by Sara K
The vampire dropped Clara on the ground and draped one leg over her waist. "Excellent. I…"
The vampire didn’t know what hit him. Michael blurred himself and raced towards the vampire knocking him metres back to the ground.
"Watch my power, Vampire." He growled loudly as he unleashed his power as the Immortal One. The vampire climbed to his feet, baring his fangs. Michael gave him no opportunity to attack. He lunged forward formed fireballs in his hand and attacked. The vampire lit up. Fire surrounded him. Formed a circle around him. Huge clouds of mist formed in the air reducing visibility. The vampire shrieked and Michael watched excitedly as the fire consumed him leaving him in ashes.
Pain shot through his back as something sharp stabbed him. He fell to his knees and saw another bat/Vampire. Ignoring the pain he staggered to his feet and attacked the second bat until it exploded in mid-air. Another bat flew above him landing beside Clara. Michael moved through the air, sent a fireball that left behind tiny splinters. Michael scanned the area for anymore threat. Only three had come after him. There were more. They would be sent to him sooner. The pain in his back resurfaced and he grunted. He had a sharp wound. He needed Justin. First he had to take Clara home. Ignoring the pain he gathered her into his arms, kissing the top of her head. He had put her in danger. She was in the clutches of two vampires in two nights. The horror was still in his mind, he had nearly lost her to his enemies.
Michael wanted to rip something apart with his bare hands. He wanted to set the town on fire and watch it burn as his rage was beyond control. The need to kill was greater tonight than before. And Clara was in greater danger than before. He would be the sacrifice. He would protect Clara with his life. She didn’t love him. For that she could be saved.
Michael took her home and placed her in bed. He flew out the window into the town and chose his victims to drink from. The night was still young. He circled the town, saw no vampire activity. Clara’s face entered his mind and he went to her only to touch her face with his fingertips and watch her sleep for long time. He remembered all those nights he appeared in her dreams and made the night safer for her. He had fought her demons and her nightmares. For her. He had done it for her. In a short space of time everything changed. Was she dreaming of him? Did she still dream of those beautiful images he sent her? The visions of hope. Happiness and a future. He saw no visions of hope. He was travelling a dark path. Where Clara was his only light. Suddenly that light had started to fade.
His heart ached at leaving her. Yet his body still throbbed with want and need. Painfully he let his fingers stroke her tender skin. Bending his head he lowered his lips and kissed her lovingly, whilst his fingers stroked along her jaw. He savoured her taste, her features, implanting them in his memory for all time. Reluctantly he withdrew himself of the torment of watching her.
Time was running out. For an Immortal as old as him, time was against him. Tomorrow another day would begin, new fates would be written. By tomorrow, she would only remember him as her Dark Guardian.
The white satin gown lingered behind her as she walked into the ballroom. She looked like a princess with power and beauty. Crowds parted to let her through. She smiled at the people. They were nice people. Friendly. Caring. Human. Her eyes remained transfixed on the dark handsome stranger that captured her heart and taught her love. He waited on the other end. Her heart jumped in excitement and passion of a youthful love. He stood tall in a dark suite his eyes never leaving her face as she walked slowly towards him. It was just the two of them. The whole world disappeared. Their love shimmered against the twinkling stars. Twice as bright. Twice as strong.
Her heart leapt in joy as she neared him. She had fought many battles for him. Risked so much. She smiled pouring her happiness into one smile. The love plastered over her bright face. She was getting nearer…and nearer. Please don’t fade she thought to herself. Then dismissed the thought.
He caught her hand, kissed her palm. His dark eyes filled with dark passion swept over her drowning her with heat and yearning and making her entire body tingle. "I've searched the world for you," he whispered.
She took a step forward wanting to be in his arms. Something stopped her in her tracks. Dread went through her replacing the excitement. Her mouth widened open in horror as cold wind swept past her. The ballroom altered the people transformed into vampires, circling them both. Sharp fangs exposed and hissing sound behind her. To her utter horror her arms were caught pulling her back. He stood motionless. His eyes connected with her and he burst into fire.
"No! No! No!" she screamed in agony as her whole life dispersed before her eyes. Loud cheers echoed in her ear. She heard none of them. Everything was mute. She heard nothing. Only saw the bright flames engulfing her love. Endless tears streamed down her face and her heart shattered. She sank to the floor… only to find herself standing before a grave. The white gown was gone. Everything changed. She was dressed in black; her face was pale and poignant. She shivered as the coldness surrounded her, and darkness wrapped a cloak around her. She stared at the open grave, filled with emotion. With one final tear she started to dig.
Clara awoke with a start and suppressed a scream. She was in bed. She was in a familiar setting which meant she was safe. Frighteningly she touched her face, found it wet with tears. She was crying. Only a dream. Only a dream. She tried to reassure herself, but the attempt was futile. Her stomach knotted nervously and her mind refused to believe that the dream was anything but real. Her hands shook, her eyes stung with tears. The nightmare had affected her severely, the images rolled around her head. The nightmare replayed in her mind.
Everything's ok. You've had nightmares before. But only did she feel as if this one was unique.
A noise in her room made her lift her head and clutch the covers. Her eyes drifted to the left and she saw a man standing there.
"Huh."
"I didn’t mean to frighten you." Clara relaxed only a little as she recognised the face. He came closer and stood at the end of her bed.
"Oh! I…" she quickly wiped her tears at the back of her hand. "Justin, what are you doing here." he looked sad and… different. Clara suddenly felt very afraid. Had something happened to Michael, was that why he was here? Had her nightmare become a reality? Or was Cassie in danger and the baby…
"Michael needs you." Justin said abruptly.
"Michael…" her heart stopped beating. Something had happened to him. Was he dead. No she couldn’t think like that.
"Put some clothes on, Clara." Justin said loudly to break her trance. "And go to the balcony. Help him." The last command sounded like a plea. Then he was gone leaving her alone without assistance. She shot out of bed threw on her nightgown splashed water on her face all the time thinking of what she would find on the balcony.
Hurriedly she climbed the steps and froze as she assessed the situation. Her heart jolted painfully in her chest and she let out a distressed gasp.
Chapter 26: The SAVIOUR
Several heart-stopping seconds passed before Clara found her voice to speak. "What are you doing?" Michael stood on the balcony staring at the rising sun. His back was too her he detected her presence but didn’t turn around. "Go inside. Sleep a little longer. It is too early for you to be awake." He said in a sorrowful voice.
"That's not what I asked you," she said sharply. She looked past him to the lightening sky. Terror swept through her. Only six minutes before the sun rose and destroyed him. "Please, Michael. Get inside. The sun is rising." She pleaded desperately. Her eyes darted towards the rising sun. "This isn’t the way, Michael."
She wished he would turn around and look at her. He didn’t. "Go back inside. I have made my decision. There is no going back."
"Ending your life isn’t the way out." she raised her voice. "Whatever, it is that you are thinking in your mind. Fight it."
He turned around and she saw such sorrow in his dark eyes that tears ran like a stream. She was crying. Damn. How could she
possibly comfort him when she became so emotional?
Michael's eyes skimmed across her pained face. He couldn’t stand looking at her just before his death. "Fight it." He sneered. "I am weary of fighting. The taint of evil is spreading fast across my soul. I cannot control what is within me. I am a monster. It is better I am rid of before…"
"No! You're not a monster, Michael." She told him.
"You thought of me as a monster when I killed. You fear me. I frighten you. I cause nothing but make you afraid of me." he dared her to protest. "So why should you want an eternity with me."
The words sunk in her heart. He was right. Only partly. "Despite what you say. I see goodness in you. Don’t throw that away." she shook her head. "I didn’t like the fact that you killed Dean in cold blood. I was angry and upset. I didn’t think I could forgive you but the more I thought about what you did I realised it wasn’t your fault."
"I wilfully killed more than one mortal."
She met his eyes. "I know." she said quietly. "I forgive you.
"You are compassionate but naïve"
"I know." she said in agreement. "Your love for me is very visible. Your love for me is a reminder that your emotions aren’t lost. You're capable of love. What does that tell you?" Clara wrapped her arms around herself to ward of the morning cold.
"I don’t deserve you." he said bitterly. "It is a wonder I didn’t find you earlier."
"You don’t deserve death either." Clara said silently. The dream replayed in her mind and she put a hand to her head. God, she wouldn’t lose him. Thinking about the dream made her want to break down in tears and mourn.
His eyes regarded her curiously. "You will benefit from this. After this you will be free to go."
Clara took a step closer to him, irritated. "Haven’t you listened to a word I've said? I forgive you for your mistakes." she let out a deep breath and swallowed the lump in her throat. “I’ll never be free." she glanced at the sky, her heartbeat quickened. "Please! Come inside."
He didn’t move but stared across the sky. "I wanted to spare you the pain." he carried on. "I believed binding you to me would protect you. Instead I've caused you more pain and misery. You're not happy, Clara."
Clara was silent, thinking about his last statement. "I'm happy with you." she declared then added sadly "happier than I've ever been in my life."
He turned around. "I've failed in my duty."
"No."
"As long as I am alive. I will only hurt you" he said solemnly. "There's no greatness in me. At the pool I wanted you so desperately regardless if I hurt you in return."
She closed her eyes letting the tears seep down her face. "You didn’t. I trust you completely." She took another step and held out her hand for him.
"I will only hurt you until you rather wish death befriended you."
"No!"
"You are too trusting."
"Only with you." her voice trembled.
"There is no future for us. Sooner or later the beast will unleash itself and you will be in danger. My existence endangers your life."
Clara stared past him. Three minutes. One moment. A few words before her dream became a reality in which she couldn’t escape. What could she say that will convince him how much she needed him? The dream was too realistic. She had a chance to save him. Or the consequences would be a bleak, dark existence for her. Her dream was a prophecy. Only she had the power to change it.
She loved him dearly and seeing him standing on the balcony made her blood freeze. She felt as though someone had taken her heart and frozen it in ice. When he wasn’t around she felt bereft and alone. When he was with her it was as though her whole life was complete.
She knew she wanted him desperately. Only her fears and her brutal past stood in the way of them consummating their love. She would endeavour to give him what he most wanted. She would consummate their love. She would join with him in the most passionate way. For him she would overcome the years of abuse and put the memories aside. She would do whatever she could to secure their future. Her life had changed dramatically as soon as he stepped into her belittled world. He had shown her what love was. It was there in his eyes every night. She wasn’t afraid of him. But afraid for him. Together they would battle whatever obstacles stood in their path. They would fight side by side. Together they would fight their enemies. They were soul mates. He was her saviour. Her Dark Guardian.
Clara rubbed her arms, tilted her head to stare at him. "If you are so hell-bent on leaving this world. Why did you save me? If this was the ending then why, Michael why bother rescuing me from death."
"I could not let you go. You mean too much to me."
"I can't let you go either. I need you. I've never needed anyone in my life." She stared at her extended hand. Empty. He turned away from her and a sudden realisation dawned on her. Nothing she said would change his mind. Desperately she stepped forward. "You're going to show your love by deserting me." tears burnt behind her eyes. "I can't live without you. I don’t know how to exist. My world isn’t what it seems. You’re the only one who I feel safe and protected with. Please Michael, don’t leave me alone because I …" say it “I love you. I loved you several nights ago."
"You will forget about me, Clara."
Her body trembled as the first ray of sunlight lit the sky. No! No! I can't let him die again.
"I love you. I will never forget." She wanted to scream at him. Tears of anger and love flowed freely down her face. "Even if I had to follow you I would never forget."
Michael squinted as the sun started to reach its peak. He turned as she announced her love for him. She was crying uncontrollably. What would become of her if he left her? The thought tugged at his heart.
Clara covered the distance between them and pressed her body against his. Lifting her head she stared into his eyes and whispered "You were my saviour. I'll be yours. I promise." She wrapped her arms around him tighter refusing to leave his sheltered body.
For the first time a single tear slid down his cheek as he kissed the top of her head. His selfish action had nearly destroyed his woman. What was he thinking?
"Don’t leave me, Michael." She pleaded frantically against his chest. The tears refused to stop. "I can't help loving you. I can't stop loving you. Whatever you think your flaws are I forgive you. Don’t sacrifice yourself because of me. I'll be whatever you want me to be. I'll adjust to your world. As time goes by we'll learn each other very well. We have an eternity, Michael. I know you'll make me very happy. You told me that I'm the light to your life; you're also the light to my life. You kept me alive and sane." She sniffed against his chest. Her fingers digging into his shirt for anchor.
In that moment, a jolt of pain exploded in his chest knocking him back on his feet. Clara lifted her head and watched as his dark eyes flashed with red as his skin drew perspiration. Michael felt his soul shift as the curse lifted and a sense of ease and peace entered his soul.
“What’s happening?” Clara asked.
He drew her in his embrace and kissed her hair softly. “Your declaration of love broke the curse. I can no longer feel the venom inside me.”
Clara hugged him tightly. "Stay with me.
He smiled against her hair. "Always."
They retrieved towards the shelter of the house as the hot morning sun raised high in the sky.
Chapter 27: The KIDNAP
Two evenings later Clara paced the extended kitchen for the 10 time. It was supposed to be a perfect evening, for crying out loud. Where was he? He had been gone for two hours. She glanced at the clock. Yep. Definitely two hours. No sign. No nothing. He hadn't even contacted her of his whereabouts. She continued pacing restlessly. Suddenly she regretted sending him away. She had only sent him to Cassie's and Justin's place to invite them for a family dinner. She glanced at the counter where several dishes were ready and waiting to be served. What was taking him so long? He should have been back in five minutes, or ten the most. Unless something had happened to him or t
o Cassie. If something had happened at Cassie's house he could have at least communicated with her telepathically.
Her enthusiastic mood for the evening had faded when Michael didn’t return. She had changed into jeans and her favourite blouse and ditched the dress. There was no point in dressing up. Clara took the cupcakes from the often and left them on the cooling rack. She wanted Michael home. And Cassie safe. She let out a frustrated sigh “Where are you, Michael." She said aloud, and then tried communicating telepathically. Still nothing. He simply wasn’t answering her calls. She clasped her hands nervously, then unclasped them and ran her hand through her hair. The waiting was killing her. The unknown frightened her. She vaguely remembered where Cassie lived. It wasn’t far. If she retraced her steps the last time she visited, she might get lucky enough to reach there.
Putting on her shoes she hurriedly slipped out of the front gate. Thank God it was unlocked; she didn’t know what the alternative would have been. The neighbourhood was quite, it worked to her advantage she didn’t want someone offering her a ride again. One hitch-hiking experience was enough to last her a lifetime. Turning left at the end of the street, Clara continued walking past several houses until she came to a crossroad. She paused wondering whether to go left or right. If she went right she could take a short cut through the field, at this time in the evening it was likely to be deserted at least it would be safe. With a left turn it would lead into the busy neighbourhood. Clara turned right and cut through the green open field all the time wondering where Michael was. She unsuccessfully reached for him only to hear no reply. Was it deliberate or had something happened to him. The possibilities where incessant but nonetheless pessimistic. She knew for certain he would never leave her for a long time, even if she was at home. He would likely have checked in on her occasionally.
With Michael disappearing like this unnerved her. The whole situation didn’t seem right. In the meantime time she would concentrate in finding him. Once she made it to Cassie's house, Justin would help her find him. A sound of flapping wings caught her attention, bringing her out of her thoughts. She stopped, glanced at the sky to find two bats circling over her. She didn’t think twice but broke into a run. The bats pursued her landing before her blocking her path. Clara screamed, the wings widened and they transformed into vampires.