lit up even more when she smiled.  He was unsure of the message when he wrote the card for his boss, but seeing her now, realized that the words held a hidden meaning to them both.  Gesturing to the baskets contents, James encouraged her to peruse the items.

“Please, would you allow me to help you unpack your gifts?”

Amira’s eyes twinkled as she smiled at him.  “Only if you agree to stay and share some of the contents with me.”

James hesitated, knowing it was against the manor’s protocol to fraternize but then opted to go against protocol today.  He wasn’t getting any younger.  “With pleasure - but I mustn’t stay too long.”

Amira sighed.  “You must go back to work I assume?”

James nodded his head before both of them placed their attention back to the basket. Amira read the card again before setting it on the table.  Lifting the teapot out of the center, she could not hold back.  “How amazing is this?  Oh, James, it is lovely.  Let me put some water on for us, and then I will continue to check out the other items.  I want to savor every bit.”

Within moments she returned, this time carrying a white linen cloth, that she placed on the table while James held the basket up.  She had also brought out a white ceramic water jug filled with water, then preceded to arrange the evergreens to her satisfaction.  James noted that she had an eye for taking simplicity and making it appear extraordinary.  Efficiently they worked together, sorting through the many items of the basket.  Amira oohed and ahhed over every piece placed within.  When they reached the bottom, she stilled.  Reaching in gently, she lifted up the wooden tea box and gingerly set it on the table.  Her fingers traced her initials and the vines carved in the wood.  James watched her as she caressed every inch.  Lifting her head, her eyes met his, and he was startled to see tears glistening in their midst.  “This has to be the most beautiful thing I have ever received.  Who did all of this work?”

“The wood smith at the manor, Miss Amira.”

“Well, he is very gifted.  Please extend my gratitude to him.”

“Yes, of course, Miss Amira.”

“You will, won’t you, James?”

“Of course, Miss.”  James realized that the box triggered something in her that caused her sadness.  He so wanted her smile to come back.  “Tea now, Miss Amira?”

Touching the box one more time, she moved it to the side before nodding her head.

“Shall I pour, James?”

Unused to having someone service him, he hesitated before nodding his head.  Looking around him as she poured, he thought the backyard was just an extension of the little cottage.  Rugs strewn around the stone patio broke up the yard into little areas.  In one section was a grouping of furniture set to form a cozy conversation area, while in another part of the yard was a statue of St. Francis with tiny animal figurines dancing around him.  Furthest away was a small bench beside a water fountain.  The whole area was peaceful and very serene.  It was also an area not done by the groundskeeper.  This was all her.  “You have done wonders to this place, Miss Amira.  It is blossoming under your touch I see.”

“I love Echo Lake.  I was very afraid that Dragan was going to tell me I could not stay when he came over yesterday.  He seemed surprised that I was even living here.”  James’s eyebrows rose at the informality of her speaking of his boss, but said nothing.

“You do not find this too boring?  You are so young, my dear.”

Amira laughed.  “I thought I might have many days of boredom here but am pleasantly surprised at how many visitors I have been getting lately.”

“Will you be with us for awhile, Miss Amira.”

“I will be here for as long as I am allowed, James.”

“I am sure that would not be a problem?”

Amira shrugged.  “We are not in control of our destiny, are we?”

“This is very true Miss.  That is where you are then? Following your destiny?”

Thoughtfully, Amira looked down at her tea.  “I believe that I am accepting a destiny that is inevitable for me.  With that acceptance, I am hoping that peace will come to me, James.  What I know for sure is that Echo Lake makes me happy.”

James searched her face for a clue to her cryptic words.  The more she spoke, the more he realized what an old soul she was.  Whatever her reasons for renting this cottage, he did not believe that she was sent here by fate just for herself.  Indeed, he felt that she possibly was sent for all of them living on the property and without her knowing, had already changed him.

“I like your boss, James.”

“Indeed?”  James took a sip of his tea hiding a smile.  “He is not an easy man to get to know.  You must tread carefully with him my dear.”

Amira laughed.  “Oh, he doesn’t scare me. I have pretty much told him that.”

James’s eyebrows rose at her comment. “And how did he take that?”

“Not so good at first.”  Grinning ear to ear, she poured more tea.  “I think I can wear him down though.”

James’s eyes twinkled as he smiled at her.  What a delight she was.

“I bet if anyone can do it, Miss Amira, it would be you.”

That is how Dragan found them - sitting in her backyard in the shade, laughing and talking. The realization that he wanted to be the one sitting next to her was unnerving.  “Good morning.  I hope I am not interrupting anything important.”

“Dragan!”

Amira jumped from the table to run over to him.  She shocked him by throwing her arms around his waist, squeezing tightly, while resting her head briefly on his chest.  “I love my gift. Thank you so much.  You really shouldn’t have, but I am so glad you did.”

James watched the stunned expression on his boss face at the embrace before seeing the shock replaced by a softening.  It was James’s turn to look on in disbelief before averting his eyes in respect as Dragan wrapped his arms around her.  Closing his eyes, he laid his head on top of Amira’s.  “You are welcome.  I am glad you liked it. ”

James cleared his throat.  His skin flushed. He felt like he had just witnessed an intimately private moment that was not for his eyes, as they both seemed to forget that he was even there.  These were not strangers but acted as if they were lovers.  He wasn’t sure what to do.

Shyly Amira stepped back, and Dragan caressed her cheek with his hand before letting his arms drop back to his side.  He ached to hold her longer.  Exuberantly she took his hand, pulling him to the table.  “Please join us!  James and I were just getting started.”

“Good morning, sir. I was not expecting…I am sorry, I will …”

Dragan raised his hand.  “Of course you will stay and enjoy your tea, hopefully for you, it is not blackberry.  I am sure that Amira is enjoying having company.  I just stopped since I was passing by to speak with her briefly.”

“I cannot stay, Amira, maybe when I am off work next, you would like to come to the manor and have dinner.  This way you can charm my whole staff at once and get it over with and not take them down one at a time.”

Amira grinned.  “I would love that!  Thank you for asking, Dragan.”

“Great.  I will have James contact you with my schedule to see what works best for you.”

Turning to James his tone became all business.  “I will call you later in the day, James, to give you my schedule.”

Amira watched as James nodded affectionately at his boss before Dragan walked away.

CHAPTER 7

Walking into the cafeteria, Dragan’s eyes roamed the room looking for his friend before seeing her when she popped up from behind the serving counter, her face molten with color.  Frowning, he realized that she was upset.

Striding over quickly, he took in the young man speaking to her in one of the most condescending tones he had every heard.  The man’s tone rankled him, knowing it was directed solely at Daphne.  “Seriously, would it really have been that hard to make it the way I wanted?  You do realize that I am expected to be in surgery soon.”

“There are many doctors here that need to be in surgery soon. I made it the way you wanted.  Sorry it doesn’t meet your standards.”

Dragan could tell that her response was not what the young doctor wanted or expected.  Daphne cow tailed to no one, and Dragan knew this was going to get ugly quickly.  Stepping closer, he was stunned to see that the plate was now on its way to strike her face.  With lightening speed, he intercepted it before it made contact.

Both Daphne and the doctor turned staring at Dragan.

“Dr. Reynolds, please don’t!  It is really no big deal.”  Daphne’s voice was frantic at seeing the look on his face.

Dragan ignored her as he approached the young doctor.

“If you ever do anything like that again to her, you will be accountable to me.  Do you understand?”

“Are you threatening me?”

With eyes flashing, Dragan saw the man flinch.

“Oh, you better believe I am Doctor.  Now please apologize to Mrs.  Rodriguez.”

Daphne could tell that the last thing the young doctor wanted to do was apologize, but looking twice at Dragan’s face, she heaved a sigh of relief when she heard him mumble his apology before making a quick exit from the room.

“Feel better?”

Dragan grinned.  “I do - thank you for asking.  Now, do you want to tell me what that was all about?”

“Apparently, I did not make his sandwich to his strict specifications – you saw the rest.”

Daphne looked up at Dragan, eyeing him curiously.

“Something is different about you?”

“It is called rest.”

“No it is not that, even though you do look much better than you did the other day.  Not quite as ugly as before.”

She laughed as his eyebrows rose at her comment.

“What’s going on?  You look….oh my God, dare I even say it?  Happy.”

“Oh don’t be ridiculous.”

“Ridiculous, huh?  Well I am going to figure it out.  You on the other hand need to get back to work; I can’t be chit chatting with you all day.”

Handing Dragan his coffee, she turned away, but when she knew he wasn’t looking turned again to watch him walk out the door.  Something was different with her friend.  She liked it, but it did make her wonder what happened that caused this drastic change.   Smiling to herself, she figured it was time to give a call to her old friend James.  She had not spoken to him in a long time.  Humming, she went back to preparing lunch for the hospital patrons.  She was looking forward to her break.

Stepping into the elevator heading to his office, Dragan smiled remembering the feelings that flowed through him as Amira’s arms wrapped around him this morning.  He was glad that she liked her gift.  As unexpected as her embrace was, the thought of him holding her again was overwhelming him.   She was an oxymoron. Age wise, he guessed that she was young, but she was far beyond her years in life experiences, yet her kiss was sweet and inexperienced.  He was convinced that she hadn’t had many lovers in her short life, and he looked forward to getting to know her better to find out where those life experiences came from.

“Dr. Reynolds, Code Blue.  Dr. Reynolds, Code Blue Room 625!”

Pushing all thoughts of Amira aside, Dragan leaped off the elevator, tossing his coffee in the garbage before running through the hallway to reach the room he was paged to.  Throwing open the door, he stopped abruptly.  There was no one in the room, except for a body, lying motionless covered by a sheet.

Stepping towards the bed, he was caught unawares by a figure flying through the air, grabbing him tossing him hard against the wall.  Immediately in defense, his fangs came out, as he rushed the person, both bodies rolling on the ground until he finally had the upper hand ready to rip their jugular out of their neck.

Dragan felt the body shaking uncontrollably beneath him and his features relaxed while a smile spread across his face.

“You are such an ass.”

Standing to his feet, he stared at the figure below him grinning as a thick British accent reached his ears.

“And you, brother, are as gullible today as you were 330 years ago.”

Jumping to his feet the two brothers embraced enthusiastically before stepping apart.  Matching eyes checked the other out.

“Man you are looking old!”

Dragan burst out laughing at the old joke just as a nurse walked into the room.

“Oh, I am sorry, I didn’t realize anyone was……”  Jennifer stared at the two men in front of her.  They were identical in every way.  Holy shit, she thought to herself, could life get any better.

“Jennifer, I would like you to meet my brother, Aaron.   Aaron, this is Jennifer, one of the best nurses we have here at Brigham.”

Jennifer stood frozen in place as the identical match to her crush walked over, picking up her hand gently leaning over to kiss it.  Dragan thought that she was going to pass out right in front of him.

“Absolutely delighted to meet you, Jennifer.”

Jennifer’s hand fluttered to her throat.  “Oh my.”

“Indeed.”  Aaron’s eyes looked sideways at his brother.

Laughing, Dragan chided his twin.  “Enough, Aaron, before you give her a heart attack.”

“Oh, really, Dr. Reynolds, it is more than okay.”

“Well, it was really nice to meet you, Jennifer, but I must catch up with my brother.  Maybe we will run into each other soon?”

“I certainly hope so.”  Jennifer stammered as she watched the brothers walk out of the room before collapsing on the bed.

Aaron and Dragan pretended not to notice the stunned looks of people as they walked to Dragan’s office.  They did not speak aloud, choosing telepathy instead, until they were alone.

“Strange people you work with.  Have they never seen twins before?”

“I have never discussed my personal life, so they are a bit shocked.  Many of these people have known me for years Aaron.  Having my twin show up will be the talk of the hospital for many days to come.” Dragan grinned.

“Identical twins no less, and what the hell are you smiling about now?”

“It’s nice to have the woman’s attention diverted from me for a change.”

Aaron smiled broadly, as they passed the nurses station.

“Well I am the better looking of the two of us.”

“Dream on.”

Stepping into the waiting room of his office, he turned to his secretary.

“Carla, I will be in a meeting for the next hour.  Please use your discretion in putting through any of my calls.”

Realizing she was staring with her mouth open at the two brothers, her face reddened.

“Yes, of course, Dr. Reynolds.”

“Carla, I would like to introduce my brother, Aaron; Aaron meet Carla.”

Stepping through the office door, Aaron watched as his older brother, by one minute, dropped into his chair.  Taking a seat on the couch he preceded to put his feet up on the coffee table, ignoring Dragan’s raised eyebrows.  Both brothers shut off their telepathy closing their minds off from each other.

“Wow, haven’t done that in a long time.  Forgot how draining it was on the system.”

Aaron nodded his head in agreement.  There were many perks to being a vampire, mind reading being one of them, but using the powers too much or too often drained a vampire, causing a need to feed.

“You look good, Dragan.  Something is different about you though.  I can’t quite put my finger on it.”

Remembering Daphne’s comment, Dragan shrugged his shoulders.   “I am no different than I was the last time you saw me, you either, for that matter.  We have not aged, Aaron, no new wrinkles, no cancer or failing systems.  Being 334 years old, we are perfect in almost every way.”

Aaron watched the anguish cross his brother’s face.  Knowing it was a sore spot between the two of them, Aaron softened his tone.

“Still praying, brother?”

“Let’s not start that again.”

Dragan’s voice was clipped and icy.  Aaron got the point.  Dragan was not only his brother but also his best friend.  He could not believe that they had not seen each other since 1985.  As the years passed, the days seemed to go by faster and faster with time.  He never meant to stay away this long, especially since it was his fault to begin with that they separated.  Their fight in ’85 almost severed their brotherhood completely at the time.  He wasn’t even sure what Dragan’s reaction would be to him returning.  He was very relieved at seeing the true joy on his brother’s face at his return.

Hearing Carla speak from the other room, he grinned.

“A call is coming through.”

Dragan made a face as seconds later his phone indeed did ring.

Aaron watched his brother pick up the line while speaking gently to the person on the other end.  Admiring his people skills, he thought to the disagreement they had.  Aaron was so tired of watching his brother spend hours in the chapel begging for mercy.  His intention back then was to have his brother accept his fate.  Neither one of them wanted to be vampires.  Both would have been happy living their lives, marrying, having children, growing old and then dying.  Nevertheless, that was not good enough for her.  His face hardened as he thought of his mother.  It was her spiteful nature and need to cast retribution on their father for taking up with another woman that caused her to turn over her sons to be sacrificed.  She felt that she had given up everything, including her own family and ways to be with the man who she thought loved her as deeply as she loved him.  His father was a loser.  The drinking, gambling and womanizing eventually caught up to him.  Nevertheless, the sons did not deserve to pay for his sins or hers for that matter.  Unfortunately, her family came from a long line of gypsies and witches.  Retribution was the only thing that they wanted.  That and release from an old debt to the ancient order.  The twin’s souls would erase that centuries old debt.  Win/win for everyone except for Dragan and Aaron.  The night they were taken was the most terrifying of their lives.  Three hundred years later, that memory still caused his stomach to turn.  They were 34 to the day.  Both he and Dragan were at their favorite pub in Piccadilly Square when a stranger approached them, stating that their mother was seriously injured in a carriage accident.  The two brothers ran to the address that was given to them where they were ambushed, beaten close to death, then bound and gagged.  Aaron remembered waking up first to find himself on a slab of rock with trees all around them.  His brother, still unconscious, was lying next to him.  Both brothers were no longer bound and gagged but Aaron knew they were drugged as he felt the world spinning around him.  There was a ring of fire encircling the slab that he and his brother were on and the heat was slowly making the stone warm.  Just as he heard Dragan moan, attempting to wake up from his drug induced state, Aaron heard a commotion and turning his head to the side saw a group of people dressed as demons dancing into a circle around him and his brother.  Two people where not dressed in the hideous costumes.  The man, who was obviously the leader of the group and his mother, strode to the center.  At first, he wanted to call out her name, but upon seeing the look she gave her sons lying in front of her, he knew it would do him no good.

The beat of the drums grew.  Catching Dragan’s eyes, he saw fear there, and he knew his brother saw the same fear in his eyes.

“What is to happen to us, Aaron?”

“I don’t know brother, but live or die, promise me we do it together.”

Aaron watched as a single tear slipped from Dragan’s eye before his face set, then nodded in agreement to the covenant.

With shocking suddenness, the crowd went completely quiet.  Both men looked on as the most beautiful woman they had ever seen entered the circle of fire and approached them.  Walking in a circle, she reached out and ran her finger down first Aaron’s bare chest, then Dragan’s.  The touch felt intimate but made his skin crawl.  Looking into her eyes all he saw was darkness but even more terrifying was that he saw his own death.  Smiling, she held eye contact with him as she walked over to his brother.  Waving his mother over to stand next to her son, the woman bent over and it was then that Aaron saw the fangs, and with horror he watched her drive them into his brothers neck.  She actually hummed as she slowly fed from him, drinking deeply of the blood.  Aaron feared for his brother when he saw Dragan’s eyes slowly close and lose the connection with him.  After several more minutes, the woman pulled away from the now motionless body.  Shockingly, his own mother held out her arm to the lady who was shaking her head.  Taking the silver knife that was handed to her by the Chief of the gypsies, she made a cut across her own wrist then held it up to Dragan’s mouth forcing him to drink.

Turning to Aaron, she quickly walked to him.

“I saved you for last so that you could watch your brother die.  Your heart is strong and the beat is music to my ears.”

“I hope you rot in hell!”

“Well, when I do go to hell, eventually you will catch up with me.”

Laughing, she drove her fangs into his neck, his body bucked under the first initial sting of the venom before calming.  He felt like he was floating and could no longer feel the hard rock under his back.  He saw the light far off in the distance, and that was when he really knew that he was dying. Aaron welcomed it.  Standing, smiling with their arms outstretched, was his Grandparents.  Smiling in return with relief, he reached for their hands.  Looking up at his Grandfather’s face, he watched as the smile turned to a look of horror.  Turning around to follow his gaze, fear struck him in his heart as a shadow reached out to wrap around his waist and pull him back.  Struggling to fight against the evil, he looked for his Grandparents.   Both of them and the light had vanished.

CHAPTER 8

Hanging up the phone, Dragan leaned back in his chair to watch Aaron’s face staring off into oblivion.  He did not have to ask what he was thinking of, it was written all over him.

“You have got to let it go, Aaron.”

Startled from his reverie, he looked back at Dragan blankly, blinking as if to return to the surface of reality.

“It is not so easy for me.”  Raising his hand to stop Dragan from replying he continued.  “Please, do not start talking about the forgiveness bullshit.”

“Forgiveness is not for them but yourself, Aaron.  Maybe you would find some semblance of peace if you could wrap your stubborn head around that.”

“Bloody hell, Dragan! What I want to do is wrap my fingers around her throat for what she did to us.”

“It is done and has been done for 300 years.  You must accept it.”

“Okay.  I will accept it when you do.”

Both brothers knew that they were at an impasse.  Aaron, choosing to change the subject, grinned at his brother who was now writing something on a tablet, and it gave him great amusement watching Dragan’s head snap to attention at his next comment.

“Hey, how is your new tenant working out?”

“Ah, I have been meaning to ask you about that.”

“Do you like her?”

“And what do you know of Amira?”

“Amira is it?  Actually, not much.  A friend of mine told me about her, and I thought that you two would be perfect for each other.”

“Do tell. Have you become a matchmaker now?”

Laughing, Aaron noted the irritation in his brother’s tone.

“She sounded like the complete opposite of you, and since I knew I was coming for a visit, I figured it would give me amusement.”

“I like her actually, Aaron.”

Now it was Aaron’s turn to look surprised.

“What did you just say?”

“I like her, and I am looking forward to getting to know her better.”

Aaron thoughtfully looked at his brother.  This was a surprise.   From his brother’s tone, he was being serious.  Dragan’s phone rang again.

Standing to his feet, Aaron shook his brother’s hand.

“I am going to leave now and let you get back to your….job.  Why you would bother working since you have more money than you possibly could ever spend, I will never know.  I will be staying at the manor with you, if that is okay…”

A knock came at the door, and both brothers watched Carla’s head poke around the corner.

“So sorry to bother you, Dr. Reynolds, but Dr. Kingsley is holding for you on line three, and your next appointment arrived 10 minutes ago.

“Thank you, Carla.  Tell Dr. Kingsley, I will be with him in a moment.”

Turning to his brother, he nodded.  “Stay as long as you like.  It is good to have you home, Aaron.”  Aaron walked to the door.  As an after thought, Dragan called his brother back.  “Still like to run the woods, Aaron?”  At his brother nod, worry crossed Dragan’s face.  “It seems that there is someone hunting on the property, and I have not been able to catch him yet.  Be careful…don’t want you getting shot at.”

Incredulous, Aaron could not hide the disbelief from entering his voice.  “Slacking are we, brother?  You used to be the best tracker around.”

“You are very funny, Aaron.  It has not been from lack of trying.  Just be careful smart ass.  You and I both know the bullet won’t kill either one of us, but I don’t want to have to deal with digging something out of your skin either, and if you should happen to run across someone that doesn’t look like they belong, you have my permission to do whatever you like to them.”

As soon as his brother closed the door, Dragan picked up the phone, pressing on the blinking light.

“Dr. Kingsley!  What can I do for you this morning?”

“Good morning, Doctor Reynolds.  I want to pick your brain if that would be ok.”

“I have about 10 minutes, Harvey, and then my day begins in earnest.  I will certainly do my best.”

“I have a patient who is 27 years old.  I have been treating her for Protein C Deficiency since she was nine, and she had responded extremely well to treatment up until a year ago when she became seriously ill again.  In running a battery of tests, we found she is dying.”

“I do not specialize in hematology doctor.  Protein C – from the little bit I know, is quite manageable under a doctor’s supervision.”

Harvey hesitated.  “Dragan, I need to be frank with you.  I was speaking to a Dr. Omar Benjamin of the European Center for Disease control in Sweden.  When he mentioned your name, I told him that I actually knew you.  Dr. Benjamin stated that you were doing major research on various disorders and anomalies of the blood.  I knew it would be a long shot but, Dragan, I have become extremely attached to this patient.  Something very bizarre has happened with her blood.  A mutation has formed.  It is clear that she will die if I cannot find a cure.”

Frowning, Dragan stared down at his hands.  Mutations he did know something about.  He had been testing his own blood for years looking for a cure in an attempt to reverse his vampirism.  He had known that eventually word would get out about his blood research because it was so unique.

“I’ll tell you what, Harvey.  Send me her blood reports, and I will take a look and see if it looks familiar. Either way, I will get back to you.

Knowing this was all he could ask for, Harvey Kinsley breathed a sigh of relief.  “Thank you so much.  That is all that I need right now.”

CHAPTER 9

Dragan pulled into the driveway looking at the cottage before stepping out of the car.  He needed to see her but wasn’t convinced that showing up unannounced was a good idea either.  Hesitating, he knocked on the front door, frowning when no one answered.  Closing his eyes, he listened for her.  Faintly he heard her voice speaking softly, but she was a distance away.  Did she have a guest? A twinge of jealousy stabbed his gut. Following the path behind her house that wound through the forest, her voice grew louder with each step he took.  After a short few minutes, he stood at the outskirts of a tiny clearing.  Amira was sitting by her self, reading aloud.  Her voice, soft and gentle, was mesmerizing.  Catching movement out of the corner of his eye, he watched as a rabbit hopped in to squat next to her.  Reaching into the basket that rested next to her, he watched as she pulled out a pellet of food, holding it out in her palm to the small creature.  Immediately, and unafraid, the rabbit nibbled on the pellet.  Leaning against a tree, he felt his body relax as he listened to her words.

And all the world looked upon His greatness

His love encompasses all.

From the rabbit to the wolf

They all heed his call.

“See Shadow, I even wrote about you.”

Shadow’s giant head rested on his front paws while his golden eyes remained transfixed on her as she continued to read.

What greater gift has He given?

Throughout this glorious land.

True love between woman and man

Which he holds in the palm of His hand.

“That is beautiful, Amira.”

The rabbit ran away at the new voice while Shadow jumped to his feet.  The only one that did not seem surprised to see him was Amira.

“Down, Shadow.”

“Good evening, Dragan.”

“Good evening.”

Stepping into the tiny glade, Amira felt him completely overpowering the space.

“What is it that you are doing out here?  It will be dark soon.”

“Yes, it will be soon but not yet.  I am reading aloud some of my work.  It sounds better out here.”  Standing to her feet, Amira felt the blood rush to her head, and she became unsteady.  Today had not been a good day. Feeling ill since she woke up, she refused to give in to her sickness by staying inside.

Dragan was beside her gently steadying her body before she could collect herself.  Laughing, she tried to pull away.  “You must tell me how you move so fast.  That would be a great skill to have.”

Not releasing her, he stilled.  Her scent seemed to wrap around him and was intoxicating to his senses.  Amira could feel him staring down at her. She actually missed him these past few days while he was at work. Afraid that he would see how much he affected her in her eyes, she stared at the pulse beating in his neck.

“Did you need something, Dragan?”

Lifting her chin, he scanned her face noting the red cheeks and glazed eyes.

“Are you not feeling well, Amira?”

“Not really.  I think I need to go home now before….”

Unable to complete her sentence before she fainted, Dragan caught her as she fell.  Lifting her up into his arms, he quickly strode to the cottage as Shadow trailed, whining with worry.

Pushing the door open with this foot, he crossed the threshold while his eyes scanned the room before striding to her bedroom.

Dragan was grateful she had left a light on as he gently eased her onto the bed as if she weighed nothing, then he turned to the bathroom for a moist washcloth.

Before he reentered the room, he heard her speaking.

“Shadow!  Please tell me that your hunky owner did not carry me and put me to bed?”  Grinning, he stepped into the room to see her trying to sit up.  He could not ever recall being called a hunk before.

“Amira, you must lay down for a bit.”

Embarrassment spread across her face.

“Really, Dragan, I am fine.”

“Really, Amira, I am not asking.”  Sitting on the edge of her bed, he pushed her shoulders gently forcing her to lean against the headboard; picking up the washcloth, he tenderly ran it across her face.  Amira hated to admit it but the coolness did make her head feel better.

Dragan scanned her face worriedly as she closed her eyes allowing him to administer to her.  She did not look any better to him.  Her paleness was startling - such a contrast from several days ago when he had last seen her.

Taking her wrist between his fingers, he checked her pulse.  Heartbeat seemed weak.  Feeling her head, she felt warm to his touch.

“Amira, have you eaten anything today.”

“Yes, of course.  You are so kind to stay with me, but really, I will be fine.  I just need to rest.  I am sure I will feel better in the morning.”

“I am sure there is no way I could convince you to spend the night at the manor?”

“Of course not.”  Smiling up at him, her breath caught in her throat.  The man was stunning.

“You know, you are kind of ruining your reputation.”

“I’m sorry?”

“Well you try coming off as aloof and untouchable with that whole private property thing, but here you are with me, in my bedroom no less, playing nursemaid.”

Dragan could not figure out if she was trying to be funny or serious.  Choosing to ignore her comment, he wiped her forehead with the washcloth again.   After he finished, she turned onto her side touching his arm.

“I am teasing you.  I am sorry.”

Standing, he turned to walk out of the room, and Amira felt really bad.

“Dragan!  I was just teasing.”

Smiling from the doorway, he winked.  “I know, I am just getting you some blackberry tea and my medical bag from the car as I believe you have a fever, Amira.”

“Don’t be silly.”

“Hang on to that thought.”

Amira thought of protesting but realizing that he had already left the room, she closed her eyes.  She really did not feel well.

Hearing him return, she opened her eyes watching him silently as he took out a stethoscope and thermometer from his bag.

“I am probably just getting a cold.”

“Hmm.”

Pressing the stethoscope to her chest, he listened for a few minutes.  The clock ticking in the hallway seemed to echo through the whole house. Still without saying a word, he slid the thermometer under her tongue while taking her pulse again.  After waiting a few minutes, he gazed at the mercury frowning.  Sitting on the edge of the bed, he thoughtfully looked at her while Amira stared up at him.

“Are you always so serious, Dragan?”

“The world is a serious place, Amira.”

“Oh, I don’t know.  There is a secret to all of this you know.”

Dragan stared at her for a moment before sighing.  He could feel another Amira-ism coming on.  A light smile softened his lips. “Please tell me the secret, I know you want to.”

Laying her head back, she looked up at the ceiling lowering her voice.  “The secret is that you find the rainbow within the cloud.”

“Really?  It is as simple as that to you?”

“Yes.”

Dragan was overwhelmed with the feeling of irritation that arose from him at her statement.  “Could you really be that naïve?”

“It’s true!!!”

“Amira, life is not that easy.  Just because you have had it easy doesn’t mean that the rest of the world has.”

Amira leaned back as if struck.  “Is that what you think?  That I have had it easy?  Just because I choose to look at life from a different perspective does not mean it has been easy, Dr. Reynolds.  I know what I know!  Whether you like it or not, I know for a fact that God has put a rainbow in every cloud.  Have you never found yours?”

Dragan’s fingers absently smoothed the bed sheet.  He was learning quickly with her that whenever she called him Dr. Reynolds, she was getting angry.  He was surprised at her reaction to his comment.  Obviously, he had touched a nerve with her, and if he were honest, she had touched a nerve within him.

“No, I haven’t ….found the rainbow.”

“Then you, my dear, must be the rainbow in someone else’s cloud.”  Cocking her head to one side, she smiled weakly.  “You are a rainbow you know.  Right here, with me.  I am not well, and I am sure you have bazillion better things to do, but you are staying with me because you think I am sick.”

“No, Amira, I am staying with you because I know that you are sick.  You have a temp of 102, and I am trying to figure out what exactly to do with you.”

Amira was shocked her temperature was so high.  Dragan saw the worry in her eyes.  “Amira, is there something more going on that you are not telling?”

Shaking her head, she felt guilty at the blatant lie.

“Look, I am going to finish making your tea, then run home and pick up a few things and will come back to check on you.”

“You really don’t need to, Dragan.”

“I know I don’t, but I want to.”

Amira’s face flushed as he continued to look at her.

“Stop looking at me that way.”

“What way?”

“I don’t know, like you are trying to get in my head or something.”

Her comment made him smile.

“That’s because I am.”  Bending over he kissed her softly on the lips, then with a sharp command to Shadow, walked out leaving her staring after him with wide eyes as the wolf happily guarded over her.

CHAPTER 10

“Welcome home, Dr. Reynolds.”

“Thank you, James.”

Dragan hurried through the living room to his office just off the hallway with James following obediently.

“Is everything okay, Sir?”

“I stopped over at Amira’s on my way home and found that she is not feeling well.  Would you please ask the chef to pack a basket with some soup and whatever he feels needs to go with it please.”

“Of course, right away.”

“Tell him to keep it to light broth.  She has a temperature, and I am not sure how her stomach will tolerate something heavy, but the woman needs to have something in her system.”

Nodding his head, James hurried to the kitchen.  His boss had changed since meeting Amira, and the change was very visible.  At first he thought that he was the only one to notice, but when Daphne called from the hospital, and then Aaron returning home both asking what was going on, he realized that others closest to the doctor noticed the change.  Dragan had a purpose now where he never had before, and a light seemed to have been lit from the inside out.  Everyone pretty much agreed that he was the only one that has not yet realized the change in him.

After informing the chef of the orders, James went and packed an overnight bag for Dragan.  He was not sure if this was the intention, but he was going to do whatever he could to convince the man to stay with the young woman.

Dragan placed his journals into a leather briefcase, looking up as James walked in.  Noticing his overnight bag in his hand, his eyebrows rose and a look of gratitude crossed his face at his butler’s intuition.

“I thought you might need a few fresh items in case you chose to stay overnight, Sir.”

“You, James, are indispensable to me.”

“I am heading back to the cottage now, please inform Aaron of the details, and tell him I will call when I can.”

“Of course.  The chef has already put your request of food in your car.  Please tell Miss Amira I wish her a speedy recovery.”

Driving back over to the tiny cottage, Dragan wondered what he was doing.  She probably just had a cold, which was nothing that rest couldn’t cure.  He wondered if the molehill he was turning into a mountain had anything to do with wanting to get to know her better.

Approaching the door, he could hear Shadow scratching and barking as if to get his attention.  Running the remaining few feet, he quickly entered the house.  Shadow was frantic, nipping at his arm to make him hurry.

Dragan ran into the bedroom.  Amira was tossing frantically, twisting and moaning, tangled in the sheets.

Touching her skin, he pulled back stunned.  She was on fire.  Pulling the sheets off her, he hurried to the bathroom, turning the faucet on and filling the tub with cool water.  As it filled, he went back to lift her up gently in his arms, carrying her to the bathroom.

Amira felt herself floating.  Struggling to open her eyes, she looked up at Dragan’s face.  His teeth were clenched, and he seemed angry.  “Are you mad at me?”

Looking down, he thought that her eyes seemed even a deeper shade of green with the fever.  His heart constricted with worry.

“Of course not, Amira.  This is going to feel a bit shocking to your system, but your fever is really high, and I need to get it down.”

Amira gasped as the water touched her skin as he lowered her into the tub fully clothed, and she clutched at his arms trying to prevent him from putting her into the freezing water.

“Shhh, it’s okay.  I won’t let go of you.”  Kneeling at the edge of the tub, he kept his arms around her as he held her.  Her head resting on his arm fell to one side, and he realized that she was unconscious.

After several minutes, her eyes reopened.  She actually looked better to him.  Weakly smiling up at him, her voice came out in a whisper.

“Hi, Dragan.”

“Hi, Amira.”

“Whatcha doing?”

Dragan laughed.

“Oh, nothing much.  Just hanging out in the bathroom with you.”

Looking at him, she tried to pull away.  “Your clothes are all wet.”

“They will dry.”

“I don’t feel well, Dragan.”

“I know, sweetheart.”

Sighing, she leaned her head against his chest.  “Did you just call me sweetheart?  The water feels good.  I wasn’t feeling too good after you left.”

“You will feel better soon, Amira, I promise.”

Pulling the stopper in the tub to drain the water, he reached for the towel hanging from the silver rack.

“I am going to lift you up now, Amira.  Are you ready?”

Nodding her head, she felt herself floating again.  He was so strong.

“Amira, I need to get you out of these wet clothes.  Do you think that you can do it by yourself?”

Looking up, Amira was shocked to see his face redden.

“Dr. Reynolds, are you blushing?”

“Of course not, I am a doctor.”

“I think I can.  If you could just bring me to the bedroom.”

Dragan set her down gently near the bed.  “Where are your night clothes, Amira?”

Amira nodded her head towards the dresser along the far wall as she pulled the wet clothes off her body. Her legs felt shaky, and she wasn’t sure how much longer she would be able to stand.  Pulling out the first nightgown he found, he turned just as she was slipping off her underwear.  Quickly looking away, he tossed the dry clothes on the bed.

“Dr. Reynolds, I cannot believe that you are that uncomfortable with a naked body.”

Dragan walked out the door to the kitchen.  “And I cannot believe that you have so little modesty in front of a stranger.”

Amira smiled to herself realizing he was not as unaffected about her as he wanted her to believe.

Dragan was not unaffected.  Seeing a person’s body undressed was not something new to him.  Nevertheless, she was the first one that he desired to the point of it being all-consuming.  The rush that went through him at seeing her naked breasts, curved body, and the gentle swells, narrowing down to the soft vee between her legs was too much, and his own body tightened in response to her nakedness.  Even now, reliving that moment caused his blood to push strong through him.  He needed to control himself.  Sorting through the box that his Chef had prepared, he poured some of the soup into a large mug before placing it onto a tray with some crackers, water and ibuprofen he brought from the manor.

Walking back into her bedroom, he was relieved to see that she was completely dressed and laying back on the bed.  Setting the tray on the nightstand, he sat down next to her touching her forehead.

“You still have a very high temperature.  I need to get this medicine into you so that we can bring it down.  If it doesn’t work, I am going to bring you to the hospital.”

“You most certainly will not.  Look, I appreciate all of this, I really do.  However, I am letting you know right now that I am fine.  If I feel worse, I will call my doctor.”

Lifting up the mug and spoon, he motioned for her to sit up before moving the spoon next her lips.  Automatically she opened her mouth, allowing him to feed her. She felt very tired again and after several spoonfuls, she held up her hand.  “No more, thank you.  I just want to rest.”

Watching her as she slid down on the bed, he started to stand when he felt her hand on his thigh.  “Please don’t leave right now, Dragan.”  She sounded afraid.

Covering her hand with one of his own, he reached across to brush her hair away from her now closed eyes.  She was asleep before she could hear his whispered words.

“I will stay for as long as you need me, Amira.”

CHAPTER 11

Dragan woke with a start attempting to figure out what it was that disturbed him.  Looking over at Amira, he watched as she tossed and turned in her sleep.  The fever was still raging within her.  Jumping out of bed, he ran into the bathroom grabbing a wet cloth again.  Sitting next to her, his hands gentle on her face, he smoothed the cloth along her skin.  Feeling the cool touch, she woke looking up at his face.  Her eyes glazed once again.  He was worried.

Her voice dry and cracked, she started to struggle under his administrations.  “Please, I don’t want to die.  Please Father, pray for me.”

Realizing that she did not recognize him, his hand stilled at her words.  “You are not going to die, Amira.”

“Oh, Father, but you know I am.  Please, I am begging you!  Please pray for me.”

Unsure, Dragan placed the cool cloth on her head.  Willing to do anything to ease her agitation, he started to speak softly, praying.  “Our Father, which art in heaven….”

“Hallowed by thy name.”  Amira’s voice, weak and frantic, spoke the words with him.

“Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.  Give us this day, our daily bread and forgives us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.  Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory for ever.  Amen.”

Dragan shivered as gooseflesh broke out over his skin.  Her words, as she spoke with him, made him want to weep.  Her body stilled when they finished, and she inhaled deeply closing her eyes falling to sleep once more.  Dragan had the sensation that they were being watched.  Looking around the bedroom, he saw nothing.  Hearing a light tapping, he looked over at Shadow.  The wolf’s tail was thumping against the floor while staring into the corner.

Sebastian listened as the two figures prayed together.  Hands clasped in front of him, he bowed his head, praying the words just as they did.  Looking up, he saw what the two did not, and he smiled as a soft glowing mist hovered over her burning body before gently encasing her in its healing vapors as the prayer was being recited.  His compassion for the couple was strong.  He knew that he was treading on a very thin line of what was acceptable and what was not. Elder would be furious with him if he suspected what he had done and the risks that he was taking, but Sebastian knew that the grace he was being given by the Great One, was the only thing that truly mattered.  The confirmation was with her healing tonight.  He could deal with the Elder.  Sebastian felt probing eyes searching for him.  Startled, he made contact with Dragan’s and froze.  It took a moment for him to relax knowing that he was unseen.  Sebastian raised a hand to the wolf, motioning for it to sit, which Shadow immediately did.  Looking again to the bed, he watched as the young woman stilled, falling back to sleep.  Tomorrow was going to be a great day for them both.

CHAPTER 12

Amira woke hearing the birds chirping outside of her window.   She loved waking to their musical choir.  Smiling to herself, she stretched her arms stilling when her hand hit a body.

Rolling over quickly, she started at Dragan who lay, sound asleep, next to her.  He was flat on his back; one hand resting on his stomach while the other was thrown over his face covering his eyes.

Her mind raced trying to remember the past twenty-four hours, but it was a fog.  She knew she had been very sick.  Her heart swelled realizing that he must have stayed with her the whole time. Amira sat up smiling down at him.  She would be lying to herself if she did not admit that she had a bit of a crush on Dr. Reynolds.  He was like no one she had ever met before.  Hugging her knees to her chest, her eyes roamed his body.  She was surprised to see that he actually was wearing pajamas.  His tee shirt riding up gave her a view of a toned stomach rippling with muscles. She may be inexperienced, but she knew yummy when she saw it, and this man was delicious.  Sliding out of the bed, she quietly padded barefoot to the kitchen.  Feeling a wet nose bump her hand, she raised her finger to her lips for him to be quiet.  After putting the teapot on the stove to heat, she prepared two cups of tea.  Placing the breakfast items on a tray, she walked back to the bedroom.  His arm was no longer covering his face, and his head had turned toward her side of the bed.  Unsure of whether or not to wake him, a memory flashed of him leaning over kissing her gently.  Raising her fingers to her lips, she frowned trying to figure out if that was something that really happened or part of her illness.  Well, there was only one way to find out.  Amira slid back onto the bed, then touching him softly on the cheek, leaned in while placing a soft kiss on his lips to waken him.  Feeling him stir slightly she pulled back waiting for his eyes to open.  When they didn’t, she leaned in again pressing her lips even harder against his.  In the blink of an eye, she found herself on her back with him towering over her.

Dragan looked confused for a moment unsure of where he was.  Holding back her laughter, her eyes smiled up at him.

“Good morning!  I made you some blackberry tea.”

A look of what could only be described as relief washed over him seeing her back to normal, with no sign of a fever.  Reaching up with her hands, she cupped his face as he continued to stare at her in disbelief.  In his lifetime, he never felt a moment as incredibly intimate to him as that moment.

Dragan heard a growl from the side of the bed, and both he and Amira turned to find Shadow in a guarded stance looking directly at Dragan.

“I think he thinks you are going to hurt me.”

Dragan looked back at Amira as her voice went down to a whisper.

“Are you?”

“Am I what?

“Going to hurt me?”

Slowly lowering his head to hers, he spoke in another language to Shadow.  Amira felt the wolf stand down but still eyeing them warily.

“Definitely not.”

His lips grazed hers softly as she had done to him.  Lifting his head, dark eyes met emerald green, and he was lost.  Lowering his head again to her, he pressed harder with his lips gently coaxing her mouth open with his tongue.  Easily gaining access, he ran his tongue over hers.  Hesitating at first, Amira shyly touched her tongue to his.  Moaning he rolled onto his back, bringing her up to lie over his chest as his fingers slid through her hair keeping her head steady as he ravaged her mouth.  Amira felt her body weaken at the assault.  Matching him, she could not get enough.  She barely felt him as his fingers unbuttoned the top of her nightgown giving his hand access to her breast.  Her blood roared through her at the sensations causing her to groan aloud.

Dragan pulled away from the kiss.  They were both breathing heavy staring at each other for several long moments.  Clearing his throat while closing the front of her nightgown to cover her nakedness, he struggled to find his voice.

“I am sorry.  That went a bit further than I had intended.”

Cocking her head to one side, she smiled at him.  “Sorry? Really?  I am not sorry.”

Watching him ease off the bed, Amira’s face flushed at seeing how much of an effect she really had on him.

Dragan grinned at her while nodding towards the tea on the table with skepticism.  “Did you really make me blackberry tea?”

“No, but I was tempted.  Taking his hand, she led him to the table.  He sat while she poured.  Looking her over quickly, he realized that there was no sign of any illness.  It must have broken in the middle of the night while they slept.  Reaching for her wrist, he felt her pulse beating strong once again.

“I see you are feeling better, Amira.”

Nodding her head, she sat next to him.  “Told you I would be.”

“You seem to know what it is….do you mind sharing?”

Looking down at her cup, she hesitated, realizing that she really did want to share her secret but not wanting to spoil the morning. “I want to tell you.”

“But…”

“But nothing, I really don’t want to ruin this moment.”

“Amira, you were really sick last night.  It’s not a joke to me.”

Amira’s eyes flashed.  “Oh, it is not a joke to me either, Dragan, trust me.  I am just not ready to share.”  She started to stand, but he grabbed her firmly around her wrist bringing her back down to the bench.

“Stay, drink your tea.  I did not mean to pry.”

“Yes you did.”  Amira took a sip turning so that she leaned against him, her back pressed against his chest.  Stiffening, he seemed surprised at the relaxed position she was taking with him. Amira lowered her head so that her hair covered her face so he couldn’t see her smiling.  She wanted to get to him one way or the other, and she had a feeling that it had been a long time since he had any closeness with the opposite sex.  Hesitantly, he took one arm placing it around her, resting it on her stomach.  Seizing the moment, she entwined her fingers within his as if she did it everyday.  Dragan swallowed hard as she rested her head under his chin.  He was falling hard and fast for her.  This thought frightened him.

“Dragan.”

“Yes, Amira.”

“What is happening between us?”

So she wanted to talk about it.  Pausing, he played with her fingers for a few moments.

“I don’t know.”

“You don’t?”

“Why?  Do you?”

He was laughing at her.

“Yes, actually I think I do.  We have only known each other for an extremely short time, and we are attracted to each other.  I think we should go for it.”

Shifting uncomfortably, he wished he could see her face.

“Go for what?”

“You know, live in the moment, and get to know each other.  I don’t want to get hung up by time or how long we have known each other.  Let us just go with our feelings and what we think is right.  Not what others might think.”

“Well, Amira, that will be easy for me, because I never really care what other people think.  The real question is can you handle it?”

“I can handle it, because it is on my bucket list.”

Dragan’s eyes widened as he stared at the top of her head.

“You have a bucket list?  Good grief, Amira – you have to be what 24, 25?”

“27 actually.”

“Okay 27.  What do you need with a bucket list?”

Turning in his arms, he caught that sadness again flash in her eyes.  “You just never know do you, what’s going to happen next.  I could get hit by a bus tomorrow, and I certainly don’t want to die wishing I had done more in my life.”

“How are you going to get hit by a bus living here at Echo Lake?”  Throwing her head back, she laughed.  “Okay, maybe bad analogy, but you know what I mean.”

“Can I see it?”

“See what?”

“Amira!”

Laughing she jumped up running to her closet as Dragan watched her curiously.  Reaching up on the top shelf, he was surprised to see her pull down the wooden box that the wood smith had made for her to hold the tea with her initials and vines engraved throughout.

Lifting the cover, she pulled out a small leather book.  Running back over to him, she jumped onto his lap forcing him to have to put his hands on her hips to steady her so she wouldn’t topple off.

“Do you always make yourself this comfortable with men?”

Flipping through the book, she shook her head.  “No, just with you.”

Just great, he thought to himself.  He by no means believed her, and right now she was killing him, and the pain behind his eyes told him that he had waited again too long to feed.  He watched the pulse beat on the side of her neck causing his fangs to start to emerge.  Inhaling deeply, he willed them back.

“Ready?”

“As ready as I will ever be.  This is my first bucket list reading.”

“Well prepare yourself then.  This is fun.  But you have to keep it a secret between me and you.”

Amira slid off his lap while handing him the open book.  He could feel her eyes on him as he read.

I, Amira Coulter, hereby swear that I will fulfill all of my bucket wishes before I die.

1. Stay a week on Nantucket.

2. Love Completely.

3. Swim with a pod of whales.

4. Live each day as if it is my last.

5. Touch the moon.

Signed July 16 by

Amira Coulter

She watched as he read her list hiding a smile at seeing his eyebrows raise a couple of times.  After he finished reading, Dragan closed her book softly handing it back to her.

“Well?”

“Very interesting.  How in the world do you think you are going to touch the moon?”

Slapping the book against his arm, her laughter rang like music in his ears.  “That’s all you have to say?  I have just shared my most personal secret with you and that’s it?”

“You only listed 5.  That is a pretty short list.”

“No it’s not.  When I wrote this a year ago, I had about 100 things on the list.  I did ninety-five of them, and am down to the last five.  I figured if I got through all of them, then I could start a new list.”

Standing to his feet, he held out his hand, and then gently pulled her up wrapping his arms around her as he did.  Sliding her arms around his waist, she looked at him questioning.

“What I wish for you, sweet Amira, is that you get every one of those items checked off of your list so that you can make a new one.”

Leaning down his breath warm against her neck, he whispered in her ear.  “Let me know if you need help with any one of them.”

“How about number 2?”

“Excuse me?”

Amira’s arms tightened around his waist while her hands slid underneath his shirt pressing against his skin.  Dragan froze at the touch.

“We could take care of number 2 right now in the biblical sense.”

Again unsure if she was joking, he pulled on her arms removing them from his skin.

“Amira, you must stop.”

“Don’t you want me, Dragan?”

Groaning he grabbed her face.  “You have no idea what you are saying right now.”

“Oh, but I do.”

“Amira, STOP!”

Pulling away, her face flamed red from embarrassment, realizing that maybe he did not like her that way, but he wouldn’t let her go.  “You know nothing about me, who I am.”  His voice sounded urgent trying to make her understand.

“Then tell me who you are.”

Kissing her quickly, he let her go and walked over to the bathroom to take a shower.

Amira was frustrated, and she glared at his retreating back.

“Who is running away now, Dragan?”

Dragan strode quickly back to her, and Amira flinched at the expression on his face.  Her words seemed to have struck a nerve with him, but she was not ready to back down. Putting her hands on her hips, she stared him down.

“You are just a baby, Amira.  You do not have any idea what you are talking about right now, but I know that my truth you can’t handle.  You are naïve to think that you have ever come across someone such as me.  So, whoever your little boyfriends were before me, once you and I connect, and I mean really connect, and I am not talking about sex here…there will never be anyone after me.  You seem to have this need to rush whatever is happening between us; where I, on the other hand, would rather take it much more slowly.”  Dragan gripped her under the chin; forcing her to look up at him, his voice now sounded threatening.  “Rest assured, Amira, for you and I it is not a matter of if but a matter of when.”

Releasing her, Dragan turned again towards the bathroom not seeing the tears now glistening in Amira’s eyes. Sitting heavily down on the bench, she reached for her now cold tea. He had no idea that her ’when’ may never happen, and her heart hurt thinking of that possibility.  Yesterday really scared her, and she knew that her fever had to do with the anomaly in her blood, and her episodes seemed to present themselves more and more often.  Thoughtfully, she broke a croissant in her hand before popping it into her mouth.  She needed to find out what his secret was, and the realization that he wanted to know her secret, brought a smile to her face.  Maybe they could resolve this disagreement today after all.

Pacing the floor in her bedroom, her mind raced as she waited impatiently for him to get out of the shower.  She was still not ready to tell him everything yet about her illness, but there were ways around that.

Hearing the knob turn, she sat back down causally sipping her tea.  Dragan looked over at her sitting quietly.  He could hear her heart beating quickly in her chest.

“What are you up to, Amira?”

Startled, she looked at him wondering how he knew.   “I have no idea what you are talking about.”

“Okay, Amira, whatever you say.”

“Well, I was thinking…..”

Dragan’s eyebrows rose as he continued to look at her.  Sighing deeply, he sat down again at the table, this time away from her.

“Please tell me what you were thinking.”

“You want to know what is wrong with me, and I want to know what is up with you.”

“Go on….”

“So, maybe we tell each other our secrets.”  Smiling nervously, she watched his face for a reaction, disappointed when she did not see one.  Dragan tapped his finger rapidly on the table.  This was a giant leap of faith for him in trusting her.  Was it too soon?

Shrugging, his voice lowered, and for some reason gooseflesh broke out over her skin.

“Sometimes, you have to be careful what you wish for.  You want to know who I am?”  He watched as she nodded her head, noting the way she swallowed.  She was nervous.

“I am a vampire, Amira.”

Whatever Amira had expected, it wasn’t the words that came out of his mouth.  Her face looked pinched, and he realized that she was trying very hard not to laugh aloud.

“You find this funny?”

“If you didn’t want to tell me, you can just say so….a vampire?  That has to be the funniest thing I have ever heard.”

Without saying a word, Dragan reached for her and in a blink of an eye, she was laying flat on her back on her bed.  Her breath caught in her throat as she looked up at him wide eyed while his body pressed her down into the mattress.  His eyes were blood red, and his teeth were bared showing long sharp fangs.

Frightened, her heart rate picked up again as he leaned down, and she was afraid he was going to bite her.  Instead, he whispered in her ear.

“I do not find this funny, and I told you, you cannot handle my truth.”

Amira found she was no longer held down by him but instead was staring at his back as he sat on the edge of the bed with his head in his hands.  Taking a moment for her mind to grasp the fact that he was a vampire, and that they really did exist, she no longer felt afraid.  If he was going to hurt her, he had ample opportunity before today, and he hadn’t.

Reaching out, she gently touched his back watching him stiffen at her touch.  Compassion flowed through her.  Rising to her knees on the bed, she wrapped her arms around his shoulders pressing her cheek on him.

“I don’t need or want your sympathy…”

“Good, because you don’t have it.”

Standing to put distance between them, he turned and faced her.  “Your turn.”  Seeing her confused expression, he became impatient.  “Secret, Amira?”

Amira flushed realizing she had forgotten.  “You are right.  I am sick, but I am being treated for my disorder.”  Amira knew that his silence meant that wasn’t good enough for him.

“I have a deficiency in my blood that when I don’t rest or take care of myself, I get sick easily.”

“Like an immunity weakness?”

Amira heaved a sigh of relief.  “Yes, something like that.  I don’t know all of the medical terminology but yeah…that’s it.”

Nodding his head Dragan realized that would make sense.  Fevers usually did arise and pass quickly.  His relief he knew showed on his face, but she was avoiding looking at him, and he felt sadness realizing that things had changed now that she knew he was a vampire.

“I will leave you now.  I would appreciate you keeping my secret, Amira.”

Setting her guilt aside, she looked up at him.  “Please don’t leave yet, Dragan!”

“But I thought…”

Cocking her head to one side, she smiled.  “Your truth did not push me away like you thought it would….It will take some time for it to sink in my head, but I really don’t see how that changes how I feel about you.”

Brushing his knuckles against her cheek, he stared at her in wonder.  “You are amazing to me, Amira!  I will stay for another cup of tea, but then I really must go.”

CHAPTER 13

Hearing the door open, James looked up from the papers spread out before him on the giant desk.

Surprised, he watched as Dragan walked into the room closing the door behind him.

“Good morning, Dr. Reynolds.”

“Good morning, James.”

“I am almost finished with reviewing the house accounts, and they should be ready for you to approve by tomorrow.  Tell me-how is Miss Amira feeling today?”

Dragan sat in the seat waving his hand for James to stay seated in his chair behind the desk.  “Her temperature had me very worried last night, but it seems to have broken, and she is recovering.  She has since told me that she has an autoimmune disease, that makes sense to me how her fever spiked the way it did.”

James watched the slight smile grow larger on Dragan’s face as he spoke of the young tenant.

“That is wonderful news sir.  If I may be so bold, I must say, I find Miss Amira to be very….refreshing.”

“Hmmm. Refreshing.  What a great word to use on her.” Watching Dragan stare off into space, James had a feeling that there was more.

“Did you need something sir?”

“Yes.  Do you think it would be possible to have one of the staff pop in periodically to check on her?  I would hate for her to have another episode and for her to be alone.”

“Of course, that should not be a problem.”

Dragan walked to the bar pouring himself a generous amount of whiskey before sitting back down in front of his butler. Staring into the amber liquid, he seemed to struggle with his next words.  “How long have we known each other, James?”

“45 years sir.”

“Good Lord, has it been that long already?  Can I be frank with you?”

“As always.”

“I like her.”

James watched Dragan take a huge gulp from the glass realizing that his boss seemed nervous.  “She is easy to like sir.”

The two men locked eyes both trying to assess the situation.  Dragan decided to be blunt.  “Have you never wondered why I do not age, James?  I have heard the other staff members talking, and you defend me every time.  But have you ever wondered?”  Dragan watched the color cross his butler’s cheekbones.

“I thought so.”

“What you are does not change your heart, Dr. Reynolds.  You are who you are.”

“But what am I?”

A long silence hung heavy in the air.

“I will tell you.  I am a vampire.  I am one of the undead; a soulless being that is destined to spend eternity in hell.”

James sat back stunned.  There was such anguish and despair in the words.  He was unsure what he should say.

“I have not wanted for anything my whole life save one thing-to die with dignity and be allowed through the gates of heaven instead of hell. Last night that changed for me.”

James nodded his head, now understanding.  “Miss Amira.”

Slamming his hand on the desk, Dragan rose pacing the floor before taking his seat once more.

“From the moment I saw her running through that field into the woods with Shadow chasing her, I have wanted her.”

“Is that a problem?  Being a vampire and relationships?”

Dragan had to give it to him.  There was no reaction to his news, and James was still coherent enough to throw back a question.

“There are many problems with this situation.”

James rose from his chair walking around the desk to sit on the edge.  Touching the man in front of him, he felt like a father speaking to a son, and his heart warmed at the thought.

“Dragan, I will say this again.  Your heart is good.  Your circumstance obviously is not.  Please do not allow your circumstance to stop you from loving someone, especially one as kind as Amira.”

Feeling the tears sting the back of his eyes, Dragan looked away.  Hearing his friend call him by his name was just as overwhelming as realizing that it did not matter what he was only who he was to James.  Humbled, he placed his hand over James’s hand that was still resting on his shoulder.  “Thank you for that, my friend.  You have helped me tremendously.”

“You are welcome, sir.  Now, if you do not mind, I really need to get back to work.”

James looked down at the paperwork lifting his head only when he heard the office door close again.  It was many hours before he was able to think about something other than his employer.

CHAPTER 14

Aaron waited until he could no longer hear his brother’s footsteps in the house before stepping out of the shadows.  In all of his 334 years, he had never heard his brother speak of a woman the way Dragan did in speaking of Amira.  Thoughtfully, he walked back to his room.  When he had first met Christine hanging out at the Black Rose in Boston, she told him about her friend that had sold everything she owned to make a change in her life.  Aaron tracked down Amira to check her out before compelling Christine to convince Amira to rent the house on the property.  The whole set up was meant as a diversion for his brother who was always a bit too serious.  He would never have imagined that his brother would actually have feelings for someone.  Hell, in all of those years and in as many women that they both had, and Lord knows both had had more than they could count…neither one ever had strong feelings for any of the women that they met, or slept with for that matter, even before they were turned.  He found the situation curious.  Anxious to meet her, he strode outside.  Walking towards the old chapel his brother built, he saw the old wolf sitting on the steps guarding the door wagging his tail frantically in greeting but not leaving his post.  “Good,” he thought to himself, he would have plenty of time knowing that his brother would be occupied for several hours more.   Listening in on his brothers prayers, he felt no guilt eavesdropping.  Hardening his heart to the anguish he heard in his brother’s voice, he listened for only a few minutes.  There was no hope for both brothers, and the sooner Dragan accepted his fate, the better off they would all be.

Closing his eyes, he pictured the tiny cottage near the lake.  Within moments, he was standing outside of the tiny door.  Raising his hand to knock, he was startled when the door opened, and he found himself staring into the greenest eyes he had ever seen.  The shock on her face turned to surprise and the brightest smile enveloped not only her whole face but seemed to exude from her being.  She actually seemed to glow from an internal light.  Aaron stood transfixed.

“Dragan!  Stepping through the door, he felt her arms wrap around his waist, and her head rest on his chest.  His own arms instinctively went around her body. Stilling, she stepped back tripping over the threshold in her haste to get away from him.  Aaron’s hand caught her before she fell to the floor.

“Oh my God, I am so sorry.”

Aaron stared down at her smiling.  “How did you know?”

“You feel different than he does.”

Laughing, Aaron let go of her taking a step back to give her space.  “Really?  Never heard that one before.”   Holding out his hand, he introduced himself.

“Hi, Amira, my name is Aaron Reynolds.”

Amira smiled warily shaking his hand, and then was immediately caught unawares as he turned her hand over to kiss her on the wrist.

Snatching her hand away from his touch, she looked behind him.

“Is Dragan with you?”

“Sorry to disappoint, but no, just me.”

“You look just like him.”

“So we have been told.”

Confused, Amira stepped out of the house closing the door firmly behind her.

Point taken, thought Aaron.

“May I help you?”

“Just wanted to come over and say hi, and to introduce myself to you.”

“Really?  Why?”

Choosing to ignore her question, he took in her sweatpants and sneakers.  “Going somewhere?”

“I was going to walk around the lake.”

“Would you mind if I joined you?”  Without waiting for her reply Aaron held out his elbow, watching as she hesitated before slipping her hand into the crook of his arm.

Walking silently down the path that led to the lake, she struggled for something to say.  To say that she was stunned to see Dragan’s twin would be an understatement.

Reading her mind, Aaron realized that she was nervous in his presence.  Since that was not his intention, he covered her hand gently.  “You have no reason to be nervous.”

“I am not….ok, maybe a little.”

“I really just came to meet you out of curiosity.  I get the feeling that my brother has taken a liking to you.”

“Has he?  I haven’t noticed.”

“I doubt that.  You strike me as the type to notice more than you say.  You have a very old soul hiding behind those gorgeous green eyes of yours my dear.  I am sure not much escapes your attention.”

Reaching the water’s edge, he watched as her eyes took in the beautiful picture spread out before them.  There was not a breeze in the air, and the water was as still as glass reflecting the morning sky.  The pine trees that encircled the lake seemed to be standing at attention.  The smell of pine was very pervasive in the air. He heard her inhale deeply stepping away from him to walk to the waters edge.  Bending down, her fingers made a circle in the water.

“It feels so warm this morning.”  Seconds later he was shocked as he watched her quickly take her clothes off, and he breathed a sigh of relief noting her bathing suit as she dove into the water.

“Amira, get out of there.  Were you not just ill?”

Laughing, she swam away from him.  “I am not anymore.  Would you like to join me, Aaron?”

“You are a minx, and I most certainly would not!”

“You know, all of you that live at that manor talk really funny.  You are all a little bit too uptight.  Maybe you should loosen up and live a bit.”

Aaron sat on the sand watching her.  He could not help but smile at her words.  “I tend to agree with you and take a bit of offense that you are lumping me with everyone at the house.  I can assure you that I am nothing like the people that live there.”

“I can assure you that I am nothing like the people that live there.”  Her voice mimicked his, right down to the British accent before continuing to laugh.

“Amira, seriously get out of the water.  Dragan’s going to beat you when he finds out.”

“Really?  That should be fun.”

“You are not taking me very seriously.”

Stepping out of the lake, he watched as the droplets of water slid down her shoulders, sliding to her navel and lower.  Diverting his eyes as the water clung to her skin.  There was hardly anything to her bathing suit, and he could feel a need rush through him.  “Holy shit,” he thought.  What was wrong with him?

“You can look now, I am done.”

Looking back at her, he realized that she had dressed as quickly as she had undressed.  Her dressing did not ease his attraction to her as the wet material clung to every inch leaving nothing for his imagination as he watched parts of her react to the cool morning air.  Aaron swallowed hard.

“You know, you and your brother seem to have the same reaction to a woman undressing.”

Aaron’s eyebrows rose.  “Really?  Undress a lot in front of him, do you?”  Her face burned a deep red.

“No!”  Then glancing at him sideways, she smirked.  “At least not yet, but it hasn’t been from lack of trying.”

“Tell me, Amira, how do you know that our reaction is not because of you?”

Tipping her head, he watched as she ran her fingers through the dark strands shaking out the excess water.  The sun danced over the dark color.  She was gorgeous.

“Very flattering words, but I know it is not just me.”

Surprised, Aaron realized that she meant it.  She really had no idea how beautiful she was.  He found it enchanting and very real.  “You are very modest.”

“I wasn’t expecting anyone to be with me for my daily swim.  Why should I change my schedule just because you picked this time to visit?”

“Point taken.”

Dropping to the sand next to him, she stared back out over the water.  “Now, do you want to tell me the real reason that you are here, Mr. Reynolds.”

Startled, Aaron realized that she was even more intuitive then he thought.  Staring at her profile, he watched the pulse beat strong in her neck.  Feeling his fangs release, he pictured driving them deep into her drinking his fill of her lifeblood.  Getting himself quickly back into control, he also stared out over the water.

“What is your intention with my brother?”

“You’re here because you are worried about your brother?  He seems old enough to make his own decisions, Aaron, as to who he wants to get to know.”

“There is a lot you do not know about my family, Amira.  You must tread cautiously with him.”

Laughing, she turned her focus from the water to Aaron.  “Wow, those are almost the same exact words that James said.”  Reaching down, she poured sand over her feet liking the way it felt cool on her skin.  Her head started to pound, and she hoped she wasn’t getting another fever.

“I know more than you think, Aaron, about your brother, and what I haven’t been told, I sense. When I first met Dragan, I thought he was a bit arrogant and cocky but quickly realized that much of what I thought was just an illusion.  I am starting to realize the same about you.”  She watched as his eyebrows rose the way Dragan’s did when surprised.  “You come across as really nice, but I get the feeling that you would do anything to protect your brother.”  Looking him directly in the eyes, she challenged him.

“Tell me anytime if I am off the mark.”

Aaron’s silence told her everything she needed to know.  Dropping back onto her elbows in the sand, her gaze returned to the water debating on how far to take this conversation.

“I know he is a vampire, Aaron.”  Amira felt Dragan’s brother stiffen next to her.  “I am going to assume, since you look identical to Dragan, that you are one also.  What is driving you both nuts is that neither one of you has any clue as to who I am or why I am here at Echo Lake.   I will tell you that both of you are reading way too much into me being here as if I had some ulterior motive to infiltrate the Reynolds brothers camp.  It is very simple actually-I need to rest and am taking stock of the direction in my life.  Here, at Echo Lake, I am becoming at peace with my fate.”

“And what would that fate be?”

Laughing at him, Amira slipped on her sneakers before standing and shaking the sand off her body.  “That seems to be the question of the morning for the twins.  I am going to walk for a bit, Aaron.  Wanna come?”

Standing up, he motioned for her to continue as they walked towards the woods.

Together they walked a mile before he spoke again.  “Amira, you are correct.  I would do anything to protect my brother from getting hurt.  I am sure you have been in and out of many relationships.  My brother has not.  I just don’t want you to play around with him.”

Stopping in the middle of the path, she turned poking a finger into his chest hard.  “Let me tell you again, you know nothing about me, because if you did, you would know that the last thing I would ever do is intentionally hurt your brother.  What I do know is that life is too short to not take chances.  You talk so much about Dragan, but what about me?  What are the intentions that your brother has with me?  I am not going to lie to you, Aaron, Dragan and I have a mutual attraction for each other-the operative word being mutual.  Stop acting as if I am forcing my way into his life. ”

With admiration, Aaron looked down at Amira.  If nothing else, she had guts, and her honesty was refreshing.  Aaron felt envious that his brother got to know her first.

“I like you, Amira.”

Looking coyly up at him, she winked.  “I like you too, Aaron.  But I like your brother better.”

Aaron roamed her face with his eyes as she looked up smiling at him.  Hearing a twig snap and then the click of a trigger, he only had seconds to move her aside before a gunshot rang out. Amira’s eyes widened in shock, and her fingers reached for him as she dropped to the ground.  His head snapping up, he caught her before she fell, his eyes scanning the trees trying to find the gunman.  Hearing footsteps running and heavy breathing, he wanted to run after the shooter.  Looking down at Amira, her hand now pressing against the side of her forehead while blood streamed between her fingers, he knew he could not leave her to take chase. Grimacing, he tried to hold his breath against the smell of her blood.  She stood unsteady on her feet as he ripped off his shirt, then tearing off a piece he pressed it against her wound.  The bullet had made a deep gouge in her skin, and like all head wounds, hers was bleeding heavily. Picking her up in his arms, he felt her place her head on his chest smearing the blood over his skin.  Wanting to get her to Dragan, Aaron started to run along the main path heading in the direction of the manor.  Within minutes, he was approaching the chapel with Amira still clutched in his arms.  Shadow growled as he approached before catching Amira’s scent, he whined frantically.  Kicking the chapel door with his foot to get Dragan’s attention, he was relieved to see his brother open it quickly.

“Aaron, what the hell?”

Dragan looked with disbelief down at Amira being held tightly in his brother’s arms and at the blood now coating the bare chest and arms.”

“What the hell did you do brother?”

“Shut up, Dragan, I didn’t do anything.  She got shot in the woods, and she is bleeding….bad.”  Dragan heard the panic in his brother voice.

“Take her to the blue room, I will get my bag.”

In a flash, both brothers disappeared in opposite directions.  Reaching the room, Aaron gingerly laid her on the sheets as she moaned in pain.  Within a minute, Dragan was beside them quickly rolling her onto her back, he pulled the makeshift bandage away from her head.  Frowning at seeing the bullet wound, his fingers probed the area causing fresh blood to flow.

“Thank you Jesus - it is not as deep as I thought and will only need stitches.  Aaron, please find James and tell him I need my other bag from my office, he will know which one I want and ask for boiling water.” Fingers stilling, Dragan’s eyes raged, as he looked into his brothers eyes.   “When you are done with that, you are to go find the one that has done this and bring him back here!”

Relieved that she was going to be ok, Aaron ran to find James.  Several minutes later Dragan caught a flash through the window as he saw his brother heading back into the woods with Shadow running by his side.

CHAPTER 15

Amira woke to a room that was pitch black.  In an attempt to sit up, she fell back as her head throbbed uncontrollably.  Hearing a click, the room was bathed in a soft light.  Shielding her eyes, she could not make out the figure sitting in the chair.

“Where am I?”

“You are at the manor miss.  My name is Daphne.  I am a friend of the family.”  A motherly figure walked over to the bed.  A round, kind face bent over her. “You gave us all a fright you did.  Let me see if I can track down Dr. Reynolds for you.  He will be so relieved to see you awake.”

Before Amira could say anything, the heavyset woman waddled out of the door.  Amira weakly slid up on the pillows glancing around the room.  The four-poster bed was huge with fabric draped around the top loosely.  On the end of the bed, she saw a small chaise and directly ahead was a fireplace.  There were several overstuffed chairs and a couch.  As large as the room was, it felt cozy to Amira.  Turning her head, she took in the large double French doors that looked like they led out to a balcony.  She knew she would have to check out the view when it was light out.  There was a small table next to the bed.  She was surprised to see an I.V. drip hanging from the wall.  Looking down at her arm, she realized that it was attached to her.  Frowning, she tried to remember what happened.

“I had to give you fluids and antibiotics.  You lost quite a bit of blood.”

Turning her head, she watched as Dragan entered the room.  He wore a white dress shirt that was unbuttoned part way down.  He looked tired.

“What happened?  One moment I was talking to your brother, and the next….” She hesitated remembering the shot.  “Was I shot?”

Sitting down on the bed, he took her hand in his.  “Yes, Amira, we tried to track down the hunter, but we could not find him.  You were struck in the head with the bullet, but thankfully, it only grazed your skull.  You are a very luck young lady.”

Wide eyed, she stared at him.  “That’s it?  Who would want to shoot at me?”

“I don’t think that you were the target.  It was probably just some stupid hunter seeing movement thinking you and Aaron were a deer.”

Aaron walked into the room sitting on the other side of the bed.  Catching his brother eyes, he shook his head.  Amira saw Dragan’s face harden.

“When can I go home?”

Both brothers looked down at her then at each other.   Dragan cleared his throat.  “First of all it won’t be tonight.  You need to rest, and I want you to finish that bag of liquid first.  Then in the morning, if you like, you are more than welcome to go back to the cottage.”

“But you are not to walk in the woods again.”  Aaron’s voice was like steel.

“You can’t be serious!?”

“What Aaron meant to say is that we are asking you not to walk alone until we figure out if this is an isolated incident.”

Amira relaxed against the pillows looking from one brother to the next.  They were so beautiful, and they were vampires.  Her life felt very surreal.

Catching Aaron’s eyes her head furrowed.   “I bled all over you.  Did that bother you?”

Laughing Aaron looked at Dragan.  “Can I answer that, or do you want to?”

“She asked you, but I will warn you, she won’t stop until she gets her answer.”

Dragan stood walking around the bed to the I.V. pole, checking the line, purposefully turning his back to the two.

“I wanted to lap it all up.”

Wide eyed, she stared at him.  “Are you being serious right now?”

“I do have self control, Amira.  It is not easy having someone bleed all over you, but it is manageable.  How do you think that Dragan can be a doctor, if he couldn’t manage his urges?”

“I have no idea, this is new to me.”

“Let’s get a few things straight, Amira.  I am not sure why my brother told you about who we are, but understand it was not our choice but forced on us.  Everything you know about vampires through movies or books is 90% wrong.  We love garlic, and looking at ourselves in mirrors, especially when you are a handsome specimen such as myself.  The older you are, the stronger you are.   Dragan and I are pretty strong.  Thankfully, because of our age, we do not feed as much as we used to mainly because we don’t have to.  Go too long without a feeding, we weaken tremendously.  We need sleep, but we don’t sleep in coffins.”

Seeing he had her rapt attention, he held back a laugh.  “Did I cover everything?”

“You eat food.”

Sighing, Aaron held tightly to his patience.   “We love food.  Eating does take some getting used to when you are first turned because everything is heightened; your sense of smell, touch, taste.   If you disliked something before you were a vampire, you abhor it after you are turned.  But, if you loved something before you were turned….”  Aaron shivered as if in ecstasy causing Amira to laugh.

“Can you die?”

Dragan glanced quickly at his brother making eye contact again, while holding up a syringe, which he quickly slipped into her I.V. extension.

“Yes, Amira, we can die.  Stake in the heart, starving, beheading; those are all great ways to end it.”

Amira’s eyelids started to close, her voice sleepy.  “I hope you both never die.”

Dragan reached down stroking her head as she slipped into a deep sleep.  Aaron watched the tender touch.  “Falling hard brother?”

“I don’t know, Aaron.  I am open to it.”

“Why did you give her something to make her sleep?”

“You looked like you were enjoying yourself way too much.  I am not ready for her to know everything right now.”

Standing, he stretched.  “I think I might go for another run, see if I can catch a scent of this idiot.”

“I would appreciate that and, Aaron, thank you.  I have work to do in the office.  Let me know if you find anything.”

CHAPTER 16

Amira walked down the darkened hallway, grateful for the light that was left on.  Her head no longer hurt.  She knew Dragan would be upset if he knew she was up by herself.  Barefoot, her toes wiggled on the soft carpet, loving the feel of the thick pile between her toes.  Walking down the stairs, she turned into the first doorway searching for the kitchen, fumbling along the wall for a light switch, lifting when her fingers connected.  The kitchen was illuminated and she had to blink at the brightness.  Opening the refrigerator, she found a bottle of water and walked back into the hallway.  Her foot touched the first step when she head a noise behind her.  She turned to see Shadow standing in another doorway leading off the stairwell.  Patting her leg, she knelt down as he walked up to her.   He sniffed at her the bandage covering her wound before placing his large head on her shoulder whining. Wrapping her arms around his neck, her voice was soft.  “Don’t worry Shadow; I am going to be fine, just a little scrape.”    Glancing at the door the wolf walked out of, she saw a light on.  Easing back up to her feet, she tiptoed to the door and peeked around the corner stifling a giggle as Shadow did the same thing.  Her heart constricted in her chest seeing Dragan sound asleep in a chair.  A book had fallen to his chest.  Both were rising and falling rhythmically.  He did not look very comfortable to her.  Stepping into the room, she walked over to him lifting the book.  His hand swiftly reached out grabbing her wrist.  Looking into each other’s eyes, Amira felt his thumb rub against her skin gently before tugging on her so that she toppled down onto him.  Her mouth opened in surprise when her body made contact with his, and she lay sprawled across his chest.  She watched as his eyes moved down her face to stare transfixed at her mouth. Everything was quiet in the room. Dragan’s eyes darkened as he slowly lifted his head up to hers to nip her bottom lip with his teeth as his hand went behind her head.  Pulling her down to him, he ran his lips along her skin, nipping at her shoulder with his teeth before running his mouth back up her neck nipping at her ear lobe.  Amira was lost in what he was doing to her.  Her breath quickened wanting so badly for him to kiss her.  Trying to reach his mouth, his fingers tightened in her hair pulling her head away from him so that he could run his mouth down the other side of her neck and do the same thing that he did to the first side.    After several minutes of this, he put his hands on either side of her hips lifting her up off him. Standing, he scooped her up in his arms, carrying her over to the armless chaise on the other side of the room before gently placing her down before lying beside her.

“Dragan?”

“Shhhh.”  Pressing his finger to her mouth, he shook his head before lowering his down to capture her lips with his mouth.  Pressing hard, he coaxed her mouth open running his tongue over hers.  Sliding her hands up over his broad shoulders to the back of his head, she ran her fingers through his hair.  When she felt him pull away from the kiss, she grabbed his bottom lip with her teeth as he had done with her while a groan escaped from him at the pleasure/pain she caused.  Pushing against her so that she was laying flat on her back, he slowly unbuttoned her nightgown opening it wide so that he could feast on her nakedness.  Quickly rolling on top of her, Amira spread her legs to accommodate his weight; realizing too late this only brought the evidence of his desire hard against her. Dragan slid a hand under her as he thrust his hips watching as she closed her eyes as a wave of something she had never felt before bolted through her.  Wrapping her arms around his waist, she tugged at his shirt that was tucked in his pants with an urgency she could not control.  Feeling the fabric come free, she ran both her hands up his back feeling every indentation and muscle that rippled under her touch.

Rolling off her, he sat up on the edge of the chaise, holding his head in his hands.  Kneeling behind him, she placed her hand on his back. Leaning in pressing her bare breasts against him, she whispered in his ear.

“Dragan, please take me upstairs.”

“You do not know what you are asking of me…”

“Please…don’t say no.  Not tonight.”

Turning his head to look at her, their eyes locked.  Standing abruptly, she thought he was going to walk out of the room but instead hauled her up off the chair and into his arms.  She instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist as his hands held her up.   With strong, purposeful strides, he carried her up the stairs until he reached his bedroom.  Still holding her tightly, he pushed her hard against his door, staring down at her lips that were already swollen from his kisses.

“Last chance, Amira.  If I take you through this door, you are mine and you will not be the same person you were when you walk out.  Are you prepared for that?  Is that what you want?”

Grabbing his face in her hands, she leaned in whispering in his ear, “I have never wanted anything more than wanting you right here, right now.  Please, Dragan.”

Shifting her in his arms, he brutally ravaged her mouth as he turned the handle on the door before stepping over the threshold, slamming it shut with his foot.  For Dragan, there was no turning back, and he wondered if he was going to be the one changed tonight instead of her.

Throwing her on the bed, she watched as he ripped off his shirt, buttons flying.  He looked wild and so hot.  Easing to the edge of the bed toward him, she knelt pulling him closer to her as her hands touched him through his jeans while his hands slid up under her nightgown cupping, and then squeezing her backside through her underwear, her stomach pressed against his erection.  Moaning, he crushed his mouth to hers again, devouring her up in his need.  Gasping for breath, she turned her head to the side as he raked his teeth down her neck.  Finding her pulse with the tips of his fangs, he could feel her lifeblood so close ready for him.   The pressure behind his eyes was unbearable.

“Do you want that?”  She sounded frightened but did not pull away; he did not want to make her afraid.

“No my love, right now the only thing I want is to be driving deep inside of you.”  Amira’s stomach lurched with excitement at his words.

Pulling back, he grabbed her nightgown in both hands, hearing her gasp as he ripped it in two before dropping it to the floor.  Still kneeling, he watched as she quickly covered her naked breasts with her hands. “No, Amira.  You must never hide from me, especially after what I am going to do with you.”

Wide eyed, she looked at his face.  “What are you going to do?”

Pulling both of her hands away from her body, he cupped both of her breasts with his own, squeezing gently while watching her close her eyes in pleasure.  “You have to wait and see won’t you.”  Dropping his head to her mouth, he kissed her gently this time before licking his way down her skin, before taking a breast in his mouth.  Suckling gently at first, she gasped when he started to suck harder first on one breast and then the other.

“Oh, that feels so great.  Please don’t stop!”

Placing one knee on the bed, he pushed on her causing her to fall back onto the bed with her still in his mouth.  She could feel him pulsating through his jeans as he pressed on her.  His heat worked its way through the thin fabric of her underwear.  Grinding his hips into her while sliding a hand under her to lift up her leg, she felt like she was on fire.

“Dragan, please.”

“Please what, Amira?  Tell me what you like.  I want to please you like no other has before me.”  His breath was hot on her skin.

Confused, she looked down at the top of his head as he slowly worked his way licking her stomach knowing she had to tell him.

“Dragan, I have never…” her words caught in her throat as he slipped his hand beneath her underwear before sliding a finger into her.

They moaned in unison, her at the pleasure she was feeling having first one then two fingers slide into her, and he at feeling how hot and wet she was for him. “What have you never, Amira?”    He had to have more of her.  Reaching up to her hips, he ripped the thin fabric off her before sliding a finger back inside of.

“I am going to have to buy you another wardrobe.” Working his lips back up her body as his thumb pressed against her, he felt her hips moving in a rhythm older than time.  With great pleasure, he realized that she was getting ready to come, and he wanted nothing more than to feel her tighten around his hand.  Quickly pressing against her mouth, he felt her wrap her arms around his neck crying out his name as she pulsed hard.  His body jerked, and Dragan realized that he had to gain control or he was going to lose it.  When her body eased its shuddering, he stood up, removing his jeans before lying back down onto her.

He wanted her more than life itself.  Spreading her legs wide, he kissed her stomach before inching lower towards her core.  “No, Dragan!  Please!  I want you inside of me.”

Pushing himself up onto his elbows, he pressed down on her.  “Amira, guide me into you.”

Reaching between them, she ran her fingers down his chest and still lower until she found him. Squeezing gently she was rewarded with a guttural moan.

“If you do not stop, we will be finishing this in a way that is not as satisfying for the both of us.”

Placing the tip of him at her center, he groaned, taking deep gasping breaths, feeling her warmth spread around him.

“I need you, Amira….are you ready my love?”

Emerald green met dark eyes, and she nodded.  Staring at her, he drove his hips hard up and into her.  Feeling her rip apart inside, he froze, stunned as he watched the flash of pain that crossed her face.

His body stilled.  There was no way this could have just happened. “Amira?  Sweetheart….oh my God.”

The smell of new blood confirmed what he already knew, and he wanted to pull away from her, but he already felt small movements from her hips as she moved against him moaning causing him to lose all control.  He tried to be gentle, but her blood scent was strong coating him, and it was too much for the vampire in him.  His hips bucked, and he thrust in and out of her, moving with a passion he never felt before, causing the bed to shudder under his assault on her body.  Amira met his passion with everything she had inside of her unable to stop the emotion and desire building up inside of her.  Crying out his name, she tumbled over the edge of her desire.  Only when Dragan felt her tightening around him, did he allow himself to let go.  His body convulsed over hers, losing himself deep inside of her.

CHAPTER 17

She looked beautiful, lying among the large pillows on his bed, her body splayed in the aftermath of their lovemaking.  Dragan could not understand how such beauty could have remained a virgin for this long.  Running his hands over her skin, he noted the tiny bruises where he had been a bit too rough with her.  The scent of blood was still strong in the room, and he looked down in disbelief at seeing the red that tinged her thighs while tears filled his eyes.  Bending down to her skin, he licked at the blood the tiny drop rushing through his system making him want more.  Gently, he eased her legs apart as he ran his tongue along her skin.  Her blood was sweet.  The guilt within him grew stronger.  He should never have taken her this way, and he wished she had told him. Dragan rolled onto his back away from her covering his face with his arm.

Feeling a hand on his cheek, he turned to her.

“It only hurt for a moment, Dragan.  Don’t be upset with me.”

“I had no right to take from you something that you have held on to for so long.  You should have told me, Amira.  That was not right.”

Laughing, she looked at him with eyes bright and happy.  “It was mine to give, and there is no one on this planet that I would have wanted to give it to as much as you. Guess I have something else to check off my bucket list.”

Dragan found no humor in the situation. “But why?  After all of this time, Amira, why me?”

Her own eyes looked thoughtful as she rolled to lie on his chest, hesitating.  “I have always wanted my first time to be with someone I really cared about….I may be ruining this ‘thing’ between us, but….I really like you.”

She almost laughed aloud at the expression on this face.  “Aren’t you going to say something?”

He could not speak with the emotion thick in his throat preventing all words from coming out.  Amira seemed to understand as she kissed him softly on the mouth.  Then just as sweetly, she kissed the side of his mouth, up and around his face.  She seemed to be trying to comfort him instead of the other way around.

Sliding out of the bed, he stood stretching his muscles.  He felt alive and good but he really needed to get rid of the smell of blood before he went crazy.  Taking the blanket from the foot of the bed, he wrapped it around her gently before lifting her up in his arms carrying her to his bathroom.  Amira looked around her.  The room was almost as large as his bedroom, and to her surprise even had a fireplace with a couch in it.  “This house really is amazing, you know.”

He laughed.  “I know.”  Setting her down on the couch, he pressed a button, instantly lighting the fireplace.  She felt its warmth caressing her skin.  Turning his attention to the tub, he turned on the faucet before pouring a purple liquid under the flowing water. As the bath filled, he walked to the telephone on the wall.  Amira watched as he spoke quickly on the line, unable to hear what he was saying over the water flowing.  Opening a door that she did not even realize was there, he reached in taking out several large towels placing them on the table next to the tub.

Finally, walking back to her, he held out his hand.  Reaching out to him, she placed her hand in his allowing him to pull her up.  Dragan unwrapped the blanket from around her before lifting her once again in his arms.

“Dragan, I can walk you know.”

Grinning down at her, she laughed as he spoke.  “Yeah, but it gives me so much pleasure to carry you.  You don’t want to take that away from me do you?”

Shaking her head, she groaned as he gently slid her into the warm lavender scented water.  Eyes wide, she watched as he stepped in the tub with her.  “You’re taking a bath with me?”

“Do you have a problem with that?”

Blushing she looked down at the water.  “No of course not.”

“You blush after spending the night with me?”

Looking up at him cheekily and pointing to the darkness outside of the window trying not to stare as the bubbles clung to his chest.  “The night is not over, Dragan.”

“No, you are very correct, Amira.  It is not, and I plan to take complete advantage of that fact.”

Reading between the lines, her face flushed a deeper red.

Throwing back his head, he laughed. “May I remind you, my dear, that I asked you before walking into my room if this is what you really wanted, because once I stepped over that line, you were mine.”

“Oh, I remember, Dragan.”

“Good, just so we are clear, Amira.  Now lean back.”

Amira did as he asked, while he took the thick washcloth, lathering it up before gently placing it against her skin, he quietly bathed her.  His touch was sweet and soft, especially in the spots that were still tender.  There was not one spot on her body that he did not wash.  Every touch added to the fire that was already building inside of her again.  She could not believe how strong her desire was for him.  When he finished with her, he then focused on himself.  Her face flushed realizing that his eyes never left her face, as his hand roamed his hard body, seeming to enjoy what it was doing to her.  When he was finished, he stood, pulling the stopper before stepping out of the tub onto the large mat.  With the water no longer covering him, she realized that he was just as affected as she was by their co-ed bath.

Dragan wrapped a towel around his waist before holding another one up, inviting her to step in, which she did willingly.  He rubbed her down before taking a robe off a hook and helped her slide her arms into the thick warmth of the fabric.  Taking down a second robe, he slid his arms in before taking her hand leading her back into his bedroom.  She saw that his fireplace was now lit, and a silver tray placed on the table, laden with hot tea, croissants and breads.  The sheets had been changed and the bed remade.

Her face burned realizing that that was what he must done over the phone.  “Dragan, what will they think?”

Knowing she was embarrassed, he wrapped his arms around her sighing as she buried her face in his chest.  “Amira, I told you a long time ago, I really don’t care what anyone thinks.”

“But….”

“No buts.  Come on, you need to eat, and I do too.”

Easing into the overstuffed chair next to the table, she poured tea, first for him and then herself before helping herself to a croissant.  He was right; she was starving.

Watching him walk over to a cabinet on the far wall to turn a switch, she was pleasantly surprised when music flowed throughout the room.  Smiling, she watched as he sat down next to her at the table.

Cocking her head to one side, she stared at him thoughtfully.

“What is going on in that pretty head of yours?”

“I was just thinking how natural this all feels.  I feel like I am alive for the first time in my life.  Everything seems so vivid and vibrant.  But….”

“Ah, there is that but again.”

“What happens from here?”

“Are you not the one that said that you wanted to live in the moment, Amira?  Take every moment one second at a time.  That is what I want to do.  We have years to figure the rest out.”

“And if we don’t?”

“Of course we do.  Let’s not spoil this time we have talking about my vamp issues.”

Looking down, she felt guilty that she still hadn’t told him about the true nature of her illness.  Taking his words to heart, she realized that he was right.  She did not know what was going to happen tomorrow, but she had tonight, and it was perfect in every way.

Smiling at the thought, she stood walking over to him lifting her robe up over her thighs as she straddled him. She was immediately rewarded with feeling him grow beneath her.

“Again, so soon?  Aren’t you sore, Amira?”

Concern was written over his face as she ran her hands through his hair to the back of his head.  Leaning forward, she kissed him deeply, her tongue running the inside of his mouth, searching for his.

Moaning, he reached between them to untie her belt, sliding his hands around her slim waist before pulling from her mouth to drop his head to her breast.  Her nipples hardened in response to his touch.  Throwing back her head, her hair fell long behind her.  Leaning back in the chair, he placed his hand on her throat feeling the pulse throbbing hard, its beat picking up its pace.

“What is it like?”

“What is what like?”

“Getting bitten by you?”

“By me or a vampire, Amira? There is a difference you know.”

“And I told you, I only care about you.”

He hesitated, knowing this was opening to another whole conversation he was not sure he wanted to have at this very moment.

Running his fingers along her major vein, he felt himself harden at the thought of feeding on her.  She had to know what it was like.  He would never take her unwillingly.

“For you, it would be excruciating as my fangs break through your skin, but only for a moment.  My venom is like a pain reliever only faster acting.  You would feel it flowing through your system, but it would not be unpleasant.  The venom causes your heart rate to increase; this is to help push the blood through your veins, helping me to draw it from you.  When it is done right, it can be pleasant for the human, when it is done wrong, it can be very terrifying and painful.”

He hesitated as his hand reached the v between her legs.  She seemed to be transfixed, and he was unsure if it was by his touch or his words.  Looking into her face, he touched her with his thumb, moving it in a circular motions as his other hand held her in her lower back, pushing her in a rhythmic motion against his hand.  A sheen of sweat broke out over her skin.  He kissed the side of her neck as she clutched his shoulders.  Realizing she was reaching the point of no return, he stopped the movement.  He did not want her to finish yet.  She looked irritated, and he hid a smile as he continued speaking.

“Almost immediately your blood would flow into my mouth, and I drink from you.  If the bite happens during a moment of passion, for some women, the sucking motion and drawing of blood has brought them to the brink of passion where they would pass out.  It is the same for the vampire.”

Amira felt him touch her again between her legs.  He was playing with her.  Her voice was shaky and low.

“Is that what you want to do to me?”

“Would it frighten you if I said yes?  That I have dreamed of feeding off you since the day I met you in the field?”  His voice was low, now choked with passion as he slid his finger inside of her.  Leaning his forehead against her chest, he gasped for breath.

“Would it frighten you if I told you that your scent is killing me right now, Amira? “

She reached between them, untying his belt, her fingers reaching for him.  He groaned as she moved her hands along his skin.

“You must stop!”

“You do not frighten me, Dragan.  Your words do not frighten me.”

Kissing the side of his neck, she bit his skin to distract him, as she quickly stood on her toes, before sliding down on him quickly.  His hands grabbed her hips as his fingers dug into her skin.  Moving her hair to one side of her head, exposing her neck to him, the invitation was not lost on him.

“I can’t, Amira, please…..not with you.”

“If not me, then no one else, Dragan!”

Grabbing her hair, he twisted the strands between his fingers before yanking her head back.  Completely impaled on him, she could no longer move. Her heartbeat grew louder in his ears.   Feeling his fangs drop while the pressure behind his eyes turned them red, he looked at her allowing her to see who he really was for the first time.  She spoke the truth; she was not frightened.  Pressing his mouth against the throbbing vein, he pressed down with his teeth, hesitating once more.

“Please!”  Her whisper echoed in his head.

Quickly applying pressure, his fangs broke through the skin, and he heard her cry out while her body tensed from the pain.  Her cry and squirming only fed the vampire killer instinct, and he sucked deeply feeling the rush of blood filling his mouth.  Swallowing greedily, he relished the food entering his system but hating himself at the same time for what he was.  Her whimpering soon turned to a moan as the venom made its way through her own veins, and he knew that her desire would soon explode.

Amira could only feel every sensation exploding within her cells.  She felt weak, yet strong at the same time.  Feeling herself floating, she realized that he was lifting her up, carrying her to his bed, his teeth still imbedded in her neck.

Dragan placed her gently on the bed removing his mouth from her throat, licking the wounds closed and sealing them before kissing her closed eyes, urging her to wake.  He couldn’t wait much longer for her, knowing he was going to lose control any second.  No longer able to wait, he pulled out of her then quickly thrust back into her.   Repeating this over and over again, each time increasing with an urgency.  Coming to, Amira started to move underneath him, clutching his forearms as she soared higher than she had ever done before.  She gripped him tightly as with a roar, he spent himself before collapsing unconscious next to her.

“You, my young protégé, are taking a huge gamble with these two.”  Staring at the unconscious figures, Sebastian nodded his head.  “It is a gamble I am willing to take.”

“Even at the cost of her life?”

Sebastian turned to his Elder.  “Tell me teacher, when did one life become more important than another?”

“Be warned, the risk is not only to them but to you.  May God’s grace be on you, Sebastian.”

Looking back to Dragan and Amira, Sebastian nodded.  “May God’s grace be on us all.”

CHAPTER 18

Aaron walked into the kitchen glancing over at his brother who was sitting with his head in his hands at the counter. “Rough night last night, brother?”

“Shut up, Aaron.”

“Hmmmm.  A lot of strange noises were coming from your room.  Been awhile for you, huh?”

Dragan looked up, glaring at his brother who was grinning down at him; wincing at the bright light in the kitchen, feeling it burn the retina of his eyes, he wished he had a pair of sunglasses on.”

In a flash, Aaron was at his side yanking his brother’s head back by the hair, taking in Dragan’s blood shot eyes and pale features.  It was as if he had aged 20 years overnight.  The grin was no longer on his face, only worry.

“Shit.  She got you bad.  How much did you drink from her?”

Pulling away, Dragan scowled.

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“Her blood - it’s bad.”  Looking curiously at Dragan, he realized that his brother had no idea what he was talking about.  This could not be his first time with tainted blood.

Sighing deeply, he sat on the stool next to his brother, hating the fact that he was the one having to tell him the bad news.

“Dragan, something is wrong with her blood.  As fantastic as that felt last night, you cannot feed off of her anymore.”

“What do you mean something is wrong?”

“She is sick with some serious blood disease, leukemia or the like.   Not the little thing.  The small stuff doesn’t affect us but the big ones….”  Aaron shuddered, “they will make you incredibly sick, even kill you if you drink too much in a sort period of time.”

“You think I am going to die?”

Aaron laughed.  “No, not from the first time.  Thankfully, we use what you are feeling right now as a gauge.  That pounding headache, nauseous feeling that you are experiencing right now should be enough to warn you to stay away from her blood.  Enjoy what you have, and by the sounds of the sex last night, there is a lot to enjoy, just don’t ever feed off of her again.  Quite frankly, I can’t believe in 300 years, you never drank from someone that had blood issues”

Thinking over the years, Dragan realized that he had felt like this before, but usually it was after a binge, back in the days when he randomly took whatever he wanted whenever he wanted.  He hadn’t done that for over 150 years; not since being converted and the search began to save his soul.

“Now that you mention it, I have.  It just has been so long, and even back then, I didn’t know what my problem was, figured it was the alcohol or something like that.”

Frowning down into his coffee, he worried about Amira, wondering if that was the reason why she moved to Echo Lake.  “We talked about her being sick.  She said it was nothing major.  Do you think she knows just how sick she is?”

Touching his arm, Aaron sought to reassure his brother.  “Seeing how sick you are right now, and without knowing the amount you drank, I would hazard a guess that she either knows, or suspects something is wrong.  You, on the other hand my friend, will be feeling better in a couple of hours, again, depending how much you drank.”

“It was her first time, Aaron.”  Looking his brother directly in the eyes while his face flushed he continued. “In every way.  I did not want to weaken her so I only fed for a short time.”

Sitting back in the stool, Aaron was stunned but relieved.

“She was a virgin?  Holy shit, lucky you!  Well that is good at least. The feeding part, I mean. What are you going to do?  Are you going to tell her that something is wrong?”

Dragan shrugged.  “I think I need to do some digging on my own before I make that kind of decision.  I was supposed to go back to work tomorrow, but think I will head in today and will look around. I would rather she tell me on her own though.”

“Stay away from her blood, brother.  I am telling you, I am not going to lose the only relative I have in this God forsaken universe.”

Both brothers turned hearing the door open to the kitchen.  Dragan stared at Amira.  She was positively glowing.  Her skin clear with healthy color in her cheeks.  For as sick as he was, she was the complete opposite.

“Good job, Dragan.  She looks stunning, considering the work over you gave her.  In fact, she looks like she could go another round or two.”

“Will you please shut up!”

“Hey, if you can’t do the job, I will be more than happy to stand in for you!”

“You touch her….”

Aaron laughed loudly.  Amira looked from one brother to the other confused.

Ignoring Aaron’s telepathic comments, he smiled at Amira.

“Good morning, Amira.”  Wrapping his arms around her, he felt a rush go through him as she wrapped her arms around his waist.  Lifting her chin up, he kissed her hard on her lips staking his claim.

“Really you two?  Maybe you can take it back to the bedroom?”

Amira blushed.   “Good morning, Aaron.”

“Why… good morning sweet Amira! You look positively radiant this morning.”

“Thanks, Aaron, I actually feel better than I have in a very long time.  I didn’t realize it was that noticeable though.”

Turning to Dragan, she took in his drawn appearance.  “Are you ok?”

“Of course, just a bit tired this morning and not looking forward to going back to work.”

“Oh, I thought you didn’t have to go until tomorrow?”

“I am sorry, my schedule changed a bit.  I forgot that I promised one of the doctors I would look at some test results.  I will pick them up, check on a few patients and then come back home in time for a late dinner.”

“Perfect.  That will give me time to go home.”

“Why?”

“Excuse me?”

“Why are you going back to the cottage, I just figured you would stay here.”

Dragan heard Aaron coughing uncontrollably.  Turning he stared at him.  “Are you ok?”

“I think he is trying to tell you to stop trying to tell me what to do.  Aaron, you will be joining us for dinner?”

Both men watched her walk out the door, one grinning and the other one scowling.

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

CHAPTER 19

Dragan walked into the outer office.  “Dr. Reynolds!  We weren’t expecting you.  Is everything ok with your family?”

“Yes, thank you.  I needed to come in to take care of a few things.  Please do not disturb me this morning.  As far as you or anyone else is concerned, I am not here.”

“Of course, Doctor.”

Carla stepped aside as Dragan strode purposefully by her.  He looked tired, but there was something else, and she couldn’t quite put her finger on it.   In all of the years he worked at the hospital, he had never missed a day of work. When he had called to say he was going to take a couple of days off, she almost dropped the phone.  Immediately calling his clients, she couldn’t wait to tell the other nurses that he would not be coming in.  The office gossip ran rampant, and their imaginations speculated on his absence.

Reading her thoughts, Dragan smiled to himself.  If they only knew the source of his distraction was a woman, the twittering would be even more intense.

Sitting down hard at his desk, he thought back to his conversation with Aaron.  He could not believe that she was really sick, and she didn’t tell him.  Even after their emotional and at times savage lovemaking.

Flipping through the manila folders on his desk, he saw the one from Dr. Kinsley.  Curiously, he opened the file feeing his blood run cold through his veins as his eyes quickly scanned page after page of Harvey’s notes.  It was, Amira.  There she was in cool medical terminology, right before his eyes; he had everything he needed to learn more about her condition.  In the blink of an eye, his world crashed down around him and realized two things were staring at him in the face.  The first, according to her file, he found out she was not just a little ill, she was dying, and the second, was the realization that he was head over heels in love with her.

Tears welled in his eyes as he continued to read the report.  Her original blood disorder, though complicated, was not deadly if monitored.  Protein C deficiency, an inherited blood disorder, is passed down through the family’s bloodline and causes abnormal blood clotting.  He knew there were many levels to this disorder from mild to extreme.  Amira’s Protein C Deficiency was extreme, and once diagnosed, she was seen sometimes weekly, by Dr. Kinsley. Dragan was sure that she was in pain at times from the disorder. No wonder the doctor had become attached to her.  He probably knew more about her than anyone else she knew.  Her family history stated that the father had died of an aneurysm at 30.  It was determined that he was not the carrier of the disease, but the mother was, and she died a year after the father from a Pulmonary Embolism.  Quickly doing the math, Dragan realized that Amira was 10 when her mother passed away.  He could not even imagine the emotional pain she must have gone through finding herself parentless and all alone.  Frowning, he read her treatments.  She had to give herself heparin shots and has done so for years.  The blood thinning therapy worked well with her.  No restrictions were placed on her lifestyle.

Flipping to the recent medical history, Dr. Kinsley wrote extensively in her file.   During a routine blood exam a year ago, an anomaly showed up in her blood.  She had done nothing different in her life, no change in her diet, no trips to another country, nothing.  One week it wasn’t there, the next it was.  Several weeks of testing and an overnight stay in the hospital, due to a high fever, was when Dr. Kinsley realized that the anomaly was mutating and attacking her healthy blood cells.  It was slow moving, the transformation seeming to grow on its own.  From the records and the list of contacts, Dr. Kinsley had been working hard making the phone calls, doing his due diligence on his patient behalf, but no one had ever seen this anomaly.  As far as any of the doctors and specialists could tell, she was the only one in the entire world with this disorder.  Dragan frowned reading on as the doctor told of the day he told his patient of her prognosis.  He wrote she took the conversation of her death well.  Too well, according to Harvey.  When he found out that she was in the process of selling everything she had, which ended up being quite a bit as her parents left everything to her and she had a trust fund, Harvey was worried that she was suicidal and wrote how he kept an especially close watch over her.  Well, as much as he could, Amira started to travel to monasteries and other locations looking for holistic healing.  It was then that the good doctor realized that she was still searching for a way to survive.  It seems Amira’s will to live was strong, and after a year, she rented a cottage in the Berkshires with the good doctor’s blessing, happy that she was close again for him to try to save.

The last entry was Dr. Kinsley’s conversation with him.  He felt sick to his stomach.  The date was three days ago.  Three days lost in finding a cure.  Closing the file, he leaned back in his chair resting his head on the seat back.  He needed samples of her blood, and he needed them now.

Pushing the intercom on the phone, he waited impatiently for a response.  Getting none, he strode to the outer office only to find Carla arguing with the man he needed.

“I am sorry, Doctor, but he asked to not be disturbed.”

“Harvey!  I was just trying to get in touch with you.”

Relief was written all over the doctor’s face.

“Dragan, there has been a change, I don’t know what happened, but there has been a change for the better with my patient.”

“Please, come in!”

Pacing the room, the doctor’s excitement was palpable.

“She came in this morning.  She looked so good, we tested her blood, and I put a rush on it.”  Thrusting a piece of paper in Dragan’s hand, he grinned from ear to ear.

“Amira was here?  When?”

“Oh my God, do you know her?”

“You could say that.”  Stunned, Dragan looked down at the paper in his hand.  She was indeed better.  Not by much, but it was better.  There were more positive cells than negative for the first time since the new diagnosis.

Dragan’s voice was strained.  “What did she say to you?”

“She said that she really hadn’t done anything different except that she spent the night at her boyfriend’s house.  Weird, I didn’t even know she had one, and she said she woke up feeling different and decided to come in and see me.  I always make time for her in light of her condition.”

Harvey looked at his friend.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes, of course, this is wonderful news!”  He knew that it didn’t sound like it, but he was happy for Amira.  He knew that it was too much of a coincidence for her to feel better after he fed off her.  His thoughts racing, he knew he had to get samples of her blood.

“Dr. Kinsley, I would like to run some of my own tests.  Do you have before and after blood samples?  Do you think it would be possible for me to get them rushed over?  I have a lab at my house, and I could work on it tonight.”

“Absolutely! Whatever you need.  It will be wonderful having a fresh set of eyes helping me to figure out this puzzle. You will have them before you leave today.”

CHAPTER 20

“And Goldilocks ran harder than she ever ran her whole life, telling herself that she would never ever go into a strange house again, or at least until she knew who lived in the house. THE END!”

Tickling the little girl on the bed, both burst out laughing, tumbling in a heap in the center.

“Can you read another one?”  Amira looked down at her watch.  She was going to miss her train if she didn’t hurry.  Looking at the big blue eyes staring up at her, her heartstrings pulled.

“Maybe just….”

“Amira?”

Blue and green eyes turned to the figure standing in the doorway.  All of a sudden feeling nervous, Amira twisted her fingers together.

Casey’s face lit up, and her tiny body jumped out of the bed running over to him.  Amira watched fascinated as Dragan’s face looked down affectionately at the tiny child, lifting her high in the air returning the very large hug that was given to him.

“Hi, Dr. Reynolds.  Did you come to visit me too?”

Carrying her back to the bed, he nodded.  “You know I do every time I come to work.  How are you, kiddo?  No I.V. lines?”  Casey frowned looking down at her arm.  “No, the nurse said it collapsed and is going to get me a new vein and that she would be back.”

Looking back at Casey just as serious, he nodded his head.  “Been studying again to be a doctor?”

“Yup.  I listen to everything they say so that I can grow up and help other people the way everyone here helps me.”

Sadness crossed Dragan’s face.  “I am so proud of you.  You will make a great doctor.”

Casey’s grin returned to her little face.  “Dr. Reynolds, I almost forgot, here is Amira!  She is my friend.  Isn’t she pretty?”

Dragan looked at Amira hoping the love that he felt could not be seen.

“Yes, she is very pretty.”

“Amira has been reading to me for a very long time, maybe you could take her to the cafeteria and buy her a soda?”

Dragan threw back his had laughing loudly.  “You know what? I think I might just do that.”

Casey’s mother walked in the room.  Amira noticed that her face lit up just like Casey’s did at seeing Dragan.  “Dr. Reynolds, it is so good to see you.  How have you been?”

“Very well, thank you.  I see Casey is looking great.”  Catching the sadness in her eyes, she nodded.  “Yes she does, doesn’t she?”

“Amira, thank you so much for staying with her.  It was wonderful to take a breather.”

“You are so welcome.”

After hugging Casey again and promising to come back soon, Amira and Dragan walked out of the room.

Walking a short distance down the hallway, Dragan grabbed Amira’s hand.  Surprised she stared down at their fingers now entwined.

Turning her to face him, he slid his hands in her hair turning her face up, and she only had a moment to think before his lips coolly brushed against hers.

“Hi, Amira.”

Warily she looked at him.  He seemed upset.

“Hi, Dragan.”

“Can I buy you a cup of not-so-good coffee from the café?”

“I would like that very much.”

“Good.”

Taking her hand again, he headed to the elevators, unaware that every person had stopped working and many mouths hung open in stunned disbelief as the infamous Dr. Reynolds kissed his obvious girlfriend.

Finding a quiet corner in the cafeteria, Dragan pulled out a chair for Amira before placing one right next to hers before sitting down.  Watching him take a sip from his coffee, Amira waited for him to say something.  Anything.  The silence hung heavy in the air.  She wasn’t sure how a couple acted after the night they had last night, but she was pretty sure the tension between the two of them was not it.  Tears filled her eyes, and she fought to hold them back.

“Why the tears, Amira?”

“I think you’re mad at me, but I don’t know why?  I keep remembering last night and how great it was, and now…..”

Placing his arm on the back of her chair, he touched her head so that it was lying on his shoulder.

“I am not angry with you, Amira.  It has been a long day, and I was not expecting to see you here.”  His voice hesitated, “I have changed my mind since last night in one regards, and you and I need to talk about the future soon.”

Amira looked up at him.  “Why?”

Dragan looked down at his coffee shifting so that she was no longer touching him.

“I think that there is more that you are not sharing with me and we need to talk, is all.

“I was going to tell you, you know.  It’s just that every time I saw you, it felt so great being with you, and I felt so alive that I didn’t want to spoil it.”

“Oh, you mean like when I told you I was a vampire.”

“That’s different.”

“What’s different, Amira?” Taking her hands in his, he placed them on his chest.  “Feel that?  You have changed me.  That beats for you now.  You have brought the sun back to my life.  I want you to be able to come and tell me anything.  I want to be the one to dry your tears when you are sad, the one to hold you when you are afraid.”  Caressing her cheek, his own eyes filled with tears.  “I want to be the one that makes you laugh when that is the last thing you feel like doing.”

Nodding her head, she took his face in his hands and leaned in close.  “Does that mean if I need a ride home, you would give it to me?”

Dragan’s laughter rang out in the room.  “That is exactly what it means.”  Standing, he took her hand again.  “This conversation is by no means over between you and I, but this is not the time or the place.  Come, Amira, let’s go home.”

CHAPTER 21

Dragan kept the conversation light on the ride home from Brigham and Women’s.  He was still in shock about everything that went on today, and he really did need to process it before speaking to her in depth.  Frowning as he pulled into the driveway, he stared at the front of the house.  It seemed particularly dark for this time of night.  Going to her side of the car, he opened the door reaching in to help her out before walking to the door.  Listening intently, he could not hear a sound.  Stepping into the house before her, he stood shocked as the lights turned on and people yelled “Surprise!”  Searching for his brother, he caught the familiar raised eyebrows.

“Aaron?”

“It’s our birthday you dumbass.  Act surprised, and be happy.  It is the human thing to do.”

Turning to Amira, he saw that she was looking up at him expectantly.  Smiling down at her, he knew it must have taken her considerable effort to pull this together without him finding out.   Hugging her to his side, he whispered in her ear.  “Thank you, Amira.  Remind me to show you how really grateful I am when we are alone later.”

Color spread over her face, but he saw that it was indeed the right thing to say.

Aaron walked over handing Dragan a drink while slapping him hard on the back.

“Happy birthday, old man!  Forgive me for not giving you a gift, but what do you give a man that has everything?”  Turning to Amira as he spoke, he bowed before kissing her on the hand.  “Well done, my dear.  He indeed looked surprise.”

“Thank you, Aaron, and happy birthday to you!”

After making the rounds and thanking everyone, the small group walked into the dining room.  The table had a full 12 place setting, and Dragan’s eyebrows rose, surprised.  He liked the way it looked, less lonely or pathetic.  Amira did not miss any tiny detail.  It all looked perfect, from the flowers gracing the center, to the place cards.  Walking around the table, he was surprised but happy to see James and Jack on the list to be seated.  It was an eclectic group, but he would have it no other way, and the realization that he was actually happy made him wonder how long it had been since he wasn’t.

Shaking everyone’s hand at the door, Dragan turned looking for Amira.  Glancing at his watch, he was surprised to see that it was after 1 o’clock in the morning.  There would be no talking tonight.   Striding towards the kitchen, he heard her talking softly to someone.  Pausing, he felt a twinge of guilt as he eavesdropped.

“Yes, Miss Amira, of course.”

“I really have to thank you, James.  Everything you and the staff did to pull this off on such short notice is nothing short of amazing.”

Dragan could picture the butler standing tall as usual with a proud smile on his face.

“Oh, let me take that from you.”

“It’s okay I don’t mind.”

He could hear the silverware being placed into the drawer.

“How did everything go today in the city, Miss?”

“Not what I expected, that is for sure.”

“I was pleasantly surprised to see you coming home with Dr. Reynolds.”

“Hmmm.  That was definitely unplanned.  I am sorry.  I should have been home sooner like I promised, to help.”

“Oh, forgive me, that is not what I was implying.  He fancies you, you know.”

“Yes, I believe he does, James, and I must tell you, I kind of fancy him a bit also.”

Amira kissed the butler on the check.

“Good night, James.”

“Good night, Miss.”

Walking into the hallway, Amira smiled seeing Shadow waiting for her.  Looking up the long flight of stairs leading to the second floor, she felt an intense need to go back to the cottage and be alone, knowing that it was too late, and Dragan would never let walk by herself.  Deciding to go to the barn and think before going to find him, she slipped out the back door.

Stepping into the large building, she inhaled deeply.  The animals, seeming to sense Shadow, started to move nervously.  Not wanting to frighten them, she spoke quietly to them all.  Hearing her voice, they instinctively settled down again.

“How do you do that?”

Jumping, her eyes searched the dark corners for him.

“Dragan!  You scared me.”

Moving away from the wall where he was leaning, he walked over to her.  She turned to walk to the horse’s area, but he was in front of her in a millisecond.

Looking up, she could not read his expression as his hands cupped both sides of her face, pushing her hair to the back while scanning her face.

“I am getting the feeling you are avoiding going to bed.  You are tired, Amira, and need your rest.”

Her heart beating wildly in her chest, she tried to pull away.  “No, actually I am not that tired.  I was missing the cottage though.  I thought I would come here to unwind before heading upstairs.”

“Liar.”

His head dipping down, he kissed her hard on the lips.  Opening her mouth to lessen the assault, Dragan took advantage of the opening, pushing his tongue into her mouth capturing hers he sucked gently.

Amira gasped at the sensation, clutching at his arms before sliding them up behind his head, pulling him more deeply into her.  Giving and taking for a few minutes, both seemed to try and get the upper hand.  Sliding her hands up his back, she raked her fingers across his skin, and he arched his back.

Dragan turned her so that they were in the shadows of the barn.  Lifting her up, he set her on the workbench.  Wrapping her legs around his waist, she pulled his lower half against her, moaning when she felt him against her.

“Let’s go inside, Amira.”

“No, Dragan.  Here.  Right now.” She unzipped his pants, sliding her hand inside while he moved away to give her access.  Taking him in her hand, she slid her fingers up and down over him.

“You are going to drive me insane, Amira.”  Kissing her deeply on the lips, he moved his hips.  “You need to rest.”

Whispering in his ear, he felt her breath on his skin like a caress.  “I can rest later.”

Overcome with his need for her, he ran his tongue on the inside of her ear, begging.

“I just want you Amira.”

Lowering his head, he sucked on her breast. She felt the pressure increase inside of her and moving to her other breast, her breath came out in short gasps shocked as she realized that she was going to come just like that if he continued what he was doing to her body.  Feeling his hands move lower, he lifted her up in his strong arms, sliding off her underwear, before setting her back down.  Arching her back while never releasing him, she felt him move against her.  Out of control, she stopped the movement as fire ripped through her veins, her whole body shuddering.  Before she could think, he slid her toward the edge of the workbench entering her.  The wood creaked as he loved her, calling out her name as he spent himself inside of her.

When their heart rates slowed, he slid her down, placing both of her feet on the floor.  Kissing her forehead, Amira thought the gesture was sweet.

“Not how I planned the end to our evening.”

“Really?  You planned out the ending?”

Grinning, he took her hand, walking her out of the barn.   “Didn’t you?”

Shrugging her shoulders, she hesitated before responding.  “You seemed off today.  I wasn’t quite sure what was going to happen.”

Walking to the bedroom in silence, he closed the door before pulling her to him again.

“Hear me well, Amira.  We need to talk about today, soon, but not now.  No matter what happens with us, I want you to know that I care about you.  You understand that, right?”

“Nodding her head, she watched him as he walked to the closet, grabbing a tee shirt from off a hanger before walking back to her.”

Saying nothing, he took off her shirt, replacing it with his.  It was so long that it went past her thighs, and she smiled.  Sliding his hands under it, he then removed her skirt before tucking her under the sheets.  Sinking into the softness, she sighed deeply while watching him change his clothes then sliding in next to her.  Pulling her close onto her side, they lay there for a long time, both lost into their own thoughts.  The sun was just peeking above the horizon when they finally fell asleep.

CHAPTER 22

Dragan stepped out of the Chapel with a heavy heart. 150 years of praying, and there was still no solace for his soul.  Tapping his leg, Shadow stepped in line with him.  Reaching the door on the side of the house, he entered into the kitchen.

James was immediately by his side.  “Can I get you anything, Sir?”

“Yes, please, I am starving.  What ever you have available is fine, but make it two, I am sure Amira hasn’t eaten.”  Catching the look between the Chef and James, Dragan looked at James.

“Miss Amira went back to the cottage early this morning, Sir, shortly after you left for the Chapel.”

Frowning, Dragan looked down.  Resisting the urge to go after her, he decided he would give her the time she seemed to need right now.  He needed to focus anyway.

“Very well.   James, did you put the package in the lab?”

“Yes, last night when you arrived.  It is in the cooler.”

“Great, please bring my meal to me there and a pot of coffee also.”

“Very good Sir.”  James watched in silence, worry creasing his forehead.  Something had changed dramatically in the past twenty-four hours and not for the better.

Stepping into the sterile lab, Dragan put on his white coat and gloves before walking over to the refrigerator that held the vials of Amira’s blood.  Taking a stopper, he placed a drop of the three samples on different slides before sliding them under the microscopes he had resting on the counter.  Bending over, he moved methodically from one to the other, writing his observations as he went.  The first sample showed the Protein C deficiency as he expected.  Moving to the second sample, he stared at the Protein C and now the mutation on the slide.  He didn’t think he had ever seen anything like it before, but he needed to make sure.  Walking to the journals filling up a wall of the lab, he flipped through many pages of his findings over the years, only to realize that there was nothing that even came close to the anomaly.  Going to the third slide, his heartbeat picked up.  Dragan recognized his own venom, and he watched as his poison seemed to attack the bad cells.  The battle for dominance was obvious, and the mutation was no match.  Dragan continued to observe as many of the cells died on the slide.   There was no noise in the room except for the scratching of his pen on the pad of paper.   He noted that the venom itself died once it did its job of killing off the mutation.  With morbid fascination, he watched the anomaly try and regenerate, but the process was slow and many cells were killed off before it was successful.

His legs felt weak.  Sinking down on the stool, he processed what was before him.  If enough of his venom were injected into her, then she would be cured and would not have to die.  Hope swelled inside of him.

Standing to look into the microscope again, he heard a light tap at the door.  Without looking up, he called out.

“It’s open, James.”

“It’s not James.”

“Aaron!”

“What the hell are you doing in here for so long?”

Scowling, Dragan looked at his watch unable to comprehend that it was 3 o’clock in the morning.  He had been working for 17 hours straight.

“Don’t tell me you didn’t know what time it was?”

Rubbing his face, Dragan felt the wave of hunger and exhaustion hit him for the first time.  “Actually, I didn’t brother.”

Looking curiously at the papers, books and equipment strewn all over the lab, Aaron knew his brother was in deep, what ever it was.   “You look like a mad scientist right now.  I suggest you give whatever you are working on a break.  Here I brought you a gift.  I am not James, so don’t count on this happening again.”  Throwing his brother a thermos, Aaron sat behind the desk in the corner watching as his brother opened the top looking into it gratefully before drinking deeply.

“I am not even going to ask how you got this, but I appreciate it.”

Aaron laughed.  “Good, because I wasn’t going to tell you.  What is going on?”

Dragan sat on the stool feeling the blood hit his stomach before coursing through him, renewing his strength.  The headache that had plagued him finally went away with the nourishment.

“You were right, Amira is very sick.  She has something in her blood that is killing her.  The problem is, no one knows what it is.”

“And you have figured it out.”

“No, actually, I have not.  What I have been able to determine today is that it is not contagious, and strangely my venom kills it.”

Aaron, who was spinning in his chair, stopped abruptly.  “Oh my God, Dragan, that is fantastic.  When are you going to tell her?”

Dragan looked down at his hands.  “As hopeful as all of this seems at this very moment, I still have to do research to figure it all out.  How much venom will kill every one of her bad cells, how to administer the venom, etc.  As you know, too much venom will kill her.  Not enough venom will allow the mutant cell to regenerate, and from what I can tell, when it does, it is stronger.  There are many variables.”

“But there is hope.”  Incredulous, Aaron stared at his brother.  “You are amazing.”

“Gee, thanks brother.  Never heard you say that before.”

“Well, I mean it, and I hope you stay in here for a long time, because if you ignore your little girlfriend enough, then maybe she will stray over to me.”

“Not funny.”

“Do you see me laughing?  She looked sexy as all hell today when she came looking for you.”

“Amira came back?”

“Yes, but James, the ever faithful, shooed her back home.”

Dragan looked over at the microscopes thoughtfully.  “Maybe I do need to take a break for a while.”

Aaron laughed as he started to spin in the chair again.  “Yes, brother, maybe you should.”

CHAPTER 23

Dragan stood on the edge of the bed staring down at Amira as she slept. It overwhelmed him at moments like this just how much he cared for her.  Her softness and beauty were forever imprinted on his heart, and he could no longer live a life without her.

The sheet covered her only partially and seeing her bare shoulder and the swell of her breasts peeking over the cover, he wondered if she was completely naked under the blankets.  Feeling himself harden at the thought, he stripped quickly sliding under the cool sheets up behind her.  He could feel the immediate reaction as his lower body touched her bare cheeks under the cover.  Sliding a hand around her waist, he flattened his hand on her toned stomach pushing gently so that she would slide more against his own body.  Amira shifted in her sleep but did not waken.

Agonizingly slow, he gently moved his hand up her rib cage to gently cup her breast loving the silky feel of her skin under his touch.  Kissing the nape of her neck, he slid his fingers over the curve of her hip to her legs as far as he could reach before sliding his hand back up, repeating until he could sense her slowly waking.

“Hey, you.”

“Hey, yourself.”

Amira tried to turn and face him, but he gripped her hip not allowing her to do so.

“What….?”

“Don’t move.  I want to love you just like this.  I have been waiting for you to wake up.  You sleep very deeply, my love.”

Confused, her inexperience showing, she was not sure what he wanted.

Feeling him lift her leg up slightly, Amira gasped in surprise when he slid inside of her from behind, catching her unawares.

“Oh my God!”

“Hmmm, my sentiments exactly.  You feel good.”  Dragan nipped at her neck with his teeth, careful not to break the skin, as his hips moved slowly, rhythmically against her.  Amira placed her hand over his that was still cupping her breast, squeezing as she felt the now familiar warmth spread throughout her body.

“Please, Dragan!”

He liked the way her voice thickened, getting husky when she was excited.  Sliding his hand out from under hers, he set his on top of hers.  Gripping it gently, he moved both of their hands in tandem so that her fingers rubbed against her own body, squeezing her fingers so that she was squeezing her own breast, before moving it down her stomach to the apex between her legs.

Amira was glad that her back was to him as her face flushed embarrassed.

“Have you never touched yourself, Amira?”  Her silence was all the answer he need.  “Close your eyes and use your senses, Amira.  Feel what I feel when I touch you.”

Moaning, she did as he asked, feeling her own skin underneath her finger tips come alive.  Directing her, he pushed against her own, and she groaned when he moved out of her so that her own finger could slide up inside of herself with his as if they were one.

“Do you feel how wet you are?”

Still gripping her hand, he pulled them both out of her as he pushed his hips against her again, sliding back into her.  Moving his hand in a circular motion on top of her hand she felt herself tighten against her finger as it moved quicker, she panted as she felt the nub swell and grow, before she broke into a million pieces.

Dragan stilled as she tightened around him. He loved this moment with her.  Without waiting for her shuddering to subside, he gripped her hips, hearing her gasp as he rolled her over onto her stomach with himself still inside of her.  Lying on top of her, he breathed deeply attempting to gain control of himself before easing up onto his hands.

Sweat broke out over his skin.  “Amira, go onto your hands and knees, baby.”

Doing as he asked she gasped as he did the same, clutching her hips tightly.  He could move deeply within her this way, and he watched as she grabbed at the mattress feeling another wave come over her, and he lost himself within her.

∞

Amira woke to the smell of bacon and coffee.  Salivating, she jumped out of bed, dropping immediately to her knees as a wave of dizziness washed over her.

No, no, no.  Chanting to herself, she inhaled deeply fighting the nausea that was trying to take her over. “Not today.  You will not be sick today Amira Coulter.”

Clutching the edge of the bed, she shakily stood to her feet before taking unsteady steps to the bathroom, closing the door behind her.  Walking to the mirror, she took in the dark circles under her eyes and frowned.  She looked bad.  Turning on the shower, she stepped in as the cool water ran over her warm skin.  Several minutes later, she had regained enough composure to put on some light makeup masking her pallor.  Sighing deeply, she knew that she would need to call Dr. Kingsley today and go back in for some more blood work.

Hating being sick, she watched in the mirror as her eyes filled with tears.  Why, when her life was just coming together, did she have to get sicker?  Feeling sorry for herself, she wondered why she couldn’t have met Dragan sooner?

Overcome with sadness, Amira sobbed aloud as she sank to the floor, as years of pent up frustration could no longer be held back.  A knock came on the door.  “Hey, Amira, breakfast is ready.”  Pressing her hand against her lips, she tried to stop the flow of tears.

“Amira?  Amira!  Let me in.”  He had heard her stifling back the sounds.  Was she crying?  Worried, he knocked again.

“Amira, you either open this door or I am going to do it for you.”  Counting to ten, he opened the door.  His heart broke seeing her crumpled and broken on the floor.  Rushing over, he pulled her up into his arms, pressing her head to his chest.  Her arms wrapped themselves around his waist as she sobbed leaning against him for support.  He did not need to ask her what was wrong, he knew.  They had waited long enough.  It was time to talk.  Reaching to the shelf, he took a washcloth placing it under the faucet, then lifting her face, gently rubbed it over her skin.  Her emerald eyes swam in liquid, and he so wished he could take away her pain.

“I am dying, Dragan.”

His hand stilled for a moment, before it continued it’s ministering on her face remaining silent.

“Dragan!  Did you hear me?  I said I was dying.  I am sick, and they don’t know how to fix me.”

“You have known this for awhile?”

Nodding her head, she broke eye contact and stared at his chest.  “Yes.  For a little over a year now.”

Cupping her face with his hands pushing his fingers through her hair, he kissed her softly on the forehead then stepped away from her.

“I know.”

“What?  How?”

The other day when you went in for a blood test, I went to my office.  Your folder had been left on my desk by Dr. Kingsley, because he is looking for my help with finding a cure for you.”

“And you didn’t say anything?”

“You didn’t.”

“That’s not the same.”

“Are you kidding me?”

Pushing past him, she hurried to the kitchen, pacing back and forth.  Leaning against the doorjamb, he watched her agitation grow.

“What’s the problem, Amira? It can’t be the fact that I found out?”

“I didn’t want you to know until I was ready.”

“You didn’t want me to know.”  Grabbing her shoulders, he held her in one place.  “Do you have any idea what it did to me learning that you are dying, and it didn’t come from your own mouth?”

Pushing at his chest, she tried to move away from him, but grabbing her wrist, he kept her close.

“Why didn’t you want me to know?”

“Let me go.”

“Not until you answer me.”

“The reason is stupid and doesn’t matter anymore because you know.”

“Not good enough.”

She watched his jaw set knowing there was no way to get out of it.

“I didn’t want you feeling sorry for me.  I don’t want anyone feeling sorry for me.”

“So THAT is why you came to Echo Lake - to hide from everyone?”  Releasing her, he watched the anger cross her face.

“That’s not true.”

“Isn’t it, Amira?  You do not want me to feel sorry for you, but you are languishing here at the lake giving up, making your fucking bucket list, and ready to die.  Who is feeling sorry for whom now?”

Amira slapped him hard across the face.  The crack resounded in the kitchen stunning them both.

“Dragan, I’m….”

“I will let that go only once, Amira.  You ever do that again, you will regret it.  Enjoy your breakfast.”

CHAPTER 24

James looked at the man hunched over the desk debating whether he should approach.  He was in unfamiliar territory and loyalty was weighing heavily on his heart.  The decision was made for him when without looking up, Aaron spoke.

“Hey, James, come on in.”

Aaron did not look up from the large book he was reading as James stepped into the room.

“Mr. Reynolds, a moment of your time if you will.”

Looking up, Aaron stared at the old man.

“James, if you don’t start calling me Aaron, you can walk right out that door.  Dragan told me that you know our little secret.  I have you by at least 250 years…age trumps position.”

“Indeed, Sir, I mean, Aaron.”

“Is something wrong?”

“It is Dr….Dragan and Miss Amira.”

Sitting down in the chair and leaning back Aaron looked thoughtful.  This had to be good; James never pried into personal business.

“Go on.”

“I had one of the maids go and check on Miss Amira, as Dragan had requested one of the staff to do every day.  Miss Collins said that Miss Amira seemed inconsolable and would not speak to her.  In checking on your brother I found him to be in some kind of distress himself.”

“Distress?”

“His office is ripped apart, Sir.  I have kept the staff away from that part of the house.”

“Trouble in paradise, I am going to assume.   They must have had the death, dying, doom and gloom conversation.”

“Sir?”

“Amira is dying, James.  She is very ill, and Dragan found out.  I am going to assume that all of their dramatics is due to a confrontation between the two of them.  I will sort it out.”

“Dying?  Miss Amira is ill?”  James slumped down into the leather chair at the library table.

Aaron rushed over to kneel next to the man kicking himself for his insensitivity.  “James, I am sorry.  Are you ok?”

“Yes…thank you.  It is just that it will come as quite a shock to everyone here at the manor.  We have become quite attached to her you know.”

“Yes.  I do know.  She kind of wormed her way into my heart also.”

“Is there a time frame?”

“No, I am sorry.  Dragan is working on a cure.”

“So that is why he has been closeted in the laboratory.”

“Yes.”

Taking a deep breath, James stood.  “It explains my conversations with her about destiny.  Very well then….”

Compassion flashed across Aaron’s face.  “I am sorry to have been the one to tell you.”

“No.  It is good I know.  I must get back to work.  You will check on your brother?”

Nodding, Aaron looked down at the book on the table.  “Yes, I am almost done here.  I will check on them both, and James, I would appreciate you keeping this conversation between the two of us.”

“Yes, of course.”

Aaron stared down at the pages in the old book.  He needed to speak with Dragan about what he learned from the pages.   Unfortunately, what he learned was probably not going to help his brother’s mood in any way.  Snapping the cover closed, watching the dust particles rise into the air; he stood to find his twin.

∞

Dragan was frustrated.  He had run test after test, and he was not happy with the results that he saw.  Her blood was not reacting to his venom in the culture.  He was sure that he could not have been wrong with his observations from all of the other slides after his first feeding.  Those cultures were no longer good, as the venom cells died off a long time ago.

Picking up the last slide, he threw it against the wall watching it shatter.

“Are you going to destroy everything in this house?”

“Shut up, Aaron.”

“Bad mood I see.  That would explain the mess that James is now cleaning up in your office.”

Dragan ignored Aaron, reading his notes again.

In a flash, Aaron grabbed him from behind throwing him up against the wall, watching him slide down it with satisfaction.

“What the hell was that for?”

“You have been living here for almost 200 years, and your little mood could kill it in a heartbeat.  Ready to move again are we?”

Brushing himself off, Dragan stood then rushing his brother tossed him against the opposite wall, watching with satisfaction Aaron wincing as he hit the wall.  Plaster crumbled under the assault.

Within moments, both men were fighting, each trying to get the upper hand.  Aaron had more years of fighting over Dragan, and within moments pinned him to the floor, his hand crushing his brother’s throat.

“Cut the shit.  We are not new to this.  You need to get yourself together.”  Standing, he hauled Dragan to his feet.

“What the hell is going on between the two of you?”

“Nothing.”

“Right and you are an idiot. You did not trash your office or throw your work against the wall because of nothing.”  Aaron crossed his arms waiting for an explanation.

Wearily, Dragan ran his fingers through his hair.  He was tired.  His initial excitement of thinking he found the cure faded and panic was setting in.

“She told me this morning that she was dying, and I told her I knew that already.  It seemed that did not go over well.”

“That’s it?  That is what all this drama is about?”

“I don’t know; it seems to have struck a nerve with her.  I was okay, until she slapped me across the face.”

Aaron tried to hide a smile, looking away from his brother.  “And you allowed it?  Wow!”

“What was I going to do?”

Now Aaron was grinning from ear to ear.  “Turn her over your knee and spank her.  At least it might have had a different outcome than you both being miserable.”

Dragan glared at his brother.  “I am so glad you are finding amusement with this.”

“I am sorry.”  Aaron tried his best to look contrite.  “What else?”

“What do you mean what else?”

“We are twin brothers.  She may not be able to handle a 335-year-old vampire, but I know you can handle a human woman.  Something else is bothering you.  Spit it out man, I have my own work to do.”

“It’s not working.”  Aaron looked confused, watching his brother point to the slides.  “I have taken samples of my venom and have done numerous controlled tests and none of the venom cells are killing the anomaly as it did before.”

“But I thought you said….”

“What I said is that I needed to experiment and run tests.  This is exactly the reason why I said that.  There are so many variables as to what causes something to work and something that doesn’t.”

“I am sorry, Dragan.  So, what’s the next step?”

“I need to ask a favor.  I want you to feed on her.  See if there is a difference in your venom and mine.”

Aaron was stunned.  “Have you gone insane?  You want me to feed off of your girlfriend?”

Dragan’s face darkened.  “I am not asking you to make love to her, just feed.  After, I will take some blood and run more test.”

“You’re becoming like one of those crazy scientists you know.  But, hey, for the sake of science, I will take a sip.”

“Aaron, behave yourself.  You touch her other than her neck; I swear I will rip your heart out.”

“Chill out, brother.  However, I am not going to have you watch - way too creepy.  I don’t like having an audience.”

Dragan sighed.  “You never did, and I figured you would say as much.”

“And how are you going to tell Amira that I am going to drink her blood so that you can run tests?”

“I am still working that out.  As a last resort, you can compel her.”

“Ahhh, thanks but no thanks.  I have not had an unwilling victim for many, many, years, and I am not going to start that again.”

“Aaron!”

“Fine, but you try and have her do it willingly.”  Aaron shuddered.  “Feeding from a compelled person is like feeding off of a zombie.”

“For the sake of science, Aaron, stay focused, and may I remind you how I looked after I fed from her.”

Aaron grimaced.  “Oh yeah.”

CHAPTER 25

Aaron heard her crying even before he saw her.  Rounding the corner to the back yard, he observed her sitting on the bench that was placed in front of the St. Francis statue, her head bowed.  Quietly, he walked up and sat down next to her placing his arm around her shoulders.  Without any hesitation or surprise that he was seated next to her, she laid her head onto his shoulder and her hand on his thigh.

Feeling a surge rush through him, he frowned.  He wished that he felt nothing for his brother’s lover.  Gulping, he struggled to speak feeling the heat from her fingers sear through his jeans hoping that she did not see how she affected him.  “Amira, you know I am not Dragan right?”

Nodding her head, he watched as new tears flowed out of her eyes.  Knowing he shouldn’t, he pulled her onto his lap, stroking her hair as it rested on his chest, letting her cry it out.

“Have you been crying all morning?”

“Yes.”  Hiccupping, she struggled to catch her breath.

“Do you want to talk about it?  I am a pretty good listener.”

“I don’t even know what happened.  I got so angry when he told me that he knew, and I think I panicked.”

“You should have told him, you know.”

“I know.  I just didn’t want things to change between us.”

“Is that what you thought would happen?”

“Yes, I guess I did.  I never had a boyfriend before.  Who wants a dead woman as a girlfriend?”

Aaron found her words ironic, and he almost laughed out loud.  “Why not?  He is dead already.  Did you stop caring for him when you found out?”  Feeling her stiffen, he felt bad for his choice of words.

“That’s different and you know it.”  Sliding off his lap, she stood.  His arms felt empty, and he wanted to pull her back down to him.

Watching the pulse beat on her neck, Aaron wished he could feed off her now.  Standing abruptly, he pushed his hands through her hair closing his eyes as he felt the silkiness over his skin.

Amira gripped his wrists tightly swallowing hard as she stared at his face, surprised when his eyes reopened to see how dark they had become.  Dragan had that same look when he looked at her.   Looking at her lips now slightly opened in surprise, Aaron slowly brought his head down.

“Don’t, Aaron!  Please don’t…..”  She could not believe that the whispered words came from her, but even more, she couldn’t believe that she didn’t have the desire to push him away.

Groaning, his mouth millimeters from hers, he pulled away from their softness only to bury his face in her neck inhaling deeply before moving back touching her cheek gently with his lips.

“My brother is a lucky man, Amira.  If it doesn’t work out, I call dibs on you.”

The relief emanating from her was palpable when he let her go.  Aaron felt guilty for putting her in this situation as he watched her face flush.

Looking everywhere but at him, Aaron touched her hand gently.  “It is obvious that you care for him, and I know for a fact that he feels the same way about you.  If you were my girlfriend, I would be very upset also that you didn’t spill the beans.  I do not know everything about your situation except for the fact that you are a very sick, young woman.  You want to live?  So live Amira!  We all want that for you!  What ever is going to happen will happen.”

“I need to apologize to him.”

“Ahhh, I would give him a bit more time.  He is still pretty hot under the collar right now. But you can hang with me; make me some of that blackberry tea that I have been hearing so much about.”

Amira’s face lightened as she laughed at him.  “Ok, that I can do.  Come on in.”

Following her into the house, he looked around at the tiny living area.   “You know, we have plenty of rooms at the house.”

Seeing his expression, she laughed again. “You are a snob, Aaron Reynolds.”  Looking around seeing what he saw, she shrugged.  “I like my little home.”

With disdain, his eyes touched on the sparse furniture.  “Good God why?”

“Because it is home to me.”  Cocking her head to one side, she eyed him coyly.  “Home is where the heart is, Aaron.  My heart is here.”

“Whatever.  I am still going to talk to my brother about your living quarters.”  Shocked, she watched as he walked into her bedroom; hurrying after him, her face flushed thinking of what her and Dragan had done in her bed.

Hearing her thoughts, Aaron felt a twinge of jealousy flow through him.  Sometimes knowing what others thought was a curse.  He had to admit that the small room was all her.  The long flowing white curtains moved gently with the breeze that was softly wafting through the window.  Her bed, neatly made, was dressed all in white.  Touching the eyelet cover, he ran his fingers over the top.

“Aaron, please, let’s go have tea.”

She was nervous having him in her bedroom.  Good, he thought.  She was not as unaffected by him as she portrayed.  He wasn’t sure himself why he enjoyed taunting her so much.  Silently he walked over to the dresser lifting the stopper on her perfume bottle.  It smelled like roses and sunshine; closing his eyes he inhaled deeply.

Hurrying to him, she pulled it from his hand, exasperated when he opened the top drawer of her dresser, pulling out one of her bra’s holding it up with his eyebrows raised.

Laughing at him, she yanked it out of his hand.  “Oh my God, Aaron, cut it out.”

“Just trying to understand you a bit more, my dear.”

“Great, come into the kitchen, and I will answer your questions.”

Shrugging, he opened her closet door, flipping through the hangers while looking at her clothes.  “I like this better.”  Looking up, he noticed the box.  Reaching up onto the shelf, he pulled down her wooden box, turning it over curiously in his hands. Glancing over at her, he saw that she had stilled, and he wondered if she was even breathing. “Aaron, please don’t open that.”

“Hmmm, what is in here, Amira?”

“Nothing, just some private papers.”

With relief, she saw him slide it back up onto the top shelf before walking out the door but not with a last glance into the room.  Aaron had learned a lot and that was enough for now.  Later he would come and take a peak into the sacred box.

Watching as she poured his tea with shaky fingers, he noticed for the first time her pallor.  Grasping her hand with his, he felt how warm she was to the touch.

“Are you feeling ok, Amira?”

Sitting she shook her head.

“Not really.  I was thinking of taking the train into Brigham and Women’s to see my doctor.”

“I can give you a ride.  You only have to ask.”

“Will you? That would be great thank you.”

CHAPTER 26

Dragan stepped out of the tiny chapel.  He needed sleep, and he needed it soon.  He physically may not have looked it but he felt every one of his 335 years.  Looking up, his eyes caught his brothers before looking down to the box that Aaron held in his hands.

“I am sorry.  I took her in.  Dr. Kinsley wanted me to give you this.”

Taking the medical cooler, his shoulders slumped.  “She is sick again?”

“I am really sorry, Dragan.”

Walking back to the house, neither brother said anything.  “I should go see her.”

“No.  Wait until she comes to you, and she will.  She is still processing and needs time.”

“And I need her.”

“She will come, brother.  Have patience.”

Nodding his head, Dragan handed the cooler to James as he stepped into the house.  “Please put this in the lab for me, old friend.  I am going to rest.”

Trying to remember the last time he slept, he slowly walked up the stairs to his bedroom while both brother and butler looked on with worry.

∞

James had checked on Dragan several times over the course of the day.  Each time, he found him sound asleep.  Now it was going on 9 hours.  Not wanting to disturb him, he left him as he was.  There was such a sadness hanging over the house, and James did not like it.  Preparing to lock the doors for the evening, he jumped at hearing a light tap at the front door.  Opening slightly, his eyes met emerald green, and a smile lit up his face.  “Oh, Miss Amira, it is good to see you.”

“I hope it is not too late, James?  I wanted to see Dragan if that is ok.”

“Of course, please come in.”

He watched as she stepped into the room noting the over night bag she carried on her shoulder.  She looked tired herself.

“He is here isn’t he, James, and not at work.”

“Indeed he is, Miss.  He is upstairs sleeping.  Would you like me to fetch him for you?”

Flushing, she kept eye contact with him.  “If you do not mind, I will go up myself.”

“I do not mind at all.  I am sure he would love seeing you.  I am going to lock up for the evening; you will be spending the night, I hope?”

Grateful for his directness, she nodded, kissing him on the cheek.  “Thank you, James.”

Walking into the darkened room, she was grateful for the light from the fireplace.  Amira’s heart expanded, seeing him lying on the bed with his arm thrown over his face.

Quietly putting her bag down, she undressed and slipped on her pajama bottoms and top, hoping that he would wake up and they would not be on for very long.  She needed him.  It felt like forever since their argument.

Sliding between the sheets, she lay down next to him, unsure what to do next, wishing that she was sophisticated and sexy.

Dragan stirred in his sleep as her hands slowly roamed over his body.  Waking, he realized that she was not a figment of his imagination but in bed with him.  Hardly daring to breathe, he lay there pretending to sleep, loving the feel of her fingers caressing his skin.  First moving down his arms, then back up via his stomach, lightly rubbing the hairs on his chest.  Dragan felt himself getting aroused from the simplicity of her touch, and he opened his eyes, just as she bent over him making light kisses down his neck to his chest.   He loved how her hair fanned over him, catching the firelight, as she slowly eased lower on his body.  She was so sweet and still very innocent, and she was slowly driving him insane with her caresses.

“Amira!”

Looking up, emerald eyes smiled at him.

Reaching down, he gently pulled her up over his chest before shoving his fingers in her hair, pulling her lips down to his, devouring her mouth with his.  Moving over them, he bit down gently, pushing in with this tongue as she gasped.  Groaning, he pulled her away staring at her lips, now moistened from his assault glistening in the firelight.

“I missed you so much.”

“I am so sorry I hit you, Dragan.  I will never do that again.”

His face hardened for a fraction of a minute before relaxing. “No you won’t, Amira.”

Trying to pull away, he held her tight.  “No, don’t run, Amira, face your fear with me.”

“Can we not talk about it tonight?  I just want to make love to you.”  Leaning down raining kisses on his chest again, he relaxed against the pillows giving into the rising desire building inside of him.  Taking her hand, he meshed his fingers with hers as she explored his body.

Hovering over his stomach, he felt her eyes on his face.  “What is it, Amira?”

Blushing, her voice was shy reaching up to him. “Can you tell me what you like….show me what turns you on….”

“You are doing fine, baby.”

Not liking his answer but too embarrassed to push, she licked his nipple, surprised when it hardened the way hers did when he sucked on her breast.  Coyly looking up at him, she brought her mouth back down sucking hard on the tiny nub instantly rewarded as a moan forced it way out his throat.  A look of determination crossed her face.  If he was not going to tell her, she would figure it out herself.

Sliding back down his body, she nibbled and nipped paying close attention to how his body responded.  Reaching the top of his pajamas, she loosed the drawstring.  Reaching in with her hand, her eyes widened to see how aroused he was. Touching him, she glanced at his face, surprised to see his eyes were closed while one hand gripped the pillow by his head as the other gripped the blanket by his side. Feeling immediate satisfaction, knowing she was actually in control, she leaned in and licked him with her tongue.   With what she could only have called a growl, his body jerked as his eyes flashed open.

“Amira, stop.”

“No.  I want you to tell me what you want.”  Leaning in again, she licked him again softly.

“Amira, please.”

Now she had his attention.

“Please what, Dragan?”

Dragan couldn’t speak.

Sliding her tongue up, his moan was loud as she opened her mouth, sliding him into her.  As brazen as she was acting, she still wasn’t sure what she was doing, but following her instincts, she lifted her head sucking gently as she did, feeling him jerk, she knew she had him.

Feeling him slide his fingers in her hair, she sucked harder, not wanting him to pull her away yet, surprised that she was really enjoying what she was doing.  Feeling his fingers tightening in her hair, he shocked her by moving his hips, thrusting into her mouth.  Squeezing her thighs together, she wondered if she was going to lose it right there.

Brushing her hair out of her flushed face, he hauled her back up wrapping his arm around her neck, holding her in place, drinking deeply again from her mouth before flipping her over onto her back.

“Enjoy that did you?”

“Obviously you did.”

Pushing her hands above her head, he held them within one of his own as he unbuttoned her pajamas.  “Sometimes you wear too many clothes.” Pushing the fabric aside before dropping his mouth to her nipple, he drew her deeply into his mouth, she gasped, wincing as pain shot through her when he bit down.  Yanking one hand from his, she pulled on his hair trying to loosen his grip on her.  He let go of the breast only to move to the next one and do the same thing again.  This time it did not hurt as bad, but she pulled on his hair again.

“If you are doing that to get me to stop, it is not going to work.  I happen to like that.”

“Kiss me.”

“Ahhh, with pleasure.  Letting her hand go, she gripped his shoulder as he raised himself up onto his hands, dropping his head back to hers and kissing her hard.

Reaching between their bodies, now coated with a layer of sweat, she guided him to her.

Dragan stared into her eyes, poised just outside of her whispering in low tones.  “I have missed you.  I have missed this, Amira.  But mostly I have missed us.  I am yours forever for as long as you and I both live.”  Before she could reply, he gently slipped inside.  A gasp escaped from her lungs as he filled her, overwhelmed by his words.

Watching the emotions play over her face, he knew that she was barley hanging on.

“Let go.  I want to feel you let go.”

“Not yet, Dragan…together.”

Lowering to his elbows, pressing his weight harder down on her, she felt consumed by his presence.  Moaning as he started to move.

“You are my inlet, my peace.  Let me feel you first…then you can take me over the edge.”

Succumbing to him, she felt her desire building.  Clutching his waist, her body shuddered in response to him.  Stilling within her, he watched as her face flushed with desire.

Opening her eyes, she smiled up at him, heart wide open.

“Your turn?”

Laughing down at her, Dragan slid an arm around her waist before flipping her over so that she lay on top of him, loving the surprised look that crossed her face.

“You got that right, baby.”

“I am not sure what you want me to do?”

Holding her hips to steady her, he thrust up deeper inside of her.

“Oh!”

“Hmmm, that is one word.”

Shifting to a sitting position, she pressed her hands on his chest for balance, unaware that every move was excruciatingly pleasurable to him.

She felt powerful and so in control rising above him.  Pushing up to rest on her knees she started moving against him.

Watching his expression this time, she knew that he was not going to be able to hang on too long, moving quicker, she wanted him to feel what she did.

As Dragan watched her in this new position taking control, his emotions could not be contained.  He was in love with her.  He knew she was watching him, and he tried hard to hold back from her seeing how much she actually affected him, but it was too late.

Amira’s body stilled as she noticed his eyes filling with tears.

“Dragan?”

Reaching up, he grabbed her behind the neck pulling her face close to his.

“I can’t lose you, Amira, I don’t want you to die.  I would be lost without you!”

She nodded her head, choking back her own tears.

“We have now, right?  You have made my life perfect in every way, and you are a gift to me.”  Stroking his face, she tried to comfort him.

Feeling the anger rise at the unfairness of their situation and unable to control it, he thrust hard up into her, regretting it immediately as he watched her wince, but she did not pull away only moved quickly against him.

Her movement caused him to slip closer to the edge.  Giving in to her love, he grabbed her behind her head with one hand as the other one gripped her hip, taking control again he thrust, moving faster and faster until with one final thrust he gave into what he wanted to hold back, and in the giving, was completely lost.

Aaron listened to the whispers coming from his brother’s room.  He felt no guilt at being a voyeur into their lovemaking.  His heart constricted hearing his brother’s words.  It was in the knowing that he felt the same for her as his brother did which caused his own eyes to fill with tears.

Walking to the window, Aaron stared at his own reflection looking back at him from the darkness as he continued to listen to the two in another part of the house.

“Amira, I have been working on trying to find a cure for you. Do you remember the first time we made love, and I fed off of you?”

Aaron could picture Amira nodding her head.  Her emerald eyes transfixed on his brother silently.  “My venom attached to your bad cells killing some of them.  I have to run some more controlled tests before I can determine the right way to proceed.”

Hearing the hope in her voice, Aaron frowned wondering how she was going to take the news.  “What kind of test?”

“I have spoken to Aaron and asked him to feed on you….”  She must have looked panicked because his brother’s voice sped up.  “To determine if it is just my venom or any vampire.”

“Can’t you just squeeze some out?  Don’t they do that with snakes?”

Aaron laughed aloud at her comment.  She was so freaking cute!

Dragan’s tone was lighter having the same reaction as his brother.  “It doesn’t work like that, Amira….I wished it did.  Even as I tested my venom on the slide, it did not seem to kill off the bad cells like I thought it would.  I am not sure why, which is why I need to figure it out first.  Since Aaron is the closest vampire I know that I trust with you.”

Aaron heard the pause in his brother’s voice.  Her voice was so low, he barley made out her response.

“When?”

“As soon as possible.  Probably in the morning.”

“Won’t it bother you seeing him do it?”

Dragan’s voice sounded tight.  “My brother and I have always preferred feeding in private.  I will not be with you when he drinks.”

Aaron listened surprised.  Was that relief he heard in her voice?

“Okay.  When will you tell him?”

“Soon, Amira.  Sleep now baby.  You need your rest.”

“I know you are listening brother.”

“Yes.”

“I want it done first thing in the morning.  I will go into Boston and get some supplies so that I am prepared when you are done.”

“Don’t worry, Dragan.”

“Worry comes with this shit - just remember, I trust you!”

Aaron did not respond turning off his telepathy before Dragan could read his heart.

CHAPTER 27

Amira paced the small room feeling closed in and scared.  She couldn’t believe that she had actually agreed to this.  Remembering the hope Dragan’s words gave her last night; she knew that she had no other choice but to agree, but that thought did not make the waiting any easier.

Jumping at the knock on the door, her heart pounded deep in her chest.  Turing the handle slowly, she opened it a crack peering outside.

“Hello, my pet.”  Aaron had a wide grin on his face.

“Of course you are happy about this.”

“Just here to do my duty.”

Hearing her heartbeat race, Aaron lost some of his enthusiasm.  She was terrified.  Reaching out to her, his fingers cupped her chin forcing her to look directly at him.

“You are scared of me.”

Yanking away, she turned.  “No, I am not.”

“Play the indignant role all you want; you are terrified.”

“Of course I am.  I am still getting used to the idea that you both are vampires.  Having someone drink my blood is not an everyday occurrence you know.”

“But you liked it with Dragan.”

Her face flushed bright red.  “That was different, and you know it.”

Wrapping his arms around her from behind, he felt her relax slightly.   “It could be the same with me you know, Amira.”

Glad she was still turned so he could not read the confusion in her face, she stammered.  “We are not making love.”

Easing her around so she was facing him, he slid his fingers in her hair.

“I so wish we were, it would make it that much more enjoyable.”

His tone went all business, pushing her away from him.  “So, how do you want to do this?”

“I have no idea, you tell me.  Can’t you just do it?”

Throwing back his head laughing uncontrollably, it was several minutes before he could control himself only to see her standing with her hands on her hips, glaring at him.  She was pissed.

“Oh, Amira, go get a blanket will you?”

Silently she did as he asked unsure of what he needed the blanket for.  Taking her hand in his, he walked out of the cottage with the blanket tucked under his arm.

“Come, Amira.  Let us go to the lake and sit on the blanket.  This does not have to be this way.”

Relieved, Amira followed him.  Aaron was surprised that she did not remove her hand from his even when he entwined his fingers with hers.  Looking down at her, he knew that right or wrong, he was going to enjoy this morning with her with no regrets, knowing that this memory would stay with him through his lonely life.  When he woke up this morning, he had decided that she would let him feed from her willingly or he would not feed at all.

Amira walked beside Aaron down the path to Echo Lake confused at the feelings stirring deep with in her.  She loved Dragan with all her heart.  However, she could not deny that there was an attraction with his brother.  Looking sideways at his profile, she wondered if it was because they looked so much alike.  Shaking her head, she knew that wasn’t it.  Aaron was different, and the more she got to know him, she didn’t see any resemblance besides the physical.

“What do we have here?”

Amira, so deep in her thoughts did not realize that they had reached the lakeshore.  Following his gaze, she smiled when her eyes touched on the white cabana standing alone in the sand.

“I wanted a place to sit away from the sun, but near the water.  James had Jack build it for me.  As usual, it is over the top, but soooo comfortable.”

Aaron walked around to the front peering in.  It was massive, and there was enough room for two lounge chairs and a large chaise lounger.

Taking a flying leap, he patted the seat next to him.  “Come, sweet Amira, into my arms, and let us fly and touch the moon together.”

Looking at him warily, she looked at the empty space next to him.  “Is that a quote from somewhere?”

“Nope, just made it up.  Do you like it?”

Smiling, she slid next to him awkwardly.  “A lot of what you say sounds fantastic because of your accent.”

Lifting her hand, he pressed her wrist against his lips watching her stiffen; he chose not to release her.

“You need to loosen up.”

“Maybe we should get this over with.”

“annnndddd maybe we shouldn’t.”

Putting his arm around her shoulders, he pulled her down to him so that she was snuggled in the crook of his arm.

A slow breeze danced across the water causing tiny ripples to form on the surface.  Amira inhaled deeply of the pine as the same breeze moved the fabric encasing them.  She felt like she was in a cocoon, and she closed her eyes.

Aaron sensed the shift in the small room.  Kissing her gently on the forehead, he leaned his cheek against her hair.  “There you go, baby, just relax.”

Aaron waited until he knew that she was sound asleep.  Touching her face lightly, he lay down and closed his eyes, easing into her dreams.

She was walking along another shore, but this time it was the ocean and not the lake.  Amira watched as Aaron walked toward her on the sand.  His feet were bare, and his footprints seemed to stretch on forever.  “Aaron?”

“Hi, Amira.”

“I am dreaming, right?”

Shrugging his shoulders, he lifted her hand to his lips kissing her fingers gently.  “If that is what you want to believe.”

“Why are you here?”

Aaron pointed to the sky.  “Because of that, Amira.”  Amira looked up realizing that the sun had gone down, and the largest moon she had ever seen rose above their heads.

“I don’t understand?”

Placing his hands around her waist, he whispered to her gently.  “Close your eyes and picture the tallest mountain that you can.  I am going to help you touch the moon.”

Aaron saw the tears glistening in her eyes before she closed them tightly.  He pulled her close to him as she gripped his shoulders.

“You can open your eyes now, baby.”

Gasping she looked around.  They were indeed on a tall mountain, and the moon hung so low in the sky, she knew that she could reach out and touch it.  It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen, and it left her breathless.  Hugging Aaron around the waist, she leaned her head on his chest hearing his heartbeat in her ear as he wrapped his arms around her.

Amira did not want to wake up, but she knew that she was extremely uncomfortable.  Opening her eyes, she realized that it was because he was leaning hard against her still sound asleep. Shifting in the chaise, Aaron’s eyes immediately popped open. Staring into emerald green, he thought he must have died and gone to heaven.

Pushing her hair off her face, they both rolled so that they were facing side to side.

“Thank you.  I don’t know how you did that but thank you.”  She knew that he had to have gone into her bedroom again and went through her box to read her bucket list.  She was not angry with him but more sad, as she knew he did it because he knew that she was dying.

“I am trying really hard to be brave, Aaron, but am afraid I am not doing a very good job.”

“You are frightened of the feeding?  I would never intentionally hurt you, Amira.  You know that, right?”

Nodding her head, she closed her eyes, not ready to see what he was willing to show her.

“Please look at me.” He begged.

A solitary tear slid out from under her eyelash.  “You’re confusing me.” She whispered.

“Please, Amira.  Please look at me.”

Opening them again, she looked deeply into his.  Gently gripping her behind her head, he slowly moved her face closer to his stopping when her lips were a hairsbreadth from his.

“I want to kiss you.  I know it is not right, but I do.”  Groaning, he buried his face in her neck.  Mesmerized by the pulse, he touched his lips to her skin feeling it beating steadily.  She was no longer afraid, he was glad about that.  Taking his tongue, he pressed it softly on the pulse.  As if on its own, her hand went up to softly touch his head.  Pulling back, they stared at each other for many minutes before Amira moved closer to him pressing her lips on his.  Shocked, he held his breath as she moved back.  Unable to hold out anymore, he flipped her on her back pressing down on her as she opened her mouth allowing his tongue to move inside of her.  Groaning, it was a long time before he could pull away.  Staring at her lips, he knew that he needed this over and done with before he did something he really would regret.  Lowering his head again, he grazed her lips before moving to her ear whispering a soft promise.  “I will try and not hurt you too much, my sweet, Amira.”  Without giving her time to process his words, he drove his fangs into her neck.  The vampire in him roared to life as he heard her cry out.  Grabbing his hair, she tried to pull him away as pain shot through her as tears streamed down her face.  Within moments, the venom started to take hold, and her muscles relaxed enough for her fingers to slide down weakly, clutching his shoulders as he drank deeply from her.  Her blood tasted like honey.  Amira felt herself floating, no longer in pain.  Knowing he was drinking too long, he reluctantly pulled away, licking her wounds and sealing them closed.  Staring down at her, he noticed that she had passed out.  Kissing her again on the lips, he stood then bent to lift her in his arms carrying her back to the Manor.  Reaching the driveway, he was surprised to see his brother’s car already home. Aaron kissed her again on the forehead before kicking open the door to the manor.

Dragan looked up from organizing the syringes watching as his brother gently lay Amira down on his bed.

“How was it?”

“I did as you asked.  Let me know how it goes.”

Puzzled, he watched as a myriad of expressions flashed over Aaron’s face.  His brother looked upset.

“Are you ok?”

“Yes of course. Amira was a trooper. I am going to go lay down, I am not feeling so well.”

Remembering how bad he felt after drinking her blood, he nodded in sympathy. “Of course, and Aaron, thank you.”

Aaron looked one more time at Amira before stepping out of the room feeling his heart break as he did for a love he could never have.

CHAPTER 28

The laboratory was cold, but Dragan was sweating.  He had quickly found the mutant cells and was able to identify Aaron’s venom’s unique signature.  There was absolutely no reaction between her blood and his venom.  Slamming his fist down on the counter, all of the equipment jumped.  This was so frustrating.  Sinking down on the couch, he bowed his head. He needed to pray.  This time his prayer was for wisdom, guidance.  Anything to give him hope, but as always when he prayed, there was nothing - No voice, no angels appearing.

Covering his face, he cried out.  His tears were for her and for him.  He had only one test left to do, but he knew he had to be careful.  He had to feed on her again, but he knew that he could only take a small amount.  The anomaly grew in strength since the last time, and he knew that he was only making her death come closer by feeding and not finding a cure.

Deciding not to give up on his faith, he dropped to his knees and began begging as he had never done before.  Dragan begged for his life to be taken as a sacrifice for her, even if he was going to be thrown into the pits of hell, he would give up his dream of heaven; he begged for anything to prevent her from dying.  Stilling, he felt warmth surrounding him while tears streamed down his face at the comfort he felt in that embrace.  With gratitude, he thanked the one that renewed the hope in his heart.

Three angels stood next to Sebastian as he watched stunned at what took place in front of him.  Turning to the oldest of the three, and with tears brimming in his eyes, he tried to speak but nothing would come out.  The Angel placed his large hand on the young spirits shoulder watching the tears fall.  “To be touched by the hand of God is indeed a gift that only few know of.  Understand this!  It is not only his faith that is saving him, but yours Sebastian.  There is a long way to go with many decisions as to which path to take, but there is still hope.”

Standing to his feet, Dragan hurried back to his room.  Staring at the empty bed, he searched for a sound of her voice in the house.  Catching her laughter, he hurried to the kitchen finding her sitting at the counter with many plates in front of her.

“Hi, Dragan!”

“Hey, Amira.”  Bending over the top of her head, he kissed her softly.  “What is going on?”

“Nothing. I was starving, and I was just telling Chef that when a person says that they are hungry, he doesn’t need to cook a seven course meal.”

Smiling he looked at her face.  She had recovered quickly from Aaron feeding off of her.  “Good luck with that, Chef does the same with me.  You look good.”

“I feel good.  Thanks for noticing.   How can I not with all of this delicious food?”  Picking up a strawberry and dipping it in warm chocolate, she took a bite while looking up at him.  “Have you talked to Aaron?”

“Just briefly.  I really should check on him, but I am in the middle of something really important right now.  Amira, I need to speak to you in private, can you come to the office with me for a moment?”

“Uhm.  Guess so.”  She looked longingly at the food.

“Please, Amira.  It will not take long.”

Shrugging she waved her hand over the plates.  “Please do not remove one thing.  I will be back, this is too delicious to not finish.”

The chef blushed with pride.  “I will keep it warm for you, Miss.”

Following Dragan to the office, she sat as he closed the door.

“I am sorry, and I know you aren’t going to want to hear this, but I need to do one more test.”

“Really?  Now?”

“Amira, it is important!”

She sighed heavily.  “It always is.”

“Please don’t be this way.”

“When?”

His face blanched…”Now?”

Staring up at him, she noted the exhaustion on his face.  “Dragan, you need to sleep.”

“I can sleep later.  Please, Amira.”

Stepping into his arms, she pulled her hair to the side exposing her neck.  Looking down, he allowed his fangs to release noting her pulse beating hard.  Wrapping his arm around her neck, he held her in place.  Catching her eyes, he saw just a slight hint of fear registering in them.  Kissing her lightly on the lips, he turned quickly driving his fangs into her.  Moaning, she squirmed pushing against his hips in an attempt to get away.  Within seconds, he pulled away licking the wounds to seal them.

She looked up at him confused.  “That’s it?”

Laughing, he kissed her again before lifting the needle and specimen bottle off the desk.  “Not quite, my love, but you certainly are taking this in your stride.”

Several minutes later, he had her comfortably ensconced back into the kitchen, much to the Chef’s delight, before he ran back to the laboratory.

Hands shaking, he repeated the procedure as he had done over and over again for the past several weeks.

Making the sign of the cross, he bent over the microscope.  Heart leaping in his chest, he saw the venom attacking the mutant cells fiercely. That was the answer!  Writing his observations down, it was many hours before he laid the pen to the table.  He would need to process everything and get Aaron’s advice and thoughts.  For now, he was happy and very tired.

CHAPTER 29

Aaron could feel the last of Amira’s blood die off in his veins.  A small headache persisted, but he knew from experience that that too would fade soon.  Walking through the house, he was grateful it was late, knowing everyone would be asleep.  Hearing a door close outside, he headed toward the laboratory knowing it was his brother.  He needed to know what was going on.  Dragan had tried to come earlier to talk, but he could not even pay attention with his head hanging over the toilet bowl.

Seeing Dragan’s shadow, he caught up to him quickly.  They walked toward the lake in silence for several moments.

“It’s my venom, brother that kills the bad cells.  Not just my venom, and I don’t know why, but it only works when I am feeding from her directly.”

“That is weird, isn’t it?”

Letting out a heavy sigh, Dragan nodded.

“It certainly would be a lot easier if I could make vaccinations of the venom and inject her.  The control would be much easier and less dangerous.”

Aaron stopped walking grabbing his brother’s arm, gripping tightly.  “What do you mean dangerous?”

“Aaron, I don’t know how much will kill all of the cells.  Every last one needs to die otherwise it will just grow stronger.”

Aaron stared at his brother before he continued to walk.  “I know how much.”

“What?”

Aaron’s voice was low as he spoke.  “Do you remember when we were first turned by her?  We spent several months lost and scared out of our minds, and then we met that old woman in the Galloway Forest in Scotland.  You and I had just finished making a pact that we would figure out how to kill each other to end our misery.”

Dragan nodded remembering that dark period in their lives.  They both hated who they were and felt that death was the only solution to their circumstance.  Frowning, he looked at his brother wondering what that time 300 years ago had to do with the current circumstance.

Reaching the lake, Aaron walked to the waters edge staring out at the water.  “She gave me a book that night, kind of the ins and outs of being a vampire written by one a thousand years older than we were at that time.  I still have it.”

“Why is this the first time that I have ever heard of this, Aaron?”

Aaron’s voice was sharp.  “Because you wouldn’t listen to anything I had to say.  She told me a lot that night, Dragan, when she gave me the book.  She convinced me that suicide was not the answer and the reasons behind that option.  However, as in anything in life, there are so many fine lines, twists, and turns.  Many ‘ifs’.”

“So that is why you wouldn’t kill me.”

“Yes.  I knew that murder wasn’t the way out of our plight.”

Dragan thought back to the argument they had that night.  That argument cumulated into a span of lonely years for him as the twin’s separated for the first time.  The fight had been bad.  Going their separate ways was the only way they could figure themselves out.  After 100 years of killing and draining people of their blood, Dragan made the decision to renew his faith - which is how he had spent his last 150 years begging for forgiveness.

“Why are you telling me all of this now?  What does this have to do with Amira?”

Aaron turned staring at his twin.  “You can’t save her, Dragan.  Amira will die.”

“That can’t be true.”

Charging his brother, he tossed him into the air watching as he flew 100 feet along the shore.  Aaron grunted as he landed hard.

“My venom kills the bad cells.  It has to work, or I will die trying.”

Hissing, Aaron tackled his brother. “Well that is exactly what is going to happen if you try.”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“For her to live, you have to die; your life for hers, Dragan!”

Dragan stilled under his brother.  Aaron jumped to his feet.  Now he had his attention.

“What?!”

“You have to drain her, timing it perfectly, and the key is the heartbeat.  One in every so many seconds.  She will appear dead to the human eye, but she would live.  On the other hand, you would have ingested every one of the bad cells, and it will eat you alive inside causing your own death.  If it is not done right, both of you will die.  Dropping to his knees, he put both hands on his brother’s shoulders.  Dragan looked as if he were in shock.

“I can’t lose both of you, brother.  I can’t live without you!”

Dragan watched the tears fall down Aaron’s face, and he realized that he also was crying.

“She has a bucket list you know.”

“I’m sorry, I don’t understand, a bucket list?”

“Yes, in her closet in her bedroom.  Five things she wants to do before she dies.”

Aaron heart split in two at the anguish he heard in his brother’s voice.  He knew that this was not the time to tell him that he had seen her list.

“She wants to visit Nantucket.  I want to take her there.  We leave tomorrow.”  Aaron rose to his feet and walked from his brother, leaving him to sob alone.

CHAPTER 30

Amira ran at full speed across the sand.  Making Shadow give her a head start, she had a huge lead on him, but she knew that he would catch up with her.  After several minutes, Dragan watched the wolf charge after her, his tongue lolling out the side of his mouth, kicking up sand as he ran, a big grin on his hairy face.  Shaking his head, he followed them.  He never understood the running game of theirs but couldn’t help laugh aloud at watching her try to beat Shadow to the finish line.  She was stunning as she ran; her long legs with their muscles contracting under the effort caused a flash of desire to build within him.  Amira stopped abruptly, and Dragan watched as she grabbed at the wolf as he ran past, her fingers briefly touching the wolf fur.  Stopping before the finish line, the animal turned, watching her walk towards him, quickly stepping over the line, just as she reached him.

Dropping to the ground, she gasped for air wrapping an arm around his massive head as he dropped down next to her panting.

“You two are weird.”

“Takes one to know one, vamp man.”

Smiling, Dragan held out his hand to her, hauling her to her feet.  “Do you have your bathing suit on?”

“Of course!”

“Come with me then.”  Walking further down the beach, she saw a small boat pulled up on the shore. Helping her step in and waiting for Shadow to jump in, he sailed out to a larger boat that she had observed earlier that morning bobbing in the waves.

“Is that boat yours?”

“Yes.  I have a surprise for you, Amira.”

Amira watched him sail the small craft, the wind carrying them quickly to the large boat where a crew helped them climb the stairs.

Standing on the deck, Amira heard him speak to a man, whom she assumed was the captain.  After a brief conversation, Dragan led her to several chairs at the front of the boat.  A table had been placed next to them with several glasses.  Pouring Champagne into them, he handed one to her as her eyebrows rose in surprise.

“Are we celebrating something, Dragan?”

“We, my love, are celebrating us and checking a few items off of your bucket list.”

Grinning she looked up at him, the love he saw there filled him with bittersweet emotions.  He would remember this moment, hanging on to it like a treasure.  Tapping his glass with hers, she downed the contents completely before he could even take his sip.

Hearing a shout behind them, they both turned to see the crew point out to the water on the starboard side.  Amira looked out over the water while Dragan watched her expression, loving the way her eyes widened in shock then complete delight.  This time away was the best decision he made.

“Whales!!  You brought me to see whales!”  Running over to him, she wrapped her arms around his waist hugging him close.

“We can’t swim with them, but we can get pretty close!”

“But this is like swimming with them.  They are all around us!”  Amira squealed with delight at watching one of the whales expel the excess air from his blowhole, before diving back under the water. Shadow ran back and forth along the deck picking up her excitement. She screamed again as another leapt out of the water, only to twist and splash heavily.  They were on full display, and she was in heaven.  Dragan made the crew stay, only ordering them to head back when all of the whales had disappeared, and Amira’s teeth started to chatter from the cool evening air.

After docking, they walked the beach back up to the house, his eyes smiling as she sang, dancing her way up the stairs, twirling into the house.

James smiled at him as he held the door open.  “We had another great day I see.”

Amira hugged the butler tightly.  “Oh it was fantastic!  I saw whales, James!  They were so close, I could have reached out and touched them, but Dragan said that was too dangerous….oh, but I so wanted to do it.”

“Indeed, Miss.”  James caught the look of sadness pass across the vampire’s eyes before hiding it behind another smile.  There were so many moments that James kept catching the small looks of worry, and sadness.  He knew this trip was all for her, and everyone, who now knew she was dying, hid their sadness wanting to make this trip for her something she would remember until she took her last breath.

“Dinner will be ready in 30 minutes if you both would like to shower and change?”

“Amira, go on up, I will be there in a minute.”  All eyes watched as she walked up the stairs her smile still shining brightly.

“You have made her very happy, Dragan.”

“Yes.  I believe I have.”  Turning to his old friend, the smile left his face.  “We are leaving tomorrow, James, please inform the staff.”

“Yes, of course, Sir.”

Walking up the stairs following Amira, he heard the water running in the shower.  Sitting on the bed, he felt overwhelmed with his love for her and a huge sadness for a life they would never share together.  Nantucket was a blessing as it soothed his spirit while he finalized his plans for the upcoming week.  Shaking off his mood, he stood and undressed.  They still had tonight, and he was not going to waste it feeling sorry for them.

Amira lathered up the washcloth as the shower rained down on her.  The warm water felt heavenly over her chilled skin.  Hearing a noise, her hand stilled as she saw Dragan watching her.  Her eyes trailing over his perfect form, chiseled muscles, his waist tapering down, her eyes widened at his arousal, so blatant in front of her.

“Can I help you?”

Smiling, he stepped into the marble enclosure.  “I think that maybe you can, Amira.  Or, I could help you.”  Taking the washcloth from her hand, he hung it on the hook before reaching out trailing a group of bubbles that eased its way down her chest, sliding down the side of her breast to her stomach.  Her breath caught as his fingers lingered on her skin.  Placing both hands on her hips, he stepped closer to her, dropping his mouth to hers, gently nipping at them until she gave him access.  Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pressed her naked body against his.

“Dragan, we have to be down for dinner.”

“I know, Amira, and I am so hungry.”

Grabbing his face, she laughed up at him.  “Focus baby.  I am talking food.”

“Then let’s make this quick...”

Kissing down the side of her neck, his head lowered to her breast nuzzling before taking a nipple into his mouth sucking gently.  Moaning she pushed her fingers into his dark hair now saturated from the shower.  Gasping, he kissed her lower then dropping to his knees kissing her between her knees.  Amira’s eyes widened, shocked.  “Dragan, stop.”

Ignoring her, his mouth touched her finding her center, then sucking flicking her with his tongue he grabbed her with his lips, sucking softly at first then harder.  Gripping the sides of the shower, she felt her legs go weak as she felt her desire building where his mouth pressed.  Within seconds, her body shuddered as she felt it spreading throughout her body.  Standing quickly he grabbed her buttocks, lifting her up as if she weighed nothing.

She could hear the laughter in his voice.  “Hurry, Amira, we are going to be late for dinner.”

Reaching between them, her fingers directed him to where his mouth had just been.  Pressing her back up against the marble, he drove inside of her, thrusting hard as she clutched his shoulders for support.  Within moments, he grunted as he let go inside of her.

Amira felt him release her, holding her steady until her feet hit the floor.

“Holy shit!”

Dragan looked back at her smiling.  “Indeed.  Race you down stairs.”

CHAPTER 31

Staring out of the library window, Dragan watched as the rain poured down in torrents.  The dark clouds matched his mood.  Sighing heavy, he turned back to his work to find himself bumping into Aaron.

Looking at the ancient book on the desk, Aaron walked to the bar pouring himself and Dragan a drink, handing it to him before sitting on the couch. “What is wrong with you brother?  You have been a miserable wreck since you came back from Nantucket.”

Sitting in the chair, Dragan looked at Aaron. “What does faith mean to you?”

Aaron’s voice hardened.  “Absolutely nothing, but you know that.  Is that what this is all about, faith?”

Swiveling in his chair, Dragan stared back out at the pouring rain.  “The first day I met Amira, she read me like a book.   And she told me something I would never forget.”

Curious Aaron leaned forward listening intently.

“Aaron, she told me that she had met some Monk and that I needed to ‘embrace my suffering.’  He had told her that she had to stop swimming against the tide.  To let go and swim with the current and with faith in something greater than all of us, we would find tiny inlets to rest and gain courage to go back out into the raging water.  With that blind faith, she felt that I was to let go, knowing that there is someone that has already prepared my way.  Did you know that Amira came here to Echo Lake because she wanted to embrace her suffering?”

“Wow.  That is pretty deep.”

Turning back again in the chair, Dragan looked at his brother.  “I am trying to gain the courage to take that leap of faith, brother, into the raging water.  It is much harder than I thought.”  There was a long heavy silence before Dragan continued.

“Aaron, what are your feelings towards Amira?”

Aaron’s eyes narrowed, trying to read his brother’s face.

“She is an exceptional woman.  I have grown to have great affection for her.”

Dragan looked pleased at Aaron’s answer.  Nodding his head, he looked down at his hands.  “If anything happens to me, will you promise that you will look out for her?”

“Don’t talk like that.  Nothing is going to happen.  You have lived 335 years.  Really?”

“Please, just promise me.  If nothing happens then nothing happens, but the world is a strange place and now that I have found love, her life is fragile.  I need you to promise me.  There is no one I trust as much as you.”

Feeling a twinge of guilt thinking of him and Amira at the shore of Echo Lake, he hesitated.  “Of course, Dragan, I will always look out for her.”

A look of peace crossed Dragan’s face, and he stood.  “I must attend to my morning prayers.”

Aaron had a deep sense of impending doom but was not sure why.  As the gooseflesh broke out over his skin, he racked his brain trying to figure out the cryptic conversation.

“What are you planning on doing brother?”

Sensing his brother was fearful, he kept his tone light, closing the giant book on his desk.  “Nothing that you should be afraid of, Aaron, or worry about.”

Aaron poured another drink gulping it down as he watched his brother walk out of the room.  Gooseflesh broke out over his skin.  He didn’t believe Dragan for a moment, and he was very afraid.

Dragan stepped out into the hallway noting that James was waiting patiently by the front door with his umbrella.  “Ever faithful you are, thank you!”  Striding to the chapel quickly, he opened the door before turning around.  Saying a command to Shadow, he smiled when the wolf looked up at him as if confused.  “Come, there is nothing to be afraid of in here, and I will not be able to concentrate with you sitting in the pouring rain.  I certainly do not think God would mind.”  As if understanding, Shadow stepped over the threshold, head hung low, watching his master’s every move.

Walking to the pedestal holding the sacred holy water, he dipped his fingers in then made the sign of the cross on his skin. Turning to the wolf, he spoke again.  “Shadow, come!”  Shadow padded over standing obediently as Dragan blessed him as he had done himself.

Walking to the altar as he had done for over a hundred years, he bowed his head and began his prayers.

“What is going on Sebastian?”

Sebastian turned to his teacher with sad eyes.  “He is currently asking for forgiveness for his transgressions.”

The Elder looked irritated, but glancing at the three angels standing behind him, he dared not rebuke his young protégé.  The three had been constant companions for a while now. “Sebastian, has something changed again?”

Sighing deeply, Sebastian clasped his hands in front of himself, as did the three angels as Dragan prayed the “Our Father.” He really did not appreciate the interruption right now. “The vampire is thanking us for standing by him and being with him through this trial of his on earth.  He is not asking for anything for himself but only for the one he loves and for her health to be restored.  He is asking for forgiveness and mercy for his brother Aaron, whose lack of faith bothers him tremendously.  He is asking for a blessing and forgiveness to be bestowed on the evil one that put him in this condition for without it, he would never have met Amira.  Walking in this chapel today, he blessed the wolf that has remained faithfully by his side.  In essence elder, he is saying goodbye.”

Reverently and finally understanding what was happening, the Elder lowered his voice to a whisper.  “What is he going to do?”

“That we do not know.  In the Book of Life, many paths are drawn at this junction in his life.  The next 24 hours are a spider web of roads.  No one knows what the next move is.  The next 24 hours should tell the story.”

The oldest of the angels approached the two whispering.  Removing one of his cords tied around his waist, he handed it to the Elder.  “It is time for you to let your protégé go...”

Sebastian stilled as his teacher tearfully wrapped the gold cord around his student’s waist.  Saying a prayer, he twisted the tassel so that it fell down the right side of his leg.

The lead angel placed his hand on Sebastian’s shoulder.  “You have the potential of becoming a great leader to all, and may this cord represent our faith in you for it is your faith and belief in the fallen which have shown us your kindness and perseverance.  What ever happens over the next few human days, you must believe that your job was well done, good and faithful servant.”

Turning to the Elder, his voice this time had an edge to it.  “Elder.  Learn from your student.  May you continue to learn humility and realize that not everything is as it seems.”

All eyes turned as they watched Dragan walk out of the chapel.

Sebastian’s voice, heavy with emotion, spoke in the empty silence of the room.  “It has begun.”

CHAPTER 32

Dragan inhaled deeply as he stepped out of the Chapel.  No one would be expecting him to make an appearance for several more hours.  All of these years, his mediations had always taken two to three hours out of his day.

Looking down at Shadow, he touched the fur as tears filled his eyes.  He loved the wolf and wondered at how it would react when he was gone.  Walking slowly through the woods, he followed the familiar path to the cottage.  His soul felt light as he walked, the pouring rain seeming to cleanse him.

Reaching her front door, his hand shook, and he closed his fist, breathing deeply to steady his nerves before knocking.

Amira opened the door, eyes widening at seeing Dragan standing before her.  Jumping into his arms, she hugged him tightly.  “Finish up early today, did we?”

“Can I come in?”

Stepping aside, she waved him in.  “Of course, silly.  I was just making some tea.”

Dragan turned to Shadow commanding him to stay outside.

Amira looked up questioningly when she saw Shadow obey.

“What are you doing?   Let him come in, Dragan.”

Amira called out to the wolf, Dragan watched Shadow not move but looked at him questioningly.

“Fine, let him enter.”

“Come here, Shadow!”

Seeing Dragan nod, the wolf leapt through the door taking his normal seat in the corner on his bed, a bone now protectively held in his strong jaws.

“Why did you ask him to stay outside?”

“It doesn’t matter.”  Grabbing her hand, he pulled her towards him.  Smiling, Amira wrapped her arms around his waist hugging him to her tightly.

His body reacted immediately to her scent and touch.  Pulling back, he smiled down at her.  “Any plans for this morning?”

Shaking her head, she smiled back up at him.  “No, not really, too miserable to do anything.”

“I think it is a perfect day to stay in bed.”

Blushing, she felt the quiver of excitement rush through her.

“I thought that you had to go into work today?”

Dragan hesitated, and then pulling on her hand, drew her in the direction of the bedroom.

“I decided to call in.  Life is too short, and I wanted to live in the moment.  Isn’t that what you told me when we first met?”

Amira threw back her head laughing loudly.

Smiling down at her, Dragan’s eyes lit up, knowing in watching her that he had made the right decision.

“Yes.  I guess I did.  I didn’t realize just how much that was going to work to my benefit though.”  Releasing his hand, she ran to the bedroom ahead of him as he chased after her.  Tackling her as they both dropped to the bed causing it slide slightly along the floor.

Rolling her over onto her back, he brushed her hair out of her eyes staring down again into the brilliant emerald ones.

“I love you, Amira.”

“I love you too, Dragan!”

Lowering his head, he kissed her gently on the side of her mouth then the other side.  She attempted to move her head to catch his lips, but he evaded her each time.  Bringing her hand up, she slipped her fingers in his hair, closing her eyes as he trailed his tongue down her throat, hesitating when he felt the steady beat.  Counting each pulse, trying to gauge its rhythm, before continuing down to the v in her shirt.   Sliding his hands underneath her clothes, he pulled it up gently.

“You always wear too many clothes, Amira.”

“I will see what I can do about that in the future, Dragan.”

She gasped as he worked the fabric over her head as he sucked on first one nipple then the other.

Amira squirmed on the bed.  His hands seemed to be everywhere at once on her body, and it was several minutes before she even realized that she was completely naked, and he was completely dressed.

Tugging on his shirt, she worked at removing his clothes.  Growling at her, he pulled her hands on top of her head.

“Dragan, let me go; I want to touch you.”

“Not yet.  Right now, it is your turn.”

She tried to pull her hands free, but he held them tightly in one hand.  Knowing it was useless, she stopped trying, but she felt exposed.

Nipping the side of her breast, his other hand stroked her rib cage moving slowly lower until he reached her center.  Her hips seemed to move of their own volition.  Dragan kissed her again on the mouth, pushing his tongue aggressively through her lips, sucking on her tongue as he pushed his finger up inside of her, moaning at feeling her tighten around him.  Letting go of her hand, he shifted to lie on top of her.  Amira grabbed at his shirt again, this time successfully sliding it up to his shoulders.  Grunting impatiently, he sat up on his knees, straddling her as he yanked it over her head before dropping back down on her, pressing his hips hard against her pelvis.  She could feel him throbbing through the fabric of his pants, and she wanted nothing more than him. Instead, he continued to thrust his hips against her.  Panting she realized that he was going to make her come just like that.

Her voice husky and deep, she started to beg.  “Please, Dragan!”

Ignoring her pleas, he kept thrusting, kissing her deeply.  Losing her breath, she turned her head to the side, not before he caught her bottom lip, biting down breaking through the skin.  Sucking she tasted her own blood on her tongue, as she felt the first wave take over her.  Looking up, she saw his eyes redden from her blood, and her body convulsed.

Dragan jumped off the bed, sliding his pants off, before moving on top of her again.  Her body still throbbed as he reached between them, guiding himself into her.  Pushing into her now tight body, he moaned trying to keep his head together.  He had to time everything right.  Looking down at her swollen lips, the blood still seeping from it, he licked at the wound allowing his fangs to drop.  Amira’s heart leapt in her chest, remembering what it felt like the last time they made love as he fed off of her.

His hands felt rough against her skin as he squeezed her breast tightly.  Moaning, her head moved frantically on the pillow.  She was still on fire.  Dragan knew she was standing on the precipice again.  Driving hard against her, the bed slamming against the wall, he fought to hold it together.

“No matter what happens today, Amira, remember I will love you for all time.”

His words barely registered in her brain as he picked up speed with a desperate urgency.  Holding her head to one side on the pillow, Dragan could not stop his release.  Losing himself in her, he drove his fangs deep in her neck barely registering her scream as he felt the rush of blood entering his mouth.  Blackness hovered over him, and he fought the urge to pass out as he continued to drink.

Shadow scratched at the bedroom door frantically, barking and howling.  Panic set in the wolf as he felt the energy change in the cottage.  Jumping through the open window, he ran hard to the manor searching for the only one that could help.

Aaron heard the howl before seeing Shadow.  Tearing down the stairs, he was outside before the wolf reached the front stairs turning back into the woods at seeing Aaron, expecting the vampire to follow.  Sensing the panic in the animal, he watched as he was lost within the trees.  Fear spread through him.   Looking to the Chapel, he did not hear his brother in prayer, only feeling a hollow emptiness from the building.

“Please, no, Dragan.   Please no!”

Picturing the cottage in his mind, he transported himself to the front door, reaching it before the wolf.  Ripping open the door, he burst through the cottage and then into the bedroom. She lay motionless under his brother.  Grabbing Dragan’s shoulders, he tried to pull him off Amira, realizing that he couldn’t or Dragan’s fangs would rip her neck open.  Watching in horror, he could hear his brother counting in his head.  One, two, three…One two, three.

“Dragan, please don’t do this.”

“It is too late brother.  Remember, you promised to take care of her.  One…two…..One….two……One.  I love you Aaron, please forgive me.”

Retracting his fangs, Dragan rolled off her and onto his back.  He felt so strange.  He expected pain not this floating sensation.  Seeing blackness, tears streamed down his face knowing that he would be banished to hell, and he was afraid.  So lost in death’s grip, he did not feel his brother shaking him.  Several minutes later, Dragan saw a pinprick of light off in the distance.  Curiously, he watched it grow, pushing the heavy darkness away.  As it became brighter, he saw that a light mist swirled all around him.  Confused, he looked at the three figures walking toward him.  They were all talking earnestly amongst themselves, swords drawn clutched in their powerful hands.  Even though he could not hear their words, he had the sense that they seemed to be just as confused as he was.

CHAPTER 33

“Miss Amira?  Miss Amira can you hear me?”  Amira heard the voice as if from far off.  Trying to focus on James’s voice, her head turned weakly on the pillow.  A hand slapped her wrist, the voice now filled with excitement.  “That’s it, Miss Amira, you can do it.”

Weakly opening her eyes, she moaned again.  It took her eyes some time, but soon she was looking up into James’s old face, which was grinning down at her.  “Oh, Miss, you gave us such a fright.”

She felt so tired.  Closing her eyes, she heard the bedroom door open as James ran out of the room.  It seemed like an eternity but it was only minutes later she felt someone grab her head.  Trying to move away from the strong touch, she made a face.

“Amira, please open your eyes.”  Hearing Aaron’s thick accent, she again tried to open her eyes.  “That’s it sweetheart, you can do it!”

Looking into dark eyes, she saw relief reflected in them.

“What happened, Aaron?  I do not feel so good.  I need Dragan.”

She watched as Aaron’s eyes filled with tears before she succumbed again to sleep.

“Sir?”

Aaron lowered his head in relief.  “She is going to make it, James.   The son of a bitch did it.”  James looked at Aaron confused.  “If I am correct old man, Dragan healed her.  Please get Dr. Kingsley out here to take some blood.”

“Of course, Sir.”

James turned the handle on the door.  Turning back around, he looked down at the man now kneeling at the side of the bed holding Amira’s hand. A mournful howl came from outside.  Both men looked towards the window.

“We have placed his body in his beloved chapel.  Shadow still will not eat or leave his side, and no one can get close to the wolf.”

Nodding, Aaron held back the sob until he heard the click of the latch on the door.  Pressing Amira’s hand to his lips, he wept into her warmth.

Amira woke several hours later feeling better than she had her whole life.  Listening to the sounds of the house, she shifted in the bed.  Startled, she looked at Aaron as he slept sitting in the chair next to her, his head resting on his folded arms on the mattress.  He looked tired even in sleep.  Brushing his hair with her fingers, she watched him wake quickly.

“Hi ya, Aaron.  Where’s Dragan?”

She watched as tears filled his eyes, making no attempt to hide them from her, her heart pounded painfully in her chest.

“Aaron, where is Dragan?”

Struggling to remember what happened, the only thing she could remember was making love.

“Amira, I am sorry, but he is gone.”

“What do you mean, gone?”

Hearing a loud howl come from outside, her startled look scanned Aaron’s face.

“He is dead, Amira.   He died, to give you life.”

“No.  Please, no, Aaron.  Please tell me this is a joke.”

Shaking her head in denial, she jumped out of the bed hurrying to the window.  Looking out of the glass toward the chapel, she saw Shadow standing forlornly facing the door of the old building, his nose almost touching the ground, shoulders sagging in grief.  Every few moments he would lift his giant white head and let out a long howl.

Her heart broke in two watching him grieve alone, and she screamed out to him. “Shadow!”  Feeling her legs give away, she started to fall.  Aaron was there to catch her.  “Help me to dress, Aaron.  I have to go to Shadow.”

“Amira, you need to rest, and no one can get close to him right now.  He snarls and tries to bite anyone that does.”

Amira gritted her teeth tightly trying to hold herself together as a physical pain ripped through her heart.  Dragan was dead!  “Take me to that poor wolf now! Or I will do it myself.”

Several minutes later, Aaron stood on the balcony watching Amira as she stepped across the manicured grass towards the little chapel. Shadow, hearing her approach turned snapping and snarling.  Recognition burst from him at seeing her, and he immediately started whining, running at her.  Amira met him half way as both wolf and human dropped to the ground attempting to console each other.  Feeling the tears filling his eyes again, Aaron turned and walked back into the house giving them the privacy they needed.

CHAPTER 34

Dragan did not know how much time had passed and suspected that where he was time did not matter.  He had attempted to speak to the three figures, but they only would look at him saying nothing.  It seemed to him that they were waiting for something or someone, but he was not sure what.  He wished that he could see Amira or his brother wanting to know if his sacrifice was worth it.

Feeling a shift in energy, he watched curiously as they turned away from him, looking through the mist as if they could sense something that he could not.  After a period of time, Dragan saw him. This one was not like the others, and he definitely seemed younger in spirit.

Nodding his head to the angels, they stepped aside as he walked through them and directly towards him. Dragan liked him immediately.

“I know you, but I don’t know why.”

“Hello, Dragan.  We have never met, but I have been with you since you were born, so I probably feel familiar...”

“Are you my guardian angel?”

Sebastian laughed easily.  “I am definitely not an angel.”  Turning, he pointed to the three standing guard over them.  They are angels, and they have been watching over you until I could return to you.  You are either an angel or you are not.  In your world, many people believe that when you die some become these great heavenly beings but it is not possible. Our Father created these beings to serve, some as messengers, some as protectors, but all to serve the Alpha and Omega.  They judge no one and do nothing without his permission.”

“And you?”

“I was as you were once - a human that died.  Each soul has a purpose, Dragan, when it is placed in human form.  Some live for only seconds when the sperm reaches the egg, some for days, some for years.  All predetermined.  Your journey as a human is not to be taken lightly, and no matter what challenges you face, it is hoped that the human spirit recognizes the gift that was bestowed on them, and that they live their life with purpose.”

“And what is that purpose?”

“To love unconditionally, not only others, but themselves.”

“Then I have failed.”

Sebastian paused.  “How did you fail, Dragan?”

“I have hated who I was almost my entire life.”

“No, you have not.  You hated who you were forced to become.  There is a difference.  You loved greater than most.”

“But I am undead.”

“You were undead.  That small difference is why you have been suspended for so long here.  Your faith did not go unrecognized all of these years my son.  Normally, the dark angels would have taken you to their lair.  For some reason, they could not touch you.  We were unsure what to do with you as you are unable to enter the gates of heaven, or hell, because you were soulless.”

Sadness enveloped his heart as he listened to Sebastian’s words.  “So there is no hope for me?”

Sebastian placed a gentle hand on Dragan’s shoulder.  “I have learned through watching you all of these years, that there is always hope, my young friend.  It seems that your unselfish act of love was the determining factor for the One that sees all, and he has read your heart.”

Not understanding, Dragan searched Sebastian’s face wondering why this spirit was smiling.

“You are to prove yourself worthy of entering the gates of heaven.”

“How am I to do that?”

“Well, the only way we see that you can is by allowing you to return and proving it to us in human form.  You are graced with the opportunity to be resurrected back in human form, and your soul is intact once again.”

Dragan looked incredulous at the man before him, barely comprehending his words before feeling a bolt of lightning strike him.  It felt like every part of his body was being ripped apart and put back together.  Feeling a warm light surround him, he dropped to the ground losing all sense of consciousness.

Amira woke with a start, her heart pounding frantically.  Catching a movement in the darkness, she saw Shadow walk to the French doors trying to peer through the window whining.

“Amira, what is it?”

Throwing the sheets back, she jumped out of bed walking hurriedly to Shadow.  “I don’t know, Aaron.  Something has Shadow all worked up.”

Aaron and Amira stared out the window, searching the darkness.  “What the hell?”  Aaron stepped through the doors leading outside.  There was a light shining through the stained glass of the chapel windows.  Before he could say anything, they watched stunned as the heavy door slowly opened.  Shadow growled, every hair on his body stood straight up in the air.

“If someone messed with my brother, I will rip their heart out.”  Both vampire and wolf jumped over the balcony ledge racing to the figure now staggering out of the building.

Amira could not believe her eyes.  The figure reminded her of Dragan, but it couldn’t be possible.  “Aaron, NO!!!”  The scream echoed over the lawn.   Aaron stopped, turning to look up at her.

A voice reached out to him.

“Hello, Brother.”

“Dragan?!  Is it really you?”

Shadow sniffed the air curiously at the semi-familiar figure in front of him.  “If it is you, brother, then why does your wolf not recognize you?”

“Because I am human again.”

“What?!”

“I have been spared.”

Aaron watched as Dragan weakly dropped to his knees, before gaining enough of his senses to rush over and help him back to his feet.

“Dragan!!!!”  Both men watched as Amira ran full speed towards them.  By now, Shadow had gotten over the new scent realizing that this was indeed his master and jumped around all three figures.

Wrapping her arms around his waist, she pulled him in close.  “You’re not dead.  We thought you were dead.”

Catching his brother wincing, Aaron extricated Amira’s arms from Dragan.  “Amira, he is human now.  I have to get him inside.”  With his arms around his brother’s waist, Aaron hurriedly half carried him inside the manor calling out to James as they reached the foyer.  James ran out from the kitchen, stopping in stunned disbelief as his eyes met Dragan’s.

“Hey, James.  How’s it going?”

“Sir…your….Oh my God.”

“James, quickly, please get some hot soup, something…anything.”

Pulling himself together, James ran back towards the kitchen as they slowly walked up the stairs to Dragan’s room.  Easing him down on the bed, both Amira and Aaron looked at each other before looking back at the man lying on the bed.

“I would appreciate you both stop staring at me.  I will tell you everything in a minute.  I just need to catch my breath. This body feels like it is starving, and I am incredibly cold at the moment.   Turning away from him, Amira turned on the fireplace.  Shock setting in at realizeing that he was alive, and her body shook uncontrollably.  Aaron ran over wrapping his arms around her.  Pressing her face into his chest, she whispered.  “Aaron, how can this be?  Is it really him?”

“I don’t know, Amira.  It could be a trick.  We have to listen to what he has to say.”

“Can you two stop whispering and come over here please?  As I am no longer a vampire, I cannot eavesdrop as I did before.”

Pasting a smile to her face, Amira walked back to the bed sitting on the edge hesitating before putting her hand on top of his cold one.

“I know that it is hard to believe, but it is real.”

Spending the next hour, he told of his decision before leaving Nantucket to give his life for Amira’s, realizing that he had no life anyway as a vampire, and the thought of living without her was not an option.  Dragan was more hesitant speaking of Sebastian and the three angels, overwhelmed still with the feelings of gratitude that they had stayed with him through all those years, he really was never alone in his grief.

“So your faith did work after all, brother.”

Catching and holding Aaron’s gaze, Dragan nodded.  “Indeed it did, not in the way I expected, but it worked.”

Dragan could not read the dark expression that crossed Aaron’s face before he stepped out the door.  Compassion towards his brother caused his heart to constrict.  No longer were they linked as vampires, and he could not even begin to imagine what Aaron was going through.

Looking back to Amira, he brushed the hair away from her face cupping her cheek in his hands.  Eyes welling with tears, she placed her hand over his.

“I am so mad at your for taking the chance that you did.”

“I know, but I couldn’t watch you die, Amira.”

Nodding in understanding, she slid into the bed next to him believing finally that it really was him pressing light kisses on his lips.  Having felt his death, she understood the pain of losing the one you love and the sacrifice he made for her.

Emotion overtook her causing her voice to shake.  “You cured me, Dragan.  There are no longer any anomalies in my blood.  In fact, my blood is perfect in every way.  You saved me.”  Punching him in the chest, he grunted.  “Don’t ever do that to me again!”

Pulling her to him, he kissed the top of her head.  “Promise!”

Shadow waited until both people fell asleep before stepping up onto the mattress, lying down at their feet, he watched over them as they slept, a grin coming over his hairy face.

EPILOGUE

Aaron dropped to his knees on the forest floor, sitting back on his heels while throwing his arms out wide, his eyes looked up at the dark sky while a primal wail rose up from deep inside of him.  The sounds of his pain echoed throughout the woods.  With nothing left to spend, he gasped for breath.  He could not believe how physically painful it was to see his brother human again, knowing he was still a vampire.  The loneliness was too much for his heart to bear.

Losing all sense of time, it was several hours later before he rose to his feet.  His body numb from staying in one position for so long as his mind raced trying to figure out what his next move was, unsure if staying at the Manor would be the wisest decision.  Now that Dragan was human, he would be susceptible to all of the human ailments.  Whatever years they had left together, he did not really want to spend those years apart from his twin.

Walking slowly down the path back to the manor, he thought of Amira.  Would he be able to stay knowing that he had a deep affection for his brother’s girlfriend?  Living close to her and Dragan, watching them grow old together was a curse in its own way.

Aaron realized how his life stretched out bleakly and pathetically in front of him. Thinking of the old book and all of the knowledge he had picked up over the past few months in re-reading the ancient words, he worried about the consequences of Dragan’s actions in being allowed to become human.  Their turning was due to a debt that was paid from the gypsies to an old order that he knew nothing about.  He was sure that whoever had their souls would not be happy at losing one of those souls back to the light, especially if that soul was from a twin.  Once Dragan’s soul was discovered missing, he had no doubt that retribution would be headed their way in full force.  Sighing deeply, Aaron realized that he just answered his own question as to whether or not he was going to stay.  Setting aside his own despair, he knew that he would protect the two that he loved with everything he had in his being.

Coming to the end of the path, he could see the great lawn stretching out before him.  He felt better now that he had made a decision about his immediate future.  Standing still just inside the tree line, he stared at the stately manor.  Watching as a light turned on the first floor from one of the staff ready to start a new day.   It was such a beautiful house with its stone façade and small turrets placed strategically around the architecture.  Some parts of the house always looked like a castle to Aaron, smiling now at his brother’s whimsical imagination.

Catching a flash of a movement among the tree line further down from where he was, Aaron peered through the early morning light wondering if his tired eyes were playing tricks on him.  Again, he caught the same movement but closer now to the house.  Someone was definitely trying to approach the manor undetected.

Stepping back under the protection of the trees, he ran quickly through the woods.  Within seconds, he was in the spot that he had last seen the intruder.  Quickly glancing around, he could neither hear nor see any movement.  Frowning, he stepped out onto the great lawn.  He could not have been that off.  Faintly he heard a sound he had not heard in over a century, that of an arrow being pulled tight on a bow.  Dropping down to the ground, he rolled quickly off to the side before the arrow could make its mark through his back.  Flying through the air in the direction that the arrow left from, his body slammed into a hooded figure.

A snarl came from his foe at being caught, and in the next moment, shock crossed Aaron’s face as he found himself flying through the air before slamming hard into one of the large oak trees. hard.  Losing his breath from the impact, he had no time to collect himself before he was picked up again and tossed through the air.  Twisting his body, he was able to control his fall, and he landed on his feet.  Anger flowed through his veins, and he released his fangs.

“You have picked the wrong day to mess with me, my friend.”

Aaron charged his opponent, grinning with satisfaction when within moments he had the person pinned to the ground.  Relishing the body squirming underneath him, his fingers tightened around the neck of his attacker, his rage within him wanting to finish them off but logic told him that would not be wise.

Using his free hand, he reached down and ripped off the hooded mask that was covering the other vampire’s face.  Shocked, Aaron’s fingers loosened slightly as long red curls released from the fabric and fell around one of the most beautiful faces he had ever seen.  He found himself staring into angry, gray eyes.  His attacker was a woman.

“What are you doing here, bitch?”  He could sense no fear within her.

“I was sent to kill you, Dragan Reynell.”

Aaron hissed loudly.  “You use a name that has not been spoken for a long time, and I hate to break it to you, but I am not Dragan.  I am Aaron Reynell.”

Aaron saw confusion flash across her face.  “You are supposed to be in England.”  Stammering now, she finally seemed fearful.

“Your brother, he is still alive?”

Aaron had enough; it had been a long three days.  Shifting, he jumped to his feet hauling her up with him. Never releasing his fingers from around her neck, he dragged her toward the manor.

“Please, don’t!  Kill me now, Aaron!  I beg of you!!”

Stunned, he looked down at her.  She was terrified, and she was serious in wanting to die.  Her already pale skin seemed to have gone even paler.

“Talk, then maybe I will take mercy on you and kill you.”

Speaking rapidly now, as if she was running out of time, she looked him directly in his eyes.  “I was sent from one that knew you and your brother a long time ago.  An ancient oracle spoke of a possible redemption for your brother’s soul, and that he was to be killed before the redemption was to take place.  It seems I am too late?”

Aaron nodded his head.

Grabbing his arms, she tightened her fingers digging into his skin her voice lowering to a whisper.  “Please kill me, vampire - I beg you.”

No longer filled with the rage of a few minutes ago, Aaron felt compassion for her.

“I will not kill you now.  It seems our destiny is now entwined, you are more useful to me alive than dead.”

“You have no idea what will be coming after you, Aaron, and not just you but every person that you love.  Are you ready for battle?”

Gooseflesh broke over his skin at her words, and he felt a deep sense of foreboding once again.

Aaron’s voice was clipped and icy as dark red eyes stared into gray ones, his anger rising again. “I will tell you, as God as my witness, they have no idea who they are coming after.”

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“Aaron’s Revenge”

Book Two of the Manor at Echo Lake Trilogy

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