Hello and thanks to new Guest reviewer! I had reviewer on the other site that reacted the same way to the koala. :) :) Quick side story - the koala happened 'by accident'. Claire couldn't ride on his back because he was carrying a large backpack, so she had to ride in front, which I thought was kind of an 'awkward' position and that's when the koala popped in my mind. That's the way much of the book occurs to me...just as I go along, ideas present themselves. there are still very large parts of this book where even I have no idea what is going to happen yet...

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Chapter 16 – An Intimate Connection

Myrnin's expression was furious with anger as he took my hand and led me out of the room. Liam – the nice vampire guard from before – met us at the door and seemed unaffected by Myrnin's hostile mood.

As we left the grand home and walked out into the night toward the guesthouse, Liam glanced at me knowingly and spoke with a smile in his voice. "You must be quite intriguing to influence him like you do." He nodded to Myrnin who was still fuming. "I can't say I have ever seen him quite like this before."

Since Myrnin didn't appear to want to join the conversation, my curiosity got the best of me and I asked tentatively, "How do you know him? And why aren't you afraid like everyone else?"

He nodded his head and acknowledged, "We met over three hundred years ago. I was transporting goods for my master, when I was ambushed by a convoy of thieves. They beat me mercilessly and left me for dead."

I inhaled sharply, at the mental picture of Liam lying in a pool of his own blood, on the verge of dying.

His eyes opened wider at my response and he murmured so quietly, I could barely make out the words, "You have a kind heart." Then he continued in a normal tone, "Even though I still breathed, I knew my life was forfeit, because I had lost the valuables that my master entrusted me with. He was a cruel unforgiving man."

"And that was when Myrnin found me, broken and bleeding, just waiting for the sweet release of death. I knew he was not natural when I saw his crimson eyes. I had heard rumors and myths of creatures of the night, but never believed them until that moment. He offered me a choice. In exchange for my blood, he would make me immortal, powerful beyond measure. I didn't see the benefit of it as I had no place to return to, and amazingly, he also offered me this – a new home, complete with a large family." Liam nodded, indicating the world around us. I could see the affection he held in his eyes and I struggled to understand how he could be happy here, working for someone as harsh as Gwion. The crease in my forehead must have given away my confusion, because he continued, answering my unspoken question.

"Gwion is as fearsome as you found him to be, but he has been fair and good to me. But by no means, does that make him safe or innocent," he warned quickly. He seemed to want me to keep my guard up. There was no need for his precaution there, because I fully understood the dangers of Gwion. He was very much like Myrnin, but without compassion, which made for a ruthless combination.

I glanced at Myrnin. His expression was still stone cold, so my attention went back to Liam as I asked quietly – well, more of an observation, than a question really – "Why do you not fear him, as it appears everyone else does?" I inclined my head to Myrnin.

"He sired me," Liam replied simply. "It gave us a bond that he has with very few people. I am not sure if there are any others left alive."

I stared at him with wide eyes.

Liam spoke honestly, "I am not foolish enough to believe that he could never hurt me or even destroy me, if he chose. The people here are correct in their fear of him; he has killed more than he has let live. His cruelty is second only to Gwion."

Shivers ran down my spine at this revelation and I stared at him in utter confusion. His words depicted a savage killer, but his emotion was affection.

He read my hesitation and questioned, "Have you seen his dark side?"

"Yes," I whispered. I had almost been on the receiving end of it many times.

Liam continued, smiling knowingly as he pointed out, "—and yet, you appear to love him?"

I knew I couldn't deny the certainty of his words. "Yes," I acknowledged softly.

Myrnin spun his head and stared at me intently. I knew he was searching my emotions for any insincerity. I blushed under his intense gaze, knowing he would only find truth in my words. His features softened. He murmured, "Cariad," and affectionately rubbed small circles with his thumb against my hand. I breathed a huge sigh of relief, now that he was no longer so angry with me.

Liam's eyebrows shot up. It seemed he had not missed the meaning behind our moment – and recognized the newness of it.

I understood then why Liam was not afraid of him. While he revealed none of it openly, Myrnin must hold great affection and trust for him, to allow him to witness our private encounter. Liam understood it as well, and just nodded silently to Myrnin.

"We're here," Liam nodded toward a cozy cottage nestled with woods surrounding it. "The refrigerator is stock with food…for both of you. And we have life snacks on hand if you prefer."

I cringed, suspecting he meant people just like Shane and Michael. I hurried in the door and quickly found the bathroom to pee and wash my hands, and then ran back out to Myrnin, not wanting to waste a minute before we saw Michael and Shane. Myrnin had dropped his large backpack in the kitchen and took my hand as he turned to go, feeling my urgency.

As we followed Liam back out into the night, I asked Myrnin quietly, "How did you know Gwion wasn't going to hurt me when he advanced on me?"

Liam hissed, "What?"

Myrnin told Liam the story, "As you have already discerned, Claire is different. Gwion recognized it as well and was testing her boundaries. So unexpectedly, he shot across the room and stood right in her face, growling. "

"Oh," Liam murmured in understanding, but also seemed confused that I appeared to be unharmed.

"However, Claire didn't move – nor did she flinch," Myrnin elaborated and waited for his words to sink in.

Liam looked at me in shock and seemed completely lost for words. I blushed under his scrutiny.

Myrnin turned to me and explained, "He wasn't blocking his emotions or intentions from me. He could have, but he chose not to. So, while I wasn't happy about the move, I knew in the moment, that he didn't intend you harm," Myrnin spoke tightly and then smirked, "—and I can't say that I didn't thoroughly enjoy his absolute confusion at your lack of response."

"You taught me well," I smiled. Myrnin grinned affectionately and squeezed my hand.

Liam was still looking at me as though I had three heads, but he shook it off quickly as he said, "We're here." He pointed to a large intimidating stone building with a steel door.

Nerves ran high in me as the door loudly opened, metal scraping against metal, and we were escorted down cement stairs. I was stunned to find the walls lined with cells, all of them full!

Suddenly, I heard Shane hiss, "Claire!"

Myrnin had dropped my hand as we entered the building and now followed me silently as I ran to the cell that held Michael and Shane. "What happened to you?" I cried.

Shane took my hands in his through the bars and spoke comfortingly, "We're okay."

Michael explained grimly, "Apparently, Gwion employs hunting parties. Anyone is fair game – vampires included – if caught in or around his territory. From what we have seen so far, Gwion purchases the people that are caught by the hunters and uses them as a food source."

A cold chill ran down my spine. I whispered, "Did they capture you at the church?"

"No, we made a clean getaway. It wasn't until we were another fifteen miles, that we were ambushed and captured.

I looked at Myrnin, "Do you think they were the same people that attacked us at the church."

Myrnin replied, "No, the aggressors at the church were quite intent on killing, not capturing. And they weren't vampires. More likely, they were vampire hunters from the city.

Shane looked eagerly at me, "So, are you here to get us out?"

I cringed with fresh anguish and whispered, "I wish I could say yes..."

"What happened?" Michael asked flatly.

"Gwion has agreed to release you – but only if I beat him at a mental challenge," I explained softly. I saw Myrnin clench his fist, as anger flowed through him again.

"What the hell?" Shane breathed.

"There might be a way…" Myrnin spoke quietly; his eyes were unusually guarded as he looked at me. I struggled to understand the reservation and internal conflict that skittered across his face. He had just committed to knowing a possible solution. So, why did it feel like the answer was tearing him in half?

I returned his stare, trying to get past his forced restraint, to find what he kept hidden. He didn't let me in. This wasn't the Myrnin whose dark intelligent eyes sparkled every time inspiration struck and he was about to save the day – again. I tilted my head slightly, observing him curiously. No, this was definitely something much more.

Shane filled the sudden silence between us, asking the obvious question, "How? As much as I hate to admit it, we could use one of your crazy-ass schemes right about now. The accommodations are nice and all," he waved a hand around the tiny dank cell in mock appreciation, "but I can think of about a hundred – million – places I'd rather be."

Myrnin avoided my eyes and refocused on Shane and Michael as he answered, "It's called Clāmāre. It could give Claire enough advantage to succeed."

Michael raked a hand stressfully through his golden hair; his blue eyes tense as he asked, "What exactly does the challenge consist of? What does Claire have to do?"

"She has to tell him 'no', three times," Myrnin replied simply. Somehow, I knew there would be nothing simple about it.

"That shouldn't be so bad," Shane grinned in my direction. "She'd probably enjoy shutting him down a few extra times just for fun." The corners of my mouth turned up, but it didn't change the tight ball of anxiety in my belly – there had to be more.

"Against his compulsion?" Michael guessed, his eyes hard, knowing that I had about a zero percent chance of overcoming the oldest-vampire-in-the-world's compulsion.

"No, he won't compel you," Myrnin turned his attention back to me. I got the feeling that he was looking for something inside of me. I had no idea what he found in my countenance.

"So if Dracula won't be compelling her and all she has to do is say 'no' three times, how hard is that?" Shane asked, trying to put the pieces together.

I had a feeling that Myrnin was keeping more than one piece of this puzzle to himself. He locked his eyes on mine, intently now, as he spoke, "Just because he won't force his will on you, doesn't mean it will be easy to say no." He didn't elaborate but I trusted he knew what he was talking about. The conflict was raging in his eyes again as he muttered, "No…you can't do this…it's just too dangerous."

"Whoa? Dangerous? Nobody said anything about dangerous. Are you talking about the contest or the possible solution?" Shane asked.

"Both," Myrnin replied grimly.

Trying to pin him down into less evasive answers, I asked Myrnin pointedly, "I get that Gwion is not going to be easy to defeat, but are you saying this solution – Clāmāre – is dangerous as well?"

"Most assuredly," Myrnin responded; a new emotion flashing across his features before he effectively hid it again – guilt. Now I was really confused. What could possibly make him feel guilty right now? He continued staring at me while he answered Shane, "I would give Claire access to utilize my mental abilities, so that she could defend herself."

"How?" I breathed.

"It is a complicated process," he answered evasively, looking down, but not before I caught another glimpse of an emotion that surprised me – desire. I blushed, remembering his soft but demanding touches against my skin; the unbearable heat he had stirred in my body. The images of being surrounded by a sea of glass bottles, while I lay pinned under his body, writhing against him on the bar in the hotel. I couldn't stop the twinge of anticipation that went through me at the memory.

Myrnin looked up at me sharply. My blush deepened as I realized he had felt my body's response. Shit! I had to stop reacting like that. His dark liquid eyes bore into mine in a way that made me feel like I was standing naked in front of him, with only the two of us existing in the world.

Heat coursed through my senses again.

He raised an eyebrow and smirked at me, before continuing to explain, "A…connection…is made between our minds."

"Why haven't I heard of it before?" Michael inquired, his eyes stopping to evaluate me before slowly moving on to Myrnin. I was certain he hadn't missed our brief private moment. I knew he sensed the already growing attraction, just barely hidden below the surface. And if that wasn't enough, the sudden jump in my heartrate and sporadic pulse screamed just how much Myrnin affected me.

"It is rare. Very few vampires have the skill. As far as I am aware, only Amelie and I can accomplish it. It is likely due to our already advanced mental gifts. Also, because the process can be…intimate…and it is virtually unheard of between a vampire and a human."

Shane's expression twisted into anger. "An 'intimate connection'? Oh, fuck no, that's not happening," he spat.

"I am perfectly willing to spare her and let you sit in here and rot," Myrnin snarled. His pupils dilated an animalistic warning and his jaw clenched. I knew he meant what he said. He could just as easily walk away with me tonight, and never look back – on Gwion, on Shane…on Michael. The thought of Michael being forever lost, separated from Eve, took my breath away and brought a sharp sting to my eyes. I couldn't let that happen, not as long as there was a possible solution to spare them both, within my reach.

"I'll do it," I confirmed softly. A shyness I had never felt with Myrnin washed over me; some unconscious part of me sensing just how very intimate this process was going to be.

"No!" Shane gasped. "He's lying to you! To get you, where he has wanted you for a very long time – his bed!" Shane seethed; his growing panic causing his voice to rise steadily.

I knew then, that I couldn't wait any longer and cringed. The circumstances could not have created a worse time and place to break his heart. I rolled the words around in my mind, Hey Shane, sorry that you're locked away in this filthy dungeon so that an ancient vampire can use you as a juice box. And oh, by the way, I kissed the man you absolutely hate the most. I cringed again. Yeah, this was going to be just perfect.

I rested my hand against Myrnin's chest to draw his full attention back to me. The glare in his eyes softened as he took in my expression. He knew what I planned to do. "Leave us?" I whispered softly, asking for him to allow me space.

"I won't be far," Myrnin replied, his promise carrying a growling undertone that sent chills down my spine. Abruptly, he turned on his heels, crossed the cold stone floor and made his way back up the steps. I cringed when I heard the loud clank of the door engage and then lock behind him.

"Claire, what are you thinking?! You cannot go through with this…even for me," Shane pleaded, reaching through the bars to hold my shoulders.

Michael drifted as far away from us as possible within the confined space, trying to give Shane an element of privacy. There was no way to avoid Michael witnessing my crushing Shane's heart, but I was thankful Shane would have his support, once I walked away.

"Shane," I spoke softly, reaching through the bars to cup his face with both hands. His soft brown eyes bore back into mine. He had suffered so much pain at the hands of vampires – losing his entire family from their all-too-frequent dark natures. I hated to become another nail in that coffin. I hated that the reason I was leaving him was because I had, unwittingly and unknowingly, fallen in love with my best friend, who was undoubtedly a vampire – one that Shane hated with a passion, nonetheless – Myrnin.

"I didn't…plan…for this to happen," I began slowly, trying to find my way to a starting point. But that was all it took for Shane to understand something was very wrong. He knew me; knew my facial expressions and my body language. He read the dread and the struggle evident in my features now.

A light went out in his eyes. His hands clenched down on my shoulders and he pulled his face away from my reach. My heart ached for his pain, but I couldn't stop. "You were right. And…I'm sorry…that I didn't see it before now. I would do anything to spare you this hurt."

"What happened?" his voice was dead now, already grasping what I planned to say; just not aware of the extent or the details.

"We kissed," I answered quietly and then rushed to confirm, as his grip on my shoulders became painfully strong, "That's all that we did…just once!"

"How could you not tell me, after it happened?" his voice trembled slightly at my betrayal, causing my heart to twist in agony at the damage I had done.

"I wanted to, but we were here – a thousand miles away from home – and I wanted to spare you until we returned and you were back in familiar surroundings; not the nightmare this trip has become," I haltingly tried to explain my reasoning.

"But…you're telling me now—"anger flooded his features, harsh and strong, "—because you are planning on sleeping with him tonight." His voice was thick with accusation and scorn. "You do know what that makes you, don't you? "

I stared at him in confusion, unsure what direction he was headed. He wasn't waiting for my answer to his apparently hypothetical question, and just pushed forward with his thought. "Trading your body in agreement for some sick mental-ability compensation…it makes you a whore!"

I stood, stunned and shaking, at his searing words; shock making it impossible for me to reply. That he could ever consider my choice, to risk myself in however many, currently unknown, ways, to be anything other than the sacrifice it was. I wrenched myself from his grip and flexed my shoulder muscles painfully. I had no doubt I would find fresh budding bruises there soon.

"Hey man, calm down," Michael placed a hand gently on his arm, trying to guide Shane's emotions back to a stable state.

Shane shook him off angrily and hissed, "Don't tell me to calm down! It isn't your girlfriend who is telling you she plans to walk out of here and fuck – him."

Anger, hot and strong, roared up in me at his accusation. "If I walk out of here…and fuck him, as you so eloquently said, it wouldn't be to save your sorry ass. It would be because I want to!" I hurled the words at him, suffocating the twinge of guilt that sprouted up, knowing the effect my statement would have.

Shane's eyes opened wide, his body recoiling, as if I had punched him. Immediately, regret washed over me and I spoke quickly in an effort to soften the blow of my last statement, "We don't even know the details yet. The process may not involve sex at all." I cringed; even to my own ears, the suggestion sounded highly unlikely.

"An intimate connection, Claire. That is what the bloodsucker said. What the hell else could it be?" Shane sneered, sarcasm dripping from each word, his upper body shaking as his now empty hands clenched into fists, livid with rage.

I stared at Shane's broken expression and realized there were no words right now, that could 'fix' his pain or repair the damage I had inflicted. Maybe there would be in the future. If he had a future. My stomach trembled in nervousness for what challenges tomorrow would bring. First, I had to make it through the night and from Myrnin's cryptic words and expressions, there was clearly the possibility I might not.

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