Hi. Wanted to send a BIG THANK YOU to Chrissienuil, riah riddle, Carly Jo, and Tigerlillie1984... for the amazing reviews. As always, it is your kind words of support that keep me writing. Here is the next chapter... hope you enjoy x x x x

...He could hardly think through the blood haze and lust he felt for her.

And that was when it hit him.

This wasn't Nya...

Chapter Eighteen

Deep in the rain forest, beneath the thick canopy, the forest floor was cold. Freezing in fact.

Void of any sunlight during the day, it was littered with fallen leaves and branches. Small glimpses of moonlight could be seen shimmering between the branches and leaves. Outlining the usually vibrant green leaves, with a silvery glow.

Nicholas stood among the darkness.

He didn't notice the cold as he scanned his surroundings. Meticulously searching yet another area.

Nicholas and his brothers had been searching for what seemed like hours, and yet had still found nothing. Not one sign of the undead.

Just as they had feared, this hunt could last longer than they desired. Each had left their hearts at home, and the aching that caused within them, made the hunt seem even longer.

He was keeping in close contact with his brothers, desperate for their first sign of Joseph's presence.

Inhaling deeply, he took in the scent of the forest. A scent he knew well.

He could smell the moist scent the humidity and heat of the day had left behind, the vegetation swaying above his head with the breeze, the animals hiding in the undergrowth, fearing his presence. The presence of a predator far superior to themselves.

There was nothing out of place here in the rainforest. Even Nicholas, with his immaculate garments and hair, looked natural here.

His glowing red eyes and stance of a predator marked him as belonging. Here, in the wild of the rain forest.

Moving silently though the trees, he looked straight ahead but saw everything around him. Nothing went unnoticed.

Twigs didn't snap beneath his feet and even the air didn't dare to spread his scent.

He loved to hunt.

He was a methodical hunter, skilled and thorough.

Relentless in his pursuit and patient in his hunting, he was an unwanted adversary.

He knew this could take days, maybe longer, but he knew he would be willing to wait that long. What ever it took, he would find Joseph and his family would have their revenge.

And he would have absolution….

We are here to stop a threat on our family, Nicholas. Do not let your feelings of guilt place you in danger

Nicholas growled at Zacarias' words. Birds flew up from the treetops above, scattering at the sound of his anger. Leaves rustled with their flight, allowing more glimpses of moonlight to been seen through, before settling back into place with the breeze.

I am well aware why we are here brother. I am no mere fledgling.

Nicholas waited until the forest had returned to normal, birds settled and leaves undisturbed before he continued to walk on.

He took note of his brothers words, even when he had instantly rebuked them. He wasn't going to be foolish and place himself in danger.

Not when he now had something precious to lose.

His heart and mood instantly lightened as he thought of Nya.

He wished he could be there when she woke…

No, you don't.

He heard the amusement in Rafael's voice, as it floated through his mind. Nicholas raised a curious eyebrow at his brothers comment.

Believe me, brother. Sneaking out may not be better for us in the long run, but it definitely saves us a beating in the present.

Nicholas grinned at his brothers words, thinking of Colby and her red hot temper, before his smile dropped as he thought of his own lifemate.

Nya wouldn't be happy waking alone either. Alone in a house of strangers. Nicholas winced as he thought of what she would be like.

He could hear his brothers laughing at him through his mind.

She is going to kill me... He mused.

Nya finally woke.

Her body felt so warm and incredibly sated. She smiled as she remembered last night, and snuggled deeper into her pillow, inhaling deeply on Nicholas's scent.

The silken sheet covering her naked form, was so soft against her skin she wanted to stay in bed all night long. Stretching out her body, she ran her hand out along the duvet in search of Nicholas.

When her hand came back empty, she opened one eye and surveyed the room, dreamily.

She saw no one….

"Nicholas?" Nya called out his name, as she sat upright in bed, the silk bunching around her waist. Wiping a tired hand over her face, she called out his name again.

My love? His voice shimmered through her mind, like one of his caresses, and Nya couldn't help but smile as she sank back onto the silk sheet.

"Where are you? Come back to bed"

I wish I could lay with you, my love. But I cant. I am hunting.

His words brought her crashing out of her idyllic morning and straight into reality. Frowning instantly as her eyes flashed with annoyance and fear.

"Hunting?" She tried to keep her voice even and uncaring, but even as she asked the question her heart was filling with fear. Panic was beginning to creep through her.

Yes, for Joseph.

"What!?"

She couldn't believe it. He had left her here, alone! And worse he was out there in the darkness, facing God knows what! Fool!

Your hurting my male pride, honey. I can handle a vampire.

She heard the tinge of male amusement in his voice at her concern for him, and saw red. How dare he throw off her fear for him. She knew what he was up against. Gritting her teeth so took a few calming breaths before answering him.

"Nicholas De La Cruz, I'm serious, if you don't get your ass back here pronto, I am coming to get you!" Her words were practically hissed through clenched teeth.

You cant do that, Nya. Its not safe.

"But its safe for you?!"

I am older and a warrior, my love.

Nya growled at the male chauvinism he was showing her.

Burying her head in the pillow, face down, she screamed. Male pride!

Shaking her head she turned and laid back upon the silk. Anger and concern were going to drive her mad.

She knew what type of creature he was going up against. It was evil. Pure evil and he was out there facing it alone.

Please do not fear for me. I am not alone, my brothers are with me.

Fear laced through her heart.

"So we are here alone?" Her voice was quiet as she thought of being unprotected. Of that creature finding them alone and taking them away.

Take her back to that cell.

The mere thought of being taken back by the vampires made her physically sick.

There was just no way she could go through it again. She would die first.

She heard Nicholas growl at her comment, but ignored him.

You are not alone, my youngest brother is there to protect you

"Nicholas I meant what I said. I would die before I let them take me again"

And I will kill them before they have the chance. Please, Nya rest until I get back.

"You mean lounge around on a bed of silk whilst your out there getting killed?"

That's exactly what I mean

Nya growled at Nicholas' humour. She couldn't believe he had left her here. Alone.

No, she couldn't believe he had gone out and left her, without saying goodbye. What if he died?

Her heart clenched at the thought, and fear almost choked her. What if she never saw him again, because he went after Joseph?

Just thinking of Nicholas being hurt at the hands of that creature, brought back all the memories of her own torment. Being alone in that cell, waiting for death.

And now she was a vampire herself.

Tears pooled in her eyes.

Was this what she had come all this way for? Worked herself to death, left her family behind to come here, and get torture and become a monster.

She winced as she remembered taking Nicholas's blood when they had gone swimming. She had enjoyed it. Like liquid fire it had ignited her passions for him even more. They were one when she feed. Their heart beats the same. Their breathing the same. His blood flowing in hers.

She accepted Nicholas as he was, but she hadn't truly accepted what she was yet.

It was a big step, exotic dancer to vampire bride. She grinned a sad smile at the insanity of that statement.

Why could she accepted Nicholas but not herself?

Rolling onto her side, Nya wrapped the silk tightly around her naked frame and allowed a tear to roll down her cheek.

Nicholas's own heart clenched at Nya's pain.

He could feel every tear that feel down her cheek, and each made him more determined to kill Joseph and go back to her side as soon as possible.

He wrapped his arms around her, so she would feel his embrace. He was miles away from her but he knew she needed his touch. She needed comfort.

He knew he couldn't stay away longer than two risings as he had only left enough blood for tonight, and Nya would have to feed again tomorrow, and although Riordan could provide blood, Nicholas didn't want him to.

That was his duty as her lifemate... and pleasure.

Observing Nya's memories he saw the fear she had when she had feed from him. It was funny how differently they saw that experience.

Just thinking about her teeth piercing into his skin made him hard and aching for her.

Her sucking on his neck as she took his blood into her mouth, so erotic, he shuddered involuntarily and violently. He had only received pleasure from the experience. Such pleasure. He would always remember her first proper feeding.

Her wet naked body pressed close to his as they made love beside the pool.

His eyes slid closed briefly, he could still picture her naked in the water, arching her back as moonlight lit the pool around her. Ethereal. Beautiful.

Nicholas focus…

Nicholas eyes snapped open, at Zacarias words. Had he been watching Nicholas's memories?

His fists clenched at the thought of Zacarias seeing Nya naked in the water. He growled possessively.

Relax, I could only sense your need for her, not what you were thinking about.

Nicholas continued to walk on through the rain forest, it was almost an hour later when he realised his fists where still clenched. He took a deep breath and released them, as he continued on his hunt.

Nya couldn't sleep. She could hear people all through the house. In fact, she could hear people out on the ranch packing away their work for the night. Her hearing was incredibly good. And with it she heard a woman shouting downstairs.

"What do you mean they have gone?!"

Nya grinned through her tears. Colby.

She actually liked the little red head with the fiery temper. Maybe she should get up and go speak to her. Moan about stupid men and their pride. Her smile faded.

She just hoped Nicholas's pride wouldn't be his downfall.

Nya, please baby, stop worrying about me. The only thing that is causing me pain at the moment, is our separation.

Nya closed her eyes as she allowed those words to wash through her.

Finally, I get a smile.

She smiled even more at his voice in her mind.

Let me help you feed.

Nya stopped grinning instantly.

Please Nya. You need to feed. I left you some blood in a container beside the bed.

Nya turned her head and sure enough there was a container, although she couldn't see what was inside, she could smell it. Blood. Nicholas's blood. Her teeth instantly lengthened at the thought and smell.

"No Nicholas. Please. I cant do it without you. I will wait till you come back. "

I wont be back till the next rising

"I can wait" She heard Nicholas sigh

"Please" She begged.

OK. But if I feel your hunger I will force you to comply, my love.

She nodded at his words. She could last another day.

Give up the hunt for today. We will continue next rising.

Nicholas sighed at Zacarias voice in his mind. He didn't want to stop. So far the hunt had been useless, no one had yet to find any sign of any vampire let alone Joseph.

Nicholas was starving, he had devoted his entire attention to finding Joseph that he had neglected his hunger.

Scanning the forest, he was momentarily surprised to discover some humans were present not far ahead.

His brow furrowed, he guessed it must be a rain forest tour. Yet they never usually came this deep. Using his supernatural speed, he rushed through the forest towards the humans. Sure enough he found a small party of humans, their tents set up as they slept peacefully inside. Scanning the area, he was seconds from entering the camp when he detected something… a human was separated from the group.

He followed the trail, and sure enough discovered a human woman washing in the river. Her hair was blond like Nya's and she looked startling similar to Nya from the back. His incisors pierced through his gums, as he eyed her throat.

Her hair was thrown over one shoulder, and offered him a perfect view of her veins throbbing beneath her tanned skin. His mouth watered.

But what worried him most was the way his body became aroused. He stilled instantly.

Maybe taking the blood from this human was a bad idea. Her appearance was too similar to Nya, and since he was starving for her, he might not be able to pull back and may take too much blood.

But eyeing her throat, wet and waiting for him, made him decide he couldn't turn away. He needed blood.

He sent her a command, and watched as she turned and walked towards the river bank.

The white shirt she wore was slick to her body, beneath she was naked. God, she looks so much like Nya.

Nicholas became suspicious.

Scanning the area once more, as well as the woman's mind he found no sign of vampires. Relaxing a fraction he watched her approach him.

He was still concerned about the way his body reacted to this woman. He had never before felt lust when he drank blood, the only thing he had lusted for was the blood they could provide. Nicholas concluded it must be the similarities between Nya and this human woman that was making him react this way.

He ignored the needs of his body as he gripped the woman and brought her throat to his lips. Closing his eyes, he drank deeply.

Taking in the blood he needed.

Her blood was so similar in taste to Nya's, her scent so similar….

He gripped the woman tighter as he brought her closer to his lips. More….

His mind hazy, all he focused on was Nya.

The way she tasted. The way she smelt. God, he needed her with a desperation that's shook him. He needed her now. Right now. Nicholas groaned as he felt her hand upon him. Caressing him through the fabric of his trousers. Yes, my love…

Feeling her touching him there as he drank from her… bliss. He ground himself against her small hand as he drank deeply. Her taste making his head spin.

"Nicholas?" Nicholas heard Nya's soft voice whisper through his mind. And he pulled her tightly to him as he ran his tongue over her throat as he feed. Tasting her skin as well as her blood.

It took a moment to realise her voice was full of grief and shock. He could hardly think through the blood haze and the lust he was feeling for her.

And that was when it hit him.

This wasn't Nya.

Nicholas broke away with a growl of agony, as the human woman dropped to the floor panting, blood still trickling down her throat. His eyes wide with panic he tried to touch Nya's mind but he all he found was a void. No!

He looked down at the woman and the full extent of what he had done crashed into him.

He had allowed another woman to touch him. Sexually.

And dear God he had enjoyed it.

Tears filled his eyes as he backed away from the human, ignoring her wound, and her half naked body as he walked backwards into the trees.

His eyes fearful. He couldn't believe he had done it.

Impossible.

Nya was all he had ever wanted.

All he would ever want.

Then why…?

Nicholas couldn't believe what he had done. Even now, as he retreated from the scene of his crime, he could hear the human woman moaning seductively, and it effected him.

He cursed at the weakness of his flesh.

He hadn't found any evidence of the undead within her, so why did he react so powerfully towards her. If it wasn't for his love for Nya, he would be having a hard time leaving the woman. Even cell in his body ached to be buried deep within her, even as his heart, soul and mind felt sick at that betrayal.

Perhaps this was because he was missing Nya? He scowled at his own thoughts. Yes, he missed Nya like a human would miss air, but he had only been separated from her for a few hours, this was inexcusable!

He tried once more to reach for Nya, desperate to find out if she had actually seen his actions. He knew he had heard her voice, but he was praying she hadn't known what he was doing. But then, he could never lie to her, so she would know anyway.

Leaning back against a tree trunk hidden in the shadows he rested his head in his hands. Closing his eyes tight, he wondered how he could have done this!

Nicholas. Problem?

Nicholas heard Zacarias's voice in his mind, and asked a question he hoped would be answered correctly.

Can you sense a vampire in this area?

He held onto the hope, hoping with all his might that this was a set up. A trap he had innocently fallen into. He prayed this was so.

Not that it mattered anymore, he thought grimly, the damage had been done. His Nya wasn't talking to him. Her silence hurt him soul deep.

His heart and soul was screaming for reassurrance he didn't deserve. Screaming to feel her with him. And all he was granted in return was darkness and silence.

He growled ominously. Why was this happening.

Why me? He had only just found happiness.

There is something unusual there.

Nicholas heart soared at the possibility of evil intervention in his downfall. Although his brother wasnt known for his vague speech, so the term "something" bothered him deeply. And if there was something here, why hadn't he noticed it?

"Something unusual"?

I sense Violet.

Nicholas frowned. Violet? His mind swirled with possibilities. Could there be a trap in play here? Drawing them in with their lifemates.

And I sense your need and agony.

Nicholas didnt like the tone Zacarias had used. Possessive rage lingered in his words.

I betrayed Nya. Just saying the words aloud, was like a knife to his heart. He was such a fool.

With my woman?

Nicholas wasn't sure what shocked him most. The insanity of Zacarias's accusation, or the pure possessive hate riding on his words. His wasn't his brother. He had only ever seen this side of his brother once before.

Nicholas instantly realised this must be some sort of trap. But if so, why hadn't Zacarias or himself been able to pick up on it?

His head was pounding with all his thoughts. He had no doubt in his mind, there was a trap going on here.

He just wished he could see it.

Zacarias, I think -

He didn't have time to finish his speculation as his brother slammed into him, knocking him to the floor, before a solid fist smashed down onto his face.

Nya felt like she had been punched in the jaw.

For the last ten minutes, she had sat in stunned agony, as she lived through Nicholas feeding and being touched by another woman. The agony and grief that caused her, made her unable to move from the bed. The black silk was bunched around her bare hips as she sat in stunned silence.

Surely she hadn't just seen and felt Nicholas with another woman?

Tears were caught in her throat, making it difficult to breath.

I don't believe it... But even as she thought that desperate plea, she felt her past slap her in the face. How many times before had she used those words and been proved wrong?

Nya shook her head, her blonde hair tumbling around her, as she rested her head in her hands.

But this was different! It was. Even as the bitter memories of past disappointments mocked her faith in Nicholas, she knew she was right. What was between her and Nicholas was right. And true.

She didn't know what had happened, but she was going to find out.

The second she had that realization, she felt pain slice down her jaw, throbbing along her jaw line all the way to her ear. Such pain.

She gasped and cried out, as she cradled the side of her face.

What was happening?

Thank you for reading. I hope you liked it. :)

Very sorry, this chapter left a lot of questions unanswered, I will update asap. x

Please review.

Take care. And have a wonderful week

xemmalisax