A Dark Pursuit (4)

Sorry I've taken so long to post this chapter. I've been really busy. Here's chapter 4 enjoy!

""" "The whole room was ablaze, fire licked every surface forming a circle around me. I was trapped. I crouched down to the floor in my weakened state. The fire, so much fire….. A few tears managed to escape my eyes but quickly dried halfway down my face.

The fire raged on. I heard some creaking and before I could react, part of the ceiling came crashing down. Instinctively I screamed, doing so burned my throat. I was being dehydrated fast. My breathing became more ragged my hands more feeble. I felt tired so tired. That’s when I heard voices. Familiar ones.

"Rose? ROSE!" I heard the front door give way and a muffled curse. I could barely see the figures for the flames nearly engulfed them. Suddenly a figure was thrown from across the room and landed on top of me, not hurting me but protecting me. It was Kier.

I smiled weakly at him while he stared at me in horror. His finger brushed over my face, it was a caress to my skin. I sighed in content, I wouldn’t mind dying this way……It was so peaceful……

Kiers lips moved, I struggled to form the words coming out of his mouth, but I was too tired. He shook me roughly, but my sleepiness wouldn’t waver. He’s so beautiful, I thought. So beautiful…. As I slipped into unconsciousness…..

I felt something cool on my head and I sighed in pleasure, from all the heat that had trapped me this was a nice change. The cool spot left only to rest on my cheek. I was slowly coming back into consciousness, my throat burned, it was so dry. I parted my lips frowning slightly. I heard some whispers and a few droplets of cool water dripped into my throat. I opened my eyes wearily to see a damp cloth over my mouth. As my vision slowly became clearer I realized that it was Gabriel that was holding the cloth and Kier was watching my face anxiously over his shoulder.

"ROSE!" he said as he went quickly to my side. I slowly tried to sit up right, that’s when I realized I was so stiff. Kier crushed me to his chest, "Little flower, I was so worried about you….what happened?"

"I…I don’t know," my head was still blurry(so to speak) and my memory, even worse. I looked at him, "Do you?"

Kier looked away for a moment then back at me, "I think…..I think you're…a guardian."

I frowned, "Is that good?"

He laughed blackly, "Yes.. I guess, It’s all how you look at it. A guardian is only born once each century. This guardian has extraordinary powers, and I think you might have pulled onto mine without knowing it…."

I rubbed my head, "So what does that mean?"

Gabriel smiled, "It means you’re our secret weapon…" """

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My breathing quickened as the knife was pressed against my throat threateningly.

"Let her go," Kier hissed.

My captor’s arms wound around me tighter. My breathing was becoming short and shallow. I felt scared at first, then mad. Mad because a weakling like him dared challenged me, a guardian. I grasped Kier’s fire, embraced it, welcomed it.

It filled me right to my very core. I could see myself radiating heat. With a hiss my captor let go of me. I fell to the ground. Before I could comprehend what was going on, Kier took angry strides towards my captor and hauled him by the collar.

"I am King." Kier hissed and threw him towards the opposite wall.

"She is ‘mine," he said as he lifted him up again and threw him with excessive force to the ground. SMASH, CRACK! I winced at the noise. Kier was a blur, he didn’t have extra vampire speed, but you could tell by his angry strides that he meant business.

"She is ‘my’ queen."

SQUISH! BAM!

"MY queen,"

SMASH! SCREECH!

"NEVER touch her."

BAM!

"NEVER!" with that last word he drew a sharp knife and plunged it into that guy’s stomach and twisted. I cringed at the sight. But Kier wasn’t finished yet, he kept tossing and throwing the guy all over the place.

"Kier," I called in a soft voice. But he didn’t seem to have heard me.

"Kier," I said louder. He stopped, his back towards me. He was
breathing raggedly and angrily. I got up and cautiously went towards him. He frightened me now. Even though I couldn’t see his face, he felt cold and distant. I tenderly placed a hand on his shoulder.

"He’s dead now," I whispered.

"He touched you."

"I’m fine." I said

"He touched you," he said harshly, "No one touches what is mine."

"I’m not hurt Kier, it’s ok…"

"You need to rid yourself of that tender heart of yours. You are mine, and no one. No one will take you away from me," he said more softly, "not even yourself."

My heart ached for him, it really did. I wanted him, but what happened, I didn’t want to go through that again. He betrayed me, and I wouldn’t allow him to destroy me again. I wound my arm around his.

"Come Kier, Gabriel is waiting for us,"

He only nodded and we went out of the alley. Everything was so quite, the leaves quietly dusted the pathways, not a car in sight going along the road. This was very strange. Kier seemed to notice this too.

"Gabriel!" he called.

Soon, a figure came running towards us. I breathed a sigh of relief as the blond figure became clearer.

"What has happened Gabriel? Everything is too quiet. Where is everyone?" I asked

He shook his head, "That’s what I’ve been wondering too. I checked all the local shops. Nothing, it’s as if time itself has stopped."

I looked at the leaves that quietly brushed the sidewalk. Time wasn’t still it was still happening. At that exact same moment, people suddenly appeared out of thin air. I stumbled back with shock. What had just happened?

Kier grabbed me by the arm and started walking.

"Wait Kier, did you see what happened? Where are you taking me?"

"To someone who may know more answers."

Gabriel nodded towards me. Kier stopped abruptly and looked around, making sure no one could see us. He gestured towards me.

"Shift, shift us back to The OtherWorld."

I nodded. How did it go again? I channeled the power, the fire rose greatly. I shaped it molding it with my hands, I brought it up and down again, it was like doing a little dance. I twirled it around us until we were consumed by the flames. It did not harm us, though there was a warm sensation felt. I closed my eyes and pictured The OtherWorld.

We shifted.

The fire raged, some of its spores dissolving into my skin. When everything was still again I opened my eyes.

I was home.

Everything was peaceful. Everything looked different. The sun cascaded down onto the fields, it was like an olden time village, except for the bad plumbing and smell. Kier took my hand and lead me towards the castle. Yes a castle, a real one, made of stone and moss.
People waved at me greeted me, heck, they threw flowers at me as if I was some hero that saved them all. Kier saw my confusion he smiled and leaned down to whisper in my ear.

"It is customary to welcome back a long-lost queen and the beloved wife of a King….."

At that statement I let go of his hand as if it was red hot and continue walking. I saw Kier smirk.

The castle looked the same as when I had left. It was colder in here, but it looked…nice, it had that homey touch to it.

I looked at Kier, "When’s the meeting going to start?" He looked at his watch. "About now actually." I blinked, I didn’t realize that it was so soon, I thought I would have a chance to freshen up first. Kier seemed to read this on my face.

"You look lovely, it’s impossible for you to look otherwise," Kier said as he wound a stray hair back into its place. I smiled nervously. "Though I would come with you to allow you to look around to…familiar yourself with the place. The meeting is now, and it is of the most urgent matter."

I stifled a laugh, he talked like an old knight, but then again he was born decades ago…… Without waiting for my answer he grasped my hand in his and lead me to the hall. The castle looked familiar, so familiar…….. The hall was redecorated, high ceilings wide windows, satin curtains…….his taste in colour was excellent.

I saw Kiers brothers. Drake, Eric, Gabriel. Gabriel…. I looked at him questioningly. He was definitely fast in cleaning up. Not an ounce of dirt covered him. There were a few elders too. They creeped me out. Their eyes, forever shifting from one person to another and their voices, forever filled with wisdom. As other members of the court came filing into the room, my breathing quickened, I was never the one for a big audience. As Kier lead me up to the stone platform, the murmuring stopped.

"Istle," he called. A tall old man came forward, "please show Rose her….room." he said. Kier was up to something, a grin played on his lips.

"Right this way my Queen," he said.

I narrowed my eyes at Kier, who only just hurried me on. Istle lead me behind the curtain and then into a long hallway. Light shone through the windows, making it seem like one of those fairy tale stories. We passed a series of smaller doors and then stopped at the biggest one at the end of the corridor. It was painted a dark red, a touch of royalty no doubt.

Istle unlocked the door and opened it for me. I blinked, someone was already living here, the bed was tousled, clothes hung on the wardrobe…..Kier.

"Your clothing is in the wardrobe on the far left. I shall leave you to freshen up." I mutely nodded towards him.

"That sneaky bastard," I whispered. First, as any…lady would, I checked out the wardrobe. All the clothing that hung in there were dresses, like in the olden days. Long silken dresses. I had to admit, Kier sure does know how to treat a lady. I looked out of the corridor and saw Istle walking away.

"Istle?" He stopped and turned around. "Um, is there another room in which I can stay in?"

A smile played on his lips, "Follow me then."

I hurried after him. He lead me to a smallish room. It was really simple, a dresser, a wardrobe and then bed. I sighed and flopped down on the bed.

"Thanks Istle." He nodded and closed the door after him. I slept….
I woke up and stretched. As I opened my eyes I saw two hazel ones starring back at me. I squeaked and rolled off the bed. I looked around, I was fairly certain I went to another room to sleep.

"I took you back here." My eyes focused on Kier for a moment. His head was propped up on one elbow and his gaze was searching.

"Right…um…how was the meeting? What did you discuss?"

Kier sighed, "We are not sure, we discussed several alternatives, but could come up with no good ones. The assassin is clearly not working alone and we fear he may come from a bigger, more powerful source. I am not sure what we would do if the next time he strikes is lethal,"

I nodded at this statement, Kiers family was in trouble. I’d have to look out more carefully, "Right then, I’ll-" I was interrupted by my cell phone ringing. I flipped it open. Kurt. It said:

Hey, I’ve been tryin 2 reach u.
Where u ben? R u mad at me?

My thoughts lingered on him, my boyfriend, I really should give him a call. It has been days since I called him and missed calls were piling up on my cell phone. I turned to leave, "Um… is there a phone I could use? You know, one that connects to well…..earth?" I felt weird saying that, it was like I was on another planet. I wasn’t ‘in’ another planet I was just in well..another….dimension…

Kier looked at me curiously, "Down the hallway turn left." I smiled weakly then left. I hurried down the hallway and turned left. I picked up the phone only having it being slammed down again. By Kier. I glared at him, "What is your problem? Give me the phone!" I said.

He grinned at me. I gulped, this could not be good.

"I will….for a price…"

Nope, not liking this at all. I rolled my eyes, "Fine, what?"

"A kiss."

I spluttered, "You cannot be serious. I..-you….-but!"

Kier firmly took my chin in one hand. His hazel eyes boring into mine, "Rose, little flower, you talk too much," without warning, he lowered his lips to mine. My eyes flew wide as I stared at him. I won’t lie to you, Kier was definitely good at wooing. He crushed me against his chest. I should pull away…any minute now…

NO! I snapped back into thought, if I let him win, I’d forget why I’d left him, leave behind all the things I had established. I placed both hands on his chest and pushed.

Kier looked disappointed. Really disappointed. I smirked at him, "A deal’s a deal."

He lifted half of his lips, "Why, oh why must you be so….. resistant?"

"Bad experience." His eyes narrowed.

I picked up the phone and dialed his number. I would have to be discrete because Kier was right behind me. Kurt picked up on the fourth ring.

"Hello?" said a sleepy voice. Was there time change between the two worlds?

"Hi, it’s me," I cleared my throat, "Rose."

Instantly his voice perked up, "Rose? Thank goodness! I- have you been avoiding my calls? Have I done something wrong? Please Rose just tell me? I’ve been banging my head against the wall these past few days."

His insecurity touched me, "Shhhh…. Kur- I’m right here. No need to yell. Um… no it’s just I’ve been really busy that’s all," I had to be careful with what I said with what Kier standing close. "I’m not mad at you, I might not be able to reach you for a few days…"

"What? Are you all right Rose? You sound different," a slight pause. "Is it that bastard Kier back? The guy you were talking about?" I didn’t think that Kurt would remember him, and for him to take a shot in the dark about where I’ve been and who I’ve been with and to be so close to the truth…was well.. suspicious. I had to cover the mike because Kurt was yelling now, "Is he with you right now? Where are you, I’m going to give that guy a piece of my mind! He’d better stay away from you. ‘Tell’ him to stay away from you. Where are you Rose?"

"Um, It’s fine…I’m fine. I don’t think you’d be able to find me listen-"
"Is he holding you captive? That’s it, I’m calling the cops."

"NO!" I shouted, I glanced behind me to look at Kier who was looking at me with a speculative glance.

"I’m fine," I whispered, "Don’t worry about me. I’ll meet you soon. Trust me."

I heard him sigh, "Of course I trust you Rose…..I always have. I just…I don’t want to loose you.." he mumbled. "I love you Rose,"

My stomach churned and I smiled despite myself, "Bye," I whispered.

"Bye." He hung up.

"Um…" I started without looking at Kier, "I- There’s someone I have to meet. So um…I’ll just get going now. I’ll look out for any new leads and tell me if you come up with anything about the assassin. Yeah… bye.."
I planned to make a quick escape but, as always, Kier’s fast reflexes always stopped me short. His grip was painful. I looked back at him. His eyes glittered with anger he hurled me towards the wall, in a gentle way…(if that’s possible) His body pressed up against mine. Hard and aggressive.

"Just who did you call?"

"No one," I breathed.

"Who was it!" he growled.

"It was….it was no one."

"It didn’t seem like no one. Unless the sentence, "I Love You" is one that is commonly used by ‘no ones’" he curled his hand around my chin and made me look up to his face, "Who was it?" his hazel eyes searching mine. I wanted to look away but he wouldn’t let me.

"It was….it was…" I said trying to think of a reasonable excuse.

"Don’t lie to me Rose," he said mockingly.

I didn’t have a choice, it would just get worse if I lied to him. "Kurt," I sighed giving up, "It was Kurt my….my boyfriend." At that Kier froze. He became a statue. After a few seconds his eyes flickered up to mine. He released me and started muttering something very….unholy.

I slowly backed away, if I could just…

He slammed back into me again, backing me up against the wall.
"You cannot be under the delusion that you can simply walk away from me….from us. You. Are. Mine." He growled. Without another word he kissed me.

My legs went weak and my self control shattered. I was happy, happy that it still looked like he wanted me, happy that he….loved me. But underneath all of that, my heart, my broken heart screamed in protest.

"NO!" I said turning my mouth away from his, "I will help you get to the bottom of the mystery of The Assassin, I will help you find the lecternary. But damn it Kier, I will not allow you to destroy me again!"
Kier exhaled slowly, his warm breath fanning my face.

"You are mine."

"Damnit no Kier! Listen carefully…" I began.

"We,"

No

"Are"

NO

"Over"

NO! Every part of me wanted to deny it every part of me wanted it to be back the way it was. But I knew, Kier knew, that that would never happen.

"No. We aren’t,"

"Yes we are Kier!"

"It’s. Not. Over." He growled. He tried to kiss me again, but I wouldn’t let him get the better of me. I turned my face away.

"You are MINE Rose." He said. Kier’s hand travelled to my collar bone and pushed my collar aside. Revealing the mark.

"You are mine Rose," he repeated. "The mark is fading….. I should reinforce, so that everyone knows especially, Kurt" he spat the name.

He leaned down to my neck. Just before his fangs touched my neck I shoved him aside.

"No," I said.

"You are mine Rose, I will keep repeating that until you agree with the fact that you belong to no one else. Mark or no mark, you are still mine. I know it you know it, your heart knows it. I do not give up that which I hold dear Rose, you should remember that. You were mine then are mine now, tomorrow and a thousand years from now. You will always be mine," he leaned closer to me and his finger traced my neck, "no matter how far you run, no matter who you’re with and no matter where you are," his voice dropped to a whisper, "You will ‘always’ be mine…."
His voice so hypnotic. I could…if I could just…..

"Kier! Kier!" our ‘special’ moment shattered as we looked towards where the voice was coming from. Drake was running towards us, "there’s someone at the front hall! He’s demanding to speak with you and with Rose."

Me and Kier both looked at each other and both hurried to the front. A man was struggling to get in, while the guards were trying to stop him. That’s strange he looked oddly familiar….

"Her that’s her!" he pointed a finger at me. I peered closer at the figure. Shock and realization dawned on me. It couldn’t be…it was impossible…. "Rose! Rose! It’s me! Let me in!"

Kurt.

But Kurt was mortal, this was impossible. The guards looked at me. I weakly nodded and they let go of him. Kier looked at me and said, "Him, that’s him? Your…..ah..boyfriend."

I was too shocked at why, or how Kurt could come to this world. Mortals couldn’t reach it…. I couldn’t rationalize what I should say and what shouldn’t. My guard dropped. "Yeah…" my voice dry, "That’s him,"
Without another glance at me, without another word to me. Kier crouched, fangs drawn and lunged. Directly at my unsuspecting boyfriend.

Kier just challenged my boyfriend to a duel.

Winner gets me.

Damn it.

This was going to get messy.

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Once again, I apologize that it's been so long since I've posted it. I've been swamped with exams and assignments. Please, tell me what you think. I am setting up my writer's blog on mybuzzle.com It's under read_a_holic, More info on that latter. And for my other story. The 'guys' one. I have every intention of finishing this series before moving onto latter projects, I was just giving my thoughts. So please tell me what you think and leave a comment please!

Happy reading!