Adult-FanFiction.org : Books

Dark Curiosity	By : PsionRat Category: A through F > Dark Series Views: 2862 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the Dark series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 3
- 4
- 5
A/N: I don't own anything in the world/s of Christine Feehan and don't presume to.
Dark Curiosity
The home of Kail and Jenelle was located on the outskirts of the city, sitting quietly by itself on one of the last undeveloped patches of land in the area. It was decently sized with two full bathrooms, three bedrooms a full kitchen, dining room that melded freely with the living room and den that was all carefully decorated for the modern age. If not tinted with antiques and other mementos from Kail's much longer life. The basement below was equally extensive, set up to well accommodate more than the two that actually lived there. The trio of hunters often passed through the area and the Lifemated pair always provided a safe place to wait out the day for them.
At the moment, Cole sat with Jenelle, taking her advice and only holding the warm cup of water in his hands to sooth his nerves from the unexpected form of travel that had brought them there.. namely flying through the air. A part of him was certain this was a wonderfully vivid hallucination, suffering for three days with a memory turned into a nightmare made him feel like his perception of reality was slightly skewed. All he could honestly tell himself to do was just roll with the punches until something else happened. But at least the company was nice..
“I'm really glad Leodan found someone finally.” Jenelle had her own cup and seemed more than in the mood to play good hostess and chat with Cole. “He's been watched so closely for so long, no one ever really stopped worrying.”
“Watched? Why?” Cole blinked at her in surprise, still lost on a lot of details about his.. his.. whatever Leodan was to him at the moment. The Carpathian had invited him into his mind in order to know him completely, but Cole had never been sure about actually doing it. It seemed.. wrong somehow. It also felt like if he did, that meant he accepted everything that was happening, and he wasn't sure about that yet.
Jenelle idly spun her warm cup in her hands. “Kail told me that before Leodan was even fifty years of age, the colors left his eyes. He said it was the second most terrifying moment of his life. When that happens the struggle against the urges to kill increase. No one expected Leodan to last the century before turning into a vampire. Tolin and Ritter traveled with him because if he did become a vampire, his ability to hide and attack from behind would have made him terribly dangerous. Two hunters against a falling Carpathian would have made putting him down quick work.”
“Really?” Cole glanced towards the open doorway that lead into the den. Leodan was standing with the other men, they all seemed in deep contemplation so he didn't bother him. Though he saw Leodan stir a bit and look to him before something else took his attention.
“Strange that it was Kail that was in the most danger.” She shrugged and seemed at ease with the topic. “I suppose they concentrated so much on Leodan that they forgot to make sure Kail was okay too.”
“How old is Leodan?”
The woman looked at him in surprise. “You don't know?”
“Well, I mean. I really haven't, we haven't talked much about him.. just.. well this.” He made a motion between the himself and in Leodan's general direction.
“I see. Don't worry, it's okay to just open up to him. He'll tell you everything and not hide. It's a little hard to get used to it. I know. I was born human, and it just seems difficult to think of another's mind as something you can just walk into any time you like.” She leaned over on one elbow, striking quite an attractive figure to any with that sort of eye.
“Did you meet Kail while being attacked by a vampire too?” He asked the question mostly in jest, but the look on her face told him a lot.
“Something like that.” It had not been a night of good fortune.
“I'm sorry, that was too personal.” He folded his arms on the table top, abandoning his cup at last.
“It's alright, It's not something I wish to go through again. But, in the end it was worth it.” She cast a wistful look in Kail's direction and set her own cup aside. Kail had been teetering on the edge, falling faster and faster to the monster within. That night had been the final test, he'd come across her purely by accident, running blind away from his concerned brother and the other two hunters that were always with him. The demon had hungered and Jenelle had paid the heavy price for redeeming Kail in that last vital moment, almost with her life.
It had taken a long time for her to forgive..
“So um, what are they doing?” He motioned into the den where the other four were still standing, not speaking and only moving in small increments to denote that they were alive.
“Oh, they're talking. It's a kind of communal telepathy among Carpathians, I guess they're trying to be secretive by not just doing it aloud. I can't do it, I don't expect you'd be able to either. I can talk to some other than just Kail that way. But only if they're close and I know them to some degree.” She was watching them now too, not entirely interested enough to break up the obviously deep conversation. “It's not a common thing among women who were not born Carpathian. But, I guess you really can't expect everything to go the same way every time.”
She offered him a wry grin and he couldn't help but smile sheepishly in agreement.
In the den, the four were still holding their small council.
The vampire obviously was searching for Cole. He mentioned 'the human', though I don't think he was really aware that Cole is male. He was probably just searching for a Light. Tolin gave as much information as they could. Two vampires after the same person was never a good sign.
Thankfully Killian was never the best at hunting. He was easily led astray by Leodan's protections. Ritter has his arms crossed as he tried to sort through the situation with the others. And it did take him nearly two days to even get close to where the two of you were. But he was in an obvious spiral search pattern, he would have found you eventually.
Leodan supposed it was a lucky thing it had happened when it did. He could only imagine what would have happened if the vampire had come crashing into the apartment while he was in the middle of finally joining with Cole. Could others come looking for him?
As long as the bond is unfinished, it is always a possibility. For any of us. Ritter looked at each of them, noting their nods of agreement.
Leodan, you are.. certain, that this is your Lifemate? Tolin asked, finally bringing things about to the unusual pairing.
Yes. I have no doubt. No vampire trick can return colors or the feelings inside me now. And certainly no human interference could do it. Though I am as unsure as the rest of you as to why my Lifemate is a male. It is not what I expected either. Leodan tried not to feel so irritated with Tolin's questions, it was important that the finality of this pairing was established as truthfully as possible. But trust in me and my judgment. Cole belongs with me, and I with him.
The other three looked at each other. What could they possibly say to that?
My answer from before has changed. Kail said suddenly.
Leodan looked at him with suspicion, a dark fear creeping over him as he waited for his older brother's next words.
Of course he will be accepted. If not with others, then at least between me and my Lifemate.
Ritter and Tolin nodded together as well, the blond slightly slower than the black-headed hunter.
At least now Tolin and I no longer have to be so close to your side. We have lived and fought as brothers, but our Prince's command has always been an obstacle. Their direct orders had finally been fulfilled. They had been told to keep Leodan in line until the black-eyed Carpathian found his Lifemate, or the two of them found their own Lifemates, in which case others would be put in their places. Or until Leodan lost his soul.. however it happened.
And I am grateful for these two long centuries you have both been by my side. Leodan nodded to them both in turn. You have helped me, and you have both helped Kail with no promised reward at the end of this road.
The reward was the safety of all of us. Ritter put in resting a hand on his comrade's shoulder.
Their collective attention turned to the pair in the kitchen, talking quietly together. Then Ritter and Tolin both turned away, the sun would be rising soon enough, they had a last search of the grounds to make before then, just to be certain they were all safe. Leodan eventually looked to Kail, finally noting something strange.
Kail, how do you feel about Cole being so close to Jenelle? He asked his question privately.
The elder brother regarded the words for a moment. It seems fine to me.
And yet, in years before if a male of any kind, including me, took any interest in her, of any kind at all, you were devastatingly protective.
They met eyes for a moment, each considering their own thoughts.
Eventually Kail sighed openly. I don't know what it means.. All I know is that Cole is no threat. Be it because he is your Lifemate or.. something else. I can find no reason in my heart to even stir the usual jealousy I feel when she so much as looks in the direction of another man.
Leodan crossed his arms in thought.
“So..” Back in the kitchen a conspiratorial gleam shone in Jenelle's eyes as she leaned forward, dropping her voice even though she knew both remaining Carpathian's could listen in if they so chose. “What's he like?”
Cole flushed hard and his eyes darted a way.
“That good huh?” She asked, picking her her cup from the the table with a smirk.
“Actually.. we haven't..” Why was he having this conversation again?
She seemed dumbstruck. “But he's been with you for days, Leodan's strong willed but.. Carpathian men are like rabbits the first few nights.” She sort of paused in thought. “Actually, come to think of it they're pretty much like rabbits all the time after they bond with their Lifemate.”
Jenelle was a woman who knew how to bring uncomfortable conversations to new heights. “Actually, he only showed up last night and..” He remembered strong hands sliding around him, bringing their touch intimately lower. “There's been.. complications.”
“In that case, I'll make sure the two of you get some alone time tomorrow night.” She sounded like someone doing a friend a favor.
“That's really.. not..” He started to protest, but was cut off by a thought intruding on his mind.
I think it's a wonderful idea. Leodan said quietly to him.
Cole glanced at the other, finding his black eyes pinning him in place. Their conversation seemed to be at an end and and intense feeling washed over him. One bearing needs and desires that he was becoming all too acquainted with.
Eavesdropping? Cole asked in a stinging 'voice'.
Certainly not, we can share thoughts and you were not exactly being discrete. Leodan's tone took on an amused twist. But there is a point to it other than our.. mutual enjoyment. Cole flushed harder. Two vampires have come, searching for you directly that we can tell. Until we are complete with each other, you will remain an open target.
The smaller man felt slightly abandoned when Jenelle stood up, taking their cups to be put away. He struggled a bit mentally then returned to laying his head on his arms at the table. I don't know what to say to that. I've never been with a man before, I know I've always liked men more, one time I even fooled arou..
Never think of that again.
Even Jenelle had jumped at the low growl Leodan had let out so forcefully. Kail was beside her in an instant, watching his brother closely as he made to lead her out of the way.
Cole's heart slammed in his chest as he stared wide eyed at the other man. Muddy green eyes capturing the feral expression on the other's face and easily feeling the near rage that boiled off of him. “I'm sorry..” He sounded terrified.
The fearful shake in his Lifemate's voice was enough to bring him back to his senses. I am of a protective and jealous breed. It burns me to think you've ever been so much as touched by another.. much less the things you have in those thoughts. He reached out to stroke Cole's face in a calming gesture, barely aware of the other two leaving the room. Such things only incite the beast within.
Leodan, it is nearly time to go to ground. Kail's words brought the younger brother back to reality, and Cole along with him when he relayed the thought.
The blond quirked. Wait as second..
You did not expect to remain above ground during the day much longer did you? Leodan asked as he offered his hand to Cole. My blood runs thick in your veins now, and you have changed much. The difficulty you had with the sun before will have increased a hundred fold since you took my blood again this night.
Cole stood and reluctantly let himself be directed towards the basement. He glanced at Jenelle receiving a comforting smile before she and Kail disappeared into the seemingly light-less and empty depth. Leodan's strong form behind him gave him little choice on the matter of where to go next.
My Heart, you fear too much yet again. There is safety below and the soil will offer you better rest and even allow your body to adjust further to it's new needs. Leodan bent to kiss Cole's cheek as he guided him down the stairs.
Out beyond the house, the night began to brighten into day, cutting off any protests the blond might have thought to give.
- 3
- 4
- 5
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Dark Curiosity