Dark Obsession

Chapter 1

 

Destiny Thomas, a twenty-one year old nobody, sat at her computer desk engrossed with a strange subject on the internet.  She wasn't famous.  She wasn't rich.  But she was beautiful.  

 

Her petite hand rested along her cheek.  Her elbow propped her arm up on the desk.  As her fingers delicately touched the letters on the keypad, her eyes moved back and forth, reading about that main topic on the computer screen.  Vampires.

 

Immortal creatures, as well as all things paranormal, always did fascinate her.  Vampires, with their ability to run faster than any mortal; the fact that they lived forever, witnessing so much history.  And their strength was phenomenal.  Not to mention, their otherworldly beauty.  It all seemed so surreal.  Everything about vampires intrigued Destiny.

 

No matter how absorbed she was, the more she read, the quicker her eyes started  to drift shut.  She would catch herself nodding off and open her eyes.  She'd, then, laugh at herself, shake her head and once again start where she had left off.  After three hours, of the same sentences, Destiny laid her head down and fell asleep.

 

Clap, clap.  Clap, clap.  

 

The sound of her heels hitting against the pavement echoed throughout the empty streets.  Her raspy breath flowed in and out in a fast pace.  She was running desperately from something, some things.  

 

Whatever they were, she knew they were dangerous and feral.  She felt it in her gut that she was indeed being hunted down.  And everywhere she would stop to rest and catch her breath they were there, following and stalking her.

 

Her long black hair blocked her teary vision as they covered her eyes.  She shoved the wavy tendrils behind her ears and turned her head around to check if the creatures were still behind her.  

 

These were just his decoys, ghouls of the night, leading her in the direction of their master.  He was the one who wanted her the most, who craved her the most.  She belonged to him.

 

No matter where she retreated, more and more shadows closed in on her.  They were setting up a trap to cease her from escaping their master's grasp.  

 

A high-pitched scream erupted out of her as she was tackled to the ground.  Her back hit the pavement hard, knocking the air from her lungs for a minute.  Destiny never saw it coming, though.  It was all a blur.  It happened so fast.

 

She glanced up.  Two red, thirsty eyes stared down at her.  Her attackers grabbed each of her uppers arms and hauled her to her feet.  She noticed their canines were white, deadly sharp fangs.  The moonlight contrasted brightly from them.  She comprehended then that she had been surrounded by vampires.

 

They dragged her over to the far corner alley of some abandoned brick building.  One vampire gripped the back of her hair and used it as leverage to hold her head up.  She complained that the creature was pulling too hard, but it did not care.  She began to whimper, out of fear and pain.

 

"Your made three mistakes."  A menacing, baritone voice sounded in front of her.  A man with obsidian short hair, spiked up about his head, stepped out of the shadows.  He was dressed in black slacks and a black beater, seeming to blend in quite well with the darkness.  The shirt he wore was tight, showing off every rippling muscle in his toned abdomen and chest.  Upon his feet were steel-toed boots, also the shade of black. 

 

He walked slowly toward her confined form.  "Let me point them out."  He cupped her cheek.  "Mistake number one:  you thought you could escape me."

 

"But I-"

 

His thumb traced her lips and shut them to quiet her.  "Number two:  not only were you leaving me, but you were running away to him."  She mumbled around his finger.

 

"Your last mistake," he gripped her chin in a bruising hold, "was calling out to him when you knew damn well that you were forbidden to do so."

 

Destiny jerked her face away, her green eyes glaring into his crimson ones.  "He will come for me.  He will protect me."

 

The vampire bellowed out a laugh.  "He couldn't even protect you from me the first time.  What makes you believe he can now?"

 

"He loves me, that's why." she confessed.  "And I love him."

 

Her being restrained tempted him to take her on the pavement ground, right then and there.  Instead he cupped her cheek once more, running the backside of his hand down her satin skin very gently.  Too gently.  She knew what was coming next.  In a swift motion, he backhanded her hard.

 

He collided his lips against hers roughly, his tongue sweeping her blood into his mouth in delight.  "You had best never say that again.  Do you hear me?" 

 

Destiny spit the remaining blood, along with his spit, onto the pavement.  "Fuck you!"

 

"You are mine." he hissed, taking a handful of her long hair into his hand and yanking her head up again.  

 

She whimpered.  "Never!"

 

The corners of his mouth curved into a feral grin.  "We'll see.  Now then, tell me, what should I do about your behavior?"

 

The look in his eyes was that of a sexual predator.  She stared into them, panic filling her thoughts.  There was no living after this, she told herself.  Destiny shook in terror as his ice-cold hand wiped her tears.  It was a tender touch, almost loving and endearing.  But no matter how easy he handled her he still made her nervous.

 

"I-I'm." she stammered.  "I'm sorry.  I promise to be better."

 

He smirked wickedly and leaned down to whisper in her ear.  "Oh, I know you will.  And I'll make sure of that."

 

Destiny's eyes widened.  "No!"

 

"He doesn't want to kill you." he stated out loud to himself, openly ignoring her protests.  "Nor does he want to turn you into an immortal, bind you to him forever."  He dropped the handful of her hair and caressed it.  "What a pity."

 

"So what!" she mouthed off to him.

 

"So, because of his guilt and stupidity," he grazed his hand down the underside of her right breast and over her nipple, "he'll never be able to touch you like I already have."  

 

He growled huskily.  "And, I'll continue to do so."

 

"No," she shrieked and tried to pull away from her captors.  "Please, don't do this."

 

He laughed at her feeble cries and failed attempts.  He was gorgeous, there was no doubt about that.  But he was the most dangerous one out of all vampires.  He was the elder of the Rogue's.  And he was very unpredictable, prohibiting other vampires and their clans from outsmarting him.  He was always a step ahead of them.

 

"Tell me, my beauty," he trailed his hand under her shirt and cupped her succulent globe, "did you actually have faith in his promise? You know he cannot defeat me."

 

Tears slid down her cheeks in rivers.  Her body began to tremble.  Destiny was so afraid.  She knew he was going to either kill or turn her.  She could not hinder any of them from happening any longer.

 

"Not going to answer a simple question?"  He chuckled while still fondling her breast.  "No matter, it will all be over very soon."  His thumb played against her nipple, turning it into a hard peak.  "I'm going to make the decision for him.  After all, I did see you first."

 

"Do what you came here to do." she said, courage shining from her eyes.

 

As Destiny watched his head lower painfully slow towards her neck all bravery diminished.  She felt him brush her hair away from his fleshy destination.  With one last ounce of strength in her, she freed her left arm.  Her fist burst through the air, connecting with his jaw.  The force of the hit amazed even her.  "Get off of me!"

 

The Rogue elder snarled dangerously at her.  "Once I take away your mortality I am going to make you wish that you had never done that."

 

She thrashed about in a last attempt at freedom, swinging her fist and knocking the other vampires away from her.  Instead of attacking her, they started growling and sniffing at the air.

 

Their master inhaled deeply, groaning in absolute pleasure, thus confusing her completely.  She watched his eyes roll to the back of his head.  He followed the mouth-watering scent, stopping at the hand she used to hit him.

 

He opened his eyes and sighed.  "Ah, you are bleeding."  He grabbed Destiny's wrist and opened her closed fist.  There on her index finger was a cut with bits of blood oozing from the wound.  When she hit him, his fang had cut her.  

 

He put her finger in his mouth and sucked.  His saliva stung, so she tried to pull away.  "Stop, you're hurting me."

 

He growled in his chest, almost like a deep purr, and gazed into her eyes.  His crimson orbs shined even brighter than before.  Destiny focused on his captivating eyes and became instantly stuck.  He had placed her under a deep trance.

 

The pain left her and was replaced with sensual pleasure.  Her body started to heat up.  A moan escaped her lips.  The feel of his tongue slithering around her wounded finger sent a flood of damp warmth between her legs.

 

Her sigh of passion woke him from his bloodlust.  He glanced up at her and chuckled.  "Did you enjoy that, my dear?"  She nodded, eyes still focused on his; her mouth was wide-opened as she panted heavily.

 

"I think I will save turning you for another day." he told her.  "You would not be able to handle being separated from me for too long anyway.  Granted, if he came and saved you, you would do everything in your power to come back to me"  His smile was malevolent and secretive.  "Why is that, sweet Destiny? Can you tell me?"

 

"I crave..." she whispered.

 

"What do you crave?" he asked, his breath blowing hotly against the shell of her ear.

 

"You," she moaned again.  "I'm addicted to your taste, your scent."

 

He grinned.  "And what would you do if I stuck my hand down your pants?"

 

She furrowed her brow, using her will to break the hold.  "I-I have to s-stop."

 

He slid his hand inside her pants and underwear.  "What happens if I do this?"  His finger spread apart her folds.  "So wet and ready for me, aren't you, baby? How do you feel?"

 

She bit her lower lip.  "Different, but good."

 

"Do you still want me to stop?" he murmured into her ear.  His tongue flicked out and licked her earlobe.  

 

She gasped and shook her head.  "You are my dark obsession."

 

He slipped his finger, wet from her juices, into her slowly.  He pulled it out, shoving it right back in and just as deep.  "And you are mine."

 

Destiny cried out, feeling something release from her core.  She coated his finger with her juices.   

 

He stuck his finger in his mouth and licked it clean, moaning in satisfaction.  She tasted so delicious.  He could never get enough of her sexual flavor.  

 

She fell forward, but did not hit the pavement.  He caught her in his arms.  The trance Destiny was under was slowly dissipating, leaving her physically weak.  She tried to shove him away from her yet he was unmovable.

 

Destiny's body was pliant in his arms, "Why can't you just let me go?"

 

He held her in a tight embrace.  "You belong to me."  He dipped his head to her pulsating vein.  "And I to you."

 

Destiny was was so lost inside.  She really believed he would save her this time.  Believed he would protect her.  She closed her eyes, tears trickling down her cheeks.  She had lost all hope.  There was no one coming for her.  She was doomed.

 

Suddenly, a roar sounded in the night.  A howl of rage vibrated the earth as if God himself had come to punish the wicked.  The Rogue elder was ripped away from Destiny and hurled many feet into the air.  

 

She was, then, met with piercing amethyst eyes.  Her protector, her savior.  He broke the other two vampires necks with ease and lifted her fragile body into his arms, holding her like a groom does his bride.

 

"You came," she whispered.

 

Her angel wiped the remaining tears from her face and cradled her to his chest.  He replied back with a tender smile, "Did you think otherwise?"

 

"Orias, you cannot take her.  She is mine.  She bares my mark."  The Rogue elder lunged toward them both...and...

 

Destiny automatically twitched awake from her strange dream.  Along her left cheek, the shapes of keys from her keypad were indented into her skin.  She yawned and stood from her chair, still a bit shaky from the intensity of her dream.  It had seemed all too real.  So vivid.

 

The clock read 12:46 a.m.  It was too late to walk out of her apartment alone, especially since there had been peculiar murders in her town; hence the reason for studying and reading up on the subject of immortal creatures.

 

Sixteen homicides in the past month and still no clue who or what had caused the deaths.  The only vital information revealed on the news was that the victims were drained of blood.  They had all been females; beautiful women around her age.  It terrified her.

 

She decided the reason for her dream was because of the horrible instances happening in her home town.  It was her subconscious creating the scary nightmares.  

 

Yet that was not the first dream she had had about the Rogue elder vampire.  And the man who saved her seemed so familiar.  It felt like she knew him already.

 

Destiny's cellular phone started to vibrate, catching her attention.  She raced to answer it in time.  She took the device in her hand and flipped it open.  It was her friend and classmate from college, Constance Sparks.

 

"Oh, Des, you finally picked up."

 

Destiny asked her, "You've been trying to call me, Connie?"

 

"Like twenty-hundred times," Constance said with a giggle.  "Any-who, are you doing anything right now?"  

 

Knowing her friend was using sarcasm about the numerous times she tried to call her, Destiny replied back.  "No, not really.  Why what's up?"  It was very noisy wherever she was at.

 

"Quiet!" Constance hissed.  "Well, some friends and I are going to a party.  I was hoping you would like to join us.  Would you?"

 

Destiny stretched her arms high into the air and yawned while holding the phone with her shoulder, "Sure.  When and where?"

 

Constance squealed happily.  "Yay! Tonight at David's."

 

"Okay, what time are you going to be here?" Destiny questioned.

 

She heard Connie yell at the people in the room with her again.  "I can barely hear her, damn it.  Shut up!"  She smiled when Connie sighed in frustration.  "I will be there at 1:30 sharp.  Be ready in time, girl."

 

Destiny laughed.  "It doesn't take me two hours to get ready, Connie, my dearest bestie.  Unlike you."

 

"Ha! Ha! You are so funny." Constance murmured.

 

"A regular comedian." Destiny interrupted, laughing harder after she said it.

 

"Des," Constance paused.  "Just be ready at 1:30, you goofy woman.  I love ya and see ya then.  Kiss, kiss."

 

"See you then, Connie." Destiny told her.  "Love you.  Kiss, kiss."

 

She hung up the phone and rushed around the apartment, throwing on different outfits.  Nothing appealed to her interests.  She had already worn all of the clothes she had tried on for a number of occasions.  She wanted something completely different.  Something sexy, stunning.

 

"I wonder if Shiela has anything that I could borrow for tonight." Destiny pondered out loud.  

 

Destiny threw on her terry cloth robe and wrapped the sash around her torso tightly.  She walked to her front door and turned the knob, opening the door halfway.  

 

Paranoid seeping in, she peeked down both ends of the hallway and stepped out of her apartment.  Her feet carried her quickly to her friends room.  After hearing about the murders in her area on the 7 o'clock news for the past four to five weeks she had been terrified to go anywhere.  At night, that is.

 

Knowing it was unhealthy to live her life in fear, Destiny tapped her knuckles against the door and waited.  The door was swung ajar in no time.  

 

A female a little older than Destiny stood on the other side with a beautiful caring smile on her petite face.  It made Destiny's fear disappear in no time.  Her friend always had had a kind disposition about her that caused Destiny to trust her fully.

 

She enveloped her arms around her friend in a warm hug.  "Shiela."

 

"Well, hello there, neighbor."  Shiela giggled and held Destiny, stroking her hair soothingly.  "What brings you here at this time of night, sweetie?"

 

"I have the biggest favor." Destiny admitted, squeezing Shiela and letting go to look at her.

 

"What's up?"

 

"Constance invited me to go to a party with her and some friends," she told her.  "But I don't have anything that would make me stand out.  I want to look sexy and maybe find a guy I like."

 

Shiela nodded with a grin.  "You know what, I have just the thing."

 

"Really?"

 

"Yes," Shiela confirmed.  "Come on in, sugar."

 

"Oh Shiela, you are a life savor." Destiny commented.

 

Shiela laughed.  "I was out shopping the other day and bought this outfit exactly for you."

 

"You what?" Destiny gasped.  "But it isn't my birthday."

 

Again Shiela laughed.  "No, it isn't.  However, you have no family or boyfriend to spoil you and you deserve it.  You are such a wonderful person."

 

Destiny felt a bit emotional and began to tear up.  "Thank you.  No one has ever told me I deserved anything.  You are a great friend.  I stand by what I consider you, Shiela."

 

Shiela handed her the clothes.  "Oh, and what is that?"

 

"A big sister." Destiny said, a tear sliding down her cheek.

 

Sheila always had the stylish clothes that Destiny liked.  Nothing too revealing, but still sexy.  Sheila pulled out hip-hugger blue jeans and a red halter-top with a black built-in belt in the center.  It was perfect.

 

Destiny squealed.  "I love it!"

 

"Good.  So, do you want me to do your hair and makeup tonight? I have this new hair style I would like to try out on you."  Sheila was a cosmetologist and often used Destiny as her guinea pig to try out new styles.

 

"Sure." Destiny answered with delight.

 

After thirty minutes of Sheila's magical beautifying work, Destiny's appearance was beyond satisfactory.  Sheila made her look like a goddess.  "You are certainly dressed to kill tonight, D."  

 

Sheila wrapped her arms around her.  "Have fun and be careful."

 

Destiny gave Sheila her thanks and hugged her tightly.  "Don't worry.  Constance is driving.  No way am I going to walk alone and risk being the killer's next victim."

 

When Destiny was in her own room she sprayed her favorite perfume on herself and sat down on her couch to wait for Constance.  It was already 1:32, and there was still no trace of her.  Destiny shook her head and grinned.  Here Connie was telling her to be ready on time, but she was the one running late.  

 

Destiny laughed under her breath as she heard the distinct honk of her friend's car horn.  She would definitely not let her live this down.  Ever! 

 

Once she peeked out the window she saw Connie's red Mustang convertible parked in the apartment's lot.  It was brand new and highly expensive.  The top was up and she could plainly make out the outline of her friend in the driver's side, as well as three other people in the back seat.

 

Destiny locked everything up and dashed out of the exit door.  Constance rolled the window down and smiled.  She looked fantastic.  But she always did.  Two other very pretty girls sat in the back, one blonde and one brunette.  Next to them was a man about the same age as her.  

 

She had never seen these three strangers before and, yet, he seemed very familiar to her.  His short, light brown hair, messily gelled in all directions.  He had a pale complexion, high cheekbones, and a medium sized nose.  His eyes were the color of deep purple, which Destiny took as colored contacts.  He had on a black, halfway buttoned dress shirt and dark blue jeans.  To say the least, he was gorgeous.

 

The guy turned his head toward her, his seductive eyes landing on hers.  He was so beautiful.  Absolute perfection.  He grinned, amusement hidden once he caught her gawking at him, practically swooning.

 

Destiny blushed and focused on opening the passenger door.  She sat down in the front with Constance.  A long, soft sigh slipped passed her lips.  Why do I always make a fool out of myself, she questioned herself in thought.

 

"Aye mommi." Connie shouted.  "You look hot."

 

She licked the tip of her finger, making a sizzling sound.  Destiny laughed and shook her head, feeling her friend pull out of the parking lot.  The other two girls giggled and she smiled back at them.  She grabbed her seatbelt, about to strap herself in, but felt some ones strong gaze on her.

 

Destiny turned around, placing part of the belt behind the seat, and stole a quick glance at him.  He was staring at her.  Her heart skipped a beat as his eyes captured hers again.  He winked.  And, damn, was it a sexy wink.

 

Embarrassed and somewhat shy, Destiny faced forward in a hurry.  A blush formed on her cheeks.  Yet a small smile lifted the corner of her lips.  She was brought of her thoughts when Constance turned on some music.  

 

Her fingers twitched and tapped to the beat of the song on the window next to her.  Nevertheless, she could not stop wondering about the guy sitting in the back.  He was so familiar.

 

Apparently reading her friends mind, and not knowing it, Constance spoke up.  "Des, the two girls are Trina and Chasity.  They are sisters."

 

"Hi there, I'm Trina." the blonde girl said.  "And this is Chasity."

 

The brunette, Chasity tapped the guys shoulder.  "And this is our cousin, Orias."

 

"It's nice to meet you."  Destiny's attention turned to him and she looked into his mesmeric eyes.  "All of you."

 

Orias smirked sexily.  "The pleasure is mine, I'm sure."

 

His voice, so deep and husky, sent her on a cloud of fantasies.  She had never before thought about a man sexually.  Destiny was a virgin, through and through.  But he was seducing her, somehow.  He was doing it without realization, for she felt a wave of liquid heat flow between her legs and her heart wouldn't stop racing.

 

Before his voice caused her to orgasm all over herself, figuratively speaking, Connie pulled her out her thoughts once again.  She was jostled into the window just about as her friend turned sharply into the driveway.  

 

Destiny gripped onto the "oh shit" handle and closed her eyes.  She was sure Constance was going to wreck.  Yet she didn't.

 

Destiny let out the breath she had been holding once Constance parked the car.  All five passengers stepped out of the vehicle and up to the house with the blaring music.  

 

Looking around, she noticed many people who went to the same college as her were there.  Some were outside, beer cans filling their hands and they were stumbling around, drunk.  Destiny shook her head in disgust.

 

"Hi Destiny!"  Her and Orias glanced about, attempting to find the culprit who yelled out her name.  Orias nudged her gently.  She focused on the direction he was pointing and, waving like a crazy man, was her wonderful friend Xander.  They had become friends the moment they met each other in NYU, New York University college.  

 

Ever since, they had been inseparable.  Both were obsessed with movies and singing.  He could play a mean bass guitar line.  The two would have a movie night every Saturday.  One would supply the popcorn and drinks while the other picked the movie.  It was starting to become a tradition.

 

Destiny raced to greet her friend.  Orias followed close behind her.  She wrapped her arms around Xander.  They hugged each other tightly.  He swung her around in a circle.  She shrieked, but quieted as he put her back on her feet.

 

"X," that was the nickname she alone gave him, "What are you doing here?"

 

He raised his brow.  "I was just about to ask you the same question."

 

"I came with Connie and three of her other friends."  She pointed at Chasity and Trina.  

 

Xander made a face.  "She invited them? I wonder how many they're going to dig their claws in and fuck this time."

 

Destiny laughed, almost spewing soda from her nose.  "But wait, X, it gets even better."  She peeked behind her at Orias.  He was chatting with some other attractive fellow and a beautiful red headed chick.  

 

Xander's eyes widened.  "Holy shit, Des.  You have finally landed yourself a man?"

 

"Ha! Ha! Very funny, man whore." Destiny muttered.  "Supposedly they're cousins.  Who are you here with?"

 

"I came by myself, but," he moved his head, indicating the two Orias was chatting to.  "I am trying to win her over."

 

Her mouth dropped.  "You're into red haired women now?"

 

Xander grinned, nodding.  "I am.  She's damn hot."

 

Destiny patted his back.  "You go with your bad self, X.  Go get her."

 

"Oh, I plan on it." he assured her.  "And have fun with your fellow, too."

 

"I almost forgot." she stopped him.  "I had another dream before I came here."

 

"About the evil vampire?" he asked.  Xander was the only one she had ever confided in about her dreams.

 

Destiny agreed, "It was even more intense than the others."

 

She told him the details of the nightmare and he gasped.  "Are you serious?"

 

Her expression saddened.  "I'm afraid so."

 

"Aw, honey," he cooed, wrapping her in his arms.  "Just remember, be careful everywhere you go.  Don't go anywhere alone."  He pulled away, looking into her eyes.  "And if anyone touches you in the wrong way, I will kick their ass."

 

"Xander, you always make everything so much better."

 

He ruffled her hair.  "I try.  You're like a little sis to me, although you are a year older than I am."

 

She pointed at him and narrowed her eyes.  "Hey! Off of the hair."

 

He laughed.  "Alright, Miss Drama Queen."

 

"Bite me."  Destiny flipped him her middle finger.  "I'll catch you later, X; love you."

 

He hugged her one more time and left, calling back.  "Love you, too."

 

He was right, Destiny and Xander had always seemed more as brother and sister than best friends.  It was never anything sexual between them.  She knew that she had nothing to ever worry about in that aspect.  

 

Xander always complimented how beautiful she was.  But never hit on her and never took their friendship to a sexual level.  Being like siblings, it seriously repulsed him to think of being with her between the sheets.

 

Orias stepped up beside her.  "Who was that?"

 

"My best friend, Xander. " she replied. 

 

He grinned, a sense of relief in his eyes.  "I figured he was your boyfriend."  Destiny almost dropped to her knees laughing.  He cocked his eyebrow.  "What's so funny?"

 

"I'm sorry, Orias, but that was hilarious." she said, wiping the tears from her eyes.  "He'd get a kick out of it, too."

 

"Explain."  

 

"Xander's like a brother to me."  She smiled. 

 

He laughed.  "I see, well, so were the two I was talking to.  They're good mates of mine and they are siblings.  His name's Darian.  She is Morgana."

 

"Is she your girl friend?" she inquired shyly.

 

He smirked and pulled her into his chest.  "No.  And she would never be.  Much like your relationship with Xander, ours is the same way."

 

She blushed.  "I know who you're referring to, though.  Xander has got it bad for her."

 

His eyes lit up.  "Really? What a coincidence, she likes Xander, as well."

 

Destiny was focused on his kissable lips.  "We definitely need to hook them up."

 

"Sounds good." he agreed.  "First thing tomorrow, we will have them meet up with us.  We'll "accidently" run into each other and decide to go watch a movie together.  Alright?"

 

"Great minds think alike." she stated.  "But what about her brother?"

 

"He likes your other friend, Connie."  He chuckled.

 

"Oh, Constance? Triple date then?"  Destiny laughed and grabbed his hand, leading him to the front door.  Orias liked the feel of his fingers linked with hers.  It just seemed right, almost as if it was meant to be.  

 

He twisted the knob and, being a complete gentleman, held the door open, inviting her.  "After you." 

 

She smiled, his charms making her melt.  "Thank you."

 

He smirked at her expression.  He was so sexy to her.  And there was something very mysterious, deep about him.  Something secretive.  

 

Destiny heard a chuckle rumble in his chest.  She spun around to face him.  "Is something comical to you, Orias?"

 

His eyes held silent laughter.  "Yes, as a matter of fact, there is."

 

She crossed her arms, tapping her right foot.  "Care to enlighten me?"

 

Orias knelt to her ear.  His warm breath tickling the shell of it.  He made sure only she heard him.  "You have that look in your eyes.  You are trying to read me, figure me out.  That, to me, Destiny, is humorous."

 

Goose bumps formed up and down her flesh.  She craved his lips on her neck.  "And why is that?"

 

He grinned lustfully.  "Simple."  He kissed her neck, causing her to gasp.  "It is impossible to do so."

 

She sighed in pleasure.  "Oh? And what makes you sure I will not be able to?"

 

His palm rested along the back of her head.  "No one has ever been able to break passed my walls."  Orias gripped her hair softly.  "What makes you believe you can?"

 

Destiny slowly jerked away from him.  "Has Connie not told you about me?"  She gave him a temptress' smile and attempted to walk away.

 

He halted her quicker than she imagined he would.  "No, she has not."  His fingers touched her shoulder and an electric jolt burst through her entire body.  "What is so special about you?"

 

Destiny shuddered at the sensation.  "She and others think I am a psychic.  I dream things and they happen."  She lowered his head down to murmur into his ear.  "And there has been no one, ever, that I haven't been able to read or figure out."  She poked his chest with a finger.  "You're no exception."

 

Something flashed in Orias' eyes.  "Well, well.  Let's go for a walk and see how good you really are, Miss Cleo."

 

"And where are we going?"  Destiny was curious, but anxious to be alone with him.

 

He pointed down the road.  "There is a park about a block from here."

 

"Let's go, Mr. Confident."

 

He huffed out a laugh.  "Ladies first."

 

As they ventured to the park Destiny remained very quiet.  Even Orias thought it to be too silent.  He glanced at her.  It didn't seem like she noticed him.  He started to worry that something was wrong.

 

"You can speak, you know." he said.

 

"I'm sorry, Orias."  Her voice was soft spoken and kind.  "I usually keep quiet before I read someone to concentrate.  It helps my reading remain correct and precise."

 

"I see."  Orias nodded in understanding.

 

As they reached their destination, they sat down on a metal bench.  Destiny focused on his eyes and beyond.  She studied closely, feeling herself sink deeper and deeper.  It was once said, if you look into a person's eyes, you can see into their soul.  For her, it was just that.

 

She did not lie to Orias about being capable of reading someone.  It was completely the truth.  And she did it very well.  She had a true third eye.  However, finally, after what seemed like an hour of breaking passed his walls, words; descriptions; emotions rushed through her.

 

Her eyes widened.  "There is a dark secret that you keep from many.  But only to protect them."

 

Orias smirked.  "Beginners luck."

 

She gazed even deeper into his mesmerizing orbs.  "You are interested in someone.  It is risky, very risky, and far too late.  For you are more than willing to take the chance.  You want to love.  You yearn for love yourself.  And it is her you feel so drawn, connected to."

 

"Everyone falls for someone eventually." he pointed out to her.  "Luck, once again."

 

As though she never heard him, she continued.  "I sense protection in you.  You are a protector.  One of the main protectors of the world."

 

Orias' eyes shined.  He knew then and there that she was a true seer.  "Okay, Destiny.  I believe you.  You don't have to finish."

 

She took his hand into hers and gasped.  "Oh my! I feel so much power within you.  It's almost inhuman."

 

Fear struck him.  "Enough, Destiny.  It's getting too dangerous.  Speak no more."

 

Still, she kept going.  She was too far into her third sight to heed his warning.  "You are wise, like an ancient elder.  Many look up to you while others hate you."  

 

Her eyes began to roll to the back of her head.  "You are..you are.."

 

Orias took her shoulders and shook her gently.  "Destiny, can you hear me?"

 

She was incoherent.  Her eyes, not her normal color and more vibrant, opened and landed on him.  "Immortal.  Vampire."

 

His head fell.  Regret filled his heart.  He had only two choices.  Kill or turn her.  It was the law of the Order and he had to abide by it.  Still, he did not want to do subject her to such an existence and he definitely didn't want to kill her.  

 

He lifted his gaze to hers as he heard her scream in terror.  Orias caught her in his arms before she hit the ground.  Her eyelids flickered.  

 

"Normal's; Hybrid's; Born's; Ancient's; Rogue's.  1, 2, 3, 4, 5," she counted her five fingers on her right hand.  "Five clans."

 

"1, 2, 3, 4, 5," she repeated, sounding like a case of OCD.  "Five clans."  The words flew from her lips so fast, but he was able to understand each and every one of them.

 

Her body raised up and she glanced at the darkness around them, looking to and fro.  "Someone knows.  Someone sees.  Someone hears."  

 

She grasped the front of his shirt.  "He's a killer...a killer.."

 

Destiny closed her eyes and fell into his arms again.  She had blacked out completely this time.  He watched her as she rested.  She appeared so angelic, so ethereal.  He held her close to him, embracing her lovingly.  Her last words lingered in his mind, confusing him.  

 

"Someone knows.  Someone sees.  Someone hears."  Orias kept replaying them.  Suddenly, he recalled her addressing the intruder as a male and the fact that he was a killer.  Who knew? Who had seen them? Who had heard them? 

 

He did realize something about Destiny.  She was a different type of seer.  One he'd never met before.  Her ability was too strong for her to be a mediocre seer.  He knew there had to be more about her; and he planned to find out.

 

Orias tensed.  He felt danger all around him.  He automatically comprehended that it was her whom was in danger.  It was a menacing presence.  In an instant he caught on to who exactly was spying on him and Destiny.  

 

He carefully laid her unconscious body down on the bench and stood to his feet, angrily.  "Valac!"

 

No answer came, so he hollered again.  "Valac!"

 

He fiercely shouted.  "Damn it, Valac, I know you're there.  And I know damn well that you can hear me.  Show yourself."

 

Baritone, evil laughter sounded through Orias' ears.  A dark shadow moved away from a close-by tree.  The being was very tall and dressed completely in black.  It had a masculine face and body.  Therefore, it was definitely a male.  He gave Orias a sadistic smirk.

 

"She is a beauty, isn't she?" Valac spoke with seduction towards her.  "I have been watching her for quite some time, waiting to strike."

 

"Leave her alone, Valac." Orias demanded.  

 

"Ah, but I cannot do that now, can I?" Valac questioned, amusement clearly in his words as well as his red eyes.  "She knows too much about us.  You know the rules."

 

"Haven't you Rogue's murdered enough mortal females lately?" Orias sneered.

 

Valac threw his arms up.  "How can I intrude on their fun? Besides, who says I am going to kill her?"  He stepped closer to Destiny.  "Again, Orias, you know the rules.  Kill or turn the ones who can expose us."

 

Orias growled.  "Since when do you care to obey the rules? It is not her fault she's such a strong seer."

 

Valac chortled.  "She something much more powerful than a measly seer."

 

"What is she?"

 

"An Oracle."  He inhaled deeply.  "And a virgin one at that."

 

Orias' eyes widened.  "Even still, I will not condemn her to a terrible fate."

 

Valac laughed.  "Isn't that just precious.  You've fallen for the girl."  He stared at her hungrily.  "No matter, I'll see to it that she is well taken care of."

 

Orias shielded her quickly with his own body.  "You will not touch her."

 

"And you think you can stop me?"  Valac's brow lifted.

 

"I will stop you from ever taking her.  That is a promise." Orias stated heatedly.

 

"You shouldn't make promises you can't keep.  Maybe I should tell the other clans about your little love." Valac threatened with a vile grin.

 

"If you so much as whisper the words, I will kill you myself." Orias hissed.

 

Valac's expression hardened.  "Do not threaten me, boy.  I am much stronger than you, and you know it."  He grabbed Orias' shirt and hurled him across the park.  "Let's not forget who use to be the leader of the Ancient's."

 

Orias rolled his eyes.  "That was millennia's ago.  Get over it."

 

"I am simply reminding you that I have the same amount of strength as you."  Valac's smile was dangerous.  "But I have something you don't.  A little key to your destruction, as well as those who comes against me."

 

Orias seethed.  "You cannot destroy the Order.  It is impossible.  It is suicide, Valac.  You know that first hand."

 

Valac's laugh was that of a manic.  "For you, maybe.  Nevertheless, I've heard enough of this nonsense.  Give me the girl, Orias.  Don't make me hurt you."

 

"I'll never hand her to you." Orias hollered.

 

"Then, you will die."

 

Destiny's eyelids fluttered as she stirred from her deep sleep.  They opened fully and she was instantly hit with an excruciating migraine.  She tried recalling what had happened before she fell asleep.  The last thing she could remember was her and Orias sitting on the park bench together.

 

She sat up slowly, afraid her equilibrium would be off, and searched about for him.  But what she witnessed instead made her scream in horror.  A man, dressed in the same attire as he always had in her dreams, was shoving Orias against a large tree, punching him in the face, and tossing him across the park.  Humans could not do the last one.  Her nightmare was coming true.

 

"Orias!"  Destiny dizzily ran to him and laid across his battered body.  "No, don't hurt him."

 

Valac halted quicker than a flash.  His blood-red eyes peered curiously into hers.  He then smiled deceptively and sauntered towards her.  His movements reminded her of how a tiger stalks its prey, gracefully and silently, until the strike of death.

 

Destiny curled back away from him.  Her body trembled.  He smirked, delighted to see her cower before him.  He was excited by her pure fear.  She looked even more beautiful, more tempting.  He believed she would make an exceptional vampire, and a gorgeous one at that.

 

"Miss Destiny Marie Thomas," he addressed her in a sultry tone, bowing formally.  "We finally meet."

 

"No!" Orias croaked.  "Leave her alone, Valac."  He tried to stand to his feet, but she made him stay put.

 

Destiny raised her chin and faced him.  "Please, sir, I'm begging you.  Don't hurt him anymore."

 

Valac grinned, moving closer and closer to her.  "My dear, you may call me Valac."

 

"Run, Destiny.  Run far from here." Orias commanded fearfully.

 

She scooted back, attempting to escape his hungry, crimson gaze.  He was so intimidating.  Valac was using his magic on her and it was working like a charm.  To make things even worse, Orias was deep in the back of her mind.  She had no clue that she was being spun into a deadly web.

 

Valac was almost at arms length away from her.  She got to her feet and stepped backwards.  Destiny felt dark, malicious power radiating off of him.  This frightened her even more.  

 

He was indeed stronger than Orias.  How was she going to get herself out of the rut she was in? How was she going to escape?

 

Just when her feet shuffled back one last time, she tripped over them.  Destiny almost fell to her face, but Valac caught her in his arms.  That was graceful, she thought to herself and buried her embarrassed face in his bare chest.  She didn't know that that would be her worse mistake ever.  

 

His scent was intoxicating; it overwhelmed her.  She inhaled him deeply and because of that one time taking in his scent, she was addicted, drawn.  It bound her to him instantaneously.

 

A banished vampire gave off pheromones to lure in their victims.  Valac, being the strongest of the Rogue clan, poured them out thicker than any other Rogue.  They instantly began to cloud her judgment.  

 

"Let me introduce myself fully, my lovely."  He lifted her chin, capturing her eyes in a mesmerizing gaze.  "My name is Lord Valac Winters."

 

"Destiny Thomas." she whispered, her body pliant in his arms.

 

"It is a pleasure."  Valac took her hand into his and placed a soft kiss against her knuckles.  He heard her gasp at his cold touch.

 

Her eyes stared further into his.  She was trying to read him, without him knowing.  But he did.  He planned for her to do so.  Let her read just enough to satisfy her curiosity, but make her hunger for more.  

 

"I know you, somehow." she told him.  "You are in my dreams."

 

"And what happens in these dreams?" he asked her huskily, eyes filled with lust.

 

"You try to turn me into a vampire." she answered truthfully.

 

"You believe in vampires, Destiny?"  He chuckled, his hand still clutching onto hers.  "Aren't they just a myth?"

 

She shook her head.  "No! They are real.  I just feel it, sense it, and somehow, know it."

 

"And you think I am one?"  His grin widened as she nodded.

 

"Yes! You are an elder vampire, leader of the banished."  She was taking the bait.

 

"No, Destiny, stop." Orias yelled.  "You have to stop."

 

"You know about the clans?" Valac urged her to tell him more.  The spell in his eyes entrapping her.  The pheromones encasing her.

 

"Yes, somehow I do."  She lowered her head.  "I remember now.  Orias! He's a.."

 

"Please, do not say anymore." Orias cried out to her.

 

Destiny took his advice.  "I-I have to go."  She pulled her hand away from his and started to back up.  "Excuse me, I have class tomorrow.  And my friend is probably looking for me."

 

In a flash, Valac was behind her.  "Wait!"

 

He gripped the back of her neck.  He turned her around and pushed her into his body.  She inhaled his scent once more.  It was a distinct feral essence, so mysterious and evocative.  It mesmerized her and she wondered if he tasted just as good.  

 

Involuntarily, her tongue flicked out, licking the skin of his bare chest.  Her eyes rolled to the back of her head in delight.  It made her heart race and undermined her balance.  

 

She would have swooned if he hadn't been holding her upright.  It was hard to believe that even his taste was such a powerful aphrodisiac.  It was addictive.

 

He groaned and bunched his palm into her hair, tilting her head upward.  "Stay with me, forever."  His mouth collided against hers in a tantalizing kiss.  It took her breath away.

 

"No!" Orias roared.  "Destiny, fight him."  Again he tried to stand, but fell over in pain.  "Valac, I'll tear you limb from limb."

 

Destiny began to struggle once Orias' voice interrupted her and Valac's moment.  She jerked away from the kiss, but immediately was taken by surprise when a cloth surrounded her nose and mouth.  Her fingers fought to pry his hands from the material.  

 

She breathed in accidently.  The strange liquid coating the cloth made her sight blur tremendously.  Chloroform, she recollected.  Destiny's eyes widened and rolled back, closing instantly.  Her body went limp in Valac's hold.  

 

With a triumphant laugh, he dropped the cloth and lifted her into his arms.  He walked up to the beaten Orias.  His eyes glinted with laughter, shined with victory.  He made sure to kiss her once again in front of him, cupping her right breast for an added affect on him.  His fingertips slid to the soft skin of her neck, caressing it.  

 

"She's such a gorgeous creature.  Wouldn't you agree?" Valac taunted.  "Any seer who is claimed by a vampire are bound for life to be the vampire's psychic once they taste our essence.  Yet an Oracle's different.  They will indeed be enthralled after they taste us, but their virginity has to be taken and they have to be bitten.  Once this happens, their powers will then flow through the vampires veins."

 

"No! You can't do this to her!" Orias cried out.

 

Valac shook his head in amusement.  "I can and I will."

 

"Destiny, I'm so sorry." Orias whispered sadly.

 

"She's mine now." Valac continued.  "She has already inhaled my scent, tasted my flesh.  She will crave only me.  Are you sure you would be able to handle that, Orias?"

 

"I would not care.  I would love her all the same." Orias admitted.  

 

"You know nothing about love." Valac chortled.

 

Orias glared.  "And you do?"  He glanced at her in his arms.  "I will rescue you, my love.  I promise you that."

 

Valac laughed even louder.  "Again, don't make promises you can't keep.  Besides, you'll never get to her in time.  And even if you do, which is unlikely, I'll have her marked and taken over.  So, say bye-bye to your precious love, Orias."  He smirked and kicked his ribs.

 

Orias coughed.  "I promise, I will save you from him."  He then blacked out while Valac disappeared with Destiny sleeping in his arms.