CHAPTER SIX

Serena ran fear pumping through every cell in her body. She didn't understand what she was feeling couldn't explain it but something inside her was screaming at her that she was in danger. As she got farther from the house the feeling started to fade.

The feeling of danger faded but the fear remained. She looked around in confusion everything was so different some how. Even where the trees and the scrubs blocked out the moonlight everything appeared bright and clear as if a light was shinning through illuminating everything. For a moment she could almost believe that it was daylight and not twilight. Even the smells were different stronger, heavier more potent than before she could almost taste the flowers in the garden the smell was so strong. What was going on? She didn't understand any of this.

She tensed suddenly as she sensed someone coming. Without any conscious thought her knew highly tuned senses kicked in and she caught a scent. It was a man. But it wasn't Damien no, the scent was similar in away but also different. She sucked in a surprised breath when she realized who it was. Darien. She didn't know how she knew had no explanation on what was happening to her but suddenly that ceased to matter. Darien was coming for her. And with that knowledge all her fear and confusion faded to be replaced by an instinct as old as time itself. As he got closer all her senses focused on him and him alone.

He was almost here. Soon she would have him. Her eyes burned brightly with the thought and if one could have seen her expression in that moment one could only have described it as predatory. Turning in the direction he was coming from she waited for him with great anticipation.

Darien observed Serena running from the house and had become instantly concerned so he followed her into the garden. Which was huge and confusing with it many twists and turns he was starting to believe he'd never find her in this maze when he found her. She stood there smiling at him as if she had been waiting for him all along. Seeing that smile eased some of his concerns but not all of them. He still wanted to know why she had ran out of the house like she did.

Serena couldn't believe everything that she was feeling it was as if her emotions were on a rampage every nerve in her body was aware of him and had he always smelled so good. Looking at him now she knew what she wanted and knew no matter what she was going to get it. She licked her lips in delight at her thoughts looking for a moment like a cat with a bowl of cream. He was so handsome. And he was all hers.

She approached him slowly stopping only when their bodies were a mere hairs breath away.

Darien's concern rose as he noticed how flushed she was and how brightly her eyes seem to be burning for a minute they actually seemed to be glowing. He scoffed at the idea as soon as he thought of it. Knowing it must have been a trick of the moonlight.

"Darien" she moaned "I'm cold" giving a little shiver for effect

Darien removed his jacket and placed it around her shoulders "Is that better?" he asked gently then frowned in bewilderment when she shrugged it off and let it fall to the ground "Serena?" she looked up into his eyes and smiled as she slid her hands up his chest.

"I know a much better way for you to keep me warm" she stated softly

Darien flushed and looked around nervously he started to protest that they were hardly alone when she reached up and kissed him. He grabbed her by the arms about to pull away still nervous about someone seeing them when she pulled away slightly.

Nobody can see us" she whispered " where all alone" she pulled his head down closer to hers "kiss me" she demanded

Darien groaning in defeat swept her up in his arms and kissed her.

Serena responded eagerly. Still holding her in his arms he made his way over to a near by bench and sat down cradling her close to him.

Serena's head was spinning from everything that she was feeling. Her senses and emotions were on overdrive and they were all focused on one thing. Him. On his scent, on the way he felt and how good he tasted. He was everything she could ever want and a fierce wave of possessiveness swept through her. He belonged to her.

It was when she saw his bare neck bathed in the moonlight that a need to brand him as hers and hers alone swept over. It didn't register what she had done at first not until she heard his cry of surprise mixed with pain and tasted blood did she realize that she had actually bit him. With that realization came another. Instead of feelings of remorse and guilt she felt an odd sense of satisfaction. Now everyone will know who he belongs to. She looked up into his shocked face and tried to explain but it all became to much for her and she fainted.

Darien looked down at his beloveds face and knew a gut wrenching fear. Stroking her face gently with his fingertips he whispered. "My love what's happening to you?"

.................................

"Darien what happened?" Luna asked again impatient for the answers he had promised

They had all come back to Darien's apartment after he had informed them of Serena's situation but he had refused to tell them what had exactly happened. Stating only that Serena had fainted and that he would tell them everything once they got Serena back to his place. Now they were here and anxious for answers. Answers he seemed reluctant to give.

Darien began pacing up and down his apartment. He knew they deserved to know what happened but it was all so personal. He touched the side of his neck and winced. It still stung. He needed the reminder that what happened in the garden had been real and not some bad dream. He sighed heavily and turned to face them.

"I saw Serena run out of the house. I was worried about her so I followed her into the garden. When I caught up with her she...that is we.." he stopped flushing under their close scrutiny.

The girls looked at each other and shared a smile. They could just imagine what the two of them had been up to alone in the garden that made Darien so uncomfortable. Than their smiles faded as they remembered that Serena now lay unconscious on Darien's bed.

Darien cleared his throat and continued "Well anyway something weird happened I mean Serena can be aggressive sometimes but..."he stopped again when he noticed the expression on everyone's faces. They were shocked. Serena aggressive? Did that mean...? They all flushed at their thoughts.

Darien who was now very uncomfortable was looking every where but at them. "Anyway that wasn't what was weird. She…um...she.." he broke off uncertain how to continue.

"WHAT?" The girls cried unable to take the suspense any longer

"She bit me." he admitted in gush of breath

Every one gasped "She bit you?" he nodded and pulled his collar aside so that they could see for themselves. The girls jumped out of their seats and rushed him.

"Yup that's a bite mark alright" Mina stated in disbelief

"And it's big enough to be Serena's mouth" Raye remarked in a failed attempt to make light of the situation

Darien shrugged self consciously and covered his neck back up "Theirs something else" he confessed. The girls looked up at him in disbelief.

Their was more? What else could their be? They were all wondering. If possible Darien's face became even more sober.

"She seemed to really enjoy it".

Everyone fell out in shock. It was too much. Unbelievable

...............................

(Darien's Room)

He looked down at his sleeping prey and smiled. Everything was going perfectly soon she would be ready. Bending over he swept her up into his arms.

I told you my delicious prey now that I've caught your scent you cant hide from me. I'll always find you.

...........

Serena was having a wonderful dream. She and Darien were all alone in a beautiful garden and he was holding her close in his arms. When she began to feel that something was wrong she turned to look up at him. He gave her a loving smile and whispered the words she never got tired of hearing "I love you Serena"

Everything was perfect but the sense of wrongness stayed with her until it grew stronger and she was shaking with fear. Than all around her the garden started disappearing turning into the dark emptiness she remembered so well. Afraid she looked to Darien only to find his image also fading.

"No Darien don't leave me" she sobbed "Darien" she cried out as he completely disappeared leaving her alone in the darkness.

Darien was going over what happened in the garden again when they all heard Serena cry out his name from the bedroom. The fear in her voice had them all rushing into his room only to stop abruptly at the sight that greeted them. Unable to believe their eyes they stared at the bed that Darien had laid her down so lovingly apon such a short time ago. It was empty. Serena was gone.