Darien walked into his house, locking the doors behind him. He
stood in his entryway, debating where her should deposit his special cargo.
"Darien, back so soon." Came a feminine voice. Darien turned around to face
Callista. Raven black hair flowed down her back, and violet eyes sparkled
mischievously. "I see you are awake." Darien said in a stone voice.
Callista sauntered up to him, "Alive and awake, I am." She said, peering at
the girl in his arms, "Who's this?" she asked. Darien turned his body so
Callista couldn't look too closely, "What's it to you?" he asked placidly.
Callista giggled unnaturally, "Darien, I've known you since the beginning.
You suddenly don't trust me?" she asked. Darien snorted, "Since the
beginning? I don't think so Callista, and I never trusted you." Callista
turned a rueful eye on him, "Darien, I have been a devout follower of you.
My allegiance is to you Master. Though, I have to say I'm not offended that
you don't trust me. You trust no one after all." She said. Darien smiled a
forced smile, "Well, you are right about that. Are the others here?" he
asked. Callista nodded, "Yes Master. They await you in the foyer." She
said. "Well, being the mistress of the house, don't you think you should
join them?" Callista bowed her head, "Yes Master." She said, before
departing slowly into the foyer. "We'll be waiting." She called back.
Darien sighed, he didn't trust anyone anymore. Especially not Callista. He had been leery about her since the first time her met her. She was one of the first women who had found him, bringing three other males with her. One of which, was Damien. His senses were on high alert now. He had to watch Serena carefully. He had to protect her. Deciding quickly, Darien walked up the stairs, and into his bedroom, placing her on his own bed. He hated to leave her, but he had to meet with his brethren. Brushing a few strands of hair from her face, Darien pulled the blanket up from the end of the bed , and covered her with it. Leaning down, he kissed her forehead gently, "Good night Serena." He whispered, before departing quickly. Almost instantly.
Serena hugged the pillow at her side, sighing into it. Fluttering her eyes open, she looked about that room. The strongest feeling of dejavue hitting her. Smiling ironically, she stretched and sat up. Happy she was feeling no more pain in her neck, she flung the covers off of her, and got out of bed. Standing, she took a good look around her room. The same elegant style, though she felt a strong feeling of masculinity radiate form it. This room was different. Looking at the bed, she saw it was a large four post bed, made out of cherry wood. Though Its post reached up towards the ceiling, it had no canopy, and the bed itself, looked to be bigger than that of a king. Serena ran her fingers through her hair. What time was it? She had no watch on, and there seemed to be no clock. Sconces hung on the walls, though, they looked like they weren't candles. Walking up to one, she saw they were electrical, and the light radiating from them was dimmed. Scanning the room again, she saw on the opposite wall from the bed, was an immaculate desk. Walking over to it, Serena found numerous articles of newspapers, though as she flipped through each one, she noticed that on each page there was a missing persons report. Gasping, Serena let the pages drop to the table. She suddenly felt she knew what happened to all those people. Looking around the room once again, she spotted the door to her right, and went to it. Grasping the handle, she turned it to find it was locked. "What?...." she asked out loud. Taking the knob in both her hands, she grabbed and twisted, but it didn't budge. It was like it was made out of steel. Huffing with her hands on her hips, Serena thought. She couldn't stay locked in a room forever! What was Darien planning to do with her? Calling her Darling, and carrying her? Things were getting too weird.
Crouching down, Serena looked at the lock that was under the door knob. Good thing it had such an antique touch to it. The door was locked with a key, and the keyhole was huge. Rummaging through her pockets, Serena pulled out a bobby pin. Not only useful for putting your hair in a bun fast, but can also be used to pick locks if you happen to be kidnapped by a vampire. Smiling as she heard the 'click' sound, Serena stowed the bobby pin back in her pocket, and opened the door slowly. It opened without a sound. Exhaling a breath in relief, she stood up, and quietly departed the room. The halls were lavish, and the floors quiet as she tiptoed across them. This was defiantly a nice house. Coming to the end of the hall, she took a look to her left, then to her right, debating which way she should go. Huffing, she decided to make a right, walking down the hall as quietly as she could.
Rounding a few more corners, and passing some things twice, Serena got the feeling she was lost. Seeing as what kind of person Darien was, he probably stashed her somewhere he figured she couldn't find her way out of. Though this didn't hinder her at all. She moved on boldly, figuring just as long as she didn't breath too loud, she was good. Taking a turn down another hallway, she stopped as she heard voices. They echoed and bounced off the walls of the room ahead of her. Or, at least she thought it was a room. Following the hallway, she found herself on the balcony of what she figured to be the entry way. Looking down the stairs of the circular room, she heard the voices more clearly, "So you are sure about her." Came a deep voice. It wasn't Darien's. "Yes, She's the one." Now that, was Darien's. Stepping back into the hallway to hide herself, she leaned her head out to hear, "I would think Callista would be very angry with this Darien. She was the first female to come to you, making her the mistress of the house and land." Came a different voice. She heard a laugh, "Callista has no say in this. She will accept her fate, or else I'll disown her." Darien replied. Serenas brows raised. 'Who's Callista?' she thought.
Straining her ears a bit more, she leaned further out, when she head the voices come closer. Looking to the room that was to the bottom left of the stairs, she saw shadows, and watched as five men, including Darien, came walking out. Quickly dodging her full body into the hallway, she layed flat against the wall, holding her breath. "Well Darien, I support you as always. You have helped me many a time in my life, it's the least I can do." Said one of the voices. "I appreciate your help Jed. All of your help." A bit more conversation lingered, before Serena heard the exchange of good byes, and the door close. Exhaling a breath slowly, she relaxed and pushed off the wall. Looking slowly around the corner, Serena jumped, and placed and covered her mouth with her hand. Darien leaned casually on the rail, standing on the top step of the stairs, "Enjoy your listening session?" he asked smirking. Serena glared at him, and huffed, stepping fully out of the hallway. "I don't know what you're talking about." She said, leaning against the wall and crossing her arms over her chest. " I was waiting to see if you'd leave so I could go." She said. Darien chuckled, and walked towards her. Dropping her arms to her side she, likewise, took a step back. "What are you going to do with me?" she asked. Darien stopped, and put his hands in his pockets, looking her up and Down. Serenas brow became creased with worry, as she folded her arms across her chest. "What?" she asked, as she shivered. Darien's eyes bore into hers, "You're very beautiful Serena." He said. A chill ran down Serenas back as she shook her head. "Don't you come near me." She said as she backed up, feeling her spine hit the corner where the wall and the hallway met. She winced. Darien sighed, shaking his head and rubbing the back of his neck with his hand. "Which is all the more reason, you should be taken care of." Darien managed to get out. Serena raised an eye brow. "What?" she asked exasperated. "I mean you should be looked after." He replied, looking up at her again. "Because you think I'm beautiful? I'm sorry, but it seems to me you have your priorities a little out of order here." She said wide eyed.
"See, you being a......well, person of.." "A Vampire" he said, "You can say vampire Serena. It isn't a dirty word." Serena cleared her throat, "I beg to differ.." she said while sighing, "Anyway, being that you are,..who, er, what you are, I'm sure you've got your life together. Right? I mean you have this house, and from what I saw pretty nice cars, and you don't need to do anything really. You're set." She said gesturing to the house. "But me.." she pointed her herself, " I am another story. I am a wreck. I have one more year of college, and after that, I'm going to Paris for an internship. I have plans, I have goals. There are some things I have to do in order to make me, as well as my mother, happy." She said a bit infuriated. "And then, oh, and then...you break it to me that I need looked after? A twenty-one year old needs looks after? Nuh-uh buddy. No, no, no. Serena Townsend does not need a babysitter." Darien cocked his head to the side as he listened, "I don't want charity, you obviously messed up my house though, so I demand you pay for everything you took out, but other than that, I don't need any help from you. If I need to I'll go to the cops and now...what the Hell are you smiling at!?" she yelled the last part.
Darien just stood there grinning. "Darien, stop it right now! What is wrong with you?" Darien chuckled, "It's nothing Serena, it's just some things never change." He stated simply. "Oh yes, there's that too. When you say that, what do. You. Mean!" Laughing Darien walked over to her, and placed his hands on her shoulders, "Darling, it's late, you should go back to bed." He told her. Serena grunted and pushed his hands off her shoulders, "Uh, No!" she said. "Priorities Darien. We all have them, and mine is to go home, deal with the authorities, and slowly pick up the pieces of my life that you and your friends have shattered." She said in a serious tone. Breathing deeply, she frowned, looking at his face closely. A hurt lingered in his eyes, and she internally groaned. She had hurt the feelings of a vampire, but then, she thought about the reality of the situation. Darien was a killer. He drank blood, and attacked people. As much as she hated to admit it to herself, she had to. He was not a safe person to be around. None of his kind was, "Darien, I should go. I need to go." She told him, swallowing a lump in her throat.
Standing there for a few more minutes, Serena turned her vision to look at the carpet. 'Well, I guess, ..I guess I should be going." She said. Waiting for a reply from him, she sighed. Figuring he had nothing more to say, she slowly moved her back off the corner, and walked to her left around him. Though suddenly, his arm shot out to place his hand on the other corner, so she was blocked, "Darien." "I'm sorry Serena." He said sternly. "If I have to do this forcefully, I will." He said. A fear filled Serenas eyes, "Darien, what are you." She tried to speak, but she was cut short when she was suddenly picked up, and carried down the hall. "Darien!" she cried. Taking a turn, and then another, Darien ended up back with her in his bedroom. Kicking the door shut behind them, He paced to the bed, and placed her on it in a surprisingly gentle fashion. Squirming, Serena sat back up, "Darien!.." "Tell me Serena." He said, raising his voice over her own, "Where'd you learn to pick locks?" he asked. Serena, surprise by the question, stopped her talking, and raised an eyebrow at him. "What?" It was a completely different topic in general. "You successfully picked my lock, which means I'm going to have to add another one to keep you where you're wanted." He said sternly. Serenas eyes went wide. "Darien, you can't keep me locked up in here!" She shouted. Darien's nostrils seemed to flare then. Looking into his eyes, Serena swore she could see something there, though she couldn't understand what. "Serena, I have no time to argue with you." He said. Looking at his forehead, Serena saw a bead of something red drip down. Blood, "Darien!...." "Serena, will you stay here willfully, if I do not lock you in?" he asked. "Darien, you're, ." "Answer me Serena!" he shouted, hands balled into fists at his sides. Serena gulped. "Darien...No, no I wont." She answered finally. Nodding his head, Darien turned on his heel quickly, leaving the room, shutting the door behind him. Hearing the click, of what sounded like three locks, Serena quickly jumped off the bed. Running to the door, she tried to open it, but it was impossible. It wouldn't even give. Beating on it with her fists, Serena screamed, "Darien! You can't do this to me! Darien!" Beating on it with her fists, she wailed, "Darien, I have class tomorrow, I have a family I need to speak with, DARIEN!!!!!!!" Stopping her beating, that was obviously not aiding her in any way, she sighed. Turning to lean her back on the door, she slid down to sit on the floor with her knees drawn to her chest. "Ass!" she yelled again. Dropping her head to rest on her knees, grunting loudly, she picked her head up again, and banged it on the door, "Damn it!" she screamed, "Why didn't I say I would have stayed!" she yelled.
Time passed slowly. And considering the fact Serena had no idea what the actual time was, made her angry. All Darien had let on, was that it was late. After a while though, she just gave up on wondering and worrying, to lay on the bed. Curling her body around one of his large pillows, she starred at the door. 'When's he coming back?' she wondered. Closing her eyes, she inhaled the scent of his pillow. It reminded her of him. Then, the familiar feeling came roaring back at her. She knew this scent. His scent. Like cinnamon and rose petals. Though very feint, mixed with something else completely him. Exhaling, she rolled onto her other side, taking the pillow with her. Had he done the same thing that she was, before? Had he ever clung to his pillow for support, or to forget the feeling of loneliness? Surely it was loneliness to be a vampire. Only to be in the company of other vamps, and have little if any social interactment with others. Sleeping in the dark, by yourself, for all your days. Suddenly Serena, who was angry at Darien till no end, found herself pitying him and his life style. She had mentioned to him that he was set for the rest of his days. He had the house, the cars, the money, everything. Only, it just dawned on her, that he had no one to share it with. No family, or, a wife of some sort. All of his family had to be dead, and as for a spouse, unless he found one in another Vampire, she was dead too. Though, she had no idea if he was, or ever married.
Shifting a bit in her position, she went still quickly at hearing the clicks of the locks on the door. Holding her breath, she listened with burning ears. The door opened swiftly. Feeling a presence in the room, Serena shivered a bit. Listening intently for him to make a move, she jerked a bit as she felt sudden pressure on the bed behind her. Waiting for him to say something, she shivered once again. She was too frightened to turn around and look at him, too frightened to glance back. Though, she suddenly felt a touch on her shoulder. All tension seemed drained from her in that instant. Exhaling her breath, Serena rolled slightly, to look at him.
Darien smiled down at her. He seemed in a much better mood. "Don't be afraid Serena." He said sweetly. "Are you angry?" she asked. Darien shook his head, "No. No darling I'm not." He replied, cupping the side of her face with his hand, and gently caressed her cheek with his thumb, "Are you alright?" "Yes, I'm fine." "But, I saw.." "Blood? He asked. Serena nodded, "It's what happens sometimes." He said. Serena raised an eyebrow, "What happens sometimes?" "Yes, when I don't feed. I become too weak. That's why I was so short with you. I apologize. I had to leave quickly before I did something I regret." He said. Serna tried not to seem too shocked as she gave him a weak smile, "Then, maybe it's good that you left so suddenly." She said. Looking up at the ceiling, she shivered at what she had just said, He had gone out and literally killed someone for a meal. "No, I didn't Serena." Jerking her head to look back at him, she couldn't believe how easily he had read her thoughts, "I don't kill Serena. I promise you I don't." "Then how..isn't it supposed to be.." "I don't kill." He replied sternly, yet softly, "Then how?" Darien sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You really want to know this don't you?" he asked, looking at the wall. Serena chewed the side of her cheek for a minute, "Yes, I really do, I guess." She replied. Darien looked back down at her. "Well then...." he took a breath, "Where do I start?" he seemed lost in thought for a minute, before he began, "It used to be, in the old country, that for a Vampire to survive, that he would have to drink the all the blood of their victim. Thus killing them." He sighed, "But, I have changed that. That is one of the things different about the old world, and the new world. You can actually feed, without killing them." Serena adjusted her head a bit, "Really?" she asked. "How?" "Darien smiled, "You don't take all of their blood." Serena frowned, "You see, everyone has a little to spare. People give blood everyday, and they live don't they?" he asked her. Serena nodded, "So there you have it. It makes perfect since. All you have to do, is find more than one person who's willing to donate a little of their life to me." He said. Serenas brows furrowed, "And who would volunteer for that?" she asked. Darien grinned, "I believe their are many muggers, and other attackers out there with worse on their minds than I." He said. Serena smiled a tad at the thought of him doing the world a service. Who knows how many people he had actually saved by 'feeding'
Looking across the room to his desk, she suddenly remembered, "Darien." she said. "What about all those missing people?" she asked. Looking with her at the paper on his desk, he sighed, "This is the new world Serena. Things have changed for the vampires here. Most of who came here, wanted to escape the pain that they were in. In other words, those who hated to kill." He said looking back at Serena. "Those who wanted such a life, found me. I was the first here, and I taught them how to feed without killing. I am their master, the one they hold allegiance to. I taught them how to create more of our kind, and how to take them under their wing. Something the elders never did in the old world." Swallowing hard, Darien stood back up, "But, even though this is the New World Serena, there are those here, from the old. They spy on us, watch us from a far. They think I have no clue, but I do. And so does my inner circle. Damien and Samuel were a part of the spy group, and there are still more out there." He said, looking down at her. Serena sat up, "Darien, what about me? What have I got to do with anything?" Darien stared at her a moment before answering, "I don't know." He said. "Liar!" She shouted, getting off the bed. "Don't give me that. You do too know!" Darien made a sound of indifference, "Serena, all I know is what you are to Me." He stated. "Well that could be a start Darien, tell me that then." She said, placing her hands on her hips. Darien just smiled, "Serena, it is five a.m. in the morning, do you know that?" he asked. Serenas thoughts suddenly came to a halt. "Five? Really?" she asked. He nodded, "Yes." He said, walking around the bed to stand in front of her.
"You haven't been asleep tonight, and you need your rest." He said. Serena sat back down on the bed. She had been feeling her bodies exhaustion and fatigue for a while, "I have a class in three hours." She said. Darien chuckled, "I doubt you're in any condition to attend that class." He said. Serena nodded absently, thinking about what she would be missing. "And as for me, I must retire now." Serena looked up at him, then to his bed behind her, "No, I don't sleep up here. I dwell here. I sleep in my secret room in my basement. As far away from the rays of the sun as I can possibly get." He said. "You'll sleep here though. You seem comfortable enough anyway." "Sure." She said. Bending down slightly, he gently placed a kiss on her forehead. "Good night Serena." He whispered, standing back up. Serena looked back at him. "Good night." She replied. Smiling down at her, he walked to a bureau that he had up against the wall. Opening it and pulling out a button up shirt, he waked back over to Serena and handed it to her. "If you want to change for sleep. There's a bathroom right through that door in the corner." Serena looked to where he was motioning to. Odd she had never noticed the door before. "Thanks you." She said. "Your welcome." Turning, he walked towards the door. "Rest Serena, you're safer here than anywhere else." Opening the door and stepping out into the hallway, he leaned his head back in, "And don't think about going anywhere." He said winking. Getting to her feet quickly, Serena threw the shirt he had given her, at the door.
After the door was shut, she heard the locks click into place. "Grrrrrrrrrrr." Serena growled. As much as Darien had told her, and as much as she wanted to sleep, she couldn't stay. She just couldn't. Looking about the room once more, she noticed some things she hadn't. Such as the thick curtains that stretched from the ceiling to the floor. They were on the wall that was opposite the door. Quickly going to them, she pushed them back to reveal a window, and a view of several small gardens that dotted the front of his home. She couldn't see too well through the darkness, but she was sure they were beautiful. Serena always wanted to have a large garden when she got older. That's why she wanted to go to Europe so badly, to see the gardens of Versailles.
Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, she focused on the task at hand. Searching the window, she saw if there was a way to open it at all. It was large, but she figured it had to open some way. Finally looking at the bottom of it, she saw a latch. Smiling with enthusiasm, she quickly unlatched it, and slid the heavy thing up. "Damn, this thing is made out of real glass." She thought out loud as she lifted. Raising it high enough, she looked out and down. Gasping, she saw it was a straight fall. Nothing for her to hang on to. Huffing, and feeling the cold skin on her bare arms, she shivered. What was she gonna do? Suddenly, she saw it. To her left, she looked closer, and saw it was a vine covered trellis. Almost laughing at the irony, she grasped it, a shook it for good measure. She didn't want it breaking on her way down.
Feeling it was sturdy enough, she got a strong hold on it, and slowly placed her foot on it. Honestly, Darien had to be a bit off the ball to not think about her escaping out the window. Climbing down it slowly, she almost jumped for joy when she reached the ground. Rubbing her forearms to gain warmth, she jogged off. Luckily his room was at the front of his house.
Tired, hungry, and cold, Serena finally made it to the nearest gas station, which had to be at least a mile from Darien's Home. Entering the brightly lit store, Serena shivered while walking up to the old man behind the counter, "You alright miss?" he asked as he spotted her. Serena smiled, hiding her fatigue. "Oh yeah. It's just uh, my car broke down, and I needed a ride back to town." She said. The old man eyed her suspiciously, but only nodded. "Sure, you need a tow truck?" he asked. "No. No ,I don't need one. I've already called Triple H, and they're on their way. I just didn't want to be stuck in my car. And uh, I wanted to call my friend to let her know I was alright." She said. The man smiled warmly then, " I see." He said, "Well, you can use my phone for free missy, and, do you need a jacket?" he asked Serena smiled brightly, "Oh, um, yes. I uh, guess I left mine in my car." She said. He nodded slightly, "We sell some cheap ones here. Go take yourself one, and don't worry about the cost." He said. Smiling, Serena thanked the man, and found herself a jacket. It was going to be a long day.
Using to phone to call a taxi cab service, or her 'friend' as she had told the man, she waited outside for it. When it finally came, she practically dived in, and told the man her directions. She couldn't go home, so there was only one other place where she felt she could impose.
Pulling up in front of a house, she told the Taxi cab driver to wait, while she ran and grabbed money. Running up to the house, she banged on the door. Not getting a response, she began ringing the doorbell, and banged again. Finally hearing the lock click, she stopped. Standing in the open doorway, looking tired and possibly frost bitten, Serena smiled shakily, "Hey Molly, wanna hear an interesting story?" she asked as Molly stood there, shocked at what she was seeing.
**************************************************************************** *** Hi guys. Well, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. It kind of took a lot out of me. I hope I don't end up with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome before I'm 30. Anyway, please read and review. I like to hear how you're liking it. Thanks all, Ciao for now-Twigs
P.S. I might be a little slow with updates for a while. Med classes are gonna be taking up a lot of my energy. But don't worry. I'll be updating much more than once a week.
Darien sighed, he didn't trust anyone anymore. Especially not Callista. He had been leery about her since the first time her met her. She was one of the first women who had found him, bringing three other males with her. One of which, was Damien. His senses were on high alert now. He had to watch Serena carefully. He had to protect her. Deciding quickly, Darien walked up the stairs, and into his bedroom, placing her on his own bed. He hated to leave her, but he had to meet with his brethren. Brushing a few strands of hair from her face, Darien pulled the blanket up from the end of the bed , and covered her with it. Leaning down, he kissed her forehead gently, "Good night Serena." He whispered, before departing quickly. Almost instantly.
Serena hugged the pillow at her side, sighing into it. Fluttering her eyes open, she looked about that room. The strongest feeling of dejavue hitting her. Smiling ironically, she stretched and sat up. Happy she was feeling no more pain in her neck, she flung the covers off of her, and got out of bed. Standing, she took a good look around her room. The same elegant style, though she felt a strong feeling of masculinity radiate form it. This room was different. Looking at the bed, she saw it was a large four post bed, made out of cherry wood. Though Its post reached up towards the ceiling, it had no canopy, and the bed itself, looked to be bigger than that of a king. Serena ran her fingers through her hair. What time was it? She had no watch on, and there seemed to be no clock. Sconces hung on the walls, though, they looked like they weren't candles. Walking up to one, she saw they were electrical, and the light radiating from them was dimmed. Scanning the room again, she saw on the opposite wall from the bed, was an immaculate desk. Walking over to it, Serena found numerous articles of newspapers, though as she flipped through each one, she noticed that on each page there was a missing persons report. Gasping, Serena let the pages drop to the table. She suddenly felt she knew what happened to all those people. Looking around the room once again, she spotted the door to her right, and went to it. Grasping the handle, she turned it to find it was locked. "What?...." she asked out loud. Taking the knob in both her hands, she grabbed and twisted, but it didn't budge. It was like it was made out of steel. Huffing with her hands on her hips, Serena thought. She couldn't stay locked in a room forever! What was Darien planning to do with her? Calling her Darling, and carrying her? Things were getting too weird.
Crouching down, Serena looked at the lock that was under the door knob. Good thing it had such an antique touch to it. The door was locked with a key, and the keyhole was huge. Rummaging through her pockets, Serena pulled out a bobby pin. Not only useful for putting your hair in a bun fast, but can also be used to pick locks if you happen to be kidnapped by a vampire. Smiling as she heard the 'click' sound, Serena stowed the bobby pin back in her pocket, and opened the door slowly. It opened without a sound. Exhaling a breath in relief, she stood up, and quietly departed the room. The halls were lavish, and the floors quiet as she tiptoed across them. This was defiantly a nice house. Coming to the end of the hall, she took a look to her left, then to her right, debating which way she should go. Huffing, she decided to make a right, walking down the hall as quietly as she could.
Rounding a few more corners, and passing some things twice, Serena got the feeling she was lost. Seeing as what kind of person Darien was, he probably stashed her somewhere he figured she couldn't find her way out of. Though this didn't hinder her at all. She moved on boldly, figuring just as long as she didn't breath too loud, she was good. Taking a turn down another hallway, she stopped as she heard voices. They echoed and bounced off the walls of the room ahead of her. Or, at least she thought it was a room. Following the hallway, she found herself on the balcony of what she figured to be the entry way. Looking down the stairs of the circular room, she heard the voices more clearly, "So you are sure about her." Came a deep voice. It wasn't Darien's. "Yes, She's the one." Now that, was Darien's. Stepping back into the hallway to hide herself, she leaned her head out to hear, "I would think Callista would be very angry with this Darien. She was the first female to come to you, making her the mistress of the house and land." Came a different voice. She heard a laugh, "Callista has no say in this. She will accept her fate, or else I'll disown her." Darien replied. Serenas brows raised. 'Who's Callista?' she thought.
Straining her ears a bit more, she leaned further out, when she head the voices come closer. Looking to the room that was to the bottom left of the stairs, she saw shadows, and watched as five men, including Darien, came walking out. Quickly dodging her full body into the hallway, she layed flat against the wall, holding her breath. "Well Darien, I support you as always. You have helped me many a time in my life, it's the least I can do." Said one of the voices. "I appreciate your help Jed. All of your help." A bit more conversation lingered, before Serena heard the exchange of good byes, and the door close. Exhaling a breath slowly, she relaxed and pushed off the wall. Looking slowly around the corner, Serena jumped, and placed and covered her mouth with her hand. Darien leaned casually on the rail, standing on the top step of the stairs, "Enjoy your listening session?" he asked smirking. Serena glared at him, and huffed, stepping fully out of the hallway. "I don't know what you're talking about." She said, leaning against the wall and crossing her arms over her chest. " I was waiting to see if you'd leave so I could go." She said. Darien chuckled, and walked towards her. Dropping her arms to her side she, likewise, took a step back. "What are you going to do with me?" she asked. Darien stopped, and put his hands in his pockets, looking her up and Down. Serenas brow became creased with worry, as she folded her arms across her chest. "What?" she asked, as she shivered. Darien's eyes bore into hers, "You're very beautiful Serena." He said. A chill ran down Serenas back as she shook her head. "Don't you come near me." She said as she backed up, feeling her spine hit the corner where the wall and the hallway met. She winced. Darien sighed, shaking his head and rubbing the back of his neck with his hand. "Which is all the more reason, you should be taken care of." Darien managed to get out. Serena raised an eye brow. "What?" she asked exasperated. "I mean you should be looked after." He replied, looking up at her again. "Because you think I'm beautiful? I'm sorry, but it seems to me you have your priorities a little out of order here." She said wide eyed.
"See, you being a......well, person of.." "A Vampire" he said, "You can say vampire Serena. It isn't a dirty word." Serena cleared her throat, "I beg to differ.." she said while sighing, "Anyway, being that you are,..who, er, what you are, I'm sure you've got your life together. Right? I mean you have this house, and from what I saw pretty nice cars, and you don't need to do anything really. You're set." She said gesturing to the house. "But me.." she pointed her herself, " I am another story. I am a wreck. I have one more year of college, and after that, I'm going to Paris for an internship. I have plans, I have goals. There are some things I have to do in order to make me, as well as my mother, happy." She said a bit infuriated. "And then, oh, and then...you break it to me that I need looked after? A twenty-one year old needs looks after? Nuh-uh buddy. No, no, no. Serena Townsend does not need a babysitter." Darien cocked his head to the side as he listened, "I don't want charity, you obviously messed up my house though, so I demand you pay for everything you took out, but other than that, I don't need any help from you. If I need to I'll go to the cops and now...what the Hell are you smiling at!?" she yelled the last part.
Darien just stood there grinning. "Darien, stop it right now! What is wrong with you?" Darien chuckled, "It's nothing Serena, it's just some things never change." He stated simply. "Oh yes, there's that too. When you say that, what do. You. Mean!" Laughing Darien walked over to her, and placed his hands on her shoulders, "Darling, it's late, you should go back to bed." He told her. Serena grunted and pushed his hands off her shoulders, "Uh, No!" she said. "Priorities Darien. We all have them, and mine is to go home, deal with the authorities, and slowly pick up the pieces of my life that you and your friends have shattered." She said in a serious tone. Breathing deeply, she frowned, looking at his face closely. A hurt lingered in his eyes, and she internally groaned. She had hurt the feelings of a vampire, but then, she thought about the reality of the situation. Darien was a killer. He drank blood, and attacked people. As much as she hated to admit it to herself, she had to. He was not a safe person to be around. None of his kind was, "Darien, I should go. I need to go." She told him, swallowing a lump in her throat.
Standing there for a few more minutes, Serena turned her vision to look at the carpet. 'Well, I guess, ..I guess I should be going." She said. Waiting for a reply from him, she sighed. Figuring he had nothing more to say, she slowly moved her back off the corner, and walked to her left around him. Though suddenly, his arm shot out to place his hand on the other corner, so she was blocked, "Darien." "I'm sorry Serena." He said sternly. "If I have to do this forcefully, I will." He said. A fear filled Serenas eyes, "Darien, what are you." She tried to speak, but she was cut short when she was suddenly picked up, and carried down the hall. "Darien!" she cried. Taking a turn, and then another, Darien ended up back with her in his bedroom. Kicking the door shut behind them, He paced to the bed, and placed her on it in a surprisingly gentle fashion. Squirming, Serena sat back up, "Darien!.." "Tell me Serena." He said, raising his voice over her own, "Where'd you learn to pick locks?" he asked. Serena, surprise by the question, stopped her talking, and raised an eyebrow at him. "What?" It was a completely different topic in general. "You successfully picked my lock, which means I'm going to have to add another one to keep you where you're wanted." He said sternly. Serenas eyes went wide. "Darien, you can't keep me locked up in here!" She shouted. Darien's nostrils seemed to flare then. Looking into his eyes, Serena swore she could see something there, though she couldn't understand what. "Serena, I have no time to argue with you." He said. Looking at his forehead, Serena saw a bead of something red drip down. Blood, "Darien!...." "Serena, will you stay here willfully, if I do not lock you in?" he asked. "Darien, you're, ." "Answer me Serena!" he shouted, hands balled into fists at his sides. Serena gulped. "Darien...No, no I wont." She answered finally. Nodding his head, Darien turned on his heel quickly, leaving the room, shutting the door behind him. Hearing the click, of what sounded like three locks, Serena quickly jumped off the bed. Running to the door, she tried to open it, but it was impossible. It wouldn't even give. Beating on it with her fists, Serena screamed, "Darien! You can't do this to me! Darien!" Beating on it with her fists, she wailed, "Darien, I have class tomorrow, I have a family I need to speak with, DARIEN!!!!!!!" Stopping her beating, that was obviously not aiding her in any way, she sighed. Turning to lean her back on the door, she slid down to sit on the floor with her knees drawn to her chest. "Ass!" she yelled again. Dropping her head to rest on her knees, grunting loudly, she picked her head up again, and banged it on the door, "Damn it!" she screamed, "Why didn't I say I would have stayed!" she yelled.
Time passed slowly. And considering the fact Serena had no idea what the actual time was, made her angry. All Darien had let on, was that it was late. After a while though, she just gave up on wondering and worrying, to lay on the bed. Curling her body around one of his large pillows, she starred at the door. 'When's he coming back?' she wondered. Closing her eyes, she inhaled the scent of his pillow. It reminded her of him. Then, the familiar feeling came roaring back at her. She knew this scent. His scent. Like cinnamon and rose petals. Though very feint, mixed with something else completely him. Exhaling, she rolled onto her other side, taking the pillow with her. Had he done the same thing that she was, before? Had he ever clung to his pillow for support, or to forget the feeling of loneliness? Surely it was loneliness to be a vampire. Only to be in the company of other vamps, and have little if any social interactment with others. Sleeping in the dark, by yourself, for all your days. Suddenly Serena, who was angry at Darien till no end, found herself pitying him and his life style. She had mentioned to him that he was set for the rest of his days. He had the house, the cars, the money, everything. Only, it just dawned on her, that he had no one to share it with. No family, or, a wife of some sort. All of his family had to be dead, and as for a spouse, unless he found one in another Vampire, she was dead too. Though, she had no idea if he was, or ever married.
Shifting a bit in her position, she went still quickly at hearing the clicks of the locks on the door. Holding her breath, she listened with burning ears. The door opened swiftly. Feeling a presence in the room, Serena shivered a bit. Listening intently for him to make a move, she jerked a bit as she felt sudden pressure on the bed behind her. Waiting for him to say something, she shivered once again. She was too frightened to turn around and look at him, too frightened to glance back. Though, she suddenly felt a touch on her shoulder. All tension seemed drained from her in that instant. Exhaling her breath, Serena rolled slightly, to look at him.
Darien smiled down at her. He seemed in a much better mood. "Don't be afraid Serena." He said sweetly. "Are you angry?" she asked. Darien shook his head, "No. No darling I'm not." He replied, cupping the side of her face with his hand, and gently caressed her cheek with his thumb, "Are you alright?" "Yes, I'm fine." "But, I saw.." "Blood? He asked. Serena nodded, "It's what happens sometimes." He said. Serena raised an eyebrow, "What happens sometimes?" "Yes, when I don't feed. I become too weak. That's why I was so short with you. I apologize. I had to leave quickly before I did something I regret." He said. Serna tried not to seem too shocked as she gave him a weak smile, "Then, maybe it's good that you left so suddenly." She said. Looking up at the ceiling, she shivered at what she had just said, He had gone out and literally killed someone for a meal. "No, I didn't Serena." Jerking her head to look back at him, she couldn't believe how easily he had read her thoughts, "I don't kill Serena. I promise you I don't." "Then how..isn't it supposed to be.." "I don't kill." He replied sternly, yet softly, "Then how?" Darien sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You really want to know this don't you?" he asked, looking at the wall. Serena chewed the side of her cheek for a minute, "Yes, I really do, I guess." She replied. Darien looked back down at her. "Well then...." he took a breath, "Where do I start?" he seemed lost in thought for a minute, before he began, "It used to be, in the old country, that for a Vampire to survive, that he would have to drink the all the blood of their victim. Thus killing them." He sighed, "But, I have changed that. That is one of the things different about the old world, and the new world. You can actually feed, without killing them." Serena adjusted her head a bit, "Really?" she asked. "How?" "Darien smiled, "You don't take all of their blood." Serena frowned, "You see, everyone has a little to spare. People give blood everyday, and they live don't they?" he asked her. Serena nodded, "So there you have it. It makes perfect since. All you have to do, is find more than one person who's willing to donate a little of their life to me." He said. Serenas brows furrowed, "And who would volunteer for that?" she asked. Darien grinned, "I believe their are many muggers, and other attackers out there with worse on their minds than I." He said. Serena smiled a tad at the thought of him doing the world a service. Who knows how many people he had actually saved by 'feeding'
Looking across the room to his desk, she suddenly remembered, "Darien." she said. "What about all those missing people?" she asked. Looking with her at the paper on his desk, he sighed, "This is the new world Serena. Things have changed for the vampires here. Most of who came here, wanted to escape the pain that they were in. In other words, those who hated to kill." He said looking back at Serena. "Those who wanted such a life, found me. I was the first here, and I taught them how to feed without killing. I am their master, the one they hold allegiance to. I taught them how to create more of our kind, and how to take them under their wing. Something the elders never did in the old world." Swallowing hard, Darien stood back up, "But, even though this is the New World Serena, there are those here, from the old. They spy on us, watch us from a far. They think I have no clue, but I do. And so does my inner circle. Damien and Samuel were a part of the spy group, and there are still more out there." He said, looking down at her. Serena sat up, "Darien, what about me? What have I got to do with anything?" Darien stared at her a moment before answering, "I don't know." He said. "Liar!" She shouted, getting off the bed. "Don't give me that. You do too know!" Darien made a sound of indifference, "Serena, all I know is what you are to Me." He stated. "Well that could be a start Darien, tell me that then." She said, placing her hands on her hips. Darien just smiled, "Serena, it is five a.m. in the morning, do you know that?" he asked. Serenas thoughts suddenly came to a halt. "Five? Really?" she asked. He nodded, "Yes." He said, walking around the bed to stand in front of her.
"You haven't been asleep tonight, and you need your rest." He said. Serena sat back down on the bed. She had been feeling her bodies exhaustion and fatigue for a while, "I have a class in three hours." She said. Darien chuckled, "I doubt you're in any condition to attend that class." He said. Serena nodded absently, thinking about what she would be missing. "And as for me, I must retire now." Serena looked up at him, then to his bed behind her, "No, I don't sleep up here. I dwell here. I sleep in my secret room in my basement. As far away from the rays of the sun as I can possibly get." He said. "You'll sleep here though. You seem comfortable enough anyway." "Sure." She said. Bending down slightly, he gently placed a kiss on her forehead. "Good night Serena." He whispered, standing back up. Serena looked back at him. "Good night." She replied. Smiling down at her, he walked to a bureau that he had up against the wall. Opening it and pulling out a button up shirt, he waked back over to Serena and handed it to her. "If you want to change for sleep. There's a bathroom right through that door in the corner." Serena looked to where he was motioning to. Odd she had never noticed the door before. "Thanks you." She said. "Your welcome." Turning, he walked towards the door. "Rest Serena, you're safer here than anywhere else." Opening the door and stepping out into the hallway, he leaned his head back in, "And don't think about going anywhere." He said winking. Getting to her feet quickly, Serena threw the shirt he had given her, at the door.
After the door was shut, she heard the locks click into place. "Grrrrrrrrrrr." Serena growled. As much as Darien had told her, and as much as she wanted to sleep, she couldn't stay. She just couldn't. Looking about the room once more, she noticed some things she hadn't. Such as the thick curtains that stretched from the ceiling to the floor. They were on the wall that was opposite the door. Quickly going to them, she pushed them back to reveal a window, and a view of several small gardens that dotted the front of his home. She couldn't see too well through the darkness, but she was sure they were beautiful. Serena always wanted to have a large garden when she got older. That's why she wanted to go to Europe so badly, to see the gardens of Versailles.
Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, she focused on the task at hand. Searching the window, she saw if there was a way to open it at all. It was large, but she figured it had to open some way. Finally looking at the bottom of it, she saw a latch. Smiling with enthusiasm, she quickly unlatched it, and slid the heavy thing up. "Damn, this thing is made out of real glass." She thought out loud as she lifted. Raising it high enough, she looked out and down. Gasping, she saw it was a straight fall. Nothing for her to hang on to. Huffing, and feeling the cold skin on her bare arms, she shivered. What was she gonna do? Suddenly, she saw it. To her left, she looked closer, and saw it was a vine covered trellis. Almost laughing at the irony, she grasped it, a shook it for good measure. She didn't want it breaking on her way down.
Feeling it was sturdy enough, she got a strong hold on it, and slowly placed her foot on it. Honestly, Darien had to be a bit off the ball to not think about her escaping out the window. Climbing down it slowly, she almost jumped for joy when she reached the ground. Rubbing her forearms to gain warmth, she jogged off. Luckily his room was at the front of his house.
Tired, hungry, and cold, Serena finally made it to the nearest gas station, which had to be at least a mile from Darien's Home. Entering the brightly lit store, Serena shivered while walking up to the old man behind the counter, "You alright miss?" he asked as he spotted her. Serena smiled, hiding her fatigue. "Oh yeah. It's just uh, my car broke down, and I needed a ride back to town." She said. The old man eyed her suspiciously, but only nodded. "Sure, you need a tow truck?" he asked. "No. No ,I don't need one. I've already called Triple H, and they're on their way. I just didn't want to be stuck in my car. And uh, I wanted to call my friend to let her know I was alright." She said. The man smiled warmly then, " I see." He said, "Well, you can use my phone for free missy, and, do you need a jacket?" he asked Serena smiled brightly, "Oh, um, yes. I uh, guess I left mine in my car." She said. He nodded slightly, "We sell some cheap ones here. Go take yourself one, and don't worry about the cost." He said. Smiling, Serena thanked the man, and found herself a jacket. It was going to be a long day.
Using to phone to call a taxi cab service, or her 'friend' as she had told the man, she waited outside for it. When it finally came, she practically dived in, and told the man her directions. She couldn't go home, so there was only one other place where she felt she could impose.
Pulling up in front of a house, she told the Taxi cab driver to wait, while she ran and grabbed money. Running up to the house, she banged on the door. Not getting a response, she began ringing the doorbell, and banged again. Finally hearing the lock click, she stopped. Standing in the open doorway, looking tired and possibly frost bitten, Serena smiled shakily, "Hey Molly, wanna hear an interesting story?" she asked as Molly stood there, shocked at what she was seeing.
**************************************************************************** *** Hi guys. Well, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. It kind of took a lot out of me. I hope I don't end up with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome before I'm 30. Anyway, please read and review. I like to hear how you're liking it. Thanks all, Ciao for now-Twigs
P.S. I might be a little slow with updates for a while. Med classes are gonna be taking up a lot of my energy. But don't worry. I'll be updating much more than once a week.