Chapter 10

Tyrell struggled to open his eyes. At first, he had no idea where he was as the room appeared different. He was still in a cell, but it was larger and…decorated? There were colorful paintings of flowers and landscapes hung on the grey walls. And there was a small bed against one of the walls with a floral quilt.

Groaning, he pushed himself off the floor and rubbed his forehead. It felt like it had been hit repeatedly. Then again, maybe when he fell unconscious, that's exactly what Derrick had done.

He was alone in the cell, but still bound by heavy chains around his wrists and ankles. Like before, they were attached to the wall, with just enough length for him to walk to other side of the cell. He struggled to his feet, his head spinning so much that he had to place a hand on the wall to steady himself.

What the hell happened? It came back to him in a rush. Arianna's blue eyes looking at him while the demon tried to choke her. Had he killed her? Tyrell began to breathe heavily. If he killed his lifemate, then he would beg the Dark One to torture him slowly before striking him down. Tyrell knew he could never be bound to her, and yet, she did not deserve death…or any of this. Tyrell closed his eyes for a moment and focused on her blood. He felt an odd sense of relief when he found the connection, confirming she was still alive.

He sensed it was late in the day, with the sun still high. Until darkness came, he would continue to be sluggish, with or without the formula inside him. He was too weak to try and connect with Gregori. He'd simply have to wait until he grew stronger, while hoping the Dark One had found a solution.

Exhausted, he eyed the bed. Even though it was small, it looked as if it could offer some comfort in comparison to the cold, steel walls. Tyrell longed for the feel of the earth. In a sense, this underground lab was more cruel than any other type of torture. He felt the soil beckon him behind the outer walls and yet he was helpless when it came to finding a way to escape.

He made his way slowly to the bed, actually stumbling with weakness. He sat down heavily on it, the mattress dipping down from his large size. But he frowned, noting he sat on something under the covers. Reaching underneath the blanket, he pulled out a small, stuffed brown bear. Tyrell stared at it for a moment, noting a strange sense of familiarity. This belonged to Arianna. The scientists had brought him to her cell. Where was she?

Tyrell hadn't touched her mind for very long, but the images he saw told him her entire story. She'd been robbed of any normal childhood, brought up as nothing more than a lab experiment. Overwhelming grief quickly followed as Tyrell realized she was now responsible for bringing back his real, full emotion.

Which he found to be unbearable.

So much pain. She'd been so alone, suffering through the loss of her parents as a young child. She'd been stabbed with needles repeatedly, injected countless times with drugs that made her painfully ill. And then he swallowed hard as he also recalled glimpses in her mind how she had even loss her physical innocence. Morrison laboratories had used her in every possible way.

And yet, she never had a chance to be saved. Tyrell failed her long before she'd even been born.

There was something wet on his face. Touching his cheek, he was shocked to find blood tears streaming down his cheeks. Never in his entire existence had something like this happened.

He sensed the darkness rising in anger, furious that he even felt anything for her. The dark voices told him he was far more powerful without her. This struck him as odd, as most vampires, including himself wanted a female for themselves. But not her. The darkness wanted nothing to do with her.

He was shirtless, so he couldn't even wipe the blood tears away on a sleeve. Frowning, he set the bear down and concentrated. With what little power he still had, the tears dried and vanished, leaving his skin clean and flawless. Tyrell contemplated the situation. She was in great danger when it came to him. The demon within him had already tried to take her life once. The best he could do was drive her away. Although it wasn't strong, their one blood exchange had already began a bond between them which only threatened her safety. The best he could do was free her so she could begin a new life.

The cell door opened and Tyrell noted the scientists this time were taking no chances. Armed with guns, they were ready to shoot him with another dose of the formula if needed. One of them entered the room, pushing Arianna in front of him. He noted she was holding her arm which was wrapped in a cloth bandage. With the thought that the scientists had hurt her, Tyrell slowly stood in anger, towering over all of them. The men pulled back and slammed the door shut.

Arianna backed up against one of the cell walls. It was good she was terrified of him, Tyrell thought. His emotions were barely under control. He was surprised to find himself noting her every movement and studying her far too closely. And yet another side of him wanted to drain her dry. He was in such conflict, it was hard to concentrate.

She finally gathered up enough courage to speak. "Why did they bring you here?"

Tyrell answered her in a chilling voice. "Why do you think?"

Arianna tightened her hold on her injured arm. "Are you going to feed on me?"

Instantly he remembered the sweet taste of her blood and he shifted in his stance. And he suddenly realized he wanted more than just her blood. The sexual arousal took him by surprise, his body tightening to the brink of pain. At the same time, he felt like the demon within him was actually eager, as if waiting for him to make the mistake and touch her so it could surface. It was as if he had no control over himself and it made him angry.

"If you recall, I drained one of the scientists earlier. I hardly have any need for your blood," he snapped.

She drew a deep breath. "He eventually died."

"Disappointed he won't have his hands on you again?" Inwardly, Tyrell winced at the tone in his voice, but he was powerless to stop it.

Her face grew tight. "I hate all of them. I was just surprised you didn't kill him sooner by draining all his blood."

Tyrell didn't answer. Only vampires killed while feeding. Did he have that intention? He'd dropped the scientist to attack the others who had followed Derrick's orders to inject him with more of the formula. Carissa had stopped him from draining dry the other scientist at the cabin.

Arianna touched his mind. So she was the same female, the one Derrick said you saved.

His eyes shot to hers, taken off guard by her strength in touching his mind. He refused to connect to her, knowing their bond would only strengthen. Instead, he gave her a mocking smile. "She is the only female who has my loyalty."

The look of hurt she gave him had Tyrell's chest growing tight. But he must have imagined her facial expression as she turned away and spoke in a harsh voice. "I don't care."

Her statement cut him like a knife when he realized he wanted her to care. Didn't she have any jealousy with what he just said? Tyrell shook his head, irritated at all this new emotion. He reminded himself to drive her away. She had to fear and hate him for her own safety.

Arianna held her throbbing arm as she turned away from the vampire. She was so confused. Why did she even care that he was loyal to that woman named Carissa? She wanted nothing to do with him.

"What did they do to you?"

She looked back at him. "What?"

"Your arm," he said in a harsh voice.

"Oh, well, when you were hit with the dart…you fell unconscious. I-I couldn't get out of the way in time and you fell on me. I think it's sprained."

He frowned, but she couldn't tell if it was because he hadn't intended to hurt her or if he was unhappy with the fact she was still alive. She was shocked when he reached for her good arm, pulling her until she had no choice but to take a few steps closer. As he looked down at her, Arianna was very aware of the fact that he had no shirt on, and she couldn't ignore her physical reaction. She felt something tingling inside her, like she wanted his arms to pull her close and hold her. His shoulders were the widest she'd ever seen, and his chest and stomach were nothing but muscle. Looking at him, all she could think about was how he was a tower of strength. He was…beautiful.

Arianna gasped as he pulled the bandage off her injured arm. His fingers touched it and she winced as he hit a tender spot. He seemed to inhale sharply, ceasing his exploration.

"It is not broken," he said softly, "but it is indeed badly sprained. When the sun sets, I will find it within me to heal it."

"Why would you do that?" she whispered.

He held her gaze, and Arianna was acutely aware of how fast her heart was beating. "Maybe its because I need you healthy in case I need more blood." His voice had returned to a harsh rasp.

She tried to pull away, but he didn't appear to even notice. "So I'm just a meal to you."

His eyes narrowed. "While the scientists use you for…other purposes, I will not. So yes, I only care about your blood."

Tears she could not explain stung her eyes. "Were you ever anything else? Were you always this evil?"

"There is darkness in all our males."

"You mean vampires."

He remained silent and for a moment, she sensed he wanted to tell her something. Did touching her mind still hurt him? He seemed to keep his mind tightly closed. "Is Stefan your real name?"

He abruptly released hear arm and turned away, slowly making his way back to the wall which held his chains. They were heavy, probably wearing down his physical strength as he had to drag them across the floor.

"Aren't you going to tell me?"

He gave a low laugh. "Why does it matter? After all, I am only evil."

Arianna glanced at the camera, wishing they had some privacy for a real conversation. For some strange reason, she didn't want the scientists to know anymore about him. If he was a vampire, why did it matter? When she looked back at him, Arianna realized his breathing was labored and with his back still to her, he was leaning his head against the wall.

"Are you okay?" Hesitantly, she took a few steps toward him, and then saw his shoulders grow tense.

"Stay away from me."

An odd sense of sadness from his rejection came over her. Backing away, she went over to her bed and sat down on it. She pulled her legs up, resting her chin on top of her knees. She often sat like this as a child, the only coping mechanism she had to hold herself together. Now she was in her cell with a vampire she not only feared…but also wanted.

Tyrell shuddered in an effort to keep himself away from her. He knew she was on the bed and images of him suddenly being on top of her, kissing her, and feeling every inch of her body was in his head. And tight on its heels was the darkness thirsting to take her life.

This was complete torment and he now knew the meaning of true hell. His entire body was beginning to shake, the emotion inside of him too overwhelming. How could he want and fear someone like this? The more time he even stayed in this cell with her, the more he felt conflict within himself.

Tyrell.

It was Gregori. He closed his eyes with a feeling of hope. Have you found the solution?

Yes, but it will be difficult. You must be at full strength.

Tyrell frowned. How can that happen when the formula is still within me?

How long ago was the last dosage?

Several hours. But it is still strong. I feel it weighing me down even as the night rises.

You must find it within you. Are they denying you blood?

Tyrell felt his incisors throb with the thought of tasting Arianna again. He pushed the feeling down and swallowed hard. I am fine.

Fine is not good enough. If you fed last night, it will not be enough. You must find a way to feed again to gain more strength.

Fear hit him hard as he thought of Arianna. That is not possible.

You have to find a way.

Gregori sent a flood of information to Tyrell's mind, detailing on how the formula could be broken down and absorbed harmlessly into his system. Unfortunately, the Dark One was correct in its degree of difficulty. With dread, Tyrell realized the complexity of the solution would require far more strength than he had right now. And even the approaching night would not help him. The scientists were too cautious with him now, so there was little hope in grabbing one of them.

He turned his head, looking at Arianna.

Dark One, if I fail, swear to me you will not only hunt down the scientists in this lab, but also give this female to the Falkland twins to keep her safe.

There was silence for a moment. If she is a psychic, it is best for our Prince to offer his protection here in the Carpathian Mountains.

No, growled Tyrell in Gregori's mind, only the Falkland twins and Carissa. I trust no one else. Now, swear it to me.

Tyrell could sense Gregori's reaction. No one ordered the Dark One to do anything. And loyalty to the Prince was never to be questioned. But Tyrell now recalled his past, including what made him turn vampire. He could care less about any Prince. Gregori would never understand they betrayal Tyrell faced so long ago. But for Arianna's sake, he attempted a softer tone. Gregori…your honor demands you grant my last request.

Gregori answered with a warning note in his voice. I will agree, but only if she is seen by the SongMaker.

Tyrell knew the Dark One wanted to find her lifemate. He had no desire to tell Gregori the truth. All that mattered was for Arianna to be kept safe and live out her final days in peace…without him. After she has time to recover under the Falkland twins protection, in time she can meet others. And by that time, he would be dead.

He could now hear muffled sounds down the hall outside the cell. As night fell, Tyrell would have little time before the scientists would return. He would have to find it within himself not to drain Arianna dry and his fear was very real. He could feel the demon within him, coiling, getting ready to strike. He focused on his memory of Carissa and prayed for strength.

Then he connected with Arianna, touching her mind just enough so she looked up at him. He met her gaze and focused, whispering into her mind.

Come to me.