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 THREE:

Emilian Slovensky stepped out of the taxi cab and approached the log tavern lit up before him. The sky was dark with the night and after a long journey, he was eager to check-in and relax in his room. The trip from the United States was strenuous, and wore him out despite the fact that he had been sitting for most of the traveling. He shouldered his satchel, and readjusted his grip on his suitcase. He had left in a hurry, so the large compartment contained his only possessions including of a few changes of clothing, toiletries, his digital camera, recorder, his grandfather and uncle's notes in a tattered book, and his eight composition notebooks packed with information he had gathered throughout the last two years. He had long studied the existence of vampires and would now finally research the truth to the Carpathian myths and legends.

After he had learned that two of his relatives had gone missing almost a half of a century ago, he delved deeper into their mysterious disappearances. One phone call led to another until he learned that his uncle and great uncle were avid vampire hunters. Although Emilian had no wish to hunt and kill anyone, whether they were a vampire or not, he had a lingering desire and curiosity to capture one to observe it. He wanted to learn the truths to their strengths and weaknesses, if they truly needed blood to survive, whether they could tolerate the sunlight, and if they manifested as the undead without a heartbeat. Hell, even if they were capable of acting civilized and reasonable despite the horror of rumors and stories. He was unaware of how he would go about capturing one of the creatures, but he was sure that if he observed the village which was notorious for the rumors, he would discover clues to their existence and even perhaps their whereabouts. Tomorrow morning he would start with interviewing the citizens of the small town, and watch for any unusual behavior. As for now, he wanted nothing more than to crash on a large comfy bed in front of a TV.

He approached the front desk and a woman greeted him from behind the counter. She spoke in heavily accented English, "Good evening and welcome. Do you have reservation?"

"Yes, Emilian Slovensky," he dug through his satchel for an ID and his credit card.

"Slovensky?" She appeared puzzled and bewildered, but immediately composed herself.

"Yes," he answered nonchalantly.

The woman immediately straightened and leaned over the counter before she whispered, "Are you, by chance, relation to James or Eugene? The stories of their hunts are old, but rumored that they were taken and killed by the vampires," she admonished.

He found his necessary papers and handed them over. "I am related, although I'm not sure of why they disappeared. Are those stories really still in circulation? I would have thought they died down by now," he replied.

"This town is remote and we don't have commodities like you find in big cities nearby. Entertainment is hard to find," she laughed spuriously.

Emilian took a look around. The building was cozy with the decor of natural logs and pine throughout. A large fireplace in the entrance was crowded with others warming up and enjoying the few pleasures of staying up late without the noise of children present. There were few electronics and Emilian began to wonder if there would even be appliances in his room. Nonetheless, he took the key from the staff member and slung his bag over his shoulder before he ascended the stairs.

"What were you thinking? Must you insist on acting foolishly? Without care?" Nicholas reprimanded Mia as he finished weaving new safeguards at the cave's entrance. This time his spells were stronger and took much more time to converge. Mia watched inadvertently while attempting to keep her mind clear.

"I wasn't think-"

"You're right, you weren't," Lara cut her off. Mia sensed the increased tension in the air. She and her parents weren't about to have a discussion. They were preparing to attack her from both sides. She was left without an ally this time while her mother took her father's side, once again.

This is so unfair. Mia thought while they continued to verbally undermine her.

What ails you? I can sense your distress. It was Stefan.

Mia hadn't realized that she had thought aloud on their private channel. She immediately felt him caressing, smoothing away the aggravation from her face. It felt so real, as if his fingers were actually brushing along her cheeks and forehead.

My parents. I hate this. I'm going leave.

Don't do that. They can keep you safe right now. Stefan explained. He would have loved to have Mia to himself, but understood that he needed to gain her father's trust in order to court her. At the present, time with her would have to be the sacrifice made to be with her.

I don't need someone to keep me safe. I can do perfectly fine on my own. Who's side are you on, anyway?

Yours. Always. But for your safety first and foremost.

"Mia, are you listening to me?" Nicholas sat down across from his daughter. She had sat staring off into the distance only glancing up at him from time to time. He recognized that look. She was listening, but not to him.

"What?" Mia looked back at Nicholas. She tried not to let on that she had been ignoring him, but it was apparent in her thoughts when he touched her mind.

"You were talking with him, weren't you?"

"...Yes. Why is that so wrong?"

Nicholas fought down his anger and reached to take her hands into his. The simple action was calming in itself, and he observed her delicacy. Not too long ago, those fragile fingers were that of a small child and had clung to him because of her unconditional desire to be near him. She had loved him unreservedly and followed him wherever he chose to go. He was the one who would chase all of her fears and gave her hope and courage. She had trusted him in all things and now, she was so defiant. He despised the thought of her turning to another for her needs, and that her mate might not provide for her in the way he could. But, it was inevitable. His biggest contestation with her chosen was that Stefan was still yet a fledgling. An older and stronger Carpathian attached to his daughter would put Nicholas' worry to rest. He sighed and continued, "Mia, listen. He may not be your rightful lifemate. With so many of our kind close to crossing over to the dark side, you owe every Carpathian male the chance to test their compatibility."

She tore her hands from his and stood putting distance between them. "I don't want to allow any male a chance! I don't want a lifemate!" she yelled back.

Nicholas remained calm. "Well, love, what would you call Stefan?"

He watched his daughter scoff and glare at him through resentful eyes. "A friend. My very first one, no thanks to you, and now you're scaring him off," she shot back.

He sighed in frustration. He hated displeasing his daughter, but every day she was left unattached was a risk to her safety. The idea of a lifemate wasn't a pleasing one, yet he knew that she should be bound to ensure the safety of their people. Another soul saved from a dark impending doom, and his daughter would not be available for males to fight over.

"Mia, it is decided. Whether you consent to it or not, you will be bound on the anniversary of your eighteenth year."

"I hate you," she mumbled before she slouched off to a spot made for her in the earth to sleep. She slashed her hand through the air and the earth violently parted before her. Settling down in the hollow she commanded the soil to close and she slowed her breathing and heart rate. Before she fell into the deep slumber of her people, she reached out one last time to touch Stefan's mind. He was waiting for her and replied with his own gentle touch to ease her concern. As much as Mia hated to admit it, she craved his contact and pined to be next to him once again. She had no desire for a lifemate, but Stefan was turning out to be her only option at a friend.

After he sensed Mia enter the deep sleep of their people, Stefan prepared to go to the earth while he pondered over their increasing companionship. He had dedicated every delicate curve to memory and, often since their departure from one another, relived the vision of her beauty. Her sweetness was unrivaled by any female he had met and she was delicate like a budding flower in early spring. She was incredibly fragile and he desired no other than to protect her and keep her safe. He smiled at the thought of her sharing his space, tight in his arms and away from all that troubled her. He knew that she would not be able to resist the force between them. They were destined to be one, he was certain of it. With a wave of his hand, the soil parted and he lay down in the soothing earth.

Nicholas may not let him court her, but that didn't mean that Stefan couldn't hunt where they took Mia to hunt. He was aware that Lara was fond of the village and had envisioned it in Mia's mind. He would go there in the night and choose prey from that location. With a little luck, he may encounter the beautiful little Carpathian rebel meant for him.

When night had finally fallen once again, Mia followed her father closely as he led them toward the village where he and Lara usually hunted. After her disobedience, she was forbade to remain alone in the cave.

Well, it's not all that bad I suppose. At least I get to go out more often now, she thought as she flew high over the coniferous trees in the form of a snowy owl. The temperature was starting to drop and soon snow would cover the ground in a clean blanket of white. Mia loved the winter season and anticipated a generous fall of precipitation this year. She was eager to witness the beauty first hand.

Me too, a familiar voice merged with her. She smiled at the welcome contact, but hesitantly. She was still unsure about the prospect of a lifemate. When she remembered the loneliness of their separation, she reminded herself that a friend, on the other hand, was welcome at any cost.

And what is trouble up to this evening? she couldn't help but poke fun at him.

I don't quite know. You tell me. You're the one who seems to attract trouble as of late, little Mia. Stefan's teasing tone gave her butterflies deep in her stomach. She was aware of him in her mind, seeing the world below her through her eyes.

Maybe I'll see you around, he nudged her lightly.

Only if you can get past the great brute ahead of me, she indicated Nicholas. Normally, Mia would have taken advantage of her ability to become airborne with twirling and diving, but her mother was flying closely behind her fully merged with her father. Protection and supervision was twofold tonight.

Who says I have to get past him? I only have to deceive him. With a little help from his precarious daughter, of course.

What is that supposed to mean?! she shot back, offended.

There was a deep melodious chuckle. Well, you do like to take risks. Or that is my current knowledge of you, anyhow.

Ahead, Nicholas descended and sought cover under the heavy branches of the pines. He returned to his normal form while he waited for Mia and Lara.

Got to go. He'll know that I'm talking to you again. Mia said as she began her own descent.

Until next we meet, little Mia.

Once on the ground, she followed suit and gave her father a slight smile once she was herself again. He hadn't forbade her to cease all contact with Stefan, but he most definitely did not encourage it. But, in her mind, she wasn't committing any crime anyhow.

Emilian entered the lighted porch with a drink in his hand. He wasn't used to the atmosphere of the Carpathian mountains yet, but the air was still with some unnatural presence. To his knowledge, everything remained relatively calm, but tonight there was something paranormal permeating the usual relaxed atmosphere; Or maybe he had merely manifested the sensation. "Or," he mused aloud, "I am a lightweight and cannot hold my alcohol," he chuckled.

There were a few others conversing on the log structure, however no one took notice to his announcement. He continuously drained his glass and observed the tranquility surrounding him. After he had conversed with the residents of the tavern that day, he had gained plenty of valuable information. There was one suggestion, in particular, that interested him. It was rumored that a man by the name of Dubrinsky resided high in the mountains in a remote location. Supposedly, this man had been around when Emilian's family had lived in the area. If he could find a way up there, he might be able to personally question this Dubrinsky and further his investigations. It was a victorious day and he had decided to celebrate with a scotch before he returned to his room to map out the indicated whereabouts. Whether he found a driver or had to travel on foot, he was going to get some answers.

Overhead, a few snowy owls were flying about and appeared eerily beautiful in the night air. He watched as they swooped in and disappeared into the coverage of pines. Feeling adventurous, he decided to step down and indulge himself in the beauty of nature. After all, what was the worst that could happen to him. A vampire may appear?

Nicholas walked closely in tow while Lara led the way. Mia was walking between the two of them, but appeared to be enjoying herself despite her constant supervision. He suspected that she had been conversing with the one who sought her, but let it be at rest. He was in no mood for confrontations that night and desired no more than to feed, and get his family back safely. The thought did occur to him that, perhaps, he had been a little hard on her. He knew he should allow her more freedom, especially since she would soon be without his constant presence. Tonight, after a heated internal debate, he would allow her to hunt independently. After all, it was a skill she should become used to in the event she were separated from he or her future lifemate for any length of time.

Nicholas took a deep breath and reached out to her, Daughter. I believe it is time that you hunt on your own this night.

Are you teasing me? Nicholas felt the light flutter as she assessed the parts of his mind he shared openly with her.

Of course not. It is a natural instinct to our race and I would be at ease should you familiarize yourself with it.

Oh! Thank you father! I will not let you down! Mia ran and threw her arms around his neck as he chuckled lightly. He relished in the feeling of her small delicate figure close to him, and held her secure.

My Mia. When is it that you stopped being so little? he breathed in her hair. Hair like his. Eventually, she slid away from him and they continued on their path toward the small civilization ahead.

The lights of the tavern glowed in the distance and Mia could easily hear the chatter of the people within the confines of the tourist's oasis. She was enthusiastic to try her hand at hunting; She had always been supplied by her father or mother's wrist for her needs. This time, however, she would feed on hot human blood straight from the vein.

Do you remember how to employ your compulsive powers? Should your focus wane, a human could detect and even remember the encounter, Nicholas lectured. He worried for Mia's first time. If she were to forget any part of the process, she could place herself in immediate danger. Humans were just as dangerous as any predator, if not more so. Many times their kind had been hunted and murdered violently by humans. He almost decided to accompany her, but fought down his protective behavior. She really needed to do this on her own, and he would keep her close by just in case she were to encounter trouble. And hopefully, this small amount of freedom would satisfy her yearnings for independence.

Please. You worry too much. Mia couldn't help but tease her father. She needed something to lighten his mood and take him away from his suspicions over her and Stefan.

Never, when it comes to my precious daughter, his reply was laced with affection and Mia couldn't help but brush up against his side lovingly.

She said, Father, I can assure you, I'll be alright. Besides, you'll be there the whole time to swoop in and save the day should I fail. Right?

Always. Nicholas smiled down at her before he squeezed her slender shoulders and planted a kiss in her flowing ebony hair.

It was so easy to love her father when he was like this. Why couldn't he be this way all of the time? Mia could feel her anger slipping away and realized that he cared about her more than anything in the world, but she could nonetheless deny the truth about the urge to run independently. To be wild and free. The last thing on her mind was to disobey him or trample his feelings in any way, but the temptation of liberty was a duress she could not resist.

Ahead, Nicholas led them to a spot within the trees where he and Lara could call a group to them. We'll feed here and wait for you. Do not wander far and I want your contact immediately should any problems arise. And, you must leave your mind open so that I may communicate often.

Agreed.

Stay close, Mia. I mean it.

I will. Don't worry. Mia had already started off excitedly toward the warm glow of lights. The frozen ground beneath her was hard, but she ambled over the solid roots and rocks quietly and gracefully. She was careful not to make any noise and when she emerged from the trees, she approached the large tavern. It was full of life and music. There were humans everywhere and Mia could feel the eyes of the males on her causing her to suddenly feel uncomfortable. Seeking their minds she was able to discern their intentions should she give them the chance.

Do not. Stefan growled low in her mind. She could feel his jealous rage as it clouded her thoughts and caused her to glare murderously.

She shook her head of his influence. Don't. I'm not used to your overflow of emotion yet. I don't want to scare anyone off before I've even had the chance to feed.

I shall hunt for you and supply you with your need.

No! She had just been privileged her right to hunt from her father, and she would be damned if that right was coveted by another instead.

Fine. Then I will hunt with you, and no males for you. Only prey on females.

Before she could respond, Mia immediately felt a light tap on her right shoulder and turned to find Stefan before her. He was dressed like one of the humans with a red woolen cap hugging his black locks, a black and worn form fitting leather jacket over brick red hooded sweatshirt, washed out jeans, and brown hiking shoes. His features were handsome in the shine emitted from the lanterns, and Mia melted at his attractiveness.

"You're even more lovely when you are fully clothed and not in that angelic white gown you usually converge. I especially enjoy the fur," he indicated her fur rimmed bomber hat. She had chosen jeans and hiking boots as well, but she wore a white wind breaker emphasizing her growing womanly curves.

"I didn't detect you in the area," she started but already knew the answer. Her father had attempted to teach her the same trick of keeping her mind in thoughts similar to a human. It would be useful should a vampire ever seek her out in a crowded region. How he was able to mask his power, however, Mia was completely oblivious. Stefan simply smiled at her knowingly before he casually rested an arm across her shoulders, and led her into the building. It was a warning to all of the hungry male eyes which quickly were averted. He was making a claim whether his action was formal or not.

"How would you like to run with me tonight? Let's make quick on feeding and run with the wolves. It's a sensation like no other," he offered.

Mia contemplated his offer. She had heard of Jacques and how close he was to the packs of wolves in the region. Could it be that he had included his son in this activity? She swooned at the idea of running free and careless with a pack of wild animals. To be as one of them.

"What about my father?" she worried aloud.

Stefan sighed. If he proceeded with his offering, Nicholas would come to hate him. But, he pondered over Mia safety. More than likely, Jacques would be with them tonight and, with luck, his mother who could talk with Lara to assure her that her daughter was completely safe. Nothing would happen to Mia with Stefan there and his father and mother would be an added bonus.

"He'll be furious, but maybe I can get my mother to talk to them. She was of great aide during your mother's pregnancy, to my memory."

"Your mother was? Was she there when I was born? Were you?" She stared up at him excitedly with hopes that there was more to their connection than the sizzling chemistry buzzing between them.

Stefan chuckled, "Of course I wasn't present. It was a ceremony for women only. I was not allowed. But I was there when you were named at the naming ceremony. I knew there was something special about you once I looked into your beautiful curious eyes, but I couldn't discern what those feelings were. Anyhow, time grows short. Do we run or stay?"

Mia thought carefully before she grinned and answered, "We run."

"Okay, let's go somewhere indiscreet so that we may feed. I will call some prey to us,"

"No. Let me try," Mia pleaded. She wanted to test her powers and learn to develop them.

"Alright, but only if you allow me to merge with your mind," Stefan amended.

Mia shrugged underneath the arm resting heavily on her shoulders. She would normally dispute an offer as such, but something about Stefan's reassuring mind touch gave her confidence. She did, however, worry about having to keep her mind open to her father. "And if my father were to come seeking into my thoughts and find you there?"

"Then he will have the added assurance that his beloved daughter is thoroughly protected this night," Stefan said while he pulled her closer, closing any gap.

"You're incorrigible," she huffed, and blew stray strands of hair from her face. Stefan laughed out loud, a deep melodic sound. Just like Mia, the women outside were forced to look up, searching for the virile source. She couldn't help but feel possessive at their reactions and her own arm wound around his waist of its own accord. "Very well," she replied before he led her back out into the night.