Chapter Two
Duncan's Loft
Duncan lent against the doorframe, he produced his keys and managed to unlock the door, he then turned to Dani, "I'll be all right now, you can go home". But as he started to walk inside he stumbled, Dani took hold of his arm and helped him inside. she managed to kick the door closed behind them. Duncan was becoming very heavy she knew that she couldn't hold him so she lowered him to the floor. Sitting down beside him she cradled him in her arms, Dani's hands went to his coat, Duncan was too weak now to stop her so she moved his coat to one side. There was light coming in the windows from the street and it was enough for her to see the blood on his chest. "My God your hurt bad, you need help" Dani when to get up but Duncan used his the last of his strength and held onto her arm. Dani looked down at him "Please don't go. It'll be all right," he whispered.
Dani stopped and sat back down on the floor with him she put her arms around him and rested his head on her thigh; she looked into his brown eyes as she gently stroked his hair. She watched as his eyes slowly closed and his breathing became shallower with every breath. Finally, his breathing stopped "NO!!" she exclaimed tears rolling down her face falling softly on his hair. She cradled his him in her arms, around her time seemed to stand still 'This shouldn't be happening' she whispered as she looked down at Duncan. As she stroked his hair all that had happen that night went though her mind 'How could this have happened, here I am sitting on the floor of a handsome strangers apartment and he's lying dead in my arms' she knew that she should call someone but for some reasons she couldn't move. She stared at his face seemly willing him to live; she allowed her fingers to gently touch his lips.
Finally, she realised that he was gone, she gently lifted his head she was unsure why but she kissed him lightly on the lips suddenly, he gasped, his eyes sprang open. Duncan's eyes focused on hers he could see the tears and smiled at her. Dani leaped up, the sudden movement took Duncan by surprise his head hit the floor "Ouch! I'll have to add concussion my list of injuries," he said sitting up rubbing his head. He turned towards Dani, she had scuttled back away from him and was pressed hard against the wall.
Dani opened her mouth to speak but the words seem to dry up on her tongue. All she could do was stare, wide eyed, she tried to move but her legs just wouldn't move.
"Don't be scared" Duncan said reaching out a hand towards her; he could see that her eyes held both terror and wonderment. "What, Who are you?" Dani finally managed to stammer.
Duncan rose slowly to his feet his hands extended in front of him his palms open "Don't be afraid, I can explain" Dani watched wide-eyed as Duncan came towards her "I think we need to talk." He said quietly.
Dani swallowed hard as he got closer to her, Duncan smiled, something about his smile made her extend a shaking hand, which he took in his. Without saying anything she allowed him to guide her to the sofa. He sat her down watching and walked across the room suddenly the room was bathed in light, he then opened a large wooden cabinet which was on the far wall, he took out a bottle of brandy and two glasses.
"I think we could both do with a drink" he gestured the bottle towards Dani as he walked back to the couch he placed the bottle and glasses on the table. He took off his coat and draped it over the chair, he then sat opposite her leaning one elbow on his knee while his other hand rubbed his eyes 'This isn't going to be easy' he thought.
"OK, I know what you've just seen is a little frightening but if you let me, I can explain" Duncan leant forward brushing aside the strands of black hair that had fallen across her face. Picking up the bottle he poured some brandy into the glasses, he handed one to Dani. She held out a shaking hand taking the glass, she drained it the sudden warmth of the liquid in her throat made her cough. Duncan smiled and shook his head "Steady on, that Brandy's very strong and it's over a 100 years old"
Dani felt her control coming back and falteringly she began to speak "Are you Human? She said leaning forward to touch his face." Duncan noticed that her blue eyes were misting with tears. "I'm Human the same as you but I don't age and I con't die."
Duncan gently wiped away the tear that was slowly falling down her cheek. Her shoulders started to shake; Duncan knelt on the floor in front of her putting his arms around her, pulling her into his embrace. The shock of the night's events had started to take effect on her.
As she rested her head on Duncan's shoulder she thought 'I only just met this man tonight and here I am in his arms crying but there's something about him. Something I can trust.' Duncan held her close stroking her long black hair "You're safe now, no one will hurt you here" he spoke softly in her ear. As he held her close he could feel the warmth of her body against his; the scent of her hair filled his nostrils it had been a long time since he had held anyone this close and he liked how it felt.
Dani moved back breaking their embrace Duncan moved his hands to cradled her face, he looked deep into her eyes the fear he saw early seemed to be fading "You've nothing to fear from me" he spoke softly. Dani nodded rubbing tears from her eyes, "When I had my eyes closed just now I hoped that what happen in the alley was a dream but it isn't is it?"
"Its not dream Dani, but what I am about to tell you may find a little hard to believe."
She looked into his eyes she could see the sorrow and pain held within them but there was also tenderness. A silence hung between them Dani couldn't stop looking into his eyes. Duncan finally broke the silence "Dani, are you all right?" He dropped his hands away from her face, the movement brought Dani back to the present.
"It's nothing" Dani blinked how could she explain what she had seen.
"I'm sure what ever it is your going to tell me, it can't be any worse than what I'm imagining" Dani looked back into his eyes, Duncan felt himself shifted slightly he could feel a warmth of her gaze it seemed to penetrate through his mind. She rested her hand on his "Please go on"
Duncan ran his hand across his face, no matter how many times he had told a mortal about his Immortality it never got any easier. He took a deep breath "I was born in the small village of Glenfinnan on the shores of Loch Shiel in the highlands of Scotland in 1592. I'm over 400 years old, I am Immortal."
"But all the blood?" Dani said gesturing towards his chest
"Yes, there was a wound and technically I died but I always revive a while later. The man you shot in the alley is also an Immortal"
Dani's eyes widen "So I didn't kill him,"
"No you didn't, he would have revived by now" Duncan got up and sat on the sofa beside her, he refilled their glasses. He replaced the bottle on the table, turning to face Dani he said, "Did you know either of the men who attacked you?"
" No I didn't know anyone." She said taking a sip of the brandy.
Duncan lent forward putting his hand on Dani's knee "I know it's been a really long night but could you just go through everything that happen tonight." Duncan settled back on the sofa swilling the brandy in his glass.
Dani put her glass down on the table in front of her, she thought for a moment, here she was sitting in a loft with a man she had only just met drinking brandy, this whole night was really weird "Well, I decided to go to the movies after work then I grabbed a bite to eat. As I was walking back to my car, I'd left it near where I work. I had only gone couple of blocks when I heard footsteps behind me, it didn't concern me at first I just thought it was someone going the same way but as I went round the next corner a man leaped out of a doorway and tried to grab me, so I started running back to my car." Dani picked up her glass and took a sip of the brandy "I knew that my car was just at the other end of that alley, I would've taken too long to reach it if I went round the block. I didn't realise that the first guy was so close until he grabbed my arm. I think you know the rest". Dani took another sip of the brandy.
Duncan glanced at his watch it was well past midnight when he looked back he noticed the glass she was holding was starting to shake; he could see that the colour had drained from her face.
Dani moved to the edge of the couch "I think I should be getting home, it's getting late" she smiled weakly at Duncan. But as she went to stand her legs wouldn't hold her Duncan caught her and lowered her back onto the sofa "I think you should stay here tonight you're in no state to go anywhere." It was then Duncan noticed her clothes were covered in his blood "and I think that anyone seeing you in that state will be asking a lot of questions".
Dani looked down at her clothes they were covered in blood she looked around the loft there was a kitchen at one end and a bed at the other but there didn't seem to be any other rooms.
"It's a kind offer but I can see a small problem, there is only one bed. I'm very grateful for what you did tonight but.. "
Duncan took hold of her hands "It's OK I'll be sleeping on the sofa and a promise you, that is where I will stay" he said putting one hand on his heart. Dani looked into his eyes she didn't quite understand it but they made her feel safe. She wondered about all the places and people he had seen it all those years. Normally, she wouldn't dream of going back to a man's apartment after the first date let alone stay the night but this night had been anything but normal and something about him made her feel that she could trust him.
"Finish your drink, I'll find something for you to change into" Duncan said getting up.
Dani sat back on the couch looking at the amber liquid in her glass, trying to make sense of all that had happened to her in the last few hours. 'Maria will never believe me about this and being rescued by a handsome stranger it's like something out of a fairy story' she thought.
"I've put the clothes in the bathroom with a clean towel, I thought you might like to take a shower" Duncan said. "Thank you, I do feel a bit dirty, I suppose fighting in alleys can do that"
"Yeah" Duncan said smiling at her "The bathroom is just through there" Duncan pointed to the door
"Thanks" Dani closed the door and ran the shower. As the warm water fell over her tired body her thoughts turned to Duncan. 'What has he seen in all those years? What would it be like to live 400 years? If I hadn't seen it happen with my own eyes I would never believe it to be possible' she thought.
Duncan looked around the loft, it was then that he noticed the pool of blood just inside the door 'I better get that cleaned up' he thought. When he had finished he poured himself another brandy and sat back on the sofa, his thoughts turned to the incident in the alley at first it just seemed to be a mugging but with the appearance of the Immortal it just didn't feel right. He couldn't shake the feeling that he knew the Immortal but he couldn't get the image clear in his mind. The more he thought about it the two men must have been working for the Immortal and he was sure he'd seen that sword before. He closed his eyes.
Duncan's Loft
Duncan lent against the doorframe, he produced his keys and managed to unlock the door, he then turned to Dani, "I'll be all right now, you can go home". But as he started to walk inside he stumbled, Dani took hold of his arm and helped him inside. she managed to kick the door closed behind them. Duncan was becoming very heavy she knew that she couldn't hold him so she lowered him to the floor. Sitting down beside him she cradled him in her arms, Dani's hands went to his coat, Duncan was too weak now to stop her so she moved his coat to one side. There was light coming in the windows from the street and it was enough for her to see the blood on his chest. "My God your hurt bad, you need help" Dani when to get up but Duncan used his the last of his strength and held onto her arm. Dani looked down at him "Please don't go. It'll be all right," he whispered.
Dani stopped and sat back down on the floor with him she put her arms around him and rested his head on her thigh; she looked into his brown eyes as she gently stroked his hair. She watched as his eyes slowly closed and his breathing became shallower with every breath. Finally, his breathing stopped "NO!!" she exclaimed tears rolling down her face falling softly on his hair. She cradled his him in her arms, around her time seemed to stand still 'This shouldn't be happening' she whispered as she looked down at Duncan. As she stroked his hair all that had happen that night went though her mind 'How could this have happened, here I am sitting on the floor of a handsome strangers apartment and he's lying dead in my arms' she knew that she should call someone but for some reasons she couldn't move. She stared at his face seemly willing him to live; she allowed her fingers to gently touch his lips.
Finally, she realised that he was gone, she gently lifted his head she was unsure why but she kissed him lightly on the lips suddenly, he gasped, his eyes sprang open. Duncan's eyes focused on hers he could see the tears and smiled at her. Dani leaped up, the sudden movement took Duncan by surprise his head hit the floor "Ouch! I'll have to add concussion my list of injuries," he said sitting up rubbing his head. He turned towards Dani, she had scuttled back away from him and was pressed hard against the wall.
Dani opened her mouth to speak but the words seem to dry up on her tongue. All she could do was stare, wide eyed, she tried to move but her legs just wouldn't move.
"Don't be scared" Duncan said reaching out a hand towards her; he could see that her eyes held both terror and wonderment. "What, Who are you?" Dani finally managed to stammer.
Duncan rose slowly to his feet his hands extended in front of him his palms open "Don't be afraid, I can explain" Dani watched wide-eyed as Duncan came towards her "I think we need to talk." He said quietly.
Dani swallowed hard as he got closer to her, Duncan smiled, something about his smile made her extend a shaking hand, which he took in his. Without saying anything she allowed him to guide her to the sofa. He sat her down watching and walked across the room suddenly the room was bathed in light, he then opened a large wooden cabinet which was on the far wall, he took out a bottle of brandy and two glasses.
"I think we could both do with a drink" he gestured the bottle towards Dani as he walked back to the couch he placed the bottle and glasses on the table. He took off his coat and draped it over the chair, he then sat opposite her leaning one elbow on his knee while his other hand rubbed his eyes 'This isn't going to be easy' he thought.
"OK, I know what you've just seen is a little frightening but if you let me, I can explain" Duncan leant forward brushing aside the strands of black hair that had fallen across her face. Picking up the bottle he poured some brandy into the glasses, he handed one to Dani. She held out a shaking hand taking the glass, she drained it the sudden warmth of the liquid in her throat made her cough. Duncan smiled and shook his head "Steady on, that Brandy's very strong and it's over a 100 years old"
Dani felt her control coming back and falteringly she began to speak "Are you Human? She said leaning forward to touch his face." Duncan noticed that her blue eyes were misting with tears. "I'm Human the same as you but I don't age and I con't die."
Duncan gently wiped away the tear that was slowly falling down her cheek. Her shoulders started to shake; Duncan knelt on the floor in front of her putting his arms around her, pulling her into his embrace. The shock of the night's events had started to take effect on her.
As she rested her head on Duncan's shoulder she thought 'I only just met this man tonight and here I am in his arms crying but there's something about him. Something I can trust.' Duncan held her close stroking her long black hair "You're safe now, no one will hurt you here" he spoke softly in her ear. As he held her close he could feel the warmth of her body against his; the scent of her hair filled his nostrils it had been a long time since he had held anyone this close and he liked how it felt.
Dani moved back breaking their embrace Duncan moved his hands to cradled her face, he looked deep into her eyes the fear he saw early seemed to be fading "You've nothing to fear from me" he spoke softly. Dani nodded rubbing tears from her eyes, "When I had my eyes closed just now I hoped that what happen in the alley was a dream but it isn't is it?"
"Its not dream Dani, but what I am about to tell you may find a little hard to believe."
She looked into his eyes she could see the sorrow and pain held within them but there was also tenderness. A silence hung between them Dani couldn't stop looking into his eyes. Duncan finally broke the silence "Dani, are you all right?" He dropped his hands away from her face, the movement brought Dani back to the present.
"It's nothing" Dani blinked how could she explain what she had seen.
"I'm sure what ever it is your going to tell me, it can't be any worse than what I'm imagining" Dani looked back into his eyes, Duncan felt himself shifted slightly he could feel a warmth of her gaze it seemed to penetrate through his mind. She rested her hand on his "Please go on"
Duncan ran his hand across his face, no matter how many times he had told a mortal about his Immortality it never got any easier. He took a deep breath "I was born in the small village of Glenfinnan on the shores of Loch Shiel in the highlands of Scotland in 1592. I'm over 400 years old, I am Immortal."
"But all the blood?" Dani said gesturing towards his chest
"Yes, there was a wound and technically I died but I always revive a while later. The man you shot in the alley is also an Immortal"
Dani's eyes widen "So I didn't kill him,"
"No you didn't, he would have revived by now" Duncan got up and sat on the sofa beside her, he refilled their glasses. He replaced the bottle on the table, turning to face Dani he said, "Did you know either of the men who attacked you?"
" No I didn't know anyone." She said taking a sip of the brandy.
Duncan lent forward putting his hand on Dani's knee "I know it's been a really long night but could you just go through everything that happen tonight." Duncan settled back on the sofa swilling the brandy in his glass.
Dani put her glass down on the table in front of her, she thought for a moment, here she was sitting in a loft with a man she had only just met drinking brandy, this whole night was really weird "Well, I decided to go to the movies after work then I grabbed a bite to eat. As I was walking back to my car, I'd left it near where I work. I had only gone couple of blocks when I heard footsteps behind me, it didn't concern me at first I just thought it was someone going the same way but as I went round the next corner a man leaped out of a doorway and tried to grab me, so I started running back to my car." Dani picked up her glass and took a sip of the brandy "I knew that my car was just at the other end of that alley, I would've taken too long to reach it if I went round the block. I didn't realise that the first guy was so close until he grabbed my arm. I think you know the rest". Dani took another sip of the brandy.
Duncan glanced at his watch it was well past midnight when he looked back he noticed the glass she was holding was starting to shake; he could see that the colour had drained from her face.
Dani moved to the edge of the couch "I think I should be getting home, it's getting late" she smiled weakly at Duncan. But as she went to stand her legs wouldn't hold her Duncan caught her and lowered her back onto the sofa "I think you should stay here tonight you're in no state to go anywhere." It was then Duncan noticed her clothes were covered in his blood "and I think that anyone seeing you in that state will be asking a lot of questions".
Dani looked down at her clothes they were covered in blood she looked around the loft there was a kitchen at one end and a bed at the other but there didn't seem to be any other rooms.
"It's a kind offer but I can see a small problem, there is only one bed. I'm very grateful for what you did tonight but.. "
Duncan took hold of her hands "It's OK I'll be sleeping on the sofa and a promise you, that is where I will stay" he said putting one hand on his heart. Dani looked into his eyes she didn't quite understand it but they made her feel safe. She wondered about all the places and people he had seen it all those years. Normally, she wouldn't dream of going back to a man's apartment after the first date let alone stay the night but this night had been anything but normal and something about him made her feel that she could trust him.
"Finish your drink, I'll find something for you to change into" Duncan said getting up.
Dani sat back on the couch looking at the amber liquid in her glass, trying to make sense of all that had happened to her in the last few hours. 'Maria will never believe me about this and being rescued by a handsome stranger it's like something out of a fairy story' she thought.
"I've put the clothes in the bathroom with a clean towel, I thought you might like to take a shower" Duncan said. "Thank you, I do feel a bit dirty, I suppose fighting in alleys can do that"
"Yeah" Duncan said smiling at her "The bathroom is just through there" Duncan pointed to the door
"Thanks" Dani closed the door and ran the shower. As the warm water fell over her tired body her thoughts turned to Duncan. 'What has he seen in all those years? What would it be like to live 400 years? If I hadn't seen it happen with my own eyes I would never believe it to be possible' she thought.
Duncan looked around the loft, it was then that he noticed the pool of blood just inside the door 'I better get that cleaned up' he thought. When he had finished he poured himself another brandy and sat back on the sofa, his thoughts turned to the incident in the alley at first it just seemed to be a mugging but with the appearance of the Immortal it just didn't feel right. He couldn't shake the feeling that he knew the Immortal but he couldn't get the image clear in his mind. The more he thought about it the two men must have been working for the Immortal and he was sure he'd seen that sword before. He closed his eyes.