Chapter 28

Viktor Bianchi silently glided behind two females who were making their way to the shops in the nearby village. He could not understand how the girl on the left could even speak so quickly, the words tumbling out non-stop as she raved about some television show. Viktor watched as the wind made her long, hair whip around her shoulders and down her back. Despite the fact he could not see color, he knew from the light shade it was blonde. The girl, named Elana, had so many curls in that hair, it was most likely impossible to ever smooth out. Elana was tall for a Carpathian female, making it hard to believe she appeared as a very small child when she had first been found in the cave with the others trapped in time. For whatever reason, some of the children grew extremely fast, as if suddenly catching up to the physical maturity so long denied to them. But other children appeared to grow at a painfully slow pace, which caused some frustration among the unattached males.

The familiar laughter of the girl on the right made Viktor stiffen, his keen eyesight keeping watch for any danger while they made their way to the first store. Anya was his ward, assigned to him by the SongMaker. She was constantly testing him, pushing him at times to question his own sanity when it came to her protection. Her definition of freedom was far different than his. But there was something in her eyes which sometimes made it difficult to deny her. And when any male, even those with lifemates, came into contact with her, he seemed to overreact. At first, Viktor thought he was possibly losing control, that the darkness was closing in on him. Eventually, he came to the conclusion he was hanging on desperately to his honor as he fought the darkness. If something ever happened to Anya, it would most likely send him over the edge.

Similar to Elana, Anya had grown very quickly. In fact, Viktor had to admit she was more of a young woman than child. Her notable female development began five years ago. At that point in time, she was similar to that of a fourteen year old, making Viktor extremely protective of her. She was a child, but it did not stop the unattached males close to turning from suddenly watching her with renewed interest. During that time, Nikolai was also still around. Anya considered him to be like a brother, but Viktor saw the young Dubrinsky also physically maturing at a rapid pace. Although Anya did not understand, Viktor had witnessed a number of males in his years of experience go through a range of emotions as they grew, which included a strong sense of sexual exploration. Given this, he found it extremely hard to trust any males, even the one she considered to be like family.

"And then she said that he cheated on her," rambled on Elana. "Can you believe that? I mean, come on, she knows it's a reality show. He's going to hear about what she said later."

"They're probably doing it for publicity of the show," replied Anya as they neared the first store.

"No, I really think she's that dumb. And those clothes she wears! Absolutely no sense of style. Seriously, how can she wear pink mini-boots? Who does that?"

"It's called people who have lived in Hollywood all their lives. Well, that and those who have money."

"Well, we have lots of money and you don't see me acting or wearing anything like that. Oh! Look at that beautiful scarf!" The two of them had now gone into the first store with Viktor still silently following behind. Elana immediately went to talk with the local sales clerk who was all smiles when she saw them.

Anya paused and looked at him. "I'm not sure why you insist on following so close."

Viktor could sense her annoyance. Despite having no emotion, he had certainly learned her moods, which were completely illogical to him. "And I still cannot understand why you must go shopping for clothes, when our gifts allow us to create them."

"It's fun to see what other people design, Viktor. And besides, even Mikhail says we should support the local town. It's good for us to buy things from them. And again, it's fun."

'Fun' was not something that came easy to a full fledged, Carpathian male with no emotion. When she was a small child, it meant playing with dolls or riding on his back when he transformed into a dragon. Now, Anya continuously wanted more freedom to be out by herself. Her new sense of fun seemed to be anything which placed herself in danger. Either that or it was just whatever she could do to provoke him.

"I have allowed you to go out with Elana today," he said in an even voice.

"See? That's the problem. There's that word 'allow' again. It's like I'm a prisoner or something."

"I am sworn to protect you."

"You could at least be invisible."

"I have considered that, but I find my presence does more good when I am actually seen."

She rolled her eyes. "Well, you could at least wait outside for us. It's silly for you to be following us around while we shop."

The door to the shop opened and a young man walked in. He immediately smiled at Anya, but Viktor saw the human's eyes glance directly at her chest. Never taking his eyes off the man, Viktor spoke in a low voice. "It is my duty to watch over you and so I will remain."

Anya gave a loud sigh of annoyance, flipping her long, dark silky hair over her shoulder. She turned to join Elana who was still talking non-stop with the clerk.

The human male by now had walked over to table which had a number of gloves for sale. But Viktor saw him occasionally glancing at Anya. Viktor reminded himself the boy was only human and not much of a threat. Still, he was going to keep a close eye on the male as he could read his thoughts about Anya having a beautiful figure.

There was a change in the wind outside and Viktor frowned. Carpathians rarely came around the town this early in the evening. He looked back at Anya who was obviously in deep discussion with the sales clerk and Elana. Silently, he slipped outside of the store and looked into the night sky. The sun was barely showing at this point and clouds had moved in. There was someone here…

"Did you miss me, Viktor?"

He whirled around, completely surprised that he hadn't sensed the Carpathian behind him. Nikolai, nephew to the Prince, was standing calmly before him. Viktor was taken aback by his appearance. The young male was much taller with broad shoulders. His features were similar to his real father, Draven. But there were also traces of Mikhail, especially in the eyes.

"Nikolai," he said in a deep and calm voice. "I heard you returned."

The young male cocked an eyebrow. "I get the impression you aren't exactly happy to see me."

"As an older male, I do not feel. I am only acknowledging your presence."

Nikolai was quiet for a moment, as if studying him with a quizzical look. "Interesting. The last time I left you, I recall an emotional outburst saying Anya was yours."

The comment didn't affect Viktor. "I am keeping the darkness under control the best I can, Nikolai. My very honor is at stake with her. Over time, I have come to the realize when she is threatened, my reaction is severe."

Mikhail's nephew folded his arms across his chest. "Severe," he echoed. "So let me get this straight. When you think she is in danger, your reaction is because deep down you know your honor is at stake."

"There is no other explanation."

Nikolai smirked at him. "And not because you are turning vampire and want her for yourself?"

Viktor's eyes narrowed. "The SongMaker assures me that is not the case."

The young hunter shook his head. "You are so blind, it amazes me. I shall find it quite amusing when her lifemate shows up one day."

For some reason, the thought hit Viktor harder than expected. But he kept his face expressionless. "I will not interfere with her lifemate."

"Oh, trust me. I think you will."

The way Nikolai made the statement sent Viktor on edge. Good God, what if Nikolai was Anya's lifemate? His jaw clenched. "You are too young to have a lifemate."

That smirk turned into a huge smile. "Am I? I was trapped in time. Maybe it's possible I'm older than you."

"Older does not necessarily mean wiser. And as you still have emotion and see in color, I cannot see how you would be considered an ancient by any means."

He shrugged in response. "Being held captive in time, who knows what may happen. I can only hope my years do not catch up with me when it comes to the darkness."

"What is your purpose here?" asked Viktor with a low voice.

Nikolai's face grew serious. "I was the leader of the children found in the cave. Being released from our prison, they were the next hope for our race. But my uncle has forsaken such a gift and foolishly used other means to save our males."

"I will not listen to this. I am loyal to Mikhail."

"Really? So what happens if two males show up to claim Anya?"

Viktor knew exactly what the young hunter was doing. Despite the fact that he accepted the Falkland twins and their lifemate, it was still hard to understand how such a thing had happened. The thought of Anya with two males made his stomach actually turn. "The twins were unique. It does not mean it will happen again."

"Ah yes," said Nikolai with sarcasm, "because now we are believing even vampires can claim lifemates."

"The SongMaker has declared Arianna and Tyrell as lifemates."

"And you believe this?"

"It is clear the female wishes to be with him."

Nikolai shook his head with disgust. "Even I am willing to admit you have far more experience than me when it comes to vampires. Is it not possible he could be overpowering her? What if he destroyed all those Morrison labs but found a way to control special females?"

This was certainly a possibility, but Viktor was present when Tyrell had arrived days ago. "He wanted nothing to do with her."

"And have you thought of the possibility this is an elaborate plot to win our trust? Now the SongMaker is saying he is a spy for us. He is claiming to penetrate the so-called vampire armies the Albino has been building."

"I have not heard this information."

"Ask Armando. It's true. But think about it. Is he really helping to find these vampires, or is he really a spy for the Albino? The minerals control emotions, Viktor. The anger and other feelings he is portraying could be complete lies. You know this is a possibility!"

Viktor could not deny the young hunter's logic. What motivation did Tyrell really have to find these vampires? The Prince would never forgive his crimes. And Viktor had enough conversation with Darius who fought Tyrell in the States to know the vampire was ruthless when it came to plotting elaborate schemes. There had also been evidence Tyrell abused and controlled women from what Darius found. Some vampires were known to create elaborate plots. Viktor had to admit Tyrell was extremely intelligent. Could this be a way to get at the Prince and the children?

"Look," said Nikolai with a more calm voice, "I don't expect you to just suddenly question my uncle's leadership. But you and the other ancients need to open your eyes and think about what is happening lately. There is no harm in discussing the issues. Unless Mikhail has forbid the ancients from talking?"

"Of course not. Why would you think such a thing?"

"Well, I heard when the ancients tried to protest the Falkland twins, the SongMaker and Gregori went so far as to question their loyalty."

Viktor remained silent. This was also true and he could not help but recall a sense of question during that time. He knew if he could feel emotion, most likely he would have been angered by the situation. The Dark Twins certainly appeared to be taken aback, yet immediately bowed without question to Mikhail. But didn't the SongMaker say one must learn from the past? Did Mikhail ignore the ancients and their advice too much?

"Nikolai!"

So distracted by his thoughts, Viktor failed to see Anya who emerged from the store with Elana. Both girls ran to him, and he captured both in his arms at the same time. The young hunter grinned as they embraced him.

"I was so worried about you!" exclaimed Anya.

Elana nodded and hugged him again. "I haven't seen you for so long!"

Nikolai stepped back and looked at her. "Elana? I barely recognized you!" He raked his fingers through his hair. "You were nothing but a child when I last saw you."

"I know," gushed Anya, "Doesn't she look amazing? Everyone says she looks like an angel with that amazing hair."

"Oh stop," laughed Elana. "You should see the others, Nikolai. Some are still small children while others are like me. And I am definitely not the prettiest."

"That's not what the males are saying," teased Anya.

Nikolai narrowed his eyes. "Is that so." He glared at Viktor. "Who is protecting Elana?"

"She is staying with Nicolas De La Cruz and Lara. She has aunts of the same DragonSeeker bloodline who will be staying here."

"Surely, two aunts aren't watching her all the time?"

"I also said Nicolas, did I not?"

Nikolai looked down at Elana. "It's just, I want to make sure she is safe. She was one of the last for me to take care of as an infant. She was so small." For a moment, the young hunter actually looked flustered, as if unsure how to act around her now that she'd grown.

Anya interrupted whatever he was thinking and threw her arms back around him. "Well, I'm glad you are finally home!" She kissed his cheek and a growl erupted from Viktor. Turning her head, she looked at him. "Nikolai is like a brother to me!"

Viktor was not doing well. His reaction to her kissing Nikolai was similar to what he experienced years ago. Was this young hunter her lifemate? All he could think of was hauling her away from him. He was about to act on this thought when surprisingly, Nikolai gently disengaged from her.

"It's okay, Anya. He's just protecting you."

She looked at Nikolai with astonishment. "You used to hate it when he was like that."

"I am not the same boy you once knew." He looked at Viktor and nodded. "Think on all I have said. It is indeed the ancients which we should learn from." Nikolai then transformed into an owl and flew off into the night.