A/N: I have been sucked into the world of Red Eye fan fiction and into the undeniable bond and attraction between Jackson Rippner and Lisa Reisert. I have never written a story in this category and I find myself challenged to do so.

Rating will be M for future situations/language. I will post a warning before any chapter containing disturbing content.

So without further adieu, I present to you:

Love Fated

Chapter 1

The limbs of the evergreen trees were bowed under the weight of the heavy snow that fell, blanketing the world around her. She sighed deeply, watching the condensation of her breath crystallize in the cold late December air as she relaxed on her front porch. She took a sip of her cocoa and snuggled deeper into the warm flannel blanket wrapped around her slender frame.

She enjoyed these moments of peace and quiet, relishing in the natural beauty of her surroundings. There were times though when she felt a pang of regret, missing her old life and the hustle and bustle of Miami. Her position at the Lux Atlantic was one attained through hard work and dedication, one that she had loathed to leave behind.

But she did. And in the end, it seemed as if she had made the correct choice in leaving the big city life of Miami, to settle into the quiet country life set in the mountains of New Hampshire. Her father, while understanding her desire for a "new beginning" was rather doubtful that she would be happy isolated as she was in New England. He had planned on coming with her, but she forcefully declined, stating that it was time for her to move on and that he should go and enjoy his retirement.

So she moved north a year ago, eighteen months after the incident with…. No, she would not allow herself to even think his name. She continued on with her previous reflections, refusing to dwell where her thoughts often times wanted to go.

She had found this beautiful modernized cabin with an accompanying thirteen acres of land and bought it in a heartbeat. The townspeople were rather friendly, but some still some remained a bit cool in her presence, as this was a tight knit community that frowned upon outsiders. To the people of Sandwich, NH, Lisa Reisert was an outsider.

Luckily, her cool head and logical thinking was considered an asset by her new employer, Mr. Robert Johnson owner of Johnson Development, Inc., a rather booming business that prided itself on top quality homes built at top dollar. The rich socialites from New York and Massachusetts kept Robert busy with their high demands and outrageous architectural designs and it was up to Lisa to maintain the corporate office flow of things as his assistant and manager. She was able to work from home a couple days a week, but had to make her hour commute the rest of the time. Robert wanted all of his employees to have familiarity with each other and since she was the boss's assistant that went double for her.

Due to her relentless work ethic and all of the late night meetings, the client ass kissing, and soothing disgruntled employees, Robert had insisted that she take the next two weeks off over the holidays. Her vacation started tomorrow and she was grateful that she had time off. She was exhausted and ready to curl up and hide from the world. Her cabin was well stocked with provisions and she looked forward to being able to rest and enjoy the comfort of her isolation.

She had already sent off her Christmas presents to each of her parents as well as cards to her ex-coworkers at the Lux. She would be alone for the holidays and was actually looking forward to having no demands on her time. She could soak in her oversized jacuzzi tub with the wonderful bath accessories she had bought for herself while sipping on champagne or another beverage of her choice. She would be able to catch up on her reading and even become a couch potato if she desired.

To her, the holiday season, at least this year, was a time of reflection and peacefulness. She idly, watched as the snow fell faster in the dying light of the day and was mesmerized by the simple beauty. The forecast had called for a fierce snowstorm that would be blowing in late tonight or sometime tomorrow and she had made sure that her back-up generator was in working order. She had a full cord of wood in the shed just off her back deck and plenty of wood stacked in her home for her fireplace.

Yes, she was all set. Yawning, she finished the rest of her cocoa and headed into the warmth of her house. She shed her blanket and outerwear before kicking off her boots by the door and walked over to her living room. Her socked feet made a soft padding noise across the hardwood floor as she made her way over to the fireplace, throwing another log in. Wiping her hands on her jeans she passed by her stereo, absently flicking it on. The sound of holiday music floated through the air as she poured herself a Jack and Coke from her bar. She shuffled over to her overstuffed chair in front of the fireplace and sat down, her hazel eyes staring into the dancing flames. A beautiful rendition of the First Noel played in the background as she smiled wistfully.

She could remember being a child and attending Christmas Eve services at her church and the sound of the choir singing all of those beautiful Christmas songs that you don't hear very often anymore. She recalled feeling as if the majestic setting and the music were somehow magical and she had felt it in deep in her soul. As the years passed, she had found herself drawn into the commercialization of the holiday and the actual beauty of the season slowly diminished over time.

Now, alone in her cabin a few miles away from the nearest town, she allowed her melancholy free reign. Did she make the right choice? Should she have gone home for Christmas? Was it wise for her to spend Christmas alone? It didn't matter. In the end, all she had was her thoughts and she could not run from her own self. She knew what plagued her in the dark recesses of her mind, and she was determined to face her thoughts and not shove them away as was habit.

Jackson Rippner.

She shivered involuntarily as his image flashed in her mind, his blue eyes burning into her soul. Taking a large gulp of her drink, she choked at the burning taste of whiskey. She set her glass on the small table next to her and curled up in the chair.

Jackson Rippner.

The man who terrorized her both mentally and physically. The man who had falsified himself, allowing her to become attracted to him. The man who had stalked her for numerous weeks before she even met him. The man who seemed to actually care that she had been violently attacked and violated.

Jackson Rippner.

The man who continued to haunt her dreams, leaving her breathless and trembling. The man her soul cried out for to complete her. The man she wished she had met under different circumstances. The man she desperately wished was the way he portrayed himself when they first met.

Jackson Rippner.

Wishes were a dime a dozen. She couldn't change fate, no one could. She had to accept what happened to her and that she was only a means to an end for him, Nothing more. Nothing less. He had not tried to contact her after his escape before the trial and it was many months before she realized that he was not actually going to come after her to seek his revenge. Apparently, she wasn't worth his time and she had to admit reluctantly that it rankled her a bit. She had stabbed him in the neck and shot him after all.

Granted, she wasn't actually wanting him to seek revenge, it was more like she wanted him to feel as if she was worthy of his attention. Maybe someone he considered important.

Can we say Stockholm Syndrome?

She snorted. God, how pathetic was she? She glanced out of the window noticing how dark it was. She considered going back out to her front porch to clear her head from these crazy thoughts that plagued her. Sighing, she rose and moved to the bar refreshing her drink. She glanced at the clock surprised to see that a couple of hours had passed since she had first sat down. Making a decision, she donned her outerwear and boots, grabbed a book, her drink and a warm blanket before walking outside and settling herself on the porch. She breathed in the crisp air and could literally smell the snow in the air.

She opened her book and stared blankly at the pages. Though the light from the window cast enough of a glow for her to read easily, she found herself unable to concentrate on the words. Disgusted, she threw the book to the side ignoring the thump it made as it impacted on the floor of her porch. Taking a healthy sip of her drink she leaned her head back feeling the warming effect of the alcohol.

She could still hear the faint sounds of the stereo in the background and found herself humming along to "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen". She took another drink and sighed loudly. Was this how her time off would be spent? Wallowing in self-pity and feeling worthless?

She laughed bitterly. Of course it was. This was the culmination of all of the thoughts, feelings and memories that she had successfully suppressed since the INCIDENT. She would deal, she always did, but for now she would indulge herself in her sorrow, her ….. tears? Surprised, she felt wetness on her cheeks. She was crying?

God, she really was pathetic! Crying for a man she longed for, who was a killer?! She needed her head examined. She chuckled wryly at that thought. Although she had a lot to deal with, she refused to see a shrink. What good would it do anyway? She would still be alone, yearning for the antagonist in her dreams. Simply put, it would be a waste of time and money.

Sighing, she finished her drink. She remained there for a long time just staring out into the blackness of the night and the gentle snow that fell at a steady pace. Finally, the chill seeped into her bones and she rose reluctantly before making her way inside.

Her book lay forgotten on the cold floorboards of the porch. The cover gleamed in the faint light.

"Dance with the Devil."

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"Ahhhhh…"

Lisa sighed as she sunk into her oversized tub.

"Now this is life."

She took a sip of her wine before reclining back into the freesia-scented bubbles. She was feeling infinitely better than last night. She attributed her melancholy the night before to the alcohol she had drunk, ignoring the fact that she really hadn't drunk all that much. She had faced the dawning of the day with a determination to ignore her dark thoughts. She had gone into town and checked her mailbox at the Post Office, finished shopping for necessities before the storm hit and managed to make it to the bank. Even though the teller was distracted, apparently mooning over some guy who had "killer eyes", she was able to get in and out within fifteen minutes. She enjoyed supper at the local family restaurant before returning home at twilight.

Once again, she had the radio playing Christmas music as she relaxed in her bath. Tomorrow was Christmas Eve, and she did not expect to go anywhere, particularly with this storm breathing down her neck. According to the most recent forecast the storm was expected sometime tonight dumping a good ten inches of snow.

New England weather. Give it five minutes and it was bound to change. No matter, she was ready for a good storm, looked forward to it in fact. In Miami, she had never seen snow so it was a novelty to her. Though, she could do with the warmer climate of her previous home, Miami had nothing on the beauty of the mountains where she now resided.

"Mmmmmm…" She sighed as she turned off the tap idly with her toes. The warmth sank into her bones turning her muscles into jelly. She inhaled deeply the aroma of her newest bath bubbles. No self-pity was apparent tonight as she gave in to her feminine side. She lazily lifted her leg, razor in her hand as she catered to the voice in her head demanding pampering. She mechanically went through the process of bathing and cleaning herself making sure that she had gotten any stubble that remained on her body with the razor. Rinsing her smooth flesh she weighed her options before deciding to empty the tub and refill it just to soak and enjoy the large bathtub.

She got out as the tub drained, before refilling it. She poured a generous amount of her scented bubble bath in as it filled up. She glanced at the clock she had in the bathroom, noting that it was a little after ten at night. She donned her satin bathrobe before exiting the bathroom to refill her wine glass. The water from the tap was a soothing sound in the background. She swiftly grabbed the open wine bottle on the counter in her kitchen before making her way back into her bathroom.

She shed her robe, once again sinking into the welcoming warmth of her bath. Now clean, she allowed her body to relax fully, just enjoying the laziness she felt. She took a sip of her wine feeling her muscles to relax further.

Now, this is what she needed. She didn't allow herself such frivolous indulgement normally and was ready to take full advantage of the luxury. She steadily ignored the thoughts that whispered to her stating that she should have some male company while she reclined in her bath. She was fine on her own, she told herself determinedly. What use did she have for the opposite sex?

None really. She was an independent, strong woman who did not need anybody. At least that is what she kept telling herself.

I am woman, hear me roar!

She chuckled mirthlessly at her random thought.

She felt the chill of the cooling water from her bath and reluctantly got out, draining the tub. She dried off before carefully applying her body lotion that matched the freesia scent of her bath. She quickly donned a short satin nightgown before drawing the matching robe over her. She felt strangely soft and feminine and she knew she smelled great.

Too bad that there isn't anyone here to appreciate it. She thought glumly.

Enough of that! She reprimanded herself strongly. Just stick with the plan of the night.

Smiling slightly as she ran a brush through her wet hair, she abandoned the bathroom and entered the living room. She approached her DVD's and selected one before turning on her TV and surround sound. She stoked the fire before grabbing the remote and settling herself on the couch. She skipped the previews and settled in to watch her movie selection.

Her video of choice was the 1968 version of Romeo and Juliet. She recalled seeing this movie in her Drama Club in Junior High School and it became one of her all time favorites. The two lead actors Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey had such a potent chemistry together that onscreen it enthralled the world.

She found herself turning up the volume and humming the music. She itched to dance. Seeing all of the Capulets dressed in their finery and dancing caused her to stand up and take a stance. She closed her eyes and balanced lightly on her toes as the bard began to sing.

What is a youth? Impetuous fire.

What is a maid? Ice and desire.

The world wags on.

She spun elegantly, her body remembering the years of ballet she took almost effortlessly.

A rose will bloom…

It then will fade.

So does a youth,

So does a fairest maid.

Her satin sash came undone as she continued her graceful movements, her robe swirling around her.

Comes a time when one sweet smile,

Has a season for a while…

Then love's in love with me.

She laughed loudly, feeling free as her soul soared.

Some think only to marry,

Others will tease and tarry.

Mine is the very best parry.

Cupid he rules us all.

The crescendo of the song was coming up and her body thrummed with the music as she spun faster.

Caper the cape, but sing me the song,

Death will come soon to hush us along.

Sweeter than honey…and bitter as gall,

Love is a task and it never will pall.

Her rapid twirling slowed as her movements became more graceful.

Sweeter than honey and bitter as gall,

Cupid rules us all.

She finished moving on the last note her slender arms in an arc above her head. She laughed with childlike delight as she flopped herself back down on the couch, breathing heavily. She wiped at the fine sheen of perspiration on her brow. She honestly hadn't felt so good in years. She should dance more often.

Her smile died as the movie droned on in the background. She had quit ballet in High School, only going to a class occasionally. She stopped going altogether when she was raped. She couldn't bring herself to enjoy the beauty and grace of the dance feeling as if all of the beauty had been sucked out of her world.

This was the first time she had danced in almost five years.

Sighing, she stood and made her way into the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water from her fully stocked refrigerator. She ran the cool bottle across her neck and face before uncapping it and taking a large drink. She crossed the room and sat down at her kitchen table. She glanced into the living room seeing Romeo profess his love to the young Juliet and she smiled wistfully.

Where was her Romeo?

She was entranced by the blue eyes that stared out from the screen, noting that they were a deeper blue than the artic blue of his eyes. She snorted in disbelief. Here she was watching one of the greatest tragedies, one of the greatest love stories ever told, and he still managed to make an appearance in her thoughts.

It really was getting tiresome.

Absently, she left the kitchen, passing by her darkened dining room and made her way back over to the couch. She lay down on her side pillowing her head with her hands and watched the movie, her mind devoid of thoughts for once. As the love theme played, she felt her eyes grow heavy and soon she was lost in Morpheus's embrace.

Silently, a figure detached from the shadows in the dining room. The tall figure made their way over to the couch with a predatory walk. Eyes the color of the artic gleamed in the firelight as they stared down at the slumbering woman before exhaling softly.

"Leese…."

Jackson stared down at the woman who had almost ended his life and his career. Gently, he leaned over and brushed a stray curl from her porcelain skin inhaling in her scent deeply.

"Sleep well Leese. You're going to need it."

He withdrew an object from his coat and laid it on the floor in front of her, careful not to disturb her sleeping form.

He looked at the television playing the love theme of the movie and back at his nemesis. She still managed to surprise him. He cocked his head studying her. She really was beautiful. Suddenly, the vision of her twirling around gracefully, her nightwear floating around her slim thighs filled his mind. Silently snarling at his thought, he left swiftly, slipping out into the darkness of the night.

He would be back soon. Real soon. He had work to do.

After all, revenge was a dish best served cold.

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A/N: Yes, this will be a Lisa/Jackson story. For those of you who cannot see that happening or detest that, then this story will not be for you. I have many things planned for this fic and there will be twists and turns along the way. So please be patient as the story builds.

Dance with the Devil is a real book by the very talented and creative authoress Sherrilyn Kenyon. It is the third book in her best selling series Dark-Hunters. Well, fourth if you actually count Julian's book Fantasy Lover. If you haven't read them, I STRONGLY recommend that you head to your nearest bookstore or library right now! You don't know what you've been missing.

Next chapter, we catch up on Jackson and see what he's been up to. It should be posted shortly.

Thanks for reading.

F.L.