DARK INTENTIONS

BY LEAH'S CHOICE

The sky was brilliant orange alight with the beauty of the slowly sinking sun. The circadia were chirping to welcome the night. All was quiet within the French countryside home of Gabriel, Francesca, Skyler and Tamara Datrazanoff. Suddenly, a piercing scream was heard throughout the house, no, throughout the land. This scream came from the mind and voice of Skylar Rose Datrazaonoff.

Skyler began to scream because of the agony and grief that were always her burden. Skyler's scream also was in response to overwhelming physical pain. Skyler's whole body felt as if it was on fire and a thousand knives were pricking her skin all at once. She was having difficulty breathing and it seemed as if her mind was beginning to fragment into pieces. She was unable to hold a solid thought.

Indeed Skyler was blind with the pain, she could no longer speak aloud or even move a muscle! Was she being attacked by a Vampire!?! It all came crashing down on her. Very quickly she mentally called out for help!!! Three sets of eyes popped open simultaneously, three hearts began to beat and three beings burst through the healing soil at the same moment. Those three beings were Dimitri, Gabriel and Francesca. All minds had a single thought and a single purpose; which was to free Skylar from her torment.

Gabriel and Francesca immediately became mist and transformed into Skyler's room. Gabriel seized her mind with his own while transmitting a call for help to his twin Lucien at the same time. Francesca had her healing hands on the body of Skyler to provide soothing calm. Francesca's mind also sought Skyler's fractured mental paths as well as sending waves of love and warmth to both Skylar and Tamara. Thank goodness that Tamara still slept. There was nothing but blinding pain, rage and total disorder to be found within the mind of Skylar.

Skyler lay tangled within the bed sheets, her strawberry blonde hair plastered to her head with sweat. Her legs lay useless at an unnatural angle as if broken or boneless. Her skin was bright red all over and extremely hot to the touch. Her eyes, her eyes were not to be borne, they emitted a brilliant white ray of light that scorched anyone that came within their gaze. Skylar struggled to speak and move within her mind but her body was as still as a stone.

Gabriel roared with impotent fear and rage when he saw the state of his beloved daughter. No matter how he tried, he could not reach Skyler's mind to reestablish some sense of order. Lucien felt his twin's pain. Lucian called for both Gregori ( the dark Healer) and Shea Dubrinsky(healer and life mate to Jacques, the Prince's brother) .Gregori and his life mate Savannah teleported immediately to the bedside of Skylar. Immediate transporting was yet another skill that demonstrated Gregori's immense and often secret powers. Lucian held his life mate Jaxon closely in his arms for comfort; Jaxon had awoken due to the stress that she felt from her life mate. They decided as one to go to the aid of their family.

Finally it was Jaxon who sent a mental call to Raven (life mate to the Prince Mikhail) for help. Prince Mikahail heard the distress call at the same time as his life mate. All parties began their journey as quickly as possible to help Skylar in the French countryside.

The wolves howled in unison within the wilds of Russia. Dimitri as well flew from the healing soil with his body wracked with pain, and his mind in a total state of confusion. It took but a few moments to determine that the issue belonged to his lubof maya Skyler! Dimitri sought Skylar on their private mental path but all he could feel was confusion and grief. He tried to see through her eyes, but he only thing that he saw were flying shards of glass. His emotions were in turmoil as well; and because of this, a terrible snow storm whipped violently through the forest . The wolves tried to sing to him to calm him, but there was no helping him at this moment. He HAD to get to his beloved Skylar. He shifted into a large bird and let the winds born of his discomfort aid him with his journey to France. All the while he was desperately trying to reach his woman's disordered mind.

Back in Skyler's bedroom the Carpathian extended family was quickly assembling. Gregori and Shea quickly assessed the situation. Gregori shed his physical body and entered Skyler's using the pure healing light of his soul. Shea began to help everyone to form into useful work groups. She instructed her life mate, Jacques to search for the healing herbs that they would require and instructed the others to provide a healing chant. Suddenly Savannah screamed and passed out. Gregori's body flew from Skyler's bedside and landed in a heap on the other side of the room. Everyone stopped everything. Total silence ensued. All that could be heard was the constant call of the cicadas in the night.

It was Mikhail who made the first move. Mikhail moved as a blur to the side of his old friend Gregori. Mihail contacted Gregori on their private mental path. Gregori, although stunned could respond. Mikhail said "What happened old man?" Gregori answered "I don't know. At first I was examining her brain waves and her blood and then I felt something like an electric shock and she actually THREW me out of her mind and body! I could feel her outrage at me being there. Even though I sensed that she knew that I was there to help. I must see to Savannah. I felt her take some of the force of the shock."

Raven moved second, immediately to the side of her firstborn daughter Savannah. Raven sent waves of comfort, love and healing to her daughter. Gregori went over to Savannah and cradled her close to his body.

Mikhail moved to hold Savannah's hand. Gabriel, Francesca , Lucian and Jaxon surrounded Skyler's bedside. Shea stated that she would try to enter Skyler's mind and body to complete the work.

Immediately, Jacques sent word of his displeasure to Shea. Jacques emphatically stated that Shea was not to enter into anyone's anything until he got back from herb gathering. Shea pleaded with Jacques, on their private mental path; she informed him that there really was not time, and they had to find the cause of this attack quickly. This could be a threat to the entire Carpathian race for all they knew. A sharp breeze blew through the room, that breeze materialized into Jacques. Jacques placed the required herbs on the dresser. He had been swiftly flying back to his life mate's side during conversation. "Alright you may do this thing, BUT we will be fully linked at all times. No sudden mind blocks and maneuvers to protect me. Are we agreed? " , said Jacques . Everyone within the entire room heard and felt Jacques concern and edict, even Savannah whom was slowly recovering from her swoon. Shea quietly said "agreed." Gregori asked Savannah on their private mental path about how she was feeling. Even though he had thoroughly checked her over and knew her to be well; he wanted to hear her state the same to him. Then and only then could he resume his duties as healer. Savannah sent him assurances and told him to be careful because she could not bear for anything to happen to her would be "Santa Claus" Gregori wickedly grinned and began to resume the task of making the herbal medicines.

Dimitri was on the final leg of his harrowing journey. Now he was flying by air plane. The plane had just taken off for France. It was impossible for him to fly the entire distance from Russia within the body of the bird. He found himself to be wracked with guilt for not taking a residence closer to Skylar. How could he have been so careless?! He knew that she was fragile and that anything could have happened. Why did he pay heed to her need for such separation? He SHOULD have put her welfare and safety above all else! Waves of despair flowed from Dimitri. All of a sudden, he heard an imperious voice ring though his head. The words "STOP IT" sounded clearly. It was the voice of his Prince, Mikhail. Mikhail said " You have been very patient and understanding with Skylar and her family. You have done the best that you could. Now save your warrior's strength for the battle ahead. Come and see to your woman." Somehow, Dimitri felt some relief and sent his thanks to his Prince.

During this time, Shea had shed her physical body and was using her soul body of pure healing light. She had entered Skyler's body with no complaint from Skylar. What she found was simply amazing.. Gregori was preparing the herbal medicine and the others had resumed chanting. Jacques noted that Shea was becoming seriously weak. He called to Shea to come back to him. He reminded her that it was time to feed. Shea came out of Skyler's body immediately as promised. When she entered her own body, she began to stagger and fall. Jacques caught her easily and carried her into the next empty bedroom. Skylar began to move her arms and legs slightly. Everyone gasped with amazement.

Within the other bedroom Jacques reminded his very heart that it was time to rest and feed. Shea did not protest. Shea weakly reached for Jacques shirt. Jacques quickly removed his shirt in the way of his people. His massive muscled chest was exposed; he cradled Shea gently to his chest. His muscles clenched in anticipation of her first bite. His body was starting to go up in flames. His body trembled with need of her. He wanted to touch her very core with his whole being. His love for her was as a living breathing thing. He cursed his Carpathian sexuality at this moment. NOW was not the time to engage in such play. Skyler's life was hanging in the balance! However, he and the beast within could not help themselves. He needed to provide for his mate above all else and in this ; he knew unbridled joy. Shea began to move her lips restlessly over Jacques heavy chest muscles. Jacques felt Shea's extended fangs. He moaned inwardly. Shea began to lick at Jacques chest and murmur soft words of love for her bonded life mate. Then , suddenly, she sank her fangs into her beloved. His life force began to flow sweetly into her with each draw. He tasted like spiced fine wine, her depleted cells burst with energy. Shea began to weep with joy at the taste and feel of her mate. Jacques threw his head back and deeply moaned at the shear ecstasy that her touch had ignited. He heard someone raggedly panting in the room, but soon realized that it was him. Jacques removed their clothing in the manner of his people. For, he could not bear to have anything in between him and his woman.

Their minds were melded as one. Shea could feel everything that her beloved felt and thought. Jacques could experience Shea's utter bliss at feeding from her life mate and sharing in such joy. This became too much for Jacques. Jacques spoke intimately to Shea . " I cannot take much more. I need to enter your sweetness. Please do not deny me!" Shea had drunk her fill of the sweet nectar known as her life mate's blood and lazily sealed the wound at Jacques chest with her tongue. Jacques scented her desire for him as he gazed upon her dewy wetness . He felt Shea's overwhelming need for him at this moment. "Come home my love, I am waiting for you! Can you not feel my desire for you? Do you not see my urgent need? " Shea communicated through their mind link alone as her voice was otherwise engaged in endless moans and pants of desire. Shea's head turned restlessly back and forth on the pillow. Jacques smoldering gaze did not miss the smallest detail about his beloved. Jacques mouth began to water. He needed to taste this latest offering from the gods. Jacques reached down and began to kiss Shea's dewy lips. Shea arched her back to allow him better access and at the same time felt lightening run up her spine. Jacques seized Shea's mind with his own. Shea felt as if she were on a journey to an exotic far away land. She felt endless love, warmth and respect for her in the wildness of the overgrown jungle that was the mind of her life mate. All of this was just and only for HER! She was humbled and awed at the thought. Meanwhile her body continued to burn in hot need. This sent shivers of pure pleasure vibrating through her entire body. She began to scream with the joy of it all. When he felt Shea's joy, and overwhelming pleasure; it drove him over the edge. He had a keen desire to taste her blood, but he knew that she would need every drop to sustain her battle for Skyler's sanity. OH NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He had totally forgotten about Skyler! His body still hummed with the electricity of their lovemaking and periodic bursts of pleasure. He and Shea began to automatically move into position to hold one another face to face, heart to heart. They shared tender kisses. Honestly neither knew where one's body and soul began nor ended. They were wholly one creature. "I think we should be getting back." Jacques quietly whispered to his totally relaxed life mate. "I think that you are right." Shea added.

The wind outside suddenly began to blow with a ferocity akin to a tornado. Heavy rains began to pour. The entire house began to shake with the severity of the thunder claps. Mikhail quietly announced to the group that Dimitri had arrived. Dimitri blew into the room much like any other wild wind flowing swiftly through the wilderness. He was a very large man with jet black hair and piercing haunted blue eyes. His hair was usually kept in the manner of a shaggy cut and tied back with a leather string. Not this night. Dimitri's jet black hair was dripping wet and wild. Dimitri's disturbed emotions had created both the storm and the appearance. Dimitri looked tired and haggard. He had not even stopped to feed and his hunger was beating at him and all in the room. Skylar lay quietly, still unable to speak, but able to move her arms and legs weakly. Gabriel was the first to speak. "Well well well, look at what the dog dragged in! It is soooo very nice of you to take time out of your busy day to visit your sick life mate!" Gabriel said. Francesca gasped, and said "Stop it Gabriel, we don't need this right now! Think of your daughter for goodness sake!" Gabriel quickly caressed his life mate's face and apologized to her and all in the room including Dimitri.

Lucian quickly interjected " Yeah but Gabriel is right! What IS your problem Dimitri? Why are you ALL the way in Russia when you know FULL WELL that your supposed life mate lives here in France? What are you thinking? You want her to trust you, yet, you give her NO reason whatsoever. You continue your life in Russia as though Skylar doesn't exist!" Lucian persisted, " I am no fledgling, and I know your thoughts… you think to help Skylar by staying away. Yeah right … that is the coward's way WARRIOR.

I have a life mate whom comes from abuse as well. Where do you think we would be now if I continued my life as usual because she told me to stay away? What about my twin? We fought for centuries, I kept him thinking that I had turned vampire to give him a reason to exist without the light of his mate. Look buddy, I know a thing or two about fighting for the one's that you love. You my FRIEND are going about this totally wrong!" Jaxon sat with a smile on her face and kissed Lucian soundly after he finished his speech. Mikhail then swiftly stood up. He held both hands up and said "ENOUGH". "I understand that emotions are fully charged around here but we must remain focused on our true goal. That is to help Skylar heal. Not to pass around blame." Gregori chimed in; "Look this is about healing , anyone and I mean ANYONE who does not want to follow the program to Skyler's wellness can leave right now, Shea and myself do NOT have time for this crap! Wait a minute, where is Shea? Is she still feeding? Mikhail, can you please tell Shea to get her butt in here. I have finished with the medicine, we need to know what she found. Time is important!"

Shea and Jacques took that moment to walk into the room. "Have you heard any news Gregori?" Shea asked.

Gregori replied "You tell me Shea, what did you find in the blood, Skyler threw me out of her body while I tried, to help her. I began to see strange cells growing in her blood. I was wondering if the conversion would help her release the mutant cells." "Oh no!" Shea replied. "I feel that the conversion at this point will actually kill her. I saw these same cells. Apparently these cells are being generated by her mind. They are a shield that her part Carpathian body has constructed to help her deal with her mental anguish. At first these cells shielded her from any new emotional pain and physical pain. For example, her anguish over her life mate issues. No offense Dimitri. NOW, for some reason, these cells are actually working against her and causing her pain. Even though the cells are formed by Carpathian thought processes; they are totally made of HUMAN DNA . Any new disturbances could cause the cells to behave much in the fashion of white blood fighting cells in the human immune system. This reaction along with her emotional and bodily changes could lead to her death or complete insanity in a conversion process.

Gregori looked thoughtfully. Then he said, "Ok, I have an idea. If this is caused by her mind's illness, then let's deal with this from a mental perspective. We may need a mental health care practitioner. What do you think about Skyler having a talk with Maryann, (Manolito's life mate) ? Doesn't she have some skill in this area? Wasn't she a counselor for abused women before she mated with Manolito?" Everyone in the room became animated and excited about this idea, except for Dimitri and Skylar. Dimitri was still trying to connect with Skylar, and had just succeeded. Skylar was trying to recover her voice and mental powers so that she could be heard instead of discussed like somebody's bad science experiment.

Dimitri sat gently on the side of Skyler's bed. Dimitri began to speak to his life mate on their private mental path. " I am so sorry for your suffering Angel. I am trying everything that I know to do. Still I am failing miserably. I see that you can move a little, can you see, speak or hear. I know you can hear me when we communicate telepathically and for this I am grateful. If you can communicate in any other way will you please squeeze my hand?" Skylar squeezed Dimitri's hand. Dimitri smiled, "thank you precious one. Have you heard these conversations? Skylar shook her head yes. She still kept her eyes closed due to the ray of light that came from them. Dimitri persisted " I will always love you. I love you enough to accept your choice in this matter. We either live together or die together. I realize that you are not ready for me. You may never be ready for me. This I accept. Can you… will you but speak in my mind if you can Angel?" Skylar speaks to Dimitri. "Dimitri you deserve so much better in a life mate than I. I am truly sorry that I cannot be the woman that you want and need. However, I have been listening to Gregori's idea and I think I would like to try to talk to Maryann. Maybe she can help me. I feel like I am stuck. I am afraid to go forward into life with you, and I refuse to go backward into my abusive past. I know that I cannot stay here and play little girl and daughter to Gabriel and Francesca forever." Dimitri answers " I think this is a wise decision my love. Do you feel like speaking with your parents or the healers? Many have come from far lands to help us,." Skylar answers yes, but she wants to use her voice to talk to the others.

Skylar begins to speak with the others. Her voice sounds dry and scratchy from lack of use. Skyler states that she is very thankful for everyone's help. Skylar admits that she wants Maryann's help and then, she apologizes to Gregori and Savannah for the mental boot. Gregori states that it is quite alright. Savannah jokes that it is about time somebody put Gregori in his place. Gregori asks Skylar if she can try to take some sustenance. He hands her the herbal medicine tea that he has made after she nods her head yes.

Francesca leans over to Skyler to help her drink. The liquid tastes sweet and settles warmly in her stomach. Soon her pain is completely gone. Somehow, between the tea and the work that Shea did inside of her body, she begins to feel better. She begins to feel sleepy and forgets about the condition of her eyes. She starts to gaze about the room. She still cannot see and the brilliant light ray sets the wall paper on fire. Jaxon and Raven quickly move to put the fire out. Skylar quickly closes her eyes. Silent tears flow from the corners of her eyes. Dimitri sends waves of comfort and love, so does everyone in the room.

Raven and Savannah notice that Dimitri is swaying with weariness. Mikhail says " I know that you have not fed this rising, I request to provide for you." Before Dimitri could answer, Gabriel says "seriously, this is an outrage! Who shall provide for you my Prince? Since when does anyone's welfare come before our Prince? Dimitri, you knew that you were coming into battle for your would be life mate. Why then, have you come UNPREPARED? After all, what if you had to provide for your life mate, what would you have done? Called on the Prince?!

Dimitri replies "You know what, I think that we need to speak privately in the other room. I ,,,, unlike you SUPER DAD; do not want to disturb Skylar while she tries to rest". Gabriel answers " that is fine by me, let's go downstairs. We can talk in the living room. " Francesca says " I am coming too." Everyone starts chiming in about coming except for the healers and their mates. "NO!" Dimitri Shouts, "Just Gabriel and myself. It is time that we clear the air." "Like I said, FINE by ME" Gabriel responds.

Gabriel and Dimitri leave the room. Gabriel and Dimitri place mind shields to keep their conversation private. When they arrive downstairs, Gabriel motions to a soft overstuffed leather chair for Dimitri to sit in. The room is lit by candle light as Gabriel and Francesca preferred the glow of candlelight to the harsh more modern lighting choices. A fire softly crackles in the massive stone fire place. The whole room has an air of peace and tranquility about it which is totally at odds with the emotions of the two men in question. Gabriel starts first " Well Dimitri, would you like a cup of blood before we start our discussion? It may help you keep up your waning strength? " Dimitri now sitting casually in the soft leather chair with eyes blazing red replies "No Gabriel I want to get this talk said and done so that we can move on. I have tried to understand your position. I do believe that to a certain extent I CAN understand your position as Skyler's father figure. You want her protected at all times, AS DO I. I also think that you have some issues with me claiming her as my life mate due t o her age and her past. UNLIKE YOU, I am not interested in forcing my claim on my mate for my own comfort. IF that had been the case, I would have claimed her from jump street and we could have gone on from there. I would NOT have risked my life these past few years to give her more time to make her own decisions. However, due to the recent events that I have just witnessed upstairs; I am going to fully bind my life mate and SOON." A look of pure horror and rage appeared on Gabriel's face INSTANTLY! Gabriel answered. "YOU ARE GOING TO DO WHAT?! Even knowing how much she suffers! YOU are lower than the undead which we hunt. HOW HOW can you cause my daughter such pain, I don't feel that you are even her true life mate if you can contemplate such! What about placing her happiness above all else? What kind of monster are you? Answer carefully Sir, as I am prepared to rip your heart out where you stand." The last statement was said quietly but with menace. Gabriel had every intention of following through with his promise.

Dimitri did not even flinch. He calmly provided his answer. "Apparently, my life mate is in pain without me. At least, if we are one, I can assist her through her discomforts, just as I did this night. Furthermore, the bald truth is that she is leading a half life without me. If I should choose to meet the dawn and leave her, she will still live in misery. I will break this down so EVEN YOU can understand, SHE is and ALWAYS will be MY LIFE MATE. This binding is not only my right, but it is OUR right; SKYLER's and MINE'S. If it is all the same with you, I am going hunting for my dinner. Are we done here?"

Gabriel remains standing by the fireplace. He turns toward the flames. The flames are reflected in the depths of his eyes. Slowly Gabriel turned away from the fire and faced Dimitri once again. Gabriel said "I fully realize that you and ONLY you are my daughter's life mate. WHAT you do not seem to understand is the depth of Skyler's hurt. YOU were not at ground zero when we first found Skylar. SHE is NOT ready to accept a man OR the relationship that being a life mate would require. YOU Dimitri also fail to understand, and this is because you have NEVER experienced it; the unbelievable sexual and emotional needs of a Carpathian male when he is with his mate. These feelings do not decrease over time, they increase. TRUST me, they increase exponentially! You will need Skylar to respond with every fiber of your combined being. It will NOT be optional for either of you. How will Skylar in her fractured state deal with this? Can you MR. LIFEMATE answer this question?

Dimitri shifts uncomfortably in the soft leather chair. His eyes roam restlessly as if in search for comfort. Dimitri's eyes rest on Francesca's beautiful weaving as seen in a framed quilt hanging on the wall. As Dimitri gazed upon the quilt; it appeared that the weaving began to move. The shape slowly turned and moved as if it was shifting sand. Somehow the motion, the colors and the actual presence of the quilt exuded comfort and warmth to Dimitri. He felt utterly calm and relaxed. He quietly thought that his life mate could have not have found better parents in Gabriel and Francesca. Finally Dimitri returned his softened gaze to that of his irate would be father in law. Dimitri replied "Gabriel, I freely admit that I have no idea of the full emotional, physical, mental and sexual impact that being a life mate entails. However, I am prepared to give your daughter, whom is the other half of me, my very soul EVERY
THING that I am. I am prepared to accept her in whatever way she wants to express herself. Even if that means that we will not have what is considered a normal life mate relationship. I have told her as much."

Gabriel took a deep breath, walked across the room. He looked deeply into the face of his would be son in law. Gabriel slowly said "SON, I honestly respect your intentions. Unfortunately, your EVERYTHING is not going to be enough. Do you know why? Dimitri did not answer. Gabriel very quietly continued. He said, "My son, your everything will not be enough because it will constantly fall between the cracks that make up my daughter's fractured mind. The binding may help, but it may not. IF it does not, she will lose everything by trying to deal with the demands that her psyche continually resists. You my son will also find a new level of misery in watching your mate suffer such a fate. I am asking, PLEASE give my daughter the chance to heal. Can you do this?

Dimitri stood and looked at his father in law. He saw the raw honesty and love in his eyes. He never respected another warrior more. Dimitri replied, " Indeed I will consider all that you have said. I thank you for your openness and candor. Skyler's healing is my top priority. Now, I must go and feed." With these words, Dimitri turned to leave the room. Gabriel called him back. Dimitri turned around, and the sight that he saw shocked him as nothing had in the entire centuries of his existence, Gabriel the fearless legendary hunter stood with his wrist torn open, precious ancient blood dripped on the floor. Gabriel stated simply, "My Son , I offer to provide for you." Dimitri quickly crossed the floor and looked in the elder's eyes. Slowly he took the offered wrist and he drew deeply. The ancient blood hit Dimitri like a fireball. The fire raced through his veins. Suddenly, Dimitri felt more alive than he had ever felt. Dimitri drew deep and greedily at the ancient warrior's blood. Finally, Gabriel softly said "ok little pup, you had enough. " A secret smile shown upon Gabriel's face. Dimitri closed the wound and reverently thanked his father in law. Dimitri then went into the inky blackness of the night . He transformed into a large black wolf with blue eyes, he ran like the wind.

I do not own these Characters. Thanks to author Christine Feehan for the birth of the Characters.

Check back later for my next chapter, how willl Skyler and Dimitri find their way to true happiness?

Please feel free to review.