Chapter 21

Carissa grabbed the arm rest of her seat as the plane shuddered from turbulence. Graham who was sitting across from her didn't appear to be doing much better as tightened his seatbelt. She glanced out the window, only to swallow hard as she had nothing else to look at right now except clouds and the ocean below. The plane was nice enough, especially as they were sitting in first class. Not that it really mattered. Carissa and Graham were the only ones sitting in the passenger seats. Pierce and Samuel had paid for the entire Boeing 747 to take them across the ocean. A smaller jet wouldn't have worked given the distance they needed to travel. Weeks ago their plan had been a smaller, private plane where they would make a few stops, but that apparently changed with their feeling of urgency to see the prince.

Carissa turned in her seat to look behind her. Several rows had actually been taken out of the plane so their 'cargo' could be right with them. At first, she was appalled at the large crates, knowing they were full of soil…and held the bodies of Pierce and Samuel. Graham had reassured her they were fine, even though she couldn't feel them. Apparently when they slept, their hearts actually stopped beating and they didn't need air to breathe. Talking about them being in soil was one thing, but now seeing it in reality was even more scary, especially knowing she would have the same ability. It just wasn't logical.

She settled back in her seat and tried to relax. But her mind kept going in circles. What if they weren't accepted by this prince? The twins had said nothing like this had ever happened before. There could only be one lifemate. Hell, she was still having a hard time believing it herself. She remembered the look on Tyrell's face when he learned about the three of them. He was apparently much older than the twins. And if he hadn't seen anything like this before, most likely none of the other Carpathians had either.

Indeed.

Carissa stiffened at Tyrell's voice. How can you hear me?

I took your blood, remember? We have a private connection.

Somehow she didn't think Pierce or Samuel would be too happy about this. How can you be talking to me when the sun is still out? And when we are far away?

He gave a low laugh. I am an ancient with far more power than you or those twin lovers even realize. Although if you do not calm your heartbeat, little one, they'll sense something is wrong. But perhaps I am not as far away as you think.

What do you mean? Are you actually on this plane?

No.

That relieved her. She certainly didn't need Pierce and Samuel fighting with Tyrell.

It would be a short battle, I assure you.

You underestimate them, she replied.

He rumbled with laughter. They pose little threat to me, especially now.

Carissa grew cold. What do you mean?

I was a vampire.

But you aren't now. You're Carpathian.

No, Carissa. I am something else. I have retained some of the vampire's power and abilities. And yet I can now feel. I am…different.

Where are you?

I am following my enemy.

Who? And where are they going?

I'm afraid we must end this little chat, my dear. Your twin lovers will be waking soon.

Carissa looked out the window. The sun was setting. What if you need help?

I highly doubt that. Tyrell was clearly insulted.

Morrison did capture you once, she pointed out. When he growled in her mind, she tried to calm him. I'm not intending to bruise your ego. I'm just….worried about you.

From a distance, Tyrell froze in place. This special female cared about him. For years, women only wanted him for his looks. Or when he was a vampire, he forced their minds to want him. But Carissa really knew him. And why she wasn't afraid of him was not something he could understand.

Promise you'll call me if you need help, she persisted.

Carissa…

Promise!

He sighed, not understanding why he even cared what she thought. I promise.

Good.

"Carissa?"

She gasped at the sound of Samuel's voice. "How, I mean, I didn't hear you."

Samuel narrowed his eyes. "The sun is now setting. Your mind was far away and closed off to us. We were worried."

Pierce soon appeared behind him, looking down on her with concern. "Is everything okay?"

"Um, yes." She grew tense as the plane was shaken again by more turbulence. "I'm not exactly a frequent flyer."

Samuel smiled. "Yet you own a travel agency."

"Well, I never had time to travel," she said defensively, "I was always too busy." She was actually relieved to see both of them were okay, but she was carefully blocking her mind. For some stupid reason, she didn't want them to know how she felt. She didn't like the fact that they had such power over her. She used to be free and independent. Now, she was feeling tied again. Would this roller coaster of emotions ever end? One moment she'd feel physical attraction, then anger, then happiness. It was exhausting and she resented them for turning her world upside down.

"Are you hungry?" asked Pierce in a quiet voice.

"No."

"Carissa, you must eat."

Graham appeared and flipped down her tray table. He set a bowl of vegetable soup down in front of her. Carissa wrinkled her nose as her stomach turned. "I can't," she said, pushing the bowl away from her.

"You must," said Samuel in a gentle voice. "We'll help you."

Carissa blinked and when she looked down at the bowl again, the soup was gone from the bowl. She then realized she was holding the spoon in her hand. Angrily, she pushed the bowl away again and threw the spoon down. "I didn't ask for your help."

"You should have waited for her consent," grumbled Pierce.

"Her health takes priority over everything else."

"Even my happiness?" demanded Carissa. "How dare you force met to do what you want!"

Samuel frowned. "It was only to make sure you remain healthy. Without our help, you have no desire for food. You would starve."

"I don't care! It's the thought that you made me do something without me knowing. What's next? You putting me into the ground? Completing the ritual?"

Pierce held up his hands in a peaceful gesture. "He didn't mean to upset you. Please, his only intention was to care for you."

"But he didn't listen to what I said back at your home. Everything needs my input."

Samuel backed away, intending to apologize but his emotion got the better of him. "Well, excuse me for caring about your health."

"That's not the point and you know it!" she snapped.

"Nice going," said Pierce.

"Oh as if you are any better!" Carissa snapped again.

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me. It's not like you stopped him. You take too long to make any decisions!"

"I was torn between ensuring your health versus your will."

"Well guess which one should win?" retorted Carissa. Graham looked between the three of them, obviously feeling uncomfortable. Awkwardly, he took the empty bowl and went to the rear of the plane.

Samuel folded his arms across his broad chest. "Why are you making such a fuss over this?"

"Because you don't understand anything."

"Obviously not. Care to explain it to me?"

Furious, she looked out the window.

Pierce shook his head and sat down in one of the seats across the aisle. Amazing, he said on his private path to his twin, our first trip with her and we can't even make it to our destination without a fight.

It's not my fault.

Oh, it never is, Samuel.

Shut it.

"I know you are both talking about me even though I can't hear what you are saying," Carissa said in a low voice as she continued to look out the window.

Samuel sat down next to her even though she stiffened. "You said we sometimes could talk to each other on our own private link, especially when we argue about who of us is more right."

She whipped her head back to look at him. "Are you serious?"

"In this case, I was less right."

Carissa stared at him. "You can't even say the word 'wrong', can you?"

"Of course I can. Pierce is wrong all the time."

She couldn't help herself and gave a flicker of a smile, damn it. Why did he have to be so arrogant and still manage to have a sense of humor. It was annoying as hell.

"Ah, but it works," replied Samuel. "Carissa, I know I can be arrogant and not understand what it is that I even do wrong. But I need you to be patient with me. It goes against everything in my nature to not care for your health above everything else."

She drew a breath to calm herself and thought for a moment. Lucy said they'd need some training. "Fine, let's suppose for a moment that Tyrell and you were fighting a vampire."

"What?" he asked, clearly feeling uncomfortable with this topic.

"So, you and him are battling as a team together…"

"First of all, there's no way I'd team up with a traitor in the first place."

"You did when both of you were fighting against those humans in the lab."

Pierce smiled and Samuel glared at his twin. "Not a damn word."

"I didn't say anything," Pierce said with a shrug.

"Anyway," Carissa continued, "the vampire injures you and could come back at any moment. I'm there too."

"That wouldn't happen."

"Anyway, you are so badly injured, I tell Tyrell to get you to safety first."

"This is ridiculous."

"He has to save you because your health is what's most important. Your health comes first."

"You know I would never allow that."

Carissa sat up in the seat. "Nope, doesn't matter. I'm not giving you a choice." Before Samuel could angrily snap at her, she smiled. "It doesn't feel too good, does it? Not having a choice."

"She has a point," said Pierce softly.

He snorted. "I could just kill the vampire by myself, you know."

Carissa placed her hand on his arm and he grew still. She gave him a gentle smile. "Samuel, I didn't say all that because I doubted your abilities. Of course none of that would happen. But how else can I get you to understand about not having a choice and how it makes me feel?"

Samuel swallowed his anger. Fine. She had a damn point. But why was it so aggravating?

Because you love her and yet want to have your own way. Look at it this way, Samuel. She is free and independent thinking. Other women swooned over you when you even glanced their way. Carissa isn't afraid to show when she disagrees. If she obeyed us all the time, would that be really exciting to us after a while?

It would save me from being stressed out all the time. Man, this was going to be tough. He was going to worry about her all the time and he hated it.

At least one of us will be with her all the time, Pierce reminded him. That is one advantage we have from other lifemates.

I guess that's true, Samuel grumbled back. He looked down at Carissa, unfolded his arms, and took her hand in his. "I will keep trying," he assured her. "I'm just…"

Say it, said Pierce

"I'm afraid," Samuel said, hating the word.

She squeezed his hand. "I completely understand. Remember back at your home, I said I was scared. Pierce admitted it too. Maybe you just finally needed to say it."

He kissed her hand. "This still doesn't help the fact that Pierce is slow."

When his twin glared at Samuel, Carissa laughed. "He's not slow. He just a thinker."

"Which means he takes forever to make a decision."

"At least I think before I act."

"You don't act, you just sit there," said Samuel. "Look at who is holding her hand right now, and who is sitting far away."

Carissa shifted uncomfortably. "Samuel, stop."

Pierce frowned. "It amazes me how you can so quickly make things worse again. Picking a fight with me isn't helping."

"We're almost there, aren't we?" asked Carissa, hoping to divert their attention.

"Yes, see the mountains?" Pierce looked out his own window for a moment, the sight bringing a joy he'd long forgotten. Carissa was to thank for that. And even though they had Carpathian soil they shipped to the United States, it was nothing like it being all around you for thousands of miles.

Samuel's heart lifted as well. They belonged here. There was nothing they wouldn't do for their people and he'd gladly returned to the States to continue their assigned purpose. But they needed to visit here more often; to reconnect to where their parents and family line once lived.

The twins looked at each other for a brief moment, both realizing their similar thoughts for once. What they found to be soothing could also be a turning point for them and the life they once knew. There was no doubt they had to give a report to the prince about Morrison. And then, they would need to tell him about Carissa. Both of them would need to face the SongMaker, ensuring what they felt was confirmed by the most ancient of their race.

When they landed, Pierce reached out to the pilots, making sure to create the illusion that only the crates were seen by them. Graham thanked them graciously, ensuring each received a generous payment. Once out of sight, Pierce and Samuel transformed into large dragons, carrying Graham and Carissa. Once they arrived at their homeland, Graham checked into the local inn, while the twins and Carissa made their way to the home of the prince. Pierce called out in advance on his private link, requesting a visit.

The prince answered tomorrow evening would be better. I am pleased you have returned for a visit, replied Mikhail. Raven wishes to go out this evening. Tomorrow I will call a gathering at my home and you and Samuel can visit with us after you have rested from your long journey.

Pierce hesitated. They weren't exactly excited about having an audience for their discussion. But what reason could he give not to have others there? Many were wondering what had happened with LogTech and rumors were already swirling about Morrison. Thank you, answered Pierce. Sooner or later they would have to face the others anyway.

There was music nearby and Samuel grinned at him. "If the prince has other plans tonight, why not make some ourselves? Hear that? It sounds like a local concert."

"Carissa might need to rest," replied Pierce uneasily. They probably needed to get settled somewhere. The prince had offered their choice of guest cottages in the area. Pierce actually had an urge to also see if their secret lair was still untouched.

As children, the twins were masters at creating hideaways. Their father had scolded them a number of times for venturing into the depths of mountains and caves that were unexplored. They'd found one area where they actually helped to create the rumor that it was too dangerous. The reality was they'd built an exquisite underground home, complete with natural springs and secret tunnels for escape. Sadly, it also reminded them of a safe place when their parents were murdered. As chaos reined, that underground home kept them hidden for quite a while.

"Well, I'm not really tired," said Carissa. "I slept on the plane and well, everything is so strange with the time difference. I'm just so wide awake right now."

"But you'll be very tired later," said Pierce. "It's best if we get settled."

"Oh come on, brother. She's been cooped up in a plane for hours. She needs to get out a little."

"Then we'll take a flight as hawks over the mountains," replied Pierce. "Something calm and peaceful."

"And boring," retorted Samuel. "Come on, let's go check out the local band that's playing."

And here I thought you were worried about her health.

Happiness counts too, Samuel reminded him.

Carissa touched Pierce's arm. "It will be okay. We can just go for a little while. If I get tired, I promise I won't argue about leaving."

He sighed. "Okay. But Samuel and I need to stay close to you. No arguments about that either, agreed?"

She nodded and before they knew it, the three of them found themselves in a sea of people at an outdoor concert. Apparently there were some traveling musicians that had set up a stage which attracted not only local town people but some outsiders as well. This didn't place Pierce at ease, but Samuel eagerly led them through the crowd. Carissa also seemed to be enjoying the music so Pierce kept his mouth shut, not wanting to ruin her fun with his overprotective instinct. What did end up bothering him was a few females he spotted not far away. Both had their hair up, showing off long necks with soft skin. Neither of them had fed.

Samuel spotted them as well and he felt his hunger surface. He glanced down at Carissa. "Do you mind staying with Pierce a moment?"

"No, why?" When he hesitated, she frowned. "You can't hid things from me, remember?"

"Well, it was a long journey. We need to," he paused, "feed."

Realization hit her. "Oh." She looked around the crowd and couldn't help but notice the number of women. "Wait, who are you going to feed from?"

Samuel was now just realizing how hungry he'd become. His fangs were instinctively throbbing, his urge for blood becoming more urgent. "Does it matter? I was trying to be sensitive to you. Humans don't have an easy time adjusting to the thought."

"But you won't hurt them."

"Of course not. Then when I get back, Pierce can go feed as well."

She glanced at Pierce who was now looking down at his feet. "There are a lot of women here," she said in a rough voice.

"You're not jealous, are you?" Samuel asked. He grinned when she didn't answer. "Really?"

"Samuel, be quiet," said his twin. He didn't want her to be upset again. "It will be okay Carissa. We will do it so quickly, you'll hardly notice one of us is gone. We only need a small amount until tomorrow when we can feed from other Carpathians. Our ancients have very powerful blood. We need very little from anyone here tonight."

Carissa looked around again. "All I see are women."

"There are some men here as well. Will that make you feel better?"

Actually, no. She didn't like them feeding from anyone here. For some reason, she felt like she'd be able to deal with them feeding from other Carpathian males. But humans who were like her? Where was this jealousy coming from?

"Unless you can think of another alternative," said Samuel in a low voice that only reached her ears. He was now looking past her and when she turned to follow his gaze, a young couple were all over each other. The young man was invading the girl's mouth as she rubbed up against him. The girl was extremely pretty, with a perfect figure including a full bust that showed through a thin cotton shirt. Her long, blonde hair fell well past her shoulders.

"I prefer brunettes," said Samuel bending down to her ear. "And you are far more appealing to me. Perhaps if you don't prefer for us to feed elsewhere, you can consider helping us?"

Samuel, warned Pierce, we've already taken blood from her twice.

Only two full exchanges. This doesn't have to be an exchange.

She's not at full strength, he protested, you could take too much.

You mean both of us. Just a small amount to get us through until tomorrow evening when we can feed from our own kind.

Carissa looked up at him, a wave of undeniable desire passing through her. She could feel Samuel's heat, her body beginning to respond to his. The thought of him at her neck gave her an excited feeling. The two previous times she hadn't really remembered anything. But this time, she wanted to know what it was like.

"Pleasure like you cannot imagine," said Samuel in a compelling voice. He bent down and brushed his lips against her neck, making her shiver.

"What about all these people?" Carissa whispered to him.

What about them? They will only see that I am kissing the neck of a beautiful woman. He was beginning to passionately kiss her neck, his arms encircling her. She clung to him, suddenly oblivious of any hesitancy she had before. But then she opened her eyes and saw Pierce watching them. She didn't have to say anything to make him reach for her.

Pierce was saying every curse word he knew as the temptation to taste Carissa's blood was overwhelming him. He tried to hold back, telling himself he could wait until Samuel was finished. But his twin wasn't helping either.

Come taste her with me.

This is wrong.

Not for us.

Pierce was already stroking her hair, his hand slipping beneath to touch the soft skin of her neck. His thumb brushed the side right where he wanted to taste her. Unable to stop himself, he bent down and kissed her there, his fangs lightly nipping her.

Carissa was completely on fire. She suddenly wanted to give herself over completely to both of them. She no longer paid attention to the fact there were people around them or the music that was loudly playing. White hot pain laced with intense pleasure swamped her. She felt herself go completely limp, as her lifemates both took what they needed.

Pierce felt a change in the air, like something was suddenly very wrong. Samuel stiffened, lightly licking the wound on Carissa's neck at the same time. The twins slowly both lifted their heads and immediately grew still when they realized what they felt.

In the distance on a small hill above the crowd, Mikhail stood with his lifemate and Gregory. The prince could not believe what he'd just witnessed. Two Carpathian males feeding intimately from a human female at the same time. She was clearly special, a telepathic human that possessed the capability to become Carpathian.

Mikhail narrowed his eyes in anger as he watched them quickly disappear into the crowd.

Author's note: I found what some photos of what i think the twins look like. The Carlson twins (male models) - the photos of them in their late thirties and not the younger photos. In my opinion the more current photos of them older give some glimpses of the sophistication I see in Pierce with others in casual clothes reminding me of Samuel. Warning - if you google them, there's nude photos which I don't care for. For just their faces you can go to their web site You'll get a good idea of where my inspiration comes from! -Anne