Ancient Darkness (On HOLD)

Chapter Ten - Surrounded

Sang wrapped her arms tighter around herself and struggled through the deeply layered snow, sometimes sinking up to her knees. She knew that she wasn't going to make it much further but she still hoped to avoid the baying wolves as they gloried in their hunting tune.

It was both terrifying and beautiful; she didn't want to die there but with no other choices, she was left to only pray that the bitter frost of the night drained her of life before the predators caught up with her.

Her eyes were resolutely focussed on the bare tree limbs in front of her as she ignored the whispers of the ones left behind in their den.

"Only I would end up getting captured by evil fucking vampires," The breath from her mouth puffed whitely in front of her frozen face.

A foot caught in some unseen tree root and she stumbled onto her hands and knees, sobbing without tears. She didn't want to perish there, alone and surrounded by things that should only be known as stories and nightmares.

"Ah, little one. I should explain that those of my kind do not care for being called neither evil nor vampires," Her heart clenched sharply as that mesmerising voice intruded on the stillness of the night. Boots peeked into her vision and she followed her eyes upward until they were captured by the gaze of a creature who surely wanted to destroy her soul. Owen Blackbourne crouched down and gently pushed her hair back so that it was hooked over an ear, "I should also say that it is beneath you to use such language."

She stared for long moments in terrified silence before stifled giggles escaped. It was hysteria, the realisation that her death would paint the dawn in red and he was concerned over her language.

"The wolves are more restless than what they should be when hunting such prey," Another male voice intruded and she shuddered, hearing the slight disturbance of snow as more boots landed.

She was surrounded, there was no escape from them now except for that of death but she gleaned from the ruthlessness in Owen's eyes that it would not be an easy death.

His attention turned to a companion on his right, "Let us return home and see if that settles them. If her removal from their territory does not silence their call, we will walk our lands but I do not sense anything tonight."

"Very well," The man answered and Sang could not help but to seek out a face. His voice was deep and tinged with an unbreakable command, one which she had heard in her mind only a while earlier.

Green eyes, much like her own, gazed back and she sucked in a painful breath. His beauty was a match to the one in front of her and she despaired with the surety that she was ringed by vicious creatures with the faces of Gods.

How could any mortal woman stand before them without falling under their power?

His face was tight, sharp lines with cutting cheekbones and hair of dark chocolate, his ruby lips thinned with an edge of cruelty unseen on human faces. Any who looked upon him would know that he was no more mortal than the Devil.

"Sang, this is my friend and brother, Dakota," Owen gestured, slipping his hands under her elbows so that she could be drawn to her feet. They almost didn't hold her but when she felt the judging gaze of those still unknown to her, she straightened to her full, insignificant height. She would not be bowed by their threats, no man or demon would see her tremble.

"What do you want with me?" Her voice was not strong but she sensed that they would hear even the smallest of whispers.

Owen moved closer, unknowingly sharing body warmth, making her crave the strength of his embrace.

She wanted even a second's comfort for she thought that there would be no other opportunity for it once they dragged her back to whatever they used for their lair.

"We can see into your thoughts, little one. You will not die this night and my arms would gladly welcome you if you but had the bravery to step into them," Owen's voice slithered through her mind, making her clench her eyes shut in an effort to hide, this was all her very worst nightmare.

"The unknown is usually everyone's worst nightmare, mikró fántasma," This time the voice belonged to a stranger. It was thickened with a different accent, one that spoke of Greece and its ancient cities.

She would not cower! "What do you want with me?" She demanded once more, her body fading as it lost its warmth. She wouldn't last much longer no matter what they told her.

"We want to know your mind," Owen answered her, his eyes dragging across the surface of her face.

She frowned, remembering that they wanted to tear it apart. "But why? I am nothing but a human with a gift. I didn't even know you existed until tonight."

Owen's eyes were opaque in the moonlight as he gathered her close, easily overcoming her slight struggles, "That is what you say but no one, not even Immortals, can afford to take such a chance. You will stay with us until we can be sure of your innocence."

"No," She gasped, flinging her arms in an attempt to push away. "I only came here on holiday! Please don't do this. I won't tell anyone."

"Shh, little one," He whispered softly over the sound of her laboured breath, "Be calm for now. The cold is killing you and I will not risk your life. Be easy in the knowledge that you are safe in my home with my brothers. None will harm you."

For now...

It seemed to be a silent warning to her that she could not believe him even as he sheltered her close to his chest, the heat almost painful after her exposure to the deadly cold.

"Come, it is time to return home so that you may recover from your flight. There are others who would like to meet you as well."

Her face dropped into his shirt briefly before she felt his arm sweep down behind her knees so that he could lift her into the bridal hold.

"Are you sure about this, Owen?" Dakota asked, moving closer so that she found herself caught. His eyes were blank with distrust.

"Yes."