A/N: Welcome back! I apologize for the long wait, but I was reluctant to write the last chapters…I don't know why…

Anyway, I want to thank: LiviLottie, Yarami, Jandra1969, Newland Archer, LabyFan23, Lina Marie, HelloBruiser, Makrciana, CharlieCats, MissMisc3, dionne dance, ForeverACharmedOne, TinerbellxO, RippahGoneWolf, Leyshla Gisel and XantheXV.

Thank you all for the support!

Disclaimer: I do not own Dark Shadows.

Chapter 24

'The wicked envy and hate; it is their way of admiring.'

~Victor Hugo

Samantha watched with barely contained shock as the two new guards exited the study with similar smiles upon their faces. She turned and looked at their retreating backs with wide eyes.

"What in hell…?" She whispered before she turned and headed quickly towards the darkened room.

"The West wing needs to be cleaned. I trust you to do it properly. I heard very good things for you two. You have great references from the church. Now, is everything clear?" Barnabas' voice carried its usual politeness and kindness, and Samantha frowned.

"Yes, Master." Two female voices said in unison and as Samantha peered inside and gazed at the two young women, she noticed two identical blushes on the women's faces.

They were both with long dark hair and they were wearing the Collins' family household attire.

Samantha's jaw almost hit the floor. What was he doing inviting so many people in the manor?

"Ah, Samantha. Come." His voice made her look at him and he had a small, but soothing smile on his lips, "This is Anne and Catherine. The new maids. This is Samantha, my housekeeper. You do everything she says without questions. Yes?"

Both maids nodded their heads and looked curiously at Samantha who blinked in order to clear her head.

She looked questionably at Barnabas and he simply widened his eyes at her in warning to keep quiet.

"Um, welcome. Down the hall you will find Maria. She will tell you all about your duties." She said with a hesitant smile and the two women nodded their heads.

"You're excused." Barnabas inclined his head before he stood up from his chair.

Anne and Catherine silently walked out of the room, shutting the door behind them.

Samantha watched them go and then she turned her gaze on the man who was standing in front of the curtained windows.

His hands were brushing the drapes and Samantha took a step closer.

"What was that all about?" She whispered and when he didn't reply, she decided to go to him. She came to a stop beside him. Without hesitation, she reached out and placed a hand on his solid arm. She felt his muscles clench underneath her palm and fingers and took a step closer.

"There has been a lot of talking about me lately." he started with a murmur, "The townspeople think that I have become a recluse. They think that I have a secret and that is why I don't want to be seen…" He turned and pinned her with his glimmering dark eyes, "We both know who has been spreading these rumors, Samantha. No?" He whispered and she took a deep breath.

"Angelique-…"

"Don't say her name!" he cut her off fiercely, "Her name is a curse itself." He hissed as he stepped to the side and slightly parted the curtains. When the sliver of light made its appearance through the tiny slit, he hissed and pulled the drapes completely shut again.

Samantha pushed him back and stepped between him and the curtains. He eyed her with such desperation that her stomach clenched.

"Is that why you employed all these people?" She asked him gently and he offered a curt nod.

"Indeed. I need to be seen by other people. That way no one will notice my…No one will notice who I am." He shook his head and turned towards his desk.

"But is it safe?"

He whirled around to face her and in a flash he had her against the window. Their combined weight disturbed the drapes and shook them.

"You were not worried when you were tempting me to make you mine." he whispered, his voice husky, "Now you're worried about others." he noted, "Don't you understand that your safety is above anyone else's? I have already compromised your life by keeping you here. It's probably the most selfish thing I've ever done. I am always selfish when it comes to you." His fingers almost tore though the curtains in his effort not to lean into her and she leaned a little closer, breaking the distance he had forced between them.

"You won't hurt anyone. I know it. Not if I help you-…"

"Out of the question." He shook his head and eyed the expanse of naked skin visible from her neckline.

"Then how will you survive?"

He growled and briefly pressed his lips against her forehead before he tore himself away from her.

"I don't care how! I will drink nothing. I will feed from no one!" he turned to her, "I will feed from rats if I have to, but I won't ever touch a human being ever again." He shook his head and swallowed back against the thirst burning his throat, "I still remember Maria's screams when I attacked her…I still remember the woman I killed." he whispered as he ran a pale hand through his hair, "I won't ever allow myself to be a monster. I won't do what she wants. I won't ruin the town my father built with his own hands and sweat…I won't give her the satisfaction of killing you." His voice broke in the end and Samantha swallowed the knot in her throat.

"You think that is what she wants?" She asked him gently as she pushed away from the window and stepped towards him.

He stumbled back as she approached and his hands flew to grab his desk, which he rocked profoundly with his hip, to steady himself.

Samantha was not discouraged though and she came to stand in front of him. He inhaled sharply and looked down at her with clouded eyes before he nodded.

"I fear so. She thought…I'd kill you as soon as I saw you. And I know why." He murmured and she placed her hands on his chest.

"Why?"

"I searched all there is to know about the curse. It is not a very simple one." He started, "It's a curse that can be used to bind two souls together…forever. Two kindred souls. It doesn't matter if the subjects are mortal or supernatural beings. The initials on your wrist are physical manifestations of the curse; of our bonded souls." He frowned and she bit her lip.

"Wouldn't the curse work against her?"

"Not if she knew all there is to know about vampires, my dear. And she knew my feelings for you. The curse proves it." He shook his head and stepped away from her. Her hands fell limply by her sides as he distanced himself.

"I don't understand." Samantha whispered, "Is there something I don't know?"

"Vampires are bonded with humans, have feelings for humans. It's not odd. Quite the contrary, it is in most cases vital for them. The vampires feed from the connection…And I don't mean just the blood that they can freely consume from their mates. No, the vampires bind their souls with their mates…their chosen ones. However, that is the case with older vampires and not newborns." He turned away from her and walked around the desk, "I am still a newborn vampire. Your blood sings to me like a siren because of the bond she has dropped upon us; because of the curse…In my thirst to taste your blood I can kill you…The bond will do nothing to stop me even if I love you. Theoretically, I have not matured yet…I have not found my lost emotions; the ones that were lost the moment I became what I am. I am not equipped with enough self control yet…That's what the books are saying anyway."

"But that is nonsense. Surely she didn't think that you'd kill me…Why would she bind us together?" She asked him with exasperation and he swallowed hard.

"The curse…is odd." he started, "You will be alive for a very long time while we are bonded…But because I am a vampire I will be fine…But you…" He stopped and shook his head.

"But what?" she encouraged him.

"You…will not remain ageless. I will have to watch you getting older and older…That is the curse. She knew that I would either kill you and be done with it, or I'd have to watch you suffer through old age while I remain the ageless monster that I am. I have to wonder what is worse. Killing you or watching you suffer forever?" His voice faltered near the end and she shook her head.

"I don't understand…The curse will not allow me to die from anyone, but you? Even if I get sick? Even if I am in pain you have not caused?" She asked and the thought made her sick. It was sick.

"Yes." He murmured.

"Where is that book? I want to see it for myself." Samantha said in a firm voice and he narrowed his eyes at her.

"You think I am lying? How could I ever lie about something that sickens me to my very soul?" He hissed, his words vibrating with animalistic growls of fury.

"I don't think you're lying…No. But perhaps there's something you've overlooked."

"Overlooked?" His voice was incredulous.

"Yes."

'Like what?" he asked tiredly.

"I don't know…Maybe a way to break it?" She ventured gently and he laughed bitterly.

"I know the way to break it." he informed her with barely contained fury, "I have to murder the witch who cast it…Impossible to accomplish since she's not showing her face."

Samantha gulped, "What about the place she was working-…"

"She is not there. I have had people ask for her. She's hiding…But she manages to turn people against me by dropping hints and comments all around Collinsport." He sneered, "But there is a way to provoke her."

"How?" she asked him immediately.

"I have a few things…of hers." He started and she frowned.

"Things?" she murmured and he nodded.

Slowly, he walked over to his desk and produced a key from his pocket. He leaned down and opened the low cabinet before he unlocked the drawer hiding behind it. He slipped his hand inside and pulled out a few items wrapped in a long cloth. He placed them on his desk with a grimace of disgust before he pulled the folds away, exposing them.

Samantha gasped and stumbled back. On the white fabric were strands of various hair; blond, brown and black. Underneath them was a naked doll made out of a variety of tattered cloths. Pinned on its head was a lock of blond hair. Next to the doll were a few pieces of rock…They resembled debris.

"Where did you get these?" Samantha asked after she had recovered from her shock.

"In her haste to leave, she left a few of her things behind. She was hiding them in the unused attic of the East wing. The one that was always locked." he looked at her, "But I suppose she found a way to open it and practice her trickery in there."

"Oh my God…" Samantha shivered, "You should burn them. It's bad luck to have them here." She looked up at him.

"No, my love." He shook his head, "This is evidence of her witchcraft. I won't ever destroy it. I just need to keep it safe and wait for the opportune moment." He quickly gathered them and shoved them unceremoniously inside the drawer again. He locked it and then straightened.

Samantha nodded her head, "How can you expose her anyway?"

He smirked, "Easy. I have to provoke her…Publicly."

"How is that going to happen, Barnabas? You cannot go out during the day."

"Ah, but she is a creature of the night herself. And I think I know where she might be and how she is spitting all those rumors." He walked over to the window and peered up.

Samantha stared at his back, "She is misleading the men, who in turn mention things to their wives. The wives spread the rumors because this is a closed society…And where do all men spend their free time?" She murmured and Barnabas turned towards her, evil smirk still in place.

"The local tavern. That's our destination." He nodded his head and Samantha prayed that he was right.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Maria watched the two guards leave and then turned to Samantha.

"Hey," she spoke and Samantha looked up at her, "Master must be careful with the new household staff. They are all inclined towards gossip." She whispered as she came to sit down next to her with her plate of food.

Samantha sighed and pushed her vegetables around, "That's why he hired them." She murmured and Maria paused.

"Oh, right." Her eyes widened, "Of course." She nodded, "I have discovered something that might be of use." She said in a low voice.

"What?"

"I was reading a book and it offered a way of protection against witches' spells. Don't know if it will work or not but-…"

"What will work?" Catherine asked as she entered the kitchen and rubbed her stomach, "I am starving. This house is huge! I wonder how you managed with so little help these last couple of weeks." She came and plopped down in a chair and Samantha shared a look with Maria.

"It was just hard work." Samantha replied and Catherine yawned.

"Hmm…Any reason why the most eligible man in the town has himself locked up in this house?" She asked and Samantha tensed up.

"Simple. He is not looking for a wife." Maria said bitingly and Catherine nodded.

"Hmm…since he lost his betrothed, right?"

Samantha looked at Maria in warning, but the other woman was unrelenting.

"No, not really…It's been a while since that. Master Barnabas already has a woman. Samantha." She announced loudly and clearly.

Samantha froze and Catherine visibly paled from shock.

"W-what?"

Samantha hid her face in her hands.

"But you're the housekeeper." Catherine almost shrieked, her eyes already lighting up in interest.

"Exactly. Which means you cannot go gossip around about her. Is that clear?" Maria cocked an eyebrow and Catherine sputtered.

"I do not gossip! That's just rumors." She stood and straightened her apron, "I am very happy for you." She looked at Samantha and then walked away like a frightened deer.

"Why did you do that?" Samantha asked her once they were alone.

Maria smirked, "Well, I had to make her to actually want to gossip about you…"

"You want Angelique to hear more about us." Samantha murmured.

"Hmm."

"Did he tell you to do it?" Samantha asked her and Maria chuckled.

"Unlike you, he is rather cunning when he wants to be…Let the games begin." Maria stood and walked away to wash her plate.

Samantha stared after her.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

The cool body behind her shifted and a hand gently disturbed her locks which were spread over her pillow. Fingers curled and tightened around her strands and she smiled, pushing her body further backwards, until she was pressed up against his side.

Her eyes flickered open and focused on the almost diminished candlelight on her nightstand. The moon was high on the sky and nothing but Barnabas' breathing could be heard. There was absolute silence.

Samantha turned her head and looked at him from over her shoulder. He was sleeping with his lips parted. His cheeks were pale and his hair slightly disheveled from sleep.

Sighing, she placed her head on the pillow again, but something from across the bed caught her attention. Her oval mirror was…glimmering.

Alarmed, she sat up and stared at it. She stared at it and stared it until her eyes started to hurt. She blinked and as she did so the image in the mirror changed. She could no longer see her own slightly distorted reflection, fogged by the glimmering. No, in front of her, staring back at her through the mirror was the angelic face of Josette.

She gasped and she reached up to cover her mouth.

Josette shook her head and raised a single finger to her mouth, motioning for her to remain silent. The pale finger moved away from the almost purple lips and the specter beckoned her closer in silence.

Samantha hesitated, worried that the image was just a trick that was conjured up by Angelique, but when she remembered her last encounter with Josette, she realized that she had to trust the image in front of her.

Careful not to disturb Barnabas, she stood up from the bed and walked towards the mirror. Once she was close Josette opened her mouth and started speaking.

"Your actions will cause the wrath of the witch. But it's inevitable. Do not fear because you are a creature of the light. Her end will come at the place where she started all this. The haunted place that has been a plague for many families. The place where I found my fate. If you achieve your purpose of making her meet her much deserved end, you will prosper. If you don't you will die and he will be locked away forever, buried into the shadows like she had always planned." The words were whispered into her mind, but they echoed like a yell inside it.

Samantha swallowed dryly, "What do you mean he will be locked away?" She asked quietly and Josette's expression darkened, it got stormy, but in a flash her face was gone. In her place another image settled and started unfolding.

Long pale fingers scratching against iron…Fists banging against the oppressive metal…Nails tearing through clothes…Screams, growls and whimpers…

The tensing of muscles, the writhing of limbs in a narrow casket…The echoes of loud sobbing…

The image of her own limp form floating in the waves and the terrifying picture of Barnabas' bared fangs as he grunted and growled in his cold, dark prison…

Sharp teeth covered in the crimson of his own blood and two pools of dark eyes staring right at her in the sinister fog of the shadowy prison.

Samantha reared back and screamed at the last image, her hands flying up to cover her eyes as she stumbled and fell on the bed.

Suddenly, strong arms curved around her form and a cold mouth found her ear.

"Shhh. Samantha?" his voice was groggy and husky from sleep, but the worry in it caused her to feel even more terrified.

"It has to happen at Widow's…" She whispered as she turned her face and buried it in the coolness of his white shirt.

"What are you talking about?" He whispered and she swallowed hard.

"Angelique's death." She looked up, "It has to happen there…or else she will lock you away."

"Samantha, what are you talking about?" He asked her as he cupped her face with his cold hands.

She eyed the perfectly normal mirror and took in a shaky breath before she replied.

"Josette came to me…She showed me what she'll do to you if she won't die. She will bury you alive…and I will be dead."

He stared at her for a long time before he looked around them, his sharp eyes perusing the chamber. When he locked eyes with her again they were fierce.

"Then she must come to know that I won't live without you. No one is going to hurt you. I give you my word of honor. No one will ever take you away from me. Even if I have to do the worst. Even if I have to be the cause that you'll loose your soul along with your humanity. I won't ever allow you to leave me." He murmured and she frowned.

"How…" her eyes widened, "She won't ever allow you to make me like you."

"Won't she? Then she has to make me human again. She has to make me warm for you again. She has to make me the person that I was or she will have to lock both of us away." His breath fanned over her cheek and when he leaned in and closed the distance between them she let him, not reminding him that Angelique would never allow them to be together; not even in confinement.

She allowed him to kiss her and when she felt his growl of restraint, she wasn't afraid. She wasn't afraid of his words either. What she was afraid of was the possibility of allowing Angelique to win. That, she could never allow and as he pulled her tighter to him, she realized that she could endure a life in the shadows if he was there with her. The torture would be worth it.

End of chapter 24

Author's note: I hope you liked it. Thank you for reading. I hope I explained the curse clearly…If not, feel free to ask questions…or wait to see what happens. Lol

I am not sure how many chapters will take me to finish this…Maybe two…maybe one. But I hope that I can wrap the story up by May. ;o)

So, comments, please? They are my bread and butter.

Oh, and if you haven't done so already, check out my Dark Shadows crossover. :o)

Until next time!

Xxx Lina :D