ARINA'S MATE (Shifters of the Bulgarian Bloodline Book 2)

by Dalia Wright

  The werewolves trailed our galloping horses until we rode up the mountain. “How come they're not following us?” I asked. “They say this mountain is where the vampire lives. The natives come here and put sacred artifacts in place. It keeps the creatures away, except for one Vampire. He eludes all warnings. We want to catch him.” Said Marcus. I didn't know what to say to that.

  As we were riding along the skies opened up and rain started to pour. “Damn it, nobody said anything about a storm,” cursed Marcus. “We'll have to take shelter,” said Sophia. The rain poured down in buckets and made it increasingly hard to see the path before us.

  Lightning and thunder struck across the sky and my horse spooked. I tried to get him controlled but he went wild and he threw me off. I got up, only to slip in the mud. I fell fast down the mountain side. “Lucy!” I heard someone shout. I screamed and flailed around aimlessly, but there was nothing to break my fall, nothing to hold on to. When I hit the ground I felt something snap.

  Thunder clashed into the sky and I laid there staring up at droplets of casualties as they came crashing down to earth. I tried sitting up. The pain was excruciating and I couldn't believe that I had survived. “Don't move, dream queen,” I heard a voice say. I froze and desperately wanted to look behind me. But my movement was thrawled by strong arms that swiftly lifted me up. Cradled into the arms of this being, he smelled delicious, sweet like honey.

  He carried me into his huge mansion and laid me on the sofa. A fire immediately roared in the hearth. The sitting area was beautiful. The sofa was black leather, the floor was rich cherry wood, the walls were painted red and gold with a splash of intricate design painted in silver. A white tiger hide was laid out on the cherry wood floor.

  As he lay me down I caught a glimpse of his face. My dreams came flooding back. He was perfect, dreadfully handsome like I always pictured he would be. I knew by his soft dark curls, his greenish-blue eyes, and that timeless face; He was the man from my dreams. The one I could never get to. I stared into his mesmerizing eyes for the longest time, unable to breathe or think.

  He moved away from me so quickly that he was nearly a blur. “You are even more beautiful than I ever imagined,” he said. I was caught so completely off guard by his statement. His voice was beautiful, soft and warm. His words vibrated through me like a lullaby, and my heart skipped a beat.

  “I know what you can do,” he said. My mind raced back to the note I had found on my apartment door. “Are you the one who left that note on my door?” I asked. “Yes,” he confirmed without the slightest bit of guilt. “Who are you?” I asked. He introduced himself as Harcourt Winfell. He then began to explain himself. “I pulled you here. It's hard to tell you this but you're in danger. Your very existence is in danger. Every moment you spend from your own time period puts you at risk.” He started to pace as I struggled to grasp what he was saying.

  He took a seat next to me. Only then did I ask, “Risk for what?” His eyes held a look of total seriousness, then he stated bluntly, “Having your existence wiped out completely. Haven't you felt weak, forgetful, sickly?” My mouth gaped open. “How do I stop it?” I questioned. “You must learn to control your power and get yourself back to your own time.”

  “If it's such a risk for me to be here, then why did you call me here to begin with?” I asked. “To teach you, to meet you, to see your beautiful face in person,” he admitted with such lavish honesty.

  “How is it that you can teach me anything?” I questioned. “There's a story behind that.” He glared at the fire in the hearth. “Perhaps you would like to share it?” I suggested.

  “I used to be as you are. A time traveler. That was before I got bitten. I was a young chap living in London at the time. When I foolishly went time traveling, abusing my power to look for the paranormal. It was stupid but at the time I was bored and curious. I found something paranormal, well, it found me. A vampire trapped me in the alley way and sucked my blood, his efforts were distracted by a police officer and I was left to become this. Now I am oblivious to time. I can live anywhere and not be effected as you are.”

  “Sounds like a solution to me,” I said. “It is a curse!” he proclaimed. “I didn't mean to be insensitive,” I said. He reached and trailed his fingers down my cheek. “Rest now. I will explain more tomorrow and I will train you. As of now I suspect that you have only fifty-one days left. Then you will cease to exist,” he said. “How am I supposed to rest knowing that?”

  “Life can be a grim thing sometimes. Like-wise, I will have a hard time watching you sleep,” he said. “Talk to me,” I say barely above a whisper. His gentle words calm and embrace me with their soft tone. He tells me of his adventures in London, when he was a young boy. I tell him of my adventure that I happened upon while trying to find him. He gets close to me. So close we are nose to nose. My breath stops. Then he whispers, “I have loved you since the first time you dreamed of me.” I swallow hard and his lips tare into mine. I can't bring myself to stop. His lips are so warm and taste so sweet.

  His body is cold and it chills my bones, but I can't take myself away from him. Despite his coldness there is a warmth that radiates from him and I take energy from that. His kisses become hungrier, more passionate. My breasts harden and there is a tingling below. He awakens all of my senses. Then just like in all of my dreams, he is there and then he is gone. I breathe and bitter disappointment stabs at my heart. I lay on his sofa in wanting.

  CHAPTER 5

  The first kiss of sunshine blinded me. I was still on his sofa but I felt no pain. There was a cast on my arm. At some point he must have tended to it. I got up and found a note in that same fancy handwriting. It read:

  Tonight I shall have a wonderful dinner planned for you.

  Meet me in the dinning hall. I trust that you will spend the

  day exploring and should find it effortlessly. Have a beautiful day,

  dream queen. I can't wait till our lips meet again and your beauty

  graces my presents.

  Forever your dream thief,

  Harcourt

  I sat the note back on the end table and smiled. He already knew me so well. I could hardly wait to have dinner with him. I walked through the mansion taking in the marvelous statues. The golds, reds, and silvers that colored the walls. The purple, blacks, and reds that made up each room. The mansion was purely a Gothic one, something straight out of the movies. Then I stumbled upon something I shouldn’t have. His room.

  I expected to find a coffin with him neatly tucked inside. Instead I found him lying in a bed. He was evenly breathing, little snores escaped from him. He was shirtless and looked so serene sleeping there. I grappled with myself. I wanted to reach out and caress his face, touch his muscular body. But I didn't want to wake him.

  ****

  Dusk had come much too soon but I was glad it had come, for now I would be dinning with this handsome creature. I had searched the other rooms and found a beautiful ball gown. It was black with gold trim and a gold circular design on the skirt. Thick straps lay at my shoulders. I found a pearl necklace to go about my neck. A pair of black leather shoes to match my attire.

  After I had dressed I returned to watch him sleep. When the sun disappeared behind the trees, he stirred. His eyes glanced up at me sitting at the edge of his bed. “You're beautiful when you sleep,” I said. “Only when I sleep?” he asked his voice still groggy. “I heard you have a fantastic dinner planned for me,” he smiled, flashing sharp white fangs. “I do,” he said stretching out and tossing off the covers. He got out of bed. Within a blink of an eye he was dressed elegantly in a beautiful suit.

  “My lady,” he said holding his arm out for me to take. I got up and put my arm through his. We walked into the spacious dining room. With its gold and red walls. The dining table was huge, made from durable mahogany. Harcourt snapped his fingers and servants brought out tons of food. There was duck, chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, and a whole assortment of things. It was
like Thanksgiving without the turkey.

  Red wine was poured into a glass. I sat down and a servant handed me a napkin. “Dig in,” he said as he sipped thick red liquid from his glass. “I suppose you're just going to drink blood all night?” I asked trying not to think about it too much. He smiled and went back to drinking. “I was traveling with a group of creature hunters before I fell off that mountain side. They were looking for you. I worry that they could find us,” I confided. “Myths and legends,” he said. I stared at him. “You're not worried?” he flashed that white dazzling smile. “Not a bit. I'm a myth,” he answered.

  “How is it possible that I survived that mountain fall and only came away with a broken arm?” I questioned, changing the subject. “I broke your fall. It was storming pretty bad last night. If I hadn't been there, you'd not only be dead but it would have taken ages to find you,” he informed. “I guess I should thank you then,” I said. “The pleasure was mine.” He poured more blood into his glass from a pitcher. Soft music started to play from a violin and piano combo.

  We sat for a while, eating our own respected meals. After we had finished. The music still played. Harcourt got up and took my hand. “May I have this dance?” he asked. It was my turn to smile as I said, “Certainly good sir,” I got up and he embraced me. We began dancing slowly to the rhythm, losing ourselves to the moment where time stood still. In that one moment it was just me and him. He drew me closer, as we moved in circles with the rhythm.

  Suddenly, his mouth was on mine. He kissed me with passion, then his lips left my mouth and moved to my neck. His breath grew rapid and heavier. I felt an ache of anticipation below, my dress fell to the floor. I didn't even realize we were still dancing, until we stopped. He swooped me up effortlessly and laid me down on his bed.

  He slid off my chemise, his mouth took my breast. All thoughts and feelings escaped me. There was nothing in the world but me and him and endless pleasure. His mouth moved toward my naval and back up again. His hands explored every part of my body. I felt his hardness against my thigh, then without warning he drove deep inside me and my mind exploded with pleasure.

  I screamed with pleasure as he thrust inside me. His rhythm was slow and steady at first. Then became hungrier, more urgent. He thrust faster and harder. I threw my head back and screamed as I orgasmed. I heard him exhale and then he slumped down beside me. He cradled me into his arms and we stayed like that for the rest of the night.

  CHAPTER 6

  I woke up still cradled in his arms. The sunlight peered through the windows. I expected to hear him snoring softly, as I had the yesterday. But, to my surprise, I found him to be awake. His beautiful eyes stared at me and he whispered, “We have work to do.” I groaned not wanting to be free from his arms. He kissed me gently, then got up and returned dressed in an instant.

  He took me out to the sitting area. Moved all the furniture and said, “Okay, we're going to start with a meditation. Sit down and relax, breathe in and out.” I did as instructed. “Imagine you’re a feather, floating in the wind. Now imagine that a great wind has come and is taking you higher, higher, and higher till you reach the stars.

  Now, imagine that you are moving with the stars. You can go anywhere; to any time period you choose. Pick a time period and go there. It's that simple,” he instructed. I opened my eyes and looked at him. “You're saying time travel is as easy as choosing where you want to go and then imagining yourself there?” I asked. “Yes, that's all there is to it. Just choose and will yourself there. Practice building up your will power and you can go anywhere,” he explained.

  I closed my eyes and tried to imagine being somewhere, but I couldn't. I couldn't imagine being anywhere but with him. Over the next several days, I was instructed to meditate like clockwork. I had to practice willing myself to go different places. I never brought myself to actually leave him though. Every now and then he would offer advice.

  Every night we would dine together, though I was ordered to go straight to my room after word. He didn't trust himself, not after our last dinner. As much as it pained me not to touch him, I knew that he was struggling more. He was trying to be strong but I knew he didn't want me to leave him. If I didn't it would mean the end of my existence.

  I went to bed that night feeling a sort of emptiness. He was counting the days we had left. In my heart I was too. Suddenly the night was too quiet, and I felt hot tears roll down my cheeks. I wouldn't leave him. I decided. Then I realized he would force me to leave if I refused. He wouldn't allow me to freely end my existence. I was restless all night thinking about my options. It all came back to the choice I didn't want to make.

  I was awakened by four gun shots outside my window. I shot up from my bed, fear pulsed through my veins. A hand flew over my mouth. “Don't make a sound, dream queen, your hunter friends are here.” My eyes widened. He was confident the other night that he was a myth. Even when I tried to warn him. Now they had found him. No matter how good those hunters were to me, I couldn't let them hurt him. Not now, not when my heart sang every time he was near me. I didn't know what to do.

  There were voices outside and more gun fire. Then we heard the voice of Marcus shot, “Come on out you hideous vamp!” they group laughed hysterically as they ran around the mansion firing their guns and whooping. “Let me go out to them,” I said. “No! It's too dangerous. Stay quiet and they might go away,” he told me. “They won't, you don't know them, they live for this stuff,” I said concerned. “I'm not letting you go out there,” he argued.

  We waited for what seemed like hours. Outside the hunters still continued to taunt Harcourt. “We've got all night, vamp!” Finally, after hours of waiting Harcourt decided to face them. “Stay here,” he ordered. “No! I'm coming with you,” I persisted. We walked out to face them. It was dusk and the sun had gone way down. The night was fretfully chilly. “You want me I'm here,” announced Harcourt. I stood with him.

  “Good to see you Lucy, is the monster holding you hostage?” exclaimed Spencer. “I'm with the monster. If any of you try to hurt him, you'll have to kill me first,” I replied. “Aw, so the friend became the enemy. Well, good to know this is the thanks we get for saving your life,” said Marcus. “Too bad I liked you Lucy. Now I'll have to kill you,” said Spencer. “No one is going to hurt Lucy!” snarled Harcourt.

  The first shot fired, started the chaos. Harcourt pushed me to the ground as he moved in a blur and knocked the guns out of each of their hands. “Look out!” I yelled as Sofia threw a hunter’s knife. The knife jabbed Harcourt in the leg. At most the knife would slow him down some. But it was enough to get me moving. I leaped up and tackled Sofia to the ground.

  We wrestled on the ground, pulling up grass as we did so. She started choking me, I knocked her off clawing at her face with my bare hands. She screamed and knocked me in my chin. I tasted blood, my lip had been cut open. I pulled her hair as hard as I could manage. She spat in my face and at that point I lost it. I went hysterical with rage. “Of all the things you could do, why would you spit in my face!” I yelled.

  “You were pulling my hair; do you know how long it takes me to get it right?” she said. “At least you won't die, I'll probably get sick,” I pointed out. “Are you saying I have a disease?” I frantically wiped my face with the sleeves of my gown. “How am I supposed to know what you have?” I asked rhetorically. Her icy stare was her reply to my comment. Then for no reason at all we stared at each other and burst out laughing.

  We both realized two things. First, spit was gross. Second, in another time and place we could have been best friends. Sophie was a quiet one but she was very down to earth. Someone grabbed my waist and I was slug over their shoulder. By the time I realized it was Harcourt we were miles from his mansion.

  “Are we running?” I asked. “There's no reason to hurt them. They can't see very well in the night; I doubt they'd try to come after us,” he said. “Besides it's time, you need to go back now. Stay here another moment and you might vanish.” He s
topped and set me on the ground. We were deep into the surrounding forest.

  “I won't go. I don't want to leave you. I can't!” I said. “You must!” he roared. “Don't forget I am a time traveler too. I'll come find you.” Hot tears fell down my face. “Don't cry. I love you,” he whispered in my ear. I held on to him so tight I thought he would cry out but he didn't. He just kissed my lips. We stayed glued to each other for a long time. We kissed until we ran out of breath. Then he lifted my gown. I didn't protest as he laid me on the ground.

  The pleasure was maddening as he thrust inside me. All I could say was that I loved him. My world spun out of control as he went deeper, harder, madder with passion. We both knew our end had come. Either I would cease to exist or he would be found and killed. As I screamed with the final climax, he kissed me again. The moon was full in the night sky.

  “Now,” he whispered with pain in his voice. I didn't want to leave him. There were voices and sticks breaking in the distance. They had found us. I closed my eyes and imagined myself back in my apartment. I willed myself there, though my heart was not ready. When I opened my eyes I was laying on a couch. Though it looked unfamiliar to me.

  I sat up and found that I was in someone’s house. “What happened?” I whispered to the empty air. “You over shot it,” I heard a voice reply back. I looked around and saw Harcourt standing in the entrance. He was holding a young boy in his arms that looked very much like him. “Who's that?” I asked. “Our son,” he said. “This is what your heart desired and so this is what you got. A future with me.” My heart skipped for joy. I jumped up and ran to him. I kissed him and threw my arms around both him and my son.