Disclaimer: I do not own the Dark series.

A/N: Yikes! I never believed you guys would like this story so much! nn I am honestly flattered. Thank you so much for your reviews! Hope you enjoy

Dark Desperation

Skyler was dreaming.

She was back in that dark room, filled with dirty men leering at her. She was frozen in place with fear on the bed, and could only watch in terror as they slowly came forward, arms outstretched. She wanted to scream, but couldn't. The lust in their eyes was too frightening.

Suddenly a large black wolf appeared, and as he streaked across the room the men seemed to disappear. Skyler didn't know how, or why the wolf had come, but she instantly felt herself relax. The animal was still there, staring at her with sapphire blue eyes, and she felt so safe and warm...

Then realization dawned on her. That wolf...

She sat straight up in the bed and saw Dimitri standing in the doorway, very much human but with those same blue eyes. How long had he stood there, watching her sleep? The thought unnerved her.

Skyler immediately flung back the blankets, terror taking over her mind as she remembered the events of the previous night. However her right foot got tangled up in the sheets, and she found herself falling to the floor. She let out a curse.

Dimitri quickly glided toward her, catching her small body before it hit the floor. "You are going to hurt yourself." His tone was matter-of-fact, and for a moment all she could think of was how his strong hands were holding her.

Disgusted with herself, she hit him, twisting out of his arms and finally standing up straight. Her dark eyes held fury. "What the hell?! Why did you take me?!" Though Skyler tried to sound indignant, she also sounded hurt. Betrayed. She had started to trust him a bit, and then he did something like this.

Dimitri felt a pang of guilt. She looked so fragile, standing there next to the large four-poster bed. Yet she still carried herself with confidence, and tried her best not to show her fear. She was, in a word, courageous.

He decided to get straight to the point. "I would not have lasted much longer." The man did not try to sugar-coat it. "I need you in my life, just as you need me." He left no room for objection.

Skyler's reaction was predictable. She immediately turned anxious. "No! Not this lifemate stuff again! I told you, I can't," she pleaded, backing away. Why couldn't he understand?! She wasn't right in the head. She had too many problems. He deserved someone who could give him love and affection, someone who wouldn't shrink away from the smallest contact.

"Little one...you have no need to fear me," Dimitri said, feeling his heart ache. Whatever god there was had given him such a precious gift such as her, and he had no idea why. He truly believed the darkness might have consumed too much of his soul. He did not deserve her. "Please. Give me a chance. You will see that what I have been saying all along is true; we cannot be apart from one another. We need each other."

Some small part of Skyler believed what he was saying. It were as if her heart, her very soul was betraying her, and calling out to his own. But it scared her at the same time; how could she feel so intensely for a man who she had not known longer than about a week? Finally, she spoke, her voice a bit steadier. "I want to talk to Gabriel."

He had expected this. "I have already talked to him. He has no right to take you back; our laws are clear." Dimitri had found that as soon as the sun had set that night, Gabriel had traveled all the way to his home, demanding Skyler back. He had not let the other Carpathian inside, instead coldly telling him the facts.

Dimitri held all the cards. Though Skyler was young, she was no child. Her voice had awoken the bond between them. Not even the Prince of their people could do anything about it. She may be physically young, but she had been through too much...she was no child.

Before Skyler could speak again, he continued on. "Gabriel understands the situation, and although he does not like it, he has agreed to leave things be for a while." Dimitri doubted that the ancient hunter had really meant that, but he didn't want Skyler pinning her hopes on the idea she might get away. He had her now. He was not giving her up.

"So...that's it?" Skyler glared at him. "I'm supposed to sit around here, and do whatever you tell me to do?" She felt a small part of her giving in. If Gabriel could do nothing...

She tried to reach him on their special path, but found that he had her blocked. Pain filled her heart. Why would he block her?! Wasn't she his daughter too?! Or...was he glad to be rid of her?

That thought was too painful to comprehend.

Dimitri sensed her pain, and before the girl knew it she was pulled tight against him. "Please, little one, trust me...we will work this out," he murmurred into her hair. She smelled so good, and his body ached for her, but she was not ready. This would have to do for now.

At first Skyler struggled, but then gave up, leaning against him. Stifled sobs filled the room as she cried into his chest. She wanted to trust him, but she couldn't see how this would ever work.

Skyler stood on the large front porch of the mansion. Because Russia was so cold in the winter, and since she was not fully Carpathian yet, Skyler was bundled up in warm clothes. She felt rather silly, but Dimitri had insisted upon it. Instead of fighting, she satisfied herself with glowering at him.

Snow covered the ground in thick layers. The mansion was located deep in a forest, somewhere in northern Russia, and Dimitri had assured her that no one in their right minds would travel this far. They were completely isolated. She didn't know whether to be relieved or even more on edge.

She had slept fitfully the previous night, and had fought with Dimitri until he finally let her sleep alone. The next awakening she had been more civil toward him. There was no point in constantly arguing with him. It was exhausting, and she never got anywhere.

"It's beautiful, is it not?"

Skyler nearly jumped out of her skin. Whirling around, she saw Dimitri standing a few inches behind her. "Don't sneak up on me like that!" she huffed, kicking herself for not sensing his presence.

She thought she saw a hint of a smile grace his lips, but she might be wrong. The man seemed to be carved out of stone. "I apologize."

Turning her attention back to the forest, she said "didn't you say you had a wolf sanctuary here?" Skyler tried to sound casual, but it was clear that she was thoroughly interested.

"I do. Would you like to see them?" he inquired.

She turned around again, eyes lighting up. "I would love to." For a moment it seemed as if she had set aside her hostility.

"Follow me then." Dimitri walked in front of her, down the icy steps, making sure she didn't fall. After they were a few feet away from the house he mentally called them to him.

A very large pack of wolves came bounding over, seeming overjoyed to see their master. Skyler was filled with wonder as they went to jump near her; she did not fear them as most did. "They're so -- so --" She couldn't find the words to explain her joy at being so close to so many. "-- ACK!"

One had tackled her to the ground, and others surrounded her, sniffing her hair and clothes. They were curious about this new stranger. "Dimitri!!"

He actually laughed. The sound seemed foreign to both him and her. How long had it been since he last laughe? "They already like you." He needn't tell her they were harmless; Skyler already had a special connection with wildlife.

She sat up, tentatively patting one on his head, not wanting to alarm him. They were all varying shades of whites and grays. "I thought that Russian wolves were supposed to be more hostile toward humans," she mused aloud.

"That is only a myth. Besides, you aren't entirely human." The sight of her kneeling amongst the pack, smiling, warmed his heart. The two had something in common -- their love of wolves.

After a few minutes, he suggested they go inside. It had started to snow, and Skyler was shivering. To his surprise she agreed, and headed toward the porch.

Once inside Skyler slipped out of her dripping wet snow garments, wrapped herself in a blanket and sat on a soft couch. Her cheeks were pink, and her hair was still damp from the falling snow. She looked like an angel to him.

He brought her out a mug of warm tea, and she took it gratefully. She had not yet gone through the conversion, but her body could not handle solid foods. It was an awkward place to be.

"Dimitri..." Her eyes were downcast, and he sat beside her.

"What is it, Skyler?"

She bit her lip, holding the mug of tea close to her so she could warm up more. It was obvious she was hesitant to ask. "I've been trying to reach Gabriel, but...but he's blocked me." Skyler blinked back tears, ashamed she was so emotional right now.

Dimitri had been inside her mind, but did not want to reveal that to her just yet. "Perhaps he is protecting you from his emotions. He was quite upset," he said, trying to choose his words carefully. "Have you tried Francesca?"

"Yes! Even she has blocked me. I don't understand." A silent tear fell into the tea.

Dimitri put an arm around her to try and comfort her, but it was an awkward gesture. He was not yet used to close contact with others. "I am sure there is a reason for this. We'll figure it out; you do not need to fret." He brushed the damp locks of hair out of her eyes.

Skyler nodded, finally sipping the tea. There had to be an explanation. Surely they would not block her out of their lives, even if they did consider her a nuisance.

That morning, as Skyler lay asleep, Dimitri silently entered the room. He stood over her sleeping figure, obviously unsure of what he was about to do. But there was no other choice. If he didn't claim her soon, he might slip up when he fed, and both of their souls would be lost.

Leaning over her, he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. The ritual words came to him, and he whispered them to her. "You are my lifemate..."

A/N: Okay, just so you all know, there is a good reason why Gabriel and Francesca have blocked Skyler from their minds. That being said, I hope you enjoyed this chapter! There will be more action in the next one.