(Author's note)

Oh my this chapter was a hard one. I had to find a way to enter the bad guy and a second blood exchange. I am def. going to update within the next 2 days so send me some feed back if you like where the story is going.

Thanks,

Ashley

Chapter 9

She stared up at him waiting for the answer she already knew. If he had waited too long without binding them she would have been doomed to face the beast without a cage. There would be no turning back or any way for her to save him then. Stress overwhelmed her and fear paced consistently in the back of her mind. True she was afraid of his power and the way he stared at her, but she feared the way she felt for him more.

Something foreign fought a way into her heart and she was helpless against it. Her body was betraying her with every touch and every kiss he stole. God she hated herself for letting him crawl inside and control her when she was struggling to control herselfin a difficult time in her life. Dare she say she loved him without really knowing him? Her heart and soul screamed yes….but her subconscious put up a red flag.

Mia please try to understand that what I did had to be done. I am truly sorry for hurting you I should have thought more about your feelings in this matter. He spoke softly just a whisper in her mind making her melt into his words and relax against his strong muscled chest.

If I didn't claim you others would have come and both our lives would be one of an endless barren existence. There can be no Nicolae without Elena and no Elena without Nicolae. You must see that what I say is true.

That was the whole problem she did know the truth he spoke of. She felt it every moment she was with him. Her heart would ache without his touch and search for his mind often. It was getting stronger and she couldn't trust herself around him. Things were getting too serious….and Heated.

"Life mates need the touch of each other's mind often. They need to touch each other, merge together, and share blood with one another." This was another aspect she was not ready for…..drinking blood…..yuck. Her stomach churned just at the thought of it. She saw all the things taboo to her in his mind….no way she couldn't be that.

He brushed his lips ever so slightly against her lips. Coaxing, teasing, until she opened up to him. Whispers were splayed everywhere his hands roamed. His fingers left traces of fire where ever they touched. Her head began to swim in erotic pleasure. He lifted his eyes to meet hers and it was then that she knew. She knew that she would never be able to give him up. She needed him. His warmth, tenderness, kisses, and yes even his stubborn arrogant attitude. She wanted it all. She would have to find another solution to their living situation later. Now she needed him and only him.

A smile caressed the corners of his lips and he began to trail kisses to her small waist. She withered against him and laughed when his whiskered chin grazed a sensitive patch of skin. Nothing could spoil this moment. Her dark walnut hair shined in the moonlight and her green eyes turned emerald when he gazed upon her perfect face.

Her arousal was sending a sent to him that made him burn from the inside out. He knew that Carpathian love lives grew stronger with each passing life time, but how could this get any better? She made him feel like a fledgling again. His little mia. His.

Hunger found its way into his mind and he dipped his head low between her thighs with an evil grin. She was ready, hot and moist with his welcoming mouth.

She tried to sit up quickly when she realized what he was doing but he kept her pinned properly in place for his exploration. The humiliation and embarrassment she felt was soon swept away and replaced with pure pleasure. Colors were swarming in front of her eyes and she tangled her fingers into his silky hair to draw him closer into her most private areas. All modesty flew out the window and there was only feeling.

She was gasping for air and panting his name when he drew himself up her slender body and grasped her mouth with his own. Don't ever try to leave me again. I wouldn't be able to bear it if I lost you. It was more of a plea than a demand and she felt the hurt in his voice when he thought her to end her life because of him.

A long finger nail lengthened and slashed a line across his chest. He compelled her to drink and guided her head to the wound. Warm moist heat surrounded the wound and she began to drink deep. Colors swirled in front of his eyes and lightning sizzled in his blood stream as his ancient blood flowed like a river into her body. When he thought enough for an exchange was made he stopped her drinking and closed the wound. She looked dazed and confused when he caught her eyes with his own again. She began to ask what had happened when he pushed his knee between her thighs and began entering her slowly.

Her face went slack and pleasure took the place of confusion as his body entered hers. He was so large it took time to stretch and accommodate…but it was delicious and well justified. He found the creamy swell of her breasts and began feasting upon the flesh. She smelled like wild honey and passion fruit. The smell was intoxicating and he could help but run his tongue along the underside of her breast. A shiver went through her body and his when he sought for her pulse above her heart. He sank hi teethdeep into her skin making her gasp and hiss between her teeth.

Whips of lightning sharp pain gave way to an erotic promise. His pace began to pick up and before she knew it they were shattering into one another. She called out to him when she reached the edge and clung to him for support. With a lick of his tongue he closed the wound on her chest and rested his head on her flat stomach. Panting for breath as they both weathered the aftershocks of their love making. Mine. He though to himself again.

Elena smiled deep in her lazy stated mind and began to emerge from the fog her mind put her under. Her stomach did a funny little flip and she could swear she had a coppery aftertaste in her mouth.

But nothing was weirder than her sense of sight. She realized that she didn't need the aid of her reading glasses to be able to see little woodland creatures across the wide lake. She could see detailed color and fur in the blackness of the night. Her hearing was even more sensitive now too. She felt the soil call to her and the sap in the trees run through like richblood in veins.

"Nicolae what is happening to me? I feel different. I can see in the dark...when before i couldn't."

"You are half way to being converted. It takes a total of three blood exchanges until you are fully Carpathian. The last blood exchange will be painful. Your body will contort and rid itself of all of it's toxins. It's not a pleaseant experience from what i have heard." Please do not be frightened mon Cherie. I will not convert you fully without your permission first. I sense your uneasiness and the sensitivity in this topic and I will not force you into this decision. I want you to come fully into my world on your own free will.

She tastes that word in her mouth. She liked that. Her own free will. She jumped up and laid a large hug on him. She kissed his check and ran into the water of the lake Not in the least bit modest of her naked body. A smile splayed from ear to ear as he leapt up after her and chased her into the icy lake.

He had never seen such a sight before in his life. The water played around her figure and shined on her skin in the moon light. She reminded him of a woodland fairy he had read about in a children's story book once. Her head went under water and he treaded water out to the center of the lake to wait for her to pop back up to the surface.

His attention was drawn when he sensed a danger near the cave. He quickly sent Elena a warning. Come to me now cara, and do not argue with me on this.

She sensed his urgency and swam up and emerged directly behind him. Quickly scanning the area she discovered something not quite right. "What is it?"

"Do you sense the blank void in your mind when you scan? It is the vampire. We must leave here and find safety before he discovers our location.