Chapter 14

For three days and nights, Catharine and Addrick laid in the healing arms of the earth while a plan was being hashed together by the men just over the hill. Gregori and Mikhail conversed in the study of the Prince's grand home, pulling the plan together one loose strand at a time. There was no room for mistakes this time and no room for any error. They had to make sure that all the bases were covered and that they kept the advantage on their side.

Together they had gathered all of the vulnerable women of their race and kept them safe under the watchful eye of every male they could find. The empty halls and rooms of the Prince's home filled to that of a grand five star hotel. Healers and warriors alike stood side by side ready to fight a battle they were sure would be the turning point for their race. No one was spared and no talent was overlooked.

The Carpathian artist's were busy working on hundreds of false stones that looked exactly like Cat and Addrick's. The grand ballroom was soon covered with sapphire and ruby replicas of the great stone the evil master was in search for. Even the children found jobs helping the warriors set traps and safe guards around the perimeter of the great home. Learning from the greatest hunters was more than an honor and all the children younger and older jumped at the chance to lend a helping hand.

Even the women whose voices sang pure and true, were busy recording hypnotic ballads directed by Deserai and her band of musical geniuses. All seemed to be in place. Now all they had to do was wait for the attack.

"Your son is very brave Gregori. You should be proud of his achievements." Mikhail said as he glanced at his second in command with a solemn face. Gregori looked up from his writings and stared off into the fire that was blazing in front of him.

"I can not even express the pride I feel in my son, but I must say that I am worried for his safety and his lifemates'. The part they play in this battle goes against every law we decree." He looked up from the hypnotic draw of the flame and looked to his Prince for any advice he could get. "He will be placing Catharine in the most dangerous of positions and I don't feel that putting her up for bait is the answer here. It's just too dangerous… for both of them." Gregori was careful to keep a blank stare. Already he had shown too much of his vulnerability and felt a deep shame stain his soul.

Mikhail was younger than Gregori by several years and learned much from him growing up into the leader of their people. It shook him to think that Gregori doubted the plan they all agreed too and worse of all how he was doubting himself for agreeing to it. Thank God he never had a daughter or they would all be lost.

"We are taking all the necessary precautions for the safety of the women and children. That also means that we are protecting your son and his new lifemate from any and all harm as well. You also can't forget that they also have the added protection of their stone."

Everything Mikhail was saying was true, but he soon understood what Savannah was telling him about motherhood. He shook his head and smiled to himself. "My God I'm acting like an over protected mother hen." The laughter of both men interrupted the silence and drew the attention of Nicolae, Daniel, and Dimitri.

All three men entered the room and took up comfortable positions around the large study. Mikhail stood and walked over to Dimitri. Patting him on the back, he escorted Dimitri into a quieter corner of the room and spoke to him in a hushed tone only the two could here. "Friend how are you?"

Mikhail was worried for Dimitri and wondered if it was wise to have him fight when he was so close to turning. You see, only a few months prior, Dimitri found his lifemate only to understand that she is the ward to Gabriel and Francesca. Her name was Skyler and unfortunately…still a child by even Carpathian standards. There was no way of claiming her and won't be until she is of proper age. In the mean time, Dimitri has distanced himself from all contact with her. Living in a virtual hell of sorts. Not wishing to scare her or tempt himself with claiming her, he moved away for a short time to gather his thoughts and learn to control his new emotions and colors. After all it wasn't her fault she was able to stir such emotions from him. She had seen and lived through too much in her young age and had the mentality of a woman…only stuck in a youth's body.

"I grow tired with each passing day, my Prince, but I am a fighter first and foremost. I will not back down from protecting my fellow brothers and sisters" He grew silent for a moment before he spoke to Mikhail again.

His head bowed low before he looked up with pain filled eyes. "Skyler is in great pain Mikhail. Her heart and soul are searching and screaming for me, but I can't touch her or be with her yet. All I can do is ease her pain by talking to her...deep in her mortal sleep."

"You will serve to be a good lifemate to her as well Dimitri. All you have to do is stay strong and fight a little longer. Even though she is young, she is wiser beyond her years and that's why she has returned your colors and emotions so soon. We will talk soon my friend but for now tell me of the status of your wolves." Mikhail placed a friendly hand on his shoulder as to change the topic in as easy of a way as possible. The pain seemed to subside for a moment as he thought about the question.

"I have my wolves at every corner of the estate while the alpha pairs control both the lower regions to the north." Mikhail was pleased and gave his friend an appreciative smile. Conversations were gathering thicker in the den making the once spacious room feel small and confined.

Before you knew it, Lucian and Gabriel joined the ranks followed by the De La Cruz brothers. Soon afterwards, Carpathians old and ancient filtered in as if summoned by some unseen force. Some had lifemates and others were dangerously close to turning. Regardless; It warmed Mikhail to sit back and watch the future of their race converse and meet each other in the short time allowed to them.

Clearing his throat with a small cough, Mikhail demanded the attention and respect of the room. Gregori took his place up beside his Prince and the meeting official started.

OooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooO

A heartbeat sounded deep within the soil of Nicolae's home. Catharine fought her way through the fog and cobwebs through her mind and knew she had been commanded to sleep not too long ago. Bursting through the soil, she clothed herself in the elegant way of her people and stalked to the chamber door.

A static charge blocked her escape and slowly she began to unravel the strong safeguards blocking her escape. She was in Addrick's mind at every waking moment all through her childhood and could read him like a book if she chose. But these safeguards were newer to her and must have been learned during their separation.

A hand crept up the small of her back and she turned on a sharp heel to face the man she despised at the moment. Red flames licked within the depths of her eyes and her hair flew around her body by an unseen force.

She produced an astonishing amount of power that made Addrick think twice before speaking. That would be wise of you…you arrogant pig. How dare you take my freedom away from me! And just when I was starting to trust you again!

Her voice flooded his mind and even though it was a clear threat, he couldn't help but feel the sharp and urgent demands his body made of him. Slowly, as if stalking prey, he stepped to the side of her and let her walk past him.

Her scent filled his lungs while the strength of her anger created a static charge throughout the chamber. "Come now love, I had no choice. Our bodies and souls call for each other and not even you could deny what we shared last night."

Slowly he traced each step she made. Every movement was tantalizing. Seductive. He would have to make her understand what was going on and what danger they were in, or he could lose not only her, but himself as well.

Catharine stood there in the darkness of the room with her arms folded across her chest. The image reminded Addrick of the time they were children and playing beside the lake. She was pouting because he wouldn't jump in the water with her. The memory burned in his mind and he thanked God for every memory she was able to restore within him. He remembered his loved ones and what it felt like to love someone so deeply. Colors, even in the darkness of their chamber, shown brightly as if it were day. She did that to him and only she would save him from certian death.

Addrick grabbed and held the weight of her long dark hair and massaged it between his fingers. The smooth silk of her hair just begged to be touched and toyed with.

Drawing her hair to his face, he could feel her body back into him. The tense shoulders eased and softened under his touch and for once she felt a true longing for him. She really did need him. She knew that now. And God how she needed him.

Addrick couldn't help but smile as he drew her into his arms and captured her mouth with his own. He felt the storm and anger in her but couldn't help himself. As if carma had kicked him in the dirt, she leaned into him and bit his bottom lip. Nearly severing it. Then as if she didn't care...she walked away from her shocked man.

Walking away from him she couldn't help but show pride in her own smugness.

You just remember one thing Addrick…the only reason I feel anything for you right now is because you tricked me and bounded me to you. Had I known what you were going to do I would have been better prepared. She paced to the bathroom and turned to face him with a smirk only she could carry. Then slammed the bathroom door shut with a clear message that stated to leave her be.

Licking his wound on his mouth, he healed it and stared at the door…this fight was far from over.

OoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooO

The water of the shower was familiar and refreshing. It ran like liquid gold from the highest waterfall. Every drop clung to her smooth pale skin and sought the curves of her form that Addrick was becoming so accustomed too. She took pleasure in the human things like showers and make-up. And right now…oh how the steam and shampoo lifted her spirits. This was Cat's idea of her "At home" therapy.

Addrick slipped under the door, as mist, and found his way into the shower beside her. He hovered a moment and simply watched her relax into the hot water. She seemed like a sad angel of darkness and he wanted to just shake her to make her understand that they are supposed to be together. Carefully he entered her mind and found a thunderstorm of emotion. She was proud of herself for biting him but kicked herself for hurting him so.Cat was considering going out to check on him...so naturally he granted her wish.

Reforming in front of her, she screamed and backed up against the tile wall.

"Geese Addrick what the hell are you trying to do?!" She knew he would come in sooner or later, but never did she expect her to scare the life out of her.

Bringing a hand to frame her face he smiled and bit her bottom lip drawing her sweet blood into his mouth. She yelped in pain but soon felt relief when he swept his tongue across her mouth. He felt like fire and ice…summer and winter…and my how he was addicting.

That was for your little stunt out there love. I am not the gentle boy you once knew…I am your lifemate and you will learn to respect me as I am learning to respect you.

Suddenly the rage was back and her hunger slammed her sharply. She had not feed well in days and right now he was too damn tempting. She grabbed at his hair and yanked his head back so she could drink deeply of his life blood. Her incisors sank deeply and relentlessly into the column of his throat. She felt the waves of desire rushing through her and forced him to feel what he was doing to her.

Completely wild and untamed, she demanded him to take her and dared him not to comply. Addrick was more than willing but would choose his own pace. Licking the pinpricks across his throat she drew in a ragged breath. Fear slammed against her rib cage and she tried desperately to place Addrick behind her for protection, but was unsuccessful when Addrick caught on to what was going on.

Addrick stopped suddenly and scanned the surrounding area for a breech in his safe guards. Someone was coming…and he was strong.

"Get dressed and stay in the back part of the chamber. I'm going out to see what it is." He gave her a clear order and gave a strong push for her to comply. This time he wasn't joking nor would he allow her to put herself in danger.

"Like hell you are. You aren't going anywhere without me…I'm not done with you yet." The angry look on her face said everything. And then she realized what she had just said. A deep red blush crept up her cheeks and forced her to look away.

Addrick pulled her to him and held her tightly. "As much as it pleases me to hear you say that, I can't have you risk your life. It is my job to protect you and right now I have to keep you safe…there is a master vampire looking for you and I will not allow him to succeed."

Her heart was racing now. How could she have been so blind? Addrick turned from her towards the door and was grabbed by the length of his shirt. "Don't leave me…please…" She choked out the words through sobs and pleaded for him to stay with her while she needed him the most.

In that moment he realized he had let all of the information out at once. He allowed her to see the plot to kill her and the part she played with the stone. She knew everything was her fault and now needed him to comfort her. He could have kicked himself for being so careless with the information he leaked out.

Shh pet. All is going to be right. I am here and I am not going anywhere. I will call for aid. She felt so fragile in his arms just then. Like a child's porcelain doll. All he could do was hold her as her world came crashing down at once. Her strong will and short temper melted away and what was left was a side of Catharine he had never seen before.

With his heart aching to heal her and make her feel better, he called for his father and his new father in law for help.

Nothing will harm you this night pet. And I will be right here for you…always.

(Author's Note)

So i know i have been slacking...sorry. I just got a new job and had to go through 6 interviews. But boy oh boy how much happier i am now.

I want to thank everyone that has reviewed my work thus far:

J.W Rosethorn, Elenemire, Ally N. S., and Ouiplante...as always you are so helpful in all ways possible. Thanks guys and thank you Ally for giving me the name for the next female in the upcoming story...Dark Wolf

Mary, Annie, CurseD, Darkvampireangel, and others...You are all so wonderful and so supportive in my work...

Thank you all for being so patient with me!! and as always review if you can!!

Ashley