*I am proud to dedicate this fanfic to the one who has encouraged me the most. Here's to you htr17! Your words of wisdom and unfailing good humor have gotten me through a low point in my life, so...this one's for you!!
I hope I made you proud...
Dark Knight
Prologue
She struggled toward consciousness. What happened? One moment she was unlocking the door to her flat, the next awakening with a thundering headache throbbing behind her eyes. Slowly she tried to open her eyelids. The light stabbed into her skull causing her to hiss out a curse.
"So, you are awake at last my darling."
Oh dear god, that voice. She thought she had left it behind when she entered the Witness Protection Program eighteen months ago.
"V-V-Victor? Oh, god no…" she whispered.
He leaned in close, so close that she could feel his breath on her cheek. "Oh, yes my dearest wife. It is your faithful husband, the one you betrayed. I've come to repay my debt to you. Come now, be a good girl and open your eyes. I know how much you wished to be reunited with your lover and friends."
She opened her eyes and saw…and couldn't stop screaming.
Chapter one
Damien Iscariot woke from the dream with a start, sitting bolt upright on the king-sized bed. He ran shaking hands over his face and let out an unsteady laugh. Breathing heavily, he reached for the carafe of water that was always placed beside his bed. As half owner of the hottest restaurant in London, Meena's, part of the amenities included a penthouse suite with full time housekeeper and staff. They always had everything in order and disappeared when he needed them to; all in all, perfect for everyone. Lately however, Damien had sensed restlessness within himself, a longing for something more….more than the wealth, more than the status, more like what Mary and Simon had. Whoa, old man. Where had that come from? He thought. Must be a left over uneasiness from the dream.
He'd had it almost every night for the last eighteen months. He sat up in bed and thought about it analytically. The dream would begin the same. He would feel as though he were just regaining consciousness, not sure how he got to be where he was, his head splitting with pain. Then the voice….a voice he knew….and feared. He, who feared no man.
Then he whispered a name, "Victor". Somehow it was connected to the voice, the one that instilled such fear and loathing. After that came a blinding light and screams, then he would wake in a cold sweat. He rose with fluid grace and strode into the master bath intent on washing away the last remnants of the nightmare. Bracing powerful hands on the marble countertops he stared into the mirror above the sink.
I cannot get used to seeing my reflection gazing back at me. Dear Lord, who am I that I deserve your mercy and forgiveness? He bowed his head in silent thanksgiving.
Mary came up to him as soon as she saw him enter the dining room that night. She was radiant in a deep russet pant suit which showed the tawny highlights of her hair to perfection.
"Hello, sweetheart. You look positively delicious! Where is that unfortunate husband of yours? I may sweep you off tonight." Damien teased her as he smoothly spun her in a circle.
"He's right behind you, where did you put my wooden stake luv?" Simon clapped Damien on the back.
"Oh, stop you two! Nicholas is coming tonight. He wants to talk to us, he says it's important. I think that he is bringing a guest so you both need to be on your best behavior!"
"Yes, my dear" Simon rolled his eyes at Damien.
"Of course Mary" They both looked like penitent little boys.
She ruefully shook her head. "Just try, for my sake?"
They followed her into the crowd greeting familiar faces and hobnobbing with the hub of British society. After the niceties were out of the way, Simon led his wife and partner to their designated table at the rear of the restaurant.
"Mary, you need to sit down. I won't have you tiring yourself out." he stated motioning for the waiter. He asked for mineral water and beer, and then cocked an eyebrow at Damien.
"Ernesto knows what I require. No, Simon, do not look upon me like that. I no longer have the compulsion to hunt humans nor the taste for their blood, He," here he looked heavenward, "has granted me mercy and forgiveness at long last. However, I find I still enjoy the taste of life's essence and can obtain it legally from the slaughterhouse. I indulge only upon occasion for celebrations, and if I am not mistaken….you are about to give me a reason, no?" Damien winked at a now blushing Mary.
"How did you…..never mind, I don't want to know" Simon grinned then. "Mary is pregnant! We just found out for sure today and wanted you to be the first to know."
Damien wrapped Mary in a gentle hug. "How wonderful my sweet, if you ever tire of this irksome boy you know where I live."
"Excuse me, still sitting here."
"Ah, yes. The lucky father-to-be. A hearty congratulations!" They shook hands vigorously.
It was Simon who spotted FBI agent Nicholas Gage and a petite, fragile looking blond haired, green eyed woman threading their way through the throng of people in the lobby of Meena's. He waved to the waiter and asked him to direct their guests to the table. When they arrived introductions were made.
"Simon, Mary, Damien, this is Sara Wheeling. She needs your help, and I hope I may explain matters to you more fully later, in a...less crowded environment? Sara, these are very close friends of mine. You will be safe with them, I promise this." Damien noticed that Nicholas' voice was very gentle as he talked to Sara, who looked about ready to bolt at any second. She had the look of a wild mare that was spooked and needed to be calmed and caressed.
She is more than spooked, she is frightened. What happened to her to put such fear in those extraordinary eyes? He wondered.