Chapter 34

When Pierce arrived at the cottage, he immediately noticed there were no lights on. Samuel?

We are inside.

Why the hell are all the lights off?

Ask the traitor.

Pierce transformed into mist and slid under the front door. Transforming back into human, he wasn't pleased to find Carissa standing between Samuel and Tyrell. It appeared as if she was the only reason they hadn't attacked each other. "What is going on?"

Tyrell slowly turned his head to look at him. As usual, he was dressed all in black, his long trench coat almost touching the floor. But his tall, muscular frame still moved with elegance as he waved a hand. Safeguards all around the house were now set, which included a shield to prevent anyone from sensing them in the cottage. "Let's just say I needed some privacy."

"Excuse me?"

Samuel growled. "Apparently he is trying to avoid his friends. I should kill him for being here and placing Carissa in danger."

"Ah yes," mocked Tyrell, "the twin lovers would have a challenging time when it comes to defending her against a master vampire."

"And yet you are the one hiding."

Tyrell rolled his eyes. "If you do not wish to listen to my warning, then I shall leave."

"What warning?" demanded Pierce.

"As I mentioned previously, word has spread about the strange minerals Morrison obtained."

"And I wonder who spread the word about the minerals?" asked Samuel dryly.

Carissa sighed. "I think if he told others about the minerals, he wouldn't just suddenly be avoiding them."

Tyrell reached out and touched her hand. "You are too intelligent to be with these twins, my dear."

Samuel reached out and pulled her away. Encircling his arms around her, he bared his fangs. "Touch her one more time and I swear you won't have any hands."

"Just tell us why you are here," interjected Pierce impatiently.

Tyrell placed his hands behind his back, giving a mocking bow of his head to Samuel. He glided to the far side of the room and for a moment, studied the various antiques on a bookcase. "Life used to be simpler," he murmured. As the twins waited, Tyrell reached out and picked up an extremely old book. "There were no computers, no cell phones. I grow tired of the technology this era brings."

"And your point?"

"Some vampires are becoming more cunning, adapting to this modern world. There is one vampire in particular which easily persuades the younger ones to do his work. The fact that Morrison obtained those minerals, possibly from a powerful wizard, has him banding together vampires like never before. I was unconcerned at first, as my goal was to find information that led me to more Morrison locations. I was simply following and listening to them."

"And how is it that you are able to listen?" asked Pierce. "While not impossible, vampires are not easily followed in such secrecy."

Tyrell frowned and looked down at the book. Placing it back on the shelf, he looked at Carissa. "I have said repeatedly, I don't know what I am. As a former vampire, I find it easy to think like them; to know what they want. But I admit I am not the same in other ways since obtaining emotion. They caught me listening to one of their meetings. But instead of trying to kill me, they automatically assumed I was sent by their master vampire. They have uncovered more information and are traveling to find the albino soon, maybe in the next few nights."

"Even if he had these minerals, why would he just give them over?" Pierce shook his head. "It is more likely the albino would just control them with it."

"Exactly," replied Tyrell gliding back toward them. "I tried to explain the power of such minerals to them. Of course they did not believe me. They arrogantly think no mortal could possibly have so much power over them."

Samuel's arms tightened around Carissa. "The rumors of these minerals…this man or wizard could be spreading on purpose to making the vampires believe they will be able to have true emotions. But he may only be purposefully calling them to him, setting a trap for a number of vampires."

Carissa looked at Tyrell. "I don't understand. Why is it a bad thing if vampires are captured?"

"Because," murmured Pierce, "the albino would have an army of them under his control."

Tyrell grimly nodded. "The children were taken from this albino and other wizards who want to remain young. Once again they are in need of a solution to obtain our blood."

"And vampire blood can be deadly. It is tainted, like acid."

Tyrell agreed. "Not pure…like that of a Carpathian child."

Pierce began to pace. "This is bad, Samuel. An army of vampires controlled by one to attack our people. They could abduct the children or even our females to create more offspring."

"We cannot let that happen," said Samuel, stiffening. "We have to warn the Prince."

"And just how are we going to do that? Walk up and let him know a former vampire just gave us this information?"

Samuel narrowed his eyes at Tyrell. "And why the hell should we even believe you? What if this is a trap? We could follow this band of vampires only to find they are waiting for us."

Carissa broke free from his arms and before she could be stopped, quickly walked up to Tyrell. Looking up at him, she met his eyes. "You wouldn't lie, not to me."

"No," he replied softly, his gaze never wavering from hers.

Samuel tried to control himself. He went crazy whenever Carissa went near Tyrell. He hated him even looking into her eyes. Deep down, he knew Tyrell was not truly attracted to Carissa as a lifemate. She instilled hope within the former vampire. It was as if he needed her to keep what was left of his soul. Samuel drew a deep breath in an effort to calm himself.

It didn't work.

"Carissa," said Pierce as he reacted to Samuel's thoughts, "you're driving your lifemates mad."

When she looked confused, Tyrell smiled. "They are jealous of me, as they should be."

Carissa rolled her eyes and walked back to Samuel who all but crushed her to him. He gave Tyrell a dark look. "There is simply no way I can trust you."

The former vampire shrugged, acting indifferently and turned to leave. "Do with it what you will."

"No, wait!" cried Carissa. "Samuel, please. You must believe him. Why would he come here in secrecy and hide us from the vampires? He's trying to warn us."

Samuel wanted Tyrell to leave so they could discuss the issue. "We'll think on the matter. Now go back to playing with your vampire friends." Tyrell scowled, but slowly released the safeguards. Then he transformed into mist, fading away into the night.

Carissa separated herself from Samuel and walked over to the fireplace. She turned and faced both of her lifemates. "I know you hate him. I know you don't trust him. But he's telling the truth! You have to warn the rest of the Carpathians about this information."

Samuel frowned at her. "Need I remind you of how we were treated at Mikhail's gathering? Do we really need to be that involved?" He raised his hand before she could snap at him. "I am not without honor to our people, Carissa. We can give them the information and they can choose to believe whatever they want. Then we can go home."

Pierce agreed. "It is highly unlikely the ancients will believe anything we say. Our best hope is to tell Mikhail and he can make any decisions on this threat."

"That's not good enough."

The twins looked at each other.

Carissa placed her hands on her hips. "You have to convince Mikhail that Tyrell is telling the truth!"

"How do we know he's even telling the truth?" exclaimed Samuel.

"I believe in him and so should you. He saved me. He could have easily hurt me more than a few times. But instead he continually tries to help."

Samuel grew irritated. "Your trust with him has gone too far. I forbid you from ever seeing him again."

Pierce closed his eyes, placing a hand on his forehead. Samuel, that's not going to really help-"

"Did you just give me an order?" asked Carissa with her eyes now blazing.

"It's for your own protection."

She stormed over to Samuel. "If anyone needs protection, it's going to be you! How dare you order me to do something!"

"You should trust in us when it comes to Tyrell. He's a traitor."

"Who also tried to save you from a fire!"

"Carissa, for all we know, he has killed innocent humans. Are you so sure you want to give him a chance?"

"We don't know everything he may have or have not done. Besides, he's trying to redeem himself now. That's what matters. He didn't have to give us a warning which could harm others. You have to convince the Prince this is a real threat."

"Why do you care so much anyway?" he asked in a low voice. "They don't accept us."

"But they're still your family. Deep down, I know you would never want anything to happen to them. And what about all those children? They're innocent! You have to protect them in every way possible."

Pierce reached out to his twin. She has a good heart, does she not?

She is more than we deserve.

Then listen to her.

How can we trust Tyrell?

We only know that we can trust Carissa. Let her be our guide in this new life we have.

She is a mere child in comparison to us.

Pierce walked over to the window, distracting Carissa for a moment. Samuel, if we treat her as such then we are no better than the ancients who look down upon us for being inexperienced.

Samuel spoke in a quiet voice. "Fine."

"What?" she asked.

"What my twin is trying to say," said Pierce, "is that he is sorry and we love you."

She crossed her arms. "I'd like to hear Samuel say it."

Pierce raised his eyebrows at his twin, sending a clear message he'd better make up with their lifemate. He turned and left the room, hoping Samuel would choose his words wisely.

Alone with Carissa, Samuel slightly bowed his head. "I do love you."

"And?"

"And you are beautiful."

"Flattery won't work."

He spoke in a soft voice. "Okay, fine. You were right. I should never order you to do something."

She smiled. "And?"

"You're killing me."

Carissa tried not to smile. "You are so stubborn."

"That too." He strode across the room and held her face within his hands. "You are the light to my darkness. While I don't trust Tyrell, I do trust you." He lips brushed hers, and Samuel took in her scent. "I would do anything for you," he whispered.

Now it was her turn to brush her lips against his, like a small butterfly kiss. She smiled as his hands moved to encircle her throat. Her heartbeat increased, and she suddenly pulled him close so she could kiss his neck. She heard him sharply inhale and his arms encircled around her. When she nipped his skin, she felt him tremble.

"Now, say you 're sorry," she whispered.

Samuel felt his incisors lengthen, the urge growing to take her blood and to feel her naked beneath him. He wanted her teeth to sink into chest while he surged within her. Her words registered to him and he gave a husky, quiet laugh. "Is that what you want from me? An apology?"

She nipped him again. "Yes."

"Do you promise more if I say the words you want to hear?"

She suddenly pushed him away with laughter. "Are you saying I can't get an apology without promising you my body?"

"Isn't that called makeup sex?" he asked with a grin.

"Oh really. Does that mean I can make you promise anything in return?"

"I think you're beginning to understand how much power you have over me."

Carissa moved forward and kissed him, her tongue teasing his lips. He groaned and pulled her close again, crushing her against him so she could feel his arousal. She gasped as she began to ache, her body responding to his.

He broke the kiss and laughed again, despite the heat between them. "I think my power may be just as equal as yours." His fingers were now unbuttoning her white blouse. "Clothing can be so erotic," he murmured. "I've been dying to look underneath this blouse all evening." His eyes went to her breasts covered by a black, lacey bra. Samuel's hands pushed her blouse off her shoulders and it quickly slid down her arms and onto the floor.

"Samuel," Carissa whispered as his head dipped down and he began to kiss her cleavage. Her breasts tightened and she ran her fingers through his thick hair. Her legs went to liquid and she gripped his shoulders.

In one movement, Samuel swept her up into his arms and carried her into one of the bedrooms. Lowering her to the bed, he gazed into her eyes. "I apologize, Carissa. I have so much to learn from you. I love you and I am forever yours." He kissed her fully, his tongue demanding entrance, building her excitement until he knew she was lost.

Pierce, in the meantime, was focused on studying some of the business accounts they needed to further invest. A lot had happened in the business world since they'd arrived, and it took all of his concentration to keep up with the number of strategies he had to create in order to grow all of their assets.

A wave of desire passed through him and Pierce did his best to block it out. It had been extremely difficult at first, as he'd never experienced such extreme physical pleasure until bonding with Carissa. But he'd been improving with his ability to adjust to the situation.

Until Carissa whispered his name in his mind.

Pierce stiffened. She was with Samuel right now…

But I also want you.

His body immediately hardened. I will come to you next. He heard her moan as Samuel became one with her. Pierce shook his head, trying to block out the sensations.

Pierce…

She was whispering in his mind as Samuel made love to her. As usual, there was no jealousy, which made Pierce still feel uncomfortable about the entire union. And yet it was challenging not to imagine the three of them together. It was frustrating as his mind insisted on trying to be with her separately when it came to intimacy.

Brother, come join us. She wants you.

Pierce all but growled as his body strained while his mind kept his feet in place. Stop it, Samuel.

In the bedroom, Samuel powerfully moved within Carissa, robbing her of all breath. She was absolutely beautiful, now naked beneath him and her long hair strewn out all over the pillows. He nuzzled her breasts, before making his way to her throat.

Carissa gasped as his teeth pierced her skin and she felt as if she exploded. Samuel moaned and she could feel his release. But it didn't even slow him down. If anything, it only made him more aroused, and he began to drive himself even deeper into her.

Pierce, she whispered again.

Pierce closed his eyes. He was beginning to lose this battle. Samuel, hurry up. But he felt his twin only smile.

I could go on like this forever. Join us.

Remind me to give you a good beating later, muttered Pierce.

I'd like to see you try. Samuel moaned again as he continued to glide in and out of Carissa. She is aching for both of us this evening. The three of us must be together once in a while. You feel it as much as I do.

Pierce realized Shea had probably been right about the three of them together being the most desirable. Like it or not, Carissa's body was calling to him while she was with Samuel. He finally gave in and made his way to the bedroom. The image of Samuel in his mind on top of Carissa was now right in front of him. And of course, rather than being turned off, the sight only made him grow hotter.

Turn off that damn brain and join us, growled Samuel.

Pierce drew a deep breath. How many times was he going to have this argument with himself? When Carissa opened her eyes and turned her head to look at him, he knew he could no longer resist. He strode over to the bed, waved away his clothes, and bent down to take possession of her mouth.

Samuel licked the wound on her neck shut, and worked his way back to her breasts. Carissa was moving with him even more aggressively, now that Pierce was exploring her mouth. She took Pierce's hand and placed it underneath the breast Samuel was suckling. She moaned as Pierce caressed its underside, cupping her so Samuel had even more access to take it into his mouth.

Carissa was on fire. She enjoyed being with each twin separately, but when the three of them were together she felt whole and complete. She could feel Samuel's rhythm become urgent and she thought she was going to burn alive from the sensual kissing she was receiving from Pierce. Reaching down, her fingers wrapped around Pierce's hard length, causing him to shudder. She suddenly knew what needed to happen, and Carissa broke the kiss to begin feathering her lips on Pierce's jaw, trailing down until she found the skin on his neck. She felt her teeth elongate and the desire to bite him was so strong, she didn't even hesitate.

At the moment her teeth pierced his skin, both twins gasped at the same time. Samuel went over the edge as did Carissa and Pierce. The three of them reaching their peak at the same time made Carissa think one could actually die of pleasure. All three of them were caught in an almost violent wave of pleasure which left them only hungry for more.

For the next few hours, the three of them remained together in the bed. Once Pierce let go of his inhibitions, they discovered an entirely new sensual world none of them knew existed. It all made sense, as their souls needed to be together, causing pure ecstasy.

Exhausted and sated, the twins could barely move. Carissa was between them, her head resting on Pierce's chest, her leg entangled with Samuels'.

"That," breathed Samuel, "was amazing."

Carissa laughed. "Better than your past experiences?"

He picked up her hand and kissed it. "Nothing even compares now." Samuel's beautiful eyes gleamed. "Maybe I need to pick a fight with you more often."

"Do not ruin this moment," warned Pierce in a gruff tone. But his fingers were gentle as he stroked Carissa's hair.

"We'd have more moments like this if you'd just accept the three of us together have the best experience when we make love," replied Samuel.

Carissa smiled up at Pierce. "Wasn't all this enough to convince you?"

"Yes," he admitted. "but I still want occasional one on one time."

She kissed him. "I'm more than willing to compromise. Now," she said, "what are we going to do about Tyrell's warning?"

Samuel heaved a sigh but turned his head to look at Pierce. They knew who they needed to see for more advice on a former vampire and his warning.

Carissa smiled as she read their thoughts. "The SongMaker."

Author's note: I have a 102 temperature with a stomach virus. Never felt so miserable and it took me all day to finally get up the strength to post this... -Anne