Serenity

"Come closer, child," the woman said, her voice making me feel sleepy. "That's it, dear, you have nothing to fear from me - you're safe." While my body followed her commands, somewhere in my mind I knew she was lying. I was the furthest away from being safe as I possibly could be. "Kneel," she said, her eyes darkening as I fell onto the soft rug. Even in the dim lighting, I could see the glint of her fangs and my heart pounded. She reached out, her fingers trailing along my jaw. "Such a beauty, so innocent...dare I even say pure," she smirked.

Mr. Drake chuckled behind me, "The fool hasn't completed the bond?"

"Not only has he not completed the bond, he hasn't laid any claim on her," the woman practically purred. "See for yourself."

I felt cool skin brush against mine as he knelt behind me. His long fingers brushed between my thighs as he whispered in my ear, "Be a good little human and listen to your masters." I whined as I tried to fight the compulsion, but it was in vain as I leaned against him. "So obedient," he chuckled darkly, "And so ready to be ruined." His arm snaked around my waist, holding me against his chest. "That's it, human, don't fight us. We will make you feel so good," he groaned as the woman leaned forward.

Her dark eyes held me captive, "You won't remember this Serenity, but you will obey us. You will not complete your bond with Daniel. You will return to us when I call and tell us everything we wish to know." She leaned closer to me, her lips hovering at my neck as Mr. Drake held me tightly. "Answer your Mistress."

"Yes, Mistress."

"Good slave," she chuckled softly. Mr. Drake's arm came around my face as he pressed his forearm to my mouth and I tasted the coppery blood that began to flow down my throat.

My body convulsed as I tried to fight back, but my energy soon vanished as I melted into their embrace. Daniel, I cried out in my mind before the darkness swallowed me whole.

Samuel Drake

The human collapsed to the floor as I withdrew my arm, my blood still covering her pale skin. I studied every inch of her. She was quite exquisite.

"You can't fuck her, Samuel," Sylvia drawled as I shot her a glare. She laughed, "Tell me you didn't think about it."

I picked the creature up, placed her on the small sofa, and grunted, "I know the limits, Sylvia. However, you do realize that once we've removed Daniel from the throne, their bond won't matter." I let my hands trail along her delicate skin, watching her chest rise and fall as my blood worked through her. "Once you have your throne, I'll ruin her."

"You're worse than me," she scoffed. I simply smirked...she had no idea.

Serenity

I woke up to sunlight streaming through the curtains. I pulled the blanket over my head, groaning at the pain that coursed through my body. What the hell did I do last night? The pressure of my full bladder finally drove me from the soft bed. The small hotel room was a chaotic mess of scattered clothes and empty alcohol bottles. It had been a week since I'd fled the city and I had no idea where my phone had gone. I felt guilty for disappearing, but what did they expect from me? I'm just a human. I have no business in their world. I was foolish to think I could be enough for Daniel. He's a fucking King for gods sake!

I finished using the toilet and climbed into the shower, letting the steaming water heat my skin. For what seemed the millionth time, I let the water mix with my tears until I couldn't cry anymore. Then I got out, dressed, and headed out to find some breakfast. I'd have to make some hard decisions soon; my money was almost gone.

"Can I get a coffee and an orange scone, please?" I asked the barista.

"Sure thing, sweetie. Can I get a name for the order?" Her hand hovered over the cup as she waited for my answer, but a voice behind me spoke first.

"Make it two coffees and the name is Ito." I spun around, meeting those crystalline eyes, and cringed as he spoke. "Hello love, fancy meeting you here?" I started to speak, but he gripped my elbow and whispered quickly, "Not a word, Serenity. Come sit and we can discuss your little adventure privately." I nodded, sensing his anger.

He led us to a booth in the back and I noticed Matt step forward to wait for the coffees. His expression was a mix of distrust, anger, and hurt. I quickly dropped my gaze, fidgeting with my napkin in my lap. "Daniel, I..."

"No, you will not speak, you will listen." His voice was venomous as he practically hissed at me. I'd never seen him so angry. "Look at me, my Eternal." My face lifted until I held his eyes. They were solid black making me realize it was his beast who spoke now. "You will not look away, and you will not react unless you are given permission. Do you understand?"

I blinked slightly, unable to even speak. I felt a presence next to me and let out a shaky breath when he spoke. "Hello, darling. You've been very naughty, Serenity. You shouldn't run away from us. Now, I'm going to put my hand over yours and see if I can find what made you leave." Garen's voice was firm, yet reassuring. "If it becomes painful, you will speak to Daniel in your mind. He will hold your other hand and know immediately. Blink again if you understand, beautiful girl."

I blinked slowly. Why did he call me beautiful? I yearned to turn and look at him, but Daniel's gaze held me frozen.

Both their hands covered mine and I felt a jolt of lust flood me, then a warmth as Garen's magic began taking hold. I could feel the tears sliding down my cheeks as he sifted through my memories of the past week until a vast darkness seemed to swim before my eyes. I felt like I couldn't breathe and I began screaming in my mind as my body felt like it was shattering.

"Breathe, my love, just breathe for me," Daniel's voice said as I felt my body crushed to him. "What happened?" he hissed, but not at me.

"I only know one person who has this level of magic, Daniel," Garen growled. "I can't see what has been done to her, but I can tell you the idea to run wasn't her own. Even now, her mind struggles against the compulsion. She didn't want to leave you, they made her."

"I...I'm right here you know," I spat, my voice far shakier than I wanted it to be. "What or who are you talking about?"

I saw the two of them exchange a look before Daniel answered me. "My mother." A cold chill ran through me, then vanished without explanation.

"But I haven't met your mother," I replied. Something in my own words seemed wrong, but I hadn't...had I?

"Serenity, darling," Garen started, taking my hand again. "I know this is all difficult to understand, but Sylvia has powers far stronger than mine. She can bend minds to her will, even rewrite memories. I believe that is what she has done to you."

"Why do you keep calling me darling?" I asked, finally looking into his eyes. He gave a sad smile, then lifted my hand to his chest as he pulled his shirt back. Once again tears filled my eyes as I looked at the mark there, the same mark that Daniel had. "No, I can't...you can't," I sputtered, snatching my hand away. "No. There has to be a mistake. I'm just a plain human woman. It doesn't make sense...I can't, not both. I'm not worth..."

Hands cradled my face as Garen leaned closer, "Don't finish that sentence, Serenity. You are worth everything. Without you, there is no air in my lungs, no reason for my existence."

"Kiss him, love," Daniel whispered. "Kiss him and feel the truth for yourself."

It was like my soul needed his permission, and I leaned forward pressing my lips to Garen's. I felt like a current of energy flooded into me as his mouth sought to dominate mine. When Daniel's lips began to trail along my neck, I moaned softly making them both chuckle.

We were breathless when we pulled apart and it was then I realized we weren't in the coffee shop anymore. "How?" I asked, looking around the limo. Daniel just smirked as I rolled my eyes. "Really, again?"

"I didn't think you having a panic attack in the coffee shop was a good plan," he quipped, "so I brought us to the car. Matthew has already gathered your items from the hotel."

"Where are we going?" I asked, looking between them.

"Home," he said. "I'm not letting you out of my sight, Ren. If my mother is playing with your mind, then you need to be close to one of us at all times."

Author's Notes:  Well, the cat's outta the bag with Garen.  What happens next?