Chapter Six
"Hope doesn't come from calculating whether the good news is winning out over the bad. It's simply a choice to take action."
- Anna Lappe
___
Falcon and Sara were beneath the earth; Marach could sense that much. Slavica offered to guide him to where they were, and to be polite Marach allowed her to, even though he knew their location. Slavica led him to a pair of rooms hidden beneath the couple's playroom basement. One of the rooms was a sitting room, where Falcon and Sara awaited him. So deeply underground, Marach could feel the call of the Carpathian soil, beckoning him to rest. He tried to ignore it as he took a seat across from the couple. "What do you wish to talk about?"
"Did the vampire reveal anything to you?" Falcon asked. "Did he say if he was acting alone or as part of group?"
"He mentioned one other vampire, Neve. Fride referred to him very deliberately to intimidate me. But I don't know this Neve. Since it's rare for a vampire to boast of another vampire's powers, I was wondering if either of you have heard of Neve?"
Falcon thought about it for a moment and shook his head. "Not to my knowledge. The only vampires of great power we could ever identify by name were Razvan and the Malinov brothers. Of course, Razvan was never a vampire to begin with, but that's beside the point."
"So either this Neve really isn't really much of anything," surmised Marach. "Or he's been concealing a great deal of power from us."
"It appears that way."
"But Fride didn't have time to harm the girls?" Sara asked.
"He attacked them, but he didn't have time to bite them or give them his blood. The means in which he took in order to take them were unusual; he went to great lengths. He manipulated their tour guide to release them to him and he even went to the trouble of looking for and finding Serenity's broken necklace to use as bait."
"Serenity's necklace broke?"
Marach shrugged. "It's old, at least seventy years old. It was a family heirloom given to her." Marach of course knew these things from seeing both Izzy and Serenity's memories.
"I can give her a replacement chain if she wants," Sara offered. "I have an overabundance of them. What kind of chain is it?"
"Gold, I suppose?" Marach didn't really have any interests in such things, although he couldn't deny the emotional attachment both sisters had for the piece of jewelry. "I'm a little concerned the Dark One isn't making the journey to see us, especially since we're in the same region. Is everything all right with his children?"
"Anya is very weak," Sara admittedly sadly. "But she and her sister are healthy, but they've especially kept Anya under constant supervision. Gregori's afraid to leave all three of their sides just in case anything happens."
Marach nodded his understanding. "I don't wish to distract Gregori from tending to his lifemate's and daughters needs. I'm nervous about making Serenity travel. Isabel and she crossed straight over Europe, but it created an immense strain on them both. I don't want to discomfort my lifemate anymore than she's already been, but at the same time I can see that Serenity's case might require immediate attention."
Falcon and Sara exchanged a long look and Marach knew they were communicating through their own line. After a few minutes Falcon looked at him again. "We're happy for you, Marach, that you have found your lifemate. However…I must say we're not really surprised you didn't find it in Serenity."
"I've felt her grief through Isabel, and now I can feel it quite strongly in my head, even as she sleeps." It did feel unbearable, but he would never dare show this in front of Izzy. His lifemate was already too heavily immersed to Serenity's problems to need the added burden of his coping with this. "I've only regained my emotions several hours ago, and so this overwhelming sorrow can be a little much." But I will deal with it. For Serenity's sake and most importantly for Isabel's sake.
"I've heard," Sara said suddenly, her tone very careful. "Of something similar to this. This is my first experience with this firsthand, but it sounds familiar."
Marach stared at them both. "Do you know what's wrong with her?"
"No," Falcon said. "But we have a theory."
"A theory is still better than nothing. Tell me what you think, I won't be offended and I will try to keep quiet of this to Isabel."
Falcon didn't answer for a long moment. When he finally did answer, it wasn't what Marach expected.
"We think Serenity has a lifemate, and that he has turned."
Marach reflexively gripped the arm of the couch. "I-Is that so?" He had no idea what was bothering Serenity, but this was quite possibly the worst-case scenario. Turned lifemate…that would explain all of the suicide attempts recently. Her lifemate must have recently turned.
"It's only just a theory, though," Sara said. "Serenity doesn't seem to be a psychic, so I think it's a long shot to say her depression is linked to feeling her lifemate's soul be given away."
"However, the alternative isn't pleasant either," Falcon added. "He could be dead, too, and the link came about when she felt him die."
"Either way," Marach said grimly. "There's no hope for her if either one is true."
"That's why we need Gregori. He's handled cases of lifemate halves who've been sentenced to half-lives. He'll definitely know if this has happened to Serenity, and he'll know how to help her."
Marach nodded stiffly. "Isabel would rather we not tamper with Serenity's memories. But if her lifemate has turned…" a horrible sick feeling was engulfing him. Izzy loved Serenity very deeply, and through her memories he could see Serenity's kind and loving nature. If Falcon and Sara were correct, if Serenity was damned to a half-life, it would devastate everyone.
Please let this not be the case. Va rog, don't let Serenity have to suffer such a fate…
"…Marach?" he stiffened at the soft sound of Izzy's voice in his head. "You sound upset. Did something happen?"
"I shall tell you momentarily, iubita mea." He closed the connection between them for the moment and stood. "It is nearly dawn, is it not?"
"Yes," Falcon said. He and Sara stood up from the couch as well. "The children go to the youth center for morning activities during the summer and we stay up long enough to see them off, but you may go to ground ahead of us."
"We have a spare chamber for guests," Sara added, directing him to the door. "I'm sure it will be to your liking."
"Thank you for all of this," Marach said, bowing his head slightly. "I truly appreciate it." And he meant it; to feel gratitude and anything at all was truly a blessing.
"We're all brethren," Sara said. "So it's only natural that we help each other."
Marach smiled at her, and he knew it was a genuine smile. He looked between Falcon and Sara. "Thank you again." He opened the door to the spare chambers and exhilaration filled his being at the smell of Carpathian soil. This was pure, rich soil, even cleaner than what he had chosen to heal in on the mountain. He took his time, savoring the feel of it against his flesh as he started to settle down. He was exhausted, even after being in the ground for a month, but he felt calm…satisfied. He went to ground in a world of gray and carrying a deep chest wound, but he awoke to a world of color, fully healed and with a lifemate.
He reached out with his mind to touch Izzy. He would sleep the sleep of Carpathians, shutting down his heart and lungs. It would leave Izzy vulnerable and no doubt in distress since they'd just bonded. But he trusted Falcon and Sara, and the people in their household to care for both her and Serenity. "Isabel?"
There was a long moment of silence. She was in a deep sleep but she wasn't dreaming. "…Will you tell me what's wrong now?"
Marach hesitated. He couldn't lie to his lifemate and he didn't want to. But his news wasn't good and he knew Izzy wouldn't like it either. "Falcon and Sara have told me their theory of what's wrong with Serenity."
"Really?!" Izzy sounded excited at this news, and it only disheartened Marach. "What did they say?"
"They believe she's currently living a half-life."
He could feel Izzy recoil mentally from this. "…A half-life?"
"Yes, iubita mea. They believe the root of Serenity's misery and suicidal tendencies is because she has a lifemate out there who became a vampire."
"Y-You sure?!" Izzy sounded so horribly distressed and Marach's heart tightened. He wanted to rush to her side and comfort her, but he knew he couldn't do that at the moment.
"It's only a theory, dragă. There could be a many number of things wrong with Serenity. But Serenity has the same traits as you, which means she has a lifemate just like you do. If her lifemate gave up his soul, she would be able to feel it."
Marach sensed Izzy going through her own memories, remembering the fateful day Serenity had her public meltdown. She went from cheerful and positive to hysteria in mere seconds. And pain…she looked like she'd been in horrible pain. Was that pain from the severing of an unknown connection?
"Marach…what can I do if this is true?"
"It may not be true, Isabel," he tried to reassure her. "The only way we'll know for certain is if Gregori examines her himself, or if her turned lifemate appears. But don't distress. No matter what is wrong with her, we'll save her."
"Yes, of course." Relief and confidence filled her voice, even if it was half-hearted. "It could be anything. No matter what it is, I'll work hard to save her."
"We'll work hard to save her, iubita mea. You are not alone in this. I won't allow you to be alone in this. For all the hard work you put into saving Serenity, I will twice as hard to shoulder the burden. I will never allow you again to wallow in despair as you've done up to now. I refuse to tolerate anything more than your happiness." He spoke his words firmly, wanting her to truly understand the depth of their bond. He couldn't live without her and he couldn't stand to see her in pain. It was too much for him and he wanted her to be happy. He wanted to make her happy.
Izzy didn't respond for another long moment. When she did, she surprised him. "Thank you, Marach. I honestly can't thank you enough. I…I don't know how to feel about you, but your dedication to help me is truly touching. I can't thank you enough."
"You are my lifemate, Isabel. I can do no other than to see to your needs." Weariness beat at him, in combination with her own. "Enough talk, dragă. We are both tired and have a long day ahead of us tomorrow. Get some sleep."
"Please don't turn that into an order. I'll gladly sleep!" but there was laughter in her voice as her awareness began to drift once more.
Marach hesitated before her sent her one final message. "Én sív te." She couldn't understand the Carpathian words, but they turned his heart over. "I love you." He spoke them to invoke comfort in the both of them, and to instill the words upon his soul. He would grow to know her more intimately in time. Once that happened he knew he could say the words more comfortably, and put fuller meaning behind them.
___
"C'mon, do it!"
Izzy stirred. A tight knot had formed in her chest while she was asleep, and it took her breath away. She was taken off-guard by the levels of stress and distress that radiated from her being. "Marach?" She reached out with her mind, even as she didn't know how to, trying to find him. She followed the mental line of connection that he constantly used with her, trying to find his mind, his being. All she found was an empty void.
A wave of panic gripped her. What if something happened? What if Cassander or Parn found him and captured him? What if he…died? Tears burned behind her closed eyes and her throat tightened.
"Hurry before she wakes up!"
She stilled. That was the sound of children's voices. Very slowly she opened her eyes, trying to ignore the tears that leaked out. The room was dark, sunlight trying to creep in from behind the thick curtains. But she could make out the shape of four little bodies, each of them standing at Serenity's side of the bed.
"She won't wake up! We shook her and yelled in her ear, but she didn't move! There's only one thing to do now!" she didn't recognize this boy's voice, but he was the one standing closest to Serenity.
"It won't work." This voice Izzy recognized. It sounded an awful lot like Travis. "It's just a fairy tale."
"But Santa Claus is real!" Jase gushed beside him. "And other people call him a fairy tale!"
Travis waved a dismissive hand. "Fine, do what you want. But it won't work."
"Hurry, kiss her!" another boy prodded, shoving the first closer to Serenity.
"She does look like Sleeping Beauty though," Jase said. "They're both blonde!"
Travis scoffed. "There isn't a witch around trying to kill her! Just kiss her already! Before this one wakes up!"
The first boy gulped loudly and inched closer to Serenity. His hands shook in the dark as he reached for her shoulders, grasping them with his small hands.
"Do it! Do it!" Jase goaded.
"I'm doing it!" the boy hissed over his shoulder. He leaned down, over Serenity, and pressed a very quick kiss to her mouth. She predictably didn't respond as the boy jumped back as though he'd been burned.
The four boys crowded around, looking at Serenity closely. One minute passed. And then another. "…It didn't work?" Jase asked.
"You didn't hold the kiss long enough!" the fourth boy scolded, swatting the first boy on the shoulder.
"More likely you ain't a prince," Travis said snidely, folding his arms over his chest.
"B-But the movie said—"
"It was a cartoon! This is real life!"
Izzy was trying very hard not to laugh, despite her tears, as she quickly sat up. "What are you boys doing?"
Three of the boys, including Jase, screamed and ran for their lives from the room. Travis lingered a moment longer, his arms still folded. "I knew you were awake," he said before he turned and ran out of the room.
Izzy waited a long moment after they left before she checked on Serenity. "Serenity?" she shook her sister. "Serenity?" she shook her a little harder. Serenity didn't respond at all.
"I've put Serenity in a very deep sleep. She won't wake up until I tell her to, so don't be alarmed."
Of course he did, Izzy thought, leaning away from Serenity. She'll be like this until he checks in on her later…
That horrible empty feeling was beginning to resurface. Izzy closed her eyes and pressed a hand to her chest, trying to keep it at bay. God, it was such a horrible feeling! And Marach wasn't responding to her at all!
More tears leaked out and she stumbled blindly into the bathroom. She tried to wash her wash, scrubbed it raw, but the tears still came. The emptiness was still there and she wanted to scream. What was happening? She'd never felt this way before, not even when Marach left her to feed.
She remembered the words he'd spoken last night. They were so beautiful to her ears, but it also sounded like an enchantment. Did he bewitch her, or something? Where was he? What caused this horrible feeling?
Izzy jumped at the sudden warmth that filled her mind, filling up the sorrow inside of her so that the pain dimmed. She sighed softly, basking in the glow of this feeling, wanting to last. After a few moments the effect began to dim, but the warmth remained in her head. It didn't completely take her pain away, but it was enough to deal with for the time being.
Izzy took a quick shower, washing away a little bit of her stress but not the warmth in her head. She dressed in fresh clothing, although she made sure to keep all of her stuff in her suitcase. They would be leaving that evening, after all. Trusting that Serenity wasn't going to pop awake; Izzy left the room to explore the rest of the house. It was chaos. She could hear the children down the hall from the three bedrooms, all of them talking loudly, combined with laughter and even louder shouts. She smiled to herself as she headed in the direction of these rooms, towards the stairs.
From one of the rooms a little girl ran swinging a small book bag over her shoulder. She nearly ran past Izzy, but she stopped and spun around. "Hi!"
"Hi," Izzy greeted back.
The little girl smiled and took off running for the stairs. Not knowing what else to do, Izzy followed her downstairs. She could hear loud chatter even while on the landing, and once she was downstairs she followed it into a kitchen. The curtains were tightly drawn in here, as with every other room, but seven little children were crowd around a kitchen table, getting cereal and toast for breakfast. All of them were talking loudly and laughing, but otherwise didn't seem to notice her presence.
"Good morning," Slavica greeted her as she entered. "Here, come and sit down, we have plenty of room. Would you like some eggs?"
Izzy rubbed her forehead with the back of her head. "Thanks, but I think I'll stick to cereal." She took the chair Slavica offered her and sat down amidst the chaos of the table. A few moments later Slavica presented a hearty bowl of cereal in front of her. It looked like Raisin Brand. She loved Raisin Brand. But her stomach churned at the thought of food, even though she was sure she should be hungry.
"Is the lady okay?"
Izzy looked up. One of the older girls was sitting next to her and looking at her. "Lady?"
"The blonde lady," the girl explained. "Travis and Jase said they met a pretty lady the other day who was really, really sad. I think you're pretty too, but is she okay?"
Izzy stared at her blankly for a moment, unsure of what to say. "I…I hope she'll be okay…"
The door to the kitchen swung open and Falcon and Sara walked in. Izzy gaped at them, but the children happily shouting out morning greetings. The couple glanced at Izzy briefly before addressing the children. "Now we know all of you will be on your best behavior today, as you always are at the youth center," Falcon said. "But we have an important announcement. Sara and I will be going away for a few days."
The children shouted protests and pleas that they go with them, but Falcon raised his hand sharply and the children immediately silenced. "We should be back in a couple of days. We'll call you guys every night we're gone. We want you all not only to be on your best behavior, but also be careful. House rules apply as always; don't leave the grounds by yourself and always, always tell Slavica, Maria, or anyone else here if something's wrong."
"Are you going to fix the lady?" Jase asked.
Falcon and Sara exchanged a look and Izzy felt irritation flare. Were they talking about Serenity and her in front of the children?
"Don't worry about the lady," Sara said gently. "We'll take care of her. You guys concentrate on taking care of yourselves."
"She's asleep!" the boy who kissed Serenity burst out. "We tried to wake her up, but she—"
"Idiot!" Travis hissed, kicking him underneath the table.
Both Falcon and Sara gave the children long looks. "You aren't bothering our guests, are you?" Falcon admonished.
"I-It's really no problem," Izzy said. She pushed her bowl of cereal away, even though she hated to waste food. But she just wasn't hungry at all. "I was already awake."
"Still, you boys shouldn't go into a lady's room without permission," Sara said gently.
"But they go into our room all the time!" the big girl pointed.
"You ain't a lady!" another one of the boys laughed.
Conversation deteriorated after this and the children quickly rushed from the kitchen to get ready for their morning activities. Falcon and Sara waited until they were out of earshot before addressing Izzy. "Why are you up so early?" Sara asked.
"Excuse me?" Izzy responded, though not unkindly.
"It's quarter to eight in the morning. You must have gotten four hours of sleep at the very most."
"We'll be leaving to travel to Gregori's tonight," Falcon added. "You should get some sleep today."
Izzy slowly stood up. "Can I ask how the children know about Serenity?"
"They're psychics," Falcon said.
Izzy's brow lifted. "All of them?"
"All of them," Sara said proudly.
All seven of the kids were psychic? It seemed so unbelievable, but Izzy knew that logic no longer existed. Vampires, Carpathians, and creatures of lore were running loose in the world. "…All right," she said reluctantly.
Sara gave her a close look. "Are you all right, Izzy? Maybe you do need more sleep."
Izzy could hear the genuine concern in Sara's voice and felt tears sting her eyes again. "I feel awful and I don't know why."
"Awful?" Falcon asked, frowning a little. He stood back as Sara took a seat next to Izzy at the table. "How do you mean?"
"I just…" Izzy wrung a hand. "I-I talk to Marach while I was asleep, I think. When I woke up I tried to talk to him again, but he won't answer me. And I…I know it sounds crazy, but I feel alone. Empty. Like there's a part of me that's gone." Izzy stiffened as she finished. Empty, alone…she was describing exactly how Serenity said she felt.
"Please don't get upset," Sara sooth, touching a hand to Izzy's arm. "Marach went to ground, that's all. It required him to shut down his lungs and heart, and so he's clinically dead in human terms. But don't worry. He's asleep beneath our basement."
Izzy quickly wiped away tears that had managed to leak out. "So that's why I feel empty? Because he's shut down?"
"He'll wake up this evening when it's time for us to leave."
"Did he complete the bonding ritual?" Falcon asked.
Izzy looked at him. "Bonding ritual?"
"Did he claim you as his lifemate?" Sara explained.
Izzy remembered that beautiful chant he spoke to her last night. Something felt different in her once he was done. "I think so. But what does that have to do with this empty feeling?"
"Lifemates are two halves of the same soul," Sara said. "They can't be without each other. The ritual words spoken by a Carpathian male to his lifemate unites their souls as one. It saves the Carpathian from the fate of becoming a vampire, but it binds the two parties. They quite literally can't be without each other, and separation for a long period of time can cause pain on both parts."
"…He did that to me?" Izzy asked quietly. "He cast some spell on me and tied us together? He's right underneath my feet and dead to the world and I feel the loss. Are you saying…" she swallowed thickly before she continued. "Are you telling me that he has to be by my side every single moment of my life? Forever?"
"Once you complete the bond entirely," Sara said. "You will be in each other's minds as easily as you are in your own. So you can be…somewhat apart so long as you stay mentally connected to them."
"But why would he do that?!" Izzy demanded. Her hands clenched into fists on the table and it took a great deal of willpower to not smash them into the surface. "Why would he bind us like this, knowing what it would do to me?!"
"Please don't be angry with him," Falcon tried to soothe her. "The bonding of lifemates is without malice. He did it for his own self-preservation, yes, but he also did it for you. Vampires will be coming after both Serenity and you. A blood exchange will allow him to sense you, but with the complete bond he can feel when you're in danger when you don't even realize you are. As a Carpathian, you can—"
"I'm human," Izzy interrupted. "And nothing matters to me more than saving Serenity. And if he tries to change me without my permission, he better know there'll be hell to pay!"
"But—" Falcon began.
"We understand," Sara cut in. "This is all so new to you, and so much has happened to you two. It's all right to be angry. Once Marach wakes up, take charge of yourself and your lifemate. He will see to your needs, but like with most Carpathian men he might try to smother you with his view of keeping you safe. You may be strangers now, but he is your lifemate and you two are meant to be together. Lay down the law with him, but also be willing to hear him out."
"'Most Carpathian men'?" Falcon repeated her words. He sauntered over and kissed Sara on the top of her head. "I don't fit into your equation, do I?"
"I was a…different case," Sara admitted. "My family was slaughtered by vampires and I was stalked by another."
"Your whole family?!" Izzy cried, aghast at such news. "Oh my God! I'm so sorry!" tears burned at her eyes, even though she still didn't know Sara very well. But despite saying such terrible news, the pain didn't seem to hurt Sara as badly as Izzy might expect.
Sara smiled and patted Izzy's hand. "Thank you. I knew everything that I could before I met Falcon; I even knew about Falcon himself. So I was ready to go by the time we finally met."
Izzy knew she probably wouldn't ever feel the same way. "What will happen to Marach if I refuse to convert?"
"Nothing," Falcon said. "You will grow old as a human and eventually die. Marach would be all right, so long as you're alive. He would most likely choose to grow old with you and die with you."
"Not a lot of Carpathian men are so accommodating, though," Sara added. "But Marach doesn't seem to be touched by this. I'm certain he'll give you a choice."
Izzy nodded her head stiffly. Carpathian…he didn't give her a direct answer when she asked if he would convert her. She didn't want to survive on blood. She liked eating normal food and she liked walking out in the sun, rollerblading in the sun. And she wanted to live a long, fulfilling life, and she wasn't so sure she could do that if she was stuck in the body of a twenty-four-year-old.
The door opened and Slavica stuck her head in. "Copiii sunt gata sa plece."
"Va multumesc," Sara responded in Romanian, rising to her feet. She looked at Izzy. "If you'll excuse us, the children are ready to go."
Izzy stood up, having not eaten a bite of her cereal. "I'll go with you."
She followed the couple to the front door. Her eyes fell to their joined hands, interlacing fingers. Sara had been human and had happily converted to being a Carpathian. But outside of her adopted children, she didn't have anyone else in her life. Izzy had Serenity, her parents, her friends, and obligations with school. She couldn't just throw that all away for one man, could she?
Falcon Sara kissed each one of the children and bade them goodbye. She watched them all in silence, her stomach knotting. They were such a happy, perfect family. Her own life wasn't perfect, but it was her own. Marach couldn't possibly replace all that she would lose if he changed her.
But he could give you more, a tiny voice in her head said. Much, much more.
Falcon and Sara stepped back, away from the entryway and into a nearby hallway as Maria opened the front door. Sunlight streamed in and Izzy was suddenly blinded by the bright lights. She squeezed her eyes shut and back away, shielding a hand to her face. Oblivious somewhat, the children said their goodbyes to Izzy and ran out to the waiting van. The door closed behind them, and the engine revved as Izzy's vision refocused in the room. She stood there, hearing the van start moving, the rum of the engine going further and further away.
Once the sound was completely gone, Falcon and Sara resurfaced in the hall. "Are you all right, Izzy?" he asked.
Izzy wiped at her eyes. "I don't know what happened," she said. "One hit from that sun and I couldn't see."
"Marach gave you his blood, didn't he?" Sara asked.
Izzy nodded and Sara continued. "It's a side effect of Carpathian blood. It'll be difficult for you to be in the sun for awhile."
Izzy felt irritated, but she tried not to let it get to her. "I can't wait until it goes away."
"We must go to ground now," Falcon said. "We'll rise early to make the preparations to leave for Gregori's house." He looked Izzy over for a long moment. "Try to get some sleep."
"Don't worry," Sara added. "Marach will be awake with us later. And if you can't sleep, Slavica and the others can keep you company. And the children will be home this afternoon and they'll definitely keep you busy."
Izzy nodded her head. "I know it doesn't seem like it, but I really appreciate what you two are doing. Thank you."
"You're welcome."
"I-If I can repay you somehow—"
"If we can get to the root of what's wrong with Serenity's that's more than enough for us."
___
The sunlight was waning. Izzy looked at her watch for what seemed like the millionth time and sighed heavily, tapping her foot impatiently.
The day should've gone by in a blur with everything she did to try and occupy herself. In the morning she tried to go for a walk, but being out in the sun was still surprisingly unbearable. Then she tried to talk with the human bodyguards and even Slavica, and she even played a few rounds of Sudoku with Slavica. But she still felt Marach's loss, even though he was probably right underneath her feet. Falcon and Sara warned Izzy of this, and she was sore that Marach omitted the fact that he had bound them together for all of eternity. But she couldn't stay angry. She just wanted to know he was all right.
Afternoon came as though a week existed between it and morning and the children came home from the youth center. And bless them; they did their best to keep Izzy busy. They dragged her downstairs into the basement, which was a big playroom overloaded with toys for each of the children's different age groups. She played Candy Land with the girls, Chutes and Ladders with the boys, and Connect Four with all of them. It'd been funny when Chrissy and Travis played Battleship together and Travis kept moving his pieces whenever Chrissy struck him. And even though he'd done so as covertly as possible, Chrissy somehow not only knew he was cheating, but also the exact spots he'd moved his pieces to. Even stranger, the rest of the children knew when another was cheating, or even about to cheat.
It hadn't distracted her. But Marach, Falcon, and Sara were supposed to wake up any minute now. Anxiety and anticipation consumed Izzy. She wanted to see Marach so desperately that the feeling scared her. She didn't like feeling this destitute, just the same as she didn't like the thought of Serenity having to suffer through these exact same feelings day in and day out. It was pure torture.
"I'm sorry."
Izzy jerked as those now very familiar arms slid around her shoulders and a powerful, warm body pressed itself into her back. All at once that horrible feeling was gone as though it had never existed. In its place were intense relief and a pooling heat from within her abdomen. Still, she couldn't ignore the irritation she felt from all of this. "What did you do to me, Marach?"
"The chant I spoke to you last night was the ritual words for lifemates. I have united our souls. It will keep me safe now, but at the same time we cannot be apart."
"Why haven't you explained anything to me?" Izzy tried not to get too angry, but she couldn't hide her feelings. "I understand you're a Carpathian, not a vampire and not a human, but I feel like you've violated some of my personal rights. Binding us together like that…why didn't you ask my permission?"
"Would you have denied me, dragă?"
Izzy didn't have an answer for that. "I don't know."
"I've told you that I'm vulnerable, Isabel. I've held onto my faith stronger than some of my brethren, but the threat of the darkness was still very real to me. Whether or not I was willing to admit it, but it hurt me to see two of my closest friends turn vampire. The thought of turning to the darkness, living as the undead in depravity and damning you to a half-life was very frightening. Now…" his arms tightened around her. "Now I don't have to worry about that. I'm safe now."
"Because you bounded us without my permission?"
"Yes, iubita mea. Now that the ritual words have been spoken, the darkness has retreated from me and I no longer have to worry about turning. You did that for me, Isabel."
"I didn't do anything," Izzy mumbled. "I haven't helped you and I haven't helped my sister…"
"But you have. You've done everything you can do, which is more than what most humans or even Carpathians do." He turned her around so that she faced him. He cupped a hand to her cheek. "You are my lifemate, dragă. More than anything I will see to your happiness and safety first and that all includes Serenity. You have worked so hard to save her; I wouldn't dare let that go to waste."
Sara's words from that morning came back to Izzy and she took a deep breath. "…Marach?"
"Yes, Isabel?"
"I don't want to be a Carpathian."
Marach's body stiffened and Izzy could feel shock and a tinge of sorrow. However, acceptance began to overpower both emotions. He was willing to compromise. Just those feelings, not his words, were enough for Izzy. "Or rather," she redirected quickly. "I would rather you wait and see if I'm ready to be converted. Right now I like being human, but I can change my mind. I won't tolerate it if you try to change me without my permission." She raised a hand and poked him in his sternum. "Promise me you will not convert me unless I tell you to, or unless there's no other way to save me."
Marach stared at her for a long time in silence. She could feel all of his conflicting emotions and he was struggling to find the right words. After another long moment, he pulled her into his arms and hugged her tightly. "Thank you, iubita mea. I know I shouldn't have been surprised by your words, as I felt your intentions before you spoke, but I appreciate that your convictions softened for my sake. I will keep this promise for you, Isabel."
"Here." Isabel pulled away from him and stepped back slightly. "Raise your right hand."
Marach did so. Izzy continued. "Now repeat after me: I, Marach—by the way, what's your last name?"
Marach smiled sadly. "I'd forgotten about it. I shed my family name after my whole family was slaughtered; it was a little too painful for me to think about."
"Oh no, you too?" Izzy ran a hand through her hair. "Sara, and now you Marach? Are all of you people just magnets for misery?"
"Misery exists everywhere, iubita mea. It thankfully has never touched you as deeply as it has for most of us. But if you insist on my having a last name, I'll gladly take yours."
"Take mine?" Izzy asked. "B-But that's not tradition!"
"Marach Crane. That has a nice ring to it doesn't it?"
"All right, enough! Just repeat after me: I, Marach."
"I, Marach," he said jovially.
"Do solemnly swear not to turn Izzy Crane against her will."
"Do solemnly swear not to turn Isabel Crane, my true lifemate and the light over my darkness—"
"I didn't say that!" Izzy snapped.
Marach shrugged. "…against her will."
"I will only do so if either she tells me it's okay or if I can't save her life."
"I will only do so if either she tells me it's okay or if I can't save her life."
"I won't invade her head and read her personal thoughts."
"Come now, Isabel." Marach lowered his hand. "We are lifemates. Living in each other's minds should be as natural as breathing. My mind is completely open to you anytime."
"Just repeat after me."
Marach narrowed his eyes slightly and folded his arms over his broad chest. "No. I will give you the choice of conversion, Isabel, but I refuse to never use our natural link. I like speaking you in such a way and I like how much closer it brings us together."
Izzy was about to snap at him, but more of Sara's words repeated themselves in her head. "Lay down the law with him, but also be willing to hear him out." As much as she hated to admit it, she wasn't a control freak. If she forced him to cut off that tie, it would make him miserable. And that in turn would make her miserable. "All right, fine. You can keep the connection, but don't enter my head so much. I need my own space too, you know."
Marach grinned from ear to ear and relaxed his body. He took hold of one of her hands and brought it to his mouth, brushing his lips over the knuckles. "Thank you, fél ku vigyázak."
"And what does that mean?" Izzy asked.
"Dear one, Isabel. A common endearment in Carpathian."
"Wait, just stick to the Romanian ones," she said, waving a hand. "You've already given me enough pet names that I can't keep track of."
"All right." He released her hand. "Is there anything else you wanted me to vow?"
"Yes." Izzy raised her right hand again. "If I find anything wrong with Serenity, I will tell Izzy immediately."
"If I find anything wrong with Serenity, I will tell you immediately." He smiled slightly. "I will hide nothing from you, dragă. Are our affairs settled now?"
Izzy nodded curtly. "For now. If I can think of anything else I will tell you."
"Sounds good." He pulled her close and pressed small kisses into her scalp, into her hair. "Speaking of Serenity, I think it's about time we woke her up, hmm?"
"Definitely," Izzy said, trying to ignore the tingling sensations in her scalp from his soft kisses. "Right now, then."
"Right now."
Izzy yelped as Marach suddenly swept her up into his arms. Before she could protest they were moving, almost like a ray of light, out of the basement and through the first floor and up the stairs. She could've sworn she heard Falcon laughing and she tried to ignore it. In mere seconds Marach was depositing her gently on her feet in the room she'd shared with Serenity. Izzy couldn't help but feel unsteady. "Try to warn me before you do that again, okay? That's a little too much like Superman for my tastes."
"All right. But who's Superman?"
She definitely heard an edge to his voice and she couldn't help but laugh. "He's a comic book superhero, Marach! As in not real! And even if he was, he's too wrapped up in Lois Lane to notice me!"
Marach waved a dismissive hand before he sat down on the bed beside Serenity. "I don't read comic books, Isabel. They never really interested me. This one called Superman seems egotistical if he displays the word 'Super' in his name."
Izzy laughed even harder. "He's not the only one, Marach! Spiderman, Batman, Ironman, they all have unique names!"
"…'Batman'?" Marach asked.
Izzy sighed. "Ask Travis. Maybe he has some American comic books."
Marach said nothing to this and turned back towards Serenity. He reached out and brushed a hand across her forehead. "Kidü, Sisar." It was in Carpathian again, but English words translating these two words surfaced in Izzy's head. "Arise, Sister."
Sister. Marach called Serenity 'sister'. Izzy knew that was how he saw her, his 'lifemate's sister'. And she could feel the emotions he had for her, brotherly love for a potential sister-in-law and a protective streak because of her vulnerable state.
After being dead to the world for a whole day, Serenity's eyes flew open as though she'd never been asleep. She groaned in confusion and Marach helped her to sit up. "What happened?" she asked quietly, touching a hand to her own face.
"Do you remember what happened?" Marach asked her gently.
Serenity's brow furrowed slightly and she shook her head. "I felt…I remember feeling out of place with you guys, but…"
"You became hysterical, Serenity. But how are you feeling today?"
Serenity touched a hand to her stomach uneasily. "Different. I don't know how, but I feel different."
"Do you feel suicidal?" Izzy blurted out. She felt guilty for saying it, but couldn't help but ask. She was somewhat grateful Marach didn't admonish her in any way.
Serenity looked stricken by her question. Then…curious. Confusion crossed Serenity's face for a moment. "I-I don't know. I don't feel too great, but that terrible emptiness doesn't hurt me as much as it use to." She looked at Marach. "Did you do something?"
"I'm here to help you," Marach said. "But it's as Izzy says. Do you feel any urges to end your life?"
"……No," she said at length. "Not right now. And if I think of suicide, my head…" Serenity grabbed at her head and groaned painfully.
"Are you all right?!" Izzy cried, rushing to her side.
Serenity nodded. "I don't know this man who can help me, but if he can stop this horrible feeling, I'll put my faith in him." She looked up at the both of them. "When do we go?"
"Anytime now," Marach said. "As soon as Falcon and Sara are ready."
It didn't take too long. Falcon and Sara said their goodbyes to their children, promising to return in a few days. They would be taking a smaller car with heavily tinted windows. Izzy somehow knew the Carpathians could travel easier and quicker than by car, but they were accommodating both Serenity and her.
But she also knew there was another reason.
"Vampires will be following us," Falcon said. "If we can fish them out and take care of them before we reach Gregori, then there won't be added threats to his daughters."
The little boys followed Serenity like a pack of sick puppies. The boy who kissed Serenity almost acted like a jilted lover, alternating between being nice to Serenity and almost snapping at her. Izzy couldn't help but laugh, even as Serenity was confused by the boy's behavior.
"Be careful."
Izzy started at this voice addressing her, and turned to see Travis. "I'm sorry?"
"Be careful," Travis repeated. "Something doesn't feel right about the road."
Izzy remembered that the boy was psychic and smiled at him. "Thank you for your concern. And I will be very careful."
"Serenity."
Izzy turned to see Sara approaching Serenity. She was pulling something out of her coat. It looked like a small jewelry box. "I heard the chain to your necklace broke. I have a spare one I can give you, if it's all right."
Izzy gaped. She would really do that for Serenity?
Light flickered in Serenity's sad eyes for a brief moment. But…she didn't smile. "Thank you, Sara." She accepted the box and tucked it into her pocket.
They finished the goodbyes and piled into the car. The trunk was overloaded with Serenity and Izzy's bags. Falcon got behind the wheel and Sara seated herself in the passenger seat. Serenity climbed into the car and Izzy followed, mindful of Marach who was right behind her.
Then, they were off. Several of the little children chased after the car, but they stopped after a couple of feet. The sun had nearly set, out of sight beyond the horizon, but the sky was still pink and yellow.
"It'll take us a day or two to reach Gregori's house," Falcon said. He was driving a little too quickly for Izzy's liking, but she knew the necessity behind it. "There's a town a few hours from here deep in the mountains. Humans live there. We'll stop there for the night."
Izzy couldn't respond to him. All of a sudden she felt so incredibly tired. She couldn't keep her eyes open. Serenity looked very wide awake, having slept the day away. Izzy closed her eyes and started to drift off, leaning in Serenity's direction.
A hand caught her arm and she was startled to be pulled backwards, right into Marach's arms. "I'm here, dragă. Sleep and restore your strength. I'll wake you when we make the stop."
"You didn't sleep at all today," Falcon observed, looking at Izzy through the rearview mirror. "I told you this would happen."
Sara patted his arm. "No time like the present, as they say."
Izzy felt comfortable in Marach's arms, even as she could feel Serenity's uncertain gaze on her. As if not knowing what else to do, Serenity took hold of her hand and squeezed it slightly as she finally drifted off to sleep.
___
Three and five. There were two spaces left on the chart and three and five were the answers. But Izzy didn't move to mark it in. She just stared down at the notepad, as though in a trance.
Serenity made the move instead, marking the numbers in the boxes. "Sudoku!" She sounded slightly enthusiastic, but it still didn't show on her face. She gave Izzy a look. "Are you all right?"
"Huh?" Izzy snapped to attention. "What? Yes, I'm fine."
Serenity narrowed her eyes. "You're thinking about Marach." There was an accusatory tone to her voice.
Izzy couldn't help but sigh. Marach may have temporarily rid her of her suicidal urges, but he hadn't rid her of her dislike of him. "I was just a little worried, that's all."
"They've only been gone for a half-hour," Serenity pointed out. "Out feeding." She bit off the word in obvious disgust.
"Hey, what is your problem?" Izzy demanded, not bothering to hide her indignation. "These people are perfect strangers and they've gone out of our way to help us! I don't appreciate the fact that Marach is interfering in my life, but I'm not going to ignore what's he's done for me! What he's done for us!"
Serenity sighed suddenly, dropping her pen onto the Sudoku pad. "I'm sorry, Izzy. You're right, I'm being ungrateful. I just feel…" She rubbed the back of her neck uneasily. "Something feels strange here. I don't like it. The sooner we leave here, the better."
'Here' was the town Falcon had spoken of. It was just after ten at night and both sisters were sitting on the single bed in Serenity's room at this tiny town's inn. Marach had been very insistent that they sleep in separate rooms and Izzy had reluctantly agreed. Serenity had a room on the first floor while Izzy's was directly above hers on the second floor. She didn't like it, but Marach said they would take needed precautions with Serenity.
"We're leaving tomorrow," Izzy said, patting her knee. "A good night's sleep should—"
"No, I want to leave now!" Serenity pushed the pad away and jumped out of bed. She began pacing. "Where are they? Why would they leave us alone when vampires are after us?"
They'd placed safeguards on their rooms to ensure nothing sinister could get to them. Marach had told Izzy as much. "Sweetie, just sit down," she soothed. "Take a few deep breaths and try to relax. This is all new to me too and I don't why I trust them. But I do trust them and so you should to."
Serenity slowly sat back down on the bed. "I'm sorry, Izzy. God, I keep apologizing don't I? I-I just feel funny. This whole place feels funny. But I should do like you say. You've always been a good judge of character, and Falcon and Sara seem like really good people. All those adopted kids running around their house is proof enough."
"But you don't trust Marach," Izzy said.
Serenity shook her head. "I don't like him. He's such a typical player, Izzy. I don't want some man chewing you up and spitting you back out, especially a vampire—"
"Carpathian," Izzy corrected. "These three are Carpathians. It's different from vampires."
"It warms my heart that you defend me so, Isabel." Izzy jerked violently at the sound of Marach's voice in her head. "Don't worry; I shall come back to you shortly."
"What did I tell you about screwing around in my head?!" she fumed.
"You gave me full permission, dragă," Marach reminded her, his voice full of laughter.
"Izzy?" Serenity asked.
"I-I'm sorry," Izzy said, shaking her head. "What was that, Serenity?"
"I was wondering if we should call Mom and Dad about this. I haven't spoken to them in days."
"Mom and Dad!" Izzy cried, jumping off the bed. "Oh my God, I completely forgot about them!" she patted herself down, looking for her cell phone before she remembered it was off and charging in her room. "Serenity, do you have your cell phone?!"
Serenity shrugged. "I think I lost it."
"LOST IT?! WHERE?!"
"I think during the landslide. It was in my coat pocket and when I checked later it wasn't there."
"W-Why didn't you tell me?!" Izzy snapped. "Lost it…now we have no chance of finding it!"
"It's just a cell phone," Serenity said neutrally. She leaned against the headboard and fiddled with her new chain, the medal hanging at the center. "I can get another one easily."
Izzy waved a hand. "I'll go check my phone. I'll be right back, okay?"
"Take your time, I'll be all right," Serenity answered.
Izzy hurried upstairs to her room and quickly turned on her cell phone. She hadn't checked it since they escaped the landslide. Sure enough…
6 missed calls. Dad. 1 voicemail.
Izzy felt her throat tighten. Dad… Just how worried were her parents right then? They hadn't called them in several days and they would definitely notice if they weren't on the scheduled plane home. She needed to call them, reassure them that they were all right. But what could she say? How could she possibly explain to them everything that had happened in the span of just three days?
Sighing sadly to herself, Izzy stood up from the bed and walked over to her open balcony. It was small and provided very little space, but it was a nice wooden balcony. A huge tree directly in front of this side of the building obscured most of her view, but it didn't get to her. She leaned her arms on the rail, looking down at her phone. This was becoming too much. How could she return to her life after this? And Serenity…she was restless in this place, and everyone was afraid her potential lifemate had already turned. Half-lives…how could she save anyone with half a life?
The piercing cry of a hawk ripped through the air, startling Izzy. She flipped her phone shut and tucked into her pocket as she straightened. It was very dark outside, but she could make out the silhouette of a bird flying high over her head, over the inn. It circled the inn several times, gliding with an amazing amount of grace.
Suddenly, it swooned downward. Izzy felt her jaw drop as a beautiful hawk fluttered its wings right over the balcony before settling on the rail right beside her. She became aware of a sense of familiarity. She knew this hawk. Somehow.
She cleared her throat nervously, uneasy by its piercing gaze. "Hello."
The hawk shifted forms abruptly, taking the shape of a man. Izzy yelped in surprise as Marach surfaced from the body of that hawk, leaning against the rail and watching. "W-What the hell?! Can't you arrive normally?!"
"There's no such thing as normal," Marach said good-naturedly. "Besides, I like the form of a hawk. You didn't mind my movements just moments before."
"What do you want?" she asked, backing into her room.
Marach laughed and he followed her inside, acting almost like a predator stalking his prey. "I think that's fairly obvious."
"I-I'm not sleeping with you," she stammered, holding her hands up defensively.
Marach laughed even harder and grasped her hands in his larger ones. "I don't intend to sleep with you, iubita mea. You are my lifemate and I intend to love and cherish you in every way, shape, and form."
Izzy swallowed thickly. "This is to f-fast—"
"Shh." Marach pulled her towards him, wrapping her arms around his neck. Izzy's heartbeat began beating quite rapidly, nearly in her throat. He slid his hands back down her arms to draw her closer and her skin and senses began to tingle.
"Is this why you wanted me to have a room to myself?!" she managed to spit out.
"I wanted you to have some space and peace away from Serenity for a while. But…I can't deny I like the idea of you being alone." A possessive hand slid down her back, cupping the small of her back and pushing her forward, pressing their bodies together. A tiny gasp escaped Izzy's mouth and she closed her eyes. Marach took the opportunity to lean close to her face, nuzzling her cheeks, her eyelids. "The more I'm around you, Isabel, the harder it can be for me. You understand, don't you? To have within your reach something you desire with your body, heart, and spirit and yet danger lurks too close for you to have a taste? And…the reluctance of the one you desire…it can be quite a trying thing, couldn't it?"
"Marach." Izzy sighed, her nerves all in a flutter. Just moments ago she was distressed over her parents and now…now she was in a growingly heightened state of sexual awareness. She was aware of Marach and his hunger for her. And she…
Marach could sense her distress resurfacing. She was still having a very difficult time adjusting to everything that happened. He couldn't blame her and so he was willing to exercise patience as he'd always done throughout his very long life. But…brush of words from her random thoughts, and even the sight of her was enough for his body to tighten with need. He needed control, to focus on the danger that loomed in front of them. But oh, he wanted her. He wanted to lie beside her, in bed or in earth it didn't matter, and he wanted to be part of her. He wanted to kiss her, touch her…and he couldn't help himself on either point as he pulled her closer and claimed her lips.
"Marach!"
Falcon's voice ripped through his head like a lightning bolt. Marach broke the kiss reluctantly, knowing that something was terribly wrong. He reached out with his mind, even as Falcon relayed to him the situation.
"Damn!" he swore violently, breaking free of Izzy.
"W-What's wrong?!" Izzy cried, immediately on alert.
"Serenity's gone," he stated, trying to reach out and sense her.
"GONE?! But how? I was just talking to her!" Izzy now looked completely panicked and grabbed her coat. "I-I've got to—I have to find her!"
"No, Isabel. You have to stay here." Marach was very uneasy. He couldn't feel Serenity close by, which should be impossible. There's no way she could've left the vicinity so quickly. He reached out a little more and recoiled. Something was blocking him, something evil.
Cassander.
"Does Cassander have her?!" Izzy was almost hyperventilating now and Marach cursed himself. He had to be a little more careful about his thoughts.
"Cassander might be trying to lure her out, but I don't think he's got her," he tried to reassure her, drawing her back into his arms. "He wouldn't make his presence so obvious if he had her. But we'll find her first, I swear I will."
"Marach—"
"You need to stay put, Isabel. I can't have Cassander coming after you." He kissed her on the cheek. "I'll be back soon. Falcon will be looking with me."
"What if you run into Cassander first? What if he hurts you again? What if—"
"Have faith in your lifemate, iubita mea. I will find Serenity first and foremost. If Cassander seeks to challenge me, then we will meet. Just wait here for me, okay? I'll bring her back."
Marach sat her down on the bed and took off flying out of the balcony. Izzy sat there for a long moment, waiting as she felt him fly further and further away from her. Her body was still aching from their close contact and their brief kiss. But her panic and fear was overpowering this. Serenity was out there somewhere in the dark. Why did she leave?
Once she was sure Marach was far enough away she grabbed her jacket again. She shoved it on and ran for the door.
There was a gently knock on the door. "Izzy?"
It was Sara. There was no way Sara would let her leave. "I'm sorry," she mumbled to herself, and locked the door.
"Why are you sorry?" Sara asked on the other side. "Did you lock the door?"
Izzy tried to swallow her guilt over the situation as she ran for the balcony. She jumped onto the rail and launched herself into the air. She crashed into the tree in front of her, the branches splintering her hands. She ignored it and climbed down the tree as quickly as she could. The splinters in her hands had pushed back up to the surface of her skin when she hit the ground and she scratched at her palms as she took off running. She didn't know where she was going, but she had to do something.
"The only thing you need to do is wait for our return!" Marach suddenly yelled in her mind. "Get back to the inn right now, Isabel!"
"So now you're my mommy?!" she retorted, tearing into the nearby woods. "Serenity!" she shouted aloud.
"You're bringing attention to yourself! Get back right now! If Cassander attacks—"
"Cassander probably already has Serenity! If I draw him out that'll save time! But I have to find my sister! You can't stop me!"
"I most certainly can, iubita mea! Now I'm giving you to the count of three to get back to the inn or there will be dire consequences to pay! One!"
"Gee, I'm so scared." Izzy broke through the tears into a small clearing. Very little light from the town illuminated the area, but she could see very well. She could see the outlines of the nearby trees and shadows of animals in the dark.
"Two!"
"Marach, enough already. I'm going to look for my sister." Izzy looked around the clearing. "Serenity!" she yelled again. "Where are you?!"
"Thr—"
A hiss sounded through the air and tore right through her. It was very familiar and it sent chills right down her spine. The air, the environment itself seemed to changed in just seconds, shrouding everything in bleak darkness. "Who's there?" she asked, hugging her arms to herself.
Words suddenly reverberated in her ears…a song. "Tumtesz o wäke ku pitasz belső. Hiszasz sívadet. Én olenam gæidnod. Rauho joŋe ted."
The song sounded beautiful lyrically, almost like a lullaby. But the voice that sang this song was anything but beautiful. Izzy's skin crawled and tears of fear stung her eyes. Marach…
"I'm coming, Isabel. But I need you to run as quickly as you can! Now!"
Something fell right in front of her. Izzy screamed and lost her balance, falling backwards onto the ground.
"Buna seara, domnisoara."
This Izzy recognized. It was an evening greeting in Romanian. She sat up a little straighter and took in the man who stood in front of her. She knew from Marach's own memories that vampires took on the illusion of beauty, but this one didn't bother to hide his nature. His skin hadn't rotted yet, but he was filthy from head to toe. His eyes blazed with hunger and evil as he surveyed her with a sort of confidence that put her on edge.
Then…he spoke again. "You stink of Marach, woman. Has he fed off of you?"
Izzy had never met this man, this thing, but she knew who he was. "Cassander." He didn't look injured anymore. He apparently made a full recovery, as Marach did.
Cassander threw back his head and laughed. Izzy couldn't help but shudder. "So you do know Marach! But how? You seem so…ugly to be simple feeding tool."
He sniffed the air in her direction, and she couldn't help but be a little offended by his words. Ugly? What part of her was ugy?!
Wrong place, wrong time Izzy.
"I could've told you that," Marach said fiercely. "But get away from him!"
"Is he talking to you?" Cassander laughed, snapping bloodstained teeth in her direction. "Ah…I see how it is! You're his woman, aren't you? His lifemate!" the word sounded almost like a curse to him. "Then you're very useful to me alive!" he waved a hand at her and Izzy felt a weird, invisible tug on her chest. "Come here, woman."
"Run! Get out of there RIGHT NOW, Isabel!" Marach yelled.
His words were stronger than Cassander's. Izzy jumped up and spun around to run for her life. But her body slammed into an unyielding surface, sending her sprawling back to the ground.
"Come now don't tease her, Frate, with fairytales like lifemates."
Izzy whimpered in fear, the reality of the situation now very clear. The man who stood before her was just as filthy as Cassander, and though the blaze of his eyes wasn't as strong as Cassander's, it was very real and there. "Parn…"
Parn raised an eyebrow and looked at Cassander. "How does she know me?"
"Marach has used her," Cassander explained. "Perhaps he has fooled himself into thinking this pathetic creature is his lifemate?"
Parn snorted in disgust. "Lifemates don't exist. He's only deluding himself. Although, I do wonder what he sees in this pathetic female." His teeth suddenly looked sharper, and fangs extended out, all too much like with Fride. "Why don't I have a taste of her?"
"Be still, she's more use to us alive," Cassander said authoritatively. "But since Marach killed Fride over her, let's see what finding his lifemate—"
Parn shot Cassander a horrible glare and the older vampire corrected himself. "Let's see what having this woman around has done for his skills?"
There was a sudden 'whoosh' and there was a duel sharp sound of a blow landing upon flesh. Both Cassander and Parn went flying, hitting nearby trees as Marach and Falcon landed on either side of Izzy, each poised for action.
"Marach!" Izzy was beside herself with relief. "Did—"
"We didn't have time to find her," Marach said flatly, standing up straight and tall. "We were too busy flying back here to save you."
Izzy couldn't help but feel guilty. She truly meant well, and now it turned out like this. "I'm sorry…"
"Well, we've exposed Cassander and Parn in any case so that's one less thing we have to worry about." Marach looked down at her. "Next time, please heed my warnings."
"A-Absolutely," she stammered.
Both brothers were back on their feet quickly screaming obscenities in Romanian and Carpathian. Marach looked at Falcon. "Cassander's mine, my friend."
Falcon nodded. "I'll take the younger one, then."
Izzy had thought the fight with Marach and Fride had been terrible. That vampire had been far weaker than Marach. But Cassander and Parn…they could match the two hunters blow for blow. Though neither side could do more than graze or bruise the other, having an ancient like Falcon on his side helped this battle stay in Marach's favor.
"Do you think you can defeat me, Marach?!" Cassander roared, even as Marach struck him on the side of his head. "You are nothing compared to us and the power we yield!"
"It's false power," Falcon snapped, kicking Parn in his sternum. The younger vampire flew across the clearing and slammed into the dirt. "Real power is drawn from love and protection, each of which you exhibit for your lifemate."
"But why concentrate all of that power onto a single person?" Cassander asked, dodging another blow from Marach. "It's better to keep it all for yourself! You grow stronger that way and not restrained by some weakling woman!"
"Your power is an illusion," Marach snapped. He jumped back so that he stood guard in front of Izzy. "Both of you live in rotting waste of lives! What you have done to yourselves, to your people, and to your promised lifemates is unforgiveable! If either of you weren't so self-centered on your own needs, then you might not have caused all of these problems! You don't exist solely for yourself and power! You are devoted to all Carpathians, especially our Prince, and every living thing in this world!"
"Are you finished yet?" Cassander asked, his tone bored. Several feet away, Parn was having trouble sitting up and Falcon was eyeing him closely.
Marach growled at him. "You were once my friend, Cassander. I have no pity for you. If you had only stayed on the righteous path as I did, then you would be rewarded as I did. This." He motioned to Izzy. "She is the reason I exist. I do not exist for myself. That is not the reason we exist. But you two are so blinded, unable to comprehend what you've done to yourselves, to your lifemates—"
"Stop lecturing us, Marach!" Parn roared suddenly, jumping back to his feet. His eyes blazed with fury and hate. "Do you think you can fool either of us?! Becisnic! Peje terád!
He screamed each curse word with a frightening fury. "Lifemates do not exist! Do you think parading your little curva around proves anything?! It only means you have reached the ranks of the other fools of whipped, weak men! But you won't delude us to that same path, that's for sure! You can't—"
Parn stopped in his tangent suddenly. His features relaxed slightly and the glow of hate from his eyes dimmed slightly. Those same eyes grew very wide and his mouth slacked open slightly. All of the anger, all of the fight in him…it was gone. In its place was an unexplainable expression of shock…and horror. And since it was a vampire looking like this, Izzy suddenly grew very afraid.
A twig snapped in the forest behind them. Izzy turned her head around, as did Marach and Falcon at the approaching footsteps. Cassander seemed pretty curious too and craned his head slightly. Parn did nothing; his eyes were already on the figure emerging from the forest into the clearing.
It was Serenity.
