A/N: Hello and welcome back! A huge thank you to: Sapphire-Serenity-Phoinex, nuckythompson, Why Fireflies Flash, TinkerbellxO, Makrciana, MissMisc3, Sagacious Rogue, Jandra1969, dionne dance, Lovely Rain Dancer, XantheXV, CharlieCats, Leyshla Gisel, smilin steph, 88dragon06, Jay D. Moore, ForeverACharmedOne, simbasockz, hannahhobnob, LabyFan23, IgnitingFireworks and BlooperLover. You are all awesome!

Disclaimer: I do not own Dark Shadows.

Chapter 21

'Sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eye.'

~H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Master,

I did not leave. And I won't.

S.

That was the first message she left outside the hidden door. Along with a stack of parchments she had found in his bed chamber.

He didn't reply, but when she returned to leave the second letter, the parchment, ink and quill were gone from the door.

The second letter she wrote was similar.

I am still here even though you persist to ignore me. Maria is here too.

S.

By the fourth day she was getting nervous. Perhaps he truly never meant to reply to her. Perhaps she had scared him too much with her reckless actions; perhaps she had pushed him too far. Perhaps his new self did not love her, did not…

As she placed the third letter she faltered. No, he did care. He would have killed her instead of marking her. The marks were still there upon her neck and every time she gazed in the mirror she recalled the feeling of his teeth and lips there. He hadn't meant to hurt her. Intimidate her perhaps, drive her away. She wasn't sure if he was aware of the claim he had laid upon her. She wasn't sure if he knew what his bite meant. He was probably too upset to think over things. He was too unsettled with his new self to be aware of his actions. He was thirsty and he was suffering.

Mulling over that thought she foolishly placed the letter outside of the crypt. She lingered and stared at the piece of paper.

We have found out something that you should know. Leave the door open at midnight. Oh, and I am still here. Obviously.

Please, don't ignore this again. It's important.

S.

She licked her lips and eyed the door. She took a step forward and placed her ear against the cold stone. She strained her ears and tried to listen to any movements but she heard nothing. As she pulled back and walked away, her heart sunk a little more and the burning upon her neck was nothing when compared to the ache in her chest.

She passed through the parlor but a sudden, sharp knock upon the door caused to jump. Who would possibly come there?

Her wide eyes settled upon the heavy door but she didn't know what to do. More knocks disturbed the silence and she gulped.

"Who can it be?" Maria asked and Samantha almost yelped at the sudden, unexpected voice.

She whirled around to face her friend and shrugged helplessly.

"I don't know…I have no idea." She whispered.

"Should we open?" Maria asked fearfully, "It will seem odd if we don't. There will be questions. We have to open."

Samantha bit her lip and curled her fists around her skirt, "Alright. Let me talk."

Maria nodded and hesitantly followed Samantha to the door.

Taking a deep breath Samantha removed the bolt and slowly opened the door. She almost gasped when she saw who it was.

Mr. Du Pres.

Jesus.

And he looked terrible. Of course, he would look terrible. He had lost his daughter in the most heinous of ways.

"Good morning, sir." She bowed her head at the tired looking man but he wasn't interested in pleasantries.

"Where is your Master?" he made to pass through but Samantha held her ground, not positive in the idea of him entering Collinwood with her Master lurking about.

"He is not here, sir. Shall I give him a message instead?" she asked calmly and Mr. Du Pres eyed her with dubiousness.

"Where is he?" his voice was sharp, simple and resolute.

"He's away on business, sir-…" she started and she didn't know if she should be lying. She wasn't that good at it.

"He didn't come to my daughter's funeral." The man accused and his red eyes looked beyond Samantha, searching for his former son in law. Samantha tensed up. What if he wanted to get inside? She couldn't allow that.

She also didn't know what to say to that. With everything that had happened she hadn't even ventured to Lady Josette's funeral. The entire village was so unsettled by the whole incident and everyone was talking about it; asking questions and wondering where the famous fiancé was.

"It was very important-…" she resumed talking timidly.

"If he's hiding in there, I swear to God-…" Mr. Du Pres almost snarled.

"Sir! No one is in here." Samantha stepped back and motioned towards the hall, "Feel free to check the manor. You'll find no one besides the staff."

Maria visibly gulped behind Samantha. Staff? There was no staff. Only her and Samantha. Their master had dismissed everyone.

"There are no guards at the gates." Mr. Du Pres noted suspiciously.

"My Master saw it fit to dismiss them. I know nothing more." Samantha said confidently and the man eyed her with resignation.

"When he comes back tell him to come and visit me. If he doesn't, I shall consider him guilty for my daughter's death. Do not forget to tell him that." With those words he turned and walked away in a billow of black folds.

Samantha quickly shut the door and turned to face Maria.

"Now what?" she whispered and Samantha lowered her eyes to the ground.

"We…we have to convince him to come out." She said at last but even the mere suggestion sounded ludicrous. He wouldn't come out. And if he did, he would be a danger to others.

"Out?" Maria asked with wide eyes, "You mean you have to convince him. You have power over him."

"I do not…We don't know that. He bit you too-…" Samantha shook her head fearfully.

"He drank from me. That's different. You read the book too." Maria pointed out defensively and when Samantha looked at her dubiously she continued, "Sam, he's not going to depend on me. Yes, he bit me and drank from me but he…is linked to you. He has laid a claim on you. He…" Maria paused to collect her thoughts before she carried on, "I am a food source. I was for a brief moment but…Like I've told you before; vampires can attach themselves to humans. They are extremely lonely creatures and when the bloodlust subsides, when the thirst is not as prominent, they look for other ways to satisfy themselves."

"You make it sound offensive." Samantha almost squeaked.

Maria flushed, "You know what I mean. I mean it in an emotional way. A vrykolakas' senses are extremely heightened…like an animal's. Animals do not only hunt. They also protect. And that's what is going to happen with you once he realizes what he has done. He might already have."

"I doubt it." Samantha said in a barely audible voice.

Maria bit her lip, "Keep writing to him. You need to get to him. I am convinced that he will come for you once we do what we have planned."

Samantha gulped, "I am not sure about that. What if we tempt him that way?" she whispered.

Maria swallowed hard, "We can give him mine." She weakly suggested.

"No! No way. It has to be me. He won't hurt me." She shook her head, "Alright. Let's wait a day and then we shall do it." She nodded her head and Maria sighed deeply before she made her way towards her room.

Samantha lingered behind a little and then tiptoed towards the parlor. Her heart dropped to her stomach when she saw that her letter was still there. The door was still firmly shut.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Maria secured the bandage around Samantha's palm and then looked up at her.

"Are you sure?" she whispered.

"Yes." Samantha nodded her head as she fingered her palm, "He has to come out. We need to lure him out."

"Sam, I am scared. You... What he did to the woman-…"

"Maria, he did not bring her here. It was someone else's doing. Just think for a moment what you would do if you were in his place. What would you do if you were starved? Yes, he did it but he did not go out."

"He hasn't gone out yet, you mean. What if he starts preying on innocent villagers?" Maria whispered with wide eyes.

Samantha hesitated, "That is why he needs to show himself."

"Alright…But I just think that this is all in vain." She raised her eyes up to Samantha, "Maybe we should just leave him alone."

Samantha gaped at her, "I won't leave him alone. I know he can do this. Now, stay in your room and lock the door. I will go alone. Don't come out, alright?" she ordered firmly.

Maria nodded, "If something happens just yell and I'll-…"

"You'll what? Nothing will happen. See you in the morning." Samantha squeezed her friend's hand and then she was gone.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

She gingerly placed the vial with the crimson liquid just outside the crypt. She stood up and stared at the door hard before she slipped her hand inside her pocket. She pulled out her latest message and deposited it right next to the vial.

Barnabas,

I am starting to worry that I am becoming tedious…Most of all, I fear that I am completely unwelcomed. I suppose, my words and reassurances mean nothing to you but I am making this last attempt to communicate. Consider this a gift, although it has cost me nothing but a little pain. If I receive no reply, not even an insulting one, then I am going to give up. I prefer to endure your wrath rather than your rejection.

Always yours,

Samantha.

She still wasn't sure if the words would get to him. Perhaps he could see right through her little lie because she wasn't going to give up. She only prayed that he believed her deception. If not…if not she'd make a fool of herself. The problem was that she no longer cared.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

"Sam! Sam!" Maria's voice rang in her ears and she stirred. She rolled onto her back upon the large bed and gazed at the door as it burst open and Maria stormed in.

"What is it? Are you alright?" she sat up immediately as Maria came in and plopped down next to her on the bed.

"I found these!" she held up a parchment and…the empty vial.

Samantha was suddenly very much awake, "Where…where did you get these?" she whispered and Maria smiled.

"I found them outside the crypt. Just now." Maria was breathless from her run as she handed her the letter.

Samantha hesitated to take it, fearful, yet at the same time shocked and eager.

"Well, go on then!" Maria exclaimed as she shifted upon the silk covers, "And you are still sleeping in here?" she remarked, "Took me a while to find you."

But Samantha's eyes were fixated on the letter and empty bottle.

"Will you read it? If you don't, I will." Maria threatened and Samantha blinked out of her daze. Tentatively and with sweaty fingers, she took the paper and regarded it for a few seconds before she took a deep breath. Nervously, she unfolded it and then her heart froze. She even felt that it stopped beating for a few seconds.

"Well?" Maria asked her anxiously while biting onto her nail.

Samantha gulped as she read the words; the one sentence really, again and again.

You are cruel.

Your wretched monster.

"Samantha?" Maria placed her hand on her arm and shook her.

Samantha blinked a stray tear away before she showed her the message. Maria read through it and then she looked up at her friend.

"It worked." She whispered in awe, "It bloody worked!" she exclaimed as she laughed.

Samantha did not share her excitement, "But for what price?" she murmured as she folded the letter and pressed it to her stomach tightly.

Maria's laughter stopped abruptly and she sighed.

It had only just begun.

He had drunk her blood but she was certain that he would hate her. He had already started.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

I received a group of fishermen this morning. They were quite upset with your absence. Please, Master. You cannot hide from the world forever. I am trying to help you but you are insistent on denying my help. If you don't appear at the docks soon, people- your people- will start wondering. Riots will rise and I fear that I will not be able to keep them out of Collinwood. Please, show yourself. I need your help.

You called me cruel but I can see that you are the one who is so. For what is worse than receiving your blatant dismissal?

Samantha

She left the endearments aside this time. He obviously was not moved by them. Sighing with exhaustion, she placed he third vial next to the letter and without looking back, she walked away.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

I am not taking my words back. You are cruel; extremely so. But as the days pass, it seems that I am unable to resist the temptation you are putting me through. I fear that by the time I've had enough, I won't be sane. Do you even realize what you're doing? Desist. I beg you.

Barnabas

Samantha smiled and pocketed the letter before she put the new message and vial outside his hiding place. She stepped back and walked away.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

I must be cruel only to be kind. You of all people should know that. Here I am, quoting Shakespeare because of you. You have opened my eyes and I am no longer ignorant and yet you are the one who persists on not seeing. What more can I do to make you realize that my feelings are not altered? Perhaps, my efforts are all in vain. Perhaps, I am doomed to a lifetime of tears for I have a lot of reasons to believe that my hell is no less cruel than yours. We are both trapped, sir; in our own personal hells.

Samantha

This time his reply was quicker. When she opened her eyes from her little nap at the settee, she saw that a new, unfolded, letter was lying next to the full vial. He hadn't even taken the blood. He was simply eager to reply.

She tiptoed towards the fireplace and tentatively leaned down to take the parchment. His elegant handwriting seemed rushed and uneven.

Nevertheless, she read the words and her heart soared for the first time in weeks.

If an angel can land in hell, then perhaps there is hope for me.

Your Master.

Samantha bit her lip and quickly walked over to the settee. She sat down and turned the paper over before she scribbled down a few words.

If I am an angel then you must accept my offer to fly us both out of our mutual hell. My wings are stronger than you may think.

Samantha

She slipped the letter on the floor and then turned away. She was certain that he could hear her moving around and as she started pacing she strained her ears, hoping for a sound that would signal his presence. Her eyes travelled upwards, towards the various paintings on the wall and when the creaking of the hidden door echoed in the room she quickly whirled around. But she wasn't fast enough. In a matter of seconds the letter and vial were gone and the only thing she saw was the door closing once more.

Her heart sank.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Two days later…

Samantha tried hard to keep her eyes open. She blinked and focused on the book before she leaned back against the headboard. Reflexively, her hand shot out and reached for the pillow next to her. She pulled it to her chest and lowered her chin on top of it as she fought hard to keep her eyes from drifting shut. As she pressed her mouth and chin against the pillow, a familiar scent reached her nostrils. Abruptly, her nose started burning in remembrance and she stopped reading. She put the book away and looked down at the pillow she had taken. Frowning, she leaned down and inhaled deeply. The faint aroma of expensive cologne veiled the rest of her senses and she found herself smiling. The pillow smelled like him. It was odd. It had been days. How could the pillow smell like him still?

Samantha took a look around his dimly lighted chamber and bit her lip. Was it even possible? What if he had been coming in there without her noticing him? He was fast; he could move so quickly that it was scary. Perhaps he had visited his room. It was his after all.

Not helping herself, she smiled and laid her head down on the mattress. She pressed the pillow closer to her and before she knew it she was fast asleep.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Something cold brushed over her legs, like a breeze. Groaning, she turned onto her back before she reached down to push her skirt down her legs. She arched her back and tried to do so but then something grasped hold of her wrist. She froze and the fog of sleep started to dissolve. Something tugged the pillow away from her abdomen and she tried hard to keep calm.

Was it a dream? Was he there? She wasn't sure.

The pillow landed next to her arm and then she felt a presence above her, hovering, looming over her form like a cloud. She tensed up and her breathing hitched. Still, she resisted opening her eyes.

The iron hold around her wrist loosened and then she felt cold breath on her skin, fanning over her legs. She stopped squeezing her eyes shut and tried to relax because she was certain that it was him. She knew it.

Hands, extremely cold hands, fell upon her calves and she gasped inaudibly. Long fingers trailed up her legs until they reached the crooks of her knees. The hands hooked under her knees and then she heard a sound, like a knife cutting through the air before she felt the same cool breaths upon her face.

How on earth could he smell the same? He was buried in that cavern, locked away.

One hand left her legs and trailed up her side until he was brushing her hair away from her shoulder. She knew what he was looking for. The mark.

Frozen fingertips brushed over the incisions and she inhaled deeply. A small whimpering noise resonated in the air and she wasn't sure if it had left her mouth or his. Resisting the urge to gulp, she felt him coming closer, so close that she could feel his breath upon her shoulder. She turned her head minutely to the right and her heart jumped when she felt his hair tickling her cheek. Tears prickled her closed eyelids but she bit her tongue in the effort to keep them from slipping down her cheeks.

As he got closer to her skin, she felt his breaths evening out until they stopped entirely. One of his hands was still cradling her knee against his side and she could feel the tips of his fingers fumbling with a lock of her hair.

"You smell the same."

The words left her mouth in a rush and once she had let them escape she regretted it. His hands disappeared from her body altogether and she heard a sudden, harsh thud against the opposite wall.

Not having any more patience left, she opened her eyes and searched for him in the dark. She sat up and finally spotted his shadow across from her. He was pressed high up against the wall and he had his hands flat against the solid surface.

She couldn't clearly see his face but she spotted his tightly closed lips. She regretted speaking so suddenly. His posture resembled that of a frightened animal's.

"I didn't mean to startle you." She whispered as she covered her legs with her skirt and brought them against her chest, hugging them tightly.

"You've been in here before…While I was here?" she asked and she heard him swallowing thickly before he spoke at last.

"Never." His reply was hoarse.

Samantha blinked and tried to see him better but she couldn't. So, she stood up.

"Don't." he warned and as she got closer to him and the wall he snarled and leaped away. He landed on the other side of the room, right in front of the French doors.

The moonlight fell upon him and Samantha smiled.

"There you are." She murmured and she could see his frown.

"You're insane." He told her hoarsely.

"Obviously."

"You're a fool." He spat.

"I guess, I am."

"What are you trying to do?" he asked her and she hesitated before she started stepping closer to him. He took a step back and pressed his body against the glass as she came to stand right in front of him.

"I succeeded." She stated and he eyed her with confusion.

"In what?"

"You're here."

"Why would that make you happy?" he murmured and when she didn't answer he banged his hand against the glass, "Answer me, Samantha! Why would you do something so foolish?! What is your motive?"

"I wanted to help you."

"By feeding me your blood?" his voice was incredulous, almost disgusted.

"I wanted to comfort you." She whispered.

"Comfort me? The only comfort I'll ever have is gone. Because you persist in staying here." He snarled but it did not work. She was not intimidated.

"I won't leave. I think my letters made that clear; I think my offerings made that clear." She whispered as she reached up and made to touch his cheek.

He caught her hand in his and gritted his teeth at the sight of her bandaged palm.

"You tricked me, didn't you? You knew what a bite would do to me." He accused her.

Samantha swallowed hard, "I did."

"You lied to me."

"I never lied to you-…"

"Why would you want to be tied with me? Don't you see what I am?" he threw her hand away from him and tried to sidestep her but she slammed her hands against the French doors, trapping him. He couldn't leave unless he wanted to hurt her. She doubted it.

"Why would you think that would make any difference to me?" she asked and she saw him swallowing repeatedly, "If this had happened to me, would you have left me? If that is so, then I am indeed a fool-…"

"Are you even listening to yourself? Leave you?" he cried at her as he reached up and grasped her shoulders. She held in her whimper of pain.

"I cannot breathe without you!" he snarled at her before he pushed away with force. She landed against the bed and as her foot collided with it she lost her balance and fell right on top of the mattress.

She gasped and her heartbeat accelerated as she landed on her back. She took a few deep breaths and tried to calm her racing heart by closing her eyes. She heard a few hesitant footsteps and she feared that he'd leave but when she reopened her eyes she saw him standing next to the bed. He was staring at her with disbelief and his hands were twitching by his sides.

Samantha slipped up on the bed and sat up before she outstretched a hand towards him. He eyed her hand with a mixture of dread and eagerness at the same time.

"Please." She murmured and he pursed his lips in deep thought…or indecision.

After what seemed like an eternity he finally took a step closer and reached out with his hand. His cold palm slid over her own bandaged one and when their hands were parallel she curled her fingers around his. She tugged it gently and he shuffled a bit closer. When his knees were brushing the bed she sat up on her knees and placed her hands on his coat.

"Are you cold?" she asked him quietly and his Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed.

"I am always cold. But I do not feel the cold…" he murmured as he settled his gaze upon her hands. She pushed the coat off his shoulders and then grasped the material of his waistcoat in her hands. With a gentle tug she pulled him closer until their noses brushed, and he inhaled sharply. Smiling softly, she moved backwards and lay down on the bed. He followed and when he lay on the mattress onto his side she let go.

She placed her hands on the bed between them and sighed softly as she locked eyes with him. He moved one of his hands under his head and she did the same until they were simply gazing at each other. It felt nice to just sit there and gradually her heartbeat started slowing down.

Her hands ached to touch him again but she held that urge back because she didn't want to scare him away. Hell, she herself was nervous to just sit there with him.

"I didn't know about the mark." He whispered at last and she looked up at him. His eyes were wide and dark.

"If I knew-…"

"I'd still do it…somehow." She cut him off and his eyes widened a little, "It wouldn't change a thing."

Barnabas shifted upon the bed and licked his lips before he looked at her hand, "I didn't mean to push you so hard before." He murmured but she pressed her fingers against his mouth, silencing him.

"Don't worry about it." She shook her head and as she moved her hand she felt how smooth his lips still were. His hand reached up and grasped her wrist before he brought her bandaged palm up to his mouth.

Samantha's breath hitched as he pressed his mouth against it and she slid closer to him. He placed her hand against his cheek and looked at her face.

"I've missed you." She breathed and his lips parted as if he wanted to speak but he remained silent and pressed his cheek harder against her hand. She curled her fingers in his short hair and shuffled closer until she could lean her forehead against his chest. She pressed her face into his shirt and felt how solid his chest was; hard and unyielding. Curious of how it felt, she lifted her free hand to the opening of his shirt and touched the skin. She gasped at how smooth and soft it was. A low rumble vibrated in his chest and she smiled gently as she started tracing patterns upon his skin with her fingertips. She let her body go lax beside his and as she touched him she felt his own form relaxing.

"You're not afraid." He murmured as his hand tentatively touched the back of her head.

"No."

"Why?"

Samantha paused, "Because I love you."

She felt his exhalation against her forehead before he spoke, "Why?"

She smiled, "Because I trust you."

He made a sound and threaded his fingers through her loose hair, "Maybe you shouldn't." he whispered, "I am not as I was. I am cold."

She actually chuckled, "I actually love the winter." She looked up, "Cold doesn't bother me."

He frowned down at her, "Don't laugh. I am serious. I cannot protect you."

She bit her lip, "You already have." She murmured and she slid upwards so they were face to face.

"I'd be dead if-…"

"Do not mention Widow's. Do not." He cut her off sharply, "It haunts me all the time. Even in my sleep-…"

"You can sleep?" she whispered with surprise.

He shifted uneasily and she was certain that he seemed embarrassed, "Indeed."

"Sleep with me?" she pleaded and he looked at her as if she were insane.

"Samantha…"

She pursed her lips and rolled onto her back before she untied the bandage from her hand. His eyes widened and darkened with want as she presented him with her palm.

"I'll let you if you stay here with me. It's my only condition." She told him and he eyed her hand before his eyes settled on her lips.

"Don't push me, please." He whispered with a shake of his head, "How do you know I won't simply take what I want? How can you be so sure I won't kill you?"

She shrugged, "I guess I'll have to trust you not to." She replied before she leaned forward to kiss the corner of his mouth.

He clamped his mouth tightly shut as she pressed her lips against his. Her hands cradled his head as she tried to pull him closer but he was relentless. His hands grasped her arms and he broke the kiss to shake his head at her.

"You mustn't." he choked out and she smiled.

"Watch me." She murmured before she captured his lips with her own. She propelled herself forward and he landed on his back as she moved to hover over him. His hands grasped her arms tightly but he did not push her away this time. His lips remained shut and unmoving but as she tried to deepen the kiss she could feel his resolve breaking. With her hand on his chest she could feel the tension spiraling from the bottom of his insides. She could feel his desire to move under her fingertips and when her tongue brushed his lip he groaned and shook his head.

He pulled his head back and pushed her onto her back. In one swift move he was on top of her, his eyes dark and glimmering.

"No." he murmured and she briefly wondered what he meant. Before she had the time to contemplate much on it, his lips were on hers and his tongue was slipping into her gasping mouth. She tried to reciprocate but he curled his fingers around her throat in warning as he took her mouth for his own.

Then it came to her. He was afraid of hurting her. She wanted to laugh. Impossible.

She curled her hands around his strands and tugged him closer as she tilted her head to the side. He growled lowly and pressed harder against her, his teeth scraping her mouth and she gasped. Alarmed, he slowed down until he was kissing her slowly, easing down on the pressure, until he gradually stopped. He moved his mouth slightly away and opened his eyes.

Samantha fought for breath and then tentatively lifted her hand to his mouth, willing to give him what he needed.

Barnabas eyed her hand with narrowed eyes before he grasped it in his own. She held her breath and waited but nothing happened. He simply skimmed his nose up and down the skin before he pulled it away.

"Will you clean me?" he murmured instead as he swallowed back the instinctive urge to pounce on her and feed.

Samantha tried not to show her surprise. Instead, she nodded and smiled at him. In a flash he was gone from on top of her and before her feet had touched the floor he was in the washroom.

Feeling lighter than ever, she headed for the door to get the water for his bath. When she was at the threshold, she heard his voice.

"Do not bother to warm it." He called sharply and she fought the urge to smirk.

Her plan had worked. He was finally out of that crypt.

End of chapter 21

Author's note: Thank you for reading. I hope the long chapter made up for the long wait. Please, please let me know what you think. I need your feedback!

By the way, the new chapter for Holy Matrimony, my new DS fic, will be up during the weekend. Promise! The same goes for OoC. They will be updated next.

Don't forget to review!

Until next time, loves!

Xxx Lina :o)