Chapter 13 – Unexpected Chance

TPOV

Five Years in the Carpathian Mountains (Twenty four years old)

Setting my glass down, I took up my pencil to finish my picture. The mountains in the spring were stunning. Snow was melting, giving the streams more water. The skies were pink, instead of dark blue and black. My colored pastel pencil drifted over the paper as I drew the mountains from memory. Floating up, my glass came into my hand and I took another long drink. It was getting warmer outside. No longer was I trapped inside, hiding from the cold. I sat on the porch, wearing a light blouse, jeans and sneakers. With every day that went by, the images of my past became weaker; less haunting. It's been one thousand, nine hundred and fifty three days since I've arrived in the mountains. Three days more since my miraculous escape. Adding another day since I was forced to submit myself to a man I didn't want to be with.

I didn't think of him or his kingdom. That part of my life was over and I had a new one. Shea walked over onto the porch, taking up my glass of herbal iced tea, "Honey, it's getting late." I smiled as I continued to draw, "Ok, Mom. I want to finish this." She leaned down and saw my work, "That's very good. But we have to get over to Mikhail's house. Gregori and Savannah will be back soon with the Lost Children." I laughed, "You can't really call them 'children' anymore. That was over five hundred years ago, long before you or I were even born." Shea sighed, "Either way, wrap it up. We've got to go."

A few weeks ago, Gregori got the most incredible news. Julian Savage found a traveling troupe that was targeted by the amateur hunters that were stalking our people. Finding them, he discovered they were lost Carpathian children thought to be lost in the 1462 attacks during the Turk Wars. Gregori's baby brother, Darius saved the children. The poor boy was only six years old when he witnessed his parents dying. Darius saved his baby sister, Desari and a handful of children. The two baby girls and four boys, including Darius grew up in Africa. Darius kept them all alive. That was amazing, considering baby girls born to our people didn't often survive. He was fascinating and though I didn't meet him yet, I admired him.

I thought I had the spirit to be a survivor, but he outshined me in that aspect. Now, Gregori was bringing them home after all these centuries. He thought his siblings were dead, but now, Gregori was a big brother again. He was a grown man when his baby brother and sister were born, working closely with Mikhail. Mikhail was filled with happiness to find out these missing children were coming home. Jacques was already at Mikhail's house, preparing to greet them while Savannah went with her husband. Gregori was never one to be nervous, but he was rattled to find out his family was alive. He had two big brothers but they weren't heard from in centuries. Poor Gregori. Honestly, I envied him. I would give my right arm for a brother or sister and he has both.

"Today, young lady." I rolled my eyes and got up, "Coming, Mommie Dearest." "Don't call me that!" I laughed as I walked over to Shea. She was tapping her foot as I walked over to her, pulling on a light jacket. I stopped a few feet away from her, "Today, old woman." She fought a smile as she shifted into a large reddish dragon. I watched as her body morphed; her two fingers on each hand margined into one long talon; creepy, but cool. I shook my head as the dragon turned its large head toward me, Shea's green eyes flashing, "I will never get used to that."

I climbed on her back, sitting on the leather saddle waiting for me. Flapping her wide leathery wings, Shea took to the sky. I leaned down, close to her, keeping myself warm. Flying made me cold, but I loved it and I wanted to do it for myself. I couldn't think this way. Focus. Everything below was so vibrant and green. Animals ran through the trees beneath us. I kept close, leaning down on the dragon's neck, watching everything flow by. The views from up here were breathtaking. Shea started circling Mikhail's house. Time to meet Gregori's family. The sounds of voices were coming from inside. We weren't the only ones anxious to meet the 'Lost Children.'

DPOV

My brother and his woman walked ahead of us as we moved across the land. Everything changed in the five hundred years we've been gone. Desari was with her mate, Julian, happy to be back in our homeland. It's been so long since we've walked on our land, feeling the strength of the rich earth. This earth was unlike anywhere else in the world. Gregori, the Dark One, my personal idol was here. I've lived my life, thinking of my brother's strength. I had to be like him to survive. And now, after all these centuries, my sister and I were reunited with our brother. Desari and I were siblings by blood, but Barack, Dayan and Syndil were our siblings by a strong bond. I've kept us alive and hidden from hunters and the threats we faced.

Julian found us a few months ago and that is how we learned about our people. Unfortunately, now we were stuck with him, since Julian has claimed my sister for his woman. He was irritating but he made her happy. Syndil, ignoring Barack walked up, curving her arm around mine. She said nothing, only remaining close. Since our fallen brother attacked her, Savon, Syndil had a hard time being around males, apart from myself. I was the only one she still felt comfortable around. Our troupe followed Gregori and Savannah was we walked into the Prince's home.

Mikhail looked the same as I remembered him from when I was a boy. A woman, Savannah's mother was smiling as she walked with Mikhail; our Prince and Princess. My siblings followed my lead and bowed to our leaders, "Forgive me, My Prince. Had I known you lived, I would have brought us home. My family and I pledge our loyalty to you and your woman."

A hand rested on my shoulder, "No, Darius, it is I who should be thanking you for keeping our children alive and returning them to us. You've even brought home Julian Savage. For this, I am in your debt." I grasped the Prince's forearm and he did mine, in the traditional greeting of our people. I've witnessed my father doing this time and time again when I was a boy. But that boy was long gone. I had to grow up in a few days after we escaped the attacks. I was petrified as this was the first time I was without my parents. The sounds of my mother's screams and the smell of smoke and blood still haunted me.

Coming home to our homeland deterred me from my personal intentions. I couldn't handle the responsibility of guiding my family any longer. There was nothing that was mine, for all I had was for them. The darkness was consuming me and I was ready to meet the sun. Finding Julian prolonged my days, then learning that Gregori was coming kept my darkness at bay. I did not want to leave this earth without seeing my brother. Now, we were home. My family would be cared for and I could finally rest. Before my rest, I wanted to meet Mikhail and pledge myself to him. I did not want him to believe that I turned my back on him. I was a boy when our world fell apart, but now, we were here, reunited once more.

Mikhail's woman, the first to be converted to Carpathian embraced her daughter. Savannah and Raven looked exactly alike, except there was a color of silver to Savannah's eyes, much like my brothers. Savannah smiled as she introduced my sisters. The women drifted off to the other side of the room, as my brothers and I met the Prince's brother. Jacques Dubrinsky was happy to see us, informing us that his woman and daughter were near. The sound of large wings flapping came from outside. "Excuse me, they're here." Jacques left the room to collect his family.

Mikhail was interested in learning how I managed to keep my family alive. Gregori smiled as I spoke of our tale; living in the jungles of Africa, becoming one with the animals to survive and traveling as a band around the world, hiding in plain sight from the hunters who stalked our people and the humans who aided us. "That is quite an accomplishment."

Voices came from the front door. There was a feminine groan that caught my attention and I couldn't ignore it. "My hair is a mess," a voice came sounding so alluring. "I told you to wear a hat, but you didn't listen." Jacques laughed, "Can't you two go a night without bickering?" There was a collective 'no' from the women, but only the young woman's voice appealed to me in a way nothing else has before. Every instinct in my body told me to turn around and I never ignored my instincts.

I turned to see Jacques walking in with two women on his arms. One a bit taller than the other, but the younger woman, she smiled and everything exploded. I was momentarily stunned as I looked at her. To everyone in the room, I merely blinked, but for me, everything went upside down. Opening my eyes, I looked at her, seeing glowing green eyes and flaming red hair. She had a cascade of faint freckles on her face. Dimples deepened as she smiled.

Jacques introduced the other redhead with him, his woman, Shea. "And this is our daughter, Tempest." She smiled and nodded her head. When those green eyes fell on me, I felt I would burst into flames. Her smile was the embodiment of sweetness. Her lips were full and begging to be kissed. She was petite, but there was a strength within her that couldn't be ignored. She sighed and turned her eyes away from me to Savannah. The women embraced, "Come on, you have to meet Gregori's sister. I mean, sisters. This is Desari and Syndil." Tempest turned her head, making her hair float in the air.

She met my sisters and Julian, who was staying close to Desari. Jacques came over to me, taking my eyes off Tempest, "Now, my brother and I have something for you and your family. With my daughter's help, we have homes for you and your family. Tempest thought you all would be comfortable in your own houses." Tempest looked over her shoulder and smiled in our direction, but in my mind, that smile was only for me. Her eyes lingered on me for a moment, before turning back to Desari, whom took an instant liking to Tempest, as did Syndil.

Just looking at her, I felt possessive of this woman. I wanted to take Tempest from the room, so that I could have her to myself. Thoughts invaded my mind, seeing myself scooping her up in my arms and moving through the night sky, taking Tempest away from everyone else. Her large eyes looking at me and felt her arms circling around my neck, holding herself closer to me. It is then that I realized what had returned to me. I could see her deep green eyes, feeling protective of this woman and craving her in a way I've never felt before. Tempest was to be mine and mine alone. She was my lifemate. I had to claim this woman as mine. She laughed, pulling my attention back to her. Tempest pulled her hair into a ponytail, slowly lifting her breasts. She had a slight curve to her waist, leading up to a sensuous chest that would fit perfectly in my hands. My body hardened as I looked at her, but I had to keep myself under control. I was still in my Prince's home and I would not dishonor him. But I craved his niece; she was mine.

Raven stood, "Oh, Tempest, your dress is here and it's flawless. Come and see it." Tempest walked out with her aunt, "Excuse us." Savannah followed, "I want to see it!" Where was she going? My eyes flashed as I watched her walk of out the room, out of my sight. That would not do. I had to see her. I listened to Tempest walking into the other room, laughing and speaking with her kin. I needed to see her.

Desari, go with them and keep close to Tempest.

My sister did not ignore my order and left the room, "Excuse me." Syndil kept close to Shea, speaking with her about her abilities. Merging with Desari's mind, I saw Tempest again. She was happy and beautiful, speaking with Savannah. Desari took a genuine liking to Tempest. The women fussing over a beautiful pink dress. The wisps of fabric was lovely as Tempest held the garment to her body, smiling at Desari, "This is amazing! I can't wait." Desari walked over to her, touching the fabric, "What is the occasion?" "Tempest's graduation. She's earned her MBA and we're giving her a party," Savannah explained. Desari offered her congratulations, "That is wonderful news."

For a brief moment, sadness lingered in Tempest's eyes but she recovered herself. What would make her sad on such a happy occasion? Tempest set the dress back in its bag, "Come on, your brother will think I'm having a bad influence on you." Desari laughed, "Darius would never think that." "Oh, not Darius, Gregori, or as I call him 'Bright Eyes.'" Desari laughed harder, "That's so cute. He must hate it." "You have no idea. He's going to glare at me as soon as I come in the room." Mikhail laughed at Gregori, something I've never seen before. My brother was the Dark One, but since claiming Savannah, it was believed that he had grown soft. I couldn't help but smile. Gregori was my idol, but now, I see he was a man who served his Prince and his people.

Gregori's teeth snapped together, proving Tempest to be right. He glared at her as she came in and all she did was smile, "Called it." The women laughed and went back to their seats. Mikhail offered to show the houses that were selected for my family. Normally, I would insist on us living together, except for Julian and Desari, but I would need the space. And I was soon claiming my own woman. Tempest was going to be mine and no one would deny me my right.