Author's note: Dear readers,

I have rewritten this chapter, because I felt the changes were necessary for the progression of the story.

So, this is a new chapter. Hope you enjoy...

Chapter 37

Beautiful monster

xxx [[[]]] xxx

Two weeks later

At the moment Ana was looking at her own reflection in the mirror. A content smile played at her lips, while she combed her shiny locks for the fourth time in a row. She and Christian were still in his cousin's mansion, because the Police nor The Phoenixes' have captured Adon Papadakis yet. Security around Parthenios' mansion was tight, Andreas made sure of that, but Ana didn't mind at all. At first it was weird, having Taylor around all the time, plus all the uniformed men who guarded Parthenios' estate, but Ana and Christian had gotten used to it.

After being shadowed by the men for eight straight days, Ana finally accepted it. She and Christian even had given them nick names by then. Taylor was shadow 1, and the rest of the guards were shadow 2, etc. Giving them nick names was very silly, but she and Christian were just entertaining themselves while they were laying low.

Another thing that Christian had been doing was running his business from here, and giving the orders via email and phone. Every evening they reported back to him, so even though he wasn't physically in his office, Christian knew everything that was going on in his company.

"Knock knock..."

Ana was taken out of her thoughts by a very familiar voice. She smiled widely, and turned her head in the direction of the bedroom door.

Christian...

He was standing nonchalantly in the doorway, his gray eyes locked onto hers. Ana had the urge to look away, but his piercing gaze was holding hers.

"Are you ready, my whirlwind?" she heard him say.

Ana nodded, and felt as if the room had caught fire. She couldn't help it, but she was unable to reply, the butterflies in her stomach doing somersaults at the moment. Christian looked so delicious in his black suit, his hair combed perfectly and his eyes... Gosh, his eyes.

They were boring into her, as if he was attempting to see right through her very soul...

"Stop it." Ana whispered.

If it were someone else, the person wouldn't have heard her. But this was Christian with his extremely heightened senses... so yes, he heard her.

"Stop what, Ana?" he asked and finally decided to close the gap between them.

Ana took a deep breath, her hands trembling, her heart pounding in her chest, while watching Christian get closer to her.

At one point, she reacted and stood up from the chair. And when he stood right in front of her, he grabbed Ana lightly on her waist. She sucked in a deep breath and locked her eyes onto his." Christian..." Ana begged, while her chest heaved.

"Yes?" he replied and guided her so she had her back to him.

"What are you doing?" she said softly, barely audible.

He responded by bringing his lips to her right ear. Ana's heart rammed against her rib-cage, while doing her best to stand on her own two feet.

"You're evil..." she accused, while feeling his breath on the back of her neck, making the hairs there stand up.

Instead of replying, Christian nibbled on her ear lobe, making Ana gasp loudly." Christian, they're waiting for us and..." she began, but stopped because she felt how one of his hands was moving the strap of her green evening dress.

By doing that, Christian had exposed Ana's right shoulder. Before she could do or say anything else, Ana felt a tingle go through her whole body ending up in her core, as he kissed, sucked and then bit on her bare shoulder.

"Ana, sweetie..." Christian whispered." I think... well, I'm pretty sure that tonight could be the night."

Ana's eyes fluttered shut, while hearing those words." Wha-hat?" she whined, when she felt his fiery hand land on the small of her back.

"I believe that I have 'him' under control... again." Christian said, and turned Ana around so she was facing him.

She opened her eyes, and looked up at him, her face all flushed. "You mean... we can make love?" Ana asked, almost unable to stand on her own feet.

He noticed it and held her tightly." Yes, this time I'm gonna make sure 'the monster' won't come in between us, Ana..." Christian promised, and then kissed her on the tip of her nose.

Ana smiled at that, and looked at him lovingly." I can't hardly wait..."

Meanwhile, Andreas was having a heated discussion with Christian's cousin. He was in Parthenios' hospital room and looked really pissed.

"Andreas, I do not answer to you. I know that you've been leading The Phoenixes very well in my absence, but remember that I am in charge, you're just a temp."

At hearing that, Andreas stood up from the chair and asked." All this time, you knew what Miss Steele and your cousin have to do in order to break the curse and still you let me and our men search for the keys?" he said, unable to understand his leader.

"Andreas, stop questioning me!" Parthenios replied angrily." And do what you're told, is that clear?"

The younger man shook his head and clenched his hands into fists." There must be another way, boss..." Andreas pointed out." Please, give me permission to search for the descendants of 'the red woman'... I'm sure they can help and..."

"Andreas, stop it right now..." Parthenios ordered, and sat straight up on the hospital bed." You will do no such thing, do you hear me. 'The red woman' was a witch who used her magic to cast this curse upon my family, after Henimia's mother paid her 10 bags of gold... that family is evil, Andreas..."

"But sir, that happened so long ago... plus, there aren't witches nowadays. It's possible the descendants of 'the red woman' are good people..."

"Just like Henimia's descendants?!" Parthenios countered." Just like Adon Papadakis?! No, I won't take that risk, Andreas... you will not search for that witch's family, is that clear?"

Andreas glared down at his leader, obviously not happy about his orders and yet he nodded." I won't, sir..."

Parthenios Niarxos wasn't satisfied about the young man's reaction, and ordered." I forbid you to even try to make contact with them, Andreas... is that clear?"

"Crystal clear, Mr. Niarxos." he replied, and bowed.

Parthenios nodded at that, and was finally satisfied by his reply." So, tell me Andreas, how far are our men in finding the second key?"

xxx

After Andreas was done reporting to Parthenios, he left the hospital and drove straight towards the building of 'The Phoenixes'. He had asked Parthenios why Christian's grandmother had ordered Galya to revise their version of the book. At first his leader refused to answer that question, but as usual Andreas had been persistent and was able to get it out of him.

**Flashback**

"From the day Christian was born, his grandmother had a strong feeling that he was the one who would meet the 'new' Agathe and together they'll be able to break the Niarxos' family curse. However, the older Christian got, his grandma noticed what kind of man he'd become. She knew damn well what had to be done... she knew what Christian and the new 'Agathe' had to do to liberate his family. In her opinion, Christian was too good for this world. His grandmother was a hundred percent certain, Christian wouldn't allow the 'new' Agathe to risk her life for him and would've sent her away the moment she arrived in Tinos. That's why she ordered Galya to revise their version of the book..." Parthenios confessed.

"His grandmother did it to buy time... so they would get to know each other and they'd fall in love. That way there was a chance, even a small one, that Christian and Ana would decide to go through with it..." Andreas said aloud, finally understanding the old woman's motive.

**End of Flashback**

When the majestic building came into view, Andreas heart dropped. He didn't look forward to the next 24 hours, because not long ago he received a text message from one of 'The Phoenixes'. It said that they discovered another estate that belonged to Adon's family and that there was a huge chance they would find the second key there.

He sighed deeply, knowing very well that the second key wasn't there. He made sure of it. How? Andreas was a highly intelligent young man and he also was computer savvy. So two weeks earlier, he had done some digging without anyone knowing about it.

Within ten minutes, he had printed out the list of all the properties that Adon's family owned.

Not only had he done that without telling a soul about it, but he had also built a firewall to keep that list hidden from others.

Only Andreas was able to crack that code…

So, the past two weeks Andreas had played along, when the other Phoenixes 'discovered' another estate to search for the second key.

When in truth, he was the one who leaked the addresses one by one.

Andreas felt truly guilty at the moment, because he was keeping something very important from his leader and the rest of The Phoenixes.

Plus, he had been sabotaging their previous missions, nine in total, including the one mission where he personally had found an important object.

He kept telling himself that he had been doing it to protect Ana and Christian, but the guilt felt extra raw right now, because of his conversation with Parthenios not long ago.

Andreas didn't like it, but he's unable to protect the two and obey his leader. It was a difficult choice, but no matter his duties, he'll always choose life over his obligations.

As he parked his Porsche, one of his men walked up to him.

"We're ready to go, Sir... just like you ordered, we've divided the men in two groups. The first group has already left with two speedboats in the direction of Syros, and the second will fly with us in the helicopter." One of the Phoenixes informed their leader.

Andreas nodded, and said." Let's go... let's find the second key."

As the chopper flew towards their destination, Andreas' eyes landed on a spot far away. That awful feeling in the pit of his stomach returned, while thinking about the Niarxos family curse.

As a young boy, his grandfather used to tell him stories about Christian's family─ mainly the male members of the family.

"I've witnessed a bunch of times how they turned into the monster, and honestly I don't know how they do it. I really have no clue, my boy. Every single time they turn, they go through a gut-wrenching, skin tearing, bone cracking and bloody experience. How they manage to live a somewhat 'normal life' is beyond me. I hope and pray one day 'Agathe' returns, so she can break that god damned curse! It's so inhumane, I sometimes wish that Agathe never arrived in Tinos all those centuries ago…"

That was what Andreas' grandfather said to him once, and at the moment it was all he could think about.

Was it wrong of him to prevent Ana and Christian from attempting to break the curse?!

Andreas felt so fucking torn right now. Should he let it all play out like it was meant to? Should he stop interfering and let the two lovebirds decide for themselves if they want to take that risk? Should he stop with sabotaging the missions? Or should he continue with it and keep protecting Ana and Christian?

He honestly had no clue...

As Andreas got used to the familiar loud chopping noise that the helicopter made, he kept pondering till his head hurt. And while he thought more and more about the whole ordeal, Andreas came to this conclusion: it was an impossible decision for him to make.

"It's for the greater good, Andreas. For all the male members of the Niarxos family. For Giorgos and his son, for Christian, for me and all the future sons of the Niarxos blood line." Was what Parthenios had told him in the hospital room.

As the island Syros came into view, Andreas' right hand slowly landed in his jacket pocket…

He traced the two metal objects with his fingers, and shook his head.

"How can something so small be so important?" were the words that tumbled from his lips at that very moment.

~ Meanwhile ~

Christian was leading Ana down the stairs, while Calinico smiled and watched the two.

"Are you ready to go out, Sir? Ana?" he asked, as the duo reached the last step of the stairs.

Ana nodded, her face a bit flushed, while Christian smiled widely." Yes, Calinico... we are." he replied." And to be honest, we're so glad Taylor and the other shadows are allowing us to have dinner in an actual restaurant... outside this mansion."

Calinico nodded." I know that it hasn't been easy on you, Sir... being cooped up in the house for two weeks, but it's for your own safety."

"We know that, Calinico..." Ana replied, and took a quick peek at her own reflection in the long mirror of the living room.

The butler nodded, and smiled." You look very beautiful, Miss Ana... just like a Goddess in that sea green dress." he complimented.

"Wow... Calinico, you've taken the words right out of my mouth." Christian teased.

Ana burst out into a contagious laughter, and then grabbed Christian's hand." Let's get out of here, shall we? We don't want to miss our reservation, you know." she pointed out.

"Off course we don't..." he replied, while looking at Ana with a twinkle in his gray eyes.

They were almost at the front door, when she remembered something. Ana stopped in her tracks and turned around." Calinico, do you know how far The Phoenixes are in their search for the 'second key'?" she asked curiously, still holding Christian's hand.

At hearing that, Christian also turned to face his butler." Yes, is Andreas close? Does he have an idea where it could be?" he asked.

Calinico shook his head." I'm so sorry, but up until now they haven't been successful." he replied, while giving the duo an apologetic look.

As those words reached Christian's ears, he instantly looked very disappointed.

Ana noticed it, and cupped his face." Hey, they will find the other key, OK?" She promised, and looked him deep in the eyes." I have faith in Andreas... they will find it and then you won't be cursed anymore..."

As Christian locked his eyes onto hers, he couldn't help but believe in her words. He completely believed in her... in his precious whirlwind." Off course they'll find it." he replied.

"So?" she asked, while raising an eye brow." What now?"

"Now? Well, you and I, Miss Steele... we're going out and we'll have some fun." Christian stated, and led Ana out the living room door.

"Don't wait up for us, Calinico!" Christian said and waved back at the older man.

"Have fun, you two!" the butler exclaimed, and closed the front door with a smile on his face.

xxx

At the restaurant, Ana and Christian had a great time. The food was magnificent and they talked the evening away.

Off course Taylor was guarding them along with four other 'shadows', but the two of them had gotten good in pretending that they were alone.

"Want the last piece of my dessert, Ana?" Christian asked, while looking her deep in the eyes.

She nodded, and bit her bottom lip. As he brought the fork towards her mouth, Christian couldn't help but stare at her pink, plump lips.

"See something you like, Mr. Grey?" Ana asked teasingly.

"Nope." he teased back and put down the fork, after Ana took a whole bite of the cake.

"Hmmm... so good..." were the words that tumbled from her lips, while enjoying the dessert.

Christian swallowed hard, and complained." You're so doing that on purpose... tease..."

Ana smiled and said." Ha! I'm not the tease... you are?!"

"What do you mean? When? When was I teasing you, huhmm?" Christian asked, acting all innocent.

Ana rolled her eyes at him and said." In my bedroom, before we left for the restaurant... didn't you see my face when we went downstairs? I bet Calinico and the others wondered why my face was crimson re..." she started, but Christian gently cut her off by capturing her lips with his.

Her eyes automatically fluttered shut, her right hand landing in his hair, while her left hand cupped his jaw. As Christian deepened the kiss, Ana felt that tingling sensation once more...

The sweet and delicious tingle went on from her head to her fingers and her core. Luckily her brains didn't stop working.

'Red flag! Red flag! There are others in the room!' was what bounced inside her skull.

Ana broke the kiss and locked eyes with Christian, her chest heaving dangerously." Christian" was the word that tumbled from her pink, kiss swollen lips.

"Check, please!" he said aloud, almost pleading.

xxx

On the way to the mansion, Christian did his best to calm himself down. Ana sat next to him, her head resting on his chest, while her hand did some exploring...

One moment Ana was next to him and the next she had straddled his lap. His eyes instantly fluttered shut, when his extremely heightened senses were triggered by her scent.

Oh, God... Ana, sweet, sweet Ana...

Christian could smell her. 'She was turned on... Ana must be wet right now' was the only thought in his head right now.

"Look at me" Ana pleaded, but instead of doing what she asked, Christian brought his trembling right hand towards her body...

He slowly pulled up her dress, making Ana's eyes fluttered shut." Please, Christian..." she whined softly.

While tracing the soft, milky skin of her thighs, he heard Ana moan and beg for more." Christian..."

Ana's scent was so strong... and so fucking delicious. God, he wanted her so badly... He started to feel the sharp pain in his mouth, but Christian pushed it back.'Leave us alone!'

His hand finally landed on Ana's soaked panties, instantly making him hard for her." Ana... you're so wet, baby" he growled into her ear.

At that, Ana impatiently grabbed his right hand and begged." Touch me, Christian..."

Christian locked his eyes onto hers and whispered." Yes, but not in here my love... I want to worship every freaking inch of you"

xxx

As Ana stepped out the limo, she only had eyes for Christian. Like a true gentleman, he led her into the mansion.

"Where to, my love?" he asked, while a smile played at his lips.

"My bedroom, off course."

Christian nodded and walked her up the stairs and into the hall till they reached her bedroom." Wanna come inside?" she asked, while giving him an innocent look.

Instead of answering her, Christian cupped her gorgeous face and pulled her close to him. Ana reacted by pulling his head towards her face and let their lips collide. Within minutes they both were in the room, and he made sure to lock the door.

"So... we have to take it slow, I assume..." Ana said seductively.

Christian gave her a confused look." Why?"

She slowly grabbed his hand and led him to the bed." Sit, please..."

He did as she instructed and took a seat." Ana, what are..." he began, but she cut him off.

"We have to make sure that 'your dark side' won't come to the surface and ruin our love making..." Ana replied with a sultry voice.

Christian nodded at that." Yes, but I will make sure of that, sweetie. You don't have t..." he began ,but she cut him off once more.

"I have an idea, Christian..." She pointed out." Do you trust me?"

He immediately nodded." Off course I trust you, my sweet whirlwind... my Ana."

As those words reached her ears, Ana stood right in front of him and whispered." I will undress now... The moment you feel that familiar sharp pain in your fingers and mouth, tell me. OK?"

Christian's eyes were focused on hers and he replied." Yes."

With a seductive smile on her lips, Ana began to loosen the right strap of her green dress. Christian's chest heaved, while attempting to fight 'the monster' inside of him.

"Good?" she asked.

He nodded, so Ana continued. With a steady hand she pulled down the other strap. Christian admired her and it seemed that he was doing fine, so she unzipped her evening gown. As the sound of the zipper reached his ears, Christian's heart rammed against his chest. He anticipated what he will see next, and gripped the edges of the bed.

With one swift motion, Ana stepped out of her dress and stood in front of him in only her underwear." How are you?" she asked, and took a step back.

As Christian's eyes explored every inch of her body, admiring every curve and especially the wonderful swell of her breasts, he started to feel the sharp pain in their familiar places." Stop, stop it... please." he said and shut his eyes with so much force.

Ana was disappointed off course, and yet she held her head up high." We will overcome 'the monster'." she said full of conviction and walked over to the closet.

Christian had his eyes still closed, and asked." Where are you, Ana?"

"Right here, my love." she whispered." Open your eyes..."

At that, he did as she instructed. His eyes instantly landed on the piece of cloth in her hands." Do you trust me?"

"I do..." he replied, so Ana tied the cloth round Christian's head to cover his eyes.

"How you doing, Christian?" he heard Ana say.

"I'm doing good."

Ana then took off her bra and slipped slowly out of her soaked panties. Christian was unable to see her, but he sure as hell was able to hear and smell her.

"Ana?"

"I'm right here, baby..." she replied, and grabbed his right hand." Tell me when you feel that sharp pain, OK?"

"I will." he replied, and felt how Ana gently placed his hand on her core.

She was so wet...

"You good?"

"Yes, Ana... please continue." he demanded and pleaded at the same time.

He didn't have to tell her twice! She grabbed his other hand and brought his fingers towards her aching mouth." Hmmmm..." he heard her say, as she sucked on two of his fingers.

"Ana" he growled, and felt himself harden." Please, do not stop"

She smiled and used his hand to slowly trace a path from her lips to the sensitive skin of her neck till it ended up on her perky, aching left breast.

"You OK?"

"Yes" he groaned, while feeling how his pants had become very tight and uncomfortable.

He ached so badly for release, but waited patiently for what Ana had in mind.

The next thing what he noticed was that Ana wasn't on her feet any longer. " Baby?"

"I'm right here." he heard her say.

"What are y.." Christian sucked in a deep breath, as he felt how Ana unbuckled his belt." Ana"

"Shhhh" he heard her say." It's alright."

Within minutes she helped him out of his jacket and the next thing he felt was how Ana was unbuttoning his dress shirt. Without warning Christian felt her wet, hot mouth around his nipple, making his whole body react.

"Ana!" he moaned, while his heart pounded in his ears." Don't stop... please don't."

She bit her bottom lip and then whispered." God, Christian... you're so fucking gorgeous."

It truly was a sight, seeing how he sat on the bed blindfolded, his shirt unbuttoned, his belt unbuckled, and the wonderfully, obvious bulge in his pants...

"Ana" he pleaded, so she swiftly sat on his lap and as she gently straddled him, Christian felt himself turning again...

He felt the sharp pain in his fingers and his mouth and also the warmth in his eyes... no, no, no...

"Baby, stop it please. I cannot fight 'him'. Sorry..." he apologized, but this time Ana didn't stop.

"Just try and stay calm, Christian. You can do this, trust me..." She whispered in his ear.

"No, Ana... I can already feel how I'm turning..."

She nodded and whispered." Then turn... I don't care. I just want you to make love to me, 'monster' or not."

At that, Ana untied the cloth and let it fall on the bed. Christian opened his eyes and saw this beautiful Goddess atop of him.

Ana looked at him like he was the only thing in the world that she loved... like he was the most precious thing to her. How can that be?!

How is it possible?! Christian had already turned halfway, his claws and fangs visible and his eyes glowing yellow.

And yet, Ana still straddled him in all her naked glory while she tentatively brought her trembling right hand towards his mouth.

"I love you so much..." Ana confessed." Make love to me, please..."

For some unknown reason Christian stayed in the state he was in. He hadn't turned completely, but halfway...

He was still him, plus the fangs, claws and fiery eyes." Worship me, please... worship every inch of me" she begged.

Those words were like magic! As those words reached his ears, Christian's fangs disappeared, his claws also vanished, but his eyes still glowed yellow.

Seeing him that way, turned Ana on more and more...

With one swift motion Christian had placed her gently on the huge white bed, her shiny locks spread out carelessly like a fan.

"You're so beautiful." he growled.

Even his voice had changed, making a delicious shiver go through her whole body." Christian" she begged.

As he dipped his head and licked her belly button, Ana wanted to scream from pleasure. Instead, her eyes fluttered shut and she grabbed his head. Christian kissed and licked his way up and halted at the peak of her breast. He nibbled on it and massaged the other with his fingers.

"Christian, please..." were the only 2 words she was capable of saying.

He then kissed his way up and halted at her aching mouth. Christian captured Ana's lips with his and kissed her senseless. Ana felt like she had ended up in heaven, being enveloped by her lover's body warmth.

"Christian, please... I need you inside of me." Ana whispered, her voice quivering.

At hearing that, Christian got out of bed and got rid of his pants and boxers. Ana watched and admired him in all his glory, his erection so proudly.

She didn't want to admit it, but Gosh, he looked so hot while his eyes glowed yellow... Such a wild beast... such a beautiful 'monster'...

"Come here..." She asked, and then bit her bottom lip.

Christian's hands trembled, afraid of what came next." Ana... I"

He hesitated, but she sat up and grabbed him by his face. " Make love to me"

Christian nodded and said." I do wanna make love to you, my whirlwind. Lie down..."

She did as he instructed and looked up at him.

"Spread your legs for me, Ana... please."

With his eyes closed, Christian carefully got closer to Ana. She looked up at him and said." Now..."

In one swift motion he entered her and God... he thought he had died and had gone to heaven." Ana"

"Christian!" he heard her shout, while she grabbed his buttocks." Please, baby... move!"

He wanted to let her adjust to his size first, but Ana was unable to wait and impatiently moved her lower body upwards.

"Ana" he growled, his eyes fluttering open.

She opened her eyes too and noticed his fiery eyes." Christian, I'm about to burst..."

It was such a turn-on to see him with his glowy/ 'monster' eyes." Please!"

Christian fought with all his might to contain 'the monster' and began to move inside of her. He was building a steady rhythm, making Ana moan aloud.

Every time he hit her sweet spot, Ana scratched at his back and moaned loudly." Christian... Oh God"

At one point he grabbed Ana and held her closer to him, changing the angle a bit. That little change made her lose her mind! It felt as if the room started to spin, but she just wanted him to go faster. It felt so good to her.

"Christian... God! Please, I'm so close, baby." She cried out.

At hearing that, he felt the sharp pain once more. But this time Christian fought harder and used all his strength to have total control over 'the monster'.

And when he finally had complete control, Christian grabbed her face and whispered." I love you so much"

She reacted by tugging at his hair and whispered." I'm very close, baby..."

At hearing that, Christian's thrusts became frantic; his right hand was pinching her breast, while his left hand went to the headboard of the bed. He filled her completely with his length, moving hard and fast in and out of her. At one point Ana felt like she was about to explode, his thrusts becoming shorter, and less controlled.

"Christian…" Ana cried out.

She felt him hit against the neck of her womb. Ana had never felt such pleasure before in all of her life...

Her eyes were teary at one point, her mouth open slightly. Christian was hitting the same spot over and over again, driving her completely mad…

At one point, Christian couldn't prolong it anymore. He felt like he was about to explode inside of her.

"Ana…" He moaned, his yellow eyes shut, his brows scrunched together, while sweat rolled down his temple." I can't hold it any longer."

"I know." Ana whispered, trying to urge him to tip over the edge.

"Will you come for me, beauty?" he pleaded, his eyes fiery.

At that moment, she let go and came so hard, pulling him to her and kissed him desperately on his lips. Ana felt her orgasm wash over her, as she screamed for him, seeing a hundred beautiful stars behind her eyelids…

"Christian!" she screamed out in pleasure.

The moment Christian felt her inner walls squeeze him tightly, he finally let go and had a mind blowing release like never before. His whole body was shaking at the power of it, making him growl like a wild animal, while he came hard like never before…

"My whirlwind…" he roared, and kept thrusting into her, while riding out his mind-blowing release…

They stayed like that for a few minutes, too exhausted to even move an inch.

"Christian?" she said after a while.

"Yes, my whirlwind?"

"I love you and... that was magical." Ana said softly.

"I love you too... and you're right... it was." he replied.

It was then, when they both opened their eyes.

She smiled and said." Hey... you're eyes are its normal gray color again."

He kissed the tip of her nose and asked." Really?"

"Yes"

And it was then, when his eyes landed on the headboard of the huge bed. "Oops!" he said, and smiled from ear to ear." Now I gotta buy him a new bed."

Ana scrunched her brows together and asked." What? Why? Who?"

As her eyes also landed on the headboard of the bed, Ana burst out into a giggle.

While making love to her, Christian broke the headboard of the bed into two.

~ Hours later ~

It was late at night, as Ana walked through Parthenios' mansion. Afraid, and feeling cold all of a sudden, she looked around...

But there wasn't anyone in the huge living room." Christian? Calinico? Taylor?!" Ana called out, but no one came.

"Up the stairs..." she whispered." Christian must be in the bedroom"

While walking towards the stairs, Ana's eyes at one point landed on the huge, wide mirror in the living room.

She gasped softly, her hand over her mouth, her eyes wide from disbelief, as she saw her own reflection in the mirror.

"Oh God..."

Ana was wearing a beautiful, white maternity dress... and she had a baby bump!

What... But how?!

"Christian!" she shouted at the top of her lungs." Christian!"

With tears in her eyes, and totally confused Ana climbed up the stairs.

However, it seemed like she was unable to reach the top...

"Christian!" she tried once more, but no matter how hard she yelled, he didn't come to her aid...

"Christian! Christian! Where are you?!"

All of a sudden, she wasn't in the mansion anymore.

Ana looked around and noticed that she was on the beach.

But, but... this wasn't the beach where Parthenios' mansion was!

This was... oh God! This was Christian's private beach! She and Christian were lying on this exact spot, after he had saved her from drowning all those weeks ago.

All of a sudden, Ana heard a voice. "Anastasia"

She turned around and saw a woman walking up to her." Who are you?" Ana asked, her voice shaky.

"I am Agathe"

As those words reached her ears, all the hairs on the back of her neck stood up." Who?" Ana uttered, while her body trembled heavily.

"Agathe"

The moment the woman reached her, Ana's mouth fell open." What? I don't understand..."

It was like Ana was looking into a mirror... the woman looked exactly like her!

"Ana, dear... you have to go back" her look-a-like said.

"What? I don't understand?" Ana asked.

"You have to go back to the sea... you have to go back where you came from" Agathe replied, while a lonely tear rolled down her face.

Ana shook her head at that." What?! You're not making any sense right now" she pointed out.

Agathe placed a hand on Ana's stomach and said." In order to save him, you have to go back to the sea"

"I don't understand! I will die, if I do that!" Ana said angrily, and gripped Agathe's wrist tightly.

"You should go back to the sea, and undo the damage I caused centuries ago. That's the only way to save your beloved and the one who's growing in your belly" Agathe said, while tears streamed down her face." Please, Anastasia... find the Phoenix and go back to the sea"

As those words tumbled from Agathe's lips, Ana felt a gut-wrenching pain, cutting right through her heart and soul...

She couldn't do what Agathe said... she couldn't leave Christian behind. She just got him back!

All of a sudden, her look-a-like was gone and Ana was alone again.

"Agathe! Agathe! Agathe!" Ana yelled, as tears streamed down her face." Don't go! Agathe! Help me understand... Agathe!"

From afar, she heard a very familiar voice.

"Ana! Ana! Ana, wake up! Come on! Wake up, please!" someone said aloud.

She also felt two strong hands on her upper arm, shaking her lightly." Ana! Wake up!"

Ana woke up with a start, gasping loudly, and as her teary eyes landed on Christian's, she whispered." I have to go back to the sea..."

Note: Thank you all so much for reading and reviewing. :)

YOU ROCK!

So... hit me with your thoughts you all.

Leave me a review, short or long? :)

REVIEW! REVIEW!

I know I'm very late with this chapter, but something came up. I'm so sorry.

And I will post the new chapter for 'When did I become so numb?' this week also. I promise... sorry for the delay. :(

Till the next one,

J