Thanks to all who reviewed. It's always nice to hear what you think. This is the second part of Chapter 2 and, as promised, will have a lot more of the main characters interacting. And, as requested, more action as the plot unfolds. Have fun and Enjoy!

"It's amazing," Alena whispered staring up into the clear Carpathian sky. It was a breathtaking sight. Millions of brilliant stars dotted the velvet sky. The tips of trees outlined the vision, framing its perfection. She was lying in the middle of the clearing, her hands behind her head, on a spot of dry, luscious grass.

Dominov had led her down a dirt path in the middle of the snow covered forest into a small clearing. Despite the heavy snowfall, the grass in this clearing was warm and dry. Alena was tentative at first, staring into the sky, remarking on the clouds keeping her from seeing the stars. Dominov had taken the opportunity to please her and cleared the sky, pushing the clouds to another part of the region.

"When I was younger I tried to count the stars, but I didn't get very far. I didn't know what number came after one hundred. Of course my counting then was more like one, two, five, ninety-nine, one hundred," she admitted with an embarrassed giggle. She paused as though waiting for a response from him. His eyes studied her, the childlike amazement on her face, the glint of wonder in her eyes. He suddenly had the urge to lie next to her and count the stars as though he were a fledgling again. The idea of her having that affect on him was enough to bring a smile to his face.

"It is rare for a foreigner to live this deeply in the mountains. Why are you out here, cara?" Dominov could have easily read her to mind to discover her entire past, but he wanted a bond of trust between them. He wanted her to want to tell him.

"Well," she paused, clearly uncomfortable with the topic. "My father is an elite businessman in America. He married my mother before he made his fortune and they had children pretty soon after. I have a twin brother, an older brother, and an older sister. Mercedes is the oldest and my father's favorite." There was a trace of longing in her voice. "She travels the world for his business and she alone is going to inherit it. She's so good at it." Dominov was shocked to hear her voice lined with hurt and spite. Alena was suddenly overcome with emotions and memories that she wasn't going to continue her story.

"What pains you, tesorina?" His voice was low and compelling. Beautiful and impossible to resist.

"She and I are the same," she choked out. "I mean, she's better at it than I am, but she can hear people's thoughts! That's why she's so good at this business thing!" Her voice became low and tears welled up in her eyes. "My father always hated me. My parents used to fight about me all the time, how my crying upset the entire household. How I could laugh and people would feel such joy. How I could play one tune and change people's emotions. They said it wasn't natural. My father blamed my mother and she left when I was three. I used to want Mercedes to help me, but she learned to control herself and father never knew of her gift. All I have is a curse!"

Instant fury swept through Dominov. The wind picked up and clouds began to form. Fangs exploded in his mouth. He wished he could see this man, Jonathon Saunders, and his daughter, Mercedes. He would teach them what a curse was, what a monster was.

"The weather is so strange here," Alena remarked, suddenly somber, pulling her coat tighter around herself. She looked up at Dominov, and for a moment she saw savage rage clouding his eyes, radiating from his mind. She knew it was not directed at her, but it made her recoil all the same. She shut her eyes for a moment, wondering if there had really been a red primal glint in his eyes, but when she opened them he appeared perfectly calm and unbothered. The brewing storm immediately died away. She narrowed her eyes at him, her childish mind jumping to stories of vampires that ran rampant through the countryside. Dominov found himself smiling at her thoughts.

"What of your twin brother, cara? Does he have a gift?"

"No. And for that he gets anything he wants. Do you know where he is right now? Where my twin brother is? He's in Paris, getting ready for the party of the year all to celebrate his eighteenth birthday in one week! And I'm stuck in the middle of the Carpathian Mountains, practicing for a concert that my father is never going to hear! He's not coming. I know that." She sounded so desperate, so upset that, without thinking, Dominov sat on the grass next to her, sending out waves of reassurance and warmth. It was all he could do to keep from sweeping her into his arms and taking her far away, to a place where her family could never hurt her again. Subconsciously, Alena picked up on his intentions and took comfort in his presence.

Dominov could not be completely upset by this news. Although he was furious with her family for abandoning her, her eighteenth birthday was fast approaching and then he could claim her for his own. With his iron will and strict self control learned from three thousand years of fighting the darkness within himself, he could wait that long. He silently vowed that he would give her the love and family that she never had and longed for so openly.

After a short pause Alena looked over at him. "What about you? You must have a family somewhere."

Dominov took a deep breath. It had been centuries since he had last seen anyone in his family and he was not sure that any blood relatives still survived. For a moment he considered side stepping the conversation and reserving his family for later. Yet when he looked into her mind he saw her need for him to speak to her, to tell her something personal so that she did not feel so exposed to him. "Well, I was born and raised here in the Carpathian Mountains. I had a younger brother, Emilian. It is common among my people to wait for long years between having children. That was the case in my family. I was an adult by the time Emilian was born and I was traveling the world. He and I were never very close, but he died several years ago." Emilian, who was Dominov's age, had turned vampire nearly four centuries ago and been killed by Filip, whom he had shared a blood bond with. Filip had lived only long enough to deliver the news, then was murdered by human radicals claiming he was a vampire.

"I'm sorry," Alena said softly. She could understand being alone.

There was no need for him to continue. She was content to let the conversation fall, but looking into her eyes made him want to relay his life's story to her. He wanted her to know who and what he was and accept him for that. Yet since he could not tell everything, he would say what he could. "My parents died many years ago. They were happy with one another, but my father was killed in a tragedy and my mother followed shortly after. Unfortunately that is very often the way of our people. I do have a younger brother, of sorts. His name is Nicolai and although it has been many years since I saw him last, I am far closer to him than I was with Emilian." Dominov discovered Nicolai when he was a human infant being held for experiments by a vampire. He killed the vampire and had no choice but to convert little Nicolai, not knowing whether it would work or kill the child. It was against the laws of his race to convert a human, but it was successful and Nicolai was now nine hundred. Although he would never be as powerful as other Carpathians, Dominov had kept close watch on his progress and learned that Nicolai was a successful artist.

"What do you mean 'my people.'?"

"The natives here tend to have a separate culture. You said you are from America?" He had to change the subject to keep from revealing anything too early. It had been years since he had spoken of his family, but it seemed to come naturally when he was with her.

"Yeah." Dominov remembered America. It was a fledgling country when he last heard of it two hundred years ago. He read in her mind the wealth of America and the shifting culture. How much had changed in two hundred years?

"Is your clothing American?" His voice carried a reprimanding bite, a clear disapproval that made her giggle. Surprisingly, he was not angered by her clear disrespect. Hearing her happy made him happy.

"Yes, what's wrong with it?" Alena smiled widely at his tone, not noticing that he was surveying her body.

"That is clothing for a man. Women should not dress in a men's garb." It was a stern statement not up for debate.

Alena's melodic laughter filled the clearing, washed over his mind. "So women can't wear jeans? That's such a sexist thing to say. Next you're going to say that women shouldn't go to college or have jobs or be independent."

Dominov was struck. He had never heard such ideas about women and did not know how to respond without alarming her. He was saved from thinking up a valid response by Alena continuing.

"What about music? Should women be kept from that too?" It was a mocking question. A smiled played firmly at her lips.

Dominov easily saw another way out. "What about your music? How is it possible that one so young could be so talented?"

Alena flushed. She was unused to people referring to her music as a talent. Her father had always shunned and berated her for it. "I've always thought and lived in music. For as long as I can remember that's been my life. I think in terms of melodies and songs. Sometimes when I'm overwhelmed or confused, I organize my thoughts into a song and that's my release." She paused but he sensed more was coming. "Sometimes, when I'm overloaded with emotion, I can make believe things when I play, or when I sing. I'm not allowed to sing anymore because my last caretaker jumped off the roof when I was singing some operatic song. She was abusive and she had hit me and I was so angry and afraid. There was nothing else for me to do but sing and make things better, that's how I deal with things. My father blamed me, but I never meant for that to happen."

Dominov studied her intently. Her head dropped shamefully, refusing to look into his eyes. Her fingers trembled from the memories and he had the feeling that her father had taken to physical abuse with her. After so many years of such abuse, Alena truly believed that she was evil and cursed. Dominov curled his fingers beneath her chin, lifted her face slowly so that she looked into his eyes.

"You are not cursed," he stated firmly. "What you have is a gift, an amazing talent. Your family is simply incapable of understanding. It has been my experience that humans feel threatened by what they do not understand and therefore shun it and attempt to force it into their definition of normalcy. They've robbed you of love and affection for so many years. You, tesorina, deserve far more than they could ever give you."

There was a burning passion in his eyes so strong that it was spilling over into her mind. Her breath caught in her throat, but she did not shy away. Dominov was different, Alena felt it. The way he was so understanding of her. He did, after all, have his own gifts and talents, although far stronger than hers. There was something strange about how her heart beat quickened as he touched her. She felt she could lose herself in his eyes, those dark pools of onyx. She had no idea what she was feeling, yet something in her mind told her that it could not be love. Her entire life experience had taught her that she was not worthy of such emotion.

Dominov instantly linked onto her thoughts. "Somewhere in this world there exists a man who will love you so unconditionally that he will never let you go. If you knew this to be true, would you accept him regardless of his faults?"

Alena squirmed uncomfortably. Their encounter had turned to something far more intimate than she was comfortable with. There was such passion and intensity in his eyes that it scared her. But what scared her more was an awakening within herself that reached out to him with the same need that he had for her. In that instant she wanted nothing more than for him to kiss her. Terrified of that feeling, of his feelings, she whispered out a response.

"I don't have much concept of love."

Dominov sensed her inner confusion and fought hard against himself. He had not intended to place her in danger of him. But she was. Sudden, powerful emotions raced through his body, demanding her touch, her blood, and her mind. He had never in his long life felt anything so strong as his need for her. Hot, possessive desire coursed through him. Need erupted in him and dark emotions pooled in his abdomen. It was all he could do to keep from claiming her and binding them together right there. He was forced to remind himself that it would not be fair to her. Only a week until she was rightfully his, and he would claim her the instant he could. In the meantime he had a lot to learn about her culture. He released her from his grasp. "It is long past time you returned home."

00000

"Thank you for making sure I got home alright." Alena's voice was soft and unsure. They stood in her kitchen, his large, intimidating form making her feel uncomfortable yet again. She was unsure of how to say goodbye to this dark, intimate man. Although she had the feeling that she would see him again very soon. Both excitement and fright took hold of her at that thought.

"I could do nothing less than ensure your safety," Dominov responded, referring back to his courtly manner. He could not help gazing around the kitchen in disbelief. There were so many things he did not recognize. Stove, dishwasher, sink. Everything modern was beyond his knowledge.

The door to the kitchen suddenly burst open and a raging Helen stood in the threshold. She eyed Alena with furious worry, then Dominov with suspicious caution. "How dare you sneak out like that?! If something had happened to you, your father would have had my head – and his!" She gestured wildly towards the tall stranger. No one had warned her that this child would be so rebellious.

Dominov stood perfectly still, his face a mask of cool indifference. In his wonder he had forgotten to place Helen in a deep sleep. He cursed himself for his childlike behavior. It could have been something much more lethal. Mistakes like that were inexcusable; he could not risk his life mate now that he had finally found her.

"Calm yourself, Madam," his voice was low and compelling. "There is nothing for you to fear. Alena is safe with me, she will always be safe with me." Helen, completely enraptured by his voice, nodded dumbly. "I thank you for concern. Good night, Madam." Without further question, Helen yawned tiredly and left the room.

He was expecting a gasp of alarm from Alena, but when he looked at her he saw only wonder. "I didn't think there was anyone else who could do that. I'm really not cursed, am I?"

"Of course you are not. You are gifted." His complete acceptance of her made her heart soar. That alone pleased him.

A loud yawn escaped her. She covered her mouth but did not look embarrassed in the least. Her eyelids drooped and Dominov could feel her exhaustion. She looked over at the clock on the stove and saw that it read one thirty. She gasped. "Oh my god! No wonder Helen was so mad at me! I should have been asleep hours ago."

Dominov smiled despite himself. Alena's complete disregard for etiquette and manners should have disgusted him, but it did not. In fact he found her behavior eccentric, impetuous and rebellious. In short, he found it cute.

He crossed the space between and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear in a dangerously intimate gesture. "Sleep, tesorina. It is clear you need it."

"Will you come back tomorrow?" she asked innocently, unsure of where her sudden courage came from. She should have been frightened by him, glad of their separation. But in reality his power and understanding of her made her feel closer to him, made her want to be closer to him. Her fingers absently traced where he had touched her face.

"Yes. I will return very soon. Though, if you need me, I will always be near you. Simply reach for me with your mind and I will hear you." He reached for her hand and delicately raised it to his lips. Their closeness should have scared her, but suddenly it felt right. The brush of his lips had sent a pleasant shiver down her spine. Her skin was heating up from his touch. She did not want him to release her hand. Dominov recognized the danger of the situation and let her hand drop, signaling that it was time for their meeting to end. She turned away and had begun to leave when he stopped her.

"Play for me. On the eve of your birthday, play your concert for me." His voice had dropped its control and desire rang through every note. He wanted to hear her music again, but he was not going to force her compliance. Alena's eyes sparkled; she smiled and nodded, then left the room.

00000

Dominov was circling over the homes of the village. Large grey wings protruded from his shoulder blades in a display of magic so difficult he was sure he was the only one who could accomplish it. Clouds raced by him in exhilaration that he had not felt in centuries. Magic and power had drifted away from him, but now Alena made him want to feel the wind on his face again. He promised himself that he would take her flying at the first opportunity.

Natural weakness hit him. The need to feed roared inside his head, throughout his body. He swooped low, still shielding himself from the view of humans, and dropped silently beside a middle aged woman. He reached out with his mind to call her to him, but stopped. Touching another woman did not seem right to him. The idea of him holding someone other than Alena made his skin crawl.

The woman walked past him without interference, and he instead turned his sights onto a pair of men walking out of an inn. Dominov effortlessly called them to him, not bothering to implant memories, but relying on his skill at magic to allow him to feed in the middle of the street completely unnoticed.

The moment his teeth sank into the neck of one of the men, his darkness erupted within him, threatening to consume him. In an effort to protect Alena from his demons, Dominov broke off all mental links between the two of them. Darkness immediately flared all around him. Careful not to take too much, he released the first man and began feeding on the second. His own inner evil surrounded him and threatened to send him over the edge. His head pounded from the effort of fighting himself in a way it never had before. His limbs lost their hold and his body felt weak. Instantly the answer came to him. Poison. The blood was poisoned.

Darkness crept into his vision and, terrified for her safety, he reached out to Alena. Horror struck him. He could not link with her mind. Dominov tried his best to assess his situation even as his legs gave out and he fell to the ground. The two men had recovered from Dominov's magic and were moving around him. His mind sent out waves of fear and rage, hoping to dissuade them. His mind tried desperately to find Alena, to know if she was in danger. But he could not. He lost consciousness as the poison took hold.

00000

Dominov woke groggily, delirious and hallucinating. It took a few long minutes for the effects of the poison to wear off. When it did he shot out of the earth to discover that he was lying in the healing cove of a large group of caves he remembered from several hundred years ago. Incense and healing tools lay scattered around him. How had he gotten there? How long had it been since he had been poisoned? Who had healed him? More importantly, where was Alena and was she alright?

Fury immediately shot through his body and mind. He could feel the earth lurch and roll beneath his feet. Years of experience told him that a gale was raging outside with force enough to rip a human off their feet. His mind immediately reached for Alena, but he still could not find her. Anger boiled into terrifying rage, the world was in danger if he could not make contact with his life mate. He tried again, but to no avail. Furious, he shot out of the cave.

Lightning shot through the sky, thunder crashed and shook the world, the earth threatened to fold over and swallow humanity in its darkest core. Dominov reached out once more with his mind, prepared to search the world over for Alena if he could not reach her. Finally his mind found the path to hers and latched on. Without second thought he shot into the sky and followed the pull of her mind to an old cabin.

Determined not to make the same mistakes, Dominov scanned the cabin and the woods surrounding it before he entered. He could sense the air was heavy with a foreign substance. A quick analysis with his mind told him an anesthetic, not toxic but the same poison that was in the blood of the men he drank from. But he could also sense Alena in the room, completely helpless. There was no way he could turn around and walk away. If need be, he would sacrifice himself for her. He pushed the door open and walked inside.

The air was heavy, thick with death, pain, and blood. The only body was that of Alena's small figure, tied up at one end of the room. She looked as though she had been crucified, nude with her arms stretched out to her sides though her feet were slightly apart. There were no open cuts or lacerations on her body, but Dominov could sense internal bleeding. Blood flowed from between her legs. Her head lolled to one side, unconscious. She had lost too much blood.

Without thought to himself, he closed the space between them, ripped off his shirt and brought her mouth to a cut he made, forcing her to take Carpathian blood. His ancient blood raced through her, working to replenish her. Not even the erotic feel of her mouth on his skin, the idea that she was taking in his life force, was enough to pierce the cold fury that still rocked the earth. But he was inhaling too much poison. His limbs were already feeling heavy. He closed the cut on his chest and prepared to free her from her bonds.

Just then the door to the cabin burst open. Human voices shouted, lights flashed around him. He shielded his eyes as a spotlight shone into his face. Dominov roared in anger, believing them to be a threat to Alena. His predatory nature demanded that he kill them all and take Alena to safety, bind her to him for all time. The humans shouted demands at him, but a mix from the poison and the blood pounding in his ears prevented him from hearing. He tried to summon up powers to destroy the humans, but the poison was draining him of strength. Small pieces of metal pierced his skin and sent pain searing through his body.

Dominov's shoulder was on fire where he had been shot. He did not recognize the authorities for what they were trying to do: save the young girl inside. He was a threat to them and, from their point of view, to her. They shot again, a total of seven bullets sheering his skin and imbedding themselves in his flesh. He roared in pain again, and knew that he could not save Alena. His mind was clouding over again. With his strength draining, a voice sounded through his mind.

Leave, old friend. They will not hurt her.

It was so beautiful, so compelling. And he was so tired. It seemed impossible to resist that voice. With just enough power left, Dominov's body shimmered and he was forced to soar out of the cabin. Something was compelling him back to the caves. His body reformed with a sickening thus in the healing cove.

A man, a dark phantom of the night, appeared from the air and looked down at the body of his friend. Such an ancient, powerful being reduced to helplessness.