Disclaimer: I do not own the Carpathian Series, and definitely do not own the amazing characters in Christine Feehan's wonderful books. This is just a fanfic.

Alana didn't want to open her eyes. She felt absolutely mortified. She didn't even care enough to see where she was. All she knew was that she had fainted. Fainted. Over a guy. So he was the sexiest man she had ever seen in her life, but that did not excuse her. All through college, while her friends were experimenting and finding love, she had held back, not moved even the slightest by any of the men she encountered. And now, to be knocked flat by some foreign man with brooding eyes and a fantastic accent was just embarrassing.

She swore she heard a low laugh snake through her mind at that last thought, the sound sending her hormones into frantic flight. Sighing at what was surely a sign of mental instability, Alana determined to open her eyes and face the world. She could only hide for so long after all.

The first sight that met her was that now familiar pair of dark and penetrating eyes. Alana nearly squeezed her eyes shut in response, sure she was still asleep. But Josef's anxious face as he waited across the room kept her from slipping back into blessed unconsciousness. She took one last peek at the handsome male specimen sitting so close to her bed and then resolutely began to examine the suddenly very interesting wallpaper.

Her hand snaked up to tug at her hair but it was stopped by strong fingers shackling her wrist. She kept her eyes firmly locked on the wall, silently screaming at herself not to blush, as Andreas brought her hand to his lips.

"How are you feeling?"

Forced to now completely acknowledge her fainting spell, Alana frowned and struggled to sit up. Andreas looked on passively, a devastating smile playing about his lips. Really, those lips ought not to exist. Another laugh sounded in her head, curling Alana's toes and making her glare at Andreas. She was definitely not making that up. Or at last she hoped not.

"I'm fine," she answered honestly, voice small. "I was just a little overwhelmed. I don't really do crowds very well."

"It is best not to overextend yourself."

Alana looked toward Gregori, a small shiver going through her. More than any of the other men she had met that day, he was by far one of the most intimidating. His slashing quicksilver eyes seemed to see right past her and into her soul. It was uncomfortable to say the least. Of all the men at the get together, he was by far the most frightening. Where the other men carried their power tightly leashed, Gregori's rolled off of him in waves. But the way he had acted with his wife Savannah made Alana think that he was really just a big softie underneath.

As if reading her thoughts, Gregori scowled and Alana looked away, trying unsuccessfully to hide her smile. "Where's Skyler?" she asked, suddenly feeling very alone. Though she felt curiously safe—especially with Andreas so near—Alana was instantly aware that she knew none of these men very well. While she and Josef had been internet friends for a couple of years now, how much did she really know him?

The weight of her nervousness pressed in on her and Alana huddled into her pillows. Almost immediately, the door to her room opened, revealing an exasperated Savannah. "Really, with the three of you hulking about, it's a wonder she didn't run screaming down the halls."

The woman strolled over to Alana's bedside, her feet seemingly never touching the floor. Her violet eyes sparkled in comradery and she produced a cup of heavenly-smelling herbal tea. "This is for you."

Alana took the cup automatically, testing the fragrance. "What's in it?"

Savannah waved her hand. "Just some chamomile and a few other soothing herbs. Nothing weird." She leaned in conspiratorially. "Although I hear there's something in the water here."

Giggling, Alana took a sip, surprised when the liquid began to work right away. Not only did it warm her up, but it also helped to lower the whispers slowly building in her head. Her headache, on the other hand, was just beginning. She really should have rented a cabin instead of staying at an inn at the center of the village, but she had spent a good portion of her money on flight and travel, and Slavica had offered a wonderful deal once Alana mentioned she would be staying in the area for a few weeks.

Andreas, as if sensing her distress, reached out and gently began to massage her temples, bringing his face close to hers. Startled, Alana could do nothing more than simply sit there immobile, unable to take her eyes off of him. He smelled like the deep forest, like the earth after a turbulent storm. It was slightly intoxicating and made Alana blush wildly.

Gregori continued as if nothing had interrupted them, clasping his wife to his side. "Perhaps a cabin would be best if you have trouble staying near so many people," he suggested quietly, picking up on her earlier thoughts. "It would more than likely help. Savannah could arrange things for you." Deliberately, he drew attention to his lifemate, knowing the young woman would be more willing to accept help from another female.

To be honest, Gregori worried for the small human woman. Even now, despite the color creeping so tellingly across her face, her skin was pale, and shadows were stamped in startling contrast beneath her tired eyes. The energy she was using simply to function normally with her natural psychic sensitivity was draining her. If not addressed, she would only become weaker. And the tumultuous emotions brought on by the proximity of her lifemate would only further complicate the matter until either she was converted or the mating complete.

Alana tried desperately to move away from Andreas, a sense of feminine danger stealing over her. She looked at Josef, latching on to something safe and solid. Beside her, Andreas stiffened. "I can't believe I fainted," she muttered.

Josef grinned, pretending to ignore Andreas's glare. "And to think you did it in front of the Prince, too."

A small sound escaped Alana as her mouth dropped open. She fidgeted. "Prince? What Prince? Please don't tell me I actually fainted in front of some foreign dignitary." She turned the full force of her gaze on Andreas. "You're not the Prince, are you?"

"No," he assured her, holding back his amusement. "Mikhail is our Prince." He nodded toward the other ancient male. "Gregori is his second-in-command."

Alana closed her eyes against the shock of it all and sank back beneath the covers in despair. "This can't be happening."

"Alana." He said her name like a song, the sound of it twining around her heart and making it flutter uncontrollably. It was sinful, to say the least. She peeked up at him. Andreas. His hair was long and black as night, held together at the nape of his neck with a leather thong. He looked so elegant, dressed in an immaculate silk shirt and charcoal slacks.

Andreas brushed a hand through Alana's curly hair, enjoying the feel of the silken strands. It was wild and fell beyond her shoulders, the streaks of pink bringing attention to the deep chestnut that fit her so perfectly. Her wide eyes were a warm golden brown, lit with an inner beauty that Andreas knew reflected the light in her soul. She was his other half. The light to his darkness. Everything about her drew him, down to her vanilla scent and the burgundy polish on her nails.

Another sigh escaped her and Alana frowned, bringing a hand up to rub at the bridge of her nose. Her teeth bit into her bottom lip, drawing Andreas's gaze like a moth to flame, threatening to build a conflagration in him that would never cease.

"I'm sorry. Maybe I should just rest up a bit before I make any decisions about leaving the inn." She searched out Josef and smiled apologetically. "I really wanted to watch those movies with you and Skyler, but I'm feeling so frazzled right now."

Josef held his hands out in front of him. "No problem, Alana. We'll do it some other time." His eyes flickered over Andreas, a hint of disappointment flashing across his features. "You're here for a couple of weeks anyway, so we have time."

"Thanks."

It wasn't long until the room was cleared of everyone but Andreas. He lingered at her bedside, reluctant to leave her. He turned the full force of his scrutiny on her. "You do not take care of yourself as you should."

Alana feigned ignorance. "I don't know what you mean." He said nothing, merely waited, and she huffed out a breath in exasperation. "I get along fine."

He captured her hand in his and turned it over to absently trace the lines there. "Your barrier is good, but it does not completely close you off from the world." He captured her gaze, refusing to allow her to look away. "Your ability must be controlled."

She froze, fear reaching to squeeze her heart. "How do you—?"

I know because we are similar.

Alana jumped. "Okay. I heard you. I know I heard you. I'm not making it up, am I?"

He chuckled, leaning closer. No.

I don't understand, she thought, willing him to hear.

His smile appeared slowly, a satisfied curl of his incredible lips. The sight of it sent a shiver down her spine and Alana moved away in a small, feminine retreat. She plucked at an errant thread on the comforter that covered her, careful to keep her eyes averted. That smile was amazing, far too sensual for her peace of mind.

Alana knew she should feel uncomfortable in his presence but, for some reason, she felt at ease. Even if her temperature was rocketing up from just a look in his direction. She cleared her throat. "I hope Josef and Skyler aren't too upset that I came back so early." Her teeth tugged at her bottom lip. "I know they wanted to spend time together tonight."

Andreas stopped himself from biting out that she did not need to worry about the young male. It was a close thing. Instead, he stood and moved to the window, trying to give them both the space they needed to settle down. Even if she was not fully aware of it herself, the tension between them was growing at an alarming rate. At this point, Andreas wasn't sure he could stop himself from crushing his lips to hers, from smoothing his tongue across tiny bead of blood that welled up from where her teeth constantly scraped the delicate skin. She was very young and he knew that any sudden moves on his part might send her running in the opposite direction.

"You really should consider moving to a cabin during your stay," Andreas pointed out. "You would not be exposed to so many people, and it would ease your discomfort."

His gentle words surprised her. It was strange to have so many people worry over her and Alana wasn't quite sure how to respond. "I might," she admitted. "It's just that I'd hate to inconvenience anyone, and Slavica has been so kind and accommodating."

Andreas sighed. He should have known she would not be convinced so easily. His lifemate was headstrong, but he also sensed in her a need to avoid confrontation. She hated to trouble anyone and too often worried about others' needs and comfort over her own. He turned to drink in the sight of her, all snuggled up in her bed. Andreas found he was more selfish than he had believed, wanting to take hold of her and never let her go. Damn the consequences. But he was an ancient. And she was barely out of the first quarter of her life. There were some things she would be slow to accept and he needed to tread carefully.

Alana pressed her head back against the headboard, suddenly restless. She had meant it when she told everyone else that she intended to sleep, but now she was filled with so much energy. Maybe it was Andreas. After all, she knew he was doing something to try and filter out the noises and feelings constantly tearing at her defenses. And he was like her. Sort of. For a wild moment, she feared he was like the other, but dismissed the thought, slamming the door on her memories. There was a darkness in him, hanging about the edges of his murky aura, but he was not evil. Still, Alana felt there was a lot more to Andreas del Olmos than he admitted.

"Is everyone like you?" she whispered.

"Excuse me?" The question caught him off guard.

"Are the others like you too?" Alana reiterated. "Josef, Skyler, and everyone else. I know they're different. Not like me, but still different."

Andreas hesitated. How much could he tell her without scaring her? He delved into her mind, searching for a clue as to how she'd respond. After a long moment he extended his hand, his white teeth flashing. "Come. Let me show you."

Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to read this fanfic! Thanks also to everyone who reviewed. I always enjoy reading them, even if I don't reply. The release of Dark Blood is getting closer and I'm trying to get through the series before then (I'm almost finished with Dark Destiny and well behind on my reading schedule), so sorry about the time between updates.

Again, thanks!