By: Lady Isis

Rating:R

Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or any of the characters

Chapter 11

Chess

Shivering, Amy wrapped her light knitted jumper around her torso, and closed the little buttons, brushing some hair from her eye. Sighing in tiredness, she continued on, wincing as her regulation high heel shoes crunched and sunk into the green grass of the play park. Amy cursed her luck, first she was hassled by one of her patients, who refused to take their medication, than she had to work overtime, and now with no money, she was tramping through the kids play park, in pitch black darkness to get home.

It didn't help that Amy had a fear of the dark, a childhood phobia caused by being bitten as a five year old and almost dying of blood loss. Since then, that memory was etched into her mind. The dark moonless night, the forest, the beautiful yet haunting eyes of her attacker. He had leered at her with his red lips and ivory fangs, then… there was nothing, everything went black. Amy never knew why he didn't drain her dry, for the next thing she knew she was in hospital, with a splitting headache.

When she woke up, the doctors, even her own parents, thought she had lost it when she began babbling about a man with fangs. It had taken months of shrink visits to help her get over the traumatic event. Amy over time, began to realize that biting men, otherwise known as vampires did not exist. She did not believe in the supernatural, only science. Despite this, nothing had stopped the nightmares that plagued her dreams, or her fear of the dark.

Running her fingers over her smooth neck, she felt nothing, but she knew if you looked close enough, you would see slightly lighter little dots; the scars of that terrible event, a constant physical reminder that night really did happen.

Shaking her head to clear her mind, she carried on trying to calm the terrible feeling clogging her throat I wish I didn't do this Amy thought desperately, tears prickling in her eyes.

A small snap in the trees resounded like a cannon in Amy's ears, oh god, please please help me Amy begged, increasing her pace. Shivering involuntarily, Amy felt the panic begin to choke at her throat, and the nauseous feeling start in her stomach, wrapping her arms defensively round her waist Amy's eyes darted to the dark trees. As a small bird emerged the shrubs, Amy sighed, instantly feeling relief washed over her.

"I'm scaring myself," she muttered with a nervous chuckle.

Continuing on her way, she detected a sudden texture and sound change to the ground she was walking on. Her heels did not sink into the ground, instead they clicked on a hard, smooth surface. Looking down, her eyes discovered – with the help of a street lamp – large black and white checks, going across and down by eight; a giant chessboard.

Looking to the left and right, she noted half meter high chess pieces in black and white, mixed together in battle, as the previous players had abandoned them. Who would have won? She thought, but shook her head, I need to get home. Walking over the chess board back onto the squishy grass, she marched on, but had barely taken four steps when she stopped, a silent debate raging in her mind. Being a perfectionist, she felt the need to re-order the chess pieces back to their rightful places.

Signing and rolling her eyes in defeat, she returned back to the chess board, convinced if she didn't arrange them properly, it would irritate her all evening. Starting with the black, she lined them up from the left: Castle, Horse, Bishop, Queen, King, Bishop, Horse, Castle and finished the side off by arranging the pawns in front of them. Moving to the right, she arranged the white pieces to mirror the black.

Once finished, she gave an accomplished grin, and sunk down to sit on one of the white castle tops gazing at the stars, the only good thing about the night.

Zach watched the small woman stumble through the park, his intended victim of the night, yet he felt compulsion to watch her; and watch her he did.

He watched her reaction to the night bird - like a skittish mouse - and then he watched her stop on the chess board and arrange the disordered pieces. Zach didn't know why, but he found her arranging a turn on, and licked his lips as he scanned her profile with his acute vision. To him she had to be the most prettiest thing he'd ever seen. Her face was slender with smooth pale skin, and her hair was so dark, it looked navy blue under the feeble light. Very nice he found himself thinking, as he noticed her blue skirt riding up her tempting thigh.

Intending to meet the little creature, he walked slowly form the trees and greeted her softly, "Good evening."

Her reaction was much as expected, she jumped in fright and clamped the neckline of her jumper, her wide eyes swivelling in his direction. She's just like a pixie…No a fairy.

"Oh, um hello," she stuttered nervously, squinting her eyes to get a look at the owner of the musical voice.

"What's a young lady, like yourself doing out here so late?" He demanded softly.

"Uh I was working overtime, and I had no money to get a taxi or a bus, so I had to…um…walk," she replied nervously.

"Tsk, tsk," he disapproved, "walking home at this time of night is very dangerous, don't you agree?"

"Most certainly, usually I would not resort to this, especially in the dark, but like I said I had no choice."

"Well as a gentleman, I feel obliged to assist you home."

Walking onto the chess board, Amy waited in anticipation as the street lights picked up, inch by inch his slender body. Just as the line of light reached his shoulders, he stopped and slipped his right hand into the pocket of his khaki slacks.

Amy let a small mew of disappointment escape her lips. She badly wanted to quench the thirst of her curiosity, and see the person who owned that musical voice, Oh no, your attracted to a guy you met less than two minutes ago, and you haven't even seen his face! Her conscience yelled at her, he could be the ugliest thing you've ever seen. Amy highly doubted he was ugly, no man with that body and voice could be ugly.

"Who are you?" Amy asked warily, climbing off the castle.

"My name is not of concern, but don't worry I won't hurt you," he reassured in a comforting tone.

Continuing to walk forwards, Amy's heart raced as the light agonizingly slowly unveiled the mans face. Amy's breath caught in her throat, he's beautiful was the only thing running through her mind. Like an angel as the street lights shone on the waves of his pale gold hair and revealed the elegant planes of his face. Amy blushed as she realized she had been staring.

"The stars look beautiful tonight," he said smoothly, but never took his eyes from her.

Looking up, Amy watched the contrasting sparkles in the sky, wink down at her, "Yes they do," she agreed.

Looking back at him, gasping in shock at how close he was. Snapping her hands to the base of her throat, Amy jumped away, her heart thudding in shock and fear.

"Relax," he said soothingly, his brow raised in concern, "I'm not going to hurt you," he reassured, placing his hand onto her shoulder.

At once both felt a connection between them, like a missing puzzle piece, they didn't even know existed fell into place. Amy shivered in cold and pleasure at the unnerving feeling travelling through her body. Zach frowned at the amazing sensation coursing up his hand, it was the most warmth he had felt in all his years of being a vampire, and he wanted more, he craved it. Sliding his hand from her shoulder, it travelled up towards her bare neck, just as his thumb grazed her pale skin, her hand caught his wrist and pulled it away.

Drawing his eyes to her, she slowly shook her head, and curled her arms round her torso in an effort to stop her shivers and protect herself. Zach focused on her face where he noted, the strained expression troubling her delicate features. His vision slipped to her desirable mouth where her pearly teeth were just visible, keeping her blue lower lip from shaking.

Its too cold for her, Zach realized. Walking beside her, Zach slipped on her shaking shoulders, his khaki blazer, which he had been holding over his shoulder. At once her soft blue eyes looked uneasily at him.

"You're cold," he explained with a small grin.

"Thank you," she answered shyly.

Digging in his pocket, Zach pulled out his leather wallet and extracted a crisp hundred dollar note, "for your taxi home," he said, handing the note to her.

"I can't take your money!" Amy refused, pushing is hand away avoiding his skin.

"You won't have to," Zack said smoothly, "If you beat me in a game of chess, you can have it."

"What's in it for you?" Amy asked suspiciously.

"If I win, you'll have dinner with me."

Amy raised an amused brow, "How do you know if I can even play chess?"

"You arranged the pieces perfectly, so will you play?" He challenged with a smirk.

After half a second of thought Amy agreed.

"Any color preference?" He asked.

"White," Amy responded standing behind the white king.

Zach shrugged, he really didn't care what colour she chose, he always won in chess and this game would be no different. The thought of having dinner with this little fairy, sent a thrill of excitement through his body.

"Ladies first," Zach purred.

Switching modes from damsel in distress – which she disliked – to strategist, she initiated the game by moving her right horse over a pawn in an 'L' shape to the edge of the board. Zach responded by moving one pawn two spaces forward. The game continued and gradually, the two neat lines on each side of the board, disintegrated as the pieces intermingled.

Amy won her first piece – a pawn, by sliding her Bishop five squares across the board, however her triumph was short lived, as Zach retorted by capturing the same Bishop with his Queen. Amy sighed at her loss, but continued playing. The pressure came when Zach's Queen slid diagonally across the board onto the right corner. Amy knew that in his next move, he wouldn't hesitate to take her out her vulnerable King. As much as she was tempted to go to dinner with him, her pride wouldn't allow her to loose. Sliding her King up one square, she chewed her lip and waited for his next move.

Zach moved his Queen so that she was on the same line as the fairy's King. He only realized his mistake when Amy, moved her diagonally inline Queen onto his square, conquering his Queen.

"Damn," he cursed softly, he'd been so absorbed about their date and after the date he'd lost his Queen.

Both were tied at six losses and Zach began to realize, she wasn't going to be an easy conquest as he'd thought, but a challenge. He had hoped she'd forfeit the game to go on the date with him, as he had noted the interest within her aquamarine eyes, oh well it just means I'll have to beat her. He admired her skill, not many had ever made him really think about a chess game, and none had ever aroused him just by playing it.

Amy wrapped his blazer tighter around her torso as she waited while he made his move. She silently hoped he hadn't noticed the loop hole she had created. When he moved his castle down the board, Amy smiled in pre-victory, the game was over.

"Checkmate," sliced though Zach's mind as he watched in astonishment, her horse move in its trademark 'L' over the board taking his King, No! His mind cried in anguish, she wasn't meant to win, she was supposed to go with me! Fuck!

Controlling his raging emotions he balled his fists, "Congratulations," he managed, trying to keep the bitterness from his voice.

"Oh please, you could have won easily, you were probably distracted." She said modestly.

Damn right, Zach thought as his manhood strained against his pants. He was glad human eyesight was diminished at night or else his fairy would see just how much he desired to have her.

"And like promised," he paused as he pulled the note from his pants, "here's the money."

As his fairy took the money, Zach deliberately brushed his fingers against hers causing her shiver in response. She feels it too, he thought in delight.

"Um, do you want your jacket back?" Amy asked awkwardly.

"No, keep it," he answered silkily.

"Thank you, for everything, I hope we meet again one day," she finished over her shoulder, as she headed towards the park exit.

"Oh we certainly will…Dr. Amy Anderson," he murmured, looking down at the 'Hospital Staff' card he'd nicked off her skirt, "and maybe next time I'll get my date."

Amy's senses still buzzed as she closed the apartment door, what did that man do? She thought quizzically. I've never had that strong feeling with Greg before, but then, Greg and that guy are totally different, Amy concluded beginning to regret winning their chess game. I mean Greg's good looking but this guy surpasses any thing I've ever seen. Oh my god I'm beginning to sound like those shallow idiots. Referring to the new batch of medical students that should have become soap stars.

But looking past his amazing looks it's certainly been a long time since I've had a good chess challenge, her mind pointed out as she cast a mournful eye towards the shelves, where a magnificent antique chess set rested.

Undoing her skirt, it slipped down her legs and gathered around her feet. Stepping out, she kicked it to the side and padded to the shelves. Leaning against the cold wood, she picked up the white King and gently rubbed his expressive face with the pad of her thumb. The whole set was of Celtic design and made of white and black marble. Each piece had unique, intricately carved patterns and being one of a kind, plus over a hundred years old, it had cost an arm and a leg. That's where all of Amy's first pay went to – with some help from Serena.

Sadly, since she'd bought it, she had hardly used it, as Serena had no idea how to play and didn't have the patience once she was taught, and Greg doesn't like playing it, either reflecting on how frustrated he became whenever he got stuck. But I could tell the guy appreciated the game just as much as I do. Starting the bath, Amy spun the hot tap round and listened to the sound of the slapping water.

Sighing she shook her head and tipped some bath salts, Serena had given her, into the bubbling water. Holding the glass jar beneath her nose, she breathed in and sighed at the delightful scent that was supposed to promote stress-relief. Amy didn't believe in that kind of mumbo jumbo, but she did know that the light airy scent suddenly reminded her of him.

Shedding the rest of her clothes, Amy excitedly jumped in and began to happily splash around. Amy loved the water ever since she was a kid, to the point where her parents had installed a swimming pool for her. As she relaxed idly rubbing her soapy hair, the experience was ruined as she remembered the heap of reports to be completed.

Amy wanted to cry, she'd done reports, reports, REPORTS! Reports on this, reports on that all month and the stress was beginning to toll. She looked like a bag every morning, she'd lost weight and her social life was severely suffering. Her distress soon evolved to anger.

"Why did I become a doctor! I did it to help people, but instead I'm writing finance reports, hygiene reports, other doctors reports, Gregs reports!" She screamed, slamming her fists repeatedly on the waters surface, splashing water everywhere.

Vigorously scrubbing herself till her skin was sore, Amy climbed out, spraying water on the floor as she violently jerked a towel around her body.

"I'm going to phone Reynold and give that lazy, lard arsed pig a piece of my mind!" She declared bravely, stomping through her room and throwing the door open.

Instantly Amy blushed a bright red as she caught Ray and a rough looking man kissing on the couch. As soon as she was spotted, Ray and the guy disentangled, Ray's cheeks flaming at being caught. However the guy's reaction totally astounded Amy.

He marched right up to her and oblivious to her towel, snatched her hand into an energetic handshake, "Hey babe, names Chad." He informed with a stupid laugh, Amy squeaked in response as she felt her towel slip, all previous resolve shattered by shock.

"Um hi Chad," Amy replied awkwardly, trying to reclaim her hand.

"Whatz your name?" He slurred.

"Its Amy," She yelped, desperately trying to support her towel from opening.

"Chad?" Ray called, walking over.

"Yeah Ray babe?" Chad answered.

"I think Amy needs her hand back." Ray answered monotonously.

"Oh sorry," he roared, breaking into a gruff laugh and releasing her hand.

"Thanks," Amy replied in relief grabbing the towel before it slid off, "I'm going to change now," Amy finished shakily turning back to her room.

"Are you Okay Amy?" Ray asked concerned, "I heard yelling from you room."

"Oh I'm fine, I just got excited in the water." Amy lied lamely.

Ray scrutinized her I'm sure I heard she was going to phone a lazy lard arsed someone and give them a piece of her mind, in fact, I'm positive.

"You do know, if you have any problem, you can tell me or Serena and we'll try to help you." She reminded Amy.

"That's okay Ray," Amy replied with a friendly smile, "nothing's wrong," as she retreated back into her room.

Closing the door, Amy released the breath she was holding and collapsed onto the bed. I don't like Chad, it was almost as if he was waiting for my towel to come off. He didn't strike me as Ray's type either. Remembering his scruffy hair and stubbly cheeks, I wouldn't like to kiss him; it would be like kissing a grater she shuddered. I wonder what my saviours face feels like when you kiss him? Her thoughts once again straying to the park, I wonder if I'll ever get to see him again…

Her mind slowly drifting to dream land.

Zach stormed down the hall, his hands clenched at his sides, how could I loose! The one game that meant something to me, the one game that had a prize I really wanted and I had to loose! God I'm so stupid.

"Zach!" Interrupted his mental yelling session.

Zach looked up to see Nathaniel running towards him, "What's wrong Nat?" Noticing the pressured look on Nathaniel's face.

"It's Jed, he's a mess," he replied shaking his head, "and I don't have time to console him, so could you –"

"Talk to him? Yeah I will," Zach interrupted.

"Thanks," Nathaniel said, appreciatively giving Zach a pat on the back before running off down the hall.

Retracing his steps, Zach opened Jed's office door and walked in, before closing it with a soft click.

"Can I help you?" Came Jed's quiet voice.

"More like can I help you?" Zach replied.

Jed's office was dark, due to all the curtains being drawn and the air was permeated with the scent of alcohol.

"You could pass me another bottle of this," Jed said, picking up an empty bottle of vodka and shaking it around.

Zach shrugged and extracted another bottle, oblivious to what it was, and grabbed himself a crystal glass. Flopping into the chair across Jed's desk, he broke the bottle seal and poured a generous amount into each glass. Jed watched in amusement as Zach tipped his glass and swallowed all its contents.

"Some one beat you in a chess game?" Jed joked, drinking a mouthful of the bitter liquid and almost spluttering it everywhere, when Zach sent him a dry look.

"Someone did beat you in a chess game!" Jed roared slapping his thigh; Zach didn't answer but instead poured himself another drink

"So tell me who he was." Jed insisted, "do I know him?"

"No you don't, and neither did I until tonight." Zach sighed, leaning back into his chair.

"It was a woman, wasn't it?" Jed stated, noticing the dreamy expression on Zach's face.

"Mmm," Zach replied, placing his hands behind his head and looking up at the ceiling.

"Ah mon ami, son vrai amour," Jed mumbled in French (Ah my friend, its true love)

"So what does she look like?"

Zach thought for a moment, "She was like a fairy," he paused, "She had these big baby blue eyes, and her hair was indescribable, it was short and black, but shone blue. Am I making sense?"

"Perfect sense, for a man in love," Jed diagnosed.

"Come one, we only played for a few minutes!"

"That's all you need to be ensnared," Jed said softly, leaning into his chair, remembering the first time he met Ray, "What did you feel when you wee with her?"

"Jeeze you sound like a shrink," Zach joked, "this is not something I really want to discuss with my cousin, especially a man!"

Jed shrugged, "Whatever, just remember, women are like flowers, love them and they bloom, neglect them and they die."

"Uh, have you heard from Ray?" Zach asked tentatively.

"No," Jed replied, propping his elbows on the table and burying his face in his hands, "She's blocked the connection, I feel nothing." He moaned in despair.

Picking up his drink, Jed drowned it then proceeded to refill it, wobbly adding to Zach's glass in the process.

"What's that?" Jed interrupted, noticing Zach examining a small card.

"I stole it from my fairy," Zach replied unconsciously focused on her picture.

"Your fairy?" Jed bellowed, breaking into laughter, "Well let me see." He demanded, leaning over to take the card.

Zach reluctantly placed the laminated card into Jed's palm, and watched as Jed studied the small picture.

"She does look like a fairy," Jed agreed, "A fairy with a medical science and doctor's degree, Hooray! Now you can have amazingly intelligent conversations, among other things," Jed winked, "instead of trying to 'cheer' me up."

Zach rolled his eyes, and stared at the golden liquid within his hand.

"One question though," Jed interrupted the silence, "Why the hell did you let her go, it's obvious that she was more than a 'love interest', what happened in that chess game?"

Zach sighed and slid his glass onto the polished surface of Jed's desk, "We had the chess game and made a little gamble, I said if she won, she could have my money but if I won, then she had to go on a date with me," Zach laughed hollowly, "and you know the irony? I haven't lost a game in years and I had to loose this one."

"Lady Luck works in mysterious ways." Jed murmured.

"Chess has nothing to do with luck, it's a game of intelligence and strategy." Zach corrected exasperatedly.

"Okay, okay," Jed chuckled, raising his arms in a surrender stance, "Urg, lets get outta here," he slurred, standing up and grabbing his coat, "you coming?" he asked Zach.

"Yeah," Zach answered, draining his glass and rising from his chair, "Got nothing better to do."

"I've got a nice bottle of 25 year Glengoyne at home," Jed informed.

Zach just grunted in approval and followed Jed out the door.

Driving up Darien's steep driveway, Max fluently changed gear from fourth to second, causing the modern white B.M.W to zoom up the inclined driveway. Parking the car, he stepped out and strode to the passengers side, opening the door and offering his hand to Mina, who had just removed her seat belt.

Just as he closed the door, a bright red sports car rolled beside them. The black top was pulled off, so all could hear the colourful music thumping loudly. Sitting within the leather black interior, Beryl opened the door and stepped out, black stilettos first, followed by long tanned legs. Standing up, Beryl replaced her Dior sunglasses from her nose onto her head and strutted past Max and Mina like a supermodel, her nose in the air in total disregard of their existence.

Max eyed Beryl's assemble with distaste, all that covered her essentials was a slinky spaghetti strapped dress, matching her red hair. The dress barely made her mid thigh, and had a massive scooped neck, that revealed a generous amount of her heaving chest.

"Who's that?" Mina whispered, wrinkling her little nose.

"That's Beryl, she's the witch who we're hoping will be able to remove that necklace."

"A Witch?" Mina asked in curiosity.

Nodding he started to the house entrance, when he realized Mina wasn't walking with him, he turned around, noting the puzzled expression upon her face.

"Come love," he said offering her his hand.

"How is it that creatures such as Vampires, werewolves and witches exist, yet humans have remained oblivious to their existence?"

"Well," he started, sliding an arm around her slender waist and leading her to the door, "I don't know much about witches, but for the rest of us, there is a code though out the night world that says humans must not know of our existence, or else they fear us and won't feel safe until we are all exterminated. That's where things like witch hunts start, and more often they kill people totally innocent of what they are accused of."

"Interesting," Mina mumbled thoughtfully, wishing she'd bought her trusty notepad.

Max chuckled, "Now I know why you became a reporter."

"Even is she's a witch, she doesn't look," she paused thinking, "very witchy."

"You expect witches to be ugly with warts and green skin?"

"Well…yeah," Mina answered.

"You shouldn't be so prejudiced. Some of the most beautiful women are witches, except for mine who is the most beautiful woman in all existence."

"Aren't you the flatterer." Mina replied with a giggle.

"I wouldn't say if it weren't true," Max declared solemnly, opening the door pushing her through.

"Whatever," Mina said, rolling her eyes, a rosy blush forming on her face.

"I think I should show you how beautiful you are." He whispered, caressing her cheek.

"Not now if you don't mind," Came an bored voice.

Looking up the contemporary steel and glass stairs, Mina saw a wickedly handsome man, wearing black slacks and a blue shirt, watching them from the top landing.

"Good evening Darien," Max said coolly.

"You too," Darien replied, descending the steps and striding towards the handsome couple, "And I presume you're the wonderful Mina White. Max has talked about you non stop." Darien said, winking and extending his hand.

"Yes," Mina replied with a blush, taking his hand, "And you're the boss, Mr. De Silva."

"Please call me Darien." He smiled releasing her hand.

"Darien!" Shrieked a familiar voice, Darien grimaced as if in pain, "I've been looking for you." Beryl purred flicking her hair.

"Hello Beryl," he replied stiffly, then turned his back to her, "So Zach said you wanted to discuss some matters."

"Yeah, but first I want this off Mina." He commanded, pointing to the butterfly resting at the base of Mina's throat.

"So this is the necklace that won't come off." Darien said interestedly.

"It's cursed or something, I've tried everything." Max sighed, running his hand through his hair.

"Curses can be removed," Beryl interrupted, "Let me have a look."

Beryl's heels clicked on the tiled floor as she made her way to the blond. Stopping in front of her, Beryl quickly eyed Mina. She had looks, she admitted ruefully and a good fashion sense, silently commending her on the long sleeved 'V' necked top and knee length black skirt, simple but classy.

"Is this it?" Beryl asked.

"Uh-huh," Mina replied.

I've seen this before, but where? Beryl thought, a frown forming on her forehead.

"Lets see," Beryl said before waving her perfectly manicured hand over the butterfly, "Reveal," She commanded. Slowly two figures appeared on each of the elegant butterfly wings

"Puh!" Beryl declared, flicking her hair, "This is no curse, it's just some common runes." She finished, a disappointed tone in her voice.

"So you can remove it?" Mina asked tentatively.

"Of course! This it Childs play," She replied nonchalantly with a wave of her hand.

"What are those symbols?" Mina asked curiously.

"One stands for peace and the other strength." Beryl informed, as she drew her own counter-runes.

Powerful symbols and perfectly constructed, but whose are they? I've seen this style before, I'm sure I have. Sighing in frustration, Beryl twisted the chain carelessly round Mina's neck, till she found the catch. Savouring the tension within the room, Beryl slowly undid the catch.

Moving back, necklace within her hand, Beryl watched with envy as Max intimately hugged Mina, kissing her neck he had been long denied. Darien and I'll be like that soon, I'll be his Queen and lover she thought eagerly.

"Here," Max said, his arm around Mina, the other hand holding a wad of hundred dollar notes.

"Thanks," Beryl purred like a cat at the sight of the bonus money.

"Up for a drink Max?" Darien asked.

"Yeah," Max answered, following Darien into his glass and steel lounge.

"Red wine?" Darien asked.

"Sure," Max said, absentmindedly playing with a strand of Mina's hair.

"Mina?"

"No thanks," She replied politely, slight reluctance laced though her voice.

"You can have white, or something else." Darien offered.

"Uh," Mina paused hesitantly, "No" she said defiantly.

"Not an alcohol fan?" Darien asked.

Mina laughed dryly, "On the contrary, I was an alcoholic, I used to drink like a fish, so I don't give myself that temptation any more."

"Wise move," Darien commended, "Beryl," Darien asked lastly.

"I'll have whatever you have," she answered, crossing her legs.

"Three wines," He concluded, pulling out three crystal stemmed glasses and filling each with a rich dark red liquid.

Handing a glass to Max, Darien passed a glass to Beryl, who enticingly adjusted her legs to their best advantage and rubbed the back of his calf with her toes. But Darien moved on with barely a glance, which caused anger to boil with her, What's wrong with him! I'm the most beautiful woman he's ever met, but he won't take me. Her anger increased further, when Darien choose to sit on a single person chair, adjacent to her couch, Damn him! She cursed.

Taking a sip of her drink, Beryl bitterly watched the conversation between Darien and Max unfold. Sighing in Boredom and pain, Beryl placed her glass on the coffee table and stood up.

"Excuse me," She murmured, and swiftly left the room.

Tears glistened angrily in her eyes as she started up the steel steps, what's wrong with him, he is such a fool she mentally yelled, bastard. Ducking into the bathroom, Beryl looked critically into the mirror maybe I should get that nose job, she debated, running her finger down her nose, and that boob job, no man can resist a big rack, as she re-drew an enhancing rune upon her cleavage.

Slumping, she closed her eyes and leaned against the wall, I won't cry, my mascara will leak she reminded herself, pinching the bridge of her nose. Opening her eyes, their shiny depths shone with stubbornness and determination, straightening up Beryl pulled at her dress and walked out the door. She always got what she wanted and nothing was going to stop her winning Darien De Silva.

Walking further down the corridor, a familiar presence tingled in Beryl's mind, I know that…She identified. Following the feeling, Beryl soon stopped outside a heavy door, trying the handle she found it wouldn't budge. Pinching her lips determinedly she spotted a ring of keys lying on the table opposite, smiling in triumph, Beryl snatched them up and shoved them into the lock. Spinning it quickly she threw the door open and let her eyes slowly adjust to the dark interior.

What Beryl saw re-sparked her intense anger. Her worst enemy, Serena Lennox sat in the middle of the sheet-twisted bed curled up, small hiccups erupting from her trembling body.

"Serena!" Beryl hissed, causing Serena to look up, "what the fuck are you doing here you little bitch."

Beryl watch Serena unfold upon the bed and stand up, she looked terribly frail and drained, but a hideous snarl contorted Beryl's face when she saw Serena wearing one of Darien's black shirts.

"You little SLUT!" Beryl screamed, running forward and diving towards Serena.

Serena squeaked and rolled out the way, thumping heavily onto the floor. Controlling her wobbly legs, Serena dashed to the open door and sprinted down the hall, aware of the screaming banshee snapping at her ankles. Panting Serena tried to focus, all the action had caused her vision to become blurry and a massive migraine had begun to form within her temples.

Standing at the landing of the stairs, Serena began run down, the view of the house exit being the only thing on her mind. But suddenly something scorching hot seared across her back, Serena screamed in agony and lost her balance tumbling down the hard steps. Curling herself into a protective ball, Serena hit the cold floor where she sprawled over the smooth surface, hot liquid running into her right eye.

Whimpering in pain, Serena failed to stand up, her surroundings blurred and dotted in her vision. Beryl, watch out for her! Her conscience screamed at her. Re-attempting to stand Serena's body buckled in exhaustion and blood loss, the pain of her injuries attacking at her will power. Please let this be quick, she found herself hoping aware that Beryl was close.

Darien and Max were arguing about what was to happen to the Vampire Hunter, when a blood curdling scream resounded through his ears.

"What is that?" Mina asked, her eyes wide with fright.

"Serena!" Darien realized, jumping out of his chair, the glass of wine in his hand crashing to the floor. Darting out the room he ran towards the scream, his heart thumping with dread.

Stopping in the foyer doorway, Max and Mina close behind, Darien's worst fears were affirmed. Serena lay at the base of the steps, her luxurious silver blond hair fanned on the dark floor, and her beautiful eyes were closed, blood and tears streaked down her face. Automatically heading towards his woman, Darien was about to aid her when he sensed something heading towards her vulnerable body. Thrusting his arms up into a defensive cross, he felt the intense heat of an energy ball burn at his flesh. After a second, Darien looked up the stairs to see a mortified Beryl looking down at him.

"Dear God Darien, I'm sorry," she uttered her hand over her mouth, "I didn't mean to hurt you."

Darien sent her a positively chilling glare, his face devoid all emotion, masking the absolute hate raging beneath the surface. Beryl back away, fear etched across her features, next second Beryl chocked as she was pinned to the glass wall behind her, Darien's hand pushing on her windpipe totally denying her of air. Making rasping gargling sounds, tears ran down Beryl's face as she struggled to get free.

"You have crossed my line Beryl," He hissed, "Nobody and I mean no body hurts my woman and expects to get away with it."

"Darien Stop!" Came Max's voice as he raced up the stairs.

"Why should I?" Darien scowled, "She attempted to kill my MATE!" Darien yelled crushing down on Beryl's throat, "Now do you think that's acceptable!"

Max's face blanched, "I did not know that," a torn expression coating his face, "But think rationally Darien! If you kill her, we'll have her whole coven up our arse."

"Would you think rationally if your mate was threatened, hmm?" Darien taunted, watching as Beryl's eyes rolled in her head.

"What the hell?" Another voice interrupting the conversation.

Nathaniel looked round the room, at the base of the stairs was a woman, who seemed to be unconscious and Max's mate, Mina sliding down the wall. Spotting Darien and Max, he realized Max was trying to talk Darien out of killing Beryl. Dropping everything Nathan sprinted up the stairs, ready to support Max in deterring Darien from murder.

Mina watched Nathaniel run up the stairs to help Max, Mina couldn't see anything, but she knew that something was not right. Biting her lip Mina heard the woman on the floor groan, she's conscious Mina realized and slid over the floor to help the poor creature.

Mina winced as she saw scorch marks across the woman's back and the head wound staining her hair. Sliding the hair from her face, Mina gasped as she recognized that face, the hunter! Her mind screamed, causing her to back away right against the wall.

Serena cried as she stood up, her legs trembled dangerously and her back burned, stinging as she moved. Standing still for a second, she was aware of voices in the background, but she needed to get out. Stumbling forward Serena almost tripped as her foot crunched down onto something, raising her shoe she thanked the goddess, for there was a set of car keys. Scooping up the keys, she lurched out the open door and strained to read the brand on the car key. Mercedes-Benz she realized and looked round at the multiple cars parked round the entrance of the house.

There, she located a dark green Mercedes-Benz parked at the end of the drive. Picking up her pace, despite the danger of tripping, she pushed the un-lock button on the key remote and opened the door to the driver's seat. Sliding into the seat, she placed the key into the ignition, and twisted it only to cause the car stall. Whimpering, tears prickling in her eyes, Serena tried again and got the engine to purr into life. Removing the handbrake, she pushed down on the clutch and changed into first gear then second, where she proceeded to perform a sharp 'U' turn and progressed to fifth gear as she zoomed down the driveway, skidding as she turned onto the road.

"FREE!" Serena cried, tears streaking down her cheeks, but is it what I want? She questioned, pain ripping through her breast, have I done the right thing?

Darien's head snapped to the door as he heard a car engine roar away, releasing Beryl's limp form Darien jumped all the steps, landing in a crouch, where Serena's body was supposed to be. But all that remained was a small blood stain, shining mockingly at him.

Clenching his fists, Darien grabbed his keys and headed out to his car you can't get away, I won't let you Darien snarled starting the engine and speeding onto the road. Beryl will regret ever hurting you I'll make sure of it.

AN I'm not a linguist so forgive me if my French is a bit dodgy

I'm surprised by my own antics! I looked over the previous chapter and was utterly appalled to see how skimpy it was, and now I've written the longest chapter ever in about three days to make up for it…hope it wasn't too boring though.

The amount of tremendous reviews I received were truly inspiring and I want to thank all of you for putting in the effort.

Thanks

- Lady Isis