Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters (including, but not limited to: Mikhail Dubrinsky, Raven Whitney, Savannah Dubrinsky, Jacques Dubrinsky, Shea O'Halloran, Stefan Dubrinsky, Gregori Daratrazanoff, Nicholas De La Cruz, Lara Calladine, Eugene Slovensky, James Slovensky, and Xavier) from Christine Feehan's wonderful paranormal creations in her dark series. This story was written solely for the purpose of recreation and is not being used for any profitable gain by the author.
CHAPTER TWO:
Nicholas was in a rage. He had arrived at their home to find every safeguard unwoven and his daughter missing. When he attempted to touch her mind, he was denied and had immediately took to the skies searching for her. Lara was close behind, scanning the earth below.
His first thoughts were that she had been discovered and taken by a vampire. This was the first occurrence in which she was missing from their home, and she was usually very obedient when he instructed her to wait for them to return. If it had been a vampire, he was surely powerful if he was able to undo all of the safeguards that he and Lara had put in place. They more than likely would be facing an older creature rather than a fledgling vampire. Being that Carpathians didn't turn until after their second century, he would already have the experience and time to contribute to his power, but Nicholas was sure that he could defeat any threat to his beloved Mia.
Time was of the essence and despite his anger and confidence, he panicked and had alerted Mikhail and Gregori asking for their assistance with retrieving her. There was now a search party for his daughter.
He reached out to his old friend, Jacques, Brother. Hear my call. My daughter is missing and I need help locating her.
He didn't have to wait long before there was a reply, Stefan is with a woman. She could very well be her, is she young?
Too young to be claimed, Nicholas emphasized.
Again, he had tried communicating with his daughter telepathically, ramming against the block set in place. Where are you?! he burst through. With his inquiry he could feel her returning fear, then defiance. If she was feeling rebellious, then she hadn't been kidnapped. No, Mia had deliberately left the safety of their home. Nicholas cursed to himself as he was reminded how she had always had her mother's rebellious nature. Why did it have to be in this moment, close to her eighteenth anniversary, that she decided to act on it?
I'm out. What's the big deal?! she argued back, defiantly.
We'll talk when I'm able to confront you face to face, my daughter. It's to my understanding that there is a young male with you?
Now he felt her anxiety when she spoke, Yes... he wants to return me home. He suggested that we wait for his father to help him bring me back.
Immediately, Nicholas was grateful that Jacques had taught his son well. At least the young Carpathian maintained some decorum and was able to respect that Mia was too young to be out by herself. He sent a reply, Stay where you are in Stefan's care. Your mother and I are on our way to get you. Mikhail and Gregori are also headed to your location. They may arrive before I do.
You have got to be kidding me.
We'll see just how much I'm kidding once I get there. His voice was soft, menacing, and promised retribution. Daughter or not, Mia would repent for defying his authority. This occurrence would be the last and only time. His anger fumed deep within him. He was relieved that she had not been abducted, but still aware that she could be found by one of their race who had turned to the dark side. Even with Stefan, she was unprotected and worry pooled deep in his heart.
She must have sensed his change of emotion and sent back, Stefan seems like he's actually very powerful. This time, her reply was laced admiration and a slight hint of desire. She was infatuated with the young Carpathian and it was clearly evident through her telepathic communications.
Anger. Worry. Rage. Nicholas was clouded with the swirling cyclone of emotions. Stefan, who Nicholas hadn't known since he was an infant, was the male that his daughter warmed up to despite all her denials to choose a lifemate. Nicholas was vaguely aware that Stefan was currently an unattached male, single and searching for a lifemate to avoid every young male's impending doom. Suddenly, worry clouded all of his other emotions. Mia wasn't even of age to be claimed yet. She was too delicate to participate in their race's binding ceremony and rituals. Too innocent and fragile for the harshness of a male. She simply was not ready.
Do not let him take your blood. Hear me, daughter. You must obey me in this. Nicholas tried to remain calm. He was aware that Mia might act out unfavorably to defy him if she were to catch on to his anger. She was rebellious in her years.
There was only silence and Nicholas could sense it before she even said anything. He cursed inwardly and thunder rumbled distantly in the night sky.
It is done.
Stefan laughed curiously at his new acquaintance. So the causation for the sudden change in her demeanor was due to the terror over her father's reaction. Well he had some news he was sure would reassure her. Stefan's uncle was prince to their people and he was certain that her father could do no other than welcome him with open arms once he had learned of Stefan's lineage. His thoughts were pushed aside as he sensed his father nearby and felt his mind touch.
Stefan. Is the female with you still?
At mention of her, he returned his attention to her sweet figure clinging to him in a trance. She was obviously involved in a private conversation of her own.
Yes, father. She is here. I will keep her in my safety until we can return her to her family.
Nicholas is missing a daughter. Her name would be Mia.
Stefan turned back to the lovely creature before him. His arms were wrapped securely around her and she leaned slightly into him. He touched her mind again, and this time discovered a private channel created through their blood sharing.
Mia?
Yes? She replied absentmindedly. After she responded, she quickly glanced up into his face. Their telepathic communication had strengthened the growing force between them. She grew anxious as unseen cables were linking their two souls together. The lines weren't cinched, but it was only a matter of time. She stared up at him, worry etched into her delicate and beautiful features.
"My father is going to kill me," she confessed.
Stefan couldn't help the low growl that escaped from deep in his throat. "No one will harm you while under my protection, little one. Do not fill yourself with worry."
Stefan sent a reply, she is called Mia, father.
Thank you. I will alert Nicholas.
Mia's tension was overwhelming, and Stefan reached out to touch her mind again to try and locate the source. To his discontent, he found that she agonized over their connection. The new feelings her body produced for him were unfamiliar and too sudden for her comfort. Stefan took advantage as she seemed preoccupied to sense his presence in her mind, and he dug deeper discovering that she also stressed over her father's reaction to her little outing. In regards to their encounter, she had remained undecided over her relationship to him. To ease some of her anxiety, he slowly released her body from his and cold immediately replaced the space in which she had pressed against him. His heart skipped as she whined slightly, but she must have caught herself and resisted in embarrassment at her reaction over his withdrawal. He could tell that she was a proud woman, defiant, and rebellious.
Finally, Stefan was able to sense the well-known aura of his father. There were many Carpathians with immense power, but Jacques could be considered one of the ancient with his age and wisdom. He was close by, if not already upon them. As if in response to Stefan's assumptions, a mist began to gather in front of them and Jacques manifested into his glorious masculine figure.
Mia observed the large male figure before her. He was similar to her new companion with the same dark eyes and ebony hair. He, too, was heavily muscled and wore a frown of disapproval much like her father would have, were he with them. This man was much stronger than any male she had ever encountered, only rivaling her father's strength. His stance was calm and collect, but that only added to her nervousness. She wondered if he had ever smiled at all while she observed is serious expression. Like an answer to her curiosity, he turned to look at her catching her off guard. The corners of his mouth twitched, but no smile permeated his beautiful face. Next, he turned to the male next to her and once out of his attention, she inched closer Stefan's broad back which promised protection.
The stranger spoke, his voice mesmerizing and beautiful, "Stefan, Nicholas is on his way. I feel it best that we wait for his arrival instead of trying to go and meet him."
"I agree," Stefan nodded.
Next, Jacques turned to Mia and assessed her briefly. She felt his eyes as he studied her slight figure and her subconscious screamed at her to withdraw from view. She inched toward the shadow in which Stefan created and felt an arm as he possessively ushered her behind him as he sensed her discomfort.
Why does she cling to you so? I do not sense that you have claimed her.
Embarrassed, Stefan admitted, No, father. She is not of age to be bound yet. I've only exchanged with her. It was somewhat of an accident.
Jacques felt indifferent over the information. His son would be saved from vampirism, however, Nicholas would not be pleased. Not to mention his brother, the prince, who was the figure of justice to their kind, would also be upset. He would be disappointed that this new little one was not matched to an older Carpathian whom was desperate to turn from the dark side. He sighed and replied, Brace yourself my son, Mikhail approaches. I'm certain that Nicholas is not far behind either. They will not be pleased with your exchange, accidental or not.
Stefan shifted protectively. I understand that I should feel guilty father, but I'm careless to their reactions. There is something about this female that I cannot resist. I am drawn to her by some unseen force. He stared at the ground in puzzlement.
Jacques silently laughed over the inevitable matching. She very well may be your lifemate, Stefan. But like you have observed, she is still too adolescent to bind her to you. You may hurt her unintentionally if you attempt it.
I know this, father. I'm not completely ignorant to our ways, our customs. It is my intention to court her should Nicholas permit. He looked up at Jacques then, determination etched onto his face.
I know that you two are discussing me, Mia's voice meandered across her private channel with Stefan.
He couldn't help his smirk as he regarded his father, "She knows we converse of her."
"Yes," Mia agreed, stepping out and feeling slightly braver with her newfound protector near. She continued, "and I would appreciate if you would indulge me in this conversation meant to be so private. It is rude not to include me."
Irritation suddenly filled Jacques and he towered before her. Power emanated from his very essence and he looked down at her fiercely. "You, little one, are in no position to dictate right or wrong here. I would lay into you myself for your carelessness if I wasn't convinced that your father's fury would suffice." His tone was gentle, but laced with harshness. He looked every bit the animal instead of man and Mia immediately became aware of his immense power. His brooding stare followed her as she once again sought cover at Stefan's back.
Immediately, a low hiss escaped Stefan of its own accord. Shocked, he shook his head in attempts to clear it.
"Forgive me, father. I know not what ails me."
Jacques resisted laughter."No need to ask for forgiveness, Stefan. You feel protective over the girl, this soon to be woman who may very well be your lifemate." He was all too aware of the emotions his young son was going through.
Mia narrowed her gaze at the ancient through Stefan's frame. Stefan may have chosen her, but she certainly had not chosen him. She had no desire to be bound to anyone until she had had some time to run free, to discover who she really was and what she wanted out of this life. Before she could speak in protest, she sensed another powerful presence nearby. She would recognize her father's power, but this instance was different. There were two, and even stronger than the two males standing with her in the meadow. Animals quieted, and the air was so still that she could have sworn that even the creek had ceased to run. A mist congregated before them and materialized Mikhail, prince of the Carpathians. Mia had met him only once before and he stood as magnificent as ever before her. Although he was very powerful, he wasn't the source that had terrified her the most. Soon after, almost in response to her pondering, Gregori manifested next to Mikhail. His gray eyes shimmered over to Mia and although he nodded formally to her in greeting, she still felt deeply frightened of his presence. With the four of them crowding around her, the amount of power in the vicinity rendered her helpless and she couldn't help herself as she clung to Stefan's arm. Mikhail walked forward to greet Jacques with arms outstretched in traditional greeting while Gregori observed, calm and collect as his usual state.
"Is she unharmed, Jacques?"
"She is, Mikhail, although there seems to have been an incident."
Mia immediately felt the blush as it crept up her chest to reach her cheeks. She despised how they conversed about her as if she were not present.
No worries, little Mia. They only worry for your safety. I can assure you that my father speaks on our behalf.
He would. No father wishes to see his son turned to the undead.
Would you rather he condemn you for your act?
No. With her curt reply, Mia was at a loss. How would he make excuse for what she had done? If he were to admit that he took her blood first, her father would surely kill him, son of Jacques or not. They sure were in a mess.
Do not fret, little Mia. I will tell them the truth.
I'm not sure that would be better than telling a lie.
Stefan didn't seem as worried or nervous as she, and she was curious at the source of his strength and confidence. He confided, Being that my father is linked to me, I'm afraid that it is our only option.
Nicholas and Lara descended to the ground where Mia was standing amongst four other males. Three were familiar to him, but the third had to have been Stefan, son of Jacques. As they approached, Mia's gaze found Nicholas' and he could sense her fear of him. He kept his mind clear, however, as to not to alarm her. He needed her compliance.
"Hello, daughter," He called aloud to her as he touched the soft mound of soil beneath him. "Stefan," he greeted the young male before him. He was built like Jacques and appeared healthy and powerful. Nonetheless, Nicholas felt a protective rage encompass him as he intently watched the two interact. He fully expected Mia to run to his side, but she had merely nodded to him instead, only before she inched closer to Stefan.
"What is this, Stefan? Have you bound her to you? I don't sense that you've begun the ritual?" Gregori stated the obvious and evaluated them, a hint of amusement touching his eyes.
Why do you have to make things worse? Jacques reprimanded the dark one. Although, he too, was amused over the plight.
Everyone one of us knows that there is only one lifemate for each male. Stefan is like a nephew to me and I would feel relieved to know he had been saved from a doom that all unattached males face. Nicholas will be the real problem here.
I agree. Although, I think you mean cousin, my nephew. Jacques laughed inwardly over the demeaning title for the ominous dark one.
Nephew through union with your kin or not, do not forget that I can easily best you, dear uncle.
Nicholas stepped forward to reclaim his daughter.
"She is not of age," he reached for her. Mia stared at her father's outstretched arm and his beckoning glance. She knew she should go to him, but she was reluctant. There was some compulsion over her to stay with Stefan despite the fact that she had only just met him. She looked to each of the males standing around her, seeking guidance to do what was right. In her heart she knew she should remain with Stefan, but she could not disobey her father in front of every important figure of their race. She glanced at Stefan one more time before she obeyed and slowly crept toward her father. She had the urge to keep looking to him for approval or agreement that it was the right thing to do, and immediately felt bereft once she were at her father's side.
What is this that I'm feeling? She touched his mind and felt the loneliness reciprocated, only stronger.
It is because we have exchanged blood. It is the beginning of the binding ritual. Do not be alarmed. If we are not true lifemates, the feelings will pass in time. Although, Stefan was well aware that the feelings would not pass. He was certain that Mia was indeed, his rightful companion.
Still, she looked to him, frowning and clutching at her heart while tears welled up in her eyes.
I cannot bear it. Immediately, Stefan was there in her mind, enveloping her with the feeling of his arms around her. She relaxed at the illusion, but even so, craved his real physical contact. There was no getting around the strange and powerful sensations swirling around inside her.
I wish there was more that I could do, Stefan consoled. He would go to her, only it wouldn't disrespect his superiors and they were in enough trouble as it was. When he touched her mind, he found resentment there.
You've done enough, she replied harshly. She had meant to hurt him with callous words, but immediately felt regret trying to do so. She wanted to hurt him, make him feel some of the discomfort he was causing her, but her anger toward him only made her feel worse. I'm sorry, she finally admonished.
Don't be.
Encouraged by Mia's emotions, Stefan stepped forward, interrupting the conversation that the ancients were having on the side, "Nicholas, it is my intention to court your daughter. I have reason to believe that she is my destined lifemate."
There was silence while Nicholas turned his attention to Stefan. He observed the young male before him. Stefan was the same build as Jacques with dark hair and eyes. He also had the blood of the ancients running through him, and he might be adequate enough to protect Mia from harm. Although, Nicholas still felt reluctant. Even though they had already begun courting with the obvious exchange of blood, he still could not release his daughter into the young Carpathian's care. He was fully aware of the pressure to be apart from one's future lifemate, but she was only a child yet. Stefan may not be her lifemate after all. They were only kids and could know no better.
He crossed his arms defensively. "I feel that it would be in my daughter's best interest if you were to wait for her to come of age. She will be presented at the gathering of her eighteenth year where you and all of the other single males may interact with her. You may not be her true companion and with so many of our kind close to turning, it would be unfair to reserve her for a male who has already established a blood bond. If you truly are intended for each other, your compatibility will be evident at the congregation."
Mia's heart clenched dreadfully. It felt heavy and ached with longing at Nicholas' decision.
Before she could help herself, the words stumbled out of her mouth, "But father, I,"
"I will not hear from you this evening, Mia," Nicholas interrupted. "You have put yourself at risk as well as those who now surround you, due to your insolent and careless behavior."
"Father, please," she pleaded. She felt so empty suddenly and could not sate the yearnings in her soul.
"No. We are going home. If you do not obey me in this, you will wait until well after your eighteenth year before I relinquish you."
Mia slouched in defeat. "Yes, father." She glanced up at Stefan who nodded in encouragement.
Hate to be the one to say 'told you so', Gregori was in Jacques mind, mocking.
You're words are meaningless. I was already conscious of the obstacle that Stefan faces with this choice of lifemate.
"Nicholas," Jacques stepped forward. He was well aware of the agony of being apart from a lifemate, even if the ritual had not been completed. He and Shea had been separated for seven years before they were finally united, and he had hated her for it. As a result, he had almost killed her when they finally met. Although he was certain that it would not be as harsh between Stefan and Mia, the misery of separation was the last thing he wanted for his son or his prospective daughter. "Perhaps we should let them visit on occasion. Supervised, of course. Should they be destined for each other, it could be painful for them to be separated now that an exchange has been made."
Nicholas was unchanged and replied emotionless, "I have decided, Jacques. You would do the same were you to have a daughter."
"I do understand and don't mean to offend. However, might you search her mind for displeasure. Surely you can sense that they are already in discomfort."
Nicholas nodded and complied by gently touching his daughter's mind. There was pain there, yes, but bearable.
He returned his attention to Jacques. "They will be fine. She comes of age the next moon in a little over one week's time. Stefan may court her then, if they are the most compatible at the gathering."
Defeated, Jacques nodded curtly. He wanted to aid the two young Carpathians, but Nicholas was more stubborn than Mikhail at times.
I resent that, little brother. Mikhail stood stoically listening in and reserving judgment against the mistakes made that night. He would intervene if necessary, but having a daughter of his own, found it hard to take sides.
Mikhail, please tell me that you do not believe this just. They will depreciate in spirit to be separated.
I cannot deny that in Stefan's foolish act of exchanging blood that the bond is apparently calling to them, but I must respect Nicholas in this. Mia is in no danger with his decision. In my own instance, Savannah was already destined for Gregori and we consider him kin so we accepted the union openly. Gregori is ancient and very powerful. We were assured that Savannah was safe with him whereas Stefan is still a fledgling. Although I am confident in my nephew's abilities, Nicholas remains unaware. You must remember Nicholas is not of this region. He is unaccustomed to our ways. Give him time to adjust to this union, for it is not an easy one for his to accept.
Jacques remembered the confessions Nicholas had brought years ago. Despite their treason, Nicholas' brother, Manolito, had saved Mikhail and even Stefan before he was born. Where they once aspired to put an end to the Dubrinsky bloodline, they had instead fought diligently for them. They were an asset to their people.
Yes, brother. You are right, Jacques openly agreed.
Nicholas turned to the sky before speaking, "Mikhail, Gregori, and Jacques, I thank you for assisting me this night and bid you farewell, my brothers. I wish you and your lifemates well, and I am in your debt."
"Glad to be of service," Gregori bowed before he bid farewell to Mikhail. It was hard to tell whether he was being facetious or not with a twinkle lingering in his eyes. After acknowledging Lara in his farewell, he turned and effortlessly dissipated into thin air.
Mikhail followed with a short nod, "Until we next meet, Nicholas," and he left in much the same fashion, evolving easily.
After they were gone Mia stepped forward to Stefan. She couldn't fight the feeling of desire that rose to be near him.
"Mia, come," Nicholas grabbed his daughter at the inside of her elbow, before pulling her after him.
"Can't I at least,"
"No." The reply was sharp and Lara came alongside Mia in attempts to coax her obedience. She reluctantly followed, all the while searching for Stefan. He stood there solemnly, and bound by honor to resist following her. Nicholas was right, after all. It was selfish of him to claim her before the older Carpathians had a chance to test their compatibility. Before the De La Cruz's took off into the night skies, she felt him there in her mind, caressing gently to comfort her sorrows.
Stefan.
