Chapter 13

She is crying again.

Samuel cursed as his twin sent him the message. For the last week, he'd never known such instability with Carissa and her emotions. And it appeared to be her connection to Tyrell. As Samuel finished up a phone call with the VP of Finance at one of their companies, he tried to control his exasperation. Pierce wasn't faring any better, stressed to the point of even having trouble sleeping in the ground. The twins forced themselves to stay focused on their investments, never forgetting their vow to ensure the wealth of their Carpathian people was kept safe. Yet both were so exhausted from their worry about Carissa.

I've changed my mind, muttered Samuel as he threw aside a financial report, Gregori can stay in our homeland while I hunt down Tyrell. I'm ready to kill him after putting our lifemate through all this.

Right. I'm sure that will go over well with Carissa.

I'm beyond caring.

Actually, the problem is you now care too much.

Pierce, shut it.

His twin sighed. One way or another, this will be over soon. All we can do is be here for her.

We talked about taking her back to the Carpathian Mountains.

Yes, but not until Tyrell is gone. I'm not risking her seeing Gregori do what he does best when it comes to Tyrell.

Samuel huffed. You're assuming the traitor will return there on his own. For all we know, Gregori will be hunting him here.

Let's not go there. And by the way, I need to feed.

Okay, I'll be upstairs as soon as I finish reviewing these numbers.

Pierce stroked Carissa's hair as he lay next to her on the bed. I wish I could make you feel better, sweetheart.

She gave him a faint smile. "I know," she whispered. "And I know there's nothing either of you can do. For some reason, I just feel so sad, especially these last few days."

"You can feel his time is fading," Pierce pointed out. When she turned her head away, he frowned. "Carissa, you can't deny it. It's why you feel such sorrow."

"You should be right," she replied softly, "but that's not it." Carissa looked at him, her throat growing tight. "I can't explain it. It's not because his time is at an end even though I know that is the case. It's something else…it's like I feel what he's going through."

Pierce shook his head. "The last time we saw him, Tyrell had no feeling left. For whatever reason, the vow he made to you has been the only thing keeping him from the darkness. And even his loyalty to you is now being tested."

Carissa knew what he said made sense. But why didn't it feel that way? "You better go feed before dawn gets here."

"I don't want to leave you."

"Samuel is still home. I'll be fine. Besides, I should try and do a little work before dawn comes anyway."

Reluctantly, Pierce nodded and then gave her a soft kiss.

Carissa lay motionless for a few moments after he left, but knowing Samuel would eventually find a reason to keep her in the bed, she slowly got up and made her way down the stairs. She decided to go outside on one of the many balconies which wrapped around their enormous home. The cool air hit her face as she opened one of the French glass doors. As usual, the city lit up was breathtaking, and she focused on the twinkling lights in the distant buildings.

Carissa.

Tyrell's whisper touched her mind and she froze. Where are you? She inhaled sharply as sadness swept through her. Tyrell?

I am here.

Carissa turned her head to see a dark figure in the moonlight, standing on one of the hills not far away. She immediately transformed into an owl and flew to him. Taking human form, she rushed forward, only to stop short as he bared his fangs and hissed at her.

For whatever reason, Carissa could see he was suffering. Despite her fear from his reaction, she could see his physical strength was failing as he looked thinner. Tyrell's face was etched in pain, his skin ashen. He looked as if he'd actually aged. Even his once beautiful, long hair was now coarse. In place of the powerful vampire she'd come to know, Carissa now saw a man who was drained from his fight against the darkness. Yet his eyes…they were not red or black. Carissa saw warm, brown eyes which were warily watching her.

"Tyrell, what is it?"

"It is the end of my time." His black trench coat whipped around him as the wind grew stronger.

"So what the twins have told me…it's true. Five years have passed and…" She choked, unable too finish. Carissa couldn't stand it. Tyrell had saved her and her lifemates. He didn't deserve to die!

His eyes were flat and sad, yet he faintly smiled. "All life eventually comes to an end, Carissa."

"But they're going to kill you!" she cried.

"It is their right," he replied in a soft voice.

She wiped away a tear. "You could just face the dawn." Her voice was trembling at the thought. "What if…what if that would save your soul?"

Tyrell gave a soft laugh. "My dear, my soul is already dark. And I fear that darkness will rise and prevent me from facing the dawn. The only…honorable act I have left is to face Gregori and allow him to serve justice."

Carissa shook her head. "No. I won't believe you have a dark soul. I won't! Not after everything you did for us."

"Your light makes it difficult for you to understand." He drew a deep breath. "I want to thank you, for everything. You gave me a purpose once more." He gave a bitter laugh. "Me. A vampire with a purpose. Only you could have done such a thing."

Not caring what his reaction would be, Carissa started to walk toward him. But another gust of wind whipped up in front of her, pushing her back. She suddenly found Samuel standing in front of her, his body shielding her from Tyrell. When she stepped backwards, Carissa instantly felt Pierce's hard chest right behind her.

"Back off, Tyrell," warned Samuel. To his complete surprise, the dark ancient turned away.

Carissa darted around Samuel. "No! Don't leave. Please!"

Tyrell stopped, still turned away from her. "I have failed," he murmured in response.

"No!" she cried. "What if your lifemate is still out there?"

"Carissa," said Pierce in an uneasy tone.

"It could happen! What if one of the children who were trapped in time…what if one of them were meant for him?"

Very slowly, Tyrell turned around to face her and Carissa widened her eyes. The former vampire had streaks of blood streaming from his eyes. The twins were completely shocked and glanced at each other.

Trembling, Carissa suddenly realized her own blood tears were streaking down her face. "Tyrell," she whispered, "what is happening?"

"Forgive…me. My weakness is reflecting onto you." He didn't even bother to wiped the blood from his face. Tyrell looked at the twins who were staring at him. "Do not worry, she will be fine. With my death, the bond I have with her through my sworn oath will be broken."

Pierce shook his head. "We do not understand…what is happening to you?"

"We thought Carissa was upset because you were near the end, not because of any actual emotion," added Samuel. "The last time we saw you, there was none left."

Tyrell swayed with weariness, thinking of Arianna, but keeping his mind carefully blocked. "She will live the life she deserves," he murmured.

The twins glanced at each other in confusion once again. "Who? Carissa?"

Tyrell's eyes had lost focus. "I know you will protect her."

"Of course we will," replied Samuel with a frown. Pierce, there is something seriously wrong with him.

Because he is at the end, is he experiencing regret for his past? answered Pierce.

Tyrell closed his eyes for a moment. "I am so…tired."

Carissa reached out and squeezed Samuel's hand for reassurance. "I want you to be at peace," she said in a shaky voice. "If this is truly the only way you can be finally at rest, then I…," Carissa swallowed hard. "I-I understand what you must do."

Tyrell gave a slow, sweeping bow to her. "Thank you. You are truly light to darkness." He turned away, but connected with Carissa on their private link. Tell her I am truly sorry.

Who?

His voice was weak as he spoke on their connection. Once I reach the Carpathian Mountains, I will send word to your lifemates. They will watch over her.

I don't understand!

I hope to see you in another life. Goodbye, Carissa.

"No!" she cried out. "Wait!" But Tyrell had evaporated into mist and faded away. Carissa burst into tears while both Samuel and Pierce tightly embraced her.

Arianna winced at the morning sun. She had been traveling non-stop ever since Stefan had left her. She had walked all night, which became difficult as she wasn't dressed well and it had become colder. Arianna had nothing; no identification, money, or even clothes. A few time she cursed herself for being so stupid. But when Stefan left, there was only raw instinct to follow him.

Which was completely insane.

Okay, sure he destroyed the lab and saved her. But then he also tried to kill her not once, but twice. So why was she doing this? She should have stayed at the hotel where it was safe and warm. She could have just waited for these Falkland twins to find her.

There was something deep down which was driving her to find Stefan. For some reason, Arianna knew if she waited, it would be too late. She shook her head at this thought. Too late for what? She couldn't have a future with him, for God's sake! He was a vampire!

Right?

Arianna's doubts lingered about who or what Stefan was. Even if there was good in him, it was obvious he cared more about the woman Carissa. As she walked, Arianna kicked a few small stones across the pavement as a feeling of unexplained anger began to surface. What was so special about Carissa? Was she some long, lost love he could never have? Obviously the woman didn't care what happened to Stefan.

Even with the sun rising, Arianna shivered from the cold. There was no way to even get a taxi or bus to take her somewhere without money. She was so tired and couldn't even remember when she last ate. And then she remembered what Stefan had said to her.

What little I have from my existence is now yours.

For some reason, she recognized the area. Picking up her pace, Arianna spotted a graveyard several feet away. Despite her fear, she followed a path in her mind which Stefan gave her. And when she came upon a tombstone under a weeping willow, Arianna dropped to her knees near two large stones and began to dig. Within moments, she'd found a very old metal box. Opening it, she gasped as a handful of jewels glittered in the sun. They were extremely old, some probably worth several hundred thousands of dollars.

Arianna quickly hid them in her pocket and tried to smooth over the ground. It was nearly another hour before she finally walked far enough to find a pawn shop. Knowing the owner would probably believe she was a thief, Arianna chose a very small ring among the various jewels. She acted as if it was the last item of any value she had left, something her mother gave her. The pawn shop owner bought her story, and gave her money for the ring. It was probably by far less than what the ring was worth, but it gave Arianna enough to buy a bus ticket to Chicago which would leave in the late afternoon. The trip would take about five hours, and she hoped to find the Falkland twins that evening. Before leaving, she tried to eat, but was too sick to her stomach. She was grateful when she got on the bus that she was finally able to sleep.

Unfortunately, the bus broke down in the last hour of its journey. The driver apologized to everyone, citing it would the next day before another bus would be available. While many on the bus opted for a free night at a local hotel, Arianna refused. She could not deny the urge she felt to find Stefan. It was as if every hour that passed, the chances were even greater of her losing him forever.

To her dismay, it began to rain as she walked toward the city. By the time night had fallen, Arianna was drenched. Shivering, she reached the city and began to inquire about the Falkland twins. She was extremely disappointed when she found that everyone knew of them, but no one knew exactly where they lived. One man who was finishing a business dinner almost ran into her when she was walking around a corner. He apologized and took pity on her, offering her his umbrella. When she asked him about the Falkland twins, he reluctantly admitted they were key stockholders at the company he worked for and that it was rumored they lived n a secluded area far up in some hills beyond the city.

An hour later, Arianna was exhausted as she walked up a long, winding road, hoping it would lead her to their home. The wind picked up and she lost the umbrella as it flew out of her ice cold hand and beyond her reach. Her entire body was numb from the freezing rain. Every movement sent a stinging chill through her. By the time she finally reached the top of the hill, Arianna was close to falling unconscious. She dragged herself to the only house to be found. It was enormous, modern in architecture surrounded by iron gates. She found an intercom on a brick wall outside the gated entrance and pressed the call button…hoping someone would answer.

The twins curled around Carissa, hoping to comfort her in any possible way. They had been shocked by Tyrell's emotion the previous night. They had never expected to see him in such a state. His distraught emotions were reflecting on Carissa. When they woke her, she cried until she was exhausted. Samuel and Pierce both fed her repeatedly, worried about the amount of blood she lost through so many tears.

I hope Gregori give him a quick death so she doesn't endure this much longer, muttered Samuel as he stroked Carissa's hair.

If anything, he deserves not to suffer, his twin answered.

Speak for yourself. He's made our lifemate suffer more than I can endure.

Pierce sighed while he nuzzled Carissa's forehead. She'd finally relented to allowing them to put her back to sleep. Samuel, I know you too well as part of my own soul to think you'd really want to let him suffer. You hate Tyrell and yet you know deep down he is not completely evil.

Only because of Carissa.

Is that the reason? Or was it the minerals when he'd been captured long ago.

Who knows, grumbled Samuel, I just know I wouldn't mind smacking him around a bit for what we've been through.

There was a buzzing sound and the twins stiffened.

"What the hell?" snapped Samuel.

"Who would be at our front gate at this hour?"

Samuel scanned the parameter. "It's a human female. Where's Maria?"

"I gave her the night off. It was her birthday, remember?"

"Damn. Okay, fine. I'll go. You stay with Carissa."

"Be careful, my brother."

Samuel glared at him. "Of a human?"

His twin grinned. "Well, you are getting older."

"You're sense of humor has certainly evolved."

"Who said I was joking?"

Samuel hit his brother on the shoulder . "I think it's been too long since we've hunted a vampire and you're trying to egg me on so I'll beat the hell out of you."

"Then you'll beat the hell out of yourself given I'm part of your soul."

"It'd be worth it," he said with a lighter tone. He transformed into mist and went through the air ducts. He carefully unraveled some of the safeguards set around the house, and then returned to human form. Opening the front door, he cursed when he realized it was pouring down rain. And then in the distance, he saw the outline of a small figure barely holding herself up against the iron gate at the end of the driveway. With lightening speed, he ran to the gate and waved a hand to unlock it. When it automatically swung open, the small female fell stumbled out of the way and looked up at him.

"Is…he…here?"

Samuel frowned, noting the woman was completely drenched and shivering. "Who?"

"Stefan. I know…he's here. He has to be. Please…"

He cursed again when she fainted and he swiftly reached out to catch her. Picking her up in his arms, Samuel quickly carried her into the house.