Chapter 2

Carissa was locking up the agency when her cell phone rang. As expected, Kylie was checking on her. "I'm leaving right now," said Carissa as she answered the call.

"It's dark," protested Kylie. "Stay there and I'll come get you."

"Oh for goodness sake," huffed Carissa. "My car is just a block away."

"Yeah, in a six story parking garage that's creepy at night!"

"Kylie, stop. I'll call you as soon as I get to my car, okay?"

Before her friend could protest, Carissa ended the call and started walking. As soon as she got to the parking garage, Carissa got out her keys and made sure her purse was hidden underneath her coat. She was slightly irritated at Kylie because now she was beginning to feel a little nervous at the thought that the garage was creepy at night. How many horror movies had she seen where someone was attacked in a garage?

And as if right on cue, a short man dressed in a leather jacket joined her on the elevator. She quickly hit the fourth floor and cleared her throat. "What floor?"

"Same."

Wonderful. They remained silent until the elevator chimed when they reached the floor. He let her step out first which didn't make her feel any more comfortable as now he was following right behind her. She felt her key chain and knew there was a panic button which would instantly activate her car to make a lot of noise. She even jingled the keys a little as if to make sure he knew that was a possibility.

"Hey, do you mind if I ask you something?"

Carissa didn't stop walking. "Um, I'm in a hurry."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you or anything. I just need directions. Which way is the interstate? I'm from out of town. Do I turn right or left once I get out of the garage?"

That made her pause. No typical thug would usually ask in that manner or apologize. She stopped and looked back. "Which way? North or south?"

"South. I need to go South on I-275."

"Okay, yeah. Just turn left." Wait, was that right? She turned around. "Um, wait, I need to think…yeah, that's right."

"I turn right?"

"No, no, I mean I was right the first time. You turn left."

"Oh, okay. But then is it straight from there?"

"Well, no, but I think there's signs that lead you there."

"Hey," said the man withdrawing a pen and some small pad. "Can you draw me a quick map?"

"Sure." The man approached and held out the pen and paper. When she reached for them, Carissa got the shock of her life when the man suddenly grabbed her keys and then shoved her against a wall. Her heart was racing as he held a knife to her throat.

"Now, you just do as I say and you won't get hurt." He smiled. "Well, it might hurt a little," he said as his eyes dropped to her chest.

"Please," Carissa choked, "I'll give you whatever you want. I've got money. Just take my purse and go."

"Oh we'll get to that a little later," said the man. Her stomach turned as he licked his lips.

Out of nowhere, a deep voice echoed in the garage. "You will let go of her now."

The man pressed the knife more against Carissa's throat and glanced around the darkened garage. "Who the hell is there? Show yourself!"

"Let her go and maybe I will."

"Fuck you. Show yourself or I'll kill her."

Carissa felt a blast of air and then the man holding the knife was…gone. She blinked, not understanding what happened. Then she heard a low whimper and found her assailant's head was locked in the arms of a very tall man. Whoever he was, it was clear he was in complete control of the situation.

The tall man bent down and placed his mouth near the man's ear, almost on his neck. "You don't lie very well. I know you've never killed anyone which is the only reason I'm going to let you live. But your perversion is to scare women for your pleasure even though you don't actually rape them. Listen to my voice. You will never come back here and you will never harm another woman again."

His voice was so compelling that Carissa found herself believing every word. Of course the man would never do this again. It seemed so reasonable she almost forgot what the guy had been holding a knife to her throat.

Her assailant nodded once the tall man let him go. As if he was in some type of trance, he dropped the knife and left using the stairwell. Carissa's hand went to her chest as her heart was still pounding.

"Thanks," she breathed.

"Are you alright?" the man asked.

"Yes, I think so." Other than the fact that she was about to have a heart attack.

The man's voice softened. "You are in shock. Take deep breaths."

"Right," said Carissa trying to breathe. And then she felt something, like a warm feeling spreading throughout her chest.

"Slow, deep breaths." Samuel was gently trying to slow her heart down but finding he was having a hard time since his own heart wasn't cooperating. This woman was absolutely beautiful to him. His entire world was now really turned upside down. The emotions he was now experiencing were so overwhelming, he could barely concentrate. There was no doubt this was his lifemate!

Samuel.

Samuel's breath caught in his throat. His twin was feeling everything he was as he forgot to close off his mind. Pierce, I should have told you.

So she is your lifemate…not mine.

There was something that didn't feel right about his twin's statement. But with so much emotion flowing through him at the moment, Samuel realized it was probably guilt that he was the one who had found his lifemate. He actually felt bad that his brother had a flare of hope that this woman could have been his own salvation.

Pierce was his normal, calm personality. Stop. You were close to turning. I am glad she is the one for you.

We will still go to the Carpathian Mountains, replied Samuel. Even if the SongMaker does not tell you who your lifemate is, just seeing the children and our homeland will give you lasting hope. If I was close to turning, I do not want to take any chances with you.

For a moment, his brother was completely silent. I feel…

What?

You must be sharing your emotions with me. I am feeling everything through you.

There was still something wrong but Samuel could not understand what was bothering him. I have heard this happens, especially with twins. At least you have some feeling.

Through you.

Samuel stared at the woman who was trying to catch her breath. She was stunning with long, brown curly hair. She had a round face and pretty hazel eyes. "What is your name?"

"Carissa."

Samuel gave an old fashioned elegant bow to her. "Carissa, it is my honor to meet you."

"Um, thanks. I mean, thanks again. What's your name?"

Something surged within him and before he knew what he was doing, Samuel gave a very unexpected answer. "My name is Pierce Falkland."

What are you saying? hissed Pierce.

Good God, what the hell was he saying? Samuel had just introduced himself as his twin brother. What the hell?

That's what I'd like to know, snapped Pierce.

"Mr. Falkland? The same customer who had me charter a private plane just a short time ago?"

He gave a tight smile. "Yes, I was actually in the area and thought maybe I'd catch you right as you left. I saw you leaving the travel agency and tried to catch up with you when you came here to the garage." Actually, as soon as he'd seen her disappear into the elevator, Samuel had transformed back into a hawk and flew after her. The man following her into the garage had lewd thoughts, so he flew from floor to floor until he finally found her again.

"Oh," Carissa breathed, "well I'm glad you ended up trying to catch me."

He smiled. She had absolutely beautiful skin which was fair and smooth. It took everything in him not to bind her to him right at this moment. "Your welcome. May I escort you to your car?"

"Um, sure. Although I think I'm okay now."

Samuel's eyes narrowed. "I don't think it's wise to tempt fate."

She gave a small laugh. "Yeah, I guess that's true. My car is at the other end."

"You shouldn't park so far away from the elevator," said Samuel in a disapproving tone.

"The travel agency doesn't open until later in the morning," she explained, "so a lot of the people with office jobs get here way before I do." Carissa paused. "My keys! Did you get them from that man?"

Samuel simply looked at her and gave a shrug. "If you cannot find them, I can take you home."

Liar said Pierce.

I didn't lie. I just didn't volunteer that I have them.

You're not starting out well with all this deception.

Samuel smiled at Carissa while sending his twin an annoyed mental huff. Why do you care?

Hmm, let me think. Oh that's right, you used my name!

Okay, his twin had a good point and Samuel had no explanation as to why he introduced himself as Pierce. What if he was wrong? What if Pierce was really Carissa's lifemate?

Stop. You are her lifemate, said Pierce in a calm tone.

Then explain why I used your name.

Come on, Samuel, think. You just used my name because it only made sense. I called her at the agency. How else were you going to explain it to her? That you, as my sick brother suddenly went to see her?

Carissa walked back toward the elevator, searching the garage floor for her keys. "Damn. He must have taken them."

"I'll have new locks made for your car," Samuel offered.

How convenient, said Pierce.

Will you just get out of my head?

Why? This is by far the most fun I've had in years. I like sharing this emotion through you. I haven't felt anything like this for years.

"You just like to annoy me," grumbled Samuel under his breath.

"What?" asked Carissa.

"I said you do not need to worry," Samuel said smoothly, acting like he hadn't just spoken to his twin. "Let me take you home and I'll take care of things with your car and the keys."

She fiddled with her purse. "Well, I guess. Although I don't really know you."

He arched an eyebrow at her. "Saving you from an attacker isn't enough proof to know I'm safe?"

"Well, it was a little convenient," she pointed out. "And you just said I shouldn't tempt fate."

This made Samuel feel almost proud of her. He approved that she was thinking about her own safety now. "Then let me call you a cab."

She nodded and they went down the elevator. "So," she said in an awkward voice, "what do you do for a living?"

"Mostly I buy and manage companies. I have a lot of investments I need to manage."

"Oh. So that's how you make all your money. It must be nice to have that much wealth."

Samuel shrugged. "Money means little if you do not have anything else in life."

"And do you have other things in life?" She wanted to smack herself as that wasn't any of her business. But God, the guy was more handsome than any she'd seen in her life. He was so tall next to her and he had huge, broad shoulders. He had short, dark hair with jet black piercing eyes. For God's sake, he looked like some GQ model.

"I do now," Samuel answered as he looked into her eyes.

She felt her cheeks grow hot and knew she was blushing. Damn it. "So, ah, no children?"

He chuckled. "Not yet."

"Do you have any brothers or sisters?"

"Just the one brother that annoys me."

Likewise, said Pierce.

"Oh right," she breathed. "The one that is sick."

"Yes." So, you told her I was sick?

That's what I said to you a few moments ago. Seems like your brain has shut down as well, said Pierce, who was still enjoying Samuel's blunders.

Well what am I going to do now? Call you Samuel if I introduce her to you?

How about telling her the truth and letting her know you have a twin?

Oh yeah, I'll just tell her I said I was you. That will make perfect sense to her.

Pierce actually chuckled. Yep, you've backed yourself into a corner. Might as well reveal everything including the fact that we are Carpathian and you want to mate with her.

Samuel tried to hide his frustration. This was not going well. He was already failing as a lifemate.

Carissa sighed. "I don't have any siblings. I always thought it would have been great if I had a brother or sister."

"I don't see why," muttered Samuel.

I heard that.

"What?" asked Carissa.

"Um, I mean, siblings don't always get along together. I know someone that's ready to kill his brother all the time."

Pierce snorted. Especially now that we have emotion and you seem to be able to lie to your lifemate.

Samuel thought about that statement. It was odd. He outright lied to his lifemate and said he was a different name. And Pierce was acting with far more emotion than he anticipated. He began to wonder again if Carissa belonged with his twin. They reached the ground floor and headed outside. Samuel dug his cell phone out of his pocket and began to dial a local cab company. He froze when Carissa placed a hand on his wrist.

"Wait," she said. "I guess this is silly. I mean, you did save me and all. It's so late and I really want to get home rather than waiting for a cab. Is your car nearby?"

Okay, huge problem. Samuel hadn't anticipated any of this and had flown here as a hawk. He didn't have a car anywhere near here.

Nice going, said Pierce.

Will you shut up?

Now you're just being rude when I could help.

Samuel mentally shook his head. And just how can you help?

I've already sent Graham to pick you up.

Samuel looked down and smiled at her. "Actually, I have a driver. He's meeting me here in a few minutes." Graham was one of the few humans they trusted to know their true identities. He did a number of tasks for them and in return, Samuel and Pierce not only provided him with wealth, but protected his family.

"Wow, a driver? I guess you really do have some money."

"Carissa," said Samuel, the sound of her name alone made him completely in love with her, "how is it that you are here?"

She was breathless as he looked at her. Then she realized he asked her something. "I'm sorry, what? I mean, I work here. I own part of the travel agency."

Amusement crept into his eyes. "No, I mean how did you come to be here in this city? You said you had no family?"

"No…I don't remember anything about my real parents. I just moved from foster home to foster home."

"That's too bad," Samuel said softly, resisting the urge to reach out and touch her face. "Are you cold? Here, take my coat." He gallantly slid off his trench coat and draped it around her.

"Thanks. Oh, is that your driver?"

He looked to see Graham driving toward them in a black mercedes. Samuel waved and the car stopped. Graham got out and smiled. "Mr. Falkland, good to see you again."

Carissa laughed. "Didn't you just see him a short while ago?"

Samuel stared hard at Graham who immediately got the message that volunteering less information would be wise. "Oh well, yes. But I always say that. And your name, Madam?"

"Carissa."

"Lovely to meet you. Please get inside where it's warm."

Once settled in the car, Samuel made sure he was closed off from his twin. He leaned down and whispered into Graham's ear. "I think she is my lifemate."

"Think?" asked Graham. "Wouldn't you know for sure?"

"One would think so," he muttered. "But something isn't quite right. I can't explain it."

Graham smiled. "You do seem different, like for the first time I feel like you are have true emotion. She must be your lifemate."

"I know, but it's complicated."

"How so?"

Carissa's voice interrupted. "Um, Pierce? I really need to get home."

Graham looked even more confused. "Pierce? Why would she call you-"

"We're leaving right now," Samuel assured her. He frowned at Graham. "Like I just said, it's complicated."