DARK ANGEL

by Hanazawa Freya

Wolfram von Bielefeld was sent to Earth by Shinou to eradicate the Carpathians, said to bring calamity to ShinMakoku. Mikhail, The Prince of the Carpathian Race, after a thousands found his lifemate - in the form of a male named Wolfram. The Maou, Shibuya Yuuri, furious at the deception and secrecy is all set to bring back his 'ex-fiancé' home. All three intertwined by fate.

4. Chapter 4

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Chapter 4

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"I love you as certain dark things are to be loved,

in secret, between the shadow and the soul."

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The Carpathian Prince

The Demon Prince

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The night was black, the moon and stars blotted out by ominous swirling clouds gathering overhead. Threads of shiny black obsidian spun and whirled in a kind of fury, yet the wind was still. Small animals huddled in their dens, beneath rocks and fallen logs, scenting the mood of the land.

Mists floated eerily out of the forest, clinging to the tree trunks so that they seemed to rise up out the fog. Long, wide bands of shimmering white.

Swirling prisms of glittering opaque colors.

Gliding across the sky, weaving in and out of the overhead canopy, a large owl circled the great stone house built into the high cliffs. A second owl, then a third appeared, silently making lazy circles above the branches and the rambling house. A lone wolf, quite large, with a shaggy black coat and glittering eyes, loped out of the trees into the clearing.

Out of the darkness, on the balcony of the rock house, a figure glided forward, looking out into the night. He opened his arms wide in a welcoming gesture. At once the wind began to move, a soft, gentle breeze. Insects took up their nightly chorus.

Branches swayed and danced.

The mist thickened and shimmered, forming many figures in the eerie night. The owls settled, one on the ground, two on the balcony railing, shape- shifting as they did, the feathers melting into skin, wings expanding into arms. The wolf was contorting even as it leaped onto the porch, shifting easily on the run so that a man landed, solid and whole.

'Welcome.'

The voice was beautiful, melodious, a sorcerer's weapon.

Vlad Sergeievich, Prince of the Carpathian people, watched in sorrow as his loyal kindred materialized from the mist, from the raptors and wolves, into strong, handsome warriors.

Fighters every one.

Loyal men.

True.

Selfless.

These were his volunteers.

These were the men he was sending to their death…

He was sentencing each of them to centuries of unbearable loneliness, of unrelenting bleakness. They would live out their long lives until each moment was beyond endurance. They would be far from home, far from their kin, far from the soothing, healing soil of their homeland. They would know no hope, have nothing but their honor to aid them in the coming centuries.

His heart was so heavy; Vlad thought it would break in two.

Warmth seeped into the cold of his body, and he felt her stirring in his mind.

Sarasa. His lifemate.

Of course she would share this moment, his darkest hour, as he sent these young men to their horrendous fate.

They gathered around him, silent, their faces serious—good faces, handsome, sensual, strong… his Carpathian children.

The unblinking, steady eyes of confident men, men who were tried and true, men who had seen hundreds of battles. So many of his best. The wrenching in Vlad's body was physical, a fierce burning in his heart and soul. Deep.

Pitiless.

These men deserved so much more than the ugly life he must give them. He took a breath, let it out slowly. He had the great and terrible gift of precognition. He saw the desperate plight of his people. He had no real choice and could only trust in God to be merciful as he could not afford to be.

'I thank all of you. You have not been commanded but have come voluntarily, the guardians of our people. Each of you has made the choice to give up your chance at life to ensure that our people are safe, that other species in the world are safe. You humble me with your generosity, and I am honoured to call you my brethren, my kin.'

There was complete silence.

The Prince's sorrow weighed like a stone in his heart, and, sharing his mind, the warriors caught a glimpse of the enormity of his pain. The wind moved gently through the crowd, ruffled hair with the touch of a father's hand, gently, lovingly, brushed a shoulder, an arm.

His voice, when it came again, was achingly beautiful.

'I have seen the fall of our people. Our women grow fewer. We do not know why female children are not born to our couples, but fewer are conceived than ever before, and even fewer live. It is becoming much more difficult to keep our children alive, male or female. The scarcity of our women has grown to crisis point. Our males are turning vampire, and the evil is spreading across the land faster than our hunters can keep up. Before, in lands far from us, the Lycanthroscope and the Jaguar race were strong enough to keep these monsters under control, but their numbers have dwindled and they cannot stem the tide. Our world is changing, and we must meet the new problems head on.'

He stopped, once again looking over their faces.

Loyalty and honour ran deep in their blood.

He knew each of them by name, knew each of their strengths and weaknesses.

They should have been the future of his species, but he was sending them to walk a solitary path of unrelenting hardship.

'All of you must know these things I am about to tell you. Each of you weighs your decision one last time before you are assigned a land to guard. Where you are going there are none of our women. Your lives will consist of hunting and destroying the vampire in the lands where I send you. There will be none of your countrymen to aid you, to be companions, other than those I send with you. There will be no healing Carpathian soil to offer comfort when you are wounded in your battles. Each kill will bring you closer to the edge of the worst possible fate. The demon within will rage and fight you for control. You will be obliged to hang on as long as you are able, and then, before it is too late, before the demon finds and claims you, you must terminate your life. Plagues and hardships will sweep these lands, wars are inevitable, and I have seen my own death and the death of our women and children. The death of mortals and immortals alike.'

That brought the first stirring among the men, a protest unspoken but rather of the mind, a collective objection that swept through their linked minds.

Vlad held up his hand.

'There will be much sorrow before our time is finished. Those coming after us will be without hope, without the knowledge, even, of what our world has been and what a lifemate is to us. Theirs will be a much more difficult existence. We must do all that we can to ensure that mortals and immortals alike are as safe as possible.' His eyes moved over their faces, settled on two that looked alike.

Lucian and Gabriel Daratrazanoff.

Twins.

Names spoken in fear and awe.

Children of his own second in command.

Powerful and predators.

Already they were working tirelessly to remove all that was evil from their world.

'I knew that you would volunteer. The danger to our homeland and our people is as great as the danger to the outside world. I must ask that you stay here where the fight will be brother against brother and friend against friend. Without you to guard our people, we will fall. You must stay here, in these lands, and guard our soil until such time as you perceive you are needed elsewhere.'

Neither twin attempted to argue with the Prince. His word was law, and it was a measure of his people's respect and love that they obeyed him without question. Lucian and Gabriel exchanged one long look. If they spoke on their private mental path, they didn't share their thoughts with any other. They simply nodded their heads in unison, in agreement with their Prince's decision.

Vlad sighs and with a heavy heart continued.

The look of sadness and pain is visible that his lifemate touch his mind once again. He felt the love and courage and the touch of compassion.

'Our enemy goes strong and I fear that this isn't just Vampires. A fear that I foresaw but wouldn't imagine to happen. My children, I want each one of you to harness your skills and redo all your safeguards. Our enemy might not be our brothers who seek the darkness but also our former comrades who are skilled in Magic and Spells. The Earth have spoken. Mages have been using the Earth to control the forbidden. Mages have conspired to ruin us – for the sake of immortality. For the sake of longevity that we have.'

Vlad close his eyes.

Longevity.

For the sake of that so-called immortality their best of allies betrayed them.

Carpathians live many times longer than humans. The maximum lifespan is unknown, but several have lived to the age of 2000 years or more. In addition to living longer than humans do, Carpathians age much more slowly. In their childhood, they age roughly at the same rate as humans, but once they reach physical adulthood, their aging process slows dramatically, and they maintain their physical peaks for centuries.

Just like him.

He may be more than thousand years of old, ancient and of the 2nd race but his appearance remain that of a handsome man of thirty.

The Prince turned, his black eyes piercing, probing, and searching the hearts and minds of his warriors.

'In the jungles and forests of far off lands the great Jaguar race have begun to decline. The Jaguar are a powerful people with many gifts, great psychic talents, but they are solitary creatures. The men find and mate with the women then leave them and the young to fend for themselves. The Jaguar men are secretive, refusing to come out of the jungles and mingle with humans. They prefer that the superstitious revere them as deities. The women have naturally turned to those who would love them and care for them, see them as the treasures they are. They have, for some time, been mating with human men and living as humans. Their bloodlines have been weakened; fewer and fewer exist in their true form. Within a hundred years, perhaps two hundred, this race will cease to exist. They lose their women because they know not what is precious and important. We have lost ours through nature itself.' The black eyes moved over to five handsome warriors, formidable and whose father had fought beside the Prince for centuries and had died at the hands of a master vampire.

The five Carpathians known to have their own strong bond with each other to fight the darkness. To maintain balance on each other when the call is strong and wild. The warriors were tall and straight with wide shoulders and flowing black hair. A true and relentless hunters, one of so many he would be sentencing to an ugly existence this night. These fighters had been proven many times over in battle, was loyal and unswerving in their duties. Vlad sighed heavily and forced himself to give the orders. He leaned respectfully toward the warriors he was addressing, but spoke loudly enough for all to hear.

'The five of you will go to this land and rid the world of the monsters our males have chosen to become. You must avoid all confrontation with the Jaguar. Their species, as ours must, will either find a way to join the world or become extinct like so many others before us. You will not engage them in battle. Leave them to their own devices. Avoid the werewolf as best you can. They are, like us, struggling to survive in a changing world. I give you my blessing, the love and thanks of our people, and may God go with you into the night, into your new land. You must embrace this land, make it your own, make it your home.'

A deafening silence.

The other warriors knew these five strong men.

A friend.

A childhood playmate.

Now must go into land far away from home.

Vlad continued on… the task he sent this men out tore his heart and soul.

For the balance. For peace. A sacrifice must be made.

He have chosen his warriors. To travel in parts of the world to rid of evil… and at the same time maintain their honor as a Carpathian.

'After I have gone, my son will take my place, my youngest son Mikhail inherits the blood bond of all Carpathians. He will be young and inexperienced, and he will find it difficult to rule our people in troubled times. I will not tell him of those I have sent out into the world as guardians. He cannot rely on those much older than he. He must have complete faith in his ability to guide our people on his own. Remember who you are and what you are: Guardians of our people. You stand, the last line of defense to keep innocent blood from being spilled.'

Vlad looked directly into the gaze of the young warriors… his chosen warriors to travel to parts of the world.

To defend the innocents.

'Do all of you take this task of your own free will? All of you must decide. None will think the less of any who wish to remain. The war here will also be long and difficult.'

The warriors' eyes were steady on the Prince. Slowly without looking at each other – they nodded acceptance of their fate. In that moment all their lives was changed for all time. They would live in a foreign land without the hope of love, family, and friends. Without emotion or color, without light to illuminate the unrelenting darkness. They would never know a lifemate, but would spend their entire existence hunting and destroying the undead.

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"I crave your mouth, your voice, your hair.

Silent and starving, I prowl through the streets.

Bread does not nourish me, dawn disrupts me, all day

I hunt for the liquid measure of your steps.

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I hunger for your sleek laugh,

your hands the color of a savage harvest,

hunger for the pale stones of your fingernails,

I want to eat your skin like a whole almond.

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I want to eat the sunbeam flaring in your lovely body,

the sovereign nose of your arrogant face,

I want to eat the fleeting shade of your lashes,

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and I pace around hungry, sniffing the twilight,

hunting for you, for your hot heart,

Like a puma in the barrens of Quitratue."

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Ţara Bârsei ~ Dumbrăviţa

Transylvania, Romania

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The Burzenland is a historic and ethnographic area in southeastern Transylvania, Romania with a mixed population of German, Romanian and Hungarian. It has astounding towns, rich in culture and myths. One of the famous town is Dumbrăviţa, a commune in Braşov County, Romania. It is composed of two villages, Dumbrăviţa and Vlădeni.

From his early memories, the villagers are honest to goodness people, who have camaraderie and work as their best assets.

People who had only one thing on their mind – to live and to survive.

Mikhail stares at the surroundings.

Black smoke rose from the houses that burnt, trees and mangled bodies of animals and humans scattered – he sees them across the dark shadows – women, children crying.

Their anguish cries peers his soul. Its as if those cries have somewhat materialize inside his heart and made a thumping sound.

Cries so endlessly dreadful.

Another senseless attack of the undead.

He looks and felt for the very first time in a hundred of centuries – he felt emotion.

Emotions that have eluded him and made him lost all hope.

He felt the pain, the suffering, the sadness in each mourning humans.

Whereas before, with the same scenery all he can felt was nothing.

A void of emptiness – as each Carpathian would felt without their light.

A Light that is hard to find and a Light, which hold their sanity and their essence of living.

It didn't matter before where, or which country, the scenes was always the same – and over the dark years he sees them with the eyes of a dark prince. A prince of the Carpathian without emotions, without feelings… without color.

Blood and death were stamped into his very bones, into his soul.

It was carved since the day he was born.

The ruthlessness.

The coldness.

He was the night.

The predator of the past and present and future of this world.

He walks upon the Earth to destroy the undead… his comrades who turn to the darkness.

Beloved friends and families who had reach their limit and instead of going to meet the dawn, chooses to live in frenzied craze… a life of the Undead… The Vampires.

He sees to the task with no emotion – and each kill – each death within each century turn him more and more into the darkness.

His father – Vlad have been there for all times. He was a supreme ruler with his lifemate. Both ruled with strength and power and love for their children.

Love that sustain them, gave them hope and assurance.

But every side of the coin all altogether stories of love lost and demons of a beast.

Vlad Sergeievich, Prince of the Carpathian people – ordered his warriors to roam the Earth to destroy the undead.

The De La Cruz brothers in the heart of South East Asia, where they resides in the heart of Borneo. Borneo is home to one of the oldest rainforests in the world, along with the Daintree Rainforest in Australia and the Amazon rainforest. The Borneo rainforest is 130 million years old, making it the oldest rainforest in the world and 70 million years older than the Amazon rainforest. Borneo is very rich in biodiversity compared to many other areas and here the De La Cruz brothers and their lifemates resides and protecting the vast South East Asia for the undead and the Jaguar gone rogue.

The Daratrazanoff are appointed to Europe. Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting the Black and Aegean Seas. Europe is the world's second-smallest continent by surface area and for the Dark Daratrazanoff, formidable and deadly the undead sure is hiding very well.

The Dark Daratrazanoff is one of the best ally and most trusted of the Sergeievichs. They have form their allies and pact long before everything seem to exist.

And currently the youngest of the Dark Daratrazanoff, Dimitri is the second in command, best friend and most trusted friend of the Prince of the Carpathians, Mikhail Sergeievich.

Dimitri – the Dark One.

The bogeyman of the Carpathian Race, it was said that if you see Dimitri walks the Earth one must hide, every path he walks darkens and trembles the Earth shook from his enormous power, never look into his eyes, you will freeze to death.

But Dimitri is also the most gifted Healer in the Carpathian Race. His voice can soothe the ache, the pain and the lost even that of a soul floating away to the Dark Shadows.

Many of the Carpathian Warriors were sent out for the task of destroying the Undead.

The famous Undead Clan - The Shadow Keepers.

A rare in Carpathian Race, but the clan followed suit their craze father of the destroying the Earth and succumbs to darkness. Their Father Lord Primus fought his Father Vlad and both died. Their mother Sarasa, followed suit. For a lifemate cannot live without the other.

The war is still on with their sons: Uno, Secundo, Tertia, Quartre, Quintus, Sextus and Septimus.

They have walked the path of darkness and condemn their soul for all eternity.

Darkness.

All Carpathian fear that – males of his species are dying and are very much in the brick of madness without the light of their lifemate.

Lifemate.

Some humans claim they have bonded with their husbands and wife for all eternity – but none of them is as true as a Carpathian Lifemates.

The bond between lifemates is much stronger and different than that of humans.

Carpathians mate for life.

This is because males and females are different in nature; while the females are filled with compassion and light, the males are filled with an inner darkness, capable of great violence. After 200 years, all male Carpathian lose the ability to feel emotions, sexual desire, and the ability to see in color.

As a result, the darkness slowly spreads and consumes their souls. At this time, the only thing they feel is the thrill when they are about to make a kill. The only way their emotions are returned to them is when a male finds his lifemate, the 'light' to his darkness, the other half of his soul.

Once lifemates find one another, the male recites the bonding words.

Once this is made, it cannot be undone. And no sane Carpathian male will ever undo the bond.

They must touch minds and share their bodies often…

He smiles and touches his lips.

Wolfram.

A young man that set his soul afire.

All change because of one little spit fire.

The darkness fades away and has given him life, light and hope.

He can feel emotions. Swirling of emotions he had never felt – long forgotten in the centuries he had live.

He had first heard the voice.

A voice that softly soothes his soul.

A melodious voice, yet he couldn't understand the words.

It sounds irritated and at the same time childish, which he finds adorable and for the life of him – he has no idea why it is so. But the reaction of his body is far from childish. He followed the voice and what he saw will forever be etch from his mind.

He stared down from the cliff.

There bathing in the moonlight, skin so white – ivory, hair so brilliant, like that of the sun's ray in his early childhood memories – golden yellow… he stared and he was in a mind- numbing shock.

It was nearly one thousand and seven hundred years since Mikhail had seen color or felt emotion. Now, in the blink of an eye, staring at the slender creature whose body is as naked as the day they he was born, everything changed.

Time seemed to slow down so that every detail was carved in his mind. The way the leaves on the trees glittered with a silvery sheen, the colors of earth and hay. He saw the silvery tones to the water as it shimmered from the moon's moonlight.

The breath slammed out of his lungs and he stood quite still, a part of the mountain he was standing on, frozen for the first time in all of his existence.

He saw the nymph's sun kissed blonde hair. Amidst the droplets of waters seems to have their own life… the slender hands that raise up on the sky and that voice… so dulcet… like a silver and gold notes… he heard him sings…

A voice so sad, so haunting that it penetrates a thousand of feelings in his soul.

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ame ni nureta hoho wa

namida no nioi ga shita

yasashii manazashi no

tabibito…

The faint scent of tears

On my rain soaked cheeks

The warm look on the face

Of travelers…

shizuka ni hibiiteru

natsukashii ongaku

omoidasenai kioku

samayou…

The music from our childhood

Faintly echoes in the background

The memories I hopelessly try to remember

Wander aimlessly…

yume wa tobitatsu no chiisana tsubasa de

omoi no kienai basho made

futari de

tooi umi wo sora wo koete

But with these tiny wings, launched by my dreams

Over distant oceans and skies

We'll soar together

To a place where memories never fade

kurai yoru no naka de

watashi wo terashiteru

yasashii manazashi no

anata ni

aitai...

You light up the way for me

In the darkness of night

Oh, that warm look

On your face

I miss you so much…

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He felt a hot liquid slide from his cheek… he touches it and was amazed to see ruby red blood.

A tear.

His tears.

Thousand of years since he ever cried – or did he ever shed a tear?

Yet here he was, standing and looking at the creature, singing softly with that soft sad song of his…

The song fierce his heart with sadness and loneliness, its as if the words he sing has its own life.

The words sprang so many emotions and turbulent fascination.

Colors.

Emotions.

Light.

He had found his light.

His lifemate.

Wolfram.

A beautiful man name Wolfram von Bielefeld changed his life… for eternity.

He sees colors – variants of them, in all their glorious radiant. He feels – all emotions.

He can feel the love of his brothers to their lifemates…

It was all thanks to his lifemate…

A lifemate of different origin and a different gender.

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And because of his lifemate, he can feel the mourning, the sadness of the people crying their soul amidst the dark carnage spread around him.

'Brother…' Stefan emerged from the night and stand besides him from the shadows. 'Another attack. Senseless and arrogant. The vampires are now conspiring with the Mages.'

'It seems Septimus and his brothers are getting bolder by each century,' he said icily.

Stefan grimaced. Mikhail may be the youngest brother but he is the most dangerous of them all. Thousand of years without a lifemate and nearing his end. It turns even the most respected Carpathian into a ruthless monster. He grimaced once more when that lifemate turns out a man. Maybe there's some conspiracy in this.

Septimus, the Seventh Son of A Seventh Son of the Master Vampire. Once a friend, beautiful, courageous and brave now deceitful, cunning and walks the Earth as the harbinger of Death.

'Mikhail…'

'I have been his best friend and rival. Long before forgotten memories now resurface.'

'This man – this Wolfram cannot be your lifemate.'

'I have seen colors and felt emotions-'

'There has been a mistake-'

The earth suddenly rumbles, shakes in tremors. The air suddenly grew thick and a roar of a beast can be heard. The women and children in the village shivers at the icy coldness suddenly felt amidst the burning inferno of the burning houses.

Stefan felt the beast within his brother.

Raging.

Angry.

Furious.

'Do not question me Stefan. You are my elder brother but my lifemate is no concern of yours. Wolfram is mine.'

Stefan narrows his eyes and was to about to retaliate when out of the night sky a beautiful white owl descends and slowly takes the shape of a man.

The newcomer's eyebrows went up, and he leaned close to Stefan. 'The last time someone got Mikhail seriously angry, it was not a pretty sight. I do not wish to attempt to replace the major organs in your body, so go take a walk and cool off.' The voice was beautiful, with a singsong cadence—compelling, soothing even, yet it clearly commanded. It was a voice so hypnotic, so mesmerizing, even those of their kind were drawn into its power.

'Dimitri.'

'Mikhail.'

Silence.

Dimitri chooses his words wisely.

He had heard of the news.

Of Mikhail and his lifemate… A lifemate not meant to be.

Stefan only disclosed the information to him and the Prince's brothers and their lifemates.

'The Undead killed most of the livestock's and the men, I don't know their new tactics is, but living children and women were never their style. They kill at all cost, not leaving life alive.'

'The Undead?' Dimitri inquires.

'Heart burnt by me. Septimus has puppets.'

Dimitri hissed, 'Stefan was here! He should be the one doing the killing. You are the Prince and supposed to be guarded.'

Mikhail raised his eyebrow and grin evilly. 'I don't sit by and watch from the sidelines.'

'That should be what you have been doing!' His cold blue eyes gaze slid over Mikhail.

'Do not look at me like that!' Mikhail snapped and Dimitri suddenly raised his hands and felt the pain in Mikhail's side.

'You were hurt.'

'Minor scratches'

Dimitri's jaw tighten and just like the Healer he was, he dissolves his body and enters Mikhail's body as a white light of healing.

All Carpathians can heal themselves by dissolving from their body and mending the cut. They also can heal other people the same way, though many can only heal minor wounds – only people born healer can heal mortal or serious wounds quickly.

Dimitri came back to his body and look at Mikhail with severe vehemence of disapproval.

'What would you have me do? Stand by and watch my brother who risked his life for me die?'

'Yes,' Dimitri answered icily. 'That is what I would have you do. I would not expect it of you, but yes, I would prefer it. One of these days, you are not going to survive these continual attacks on you. If you cannot think of yourself, perhaps you might think what would happen to your people.' His voice was mild as he delivered what was definitely a reprimand.

'Enough. I would not have you say things to me. Our warriors should not die because of me-'

'Then I will remind them to die for you. You are the Prince. The strong bond that tie us all together. You are the vessel that holds all Carpathians as one. Without you the Carpathian Race will die.'

Mikhail chooses silence. When it comes to protecting him – Dimitri cannot be swayed. His life was always place above others.

They walked in silence, away from the carnage. There is nothing that can be done, Septimus was no where in sight and made his followers do the dirty job.

It was hard fighting a Master Vampire, so is Septimus. He is the seventh son but with great power as well.

Dimitri broke the silence.

'What is his name?'

Mikhail doesn't need to inquire more to what Dimitri was asking of him, 'Wolfram. Wolfram von Bielefeld.'

'Are you sure?'

'I see colors and felt emotions…' and then Mikhail let out a breath and look at his friend for a thousand of years and grins, 'I feel it Dimitri. I can see clearly just like the old days… I can feel it, I can remember it. The day we all laugh when you tried to shapeshift and ended up with a half of the wolf's body and-'

'Okay. I got the picture.'

Mikhail grins widely. Dimitri may be called the Dark One. The Bogeyman of the Carpathian Race but few have known those childhood memories when – the Dark One was used to be a child. A child full of laughter and pride.

'I am speechless Mikhail. I really am. There is neither explanation nor sense in this situation,' Dimitri looks at his friend, their Prince. Smiling.

When was the last time Mikhail smile?

Even go for a joke?

Thousand of pass years, when they were still all but a fledgling.

But one must think about the situation more seriously. If this was another Carpathian – he would have no say about it, but this is Mikhail. Their Prince.

The soul that binds all Carpathians together.

'But this cannot go on.'

'What do you mean?'

'By the Gods Mikhail! How can you be so calm about it? When I heard the news I thought you'll go berserk and contact me. I have heard the news from your brothers. Stefan was frantic and his voice was hard and full of disdain. The other were quiet and hasn't raises their opinions yet. But I know those two wont be satisfied.'

'I am satisfied. More like, I am very content.'

'Your lifemate is a man.'

'I know.'

Dimitri didn't argue with that.

Mikhail was being different.

This is not what he thought supposed to find. Mikhail was their leader, the Prince of the people, the one who hold the blood bond of all the Carpathian Race. At a young age, before he lost his colors he swore to bring prosperity and peace to their nation.

They are of a dying race.

Carpathians are on the edge of extinction.

There have been few children born to them in the past few centuries; those that have been born are all male and often die in the first year. It has been more than 500 years since a female has been born. Without females, the males are left with a stark choice, greet the dawn or become vampires, the undead, the monsters of human legend.

And it is sad and forlorn to know that some have embraces the darkness and become the very thing they hunted.

Mikhail was adamant that they all find their lifemates – seek every corner of the globe. Find each jungles, nations, communities, and urban and rural areas – high and low – whether it by land or by the sea – he wanted for each Carpathian to search for their lifemates and continue to grow to reproduce.

500 years… 500 years since a female was born.

And now this.

A male lifemate.

A union never before encountered.

He walks silently with Mikhail.

He wanted to know what his best friend is feeling.

Mikhail is the Prince and responsible for the continuation of the Race of the Carpathians.

To make it simple.

Mikhail needs to reproduce. He is the son of Vlad Sergeievich and being the Prince who holds the blood bond – he needs to continue the line and reproduce.

His heir may be the next blood bond.

But having a male lifemate… means the end of the line for the Prince – for Mikhail.

But then, there is another means.

'Mikhail, if you are sure this person-'

'Wolfram'

'Yes, this Wolfram is your lifemate. He is a male and you are the Prince of the Carpathian. You need to reproduce-'

The earth shook angrily, a clap of thunder and a streak of angry white light forms in the sky ~ a sign of annoyance from the Prince. Dimitri stops walking and glance at Mikhail.

Mikhail looks at him with an icy stare… so cold that one might die of fright.

'Are you suggesting I bed a woman?'

'This is not a suggestion Mikhail. This is a must.'

A roar broke out and Dimitri suddenly find himself flung to the nearest tree, Mikhail's sharp hands grip his throat. Fangs exploded in his mouth and his eyes bloody red burned savagely.

'You are saying I cheat my lifemate.'

Dimitri stared at Mikhail. Never have before he seen Mikhail so out of control, like a beast. He felt the demon raising its head, the roaring, the bestial reaction beneath the thin veneer of civility Mikhail had worked so hard at achieving.

'It is not cheating-'

'Wolfram and me are none of your concern Dimitri. Your concern is to find the Master Vampires and to destroy anything threatening our extinction. Lifemate are for eternity. For life. I will excuse your audacity today but it will not be forgiven next I heard it be said once more. You may be my best friend for centuries and my second in command but nothing will ever come between me and Wolfram… not even you - not even to produce our long time dream of females... nothing can come between,' Mikhail said in an icy whisper and snap his fangs to Dimitri.

Mikhail let Dimitri go and suddenly shape shift into mist and vanished in an instant.

.

.

.

Dimitri sighs and touches his neck, Mikhail was making a point, he raised his hand and saw blood.

They are facing major extinction of their race, and yet once more another problem surfaces… and a problem not easily handled especially that concerns the lifemate of the Prince.

He knows his grave injury – insult on what he had suggest. Because Lifemates don't cheat one another, both are tied by bonds so strong and powerful.

Lifemate are above anything. They are nothing compared to a human union. It is for life… and the ritual is binding. So powerful that even death cant separate them.

Once the ritual of binding is said and the blood unites – the two souls would be united… forever... for all eternity.

.

.

Mikhail surge the sky in the form of predator – a mean looking falcon.

He doesn't want to argue with Dimitri, all of them are wrong.

Wolfram is his and no one, not even his brothers can separate them.

Wolfram brought light in his darkness.

He had roam the Earth for more than a thousand years of sorrow, despair and loneliness.

The only memories that sustain his sanity were his brothers who share them with him. It was actually a lost hope. He was never to find the one that will bring him light and love.

But then he came, his angel… his little one.

Both fire and ice at the same time…

But he can feel much more, those cold furious eyes held so much passion and sadness.

He wasn't able to read his lifemate's mind, which is a first. He is the Carpathian Prince and with that comes ultimate power. He can read minds and their thoughts, even the Jaguar and Lycanthrope whose mind has a different barrier he can easily penetrate.

But Wolfram has different barrier.

It's a strong burning fence that he cant penetrate no matter how much probing he made.

And Wolfram seems unaware of his own defense in a mind block.

He doesn't know what Wolfram is.

He cant be swayed, he knows that when he used his compulsion it was fight against him. Wolfram was able to fight his calling, the second time.

He is neither a Carpathian nor a Jaguar, not even a Mage. But he knows that Wolfram has tremendous power. He had seen it before, he uses Fire.

Without the use of another fire – he didn't bend it to his will, rather he made a Fire of his own.

The chants he utter was not like the Mage chant of spells. It was different, it wasn't even a chant but a prayer. A solemn oath prayer that he heard only once.

A Guardian's Prayer.

To be more precise – A Gods Prayer.

Not the Christian God or so but the Old Ancient Gods of the World, when the Heavenly Host and the Gods War for the rights of the Earth's. He heard it utter by his mother ~ a fairy tale to them brothers.

But Wolfram invoking them in a prayer and the Fire manifest is an amazing feat.

He wanted to more about Wolfram.

Never in his life had he met… someone so interesting, so beautiful and so haughty.

He chuckles.

Yes, Wolfram is as haughty and a brat. He had seen his actions towards his brother Stefan, and it made him laugh so much when Stefan got glares and that so infamous 'Hump!' that he now adores so much.

Wolfram has a habit that maybe the later was not even aware of.

When Wolfram feels weary, he wouldn't show it, but rather act rude, haughty and a brat.

When Wolfram is embarrassed, the later would once again acted like a brat but he can see those red blushes that the beast in him wanted to take him there at the floor.

When Wolfram is angry, he would flash those beautiful emerald green eyes at him with daggers and fire.

When Wolfram is making a point, he would cross his arms to his chest and lift that adorable chin and look at them as if they were lowly humans.

And when Wolfram is pissed, he would let out that cute 'Hump' and turn around.

Stefan has his mind in turmoil, and he laugh, because this is one of those rare times that he saw his brother out of his wits. Maya was able to do that to Stefan, but they are now lifemates and they share something beautiful.

But Wolfram isn't. He looks at them as if they are meager humans and that Wolfram doesn't seem afraid of them.

It is a first to them. After all, they are Carpathians.

Most Carpathians are tall, dark-haired and dark-eyed. Most Carpathians are rather lean, but some – like Dimitri and Gregori – are noted to be rather broad and muscular, which is uncommon. The Golden Twins – Julian and Aidan Savage are blond-haired and have gold eyes.

They are tall, much taller than average humans. And their dark eyes are notable to be sinful and held a devilish glare and yes most of them are dark, not white or pale and they don't sparkle. He grimaced, those awful God forbidding movies tend to make them look like fairies when the real things are much more like a monster.

Wolfram isn't afraid of him. Isn't afraid of Stefan. When even the bravest of men will shudder in fear in their presence.

He smiles remembering that night when he told Wolfram what is a lifemate.

When he announced:

'I am your husband.'

.

.

.

All were quiet and when no one utters another word – they were all surprised when a red mean looking fireball almost hits him – thanks to his speed he was able to dodged it. They were all stunned and looked at Wolfram, whose eyes are burning with anger.

And a raging beauty with a fierce looking emerald eyes stares at him and in his most icy tone:

'Jerk! I have a lousy day! Really lousy day, I was hungry and still is hungry thanks to you, I was tired – I've walked the freaking Carpathian Mountain for almost a week, haven't had a decent bath, haven't had a decent meal, I feel cold – I hate feeling cold! I was accosted by your perverted nature and I face off with three ugly vampires – I've used for the first time elements on this Earth and I feel like a hundred pound of Gwendal-Knitted stuff toys crash on my head – now I feel awful – imagine waking up naked – and who might I thank for that? Now – you're announcing to the God damn world you are my husband? Here's a better idea before you let loose of that notion – why don't I fry you and chop you and we will all be happy that this never happen?' while speaking Wolfram had in hands a fiery looking fireball.

It was a complete mayhem.

He had that night earn the wrath of his lifemate when he laughs so much.

Stefan and Maya even little Anthony was surprised and cant believe that he laughed out loud, and when he did another fireball almost hits him – and thus burning Stefan's tapestries.

'You crackpot jerk! I'll tear you apart!'

Wolfram was being held by Stefan when he made no move to stop the laughter. Stefan then was thrown by Wolfram much to Maya's astonishment. He knows why, because no one was able to throw a Sergeievich brothers before.

Stefan was hurled at the sofa and when Wolfram was about to throw another fireball, he use his speed and came up behind his little one.

'Calm down your spirit little demon. I am not insulting you nor offending you. I am merely stating the truth. I am your lifemate. You are mine for the keeping and I am yours.'

'Get off me!' Wolfram struggles but to no avail. Mikhail is strong. Stronger than anyone he had ever encounter.

'Nay. Listen to me, you are hurt and hungry. Maya will give you food but right now I need to go, but first who is this Gwendal?' he asked, for he cant have his lifemate have any man touching him.

'W-What?'

Mikhail lower his head and whispered on his little spitfire's ear, 'I asked who is this Gwendal?'

'The hell you care about him?!'

Mikhail squeezed Wolfram's waist and no matter how hard he struggle he wouldn't let go.

'Answer me or we will be like this till morning – not that I mind?' he grins and inhales Wolfram's hair…

Ahhh… spring and lavender and a taste of jasmine… so fresh… so enticing… that the beast in him wants to roar and get out and mark his precious lifemate.

'Mikhail! Stop that nonsense! Let him go!' Stefan shouted at him and suddenly the air grew thick and cold. Even Wolfram stops struggling when he heard a growl…

A ferocious growl of a beast.

Mikhail only looks at his brother icily. Maya gasped and hold her throat. Little Anthony quivers and runs to Maya's legs, hugging them.

'Stop growling! Gwendal is my elder brother! Let go!'

And at that instant the beast concede.

Even he was surprised when Wolfram unknowingly reprehends the beast inside of him.

Mikhail spun Wolfram around and looks at those blazing emerald green eyes.

'You are so beautiful,' he said and with a touch of gentleness caress the pink lips and suddenly touches the corner of those lips with his.

'I wanted to know more about you, but the wolves are calling. I need to go. Stay.'

.

.

.

And when he instantly vanished, he later learns from Maya that Wolfram was seething with so much anger that the little spit fire throws dagger at the same spot he was earlier.

Wolfram wasn't able to break down his safeguards – two powerful Carpathians made them and for good reasons. Maya and Little Anthony and now his lifemate are in the vicinity. He wont allow anything or anyone touch his Wolfram.

Maya did talk to Wolfram and was amazed that Wolfram's reasons are the same as theirs.

To hunt the Undead.

To bring down the Vampires that roams the Earth.

Wolfram is amazing.

They have been fighting on and off and he likes it.

He likes the way Wolfram is not afraid of him, he likes it that Wolfram has a mind of his own and has his own courage.

He never had thought that his gift with be a spitfire.

Long time ago, he had dream that his lifemate would be like any Carpathian women. A female Carpathian is tall and slender, voluptuous and seductive, though unaware of it. Natural-born Carpathian females usually have beautiful pale skin and long black hair.

She will be submissive. Quiet and know when he commands.

He had dream that his lifemate would always be there for him.

At his household – waiting for him.

Little by little until it was no more he had forgotten it.

And when he was about to meet the dawn, a beautiful angel came to save him.

Oh… a demon.

He soars up high and let out a screech…

He was laughing.

Yes, Wolfram is a demon.

With that haughty attitude and brattishness he can totally say that his lifemate is no angel… but a spitfire of a demon.

A face of an angel but an attitude of a demon.

His heart soars with excitement.

Every time he wakes up, he felt excitement and thrill – Wolfram is there.

And every time he was with Wolfram he felt so much excitement… they argue and he content of sharing his knowledge to the little spitfire.

One of those things is the way they are living.

The way they drink blood.

'Listen to me Wolfram, blood is the only way we can sustain our life. We do not ever take more than we have to fill. We respect every humans.'

'That is what you say, but how about those humans? Have they given their consent?' he gritted his teeth. Mikhail is the most impossible man he had ever encountered in his whole Mazoku life.

'Then can you answer me this – does a lamb, a sheep, a pig gave it consent to be killed? To be roasted and to be served at the dinner table?' Mikhail challenged him.

Wolfram grits his teeth and hump crosses his arms to his chest. 'You got me there Mikhail. But I still stand against it. I mean, humans are humans. Sure, I have it against me to side with them – for I know their treachery and debauchery without the consent of the others, but still drinking their blood? Aren't you like the Vampires you hunt? Tell me the difference?'

Mikhail slowly approached Wolfram, he smiles secretly when he saw the alertness of the Beautiful Angel. He saw the readiness and vigilance, he saw those beautiful emerald eyes surveying the area – for an escape route.

He approached slowly – like a predator to his prey.

But Wolfram stands his ground and never waver.

He stops in front of the Haughty Angel and carefully raises his hand, enclasping the beautiful neck to his big warm hand, 'The difference little one is simple. We do not take more to what is due. We do not kill for pleasure. We do not drink to enjoy the thrill. We drink to survive. We take a few and never harm them. Its like a little sip…' and he then lowered his head and slowly run his tongue to that delectable neck.

He heard a groan and he felt pain.

He grimaced, his lifemate knows how to render him speechless.

'Listen here jerk, next time you run that sly tongue of yours in my person, a knife wont be there next time. I will cut you with my sword,' he then raises his head and saw a glint of triumph and glee on those angelic eyes.

Wolfram let out a hump and turns around.

Stefan who was about to enter the library was surprised when he laughs and pulls out the knife stab on his side.

'W-What? He stabs you?! That brat!'

'Its okay Stefan, its my fault… I have cross some boundaries,' he said to his brother and lifted the knife, he then lick the knife now with his blood.

Stefan let out a sigh of frustration, 'Then heal yourself little brother. I don't like Maya going here and see that blood on her floor. Sheesh! Your lifemate just stab you and you laugh! By the Gods! I wish Gregori and Vladimir is here to put some sense into you!'

Stefan storm out of the library and he merely shrugged his shoulder.

Wolfram.

.

.

.

The beast inside of him roars with terrible need but at the same time – with something akin to tenderness.

Which was a surprised to him.

Never before that the beast of each Carpathian will be docile especially within his reach the lifemate he had been waiting for… but it seems that Wolfram has somehow tamed the wild beast inside of him.

His beast is feral as hungry.

The monster inside of him aches for release, but every time Wolfram is near, he felt peace, a kind of serenity he had never before felt.

Its as if Wolfram is the answer to his world.

He wanted to know about his little lifemate…

Sivamés sielam, my heart and soul… that is Wolfram to him.

The one who holds his heart and his soul.

He had not yet claim him…

He had not yet uttered the words needing for their bond.

He felt that, once he does, Wolfram would go berserk and hate him.

He needs to bind his time, he wanted to get to know Wolfram more.

He can see the sadness in those eyes – no matter how much he hides it, he felt something deep within those eyes… something painful and lonely.

He closes his eyes and feels him.

He is near.

Wolfram is outside… he can feel the loneliness Wolfram emits…

So much loneliness that he stumbles and makes it to the ground.

He was astonished, he hadn't yet said the vow yet – he can feel Wolfram's terrible pain. As if it was channeling into him.

So much sadness and emptiness.

Nay.

He wouldn't allow any more of this feelings in his csitri's heart.

Wolfram is his lifemate.

His happiness and protection is above him.

I will come to you.

.

.

.

---

.

.

.

"Don't go far off, not even for a day,

because I don't know how to say it - a day is long

and I will be waiting for you, as in

an empty station when the trains are

parked off somewhere else, asleep.

.

Don't leave me, even for an hour, because then

the little drops of anguish will all run together,

the smoke that roams looking for a home will drift

into me, choking my lost heart.

.

Oh, may your silhouette never dissolve

on the beach, may your eyelids never flutter

into the empty distance. Don't LEAVE me for

a second, my dearest, because in that moment you'll

have gone so far I'll wander mazily

over all the earth, asking, will you

come back? Will you leave me here, dying?"

.

.

.

Bran Castle

.

Wolfram stares at the night sky at the balcony of the castle.

He was atop the Bran Castle.

He smiles.

Bran Castle he had heard, or rather have read the infamous name of the Castle. The name itself suggests history and power. For Bran Castle is also known as "Dracula's Castle". It is marketed as the home of the titular character in Bram Stoker's Dracula. There is, however, no evidence that Stoker knew anything about this castle, which has only tangential associations with Vlad III, Voivode of Wallachia, and the putative inspiration for Dracula.

The castle was a museum open to tourists, displaying art and furniture collected by Queen Marie. But for what he gathers it seems the Arrogant Perverted Prince and his brother bought the rights for the property though he doest know how one does that here on Earth.

He looked up and smiles, for a while forgetting everything.

The stars are the same in Shin Makoku… the only difference are the stories behind them. The stories in Shin Makoku revolve around Shinou and the brave Guardians who defeated Soushu, his ancestor being one of the Stars in the night. Rufus Bielefeld has the stars of Lion. The majorities of the constellations there are the war of Humans and Mazoku…

But here on Earth it differs. It tells the stories of ancient times, of warlords and heroes… many stories created a spam of novels, movies and inspired so many poets, authors… but the one thing that he truly adore is the star of the Summer Triangle.

A story of two lovers fated to meet only once a year… and with the help of sympathetic fairy.

He let out his breathe.

And for those who were looking, it was like a painting on a canvass, when Wolfram slowly flicks his hair with his slender fingers.

'Are you looking at the same sky… Yuuri?'

He mocks himself.

He wasn't sure how many weeks, months, years… have passed in Shin Makoku – but he does know that Shibuya Yuuri had already chosen a Royal Consort.

A Queen Consort.

And ironically, a month ago he seems to have gain a husband.

A Prince of the Carpathian Race, the same race he was commission to destroy…

Vampires.

He cant believe how hard it was to defeat one. It was not an easy task, even though he was a soldier and have bond with the elemental spirits of the Earth, it was still a hard task for him and defeating a few of them was not a child's play. If Mikhail weren't there – he might summon the Guardian Spirit and he might lose his life in the process.

Mikhail is powerful, he had to admit. More powerful and dangerous than the Maou.

The Maou for them is the real Demon King, of justice, of law and a Demi-God who controls the forces of nature and elements.

But the Carpathian Prince is law unto himself.

He had seen fear and great respect from the eyes of his brother Stefan and lifemate Maya. Even little Anthony was scared of Mikhail.

Mikhail is a beast. More feral than anything he had ever encountered.

A beast.

A monster.

But very much different to what Bob have told him. Mikhail isn't a vampire but a Carpathian.

A Carpathian so great and so Ancient with powers he had yet to see.

He had seen and read the difference.

He had read the stories of their crimes. Shori, Sharon and Dr. Jose supplied him with Bob's books from that enormous library of his. They had given him materials to read regarding the Undead – or the so called Vampires.

For a whole month, he had finished reading titles from so called famous authors ~ Anne Rice, Bram Stroker and had watched loads of movies regarding them. What he wasn't able to stomach to watch and end up laughing at each part was a movie where Vampires sparkles like fairies and a girl who doesn't know if she likes a bestial union or into necrophilia. And they tell him this was a best seller?

Oh please!

He then read numerous accounts of untold mysterious from different countries. Shori and Sharon had supplied him with articles – private and never before viewed publicly articles regarding victims who have died not just of blood lost but from cruel torture.

He was still stunned at how hideous and unforgiving Vampires act once they made their kill. They do not even give respect to the dead, they are more than animals and beast – there are monsters.

One report almost made him cry, even in battle he had never encountered a gruesome corpse – so horrid that it makes him vomit.

The Whitechapel Murders.

It was the most controversial and famous of all murders, for it being taken place in the heart of London. The Queen – Her Royal Majesty was humiliated with this notorious killer by killing on her backyard. It was a horrible death and not just one woman was involved.

Her body was beyond recognition. It was horribly mutilated. The notes was:

The body was lying naked in the middle of the bed, the shoulders flat but the axis of the body inclined to the left side of the bed. The head was turned on the left cheek. The left arm was close to the body with the forearm flexed at a right angle and lying across the abdomen. The right arm was slightly abducted from the body and rested on the mattress. The elbow was bent, the forearm supine with the fingers clenched. The legs were wide apart…

The whole of the surface of the abdomen and thighs was removed and the abdominal cavity emptied of its viscera. The breasts were cut off…

The viscera were found in various parts viz: the uterus and kidneys with one breast under the head, the other breast by the right foot, the liver between the feet, the intestines by the right side and the spleen by the left side of the body…...

The bed clothing at the right corner was saturated with blood, and on the floor beneath was a pool of blood covering about two feet square. The wall by the right side of the bed and in a line with the neck was marked by blood which had struck it…

The face was gashed in all directions, the nose, cheeks, eyebrows, and ears being partly removed. The lips were blanched and cut by several incisions running obliquely down to the chin. There were also numerous cuts…

The neck was cut through the skin and other tissues right down to the vertebrae, the fifth and sixth being deeply notched. The skin cuts in the front of the neck…

Both breasts were more or less removed by circular incisions, the muscle down to the ribs being attached to the breasts…

The skin and tissues of the abdomen from the costal arch to the pubes were removed in three large flaps…

The left calf showed a long gash through skin and tissues to…

The right thumb showed a small…

On opening the thorax it was found that the right lung…

The pericardium was open below and the heart absent…

He had asked Dr. Jose about the details of the notes.

'The Vampires are very smart. They guised themselves in order for the killings to be labeled as Murders. Lord Von Bielefeld, these notes are from the 1988 Whitechapel Murder. It was so famous and so notorious that numerous speculations were said about the murders. Because of the game the Vampire had set.'

'A game? The vampire made a fool of the Scotland Yard and made all their killings a murder.'

'Yes, but that not just it. Up until now, these murders were said to be done by a genius, skilled medical persona. His name was jack the Ripper.'

'Jack the Ripper?'

Dr. Jose nodded and handed him more documents. Some were thick booked with parchments inserted between them, like a note. 'Yes. The stories of him are vast and I'm afraid to say popular. The vampires made a fool of the authorities by posing everything as murder – serial murders so no one can catch his game.'

'Then all those murders in the Whitechapel were done by a vampire?'

'I'm afraid so. It was the late 1988 and in London. It was a time of turmoil, poverty and aristocrats in London.'

'But… these murders, these women… Emma Elizabeth Smith, Martha Tabram, Mary Ann Nichols, Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride, Catherine Eddowes, Mary Jane Kelly, Rose Mylett, Alice McKenzie, Frances Coles, and an unidentified woman – these are said to be prostitutes and were murdered because of their job of choice.'

'Well, the Vampires at work here was pure genius. He had turned the Old London into his playground and murdered each of his victims in a way of a deranged man. After all, who on their right mind that time would care about prostitutes. These women are just a waiting feast for the Vampires.'

'What a way to cover up a crime.'

'Precisely.'

'Wait.' Wolfram handed him a book with title: Murder Unsolved of the Century. 'Does this mean, that these cases here were done by Vampires?'

'Uhm, yes and no. Some unsolved we sum up were Vampire works, some solves and with DNA results were done… well by humans.' Dr. Jose grimaced. He knows Lord Wolfram doesn't like humans much.

Wolfram raised his eyebrow. 'Humans. It's both unnerving and interesting what a human can do. They can love and hate with a thin line separating those feelings.'

'Well Wolfram,' Sharon said while placing a cold lime juice in Wolfram's side, 'Humans sure are interesting. That's what makes us special. We are weak, we are easily tempted and we are fragile at the same time… but it makes us also vulnerable, not easily to give up…'

Wolfram looks at Sharon with a raised eyebrow, he fold his arms in his chest, 'So that makes human an easily 'meat' for the vampires who calls them.'

'Like I said, we are easily tempted…'

.

.

.

Wolfram sighs once more and looks up at the starry sky of Earth.

From what he had gathered, Vampires exist since the dawn of men. He isn't sure what they were and how to defeat them, well Mikhail did told him to burn the heart.

For one month he had spent with Mikhail and the company of his brother Stefan and his lifemate Maya and little Anthony, he can now tell the difference between the two.

Vampires are ferocious creatures who take pleasure in their kill. All those love saps movie about vampires just drinking the blood from the neck in a beautiful manner is all douchiness.

Real vampires kill like a monster – like a rabid hungry monster that will tear you apart. They don't have that so called-noble kill.

Now Carpathians, they are a whole lot different story.

Carpathians are like those Old Ancient men, real noble and real beast.

They are both Beauty and a Beast combined.

He had seen what they can do and what they are able. He was surprised to know that the man – the self proclaimed husband of his – was the Prince.

A real Prince of the Carpathian people. The one that holds the blood of Carpathian race.

The vessel that holds all Carpathians as one.

He wants to talk to Bob. He wants to tell Bob the difference between the Carpathians and Vampires. Carpathians are like them… like them Mazoku who lives to survive in a quiet place… though the only difference is the nature of them drinking blood.

He was against it – but then when Mikhail shoved those words:

'Then can you answer me this – does a lamb, a sheep, a pig gave it consent to be killed? To be roasted and to be served at the dinner table?'

He felt guilty.

It is true.

But Mikhail and the others respected Carpathians didn't take more than they need.

They've never break the limit… for those who had become the Vampires who conspire to destroy Mikhail and the Carpathians Race.

He was against these creatures taking the blood of others. But after a while, he had grown accustomed to it and why they need to replenish the blood inside of them. Blood isn't there for them to just drink it. They actually respect the red ruby fluid.

Maya the lifemate of Stefan told him so many things about the Carpathians. She too was all-new to the concept of drinking blood and being the lifemate 'wife' of a man with so much arrogance and dominance. Maya was in constant watch by Stefan, its not because he didn't trust Maya or anything but rather Carpathians is one super possessive creatures. They are like beast with territories and they do not share with what they consider their property.

Maya teaches him some basic information regarding the Master Vampires. It seems that these Master Vampires are in league with an ally of the Carpathians long time ago – the Mage Lord, Xavier. The powerful Mage who can do Magic and Spells – the Ancient Mage who had kidnapped a powerful Carpathians and with his power and spells impregnated her and producing triplets in the process.

Xavier is what they call Evil. An incarnation of all evil in this world.

A select few Carpathians are capable of controlling magic, though most of those who survive that can are half-Mage rather than born Carpathians. There are two types of magic, 'White' or benevolent magic, and 'Black' magic, which is power that has been abused for selfish purposes.

Formerly – hundreds of years ago – those with talent were sent to a special school run by the mage Xavier, but after he turned, killing his Carpathian students and hunting the rest, no known pure Carpathian has been born with magic, though a few born Carpathian's with magic have been found, having survived the attack.

Magic must be utilized by the chanting of a rhyme describing the effect desired, and can create a much wider variety of effects, such as telekinesis, barriers, it was Mages that taught Carpathians how to put up safeguards, possession of another's mind and body, and genetic manipulation.

They can also manipulate nature with far more variety than the natural Carpathian though it is more draining, time consuming, and requires years of practice and training. All of the known users of magic are some of the Dragonseekers bloodline, which, after the capture of Carpathian woman by Xavier, have been born part mage, part Carpathian/human. Part mages who are converted to become fully Carpathian usually lose much, if not all of their magic.

Though it did take a while for him to digest their differences.

For him Black and Dark are majestic, noble and of highest honor.

Black symbolizes the Maou.

But for the Carpathians Black are evil.

The difference and their culture from each other expand a whole dimension.

He let out a tired breath.

It is a predicament to him.

Carpathians. Vampires.

Vampires are – were Carpathians who turn into darkness… but then, does he need to annihilate the entire Carpathians in order to do so? To stop them from turning and so the process of Vampires would die down?

When they too are only doing their fair share of living and protecting their own.

He had seen shy Lady Maya, who will only take the blood from her husband.

Lady Maya did told him once that she wasn't used to drinking blood and at first she abhors it… she was different too, but she drinks the blood through blood banks. Through transfusion, but there is a difference from the blood in the hospital and in a human.

The life of the blood flowing in humans have powerful sustenance and can help them replenish their health and capability.

Carpathians has some strange abilities and powers. The Guardians told him that once a long time ago – there was an Ancient War, the Heavenly Host and the Earth's Children made war to each other.

To who will proclaim Earth and made it them. But the war was won by humans – not because of their abilities, but the two great species concede to make way to the humans.

For them to build and create without the help of the Heavenly Host and Earth's Children.

Carpathians have more than one ability, but the most he love but will die first before admitting it, was Mikhail's ability to shape shift.

Mikhail told him that Carpathians have the ability to shapeshift into various animals. They most often use the forms of wolves, owls, bats, and leopards. They can also take to form of mist or fog. They often use these forms to protect their sensitive eyes if they have to rise before the sun completely sets or they need to enter and leave a dwelling undetected.

He love it so much when Mikhail shift into either a gigantic Falcon, a Dragon, a Leopard, a Jaguar but what he adores was when Mikhail shape shift into a large size Wolf.

He had never been ever in close proximity of Earth's animals. They have different animals in Shin Makoku and when he first encountered a wolf – he was captivated by it… maybe because his initial name 'WOLF' has to do with it.

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'We can shape shift to whatever we want. As long as a Carpathian holds the image inside of his head, we can do it.'

'Is it hard?'

'Hmmm… it is at first, when I was just a mere fledgling, my brothers and me would boast how we can shift in a matter of seconds. Stefan and Gregori are fast but to their arrogance they sometimes shifted half way.'

'What do you mean half way?'

Mikhail smiles at him, 'Half human – half bird. Half-owl and the most hilarious is when they shifted and Vladimir's head was of a human and his body a leopard.'

Wolfram let out a laugh. He can just imagine it – not Mikhail's brother but Gwendal and Conrart.

Gwendal in a BearBee shift and Conrart his favorite horse!

'The most important thing with shifting is to remember to keep the image in your head at all times. It has to become automatic so that you do it without really thinking about it and that takes practice. Once you shift, excitement and joy—I cannot even begin to describe the feeling for you—sets in and it is easy to lose what you are doing.'

'Wow, that is amazing. I'd love that.'

'What will you be if you are able to shift?'

'A Lion,' Wolfram said with promise of joy in his eyes.

'A lion? Not a Wolf?'

Wolfram gave him a heart stopping smile, 'I know what you mean, because of my name. I've learn that my name is associated with these amazing creatures of the night. But I do not know what a Earth wolf looks like.'

'You don't? That's interesting.'

'Ive seen pictures but I would love to see something real if I get the chance.'

'Then I will give you that chance…'

'What? How-?'

Mikhail then shifted in front of him, from a man, into a wild black beautiful wolf.

He was astonished.

He was captivated.

'Mikhail?'

The wolf then slowly approaches him, he then kneels in front of the wolf and without any hesitation he touches the fur.

'Oh my…'

The wolf then lean its head to him, he smiles and slowly laughs when the wolf caresses his neck.

'Wow… this is amazing…'

Wolfram forgetting that it is Mikhail in the wolf's shift hugs and caresses the wolf's fur.

'You are so beautiful…'

He stays like that for quite some time.

Hugging the huge creature of the night…

Savoring the moment… when he felt slowly the fur where gone and muscles replaces it.

He slowly lifts his head and amazing pitch-black eyes stares at him. He was mesmerized by those eyes that it took him a moment to realize, that Mikhail is slowly kissing him.

The kiss was so light… he felt he was in a bed of rose petals…

And then Mikhail's kiss deepens and he was awoken from the trance.

Mikhail's kiss is so sensual and so scandalous that he had to gather all his wits.

He felt so hot and hungry.

It was sinful and it was something he had never experience before.

'Mnnnggghhh!' Wolfram tries to pushes the strong chest but Mikhail was beyond consciousness.

He then did something that would truly make the perverted Prince go.

'Ouch.' Mikhail said in a sweet sensual dark voice.

He knows that Mikhail wasn't hurt.

That damn jerk!

Mikhail lifts his head and smiles at him sinfully, 'You are vicious my angel.' Mikhail licks the blood on his lips.

'Next time a bite isn't the only thing you'll get from me,' he gritted his teeth.

'Then that's a promise.'

Mikhail once again gave a quick kiss to his lips and vanished.

'ARRRGHHH! PERVERT!' he let out a screech and he heard a husky sensual laughter.

He shook his head and smile.

He touches his lips.

His first kiss was… Yuuri.

And he wasn't even aware that they kiss.

It was Gunter and a tight-lip Gwendal who told him about it. He felt cheated once again by Shinou.

He was forced to kiss someone who doesn't wanted to be kissed.

Oh he knows Yuuri wouldn't like it to kiss him, he abhors male relationship – what more a kiss?

But this perverted Prince was kissing him so sensually like there is no tomorrow.

Like a hungry beast.

He felt his lips and would know it would bruised in the morning.

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Mikhail is a big mystery to him.

From what he gathers and his brother's reaction – Carpathian males isn't supposed to have another male as their lifemate.

Is Yuuri then telling the truth?

That male-to-male relationship isn't allowed here?

Is that the reason he rejected him all this time?

But he had read.

He had secretly access some information through the use of internet, thanks to Shori and Sharon's insistence that he learn even the basic of searching for some information.

He then searched for the word: HOMOSEXUALITY.

That is what Yuuri had been shouting all those time, 'ORE WA HOMO JANNAI!'

Homosexuality.

He doesn't understand the word.

Its as if it's a crime.

There was no word like that in Shin Makoku.

Homosexuality is romantic or sexual attraction or behavior between members of the same sex or gender. As a sexual orientation, homosexuality refers to 'an enduring pattern of or disposition to experience sexual, affectionate, or romantic attractions' primarily or exclusively to people of the same sex; 'it also refers to an individual's sense of personal and social identity based on those attractions, behaviors expressing them, and membership in a community of others who share them.'

The word homosexual is a Greek and Latin hybrid with the first element derived from Greek homos, 'same' (not related to the Latin homo, 'man', as in Homo sapiens), thus connoting sexual acts and affections between members of the same sex, including lesbianism.

The first record of possible homosexual couple in history is commonly regarded as Khnumhotep and Niankhkhnum, an Egyptian male couple, who lived around the 2400 BCE. The pair are portrayed in a nose-kissing position, the most intimate pose in Egyptian art, surrounded by what appear to be their heirs.

Among indigenous peoples of the Americas prior to European colonization, a common form of same-sex sexuality centered around the figure of the Two-Spirit individual.

Typically this individual was recognized early in life, given a choice by the parents to follow the path and, if the child accepted the role, raised in the appropriate manner, learning the customs of the gender it had chosen. Two-Spirit individuals were commonly shamans and were revered as having powers beyond those of ordinary shamans. Their sexual life was with the ordinary tribe members of the same sex.

Homosexual and transgender individuals were also common among other pre-conquest civilizations in Latin America, such as the Aztecs, Mayans, Quechuas, Moches, Zapotecs, and the Tupinambá of Brazil

In East Asia, same-sex love has been referred to since the earliest recorded history.

Homosexuality in China, known as the passions of the cut peach and various other euphemisms has been recorded since approximately 600 BCE. Homosexuality was mentioned in many famous works of Chinese literature. The instances of same-sex affection and sexual interactions described in the classical novel Dream of the Red Chamber seem as familiar to observers in the present as do equivalent stories of romances between heterosexual people during the same period. Confucianism, being primarily a social and political philosophy, focused little on sexuality, whether homosexual or heterosexual.

Homosexuality in Japan, variously known as shudo or nanshoku has been documented for over one thousand years and was an integral part of Buddhist monastic life and the samurai tradition. This same-sex love culture gave rise to strong traditions of painting and literature documenting and celebrating such relationships.

Similarly, in Thailand, Kathoey, or "ladyboys", have been a feature of Thai society for many centuries, and Thai kings had male as well as female lovers. While Kathoey may encompass simple effeminacy or transvestism, it most commonly is treated in Thai culture as a third gender. They are generally accepted by society, and Thailand has never had legal prohibitions against homosexuality or homosexual behavior.

The earliest Western documents (in the form of literary works, art objects, and mythographic materials) concerning same-sex relationships are derived from ancient Greece.

Aristotle, in the Politics, dismissed Plato's ideas about abolishing homosexuality he explains that barbarians like the Celts accorded it a special honor, while the Cretans used it to regulate the population.

He then found Ancient relics of the same-sex gender: Zephyrus and Hyacinthus Attic red-figure cup from Tarquinia, 480 BC from the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

An illustration of the Africa male couple, Khnumhotep and Niankhkhnum.

A painting of the Dance to the Berdache, Sac and Fox Nation ceremonial dance to celebrate the two-spirit person. George Catlin 1796–1872 from the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC.

A woman spying on a pair of male lovers. China, Qing dynasty painting.

Roman man penetrating a youth, possibly a slave, middle of the 1st century AD. Found in Bittir, near Jerusalem.

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He then slowly realizes it…

It is not against the law.

It isn't against the world.

It isn't forbidden – only the Holy Church gave so much negativity with the same sex relationship. He then was so stunned when he red more regarding homosexuality in Japan.

Records of men who have sex with men in Japan date back to ancient times. Western scholars have identified these as evidence of homosexuality in Japan.

Japan has no laws against homosexual activity, and has some legal protections for gay individuals. In addition, there are some legal protections for transgender individuals.

Consensual sex between adults of the same sex is legal, but some prefectures set the age of consent for same-sex sexual activity higher than for opposite-sex sexual activity.

While civil rights laws do not extend to protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation, some governments have enacted such laws. The government of Tokyo has passed laws that ban discrimination in employment based on sexual identity.

There is a genre of anime and manga that focuses on gay male romance (and sometimes explicit content) known as yaoi. Yaoi titles are primarily marketed to women, and are commonplace in bookstores (normally found in or near to the shōjo manga section). Various terms are used in Japan to refer to yaoi.

The blanket term 'yaoi' is an acronym for the phrase 'Yama nashi, ochi nashi, imi nashi', which means 'no peak, no point, no meaning'. (A backronym meant as a joke identifies it as 'Yamete, oshiri (ga) itai' which literally means 'Stop, my bottom hurts!').

'June' refers to plots containing romance and drama that feature mature, adult male characters. 'BL' ('Boys' Love') refers to stories that either contains younger characters, or more light-hearted romance (as an alternative to more sexual content). The phrase 'shōnen-ai', translated from Japanese in the past as 'boy love', is used to describe non-sexual homosexuality in either adult male characters or younger male characters. When manga or anime depicts sexual activities between young boys, or young boys with adults (male or female), it is known as 'shotacon', which should not be confused with 'shōnen-ai'.

Among the large fan demographics in Western countries, this terminology is more or less condensed to 'yaoi' and 'shōnen-ai'; 'yaoi' is used in reference to graphic descriptions of homosexual sex and/or adult drama, and 'shōnen-ai' is used in reference to romantic situations with younger characters.

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He laughs out loud then.

One thing was stuck to his head and heart.

Yuuri is not interested in him.

He doesn't love him.

He even doesn't treat him as a friend.

He had read some manga – even there they treat each other with friendship – but Yuuri just plain pushes him away.

He felt so… used.

He felt so useless.

The pain inside of him – burns him.

It burns like a catastrophic burning sulfur.

So excruciating…

Shibuya Yuuri, the 27th Maou of Shin Makoku just plain doesn't give a damn about him.

But what bugs him is the stubborn Mikhail and his issues regarding lifemates.

Its as if Mikhail doesn't give a damn about it.

Shibuya Yuuri is the Maou, they don't even have a decree that the Maou need to produce an Heir – for the passing of the Maou title was given by Shinou Heika, and with the absence of Shinou Heika, then the vote of the Ten Nobles.

They have the power to proclaim who would be the Maou – to what they have done to him. They've proclaim him, though, unofficially the 28th Maou of Shin Makoku.

As a Maou, you have to govern life and prosperity and stop neighboring country in conquering the land of Shinou.

It doesn't had any law that a Maou needs to produce an heir.

But Mikhail – he is the Prince of the Carpathian.

He needs to produce an heir to continue the line of the Princes.

The next vessel for their people to rely on.

But Mikhail – Mikhail swat the idea like a mere insect.

He doesn't care for the law of his people.

He doesn't care that he is a male.

A male that cant reproduce.

He cant give birth for crying out loud.

He had been with Mikhail and Stefan's company for less than a month and he knows – he raised his perfectly lined eyebrow in sarcasm – that Stefan doesn't like him.

Well the feeling is mutual.

Stefan has been giving him the disapproving looks.

Well, he doesn't give a damn about it.

Maya has informed him that lifemates – mate for life.

Carpathians mate for life. This is because males and females are different in nature, while the females are filled with compassion and light, the males are filled with an inner darkness, capable of great violence.

He then cannot be Mikhail's lifemate.

He is not of the 'Light'

He has more darkness in him more than he can admit.

A darkness so strong and so possessive that he decided to end it all for Yuuri… for the sake of Yuuri. He can never be the light the Prince of the Carpathians need.

Even Yuuri abandoned him, flinched from his touch, cringed in his nature… he can never be someone's light.

He has a purpose here on Earth.

Much as he doesn't like being away from his homeland, Earth is the only place he can prove to his people and to his Maou that he will serve Shin Makoku with everything in him… and thus, annihilating the entire Vampire race who may someday cross the dimensions…

The hardest thing to do now is be able to track down the Vampires. They are cunning as they are shrewd. They are many…

But how many were there?

Where to find them?

It's different from any mission he had ever encountered. In Shin Makoku, they have battle plans.

There he has a target, a plan, an escape route and an ally.

Here he is alone, with nothing.

You have me little one…

'Dammit! Stop talking in my head! Sheesh!' he let out a pissed screech.

Wolfram heard a soft chuckle.

So masculine…

So sensuous...

And so dangerous.

He shuddered at the sudden feeling. Life with Mikhail and the others are quite… pleasant and unpleasant at the same time.

It is but a natural form of conversation for us to talk in a more direct path.

'For you it's natural, but for me – its creepy.'

Mikhail grins. It was a thousand years since he enjoyed a conversation, and its been that long since he felt within him the warmth emotion of talking to someone. He wanted to probe more, to know more about Wolfram, but Wolfram has amazing mind barriers that he cannot penetrate.

It has an amazing safeguard, that none he had ever encountered.

It is not creepy little one, why don't you try to talk to me this way. It is more… hmmm.., detailed.

Mikhail doesn't want to add that when one lifemate talk to the other in the direct path, the conversation is not just detailed… it is more intimate.

'I have been talking to people this way so I don't see the problem. Where are you?'

Wolfram asked. He wasn't aware where Mikhail and Stefan went. One of the reasons that rile him is that Mikhail doesn't want him to hunt the vampires. He had been arguing for quite some time now with Mikhail, and yes he does believe in Magic Spells that Mikhail is capable of.

He wasn't able to get out of the mansion – but then that is also because he didn't try to get out. As much as he hates staying with Mikhail – he needs information and information Mikhail has. They have the knowledge and the capability to see Vampires and to track it down – that knowledge he needs.

And so he is going to need to talk to Mikhail.

'Mikhail I need to speak to you. Though in physical form. I do not like to speak to you in this mind to mind thing,' Wolfram said in his haughtiest form that made Mikhail chuckles.

Wolfram didn't have to wait, a warm strong hands suddenly clasp his shoulders.

Startled but Wolfram didn't show it. Mikhail was close – so close.

Mikhail wants to do more than holding the shoulder of his lifemate – but he doesn't want another fireball or a sharp dagger being thrown at him. Mikhail satisfies himself with the scent of his lifemate's hair.

'What is it angel?'

Wolfram sigh. He was getting tired and used to Mikhail calling him whatever he wants. It just amazes him with the man's audacity and stubbornness. If Gwendal cannot be moved by anything besides a cute thing – Mikhail cannot be moved at all. He was stubborn personified.

Once he set his mind and heart into it – he wouldn't budge.

And one of that stupid stubborn thing is this – calling him 'Angel, Little Once, Csitri, and so on and on'

'Mikhail… how many times do I have to tell you – it is Wolfram. Not angel, not Csitri and definitely not your lifemate,' he said in his icy haughty tone.

But it was rewarded only by the most sensual and most intimate voice, 'and how many times do I have to tell you, you are my Angel, my Csitri and definitely my lifemate.'

Wolfram grits his teeth and remains calm.

It would do him no good to argue.

He had tried it and was only rewarded by a smile.

Mikhail has one arrogant track of mind and will only listen to whatever suits him.

But enough of that – from Maya's information and documents (the little woman has an intensive research facility) he got what he needs in defeating and destroying the vampire species.

Now all he need is for Mikhail to nicely open the safeguards in this dwelling. If not, then he would have more than he had bargain for.

'Why do I feel I need to prepare myself with whatever you are going to say… and I do hope you'll revert back calling me Mika,' he smiles while saying that. He likes it when Wolfram calls him Mika… it feels personal.

Intimate.

As if they are sharing a sweet secret.

Wolfram rolled his eyes and attempt to shrug Mikhail's hands – but to no avail. The Prince is strong and stubborn.

'There's nothing for you to prepare. What I'm about to say is perfectly normal and appropriate. And me calling you 'Mika', do I have in my forehead stamp 'obedient'? No – so dream on,' he felt Mikhail's hands tighten not with anger but with humour.

'So… what will it be angel?'

He grits his teeth. Mikhail can truly try his patience. He must admire his own self-restraint, if this was Yuuri or Gunter – he had screeched and kick their asses.

'Put down your safeguard.'

'And why would I do that angel?' Mikhail whispers in his ears.

Wolfram grits his teeth once more.

PATIENCE!

'Because I am staying longer than necessary. I have gained knowledge and what to use in defeating a vampire, thanks to Lady Maya's research documents.'

'Wolfram, you do know that I wouldn't allow you to hunt them right?'

Wolfram finally let it out, 'Hump!' and turns around and looks up at Mikhail.

Patience my ass!

'How many times do I have to tell you that I was here for that sheer purpose. I didn't come here to idly watch the scenery, make friends or do some tourist vacation. I came here with Shinou's blessing and order of destroying the Undead! Now, will you let me out or do I have to force my way out? Mind you – I can destroy your barrier. I haven't done so in respect for you giving me food and shelter and I need to know more about what I'm hunting... But I have enough. I must waste any more of my time here!'

He huffs with so much anger and determination. He wasn't supposed to say those words, but Mikhail forced him. He felt so inadequate, so useless… he felt he failed himself if he wont be able to fulfill Shinou's mission.

Mikhail felt it, he then clasped Wolfram's head and buried it to his chest.

'Wha-What-'

'Shush. Stop it. I felt it. I felt something within your words. Is it terribly necessary for you to do this?' Mikhail held Wolfram to him.

It pains him to feel Wolfram's self analysis. Wolfram felt of no use, he felt inadequate.

'I have an order. A mission.'

'Who is this Shinou?'

Wolfram bites his lips. He shouldn't have revealed too much, but he cant stay anymore. The longer he stays, the longer Mikhail will hold his life.

He pushes himself out of Mikhail's chest and stared at those dark penetrating eyes.

'Just like you are the Prince of your people, I am a soldier of my King. I have a duty, and I don't abandon them regardless of the circumstances. Now, I am asking you nicely to let your barrier down so I can go on my way.'

'No.'

Wolfram narrowed his eyes and with a strong effort pushes Mikhail away and looks at him with flaming eyes, 'Who the hell do you think you are to stop me?! You have your own duty so have I. It is stupid of me to even asked you nicely. You have no reason to stop me nor I have any reason to obey you. I gave you fair warning Mikhail and I am not a Mazoku to give it twice.'

'Listen to me Wolfram. You cannot go not because I forbid you. Vampires aren't easy to hunt, they will play with your emotions and trick you. They will use any humans possible to lure you.'

'I don't have any humans here they can use.'

Mikhail looks at Wolfram's eyes. The determination and the desperation, 'Why? Please my angel... I have been asking you night after night, why is it important to you? Who is Shinou? Why is it so dire for you to destroy Vampires?'

Wolfram breathes heavily and turns once again, looking at the stars. He doesn't want to reveal so much…

'Shinou Heika… The Original King, he asked me to destroy Vampires before they come to our world.'

'You world?'

'Listen Mikhail… I will not say this. My mission is something I must do. Our world is for me to protect, with or without your consent I will and I can bring down your stupid barrier.'

'Then let us compromise,' Mikhail let out a sigh.

'What is?'

'That I would aid you. I too, need to get to the bottom of these senseless attacks on the humans. It is not usually the Master Vampires work. I don't know if they have a plan – what I do know is that their aim is to kill me.'

'Kill you? Wait, I have heard this but Stefan the douche and Maya wouldn't say it. They say within your blood flows the bond. You are the vessel, but what is? How come it is you?' Wolfram turns around and lazily folded his arms to his chest.

Mikhail let out a chuckle, it looks like his brother earn the wrath of his lifemate. 'I am the Prince of the Carpathian. Within my blood it holds the bond of our race. I am the vessel of our people. If I die, all Carpathians will be lost… for all eternity.'

Wolfram flicks his wavy hair, 'So in short – you dead and all die?'

'Uhm… yes, though I do not like the smile on your lips.'

Wolfram grins evilly. 'So does that mean, if I kick your arse – literally kills you, even the Vampires dies?'

'Uhm… no. They have left the Race – the Carpathian ways. They are now the Undead without hold on their soul. I have no power over them.'

'Sheesh! If you have, it would be so simple to just kill you.'

Mikhail chuckles and brush the tendrils of hair from Wolfram's face, making the Demon Prince blushed.

'Stop that!' Wolfram said and swats Mikhail's hand.

'Why? I love to touch you. You shouldn't stop me.'

Wolfram counted to three and glares at Mikhail, 'You know if you weren't so perverted we can actually work this out!'

'Little one, I am not perverted, it is my right to touch you. All lifemates especially a warrior of Ancient times like me, would love to touch you more. Not just touching, I would very much like to kiss you, hold you, caress you-'

'OKAY! STOP THAT!' Wolfram shouted and blushed furiously.

How can this man be – be so – so forward!

As if he was telling him the weather of the day and not those words that should be inside the bedroom.

Bedroom talk!

That's why its called bedroom – because its supposed to stay there only!

'What is your proposition?' Wolfram asked. If he can benefit to what Mikhail would say then the all the better. Earth is a big place like Shin Makoku – but he isn't familiar with it. If Mikhail and him can come up with something good then he might consider it.

'It is simple and will benefit you too. The Vampires are hunting me, placing so many traps just to kill me – if you stay with me, then it has more chances for you to get them,' Mikhail didn't quite add that by staying with him, he can protect Wolfram and it will be his chance to get to know the beautiful spitfire.

'So your saying I stick with you and vampires will come?'

'Hmmm… most likely.'

'What's the catch?'

'I beg your pardon?'

'What's in it for you? You wouldn't let me just hang around with you and gain you nothing? I have known humans for quite some time now. And I do know that they need something in return. That's how the world works here.'

Mikhail can guess that that's not all together true. He feels that there is something more than Wolfram let on.

'Nothing. Just that I want you to stay with me.'

'And if I don't agree?'

'Then you will have a hard time finding them. It would may take you years and years – but with me, you can accomplished your task. I am what they hunted.'

'So, I stick with you… I can find myself vampires.'

'Yes.'

'But what if… I don't like to be with you?'

Mikhail felt his heart being stabbed.

A roar of the beast angry at the notion of Wolfram being away from him.

'Then I will bind you to me.'

'As if you can do that.'

'Don't dare me little angel.'

Wolfram looks at the Prince with the icy cold stare he could muster, 'I don't like staying with you. I will tear down your barrier and walk away. I thank you for your hospitality but I don't need you. I don't need anyone at all…'

Wolfram was scared... So scared.

There's something about Mikhail that makes him different... Mikhail is doing something inside of his soul... his heart... his mind.

Every words... every small gestures - all of Mikhail makes his heart beat so fast.

He is so proud of his facial expression - of being strong, tough - he cant hide the blushes - but he can retort with verbal attacks...

He need to get out.

He need to stay out.

He needs to stay away from Mikhail...

For this Carpathian ... is slowly... so sweetly... making his heart and soul in chaos...

The frantic beating... the white heat he felt... the shivers... everything about this Carpathian is dangerous...

He had never felt this kind of urgency to run away - scared that his sanity might be in danger... worst his whole body and soul might be in danger.

Wolfram walks out on him but not before he heard it.

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So strong...

So powerful...

Words that made his heart beat with frantic strike...

As if the words are binding... a string that ties him...

'Te avio päläfertiilam. Éntölam kuulua, avio päläfertiilam.' Mikhail whispered the words in his ancient language, his eyes never leaving the beautiful face. 'Ted kuuluak, kacad, kojed. Élidamet andam. Pesämet andam. Uskolfertiilamet andam. Sívamet andam. Sielamet andam.'

'Stop!' Wolfram pressed his palm hard against her heart. Whatever he was saying was affecting him. Wolfram was scared… he doesn't know it… but his heart is beating so fast…

He doesn't know much about spells and the language Mikahil is using is something he had never heard before…

Mikhail's expression didn't change. He stares at Wolfram, holding him captive with his eyes and his voice.

'Ainamet andam. Sívamet kuuluak kaik että a ted. Ainaak olenszal sívambin.'

As he spoke, each word he uttered in that soft, mesmerizing whisper of sound seemed to penetrate deep into his body and mind, as if each words are wrapping his heart and deeper still.

'Stop it!' he shouted. Mikhail needs to be stop. He cant walk… he cant move, as if those words are holding him prisoner…

'Te élidet ainaak pide minan. Te avio päläfertiilam. Ainaak'sívamet jutta oleny. Ainaak terád vigyázak.'

'What have you done?! What have you done to me?!' Wolfram shouted.

Mikhail slowly approaches Wolfram.

His little angel.

'I have given you a choice. I was not to say those words, would you have agreed to me. I wanted you to know me… to learn to accept me… to learn to love me… but you gave me no choice.'

'What are those words? What have you done?!' Wolfram felt tears in his eyes.

The words are wringing his heart. As if the words has a life of its own…

'You are my lifemate. I claim you as my lifemate. I belong to you. I offer my life for you. I give you my protection. I give you my allegiance. I give you my heart. I give you my soul. I give you my body. I take into my keeping the same that is yours. Your life will be cherished by me for all my time. Your life will be placed above my own for all time. You are my lifemate. You are bound to me for all eternity. You are always in my care.'

And with those words… Mikhail brushes the tears in Wolfram's face and kissed the Demon Prince... with all the hunger of a man deprived of his beloved...

'Wolfram. Be mine. You belong to me.'

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