Title: Dark Truths
Category: Night World
Rating: 15+
Disclaimer: None of the characters recognized from the Night World series belong to me, others however are indeed mine. Night World and all immediate characters, themes and ideas are registered trademarks and belong to L.J Smith. No profit is being accumulated from this writing piece.
Spoilers: Night World

General Notes: As most of you know, I've been rewriting this. So here's the first chapter. I'll try and get them out as soon as possible. More importantly, there are several changes that I should make note of.
Firstly, Leyna has just moved in with her father and brother, of which she hasn't seen in 13 years. Up until this point she was living a modest lifestyle with her deceased mother's older sister Ana. Seeing as she's just moved in, she's only recently met Phillip, James and the like, so she doesn't have any close relationships with them.
Her personality is mellower and down-to-earth, less abrasive and though she seems detached, she does harbor many more emotions.
I replaced her girlfriends with a close friend of Phillip's by the name of Sean, who attends kendo with her (which replaces the soccer hobby).
Secondly, the story will travel in a similar manner to what it was before, with changes here and there in regards to occurrences. Also this isn't beta-ed, so there may be mistakes here and there that I may have missed. If you see any biggies, let me know. And that is about it…

Warnings: Violence, minor coarse language, angst, adult themes, mild sexual references
Genre: Romance/Action/Horror
Thanks to: To the dedicated readers, especially those who leave their thoughts in the form of a review. Your comments are a great form of encouragement and help!
Summary: After years of separation,Leyna Andrea Ivanovich has finally reunited with her family. However, the death of a new friend sends her spiraling into a world she never would have thought possible. How this discovery will fair against her relationship with her family, and her soulmate, is left to be seen.

Prologue

Leyna Andrea Ivanovich stared out at the passing manors from the inside of the old Ford Escort with mild indifference. The sedan was as out of place in this neighborhood as much as a sheep would be amidst a pack of lions. Surely enough, the simile had imprinted within her mind a very tasteless picture of the bourgeoisie class to what she formerly had. She was a fish out of water within this unfamiliar setting; her life despite the over-dramatic notion was truly about to change forever.

Offering up an exasperated sigh of mild annoyance she crossed her arms atop the car door, lying her head down as the passing wind fluttered her loose dark brown hair. The gesture meant she could now feel her aunt's eyes on the back of her head. Aunt Ana knew how she felt about this arrangement, and as much as she herself didn't appear to like it, there didn't seem to be any effort on her part to change the outcome. According to her it was non-negotiable.

Non-negotiable? In her mind no compromise could ever be deemed non-negotiable, only orders and threats could. However she didn't hold the quick submission against her aunt. The forty-six year old had been as close to a parent she could have ever wanted. She'd done her best, to a fault, to give her a joyful and moral upbringing. She'd tried to give her most things any girl would want, even if at times the money wasn't there, so she wouldn't have to grow up with any sense of having been deprived of anything.

She was a good woman, and it pained her deeply that she'd have to leave her, all alone after this. Her aunt truly was the only family she'd ever properly known, and she, the only family her aunt had left. It wasn't fair! She shouldn't have to take this lightly but her aunt had told her it would be alright, and most of all to be on her best behavior. That also meant to refrain from any trouble making and considering she'd never been an agitator of any sort, the warning was a very inquisitive one at that.

At long last her aunt brought the car to a stop, right outside a mansion of sorts the size she'd never seen before. Looking over the monstrosity visible beyond the high white walls and trees accommodating what must have been a very large front garden, she suddenly felt slightly overwhelmed. She was meant to live there? Their entire home back in Vegas didn't even cover the area it took to actually reach the front door.

Sitting back in her seat she looked down at her knees, refusing to face the woman. She heard her sigh as a hand went through her dark brown hair, a sign that she was having trouble finding the right words.

Aunt Ana was a beautiful lady despite her years, and what she figured to be an older version of her mother. She'd only ever seen a couple of photos of her, accepting the absence of any more was due to the fact her aunt had never gotten over the death of her younger sister. She'd been beautiful, with long brown hair, large brown eyes, slim and endowed with soft, classical features. Turning to look at the older woman she noted how there were very few differences, before looking back down again.

"It will be alright Leyna. Your…your father will be better able to provide for you, more than what I ever could. And not just financial security…. He…" she began, her voice carrying the signs of an old Eastern European accent, before trailing off.

Her 'father'…an interesting choice of words. This was the man who hadn't seen her since she was four, who never bothered to write or call or send support, or anything else for that matter. Though even if he had her aunt never would have accepted, she was far too proud for that. That and she seemed to deeply despise the man. The mere mention of his name had been a taboo subject, alongside her mother and her untimely death, which had been around the same time she last saw her father.

Most likely her aunt would have considered his absence in her life a blessing, seeing as she thought she'd be better off without him. In that sense, her life would have been free of him, had he not contacted Ana specifically and asker her to return her to him. It was interesting that after all these years he wanted her back, and at this particular point in time.

"He's your father" she concluded, a reminder more to herself rather than her.

"You didn't tell me he was this wealthy. What does he do?" she asked softly, looking back at the manor.

Her aunt shifted uncomfortably at the question. "I believe it's some sort of political job."

Such a large fortune attributed to a government job? She didn't buy it; there was definitely something more to it but she wasn't about to press the issue any further. Her aunt obviously didn't want to talk about it, or anything more for that matter. The whole ordeal was hard enough for her without the twenty question enquiry.

"Come, I'll help you remove your things" she offered, already out before she could say a word.

Stepping out she allowed herself some time to observe the weather. As expected of California it was very warm, with clear blue skies but unlike Nevada, it wasn't dry. The cool breeze was a welcome for sure. Taking her hands out of her light blue jean pockets she moved her bags onto the footpath as Aunt Ana removed them from the boot.

As she dropped one of the heavier suitcases she heard the sound of footsteps to her right. Turning her head she saw a guy around her age walking up to a parked Integra a couple of houses down, seemingly having just come out of one of them. He was, she gathered, attractive in a wild and rebellious kind of way; reminding her a lot of James Dean. His silky brown gleamed in the sun whereas his body moved with a kind of grace she'd become accustomed to seeing by many back at Vegas.

Opening the car door he turned and spotted them. Despite the dark sunglasses she was fairly positive he was observing her as closely as she had him. Uncomfortable with his sudden preoccupation she looked down at the suitcase, bringing her top's wide collar up which had dropped beyond her shoulder. Hearing a bag drop she turned and saw her aunt staring uncomfortably at the 17 or so year-old male. Turning back she watched as he looked away before getting into the car and speeding off.

"Quite the friendly neighborhood" she joked lightly, taking the last few bags from her aunt.

Her only response was a scowl of sorts. Picking up her shinai she held onto it as Ana closed the boot door. Straightening her aunt looked her over for a very long time before taking her into a tight hug. Neither of them were good at farewells, and words weren't the best sources of comfort, particularly when there was nothing to say. Regardless her aunt did try.

"You take care of yourself now, you hear me. You take care!" she emphasized fiercely.

"Don't worry, I will" she assured softly.

Pulling away Ana smiled at her, rubbing her cheek before something caught her eye behind her, the smile on her face all but gone.

"There's your brother" she informed tightly.

Turning her head she had a quick look before turning back again.

"Remember what I said. You take care and if you ever need anything call me" she said again, taking her into another tight hug.

"I will."

With one final smile the older lady moved to the car, opened the door and got in. And with that she drove off, leaving her alone on the middle of the footpath.

With the bamboo sword in her hand she looked up at the high walls before looking down passed the equally tall black gates. A blond male in light blue jeans and white polo was making his way over to her. She also hadn't seen him since she was four. If she remembered correctly he had to be twenty-two now.

He was very good looking, with his facial contours and body close to the perfection of some ancient Adonis. And it wasn't just his looks. He also seemed to carry an air around him; debonair with just a hint of danger. There was no questioning that he was very popular with the girls around him.

The gates opened as he neared though she stood her ground outside until she was invited in. With a wide grin he jogged the last few meters before taking her into a light embrace. Placing her free hand on his back she waited until he found himself and pulled away.

"Leyna…it's been too long."

"Thirteen years to be exact, Alec."

His smile softened considerably as he looked away. "Yes it has. I'm sorry things turned out as they did…."

"It doesn't matter" she interrupted quickly. "In any case, it's good to see you again. I missed my older brother."

Seeing the big grin appear once again she offered him a smile which would have appeared sincere. Nodding he looked her over.

"You look absolutely gorgeous, but I expected nothing less. After all, you are my sister."

Slapping him lightly on the arm he offered up a lighthearted laugh, as he looked her over again, this time his eyes coming to linger over the shinai in her hand.

"Kendo…" he said, running a finger over the long bamboo sword, "Your idea, or your aunt's?"

"Does it matter?" she asked, dismissing his choice of phrasing.

"No, I guess not. Allow me…" he offered, picking up her suitcases.

Before she could pick one up a man in a black suit and dark sunglasses picked it up for her. Looking back at the driveway, she spotted another two near the gate. Figuring them to be some sort of security she allowed him to do his job as she ran to catch up with Alec, who'd already managed to cover some distance.

"Don't mind the security, they come with the territory. Dad's job requires a certain amount of precaution to be taken" he informed, sensing her confusion.

"Oh, ok" she responded, with a silence following shortly after.

"So, how many guys have you beaten off with a stick so far?" Alec asked after looking down at her with an impish grin.

"I don't know, but I'm not really interested in guys that much."

"Girls?"

Looking up at him she slapped him across the arm again, dismissing his laughter. "No! Just not into all that…you know, relationship stuff."

"Good" he stated seriously as he looked back at the path before him.

She couldn't help but smile. Naturally her older brother would be very protective, but just seeing it for herself was an amusing affair all the same.

"I'm not a baby anymore Alec, I've grown up. Remember that."

"I know but you'll always be my baby sister. Just seeing you all grown up is…is going to take some getting used to."

Nodding she followed him into the manor. She must have skipped a breath once she saw what it looked like inside. Rich hardwood walls took up the very large opening hall, the floor draped in a rich red carpet. Exquisite paintings hanged on the walls, giving the place a rather elaborate and classical feel. A large staircase was positioned up ahead. Her eyes followed it up, taking in the significant second floor that was visible. She also spotted a butler and two maids standing to attention in a straight line near one of the walls. Without a doubt she was definitely not used to anything like this.

"Wow…" she whispered unconsciously, which earned a small chuckle from her brother.

"Is she here?" a male voice inquired, one of rich elegance and authority.

"Yes, she's arrived" Alec responded, looking at the staircase.

Following his gaze she stared at the flight of steps and soon enough her father appeared, walking down with considerable grace.

A small pang hit her gut and she couldn't help but swallow down her nervousness and anticipation. After all these years, she was actually seeing him again. For a long time she'd thought that such an occasion would never come. She wasn't exactly sure what to feel at that point, and for that reason was sensing a wave of vulnerability. She certainly wasn't fond of her emotions getting the better of her, but honestly, what could she feel in a situation such as this.

He stopped just before reaching the floor, his eyes squarely on her being and observing her thoroughly. He honestly hadn't changed at all from what she could remember of him. And for a man who was supposed to be in his fifties, he didn't look a day over 40. Just like Alec, he was a rather handsome man, with a pale, flawless complexion, deep blue eyes, just like hers, and full blond hair. His attire was a dark grey tailored suit, complete with vest and pocket watch. A hand was loosely placed within a pant pocket.

For a long time no one said anything, and she wasn't sure whether she'd failed to impress, or if he was simply unable to find the right words. In any sense the air around them was slowly becoming tenser. When he did finally say something, it wasn't at all what she had expected.

"You look just like your mother" he offered, his tone one of emotionless indifference.

"Uh…" she began, not sure what to say.

Was she supposed to address him by his name, his title? Should she say she missed him or something along those lines? She honestly couldn't decide, so opted to remain silent. Looking away from his penetrating stare she gazed at the floor, feeling a little foolish and greatly overwhelmed.

"Show her to her room" he finalized before heading back up the stairs and disappearing down the hallway to the left.

"Well then, let's get going. You'd probably want to rest and freshen up after your long trip anyway" Alec said, his voice cutting into her thoughts.

"Did I do something wrong?" she asked as she moved up alongside him.

"Oh no, don't you worry about anything. That's just his way. Believe me, deep down, he's very happy to see you" her brother offered with a reassuring smile.

Nodding she followed him down a hall way. There was still some doubt in her mind, but for now she was going to put it behind her. Though one thing was for sure, that rendezvous was not what she had expected. For one thing, she'd thought there'd be more conversation taking place.

Reaching the end of the corridor Alec opened a door and held it for her. Stepping in she looked over everything keenly as Alec and one of the guards moved her bags to the side. It was a nice room, much bigger than her old one with many more furnishings. The walls were a very light cream, with a few large windows looking out into the garden. The bed was of a very dark brown wood, with yellow and white sheets and pillows. A desk with a computer was placed next to an ornate bookcase three quarters full. Another door led into a personal bathroom, all of it consumed in light cream marble tiles. Everything appeared to be rather expensive, especially by her standards.

Placing the shinai on a nearby vanity, she turned to see that Alec and she had been left alone.

"I'm sure you'll be very comfortable here" he assured with a smile.

'He smiles too much' she observed. People who smiled a lot usually had something to hide. The thought made her ask herself why she was being so mistrusting. Was it truly so bizarre that he would actually be happy to see her?

"I'm sure I will" she said, taking a seat on the bed and testing the mattress.

"Well then I'll leave you to get sorted. If you need anything just give a shout. We'll catch up some more later in the evening. And dinner's at eight" he informed before walking out and closing the door behind him.

Unable to hold back scrunching her face she got up and began to open her suitcases, taking out her clothes and placing them in the rather antique looking armoire. After a few more pieces of clothes were put away she came across a few bottles of prescription drugs, mainly sleeping pills and anti-depressants. In the past she'd had far too much trouble going to sleep, with the same nightmare repeating itself in her mind. Thankfully ever since she'd started taken the medication they'd become less frequent, and she could achieve a decent night's sleep.

Next to the capsules lay a bottle of vodka. It was one of the very few secrets she'd had from her aunt. At times she would substitute the anti-depressants for the alcohol, which seemed to achieve better results. It was her own private shame, and one she would deal with alone. Placing the capsules in a drawer she proceeded to hide the bottle under a few articles of clothing near the back.

This also reminded her that she'd have to find a decent psychiatrist and continue her therapy. If she recalled she'd been referred to a Jasper Rasmussen by her previous psychologist. She also considered whether this was the sort of thing she had to inform her father and brother about. Aunt Ana had had no idea, so she couldn't have relayed the information over to him. Perhaps for the time being it was better not to say anything, at least until she felt as if she'd made some progress.

As she finished putting away her clothes, her mind began to wonder as to what sort of life she ought to expect from this point on. It would definitely be different, but that didn't necessarily mean it would be better. No…she had a sneaking suspicion it definitely wouldn't be better, despite the evident financial security she now had. Deciding to leave the rest of the unpacking for now, she picked out an outfit before heading off to indulge in a warm bath.

Three days later…

From the back seat of the CLS 350 Mercedes-Benz, Leyna had a pretty good view of El Camino High School. It was slightly bigger than her old public high school, yet had the same suburban feel to it. There also seemed to be quite a number of students. The few who happened to be outside had paused to look at the very classy, not to mention very expensive, black Mercedes that had parked on the road just beside the flag pole.

She hadn't left the car and she was already feeling incredibly self-conscious. It was evident that the majority of the students were probably of middle-class families, and here she was being driven by her own chaperones in a top of the line sports car. It was, for some reason, mildly embarrassing. Ironically, not so long ago, she would have been categorized in the same group as the majority of those students.

"Is everything alright miss?" one of the guards from up front asked.

His name was Dimitri, if she recalled correctly, and the one in the passenger seat was Rolf. She still wasn't exactly sure why their family needed security personnel nearby, but if her father was indeed involved in some form of politics, she assumed it would make sense. There were also several secretaries and assistants at the house at various times, with associates of sorts having come by for meetings with her father. Alec hadn't offered up any more of an explanation during their talks yesterday and the day before, but she did find out a lot about him. He was taking a year off from his studies at current, wasn't really seeing anyone and was spending his time going to clubs and parties with his friends. All that alongside his favorite dishes, movies, music etc. He'd also offered various details about his life thus far.

In respects to herself she had told him everything she could, excluding all the questionable and worrying trivialities of course. And after all that came the basic ground rules, like not being able to go out without permission, having her mobile on 24/7 and being driven to and from places by either himself or the staff. In her opinion, the whole set up seemed rather paranoid. Her mind couldn't get around the idea that any harm would actually come to her, just because of who her father was.

Catching the tilt of Dimitri's head she could see his reflection in the rear view mirror, and was positive that despite his dark sunglasses, he was looking right at her.

"Yes, I'm fine thank you."

'Just a little nervous' she kept to herself. Opening the door she stepped out, taking in the school from the outside as the car drove away. A few of the kids turned to whisper to their friends as she made her way to the administration building. Receiving her timetable, locker number and diary she made her way to the locker bay. Moving passed the students she crosschecked the numbers before she was distracted by a hooligan's loud comic scream. Looking up she saw a guy run passed her, with six guys following from five odd meters away. Before she realized it one of them ran right into her, causing her bag and books to fall and she to land heavily on her back.

"Sorry babe" the one near the back called out before continuing with the chase.

'So much for the apology' she thought. Honestly how old were these guys? They acted more like elementary school children then high schoolers. With a frown she managed to sit up. Landing flat on her ass certainly wasn't what she expected from her first day at a new school. Gathering her notebooks she was surprised by a helping hand.

A blond guy around her age had squatted down to pick up the pieces of paper further away. Handing them to her with a grin, she placed them in her black leather bag before accepting his hand as he hoisted her up.

"Thanks" she offered with a sincere smile.

"Don't mention it. Are you new here?"

"Oh yes, Leyna Ivanovich" she informed, shaking his hand.

"Phillip North. I should apologize for those idiots. Despite the low IQ's they are, most of the time, completely harmless."

"Oh no it's ok. It was a very 'interesting' welcome for the most part" she said with a small laugh, her hand making its way to the small of her back.

"That was a pretty heavy fall though. You're not hurt are you?" he inquired after noticing the action.

"No…no, it's fine. I've experienced worse while at kendo practice."

"Kendo ay? That's quite the sport to be involved in. I'm more of a football, hockey and baseball guy myself."

"Only?" she teased lightly, which triggered a small laugh from him.

"Yeah, I guess I do have a full plate. But I enjoy it, and that's all that matters."

"Indeed it is" she agreed.

For a second she regarded his green eyes as they skimmed over her body, taking in the way her tight, black, hipster jeans stuck to her legs, before moving up to her tight maroon singlet top, which emphasized her flat toned midriff and cleavage. A small smile couldn't help but spread as she looked back down at the piece of paper with her locker number.

"Perhaps I could be of more service?"

"I wouldn't want to bother you…"

"Please, it would be no bother" he assured, taking the piece of paper from her. "Ah, that's just up here."

Following him to the locker she thanked him again as she tested out the combination. He seemed like a genuinely nice guy, not like those jerks who usually approached her. It was also nice to have made a friend so soon.

"So I'm to assume you don't really know anyone here. You're welcome to sit with our group at lunch. Come to think of it my buddy Sean also practices kendo. And I'll introduce you to my twin sister Poppy."

"Thanks! Sounds like a plan" she said while putting her bag and books away. Turning her head to the side, her eyes happened to fall on someone familiar. "That guy over there, with the brown hair and black parker, I think he lives in my neighborhood. Who is he?"

Phillip seemed to visibly tense up when he saw who she had pointed at. "That's James Rasmussen. Incidentally he happens to be a friend of my sister."

"Oh, I see…" she whispered, more to herself.

Rasmussen…that was the same name as that psychologist she'd been recommended to. Well if it wasn't a small world. This James must obviously be his son. Catching sight of Phillip she could see that he was still, very much, tense with a very unfavorable expression on his face.

"I'll offer you some free advice. If you really want the best for yourself, stay away from that guy. He's bad news. Moves onto a different girl every month, and tends to leave them a little worse off then when he found them."

"I see. You're protective of your sister, it's only natural you'd detest the guy, and try to see the very worst."

"I wish it was only that simple. But believe me; I am very sincere in my warning. I did not over-exaggerate. You see her over there?" he pointed to a girl with dark blonde hair and brown eyes.

She seemed incredibly self-conscious, dressed in a baggy high neck jumper despite the heat. She appeared to shrink and shy away from everyone, keeping her head down the whole time, seemingly unaware with where she was or what she was doing.

"Her name's Christen. They went out for eight weeks last year, perhaps one of the longest relationships he's ever had. Before that she was a cheerleader, loud, full of laughs, into the newest fashions and Hollywood gossip. Now look at her; she won't speak to anyone, has lost interest in everything and looks like a ghost. Her parents are constantly keeping an eye on her after a couple of suicide attempts. She's the worst case, but nearly all of them end up a little warped by the end of it. Do yourself a favor, and stay away" he warned with absolute severity.

Nodding slightly, she looked back at this James with consideration as he closed his locker. If what Phillip had told her was in fact true, she'd have to keep her distance. Not that she was worried. The idea that she'd loose her mind over a guy probably didn't exist in her genetic makeup. However she was left slightly curious, wondering just what it was about him that caused girls to end up absolute wrecks. Considering the very many possibilities, her train of thought was disturbed by the bell going off.

"See you at lunch" Phillip finalized with a smile before disappearing down the corridor, among a sea of students.