A Vampire Saved My Life! GREAT! – But at what cost?

Chapter 1

She was just out of high school and had no idea what to do with her life. Lucky for her, her mother and father had it all planned out, she would marry rich. Yep, that was they’re wonderful plan! The only problem was that they new no one that was rich, living in the slums had a tendency to drive all the rich, sparkling, covered in diamond men away. And thank God! Getting married was the last thing she wanted to do in her whole life, ever. All her parents ever did was fight and bicker till they turned on her, and tried to guilt trip her into what they wanted, which was usually more alcohol. No, she didn’t want to get her parents more alcohol, in fact its probably the only reason that they weren’t alcoholics was because she refused to buy boos for them. What she did want more than any thing in the world was to go to art school, she had saved since about grade five, every penny dime and nickel, all stashed away under her floor boards under her bed. She wasn’t even close to what the tuition cost but it was a start. And maybe by the time she was around thirty she might be able to go. It was hard to save up money when she was the only one that worked, the only one that paid the bills and got the food. And all of that off a minimum wage job. She was surprised she had stayed a float this long.
“Natasha!” Her father bellowed from across the room, sitting in his rugged lazy chair, watching the small T.V.
“Yes?”
“Go get me ice cream.” Natasha sighed, pausing at her rhythmic chopping of the vegetables for supper.
“I’m making supper, you’ll be too full after Dad.”
“Did I ask for supper?”
“No, but I just-”
“NO! NO! I DIDN’T! That’s right! Now where’s my ice cream!” Natasha dropped the sharp knife on to the wooden chopping block before she threw it at him. “Are you going?”
“Yes dad, I need to get milk any way.”
“Chocolate!”
“Yea, I know.” She grabbed her purse, wondering how she was going to pay for the milk and ice cream. She stopped right before the door and turned left, heading up the stairs.
“WERE ARE YOU GOING! GET MY ICECREAM!” He bellowed.
“I KNOW, I JUST NEED TO GRAB MY PURSE!”
“HURRY UP!” She ran into her room, and moved the covers of her made bed aside, and pulled the worn floor boards up, she grabbed a ten as she promised her self she would replace it tomorrow. She quickly pushed the boards back into place and flopped her bed covers over. She ran back down the stares and walked out the door. She walked down to the gas station, opened the door.
“Hey Jimmy.” She said as she walked passed the front counter.
“Hey! What are you doing here?”
“Dad wants ice cream.”
“I cant believe he can even fit another table spoon into his fat belly. Why do you put up with them?”
“They’re my parents, Jimmy. I have to look after them.”
“They have to look after themselves.”
“Look, they looked after me, now I have to look after them. Its ok. Don’t worry about me Jimmy.” Natasha said as she opened the cooler and grabbed her fathers favorite ice cream, then leaned over and grabbed a jug of milk.
“I can’t help it… You know we would make a great couple.” Natasha smiled.
“Right, until my parents force a wedding finger on your left hand.” She laughed as she put the milk and ice cream on the counter.
“Right, forgot about that part.” She laughed at his blush. Jimmy was a good guy, but he was a guy, only wanting one thing.
“So how much?”
“7.27″ She pulled the ten out of her pocket and watch it disappear into the till. He gave her the little change back and bagged the food.
“Thanxs.”
“See ya.”
“Bye!” She walked out of the gas station and started walking back to her home. She watched her feet, move the ground behind her. The air was cold with the coming night, but not so cold it made her shiver. She used to like nights like these when she was yonger, the perfect temperature to paint out side. She had to sell her paints and canvas to pay the bills long ago. She missed painting, missed getting away from her life, missed the calm it brought.
“Give me your purse!” Natasha’s head flew up, a man stood before her, a jagged knife in his hand.
“I don’t have anything.”
“I SAID GIVE ME YOUR PURSE!” She jumped as he screamed at her, taking a threatening step toward her. She threw her purse on the ground beside him. He quickly bent and grabbed it, shuffling through it while keeping an eye on her. There’s nothing in this piece of shit!”
“I told you, I don’t have any money.” He dropped her purse and swiftly walked toward her, his hand came up faster than she expected, the knife cut into her like butter, she hardly felt the pain through her panic. She didn’t remember falling, only feeling the cold ground against her skin, as she watched him run off. The cold seeped into her warm body as she felt her blood soak her shirt. She was cold now. She couldn’t move, her limbs frozen in the pain that suddenly over whelmed her.
When the dark boots came into her dull sight she didn’t know how long she had been laying there. She saw him crouch down, and saw his cold fingers drag across the ground where her blood hand spilled out. She watched as he fingered the blood and then lifted his hand out of her sight, up to his face. She was so cold, she couldn’t even shiver, her muscles tight and locked. She heard him grown deep, almost growl. Why wasn’t he helping her, why wasn’t he taking her to a hospital? She wanted to yell at him, scream and kick, show him she was still alive that it wasn’t too late, if he hurried. She tried to look up at him through her heavy eyes, they wouldn’t open more then a sliver. It took much strength to look up to she looked a head of her, seeing the sun set, it would have been beautiful to paint. He shifted closer to her, blocking her sight of the sun set. He moved his face down to hers. Brilliant blue. He had blue eyes. She couldn’t hang on any more, couldn’t stay awake, stay alive, she had to let go. She let her eyes slide closed before she lost control of her body and went limp.

Darkness was all she knew after that.

Chapter 2

Brilliant blue. He had blue eyes. She couldn’t hang on any more, couldn’t stay away, stay alive, she had to let go. She let her eyes slide closed before she lost control of her body and went limp.

Darkness was all she knew after that.

When she woke she felt warmth and softness encompassing her. She was laying on her back, the light threatening the darkness beneath her eye lids was normal, but something was different, there was a dull pain. She could hear her heart beat in her ears, the comforting beat almost lulling her back to sleep, but there was something more, something besides the pain, something that her senses were urging her slow, sleepy mind to pick up on. That’s when she felt him. He moved slightly, his arm gently snaking around her middle. Shooting pain drove up her spine and back down to her tows. She couldn’t help whimper, as she tried to remember what had happened, and where she was. The arm suddenly jerked away from her, the sudden movement leaving her in more pain.
“Oh, sh.it!” His voice was unfamiliar, deep and oddly very smoothing, and seductive, even in a swear. Natasha tried to force her eyes open, the strength it took surprised her. Her eyes slid open a sliver and she instantly had to blink back the sting of the light. She felt the bed shift under her as he moved. A moment later the problem of light was gone, covered by the blinds. She slid her eyes open again, blurry images filling her eye sight. She couldn’t understand any of the things she saw, rich colors surrounded her, deep red and back mixed perfectly, beautifully. But however beautiful it was it was still strange to her. She forced her eyes to focus as she blinked once then twice. The images slowly coming clear. A fireplace, but no fire, above it a landscape painting of the ocean, at either sun rise or sunset, the sun casting fiery colors across the water, the painting was done so well it almost looked like a photograph. She tore her eyes away from painting to see the man slowly moving toward her. He wore black silk pants, his chest was bear, and his hair lightly array. But as her eyes captured his face her breath was taken from her fragile body. He was angelic, perfect in every way. His jaw positioned perfectly, to draw attention to his luscious lips, and his lips just below his perfectly position nose. Then his eyes. Eyes that could, all on their own, capture and hold the perfect vibrancy the rest of his body held. “Are you alright?” His voice was just a whisper yet it held strength and passion that would have left Natasha speechless, if she hadn’t been already. “If I cause you pain it was unintentional.” He said coming out of his whisper, but still speaking softly. She didn’t understand why he was defending himself against such and accidental act… in the same bed she was… she tried to force her mind to work, to bring back the missing pieces in her memory, to figure out who this man was, and why she was here. She drew breath into her suddenly burning lungs. She coughed a bit, but that bought another pain altogether, sharp pain that made her gasp out. She closed her eyes against the tears that had automatically come with the pain.
“Careful, you’re still very week.” She looked up at him, he was suddenly very close to her.
“Wher-” She tried to speak but her mouth and throat was so dry that she couldn’t get out her multitude of questions. He swiftly picked up a glass of water with a straw in it, and held it by her mouth, his actions were kind, yet looked uncomfortable as he did them.
“You’re in my home. You’re safe.” She gulped the water through the small straw as she looked up at his blue eyes. She quickly finished the glass of water and watched as he moved the glass to the side table. “No more questions for now, just rest.” And as if just by his words she closed her eyes, and all too quickly fell back into her sleep.

Chapter 3

“You’re in my home. You’re safe.” She gulped the water through the small straw as she looked up at his blue eyes. She quickly finished the glass of water and watched as he moved the glass to the side table. “No more questions for now, just rest.” And as if just by his words she closed her eyes, and all too quickly fell back into her sleep.

When she woke the second time, he wasn’t there. She was disappointed at that, but not disappointed that most of the pain she had that last time she woke had diminished. She opened her eyes, taking in the slightly familiar room. She turned her head on the pillow and looked around the room. Every thing was beautiful about this place, the walls were white, but had crown molding of a dark red, and then all of the furniture around the room was black, with red high lights. She saw a door to her left, it was slightly open, showing a long hallway cascading away from the room. She moved her arms to her sides and started to lift her body into a sitting position, however as soon as she had moved the slight, almost unnoticeable dull ache in her body suddenly reared into a sharp breath taking stab.
“AH!” She whimpered as her arms buckled from the sudden pain. She tried to ease her body back down, gently but ended up flopping back into the soft sheets. She blinked back the tears that seemed to be connected with her pain tolerance. She breathed in, trying to calm the sharp pain. She placed a hand on her stomach were the pain had pulled sharper, she felt a bandage was wrapped around her. She lifted the covers off of her body and looked down, realizing only then that she was not in any of her own cloths. She wore only black underwear and a black bra, nothing else. Panic instantly shot through her. Where were her cloths? What had happened? Did he- NO! NO! She forced her thoughts away from even thinking that. But what had happened to her? Where was she? Why was she here? Where were her parents? Her heart raced faster and faster, her anxiety rising till she found that the air around her wouldn’t come to her. She gasped, and heaved, hyperventilating. The pain drew sharper again, and all too quickly she was whimpering in pain and tears rolling down her face as she couldn’t stop hyperventilating, the air just wouldn’t come, not fast enough! Her panic rose even more, and she burst into full on screams and crying.
She didn’t see him enter the room, did even feel his climb on the bed, he was just suddenly there.
“Shh… You’re safe. You’re safe. It’s okay!” Her chest still heaved, trying to bring the oxygen into her lungs. “Look at me!” His voice was harsh and she instantly obeyed him. His eyes captured hers, and she found herself studying his face once again. “You’re going to be okay. You need calm down, you’re breathing too hard and it will tare the stitches.”
“I-” Heave “Cant!” Heave.
“Think of something that calms you, focus on it.” Natasha tried to think, tried to make sense of anything. Nothing would. “Look at me!” She looked up again, realizing she had looked away. “You’re safe. Nothing can hurt you here.” She watched his face, and forced herself to study it. Focused on how the shadows covered his face, the way his mouth parted when he spoke to her, the way his eyes gazed, worried, and focused into her’s. How she wished she had a paint brush. She saw his eyes turn from worry to relief. She broke her gaze from him and realized she was breathing normally now, the breath came easy. She had thought of painting. Painting his face, his shadows, his eyes, and it had calmed her. She smiled at her defeat but then quickly looked up at him, frowning.
“Why am I in a bra and underwear?”
“Would you rather be naked?” His suddenly seductive smile spread across his face as Natasha tried to suppress her blush.

Chapter 4

“Why am I in a bra and underwear?”
“Would you rather be naked?” His suddenly seductive smile spread across his face as Natasha tried to suppress her blush.

“NO!” She held the covers closer to her body. He smirked, then full out laughed. “WHAT ARE YOU LAUGHING AT!?”
“You! You’re modesty is worth nothing to me now, I’ve already seen every inch of you.” Natasha looked at him horrified, her grip on the comforter tightened.
“YOU! HOW-! I-!” Natasha hated it when she got angry, she could never get out what she wanted to say, ever, it was like she wanted to say too much and her brain couldn’t keep up. It was really frustrating! Especially when the person she would get mad at would start laughing, as the man was doing now. She felt foolish, and angry that she felt foolish when she shouldn’t.
“I’m sorry.” She looked up at him, he was trying to suppress his laughter. She just glared at him then looked down, letting her blond hair fall in front of her face. No, she couldn’t get angry and scream and yell properly, but she was a great pouter. “What’s your name?” She glanced up at him through her wall of hair, looking for any mockery on his face. There was none.
“Natasha.”
“Do you remember what happened?” She frowned as her brow furrowed, trying to think.
“I had gone to the gas station to get milk and ice cream… and then…” She drifted off, the memories coming back in snippets and flashes. “There was a man… he…” She closed her eyes. GIVE ME YOUR PURSE! His voice drifted through the fog. “He wanted money… then…” She tried to bring it forward, tried to get through the fog of her mind, but nothing would come, all she remembered was the man holding her purse. Natasha looked up at the man before her now, and shook her head, showing she didn’t remember.
“You were stabbed. I found you on the side walk around three P.M. You were barely alive.” She looked down again, trying to remember if what he said was true. Nothing came. He stood in silence, waiting for her to filter through her memories. She looked up at him.
“I guess… thank you?” Natasha, watched as he looked away from her. “What is it?” She asked him as he turned his back to her.
“Where is your family?”
“My mother and father are probably at home, wondering where I am.”
“Do you think they love you?” Natasha paused, what a weird question to ask. Why would some one ask that? And where was this leading to?”
“I would hope so.” He stayed silent, his back to her. She wanted him to turn around, to look at her, to tell her again that she was safe, that every thing would be okay. “Why are you asking me this?”
“Do you love them?” He asked, not answering her question.
“Some days.” She answered truthfully.
“Why only some days?”
“Well I guess because of the obligations I have to them, they count on me… and I guess its just that some days its hard being the parent and not the child. Speaking of which I should really get home.”
“You don’t have to be the parent anymore, your obligations are taken care of.”
“What?”
“They don’t need you any more. I’ve taken care of that. However, because I have saved your life, and because of the cost of taking care of your charge, you will stay with me.”
“WHAT?!”
“You belong to me now.” Natasha laughed.
The man turned around to face her, his face was stone, pale and void of emotion. She stopped laughing.
“No, you’re insane! Ya, you saved my life, but that doesn’t mean I belong to you now! NO! My parents are for me to take care of! You don’t know how they function! They need me!”
“Actually they were quite happy to be rid of you.” His words stung with the sickening truth.
“But I-… NO! I have my own life, I make my own choices! You cant own me like some piece of furniture!”
“I can if your parents sign off to it, which they readily did, once I showed them my price.”
“PRICE?! WHAT!? YOU BOUGHT ME?!” She screamed out, trying to ignore the pain that pulled sharper with each word.
“I told you, you belong to me.” His voice was calm, quiet, and smooth against her frantic screeching.
“NO! NO! YOU’RE MAD! I HAVE A FUTURE! My parents… they cant give me away to you, they cant sell me! I’m a girl! I’m a human! There are laws against this! YOU’RE INSANE!” She felt the tears come as the pain pulled passed her tolerance. She wrapped an arm around her middle, trying to keep the pain away. “YOU-” She started to scream out, then gasped back as the sharp pain pulled even more. “AHH!”
“Natasha!” He took two steps toward her before she whipped her head up.
“GET AWAY FROM ME!” She contracted against the pain, only making it worse. She felt something warm and wet against her arm that was around her middle. She lifted it slightly to see blood. An other sharp pain, tore through her. And she realized that she was sitting up, through all the panic and fighting she must have sat up and now she was paying the consequences. She felt his hand on her shoulder, and his other arm wrapped around her back, she hadn’t even seen him move toward her.
“Natasha, you have to lay back down! Your wound, its reopened.”
“AH!” It hurt too much to move back into her laid down position. His hand on her shoulder pushed at her, his strength too much for her to over power, but each inch he forced her to lay back down was another inch of excruciating pain running through her body. It was too much, she couldn’t handle it.
“Just hold on Natasha!” He said through her screams of agony.
She had blacked out before her head hit the soft pillow.

Chapter 5

“AH!” It hurt too much to move back into her laid down position. His hand on her shoulder pushed at her, his strength too much for her to over power, but each inch he forced her to lay back down was another inch of excruciating pain running through her body. It was too much, she couldn’t handle it.
“Just hold on Natasha!” He said through her screams of agony.
She had blacked out before her head hit the soft pillow.

Terrance

“Dam.it!” Matic cursed out as he quickly worked on her fragile, beautiful body. He should have known better, should have waited till she was fully healed before telling her. And he hadn’t even had a chance to tell her what he truly was… Why couldn’t he think around her?
That night when she had been stabbed Matic had been miles away from that spot, not even anywhere close to it, but her sent, and blood. He had come back to his manor to try and escape the intoxicating smell, but even here he couldn’t get away from it, it was like she was calling out to him. And when he couldn’t stand it anymore, he went out after the scent. When he saw her, he knew he shouldn’t have come, he should have stayed away. Before he had known what he was doing, his fingers, dipped in her blood were in his mouth. He hadn’t been able to help himself. And when he tasted it, the slick warmth of it seemed to travel through his whole body, making him ache for more. However when he heard her heart beat, faint, delicate, something inside of him switched, he couldn’t kill her. Even after tasting her sweet life, he knew with out a bout that he could not kill this amazing creature. He had slipped down, close to her, and looked into her drooping eyes, even on the cusp of death, even with her eyes half closed life and strength glowed out. He had to have her. So he did, he took her back to his manor and stripped the bloodied cloths from her and bandaged her up, all the while fighting the over whelming urge to take just a little more or her sweet nectar.
Now he fought that same battle. She was bleeding badly again, her stitches ripped, leaving the wound gapping open again. Matic threw off the comforter and quickly pressed a hand across the wound.
“Kyle! KYLE!” Matic screamed out, looking back and forth from her face down to her gapping stomach.
“Shit! What did you do?!” Kyle came into the room and quickly ran to the girl on the bed.
“I didn’t! She woke and got angry, she sat up and… Kyle, please do something!” Kyle looked at the girl then too him, Matic knew that his eyes had long ago changed to black, with the smell of her blood he couldn’t help it.
“You need to go, I can handle her, but you can’t be around her when she’s like this. I can’t fend you off and stitch her back up again at the same time.” Kyle looked at the wound again. “I’m going to need my kit.” He didn’t have to ask twice. Matic sped through the room to the hall and down to Kyle’s room, then back, relishing in the feel of using his inhuman speed. Matic pushed the kit toward Kyle and stepped away. Watching as Kyle worked fast to stop the bleeding. Once again he was thankful for his brother, one too many times Kyle had saved Matic’s life with his craft of healing. “You know this would be a lot easier if you would just change her.”
“NO! No, I can’t do that.” For one he didn’t know if he would be able to stop himself from feeding on her, and second he didn’t want to take her humanity away from her without her permission. “Is she going to be okay?”
“She’ll be fine, but you can’t let her get riled up like that, she needs rest more than anything. What did you do to her?” He asked while pushing the needle through her skin, and pulling it back into place.
“I told her the truth, that her parents sold her to me.”
“You told her that?! This early! What were you thinking?!”
“I wasn’t…” Matic whispered out, his eyes transfixed on her face. He had to be careful of what he said around her, and more so and what he did. She was so beautiful, so fragile, and pure, he knew if she even gave a hint of wanting his lust would demolish her purity all too willingly. Matic shook his head. How could he even think of sex when she was in this disposition? She was hurt and all he could think about was her under him. He forced his eyes away from her face to her wound. Kyle looked up.
“She’s going to be okay… you need to let her rest… and from the looks of it, so do you.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“I have no doubt in that, but I’m not so sure about her life if your strength is dwindled and your blood lust over comes you… Get some rest.” Kyle finished wrapping her bandage. “If you want I’ll watch over her.” Kyle smiled as Matic nodded and walked out of the room, watching her till the very last moment where he had to leave the sight of her behind.

Chapter 6

“She’s going to be okay… you need to let her rest… and from the looks of it, so do you.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“I have no doubt in that, but I’m not so sure about her life if your strength is dwindled and your blood lust over comes you… Get some rest.” Kyle finished wrapping her bandage. “If you want I’ll watch over her.” Kyle smiled as Matic nodded and walked out of the room, watching her till the very last moment where he had to leave the sight of her behind.

Natasha woke slowly, he eyes refusing to open. Some one was yelling outside the door.
“YOU ARE NOT TO COME INTO THIS ROOM! NO ONE IS! UNDERSTAND!”
“Yes sir, yes master, I-I’m s-s-s- orry…” Someone whimpered back.
“Get out of my sight!”
“Yes sir, sorry sir.” She saw through her groggy eyes and girl pass by the opening of the door, her head bowed down. A moment later that door way filled with him. He didn’t realize she had woken. He walked toward the bed, and sat down on it, his back at first toward her, then he turned around. She had closed her week eyes when he had approached the bed, she didn’t want him to know she was awake. She tried to stay as still as possible, tried to keep her breathing the same. But when she felt his hand caress her face she couldn’t help but jerk. For one she didn’t expect his touch, and for another because he was ice cold! Freezing!
“Natasha? Are you awake?” There was no use trying to fake it now. She slowly moved her head to her side and forced her eyes open as wide as they would go.
“Hi.” She whispered in her still sleepy state. He smiled.
“Hi… how are you feeling?”
“Mmm… stiff.” She said, lightly flexing and un-flexing each muscle. He nodded.
“Yea, you will for some time I think. But you’re healing… Actually for a human you are a very fast healer.” Natasha looked up at him and frowned.
“For a human?” She asked confused as to what he meant. What was he an alien? She tried to suppress her inward laughter.
“Yes. You are… very human.” The way he spoke sent a shiver down her spine, the look in his blue eyes mixed with lust and something she couldn’t identifiy, but it scarred her.
“What-” He cut her off.
“No, more questions, okay. I don’t want a redo of what happened two nights ago.”
“Two nights!” The memory hit her then. Like a shock. The man before her suddenly turned from savor to captor within a few seconds. She looked up at him again with new eyes. She did have the strength to fight him, to scream so she did the only thing she could, she looked away.
“Look, what I said before, and all the things that were said don’t matter, what matters is that you rest and heal, then we’ll talk about every thing else, alright?” She moved her head away from him. No, it wasn’t alright! Sure, she was hurt and week but she wasn’t stupid! He had bought her! Paid money for her to be his! Why would some one do that? Why would some one want to? For HER? She was no one! She did have good grades through school, she didn’t have very many friends, she wasn’t even that pretty. In school she was like wall paper, always there but no one noticed her. Why notice now? She had been very comfortable being wall paper, she had gotten used to it, loved the ability to be invisible to people. But under his eyes, she was all too visible. She involuntarily jerked when she felt his hand touch her face again.
“Natasha… I-” He sighed, closed his eyes then let his smooth hand drop from her face. “I truly am sorry your hurt, but I’m not sorry that you’re mine…” He spoke softly then got up off the bed. “You should rest. I’ll go.” She wanted to scream at him, not for buying her, but for him to stay. She didn’t want to rest, she was sick of this bed, sick of being it!
“No, don’t.” The man turned back at the doorway, a frown firmly plastered across his brow.
“You need to rest.”
“I’m not tired.” He paused in the door way, fighting if he should leave or stay. “What’s your name?” She whispered out. She was afraid anything more than a whisper would send the pain rushing back.
“Matic.”
“Matic… please, stay. I don’t want to be alone.” He turned toward her and knew he would stay, the sound of his name off her lips almost possessed him to do as she asked. She grabbed the door handle and closed it swiftly. Then walked cautiously over to the bed.
“Who are you?” She asked as he sat stiffly on the bed.
“What do you mean?”
“Who are you? Where did you come from? What do you do?”
“I’m an architect, I go any where around the world to build my buildings. It’s the thing I guess you could say calms me. When I’m drawing out a blue print, or figuring out where stairs are to be and how the windows will capture the light inside the building. It all just calms me. I don’t know how to explain it.” Natasha smiled.
“I understand. It takes you away from the world, from the obligations you have to sustain, and for one moment your free to do exactly as you want, when you want.” Matic looked at her, this human, she knew exactly how he felt, how he used his job as an escape.
“And who are you?” Matic laid down on the bed, resting his head against the pillows next to her. Her sweet scent wafted over him, he drank it in.
“Well I’m no one.” Her soft, broken voice tore through his momentary satisfaction in just her scent.
“You are some one Natasha.”
“Not any more. You bought me, remember?” Her words, however soft cut into him like a sharp blade.
“Yes, I did.” She didn’t speak and he didn’t either, both lying in each others tense presence. The silence relieved another need suddenly rearing to life.
“I need to go the bathroom.”
“No.”
“Yes! Like right now!” She face him again, and asked the horrify question, she never wanted to ask of any one, let alone this perfect man beside her, but there was no choice. “Can you help me?” He didn’t speak as he got up from his side of the bed and walked around.
“We have to be careful, you can’t rip those stitches again.” He pulled off the comforter, the cold air suddenly whipped around her body, making her need to pee even greater. He took her legs in his arm and pushed his other arm around her back. She tried not to scream as he lifted her off the bed. “You okay?”
“Just hurry.” She gritted out, and he glided to the bathroom, so gently yet swiftly, she hadn’t even felt one foot step. He slid the open door further and then ever so gently settled her feet down on the smooth stone floor. She wavered for a moment then rested her hand against a wall. “Thank you.”
“You need more help?”
“NO! no. I’ll be fine from here.”
“You’re sure?” She looked at his concerned face, watching as he looked at her reaction to his words. “Right, okay, just yell if you-”
“Yes, I know, go.” She smiled as he turned from her and left the maculate bathroom. She settled her self down on the toilet gently, it hurt, and the pain pulled even sharper as she tried to pull her underwear down, but all the pain was worth the very satisfying relief. After she was done she crouched down, trying to grab the underwear, a little panic passing through her as her hand grasped only air for the first and second swipe, thankfully the saying as it goes is mostly always right, third times a charm. And a relief. She slowly pulled the back on, trying to ignore the pain that was burning through her middle. She opened her eyes and looked at the large mirror across from her, she barely recognized herself, she was so pale, looked so week and thin. She tore her eyes away from her reflection to look around the bathroom, she didn’t want to go back to the bed, this change, however small and painful was a welcoming sight to her board mind. The bathroom was beautiful, a huge tub was to her left and then two sinks as well, black and red towels hung from hooks and curled neatly on the counter top, which was stone. She wished she could walk to the sink and let the water rush over her hands, but even the thought at this point sent sharp shards of pain running through her.
“Matic!” She yelled out, he was in the room immediately. He saw her leaning against the wall, worry then relief flashed through him.
“You’re okay.”
“I’m fine for now, but I need to lay back down.” She said the words, hating them, but knew it was all too true. She hated being week, unable to walk or do anything on her own. She was embarrassed that this man had to carry her to the bathroom, embarrassed that he had offered more help after that. She had to keep a least a little dignity. He bent swiftly and picked her up like a cloud, so gently she hardly even felt the stone leave her feet. His hard body pressed against her, and it wasn’t painful, it was amazing. Even though he was very cold, the feel of him against her sent feelings she didn’t know she had through her, mixing with the ever present pain. A blush started to burn up through her cheeks and she fought ferociously to keep it back, and failing disastrously. He laid her back on the bed, and she looked up at his concerned blue eyes starring down at her. She deffinatly couldn’t help the blush burning redder through her face.
“Are you okay?” She nodded, afraid to trust her voice. “Your face is red.”
“I think that’s for another reason.” Both Natasha and Matic looked to the doorway, and man stood there, same dark brown hair at Matic’s was in a mess around yet another perfect face. Beautiful like Matic’s, yet very different, his face was older, showed wisdom and knowledge through his eyes. Eyes that weren’t at all like Matics, brown, deep and dark.
“Kyle!” Matic said as he stood fully, and stepping away from Natasha.
“Sorry to interrupt, but I just need to check the wound.” Matic nodded as Kyle entered the room and came around to her side of the bed. “You’ve been up!” Kyle looked from Natasha to Matic.
“Yes, I needed to go to the bathroom.” He just nodded as he started to pull away the bandage.
“You’re healing nicely. You know for a human you heal quite fast.”
“So I’ve been told… for a human.” She looked from Matic to Kyle, why would both men say, for a human, were they not human as well?
“Well as long as you don’t push your self too hard I think you should be up and about in the next week.” Natasha just nodded, trying to hide her longing to walk and run again, to be herself. “But don’t push yourself, you need time to heal.”
“Kyle, I need to speak with you.”
“Sure…” He turned back to Natasha. “You, rest.” He said firmly while smiling then walked out of the room with Matic.

Chapter 7

“Kyle, I need to speak with you.”
“Sure…” He turned back to Natasha. “You, rest.” He said firmly while smiling then walked out of the room with Matic.

“What is it?” Kyle asked, once out side the door. Matic closed it, so Natasha wouldn’t hear what was spoken.
“I’m going away for a little while, maybe a week, maybe two. I have a job I need to finish.”
“Matic! You cant dump her on me!”
“I’m not! The servants will take care of her, but I just need you to keep an eye out for her, okay?”
“Alright, I can do that, but you cant pick up a pet and then leave. She needs to learn obedience and only her master can teach her that.”
“Its not like that, I don’t think she’ll be a problem. And if she is you can call me and I’ll come home.
“Alright, how soon are you leaving?”
“Tomorrow.”
“Are you going to tell her?”
“No, she doesn’t need to know.”
“She’ll notice that your gone…” Kyle smirked. “You’ll have her wrapped around your finger in no time.”
“Its not like that.”
“Sure. Well I’ll be in the library if you need me.”
“Alright.” Kyle walked away as Matic opened the door to her room again. “Hey.”
“Hi.” She smiled at him, the comforter was back up around her half naked body. “I’m gonna need some cloths.” He laughed.
“Well I don’t know about that, I really like what your wearing now.”
“Matic!” Her blush was so attractive and sexy.
“Well its true!”
“I don’t care if its true, you don’t need to speak to me like that.”
“I can speak to you how ever I want.” She was silent for a moment as she glared at his perfect handsome face.
“I need cloths.”
“Alright, alright. Tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow… thank you.”
“Your welcome.” He said as he sat down on the bed then laid beside her.
“So what was that about?” She asked, motioning toward the door.
“Just business.”
“Every thing okay?” She asked looking at him.
“Yep, every things fine.” He turned on his side to face her, his hand holding his head up.
“Okay.” She looked up at the ceiling again. “You have a cat on your ceiling.”
“What?”
“Or I guess it could be a boat…” She tilted her head as she stared at the dots. He looked to where she was looking, the stucko.
“Where?”
“There.” She pointed.
“I don’t see it.”
“Well come closer.” He shifted closer to her. “See right there.” She pointed.
“There’s its tale, and body, then ears… see it?” Matic looked to where she pointed and she was right, there was a cat in the ceiling!
“Huh.” She smiled at she turned to head to look at him, and was shocked to see how close he was to her. He looked from the ceiling down to her. “How did you see it?”
“Well I just…saw it.” She said, still looking into his bright blue eyes. She couldn’t look away, transfixed by them. He smiled at he stared back at her. Images of his lips on her flooded her mind suddenly and she couldn’t help the blush creeping back into her cheeks. She forced herself to look away, she needed to look away before she got carried away. She was nothing to this man, only a piece of property to have, to use. But for what? “What do you want with me?” He didn’t answer. She looked up to where he had been and found him gone, his body suddenly on the other side of the bed.
“I have to go. You should rest. A maid will bring you food in a little while. I’ll see you later.” He said quickly as he stood from the bed and walked swiftly too the door and closed it behind him.
Natasha couldn’t rest, she couldn’t sleep. Her thoughts jumbled and rushed. Why did he want her? Why did he pay for her? And why was she always so compliant when he fixed her with his gaze? It was like he was already controlling her, making her okay with being sold to him. But then her thoughts kept jumping back to his body, his smile, the way he took care of her, the way he looked at her sometimes. She tried to force her self to be reasonable, it didn’t matter how he looked at her, or how incredibly sexy he was, he had bought her, and in his mind she was his. Perhaps maybe one day she could be, but not with him thinking that he already deserved her, he already owned her. No, she would give herself away to who ever she chose, they didn’t get to pick her and force her. No. She would prove to him that she wasn’t his, that she was her own, that she belonged to no one. Not now and not ever.

Chapter 8

She would prove to him that she wasn’t his, that she was her own, that she belonged to no one. Not now and not ever.

Three days had passed and Matic still hadn’t come back to her. She had tried to forget him, to force herself to be relieved. But every day, her thoughts were troubled as to where he was, if he was alright, and when he would come back. She hadn’t seen Kyle either, he didn’t come any more to check on her, or change her bandage. No, now the maid did all that. Every morning she would bring Natasha breakfast and then change her bandage, not saying a word. Natasha had tried questioning her about where Matic had gone to but all she did was shake her head and shrug. After the first two days Natasha forced her self to get up, and walk. She pushed her self, but no so much to cause any damage. Just enough to work her muscles and tire her out.

After the week had passed by Natasha could walk easily and with little pain, bending down was a little painful, but not impossible. However what was impossible was staying in this room another day! She was board out of her mind and needed something to do, any thing to do! There was a balcony in her room that looked over a glorious view of mountains and valley with forest. However that only kept her occupied for half a day at the most, she needed something to do. So she had used two of the towels from the bath room and cleaned her whole room, shinning the stone floor and polishing the wood furniture. She was in the bathroom when the maid came in with her supper.
“Wah!” She said, walking into the room that was perfectly shined and cleaned.
“Hi!” Natasha popped her head out of the bathroom. I got board to I did a little cleaning.”
“A little!” This was the first the woman had spoken in the whole week of serving her.
“Well like I said I was board.”
“If you need something to do, you can walk around the manor.”
“I know, I just don’t want to get in any ones way… what I wouldn’t give for canvas and paint.”
“You paint?”
“Yes, or at least I used to. It kept me occupied.”
“I could get some supplies for you, if you wish.”
“I would! Thank you!” The woman smiled as she put down the platter of food.
“Roast beef, potatoes and vegetables.” She said then swiftly excited the room. The smell of the food quickly filled the room, and Natasha was drawn to it. She took the plate from the table and walked out on to the balcony, watching at the sun slowly lowered into a sunset. She watched till the moon glowed brightly from above. She sighed and walked back into her bedroom, and went to sleep.

The next morning she woke to the maid, slightly nudging her.
“Miss, its morning.” She opened her eyes to see the smiling elderly woman. “Here’s your breakfast. And I brought you some paints.”
“Paints!” She was instantly awake and out of bed. She rushed over to the desk to look at the array of the brand new paint set. “Wow. These are top quality oils! Where did you get these?”
“I just requested them from Master Kyle, he supplied them for you.”
“Well please, tell him my thanks. These must have cost a lot of money.” The maid snickered.
“You should not worry of the Master’s money, he had no problem supplying anything you may need.” Natasha looked beside the desk and found a large canvas as well as a stand for painting.
“Oh wow!”
“Well I’ll be back around lunch.” Natasha didn’t even hear her as she placed the canvas and stand out on the balcony. She pushed the desk out there too then brought a chair and placed it in front of the canvas, yet still able to look out over the scenery. She forgot about her breakfast as she painted, as well as lunch when it came. She was so transfixed with getting the shadows of the mountains and trees into the paint. Brush stroke after brush stroke. Till finally supper came and her stomachs hunger over powered her willingness to keep going.
“How is it going?” The maid asked.
“Good, its not done, but its coming.”
“How long will it take you to finish?”
“Perhaps two maybe three days.”
“Master will be back by then, I’m sure he would love to see it.”
“Master, as in Matic?”
“Yes, Master Matic.”
“Where has he been?”
“I do not know, I only know when he comes back.” Natasha just nodded.
“Thank you.” The maid departed and Natasha was left with her swarming thoughts. Why was she so concerned about Matic, why wasn’t she plotting her escape? She tried to blame it on the fact that she had no idea where she was, but deep down she knew it was more than that. She want to solve the mystery of her own heart and its longings. And why Matic had bought her. For the rest of the night she pushed her thoughts away and painted, as the light got darker she had to stop. So she washed up her paint brush and pallet then went to bed.

The next two days she was eager to see Matic again, wandering when he was going to walk through her door. She painted carefully however, wanting her work to be perfect, for his perfect eyes to see. By the end of the second day she was finished, she added her twirled signature to the corner and stood back, she had done an okay job, not the best. But she guessed that after a few years of not practicing her talents would have to be built back up again. But for now she was satisfied with her work. She smiled as she walked into the bathroom and started to clean the paintbrush, then her hands. She looked up into the mirror at her self. She looked healthy now, normal and herself. Except for the paint in her hair. She looked past her through the mirror to the bathtub and shower. She had only showered twice, and those were quick because the maid wanted to dress her wound after she was done. Natasha lifted up her shirt and pulled it from her body. She looked at the bandage and slowly undid it. The skin was still tender and itchy but for the most part it was almost healed. She let her hands graze across her sensitive flesh. She walked to the shower and turned the water to hot. She let the water glide of her hand, as she adjusted the nozzle to get the right temperature. She stripped herself of the skirt she had been wearing as well as her underwear and bra then jumped into the shower and closed the shower curtains. She didn’t hear the door open to her room, or the door to the bathroom.
“Natasha?” She screamed at his sudden deep voice from across the curtain. Instantly her hands flew to protect her self even though her hadn’t moved the curtain aside.
“Get out!” She instantly regretted the harshness of her voice.
“Sorry.” He said quietly and she heard the door to the bathroom close. She turned the water off and peaked around the curtain to see that he really had left the little room. She grabbed a towel and wrapped it around herself then looked down at the cloths she had worn, they were dirty and she cringed at putting them back on. She walked to the door and with a hand on the knot of the towel she opened the door.
“Hi.” She said softly. Matic turned from looking out to the balcony, where her painting was.
“Hi! I’m sorry about-”
“Don’t worry about it, you just scared me.” As she stared at him, butterflies
rushed not just to her stomach but every where in her body.
“You look better.”
“Yes, I am.” The silence was awkward. “Where were you?”
“I had to leave on business.”
“Oh.”
“You missed me?” She tried to suppress her blush.
“I’m going to get changed.” She said quickly and turned from him to walk into her closet, and pulled the some of the cloths the maid had given her from the hooks. She swiftly walked back into the bathroom, feeling his eyes on her all the way till she closed the door.
“Did you do this painting?” He asked through the door.
“Yes, I was board, Kyle sent some supplies up to me after I requested them.”
“It’s nice.” Hurt squeezed in her gut. Just nice, only nice.
“Thanks.” She forced out. It didn’t matter what he thought of her painting. She pulled on her shirt and walked out of the bathroom. He was still studying it. She walked toward him and stood beside him. “I’m out of practice, I haven’t painted in over two years.” She defended.
“May I have it?” His question surprised her as he looked over at her shocked face.
“You want it?”
“Of course, its beautiful. You did a really good job of capturing the wildness of the mountains.”
“Thank you.” She couldn’t help but smile.
“So may I?”
“Sure!” She said, beaming. He smiled then turned to her.
“Now that you’re better we need to talk.”

Chapter 9

He smiled then turned to her.
“Now that you’re better we need to talk.”

“Talk about what?”
“Why you’re here. Why I need you to be here.” He paused, waiting for any kind of emotion to pass over her features, there was nothing.
“So?”
“So…” He stopped and tried to breath. “You’re here because…”
“Because?” Natasha had never seen him like this, so hesitant, so afraid of the words coming out of his own mouth.
“I need you to be my wife.”
“WHAT?!” He was mad!
“I’m a vampire.”
“WHAT!?!!” No, he was insane!
“Look, I don’t know how to explain the importance of this. But you just need to trust me.”
“Trust you! TRUST YOU!?”
“Yes.” Natasha laughed.
“You know before I just thought that you were messed up, but now, no now I know your really insane!” She started to turn away from him.
“Natasha.” He gripped her shoulders. “Please.” She looked up into his bright blue, desperate eyes.
“Explain.” She said softly.
“I am the son from two vampire kingdoms. I am the man that is to inherit half of the vampiric kingdom. However with out a wife, I get nothing. In fact there’s a chance I will get less, I’ll be outcast, even killed.”
“What about Kyle?”
“He is my half brother, he owns the other half… but my situation is complicated, I have competition. If I don’t have a wife by the end of next month I’m done for.”
“And I’m supposed to be your wife? Just to give up my life and help you.”
“I saved your life. I paid your parents a good deal of money to keep them at bay and let you come with me. Apparently it was what they had always wanted.”
“For me to marry rich, yes, that’s what they always wanted. To cash in on my marriage.”
“Well if you do agree, you will be very rich.”
“I don’t care about the money.” She was silent as she stared at the floor.
“Natasha, I’m not going to make you marry me. It’s just an offer.”
“And if I don’t?”
“Natasha…” His hand moved to her head, urging her to look up at him. “If you don’t then you don’t, I wont hurt you for your choice.”
“So I can leave?”
“No, you belong here now. Whether you do marry me or not, you stay.”
“Why? Why cant I go?”
“Because they have seen you now. They believe you are my wife.”
“They? Who are they?”
“My fathers family. They are the ones gunning for the thrown. My mother raised me away from my father. However, because I am my fathers son, his first son, I am entitled to his thrown. And if Kyle dies my mothers as well.”
“So your mother had Kyle before you.”
“Yes. She raised both of us… Natasha if you leave this place they will kill just for even the thought of you being my wife… do you understand?” She nodded. “Alright, you don’t have to answer now, but ya.”
“So you’re a vampire.”
“Yes.”
“What makes you think that?”
“Because I feed on animals and humans to keep me alive.”
“So you don’t eat food.”
“Not your kind.”
“Can you eat it.”
“If I have to.”
“Can you prove to me that you’re a vampire?”
“Yes.” Natasha waited. “But I don’t want to scare you.”
“I wont get scared…” He looked at her skeptically. “Scouts honor!” She laughed, mocking him.
“Alright… you asked for it.” He closed his eyes and brought forth his blood lust, minimal as it was because he had just fed. He opened his eyes and looked at her.
“Holy SH.IT!” She took three steps back before her back hit the wall.
“I told you.”
“You- you really. How?”
“I was born this way. Only certain vampire women can reproduce. Its very rare but it happens.”
“So you… are you going to suck on me?” Matic laughed.
“No, however enjoyable that would be.” Natasha shivered.
“Are you going to kill me?” Her voice shook.
“No.” His voice turned serious and the black from his eyes dissolved till all there was was blue.
“Okay… I’m going to sit.” She had thought it was all a joke, it was all just ramblings from his insanity. He really was a vampire.

Chapter 10

“So you… are you going to suck on me?” Matic laughed.
“No, however enjoyable that would be.” Natasha shivered.
“Are you going to kill me?” Her voice shook.
“No.” His voice turned serious and the black from his eyes dissolved till all there was was blue.
“Okay… I’m going to sit.” She had thought it was all a joke, it was all just ramblings from his insanity. He really was a vampire.

“So there are vampires.”
“Yes.”
“And you are one of them.”
“Yes.”
“So what are there like unicorns and fairies running around out there too that no one knows about?” He smiled.
“I honestly don’t know.”
“Okay, well what about lycans? Like… uh wearwolves.”
“They don’t exist.”
“Really?”
“What?”
“Well I just always thought a lycan was more conceivable then a vampire. Wearwolves are supposed to be your opposite, supposed to counter you. Like how birds have their mice and cats have their birds. Why aren’t there lycans.”
“You make no sense to me… there are no lycans because they were the artistic creation of the human mind to make them feel slightly more safe.”
“Safe?”
“Yes, instead of knowing that vampire were out there unchallenged they needed to feel safe, to have a powerful beast that could take down the vampires.”
“I see… so no such thing as lycans?”
“Nope. No lycans.”
“Huh.”
“Only other twisted vampires, blood thirsty and wanting power.”
“Are you?”
“What?”
“Blood thirsty and wanting power?”
“Well the blood thirst is in my nature. Like its in your nature to breath. We just do it. The power… not so much. My mother raised me to see life in every day, not life in what power I held over others.”
“So you don’t care about being on the thrown.” Natasha smiled inwardly, hoping she had found her escape rout to all of this. If he didn’t want to be king in the first place she didn’t have to marry him, she didn’t have to stay here.
“On the contrary, I do, but not to have power. To protect it.” Natasha frowned.
“I don’t understand.”
“If I don’t become king, and take my rightful place… my half brothers will kill each other to get their hands on it, and once one of them does, it really doesn’t matter which one, they will destroy the kingdom with their greed. And I cant let that happen.” Natasha watched as painful responsibility weighed down on his shoulders.
“I’m sorry.”
“Well I just hope they will accept me with or with out a wife by my side.”
“Why is that so important.”
“If I don’t have a wife, or a bride they wont let me take the thrown, because with out a wife I wont have any children to take the thrown after me.”
“Oh, and what about your brothers, do they need a wife to become king as well?”
“No, it’s a stupid rule about the first son. I don’t fully understand it my self, so its hard to explain to some one else, especially a human.” Natasha nodded.
“So why don’t you go out and swoon a girl into marrying you? Why me?” Natasha lowered her head, afraid her words would bring some obvious observation to his thoughts and he really would go out and do as she told, find some slut to marry him. She felt him close to her. He crouched down, so he looked up at her from sitting on the bed.
“Why do you think I have you here?”
“So you’re trying to swoon me?” He smiled.
“I’d say more seduce.” She blushed.
“I was hurt… almost dead, how did you know I would pull through, and be here for you to seduce?” His eyes just sparkled as he stared up at her, not answering. “What are you looking at?” She said her heart beat doubled, as fear and anticipation ran through her. Anticipation for what she didn’t know. He moved slowly closer to her.
“You.” She felt his gentle breath lift across her lips he was so close. She parted her lips, trying to breath. She slid her eyes closed as she saw him move even closer. “Am I doing a good job?” Her eyes fluttered open, to see his bright blue spheres of life before her.
“Of what?” She whispered.
“Of seducing you.”
“Not so good.” She subconsciously leaned forward, his lips brushed hers before he slightly pulled back.
“Why’s that?”
“Because you’re not kissing me yet.” She smiled as he pushed down on her lips, and forced her back till she fell back on the bed, him crawling on top of her. His kiss was like a piece of heaven spreading through her body, leaving a tingling over her skin. She could be happy with him, she knew she could. But she also knew deep down that sure she could be happy, but not in love, never love with the man that wouldn’t let her be free. She pulled away from him, leaving his kisses. She couldn’t do this, she couldn’t lead him on and then be angry with him later for keeping her in this place. She wanted to go home, to be herself again, to have dreams of going to collage and becoming an art teacher… or something. She couldn’t have any of those things if she stayed with him.
Matic didn’t say anything as he got up off of her. It was still to early, she didn’t trust him, and he accepted that, understood it. But as much understanding racing through his head pain and rejection raced through his heart till he became suddenly bitter with it.
“Fine.” He said sharply and got up off the bed, walking swiftly to the door and slamming it. Natasha got up off the bed, wanting more than anything to chase after him, but she didn’t. She walked to the balcony and looked down, his form suddenly appeared below her. He stomped through the large garden, he twisted around halfway through and punched a tree. It ruptured the trunk of the tree in two, both sides forced away from each other at a tilt. He just kept walking, his anger not at all satisfied with his demolishing of the tree.

Chapter 11

“Fine.” He said sharply and got up off the bed, walking swiftly to the door and slamming it. Natasha got up off the bed, wanting more than anything to chase after him, but she didn’t. She walked to the balcony and looked down, his form suddenly appeared below her. He stomped through the large garden, he twisted around halfway through and punched a tree. It ruptured the trunk of the tree in two, both sides forced away from each other at a tilt. He just kept walking, his anger not at all satisfied with his demolishing of the tree.

Matic was so angry with himself and getting angry at her. He new it wasn’t her fault, he was moving too fast. He got it, and he shouldn’t be mad at her, not in the least bit. But his lust was burning through him and it took every bit of self control not to go back up there and force her back on the bed, just to feel her lips molding with his again. She didn’t deserve that, she didn’t deserve him, or any of this. She wanted to go back home. It was his fault she couldn’t, he should have known better than to bring her back with him, he should have taken her to a hospital, or something! Anything would have been better then the fate he had signed her onto. That night, with her limp in his arms as he raced back home, he couldn’t think of anything but her life. And he couldn’t think of anyone to trust more with something so precious but Kyle. So he brought her home, and yes, saved her life. But at what cost? To be kept here for all of her life? Yes. He wanted her. Even if she could’ve have gone home, even if there was no threat of danger, he wouldn’t have let her go. Especially not after tasting her kisses. Soft, sweet, precious, and lingering. He swore he could still feel her beneath him, her soft body had molded with his for that brief minuet before she pulled away, and in that one moment he was complete. She completed him, the question was did he complete her? His stomach tightened at the very thought of not being her love, not being the one that made her smile or laugh, or redden those beautiful cheeks in a blush. He needed to be that man, he didn’t know what he would do if he wasn’t. If she found favor in another’s eyes… no he knew what he would do. He would kill the man. He shivered off the useless jealousy at some unknown being.
Matic shook his head, clearing his thoughts as he had tried to do over that last week and a half. Every time he was alone his thoughts went to her, hell, even when he wasn’t alone his thoughts were on her. She was so distracting, even from a thousand miles away. He couldn’t help but wonder if she was alright. Every night he had called Kyle, urging him to go check on her secretly, just to see if she was alright, and asleep. His dreams during the day were always littered with her. Her in danger, he in his arms, her in another’s arms. Every dream different, yet all of her. When he finally did come back, Kyle spoke with him, urging him to tell her the truth, all of the truth. Kyle convinced Matic it was the only way to make her stay here, with out forcing her. But when he came into the room, the first thought was that she had left! Ran away. And he was so convinced she had even when he heard the shower going in the bathroom. He had walked in, and fought all of his strength not to pull back the curtain and feast his eyes on her. He instead only spoke her name. Even as she yelled at him, her voice rippled through his body like the warm shower she took. He retreated from the bathroom, not wanting to make her mad. When she came out in only a towel… he wanted more than anything to kiss her breathless right then. He could look away from her slightly wet body, watching her walk back into the bathroom to get changed, after grabbing cloths. It was then he had seen the painting. It was truly amazing and well done, the words at how beautiful and moving it really was wouldn’t come so he said the only thing that would come. ‘nice.’ And it was, but it was so much more, to him especially. His mother had painted, he kept a painting she had done in his room to remind him of her ever flowing grace. He missed her so much some days. He cursed him self once again that he still hadn’t found her murderer. He would avenge his mother someday, when the truth came out his furry would have no limits. Images of her decimated body ran through his mind as he tried to shake the anger off. There was nothing he could do for her now.
“Matic?” There was a knock on his study door. He jumped to his feet as it opened to reveal her. “Hi, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to disturb you.”
“No! Come in Natasha! You’re always welcome.” She smiled a shy smile and walked into the large study slowly, her eyes taking in all of the books.
“Well I just came to say that I was sorry about yesterday. I didn’t- I mean… I. Well I’m just sorry.” She stumbled over he words as she wrapped her arms around her middle. He wasn’t sorry, not in the least, at least not for the kiss. His anger after ward was something for appolagizing.
“I am sorry too, I didn’t mean to get mad. I was just…”
“I understand, I should have… Yea.” She said while looking down to her feet. How he wanted to cross the room and wrap her in his grasp. She couldn’t feel ashamed for their kiss, for their passion, not for that.
“No…”
“No?” She looked up.
“Don’t be sorry. I’m not, not for kissing you.” His eyes perced her’s with their honesty. She didn’t know what to say. “Natasha… I know I moved too fast, and I understand why you pulled away, its okay. But I would do it again in a second just to feel you again.” She looked up at him then away, her words stuck. She wanted to stay with him, wanted to be happy with him. Wanted to fall in love. But she couldn’t till he let her go.
“I… want to go home.” Her words tore through him.
“No.”

Chapter 12

“Natasha… I know I moved too fast, and I understand why you pulled away, its okay. But I would do it again in a second just to feel you again.” She looked up at him then away, her words stuck. She wanted to stay with him, wanted to be happy with him. Wanted to fall in love. But she couldn’t till he let her go.
“I… want to go home.” Her words tore through him.
“No.”

The tears that flowed down her soft cheeks crushed his heart. He was across the room in a flash, standing before her, wanting to reach out and take the pain away, but he didn’t touch her.
“Natasha.” She stepped away from him, her head down. He followed her retreating step, then another and another till her back was pressed against the wall.
“Just let me go.” He shook his head.
“I can’t. I need you.” She sobbed then wrapped her arms suddenly around his neck, her lips instantly met his. He was taken back, but with the feel of her trembling wanting lips beneath his he kissed her back readily.
Natasha didn’t know what got over her. She had to be free from this man, yet all she wanted and needed to do was kiss him, to feel him pressed into her. He had captured her heart and her mind was barely holding on. She pulled away, coming up for breath.
“Matic.” He pulled her back to his lips, groaning against her. “Matic…” She pulled away again, her thoughts trying to grasp her sanity. Her hands went to his around her waist, pulling him away. He suddenly weakened his strong hold from around her, realizing she was pushing him away. “I’m sorry. I can’t.”
“You can’t or you wont?” His voice was soft but the viciousness dripped from his words.
“I want to go home.”
“Why? Why the HELL DO YOU WANT TO GO BACK TO THAT SH.IT HOLE!”
“They’re my family.”
“THEY SOLD YOU! NATASHA! THEY. DON’T. WANT. YOU!” She bit her lip to keep back her sob. Tears rolled down her face as his hands gripped her shoulders. “But I do, God I do! Please stay. Please Natasha, stay with me.” He rested his forehead against her’s, looking into her eyes.
“If I said no, would you let me go?” He watched a her head slid down even more. He paused, then kissed the top of her forehead. She was in agony here, she hated him, she hated this place. She wanted to leave and he was keeping her in her real hell. That’s why she wanted to go back to her destructive family, because even there was better than here, with him.
“If that’s really what you want.” Her head snapped up, her face inches away from his, her eyes wide with disbelief.
“You’d let me go?” He looked away from her and nodded. “Matic.” He reluctantly looked back at her. “Yes.” She whispered out as he frowned.
“What?”
“I will marry you.” She said, her eyes unblinkingly starring into his.
“But I thought…”
“You let go. You trusted me to be free. To make my own choice. And I choose you.” He stared at her unbelieving and confused.
“Natasha, you know what your saying?”
“I’m saying yes. Yes! YES!” Her face broke into a smile as she screamed out to him. She threw her arms out and started to fall back, liberated in her happiness. Matic quickly reached out and caught her, bring her back to him.
“You’ll be my wife?” He whispered out, pulling her tighter in his grasp.
“Yes.” She whispered back, smiling.
“You’ll love me?”
“I already do.” She kissed him, pushing herself against him, all hesitance gone from her actions, as her mouth was suddenly a gasping need to be filled by him, and he did it all too willingly. He lifted her off the ground, and swung the two of them around, their lips never breaking their happy connection

Chapter 13

“You’ll be my wife?” He whispered out, pulling her tighter in his grasp.
“Yes.” She whispered back, smiling.
“You’ll love me?”
“I already do.” She kissed him, pushing herself against him, all hesitance gone from her actions, as her mouth was suddenly a gasping need to be filled by him, and he did it all too willingly. He lifted her off the ground, and swung the two of them around, their lips never breaking their happy connection.

The next day Natasha woke to Matic’s strong form wrapped around her. She smiled as she tried to not to move and wake him.
“Morning.”
“Ah!” She jumped at his voice breaking the silence. “I’m sorry, did I wake you?” He laughed at her comment.
“I don’t sleep. You didn’t do anything wrong.”
“You don’t sleep? Then what do you do while I am?”
“Mostly rest, just let my mind wonder.”
“Huh.” She turned in his arms, facing him, she rested her hand gently on his cold bear chest. His hand brushed her hair back from her face and cradled her soft face in his hand. “Was yesterday real?”
“Yes… any regrets?” She smiled at she looked up at him.
“Only that I didn’t get to kiss you more after you left your study.”
“Oh! Well I’m so sorry! How can I make it up to you?” He bowed his head down close to her, his lips grazing her silky neck.
“Well I’ll have to think on it.” She barely got her words out as his kisses trailed slowly down her neck. Her breathing faltered with each inch he kissed lower. And she almost screamed when she heard a knock at the door.
Matic growned as he growled out.
“What!”
“Matic! There’s some one down stairs you need to see now!” It was Kyle, the urgency in his voice was unmistakable.
“Alright.” He looked at Natasha and smiled as he kissed her lips eagerly before parting with her. He quickly grabbed his shirt and walked to the door, walking out with one last look back at Natasha laying breathless on the bed, staring back at him. “I’ll be back soon.” She nodded as he walked out the door and closed it behind him. Natasha groaned as she got up, that was the best night’s sleep she had had in a very long time. His scent still lingered on her skin as she walked from the bed to her closet. She pulled off the tee-shirt she had been wearing for PJ’s. She smiled as she remembered the night before today. It was late, and she had long ago given up on him coming to her before sleep took her, so she allowed her mind to clear before it filled with dreams of him. However her first dream, was a little too real for her mind to handle at first. He had snuck silently into her room and slipped under the covers, toward her warmth. She thought she was dreaming him, and it wasn’t till his hand riding up her shirt that she realized that she wasn’t dreaming. She had twisted away from him, shocked. He had just chuckled and pulled her back to him, his lips capturing hers again. She didn’t know how long he kissed her. But when he stopped she growled out at him, pulling him to her, not getting enough of him. He had smiled and looked down at her.
“You need sleep.”
“I need you.” He smiled and kissed her quickly, then broke it off and tried to get up from the bed. “No, don’t go… I’ll sleep I promise. I just want you with me.” She smiled at his look. “Sleep! Just sleeping!” He smiled then curled around her till she fell asleep.
“GET OUT YOU BASTARD!”
“OH COME ON MATIC! YOU CANT HIDE HER FOREVER!” The voices drifted to her. The anger and worry in Matic’s voice put panic through her heart. She wasn’t safe. She quickly grabbed a shirt and slipped it on, then rushed to the door, but someone was already there. Madic, his body blocking the way of someone else.
“GET OUT!”
“Matic, Matic, Matic… You may be next in line for the thrown, but you can’t command me in my own home.”
“This isn’t your home! You abandoned me and my mother long before you ever called this place anything… Now get out. I don’t want you to see her now.”
“Why? You afraid she’ll be so indecent I wont accept her as my son’s fiancé? Come Matic, she cant be all that bad.” Natasha ran from the door and went to the balcony. There was a ledge running along the side of the building, just enough for her to step out on to. She looked down, it was too far down, if she fell she could really hurt herself. She looked back into the room, the door started to open. She didn’t have a choice. She stepped out on to the ledge, her back to the wall, she inched away from the balcony, till she came to the corner a little ways away and turned it, carefully, her body pushed against the hidden wall, she couldn’t be seen by any one in the room now. She just hopped vampires didn’t have supper hearing, because her heart was hammering in her chest.
“Well Matic, where is she?”
“I-… Matic’s unsure voice reached her ears. Had she been wrong in climbing out on to the ledge, had Matic wanted her to meet this man? “She’s gone. For now! I told you, you’ll meet her like every one else at the coronation ball.”
“Hum… to bad. I oh so wanted to see her indecent.” She could hear the smirk through this man’s words, it sickened her. “Well, sorry for my intrusion. As you can imagine I’m just eager to meet the woman that captured my son’s heart.”
“Your not forgiven. Now get out!” She heard the mans footsteps drifted away, but Natasha didn’t dare move, not till she heard Matic’s voice.
“Natasha! Where are you?!” Panic was laced through his voice.
“I’m here!” She started to inch back around the corner. Matic quickly came out on to the balcony, and saw her.
“Jesus! Natasha!” He instantly jumped up onto the railing and then down on to the ledge and walked swiftly toward her, as if he wasn’t three stories up. He reached her swiftly, her hands were sweaty with fear against the brick building. “Natasha… do you trust me?” She looked at him with panicked eyes as she slowly nodded. “Fall forward.”
“What!”
“Fall forward, I cant get my arms around you to carry you back, and your shaking too much to walk back your self, I need you to fall forward to catch you.”
“No! NO! WAY!” Her eyes were focused on the ground so far below.
“Natasha, look at me.” She tore her eyes away from the ground to look at his blue eyes. “Trust me.” She nodded the closed her eyes and she let herself fall forward. Before she could even get a scream out she was in his arms, secure and safe. He walked smoothly back to the balcony and jumped up on to the railing then down to the stone, sturdy balcony. “Are you alright?” He asked, still holding her fragile body.
“I’m okay.” Matic let out a sigh of relief as he let her down to her feet slowly.
“Don’t ever do that again. You could have gotten your self killed!”
“Who was that man?”
“He was my father.”
“Your father! I thought you were yelling at each other… that’s why I went out on to the balcony. I remembered what you told me about other blood thirsty vampires, and how they would kill me just for being your wife… so I… I tried to hide.” She was overwhelmed. Matic hugged her close to him.
“You did good. I’m sorry, and I’m glad you did hide, its just where you chose to hide scared me… if you had fallen…”
“But I didn’t… I’m safe.” He smiled. “Why was your father here?”
“He wanted to see you.” The way he spoke Natasha knew there was something more to that statement.
“Matic? Why was he here?” She asked again, wanting the full truth.
“My father has the right to see you, before I marry you.”
“What do you mean see me?”
“I mean see all of you.” She was confused.
“I don’t understand.” Matic looked at her, anger and worry flashed through his eyes.
“To see your body, to make sure your perfect for his first born son.”
“Oh!”
“Don’t, worry. He wont get the chance.”
“Like he almost got the chance today?!”
“Its an ancient ritual, I didn’t know that he would bring to the forefront now in this century. He wont get the chance, I promise you. I wont let it happen.” He rubbed her back as he held her. She wrapped her arms around him. “Do you trust me to protect you?” Natasha smiled as she pulled away from him and looked up at him.
“I just jumped off a building to trust you. I think if I can trust you with my life trusting you with my virtue and modesty won’t be a problem.” He smiled.
“You are so beautiful.” She blushed.
“Even when I blush?”
“Especially when you blush, it just makes you plain sexy… irresistibly sexy.” He whispered into her ear as he kissed down her neck.

Chapter 14

“You are so beautiful.” She blushed.
“Even when I blush?”
“Especially when you blush, it just makes you plain sexy… irresistibly sexy.” He whispered into her ear as he kissed down her neck.

Both of them grunted in frustration when someone knocked on the door of the room.
“Matic?” He sighed, it was Kyle.
“Yes?” He turned from Natasha, after sqeezing her hand affectionately.
“Business call. As well as the seamstress… the word has gotten around and the she’s out here and almost begging to come and fit Natasha for her dress.”
“Alright, alright, let her in… and I’ll be right there.” He took Natasha’s hand and led her inside the room. “I will be right back, mean while you’re going to need a dress for the coronation. Sarah is great with dresses, she can make you any thing you want. He kissed her cheek softly before walking out of the room. Sarah quickly walked in as the door closed behind her.
“Hello Natasha! So what color!” The woman was beyond happy, she was thrilled.
“Well what color is-”
“I was thinking blue. Maybe red.” She cut Natasha off quickly. “We’ll see which goes well with your skin tone. But that can come later. First the style! I was thinking a little French, maybe a little bunch here at the waist, but if it doesn’t suit we can easily take it out. And also I think a square neck line would look beautiful on you! Or perhaps off the shoulders. Or both! Ah! Alright, both you’ve convinced me! Then it will flow out, simple and elegant, but still showing off your wonderful curves, perhaps a two tone underlay to bring out more color. Oh beautiful! Just beautiful!” The woman rambled on as she circled around and around Natasha’s body, she couldn’t understand how the woman wasn’t getting dizzy. “Just wonder full! Now tell me what you think about feathers?” Natasha was overwhelmed, thankfully the woman didn’t need any answers from Natasha. “No, no I agree, feathers will just draw away from your beautiful face. Feathers are for the ugly and you certainly are not ugly! Not with that bus.t. My goodness! Master picked wonderfully!” The woman was talking about her boob.s! AH! Natasha wanted to run back to the balcony and wait for Matic to come rescue her again. However before she could even take a step toward the balcony the door opened again and four other woman came in, all beaming faces. “OH! Isn’t see beautiful! Just Beautiful!” The four others carried baskets of fabric and sewing materials. “Now, undress darling! Don’t worry, no need for modesty here! Were all women! Cara, lock the door love!” One of the girls set down her basket and went and locked the door. Natasha was horrified! “Cant have any men come sneaking a peak, especially that fiancé of yours! No, off with the cloths! Off, off, off!” The woman reminded her of a chicken, she never shut up! When Natasha didn’t move to take any thing off the woman started tugging at her pants, pulling them down! Natasha squeeked, pulling her PJ pants back up. “Come now deary, we have to get those baggy cloths off you to see what we have to work with! Off, off, off!” The four other women approached her and before she had any choice in the matter all she had on was underwear and a bra. She shivered at the cold breaze that flew through the room. “Notes Hana!” Instantly the girl named Hana had a note pad in her hand. “Great shoulders, neck and Bust. Torso is long, too bad for the scar. Hips a little too wide.” Natasha looked down at her self frowning. “But perfect for child birth!” The woman tapped her arm reassuringly, trying to soften her insult. “Good legs, need waxing. Wonderful caves. Need high heels. Alright! Nancy, blue!” The woman named Nancy jumped forward with her basket full of blue cloth. Sarah pulled it out and draped it over the front of Natasha’s body, just below her head. “Blue is perfect to bring out her hair.” The woman with the note pad wrote furiously, trying to keep up with the woman’s mouth. “Jessica! The fourth girl stepped forward as Sarah let the blue fall to the floor and reached into Jessica’s basket and pulled out the fabric. A deep red piece was draped over her where the blue fabric had just been. “Hum… the red brings out her eyes and the glow in her face. Go with red, defiantly red. Master Matic loves red right? Red, yes! Red! The color of love, perfect! Now the secondary color. Red and black? No, no, she’s to pure for that, plus its been done! Um… red and white. White, pure, elegant, virgin, perfect! Red and white! Wonderful! Alright, now the hair, I’m thinking flowers. Lily’s, but not too big, and her hair half up. Nancy you think you could handle that? Good. And- OH MY GOSH! NO!” Natasha jumped as the woman grabbed her hand. “SHE NEEDS A RING! A RING! THERE’S NO RING!” the woman was in hysterics. “NO RING! NO RING! SHE – NO RING!” The woman gaped at her hand, as if she were missing two fingers and growing another thumb. Nancy gripped Sarah’s shoulder.
“I’m sure master Matic is getting it taken care of.” She said calmly. The woman looked from Natasha’s hand to her face then back again.
“Well I can’t understand how you would have even said yes with out a ring! My goodness. Proposing with out a ring! Its just not proper! I hope he hasn’t deflowered you yet either! With the way he’s going my goodness! No ring! The woman dropped Natasha’s hand like it was a dirty rag while Natasha blushed at her previous comment. The woman tossed her head back. “Where was I?”
“I believe you had just finished hair.”
“Wonderful! Well once she gets a ring on her finger she’s going to need a manicure, and throw in a pedicure as well. Makeup! We’ll go natural, pure. Very little makeup. But emphasize on the lips, the red will bring out her eyes enough, we want him to be needing to kiss her all night long! Perfume! Yes, perfume! Do you have scent he likes?” The woman actually paused waiting for Natasha to answer.
“Uh, no?”
“No perfume! Natural, he likes the taste of her skin! Apply glimmer and shimmer! Jewelry! Oh, I think I want sparkly! Yes, sparkly will do just fine! Cara, find something dazzling! A necklace and bracelets, she doesn’t have her ears pierced. Oh and perhaps an anklet just to draw attention to her wonderful legs! They need to be waxed. She woman’s frown suddenly transformed into a wide smile as she finally looked up to Natasha’s face. “All done! Measurements will be tomorrow.” The woman smiled quieted pleased with herself, as if concering as great feat. She then turned swiftly and exited out of the room. Her four assistants followed her quickly, after picking up all their supplies. Natasha was left in her underwear, slightly chilled and completely confused. Matic entered as soon as they had left and stopped short of coming into to the room. A smile instantly plastered across his face at seeing her. She ran for the closet, but before she could even get to the door way he stood in it, blocking her way.
“Matic! I’m half nake.d!”
“Oh I know! Its really such a shame. Here, let me help you.” He moved toward her and she jumped away from him.
“Matic!” She screamed as he sped behind her and grabbed her around her waist holding her close to him, the coldness of his skin seeping through his cloths in to her. He nuzzled her neck. She smiled as he swayed her back and forth while kissing her neck passionately. “Matic… I have to get dressed.”
“No, no, you really don’t.” He held her tighter, as his hand caressed her flat stomach.
“Matic!” Natasha tried to hold back her snicker, but couldn’t as it quickly turned into an out right laugh, he was tickling her while trying to seduce her.
“Am I tickling you?”
“No!”
“Yes, I think I am!” He said suddenly mischievous as to what other parts of her were ticklish.
“No! Matic! Stop! Don’t!” He didn’t listen to her as he attacked her stomach and the both of them fell back onto the bed, Natasha giggling and laughing. He quickly found her ribs which were also ticklish and the bottom of her feet. He especially loved the squeal that screeched out of her when he discovered it. She was kicking her legs to try and get them away from his talented hands. She wasn’t watching where she was kicking and suddenly she felt like she had kicked stone! “AH!” She whimpered the sudden pain replacing any ticklish feelings.
“Natasha! Are you alright?”
“Yea, I’m fine. What did I hit, the bed post?”
“No, my jaw.”
“Your-! I’m so sorry! Are you okay?” She instantly was on her knees in front of him, her hands on his face. “I didn’t mean to-” He was laughing.
“Natasha, I’m fine! I’m more worried about your foot! Kicking me can be like kicking a wall. Are you okay?” Natasha smiled as she looked down at her foot and flexed.
“No damage done!” He smiled with her. She turned back to him, her hand was still on his stone jaw, cool and smooth. She leaned forward and kissed it, following his jaw line up to his lips. “I’m sorry.” He kissed her back.
“Nothing to forgive.” She kissed him then hopped off the bed and dashed for the closet.
“You know despite your obvious objections, cloths are required on my body!” She yelled from the closet as she slipped on a shirt and started to pull a pair of pants on.
“Not after were married!” She walked out of the closet, still doing up her pants. It was really sex.y, but not as sex.y as her in underwear.
“What do you mean?”
“Well, I’m not just going to want to kiss you. However enjoyable that is…” He walked toward her. “I’m going to want so much more, I already do want so much more.” He kissed her lips, and opened her mouth with his tung. His tung glided over hers, relishing in the taste of her. She moaned against him as he felt her lean in. He moved away from her mouth, watching as she gasped for a breath. She slid her closed eyes open and smiled at him. “Is that okay?”
“That is more than okay.” She leaned up and kissed him eagerly, wanting more of him. He kissed back just as urgently. “That’s perfect.” She smiled against his lips as he kissed her.

Chapter 15

“That is more than okay.” She leaned up and kissed him eagerly, wanting more of him. He kissed back just as urgently. “That’s perfect.” She smiled against his lips as he kissed her.

Both Matic and Natasha screamed out when there was a knock on the door.
“WHAT!?”
“WHAT?!”
“I’m sorry master Matic, and Miss Natasha. I just have your dinner here. Master Kyle told me to bring it up to your room… I can leave, I didn’t know you…. Were… I’m sorry.” The young maid that had brought up their food blushed furiously as Matic got off of Natasha on the bed.
“It’s okay, thank you.” The woman brought in the food and set it down then nearly ran out of the room. “Matic?” He turned toward her, smiling.
“Yes?”
“Are we going to have this many interruptions when were married?” Matic smiled.
“I think this is mostly Kyle’s doing, he’s trying to protect your virtue. Good thing he is, or it would already be destroyed, I’m certain.” Natasha blushed. “God your sexy when you do that!” He leaned toward her, kissing her. She kissed back then he pulled away from her, her stomach had grumbled. He smiled. “You should eat.” He got up off the bed and took her hand leading over to the food. The smell of it was exquisite! It was some kind of stir-fry, with veggies and chicken in it. YUM! She grabbed her plate and walked to the balcony, leaned against the railing, digging in. He came out with her, and stood beside her, a protective arm wrapped around her lower back. “Is it good?”
“Delicious, who ever makes the food around here has gifted hands!” She said through a mouth full.
“I’m glad you like it. I’ll give my regards to the cook.” He smiled as she looked up to him and smiled then back down to her plate.
“Sarah is crazy!” She said quickly before shoving another bite into her mouth.
“Why’s that?”
“She just is! Talks nonstop and forever! I think I got maybe two words out while she was here!” He laughed.
“Yes, that is Sarah, but don’t judge her too much till you see the dresses she makes, they are absolutely stunning. And not just because they were made well, but were made for the person wearing them. She’s very good in her craft.”
“Well I don’t care how good she is… she said my hips were too wide… too big.”
“Well she’s wrong, they are just perfect!”
“Thank you, I thought that too!” She pouted a little then smile up at him, watching at his blue eyes studied her.
“Are you really okay with all this?”
“All this implying?”
“My being a vampire, and you marrying me.”
“I am absolutely and irrevocably in love with you. It wouldn’t matter if you were a monster! I would still marry you!” She smiled but he just frowned all the more.
“But I am a monster.”
“Not to me you aren’t.”
“But Natasha I-”
“Stop. I love you. All of you. Every smirk, every whisper, and every inch of vampire in you. I trust you with my heart, all of it. Now trust yourself.” She set down the dish of food on the railing as she spoke and moved closer to him. Her arms wrapping around his shoulders.
“I love you so much.” He whispered before his lips delved onto hers. He pushed her back then turned a bit and moved back to rest on the railing. She felt the dish move as her back was pressed against the railing.
“OH!” She broke from his lips to try and catch it, but it was already gone, she looked down just in time to see it smash on the stone floor below.
“Opps.” He said watching with her.
“You know you have to be careful, her kisses are destructive.”
“Really?” He smiled as he kissed her again. “That one too?”
“No,” Kiss. “No, not” kiss. “That one.” Kiss. “Or this one.” Kiss. Matic reached around her back and lifted her up onto the railing, holding her tight against him as she kissed down at him. Tilted her head back, away from his kisses, but he continued to kiss her, down her neck to her chest then back up. She looked down at him as he stopped his wonderful ministrations. He smiled ear to ear.
“Kyle should be barging in… in five, four… three… two…”
“Matic!” Natasha lowered her head as she laughed with him.
“Shh… maybe if you don’t answer he won’t come take you away.”
“He could never take me away from you.” He kissed her again as Kyle pounded on the door inside their room.
“MATIC! I’m coming in! If you guys are… doing stuff you should stop!” He warned before he slowly opened the door.
“Dam.it, he’s coming inside.” Matic whispered at her.
“Matic? Natasha?”
“Shh, maybe he won’t come out on the balcony.”
“There you are.” Kyle said, smiling at see all the cloths still on both Matic and Natasha.
“Never mind.” Natasha said as Matic turned around, his back to Natasha. She wrapped her arms around his neck.
“Hello Kyle.”
“Hi, sorry to disturb you.”
“I highly doubt that.” Matic said while smiling.
“Well, Matic I need you to come sign some papers for the coronation.”
“Is my father here?” His frown cracked through his voice.
“No, he just sent them over.” Matic nodded then turned around in Natasha’s arms.
“I’m sorry.” She smiled as he kissed up at her.
“It’s okay. I understand.” She slid down from the balcony at her held her firmly, keeping her decent on the right side the balcony. .
“I’ll be right back.” She nodded as he kissed her good bye, and left her standing on the balcony. She stood a little dazed as he left, his kisses always made her breathless. She turned around and leaned against the balcony, looking out to the mountains. She sighed at she tried to clear her head of the fog of Matic. She breathed in the fresh air as she smiled.
“Hello Natasha.” She jumped as she turned around, shocked. A man stood at the entrance way to the balcony, his hair was the same color as Matic, but his eyes were dark, and deep. “I’m going to be you’re father in law. I’m Matic’s father. I’m here to see you.” Natasha’s heart jumped at his words.
“MATIC!” She screamed out, pressing her back against the railing.
“He won’t hear you, love… You’re all mine.”
“MATIC!” His hand suddenly covered her’s as he sped toward her.
“Don’t worry, love. I’m sure he won’t mind.”

Chapter 16

“Hello Natasha.” She jumped as she turned around, shocked. A man stood at the entrance way to the balcony, his hair was the same color as Matic, but his eyes were dark, and deep. “I’m going to be you’re father in law. I’m Matic’s father. I’m here to see you.” Natasha’s heart jumped at his words.
“MATIC!” She screamed out, pressing her back against the railing.
“He won’t hear you, love… You’re all mine.”
“MATIC!” His hand suddenly covered her’s as he sped toward her.
“Don’t worry, love. I’m sure he won’t mind.”

His head ran up along her neck, taking in her scent.
“Mmm.” He groaned out. “My son has good taste…” He licked his lips like looking at a fine glass of wine to drink. Every muscle in her body was tense, pulled as far away from as possible. “So sweet… succulent. So you are going to be the future queen of my kingdom…”
“MATIC!” She screamed out as his hand on her jaw loosened. He gripped her mouth, and hissed.
“Shut up!” Her eyes were wide staring into his threatening ones. “No, you can’t be the woman to lead my people, you’re too scared.” He looked at her disapprovingly. “No, already I won’t give my approval… Well let’s not ruin the fun.” His hand was suddenly pulling up her shirt.
“Stop it!” She squealed, trying to wriggle out of his grasp. He wouldn’t let her go. Her shirt was half way up, and he was struggling to get it around her boobs to get it off. She used the banister at her back and somehow got her feet up on his chest; she pushed and got him a foot away from her. She quickly used the distance and got up on the railing, her feet trying to find balance on the curve of the stone.
“Oh, now what are you going to do up there? Fly away?” If only, she thought. She panicked as she looked down to the ground. “Jump? Oh, love its too far down, you know that.” Her eyes found the broken plate and really didn’t want to end up just as broken. But as she grazed at the man, considering the alternative. She would rather be broken.
“You say I’m too week? I’m stronger than you can imagine.” Her anger flared as she starred at the man before her. “Maybe not physically, but any comments you dish out discrediting me, wont bother me. I’ve lived my whole life under people like you, not anymore. You won’t control me. And you certainly won’t see my body, ever… Even if I have to jump to keep your eyes off of me, I’ll do it. I’ll do anything to protect my self and anyone I love.”
“Really?” He looked at her skeptically.
“Yes.” Determination shivered through her. “You take one more step toward me and I’ll jump.”
“You wouldn’t.” He started to move forward. She lifted her right foot and placed it out on the empty air.
“I will.” He sighed then smirked.
“So what do we do now, precious?”
“You leave.”
“Oh well that’s not any fun.”
“Now!” She teetered on her one foot still keeping her on the balcony.
“Alright, alright. Perhaps later when there isn’t any place for you to jump off of we’ll speak again.”
“Perhaps we will, when Matic is around.” She said viciously. He laughed then turned back into the room. He paused and turned toward her again.
“I have to admit I was wrong about you… your way more stupid than any human I’ve ever met… stupid but brave at the same time. I admire that. Matic did pick well.”
“Leave.” She said still not trusting him at all. He just nodded and left, she didn’t come down till she heard the door close behind him, and even then waited a few minuets before climbing down from the banister, her whole body shaking as she did so. Matic came into the room not even a second after.
“NATASHA!” He ran into the room and then quickly ran to her crumpled form, gripping the ledge of the railing with her shaking, fearful hands.
“Matic.” Her body slunk into his as he picked her up off the floor.
“Are you alright? What happened?”
“I’m fine, nothing happened.”
“Natasha… I’m so sorry. I just saw him leave. If he touched you… I’ll kill him I swear…”
“No, Matic, he didn’t. But he wanted to.” He hugged her closer to him.
“I’m so sorry! I shouldn’t have-”
“Matic, it wasn’t your fault. And I’m fine.” She forced a smiled to reassure him. He took her head in his hands and kissed her gently, afraid almost that he would break her.
“I love you for lying to me. But your not okay, are you?” She couldn’t help her tears.
“I’m just scarred. I’m fine, I am! I will be.” He just held her close.
“I’ll kill him.” He whispered out, malice dripping from his words.
“Matic, look at me.” He looked down at her, opening his angry eyes. Natasha tried not to gasp as she saw his black vampire eyes. “I’m fine. Nothing happened. Nothing will. I love you for worry and wanting to protect me, but I’m fine.” He studied the truth in her words, but his eyes didn’t turn back to the blue. “Matic.” She pushed herself against him, trying to distract his mind from what could have happened. She stretched up to him, and brushed her lips against his, watching as his half closed eyes turned back to the brilliant blue as he deepened her kiss. She closed her eyes against it, thankful he wouldn’t go and do something rash on her behalf. However even her mind turned from all aspects of fear as his body quickly moved against hers. The turned slightly in each others grasp. They both stumbled back into the room and then she parted from his lips, smiling. He looked down at her smiling at her as well.
“You are way too dangerous.”
“What do you mean?”
“You control me way to easily.”
“Really?” He nodded, holding her close. “Well would you be completely and absolutely angry with me if I told you I was tired?”
“Not at all… your only human.” She smiled.
“About that.”
“What?”
“Me, being human… When we get married…”
“God that sounds good!” He said leaning down to kiss her neck, she reluctantly pulled away.
“Matic, after were married, and on the wedding night.” His smirk made her blush furiously.
“Yes.” His voice was low and sultry.
“Well… I…” She didn’t know how to voice her thoughts, they were so, awkward!
“Yes?”
“When we make love… you won’t…” She bit her bottom lip.
“I won’t what?” His voice was suddenly serious.
“I mean with your strength, and powers. I mean… you won’t hurt me? Will you?”
“Natasha, are you a virgin?” She blushed beat red as she looked down, completely embaressed. He let out a breathy laugh. “Natasha. If we do… make love. You have to be turned.” Her head snapped up.
“What?”
“Well when we get married… I want to be together forever, I cant let you die.” She pulled away from him. The thought had never even entered her mind. She guessed it made sense, that to be with him she would have to be like him. But what would it turn her into? What would she be like after? What would their relationship be like after? After her humanity was dissolved would he still love her as much? But if she didn’t change she could never be with him, she would never the pleasure of him, never have forever with him. But what would be forever if he no longer loved her. “Natasha?” She looked up at his blue concerned eyes. “We don’t have to rush into anything… we can wait… but I want you in my life.”
“I am in your life.”
“I meant forever. These days and years to me are just like seconds and minuets on a clock. They don’t last long. I want the love I have for you to last forever. I can’t let you die, and the only way to truly prevent that is to change you.”
“What will I become?” She whispered out, her fear all too evident in her eyes.
“My wife. With a spirit like yours nothing will change but the ring you’ll be wearing.” Natasha couldn’t help suppress her smile, remembering Sarah’s frantic words. “Speaking of which…” He pulled out a small velvet black box. “Natasha.” He glided down to his knee. His head at the level of her stomach, looking up. He opened the box with his thumb. “Natasha I will always love you. Every inch of you. Every thought, every laugh, and every smile that you create, I will love you forever. Will you officially marry me?” Natasha’s thoughts swam as she stared at the perfect beautiful diamond ring. He said she would change, she would still be Natasha, she would still love him, and he would still love her.
“Yes… forever, yes!” He slipped the ring into place, it fit perfectly.
“I love you.” He stood, kissing her.
“I love you.” Her hand folded into his as he held her.

Chapter 17

“Yes… forever, yes!” He slipped the ring into place, it fit perfectly.
“I love you.” He stood, kissing her.
“I love you.” Her hand folded into his as he held her.

There had been no knock on the door, only the slight creak of it opening then her annoying voice.
“Up, Up, Up! We need to get your measurements today! Wake up darling!” Natasha groaned at Sarah’s harsh voice breaking into her sleep she rolled over in the bed, looking for Matic’s hard body to curl around. He wasn’t there. She frowned as she opened her eyes, looking around the empty to room to see him no where. “Up, up, up! Come on sleepy head! Cara get her out of bed, we have no time to loose. Cara had pushed back the comforter, the cold air wrapped around her skin. She groaned, reaching for the comforter that was out of reach.
“Come now Miss Natasha.” The woman cooed as she pulled at Natasha’s arm. She was brought to the middle of the room and urged on to the stool that was placed there. She stood on top of it, while yoning.
“Alright! Were going red! Let’s get started!” The woman sounded like a cheerleader. Where was Matic? Why wasn’t he here to save her? All four women quickly undressed her till she was once again in just her underwear. But she wasn’t naked for long. Sarah pulled out a very ruff looking dress, it looked like a sack more than a dress really, but two of the woman quickly had it hanging from her shoulders. The fabric was soft, but it didn’t matter how soft it was it still looked like a sack. How could Matic say this woman was a good seamstress? But then Sarah came at her with a mouth full of needles.
“Hold still.” She said over them. She started first at the bottom, pinning the length into place. Then started up, pinning almost every where it seemed, a lot at the waist, pinning back till it was tight around her skin.
“Nancy! Find this girl a corset!” The woman said as she pinned quickly.
“What cup size?” Sarah didn’t answer. “Natasha?”
“Oh, uh, C.” Nancy just nodded and walked off. Moments later came back with a very lacy and very small corset. There was no way her body would go into that thing.
“Help her get it on girls. Sarah said as she suddenly pulled the fabric off of Natasha’s body. Nancy held the corset against her body loosely. As care undid her bra and tossed it aside, the only covering being held up by Nancy. Both women worked quickly and soon she felt the corset tighten around her middle, almost painfully. “Not too tight now, can’t have her falling over.” Sarah said as she examined the fabric in her hands, doing adjustments.
“Done.” Cara said quietly. Sarah looked up at her and smiled.
“Wonderful. Help get this back on. The two women carefully pulled the dress back on her, with the corset every thing in her middle had to be repined. “Hana, cut for a zipper. Three inches here at the waist. I want it a hidden zipper. Hana nodded as she quickly cut down her side. After the first half and hour Natasha was dieing to move. “Stay still!” Sarah said for maybe the hundredth time. An other half an hour passed, leaving her more restless then before.
“Please, may I sit! Just for a few seconds?”
“No! Stay still!” Natasha rolled her eyes.
“Don’t roll your eyes.” Sarah snapped as she worked, not taking her eyes off the piece in the back to was working on. Another half an hour went by.
“I need to pee.”
“No, you don’t.”
“Yes I really do.”
“Then hold it.”
“I can’t!” The woman huffed.
“Nancy, Hana.” The woman motioned to take off the dress. As soon as if was off Natasha dashed for the bathroom and locked herself in. “I’m waiting Natasha!” Sarah yelled through the door. Natasha sat down on the toilet, resting. “I don’t hear tinkling!” Natasha got up and turned on the tap. “That’s not tinkling.” She rolled her eyes. “Don’t roll your eyes!” How did she know! Natasha walked to the toilet and pulled her panties down and went pee. When she was done, she continued to sit, not wanting to get up and go out of the room to stand for who knows how long. Eventually at Sarah’s annoying voice she got up and washed her hands then walked to the door of the bathroom. “Natasha, hurry!”
“Just a few more minuets!”
“Minuets! What!? No! Get out here, we have no time to waist!” Natasha didn’t listen as she pulled herself up on to the counter and sat. She leaned her head against the wall. “Natasha! Come out now!” She didn’t listen, but jumped when she heard another voice coming into the room.
“What’s going on?”
“Matic!” The door was open before she even knew that she had jumped off the counter to rush to him. She ran pasted Sarah and literally ran frantically to Matic.
“Hey?” He said smiling confused down at her. “What’s going on?”
“Where were you?”
“I had a few business calls to deal with. I sent Sarah up to finish up your dress.”
“And I would if she would let me! She moves every two seconds! I can hardly get any work done! Then she locked herself in the bathroom!” Sarah said over Natasha’s shoulder to Matic.
“I need to go pee!”
“Peeing takes two seconds; you were in there for over five minuets.”
“So I wanted a break!” Natasha clung to Matic, afraid this insistent woman would take her away from him.
“Well it doesn’t matter now. Master Matic, you must leave!”
“What? Why?” He asked, his arm tightening around her waist.
“Because, she is indecent, and you can not be here.”
“She is? I don’t think so! I think she looks perfectly decent. Perhaps too decent.” Sarah scowled as Natasha blushed.
“Well she is, now you need to go. I’m almost finished, I promise, they you can kiss her with out interruption.” Matic smiled as he looked down at Natasha.
“You okay?” She smiled and rolled her eyes.
“Yes.”
“Don’t roll your eyes!” Natasha widened her eyes in frustration as she turned her head toward the woman.
“Ah!” Matic laughed and kissed her cheek as he departed.
“Stand!” Sarah pointed toward the stool and Natasha marched over and stood on the stool as Nancy and Hana pulled the dress over her. An hour later Sarah stepped back from her, looking over the pin filled fabric.
“Alright, I’m done. Take it off, carefully.” Both Hana and Cara took it off gently. Natasha stepped off the stool and flopped on to her bed, letting her feet relax. “It should be done by tomorrow afternoon, we’ll come by to see how it fits.” Natasha didn’t even nod as the five women gathered up their things and left the room. Natasha closed her eyes as she forced herself to stand and walk over to the closet. Matic came in as she slipped on a pair of jeans and a plain white t-shirt.
“Natasha?”
“I’m in here.” She yelled out, pulling her messy hair into a pony tail. He stood at the doorway to the closet.
“Crap, I’m too late.”
“Too late for what?” She asked turning to him, smiling.
“To see you decent again.” She smiled.
“Well you’ll have to come early tomorrow… she’s coming back tomorrow afternoon.” Natasha crinkled her nose and forehead in a mock pout. “Can you make her stay away?” Matic laughed.
“No, she needs to do her job. Believe me, when its done you’ll be hugging her in thanks. You’ll be surprised by her work.” Natasha looked at him skeptically.
“You didn’t see the sac she put on me… I couldn’t believe she called it a dress.”
“Well it will be when she’s done with it.”
“I don’t know Matic, unless she’s a part time fairy godmother, and has some magic up her sleeves I might be presenting my self to the vampire society in a pretty red sack.” Matic laughed and kissed the top of her head.
“Even if I thought that were any possibility, I’m sure you would look beautiful, even in a sack.”
“You think I’m pretty?”
“No. I think you’re beautiful.” He smiled down at her as he wrapped his arms around her. She starred up at this perfect man. How could he think she was beautiful?
“What’s beautiful about me?”
“Every thing… your eyes, your little nose, your lips, and the glorious neck. I love your thoughts and smiles, and how you look at me.” She looked up at him and smiled. “Yes, that look.” He leaned down and kissed her softly. She smiled against his lips as he pushed harder against her, wanting more. She pushed back, and the both of them stumbled to the bed, both falling onto it, intertwined. She pulled away from him breathless. She looked into his eyes then rolled over so he was on top of her. She brought her hands from around him body and rested them against his shoulders. The sparkle of the diamond caught her eye. She brought her hand closer, watching as the light perfectly glanced off the diamond. “Do you like it?” He asked. She looked up at his uncertain eyes.
“I love it. It’s beautiful… did you pay a lot for it?”
“No… it was my mothers.” She looked up at him shocked.
“Your mothers! Matic… I can’t take this!” She started to pull off the ring, his hand settled over her’s.
“Yes you can. She gave it to me for the woman that I would fall in love with. She would be proud to see you wear it.”
“What happened to her?”
“She was killed.” His features turned dark as he rolled off of her, laying next to her, his eyes down cast, remembering her death.
“How?”
“Tortured.”
“Why would any one want to do something like that?” Matic just shook his head.
“I don’t know.”
“Did you find out who did it?”
“No.” Natasha stayed silent as she watched Matic pull into himself.
“I’m sorry.”
“Me too… she was an amazing woman. She would have really liked you.” He looked up and smiled a sad smile.
“How long ago did she die?”
“Four years now, feels just like yesterday.”
“She would be proud of you.”
“I know. I miss her.”
“She was your mother, of course you miss her.” She intertwined her hand with his, trying to ease his pain. She lifted his hand to her face and kissed his cold skin. He smiled at the touch of her lips on such a non intimate place, still sending tingles through his body.
“Do you miss your family?” Natasha paused, thinking about her family felt like it was a life time ago.
“I guess sometimes… I haven’t really thought about them. I was more of the parent then the child. I was the one to take care of them… that could be one of the reasons why I fell in love with you so easily.”
“What’s that?”
“You took care of me… when I was hurt, you were there. You saved me.” He smiled.
“I just found you.”
“No, I mean, you didn’t just save me from my wound you saved me from my life. If that night hadn’t happened, and that man hadn’t stabbed me I would probably still be in that house with my father yelling at me to bring him a bole of ice cream. You saved me from a life of servitude and resentment.”
“Resentment for what?”
“Well I knew deep down that the money I had been saving for college would be spent to pay the bills, and the more I would try to get out of the rut the more it would drag me down, and I would hate my parents for it. You saved me from all that.” He rubbed the skin on the back of her hand with his thumb as she talked.
“So you don’t miss them? You wouldn’t want to go back, even just a little?”
“Nope, because I know if I did, I would miss you. And that would tear me apart faster than being at home ever would… does that make sense?” He just nodded.
“So what college were you saving up for?”
“I don’t know. Just college… I wanted to take art.” He smiled. “But that’s gone. And it’s okay, because I have you.”
“You know it doesn’t have to be gone. You can still go to any collage you want. You don’t have to be trapped here, just being with me. You have freedom. You may not be able to really go till after you marry me, but once the kingdom has settled into my rule you can go to school and take all the courses you want.”
“Huh… maybe I will.” She smiled, looking into his happy blue eyes.
“Good.” He kissed her. “So what are we going to do for the rest of the night?” She thought for a moment.
“Well if I’m going to go study at collage I’m going to need to brush up on my painting skills.”
“Alright, what do you have in mind?”
“You.”
“What?”
“I want to paint you.” She smiled at his slightly shocked expression.
“Alright…” He suddenly smirked. “Nude?” He asked smiling then full out laughing as a deep red blush spread over her face.

Chapter 18

“I want to paint you.” She smiled at his slightly shocked expression.
“Alright…” He suddenly smirked. “Nude?” He asked smiling then full out laughing as a deep red blush spread over her face.

“No, no, I’m just going to paint your face.”
“Oh, okay.” He said, disappointed. “So where do you want me?” She got up off the bed and walked toward where she had put her stand and extra canvases as well as the paint. She set it all up by the bed.
“Just lay there, be relaxed. I’d say go to sleep, but you don’t. So just lay there I guess.”
“Alright.”
“Try to be still.” He didn’t move, not an inch. She stared at his suddenly stone still body. “Actually could you take off your shirt?” His looked at her and smirked as he took off his shirt.
“So you do want me nude.”
“No, just partially.”
“Sure, sure.” He threw his shirt at her as he laid back down. Natasha studied his muscled perfect skin. As she caught his shirt in her hands. She tore her eyes away from him and squirted some paint on to her pallet. “So tell me, do you like what you see?”
“Shh…” Natasha said with out answering him. “don’t talk. I need to concentrate.”
“You haven’t even started yet.” She looked up at him over her canvas, smiling.
“I know, that’s why I need to concentrate. Having you in the room is distracting, let alone half naked.” He smiled and laughed as she blushed at her own comment. She dipped her brush into the paint and started to paint. Hours he laid there and hours she painted, the silence peaceful as she worked.
“How ya doing?” Natasha looked up from the canvas at him, ready to scold him for moving to speak, however he hadn’t moved, not even an inch.
“Did you just speak?” He didn’t move, not an inch to show her any sign that he had or had not, however his voice rang clear in her head.
“Yep. How’s it going?”
“How are you speaking… in my head?!”
“I’ve tasted your blood, I’m connected with you now. That’s why I can speak with in your mind. I don’t know why it works that way, but once a humans blood is in a vampires body they can penetrate their mind and speak through their mind to the humans. However for some reason it only lasts around a year and then the blood is out of their system.”
“So can you hear my thoughts?”
“Nope, just transmit mine to you… as well as images.” A split second later an image of her in her black bra and underwear, while she was still wounded flashed into her mind. “You were so sexy with that on.” Natasha slid her eyes closed as she tried to suppress her blush.
“You have to stop. I need to finish. I can’t do that when you’re distracting me.”
“You find my voice distracting?”
“Yes.”
“Distracting in a good way or bad?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well is my voice so annoying its distracting, or is it so seductive that it sends shivers down your spine that can’t be ignored, and that’s why it’s distracting?”
Natasha smiled.
“I need to concentrate.”
“No, you’re not getting off the hook with this one. I wanna know.” She looked up at him, still stone still, not a hit of expression on his face as to what they were talking about.
“If I tell you, will you move?”
“Not unless you want me to.”
“Alright, but you have to promise to stay stone still.”
“Promise.” Natasha walked from around all of her painting stuff and walked toward him, then leaned over and whispered in his ear.
“Just your voice sends shivers down my spine, yes. But it’s so much more. Its the way you speak to me that differes in my reactions. When you just speak to me, my knees try their hardest not to become jello, but when you speak to me with that undercurrent of seduction running through it, I cant help but want to feel you… every where… inside me.” Her voice was so soft and sultry that it took all of Matic’s will power not to jump on her right then and kiss her as well as do a many other things he shouldn’t do before their wedding night. “Now remember stay still.”
“That’s not fair.”
“You promised.” She said walking back to her painting.
“You can’t talk like that and have me just sit here for the rest of the night, dwelling on your words.”
“Well you’re gonna have to, because I’m not finished yet… now you have to get out of my head.” She said quickly, taking up her pallet in her hand and tried to find where she should start. Two hours later she was done.
“Alright… think I’m done.” Her nerves suddenly clenched at him seeing her painting. What if he didn’t like it? What if she didn’t do it right? She bit her bottom lip as she watched him get up from the bed.
“Well it’s about time.”
“I’m sorry, I just wanted it to be good.” He smiled as he came and wrapped and arm around her shoulders while looking at the painting. He was silent. It killed her.
“So?” She could help but ask.
“Its good.”
“And?”
“It doesn’t look a thing like me.”
“Yes it does!” He leaned in and kissed the top of her head.
“I like it.” She looked up at him dully. “I do.”
“You just said it doesn’t look anything like you.”
“Well… I-”
“Matic?” It was Kyle at the door.
“Kyle! Your just in time, come here.” Kyle walked into the room confused.
“Yea?”
“Look at this painting.” Kyle came around it to see it.
“Oh, its Matic. Wow, it’s a really good picture… I don’t like that he’s shirtless though.” Kyle gave Matic a disapproving look.
“Well she wanted me nude but I just wouldn’t do it.” Natasha smacked his arm.
“Ah! Ya right!” Matic just laughed.
“Well I don’t think it looks at all like me.” Matic said looking at the painting.
“That’s because your ego is too high to think you could so easily be captured in paint.” Kyle said smiling as he walked back to the door. “Any way, the two of you have visitors done stairs. They say that their Natasha’s parents. Matic frowned. Natasha did too. Why were her parents here?

Chapter 19

the two of you have visitors done stairs. They say that their Natasha’s parents. Matic frowned. Natasha did too. Why were her parents here?

Matic held her hand as the walked down the hall. She was surprisingly scared to see her parents again. She didn’t want them to take her away from him, and she had a sickening feeling that’s what they were here to do. As she walked down the stairs to the entranceway she saw a woman that looked like her mother, but she was draped in finery beyond what they could ever even hope to pay for.
“Mom?” The woman turned to her a large smile plaster across her face.
“Natasha! Oh darling we were so worried about you!” A man in an expensive suite turned around to face her, it was her father. Her mother gripped her in a hug, and then her father, both awkwardly done.
“What are you doing here?” Natasha asked frowning.
“We missed you! We wanted to see you! Cant a mother and father come visit her children?” Her voice was trying too hard to be innocent, Natasha didn’t by it.
“Yes Natasha, we just missed you.” Her father spoke, smiling.
“You look well Natasha, happy?” Her mother asked, grabbing the hand that wasn’t holding Matic’s.
“Yes.”
“Oh wonderful!” Her smile was so fake Natasha almost wanted to laugh.
“Mom, what are you wearing?” Her mother smiled even wider.
“You like it?” She twirled around, showing off her dress. “Oh, look! Look!” She came suddenly closer, showing her the diamond necklace hanging from her neck and ears.
“Mom! How did you pay for that? And dad the suite? Where did you get the money to pay for it?”
“Well it came from the money master Matic gave us.”
“Which wasn’t even close to being enough!” Her father spoke up, his voice suddenly ringing of that greed she knew so well. Her mother looked at her father and glared then looked back at her and smiled, then looked at Matic as well.
“Well that is part of the reason why we came…”
“You want more money.” Matic spoke, the first words sinse coming down the stairs.
“Well yes.” Her mother shrunk away at the look her gave her.
“Yes! We want more!” Her father bellowed, stepping forward.
“I wasn’t generious enough the first time?”
“A million dollars cant pay for our daughter, she’s priceless.” Her mother spoke up.
“A MILLION DOLLARS!” Natasha yelled, looking at Matic with wide eyes, he didn’t comment, or look at her, his eyes cold, looking at her father. And instead of answering her he simply said.
“How much?”
“Well… nothing can replace a daughter…” Her father stumbled over his words, suddenly aware that Natasha was still in the room.
“How much?” His words harder, angrier.
“An other million.”
“WHAT! NO!” Natasha yelled out, moving her hand out of Matic’s suddenly tense hand. “No! He wont pay that! He’s paid enough. Now get out!”
“Natasha, darling…” Her mother tried to take her hand up in her’s, Natasha whipped it out of her grasp.
“No, the two of you sicken me.”
“If he doesn’t pay, you’re coming home with us!” Her father bellowed, suddenly grabbing her arm almost painfully. It all happened so fast after that, all she heard was a low growl and the next thing she knew Matic’s hand was wrapped around her fathers chubby throat, her father hand ripped from her arm.
“Matic…” Her hand carefully touched his muscled tense arm, he turned to her, his eyes instantly turning from black to blue. “Let him go, their not taking me any where.” Matic looked back at her father and released him with an other low growl.
“You ever touch her again and I will kill you.” He said quickly and darkly as he took Natasha’s hand up in his, gently and tenderly. Starting to just walk away.
“You cant take her! She’s our daughter!” Her mother yelled out after them. Natasha stopped and turned back toward her. Then giving Matic a reassuring smile turned on her mother.
“You were never anything to be but a person I had to take care of. Mother. I am anything but a daughter to you, perhaps a personal slave is the better word to use. But I’m free now, I don’t belong to you. I belong to the man you sold me to. Matic. And I’m going to marry him. Thankfully for me, something good finally came out of your mistakes, I fell in love. And I’m going to marry him, with out parents. Because you certainly aren’t anything close to even be deserving of the title parents. I cant believe he gave you a million dollars for me, and you accepted it! And not only that, you came here and had the gull to call me your daughter and ask for more money! You make me sick. And I’m glad I’m the only one that was fathered by the two of you. Now your going to turn around and walk out of that door, and my life, and never come back.” Her mother opened her mouth to speak. “NOW!” The two people quickly walked toward the door, not one looked back as they walked away. Once the door closed Natasha drew in a shaky breath while closing her eyes and tilting her head up to the ceiling. She felt Matic’s arms wrap around her middle from behind, he held her close.
“Are you okay?” He whispered.
“Yea. I’m fine.”
“I love you.” Smiled and turned in his arms.
“I love you too.” She leaned her head against his hard chest.
“I know that was a really hard thing for you to do.”
“It need to be done… I cant believe you paid then a million dollars for me!” He smiled down at her.
“I got a good price. I think I paid too little.” He kissed the top of her forehead.
“Don’t let my dad hear you say that. He’ll take you for every penny your worth.”
“Not any more… they’re gone.” She looked up at him and gave a sad smile.
“I just wished for once in their life they could have just been parents, and supported me.” He hugged her tighter.
“I know…” She wrapped her arms around him, and let him comfort her. She heard the small chuckle go through him.
“What?”
“I know that you just had a huge thing happen, but when you were yelling at them, I couldn’t help see how sexy you are when your mad.” She smiled.
“Well you wont see me like that very often. Usually I cry when I get angry. I’m surprised I didn’t.”
“Hum… Still… you were really sexy.” She smiled up at him, and put on a fake angry face. “Well you better not ever make me angry before our wedding or we might just end up in a disposition that could be hard to cover up.”
“And what would that be?”
“A little too sweaty and happy on that big bed up stairs.”
“Hum… that sounds really good, but I’m already having a hard time restraining from doing that, so you really, really should get angry.”
“Oh I should?” She tossed her hair off her shoulders.
“Yes, I need to some relief here.”
“And who’s to say I don’t?”
“I never said you didn’t.” She smiled, then with out her consent yond. “Your tired.”
“No, no I’m not.” She said through the yon. He laughed and then suddenly bent and scooped her up in his arms. She squealed.
“What are you doing!”
“Taking you to that big bed up stairs.” He said seductively.
“Matic! We can’t!” He laughed. “Put me down!” She squirmed against his hard muscles.
“Natasha, your so light I could carry you for days and not get tired. You on the other hand already are. I’m just taking you to the bed to sleep.” She looked up at him, watching his expression. “Just sleep. Even if the alternative is much more appealing.” She smiled and blushed, looking away from him, as her right leg slightly swung from side to side. He contracted his left arm under her back and pulled her closed to him, he kissed the side of her head, taking in her addictive scent once again. “I can’t wait till our wedding night.” She smiled then looked up at him.
“When is it?”
“What?”
“Our wedding?”
“Well, after the coronation… and before my father abdicates his rule fully.”
“Your father is a vampire?”
“Yes.”
“And he lives forever?”
“In the most respect, yes.”
“So, why is he abdicating the thrown down to you?”
“The vampiric society doesn’t want him, and has made it known. So instead of risking his life on the thrown, he’s going to give it up to live.”
“Huh… and how do you know the vampiric society will accept you?” She asked as he started to walk down the hall.
“Well my clan is a very accepted clan, my mother was very respected. And also by joining together, they get more power, they compromise my younger leadership for more power amongst the two clans.”
“Huh.”
“Makes sense?”
“Yes, I think so. Its such a different world… you know?” He smiled.
“No, I really don’t. This is what I was born in to, I don’t know anything else.” He turned his back to the door and it swung open to let the two of them in. He walked over to the bed and placed her gently down. She stayed silent, trying to imagine what his life was like.
“Matic, how old are you?” He smiled as he laid down beside her.
“Why do you want to know?”
“Just because… how do vampires age?”
“Very slowly.”
“So how old are you?”
“Almost eight hundred years.”
“Eight hundred!”
“And I’m young, compared to others.”
“Wow.” She looked away from him over whelmed. How many things would he have seen, how many woman thrown them selves at him, how many he accepted. Natasha bit her bottom lip, thinking. Several minuets passed as the two of them just laid there.
“What is it?”
“Huh?” She looked over at him, he was on his back, eyes closed.
“What’s bothering you?”
“How do you know I’m bothered, your not even looking at me.”
“I dont have to look at you to tell when your bothered by something, so what is it?”
“Well… before me… how many girls have you… you know.” His eyes slid open and he turned on his side toward her.
“How many girls have I what?”
“Well… loved.”
“None.” The word was so simple, to easy off of his lips.
“None? Not one in eight hundred years?” He smiled, leaning his head on his hand, watching the surprise cross of her features.
“There are women that have had my interest, but never my heart. It seems it was waiting for you.” She looked up at the ceiling.
“But Matic, how do you know that I’m the one for you. I know that sounds cheesy, but I mean like in a hundred or even two hundred years, our feelings about each other could change… what happens then?” She looked over at him. “I guess what I’m trying to say is I don’t wanna loose you.”
“You wont ever loose me… I know my heart belongs to you.”
“But how do you know, in another couple years another could come along and she could be the one!”
“She wont be.”
“But-”
“She wont be because the night you were stabbed, hurt. I was miles away, I didn’t even know you existed, let alone that you were hurt! I tried to ignore the smell of your blood. I don’t know how the scent carried all that way, but it was like you were calling out to me, I’ve never experience anything like it before. It was like I was compelled to go, like I had to. But when I got there, and tasted your blood, it was perfect and sweet and every inch of me wanted more, but the feeling was there again, that compelling knowledge that told me to keep to you alive, to help you. So I did, I took you here, home. Then after you were stable I went back and followed your faint sent to your home. I found your father past out in his lazy boy, and your mother upstairs reading a romance novel. I approached them, and told them what had happened to you. They weren’t even concerned; they didn’t care about you at all. It was then that I realized I couldn’t have you go back there where you wouldn’t be taken care of, so I told them that I wanted you to stay with me. They instantly jumped on the money issue, saying that if I wanted you I would have to pay. So I did.”
“Matic, you shouldn’t have do-”
“No, I need to. I wanted to. And I haven’t, and wont, ever regret my decion.” He smiled and kissed her softly.
“Thank you.” He smiled.
“There’s nothing to thank. It was the only way to have my heart back.” She smiled and he smiled with her.
“I love you.”
“I love you too… now you need to sleep.” She kissed him goodnight and then the turned in his arms, closed her eyes and tried to sleep.

Chapter 20

“I love you too… now you need to sleep.” She kissed him goodnight and then the turned in his arms, closed her eyes and tried to sleep.

“Good morning love birds!” It was her! NOOOO! Like an annoying alarm clock she wouldn’t shut up! “Time to wake up!” Natasha felt Matic’s arm around her stomach pull her closer to him. She turned around in his arms and looked up at his blue eyes .
“Morning.” He whispered to her, smiling. “Sarah’s here with your dress.” Natasha looked at the closed door where the woman was still nattering outside it, Natasha was surprised she hadn’t barged in.
“I heard.”
“How did you sleep?”
“WAKE UP!” Sarah said through the door, pounding on it. “I have your dress! Oh darling its just perfect! Just exquisite!”
“What time is it?” Natasha asked yoning.
“About six thirty.”
“Six thirty!” Natasha said a little too loud.
“AHH! YOUR UP! I HEARD YOU! OPEN THE DOOR!” Natasha groaned.
“Crap.” She whispered, Matic smiled, playing with a piece of her hair.
“You know the doors locked, we don’t have to let her in.” Natasha smiled at that, and inched closer to him.
“That sounds good.”
“NATASHA!”
“But she’s not going to stop till we do open the door.” Natasha groaned then fake whimpered against him.
“Alright.” Pound, pound. “ALRIGHT! I’M COMING!” Natasha got up out of the bed and walked over to the door, Matic watched her, smiling. Natasha opened the door, and the woman burst into the room.
“OH NATASHA IT’S JUST BEAUTIFUL!”
“You can stop yelling.”
“Oh, I just know you’ll love it. Matic, time to get out! You cant see her in it yet!”
“Its not like it’s a wedding dress.”
“I know, I know, but it just takes all the glamour out of seeing her all pretty the day of. Now get out.” The woman pointed to the door. Matic got up and grabbed a shirt while walking over to Natasha. He kissed her.
“I’ll see you later.” Natasha smiled and nodded as she watched him put on his shirt and walk out of the room, wishing she could go with him.
“Come, come, now. You must try it on!” The woman gave her a big gray sack with a hanger at the top, with the zipper running down the front of it. She walked over to the closet and zipped it open. Natasha watched disinterested at Sarah pulled out the dark red colored dress. It was magnificent!
“Sarah! You made this?”
“You saw me make it darling.”
“No, I saw you putting pins in a red sack. This is… amazing!” Natasha reached out and took the edge of the dress in her hand, feeling the silk fabric glide over her hand.
“Well is doesn’t matter how amazing it looks on the hook if it doesn’t fit you properly. So try it on.” Natasha pulled her shirt off and pants off, not caring about modesty any more, the women had seen her like this enough times that it was normal. She unzipped the zipper and lifted the dress over her head, it glided down over her body. Sarah sipped it up and Natasha turned to look at her self in the full length mirror. Her hair was messy, she didn’t have any make up on, and her legs weren’t shaved at all. However even with the messy hair and no make up she looked like she could be ready to go to a ball, the dress was the perfect shape for her body, that just looked good in all the right places.
“I skipped the French look and went for modern, it’s a little different than what I had intended, but it turned out alright.”
“Alright?! Sarah, I love it!” Natasha smiled still looking at her reflection. “I will never ever complain about you coming to fit me for a dress again! Not if they all look as good as this! Thank you!” Natasha turned and hugged the annoying talented woman.”
“I may hold you to your word when I do your wedding dress.” Natasha just smiled as she let go of the woman, and twirled around the room. “Where are your assistants?”
“They have other work to do, and I didn’t need them for this. Alright, well stand still, let me see you.” Natasha stood in front of her. The woman examined her work. “Well I had wanted a corset to go with this, but it looks just fine with out. It might look a little better, its your decision if you want to wear one or not… other than that, I think it fits well enough. How are the straps? Too tight? Loose?”
“No, their perfect.”
“Good. Alright, well my work is done on that dress. I’ll come after the coronation to fit you for your wedding dress.”
“Okay, thank you.”
“Your welcome, however you have to promise me one thing.”
“Yes?”
“Don’t let Matic see you init till the night of, alright?”
“Okay, I can do that.”
“Good girl. Now Nancy and Cara will be up here around 6 or 7 tomorrow to do your hair and make up.” The woman smiled and started to walk out of the room. “You look beautiful.” Natasha smiled and looked at herself in the mirror again, when she looked back to the door way, the woman was gone. Natasha giggled and twirled around in her dress, she felt like a princess!
“Wait, tomorrow?!” It just clicked, tomorrow was the coronation?! Her nerves suddenly clenched and she felt the fear and panic rise up through her body. She was going to meet the vampire society tomorrow, she was going to be the only human in the room filled with vampires. Natasha bit her bottom lip as she sat down on the bed her knees starting to give out. She was going to die!

Chapter 21

“Wait, tomorrow?!” It just clicked, tomorrow was the coronation?! Her nerves suddenly clenched and she felt the fear and panic rise up through her body. She was going to meet the vampire society tomorrow, she was going to be the only human in the room filled with vampires. Natasha bit her bottom lip as she sat down on the bed her knees starting to give out. She was going to die!
“Natasha?” Matic knocked on the closed door.
“Don’t come in!” Natasha jumped up from the bed and quickly took off the dress and hung it on the hanger. She went deeper into her closet to search for something to wear.
“I’m coming in.” She didn’t answer as she heard the door open and close.
“Natasha?”
“I’m in the closet.”
“um… you look sexy this morning.” She turned around, jumping at his suddenly close voice.
“Well thank you. Why didn’t you tell me the coronation was tomorrow?” His smiled turned blank.
“I thought you knew.”
“No, I didn’t. And I just kindda realized that there are going to be vampires there.” He smiled.
“Yes, it is a coronation for the vampire thrown.”
“No, I meant… that I’m human, and I’m going to be there, with other vampires and… I’m human!” She pushed shirts aside, looking for her black ¾ sleeve shirt. She turned around and found it by Matic’s feet. “There it is.” She whispered out, reaching for the shirt, but before she could get it into her hands, Matic had it in his.
“yes, you are human. And you really don’t need this shirt.”
“but wouldn’t me being human, not be a good thing when in a room with vampires?” Natasha said as she pulled on a pair of pants. “And yes I do need that shirt.”
“No you really don’t.” He put his hands behind him, holding the shirt out of her grasp. “And normally, you being human would pose a problem, but you’re marrying me, and no one would dare touch you, in fear of disrupting the joining of the two clans.”
“So I’ll be safe?” She asked brushing through her hair and pulling it up into a pony tail.
“As long as you stay with me, yes.” Natasha’s nerves started to settle.
“And you wont leave me?”
“Not ever. Especially if you look half as good as you do now.” Natasha turned to him and could help but smile as she blushed at how he looked at her.
“Well I’ll try my best… now I need that shirt.”
“No, you really don’t.” She came closer to him, and he smirked, looking her up and down.
“Come on Matic.”
“What are you doing today that you need a shirt on to do?”
“Well I…” She couldn’t answer that.
“Exactly… you really don’t need the shirt, and you look 100 times better with out it.”
“You may think that, but the rest of the world probably wont agree with you.”
“Well the rest of the world is wrong, besides, your not going to see the rest of the world today.”
“Oh? So what am I going to do?” His eyes looked up thinking.
“Go for a walk with me.”
“I’m going to need my shirt for that.”
“No, no wont, because its my private garden that we’ll go to.”
“Matic! Come on! Give it to me!” She leaned against him, trying to reach around him to the shirt that was just out of her reach. The hand that was holding the shirt reached up above his head, even father out of her reach, but she at first jumped for it, trying to reach while Matic laughed. “You’re enjoying this aren’t you?”
“More than you know… you should keep jumping.” Natasha’s jaw dropped as she realized what he meant. She stood in front of him, her arms crossed over her chest. He still had that smirk across his lips. She would beat him at his game, she just had to use her special talents…
“Matic… please give me the shirt.” She looked up, calmly speaking.
“No way.” Okay, so rationalizing with him wouldn’t work, being calm didn’t work, being frantic to get it, defiantly didn’t work… so…
“Matic.” She moved closer to him, pressing herself against his chest, and racking her hands up around his shoulders to the base of his neck. She brushed her lips against his, then moved down and started to kiss up his neck. She smiled as he groaned at her touch. She kissed up his jaw back to his lips then stilled, he pushed toward her to kiss her, but she pulled away, he opened his eyes confused. “Give me the shirt.” He suddenly smiled and laughed.
“Your good… but I’m not giving you the shirt.”
“AHH! GIVE IT TO ME!” She jumped up on him, wrapping her legs around him, he stepped back, trying to balance himself, as he easily took on her weight. He wrapped one arm around her as his other was still extended above him, out of her reach. He laughed as she struggled against him, reaching. She suddenly stopped struggling and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Please.”
“No.” She kissed his lips softly.
“Please.” He groaned as she pulled away.
“No.”
“No?” He shook his head.
“Nope.”
“Alright, your choice… But let me just show you what you’ll be missing.” She kissed him softly and then slid her tung into his mouth, slowly teasing him. Then she quickly moved away from him and jumped down off of him. She walked around him and to the bed, laying down and pulling the covers up and over her body. He lowered his arm and walked over after her.
“What are you doing?”
“Getting warm.” He sat down on the bed and leaned over to kiss her, she moved her head away from him. He frowned as she smiled. “No kisses till I get my shirt.” He raised his eye brows at her demand.
“Really.” She nodded while smiling.
“No shirt, no lips.” His face fell and she laughed. “So can I have my shirt?” He glared at her as he considered the alternative. When he didn’t answer she turned away from him. “Okay…”
“Ahh! No! Here! Take it!” She felt her shirt flop on to the bed beside her. She grinned as she quickly grabbed it and pulled it over her head.
“I win!” She said quickly as she pranced out of bed.
“So where’s my kisses?”
“I never said when I would kiss you again, just that I would… eventually.” She started to head to the door.
“Oh no you don’t.” He was suddenly in front of her, a determined smile across his lips. Natasha squealed as she tried to run from him. She laughed as she jumped onto the bed and pranced away from him. He pounced and caught her, the two of them falling onto the bed, his lips were on her’s before she could get a breath. She laughed when he finally pulled back. She kissed him back. “I could never live with out your kisses.” He said looking down at her.
“I don’t think I could live with out giving them.” She smiled. “I just really wanted my shirt.” He laughed and kissed her again.

Chapter 22

“So where are you taking me?” Natasha asked, as she followed Matic down a hall barefoot.
“You just have to see for your self, were almost there.” He turned another corner then stopped, and pulled her in front of him. There was a double door in front of her, the light leaking in from the out side. He held her shoulders as he urged her forward. She pushed the doors out into the garden, waterfalls flowed from all around her, and A path of upraised ground led through the water to an island in the middle, flowers and trees beautifully placed, to invite any one that opened the doors.
“Matic…” She whispered out, as if speaking louder would some how destroy the beautiful sight before her. She stepped through the doors, water lily’s floated through the crystal clear water, and the fish in the water were huge, massive and beautiful. The sound of water falling was so calming and energizing at the same time, she couldn’t help smile, looking at the piece of heaven before her.
“Do you like it?” She turned to him .
“Its so beautiful, how could I not?”
“My mother loved this place.”
“I can see why. Matic, its amazing!” He smiled down at her awe.
“Keep walking. You haven’t seen the best part.” She smiled as she walked down the grassy path to the island. There was a small gate before entering fulling on to the island. Matic opened the gate for her as she walked through, looking around at the trees and birds in them. A flock parrots took flight at the two of them walking in.
“Zazti!” Matic suddenly called from her and one parrot flew out from the flock strait toward Matic, it landed gracefully on his shoulder, nibbling at his hair.
“Natasha, this is Zazti.”
“Can I?” Natasha motioned to pet him.
“Oh, yea, he’ll love you forever.” Natasha smiled as she cautiously reached out and stroked the bird. It craned its head at her, opening its beak a little then closed it.
“So Zazti, what do you think of her?”
“Pretty! Kra!” The bird burst out at Matic’s question. Natasha laughed, looking to Matic then back to the bird.
“Do you think I’m good enough for her?” Matic asked.
“Not. CrA! A chance!” It ruffled its wings, then hopped suddenly onto Natasha’s arm. Natasha screamed slightly at the sudden movement than just laughed as Matic steadied her arm.
“You got him?” He asked her, she nodded smiling.
“How did you train him?” Matic smiled as he shrugged.
“Lally. Lally train.” Natasha looked at the bird surprised.
“Lally… my mother. Her name was Lallenta but every one called her Lally.”
“Lally! LALLY! The bird called out, and instantly all the parrots that had flown by started to call out her name.
“LALLY! LALLY! LALLY!” Natasha’s smiled fell as she looked at Matic’s pained face.
“I’m sorry.” He just nodded. He looked at Zazti.
“Lally’s not here, Zazti.”
“LALLY GONE!”
“Yes, Lally gone.” The birds slowly stopped calling her name. Matic smiled a sad smile at the bird. “Fly Zazti.” The bird instantly took off from Natasha’s arm.
“Wow.” Natasha said as she watched it fly off into the trees.
“My mother loved her parrots. Zazti, was her favorite, he’s really smart.”
“Yes, he is… you know he was completely right.”
“About?”
“About you not being good enough for me.”
“Oh, really?” His arm snaked around her middle.
“Yep, not even close.” He laughed as she kissed him. “But I think I’ll love you any way.”
“Oh, really, you just think huh?”
“Yep.”
“And do my great looks have anything to do with it?”
“Maybe a little… but its mostly those kisses of yours.”
“These kisses?” He kissed her gently. Natasha nodded against him, as she pulled him closer to her.
“Yes.” She gasped out when he pulled away. He smiled and leaned in and kissed her again. The parrots suddenly took flight and flew around them. Natasha pulled away from him laughing as she watched the sudden flurry of colors fly around them. Matic wrapped his arms around her and swung her around. When the birds passed and he let her down she couldn’t stop laughing, the atmosphere of love and being free being up her giggles. She ran from Matic, relishing in the feeling of the soft grass beneath her feet. She tripped in her rushed and rolled to the ground.
“Natasha!” Matic said, worry in his voice at seeing her suddenly fall, but when her giggles continued he couldn’t help but laugh with her. He walked after her, and looked down at her beautiful figure.
“Come down here with me.” He smiled and shook his head.
“Not a chance.”
“Oh come here!” She reached up quickly and grabbed his arm, pulling her full weight down, trying to bring him down. He complied and lay down beside her. They looked through the tree tops, watching as the sun peaked through the leaves. “Its so beautiful.” She felt his hand pushing away her hair from her face and neck. She looked over at him, looking down at her. “I could stay here forever.” She smiled as she looked up at him.
“That can be arranged.” She smiled as she watched him stare down at her. “But only if I have you with me.” He just smiled and leaned down and kissed her.
“Always. I’ll never leave you.”
“Is that a promise?”
“Promise.”
“Scouts honor?” She looked at him with a joking skeptical look. He rolled his eyes.
“Scouts honor.”
“Okay, I’ll believe you.” She smiled and pulled him down to her lips, relishing in the feeling of him close to her.

Chapter 23

“Okay, I’ll believe you.” She smiled and pulled him down to her lips, relishing in the feeling of him close to her.

The next day and night Natasha had been alone, Matic had to tend to all the business, trying to get it all perfect for tonight. So she was left alone to do what she please, which ended up taking her canvas and paint down to the garden and painting the birds, unfortunately it was really hard because they wouldn’t stay still. Eventually she gave up and started back to her room, by that time it was late after noon, when she walked into her room she was greeted by too panicky woman, Nancy and Cara.
“Where have you been! You’re filthy! We need to get you ready for the coronation!”
“Isn’t that at like midnight?”
“Yes, and we have so little time!” Nancy said as she gripped her wrist and pulled her into the wash room, she had a wash cloth in her hand before Natasha even saw her pick it up. Nancy quickly let the water wash over the cloth and then started scrubbing Natasha’s skin.
“OW! Would you stop? I can clean my self.”
“Fine, but hurry.” Nancy let Natasha take the cloth. Natasha looked into the mirror, and cleaned off the paint that always some how got sprinkled all over her. When she finally turned to Nancy and smiled. Nancy just pushed her out of the bathroom. She forced her to a stool and pushed down to sit on it. Instantly Cara attacked her hair with a curling iron and comb. While Nancy rushed to the table and back again with foundation. “Close your eyes.” Natasha did as she felt the sponge rub against her skin gently. She felt tired after studying the bird and trying to secretly chase them around. Even just the simple act of closing her eyes threatened to subdue her into sleep. She felt a sudden sharp pinch in her arm. “Don’t you dare fall asleep on me. I have to have you wake to do this.” She pinched her again when Natasha didn’t answer.
“Okay! I get it!” She felt the sponge on her face again and Natasha tried to forced herself to stay awake.
“Do you want some coffee?” It was Cara that spoke.
“Actually that would be great!”
“Alright, I need the iron to heat up a bit more so I’ll go get you one.” Cara left the room and minuets later came back with a cart with a coffee maker and flavors on it. “So what would you like?”
“Um. Do you have French vanilla?” The woman set to work and with in seconds she had a big mug of hot French vanilla coffee in her hands. She sipped it as Nancy gave up on her make up and when to do a pedicure on her feet. It felt so good! When she was finished her coffee Nancy started her manicure.
“So I see you got a ring!” Natasha smiled as she looked down at it. “Its beautiful! Cara come look at this!” Cara leaned over and looked at the ring.
“Oh wow! He must really love you to give you a rock like that!”
“It was his mothers.”
“Oh, wow. Master Matic gave you his mothers ring?! THE ring?”
“What do you mean? Matic said that his mother gave him the ring to give to the woman he loved.” The two maids looked at each other with shocked looks, the quickly turned back to what they were doing.
“Wait, what did you mean, by THE ring?” They didn’t answer her. “Nancy, Cara! Tell me!” Cara looked at Nancy.
“She has a right to know.”
“But the master should be the one to tell her, not us.”
“Tell me what?” Nancy sighed and nodded to Cara to just tell her.
“Well before his mother died, she gave him that ring and told him that it was for the person that he would fall in love with.”
“Yea, that’s what he told me.”
“However the ring its self is…”
“What?”
“Is her love.” Natasha frowned.
“What do you mean?”
“Well no one knows who she really fell in love with, but when he left her and betrayed her she cut out her love and placed it with in that ring.” Natasha looked at the ring on her hand.
“So it has her love in it, so what?”
“Don’t you get it? Who ever is wearing the ring can’t help but love the person that gave it to them. The feelings that you’re feeling might not be your own, they could be the rings.” Natasha laughed.
“That’s rediculas! I loved him before he ever put the ring on me, and I still love him the same way! With all my heart. The ring couldn’t have added more to my love for him than it already is.” Cara shrugged.
“Alright… and well it is just a myth. I’m sure your right. The ring is just a ring.”
“Right, and he gave it too me out of respect and love for his mother. Not because he thought he would loose me, or that I didn’t love him.” The two maids didn’t say anything as they continued their work. A few minuets passed then Nancy spoke up.
“I need to wax your legs.” Natasha cringed, but nodded. Moments later she had the warm wax spread over her legs.
“SH.IT! OW! FU,cK! HOLY!” Each strip felt like it was pulling off her skin. After four minuets of her consecutive swearing her right leg was finally done. “You can leave the other leg, honest! He likes one leg hairy and one smooth! Please! You really don’t have to!” Natasha squirmed in the chair trying to get up.
“Natasha! Stay still or I’m going to burn you!” Cara said from behind her. Natasha forced herself to stay still.
“It’s really not that bad.” Nancy said while spreading more of the wax on to her left leg.
“AH! To you maybe!” Nancy just smiled as she smoothed the paper across the wax.
“Ready?” Before Natasha could answer it was pulled off.
“OWW!” The swearing continued as Nancy worked. When she was finally done, the warm wet towel against her legs whipping away any stickiness the wax had left felt like heaven. Nancy ran her hand up her left leg.
“Smooth as butter!”
“Yea, cuz it’s my blood! You took all the skin!” Nancy just laughed. As she garbaged the strips and put away the excess wax. Nancy returned with lotion and rubbed her legs down. Then she got up and grabbed clear nail polish. She took Natasha’s feet and quickly but neatly did a coat on them, then took her hands and did the same.
“How’s the hair coming?”
“Almost done curling it.” Cara spoke up from her left side. Nancy grabbed the foundation again.
“Alright, let’s get your make up finished.” She pressed the sponge to the side of her face and started to blend the makeup. When she was finished with that she pulled out more and more make up till Natasha was completely at a loss to what she was doing to her face. She felt like she had to look like a clown by now. However she stayed silent as the two woman worked. Cara grabbed the bobby pins and felt her hair being pulled half up.
“How’s it going ladies?” It was Sarah.
“Good. Were going to need another hour, maybe.”
“Another hour!?” Natasha spoke up at Nancy applied blush to her cheeks.
“Well it wouldn’t have been another hour if we could have found you!” Natasha watched as Sarah circled her.
“Looks good girls. Well the guests are just starting to arrive.”
“What time is it?” Natasha asked, looked up at Sarah, who looked to the far wall where there was a clock.
“10.”
“10!?… wow.” The time had gone by fast!
“Close your eyes.” Nancy spoke and Natasha did as she asked, she felt the brush glide across her eye lids. Then eye liner then more brush.
“Open.” Mascara. “Close.” The other eye now. “Open.” More mascara. Nancy stepped back and looked at the eyes. “Close.” More of the brush. “Open.” Nancy nodded her satisfaction, then turned to her lips. She applied the lip liner then the lip stick and gloss. “Press.” Natasha pressed her lips together. “Open. Wha! Close! You have nasty breath! Go wash your teeth!” Natasha just smiled.
“Can I go Cara?”
“No, just one second.” Cara walked over to the mirror in the room and covered it, then walked to the bathroom and covered the large mirror there are well, both with sheets from the bed.
“Now?”
“Go a head, but don’t you dare even try and look at your self. You cant see till were finished.
“Alright.” Natasha walked to the bathroom and brushed her teeth then walked out, smiled a toothy smile and sat back down in the chair. Cara started in on the front of her, fixing her bangs then stepped back and smiled.
“Done.”
“Alright, dress time.” Natasha got up from the chair and turned around to see Nancy had placed all her clothing that she was to wear out on the bed. Natasha smiled as she looked at the dress, but then frowned as she was what was next to it. Way to lacy underwear, as well as a corset.
“I’ll wear the dress, and maybe the corset, but no way in h.ell am I wearing those panties.” Nancy picked them up and looked at the tiny piece of fabric, frowning.
“What’s wrong with them?”
“They’re just too…”
“Sex.y?” Natasha nodded.
“Oh come one, its not like any one is going to see them.” Natasha looked at the underwear and considered. They really were kindda cute. Natasha smiled as she thought about what Matic would say if he saw her in that. “AH! She smiled! She’s wearing them!” Nancy spoke, laughing as she threw them toward her. Both Nancy and Cara turned their back to her.
“Put them on.”
“What!”
“Put them on, were not watching.”
“No way!”
“Alright, we can help!” Nancy started to turn toward her.
“NO! I’ll put them on.” Nancy smirked as she turned around again. Natasha cautiously pulled down her pants and panties then put on the skimpy fabric. Surprisingly they were quite comfortable.
“So? How are they?” Cara asked, still not turning around.
“They’re good… I guess.” The two turned and smiled. Nancy grabbed the corset and started to wrap it around her. Cara undid her bra, and Natasha squealed as she did so, even if the corset was covering her. They did up the corset tighter then they had before as Natasha complained through every tug and pull.
“Alright, all done with the corset. Can you breath?”
“Just barely.”
“Good, that’s all you need.” Nancy said while smiling and walking over to the bed and picking up the dress. She unzipped it and pulled it over Natasha’s head, very gently, making sure she didn’t disrupt the hair, or do anything to her make up. The dress glided over her form perfectly. Cara zipped it up smoothly and then both woman stepped back and admired their handy work.
“Beautiful.”
“Exquisite!”
“ABSOULUTLY MARVELIOUS!” Sarah spoke up, and Natasha turned slightly, forgetting the woman was still in the room.
“So can I see?” Nancy nodded and Cara pranced over to the full length mirror. She pulled the sheet away and Natasha stepped into view. She literally stopped breathing as she stared at the stunning stranger before her. Her hair was perfectly done up, and her make up made her look like she was glowing. Then the dress made her look like she was supper model.
“Ah! We are missing something, are we not?” Sarah spoke up behind her and Natasha shifted her eye sight away from her to the woman behind her. She pulled something out around her and placed it gently on Natasha’s neck. The weight of it surprised her, because it was so big and beautiful that she thought it would weigh a lot more than it did on her shoulders. It was beautiful, and perfect. Matic wasn’t going to recognize her.

Image is of the necklace, not earrings. The dress.
Then her hair.

Chapter 24

“Ah! We are missing something, are we not?” Sarah spoke up behind her and Natasha shifted her eye sight away from her to the woman behind her. She pulled something out around her and placed it gently on Natasha’s neck. The weight of it surprised her, because it was so big and beautiful that she thought it would weigh a lot more than it did on her shoulders. It was beautiful, and perfect. Matic wasn’t going to recognize her.

Natasha’s heart pounded in her chest as she stood before the mirror in her room. The three women had left and Natasha was trying to calm her nerves before she walked out the door. Finally she reasoned with herself that the butterfly’s wouldn’t go away till Matic put his arm around her. So she forced her self to walk from the mirror and over to the door. She placed her hand on the cool metal and grasped it, opening the door and walked out of the room. She walked slowly down the hall, feeling the dress swish with each step she took. When she got close to the stairs to closed her eyes stopped, and breathed in a deep breath then took a step forward and opened her eyes. She walked to the start of the stairs and looked down, watching as all the vampires mingled in the entrance way, some looked up. But then she eyes captured Matic, standing at the base of the stares talking with some one, the person stopped what they were staying and pointed up to her. Matic turned around and he eyes took in her beauty as she started to walk down the stairs. She concentrated on not tripping as she held up her dress a little and walked gracefully down to him. When she finally stood in front of him, he just stared in awe.
“Hi.” She said softly. He blinked once, then twice before he finally looked up at her.
“You look… amazing!” She smiled as she looked at him in his all black tux.
“You look really good too.” He smiled as he snaked his arm around her middle and held her close to him. The butterfly’s didn’t go away. He kissed her softly before turning back to the man he had been speaking with.
“Sir Toral, this is my fiancée, Natasha.” The man took her hand up in his and kissed it gently.
“I fine wife she will make Prince Matic.” Natasha looked from the man to Matic, it just clicked that Matic was a prince! An actual prince! Her prince. She smiled as he answered the man.
“That she will, I have no doubt.” The man let go of her hand, bowed very formally to Matic and passed by the two. Matic turned to her and smiled. “You know as stunning as you look now, it still can’t compare with those matching black underwear.” Natasha blushed.
“You haven’t seen the ones I’m wearing underneath this dress.” She said, smiling as she talked, looking out into the crowd.
“Hum… is that an invitation?” Before she could answer Kyle interrupted them.
“You’re father is here.” Matic nodded and he removed his hand from around her waist and took her hand in his. He led her through the crowd of people to the door way, where his father and three other men stood.
“Father, brothers. I’m glad you made it.” The kindness in his voice was too forced to be anything but fake. All three brothers looked Natasha up and down as he spoke. Natasha tightened her grip on his hand. “This is Natasha, my soon to be wife.” He said the word wife with sharpness, capturing his brothers looks.
“Yes, we’ve met… but my eyes are you pleased to be able to look upon you again.” His father spoke as Natasha shivered in disgust.
“Well please, enjoy yourself, and I will see you on stage at the ceremony.” His father nodded and the four men walked in amongst the crowd. Natasha didn’t say anything as Matic led her through the crowd once again. “Are you alright?” Natasha just nodded as she continued to follow him. He led her as quickly as he could through the crowded room to the grand hall, where tables had been set up and the stage decorated. Natasha looked around the room wide eyes, all of it was so beautiful! White and black roses were ever where with white banners circling the ceiling. Matic slowed and turned around to face her, smiling. “So what do you think?” She looked up at his beaming face.”
“It’s fit for a prince.” She said staring up at him, smiling back.
“Well it’s about to start. We should sit.” She nodded as she took her hand and led her up on to the stage where a long table was placed. He pulled out a chair for her and she sat down gracefully. He pulled out his own chair and sat beside her. He faced forward but his hand moved to her’s under the table, squeezing it affectionately. With in minuets the whole vampiric society had entered the room and sat in their designated seats. Kyle walked up to the front and smiled as he sat next to Matic. Then Natasha saw Matic’s father come up on to the stage and stand in front of the stage looking out to the crowd.
“Stand.” He commanded. The collection of vampires stood. “We are gathered for the passing of the thrown, from my self to my son Matic. The one condition filled for him to take the thrown, a wife. He has found one willing to wed him.” Natasha’s heart thudded within her as she felt eyes starring at her. She squeezed Matic’s hand. “For all in favor of this passing of power say ‘I’”
“I.” The collective monotone sent a shiver down Natasha’s spine.
“Alright. Matic?” Matic stood from his chair and walked around the table to stand in front of his father.
“Will you take the thrown and govern this clan with the wisdom you hold?”
“I will.”
“Then I grant the thrown to be held by your governing, till the coven doth decides to appoint another, or you abdicate your thrown.” Matic’s father pulled a ring from the middle finger of his right hand. He took Matic’s right hand and raised it into the air. “One individual that believes and can provide proof that this is an unjust transference of power speak now.”
“I DO!” Heads turned to see a long figure close to the back. “His to be wife is not a vampire.”
“She has promise to be.” Matic spoke up against the voice.
“Let her declare it to the coven.” Matic’s father whipped his head around and looked at her.
“Rise and declare your words to the coven.” He spoke and she rose on shaky legs.
“I will stand by my fiancée. I will become a vampire upon the night of our joining.” The words slipped out of her mouth, strong and sure, unlike the rest of her body, which was quivering. Matic’s father turned back to the crowd.
“Any other objections?” The hall was silent. “So be dubbed, leader of the coven, Matic.” The ring slipped on to his middle finger and Matic fisted his fingers. As he raised it up in the air, the tendons in his arm standing out as he flexed his muscles. The sudden cheering filled the hall with excitement. Matic’s face was stone as he looked out among the vampires. Then bowed to his father.
“Good, now let us feast! Matic, would you please do the honors?” Natasha’s stomach suddenly jerk, with the pretence of something bad. Matic’s father snapped his fingers and a man in chains was brought up on to the stage. The man was shaking in fear as he cowered over and looked up at Matic. It was all too quick to stop, she couldn’t have even got a word in before it was done, Matic’s fist dropped on to the man’s skull and it cracked, killing the man.
“No!” Natasha whispered out, and her stomach clenched at the horrid sight, how could he just kill him? Natasha’s eyes were riveted on the man’s dead body. The blood drained from her face and she quickly got up and ran to the back, passed the curtains to back stage, where she emptied her stomach in to a tin garbage pale. When all the contents of her stomach were gone she dry heaved, bring up only air and bile. The feeling burned through her stomach as the image burned through her eyes.
“Natasha?” His voice was suddenly sickening.
“How could you?” She turned on Matic as she whipped her mouth with the back of her hand.
“What? Are you alright?”
“No! I’m not alright! How could you kill that man? Just kill him?! He never did anything to you! How could you just kill him!” Her hands were suddenly fisted as she pounded down on his chest, the man she had seen for so long suddenly transformed into the monster he had warned her about. He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her too him as her strength failed. Tears ran down her face and she let him hold her.
“Oh Natasha! Its alright.”
“No, its not! How could you do that?”
“He was only a human.” Natasha pulled away from him, looking up at him, with shocked, hurt eyes.
“How can you say that?” His eyes widened as he realized his mistake. “I’M human. Would you kill me?”
“NO! Never, I love you!” He reached out to her and she flinched away from his touch. “I would never hurt you. I love you!” He said it again, as if just the words would change everything, and erase the life he had just took, and the words he had just spoken.
“No…” She took another step away from him. She found that her fingers were at his ring, his mothers ring, the one he had given her. “I’m sorry Matic. I should have see it.” She blinked, letting the boiled up tears run down her cheeks. “I’ve made a huge mistake.” She pulled the ring off of her finger, it glided all too easily off of her hand. She took a quick step toward him and took his hand in her’s. She placed the fragile ring in his bloodied fist. She closed his fingers around it and kissed the bloodied knuckles. Her lips trembled as she did so. She didn’t speak as her fingers reached up to her lips and whipped the blood off of her lips with shaking fingers.
“Natasha…” His voice was pleading, and she couldn’t force herself to look up at his eyes, those eyes she knew that she had lost herself in one too many times. Lost so much so that she never saw the monster behind the man.
“Good bye Matic.” She turned from him and ran as sobbing gasps escaped her lips.

Chapter 25

“Natasha…” His voice was pleading, and she couldn’t force herself to look up at his eyes, those eyes she knew that she had lost herself in one too many times. Lost so much so that she never saw the monster behind the man.
“Good bye Matic.” She turned from him and ran as sobbing gasps escaped her lips.

She ran out of the front door and ran down the drive way till she found her self on a dirt road. Her lungs begged her to stop running but her heart told her to run faster. So she did, she turned left and continued running down the dirt road. She didn’t know how long she had run till she came to a crossing, where the dirt road she was on now was intersected by another. She stumbled to a stop as gasping breaths pulled air into her lungs. Tears still ran down her face as she tried to calm herself, having no success. She closed her eyes as she greedily gulped the air, her chest heaving. When she opened her eyes again she saw a big old red pick up truck heading her way, a cloud of dust in its wake as it quickly sped toward her. She forced her legs to move. She made it to the middle of the road and stopped, lifting her arms and waving them so the truck would stop. She stared blankly as it got closer and closer, slowing down to a stop. A young man popped his head up out of the back of the truck as a horn blared down at her. Natasha looked at the old withered man that drove the truck then to the young man, standing in the back. Both had confused frowns across their faces. Finally after the horn blared a second time the young man spoke to her.
“You need a ride?” She could only nod. “Alright, come on back, I’ll help you up.” She walked around the truck to the tailgate. He walked over and held out a hand for her to take. Natasha hiked up her dress and took his hand and she stepped into the back of the truck. When the two of them were seated down on the hard metal the truck took off again, speeding down the dirt road. The young man beside her wore worn out jean and a plaid t-shirt, very country. “What are you doing out here in a dress like that?” She didn’t looked at him, and didn’t answer as she stayed silent and just shrugged. “You from the party down the road there?” She nodded slightly, her eyes still down cast, her hands wouldn’t stop shaking. “Are you…” He stopped him self, watching as she tried to steady her hands. “Are you alright?” He asked, concern wavering through his voice. She didn’t nod as she stayed silent. “Can you speak?” She looked up at him, then back down to her hands and shook her head no. She never wanted to speak again, never wanted to feel again, never wanted to even move again. “Oh. I’m sorry.” Natasha didn’t signal anything to him. “Well what’s your name?” She didn’t look up, didn’t say anything. “Well can I call you by a name?” She just shrugged. “Hum, what month is it? – May? Yes! May! I’ll call you May. Is that okay?” She just nodded, she really didn’t care. The truck started to slow as it took a corner then quickly sped up. She watched the cloud of dust cover up her past, watched as it disappeared. Tears started to roll down her cheeks again, she couldn’t help it. “Hey! Don’t cry, its okay May. I know you cant speak, but it’ll be okay.” She tried not to tremble as the pain over took her. She felt it ripping inside of her, each inch this truck took away from Matic tore her heart more and more, till she felt she would scream out at the pain. She felt a warm arm wrap around her shoulders, and hold her comfortingly, pitting her. Her whole body racked as she sobbed and cried. She didn’t know how long she was lost in her own tears but soon her exhaustion took her and she fell asleep, the tears drying on her face, untouched. When she woke she felt arms wrapped around her, and for a split second she thought she was back with Matic, till she opened her eyes and looked up into the dark green eyes of the man carrying her. He looked down at her movement and smiled. “Ah! You’re awake!” He settled her down on the ground as she took in her surroundings. She was on a farm, he was leading her to the door way of a small house. “We didn’t know where you lived so we just took you home. Hope that was okay. Tomorrow you can go back home.” Home, she didn’t have a home. She couldn’t go back to Matic, and her mother and father would never accept her, and even if they did, they would just turn around and sell her back to Matic. Natasha tried to settle her mind as she forced tomorrows problems for tomorrow. “Come on, we have a spare bed room up stairs you can stay in.” His smile was almost infectious, and Natasha was sure that she would have found him charming if it weren’t for the gaping hole that pulled sharper with each second, reminding her that he was gone, and how much agony she was in. The man led her into the warm cozy house and started up the stairs that were to the left once entering the house. She followed him up meekly. He walked down a small hallway and opened a door to the spar bedroom, it was small and cluttered with boxes. “I know its not much and its kindda dirty, but it has a bed! Oh and here, I brought up one of my shirts to sleep in, it’ll probably be a little big on you, but its better than sleeping in the dress.” He said smiling, and handing the folded clean plaid shirt to her. “Well I guess that’s it. I’m just down the hall if you need anything just knock.” He turned from her and started out the door, when she reached out for him to stop. She had to thank him, if it hadn’t been for him she would probably still be wandering the dirt roads of the country side. She forced a smile and he understood. “Your welcome.” He smiled again. “Sweet dreams!” He turned and closed the door behind him. Natasha slowly surveyed the cluttered room then walked to the bed and sat down on it. The mattress squeaked as she sat down on the edge of it. She bit her lip, trying to stop the incessant tears that crept back into her eyes. She took a shaky breath in then slowly let it out, trying to calm herself. Eventually she took off the dress and put on the shirt. Like he had said, it was way too big for her, but it was cotton and comfortable enough. She pulled back the home made quilt and laid down in the squeaky bed, the smell was so foreign to her, so different, and uncomfortable to her senses. She didn’t sleep that night, all thoughts attached to one man that called in to her every time she closed her eyes. Matic.

Chapter 26

“MAY! Time to get up!” Natasha rolled over in the lumpy squeaky bed as the voice urged her to get up. She slowly opened her eyes. She watched the sunlight from the small window creep through dust to light the little room. “May? Are you up?” Natasha blinked and frowned as she looked at her surroundings confused. Where was Matic? And then it hit her. Like a brick suddenly slamming against her head, she remembered. She closed her eyes as the pain came full force back into her torn heart. “May? You have to get up now!” She walked over to the door and opened it. The man behind the door stepped back, looking down at her and blushed as he looked away. “Oh! Uh… sorry… um breakfast is on the table. Here.” He said handing her something white folded up. Natasha took it and watched as he walked away quickly. Natasha looked down at her self and her eyes widened as she realized her appearance. The shirt he had given her had covered every thing thankfully, however it was very short and almost didn’t cover her lace panties. She quickly closed the door as she unfolded the white cloth he had given her. She gripped the top of it and it flowed down smoothly to the ground. The turned it around to see it was a dress, a summer dress. She unbuttoned the plaid shirt and put on the dress, it fit her well enough, and it was light on her skin. She brushed her out with her fingers then walked to the door and opened it slowly, looking at the empty hall way. She walked down it then down the stairs, some of them creaking with the weight of her. She stopped at the base of the stairs and looked out the doors window to the horses grazing a little ways away behind the fence across from the house. “May! You’re up!” She turned her head to look at the man before her; he was in another plaid shirt and black jeans. She forced a smile to greet him. “You want breakfast?” She didn’t nod but followed him in to the kitchen. The older man was sitting at the table, already eating his breakfast with a cup of coffee. Despite her pain she couldn’t help her stomach clench at the sight of food, she hadn’t eaten anything since yesterday morning. “We have toast and eggs this morning… how do you like your eggs?” She looked up at him blankly, then down to the stove top where scrambled eggs were cooking. She motioned with her eyes to the eggs and forced another small smile. “Scrambled it is! Why don’t you go sit, it’ll take a few minuets to cook.” She walked over to the table and sat down across from the old man. He looked up at her and glared as he shoveled more eggs into his mouth. Natasha just looked down, away from him. “I hope the dress is okay. It was my mothers. I know its nothing like the dress you were wearing last night, but I think it looks good on you. Do you like it?” Natasha smiled at him. “Good!” He turned back to the eggs and pushed them around. She heard the toast pop up and he walked quickly over to it. He put them on a plate and then walked to her and set the two pieces down in front of her. “What would you like on it? Butter? Jam? Peanut butter?” Natasha reached out to the butter. The man just smiled. “I’m Matt by the way. I didn’t get a chance to really introduce my self the other night, and this is my pop. The old man didn’t look up from his breakfast. “Don’t worry about him, its takes a while for him to warm up to any one. It’s nothing personal.”
“I don’t know why you keep talking to her, Matt! She probably can’t even understand a word you says to her.” He said with a mouth full of food.
“Pop! She’s not retarded! She just can’t speak is all.” Matt frowned as he walked back to the eggs. He brought over the eggs and piled some one to her plate then pushed some on to his. More toast popped up and he walked over and got his toast, buttering it. “He’s just upset because you’re wearing my mom’s dress. She died three years ago.” Natasha looked up at the two men sorry for their loss. “But its okay, we’ve managed! Right pop?” The man just grunted as he stood up from the table, done his breakfast.
“I’m gonna check on the cows.” He said gruffly and walked out of the house, slamming the door behind him. Matt just smiled at her apologizing.
“So where do you live? We should get you back to your family; they’ll be worried about you.” She looked up at him then looked down, at the toast. She took one up in her hand and took a small bite of it. Matt suddenly got up from the table and walked over to a counter and grabbed at pen and pencil. “Why don’t you draw it out, the way. What street you live on.” She looked at the blank note pad in front of her. Blank, like her life. She looked up at his smiling face. She picked up the pen and tried to think of how to show him she didn’t have a home. She drew a house and showed it to him. “Yes! Your home! Where is it?” She drew an x through the drawing then looked up at him. He frowned. “You don’t have a home?” Natasha just put down the pen as a sign that his guess was correct. “You don’t have a home.” The frown was still plastered across his face. She forced her self to pick up the fork and lift some of the scrambled eggs up to her mouth. She chewed and swallowed, feeling his eyes concerned and confused. She glanced at him then looked back to her plate. “Well then.” He said, finally finding his voice. “You’ll stay here.” She looked up at him wide eyed. He didn’t even know her and he was offering his home!? “You’ll have to live with pop being grumpy for about a month, but after that he should warm up to you.” Matt smiled as he bit into his toast and grinned as he chewed. Natasha thought about it. Matt was a very nice man, and this place was safe enough, yes, she would stay. She took the pen up in her hand and wrote on the paper, just the word, yes. “Wonderful!” He said after he swallowed his bite of food. “Oh, but I guess I should warn you. If you stay here you’re gonna have to do some work.” Natasha just nodded. She wasn’t a stranger to work, in face some days she missed doing it. It was one of those things you could do and loose your thoughts into it. Natasha scooped up another bit of eggs into her mouth. The two of them ate in silence after than. When Natasha was finished she looked over at Matt, who was just finishing up as well. Natasha reached over to the opposite end of the table and took his fathers plate then reached over and took Matt’s plate. He looked up at her surprised and she just smiled as she walked to the sink and gently placed the dishes beside it. She turned on the water to hot and plugged the sink and then poured some of the dish soap into the pouring water. Bubbles started to form as she walked to the stove top and gripped the frying pan and moved it over to the sink as well. “Thanks!” Matt said as he got up. “Well I better got help out pop. You’ll be okay here?” Natasha just nodded as he slipped on his shoes. “Alright, well we’ll be back soon.” Natasha forced a smile so he knew she understood. Then he left and Natasha was left with her thoughts. She grabbed a dish cloth and started washing the dishes. When she was done that she opened the doors to the cupboards, trying to find where the dishes were supposed to go. However the more she opened the more she realized they really needed cleaning, the dust almost suffocating her with each door she opened and closed. She sighed as she let the dishes wait and took the same dish cloth and started to wipe down the cupboards. She took out the bowls and glasses and what ever else was in them and whipped down the old wooden shelves. She put the dished back the way she had found them and then moved on to the next and the next till she was finished. She found the places for her recently washed dishes and put them away. When she was finished with that she drained the sink and threw the dish cloth in the laundry basket that was just out of the kitchen, it was full. She walked over to it and walked about the house till she found the washing machine. A load of wash was already in there and waiting to be transferred to the dryer. She opened the dryer and found that the dryer was full as well. She folded all the cloths after she transferred the washed load over and more cloths into the washing machine. Both machines rocked slightly back and forth as they did their work. When she was finished folding the cloths, and both machines were still going she walked back into the kitchen and as she walked she realized the floor was filled with crumbs and dirt. So she swept and then mopped as she viewed dried on mud marks here and there. When she was done she swept up the dirt and threw it into the garbage, which was over flowing as well. She took the full bag of garbage out and walked to the door and saw there was a garbage can just off the deck. She walked to it and dumped the bag inside. She stopped for a second and looked up at the still morning sky, breathing in the fresh air, she looked at the view and just realized that the mountains were barley visible from here, just small peaks in the distance. “CRANG!” She turned back to the house, the laundry was done. She took out the load and transferred more in. She folded the cloths neatly. And just left the piles on top of the slightly rocking machines. She walked back into the kitchen looking for something to do, she couldn’t see anything there so she turned and walked through the open door way and found the living room, a small T.V. was in the corner and the couch was a tangled mess with blankets and bits and pieces of chips and popcorn. She untangled the three blankets from the couch and folded them up then laid them across the back of the couch. She brushed the bits of food to the floor then walked back to the laundry room where she had seen a vacuum cleaner. She hulled the bulky old thing out into the living room and vacuumed the floor then the cushions. When she was done she hulled it back into the laundry room. She looked at the time left on the laundry then walked back to the living room. She found about an inch of dust across and on top of the T.V. She went to the kitchen and found a clean cloth. She wetted it quickly and walked back to the living room. She whipped down the T.V. Then found the stand needed a whip as well. Then the window ledges and the blinds, and every thing else in the room. She had just finished dusting the room when she heard the crang sound of the washer saying it was finished. She switched over the loads and put the last load in. She folded the dry cloths and put them into the empty laundry basket, neat and perfect. She walked back to the living room and sat down on the couch. It was one of those old couches that once you sat down it sucked you in. She looked around at her work and realized there was a small dying plant by the window. She pushed herself up out of the couch and walked over to it. The soil was so dry it could have been sand. She walked to the kitchen and poured a glass of water then walked back and watered the dying plant. She sighed as she watched the water sink into the soil. She poured a bit more than walked back to the kitchen and dried the glass before putting back on to the shelf.
“WAH!” She turned as she heard Matt’s voice. He stood looking out into the kitchen. “I didn’t mean that you had to work and clean the whole house!” Natasha just smiled and Matt laughed. “I think you’re my angle!” His father walked in after him and stopped in his tracks at seeing the clean room. He looked at Matt then to Natasha. His eye brows raised, but didn’t say anything. Natasha couldn’t help but smile at his reaction, perhaps he would warm up to her faster than Matt had said. “Well we need to head into town for some groceries, you wanna come?” Natasha nodded.
“CRANG!” Both Natasha and Matt jumped. She turned to the laundry room and walked to it.
“You did laundry?!” She turned her head to him and smiled. “You really are my angle! Where did you come from?” Matt said it as a joke, but it just forced back the memories and pain she had been trying all morning to suppress. She pulled out the dry cloths and pulled the wet ones from the wash and pushed them into dryer. She turned the dial and started up the last load. She started to fold the piled cloths. Matt came up beside her. He started to help her. “Did I say thank you?” Natasha smiled as she looked down and piled another towel on to the pile.
“MATT!” It was his father. The two of them left the laundry and walked into the living room where his father had called from. He was sitting on the couch, staring at the T.V.
“Ya? What is it?”
“She got me a new T.V!” The old mans wrinkles were drawn back into a huge smile as he watched the cleaned T.V. Natasha just smiled as Matt looked at her confused. She walked over to it and slid her finger across the T.V. and showed him, no dust. He laughed.
“No dad. She just dusted! Probably be the first one to since mom passed away.” Matt smiled at her as his father didn’t even hear him.
“It’s so clear! So bright! It looks brand new!”
“So does that mean you’ll dust more often?”
“Hell no!” Matt just laughed as he turned back to the laundry room. Natasha followed him.
“After were done folding these we should head into town, alright? So don’t get too comfortable.”
“You can go in with out me! I wouldn’t know what to get any way.” Matt just rolled his eyes.
“Alright! Hey maybe we’ll bump into some one that knows ya!” Matt said to Natasha and she stiffened. It had never entered her mind that Matic might actually be looking for her. She bit her bottom lip. What would she do if he found her? “You okay?” Matt asked, noticing her thoughtful scarred face. She forced a smile and nodded. She was anything but okay.

Chapter 27

She was in the truck with Matt, the radio was playing some country song she didn’t know. Twenty minuets later they were in town, it was small, but it had an inn and restraunts as well as a post office. When he pulled into the parking lot for the supper story Natasha hopped out and walked with him to the automatic doors. Natasha followed him, then he turned to her and smile as he said slightly awkwardly. “If you need lady things… um… here.” He handed her two twenties. She could have laughed at the blush crossing his face as she looked up at him surprised. “They have some cloths here that might fit you too. Why don’t you go look, I’ll catch up with ya.” Natasha nodded and took the money and walked down the main isle of the store. She walked to the small clothing section and took a pack of underwear, as well as another bra. Then walked into the health section and picked up some tampons and IBprofen. She had looked at the clothing again, but didn’t find anything in her size at all, so she walked to the counter and paid for her things then walked through the store, looking for Matt. She found him with a cart at the end of the bakery section. She walked to him. He was talking with another boy around his age, they looked to be laughing and kidding around. When she approached Matt smiled at her. “Yea, this is her! May.”
“Hello, I’m Eric… Matt’s been telling me about you.” Natasha just smiled at the man. She reached into her pocket and took out the twenty and change that she hadn’t used and gave it back to Matt.
“Thanks.” Matt said looking back to Eric. “Well better finish up, I’ll see ya later?”
“Yep. Take of her, huh?” Matt smiled as Eric started to walk away. When he rounded to the next isle Natasha just smiled at Matt.
“Well we still need cheese and milk and butter.” Matt said as he turned and started to walk down the isle toward the dairy section. It felt so weird being in a grocery store again, felt like another life time ago when she had to buy groceries to eat, and not to just call the maid to bring food. Matt picked up the rest of the groceries and then turned to her. “Are you all done shopping?” She nodded and he smiled. “Alright, well lets go pay.” He walked to the counter with her.
“Who’s this Matt?” The girl at the teller asked as she started ringing the food through.
“This is May.”
“Oh! Hello? How are you?” Natasha just smiled and the girl frowned when she didn’t answer. The girl looked at Matt.
“Oh, don’t take it personally, she just doesn’t speak.”
“At all?!”
“Nope. Not that I know of.”
“Where did she come from?”
“I don’t know, we found her by the mansion road. She was wearing a real pretty dress, but other than that we don’t know much about her.”
“Huh.” The girl eyed her up and down skeptically. “Well you wanna go to the movies on saturday night?” Matt looked at May.
“What’d you say? You wanna go?” The girl gave her a death glare. And Natasha bit her lip and looked back at the girl, she didn’t want to make any trouble. So she shook her head no. “Oh, okay. Well I guess that’s a no.” Matt said back to the girl, and she looked shocked.
“You can leave her at home Matt, its not like she foaming at the mouth. She’ll survive.”
“Come on Lucy, she’s my guest, I’m not going to leave her at home with my dad. You know how he can be.” Natasha didn’t want to cause any problems here then she already had, so she tapped Matt on the shoulder, and he looked over at her. She smiled and motioned to the girl and nodded. “You want me to go?” Natasha nodded and smiled.
“See, she can take care of her self.” Matt looked at the girl then back to Natasha surprised.
“Yea… alright then. I guess I’ll see you on Saturday.” The girl beamed as he grabbed a handful of groceries. Natasha grabbed another bag in her hand and started to walk after him. They walked from the parking lot to the truck. He lifted up the groceries and put them in the back. Natasha did the same then walked to the passenger side of the truck and hopped in. He started up the truck and drove out of the parking lot. “Are you sure you don’t mind if I go out with Lucy? I can still cancel.” Natasha shook her head no. And he smiled. “Alright… so how about some ice cream?” Natasha shrugged. “Well I want some ice cream.” She smiled as he licked his lips. He started heading down the road to an ice cream parlor. That’s when she saw it. A limo, shiny and black heading their way. Instantly she bent over and covered her head, hiding from view. She stayed like that for a few minuets then cautiously straitened and looked behind her to see the limo had carried on driving. She sighed and let her suddenly tense shoulders relax. She looked over and realized Matt was staring at her, his eyes kept bouncing back and forth from looking at the road to her. “Is some one after you?” An inner shiver passed through her body at his question. She bit her bottom lip, she didn’t know how to answer that. “Who was in that limo, May?” She looked away from him, hoping to the bottom of her being that he would drop the questions and let it go. “May? Are you in some kind of trouble?” She slightly shook her head, no. “Because if you were its okay. I can help you with what ever it is.” She didn’t motion to him anything. “May? You can trust me, nothing will happen to you. You’ll be safe.” Safe. She had trusted some one, they had promised that she would be safe too. Look how that turned out. She tried to blink back the tears that had some how seeped into her eyes. “May?” She didn’t turn to him as she looked back at the now distant limo. Her teeth digging into her bottom lip was getting to be painful so she turned from looking at the black vehicle to looking a head at the road. Matt didn’t stop for ice cream, and she was thankful to be out of the town. She was relieved to feel slight jerking the truck encountered when driving down the gravel roads, she would be okay. He wouldn’t think to look for her on farm. He would think that she had gone to town and caught a bus or a ride out. She breathed slightly easier as she thoughts calmed her. But then the truck started to slow, then stop. She turned to face Matt, his face was contorted in confusion. “May I need you to tell me some how why were you hiding from that limo. If some one is looking for you, it could be a criminal charge for me to help you.” She was silent. “May, if you don’t tell me, I’ll take you back into town and I’ll find that limo and find out who you are for my self.” Her stomach clenched. She couldn’t go back to Matic, not now. Not after she saw the monster in him. He would make her marry him, make her become a monster as well. She forced her self to reason with herself, that those were the main reasons why she didn’t want to go back to him, but the truth was that she knew if she did go back to him, one look in those bright blue eyes would send her completely reeling down into that pit where she couldn’t think of what was right, and what was wrong because she was in love. She tried to think of some way to show Matt, to make him believe that she couldn’t go back, that she need to stay away. She looked at him and watched as his hands pulled tighter around the steering wheel, white knuckled. She looked at the small scar on his hand facing her. THE SCAR! Instantly she moved to she could lift up her dress. Matt looked at her confused and shocked as to what she was doing. She got the hem of the dress to her hips before Matt stopped her.
“May, you cant do this. You’re a very beautiful woman, but I just don’t want that. I’m not that kind of guy.” She frowned at him, realizing what he thought she was doing. She moved his hand away and gave him a reassuring look. She pulled up the dress the rest of the way, ignoring the blush that cross over Matt’s face at seeing her lacy underwear. Matt looked away, turning his back to her. “What are you doing!” She took his right hand from the steering wheel. “May! STOP!” She pulled his resistant hand toward her. She placed it on the scar. He still wasn’t looking, he needed to see. She grunted and it worked, he turned toward her slightly, realizing finally that she wasn’t offering her self to him. She motioned to her stomach. He turned fully and looked at what his fingers were touching. He fingered the healed flesh, and a frown settled over his features. “Who did this to you?” He asked, anger laced through his words. She starred at him, watching as the thoughts clicked. She hated lying to him, hated letting him believe something that was anything but the truth. “The person in the limo…” She didn’t nod, but stayed still. “Shi.t May! I’m so sorry!” He moved his hand from her stomach and she pulled down her dress. He quickly sped up, the frown never leaving his face. He didn’t speak till he came to the driveway. He slowed to a stop before fully entering it. “May, I’ll keep you safe for now, but we have to tell someone.” Natasha’s eyes went wide as she shook her head furiously. No! He can’t tell any one! “Yes, May, we have to. Some one cant hurt a person like that and get away with it.” Natasha reached out to his shoulder, gripping it, trying to make him change his mind, to see the insanity it was to tell anyone. “I know you must be scarred, but this can’t go on.” Natasha tried to think. She looked at the pen on the dash and grabbed it, she pressed the point of it onto the back of her hand, she drew a rough limo and dollar signs. “He has money.” Natasha nodded and pointed to the dollar signs again. “Lots of money.” She nodded again then placed her finger against his lips. Then leaned back, letting him think it out. “You don’t want me to tell because he has money and can just buy him self out of jail then come after you again.” Natasha nodded. “But May.” She placed her finger against her own lips with pleading eyes. “You don’t want me to tell.” She slowly nodded as she gazed at him with uneasy scared eyes. He sighed and ran his hand though his hair. “Alright, I get it. I won’t tell.” Natasha hugged him she was so relieved. “But I think its best you don’t go into town again. And I’ll spread around the word that you’ve left town.” Natasha smiled thankful. He looked up at her worried still. “I won’t let him hurt you ever again, I promise you.” She didn’t nod as he started up the truck and drove the little ways up to the front of the house. “You’ll be safe here. No one will know.” She pulled the leaver to open the door and jumped out. She walked to the back of the truck and grabbed some of the groceries. She couldn’t help but think he was wrong, no matter how hard they tried to cover it up Matic would find her. Sooner or later he would.

Chapter 28

She couldn’t help but think he was wrong, no matter how hard they tried to cover it up Matic would find her. Sooner or later he would.

Matic paced back and forth in his study. He hadn’t slept, hadn’t fed, and hadn’t stopped worrying since the last time he had seen Natasha run from the mansion. He was waiting for Kyle to get back from going to the town, he should have gone himself, should have seen for himself, but Kyle had convinced him that he would look and Matic would then be able to look through the country roads. Matic had tried every road around the mansion trying to find her. There wasn’t even a slight trace of her sent. Where could she have gone? He needed her. These past days had shown him that, he couldn’t live with out her, he couldn’t even think for a moment with out thoughts of if she was alright, if she hated him, if she would ever forgive him, if she was hurt, or happy, or if she even missed him at all. His fingers found the ring that she had worn wrapped around his pinky now. He was determined to have it back on her hand, he wanted her in his life.
“No trace.” Kyle said as he walked into the room.
“We have to find her!”
“I know Matic. You can’t take the thrown with out her.”
“I don’t care about the thrown, I just need her back. I love her Kyle, I truly do.” Kyle just nodded.
“I would never think that catching a human would be like catching smoke. I’ve never seen a human just disappear with out any trace of her scent left behind. Its like she didn’t want to be found.”
“She doesn’t. She hates me for what I did, Kyle. She thought I was going to hurt her that night, that’s why she ran.”
“I’m very sure she doesn’t hate you. I just think she was a little naive of what she thought you were.”
“I need her back, Kyle.” Matic didn’t stop pacing as he thought.
“I know.”
“Where could she be?”
“Well I don’t think she got to the city yet, but she might be hiding out in the town some where.”
“I thought you searched the town!”
“I did, I meant, that she could be hiding with people. Some one might have taken her in.”
“Who would take in her in?”
“I don’t know, the church people maybe. Or some horning man.” Matic growled. “Just giving the options.”
“I know, I just.” Matic hand his hands through his hair. “I just want her to be safe. If she’s hurt, Kyle… I don’t know what I’d do to the person that hurt her…” Matic collapsed in his study chair.
“We’ll find her Matic, it may take some time, but we’ll find her.” Kyle placed a hand on Matic’s shoulder, the man was torturing himself trying to find this girl. Matic suddenly got up.
“I’m going to the town.”
“Matic, you cant tare through that place, people will come after you.”
“I know, I wont. I’m just going to ask some people some questions, see if any one has seen her.”
“Alright, I’ll go with you.”
“No, you stay here incase she comes back.” Kyle just agreed and let Matic storm out of the castle to the town. It only took a minuet for him to speed run to the town. He walked down the main street, watching people as they walked by under the street lamps. Matic molded with the night and worked his way to the businesses of the town. He reached the gas station, no one knew anything there. He went to the restraint and the inn then finally went to grocery store. He walk in and started toward the isle where one woman held a compact mirror and was putting on lipstick. She spoke to her friend beside her.
“Ya, so he finally said yes to my urging him to go. I still cant believe he invited that girl along on our date!”
“Who is she any way?”
“I don’t know! He didn’t even know who she was, he called her May. Retarded name to match her retard brain. She didn’t say a word through the whole conversation, all she did was motion for him to go out with me. She probably knew that she wasn’t good enough for him.” The girl smiled at her self in the little mirror and snapped it closed. “Matt said she couldn’t talk, but seriously, she was totally not there in the head, if you know what I mean.”
“So is she like a relative of his or what?”
“Hell no! He said he just picked her up on a dirt road by the mansion! Some kind of hippy!” Matic head snapped toward the two woman. Natasha! They were talking about Natasha!
“Where does this boy live?” He said suddenly close to the two girls.
“Uh, sorry were closed.”
“WHERE DOES THE BOY LIVE!?” Both girls took a step away from him as he felt his blood lust rise.
“Just outside the town, fifteen minuets north.” Matic turned from the two scarred girls and walked out of the store. Once out in the dark he sped through the town, back in the country side. He searched every house with in fifteen minuets of the town, none of them had her scent, none of them had her presents. Each house made him more and more frusterated, more and more angry.
He was running through a field when it hit him. He smelled her! She was close! He sped faster through the field to the little farm house. A red truck was the only vehicle. He walked swiftly too and the thing was sweet with her scent. She was here! He marched up the stepped of the deck, not thinking as he slammed the door open with his shoulder. Three people were around the dinner table, a young boy, an old man, and her. He had finally found her!
“Natasha.”

Chapter 29

The boy moved in front of Natasha as all three rose to their feet at his sudden presence.
“You won’t take her! I won’t let you!” The boy yelled out, full of anger and passion. Matic ignored his comment as he looked pasted him to Natasha. She starred at the wooden table, not looking up to him.
“Click, click.” The old man had grabbed the shot gun off the top shelf and cocked it at Matic.
“Get off my property.” He commanded. Matic didn’t pay attention as he took a step toward Natasha.
“Natasha. Please. I love you.” He saw her eyes fill with tears before she closed them, biting her bottom lip.
Natasha’s heart thudded with in her chest as she heard his voice call out to her.
“If you loved her, you never would have hurt her!” Matt’s voice said from in front of her. He didn’t know who he was talking to, and how easily Matic could kill him.
“I’ll shoot! You take another step to Miss. May, and I’ll blow your brains out.” The old man spoke up, the gun still pointed to Matic’s head. Natasha crunched her eyes closed, willing her self to be somewhere else, any where else. Suddenly she heard the gun fire, and loud bang shattered the room, Natasha cried out as she heard the bullet released from the barrel.
“NOOO!” She screamed as her eyes flew open. It was so quick, and it felt like it was over before it had even started. Her mind couldn’t understand why Matic was still standing, why she had her eyes suddenly locked with his bright blue ones, why his hand was to his side, toward Matt’s father, in a fist. He slowly moved the hand down to his side and let his hand open, the bullet fell out of his hand, and clinked as it hit the floor, crumpled and destroyed. “Matic.” His name was out of her lips before she could stop them.
“You speak?!” Matt’s words sounded so far away as she stared into Matic’s eyes. Her mind told her to look away, that she needed to look away. But the more she stared into those eyes, the more she wanted to feel the love the man behind them. She mind warned her he was a monster, that he had killed a man! That he was a murderer, that he could kill her! But he had saved her life. He had saved her life and the cost was her heart. Her heart was his. And what is the rest of the body with out the heart? Nothing. With out the heart there is no life, there is no meaning.
“Natasha.” Just his voice was life to her.
“DON’T TOUCH HER!” It was Matt, his body blocked her from Matic.
“Matt.” Natasha spoke, her voice soft. He slightly turned his head but kept his eyes on Matic. “It’s okay.”
“May, no, he hurt you!” Natasha’s eyes couldn’t look away from Matic’s.
“No, he didn’t. He never hurt me.”
“But the scar.”
“It wasn’t him.”
“But-”
“He saved me, Matt. He saved my life.” Matt looked from Matic to Natasha then back again, then he slowly, reluctantly moved away. Matic’s arms were around her before she could take another breath.
“I’m so sorry, I love you. I’ll never hurt any one ever again, I promise, just please come back to me.” He whispered in her ear as he held her tightly to him. She wrapped her arms around him, unwilling tears flowing from her. “Please, please! I love you.” He pleaded desperately as she started to pull away. His strong arms let her go. When she looked up into his eyes again they were a color she had never witnessed before. They were purple! Bright and vibrant purple. The color showed agony, despair, and sorrow through his eyes. She couldn’t explain it any other way, it was like his emotions were so strong they flooded into his eyes just to get out. “I’m nothing with out you. I need you.” He whispered staring in her eyes. Natasha forced herself to look away from him. She knew what she was going to do, she had known since hearing his voice again.
She couldn’t be without him either.
“Matt, thank you for taking me in… and protecting me… but its time for me to go, I belong with Matic.”

Chapter 30

“Matt, thank you for taking me in… and protecting me… but its time for me to go, I belong with Matic.”

Back at the mansion Natasha locked her self in her room, she wouldn’t let him in, no matter what he said, or how many apologies he made, she withdrew from him, didn’t speak anything to any one. It had been two days now that she was in that room, Sarah had bothered Matic non-stop about the wedding dress, just making him feel worse. He knew the way she was right now, Natasha wouldn’t go through with it. She didn’t love him any more; she was too scared of the monster with in him. She came back to the mansion, but she never came back to him. And how could he blame her, he had killed a human right in front of her! He tried to speak with her, tried to make it right. But when ever he knocked on the door, she wouldn’t answer, wouldn’t even speak through the door to him! The only way that he knew that she was even still in there was because the maid that brought Natasha’s food, said she was. He had thought about breaking down the door, and just kiss her till she remembered the love that they had, but he knew no amount of kisses would bring them back to where they were. Matic couldn’t believe that it had only been three days before that she had stood up in front of the two covens and swore that she would stand by his side and become a vampire to be his wife. How could he make her honor her words when she didn’t love him any more? He wouldn’t push her against her wishes. And he knew if something didn’t happen in the next week that would change her thoughts of him; he would have to find another to wed. He would have to let her go. His fists tightened even at the thought of it, but he knew he could never live a life time with a woman by his side that despised him. Sarah had insisted that she do the wedding dress any way, saying that they would get through this little love spat. He wished he believed she was right.
“Matic?” It was Kyle. Matic didn’t lift his head from his hands, where he rested against his desk. “Matic you have to talk with her… the wedding is only two weeks away, you have to do something.” Matic looked up at Kyle.
“She won’t speak to me Kyle, what am I supposed to do?”
“I don’t know. Anything!”
“What? Break down her door and force her to marry me?!”
“If it will work.”
“Well I highly doubt it will. She doesn’t love me any more Kyle, she hates it here.”
“You don’t know that.”
“Why else would she lock herself in her room and not speak to any one?”
“Because she’s scared. Think about it Matic, she’s trapped, she doesn’t have any other home besides this one. She has no money; she probably doesn’t even know where she is!” Matic stayed silent as he listened to his older brothers words. “It may have nothing to do with you. She probably just feels like she doesn’t have a life any more, that she’s no one!” Matic looked up at him with a skeptical look. “Okay, maybe it has a little to do with you, but you don’t know that.”
“And how am I supposed to know? She won’t speak to me!”
“You have to try Matic.”
“I have.”
“You have to try harder.” Matic lowered his head back into his hands.
“It’s no use.” He mumbled out. Kyle sighed as he walked out of the study where Matic had spent the last two days. If Matic wouldn’t try, Kyle would. If Matic didn’t marry by the end of these two weeks the was going to chaos, he couldn’t let that happen to his mothers coven, not after all this time. Kyle ran up the stares and walked down the hall to the closed door. He knocked on the door gently.
“Natasha, its Kyle.” He waited for a moment; he didn’t hear any one on the other side. “Matic isn’t with me, I just want to talk with you.” Silence. “Natasha. Please. Matic needs you. He’s in trouble.” He heard some one climb off the bed.
“Is he alright?” She asked from behind the door. So she did care about him, that was good.
“No, please, open the door.” He heard the click of the lock and then she slowly turned the handle, and opened it a crack. Kyle took the handle and opened it all the way and stepped inside the room and closed the door behind him.
“What wrong? Is he hurt?” Natasha’s body tense for Kyle’s answer, her concern showed though the expression she fixed him with.
“Of course he’s hurt. You won’t speak with him.” She shoulders relaxed and she moved away from Kyle, back to the bed where she sat. “Natasha, he loves you. He’s sorry for what he did, but you have to understand it’s in his nature.” Natasha looked up at Kyle frowning.
“It’s in his nature to kill humans?!”
“Yes, or to kill something! He needs blood to stay alive.”
“He said after he killed the man that it was only a human. Kyle, I’m human! I understand that you have to feed on blood to survive, but… I mean, in different circumstances, he could have easily killed me instead of that man. What’s the difference between him and me?”
“The difference is that the man that Matic killed was a murder, he raped and killed 17 children, all under the age ten, before he was caught. Vampires may be killers, but we are kills that are always justified. At least all the vampires in my mothers coven. And that includes Matic. He killed that man, only on the basis of knowing the crimes and horrible things the man had done with his life. Matic would never ever hurt you, or any other human that was innocent, and pure in their actions. Matic loves you, but the more you keep this up, the more you don’t speak with him, and the more you lock your self away. The more his love is dwindling. He thinks you hate him, that you hate this place. If you continue this resentment toward him he will let you go. He won’t force you to marry him, but for his case I really hope you come to your senses and do marry him. If you don’t, he will find another to marry. Not because he wants to, but because he has to. If he doesn’t marry there will be chaos, and war. This isn’t just about your feelings toward Matic any more, this is so much more. If he doesn’t marry before these two weeks are up, the two covens will be separated forever and probably brought into war over it, and that means death. Not just for vampires but for humans as well. If a war is sparked between these two covens, all the people in this whole country side will probably be slaughtered, or taken to be changed, just so they would have more vampires on the battle field.
I understand if you don’t feel the same way about Matic as you did before. And I get it if you can’t marry some one you don’t love. But I think there is a part of you that does still love him, because once I told you that Matic was in trouble you instantly opened the door. I know you still care about him, just by that fact alone. But if for some reason you decide that you can’t marry him, end this. Tell him to find some one else to marry. And do it before it’s too late. Do it before too many lives are the cost of your resentment toward him. But if you do love him, then love him! Don’t block him out because he killed a human.” Kyle sighed, breathing in deeply then let it out. “I don’t know if what I just said to you will change any thing, but I truly hope it does. Just speak with Matic. Even if it is to tell him it’s over. Him knowing for certain is better than this silent treatment you’ve been giving him.” Kyle was silent as he looked at Natasha’s lowered head. “I’m sorry if I’ve upset you. I’ll go now.” Kyle walked out of the silent room and gently closed the door.

Chapter 31

Just speak with Matic. Even if it is to tell him it’s over. Him knowing for certain is better than this silent treatment you’ve been giving him.” Kyle was silent as he looked at Natasha’s lowered head. “I’m sorry if I’ve upset you. I’ll go now.” Kyle walked out of the silent room and gently closed the door.

Natasha sat on her bed, her mind reeling with the words that Kyle had spoken to her. She pushed herself up off the bed and walked to the door. Her hand rested on the handle, letting her emotions flow through her. A flash of Matic marrying another went through her thoughts and her heart forced her into a panic, even just thinking about it.

She loved him, she needed to be with him.

She quickly opened the door and ran down the hall, and down the stares till she found his study and flung his door open.

Matic looked up from having his head in his hands.

“Natasha!” She ran across the room as he stood from his chair. She reached him and wrapped her arms around his neck, her lips pressing against his with frantic need.

He quickly wrapped his arms around her and pressed back against her lips, kissing her with his own need.

Every thing disappeared in that moment, all Natasha wanted was Matic.

Nothing mattered any more, nothing but the feel of his lips against her’s. He started to pull away from her, but she didn’t let go of him, she never wanted to. He groaned against her and kissed her all the harder.

He wrapped his arms once again around her and lifted her up. She wrapped her legs around his hips as her lips never left his. She pushed herself against him, relishing in the feeling of his safety.

She had forgotten how comforting just his arms around her were. Her breathing was labored as her lips finally parted with his. She rested her forehead against his, looking into his bright blue eyes.

“I love you Matic. Please, don’t marry some one else.” Matic smiled and laughed, twirling her around in his arms.

“Natasha! I would never, ever marry anyone else! I love you too much.” He kissed her again, gently, lovingly. He separated from her and then he suddenly had a troubled look on his face.

“What is it?”

“Not that I don’t love that you’ve finally come out, but why?” She looked away from him, and slowly jumped down from him. She bit her bottom lip still looking down.

“Kyle came and talked to me.”

“What happened?”

“Is it true that the man that you killed was a murderer?” She glanced up at his face, trying to find the answer through his expression.

“Yes, he raped and killed children.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because it shouldn’t make a difference, I killed a human! And I’m sorry. I wont hurt any one again, I promise.”

“Matic… I know killing some one is wrong, but when that person has brought it upon themselves… I guess, I thought it was worse then it really was. I pictured the man having a wife and children, and a happy life before you killed him. I was wrong. I’m sorry.”

“Natasha… don’t be sorry. You reacted exactly how you should have. I’m the one at fault, I should have… I don’t know, done something different. I should have explained.” He looked down away from her.

“Matic.” He looked up, taking in her fragile figure before him. She reached up and placed a hand on his hard, cold jaw. She bit her bottom lip for a second then smiled. “You are everything I’ve ever wanted. You have my heart, and I love you for taking it.”

He smiled down at her.

“You have my heart as well. But will you take something else?” His eyes were calm and cool as he looked down at her confused eyes. “I have something that should be yours… I want it to be yours, forever.” He lifted his hand and took the small ring off of his pinky finger. He took her left hand up in his as he looked into her bright eyes.

He slipped it on her finger again.

“I’m sorry I ever took it off.” He smiled down at her, as his hand wrapped around hers. “You know… this is kind of weird to bring up now, but the woman that work with Sarah were saying the this ring had some kind of power over love… like in enhances it, or something.” Matic smiled as he closed his eyes, shaking his head.

“They are still on that huh?”

“So… is it true?” Natasha couldn’t help but look down at the ring comfortably on her finger.

“No, not at all. Its just a ring Natasha. Vampires may have super strength and speed, but no matter how much we want to, we can’t separate our feelings from our hearts. My mother always used to curse the ring for not taking the love she couldn’t help but feeling. One of the servants must have picked it up and passed it on to the others. It’s just a ring.” Matic said as he brushed his thumb across the ring on her finger, moving it slightly over her soft skin. “You have no idea how happy it makes me to see you wear it again.” He smiled down at her as she looked up, smiling as well.

“I’m happy to wear it again.” She studied his bright blue eyes as he stared back at her. “Matic, when you came to me, at the farm house… Your eyes, they were-”

“Purple?” Natasha nodded.

“Why did they turn that color?”

“I don’t know, the only other time that’s ever happened is when my mother died. I think it happened again, because I thought I was loosing you. When I held you, and you pulled away, I thought you were going to leave me again. You were going to push me away. I guess that’s why, I thought I was loosing you.” Natasha smiled a sad smile then wrapped her arms around his middle, hugging him.

“I’m sorry.” He wrapped his arms around her too, and rubbed her back, affectionately. “I love you.” She whispered out, against his chest. But then he suddenly chuckled.

“You know what this means, don’t you?”

“What?” She pulled away from him slightly, her arms still wrapped around him, keeping her close.

“Sarah’s going to want to lock you back in that room with her, so she can do your dress.” He smiled down at her sudden frown.

“Nooo.” She whined as she pulled her arms tighter around him, he just laughed as he held her to him.

“Come on, its not that bad.” She looked up at him skeptically.

“You don’t know what its like!” He smiled.

“Yea, I actually do, she does all my suits as well. Lately I’ve convinced her I have enough suits to last a life time, but I’m most certain that she wont let that line slide with my wedding. Don’t worry, I’m going through the same torture.” Natasha laughed as she watched him. “Natasha.” His face suddenly turned serious. She pulled away a little more looking up at him.

“Yes?”

“Do you still want to marry me?” His blue eyes were looking over her head, away from her, but the torment in them was undeniable.

“Do you still want to marry me?” Natasha asked back. His head snapped down to her.

“Of course!” She smiled.

“Then why would you think that I would ever, not want to marry you?”

“Well, its just… With me being a vampire… and well… I do have to feed.” Natasha tried to calm her boiling uncertainty.

“Matic, once were married, I’m going to have to feed too.” He looked down at her frowning.

“After all of this, you still want to become a vampire?!”

“I promised the coven I would.”

“But, Natasha. That’s just a formality, we can work around it.”

“No. If I don’t, and the coven finds out, or rejects me. It could jeopardize your title to the thrown. I can’t have any of the chaos that would cause on my shoulders. Also, what would you do with me when I start getting wrinkles and getting ugly?” He smiled down at her and held her more tightly to him.

“I would still love you. I’ll always love you! Beside, I highly doubt that you’ll ever be ugly.” She smiled and blushed.

“Maybe in your eyes.” He chuckled and leaned down and kissed her. She had missed his kisses so much!

“Always in my eyes.”

Chapter 32

I would still love you. I’ll always love you! Beside, I highly doubt that you’ll ever be ugly.” She smiled and blushed.

“Maybe in your eyes.” He chuckled and leaned down and kissed her. She had missed his kisses so much!

“Always in my eyes.”

Natasha stood up on a stool while Sarah rattled on about details of her dress to Cara, who had a note pad in her hand and was writing furiously.
“Strapless! No sleeves, perhaps some embroidery around the chest area, but simple, we want simple!” On and on she went till she stopped and smiled up and Natasha. “Wonderful! You didn’t even complain once! I’m impressed! That little vacation you took must have done you good!”
“No, the only reason I didn’t complain was because I knew it wouldn’t help stop you, you would just ignore it and keep going.”
“Ah, yes. Well wonderful! We’ll come by with the fabric and do the pinning! Good bye dear!” The four women walked out of the room and Natasha sighed and she flopped on her bed.

She closed her eyes relaxing.
She didn’t hear a thing but the soft chirp of a bird out side.
Not a sound from the group that climbed up and over the banister. It wasn’t till they pushed a cloth over her moth and nose that she realized any one else was in the room.

Her eyes flew open and before the chloroform took its toll on her consciousness she saw three men with black masks over their faces, all with black eyes staring into her soul.

When Natasha slowly woke she heard water dripping, and echoing back. It was cold and dark. She weekly blinked, trying to make her eyes open, trying to make her mind think through the cloud that covered it. She slowly forced her hand to move then her arm. She tried to reach up to her face, but she heard chain rattle and then her arm the pull on her arm, it was restrained. She frowned. Why was it restrained? Why couldn’t she move? Why couldn’t she think?

“HEY! She’s waking up!” The voice sounded like a jackhammer smashing against her ear. She groaned and then tried to force her eyes open, tried to focus. She heard foot steps against stone. Some one grabbed her chin and suddenly forced her head up, disorienting her more. She blinked once, twice, trying to bring the blurring face into focus.

“Morning Princess.” The face leered at her, smiling a sickening smile. Once in focus she instantly wanted the face to be out of focus again.

Yellow stained teeth grinned out her, and his small eyes took in her figure in a sickening way. Natasha viewed her surroundings, dark, wet, and smelling of decaying flesh. She coughed a bit as the sickening air hit the back of her throat. “Oh don’t worry, you’ll get used to the smell.” The man in front of her reassured her as she looked back at him. He was hunched over, the hump on his back made the rest of his features all that much worse, long gangly arms, knobby knees, and a big pot belly stuck out from his middle.

“Where am I?”

“In his humbly, richly stored dungeon.” Natasha frowned, still trying to form her thoughts to think.

“Who is ‘he’?”

“Even I don’t know that, beautiful.”

“Why am I here?”

“My guess is you did something to piss of the master.” The man hobbled away from her and sat on the dirty floor, still looking her up and down every chance he got.

“But I didn’t… I didn’t do any thing.” Her mouth was so dry.

“Apparently you did. Or maybe the problem was that you didn’t do something when you should have. Who knows, I’ve heard of women being sent down here because they wouldn’t serve him in his bed. They died off quickly. So did you service him and scre.w it up- excuse my pun.” He snickered. “Or did you refuse?”

“I didn’t do any thing.”

“Oh, so you’re not a sl.ut. Good to know. That’s okay, I can charm my way into your pants… or force you, depending on how ho.rny I get.” His words sickened and shocked her. Where was Matic? Why was she here? Where was here? Questions swirled through her head.

“Leave her alone scum!” It was a woman’s voice, it can from the dark to her right.

“What, you gonna stop me?!” He cackled.

“If I have to.” He stopped laughing and looked from the dark to Natasha then back to the dark.

“Fine! But when you’re done with her I get first dibs.”

“There won’t be a done.” The man glared into the dark then hobbled out to the left. Natasha tried to see her savior. But all she saw was blackness.

“Thank you.” Natasha whispered out.
“Don’t thank me yet, princess. You have a long way to go, before thanking me. And you can call me mistress.” Natasha frowned and then looked away, not answering. “You should be honored, there are very few that I pick to serve me. And through that servitude you get protection.”

“And how are you going to do that?” The woman stepped into the light, a smirk across her face.

The woman had tight leather pants on and a leather bra, but what drew Natasha’s eyes were the four daggers around the woman’s waist as well as the sword position on her back and the whip that was wrapped around her, going from her left hip to her right shoulder. The woman looked like something out of a comic, or perhaps the medieval ages.

“I think I can handle it.” The woman approached her and Natasha couldn’t help but try to move away, terrified by this stunning woman. Once the woman reached her she snickered down at Natasha. “You don’t have to fear me, girl.” The woman reached around her to a long thin iron rod. She bent and took Natasha’s hand in her’s. She fiddled with the restraint and within a minuet she was free. Natasha rubbed her wrist free of the sting. “Follow me.” The woman said and turned back into the shadow where she had come from. Natasha looked the other way and saw the perverted man still lingering, watching.

Natasha got up and followed after the woman, figuring that was a better alternative then if she were to stay where she was. She stepped into the shadow and let her eyes adjust to the dark. People were scattered around the walls, sleeping or dead, she really couldn’t tell. But she followed the woman through the small path to what was a clearing. As Natasha entered it she looked up and saw it circular tunnel that went vertical, holes and bridges around the out side of the circle.

“Keep up, girl!” She heard the woman call after her and Natasha quickened her steps to keep up with the woman. The woman led her to and opening in the wall, and as she entered it, it had stares leading up. The woman took them two at a time and Natasha did the same, trying to keep up with the fast moving woman. Once at the top of the stares the woman spoke.

“JUMP!” She said and as Natasha followed her she suddenly saw the woman jump across as chasm in the ground, leading all the way down to sharp rocks at the bottom. Natasha quickly jumped over it and followed the woman.

The woman led her up more stairs and through more halls till Natasha was completely confused as to where she had stared. Then the woman slowed and turned into a doorway, pulling across the curtains to reveal a fairly large room.

There were three other woman and two small looking boys. One woman was scrubbing the floor, the other two were making some kind of rug and the two small boys were sharpening scraps of metal. “Morning, I have a new addition.” The woman said as she walked through the room to the other side and sat on a chair that was blanketed with one of the rugs. The woman sat back and smiled as Natasha stood there dumbly.

“Welcome to your knew home.”

Chapter 33

The woman sat back and smiled as Natasha stood there dumbly.

“Welcome to your knew home.”

“WHERE IS SHE!?!” Matic yelled at a maid, bumbling over her words, trying to say she didn’t know. Matic punched the wall in frustration, it exploded under his touch.

He tried to calm himself, tried to think.

He had gone to almost every servant in the place, screaming to find Natasha. When this woman came to him and told him they couldn’t find her, he exploded!

It was like she just left with out a trace, no one saw her leave, no one heard her speak of leaving, none of her things were missing, every thing was normal, except she was gone! He couldn’t find her, her scent was strong in her room and through out the castle, but any where off the grounds there was nothing.

“Matic, perhaps she went back to that farm.” Kyle said softly from behind him. The maid saw her opening and ran for it, leaving the two master to talk.

“No! She said she loved me! We were going to get married! She wouldn’t leave again, not like this.” Matic said as he paced the small hallway in the servant quarters.

“Well its worth a try, just to see. Perhaps she just went to visit them.”

“With out telling me?! No! She wouldn’t do that!” Matic’s fists were white knuckled with his anger and worry. I’m going to look over the security tapes again, maybe I missed something.” Matic started down the hall, back to the control room, Kyle followed after him.

“Matic, you’ve looked at them once already, there was no sign of her!”

“There has to be, Kyle! She couldn’t just vanish into thin air! She has to be somewhere!”

“I know, I’m just saying…” Matic threw open the door to the room, and quickly dismissed the guard that was there. He sat down in the swivel chair and started to rewind to right after her consultation with Sarah. “WAIT! There! Go back!” Kyle suddenly shouted behind him. Matic went back, confused, his eyes searching the empty screen. “There, you see it?”

“See what?”

“In the corner.” Matic leaned forward; it was just a little piece of the balcony leading to Natasha’s room. “What is that?” He enhanced the image, blowing it up.

“It can’t be…” Kyle whispered under his breath.

“No, there’s no way they could have gotten through all the security, and not be spotted!”

“Matic! You have to save her! If this is what we think it is… Matic-”

“I know, she could already be dead.”

The two men stared at the image before them, unbelieving. It was a vampire covered in black, with a red strike across his back, a symbol, marking the coven he belonged to.

“How did the blood coven find out she was here?!”

“I don’t know.” Matic ground his teeth as he spoke, his anger rising to a boiling point.

The coven these vampires belonged to were infamous for their blood lust, they would take any one off the street and kill them, just for an excuse to feel blood running down their throat. This coven was everything Matic’s mother had worked against, every thing Kyle and Matic now stood against. The joining of his mothers coven with his fathers, meant they had a good chance to destroying the blood coven.

His enemy had taken her in an effort to stop the joining of the two covens.

He felt his eyes change as his anger rose beyond his control.

He would rip the whole coven apart to get her back.

Chapter 34

His enemy had taken her in an effort to stop the joining of the two covens.

He felt his eyes change as his anger rose beyond his control.

He would rip the whole coven apart to get her back.

Natasha groaned as her muscles pulled to her will.

She had been working fifteen hours, and still had another four to go till she got to sleep. She fingers felt like at any moment they would fall off, the twine they used for the rugs burned her fingers because it was so ruff.

However any time she stopped for a second one of the women would pick up a rolled up magazine and whack over the head until she started again. The woman that had saved her had walked out of the room an hour after Natasha had gotten there, and just now, fourteen hours later she just came back.

She carried three rabbits in her right hand. She tossed it on the floor by the boys and they instantly delved in to it, the knives they had been sharpening suddenly a blur as they started skinning the animals. Natasha couldn’t help but stare. The two boys were hunched over, two knives in each hand, using them sometimes a scissors, and some times using them just as normal knives. Soon the skin was taken off and tossed to one side while they gutted the animal and started to put the meat into strips.

Mistress walked over from sitting on her thrown and picked up the pieces and put them gently on the fire that was to the very back of the room, a black grill was over it, and she carefully placed the meat there to cook. One of the boys scooted close to the fire, watching the meat cook, a big grin plastered over his face, completely proud of his work.

After about five minuets the smell of cooked meat filled the room, making her mouth water and her mind become clouded with the want of food.

When it was finally done the mistress took it off the fire with one of her daggers and cut the already small strips into smaller chunks.

“Supper.” She said and the three women instantly got up and ran to the back where the fire was, the two boys already there. Natasha followed and stood in the back of the line, waiting for her portion.

Each of them got five chunks and when it got to her the woman smiled down at her and gave her the five chucks. “Savor them.” She said softly as Natasha lifted the first chunk to her mouth, it was tough and had little taste but she ate it greedily.

When she was almost going to eat the last chunk of her supper five men stomped into the room, all five men were dressed in black. The woman that had saved her jumped up from her thrown and instantly she had her daggers out into her hands. “What are you doing here?”
“We want the girl.” One said pointing to Natasha with his knife.
“She’s mine, pick off one of the weaker ones to feed on, you know that’s how it works.”
“Not this time. Master has specifically asked for her.” Two of the men took two steps toward her.
“Well he’s going to have to use his hand tonight, because he’s not getting her!” The woman threw the two daggers into the men that had approached Natasha. As soon as the knives had left the woman’s hands she had her sword out, ready to fight. The other two men looked at their partners on the floor, writhing in pain. Their skin started to bubble and burn on their bodies.
“Where did you get silver?!” One of the men asked with wide eyes, staring at the woman in a new caution.
“Does it matter? Now go back to your master and tell him its not going to happen.” The two men looked at Natasha then back to the woman, weighing their chances of getting Natasha and get out before the woman could attack them.
“We’ll be back. Enjoy your freedom for now, princess.” The two men slowly backed out of the room and the woman stood at the door way, watching them go back down the stairs to the clearing and out.
“WHO THE H.ELL ARE YOU!” The woman screamed as she took her silver daggers out of the dead bodies and approached Natasha. “NO GUARD WOULD COME ALL THE WAY UP HERE JUST TO FIND SOME GIRL! WHO THE FU.CK ARE YOU!?!”
“I- I.” Natasha couldn’t make her words come as the woman screamed at her, furious.
“He called you a princess, and he meant it! He wasn’t being sarcastic! What’s your name!”
“N- Natasha.” The woman frowned.
“There are no princesses name Natasha. Who are you to marry?”
“Matic.” The woman paused, her brow arched and the woman suddenly looked at her in a new light.
“Matic? As in Matic, the sworn enemy of Lexton? The son of the grate vampire, Lallenta? The great vampire that is destined to unite the covens and bring us to freedom?! You’re marrying that MATIC?!!” Natasha bit her bottom lip as she slowly nodded, afraid to speak. The woman suddenly burst out into laughter. “What are my chances that the one girl I pick to become a new member of my family turns out to be the savior of us all… We need to get you out.” The woman sheathed her daggers and pulled Natasha up off the floor by her arm.
“Mistress, she’ll never make it out!”
“Yes she will, if I teach her how to fight, she will. She may kill have the palace in getting to the front door, but she’ll do it! I’ll make sure of it. Zeek, grab my gear….

We’re going to train this princess to be a warrior.”

Chapter 35

We’re going to train this princess to be a warrior.”

“Faster! Be swift! Jump! Duck! Kick! Lunge! Block! Attack! Throw!” Natasha had lost count of the days that she had been training, one day seemed to blend into the next. Every morning she was forced awake and made to run, Natasha would run all the way through the stair cases to the top of the tunnel and then all the way back down, just to begin to her morning.

Then she was to work on her memory of the palace above her. Where every door way was, where every nook that she could hide it would be, where the front door was, and how she could get out another way if she got trapped. The servant’s quarters, the kitchen, the ball room, the masters study, the master’s bedroom, every corner of the place she had to know.

Once she was done going over the palace again with one of the girls she would run down the stairs to the clearing and through three other tunnels and down more stairs till she found Nicky. That was the woman’s name. The woman was very good at weaponry, and tactic. She knew when to strike and when to wait. But training from this woman was like trying to swim up stream, no matter how hard you tried it still wasn’t good enough, she still had another trick up her sleeve, she still beat Natasha.

“Come on Natasha! Faster!” Nicky screamed out at her.

Natasha muscles felt like they were on fire, this man that she was fighting against was so fast, she could barely get in a kick or a punch against his. She forced her hand up quickly and blocked his fist from reaching her face. She flicked her wrist around and she took hold of it. She forced herself around and pulled his body weight over her back then flung him to the ground.

When she stood over him, her heart pounding all she could think was, how in h.ell did she manage to do that!?

“Well done! I’m impressed! You’ve come a long way for just a month of training.”

“A month!” Natasha took a step away from her opponent who was just starting to moan.

“Yes, I believe you’re almost ready!” Natasha looked down to the floor, her mind fixated on Matic as it always was.

“What’s wrong dear?” Nicky asked, worried.

“Nothing. It’s just… I thought Matic would have come by now. To save me… Before it only took him a day to find me.” Nicky smiled.

“This is different, were out side of his jurisdiction, he cant just come in here and search the whole place till he finds you! You have to go to him. Now, you’ve studied the palace, and you know how to get out, but you wont know where to go once your out. Come on, we’ll talk more back at home. Thank you Dirk! You were a great help to me today. I’ll get you your four rugs!” Nicky yelled over to the man that was just starting to get up off the ground.

The two women walked back to their little room of a home to talk.

“Now Natasha, you have to remember that the men up there are vampires, they will be able to move much more faster and deliver much more damage to their attacks, so you have to stay out of sight as much as possible. If you can get your hands on a maids out fit that should work perfectly, but keep your weapons free incase you need to use them. If some one spots you, just try to ignore them or keep going. You cant waist time up there, you have to get out quickly.” Natasha just nodded through Nicky’s lecturing.

“How am I going to get out of this place?” Nicky smiled.

“I have a way.” Natasha looked at her shocked.

“If you have a way, why are you still here?”

“Because I have no other place to go… up in the palace was my home since I was born, I know nothing else. When I was sent down here I learned how to fight and track. But I don’t think I would survive out side the palace.” Natasha just gapped at her.

“Why don’t you come with me!?” Instantly Nicky shook her head.

“No, one person will be cause enough suspicion, let alone two. You have to go alone. Once your outside don’t travel on the roads, you need to navigate your way through the forest, and you need to stay calm while you do that. Stay close to the road, but far enough away that you can’t been seen easily, understand?” Natasha nodded. “Alright, there should be a town near the mansion, I’ve never been there, but if you follow the roads long enough they should lead you to it, or a highway where you can hitch hike.”

“Nicky, I don’t even know where Matic’s house is in the country! How am I going to find my way back to him?”

“Well I don’t know. I have no idea where Matic’s coven is. And I’m sure he has no idea where this coven is or else he would be here by now. But regardless, once you get to the town or highway just stay with people. If Master Lexton realizes your gone, he will have a harder time trying to find you if you’re with other humans that mask your scent. From there on you’ll just have to figure it out by your self. And hopefully this fiancé of yours is still looking for you.”

“He will be! He loves me. He won’t stop looking till I’m back with him.”

“I’m sure he said that to you. But you have to be ready for the fact that maybe he’s moved on. The treaty between the two covens was based on a marriage, and that was two weeks ago. He may have found another to marry just to keep the treaty intact.”

“NO! He wouldn’t do that! He would find a way around it! I know he would! He loves me.”

“He may love you, but don’t ever underestimate the pressure of duty on a man.” Natasha bit her bottom lip in worry.

Could Matic really marry another? Would he?
She knew the treaty meant a lot to him, and with out a wife it would be dissolved.

Would he sacrifice his love for her to save his coven?

She didn’t know.

Chapter 36

“He may love you, but don’t ever underestimate the pressure of duty on a man.” Natasha bit her bottom lip in worry.

Could Matic really marry another? Would he?
She knew the treaty meant a lot to him, and with out a wife it would be dissolved.

Would he sacrifice his love for her to save his coven?

She didn’t know.

Matic had petitioned the coven for more time to find Natasha. They rejected it, however they did grant time to from him to find another wife. He refused to even think that way.

Kyle on the other hand accepted it completely and had been lining up women at Matic’s door ever since, insisting that Matic talk to each and pick one. He only had another week to figure out how to find Natasha, he knew who had her, but had no idea where she could have been taken, or if she was even still alive.

There was a knock at the door.

“Not now Kyle!” He yelled out before the door opened.

“Excuse me master, you have a message.” Matic motioned to bring it to him. The woman quickly walked forward and handed him the letter then quickly walked out. Matic opened it and looked at the person that had written it. He tossed it aside not even reading, it was another woman, asking him to meet her. His heart ached for only Natasha. He couldn’t stand knowing she was in danger and him not being able to do a thing about. His eyes had stayed black ever since viewing the security camera, putting him in a foul mood. He didn’t know how many things he had broken just in the past few days let alone the last month. He needed Natasha, she was his sanity. He couldn’t think of anything but getting her back. He couldn’t close his eyes with out feeling her kisses and her touch. He looked down at the map, trying to find a gap where the black coven could be held. There was nothing, of course. There were thousands of places they could be hidden, Matic just could find the right place. There was an other knock at the door.

“WHAT!?!” He yelled, his frustration sinking into his anger.

“Matic…” Kyle opened the door.

“Get out.” Matic said as he looked down to the map.

“Matic…”

“I SAID GET THE FU.CK OUT!” He picked up what was closest and threw it at Kyle, it happened to be the lamp on his desk. It crashed into the wall as Kyle ducked.

“Matic, I’m not here about the girls… we have a lead.”

“What!?” Matic’s mood instantly turned as he stood from his chair. “Where is she?!”

“We don’t know yet. A woman was picked up by one of our sweepers, watching for people blabbering about a vampire coven. She says that she escaped from the black coven. She could know where it is.”

“Where is she!” He quickly walked to the door.

“Matic, she’s really shaken up. She’s scared out of her wits, she hasn’t figured out that she’s in another vampire coven. You have to be kind with her to get any answers out. She terrified of men, let alone vampires right now.” Matic nodded, knowing the woman had probably been ra.ped and tortured.

Matic walked swiftly after Kyle, who led him into the library where they had the girl. She was standing still looking around the room. They must have just brought her in. The woman’s face was black and blue from someone striking her. When she saw Matic and Kyle walk toward her she instantly cowered, and hunched her shoulders, looking to the floor.

“I’m sorry.” She said quickly and quietly. Matic frowned.

“For what?” She slowly shrugged her shoulders. “You escaped from the black coven?”

“Where the vampires were, yes.” She said quietly, not looking at either man.

“Do you know where it is?” She took a chance and glanced up.

“You believe me?”

“Yes, but do you know where it is?” She looked back down to the floor, silent. “Please, tell me.” Matic pleaded with this woman. He studied her bruises, and couldn’t help but see them on Natasha’s perfect face. “They took my fiancé. I love her very much. I just want to find her.” The woman looked up over her lashes at him.

“They hurt me.” Her voice quivered with her words.

“I know. But I need to know where they are so I can stop them from hurting my fiancé.” The girl wrapped her arms around her middle as she shivered at the memories coursing through her mind. “What’s your name?” She looked up at him again, the looked back down.

“Janice.”

“Janice, please, Natasha needs me.” Tears started to roll down her face.

“I don’t know where it is.” Matic’s hopes fell as he heard her shaky words. “But… I can show you.” Matic looked to Kyle then back to his one chance at getting Natasha back.
“Get my troops together. We’re going to go get her.” Matic said to Kyle as he slowly walked toward the woman before him, who cowered even more at his approach. “Thank you Janice.” He laid a hand on her shoulder and she quivered under his touch for a minuet before she glanced up at him. She smiled meekly, seeing that he wasn’t going to hurt her. Then she jumped forward and wrapped her arms around him and cried.

He would have Natasha’s arms around him soon enough.

Chapter 37

“I don’t know where it is.” Matic’s hopes fell as he heard her shaky words. “But… I can show you.” Matic looked to Kyle then back to his one chance at getting Natasha back.
“Get my troops together. We’re going to go get her.” Matic said to Kyle as he slowly walked toward the woman before him, who cowered even more at his approach. “Thank you Janice.” He laid a hand on her shoulder and she quivered under his touch for a minuet before she glanced up at him. She smiled meekly, seeing that he wasn’t going to hurt her. Then she jumped forward and wrapped her arms around him and cried.

He would have Natasha’s arms around him soon enough.

“Well I think you’re ready!” Nicky said smiling looking over the transformed woman before her. Natasha looked down at her body, not believing that she was actually wearing what she was wearing. Black slick shiny leather stared back at her. She wore almost the same thing that Nicky was wearing, except it was black and much newer. The leather clung to her body, feeling like a second skin. The only reason that Natasha had agreed to wear this was because Nicky had said she was going to need the tight clothing for getting out of this dungeon. The only way out was a discontinued sewer tunnel.

Natasha looked up at Nicky; the woman had saved her and taught her how to survive. She would be forever grateful if her training paid off up in the palace.

“Thank you Nicky.”

“I know you do me proud. But, you need one more thing.” Nicky pulled out her silver daggers and fitted them into Natasha’s belt. “You’re going to need those.”

“Nicky! I can’t! Those are yours! You need those!” Nicky just shook her head.

“Your welcome, and don’t worry about me, I’ll find more in time. But you going up there with out silver would be a little less than suicide.” Natasha hugged the woman close to her.

“Thank you. I’ll come back for you. You’ll be free, I promise. You can come stay with Matic and me, you’ll like him.” Natasha said as she held the woman. The woman laughed and pulled away.

“I think I would… now are you ready?” Natasha took a big breath.

“I think so.” Nicky nodded.

“Well let’s go.” It was the middle of night and every one was too fast asleep to see two figures walk into the shadow. Natasha followed Nicky through hundreds of different tunnels, till Nicky stopped, looked around then turned left and came up to a stone wall. She bent and picked out four loose bricks, just enough for Natasha to squeak through. “Now Natasha, there are no turns, you just have to keep on climbing. Don’t give up, you’ll reach the edge of the kitchen, right beside the stove, you know where it is?” Natasha nodded, her memory kicking in. “Alright. Go! And good luck!” Natasha scooted through the tight space to the small sewer tunnel. She gripped the edges of it and pulled her self up, climbing and climbing. It was so dark she couldn’t see her own hands pulling her forward let alone anything else. She breathed in through her nose and out through her mouth like Nicky had instructed her, she needed to keep calm, she couldn’t panic, not now.

She didn’t know how long she had climbed till she saw the light. It was leaking in from a crack. Her freedom! She scrambled closer, and pressed her eye against the crack, looking for any one that would be in the kitchen. It was silent. She slowly, and as carefully as she could pushed up on the cover, it lifted off after some effort and she climbed out, she placed the cover back over then quickly walked to the door that was too her left, she knew what she was see before she looked. A dinning room, with a connecting ballroom. No one was in the dining room either. She quickly pushed open the swinging door and her heart nearly stopped when the door squeaked. Natasha stopped in her tracks, listening to see if any heard. After a minuet of silence she breathed out the breath she had held. She slowly let the door close silently. She scooted into the shadow as she made her way over to the door way, connecting to the entrance way. Three vampires were there, all speaking to each other. Natasha tired to calm her pounding heart. Her hands went to the daggers. She gripped on in one hand and two in the other. She had to be fast. She breathed in and out evenly, clearing her mind, seeing what she would do, what angle she was throw the daggers at, where they would slam into the bodies. There was only one variable that she couldn’t control, if some one would be on the balcony or the stairs she would have be fast and kill them as well before they raised any alarm. She breathed in again and let her eyes slide open.

Then before she knew it, she had spun her self out into the door way and the three daggers were gone from her hands, all three landed perfectly into the bodies of the unexpected. She quickly ran over to them and cut their throats so they couldn’t scream and writhe around. She looked to the stair case leading up stairs, and sighed with seeing it was empty. She quickly grabbed her three daggers from the bodies and ran into the shadows, her heart pounding once again.

The door was so close.

She felt the wall against her back as she inched her way through the shadow, getting as close as she could to the door till she would have to run to it. But then she heard something from above. She instantly shrouded herself into the dark as the maid started walking down the stairs, a bucket of cleaning supplies in her hands. Her head was down cast and her hand searching in her apron for something. When Natasha saw her come into the light she saw her face and most of the skin on her arms were covered in bruises. Natasha waited for the scream, waited for the shock. Natasha’s eyes were locked on the girl as she reached the bottom of the stairway; finally she looked up and saw the bodies. Her eyes grew wide and then there was the shrill scream.

It was now or never.

Natasha bolted for the door, she gripped the handle and swung it open and ran from her prison out to the courtyard and down to the driveway, passed the fountain and into the trees. Her heart pounded at she moved further into the trees and ran. She looked back only once to make sure she had made her escape. Then she kept her eyes only head of her and on the road beside her.

She had done it! She had escaped! She was free! She jumped over a tree trunk as she vaulted herself forward. She needed to find Matic. Her frantic running didn’t stop as she reached a cross road. She turned left and followed that road, deciding quickly and rashly was the only choice she had now, she had to find humans! She had to hide her scent. She had to be safe.

Natasha ran easily through the forest. She realized that her training with Nicky had really done her good! She would have been puffing and tired by now, instead she felt like a deer, full of energy, yet terrified of getting eaten.

She spun a dagger around in her hand. This deer wasn’t with out claws. If any one came after her she would kill them.

Natasha stumbled to a stop as she saw a dust cloud coming toward her. She ducked low in the bush, watching as the seven black SUV’s drove by; all had tinted windows and blank license plates. She frowned as she watched them drive down the way she had come. Once out of sight she cleared her head and forced herself to forget about it, she didn’t need to find out who was in those SUV’s, she needed to get to safety, she needed to find Matic.

Matic! His name crossing through her thoughts sent more energy to her muscles. She needed to keep running.

Chapter 38

Natasha stumbled to a stop as she saw a dust cloud coming toward her. She ducked low in the bush, watching as the seven black SUV’s drove by; all had tinted windows and blank license plates. She frowned as she watched them drive down the way she had come. Once out of sight she cleared her head and forced herself to forget about it, she didn’t need to find out who was in those SUV’s, she needed to get to safety, she needed to find Matic.

Matic! His name crossing through her thoughts sent more energy to her muscles. She needed to keep running.

Matic gripped the shot gun in his hand as he watched the SUV’s pull up to the driveway. A hundred vampires were hidden in those SUV’s, enough to cause some damage, but not be unnoticed. Matic hid with his troops in the forest, ready to jump to the windows on both sides of the building. Half would attack from the bottom, and the other half from the top. Catching them in the middle.

Apparently Lexton was already having a bad night. Matic had watched a woman escape from the house. She had been in a very revealing leather out fit, and Matic assumed that Lexton was feeling a little kinky today.

Unfortunately, the loosing of his mistress was going to be the least of his worries. His day was just about to get a lot worse. He watched as five guards approached the SUV’s. Matic frowned as he watched, the five were already alarmed, and had guns in their hands, pointed at the SUV’s, commanding that they turned off their engines. The engines didn’t turn off. Instead the backs opened up and vampires poured out, attacking the five. Then it all happened exactly as planed. More men filed out and attacked the mansion as Matic and his men jumped to windows, shattering the glass as they entered the mansion. No one was in the room that Matic had broken into. He sped to the door and opened it, meeting his men who were already marching through the halls and killing off any vampires that approached them, leaving the humans be. Matic and six of his men opened all the doors in the hall, searching for Natasha, she wasn’t there.

Each door he opened his worry and anger rose. He kept envisioning her dead on one of the beds, or on the floor. Or tied up in a corner weeping. Every door her opened showed similar images, but not of Natasha.

He ordered his men to release the captives and keep searching for Natasha. Matic sped to the entrance way where his captain had been ordered to capture Lexton and hold him there. Matic saw ten men surrounding Lexton, all holding shot guns loaded with silver to his head.

“WHERE IS SHE?!” Lexton just smirked at Matic.

“Dead.” He said simply and Matic marched into the circle of men and back handed Lexton so hard it should have torn half of his face off. Then Matic pulled his gun up and pointed it in Lexton’s face.

“Where is she?” He said more calmly as he stared into the eyes of his enemy. Lexton just smirked.

“I told you-” Matic pointed his gun to the shoulder of the vampire and shot, Matic looked back up at Lexton’s face, and watched as the pain pulled through his body.

“WHERE IS SHE!?!” The vampire didn’t answer. “AHH! SEARCH EVERY INCH OF THIS PLACE! FIND HER!” Matic shouted out and all the men except the ten guarding went to work as Matic paced back and forth.

“You’ll never see her again. She’s dead. You know she’s dead.” Lexton taunted him as he paced back and forth, the sight of her dead body becoming more and more vivid in his mind at Lexton’s words.

“Shut up!” Matic said and he continued to pace.

“Master Matic!” Matic’s head shot over to the vampire that had called him.

“What?”

“You need to see this.” Matic sped after the man as he led him down a flight of stairs to what looked like a hole in the ground. Matic pulled up the bars and jumped down the hundred feet to the dungeon. People scampered out of his way as he walked through the dark, smelly dungeon. He saw that the people had dug out tunnels, creating a whole under ground city. Matic and his men walked through a tunnel to a large clearing. Men, women, and children were every where. It was like he had walked through a tunnel and ended up in a whole other world.

The people around him started whispering to them selves as they stared at him.
“Its Matic, he’s come to save us!” One shouted. Then the chanting instantly started.

“MATIC! MATIC! MATIC!” People all around suddenly flooded into the clearing.

“Get these people out of here!” Matic said to his men beside him and instantly the people cheered. Matic was over whelmed as he watched the people rush for the opening in the roof. His vampire soldier taking two or three at a time and jumping up through the hole and then back down. Matic didn’t watch them work as he shouted up through the tunnels.

“NATASHA!… NATASHA!…. NATASHA!” He was about to walk to the next tunnel, determined to find her when he saw some one in the shadows.

“She’s not here Matic.” Her voice was calm and slightly seductive.
“Where is she!?”

“She left.” Matic frowned as he stared at the woman. She walked out of the shadow to be seen. “I trained her how to fight, and showed her how to get out.”

Matic took in her leather out fit and instantly his mind went back to the woman running across the court yard, escaping the mansion. It had been Natasha!

“I can help you find her. If we hurry she should still be in the trees. I told her too keep off the roads and in the trees, it would cover her escape.” Matic stared at the woman unbelieving, then he extended his hand.

“Come on.” She quickly walked forward and took his hand. He led to her to the hole in the roof and jumped up through it, still holding her. As soon as they were up he let go of her hand and ran up the flight of stairs, the woman stayed instep with him easily. However once Matic reached the entrance way where Lexton had been held he saw disaster. Lexton had destroyed the place and killed a good number of his men on his escape.

“SH.IT!” Matic said as he ran into the entrance way, taking in the damage. Matic bent down to one of the men that had been guarding him.

“Matic, we have to hurry. If he finds her before we do…” The woman behind him warned and instantly Matic was back on his feet.

“Let’s go… IF ANY OF YOU ARE ABLE GO OUT INTO THE TREES, NATASHA IS THERE. FIND HER!” Matic yelled out to his men. And a good portion of them ran out with him, all of them speeding away into the forest. Matic turned back to the woman. Who was looking up at the night sky. “I’ll be faster with out you.” The woman down to him, then looked at the SUV’s still running.

“I’ll drive.” Matic nodded as he instantly sped off into the forest, his senses heightened as he searched for Natasha. Every snap of a tree branch, every call of a bird, every swish in the leaves, he heard perfectly. He wasn’t even five minuets into the forest when he caught her scent. He followed it blindly, pushing faster and faster, he saw others speeding beside him, caught on the same scent. He followed it through the forest till it ended and he was suddenly in a town, her scent was lost almost instantly as a car rolled by the road he had come up onto.

“Sh,it!… spread out, if you see Lexton or Natasha stop him and protect her!” He commanded as he started across the road to the little town. He tried to think, tried to figure out where Natasha would have gone. He passed a groceries store, but didn’t go in as he saw one of his men go in. The door opened to a bar and the smell of alcohol was too strong to smell any thing of another person. He started to walked toward it when he heard her scream. “NATASHA!” He was up on the second flood of an old inn before he realized he had even jumped through the window. Lexton was there with a silver dagger stuck out of his cheast, his mouth was on her neck, his teeth sinking into her flesh. Matic pulled him off of her and through him out of the broken widow. He saw his men instantly pounce on him as Matic turned back to Natasha. She laid on the ground whimpering in pain.

“Natasha!” He said as he quickly went to her. Her eyes were closed, her brow furrowed as she tried to fight off the pain. He bent down and started to pick her up when all of a sudden her right hand swung over and stabbed his arm with a silver dagger. “AHH!” HE yelled surprised as the silver seeped into his blood. He reached over and took the dagger out of his skin. It felt like pulling a burning coal out of his body. He threw the dagger across the room as he leaned toward her. “NATASHA!” He held his good arm around her back as she weekly opened her eyes.

“Matic.” Her voice was so week. “You came!” Her smile filled him with joy.

“Natasha… You’re loosing too much blood…” Her eyes slowly closed as more of her life spilled out on to the floor. “Natasha…” She had blacked out. “NATASHA! WAKE UP!” She didn’t move in his arms.

Matic clenched his jaw tight as he looked at her still form becoming more pale with each second. He brought his wrist up to his lips as he bit down. His blood rushed forward and Matic instantly pressed it to her lips, letting his blood seep into her mouth. She didn’t react. “Natasha, please.” He hoped he wasn’t too late.

“I need you. I love you.”

His eyes turned from black to purple.

Chapter 39

Matic clenched his jaw tight as he looked at her still form becoming more pale with each second. He brought his wrist up to his lips as he bit down. His blood rushed forward and Matic instantly pressed it to her lips, letting his blood seep into her mouth. She didn’t react. “Natasha, please.” He hoped he wasn’t too late.

“I need you. I love you.”

His eyes turned from black to purple.

Natasha felt cold, yet she couldn’t shiver.

She was so tired. So lifeless. So week.

Was she dead?

She listened for any noise around her, concentrating her senses. Then all of a sudden there was a multitude of nose, woman talking to each other, men laughing, scrapping sounds, sharp, loud, and over bearing all at once. And she could make it go away.

Natasha crunched up her forehead with the sounds of noise running all around her. But then it stopped, instantly and he mind was once again calm.

But then she heard Matic’s voice, as if he were standing right next to her.

“She’s week, Kyle! We cant go on with the wedding just because the coven demands it! She hasn’t opened her eyes in weeks, let alone speak, or stand! I have to by more time.”

“But Matic the coven isn’t going to give you more time! They are impatient to see you on the thrown!”

“Well their just going to have to wait till she wakes up!” Natasha whispered out his name as she tried to open her eyes. When she finally pulled her heavy eyes open she looked around, expecting to see Matic near, instead there was no one, the room was empty.

“Matic?” She whispered out again, confused. She looked to the bathroom where the light was on, she tried to see if any one was inside. When all of a sudden her eye sight zoomed in and she could see every detail and groove of the door to the bath room. She blinked and it was suddenly gone.

What was wrong with her! She closed her eyes, trying to calm herself.

After a while she opened her eyes and forced her self up off the bed. She looked down at her appearance and smiled as she saw she was once again in that pair of black underwear and bra. She shook her head as she made her way to the closet and pulled on some pants and a shirt. Both were too loose for her body. She frowned as she looked down at her flat, perfect stomach. She smiled. Those weeks in bed apparently did her body good!

It was then it hit her. A craving. But she didn’t know what for! Her mouth suddenly felt dry and she needed something wet to quench her craving. She frowned as she went through the list of juice and milk; nothing appealed to her taste. She shook it off as she forced her mind to go back to Matic.

Where was he? She started to walk out of the room to find him when she saw he was coming down the hall toward her, his head was down, watching his feet as he walked. Half way to her he looked up and saw her, he froze in his foot steps.

“Natasha! Your up!” Natasha just smiled.

“Of course! Where did you go? I heard you in my room.” She questioned as he frowned.

“Sorry to say but I wasn’t in your room at all this morning. I had a huge meeting with the coven.”

“They want us to get married sooner. I heard.” Matic frowned even more, then a look of understanding washed over his features.

“Yes, we have to talk.”

“About what?” Natasha asked as she walked closer to him and wrapped her arms around his middle. She frowned slightly as she noticed that he wasn’t cold. “Are you sick?”

“No. Why do you think I’m sick?”

“Because you’re not cold any more!” Matic smiled as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder. He led her back into the room and closed the door.

“You should really sit down for this.” Natasha frowned, but complied as she sat on the bed, facing him.

“What is it?”

“Well do you remember Lexton?”

“Yes, I was in a building and he attacked me.”

“Do you remember what happened next?” Natasha frowned as she tried to recall her memory. Then it hit her! She had stabbed him!

“MATIC!” She instantly stood from the bed, and examined his arm. “I’m so sorry! I thought you were Lexton!” Matic just smiled.

“Don’t worry about that… do you remember that he bit you?” Natasha frowned as she saw he didn’t have a scratch on his arm. “Natasha?”

“What? Oh, no. I managed to stay away from his teeth.” She smiled up at him.

“Actually you didn’t.”

“What?”

“He bit you. And you had lost too much blood. You were going to die if I didn’t…” Natasha looked up at him her mind still trying to put it together.

“If you didn’t… what?”

“If I didn’t turn you… Natasha, you’re a vampire.” Natasha didn’t speak as she just kept frowning up at him. “Have you looked at your self in the mirror?” Matic held her shoulders as he turned her toward the mirror. “Look.” Natasha looked at the reflection of a woman she didn’t recognize. She frowned as she gazed at her new body, thin and perfect, yet slightly muscled. She stepped closer as she took in the thing that most caught her attention. Her eyes! They were black! Just how Matic’s eyes would turn when he wanted blood.

BLOOD!

That was it! That’s what she was craving! What she wanted!

Natasha shivered as half of her mind was eager to drink, and half of her mind was horrified.

“Natasha?” She tore her eyes off of her new body and turned to him. “Are you alright?” She looked up at his worried eyes, and couldn’t help fell that every thing was alright. She wrapped her arms around his middle as she hugged him. He wrapped his arms around her and rubbed her back. “I’m sorry if this isn’t what you wanted. I just… I couldn’t live with out you.” Natasha smiled as she looked up at him.

“I’m glad you did. I couldn’t die with out you.” She smiled as she twisted it around. He laughed. “I love you.” She whispered up to him. He grinned as he leaned down and kissed her soft lips.

“I love you too.” He whispered back as he separated from her addictive kisses.

“So when do we get married?” She asked, smiling up at him.

“Tomorrow, apparently… if that okay.” Natasha just nodded.

“Kyle said that the coven is impatient to have you on the thrown.” Matic laughed.

“I’m going to have to get used to that.”

“Used to what?”

“You having vampiric powers.” She tilted her head, confused.

“I do?” Matic nodded.

“Oh yes, you most certainly do. I’m going to have to help you with that.”

“Really?” She reached up and pulled him into a kiss.

“Yes.” He kissed her back. She didn’t know how long it was till Matic pulled away and Natasha was pleasantly surprised that she wasn’t breathless any more. She could kiss him all day if she wanted! She smiled at that.

“Matic… what ever happened to Lexton.” Matic frowned at the name.

“He’s dead.” Natasha just nodded.

“And his coven?”

“Are mine now. The humans were released from servitude and I’ve set up a program to help them readjust to everyday life.” Natasha smiled up at her hero.

“And Nicky?”

“She wants to stay by your side. She thinks you still need her, although I get the feeling that she needs you.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well she’s been a servant all her life, she doesn’t know freedom. It scares her.” Natasha just nodded at his words.

“Well can she stay?”

“Of course! She saved my Natasha, I’ll never be able to repay her for that.” Natasha just smiled as he kissed her forehead. “You need to feed… come on.” Natasha’s body eagerly went with him, but her mind was terrified of the monster with in her taking over. Matic led her down to the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. He picked up a glass pitcher and poured blood into a wine glass. “Here.” Natasha took it and stared at the dark liquid. “Its hard to over come your mind the first couple of times. But if you don’t take it you’ll end up doing something much worse, like killing a human to feed. And you really don’t want that on your conscience.” Natasha slowly lifted up the wine glass to her lips. As soon as the blood hit her tung, she couldn’t get enough! She had four other glasses till she was finally satisfied. She placed the empty glass down on the counter, and couldn’t help feel ashamed.

“Don’t feel bad, its donated blood.” Natasha looked up at him, and forced a smile. “You’ll get used to it.” He said and she just nodded.

“So what do I do now?” Matic frowned.

“What do you mean?”

“Well now that I’m a vampire, what do I do? Go fight injustice, or save the little guy, or what?” Matic just laughed.

“Just because you’re a vampire now doesn’t mean you have to become a hero. You’re still Natasha. You can go to college, or not… you can do anything you want!”

“Can I kiss you?” She moved closer into his arms. She reached up and kissed his lips as he groaned.

“Oh, no Natasha.” She frowned as she looked up at him. “You can do some much more….. I can do some much more.” He smiled seductively and he pressed against her and kissed up her neck. Natasha arched her back against his kisses and she moaned as he traveled lower down over her chest.

“OH! I’M SO SORRY!” A maid screeched as she came into the kitchen and then quickly walked out. Natasha moved away from Matic, and smiled.

“Opps.” She said up to him and both laughed. “Let go to bed.” She bit her bottom lip, smiling mischievously.

“Oh I think it is the perfect time to go to bed.” Matic wrapped his arm around her as they walked out of the kitchen.

“I don’t!” Kyle said, standing right outside the door. “Natasha, Sarah needs to fit you for your dress tomorrow, and Matic, you need to get your business taken care of, we only have one day left! There’s no time for indecency!” Both Natasha and Matic groaned, knowing Kyle was right. “You have the wedding night to do that.” Kyle said smiling as Natasha saw Sarah run up, as if on que.

“Oh Natasha! I need you!” The woman shouted as she approached. Natasha rolled her eyes as she quickly kissed Matic good bye.

“I’ll see you tomorrow!” She said as she started to walk to Sarah.

“OH NO YOU WONT! You cant have your marriage starting out with bad luck!” Sarah looked over Natasha’s shoulder to Matic. “YOU STAY AWAY! Both of you are not to see each other till the alter! Understand!?” Natasha just looked at Matic and smiled as he stared into her eyes. One day was a million years for them to be apart. “Now, come, come! I need to get your dress all fitted!” Natasha walked with Sarah, looking over her shoulder to Matic who was still staring after her. She waved and disappeared around the corner.

Let the million years begin.

Chapter 40

You cant have your marriage starting out with bad luck!” Sarah looked over Natasha’s shoulder to Matic. “YOU STAY AWAY! Both of you are not to see each other till the alter! Understand!?” Natasha just looked at Matic and smiled as he stared into her eyes. One day was a million years for them to be apart. “Now, come, come! I need to get your dress all fitted!” Natasha walked with Sarah, looking over her shoulder to Matic who was still staring after her. She waved and disappeared around the corner.

Let the million years begin.

Natasha stood on a pedestal as the four woman worked around her. But the more she stood there the more she smelled and heard. All four women had distinctive scents that were all very unique and called to her. When Sarah leaned toward her, to pin something up at she shoulder, Natasha couldn’t help take in her heart beat pounding in Natasha’s ears. When she pulled away Natasha slightly followed the scent and Sarah scowled at her.

“I will not be your dinner, Natasha! Now stay still.” Natasha blinked back the sudden craving and let her eyes turn back to their original color.

“Sorry.” She whispered out. “It’s harder than I thought to control.”

“It’s all right, dear. I know I’m irresistible!” Natasha laughed at Sarah’s joke. “But stay still! We need to finish up! Now, do you want a veil?” Natasha looked at Sarah and realized that the woman actually wanted to know!

“Um, no… I want to see every thing. I don’t want to be hidden behind a cloth. I want Matic to see me.” Sarah smiled as she nodded.

“Sounds fair. What about a train?”

“Um… sure! Why not?… if that’s not too hard.”

“Oh darling, nothing is too hard for me!” Natasha smiled. And looked forward, trying to stay still. She wondered if she looked like stone like when Matic was trying to stay still. Before she could discover her answer Nicky opened the door and popped her head in.

“May I come in?”

“Nicky!” Natasha couldn’t help but bounce at seeing her again. “I’m so glad that your alright!” Nicky just smiled as she walked into the room with her leather outfit still on. “You know you don’t have to wear that.” Natasha said motioning to her cloths.

“It feels comfortable, normal to me now. Anything else feels weird on my body.”

“So are you glad to be free?”

“I have to admit it was weird at first, but yes, I enjoy it.” She smiled as she studied the four women working silently around Natasha. Natasha just smiled as Nicky’s words. It was then that Sarah looked over at Nicky.

“OH MY DEAR! You need something to wear!” Natasha laughed out loud at Sarah’s face expression. “You most certainly can’t wear that to the wedding!”

“No, you really can’t, considering your going to be my maid of honor.” Nicky looked to Natasha, her eyes going wide.

“Really?”

“Yep, but don’t thank me now.” Natasha snickered as Sarah started to circle Nicky. Nicky followed the woman around.

“Why is she circling me?”

“Because she’s making up a dress for you.”

“WHAT!?! NO!” Sarah fixed her with one of her glares and Nicky actually took a step back.

“YES! I AM AND YOU WILL WEAR IT!” Nicky just stared at the scary woman as Natasha laughed.

“Don’t worry, she’ll make you look like a princess.”

“That’s your job, remember.” Natasha smiled and giggled as Sarah started rattling off.

“Sarah, I believe Natasha is done.” Sarah looked to Natasha, from Nicky. She walked over to Natasha and circled her.

“Yes, that’s good… alright… I think she is done!” Natasha felt the dress pull off of her and she walked over to the closet and got into sweatpants and a t-shirt. When she came out Nicky was on the pedestal. “STAY STILL! My goodness, you’re worse than Natasha!” Nicky was squirming as the four women started to pull off the leather pants.

“HELP! RAPE!” Nicky started yelling as she squirmed.

“CLAM DOWN! WE’RE NOT RAPING YOU! I just need to fit you for the dress!” Nicky didn’t stop squirming. Then Sarah smacked her upside the head. “STILL!” Nicky looked shocked and froze for a second that was all the women needed.

“AHHH!” Nicky screeched as they finally pulled down her pants. The three woman suddenly wrapped cloth around her so she couldn’t move.

“What do you think Natasha, red?” Natasha couldn’t answer through her laughter.

“Alright, red it is!”

After two hours of yelling and pinning and squirming Sarah finally pronounced she was done. Nicky almost leapt for joy. After all the work was done Sarah crashed on Natasha’s bed with her and then the four other women and then finally Nicky.

“So, Natasha. Are you ready?” Cara asked, ginning.

“For what?”

“To get married, of course!” Hanna said, flipping on to her stomach and kicking her legs up in the air.

“OH! Yes, I love Matic.” Natasha couldn’t help but smile.

“So are you excited?” Sarah asked.

“Yes.”

“Which are you excited more for?” Nicky said, smirking.

“What do you mean?” Natasha looked to all the women’s ginning, excited faces.

“Well the wedding? Or the wedding night?” All the women giggled like little girls.

“Both.” Natasha couldn’t help be embaressed.

“AHH! Just wait girls, soon we’ll be designing baby bonnets for out little Jr. Matic and Jr. Natasha’s…” Sarah laughed as Natasha threw a pillow at her, laughing as well.

“Now Natasha, you have to tell us all the dirty details!” Nicky said, laughing as well.

“EWW! GWOSE!” Natasha threw another pillow at Nicky. Then it all exploded, pillows went flying every where, white feathers eventually coming loose from the fluffy pillows. Pretty soon all the women were laughing hysterically as feathers floated down over them. Then they all crashed down on the bed.

“Well I hope he’s good in bed.” Hana said, breathless.

“Oh, I’m sure he will be.” Sarah said back. “Just look at those muscles! He must be able to put some of that sexyness into actual sex!” Natasha grabbed a pillow and flopped it over Sarah’s face.

“GIRLS! You’re talking about intimate details that I really don’t wanna hear about!”

“Oh, but you’ll feel them tonight!” Nicky said and instantly all the girls burst out into laughter again.

“SHUT UP!” Natasha said hiding her face in a pillow.

“Okay, okay. Sorry. We’ll stop.” Nicky said, still smiling.

“Actually we need to get you two ready! LOOK AT THE TIME! MY GOODNESS! GIRLS! GET NATASHA DRESSED! SHE’S GETTING MARRIED IN LESS THAN AN HOUR!”

Instant butterflies ran through Natasha’s body.

Chapter 41

“LOOK AT THE TIME! MY GOODNESS! GIRLS! GET NATASHA DRESSED! SHE’S GETTING MARRIED IN LESS THAN AN HOUR!”

Instant butterfly’s ran through Natasha’s body.

The hour went by too fast, and the next thing Natasha knew she was in a beautiful gown, her hair done up and make up perfectly aglow on her face. She stared into the mirror, her heart fluttering. Not because she was scared Matic would say no, or that she would. No it was that she was getting married! She would remember this day for the rest of her life, she would tell it to her children, and her grandchildren. And all Natasha could think was what if she messed it up? What if something went wrong. What if she tripped, or forgot to repeat the right words, or if she passed out because of the amount of ‘what ifs’ swimming through her head.

Natasha tried to calm her nerves, tried to breath out evenly. Nicky knocked gently on the door, even through it was open.

“You ready?” Natasha looked at Nicky then back to herself in the mirror. She saw her self nod. “You’re so beautiful! If Matic doesn’t love you now, he will after seeing you now.” Natasha smiled as she turned from the mirror and walked to Nicky.

“Thank you.”

“Well, its time.” Natasha breathed in deeply then followed Nicky out of the room. The palace seemed so silent, so quiet. Each step she took down the hall, she felt her nerves rise.

“Nicky!” Nicky instantly turned to see Natasha’s panicked face.

“I… I…”

“Natasha, you love Matic. He loves you. You are going to walk down these stairs and you’re going to get married.” Nicky’s hands rested on her bare shoulders, squeezing affectionately. “Do you want this?”

“Yes.”

“Then do it! Now breathe! And calm down.” Natasha breathed in and then out.

“Thank you.” Natasha whispered out as Nicky took her hand and squeezed it as the two women walked down the hall to the stairs. They walked down smoothly and across the entrance way to the double doors leading to the ceremony hall. She heard calm music playing from the other side, drifting through the think doors.

“The next song is coming up, that’s when we go in.” Nicky said quietly into Natasha’s ear. When the music slowly drifted off to a stop Nicky gave Natasha hand a comforting squeeze before letting go. String instruments and piano started up as the double doors swung open and a multitude of people rose from their seats. Nicky started down the isle slowly. Natasha closed her eyes, trying to force her legs to move, to force her body to move forward. She felt her left foot slid forward on the stone floor, then her right, it wasn’t till at least five steps that she dared open her eyes. As she as she did she stepped into the hall and her eyes locked with Matic’s. All form of nervousness passed from her body as she walked toward him. She felt like she was walking on a cloud, the people around her suddenly disappeared and all she saw was Matic. And she knew he was all she every needed, all she would ever want. When she made it up to the front she walked up the steps to stand in front of him. She couldn’t help but smile at the look of pure awe and love on his face.

“Please be seated.” A voice spoke beside her as she kept staring into Matic’s caring eyes. “We are gathered here for the joining of two covens, and of love these two share with in their hearts for each other. Matic, do you swear to love, respect and cherish Natasha as a wife and a queen, till death do you part?”

“I do.” His voice was deep with emotion, she tried to blink away the tears that suddenly reared to life in her eyes.

“And do you Natasha, swear to love, respect, and cherish Matic as a husband and King, till death do you part?”

“I do.” She said quietly, her throat closing with her emotions.

“And do you both swear to honor your coven and trust each other with the difficult decisions that you will be made to make?”

“We do.”
“We do.” Natasha and Matic said in unison.

“And do you coven, swear to up hold your trust of your new loyal leaders?” The large hall pronounced a ‘we do’.

“The rings?” Natasha felt panic run through her heart as she realized she didn’t have a ring for Matic! Kyle stepped forward and presented a ribbon tided in a bow, with one ring on each loop of the bow. She nerves settled as she and Matic took the ribbon and untied it together.

“Now, repeat after me. Natasha.”

“Natasha.” Matic’s voice was so rich with meaning and love Natasha couldn’t contain her tears.

“With this ring I pledge to be true.”

“With this ring I pledge to be true.”
“To my heart,”

“To my heart.”

“and to always cherish and love you.”

“and to always cherish and love you.”

“In sickness and in health, in richness and in pour.”

“In sickness and in health, in richness and in pour.”

“For all the days of my life.”

“For all the days of my life.” Natasha felt the cool metal slid on to her finger.

“Natasha, please repeated after me. Matic.”

“Matic.” Her voice shook as she smiled.

“”With this ring I pledge to be true.”

“With this ring I pledge to be true.”

“To my heart,”

“To my heart.”

“and to always cherish and love you.”

“and to always cherish and love you.”

“In sickness and in health, in richness and in pour.”

“In sickness and in health, in richness and in pour.”

“For all the days of my life.”

“For all the days of my life.” Natasha slid the ring onto Matic’s finger. She mouthed ‘I love you’ to him as he smiled, and took her hands in his.

“You may now kiss your bride.” Natasha collapsed into Matic’s arms as he held her and kissed her deeply. When he finally pulled away Natasha couldn’t stop smiling. Cheering broke out, filling the hall as Matic wrapped his arm around her back and the two of them faced the multitude. Natasha just couldn’t stop smiling. Matic leaned down and kissed her neck.

“I love you so much! You look stunning!” Natasha smiled as she felt his kisses. She grabbed his hand from behind her back and ran down the steps, pulling him after her. She ran down the isle, holding his hand as he caught up with her. Once out side the hall Natasha jumped up on him and kissed him deeply.

“I love you!” She gasped out as she pulled away from his lips. He pulled her back to him as people started to file out of the hall and surround them. Matic and Natasha pulled away from each other as people started to greet them.

“Congratulations! I looking forward to the influence you’ll have on the joined covens!” One said as people pressed in all around them. Strangers hugged Natasha, saying she was beautiful and that she would make a lovely queen. It seemed like the crowd never ended, more and more people walked out of the hall to greet and congratulate them.

When the crowd finally subsided and people started to leave Matic held Natasha in his arms once again.

“So, my wife. What would you like to do now?” Matic barely got out the words when Kyle appeared.

“NO! You have to take pictures!” He said, a large camera in his hands. “Come on! To moms garden. Just a few! And I promise, I’ll let you kiss her!” Matic looked from Kyle down to Natasha.

“What do you say?”

“Sure!”

Two hours later.

All the photos were of Matic and Natasha kissing.

Chapter 42

All the photos were of Matic and Natasha kissing.

Natasha and Matic walked back into the mansion, heading for their room when six men ran through the door of the entryway where Matic and Natasha were just passing.

“MASTER MATIC!” One shouted as they approached him. All six men were covered in blood.

“What’s happening?”

“It’s your father! He’s attacked the coven. With a large number of his past coven, we need your help.” Matic looked to Natasha then to Kyle.

“Kyle, get Natasha out of the palace!”

“WHAT! No! I’m staying with you!” Matic frowned as he shook his head.

“No, I need you safe. Kyle, take her!” Kyle instantly moved forward and grabbed her arm, forcing her away from Matic. Natasha tried to struggle against him, but he was too strong for her, and it was all too soon that Matic was out of her sight and she was suddenly swept off her feet, into Kyle’s arms. He sped through the mansion and through the country side. When he finally stopped Natasha’s couldn’t think through her panic.

“TAKE ME BACK!” Kyle shook his head as he let her slip to the ground.

“No. Matic needs you to stay out of this. If you were killed he wouldn’t survive. You have to stay here. You know these people, keep them safe. Who knows what Matic’s father would do to the country people. These people took care of you. Now you take care of them.” Before Natasha could speak a word Kyle was gone. Natasha turned around to see the farm and red truck she had once known.

Matt’s home.

Natasha fought her inner instinct to race after Kyle and try to follow him back to the mansion. Something in the back of her mind knew that Kyle was right. Besides, by now she would never be able to find her way back. She turned from the dirt road and walked to the old farm house. She quietly knocked on the door, feeling strange to be back. The door opened, with Matt yelling at his father for something. When he looked at her he froze, his eyes suddenly wide.

“May?!?” Natasha smiled as she looked at him, the sound of his blood pumping through his veins drifted toward her.

“It’s Natasha.” He just stood there shocked. “May I come in?” He looked her up and down.

“You’re in a wedding dress!”

“Yes, today was supposed to be the best day of my life.” Matt frowned as kept looking at her stunning, familure, yet different body. Matt finally moved aside and Natasha glided through the door way.

“Matt! Who’s at the door!?” His father yelled from the living room.

“It’s May- I mean, Natasha.”

“Who?”

“The girl with the insane magic man that caught a bullet!”

“MAY!” He instantly hopped off the couch and ran to the dinning room where she stood. He stumbled into the kitchen and stared at her.

“You’re in a wedding dress!”

“Yes.”

“What are you doing here?”

“I need to stay here for a while again. If that’s okay.”

“Sure!” His father said, smiling at her. “You know supper is just about ready!”

“Uh… thank you, but I’m not really hungry. Actually Matt, can I talk to you a sec?” Matt smiled as he nodded.

“Uh, sure! How about just on the deck?” Natasha nodded as he opened the door for her and she walked back out of the house. Her eyes instantly traveled to the dirt road. She had to get back, even if Matic sent her away again; she needed to make sure that Matic was alright. That every thing would be alright. “What is it?” Matt asked as he closed the door.

“It’s not safe. Matt you and your father need to leave.” Matt frowned as he looked at her.

“What do you mean? This is the safest place in the world!”

“No, you need to trust me on this, and you need to leave, alright?”

“What’s happened?”

“Nothing, not yet. But trouble is coming. You and your dad have to go. Have a vacation or something, just get out of the countryside, and the town, maybe head to the city, but even that maybe too close. You just need to go, alright? And take any one you care about with you.”

“You sound like war has broken out, or some natural disaster will happen or something. What’s going on?” Natasha looked down, frustrated that she couldn’t just come out and tell him.

“Look, will you just do this for me? Please?”

“Alright, but you’re coming with us right?”

“No, I… I have my own transportation out. But you need to go.”

“How much time do we have?”

“You need to leave by dawn.”

“Why don’t you just tell me what’s going on and I’ll try to see if there’s a different way to resolve it?”

“NO! MATT! YOU HAVE TO GO!” Natasha screamed at him, her patience failing. It was just that she was so worried about Matic that she felt that trying to convince Matt was wasting her time. She hadn’t felt her eyes go black.

“N- N- Natasha… your- you eyes!” Matt stuttered out as he took a couple steps back. Natasha closed her eyes and calmed her anger, pushing the blackness from her eyes. She opened her eyes and could see Matt visibly relax.

“Sorry. My eyes change when I get mad or frustrated.” Matt looked scared of her. “Matt its nothing, just my blood pressure getting too high, promise. Any way you need to get your stuff ready to leave. And tell your father.

“But-”

“Matt.” The edge came back to Natasha’s voice.

“Alright… I get it. You just want us safe. We’ll leave.” There was silence as he studied her. “You wanna eat?” Natasha shook her head; just the sound of food repulsed her. “Alright, well I guess come in. I’ll eat quickly then you can help me pack if you want.” Natasha just nodded as Matt opened the door and walked inside.

“Uh… why don’t I get you something else to wear?”

“That would be great.” Natasha smiled at Matt’s father sitting at the table, already eating his supper. Natasha sat down at the table with him as she waited for Matt to return.

“Here, this should fit.” Matt handed her a yellow summer dress.

“Thanks.” Natasha walked to the bathroom and changed, leaving the corset on because she couldn’t reach the strings, plus, she didn’t think the dress would look good with out a bra. She stepped out of the bathroom and walked down the small hall to see both Matt and his father eating. She sat down at the table, it was silent.

When someone finally spoke it was Matt’s father.

“I still can’t believe what you said Matt.”

“What?” Natasha asked as Matt had his mouth full.

“Well he see’s a man actually catch a bullet, and all he notices, and says; is “YOU TALK?!” To you?? Why not, ‘YOU CAUGHT A BULLET! No, couldn’t say that! Because that’s just wasn’t as miraculous as a supposedly mute girl, speaking!” Matt’s dad let out a loud laugh as he joked. Natasha laughed with him as Matt rolled his eyes.

“Oh, and about that. How did your magician manage to do that?” Matt’s father asked, still laughing. Natasha just put on a fake smile and shrugged.

“Don’t know!”

“Who… I mean… are you… I mean… did you…” Matt sighed, giving up on the words as he looked down.

“What?” Natasha asked frowning.

“Are you married? Or did you run?” Matt said quietly, afraid to look into her eyes.

“I’m married.” Matt’s features drooped a little more. “My husband, Matic. He’s in trouble. I need to get back to him as soon as I can. But the two of you need to leave before you get into trouble as well.”

“We’re leaving?” Matt’s father scowled at his son, then Natasha.

“Just temporary. You can come back after a little while. Just take a road trip for a while then you can come back when it’s safe.”

“When will that be?”

“I don’t know, but I’ll contact you when it is.” His father kept scowling skeptically then he burst into a bright smile.

“I’ve always wanted to see the grand cannon. Is that far away enough?” Natasha smiled.

“It should be.”

“So how about it Matt, road trip?” Matt didn’t look up from looking down at his lap.

“Sound good.” He said flatly.

“Alright! We go tomorrow!” His father jumped up from the table and walked up stairs, yelling back that he was gonna pack.

“Matt, are you alright?” Matt didn’t look up.

“I just don’t understand Natasha. This Matic guy, I thought he hurt you.”

“No, he saved me.”

“Then why were you running from him?”

“Because he… because I was scared of getting married, I felt I was just rushed into it and needed to get out. That’s all. I really do love him, Matt.” Matt glanced up at her face.

“You seem different.” Natasha frowned.

“What do you mean?”

“I can’t describe it, you just look different. You’re still the girl that I found before, but just… different.”

“I’m happy, that’s all. All the while that you saw me I was sad because I was trying to figure out Matic and I, but now I’m happy. You just haven’t seen me this way.” Matt looked down to his hands.

“Yea, I guess your right.”

“You should really go pack.” Matt looked up at her then down again. He got up and walked away from her, not saying another word.

Natasha knew that something was wrong with Matt, but all her mind could really focus on was Matic. If something happened to him… she didn’t know how she would live with out him.

Natasha closed her eyes, forcing herself not to think like that, however her heart wouldn’t listen, it still ached for Matic. It would always ach for Matic.

Chapter 43

Natasha knew that something was wrong with Matt, but all her mind could really focus on was Matic. If something happened to him… she didn’t know how she would live with out him.

Natasha closed her eyes, forcing herself not to think like that, however her heart wouldn’t listen, it still ached for Matic. It would always ach for Matic.

Natasha smiled at Matt as he dropped her off on the dirt road leading to the mansion.

“Thank you Matt, I think I can handle it from here. Go be safe, alright?” Matt nodded and tried to smile at her. “I’ll see you again some time, bye.” She said as she closed the door and started to walk down the dirt road as she heard the truck pull away. She walked down the road to the mansion, it was abandoned. No one was there, it was dark and empty, void of life.

“MATIC?!” She yelled out, fear running through her. Where was he?!

Matic ground his teeth as he starred at the letter the messenger had sent about the approximate number of vampires on his father’s side.

The joining had been a hoax, just a front to get Matic to put down his guard.

Now his father had rallied up half of his coven to attack. He wanted to over take it, wanted to become the new leader. And it was not looking good.

His coven was out numbered. Seeing how his coven wouldn’t take humans just to build up their numbers on the batter field. And his fathers coven was.

Matic sighed as he ran his hand through his hair, sitting down in his chair. He looked around at his new surroundings. They had to evacuate the mansion because his father knew where it was, he needed to be smart. Every thing he had tried to attack his father’s coven and to over run them hadn’t worked. Also it wasn’t helping that every second his thoughts raced back to Natasha, wondering if she was safe and if she was alright. Kyle assured him that she was, but his heart was uncertain.

“Kyle, how did the attack go last night?” Kyle cringed as he looked down.

“Not so good. Only half came back, and of that half, most are injured and week.” Matic sighed, pulling his fist tighter.

“We have to find another tactic to fight. It’s not being effective the way it is right now.” Kyle just nodded, staying silent as Matic thought.

“Master Matic?” A soldier popped his head into the tent.

“Yes?”

“We found some one in the mansion that I think you want to see.” Matic frowned as he got up, however the tent flap opened up and Natasha walked in.

“NATASHA!?!” Matic’s thoughts instantly went to worry. “What are you doing here?! I need you safe!” Kyle stepped toward Natasha and she ran to Matic, flinging her arms around him.

“And I need to be with you.” She kissed him urgently then pulled away. “Matic, I’m the queen, I swore to be here for my coven, and I plan to stand by my husbands side and fight out the battles presented to us.”

“But-”

“Matic. I’m staying.” He looked into her eyes, frowning, fighting an inner battle to let her stay.

“Alright.”

“So what’s been happening?” Natasha asked, moving slightly more away from him.

“The joining of the two covens was a hoax, my father planned it all out to infiltrate our system and have us put down our guard. Now we cant attack them. I mean we can but its with very little effectiveness.”

“So don’t use brute force.”

“Yea, but then what do we do?” Natasha bit her bottom lip walking around the tent.

“Poison their food source.” Matic frowned.

“Their food source is humans.” Kyle spoke up.

“No, it would take too long to hunt humans when fighting a war… right?” Natasha said looking between the two men.

“Actually that’s right, they wouldn’t waist time doing that.”

“So they should have some kind of vault of blood, poison it and there goes your war.”

“Or weaken them till they find out…. But we don’t know where the vault is.” Matic said pacing.

“Guard!” Natasha yelled out as a guard popped his head into the tent.

“Find Nicky. I need her here with us.” The guard disappeared to fulfill her request.

“Alright, so forget the vault for now, how else can we attack them?” Natasha said, trying to force her happiness at just being near Matic again to the back of her mind.

“You wanted me?” Nicky asked as she walked into the tent.

“Yes. I need you to help us think. We’ve been trying to figure out how to infiltrate the enemy, how to take them down effectively. Brute force hasn’t worked… so we need another alternative. You’re a woman that I know must have some tricks up her sleeves.”

“Matic, how many men do you have ready, and healthy to attack?”

“Maybe two hundred.”

“That’s it? What about Lexton’s coven, you own his coven now that you’ve killed him.” Matic looked down in thought.

“Yes, I guess I do. I didn’t even think of that. That should add, what, another…”

“Good six hundred. As well as the beasts.”

“The what?” Both Matic, Kyle, and Natasha asked at the same time.

“The beasts. The ones Lexton owns.” All three of them looked confused at Nicky.

“Explain.” Matic said as he took a step forward.

“Well Lexton had a firm belief that there was such a thing as a werewolf, he just had to create it.”

“Why on earth would he ever do such a thing?” Natasha asked, crossing her arms across her chest.

“Because lycans have the amazing power of killing vampires, with ease, especially in a pack. So Lexton made beasts, he took men and mutilated them, formed them to be less than human, gave them wolf blood and claws as well as teeth. If anything would be considered lycan I believe it would be them. If you can gain they’re trust you could destroy your father’s coven with ease.”

“And how am I to do that?”

“Appeal to their better nature. Tell them you killed Lexton. They hate him.”

“But their beasts.” Natasha said, frowning. As Nicky nodded.

“They are, but they are also human. They will understand, and hopefully they will fight.” Matic just nodded.

“Will you take me there?” Nicky just nodded her yes then walked out of the tent. Matic motioned to Kyle to follow her then Matic turned to Natasha.

“I really wish you hadn’t come. It’s too dangerous.” Natasha looked up at him.

“I know that it’s dangerous, but I want to help. And I can’t just stand on the side lines and watch. I have to be with you.” Matic sighed as he wrapped his arms around her.

“I love you.” Natasha smiled as she kissed him.

“I love you too, now we better catch up with Kyle and Nicky.” Matic just nodded as they walked out of the tent, following Kyle and Nicky. Nicky walked to an SUV and hopped in the drivers seat.

The other three did as well, and all was silent as they drove.

They were going to see these Lycans.

Chapter 44

Natasha followed behind Nicky through the entrance way of the coven. Vampires all around them stared.

“Hold your head up high, Natasha, you’re their queen, remember?” Nicky whispered to her as Natasha held up her head. And looked around at the hundreds of Vampires staring at her. She was their queen. Natasha looked back to Matic and he walked powerfully through, grasping attention and power with out a word. Natasha stood up straighter and walked more surely. “That’s it. Command their respect.” Natasha walked faster, up to Nicky’s side.

“Nicky how do you know that Lexton was doing this to these men? How do you know where they are?”

“Because I was his mistress, at one point at least. I was his favored. He asked me to marry him once. When I refused he took me to his bed any way then sent me down to the pit. I had been down there for almost three years when you came.”

“Why didn’t you marry him?” Nicky looked at Natasha next to her.

“Because all the women her marries, he turns. Then he tortures them.” Natasha looked at Nicky with wide eyes. “I got the better deal. Come on, we have a long way to go.” Nicky pressed forward through the crowd that parted for them as they walked. The crowd dissipated quickly as they walked through the palace, soon all there was to see was halls and doors. Nicky opened a door after about half an hour of walking, the door led to a stair way leading down into a stone room. Nicky marched down, not hesitating. She stopped at the door, he hand shook as she reached for the handle. Natasha looked at her, worried, but before she could say anything Nicky swung open the door. She walked in, holding her head up high.

“Hello boys.” She said simply and instantly growls and howls of anger sung out at her voice.

“HUSH!” Matic’s voice was commanding and fierce. The howling cut off at his command.

It was dark and stunk feircly of pee and sweat, as well as something that almost drove Natasha to gagging.

“Hello Nicky. Its been too long.” A voice called from the dark.

“Yes it has Jasper.” Nicky said as she walked to the wall and flicked on the lights. Natasha’s eyes took in the caged dungeon.

“Where’s Lexton?” The voice emerged as a man, long hair and beard, but a very good musculared body.

“He’s dead.” More men came into view of the light at that. “You have Matic to thank for that.” Nicky said, motioning to Matic. As one the seven men that came into view bowed their head toward Matic.

“Who’s the beauty?” One asked, looking Natasha up and down.

“MY WIFE!” Matic growled out and the man averted his eyes.

“Nice catch.” Matic didn’t respond.

“So what? We’re your experiment now?” Jasper spoke up.

“No.” Nicky said as Matic was about to speak. “He wants to set you free.” The men moved closer to the bars on their cell.

“So why aren’t you walking over here with the key?” Another spoke up.

“Because, Mark, he has one condition.” Nicky spoke for Matic.

“What would that be?”

“You fight for him.” The men looked at each other and frowned.

“Who are we gonna kill?” Jasper asked.

“You’re going to fight and help take down the Thaxten coven, my father’s.” Matic said, his voice still strong and commanding.

“And why would we help a vampire?” The one called Mark asked.

“Because I could let you rot here. I’m offering you a chance to be free.”

“If we fight.” Jasper said. It seemed like Jasper was the head of the pack.

“Yes.”

“I’d say it’s a fair trade boys. One fight for a life time of freedom… or you can stay here.” Nicky taunted.

“And how do we know that you won’t go back on your word?”

“You don’t, but if we do, you don’t end up any worse then you are now… And there is one other condition to your freedom, if you do decide that way. You are not to attack any vampire coven, and you are not to attack humans.”

“Oh, only that huh?” Mark asked, sarcastically.

“Shut up Mark.” Jasper spat out. “We don’t attack human’s. Vampire’s on the other hand… if they don’t attack us, we will not attack them.”

“Deal. So, it is freedom you choose?” Matic asked, his eyes locked with Jasper’s as he nodded.

“Freedom.”

Chapter 45

“I’d say it’s a fair trade boys. One fight for a life time of freedom… or you can stay here.” Nicky taunted.

“And how do we know that you won’t go back on your word?”

“You don’t, but if we do, you don’t end up any worse then you are now… And there is one other condition to your freedom, if you do decide that way. You are not to attack any vampire coven, and you are not to attack humans.”

“Oh, only that huh?” Mark asked, sarcastically.

“Shut up Mark.” Jasper spat out. “We don’t attack humans. Vampire’s on the other hand… if they don’t attack us, we will not attack them.”

“Deal. So, it is freedom you choose?” Matic asked, his eyes locked with Jasper’s as he nodded.

“Freedom.”

Natasha couldn’t help feel nervous as they walked back through the halls to the gathered vampires. Matic stopped, and addressed them. Natasha glanced at their newest members. It turns out there were nine of them, two had stayed back in the shadow, watching. All of them were on edge, all scoping the crowd, looking for a potential threat.

Natasha stood strong by Matic’s side as he spoke to the coven before them.

“As you all probably have figured out by now; your master is dead. I am your master now, and as such you will be under my command. The Thaxen Coven has attacked me, and needs to be stopped. For you, now to be under my authority, I command that you transfer to my coven.”

“And what if we don’t!” One fairly large Vampire stepped out. His shoulders alone were twice the size of Matic’s.

“You don’t have a choice.”

“I’m the leader of this coven now. They only respond to me!” He shouted out as he approached Matic. Instantly the nine beasts behind her let out a collective growl. Matic put up his hand, silencing them.

“You’re the leader?”

“Yes.”

“You’re sure about that?”

“Yes, and if you don-” Matic suddenly had the man by the throat; he threw the man across the room, so easily like it was a frisbe.

“Any one else vying for power today?” Matic called out. The crowd shrunk collectively.

“Good, Kyle is my second. He will guide you to my coven. And if I were you I wouldn’t test him. He’s beaten me in battle.” Kyle stepped forward and glared.

“Let’s go.” Matic said more quietly to the group around him. Once out side the mansion the nine men started toward the forest.

“Where are you going?” Matic was tense.

“We’ll get there faster if we run.” Jasper said back as all the men started taking their shirts off. Matic looked to Nicky and Natasha.

“I’m going with you.” Matic said, frowning as he started to walk toward the men.

“So am I!” Natasha spoke up, jogging up to Matic’s side.

“No, I need you to stay with Nicky.” Matic said as she caught up to him.

“WHAT!? No! I’m going with you!”

“No, your not.” Matic turned away from the men and held her arms in his hands. “I need you to be with Nicky right now. I’ve seen the way the men look at her. If they get the chance they would tare her limb from limb. I need you to stay with her.” Matic kissed the top of her head. “Be safe.” Then he turned from her and walked to the pack of half naked men. “Let’s go.” Instantly Jasper and his men bolted out into the forest. Matic took one look back at Natasha then sped after them.

Natasha sighed as she walked over to Nicky.

“Come on, let’s get out of here.” Nicky hopped into the driver’s seat as Natasha got in, studying the forest, her anxiety rose as she watched.

Did they just make a huge mistake?

Nicky turned the key and pressed on the gas.

Natasha’s eyes never left the woods as they drove.

When they finally got back to the encampment Natasha ran out of the SUV to Matic’s tent. He was there already, the spacious text suddenly crowded with the nine men. They were all standing in a group, silent, not a word spoke, but the way their eyes shifted to each other showed that some how they were communicating. Natasha walked swiftly to Matic.

“You’re alright.” She said relieved

“Of course.” Matic turned his eyes behind her to the men as he started to speak with in her mind. “They are incredibly fast runners. I could keep up with them, of course, but still. And I didn’t have to show them the way at all. They said they could smell my coven from the entrance way! It’s amazing. I’ve never seen anything like them. You know what their doing right now?” Natasha just shook her head as she looked to the men. “Their talking, in their head. All of them can talk to each other, with in their head. I’ve never seen any one beside a Vampire do something like that…. And when they change!”

“They change?!” She transmitted back.

“Yes. Into full groan wolves, beautiful, and dangerous. I gotta say, when Lexton created these guys he did a good job imitating Hollywood. Is Nicky with you?”

“Yes, she’s just out side the tent, speaking with the guards.” Natasha answered back through her mind. She loved speaking with Matic this way; it was so intimate, so close. Matic nodded as he kept an eye on the nine men. Suddenly they all turned to face him, hands clasped behind their backs, feet speed shoulder length. They looked like soldiers.

“We have a plan.” Jasper stepped forward as he spoke.

“You don’t get to make plans.” Matic shot back, his frown becoming deeper.

“For this, we do. Our killing technique needs to be used properly or else it is ineffective.”

“What is it?” Matic said after a moment of glaring.

“Draw them out into the trees. Retreat; make them believe your running. They will follow. Then use us and your newly acquired coven. The trees will separate them, draw them apart so their easy to kill. Then the retreating force will spring back and attack with us. We’ll destroy them in the trees.” Natasha was surprised at how effective that plan could be. If it worked.

“I’ll think about it.”

“Think about it?! What’s there to think about?!” Mark yelled out, also taking a step forward. Natasha let out a low growl of warning. Mark looked at her and just smirked.

“What are you going do? Spit on me?!” Mark laughed but was quickly cut off as Natasha was suddenly in front of him, her small powerful hand wrapped around his large throat. His eyes stayed calm as his arm snaked around her and picked her up, pulling her against him. Her head was level with his now as she glared into his gold eyes. He fixed her with a taunting look. Natasha smirked as her mind passed through the training Nicky had taught her. She suddenly wrapped her legs around his waist and forced her upper body back. She let go of his throat and did a back flip with him still between her legs. The force of her actions throwing him across the tent in a tumbling heap. She landed gracefully, facing him. He got up shocked and angry. She just smirked as Jasper growled a warning to him. Mark looked from her to Jasper then snarled as he passed her and walked back to his place.

“There are a lot of variables to think about.” Matic said as he remained calm, watching the whole little quarrel take place. “However, I believe your plan may be the best to go with.”

Natasha walked smoothly to Matic’s side and smiled as she wrapped one arm around his waist. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders as he fixed the men with a glare.

“But know this, the next one of you that threatens, touches, or harms my wife in any way; will die.” Jasper just nodded as his eyes flicked to her then back to Matic.

It was in that one look from him that she felt something. Something she didn’t know. In one glance her perception of these beasts suddenly changed. They weren’t beasts, they were men. Men that had been tortured forced into this life of being half wolf, half human.

That one glance showed every thing. All the pain Jasper had endured, and all the pain he still endured. She couldn’t describe it, it was like he some how transmitted all of his emotions to her. And she felt instant pity for him. Natasha couldn’t look away from the stone expression hiding it all. It was like a mask put over his features to hide the torment.

“Natasha? You alright?” Matic asked, turning her slightly to face him. Her eyes finally broke from the stare and she blinked one, then twice as she looked up at her husband.

“Yes, sorry. I’m fine.” She forced a fake smile as she looked up at him. He didn’t buy it. He just frowned back.

“You’re sure?” Natasha just nodded. Nicky entered the tent and Natasha was thankful for the excuse of a different subject.

“Natasha, Matic. The Thaxen coven is advancing.”

Matic looked from Nicky to the nine men.

“Contact Kyle, tell him to wait for us in the woods. The pack will meet him there.” Matic said, his eyes locked with Jasper’s. “How long do we have?”

“Two days, lots of time.” Nicky said as she started to turn around.

“Nicky!” She turned back, frowning.

“Find these men a tent to stay in.” Nicky looked at the nine men then nodded and turned to do Matic’s bidding. A moment later Nicky popped her head back in and said she had a tent set up and a messenger was sent to Kyle. The nine men filed out, Jasper last.

He stopped before exiting the camp.

“Just a suggestion, but I think you should have your wife with us. In the woods, I mean. If you lead the battle and retreat she can help us out…” Matic didn’t respond. “Just a suggestion.” Japer looked at Natasha, nodded once then turned from the tent and walked out. Shivers ran down Natasha’s spine when he looked at her.

She felt Matic’s arms pull her too him.

“I know you said you were alright… but are you?” Matic said, looking down to her.

“Yes, I’m fine. Just a little on edge about them.” Natasha said smoothly as she wrapped her arms around his neck. He pulled her closer to him, and Natasha relished in the feel of his chest against her’s. She leaned up and kissed his soft lips.

She gave her self away to his touch as they made their way to the back of the tent where the bed was.

“Matic.” Natasha whispered out as he kissed down her neck.

“Hum…” He moaned out as he kissed her.

“We can’t do this. Not now. We need to prepare.” She barely gasped out. Matic’s lips left her skin as he looked up at her, frowning.

“What?”

“It’s just…” Rejection and sudden anger ran through his features. “We only have two day’s, we need to do all we can to be prepared.” She saw his jaw clench as he got up off of her.

“Right.” Was all he said then walked out of the tent. Guilt instantly settled into her gut. She sat on the bed, frustrated as she wished she hadn’t opened her mouth.

Nicky popped her head in the tent.

“Natasha? What was that about?”

“I just…” Natasha sighed. “I should go say sorry.”

“Why?”

“Well we haven’t been together, alone, at all since the wedding. And now I just put the coven in front of him.”

“Well good. That’s your job Natasha. When a man thinks with what’s below the waist, its the women’s job to show him how to think with above the collar. You did the right thing, don’t feel bad. Now, let’s get your training up to date. If you’re going to be fighting I can’t be watching your every move.” Natasha pushed herself up off the bed and tried to let go of the sickening feeling in her gut.

She had never seen Matic look that way, he was so hurt. And it killed her that just words from her mouth made him like that.

Chapter 46

She had never seen Matic look that way, he was so hurt. And it killed her that just words from her mouth made him like that.

The next two days went by too fast. Matic hadn’t spoken to her once. She tried to apologize, but every time she tried he just brushed her off, saying he had things to attend to. She knew it was he fault for him acting like that, but she couldn’t help be mad and bitter at his avoiding her. So when he walked into his tent, with her standing over the maps of the woods she was surprised he didn’t turn and leave right away. Tomorrow they would approach the Thaxen coven.

“You’ll be stationed in the forest with the pack.” He said quietly, yet full of spite. She gritted her teeth as she watched him stare into nothing. When he started to turn away she called out to him.

“Matic!” He stopped, but didn’t turn back to her. She walked from behind the desk and went to face him. “I’m sorry! I AM! I didn’t mean to reject you like that. I want you! Its just the war. I want to stay focused. But its been more of a challenge with you mad at me, rather than when we were… well yea. Please Matic, just forget about it? I love you.” Matic’s eyes twitched toward her, his strong jaw standing out against the candle light. She crept closer to him, the closest she had been in two days. She pressed her hand against his jaw, as she leaned up to his lips, capturing them with her’s.

At first he was stone, not moving. But when she didn’t pull away Matic suddenly dropped the papers he had been holding and wrapped his arms around her. She ran her hands up around his neck, fisting her hand in his hair as she kissed him greedily. She pressed herself against his body as he lifted her up and she wrapped her legs around him. He stumbled to the bed and collapsed onto it, she never let go of him. She arched her back against his chest as his hands roamed from around her back up her stomach, lifting her shirt as he went. She was suddenly flushed as his body pressed into her’s. His hand inched its way up more and more till she felt his strong grasp lift over her chest, caressing it.

“AH!” She moaned as he continued to kiss her. “Matic, wait.” He instantly pulled away, that same frown on his face. She pushed the bunched up shirt up over her head, throwing it out of the way. He smiled and instantly attached his lips to her’s again. Her hands found their way up under his shirt, feeling the muscles contract as he moved above her. He pulled away suddenly and pulled off his shirt as well. He paused looking down at her.

“I’m sorry.” He whispered out as he strattled her. She smiled up at him.

“Come here.” She wrapped her arms around him again and pulled him down on top of her. Their foreheads touching as she stared into his blue eyes. “I love you.” He leaned forward and kissed her softly.

“I love you too.” He whispered, an inch from her lips. She breathed in deeply, taking in his musky scent. He dipped lower kissing her collar bone and then slowly inching lower. She arched her back and took off her bra, letting his kisses travel in hindered. When he got down passed her navel he stopped, his hands resting on the hem on her pants. He looked up at her uncertain. However the heat traveling through Natasha had no uncertainty. Her hands traveled over her own skin and undid the button at the front then slowly undid the zipper, his eyes connected with her’s as she worked. She felt his fingers grasp the material at each side of her legs. She lifted her bottom off of the mattress and let him pull her pants off of her hot flesh. He kissed her tows and smiled as she giggled then her calf and her knee and up to her thigh. She watched through glazed eyes as he traveled back up to her mouth. She devoured his love, snaking her fingers through his hair. She pressed her self against him, relishing in the feel of his hard body against her. She let her hands fall from his hair and she let her fingers trail across his skin to the beginning of his pants. Matic suddenly pulled away at realizing where her hands rested. She bit her lip, suddenly realizing how vulnerable she was, how he could crush her so easily with just one shake of his head. She looked through her lowered lashes into his eyes, trying to read his expression.

“You sure?” He whispered out, only concern for her in his eyes. Natasha took a deep breath as she nodded. “If you’re not ready, I understand.” He said, still giving her the opportunity to back out.

“You’re my husband… I’m ready.”

That night Natasha and Matic were truly joined in their love.

Chapter 47

That night Natasha and Matic were truly joined in their love.

Natasha eyes slowly slid open as she recalled last night. Matic’s arm was wrapped around her. She inched closer to him, her head resting against his bare chest.

“Morning.” She whispered out as his arm tightened around her.

“Good morning.” She looked up at him, smiling down at her. He kissed the top of her head when she lay back down. His hand ran trailing tingles up and down her back. She smiled at the feel of it, not saying a word as she took in the peaceful morning. “Are you alright?” He whispered out as Natasha looked up at him, frowning.

“Why wouldn’t I be alright?” He smiled.

“I just… last night-”

“Was amazing!” She scooted herself closer to him and kissed his soft lips.

“But… I mean… it was your first time.”

“And it was with the man that I love. It couldn’t have been better.” He smiled as he stared into her eyes.

“Its just… if it was bad, it does get better. I mean… the first time is always awkward.”

“Matic, are you saying our first time was bad?” Natasha asked, putting on a fake frown.

“NO! NO! Not at all, I just… I know it was painful for you.”

“Only at first. Now stop questioning your ability’s at pleasuring me.” She touched the tip of his nose with her finger, smiling.

“Oh, you think I’m questioning that?!” Natasha just smiled as she nodded. “Oh, no, no. Not at all. How could I after last night. ‘Matic! MATIC! MATIC!’” He screamed womanly, imitating her.

“Shut up, I was not like that!”

“Oh yea, you were. And GOD, it was so sexy!” She couldn’t help smile as she clenched her jaw shut. She grabbed a pillow and swatted him with it. “Hey!”

“Hey, back!” Natasha said and she swatted him again and he caught the pillow and threw it away. He pounced on her as his fingers found her ribs, tickling her. She squirmed underneath him, laughing.

“Matic! Stop!” Natasha laughed as she pushed him off of her and grabbed the sheet and wrapped herself in it. Matic ran up behind her, his arms snaking around her middle to hold her back against his chest.

“You can’t get away from me that easily.” He whispered in her ear as he held her.

“Uh, hi, sorry. Um… sorry!” Nicky said as both Natasha and Matic suddenly looked up, shocked to see Nicky standing in the entrance way to the tent, a deep blush spread over her face. “Um… the men are all suited up. Kyle is ready in the forest and the beasts are waiting to take Natasha to the view point. If the two of you could get dressed that would be great!” Nicky said in really fast as she quickly inched her way back to the entrance. “And I’m really sorry. That’s really awkward. Wow. Okay, bye!” Nicky had adverted her eyes all the while as Natasha and Matic stood there shocked. Matic was behind her still completely naked.

Natasha burst out laughing, her head bent forward with the force of her laughter. Matic pulled away from her and quickly put on pants as he laughed with her.

“DID YOU SEE HER BLUSH! I don’t think I’ve ever seen Nicky blush!” Natasha said laughing.

“I’m just glad I was behind you!”

“I’m glad I was in a sheet! How long was she standing there for?!” She said as she rushed over and pulled on a shirt.

“KNOCK, KNOCK!” Nicky’s voice came loudly. She pushed just her hand through the curtain, holding an out fit for Natasha. “You’re going to need this.” Natasha ran over to her hand and snatched the leather.

“Thanks!” Natasha said as she ran back over to where Matic was, still giggling. She lifted the shirt off of her body and started to fit on the leather out fit. As soon as she was done Matic had got up from putting on shoes. Once he saw her a smirk passed over his face.

“Are we going for round two?” He asked, sauntering toward her.

“NO! This is my battle gear.”

“Looks like sex gear to me.” Matic said as he wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer to him.

“Its not! Come on, every ones waiting for us!” She pulled away from him and he reluctantly let her go. She pushed on the tight leather boots and laced them up. She looked up as Matic pulled on a leather jacket and zipped it up, the leather forming around his body perfectly, accentuating every muscle.

“Now that is sex gear!” Natasha said snickering at Matic looked up at her smiling.

“Well perhaps later we’ll have to put our gear to the test!” He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her deeply.

“Yes…. Later!” Natasha said as she pulled away from him. She walked through the large tent to the entrance then stopped right before walking out. She turned to face him and gave him another kiss. “Be careful, alright?” He smiled.

“You too.” She turned from him and walked out of the tent, Matic following her. Nicky’s blush had subsided, how ever the shocked look still hadn’t left her features. Natasha smiled as she marched over to the pack of men, all with out shirts, waiting.

“Sorry for the delay. Lets get going!” Natasha said as she walked up to them. All of the men smirked, all except Jasper.

“You ready?” He asked, staring down at her, fixing her with a stone look.

“Are you?” He nodded once then signaled to his pack to head out. Natasha followed, noticing slightly that Jasper waited till she went to follow. She looked behind her as she ran after the pack, Jasper was right behind her, his stony eyes staring back into her’s. She looked forward again and saw they were just about to head in the forest. Suddenly the speeding bodies of men in front of her exploded! She nearly screamed, thinking there was an attack on them, but when she looked back again there were nine wolves running through the forest in front of her. AMAZING! Natasha stole a look behind her to see that Jasper hadn’t changed, and was still in his human form. She frowned slightly at that, but then shook her head as she pushed her self faster, keeping up.

When the wolves suddenly stopped at the crest of the hill they turned back into their human forms. Natasha blushed as she realized the men were completely naked. She quickly turned around and saw Jasper toss the men a bundle of cloths. That’s why he hadn’t changed. When the men were back in pants Natasha turned around to face them.

“So this is it?” Mark nodded as Jasper settled himself beside her.

“So, you had fun last night?” Mark said, smirking.

“MARK!” Jasper barked out and Mark looked away still smirking. Natasha rolled her eyes, slightly embaressed.

“Its not like it’s a secret. We all heard them!” Mark said back. As Jasper growled at Mark.

“No, its all right.” Natasha said to Jasper. He looked at her frowning. “This isn’t the time to argue over something so primitive. We have to get ready.”

“We are ready.” Natasha just shook her head at Mark.

“No, we’re not. If the vampires realize that there’s an ambush here they wont come.”

“How are they supposed to realize that.”

“They’ll see you.” Natasha said bluntly.

“So what do you suggest?” Jasper said quietly beside her.

“Use our surroundings. The amount of leaves here could easily be piled onto of all nine of you, hiding. And if not the rest can hide in the trees. I don’t want to do anything that will botch this up. We’re going to be as careful as possible. We should have a few hours before they get here. Let’s pile up the leaves. As the men slowly started to work Natasha calmed herself and walked slightly away from the pack. She needed to get her mind in the right place.

“I’m sorry about him.” Jasper said right behind her. She jumped slightly, not hearing him come up behind her.

“Its alright. We did… I mean…” Jasper chuckled behind her.

“You didn’t have a wedding night.” She spun toward him frowning, how did he know that?

“How-”

“We have really good hearing. I heard your conversation. Matic’s a really good man to you.” Natasha just frowned at him as her mind reeled.

He stepped closer to her.

“You know there’s something about you. The first time I saw you I knew.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re different from the others. The other vampires I mean. There’s some other smell on you. Some other power in your blood.”

“I’d say that’s love.” Instantly Jasper shook his head. His face was so close to her’s as he started into her eyes, studying them.

“It’s something else.” He suddenly leaded even closer and ran his head close to her neck, smelling her skin. Natasha tried to stay calm, tried to force her mind to work.

“What is it?” She asked, captivated by his eyes.

“I don’t know.” His jaw clenched as he moved away from her, she subconsciously leaned in toward him, following him out. “But there’s definitely something.” Natasha shook her head of the sudden fog and pushed her self up strait. Jasper just smirked at her reaction. “You’re drawn to me.” He whispered out, that smirk still on his face.

“No. I love Matic.”

“I didn’t say you didn’t.” He replied evenly, still taking in her eyes. She breathed in deeply trying to calm her sudden quivering.

“Come on, we need to get focused.” Jasper didn’t move as she walked passed him. She heard his intake of breath as he breathed in her scent again. She closed her eyes, forcing against the urge to just be close to him again. She took two running strides then jumped up into a tree, she over looked the forest, watching for any movement. While she was up there she let her head clear.

Why was she acting like this?

She loved Matic!

Why was she drawn to him? There was just something about him, she couldn’t put her finger on it.

“I love Matic.” She whispered to herself, feeling slightly guilty for her thoughts. “I love him.” She said again, closing her eyes and breathing in the scent of the forest.

They were coming.

Chapter 48

“I love Matic.” She whispered to herself, feeling slightly guilty for her thoughts. “I love him.” She said again, closing her eyes and breathing in the scent of the forest.

They were coming.

Natasha watched as Jasper jumped up into the trees just in time. The other eight men were covered by the leaves. Natasha watched as Matic lead his forces through the trees. And just like they had planned his father’s coven was chasing right after them. Natasha watched as the vampires ran passed, ready to pounce. Suddenly her eyes were drawn to a stopped form, he was looking up in the trees. That’s when she pounce. He saw her and before he could even get his gun out she was on top of him. She bit into him, letting her blood lust rise. As she drank she felt her strength grow. She left his body and pounced on one running by. She tore his head off, and then ran to another and another killing each as she swiftly worked, it didn’t take long till she was covered in blood.

She pulled her hand out another chest. That’s when she saw it.

A silver arrow.

It flew so slowly toward her, yet she felt like she couldn’t move. Then some one crashed into her, hard. She opened her eyes from laying on the ground and saw Jasper on top of her. She looked up into his eyes, shocked.

“Are you alright?” He asked loudly over the sudden battle noise. Natasha just nodded as he got up off of her. He swatted down a vampire as it passed, as if it were just a fly to kill. He looked back at her.

“Why did you save me?” He frowned as he looked her up and down.

“Matic would have killed me if anything happened to you.” Natasha blinked back that shock and tried to turn her mind back to the battle that was going on around her. A vampire suddenly crashed into Natasha. He was strong and she screamed as she felt his teeth dig into her. She felt him wretched off of her. She looked up to see Jasper again. He leaned down and easily picked her up. He bent his knees and jumped into the trees. He landed on a thick tree branch. He set her down and moved her leather strap away to see the wound.

“I’m fine.” She said looking at him frowning. Already the wound was starting to heal.

He looked into her eyes, his eyes full of worry. The first real emotion she had seen in those eyes. “What is it about you?” She whispered out, as she was once again captured by just his presence. She felt her stomach contract as butterfly’s flew with out her consent.

He suddenly leaned forward and pressed his lips against her’s. It was like tasting chocolate for the first time, sweet, surprising, and very addicting.

She kissed back as his arm wrapped gently around her back. As she kissed him she suddenly had a flash of his pain, his torture, how much pain it took to change into the wolf form, how much he wish he could be human once again. But then all of that whipped away and she had a very sudden flash of Matic’s face, angry and frowning.

OH GOD! She pushed him away, her mind screaming at her. What had she just done? Her eyes traveled down to the battle, capturing one form starring back at her.

Matic.

“Oh, god.” Natasha whispered as her hand was at her lips.

Lips that had just betrayed.

Chapter 49

Jasper suddenly leaned forward and pressed his lips against her’s. It was like tasting chocolate for the first time, sweet, surprising, and very addicting.

She kissed back as his arm wrapped gently around her back. As she kissed him she suddenly had a flash of his pain, his torture, how much pain it took to change into the wolf form, how much he wish he could be human once again. But then all of that whipped away and she had a very sudden flash of Matic’s face, angry and frowning.

OH GOD! She pushed him away, her mind screaming at her. What had she just done? Her eyes traveled down to the battle, capturing one form starring back at her.

Matic.

“Oh, god.” Natasha whispered as her hand was at her lips.

Lips that had just betrayed.

She was frozen as she stared at Matic. His eyes confused, hurt, and angry. He grabbed a man running by and tore his whole body in half.

His eyes never left her once.

He stood there for a second just staring at her, then his eyes flicked to Jasper and he turned away from her, marching up the hill, killing as he went.

“No! NO! MATIC!” Natasha screamed as she jumped from the tree. She couldn’t focus, she saw the ground come at her, but couldn’t make her feet come to meet it. She slammed into the ground, her arm popped out of it place in her shoulder. She screamed as she got up and pushed it back in. She forced her self to move. She ran toward the place where she had last seen Matic walking toward.

“MATIC! PLEASE!” He was lost to her in the battle. Tears streamed down her face as she fought through the crowd, desperate to find him.

Matic pushed through the crowd in a daze. He couldn’t believe what he had just seen. He didn’t want to believe it.

“Hello son.” Matic snapped his head up to see his father standing in front of him.

“Leave me alone.” He turned away from his father, his thoughts too clogged to care.

“Oh come on now, even your mother put up a better fight.” Matic stopped in his tracks, not turning back to him.

“She screamed in the end. Just to let you know. She died for this measly coven. All she had to do was say yes and marry me. I’ve gotta say, she held through to the end. She was always consistent. Unlike you. She always put up a fight, even when I raped her.” Matic turned around his eyes finally seeing the truth. His father had killed her.

“You killed my mother!?” His father just smiled.

“Yes, it wasn’t that much fun, actually she wouldn’t give even a little. Not even after all I did to her, she still said no.”

“BAS.TERD!” Matic attacked his father, spring onto him. His father easily pushed him away and punched him across the face.

“Come on Matic, you can do better than that.” Anger boiled up inside Matic as he turned on his father.

All he saw were flashes of his mother dead body, then Natasha, her lips pressed against that dog. He thrashed it all out against his father. When his mind finally cleared he saw his fathers body torn into pieces in front of him. His chest heaved as his anger still raged through him. Then suddenly the battle around him slowed and then stopped, every one staring at his bloody form.

“Stop this. I am your king. Get out of this forest, all of you! Dispose of the wounded, anyone that disagrees can speak to me.”

Natasha heard his voice ring out over the suddenly still crowd. However he was still hidden from her, she couldn’t see him, couldn’t touch him. She tried to make her voice work through the sobs, nothing came. She saw the crowd part for him as he started walking toward her.

“MA- MATIC!” She forced herself to speak. He looked down at her, his eyes black, cold, empty, his face frozen in a scowl. It didn’t change as he looked at her. Ho only paused for a moment taking in her meek form.

She had never seen his eyes that empty, that void of any emotion. He stared at her lifeless. Then he blinked slowly and looked away from her. He kept walking.

Her legs gave out from under her.

She was nothing to him. There was no emotion, no life, no love in those steal eyes that he had fixed her with.

She was nothing to him.

She was nothing with out him.

Her body felt torn, empty. Tears rolled down her face, unrestrained, as her mouth hung open, bring no air into her lungs. She leaned forward and watched as her tears sunk into the ground, wishing she could do the same. To just sink into nothing and disappear.

“Matic…” She barely whispered out as her life drifted from her soul.

She betrayed him.

Betrayed herself.

Betrayed their love.

She wanted to die.

Chapter 50

Matic sat in his study, trying his best to leave his eyes open. Every time he even blinked he saw Natasha with that beast.

Ever since the war had ended everything had pretty much gone back to normal. The castle was calm once again and full as ever. Construction was underway to complete a new wing where there would be more room for all of his newly acquired members.

Natasha had come down only once to try to speak with him. She had knocked on his door. When he didn’t answer she came in anyway. She had stood in the middle of the room, not looking at all into his eyes, or any where near his direction, too ashamed. She said she was sorry, and that the kiss meant nothing. That she loved him and always would love him. She said he kissed her and that she didn’t know what came over her. She tried to explain how there was something different about Jasper, but she cut her self off when she heard his deep growl.

His name coming off her lips sickened him.

She said sorry again, put her hands to her face and ran out of the room sobbing.

It broke his heart to see her cry, but even then the anger masked over that. He hadn’t seen or heard Natasha since that moment- a week ago.

The wearwolves had left for their freedom, and so far they had kept their word and not killed any one. Even though now, Matic wanted them to, just so he could have an excuse to kill them.

“Matic.” Kyle said as he entered the study.

“What?” Matic asked quietly, over that week he had taken most of his anger out on Kyle. Now that he was slightly more calm he tried to be nicer.

Kyle entered the room and stood awkwardly in the room.

“Natasha wants to leave.”

“WHAT?!” Matic’s head shot up from looking at blue prints.

“She… she believes you don’t love her anymore.” Matic stayed silent, then looked back down to his papers. “Do you?” Kyle’s voice was quiet yet it cut through Matic like an arrow. Matic couldn’t answer. If he did still love her, he was loving a woman that didn’t love him as completely as he loved her. However if he didn’t love her… he didn’t love life. He needed to love her for his life to make any sense.

After a minuet of silence Kyle spoke up again.

“Matic, she’s really sorry. She hates herself for what she’s done. She still loves you.”

“I don’t care.” Matic bit out.

“What?” Kyle asked disbelieving.

“I don’t care if she leaves. She can do what she wishes… now leave.” Matic looked down to his blue prints and tried to make his eyes work, tried to make his brain work.

“Matic…”

“I said leave!” Matic yelled out a bit too harshly. Kyle sighed as he walked out of the study.

“At least she’s trying to make things better.” Kyle said as he walked out, shutting the door behind him silently. Matic let his head fall back.

Suddenly his study felt congested, and the air thick. He needed to get out.

Matic got up from his chair and walked out through the entryway to the out side. He walked through the path to his left, wandering across the grass of the garden. He ended up below Natasha’s balcony, leading to her room. The window to the balcony was open and he could hear Kyle speaking to her as she cried.

“He still cares about you, I know he does.” Kyle said softly as Natasha tried to suppress her tears.

“But he didn’t want me to stay.”

“He said he didn’t care. But I know he does, he’s always cared about you.”

“No. Not after this. I went too far.”

“Natasha the two of you will get through this. It just needs some time.”

“Its been a week, Kyle. Nothing’s going to change. He hates me. And me bring here is just making it worse.”

“Where are you going to go?”

“I don’t know. But I can’t stay here, not when he looks right through me, not when he doesn’t care…. Thank you Kyle for helping me. But I have to go.”

Don’t go. Matic had done it before he even thought of what he was doing. His mind sought out her’s and contacted before he even had time to think.

Matic? Her voice was so smooth, so succulent in his mind. He closed his eyes and he felt it flow through his body.

You want me to stay? He couldn’t answer her. Matic I love you. But I don’t want to hurt you. If I’m going to stay, I need to know that you’ll see me again. Even if you don’t love me.

Her words rippled to his mind then down and through his body, sending an ache through him. Matic flexed his legs as he bent then jumped silently up to the balcony. He walked to the billowing, sheer curtains, looking at her beautiful form held in the candle light. He faintly realized that Kyle had gone from the room. Silent tears ran down her cheeks from her closed eyes. Her hands trembled in her lap as she sat on the bed.

Matic… please answer me. She pleaded as she stayed completely still.

She was so beautiful.

Why did you kiss him, Natasha? He transmitted as he watched her hunch over a little more, her body contracting in pain.

I don’t know. I wish I hadn’t. Matic hesitated before he asked his next question, not know if he wanted to know the answer.

Do you love him? Her mouth parted, gasping in breath. Her clear tears turned to red as blood from her heart poured out.

The symbol of the most extreme emotional pain a vampire could feel.

How can you ask me that? I love you. Only and forever you… Jasper he- he was a mistake, a really bad mistake.

You don’t want him?

No! Never.

You didn’t like his kiss?

It wasn’t your kiss… No. Matic was silent as he watched her, her shoulders starting to tremble as she sobbed.

“Matic, please forgive me…” She whispered out as her hands traveled up to her face, each hand in a fist as she pressed her lips against her thumbs.

Matic? She reached out in her mind.

“Natasha.” Her eyes snapped open and she slowly turned her head to face him. Her eyes were red with crying. Matic frowned slightly as he breathed in a deep breath, clenching his jaw tight against the uncertainty in his heart.

She didn’t say anything as she stood from the edge of the bed. She turned to him, but didn’t come. Her eyes captured his.

She drew in a shaky breath as she looked at him, a small smile curving on her lips, she blinked back some of the tears as she spoke.

“You see me.”

“I always see you.” Matic said quietly as Natasha lowered her head, the tears still falling from her eyes. Natasha shook her head slightly, her voice calm, speaking her words smoothly.

“Not this past week you haven’t. I don’t blame you… but you can’t imagine the feeling it brings to have those eyes see me again.” Natasha paused as she looked up at him again.
“I’m so sorry Matic.” She broke down, sudden sobs raking her breath.

She was in his arms before he knew that he had cross the room to her. She wrapped her arms around his waist, holding him to her. Her small hands in fists, holding his shirt in her tight grasp.

He molded around her small form as she shook.

“I’m so sorry. I am, I love you. Matic, I’m sorry. I-” She couldn’t finish through her tears.

Matic just held her as her tears soaked into his shirt.

Just holding her again sent a yearning through him, but his mind kept forcing the image of her pressed against Jasper, stinging his heart with bitterness. He let his hands leave her back.

“I’m sorry Natasha. I can’t do this.” He pulled away from her, her week hands slightly hanging on to his shirt.

“Please Matic. I love you.”

“I know… just…” He sighed, taking another step away from her. Her smell hit his senses and it took all of his will to turn away. “Don’t leave. I want you to stay.”

“Matic… what more do you want me to say? I’m sorry! I’ll never do it again. I love you!”

“Some times your actions speak more than your words, Natasha. I need to see that you love me before I can open up my heart to you again.”

“BUT I LOVE YOU! I DO! I LOVE YOU WITH ALL THAT’S IN ME! I. LOVE. YOU!” She yelled out through gasping sobs and tears.

“Don’t leave.” He said simply and walked from the room, back to the balcony and jumped down to the garden, leaving her in their room alone.

Natasha collapsed to the ground. One hand braced her self on the floor while the other held her middle, the pain tarring her apart.

Chapter 51

“Don’t leave.” He said simply and walked from the room, back to the balcony and jumped down to the garden, leaving her in their room alone.

Natasha collapsed to the ground. One hand braced her self on the floor while the other held her middle, the pain tarring her apart.

Natasha groaned as a jack hammer started going off. She knew it had to be at the other end of the mansion but because of her untrained vampire ears. She couldn’t zone it out. It sounded like it was right in her room. She pushed herself up off the bed for the first time in two days.

Ever since Matic had visited her she had secluded herself to her room. She walked from the bed to the door and down the hall. She found the stairs and stomped down them. She looked down, watching her feet travel down the stone stairs.

“Hello Natasha.” Natasha stopped instantly as a chill ran up her skin. She looked up as a sickening feeling filled her gut.

Jasper stood in the open doorway.

“What are you doing here?” She said wide eyed. The jack hammer sound was suddenly distant.

“I couldn’t be away from you.” He crossed the hall so fast Natasha didn’t have time to move away before his lips were on her’s. Shock took her as her hands pushed against his chest. He was like stone. She moved her head away from his.

“Get away from me!” She tried to push him away as he started to kiss down her neck. “AH!” She screamed in disgust. Suddenly Jasper was flung from where he stood, down the rest of the stairs to slam against the front door.

“GET AWAY FROM HER!” Matic screamed as he stood in front of Natasha.

“You can’t stop our love Matic.”

“She was never yours to love.” Matic said, anger dripping from his voice. “Now leave.” Jasper took a step forward and Matic growled. “I SAID LEAVE!” Jasper just smirked then lifted his hand to his mouth and blew a kiss to Natasha.

“See you soon love.” Jasper opened the door and walked out. Matic turned to face her, a scowl on his face.

“Are you alright?”

“I’m fine.” He didn’t say anything else as he walked from the room. Natasha drew in a shaky breath. When would he love her again?

Natasha turned around and walked back up to her room, shaking slightly as she went. When she reached her room she sat down weakly on the bed.

“Hello beautiful.” Natasha’s head snapped up. Jasper just climbed down from the balcony and walked into her room, looking around smiling.

“Jasper! You have to leave!”

“But I haven’t kissed you yet.” He walked more into the room approaching her.

“Jasper I love Matic. Only Matic. That kiss was a mistake. It never should have happened.” Natasha took a step away from him.

“Oh but it did… and I think you enjoyed it.” Natasha frowned as she looked at Jasper, this was a whole other side to him that she hadn’t seen. Before he had been quiet and mysterious, now he was frightening, and full of himself.

“No, I didn’t. And I want you to leave.”

“Is Matic mad with you?” Jasper took another three steps toward her.

“No.” Natasha’s voice shook, confirming her lie as she walked four steps back.

“Or maybe he’s just jealous. Hum… yes… jealous… He can’t stand thinking that he may have competition for your heart.” He slunk more toward her as Natasha kept backing up.

“He doesn’t. He already has my heart. Jasper you have to leave.” Her back hit the wall.

“No, I don’t think I will.” He placed his hand on the wall by her head as he leaned down and let his lips touch her’s.

Her hand flew up before she really knew what she was doing. It collided with his face and his seductive look instantly turned to a scowl. His hand suddenly swung around and hit her much harder than she had hit him. She tumbled to the ground with the force. Natasha pushed her self up, her arms shaking as she did so.

Why had she refused to feed this past week?! She was so weak she couldn’t even defend herself. Jasper’s hand suddenly gripped her hair and pulled her up. Natasha screamed in pain as he pulled her up onto her feet. His other hand found her throat as he shoved her against the wall. Natasha’s hands scraped at his around her throat. All the training she had suddenly gone from her mind. He leaned forward and kissed her lips hard.

“Next time you do that you won’t be lucky enough to walk… Now kiss me.” He whispered out menacingly. Natasha weekly shook her head no.

“KISS ME!” He lifted her off the ground and pounded her back against the wall. She choked as he held her throat. She gasped for breath as he glared at her, then suddenly his features softened and he let her down. He kissed her softly.

“I’ll take care of Matic, darling. I’m sorry for this but I’m afraid you might interfere. I can’t have that… you might get hurt.” He kissed her hard again then his fist came down on the side of her head as he punched her so hard the black quickly swirled into her vision and she couldn’t grasp her consciousness before it was ripped from her grasp and she was left unconscious.

When Natasha opened her eyes the room spun. She forced herself up as her mind instantly went to Matic. Jasper was going to hurt him! She crawled from the floor to the open door. She hoped she wasn’t too late.

When she came to the door she reached the door handle and pulled herself up, she turned it and opened the door. She shook her head slightly trying to get rid of the spinning, but that only made it worse. She forced herself to stare at the wall till she felt the spinning stop then she worked her way down the hall way as quickly as she could, one hand pressed against the wall for support. When she reached the stair way she heard a crash from down stairs.

Her panic over took her body as she forced herself down the stairs at a run. However after the first three steps the world spun and she lost her footing, she saw the stairs suddenly come crashing to her body. She fell down the stairs landing with her limbs somehow twisted around each other. She detangled herself as she got up, the world spun around her. She closed her eyes against it and followed the growling and crashing sounds. She opened her eyes slightly to see the world had stopped spinning and she was right in front of the door to Matic’s study. She opened it, hearing Matic’s deep low growl from the other side.

Matic pounced on Jasper, his hand wrapped around Jasper’s, still human, neck. Jasper roared in anger as he punched Matic’s stomach, trying to get Matic off of him. Natasha watched almost frozen as the two men fought. Jasper through Matic off of him and Matic smashed against a book self, his body crashing to the floor. Jasper’s back was to Natasha as he approached Matic. Natasha watched as he reached around and pulled out a silver dagger from a sheath on his lower back. Natasha needed to move, needed to save Matic, but as she took the first panicked step toward him the room spun and her knees buckled from under her. She looked up through the room spinning and saw Jasper standing in front of Matic, the dagger was coming down.

Natasha used the last bit of her strength and pushed herself up off the floor and sped through the thick air to Matic. She got there just in time to let the silver drive into her flesh.

In Jasper’s rage he snapped the handle of the dagger off, not yet realizing who he had stabbed.

Matic opened his eyes to see Natasha’s pained face.

“No. Natasha…” He whispered out. Her eyes weakly opened.

“I love you.” She said weakly then winced and drew her head back as the silver took to her blood.

Chapter 52

No. Natasha…” He whispered out. Her eyes weakly opened.

“I love you.” She said weakly then winced and drew her head back as the silver took to her blood.

“NO! NATASHA!” Jasper yelled out as his rage subsided. Matic wrapped his arms around her.

“Natasha…” Jasper took a step toward them. “DON’T TOUCH HER!” He screamed out. Jasper looked at Natasha then Matic.

“She really does love only you.” Jasper took a step back then another. “I’m sorry.” He was gone before Matic got to his feet.

“KYLE! KYLE!” Matic screamed as her blood poured over his hands. She was so light, so pale, so weak. “KYLE!!!” Matic screamed again as Kyle finally sped into the room.

“What happened!”

“Jasper… he-” Matic’s voice cut off as he felt the hold she had around his neck loosen. “KYLE! Help her!”

“Get her up to the room.” Both men sped to the room and Matic slowly, gently laid her down on the bed. “I need her on her stomach, I have to get at the wound. Matic rolled her over gently as Kyle instantly inspected the wound.

“SHIT!”

“What?”

“The dagger shattered when it hit her shoulder blade. I’m going to have to dig to get all the pieces out. I need my kit.” Matic sped out of the room and was back with in three seconds. Kyle cut her shirt off, allowing him to work unrestricted. He opened up the leather case and pulled out a bundled up cloth with tools in them. Matic hovered over Kyle.

“Matic, you have to give me some room.” Matic instantly stepped away, walking around to the other side of the bed. He watched as the tools sunk into her flesh, pulling out broken shards of silver.

She was still through the whole process. Matic’s heart beat heavily as he watched.

“Is she going to be alright?”

“Maybe… if I can get all the silver out of her. Some of the shards may be too small to grasp.” Kyle said as he pulled out another shard.

“But you can save her, right?” Kile didn’t answer.

“I need to get some blood into her system.” Matic looked from Natasha took Kyle.

“She’ll be alright, right?” Kyle lifted his head and looked at his brother.

“I need blood Matic. Get it.” Matic looked down at Natasha then sped from the room. Kyle left her back and took a hollow needle. He positioned her arm and pushed in the needle. He attached the tube quickly and then added the empty sack. Matic came in to the room just in time.

“Hold this.” Kyle said, handing the I.V. to him. “Pour the blood into it.” Matic did so quickly and watched at the blood filtered down through the small tube to her arm. Kyle set up a stand with a hook on it. Matic pushed the loop of it onto the hook. He walked around to the other side again and watched as Kyle went back to work.

Matic flexed and un flexed his jaw, watching. Why hadn’t he just forgiven her? Why couldn’t he have let it go? This never would have happened if he hadn’t been more understanding. Now his mistake could cost the life of the only women he had ever loved. He tried to breath through his frustration and worry.

He never should have even brought her here. It seemed like forever ago that he had found her on the sidewalk. Now she was in no better condition then when he had found her. He had never done anything good for her, she was miserable because of him, because of his stubbornness. Matic’s thoughts were cut off as he heard her moan in pain, Kyle drawing out another shard, it was the longest one yet.

“I think that’s it… its all that I can see.” Kyle took out a bandage and wrapped her up. “If every thing is fine she should be healed in a couple of hours. Kyle packed up his things then paused as he looked at her side. He frowned. “Matic, ease her onto her side. Matic climbed onto the bed and slowly moved her body around. Kyle reached down with his fingers and prodded the skin on her belly, below her rib cage. Kyle reached inside his bag and removed the stethoscope.

“Kyle, she doesn’t have a heart beat.” Kyle ignored Matic as he pressed the cold metal against her stomach, listening carefully. Kyle snapped his head up to Matic, his eyes wide.

“What? What is it? What’s wrong?” Kyle blinked then looked down slightly, listening for it again. Kyle straitened himself, a shocked look across his face. “Kyle? What’s wrong?” Kyle looked up at Matic and smiled.

“Nothing.”

“Then, what-”

“I just heard your child.”

“What?”

“Natasha’s pregnant.”

Chapter 53

“I think that’s it… its all that I can see.” Kyle took out a bandage and wrapped her up. “If every thing is fine she should be healed in a couple of hours. Kyle packed up his things then paused as he looked at her side. He frowned. “Matic, ease her onto her side. Matic climbed onto the bed and slowly moved her body around. Kyle reached down with his fingers and prodded the skin on her belly, below her rib cage. Kyle reached inside his bag and removed the stethoscope.

“Kyle, she doesn’t have a heart beat.” Kyle ignored Matic as he pressed the cold metal against her stomach, listening carefully. Kyle snapped his head up to Matic, his eyes wide.

“What? What is it? What’s wrong?” Kyle blinked then looked down slightly, listening for it again. Kyle straitened himself, a shocked look across his face. “Kyle? What’s wrong?” Kyle looked up at Matic and smiled.

“Nothing.”

“Then, what-”

“I just heard your child.”

“What?”

“Natasha’s pregnant.”

“Kyle… how can that be, it’s only been a week! And we only made love once!”

“Once is all it takes, Matic. You should know that better than any one. It only took once to get our mother pregnant with you… I’m surprised she’s even pregnant. Usually only the strongest of the vampiric women are fertile. And you know the vampire fetus in the women grow exponentially fast, and then once delivered they age the same as normal vampires… but wow… congratulations!” Kyle smiled at Matic’s shocked face. “Matic, are you alright?” Matic slowly nodded.

“Yea… I- I’m gonna be a father!” Matic looked at Kyle, an ecstatic smile falling over his face. Matic laughed as he gently let Natasha rest on her back and kiss her forehead. “We’re going to parents!” Matic couldn’t contain his laughter as he sat still shocked on the bed. Kyle laughed with him, the sudden joy contagious.

“I’ll be back in an hour to check on her.” Kyle started to walk from the room.

“Kyle!” Matic yelled out, Kyle turned back from the door way, still smiling. “Thank you. Thank you, brother.” Kyle just smiled and nodded as he walked out of the room, closing the door behind him.

In the silence of the room Matic shook his head, not believing. He looked down at her peaceful form. He laid down beside her, and pushed the hair off from her neck.

“Natasha… we’re going be parents… you’re going to be a mother.” Matic stared at her unresponsive body. “God, I’m so sorry. I never should have…” Matic sighed.

“Matic?” Her body suddenly shifted slightly. Matic’s eyes went wide as he looked down as her, her eyes slowly opening. When she turned her head slightly to see him she smiled. “You’re alright.”

“I’m fine thanks to you… Natasha, why did you step in front of that dagger? You could have been killed!” Matic asked as he looked down at her. How was she awake!? Kyle had said the next couple of hours, and here she was awake and smiling up at him.

“But I love you. You could have been killed.”

“Yes, but the baby-”

“Baby?” She cut him off frowning up at him.

“You’re pregnant. I just found out. Kyle was just here… and he… well you’re pregnant… we’re pregnant.”

“Do you love me?” Natasha didn’t smile, she just looked down. Matic’s smile faded into a frown.

“Why would you ask that?” Matic asked, frowning still.

“Because I don’t want to have this baby if you don’t love me.”

“Natasha! I love you! I always have! I always will! Before… I- I was just hurt. I couldn’t stand that you could love some one else. Some one besides me.”

“I love only you.”

“I know that… now. And I love only you. I want to have this child with you, I want to live forever with you, I want to love you forever. Natas-” She suddenly reached up and wrapped an arm around his neck, pulling him down to her lips. She kissed him hard and needy. He kissed her back just as hard, just as needing. He found himself on top of her before his mind caught up with his heart. She wrapped both arms around him as they kissed deeply. He pulled away as his mind finally caught up.

“Am I hurting you?” Matic asked.

“Only if you don’t kiss me again.” Natasha said smiling. As first Matic smiled with her then frowned.

“How am I not hurting you?” Matic instantly got up off of her as Natasha watched him, frowning. Matic went to her side and gently lifted her on to her side, he looked at her bandage and gently removed it. There wasn’t even a scar, just smooth skin. “How could that be!” He whispered out, troubled.

“What?”

“You… you’re healed!”

“Isn’t that what vampires are supposed to do?”

“Yes, but not that fast… KYLE!” Matic called out as he got up off the bed frowning, he swung open the door to the room as Natasha covered her naked form. “KYLE!” Kyle sped up to the door way.

“What is it? Is she alright?”

“More than alright…” Kyle looked inside the room at Natasha, sitting up in the bed.

“Woah!” Kyle stepped into the room and crossed over to her, he gently urged her onto her back where the bandage was just barely hanging on to the healed skin. “That’s…. oh! Of course!…” Kyle sighed in relief. “The baby.”

“What do you mean the baby?” Matic asked, worry rising up in him.

“Well, vampires on their own heal fast, but with another vampire within them, they heal twice as fast, the baby’s body is connected with Natasha, it feels what she feels, and heals when she does. I never expected it to be this fast… You’re going to have a strong baby.” Kyle said smiling. Natasha laid back smiling. “Congratulations… In seven weeks you’ll be holding a new born baby in those arms.” Natasha smiled as she looked down, amazed.

“I’m pregnant…” She looked up at Matic, her face beaming. “I’m pregnant with a child.” Matic smiled as he came to her, hugging her as she laughed with him. “I’M PREGNANT!” She screamed out, laughing. Matic parted from their hug as he laughed with her. “wait… seven weeks!?” She said suddenly as her mind clicked.

“Yes, your past your first week. Vampire babies grow exponentially fast in the woman, then normal once delivered.”

“AH!” Natasha screamed out suddenly. Matic jumped, suddenly tense.

“WHAT’S WRONG!” Natasha just grabbed his hand and placed it on her stomach. He suddenly felt a kick come from her belly. Matic looked up at her glowing face. “That-”

“Our baby.” Natasha finished smiling, then winced slightly as she felt it again, so did Matic, who was overjoyed.

“Our baby’s gonna be fighter!”

“Or a really good kick boxer… Ah.” She said, feeling it kick up again. Matic and Kyle laughed.

Chapter 54

“AH!” Natasha screamed out suddenly. Matic jumped, suddenly tense.

“WHAT’S WRONG!” Natasha just grabbed his hand and placed it on her stomach. He suddenly felt a kick come from her belly. Matic looked up at her glowing face. “That-”

“Our baby.” Natasha finished smiling, then winced slightly as she felt it again, so did Matic, who was overjoyed.

“Our baby’s gonna be fighter!”

“Or a really good kick boxer… Ah.” She said, feeling it kick up again. Matic and Kyle laughed.

Over the next three days Natasha was almost sick of Matic waiting on her.

“Do you need anything? A cup of tea? Another blanket? You should be off your feet. Let me carry that for you. Don’t strain your self!”

Every little thing she did he had something to say about it.

“Matic! I’m not going to break! I can look after my self.”

“I know… but I just want you to be as comfortable as possible.”

“Matic…” Natasha scowled as she smiled.

“I know, I know…”

Matic walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her from behind, pressing his chest against her back. She leaned back against him as his hands settled on the slight swell of her stomach.

“Have you felt him again?” Natasha smiled, Matic insisted that it would be a boy, he was sure of it. Natasha thought other wise.

“She’s been sleeping all day I think, not a quiver.” Natasha said as she put down her paint brush and eyed the canvas of the mountains.

“I think he likes it when you paint almost as much as you do.” Natasha smiled. Matic’s head rested on her shoulder, his lips slightly kissing her neck.

“You smell so good.” He whispered out as he kissed down to her shoulder. She turned in his embrace and touched her white paint covered finger to his nose, smudging the paint onto his skin as she smiled then giggled. He looked at her, half smiling, half fake frowning. “And what was that for?”

“You looked like you needed some color.” Matic went cross eyed as he stared down at his nose.

“White is a color? I think I’m already pale enough.”

“Oh… right.” Natasha’s hand dipped into the blue and she brought it up to his cheek, drawing her hand down to his jaw laughing. Matic’s jaw fell open.

“Oh, you really shouldn’t have done that.” Natasha smiled as she reached behind with her other hand while he was still shocked and pressed her palate of paint onto her other hand. She leaned forward and kissed him gently as her other paint covered hand came up and held his face to her’s. She pulled back and ran out of his grasp, squealing as Matic ran after her.

Matic grabbed one of the paint bottles and ran around the room after her. He caught her from behind as she squealed. He brought the paint up and squeezed it out onto her head.

“HAA!” She gasped in as she felt the paint start to sink into her hair.

“I told you!” Natasha turned around his grasp and lowered her head, she smashed her paint covered hair over his chest as he stood holding her. She looked up and smiled at his green splotched chest.

“I think I like that color on you dear.” She said smiling and giggling.

“Like wise… but I think you need just a little more!” He wrapped his arms around her, and pushed his chest against her.

“AHH! NO!” Natasha laughed as Matic wriggled, rubbing off as much paint onto her. She escaped his grasp and ran for the balcony where more paint was stashed. She reached the pink and turned around and she squirted out the paint in a streak across Matic’s body. He walked toward her faster as she kept squirting it out at him. He grabbed the purple as he passed the painting. Her lifted up the lid with his thumb and squirted back at her.

“AHH!” She squealed as she tried to get out of his aim. “OKAY! OKAY! I GIVE UP! YOU WIN!” The squirting from his bottle stopped.

“You surrender?” He asked, looking at her quizzically.

“YES! Yes, I’m done.”

“Put your weapon down.” Natasha laughed as she dropped the bottle and walked toward him, her hands up. Matic lowered his bottle and laughed as she wrapped her arms around him. “Oh no!” Matic said, his eyes looking at the painting she had just done.”

“What?”

“You’re painting…” Natasha turned to look at it. “It’s ruined.” There was blue and purple and pink splattered all over it.

“I think it looks better.” Natasha said smiling as she turned back to him. “What do you think?”

“I think you’re the artist. You tell me.”

“It’s beautiful.” She said smiling. “Perfect.”

“Wonderful.” He leaned down and kissed her paint covered lips. She parted from him and he smiled down at her. “You okay?” Her smile dropped slightly.

“I am perfect. Nothings wrong. All is well. Don’t worry.”

“Okay. Come on, you should get cleaned up.”

“You should get cleaned up too.”

“Maybe we both should.” Matic said smirking.

“Maybe!” Natasha smiled as she took Matic’s hand and led him into the bath room, pulling off his paint covered shirt as she walked backwards. She threw it onto the stone floor and smiled at Matic as he looked her up and down.

“You are so beautiful.” He said bringing her shirt up over her head. She pressed herself against him as her started to kiss up her neck. “AHH!” He suddenly said, spitting a little. “The pain does not taste good… even on you.” Natasha laughed at his grossed out face. Natasha wrapped one arm around his neck while the other fiddled with the nozzle for hot and cold in the shower. She turned it on.

“Well maybe we could do something about that.” Matic growled seductively as he pulled her closer to him. She felt his hand slide down her flat stomach to her pants; he slowly undid them and pushed down, letting the fabric slide off of her hips. She stepped out of them as her hands traveled to his pants. She fumbled with them as he kissed her hair and then down her neck.

When both of them were released from their cloths they hopped into the shower, both entwined in each others arms.

The water falling over Natasha’s sensitive skin added to the heat building in her veins. Matic kissed down her chest then back up to her lips, devouring her soft lips in love.

Soon the room was filled with steam and both Natasha and Matic were all to satisfied. Natasha’s back was pressed against the tile as Matic leaned against her, kissing down her neck again. He stilled, his lips by her ear.

“I love you.” Natasha just kissed him in reply.

They didn’t get out of the shower till the water ran cold.

Natasha wrapped a towel around her overly cold body.

“Yes, now I just don’t understand it.”

“What?” Natasha asked, looking up after securing the towel.

“Why you have to cover up… it just doesn’t make any sense to me.” Matic said, slinking closer to her to wrap his arms around her waist.

“It’s called modesty, Matic.” Natasha said as she laughed.

“But you have nothing to be modest about!” Natasha laughed as Matic tugged on the towel playfully.

“Come on Matic, we have to do something today! We can’t just lay in each others arms and pretend there isn’t work to do.”

“I know, I know… its just I would love nothing better then to just lay with you all day.” Natasha smiled.

“Me too. But come on, your paper work has to be piling up, and I need to talk to Sarah about baby stuff.” Matic smiled.

“I cant believe you just said that!”

“What?”

“That you had to talk to Sarah.” He chuckled. “It wasn’t so long ago that you were running from the woman.”

“Well I still would be if she had any reason to make a dress for me.” Natasha laughed with Matic. “Come on.” She turned in his grasp and walked out of the room to the closet, picking out a simple outfit to wear. She pulled on the shirt and frowned as it was tight. This was one of her favorite shirts! It always fit her! She pulled it off then picked out on of her big fluffy overly large sweaters. It fit, but it wasn’t just that it fit, it fit comfortably! There was no big fluffyness anymore! She ran out of the closet to look at her self in the mirror, slightly noticing that Matic was just putting on another pair of his pants. She couldn’t believe her eyes, she was huge! She lifted up the sweater to look at her pregnant stomach and her enlarged breasts.

“AHH!” She whimpered as she looked. Matic looked her way and smiled.

“What’s wrong?”

“LOOK! AT ME! I’M HUGE!”

“Of course you are, your pregnant, remember?”

“I know… but it shouldn’t happen this quickly… this is… I’m so fat!” Matic walked over to her and looked at her reflection in the mirror.

“Nope. Not fat.”

“What are you talking about! I’m a whale!”

“No… your beautiful.” Natasha looked at Matic then back to the mirror.

“Honey, its kindda hard to get away with a lie when the truth is literally staring me right in the face.” Natasha turned from the mirror and stomped back into the closet. “I think I’ll be lucky if I can find a pair of pants that will fit!” She started ruffling through the neatly folded cloths when Matic’s arms snaked around her.

“Natasha, you are not fat, your not big, your beautiful, your pregnant. Even when your mad you glow. Come here.” He started to push her back toward the mirror.

“No, Matic, I need to find a pair of pants.”

“Just come here for a sec, I want to show you.” She gave in eventually and found herself staring at her large form in the mirror again. “Now look.”

“I am looking Matic.” Natasha was getting angry.

“No, look at your face, your skin. You’re glowing! You’re so beautiful your glowing!” Natasha looked away from her large body to her face. She blinked a couple times, looking at herself. It was true. It wasn’t like a glow in the dark glow stick, but she was just emanating this slight glow around her. Matic raked his finger through her still wet hair, bring in her natural scent. “See… you’re radiant.” Natasha sighed then smiled as she turned in Matic’s arms to face him.

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For making me feel better.” Matic smiled then kissed his reply.

“AHHH! BABY!!!! WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME!?!?! I NEED TO MAKE A CRIB, BABY CLOTHS, BABY SHEETS, BABY TOWELS, BABY DIPERS, BABY! BABY! BABY!” Sarah screamed as she burst into the room. “OH! And not mentioning the maternity cloths! NATASHA! MATIC! YOU NEED TO TELL ME THESE THINGS!” Matic and Natasha laughed at Sarah’s frantic raving. “Now next time, just tell me right before you have sex, that way I’ll have lots and lots of time!” Natasha and Matic couldn’t stop laughing. “Now let me see.” Sarah said as she walked more into the room and headed for Natasha. She lifted up the sweater to look at Natasha’s swelled stomach. “OH A GIRL! I LOVE GIRLS!” Natasha frowned.

“How do you know it’s a girl?”

“Well I don’t, not for certain, but look at the way your stomach is positioned, its higher up on your body, rather than low… IT’S A GIRL!” Sarah clapped her hands together, beaming.

“Wait, wait… no way! It’s a boy, it has to be a boy! Look at the… the way…” Matic struggled to find something that could resemble a sign for being a boy. “Its gonna be a boy, I have a feeling!”

“Well I’m going to make unisex mostly, but then some girl. OH! This is so exciting!” Matic and Natasha laughed as the four other women filed into the room. Matic leaned in and kissed the side of her head.

“I’ll see you later…” Natasha nodded as Matic moved from the room.

“Alright, now do you want a baby room, or do you want the baby here?” The questions began as Hana started to measure her new body.

This was going to be a long day.

Chapter 55

I’ll see you later…” Natasha nodded as Matic moved from the room.

“Alright, now do you want a baby room, or do you want the baby here?” The questions began as Hana started to measure her new body.

This was going to be a long day.

After about an hour Natasha swore if some one said baby one more time she was going to grab a shot gun and shoot them!

“Alright, dear… you’ll have your new cloths by tomorrow. And congratulations again…” Natasha smiled as Sarah finally left the room. Natasha flopped down on her bed. Her feet hurt, her boobs hurt, and she wanted more than anything was a pickle.

“Hey beautiful.” Matic said as he popped his head in the room, and looked around to see that Sarah was gone. “How did it go.”

“Alright… I gotta say when this baby does come there wont be any question as to who its going to get spoiled by. Sarah is already making toys and shoes and cloths and bonnets and anything else you can think of that it would like.” Matic laughed as he sat on the bed beside her, lightly stroking her hair. “Matic…”

“Yes.”

“Could you get me something for me?”

“What would you like?” He asked lovingly.

“Do you have a blender in this huge mansion?”

“I’m sure I could find one… why?”

“Could you get a jar of pickles and blend it into blood for me.” Matic looked down at her, frowning.

“You want that?”

“Yes… or maybe just pickles.”

“But human food can’t be accepted by your body, you’ll just throw it up.”

“I know… I just… really want it.”

“Alright…”

“Thank you…” She leaned up as he kissed her from above. Matic left the room as Natasha laid there, resting one arm around her head, while the other rested over her stomach. After a few minuets she forced herself to get up. She walked over to the balcony, and leaned on the railing, looking out at the view. A soft melody entered her mind and she softly hummed it, rocking back and forth as she felt the wind whip through her hair.

“I didn’t know that you sung.” Matic soft voice came from behind her. She turned and smiled.

“I don’t…”

“You should, you have a really good voice.”

“I wasn’t even singing, I was humming.”

“Same thing. It was good.” Natasha looked down at what he was holding, a glass of what she had asked for, as well as a jar of pickles and a banana cream pie. The smell of the pie hit her senses and instantly her stomach reacted, she barely had enough time to turn and hurl over the balcony.

“WAOH!” Matic yelled as he set the platter down and quickly ran to her, holding her hair out of her face, and bracing her body slightly on to his. She looked over at him, wincing. “Are you alright?”

“Get that pie out of here!” She said as she gagged. Matic rushed from her side and threw the pie off the balcony. Even though the smell was gone her body still felt rotten.

“I’m so sorry… Are you alright?” Natasha nodded and walked over to the platter and picked up the blended cup and the pickles. “I only brought it up because I bumped into Kyle and he said that when my mother was pregnant with me she craved banana cream pie all the time. I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay.” Natasha said before she lifted the cup to her lips. The tang of the blend was perfect going down her throat. She walked over to the bed and sat. After she quickly finished the glass she opened the full jar of pickles and ate four before she stopped and looked up at Matic, still standing in the door way to the balcony. “Matic… its okay. I swear. I’m fine now.” Matic nodded his head slowly, but still didn’t come to her. “Come here.” She said as she put down the jar of pickles.

“I cant.” Natasha frowned.

“Why?”

“I’m allergic.”

“What?”

“To pickles… That’s why I ran into Kyle, I needed him to blend the pickles for me. I can’t touch them.”

“Really! Oh, Matic! I’m sorry! I didn’t know!” Natasha reached over and put the cap onto the pickle jar then walked into the bathroom and washed her hands and face then brushed her teeth. She stepped out of the bathroom. “I’ve never heard of any one being allergic to pickles before. I’m sorry.”

“You didn’t know. It’s okay.”

“Well I’m all clean, I promise.” Natasha said, smiling as she walked toward him, and wrapped her arms around his neck. She lightly kissed his lips. “So what happens if you do touch it?”

“I get sick.”

“Sick? I thought vampires couldn’t get sick.”

“Yea… well unfortunately for me, I do. Its like the flew for humans. I get hot and throw up a lot… it usually only lasts a day or two, but still. I’d rather not go through that.”

“I understand. So could I be allergic to something?”

“I don’t know… maybe the banana cream pie.” She winced.

“Sorry about that, again. As soon as I smelled it, it was just reaction.” Matic nodded his head.

“It’s okay.”

“I have to go pee.” She said suddenly and removed herself from Matic’s arms to walk to the bath room. Matic just smiled.

Suddenly there was a pounding on the door and then it opened to reveal a panicked Kyle.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s the beasts! They’ve come back… they’re killing all in sight, saying that you killed Jasper!”

“WHAT!?!”

“What is it?” Natasha asked coming out of the bathroom.

“Its nothing.” Matic said quickly and motioned for Kyle to leave. Matic walked over to Natasha. “Why don’t you have a nap… I have some business I have to take care of, alright?”

“Matic, what’s going on? Why was Kyle here?” Already Matic was at the door. Natasha knew something wasn’t right.

“Its fine… I’ll be right back! I promise!” Natasha frowned as Matic closed the door. A few minuets passed and her curiosity got the better of her. She opened the door and walked down the hall, each step she took brought on a multitude of sounds. Screaming and grunting and shots going off, how had she not heard it in her room?! When she made it to the stairs she looked down over the whole scene. There were wearwolves everywhere, much more than the nine that she had known.

“NATASHA!” Natasha saw Nicky run up the stairs, blood was covering her.

“What’s going on!?”

“Mark and the other Lycans have gone back on their word, they say that Matic killed Jasper… They’re killing everything in sight. We have to get you out of here!”

“What? No! NO! Matic is down there!”

“He’ll be fine, come on, we have to keep you safe.” Nicky grabbed her arm and pulled her through the hall. Natasha tried to look back, tried to see Matic, but it was all a blur as she was pulled away to safety.

Something sunk in her gut, telling her this wasn’t right, something was wrong. Desperately wrong.

Chapter 56

Something sunk in her gut, telling her this wasn’t right, something was wrong. Desperately wrong.

Matic didn’t even make it to the battle that was going on down stairs. He saw it, saw the blood that covered the stone floor of his home, saw Kyle rushing back into the battle. But when the sharp pain stabbed through his chest he didn’t have time to react before the concentrated silver had taken to his blood and he was on his knees. He barely noticed the strong hands picking him up and tossing him over a shoulder. All he could feel was the pain. And all he could think about through the pain was Natasha and his unborn child. They were in danger, they weren’t safe, and for their sake alone he pushed his weakened body to stay conscious, to hang on to the blurry images that crossed his eye sight.

“You’ve got him?” The voice was so far away and distorted.

“Yes.” Matic felt a needle stick in his side, drawing out his blood. “Take this, tare apart some vamp and spread it around him, make sure he has the same hair color… we don’t want any one to come looking for our captive… Alright, lets go. Let the newbie’s distract his followers. Jasper’s death will have retribution. Come on, Mark’s waiting.” Matic felt the slight shifting as the man holding him moved swiftly. The light from out side hit his eyes, forcing them closed. They were taking him away. Taking him from his life, his love, his everything. He had to do something, he had to fight back, he had to stay. Natasha needed him, their child needed him, he had to do something! Matic forced his muscles to contract, forced himself to forget the pain, to push pasted it. However the more he tried to struggle the more the silver in his blood rushed through his body. He let out a small moan and the moving of the man carrying him suddenly stilled.

“I thought you knocked him out!”

“I did! I gave him enough silver to almost kill him! I don’t understand how he’s still conscious!” Matic’s head was suddenly lifted up by his hair. He took in blurry gold eyes before something hit the side of his head and his mind was forced from consciousness.

Natasha paced back and forth in the tower room, waiting for Kyle and Nicky to come back. They had forced her to stay in this room and wait for them to return with Matic. The battle had subsided, the united vampire coven finally overcoming the sudden out burst of wearwolves. She stopped her pacing as she heard the door handle squeak as it turned. It opened to reveal both Nicky and Kyle. They stepped into the room and Kyle closed the door behind him.

“Natasha…” Nicky began as Natasha interrupted her.

“Where’s Matic?”

“Natasha…” Kyle said slowly, his head lowered. Both of them wouldn’t look her in the eye.

“Kyle, where is he?” Her stomach fluttered as her mind raced to the worst answer she knew.

“He’s…” Nicky finally looked up, tears falling down her cheeks. “He’s dead Natasha.”

“No…”

“Natasha… I saw for my self… the smell of his blood was the same… He’s gone.” Natasha looked from the two to the door. Her body started toward it, wanting to see for herself when her knees gave out. Her heart feared the truth. Both Nicky and Kyle were at her side, Nicky’s arms wrapped around her as Kyle held her steady.

“Natasha, I’m so sorry.”

“GET OFF OF ME!” Natasha’s strength lashed out at Nicky and Kyle, the force of retaliation slamming both messengers against opposite walls. Natasha’s hands found the wood floor, she forced herself up on to her knees and started to crawl to the door. When she made it to the door her hand reached out to take a hold of the handle. Natasha’s hand shook so hard she couldn’t grasp it. She broke down, her body folding over as her hand fell to her mouth, covering her sudden sobs of pain. Her mouth fell open in the silent scream of torture that was ripping through her. Her other hand came up too meet the other and cover her face. Her tears pooled into her hands and slid down her arms, to the hard floor. She felt the warmth of Nicky’s arm wrapping around her back, offering a comfort that couldn’t penetrate the thick agony already wrapped around her heart.

Chapter 57

When she made it to the door her hand reached out to take a hold of the handle. Natasha’s hand shook so hard she couldn’t grasp it. She broke down, her body folding over as her hand fell to her mouth, covering her sudden sobs of pain. Her mouth fell open in the silent scream of torture that was ripping through her. Her other hand came up too meet the other and cover her face. Her tears pooled into her hands and slid down her arms, to the hard floor. She felt the warmth of Nicky’s arm wrapping around her back, offering a comfort that couldn’t penetrate the thick agony already wrapped around her heart.

Matic opened his eyes to see blurry images pass by. Distant voices drifted to him was he slowly woke.

“So what is Mark going to do with him?”

“I don’t know… Maybe kill him… maybe keep him here till he starves to death… who knows. Mark’s in a bad place right now. After he found Jasper’s body in the woods out side Matic’s mansion he’s been on edge, and upset. Poor guy, Jasper was his best friend.” Matic tried to move, his joints screaming to be release from their awkward position. He could stop the slight moan as his stiff muscles contracted to his will. “He’s waking up!” One voice said as they started to draw nearer to him.

After blinking several times he finally got his vision to work properly. He looked around the large cell he had been placed in. No chains, no silver, just bars and walls.

“You better go get Mark… he’ll wanna be here.” Matic hear echoing foot steps as he tried to force his mind to work.

Where was he? Where was Natasha? Why was she not with him? Why wasn’t he with her?

Questions started to race through his head, making him feel suddenly nauseous.

“Hello Matic… I’m sure you’re feeling confused and nauseous right about now… I only know because I’ve been there one too many times… welcome to your new home. How do you feel? Miserable I hope… if not, well I’m sure I can fix that.” Matic looked up through the bars to Mark, who had a very satisfied smirk plastered across his face. “You recognize this place?” Matic didn’t answer as his eyes darted around the dark room. “Oh, well maybe you remember it from this side the bars. This was the first time I ever saw you. You and your lovely wife… too bad you wont see her again.”

“What did you do to her!?”

“Oh, nothing… nothing at all. She’s fine, my quarrel isn’t with her, its with you. You killed Jasper for her.”

“What? Jasper… he tried to kill me, and when he failed he left, that was the last time I saw him!”

“Sure he did. I know Natasha was in love with him. Jasper told me all about it before he left to get her. But you couldn’t stand the fact that she married you too early in her life, that she really loved another… so you killed Jasper to keep her. You’re a selfish bast.ard!”

“NO! I swear! I didn’t kill him…” Matic forced himself up off the ground to his feet, standing shakily.

“You’re lying… but that’s okay… Dena will help you with that… she’s great at getting people to tell the truth.” A woman stepped out of the shadows, black leather covered her body like a second skin. Both of Dena’s eyes turned black as she fixed him with an empty stare. Suddenly pain racked through his whole body, tearing each limb slowly. Matic fell to the ground, his body contorting in pain. “That’s enough Dena.” Suddenly the pain stopped, and his body shrieked at him in after shock. “Amazing isn’t she… all she needed was a pin prick of your blood and she can control you from any where at any time, and give you as much pain as she wills in just one simple thought… For being so twisted and mad with power, Lexton was a smart man. I may even be so bold as to say he was a genius, but regardless, his experiments will be your demise. Hope you enjoy!” Mark started to turn from the room when Matic force his words out.

“They’ll… come.”

“You mean your beautiful wife? No, I don’t think she will… neither will Kyle… see I’m not some beast that doesn’t think things through… I’m smarter than that… you’re dead to them, Matic. You don’t exist any more… and yet the truth is hidden right under their nose. After you insisted this place be evacuated and all coven members moved to your home this place was perfect for me and my knew pack. It also happened to come with Dena… and this wonderful cell. You’ll find out soon enough was the cost is if you touch the bars… just a little warning…” Mark turned to Dena. “Have fun!” Matic didn’t get the chance to see Mark leave the room before the pain consumed him.

“Hello my pet… you can call me mistress…” Matic barely heard the words through the pain ringing in his ears.

Chapter 58

Hello my pet… you can call me mistress…” Matic barely heard the words through the pain ringing in his ears.

Natasha stood in black with every one around her. She watched as the coffin lowered into the ground. Silent, numb tears fell from her weary eyes. Kyle stepped forward to speak.

“Matic…” He paused, looking at Natasha’s broken face. “Matic was my brother, he was great. He could light up a room with just one smile.” Smile… god, how she missed his smile. “He was loved by many… his death was a true tragedy… and he will be sorely missed.” Kyle lowered his head, having nothing else to say. Natasha took a shaky step forward. She bent and picked up a handful of dirt. She moved her small hand over the grave and watched as the dirt drifted down to fall solidly on the coffin. She let her hand fall to her side, she lifted her other hand, which had held a red rose since the begging of the ceremony, she let it drop down. She looked down to see the shining black coffin. She forced her self to turn away before she threw her self in with him. She walked through the crowd, needing to be alone. She found herself walking back to the mansion, her head was in a daze…

Matic was gone… The werewolves took him from her… because of them she didn’t have a husband… her child wouldn’t have a father… her child would never know the great man he was, would never get to feel his protective arms, never be pushed on a swing, never taught how to walk or read, never warned to be careful, never kissed goodnight. Natasha missed his kisses, missed his arms, his love, even just his presence. She missed all of him. Natasha’s hand rested subconsciously on her large, pregnant stomach as she walked. It wasn’t fair. They took him from her, they took her future from her. They couldn’t just get away with it. Matic had made a treaty between them, they wouldn’t kill humans or vampires and they would live in peace. They had broken the treaty, they didn’t deserve peace.

Natasha reached the mansion and marched up to her room, she pulled out her leather uniform, she stripped of her black dress and started to pull on the black leather. I barely fit up her one leg; there was no way the pants were going to fit on her enlarged, very pregnant body. She threw the pants over her shoulder as she tried to put on the leather top. There was a nock at the door. Natasha didn’t answer.

“Natasha, I’m coming in.” Nicky said from the other side of the door. She opened it to see Natasha squirming to try and fit the leather on to her body. “NATASHA! What are you doing?!”

“I’m trying to get dressed in this piece of crap!”

“Why?”

“I’m going after them, they can’t get away with his death, they violated the treaty! They killed my husband! I will have revenge!” Natasha threw down the top, frustrated that it wouldn’t fit.

“Natasha! You cant.”

“Why not! They killed him!”

“I know, but you’re pregnant!”

“That’s exactly why I have to go! I’m pregnant with a child that doesn’t have a father! I can’t! I can’t let them… I cant… I love him! I- I need.” Tears poured down her face as she hunched over, angry with her self.

“Natasha…” Nicky stepped closer to her.

“Get out!”

“What?”

“You said he would be fine! You said everything would be fine! When the battle was going on, you made me leave! I could have done something… I could have saved him… I-I could have.” Natasha sobbed, her gasps of air cutting off her sentences.

“No, you couldn’t have… none of us could have done anything. There was nothing we could have done to change what happened.” Nicky rubbed her hand on Natasha’s back. “If you go after them now, Matic would have died for nothing. He loved you. He wanted you safe. If you go out and get your self killed, along with the baby… he would have died for nothing… I promise, after your child is born and you have your strength back we’ll go after them… We’ll take the whole coven with us. We’ll crush them into the ground for what they did. Natasha turned and wrapped her arms around Nicky, her sobs and tears having no end. Nicky held Natasha, comforting her the best she could.

“I miss him so much, Nicky… I just want him back.” Natasha sobbed out.

“I know… I know.” Nicky whispered back as she continued to hold Natasha and rock her back and forth. Natasha pulled away from Nicky after her eyes refused to cry anymore. Natasha’s head was down as she spoke.

“What am I gonna do with out him?”

“You’re still the queen of this coven. You have a life here that you have to take care of… And you have a child coming. I know it hurts right now, I know that everything you do is empty and useless, but you have so much to live for. You have to remember that.” Nicky’s hand glided to Natasha’s jaw, lifting her face up to meet Nicky’s. “You still have so much life in you, don’t give up.” Natasha swallowed back the lump in her throat as she nodded slightly. Natasha grimaced as the child inside her kicked. She didn’t have to live just for her own life now, she had to live for her child’s as well… she had to be strong.

“Four more weeks and we’ll go after them, I promise… Matic will be revenged.”

“Four weeks.” Her child would be born in four weeks. Matic’s child would be born… He would never get to even hold his own child. Natasha drew in a shaky breath and beat back the tears.

Chapter 59

“Four weeks.” Her child would be born in four weeks. Matic’s child would be born… He would never get to even hold his own child. Natasha drew in a shaky breath and beat back the tears.

“How are we doing today, my pet?” Matic couldn’t have opened his eyes even if he had wanted to. He hung from the rafters, his arms long ago dislocated, blood still streaming down from his open wounds. She walked to the gate and opened it. She sauntered to him, allowing her hand to rake across his stomach. Just the touch of one of her slender fingers could bring blood to the surface; if she placed even just a little pressure she could break bones. Her touch was so painful, he welcomed silver. “I said… how are we doing today, pet?” She pushed her index finger into his side, and Matic couldn’t keep the shriek from his lips as his rib broke. She took her hand away, still poised, waiting to hear the answer she had broken into him.

“We are doing as you please, mistress.” Matic whispered out.

“Wonderful! You may sleep for another hour… I’ll wake you when its time for your training.” She said and sat in the steal chair in the corner, watching as his breath was shaky and labored. What she called training was really torture. She would cause him pain, pushing his tolerance, pushing his limits till he would black out from the pain. Any thing she asked of him, he readily did, afraid of the punishment if he didn’t comply. It was easier to comply.

The hour felt like one minuet. Matic woke to lips pressed softly against his.

“Natasha?” He whispered out.

“No, my pet… but how I wish I were.” Matic weekly opened his eyes to see his mistress before him. “How did you sleep?”

“As you pleased, mistress.”

“Hum… good.” She leaned her hand toward his flesh, but he spoke right before her hand touched his skin.

“How many weeks have I been here?”

“Around four… Why do you ask that question, every few days, you ask… why?” She stared into his dazed eyes. “Is it because of her?… Natasha?” Matic didn’t answer. He hated the way Natasha’s name sounded off of her lips. “When you sleep you call out for her. You scream her name sometimes… who is she?” Matic just let his weak head fall. There was silence as she just stared at his form. “You know the cost of not answering your mistress Matic… I would like an answer.” Matic inwardly shivered as he remembered the pain she had put him through. However he didn’t even make a whisper in an effort to answer her. He didn’t care how much pain she put him through, he would rather die than tell this woman in front of him about Natasha. He would rather go through the worst pain she could dish out then reveille he had an unborn child at home. As long as he kept his mouth shut they would stay safe. The woman extended her arms above her head, and reached as far as she could up his arms. She pushed all the way down. Matic screamed as each inch of bone she crossed over snapped and shattered inside his flesh. When she reached his ribs she stopped. Matic gasped for breath as he let tears of pain and anguish roll down his face.

“Why do you want to know the months Matic… just tell me that and all this will go away.” Matic’s jaw clenched shut, he wouldn’t say a word.

His mistress glared at his defiance then pushed her hands against his sides, she slowly allowed each rib to break as she glided her touch over his skin. He blacked out after the fourth rib. She stopped and walked to the chair, watching as he swung slightly in his chains, waiting for him to gain consciousness. After half an hour she heard his mumbled words.

“Three more weeks… Natasha… our baby…” Dena sat up strait at the undeniable words leaving his mouth… He had child coming. He would rather go through a new level of pain just to keep them safe. “Natasha…” He whimpered. This man didn’t belong here… he belonged with his family. Mark had said he killed Jasper. Jasper was after his wife… he killed protecting her… everything he did was for her. Dena looked at her captor in new eyes. She envied this woman, she was loved above life its self. Dena let her thoughts twirl as she watched Matic. Lexton had made her, and tortured her, teaching her how to torture others. She had tortured Jasper and Mark many times, both men weren’t even close to the equal of Matic. They cried and begged for her to stop, Matic just took it, allowed her to torture him with dignity. She had never met any one like him. He was so strong, so determined to have his way… usually it only took a day to break a man… for Matic it was four months in and he was still fighting. He was exquisite! But he had a family… a wife. Dena considered defying her orders. It would be easy. Mark wasn’t her true master… he was killed, by who she didn’t know. But who ever did kill him, she belonged to them now, not Mark. Mark could never have killed Lexton, he was too powerful. It would have to be some one powerful, someone with determination and strength. Some one who knew how to use the full extent of his power.

Dena’s mind switched back to Matic, still hanging from the rafters. He would need at least a week to heal… if she didn’t change her mind. She watched as his blood dripped to the floor, slightly echoing.

“Natasha…” He called out again.

She would think on it.

Chapter 60

Dena’s mind switched back to Matic, still hanging from the rafters. He would need at least a week to heal… if she didn’t change her mind. She watched as his blood dripped to the floor, slightly echoing.

“Natasha…” He called out again.

She would think on it.

Three weeks later.

Natasha screamed as another contraction took her body by force.

“Come on Natasha! You have to push!” Kyle yelled out at her. Natasha’s legs were spread for him, her body was covered in sweat as she screamed.

“I can’t!”

“Push, Natasha… you have to. The baby is coming! You have to push!”

“NO! I CAN’T!” Nicky walked from the end of the room to Natasha.

“Yes, you can. You have to! You’re baby is coming! Its time! Its Matic’s child, Natasha. You have to do this!”

“NO! HE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE HERE! I NEED HIM TO BE HERE! I CAN’T DO… AHH!” She screamed, tears of pain and anger rolled down her face. “THERE’S NO ONE HERE! I CAN’T DO THIS ALONE! I NEED HIM! I CAN’T- OH GOD!” An other strong contraction took her. Nicky suddenly got up on to the bed and removed the pillows behind Natasha’s back. She got behind her, Natasha’s back pressed against Nicky’s front.

“I’m here, Natasha. You’re not alone in this! I’m here! And you can do this! I know you can! Take my hand!” Natasha grabbed on to Nicky’s hand. “NOW PUSH!”

“AHHH!!!” Natasha screamed as she bared down, pushing.

“That’s it Natasha. Just two more good pushes. You can do it!” Kyle called as his hands held the crest of the child’s head.

“MATIC!” She screamed as she pushed one more time.

Natasha… I’m here… I love you! Natasha’s closed eyes flew open as she heard Matic’s voice. He had communicated through her head, just like they used to be able to!

“PUSH NATASHA!” Kyle screamed.

I love you… His voice drifted away as Natasha bore down her final push, hearing a child’s scream join with her own.

“Ah! Hello!” Kyle cooed as he held Natasha’s child. He cleared away the blood with a white, clean cloth. Kyle cut the umbilical cord then wrapped the squirming crying child in another white cloth. He walked around the bed to Natasha. Her week arms reached out for her child. “You have a beautiful baby girl… congratulations…” Natasha carefully pulled the little infant toward her exhausted body. Natasha looked down as the child instantly calmed. The baby opened her eyes to revile bright tiny blue eyes. Natasha couldn’t help but smile down at the perfect face.

“Oh, Natasha! She’s beautiful!” Nicky whispered as she looked over Natasha’s shoulder.

“You did good, Natasha.” Kyle said also looking down at the new fragile being. “What are you going to name her?”

“Maleah…. Her name will be Maleah.” The baby in Natasha’s arms whimpered.

“It’s a beautiful name.” Kyle said softly.

“Hello Maleah…” Nicky said from behind her. Natasha watched with tired eyes as her baby fell asleep in her arms. “Matic would be so proud.” Nicky whispered.

“He will be… Matic’s alive.”

“What?” Kyle said, looking from the child to Natasha.

“Matic is alive… he contacted me through my mind. He’s alive.”

“Natasha… I saw with my own eyes… Matic’s body was mulled beyond repair.”

“It wasn’t him.”

“Natasha…” Kyle started again but she cut him off.

“He’s alive Kyle! You’re bother is alive! I don’t know where or how… but he is! Can’t you just trust me?” Kyle didn’t say anything, nor did he nod his agreement. He simply frowned.

“You need to rest… We’ll talk about this later.” Nicky said behind her as she got up. Once up she replaced the pillows. “Here… I’ll put her to bed.” Nicky took Natasha’s daughter, laying her in the crib beside her bed.

“Nicky…”

“Yes?”

“Thank you. For everything.” Nicky didn’t answer as she placed the infant down.

“Rest well.” She said then left the room along with Kyle. Natasha reached out with her mind to Matic.

Matic… are you there? Please… I need you here. Where are you?

There was no response.

Chapter 61

“WHAT THE HELL DID YOU JUST DO!?!” Dena back handed Matic, his jar shattering at her touch. Matic let the blood drain from his mouth. Matic weakly looked up at Dena as she stepped menacingly toward him. He had taken the chance an contacted Natasha… it had taken all of his strength to do it, to break through the shields in this weird cell, and then break passed Dena’s hold on him as well. She felt it, of course, but he had to take the chance. He hoped Natasha was alright, hoped the baby was okay. He couldn’t hang on long enough to find out if his child was a boy or girl. He really didn’t care if it was a boy or a girl, he was just worried for his child, hopping the birth had gone alright. Dena looked into his eyes, her expression of anger suddenly changing to confusion. “Who are you?” She asked calmly. “I know your name is Matic… but who are you? Or what are you? No one has ever been able to surpass the shields in this place, let alone break the connection between captive and master… Who are you Matic?” Matic raise his head, meeting her at eye level.

“I’m your master.” He said with as much power to his voice as he could muster.

“What?”

“I’m the one that killed Lexton…”

“You are the vampire that killed Lexton?!” Matic just stared at her. “My god…” She whispered out as she stared back. She finally turned her gaze down to the floor and stepped away. “After all this time… Why didn’t you tell me!?”

“Because you never asked… it wont change any thing anyway… you’re still going to torture me till I die.”

“The h.ell I will! This changes everything!” Dena pulled on a pair of black gloves and walked to him. She unhooked him off of the chains. Matic’s abused legs couldn’t hold his weight. She bent down to him and unlocked his shackles. “You should have told me before… I owe my life to you! The day you attacked this place Master Lexton was going to kill me. He told me himself, he hand the extractor in his hands when the guards came and told him the Thaxten coven had attacked… he left me in chains. That was the last time I saw him… I was down in that dungeon for over a month till Mark came and found me… He told me that he had killed Lexton… I knew that it wasn’t true. If some one could kill Lexton they would have to be stronger than him… Mark wasn’t even stronger than me…” Dena paused, looking as his weak form lying before her on the stone. “You’re my true master. I’m sorry.” Matic looked up at her torn face.

“Get me out of here.” He whispered, watching as she called out for the gaurds.

“Take him to the stables… get a coach and horsemen ready.”

“But Master Mark…” One started.

“Do I look like Master Mark?” Dena asked as she slipped off a glove. The three men watched her subtle movement.

“No, Mistress Dena… We’ll do as you ask.”

“Good and if Master Mark finds out, your heads will be for his dinner, understand?” The men nodded quickly as they gently picked Matic up from the floor. “The best coach we have, gentlemen.” Dena said as she followed them out of the cell.

Matic passed out before they had gotten out of the mansion. He didn’t have enough strength to stay conscious.

Chapter 62

Matic passed out before they had gotten out of the mansion. He didn’t have enough strength to stay conscious.

When Nicky saw Dena from the garden she didn’t hesitate a moment. She saw the wooden, old coach ride up into the drive way, but didn’t pay much attention to it as he eyes were locked on the torturer. Dena was one of Lexton’s unfortunate experiments, she was a skilled killer, and to pretend anything other than that would be a grave mistake. Nicky was across the court yard in a flash, seconds later she felt Dena’s hard jaw against her fist as she punched the woman. The force of her hit driving the woman to the ground. Nicky was instantly on top of her, not giving her a moment to defend herself.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!” Nicky screamed as she kept hitting and hitting the woman’s face. The woman finally caught Nicky’s hand and stilled her beatings for a moment to gasp out one name.

“Matic!” Nicky stilled.

“What?”

“Matic is in the coach, he needs attention. Nicky looked up to the coach and then realized that a group of vampires had gathered around the two.

“Take her to the dungeons. Don’t let her draw blood from any of you. If she does you will be dearly sorry.” Nicky said as she quickly got up. Dena got up at well and let the guards take her with out a fight. Nicky didn’t trust her for a second. She walked around the old carriage carefully, looking for any explosives or wires. When she didn’t see any she slowly inched toward the wooden door. She opened it swiftly, and jumped back, preparing for some one to jump out at her. Instead there was only a painful moan come from the dark. Nicky frowned as she stepped forward to look into the dark.

There in the back corner lay Matic. Wounded, weak, and alive!

“GAURDS!” Nicky yelled instantly as her eyes told her mind the impossible.

Matic was alive!

The guards moved passed her and into the carriage to bring out their wounded master. Nicky helped as best she could carrying him into his home.

“KYLE!” Nicky yelled out. Kyle stepped into the entrance way. His body instantly stilled as he saw his brother.

“Is that-”

“Matic, yes. And he needs you’re help!” Kyle stood there, his eyes wide as he stared. Nicky could almost scream at him. “Take him up to his room.” Nicky instructed the guards. “KYLE! COME ON!” Nicky screamed at him, the weight of Matic’s body becoming too much for Nicky to handle. Kyle blinked twice then stepped up to help them go up the stairs.

Natasha settled her sleeping child down in her crib. She straitened from leaning over, a frown spread over her face. Something was different.

She walked over to the door and opened it, she stepped out into the hall to see Kyle and Nicky and three other guards carrying Matic down the hall towards her.

“Matic…” She whispered under her breath as her eyes took in her beaten husband. “MATIC!” She screamed out, running the little way’s to him.

“Natasha, I need you to get my kit, its in my study. Go! NOW!” Natasha didn’t even get to touch him before she was sent away. She sped through the mansion down the stairs to Kyle’s study, grabbing the black case and then back up to her room. They were just settling him down on the clean sheets. She handed the kit to Kyle as she passed him and bent down at the side of the bed. She looked at his bruised, bloodied face.

“What happened?” Natasha asked as she took his limp hand in her’s.

“We don’t know. He came in a carriage.” Nicky answered as she stepped back and let Kyle have some room to work. Kyle ripped his shirt open, there was a collective gasp as they saw the back and purple of his flesh.

“Jesus…” Kyle cursed under his breath as he looked at Matic’s body. “He must have broken all of his ribs to have this kind of bruising!” Natasha clung to Matic’s hand as Kyle spoke.

“Is he going to be alright?” Natasha asked as she tore her eyes away from his bruised body.

“He’ll be fine… He need’s blood.” Natasha had brought up her own wrist before she knew what she was doing. She bit into her flesh quickly and let her blood flow into his gaping mouth. She saw his shallow breathing become more rapid as her blood transferred into his body. Natasha watched as the bruises started to diminish, and the large cuts start to close. Kyle stepped into the room. Natasha hadn’t even realized he had left.

“Natasha, its okay… I got some blood. He’ll be fine now, you can stop.” Natasha nodded as she slowly pulled herself away and watched as Kyle hooked up an I.V. for Matic. Kyle stepped back. “There’s nothing else I can really do for him now. We just have to wait. I’m positive he’ll be fine.” Natasha nodded as she watched Matic. Kyle didn’t move from the side of the bed as he stared down at his unconscious brother.

“What is it?”

“I was so sure he was gone… so sure he was dead. And now here he is…” Kyle’s eyes flicked to Natasha’s. “You were the only one that held on. The only one that believed. I’m sorry to have doubted you.” Natasha gave a small smile of acceptance then looked back to Matic.

“You’re sure he’ll be alright?”

“With you by his side… I know he will.” Natasha looked up at Kyle again and smiled as Kyle walked from the room with Nicky.

Natasha lifted Matic’s hand to her lips. She kissed his soft flesh.

“Please be alright.” She whispered as she stared at his still form.

Natasha sat there for hours, waiting for him to wake.

When Maleah started to cry and whimper Natasha left Matic’s side to be with her child. She was hungry. Natasha sighed as she pulled up the rocking chair, just at the right angle so that she could see Matic if anything went wrong. She settled down into the chair with Maleah in her arms. She pulled down her shirt and let the infants mouth take hold of her breast to feed. Natasha sighed and closed her eyes. She leaned back and let the rocking chair move with her body as her child fed.

“You are so beautiful.” Natasha jumped as she heard Matic’s deep, familiar voice.

“Matic!” Natasha moved to get up when Maleah started to cry and whimper.

“Don’t get up. I’m fine…” Natasha leaned back reluctantly. “How is our child?” He asked, his deep blue eyes penetrating her from across the room.

“She’s wonderful.” Natasha couldn’t help but smile as she looked down at their child.

“She…” Matic chuckled. “So Sarah was right after all.” Natasha smiled with Matic. She felt Maleah give up on feeding. Natasha moved her shirt up and over her breast as she got up from the rocking chair and walked to her husband.

“Are you strong enough to hold your baby girl?” Natasha asked as she sat on the bed beside Matic. He reached out for her.

“‘Am I strong enough?’ What kind of question is that?” He said smiling as he took the fragile baby into his arms.

“She has your eyes.” Natasha whispered as she watched Matic look down at his child.

“She is so beautiful!” He said smiling. Maleah reached up her tiny hands to Matic’s face, smiling.

“Her name is Maleah.” Matic looked from their baby to Natasha, beaming.

“It’s a prefect name.” Matic leaned up and kissed Natasha.

Natasha moaned into the kiss. She had missed him so much.

“I thought you were dead.” Matic smiled a little as he looked up at her.

“That doesn’t matter now… all that matters is you and Maleah; here.” He said looking back to their smiling baby. “Hello beautiful.” Matic said as Maleah took his finger in her tiny hand. Natasha smiled as she held on to his same hand.

They were a family; now and always.

After Matic fully recovered he let Dena go. It turned out she was a really great nanny to Maleah.

The years passed after that point in time. The wearwolves never did give up their judgment of the vampiric society. And after time both sides forgot what the feud was even about. Hating each other regardless.

Centuries pasted but the withering of time couldn’t break the love between Matic and Natasha. Their daughter grew up, as all little children do. She became an accomplished doctor, studying under her favorite uncle Kyle. Both Natasha and Matic couldn’t have been prouder.

THE END

August 2006, field of telecommunication were I go through. For a year as a helpdesk under Marchem , I never regret to mingle and have fun with my co-workers. Even we have a shifting schedule and even my duty for the next morning is 6:00 am, I manage to go out with them. I miss all memories that we’ve shared.

I decided to transfer in other department as I thought I will be in a regular position and directly hired by the telecommunication we’re I’m in. As time passed I really thought that I was near in what I want to achieve. They scheduled me for an examination as a way for a regularity position. January 11, 2008 were we had the exam, it stop right there. Until now, there’s nothing more. I’m no longer happy in what I’m right now. Hope I can find a new job were I’ll be happy again as the old time. I miss you all guys!

As being a teenager she’s now on the stage of developing even more skills. Intellectual, managing problems, communication, and emotions. Emotions are more complicated I guess when you were in this stage. In her 2^nd year high school she had her first boyfriend but it just last for a month. Then finally found her real love when she was 3^rd year high school.  At first she’s afraid of telling her mom that she had a boyfriend. But her mom fined a way of how her youngest daughter tells her that she’s now having a relationship.  They’re relationship last for almost three years. When they broke up, she feels that she cannot trust anyone else. After a year past she learned to move on. Having a relationship with someone else, but not falling in love as like before.

She graduated with a degree and proud of having a job after three months of graduation. She’s happy earning salary on her own and learning to manage everything she has. Trying of different field of success and now working on telecommunication. Having a relationship for almost two years and counting, hoping that it will last forever.

On her 25^th year birthday wish her all the success, happiness, having a good health for her and for her family. Thanking God always for giving all the blessing and guidance without hesitation.

hApPy bIrThDaY tO mE!

sarap magbakasyon ng walang iniisip na trabaho… lalo na kung marami kang panggastos… but I promise the next time na magout of town kami I’ll have my own cam sayang kung hindi man lang ako makacapture ng magagandang views from other places… and at lis may maishare ako and proud that I’ve been there…