Disclaimer: I do not own Christine Feehan's dark series. I do own Gaul, Diane, their families, Jared, and the humans (dead and alive).

Diane woke up in a cave. There was light just beyond the entrance, but it was fading as if the sun was setting. How long had she been sleeping? More importantly, where was she? Diane looked down to see an arm draped over her side and remembered very quickly where she was. And what she had done! She had given herself to Gaul Burakgazi. What has she been thinking?! She hadn't been thinking. That was the problem. She had to leave. She had to find her sisters. Then they had to go into hiding. This time though, they would have more people after them.

Diane squirmed out of Burakgazi's arms and stood unsteadily at first. She caught herself on one the jagged rock wall next to her and waited until her head stopped spinning. She took a deep shuddering breath and stood up straight. There were knots all over her body and she was certain she was still a little sore from the torture. Sore? Diane looked down at her body. Cuts were gone or diminished until they were mere scratches. Had she really been that disoriented for so long? Suddenly, she hoped that was the answer. Any other option was too frightening to think about…even for her.

Diane looked at the trees ahead of her and ignored the growling of her stomach before she began running. It was hard going at first. The territory was unfamiliar and she was weak, but she couldn't think about that. The only thing that had ever kept her alive was running. It was her way of life, she wasn't going to give it up. It worked. Burakgazi was a dangerous factor she couldn't trust. Her mind told her that, insisted upon it and she listened to it as she did every other time.

Rachel! Isa! Diane called to her sisters with the hard won ease and strength. It had been an effort to touch her sisters at first, but as they had done it more and more especially while on the run. Now it would reunite them. Diane was going to exploit it to her advantage.

Diane? Rachel's thoughts were tentative and tired. Are you okay? Where are you?

I'm coming for you now Rachel. Do you know where Isa is?

Here…

It took all of Diane's self-control not to groan aloud. Her twin was so weak, she could barely touch them with her mind. It was disturbing and frightening. Isa. You have to tell me where you are. Diane kept her voice level and calm. I'll come and get you, but you have to give me your location first.

Something lashed out a Diane's mind hard and fast. It left her dizzy, but mostly unharmed. You will not take my lifemate away from me sister. A man's voice growled. Go back to Gaul now and do not ever consider trying to run away again. It is not good for you sister.

Diane stiffened as she was shut out of her sister's mind. Isa had shut her out before, but no other had ever been able to intervene in their link, let alone cut them off from each other. Rachel! Diane snapped. Her tone was sharp, but she didn't care. She had to make sure her baby sister was there.

Listen to Hadrian and go back to Gaul little sister. We Burakgazi do not give up our lifemates.

This male merely pushed Diane out of Rachel's mind. She was disconnected from her sisters and she was starting to feel sick. The queasy feeling in her stomach, and the pain radiating in her body was intensifying with each step she took. Her mind longed to reach out to Burakgazi. She shook her head fiercely and kept moving. She wouldn't allow anymore Burakgazi in her mind. She would have to endure alone for the first time in her life. She would continue on without her sisters and continue living in whatever way she could. Diane took a step and there was nothing under her foot. She was falling. Why hadn't she noticed where she was going. As she hit the water, the last of her self-control slipped and her mind reached for Burakgazi.

His heart started beating. Breath filled his lungs as he came awake. But his arms were empty. A snarl ripped from his throat as he swept the area. No evil and his mate's scent was fading. Your lifemate is reckless Gaul, Hadrian growled.

Take her in hand now brother before she continues to try and do foolish things. Byzantine insisted angrily.

Gaul took the memory of his lifemates actions from his brothers minds and stiffened. She willed to leave him. She wanted to take his brothers' lifemates as well. What was she thinking?! Did she really think that she could leave him? Gaul reached out for her mind but found himself up against a hard barrier. Anger grew up in him like a slowly pulsating life. Gaul moved swiftly out into the trees and caught his mate's scent on the wind. He followed it faithfully desperate to find her. He could feel the pain of their separation. Was it harder on her? Even through his anger, he prayed it was not.

Her mind reached out to his and embraced it. He felt as she hit water and was surrounded by it. Gaul launched himself forward with all the speed he could gather towards her. He could feel her slipping away. He would not allow her to die. Gaul threw himself off the small cliff and into the water. He found her quickly and held her limp body to him. Gaul took her to the shore and went into her mind.

I want to sleep Burakgazi, her voice was quiet and lazy. We can have peace…won't that be nice?

You will not die, Gaul ordered. Breath!

Peace! He could hear the pain her thoughts. He couldn't let her die though. Not when he had just found her.

Breathe! The compulsion was too strong to overcome. She dragged air in and her body was raked with harsh coughs. Gaul held her close. "You will never leave me again avio päläfertiilam"

avio päläfertiilam: lifemate (Carpathian)