Ancient Darkness (On HOLD)

Chapter Thirty Three - Retail Therapy

Sang would have called the look on Owen's face priceless if she wasn't suddenly regretting the fact that she had just asked a millennia old being if he carried any diseases.

"Well..." Silas interrupted from behind her, his voice slightly choked. "I believe that you wanted us downstairs, Owen?"

The older Immortal seemed to shake himself, his eyes gleaming as they remained locked with her own, "Yes. Although North and Lucian were able to secure some food for you I believe that it might be prudent for us to accompany you on a...shopping expedition I believe it is called."

"You..." She had to fight through her shock, "You want to take me shopping?"

He nodded, "Yes."

"You?" She stressed the word, her fingers tangling in Filos' fur as he pushed against her legs.

"I believe that I have already answered that. Yes. Nathan, Gabriel, Victor and I will be accompanying you to one of the larger nearby towns so that you may acquire whatever it is you need during your stay." He looked down at the wolf, his face expressionless, "Your new companion will have to stay here with the others, I'm afraid."

Her head spinning at this new development, she could barely hold onto the anger and disgust from learning about the whole pouring Immortal blood down her throat.

Silas' large hand spanned the entirety of her back as she woodenly followed Owen and Filos down the stairs, "Why have you named the wolf 'Filos'?" He asked quietly.

She shrugged, "It seemed to fit somehow. My mother used to have a doormat with that word written across it."

"Did you know that it is Greek for friend?"

She smiled, "So that's why you and North looked funny when I told you."

He nodded, "North was born in Russia but spent quite a lot of time in Greece."

"Aren't Lucian and North brothers?" She paused, "I mean related? I know that you've said that you're all 'brothers'."

Silas' face seemed to flash with surprise as they reached the bottom of the staircase, Filos immediately moving to stand demandingly at the front door.

Sang smiled at the wolf and cautiously twisted the handle, "There you go." She bit her tongue against treating him like a dog. He was not a tamed animal and she was sure that he would not appreciate being told to do his business and come straight back inside.

Although it would sadden her greatly if he decided not to return.

Watching him disappear into the darkness, Sang let out a breath and shuddered as Silas laid a careful hand on her shoulder while he gently pushed the door shut against the bracing wind.

"We must prepare for the journey now if we are to go at all tonight," Owen interrupted, his eyes a subdued grey.

"Sorry," She whispered, heading for the kitchen where she instinctively knew the others were waiting.

"Good evening, Princess," Victor purred, his voice shuddering through her. His eyes sparked with a fire so deep that Sang would have sworn that she was able to touch his soul.

"Hello," She answered, choked as she forced her eyes away. Princess?

How did such a beautiful creature exist?

Why were they all gorgeous? How was it fair that they had the ability to live an eternity whilst looking like untouchable magnificent specimens?

Sang noticed that the others were all staring at Victor blankly but she decided to ignore their silent conversation, the buzzing persistent. It was almost like trying to ignore white noise, doable but extremely annoying.

She cleared her throat, "So, you're going to let me out to do some shopping?"

North grunted, "You will be accompanied by four of my brothers." His eyes darkened until the warning was palpable. "They are there to both assist and protect you. Do not attempt escape or cause a scene with the other humans." His teeth snapped, "Endanger my family and I will ensure that you suffer before I take your life."

She fought down the suicidal need to roll her eyes, "And I thought we were past the whole 'I really want to kill you thing'."

He stiffened while she mentally slapped herself. Yes Sang, aggravate the homicidal Immortal.

"I have no desire to kill you," He murmured. "Perhaps it would have been better for me to remind you that while you are under our protection the hybrid tracking you does not have any chance of doing harm. If you cause problems for us and alert the human authorities, we may have no choice but to leave you with them for a time." His face was serious as he crossed his arms, "Long enough for the creature to find and acquire you."

Sang sighed, "I really wish that there was some quick way to prove to you all that I am an innocent of whatever you believe I am trying to do but it's obvious that all I can do is follow your rules. I won't cause any problems for your family as long as you resist harming me."

"Fair enough," Sean nodded, his face smooth even as she recognised an amused twinkle in his bright green eyes.

"So, what are we going to buy?" Sang asked, with a real sense of excitement. The facts were that she was no threat and she could spend all of her time sulking in anger and fear or she could think of it as an adventure. She was actually standing in the presence of creatures of mythology and fiction, with the knowledge that there were other races out there of the most magical origins.

Follow their rules and she could walk away from this knowing more about the world than any other human. She would be able to return to her quiet existence after having seen what wonder really was.

Gabriel seemed to stand straighter as he shifted away from the kitchen sink, "How long you will be with us is unclear so I feel that allowing you to buy some home comforts would be beneficial."

Silas leaned in, "He means that you may buy anything you wish."