Midnight Showcase Part 1

Midnight Showcase.

Lord of the Night.

by Leanne Strange.

Chapter One

For what seemed like eternity, Lucan roamed this supernatural realm called Eternus. The immortality he once sought was now a prison, and time had become his enemy. Bereft of companions.h.i.+p save the music of life hidden within his darkened soul, he saw the natural fauna that inhabited this alternate dimension during the rare occasions Eternus allowed him out of his confines. It eased his loneliness somewhat, but the beasts could not subst.i.tute for intelligent company. To his knowledge, no one else came into Eternus during his incarceration. He'd been allowed out to feed and to help the one he fed upon there was always a price to pay. Eternus heard voices as he did, sometimes. Someone who needed rescuing, or need some kind of aid. And it seemed those were the times, the blood l.u.s.t hit him and he needed to feed. Just enough to survive out there. Yet, here, in Eternus, he didn't hunger always for blood and soul sustenance. He discontinued his daily walks through this place he knew so well. He even lost interest in learning about the wonders of the pyramid-shaped building, which rose up like a tombstone; and whose interior knew no bounds. Instead he concentrated on developing the power to change into a being of energy and hoped one day someone would enter this void. Had it been ten or a thousand years that he lived here? He wasn't sure. During his time here, he'd learned the secrets of Eternus. Most of them, he reflected, but not the most important one of all how to escape. His loneliness oft brought him despair and his previous eagerness to learn nearly faded through to endless emptiness.

What good were power and knowledge when you had no one to share them with? He then slept, waiting, hoping that one day Eternus would bring him the companion he needed to strengthen his weary soul. For, he learned from Eternus that a key of some kind, of someone's soul, was the only permanent way out for him. When that person came, he would awaken once more with lingering hopes that the one he sought would pull him completely out of this desolate prison. * * * * Darkness embraced her from all around, enfolding her even farther in its lush, mysterious depths. It stole the breath from her chest, making the world edge in even closer. A few seconds later, her tired, tormented eyes saw a s.h.i.+mmering twirl of silver light dance downwards. Ominous yet beckoning, eerie but hypnotically beautiful, the rays of light crept towards her weary body. A tall, black-clothed man descended like a darkling lord of the night from the heart of the radiant sphere. When his feet silently touched the ground, his powerful presence engulfed her entire world. Except for the sounds of their deep ragged breaths, nothing interrupted the deathly silence surrounding them. Heart pounding in her chest, her back pressed against the tree trunk she'd fallen near just minutes before, she saw the foreboding circle of light appear. As he loomed closer, she could see his copper-tinted eyes s.h.i.+ne like sparks from a new penny. Then he blinked and they darkened to bronze. He loomed nearer. A soft, unearthly wind blew around only him, gently whipping his long black cape behind his athletically muscular body. His light auburn hair blew away from his high forehead, wavy tendrils swirling angrily around his handsome face. In the shadowy recesses of her nightmares, Bobbie vaguely recalled seeing that face before, but now, in her terror-filled mind of jumbled thoughts, it was not a face she feared. Something from his presence filled her with a sudden, tentative calm. He stopped just before he reached her, but did not touch her. Only slightly taller than her own five-foot-ten-inch height, she could almost look him straight in the eyes, even in her flat-heeled sandals. "Who are you?" he asked, his voice a rasping whisper. "I have to go." Bobbie started to move, but he stepped in her way, halting her.

"Who are you? Why have you come to me?" The stranger peered deeply into her eyes. "There must be a reason Eternus projected me here. I've been released to help others before, so I must be here to help you. I will show you a path, but the rest is your choice." Bobbie stood mesmerized by his eyes and powerful presence. "I don't understand..." Her words and his response were lost in the mystery of the night as an eerie glow formed around them. She slumped towards him then. Darkness and light enveloped them and everything within her mind went blank. * * * * Lucan stirred within his self-confinement. He awoke to the soft insistence from Eternus. He blinked his mind open, still foggy with years of sleep. He dreamt of being released from here, to find another wayward soul like himself. The image of a woman vaguely haunted him. As soon as he stood near her in his dreams, the light from Eternus opened up and swallowed them both into its borders. Had it indeed been a dream or a fractured moment of reality? The essence of Eternus stirred within and around him. Soon he felt a drifting of another entering his realm. Yes, he thought of Eternus as his now. No other ever entered Eternus before him, that he knew of, or had been cursed into its borders. One day, perhaps, Eternus would allow more within its boundaries. At least for now, another had come. Had it really finally happened then? Had someone else fallen into the embrace of Eternus? Would he have a companion to share the secrets of Eternus with? A faint stirring of hope aroused him. He hadn't felt so light of spirit and mind in years. Doorways into Eternus opened occasionally, but no one ever came through. He knew part of the reason was because no one had opened him or herself completely to sharing the essence of hope that Eternus offered. He s.h.i.+vered with the awareness. He felt another's soul no, the whole being enter the threshold of a world he thought of as his home despite his continued captivity. He would be grateful for the company, male or female. Most of him hoped it would be a woman. One he could talk and walk with. One he could get to know more intimately should they be compatible. So many centuries had pa.s.sed by he'd almost forgotten what it was like to hold a woman against him. He needed to finish awakening and prepare for his visitor. Foremost, he and Eternus should make sure the person would be receptive to them. He readied himself to greet his visitor.

Chapter Two

Bobbie felt caught between reality and a dream. For some reason, this was both comforting and disturbing. The dusk of evening blanketed her, but soft moonlight showed her she was standing at the edge of a broad meadow. She didn't know how she came to be there for her mind stayed in a state of befuddlement. She glanced quickly behind her, seeing the dark ominous forest. Is that where she came from? She felt out of breath as if she'd ran some distance. She also felt as if she just awoke from a dream. Soon, her breathing returned to normal. A reprieve, she thought, from the horrors she left behind her and from those to come. She glanced from left to right, but then her attention pulled towards the center of the huge clearing. She took a deep breath and exhaled, compelled to move in that direction. She didn't know what supernatural force or instinct propelled her. In seconds, she walked toward a gleaming object floating over a small pool in the middle of the meadow. Whether dream or reality, it glowed extremely bright. Bobbie felt the tickling of the yellow-green gra.s.s beneath her feet teasing her bare ankles. A soft wind twisted her dress gently around her lithe form. The ball seemed to glow brighter yet move farther away each step she took. To the right, another s.h.i.+ny object caught her attention, a small pyramid-shaped structure decorated with small, sparkling symbols embedded in its top. Like the round sphere above the pond, the building drew her to it. She glanced back at the glowing ball and saw beneath it water sprayed upward like a tiny geyser. The illuminated disk of matter teased her, circling around the geyser's edge, dancing in undulating patterns, then it settled with a soft roll in the center of the tower of water. Like the water, it bubbled and bobbed up and down. This time, though, the sphere glowed a bit more ominously. The wind grew a little sharper, and instead of tickling her ankles, the blades of gra.s.s began to nip at them. The wind grew in intensity until it roared. Bobbie tried to back away, but a strange force prevented her from taking more than a few' steps at a time. Suddenly, her heel slipped into a tiny rut and she went reeling backwards. For a few seconds, she lay stunned. She sat up just in time to see the geyser and sphere merge with one another. A tall, large form began to shape and glow eerily. An outline of a man slowly became visible. It was as if someone were sketching him, and then filling in his features. Penetrating, bronze-colored eyes formed first then a blunt nose and a large, scowling mouth. Even with the black robes appearing around his body, she could make out the hard lean muscles. There was something instinctively familiar and comforting about him. A feeling of home. Her instincts warned her to run, to leave the meadow while she could. She stood up quickly as the man walked across the surface of the pond. Bobbie turned in the direction of the pyramid and ran as fast as she could. She heard his deep voice calling after her, telling her to wait. She didn't turn around to see if he followed. She stopped just in front of the triangular-shaped edifice and searched for an opening. The building was larger than she first thought, and its walls were slick. She moved around the whole of it, tromping through vines and weeds nibbling at her toes and the tops of her sandaled feet. Fear made her heart beat faster. "I will show you the way." The deep voice made her heart and body freeze with dread. Would he destroy her or free her from this nightmare? * * * * Bobbie circled the building again, and then came back around to where she first started searching. At the front of the structure, she stopped, finding no entrance. Frustrated she pounded her fists against the smooth wall. Nothing happened. She rapped harder until hands suddenly grasped her wrists from behind. "You will hurt yourself that way." She twisted around to find the strange man glaring down at her. Up close, she saw what she'd mistaken for a robe was a voluminous, black cape nearly covering his black s.h.i.+rt, pants, and boots. His luscious, fiery brown hair only emphasized the brooding austerity of his clothing.

Trying to calm herself, she demanded, "Who are you? What am I doing here? Just let me go home." For a moment, his eyes softened. "I've been called many things, but my name is Lucan Wolf. Do you remember where home is or who you are? Had you not run, I could have told you about myself and Eternus." He reached out to take her wrists within his large hands. She glanced up into his gaunt, handsome face. His dark eyes were like the sun setting on a moonless night, vast and mysterious. She blew her wavy, dark blonde hair out of her face, wondering why his voice still reminded her of something familiar, something she still could not fathom. Bobbie pulled her wrists from his hold. Angered and confused she took a step back. "I recall my name at least! It's Bobbie. Now tell me what this is all about. Let me wake up. I never wished for any of this." "Yes, I believe you did," he said, sighing. "We must both suffer until you remember doing so. I cannot force you to see things in a different perspective if you don't wish to know why you've been pulled here." Her eyes widened. She had no reason to believe or trust this strange man. "You seem familiar, but I don't know you. Why won't you make any sense? I just want to awaken from this dream and go home. Please tell me how." She hadn't meant to sound whiny, but she sounded scared and very tired. Although she needed to be cautious around the stranger, she still felt he would not harm her. Sadly, he shook his head, his hair swaying with his movements. "I am not able to tell you anything. You must lead yourself out of this, Bobbie. This was your choice to make. I can open the door for you." Bobbie took another step back as he moved closer to the building. He waved his hand in an arc and an opening appeared. Startled, she took a step nearer, peering into the dark entrance. "How did you do that? I saw no crack that resembled an opening at all." She turned to glance back at him, only to find him gone. Bobbie's mouth gaped open in surprise. One minute, he appeared out of a geyser, and the next, he vaporized like hot water. She needed to wake up quickly. Being in a nightmare seemed the only sensible rationale she could come up with. Everything around her seemed too surreal. Except, her mind contradicted her, that look of genuine sadness and concern in his hypnotic eyes. So real, in fact, it stung her heart. She heard a tiny creaking sound and swung back around to see the opening narrowed just a bit. She took a hesitant step nearer. It didn't look too inviting. Before she had a chance to decide whether to enter or not, something shoved her through the entrance. She landed on a hard cold floor. The door clanged shut immediately and darkness swallowed her up.

Chapter Three

Lucan's complete physical and spiritual system felt the havoc of her emotions running amok within him. The physical part of his being, especially, felt her nearness. After he awakened to her presence, he felt the turmoil of thoughts ravaging her mind. So open, so frail, she seemed to him. She felt as if she were in a nightmare of searching, of desperation. He wanted to be gentle, yet he knew she was still frightened. Her soft beauty captured his soul and more. Somewhere within, he realized she connected with Eternus and him. Now, she needed to find a path to her destiny whether it coupled with his or not. She had to make the choice to stay or go. This was his home now. He hoped that she would make it her own. He would do what he could to help her, but ultimately, the decision would be hers. He hoped against all he'd ever known, felt, or endured in his long life, that she would find what she sought and not be forced into captivity. He'd been angry, as much as he could recall those earlier times, when he got thrust in this soul-draining void. Yet, this mystical realm strengthened his powers and showed him many wonders. He knew it was his destiny, for whatever reason, to be thrown into Eternus. He harbored the feeling Bobbie might have come into Eternus for similar reasons. If she would but open her mind, body, and soul to him, she would find the home she sought right here within Eternus' boundaries. He must let her find her own path, to pa.s.s the tests of choices that Eternus and fate would put before her. * * * * Bobbie felt the soft swelling of the bruises on her leg. Gingerly, she got to her feet, smoothed down her dress and finger-brushed her dark blonde hair out of her eyes. She tried to make out something in the engulfing darkness. Intense loneliness permeated her entire being with no comfort in sight.

A soft, almost intangible hum began to penetrate the silence. Faint light, some distance away, punctured her consciousness and made her realize she was not alone. Not knowing who made her go through this terrible ordeal was worse than the loneliness. The light grew in size until she could see a pathway in front of her. It looked like a long thin spotlight, blackness on each side and behind her, leading into the unknown and highlighting the mysteries and terrors that lay before her. The light s.h.i.+mmered, as if waiting for her to move. With only a little hesitancy, she made her way forward along the uncertain path. Long hours seemed to pa.s.s as she trudged along for her stomach began to grumble. It was the queasiness of fear, not hunger, which started gnawing at her stomach. Where was she? Why could she not wake up from this nightmare? She wanted the comfort of home and family. Stopping suddenly, she realized that the stranger, Lucan Wolf, had been right. She didn't know completely who she was or where she came from. Or even how she'd come to be in this morbid place. With all her heart, she wished she knew how this weird reality came into existence. She also wished she knew more about the stranger. She needed to rest in order to be able to think more clearly. Then perhaps she could understand what was happening to her. She closed her eyes and swayed. Then she felt herself falling into the unknown again. This time, she landed on something soft and comforting instead of the gra.s.sy meadow. The light around her dimmed even more. Her eyelids became heavy with the weariness of her journey to this nightmare, to a world unlike any she knew before. It enveloped her in its dark depths, and her mind gave way to its beckoning call of comfort. * * * * Lucan quietly materialized into the center of the pyramid. On a circular, frameless bed, set high on a pedestal, the woman lay quiet and asleep. Her tousled, damp hair created a tarnished halo around her head. He stood looking down at her voluptuous body for a few moments before approaching the bed. Earlier, her cinnamon-brown eyes beseeched him for help, though she denied verbally that she needed it. He slowly approached the bed, cautious not to awaken her. She stirred and he halted. He waved his hand towards her. She mumbled in her turmoil, and then she lay quieter and rested.

He knew she would dream of him for a short while. It was the best way to attune their essence together. Yet what they felt would be very real. He sat down, his clothing crinkling gently beneath his weight. Lucan leaned over, brus.h.i.+ng a light kiss upon her slightly parted lips. It seared through his very soul. He trailed a finger lightly across her cheek, tracing her delicate contours. Her throat twitched against his caress. Heat, such as he had not known in centuries washed through his core of existence. His body ached with need. And so did his soul. He wanted to feed on her in many ways. It would be so easy to draw her blood, to take her body even, but he could not without her permission. Would she allow him the intimacy? There was only one way to find out. Gently, he lay down beside her, tucking one arm under her head, and letting the other lay over her stomach. He closed his eyes and opened his mind to hers.

Chapter Four

Hot breath caressed her skin as lips grazed her bared throat. She s.h.i.+vered but not from fear. Lucan's teeth ran along the length of the left side of her neck. He wanted something from her. Dare she find out? Bobbie turned to look up at him. He pulled his head back as if waiting for an answer. She did not think of what had gone before or contemplate what was to come. Right now, she needed him, desired him. It didn't matter how their naked bodies had come to be together on this bed. His large body was made for more than comfort. She opened her mind and her arms to him. He lowered his head, touching his lips to hers. As she hungrily responded, his kiss deepened. He pried her lips apart gently, the tip of his tongue licking softly inside her mouth. She trembled with growing pleasure. His tongue darted deeper between her lips and he pressed his body harder against her own. She wrapped her arms around his back, feeling the ripples of bared flesh beneath her exploring hands, and he quivered with pleasure. His shaft grew larger with every caress and touch. His lips moved from her mouth to her shoulder, and then to her b.r.e.a.s.t.s. His hands explored every inch of her. He suckled her nipples, lavis.h.i.+ng each with his attention, and she arched toward his mouth. Her hands cupped his b.u.t.tocks and squeezed them, and he groaned against her nipple. A hand splayed across her stomach, touching her with feathery strokes. Then he s.h.i.+fted, kissing and licking her as he made his way down the length of her body. He found her patch of soft curls, and she automatically opened her thighs, spreading her legs to give him easier access. He stoked her gingerly at first, tracing every fold and curve of her l.a.b.i.a. Then he open her up to him, and Bobbie gasped as his fingertips stroked from the tip of her c.l.i.toris to the bottom of her v.a.g.i.n.a. He lowered his head, and his tongue followed the path of his fingers. She nearly spasmed beneath him. His tongue darted deep into her channel, giving her even more exquisite ecstasy. Her hands raked through his thick hair, and she entwined her fingers into his dark locks. Her hips arched against him as his mouth widened to suckle on her tender areas. His thumbs teased her lower lips, making her writhe beneath him. Her heat became liquid desire trickling down on to his tongue and fingers. He gently pressed fingers into her, and another groan sounded from deep in his throat. He slid them in and out of her, and she moved in rhythm against his hand. The strokes became firmer and her fingers tightened in his hair. His strokes became faster as her inner walls became wetter. He licked all her secret places until she shattered, her body shaking with the explosion. She panted and cried out for him to join her. He answered her call, kissing her body in many places on the way back up to her. He suckled on her b.r.e.a.s.t.s again, and she moved her legs apart for him. He settled between her thighs, brus.h.i.+ng the head of his shaft against her s.e.x, wetting her desires even more. Her hips urged him to take her, and he slowly slid his hard length into her hot, waiting depths. He rubbed her c.l.i.toris, making her s.h.i.+ver again. He inched himself deeper into her, and within long agonizing moments, he was sheathed completely inside her. He lay against her and inside her wetness, and she savored the feel of flesh upon flesh. "Look at me, Bobbie," he whispered. She did as he commanded, searching his dark depths for what he wanted of her. His mouth widened in a sensuous smile, and she noticed for the first time his incisors were elongated and pointed. The word vampire hit her, but for some reason it didn't frighten her that he was a vampire. "You're fevered dreams called out to me. Let me embrace you and stop the screaming in your heart." His words were rhythmic like a dark cord of music, but they seared through to her soul. "I think I've searched for someone like you throughout the ages. Let my dark embrace give you satisfaction and bring light to the troubles in your heart." She tentatively smiled up at him, giving a slight nod. "Drink of my soul and my destiny, Lucan," she added breathlessly.

She moved her head to one side and he lowered his to her bared neck. Quickly but softly, his fangs pierced her skin. She felt the slight drizzle of blood trickling down her throat. Then he fed and his pa.s.sionate strokes became firmer as he loved upon her whole being. She urged him with her wanting body to fill her again and again. He pulled his lips from her throat then kissed her fiercely. The taste of blood slowly faded, replaced by the heat of his lips upon hers. Momentum and red-hot desire built up within them both. Lucan drove hard and fast within her, and she met each of his thrusts with hunger and pa.s.sion. Together, in perfect rhythm, they pressed against each other, adding and giving to the each other's pleasures. An ageless fire began to consume them, taking control of their bodies and minds. Untamed rapture enflamed their bodies and souls, and soon made them whole, bringing forth completeness that bound them together in many ways. Afterwards, they lay together, panting, and then both drifted off into the bliss of oblivion.

Chapter Five

Bobbie slowly came out of a deep sleep. Refreshed and rested, she felt that soon she would find her way out of this nightmare. Not all of it had been a nightmare. She smiled at the thought of the heated dream she had experienced although it began to fade now that she had awakened. Or had she completely awakened? She slowly sat up and noticed she was still on the lighted path. She could have sworn she lay naked on a circular bed of some kind. It was just part of the dream, she now believed. She got to her feet. What was she to do? How could she find her way out of this realm of mystery and dreams and nightmares? "Look closely, Bobbie, and decide." Lucan's deep voice brought her unexpected comfort, but it also reminded her of the severity of her situation. Suddenly, the earth shook for a second beneath her feet. Just as she steadied herself, she saw the path split into two different directions. Each of the other paths ended right before an oak-framed dressing mirror. Circles of reflection illuminated the mirror to her left as she saw herself within it. She observed herself living on a communal estate. People from all walks of life and nationalities mingled in a large room. She was at an informal party, clothed in the same dress she wore now. She could feel her image's trepidation, her own fear coming from someone near her. A slightly aging, tall, and heavy built man came into her view. He was dressed in an expensively tailored suit and people flocked around him. Evil radiated from him, and he possessed a commanding presence that would brook no disagreement from anyone else. Others praised him, yet she didn't. She loathed him and wanted away from him. He'd had some control over her life, but she wasn't sure what kind. Only that she had to get out from under his threatening rule. She casually made her way out of the room and left via the veranda.

Then she walked out into the early evening, away from the large house, and soon she began to run. It wasn't long before she knew the man and his minions were coming after her. She ran until she tripped in the darkened forest. She hit her head hard, but hadn't been knocked unconscious. She scrambled to her feet, trying to run away again, even though her mind ached and drifted in and out of reality. Then she stopped to catch her breath. The others who searched for her sounded like the came from behind her. Then she saw a strange sphere of light loom suddenly before her. A soothing, eerie music emanated from it, hypnotizing her. Then Lucan stepped from the glowing circle. It was then she realized he'd come for her, or had been sent for her. The evil man she'd been running from wanted something within her. A power that she began to realize she possessed a short time ago. In the few hours she visited in Eternus' realm, it seeped into her, letting her know it would protect her, and give her the reprieve she needed to contain and face her fears. Long enough to make a decision, she realized. Eternus and Lucan needed her for some reason that lay just at the edges of her mind. It would come, she realized, once she knew what it was she sought from both of them. She turned to her right, glimpsing the scene in the next mirror. She saw not herself, but Lucan, roaming around in a dark fog. The fog lifted slowly, giving her glimpses of his former life. In the beginning, he'd been human, a happy troubadour roaming the land with a band of like-minded folks. A human who'd wanted to learn the mysteries of the world, too eagerly and too soon. That had been his downfall. He had an enemy born from the jealousy of his talent, untamed powers, and the growing feelings he had for another woman. A dark-haired woman, Bobbie saw, dressed in an old-fas.h.i.+oned crimson gown from centuries ago looked menacingly upon him. Bobbie's eyes widened as she saw another woman, a likeness of herself, dressed in medieval clothing, swirl into view. She and Lucan embraced, doing something she couldn't quite make out. Then a man came up behind Lucan and bit him on the neck, while the strange woman in crimson tore Bobbie out of Lucan's arms. Then Lucan and the man fought. Lucan defended himself, killing the other vampire. The woman attacked the likeness of Bobbie, nearly killing her. Lucan at that moment turned into a wild being and attacked the woman in crimson. He'd bitten her and drunk from her, nearly killing her. He flung her away then went to Bobbie.

Somehow, Bobbie felt it must have been another life she'd lived. She and Lucan were close then, but circ.u.mstances and people stopped them from accomplis.h.i.+ng something vital. Lucan held her as she died, and the other woman uttered some evil, magical words. Lucan screamed out in agony, disappearing, just at the same moment as the other Bobbie had. With her fading breath, she spoke an incantation. Then the scene changed and she once again saw Lucan. This time, he was falling into the realm of Eternus. She instinctively knew that the incantation her other self had spoken had caused him to be imprisoned into this realm. His life and existence both became wondrous and lonely within this mystic, beautiful place. She could see it had let him out long enough to aid others and to search for something he needed. And to feed occasionally. He'd helped others along the way and had made friends, but always Eternus pulled him back in. She realized then that Lucan needed a way to be permanently free from Eternus. If Lucan really wanted free from this dark paradise. She looked back to the mirror on the left. It glowed and the misguided evangelist that had made her life h.e.l.l loomed somewhere out there waiting to find her. Still, she saw other images, ones that showed she could find her own answers to questions and problems that plagued her. Then she just knew. She had to make a decision. Bobbie refused to be fearful any longer. How could this ent.i.ty force her to choose when she did not know what would come? She felt a stirring within the darkened area. "I won't be forced to choose for you, Eternus, or for Lucan." She waited for a response, but none came. The room shook again. Then she felt two presences near her. Eternus and Lucan. His shuffled steps let her know he'd moved up behind her. Her hand went to her neck suddenly. A chill ran through her, but she ignored it as she turned to face him.

Chapter Six

Lucan could feel her inner turmoil. He knew he could not make a decision for her. He did not know how, only that her choice would affect him. She glanced up at him expectantly, and her changing emotions flitted across her lovely face. One of them was the dawning of a realization. "That wasn't a dream. We did make love. You bit my neck." He nodded. "I wouldn't have forced you. That's why I eased into your mind." "Did all those things really happen to you? To me?" "Yes, they happened to me. I believe so on your part. We cannot force you to decide anything, Bobbie, but know you truly are the key to my own future, to choices I have to make." She bit her bottom lip. He searched her face, knowing she seemed to grasp what he was telling her. She took a step near him then reached up and kissed him softly on the lips. "I don't regret what happened between us. You've touched my soul and strengthened me somehow, Lucan. But I'm not ready to become a vampire yet or anything else but me. I need to find myself, to escape from horrors of my own." He gave her a quick hug and stepped back from her. "I understand. I will not lie and say that it would be good to have you stay here in Eternus with me. But I won't force your choice. It's yours alone to make." "No matter that it will influence what happens to you? Yes, I guessed about that." He realized that she'd come to understand many things in the few hours she'd been here, and that Eternus shared some knowledge with her. "You are not only intelligent but beautiful, Bobbie." "If we did know each other in a prior life, I can't recall anything about it, Lucan. I do know our paths have crossed for a reason. I think we both need to find out what that reason is. You don't have to stay imprisoned in here any longer."

He felt perplexed. "Each time I leave Eternus draws me back. I searched for a key, a way out, centuries ago. Each time I failed, and I knew then I'd never return to the real world." "I think you know deep inside yourself that the missing piece of you is what holds the key to your future." Her voice had changed suddenly, laced with a surreal quality. He realized that Eternus partly spoke through her. Deep within Bobbie, he sensed some mystical strength and secrets buried in her soul. She held a secret he needed, yet only she could release it. "Tell me why the mirrors are here, Lucan, besides to show what has gone before and a glimpse of what might come." He took a step to the mirror on the right. "They are doorways to the earthly realm. I've never seen two appear at the same time before now. It must be because you are here. I've gone through one before, when I was called to help another soul in distress, but always I've come back. Why do you believe the other one is here?" She looked at him speculatively. "Another doorway perhaps." He jerked his head back towards her. "This mirror only allows for travel for one at a time that I know of." "I don't think but one of us at a time can fit through either if indeed the one on the left is a doorway back to my time and place in the real world." "You have hidden wisdom within you. I think Eternus must have sensed that. Perhaps you are a key to my own destiny. How is that you make my heart and my fate ache with wonder, Bobbie?" She moved near him and laid a soft hand upon his arm. "I have grown in the time I've been here. I do have a decision to make. I can stay with you here in Eternus or go back to my world. But there is something I believe I can do for you too, Lucan." "For once, I do not have the answer to what Eternus wants from me or you." She smiled up at him, extending her hand out to him. "I could stay and be happy here in Eternus with you. Yet it isn't what I want right now. Do not be saddened, Lucan. I believe there will come a time we may get together somehow." He grasped her hand within his and kissed her silken palm. "I care for you, Bobbie. I've always felt that part of me is missing. The woman you saw in the mirror. She was from my first life. We were close and she taught me how to soul-share." "The other two stopped it, didn't they?"

"Yes. The Countess cursed me at the same time as Berta countered it with an incantation. That, I believe is how I wound up in Eternus. Bobbie, what is your last name." "LeStrange. That was me in a previous life, wasn't it?" "Yes. When Berta disappeared, so did a part of my soul. It's what keeps me going, knowing that there is hope for me out there." "Would you become evil if that part of your soul was returned to you?" He hesitated, but he had to be honest with her. "I don't know. I'd like to think I wouldn't be, but I simply don't know." She laid her other hand on his chest. "I believe part of her is in you, too. But I don't believe you are ready to accept the consequences if those two parts are reunited." When she stepped back from him, he felt as if he'd lost the rest of his soul this time. "You are leaving me." "I must, Lucan. I have to take care of the things that haunted my life and to find out who I truly am. It would be idealistic to stay with you here, but I can't." His shoulders drooped. "I had hoped you would." "Your loneliness can be eased, Lucan. Listen to what Eternus tells you. It brought us together for a reason." His head came up as hope arose within him. "I believed you to be the key when I first felt you enter here." "Eternus sent you to me, not just in your dreams or mine. This is real even in a world of unreality. You do not have to stay here any longer. If indeed I am Berta reincarnated then that piece of your soul resides within me. But I can't give it back to you, Lucan." "I don't understand." "You have to earn it back. You'll need to find me again. We both have things in our lives that have to be taken care of. Alone. I feel it must be that way." He looked from her to the mirrors suddenly. They both glowed with hope. Eternus rumbled in answer. It was then that he knew he, too, had to make a decision along with Bobbie. His heart swelled with renewed hope, but just as quickly, it plummeted to sadness. "I can't cross over with you. We could wind up in different places or times." "If you believe in us, in yourself, Lucan, we will find each other again." She leaned over and kissed his cheek. "You must be strong.

We each have a destiny to fulfill and difficulties that have to be taken care of." He stroked her cheek lovingly. "I think I understand what you and Eternus are trying to tell me. The power of your heart and soul will release me from her and lead me back to the world we were born into. I will find you, Bobbie. We have to do this then at the same time." "Yes, it is what I feel we must do. I'd loved to have spent an eternity here with you, but I need to face my fears, to find the answers to questions within myself. I do not regret that you are within me and brought me here." "You trusted me when I fed upon you and when I brought you here. I trust in you to know this decision is right for both of us. I swear, Bobbie, I will find you again." He reached out and pulled her into a fierce embrace, his lips bearing down hungrily upon hers. She sighed, a sound of contentment, when he released her. Again, when she stepped back, he felt the sudden loss. She smiled up at him. "I too feel as if part of me will be missing until we are reunited again. Use the time to grow to help others, Lucan. Release that dark music within your soul that yearns to break free." He felt his eyes widen. "How did you know?" "I saw you as a man with a soul filled with mysterious music when I looked into the mirror. The music is part of who you are. No matter where you are, it follows you. It is within your whole being. I believe we will find each other again through your music, Lucan. Do not say good-bye." "Even through the edges of time, I will seek you, Bobbie. One day, I will hold you in my arms and never let you go." "I look forward to that day," she said and turned away. She walked towards the mirror on the left. He did the same and moved in front of the other one on the right. They looked longingly at each other. Then the mirrors glowed brightly, making a doorway for each of them to cross through. He swore to himself that no matter where he went and no matter what fate held in store for him, he'd find her again. With one last look at her, Lucan Wolf, Lord of the Night, stepped through the mirrored gateway at the same time Bobbie walked into hers, going forward into a new, unknown destiny that awaited them both. The End Vampyric Dreams by Ravyn Reccio Vampire Micah Davenport has searched for 600 years for his true-mate, Gabrielle. But dangerous forces threaten a love that's been destined for centuries. http://ravynreccio.co.nr www.mys.p.a.ce.com/ravynvampyre www.mys.p.a.ce.com/ravynreccio

Vampyric Dreams

by Ravyn Reccio

Chapter One

It shall begin upon the awakening of remembering. She who lives in darkness shall awaken and rise in search of her mate. Gabrielle Fuertes, always a very level-headed woman, had answers for questions too difficult for others. This time the trouble came from trying to find answers to her dreams. Gabrielle believed in the power of one's dreams, as well as her ability to read into them. Just like her Mother, and her Great-Grandmother, all the women in her family were blessed with certain gifts. How on earth could she dream about someone every night for seven years that didn't even exist? She could not remember a night she did not dream, nor a vision without him in it. Her dream self never thought to ask him why he haunted her. She did not want to make him go away. She wanted him to stay in her dreams forever. After all, he was perfect; standing at just a few inches shy of six feet in height, piercing grey eyes, and what seemed like the most welcoming body she had ever seen with lips firmly pressed together, their bodies matched the closeness. Minutes went by as the kiss became more pa.s.sionate. Gabrielle noticed his fangs did not seem able to harm her intruding tongue, so she kissed him fiercely. His hands slowly traced up the side of her body and felt her covered b.r.e.a.s.t.s. The pa.s.sion continued to rise throughout the night, until making love deep within Gabrielle's dream world seemed the most natural thing in the world. The sun would rise within an hour, and Gabrielle knew he needed to leave and feed.

He promised her nights like this would repeat over and over, only getting better and more intense with each time. She trusted his word and let him leave. Gabrielle's dreams played out the same each night. The same handsome stranger taunted and teased her body, exploring the height of sheer pleasure she'd never felt before. Each morning she awoke feeling the warmth of his body still upon her. Before she woke, his arms held her close as his lips nuzzled her neck sending s.h.i.+vers all over her body. Gabrielle thought she must be losing her mind because of how wonderful she felt each morning. She lingered under the covers, unable to make any sense of the dreams. Gabrielle's mind played tricks on her. His scent clung all over her, and the bed, as well as her pillows. "Dear G.o.d this is insane," She stretched her arms and realized something lay on the pillow beside her. She sat up and wiped the sleep from her eyes as she gazed down upon the object. A gorgeous black rose, with a note attached to it, rested before her My Dearest Gabrielle, I am filled with joy after our encounter tonight. Upon my lips is a desire to taste of you once more. A never-ending insatiable hunger which consumes us both. This hunger smothers in such wild desires and an intense pa.s.sion of which we cannot contain. The scent of your arousal fills my mind as your body's own desires ache as well. I need to feel your body pressed up against me once again, to be one with you. Your body calls out to me every night pleading, begging, and aching to be consumed by me. Allow me to fill every part of your being with my essence and sate the never-ending hunger within your soul. Gabrielle could not believe she read this. No way could she even be holding this letter. He wasn't real, just a figment of her imagination. A dream lover, but not real? No. She'd decided, as soon as she saw his fangs for the first time, he could not be real. He could not exist. But how did this get here? No one else could see into her mind and view her dreams. She'd spoken to no one about her visions. So how did the notes kept coming, each and every morning. All of them personal enough to have to have been from the man in her dreams. She still felt doubtful. Frustrated with all her dreams, she got out of bed and proceeded to watch the rain from her bedroom window. Gabrielle felt like her heart broke at her confusion. She had no idea who this man was or if he may be real. Vampires can't be real. Why he would come to her only in her mind at night? She stared at her engagement ring glittering on her finger. Samuel gave it to her a few nights ago. Gabrielle thought Samuel was the love of her life, her doubts surfaced with the nocturnal visit of her mystery man. Gabrielle never had s.e.x with Samuel. Despite all his attentiveness, she just never felt quite ready. It had been her hope that with time her body might respond to him. It became clear to her that Samuel would never affect her like her dark stranger. Gabrielle needed to tell Samuel the engagement was off, as soon as possible. The rain came down really hard that morning. After the downpour, the city looked blanketed with a thick fog. As she watched the mist cover visibility, a familiar face, well body, for he shows no face, appeared and called out to her. "Gabrielle...Hear my voice...Listen to the words that you know in your heart are true." "Who are you?" she asked the voice. His seductive tone continued. She felt her body respond. She thought to herself, this is sheer madness. I'm losing my mind. Feeling deep in a trance, her body responded to him, unable to resist arousal. * * * * Micah discovered some time ago he could mingle his soul with others he truly connected with. He could swiftly bring himself behind them and plunge into their souls, become one with them inside their minds - which was how he entered Gabrielle's dreams. Throughout his three centuries, he'd only been able to achieve it with one other person, and in the end that person, Destiny, rejected him after he'd finally revealed himself. He needed to show more care this time. Along with being very discreet about his existence, Micah always tried to keep Gabrielle happy. She needed to feel loved and wanted, this time maybe the only chance to win back her love. During the day, Micah perfected his astral projection abilities to be with her. This protected him from the sun. * * * * "A shattered gla.s.s resembles what remains of my shattered heart, broken pieces surrounding the emptiness of my soul. One day, the wounds of this broken heart will heal, in hopes that you'll be the one to mend the tears," he told her. "Why me?" she asked.

The voice replied, "It is I who quenches the flames of pa.s.sion within your heart and soul every night. You call out to me as you sleep. Look deep within your heart Gabrielle. You'll see I'm speaking the truth." She avoided making eye contact with him. If she looked directly at him he might disappear, her body trembled at the mere thought of finally seeing his face. Turning her back to him, a part of her wished he would leave her in peace. He wrapped his arms gently around her waist. She leaned back into his body, sighing, finally admitting to herself he must really exist. Her trembling body betrayed her. His lips found her sensitivities, touching upon her neck. His kisses lingered softly. She enjoyed how he teased her. Her soft hand reached behind and caressed his face and she became lost in the heat of the moment. "Your voice haunts me. It speaks to me, and tells me how I am yours and no other shall have me," she paused briefly, his embrace tightening around her body. She did not resist, her body refused to let her have any control. Instead her words continued, "Your touch burns my flesh as no other. You possess my every waking thought as well as my dreams." His lips pressed against her ear as the slow seduction continued making her body ache. "Only with me can you unleash pa.s.sion and not be afraid of what you are truly capable of. Stop holding back. Learn to let go and enjoy the unbridled, uninhibited pa.s.sion which should be released," he continued, "why must you always forsake your own pleasure? Why?" he asked. Patiently, he waited for her answer. Not knowing how she should to reply his question, Gabrielle turned to finally see him face to face. She stood there in awe of just how handsome he truly was. His jet-black hair brought out the deepest of sea green color in his eyes. He towered over her, she felt like a dwarf in comparison. With her fingers, she traced the outline of the same lips that gave her so much pleasure nightly. Gently he kissed the tips, Gabrielle's heart leapt with joy at finally seeing him. Her hands trembled as she reached out to touch his chest. She looked up into those green eyes, bewitched by them. "Whatever memories you think I might have of you are lost to me." Tears slowly rolled down her cheeks, Gabrielle lost all ability to control her emotions. "I don't remember you or anything we shared in the past. Why must you insist there is something?" She felt overcome with strong emotions, leaving her vulnerable to everything he said. It became very difficult for her to speak. No words were exchanged between the two. He cleared his throat and placed his fingers over her lips. He let them rest there for a minute, and then slid his arms around her waist, pressing his body against hers. Her body trembled against his, knowing that all her confidence disappeared. She was his, she wanted to be his. Placing her hands on the back of his neck, Gabrielle pulled his head down to hers. She closed her eyes and kissed him slowly, sliding her tongue into his mouth, swirling it around, tasting him. Moaning softly he returned the kiss with tenderness and want. She withdrew her tongue from his mouth, his followed into her mouth. She let him kiss her hard, wanting more. Her tongue brushed against his long vampire teeth. As he broke the kiss, she moaned softly and tried to kiss him again, but he just smiled. His hand moved down her arm, her blood pulsed strongly as he ran his fingers over her wrist. Her bedroom was furnished in dark wood and black metal. White candles and roses decorated the room as well, contrasting with the highly polished surfaces everywhere. Red velvet drapes covered the windows. Her bed made of wrought iron, held candles on spikes, at the foot end. Red and black satin curtains hung at the head of her bed. He looked mesmerized at the beauty of her things, but he took her hand again and led her toward the bed. Gabrielle lay down willingly, still, some doubt tweaked the back of her mind; perhaps she should not be doing this. She could feel his beautiful evil, but proved unable to resist, somehow she knew their union was right. Lying beside her, his hands touched her all over, running up and down her back, over her stomach and b.r.e.a.s.t.s, between her legs. He kissed, licked, and nibbled up and down her neck as he softly caressed her c.l.i.t through the fabric of her silk panties rubbing it slowly. She moved her hips gently against his hand, enjoying the feelings as his fingers found their way past the elastic. As he rubbed her c.l.i.t, and slid his fingers in and out of her, he began to bite her neck a little harder. She screamed as she came, and then he bit down hard, breaking the skin. She heard him drink of her, his groans proving he loved it.

She gave into him fully. All previous doubts momentarily erased from her mind, even though she knew he was a vampire. He slid off her body and ripped his clothes off, her nails sc.r.a.ping his skin. Sliding his hardness into her, she wrapped her legs around him, feeling him pounding into her, enjoying immensely the hot, frantic s.e.x, the result of the feelings ama.s.sed in her dreams. Gabrielle squeezed her legs tighter around him as he pounded his c.o.c.k into her hard and faster, raking her nails deep into his back. She arched her back as she felt her o.r.g.a.s.m start, tightening her p.u.s.s.y around his c.o.c.k. Her action seemed to cause him to slam his c.o.c.k even more deeply into her as he started coming His hands gripped her waist tightly as he held her to him, she watched as his eyes closed, moaning with the pleasure he obviously felt. He collapsed on top of her, kissing her neck softly and slowly as she ran her fingers through his hair. Lying in bed a while, locked in each others pa.s.sionate embrace savoring the love left her feeling more than satisfied. Gabrielle curled up in his arms not questioning the bond they shared at this moment. She turned to face him staring into those beautiful green orbs. If this is a dream I never want to wake up, she thought. "Why me though?" She looked into his eyes. "What is so special about me that you had to find me? Nor can I understand why you would love me as you do. I am nothing special." "We were meant to be, my Love. We always have been...Always will be." Lost to the magic of the moment, Gabrielle found herself agreeing with him. "You are the only person I have truly ever let in to my heart to experience my pain...my joy...my frustration. All of it, I share with you. But most of all, I share my love with you, Gabrielle. We share a bond like no one else shares. The connection between us, you feel it too," he replied. His voice faded away and Gabrielle realized she was alone. When did he leave? I never even asked his name. Gabrielle felt very reckless. What am I doing? * * * * Gabrielle's dreams of him preoccupied her completely-unable to focus on anything else. Okay enough of this fantasizing! she ordered herself, drying the tears from her face. Tears had always been a sure sign of weakness to her. She refused, even for a moment, to allow any form of weakness. She needed to get her a.s.s in gear and get to work. Fifteen minutes is all she needed to face the world. Once out of the shower she began the task of figuring out what to wear. Life in the corporate world wasn't as easy as one would think, but she loved the life of a paranormal investigator and its perks. Gabrielle, did everything with great pa.s.sion and conviction; she loved Gothic and lived Gothic. She ran her hands over her rigid curves. She adjusted the swell of her b.r.e.a.s.t.s so that they showed a tease of cleavage at the top of her bodice. With her ma.s.s of black curls piled up on her head and ringlets cascading all around her face, she felt satisfied Finally ready for work Gabrielle dressed in a grey suit and grey suede shoes. These perfectly complimented her rather long sensuous legs. She checked herself in the mirror one last time making a mental note as she went along. Everything looked perfect. Gabrielle loved the finer things in life especially cars. She drove a 2006 black Mercedes-Benz SLK55. A luxury she definitely could afford. This was her gift to herself for all the long hours she kept, along with the many lonely nights before she'd spent before meeting Samuel. Now Samuel's over-attentiveness annoyed her. She really did not want any man other than her stealthy lover to touch her. She would have to tell Samuel it was over. After almost a year of being engaged to him, she still remained unmoved s.e.xually by Samuel. The dark, mysterious vampire would not leave Gabrielle's thoughts as she drove to work. Her cell phone rang, bringing her back to reality. Gabrielle pulled over to the curb to answer. Liss, her a.s.sistant, inquired how far she was from the office. The interview had slipped Gabrielle's mind. Gabrielle told her she wasn't far away and hung up. Gabrielle's head filled with visions of him again. Each vision made her heart beat faster and her blood quickened in her veins. A rush of pure power coursed through her awakening senses, amplified, and shaking her body to the very core of her womanhood. Bracing herself against the steering wheel Gabrielle held on for dear life. Certainly a new sensation to her, this feeling only happened when around others of her kind. Finally feeling normal once more, she headed to work. * * * * Gabrielle never held a 'normal' job, she refused to settle for anything which didn't challenge her paranormal instincts. Being one of the most prominent Paranormal Investigators at Graveyard Inc, her gift had never failed her yet. Ever since she could remember, her life never seemed normal. Then again, her parents always supported her certain special attributes and helped her come to terms with her gift early in life. Plenty of people in expensive suits walked around the prestigious office building, babbling into mobile phones and carrying briefcases costing more than a Manhattan duplex apartment. Gabrielle took the elevator to the seventh floor and proceeded to her office. Her a.s.sistant, Liss Blackwood, gracefully reminded her about her lack of punctuality, then went over things about a few very important clients of late. They worked together on many supernatural cases at Graveyard Inc. Liss' constant dedication, along with her ability to juggle multiple tasks amazed Gabrielle. She hired Liss to work with her at Graveyard around the same time Depth's, Gabrielle's nightclub, was up and running and doing very well. Gabrielle and Liss balanced each other so well Liss always acted cool, calm and level-headed. Gabrielle knew people saw her as the archetypal creative type - head either in the clouds or working herself almost to death. "Your noon appointment is here, Gabrielle, and he hasn't been very patient either." Liss handed Gabrielle the itinerary regarding the rest of the afternoon and evening appointments with future potential clients. Gabrielle glanced over it rather quickly checking the rest of her schedule for the remaining weeks, before a much-needed vacation. "How long has he been waiting? And please tell me he hasn't been here since the office opened. I am not in the mood to hear anyone whine about the lack of professionalism here." Gabrielle groaned. Inside the inner office, placing her briefcase on the desk, Gabrielle checked her incoming mail. "Doesn't it ever slow down here? Seems we just completed a ton of work and here we are as if nothing was done. Seems as if it's just us two working here," she grumbled then thought better of it. "I'm sorry Liss. I didn't mean to snap at you." The restless nights grated on her mood. "It's ok, Chica. What's a few snaps between co-workers and friends." Liss smiled, her impish look made Gabrielle forget everything. Thank goodness for friends like her.

"Once this day is over Liss, we are going to indulge ourselves in some wickedness." She winked at her, leading them both to burst out giggling. Gabrielle looked herself over one last time before proceeding with this interview she dreaded but needed. "Please send Mr. Moryenko in so we can get this show on the road." Graveyard Inc. investigated ghosts and hauntings in order to prove the existence of life beyond the physical realm, extending into the spiritual. It also served to a.s.sist others with spirits in their lives while educating them on life after death, and to further paranormal research. Graveyard Inc. stood for everything Mr. Moryenko did not, according to his television show. He hosted a show at WWBK, famous for the most controversial news stories. They liked to target places like Graveyard Inc. but Gabrielle felt confident. Mr. Moryenko contacted Gabrielle by e-mail, offering to do an interview. Naturally, Liss had warned her on a daily basis that the meeting could be extremely foolish. Gabrielle received her fair share of instant messages and e-mails from various religious groups who held differing beliefs on the afterlife. She did not have a problem with anyone holding a different opinion. After all, it took all kinds to make up the world. After several days of correspondence, Gabrielle agreed on a meeting at her office. She decided if she didn't like his looks or got a bad feeling about it, she'd just conclude the meeting. "Mr. Moryenko," she heard Liss say, "Ms. Fuertes will see you now." Gabrielle felt exhausted, almost felt ready for a nervous breakdown. Already stressed out about the live interview, her nerves were frayed even though she tried to give the appearance of being very much in control. The show's topic would be, Graveyard Inc.- The Truth about Paranormal Investigators. Gabrielle wondered how many times throughout the interview she would hear, ghost busters or ghost hunters or even spirit chasers, thrown in her direction. Gabrielle rose from behind her desk to welcome Mr. Moryenko. Her gut clenched. She knew he could be brutal to his guests and the thought of being publicly ridiculed on the show, scared her half to death. Not knowing how the interview would go, or what direction he would take made her stomach churn.

"Good Morning, Ms Fuertes. I have been looking forward to this interview for weeks now." He extended his hand and shook Gabrielle's. The rest of his crew worked around them setting up the cameras and the microphones. Gabrielle motioned to Liss, always ready with pen in hand for any task. "Mr. Moryenko, you've already met my a.s.sistant Liss. She will gladly a.s.sist you with anything you need. " Liss smiled over at him. "This is Geno, my Production Manager and head of my camera crew. He will be setting everything up for the interview," he added his own introduction. Jonathan Moryenko came with the reputation that everyone had to watch their back. "Please call me Jonathan. Mr. Moryenko sounds a tad too formal". Gabrielle wanted to end the interview before it even began. It seemed a waste of her time as well as the company's. She had a bad feeling about this. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on edge. For a moment, she doubted her own psychic abilities. Something she never did before. Gabrielle glanced over quickly over to Liss, wondering if she too sensed something wasn't right. Gabrielle waited for Jonathan to commence with the questions. Gabrielle let her mind wander off to her vampyric lover Liss cleared her throat, grabbing Gabrielle's attention immediately. Jonathan looked impatient, obviously waiting for a reply to the question that Gabrielle missed. d.a.m.n! The question repeated, frustration settled into his voice and over his knitted brow. "Ms Fuertes? How is it that you became involved with the supernatural and its lifestyle?" "It's lifestyle? You make it seem like it's something that you can just easily pick up on a street corner." She glared at him at the same time as giving him a wide smile, making her words sweet but deadly. "One does not become involved with the supernatural, Mister Moryenko. It is a gift which is pa.s.sed down through generations." She paused for a moment. A familiar feeling blanketed her body. Gabrielle felt the heat rise. The hunger returned. Taking a deep breathe as her body enjoyed his touch. She felt his fangs on her neck as he seduced her mind. Dear G.o.d in Heaven, she thought, this can't be happening now...Not here, not now.

Gabrielle regained control over herself as well as the situation at hand. She could not afford any bad press. Focusing on the matter at hand wasn't an easy task but nevertheless she had to try. His voice sounded in her head, calling to her. She felt his hands touching her. Mentally Gabrielle pleaded with him to cease, but it apparently went unheard. The heat from the camera lights made her very lightheaded. The temperature in her office became overwhelming. Reaching over for a gla.s.s of water, another stifling presence made itself known to her; it wasn't friendly. Gabrielle's breathing became a task. Her chest tightened up as if something squeezed the last breath of air from her lungs. Gabrielle could not control what seemed like sparring inside her head. Two strong ent.i.ties struggled for control over her emotions and consciousness. One was her lover, making her body react with intense arousal. The other just felt hostile, grabbing at her mind. The pain in her chest increased. The room began to spin out of control. Her alertness faded fast. Gabrielle knew this would not look good on camera. But this really became the least of her worries as the inner warring spiraled out of control. * * * * Liss looked on as Gabrielle attempted to get up from behind her desk, seconds later Gabrielle lay on the floor. One of the main cameramen stood next to her. Geno placed the camera on the floor. His first reaction seemed to be to check Gabrielle's pulse, and listen for breathing...Liss panicked, not really knowing what to do. Geno yelled out, "she's not breathing! Someone call emergency! Everyone make room. Give me room to work." The room cleared out within seconds...all except Jonathan and a cameraman. Liss noticed Jonathon motion the cameraman to keep filming. Moryenko smiled. "Turn the camera's off!" Liss screamed at him. Rage built at his insincerity, but she had Gabrielle to think of right now. "Whatever happens, keep the camera rolling...I want it all." Liss heard Moryenko tell the cameraman. She ran over to Gabrielle's side to help Geno. Tears filled her eyes as she watched her friend's lifeless body on the floor, "Don't you dare leave me, Gabby." Liss tried to maintain her own composure but she couldn't stop crying. Geno yelled at her to stay focused. Liss looked on as he tilted Gabrielle's head back, lifting her neck up to clear her airway. He pinched Gabrielle's nose and gave her two breaths, watching to see if her chest would rise unaided. Still nothing, Liss thought. He checked for a pulse and began chest compressions. "I want you to count to thirty then breathe for her. Do you understand me?" She knelt there nodding, so frightened of losing Gabrielle. Each breathe Liss took to give Gabrielle, she thought, Gabby breathe. Funny how things turned out, neither of them wanted to lose control of the interview and it happened anyway. Damage control would be next in order once Gabrielle breathed again. "Where the h.e.l.l are the paramedics?" yelled Geno. He looked at his watch and then into Liss' eyes. The fear in his eyes told Liss that Gabrielle would die if the ambulance didn't hurry. No sooner had he said that, the paramedics rushed past everyone. The medics worked on Gabrielle as Geno and Liss looked on. Liss could not bring herself to watch for long. The medics set up a cardiac monitor, her heartbeat seemed faint. The dragged out beeping echoed in Liss' ears. It became louder and louder with each moment that pa.s.sed. Even with all the commotion going on in the