Chapter 1
A few days later
Thierry helped Hannah with her bags as she boarded a commercial flight to Billings. There, Thierry had rented a car for her with a driver. Hannah kissed Thierry squarely on the lips, and he touched her cheek gently as if trying to remember her face.
"I'll call you as soon as I get home, I promise," said Hannah, giving him another gentle kiss. Thierry had given her a cellular-phone with an unlimited account so they could keep in contact, continuously. Hannah looked at Thierry as she boarded her plane and blew him a kiss. Thierry waved as long as he could and then slowly headed to his limo.
He opened the door and got in. "Home Nilsson," ordered Thierry. He was happier then he had been in years. Finally he sat back, closed his eyes and thought of Hannah.
That night
The phone rang at the Las Vegas mansion, and Thierry picked it up on the first ring. "Hello," said Thierry into the phone.
"Thierry, its Hannah I've landed at Billings and am on my way home. I miss you a great deal and hope to see you soon."
"I miss you to Hannah, a lot," said Thierry into the phone.
"Don't worry I'll come up and visit as soon as possible," promised Hannah.
"I can't wait," said Thierry.
"I've got to go now, but I'll call back in a few days. Say hi to the gang for me," said Hannah.
"I will I promise and don't forget how much I love you," said Thierry.
"I won't good-bye Thierry," said Hannah.
"Good-bye Hannah," said Thierry. He hung up the phone quietly and noticed, for the first time he was alone. Everybody had discreetly left so he could talk to Hannah in private.
~~~Thierry and Hannah~~~
Over the next few days, Thierry smiled at everyone and walked around in a daze. While in Medicine Rock, Hannah was finishing up her classes and taking finals. Chess, of course, was glad to see her and wanted to know what had happened. Hannah told her the whole story. She told her about her and Thierry and how they were soulmates. She even told her about her past lives and that Thierry was a vampire.
"That is so cool!" exclaimed Chess when she finished. "I would love to meet him."
"You'll get your chance evidently," said Hannah, with an almost wishful expression thinking of Thierry.
"You really miss him, don't you?" asked Chess. Her dark hair framed her face and her green eyes were slanted, giving her an exotic look.
"Yes, I do. It's painful for soulmates to be apart for even an instant," said Hannah.
"I wish I had been so lucky to find someone who loved me so much that he would search through the centuries for me. "You are so lucky," said Chess.
"You'll get your chance one day and at least you didn't have a vampire killing you, through the years," said Hannah. "Maya kept killing me before my 17th birthday in every life."
"But now Maya's dead and you killed her," said Chess.
"Don't remind me," Hannah said and winced. "I didn't want to and I'm not proud of it, but it had to be done she was going to kill Thierry."
"I understand," said Chess.
"You might understand, but my conscience doesn't. It goes against everything I believe in and I've been having nightmares ever since. They aren't as bad with Thierry around though," said Hannah.
"Gee, is their anything I can do?" asked Chess.
"No just forget it; I'll be fine," said Hannah. Chess nodded and said nothing more on the subject.
~~~Thierry and Hannah~~~
A few days later
Finals were finally over and it was graduation day. Hannah and Chess were getting ready when Hannah heard a voice in her head. Hannah, She also felt a wave of love come with the thought.
Hannah looked up and smiled to herself and then sent a wave of love back to him, I'll be right there, Thierry. She quickly put on the necklace Thierry had given her and then said, "I'm going out for a breath of fresh air, Chess."
"All right," said Chess not looking up from where she was doing her hair.
Hannah walked quickly to the front door and threw it open. She ran directly into Thierry's arms and hugged him. Thierry hugged her back and kissed her hair. He was dressed in a nice three-piece suit, his dark eyes shining with love; his white blond hair was slicked back off his forehead. "What are you doing here?" asked Hannah.
"I came for your graduation of course," said Thierry. "You didn't think I'd miss an important day like this, did you?"
"Of course not, that's why I got you a ticket," said Hannah. She kissed him and their hands met, intertwined. "Come in sit down, I would like you to meet my best friend Chess," said Hannah.
"Sure, does she know about my being . . ." his voice trailed off leaving the sentence unfinished.
"Yes. I told her because she's my best friend and because she dragged it out of me—besides she can be trusted to keep a secret," said Hannah. Hannah led him inside and left him on the couch. "Chess; can you come down here for a minute?" Hannah called.
Chess came down the stairs, and entered the den and saw the strange man sitting on the couch. She walked towards him, "Hi, you must be Thierry Descouredres," she said shaking his hand.
"How'd you know?" asked Thierry, only slightly surprised.
"Let's just say Hannah describes you very well," said Chess, sitting down in a chair opposite of the couch.
"So how's everyone doing in Vegas?" asked Hannah.
"They're doing great and send their love," said Thierry. "How would you like to go up there after graduation?"
"I would love to, but what will my mom say? Never mind, I'll figure out something," said Hannah.
~~~Thierry and Hannah~~~
A few minutes later, it was time for the graduation and they all headed outside to their cars. Hannah and Chess hopped in Hannah's car while Thierry followed in his car. "Boy, how did you get so lucky?" Chess asked, wistfully. "I would kill for a guy like that."
"I know, I am one of the few lucky ones to have found my soulmate," said Hannah.
"You sure know how to pick them Hannah," said Chess staring out the window.
"I didn't actually pick him you know—it was destiny," said Hannah, pulling up to the school. All Chess could do was nod saying nothing else as they got out of the car.
Hannah and Thierry separated at the auditorium. Thierry went to find a seat and the two girls went backstage to get in line. Thierry found a seat near the front and sat down.
Everybody stared at him wondering who this good looking guy was and what he was doing there. The lights begin to brighten on the stage and the principal came out gave a short speech and then sat down in a chair on the stage. A few teachers also made short speeches and when they were done the principal got up again and started to call out the student's names. Students walked across the stage as their names were called picked up their diplomas, shook the principal's hand and walked back to their seats. Finally it was Hannah's turn and as she walked across the stage Thierry thought he had never seen anyone so beautiful. Her hair was down her back and her eyes were the color of storm clouds. Thierry could see her proud look as she walked across the stage, picked up her diploma and headed back to her seat. He was so proud of her. She looked Thierry's way and smiled, I love you, Hannah sent mentally.
I love you to and I'm so proud of you. So in honor of the occasion I'm treating you and Chess to dinner, Thierry sent back.
Great, I'll tell Chess, Hannah sent. By this time, she had reached her seat and sat down.
~~~Thierry and Hannah~~~
Ten minutes later, the graduation was over and Chess met Hannah outside "Thierry has invited both of us to dinner Chess," said Hannah, as soon as they met up.
"How? When you haven't talked to him since just before the graduation?" said Chess.
"Why, telepathically of course," said Hannah. When Chess just shook her head, Hannah explained, "You see me and Thierry kind of have a connection." Chess didn't have a chance to respond as Thierry came up beside Hannah.
"Ready to go?" asked Thierry.
"What about your mom, Hannah?" asked Chess.
"Had to work late didn't want to, but they would have fired her if she hadn't," said Hannah.
"Man that's rough," said Chess, sympathetically. "All right let's go."
"What about your mom?" asked Hannah, as they walked towards their; cars.
"Out of town on business," said Chess.
"During your graduation?" asked Thierry in surprise.
Chess shrugged and said, "From what I know her boss forced her to go."
Thierry led the way and within a few minutes Thierry had stopped at the only nice restaurant in town. "Oh Thierry, this place is too expensive," said Hannah.
"Nothing's too good for you, Hannah. Besides I made reservations for three," said Thierry.
They entered and Thierry approached the desk. The waiter looked at the man approaching him, and thought, he has such sad eyes and they look so old, even though he doesn't look more then twenty. I wonder what happened for him to have the eyes of an old man. "Do you have reservations, sir?" asked the man.
"Yes reservation for three, Thierry Descouredres."
"Ah, yes. You have one of our best table's; sir," said the waiter, "This way." The waiter led the way and approached a table in a dimly lit corner.
Thierry pulled out a chair for Hannah, while the waiter pulled the other chair out for Chess. "Order anything you want," said Thierry picking up a menu and looking at it.
"You're going spoil me, Thierry," Hannah said, only half-jokingly.
"Hey that's my job, to spoil you rotten," said Thierry, grinning slightly.
"Oh you," said Hannah, swatting him lightly on the arm. They ordered a few minutes later and when their food came all of them ate slowly, savoring the rich dinner. Thierry even though he was a vampire could still eat regular food, but it did not nourish him like human blood. After dinner, they dropped Chess off and then Thierry escorted Hannah to her front door and kissed her on the lips. It lasted for a long time until finally Hannah broke the kiss. "I'll see you later Thierry. Where are you staying?"
"At the only hotel in town I'll be here for another few days," said Thierry.
"You sure you're not needed elsewhere?"
"No, you are the most important thing in my life and I'm all yours," said Thierry.
He left after that, Hannah waving good-bye until his car disappeared from sight.
Chapter 2
Hannah entered the house and went up to her room lying down on her bed. Her mom was still not home and it was, after 10:00 p.m. Hannah was beginning to worry when the doorbell rang. Hannah went downstairs, and opened the door and there stood Chris Grady, the town sheriff. "What can I do for you Chris?"
"Hannah, your mother's been in an accident," said Chris, taking off his hat as he said it.
"Oh no! What happened?" asked Hannah in shock.
"She was in a drive by shooting," said Chris.
"Well, I've got to get down there. Is she going be all right?" Hannah asked in a near panic.
"The doctors don't know. They were just beginning to check her out when I left," said Chris. "Let me drive you up there."
"Thank you, Chris. I accept," Hannah took Chris' arm and they walked to his car.
~~~Thierry and Hannah~~~
An hour later
Hannah sat in her mother's hospital room, holding her hand. Chris had stayed just long enough to make sure she was okay then had left to try to catch the guys that did it. After another few minutes Hannah got up and found a pay phone. She dialed a number and someone picked up on the second ring. "Hello?" Instantly something in Hannah broke and she started crying into the phone. "Hannah what's wrong?" asked Thierry worriedly. "Has someone hurt you?" Thierry's voice began to get angry at the thought.
"It's my mother," Hannah finally sputtered into the phone. "She's been in a drive by shooting."
"I'll be right there. Where are you?" Thierry asked.
Hannah told him and 15 minutes later, he was there. She ran into his arms and he held her, stroking her soft hair and comforting her. His dark eyes flashed in anger at the thought of what Hannah must be going through. Hour's later Hannah fell asleep in Thierry's arms, emotionally exhausted. Thierry released her and laid her gently on the couch in the lobby. Then he walked out his whole body full of tension, intent on finding the people that had done this to his Hannah.
~~~Thierry and Hannah~~~
A few hours later Thierry had tracked down the men who had shot Hannah's mother in cold blood. He had changed clothes before going on this expedition and was wearing a black suit, like a mugger or bank robber might wear and a black cap, which covered most of his white blond hair. He broke the lock quietly and entered. He stood still for a moment letting his eyes adjust to the darkness of the warehouse and then moved on. He could hear voices near the back of the warehouse and started that way walking more quietly then a cat. "Hey, I thought I heard something," said one of the men.
"Well, go check it out," ordered the leader, in a gruff voice.
The guy got up and began to walk toward where he had heard the sound. Thierry silently jumped down from where he had been hiding on top of some boxes. The man turned around as if sensing someone behind him, but all he saw was a pair of flashing red eyes. Thierry was on him in an instant, and the man made no sound as he hit the floor. "Arbie, find anything?" the leader called. When no answer came back at him, the man began to get nervous.
Thierry finished tying the man up with some rope he had brought with him, then quietly approached the other two, using all his years of training to go unheard. Thierry approached the leader quietly and grabbed him from behind, before either realized anything was wrong. "Who are you man?" sputtered the leader in fear as Thierry held him in an iron grip.
"Me? I'm your worst nightmare," said Thierry, never loosening his grip. "You hurt a very dear friend of mine and for that you shall pay dearly." Thierry's eyes began to glow a dull red and his teeth begin to sharpen into that of a predator.
"You're crazy," said the leader. The other man had already run off by them, but he wouldn't get far for Thierry had people waiting for him outside.
"Am I? You shot a lady who happened to be the mother of my soulmate. My soulmate means more to me then your crummy life. So give me a reason to put you out of your misery, I beg you," said Thierry, his grip tightening slightly around the man's throat. The man said nothing else as he quivered in fear. Finally, Thierry threw the man against the wall in disgust, knocking him unconscious. Thierry tied him up and dragged both of them outside. "Take all three of them to the police station and leave them on the steps," Thierry ordered the men who were approaching him. "I've got to go check on Hannah." The men nodded and did as told. The strange men looked normal except for the fact that none of them appeared over 19 and they were all exceptionally beautiful. They were all, made vampires.
"You better be glad all you're getting is a jail sentence. He could have killed you and probably would have it was not for his soulmate. So you better be grateful—very grateful," said a man to the leader of the gang. He had dark hair and ever changing eyes.
~~~Thierry and Hannah~~~
~~~Thierry and Hannah~~~
15 minutes later, Thierry was back at the hospital. He found Hannah where he had left her except she was covered by a blanket. He sat down beside her and gently put her head in his lap. Hannah; seemed to know that it was him even in her sleep and snuggled closer. Thierry stroked her hair long blondish-brown hair and kissed her forehead. By then it was after one a.m. Thierry sat like that for hours not moving for fear of waking Hannah. Finally, he fell asleep holding Hannah's head on his lap.
~~~Thierry and Hannah~~~
The next morning
Hannah awoke to find her head lying on someone's lap. She looked up and realized it was Thierry's. Thierry was awake already and staring down at her. Hannah sat up and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. "You stayed here all night?" Hannah asked Thierry.
"Yep," said Thierry.
"You didn't have to do that for me," said Hannah, looking into his sad dark eyes.
"I didn't mind. All that matters is that I was here when you needed a shoulder to cry on," said Thierry.
"Let me see how my mother is doing," said Hannah. She went in search of someone who could tell her and finally located a nurse. "Excuse me nurse, how's Mrs. Diana Snow doing?" asked Hannah.
"She's going be all right ma'am, but we need to keep her in the hospital for at least another few days for observation," said the nurse.
"Oh that's a relief. Thank you," said Hannah.
"You're welcome, it is always my pleasure to deliver good news," said the nurse.
Hannah walked back to Thierry and sat down beside him. "So?" Thierry asked.
"She's going to be fine, but they want to keep her here for a few days for observation," Hannah told Thierry.
"That's good news," said Thierry.
"Yes it is and I'm going in to see her. You're welcome to come along of course," said Hannah.
"No, that's okay, I'll just wait for you out here," said Thierry.
"Okay I won't be long," said Hannah, kissing him.
~~~Thierry and Hannah~~~
Hannah entered her mom's room and sat down in the chair next to the bed. She looked at her mother's pale face and shook her head. How could this happen? It seemed almost inconceivable to her that this kind of thing could happen to her or her family. Or any one for that matter, Hannah thoughts faded as her mother's hand moved. Hannah looked up just as her mother's eyes fluttered open.
"Mom, Mom? Can you hear me? It's Hannah."
"Hannah, what happened?" asked Diana.
"You were in a drive by shooting, but the doctors say you're going to be okay. They want you to stay here for a few days, for observation," said Hannah, gripping her mother's hand in her own.
"Oh thank God," said Diana.
Just as Hannah was about to respond there was a knock on the door and Chris poked his head in. "Hannah can I see you for a moment?" he asked.
"Sure Chris, I'll be right back mom," said Hannah as she got up and went into the hall.
"Now what is it Chris that you were afraid to say in my mom's presence?" asked Hannah.
"You know the guys that shot your mom?" asked Chris.
"Yeah so?" asked Hannah, wondering what he was getting at.
"Well we found them on our front doorstep this morning all trussed up like Christmas turkeys," said Chris.
"You're serious? I wonder who could have done something like that," said Hannah, although she was already beginning to suspect whom and she was going have a few words with him after Chris left.
"The men we found couldn't stop babbling about vampires and a guy with eyes as red as blood," said Chris, laughing a little. "Silly, isn't it?"
"Yes, very silly," said Hannah laughing nervously. Chris didn't seem to notice her discomfort.
"If you find out anything, could you call me?" asked Chris.
"Of course, but it's probably just someone's overactive imagination," said Hannah.
"You're right of course. See you later Hannah," said Chris.
"See you later Chris," Hannah said as Chris walked down the hall and disappeared.
As soon as he disappeared, Hannah poked her head back into her mother's room to check on her. She was asleep so she walked back towards where she had left Thierry sitting and sat down beside him. "So how's your mom doing?"
"She's doing just fine, but is still very weak," said Hannah.
"That's good," said Thierry.
"Why don't we take a walk outside and get some fresh air," said Hannah.
"Sure, I think you need it more then I do," said Thierry, taking her arm and escorting her outside.
Thank you for what you did, said Hannah, telepathically as soon as they got outside. And if I wasn't so glad that the men were caught I might just kill you myself for taking such a risk. You could have been hurt.
How'd you know? Thierry asked a bit sheepishly, in her mind.
I was just talking to Chris, our sheriff, and he told me the men ended up on the front doorstep of the police station, trussed up like Christmas turkeys and were babbling about vampires. That kind of gave it away, Hannah told him mentally.
Thierry seemed to mentally shrug and said. I knew you were broken up about what had happened to your mother, and I was furious over what they had put you through. I guess I just lost it and went to help the police find them. I didn't actually damage any of them all though I was furious enough to kill all three of them for what they had done to you, but then I thought of you my soulmate and knew you wouldn't want me to do them permanent damage, even if they deserved it.
Thank you for what you did and for sparing those men, even if they did not deserve it, as you say. I'm just grateful they were caught before they did any more damage to someone else's life.
You're quite welcome, my love.
But I swear if you do anything like this again, I'll kick your butt from here back to Vegas.
Thierry grinned at the thought that sentence conjured in his head. They headed back inside after that their hands automatically intertwined. Just being near each other made them both very happy, no words were needed for them to communicate. They loved each other without reservation.
"I think it's time for me to head home and maybe come back later. You're welcome to stay with me while my mother's in the hospital," said Hannah.
Thierry looked shocked at Hannah's suggestion for a moment then grinned. "Sure, I'd be glad to." Hannah went up and told the nurses she'd be back later and then she and Thierry left together.
~~~Thierry and Hannah~~~