Hello again. How is everyone? So much is coming up. Work is going to be so hectic. Oh and Christmas. I have already started my prezzie shopping. I have just requested three weeks holiday which I am going to my uncle's wedding in South Australia then relaxing for a few days in Bali then it's back home enjoying the rest of my time off. I have been busy watching a few anime series I recently required. Beyblades. Katekyo Hitman Reborn. Yay. Also watching the walking dead and hell on wheels. Also keeping an eye out for Justified. Anyway I have nothing to report at this present time.

So enjoy.

Chapter 3

'Snow!' Lilith and Leticia's screams filled the cabin and they collapsed to the floor, suddenly clutched their chest as if in excruciating pain. What the hell was going on? It was as if a knife had been plunged straight through their hearts and twisted. Hearts that were filled with such sudden loss and despair that they were having trouble just keeping the organ beating. The essence that had kept them alive for two thousand years was nowhere to be found. Gone. Just gone. Suddenly her beast battled to rise, to shield her from the pain, but she pushed the bitch back. If she got loose, who knows what kind of damage that shit storm would cause? She turned her head and noticed Leticia was battling the same beast. She could always feel Leticia's beast. They were twins, cut from the same cloth. Twins that shared the same soul and beast.

'Mother! Aunt Leticia!' Malachi and Michael raced over and grabbed their shoulders. 'What is it? What's wrong? Is it father?'

'Snow.' Lilith cried out, her mourning drowning out the voices of her son's. Breathing became a chore. The whole world going dark around her. She searched through the recesses of her mind, searching for the familiar link to her lifemate but all there was, was emptiness. A deep void of loneliness and despair replaced Snow's presence in her heart. It almost tore her apart, her sister feeling the echo of her sorrow. 'Snow, you asshole.' She screamed. 'It's not funny anymore.'

'Ema?' Lilith heard her daughters whimper from the across the room and it helped to remove some of the dark turmoil she was feeling. She looked up through her hair and saw her two little girls. Her babies, their red eyes glassy with tears, in the arms of Skyler. Syndil beside her. What the hell am I doing? Her children needed her. Her sister needed her. Lilith lowered her head and shakily got to her hands and knees and tried not to look as if her world hadn't just crashed down around her.

'It's ok, babies. Mummy just had a bit of a tumble.'

'Mother, what's wrong with father?' Malachi asked again but Peyton cut him off.

'Malachi. Michael. Stand back. Go to your sisters. It won't help you crowding them.' Payton ordered. They reluctantly did as ordered and Payton crouched down beside Leticia. 'Leticia you have to calm down. Tell us what's wrong?' Leticia tried to answer but she couldn't find her voice. Calm down. Yeah ok that wasn't happening anytime soon. She couldn't breathe. Couldn't think. She threw all her senses out to try and touch Snow's mind. But nothing, only silence. 'Snow's…gone. We can't feel him.' Leticia panted and clutched her heavily swollen belly. Shea was by her side instantly telling her to breathe. Her daughter kicked her violently, obviously feeling the stress she was feeling. 'It's ok, little one. Snow, where are you? Answer me.'

'You must calm down.' Shea instructed. 'Otherwise your stress could cause you to go into premature labor.'

'Don't you think I don't know that? She knows that her father is gone.' Leticia answered weakly.

'What do you mean gone?' Malachi asked.

'We can no longer feel his presence.'

'Something must have happened?' Shea continued to monitor Leticia, worried for her and the baby.

'Your mother and aunt are connected to your father by something that cannot be explained by mere words.' Gwen told the twins, brushing Lilith's hair away from her face. 'An emotional, spiritual and chemical connection that runs so deep, separation can be very dangerous even for a couple of hours. They must touch your father's mind, as he must touch theirs, continuously or it gets very uncomfortable. You will learn this when you find your own lifemates. Something must have happened to him to warrant this kind reaction. I'll find out.'

'Theo. Theo.' Gwen called to her lifemate. Hoping maybe he had the answer. He was instantly there, sharing her mind.

'What is it, Gwen. I feel your worry' She felt the echo of battle sharing Theodore's mind and knew somewhere vampires had shown up. She felt a sudden worry for her lifemate and the other Carpathians but Theodore knew what she was thinking and soothed her worries with his calming presence.

'What's happened to Snow? Lilith and Leticia suddenly collapsed, saying he's…gone. Is that true?'

'Are they alright?

'For now. But I don't know for how long.'

'We don't know what happened but just as we sensed the arrival of the vampires, a white light enveloped him and he was gone. And we could use the old man's help right about now.'

'Could it be her?'

'Possibly. Bad timing though.'

'Theo said that a white light enveloped him and he was gone.' Gwen replayed what Theodore had said.

'A white light?' Shea asked, her dark eyes searching Gwen's.

'Does that mean something? Jacques asked. He had stayed behind to guard the women and children, at his brother's request. He stood near the window, arms crossed. His senses continuously scanned the area while keeping an eye on the priest's children and lifemates. Their sudden collapse was worrisome and Jacques watched as Shea tried to get the pregnant female to calm down. She was breathing heavily and clutching her belly, trying to keep her young safe. His own lifemate was desperately trying to console her. Her wondrous, glowing hands moving to her face and belly. He had noticed that ever since Shea had connected with the white priest, she had been faintly glowing, subtly but Jacques could see it. He glanced over to Syndil and Skyler and they also seemed to be glowing faintly as well, but they didn't seem to notice. Could the priest have somehow infused them with his power? Or could it have been inside them all along?

'Yes, he's been summoned by his boss…of sorts.' Leticia panted.

'Fate left me a calling card tonight.' Lilith recalled what Snow had said earlier and immediately knew what was going on, but it didn't lessen her heartache. 'That bitch.' Leticia cursed. It was all her fault. Spiriting her man away as if she had the right. Lilith clutched her hands into fists and stood up on shaky legs, Leticia doing the same, moving the doctor's hands away from her and they ran out of the house, into the dense forest. They heard voices calling their names and running footsteps behind them but they didn't stop. Lilith supported Leticia as they ran. Their only thought was Snow. Was he even on the same continent? Lilith tried to call him again but he wasn't responding, the only relief was that the connection was still there. Barely. Like a faint brush of butterfly wings. Breathing suddenly became a little easier but the separation still caused major problems. Leticia's unborn daughter would be able to feel the loss of Snow's presence and must be causing her mother great distress. She knew from experience that Snow and his beast would not find the separation all that pleasant either. Probably giving him hell. Her own beast had been prowling restlessly inside her since Snow's departure. Whining and whimpering her need for her mate. Not knowing what to do, sending out distress calls, hoping he would hear. Mate. Need mate.

I hear you, girl.

'This can't be happening, not again.' Leticia's voice had a low growl to it. Her own beast rising to the surface. Rising to protect her and her young. Pissed and ready to pound the face of a certain Goddess to a pulp. Violence wasn't usually a trait of a Carpathian female but when the need arose, they could be deadlier then any male.

'I know, Leti,' Lilith used her sister's nickname, 'but we have to believe that our man will make it back. He has to; otherwise he knows that we'll kill him.'

The trees and bushes were thick but they easily found their way through. Not taking any notice of the trees scratching their legs and arms. Autopilot was their only drive, their eyes and instincts guiding them through the dense vegetation. These forests were nothing compared to the wild and uncivilized world of the Taman Negara, the place where they had stumbled upon Snow's resting place all those centuries ago. Felt like only yesterday.

'It's dangerous out here. Lilith, Leticia. Wondering around out here won't solve anything.' Gwen said from behind them. They turned and the witch was holding a ball of light for her to see through the dense forest, her face half cast in shadows. From behind her Jacques's big body unfolded from within the darkness, as if made from its very substance. Big and silent, like a military commando. Peyton must have stayed behind to watch the children with Shea and the two young ladies, Syndil and Skyler. Lilith was grateful. Jacques eyed the floating ball of light with suspicion and looked like he wanted to reach out and touch it like a curious child. Gwen noticed his stare and smiled slightly.

'Witches. We come up with some handy spells, don't we?'

'Witches?' His dark eyebrows lowered in confusion. 'I have never heard of such beings.'

'What? You thought Carpathian's and Lycans were the only thing out there. Big guy, I have news for you.' Gwen then turned to the twins. 'Please, come back to the house. This is suicide. Snow would not be pleased you left his protective barrier.'

'The…witch is right. Think about your young. Your lifemate would not appreciate us allowing you to be harmed. Please go back to the cabin where it is safe. My lifemate is worried for your safety. So are your children.'

'Well you're just going to have to drag us back kicking and screaming then.' Leticia said. Lilith gave her sister a mental high-five. Jacques was not happy with that answer. His eyes disapproving. The hardness of his jaw sharp enough to cut glass. If he could, he would sling them over his shoulder and carry them back to the cabin so he could protect them but he knew Snow would not be too pleased with that.

'Lilith, Leticia. What are you doing?' Constantine said a little breathlessly, exasperated, joining into the convo. 'Snow's gonna blow his ever-loving lid when he finds you have left the safe zone.'

'Well he'll just have to deal.' Lilith shot back.

'His missing, Constantine. We cannot sit at home and wonder if he is going to come back. Not again. Cyra took him. We know it was her. Who knows what kind of poison she's spewing.' Leticia tried to explain.

'He'll come back. The old git wouldn't leave you for the world. Just trust… Shit! Lilith, Leticia get away from there…there's a…' Constantine's voice faded away when something evil and depraved floated on the air. Turning the very air poisonous. Lilith scrunched up her nose, trying not to breath in the horrid smell. Jacques growled. A rumble that could be felt through the ground.

'Vampire.' He hissed. They stopped and immediately everyone scanned the area, noticing the still trees and the non-existent insect chirps. The slight scent of evil clung to the air like a bad smell and grew stronger with every heartbeat. They were being hunted, the protective tattoo on Leticia and Lilith's hips began to hum, a tattoo drawn with Snow's blood, somewhere in the bushes up ahead. Vampires were devious, sly creatures; they could disguise themselves as human, animal. Anything to get to their objective. And if they were master vampires, well it's a good thing some female Carpathians knew how to take down a vampire or two. No matter how hard the males wished they didn't.

'The hunter is right, Young ladies such as yourselves shouldn't be out here unprotected. Especially when you smell so good.' A lustrous, oily voice floated to their ears. It seemed to come from every direction but the vampire couldn't be seen. He seemed to be everywhere and nowhere. And if the vampire could smell Snow's scent on them, things were about to get ugly very fast. Vampires, just like other immortals and humans, were drawn to Snow's scent like bees were to honey. The tattoo on Leticia's hip hummed and started to glow, Lilith's doing the same. The protective spell getting to work. The undead was close and when the moon came out from behind a cloud, moonlight shone down on a tall figure a few meters ahead. Well they certainly knew how to dress to impress. Handsome, well groomed. Cultured. He looked like he had just stepped of the cover of vogue. A lie wrapped up in a neat little package. This was a master Vampire. Centuries old. The smell of decay and rotting flesh was strong on him. Even the undead couldn't hide their true nature. Or smell for that matter. God, some deodorant wouldn't go astray.

'Buzz off. We don't have time for you. And have you ever heard of the word 'cologne.' Lilith said, stepping in front of her sister. If this vampire thought he was getting his hands on her sisar, he was in for a very rude and painful awakening. Her nails elongated to dainty black claws and her fangs lengthened. Feeling the added comfort of the special blades hidden inside her boots. Blessed by a very…eccentric yet powerful witch. Blades that could turn into anything she wanted to with just a thought. The blades literally humming with anticipation. Or was that just her. She was pissed off. Her beast was pissed off. She was a woman on a mission. And what better way than to take out all her womanly frustrations on a vampire.

'Come now, sweet. Is that anyway to repay a compliment. I have never smelt anything like you two before. So delicious and succulent.' The vampire said smoothly, smiling pearly whites. Yuck 'Oh how I want to taste you and your sisar.' He went on. 'I even feel the pull of the csitri that grows in her belly. Your lifemate must be very careless to let you wonder off.' Lilith heard Leticia growl behind her. The low rumble practically vibrating through her. Every bit as angry as the vampire threatening her young then Snow being called 'Careless.' Snow could act juvenile and featherbrained and sometimes lost himself in his own mind but the one thing he wasn't was careless. But, where the fuck was he? Her worry for him doubling since he would not be at full strength, having not properly fed for himself in a couple of days, sure he 'fed' but only to provide for her and Leticia. Never leaving more than a few sips for himself.

Silly man.

Lilith let her darker side shine through her eyes. 'Keep talking and my blades might just find a home in your chest.'

The han ku vie elidet laughed, the sound grating to the ears and suddenly the lie began to melt away as the vampire's illusion was cast aside and in its place stood the undead's true form. A grotesque, deformed figure of rotting flesh hanging from his bones, his bullet shaped head shrunken and grey, his eyes nothing but black bottomless pits and when he smiled, his blood stained fangs gleamed in the moonlight. Saliva practically dripping from the pointed ends. A weird pink mark, like an eye, appeared on his forehead, faint at first before glowing brighter. Was this vampire…possessed. He sniffed the air and shuddered with pleasure.

'Ah, such a heady aroma. I can see the blood pumping through your veins. I relish the taste.'

Ewww. 'You won't even be able to get near enough to try, asshole. There are hunters all over these woods. They will tear you limb from limb.' Leticia said and the magic from the protective charm spread through her body, protecting her and her daughter. Lending her strength.

The vampire smirked. Ai. They are preoccupied at this present time; my underlings are keeping them busy so I'm afraid they will not be coming to your rescue. And I don't think your hunter behind you can kill all my minions.' With a sweep of his arm, the surrounding forest came alive with a dozen or so glowing red eyes, appearing through the darkness, burning with violent hunger and rage. Snarls and vicious growls came from every direction. Suddenly five hairless and savage looking bear like creatures the size of small cars emerged out of the trees, spikes sticking out dangerously down their back and tail. Their muzzles pulled back to display rows of sharp, wet teeth. Teeth that could tear through flesh like butter. Lilith recognized the beasts as Chupacabras. But how could the undead manage to obtain such mythical creatures. Creatures she has only ever seen once and that was because Snow managed to piss one of them off. At least they weren't, God forbid, trolls. They would eat you for dinner, piece by piece then use your bones as tooth picks just for shits and giggles.

'Have at them my kisallet.' The master vampire chuckled and traced away leaving the Chupacabras to their own devices. Snarling, enraged, all five of them charged at once. Lilith unsheathed her blade and just as the ugly beasts came upon her, eyes burning red, it's putrid breath reaching her nose, she rose her weapon to strike just as Jacques stepped in front of her and sliced the belly open of Chupacabra number one with nails turned to long black claws. Face never breaking his usually stoic expression. Lilith never saw him move. It roared and charged again, its bulky body moving as fast as it was able to go, despite the giant gash spilling out its insides. Jacques turned to mist, missing the spiked tail aiming for his stomach and reformed behind the creature, slicing its head off without missing a beat. Bright red blood spilt onto the ground and it seemed to set the others into a frenzy.

'Stay back.' Jacques said and turned once again to mist and attacked the other remaining Chupacabras. Yeah right. They all charged at once and there was no way Lilith was allowing the male to have all the fun. Neither was Gwen by the looks of the now glowing ball of red light she was currently bobbing up and down in her hand. Lilith caught a charging Chupacabra at the corner of her eye and just as it was upon her, eyes crazed and glazed with hunger, the protective charm tattooed on her body went to work and the stupid crazed animal bounced off the barrier and flew into the trees. It recovered instantly, shaking its head and charged her again. She snapped her fangs at the beast and she too, turned to mist, moving to the side, missing the swing of a hairless, clawed arm. She reformed and with a thought to her enchanted blade, it transformed into an axe and the swinging arm separated from its body. It howled in pain and with its remaining arm, attempted to decapitate her just like she did with its arm. Must be holding a grudge. She ducked and with a sharp upward thrust, her other dagger found its home inside the creature's head. It fell to the ground with a thud. That's number two.

She looked around and spotted Jacques decapitated another while Gwen missed the large swinging limbs of her opponent, before she flattened her palm on the Chupacabra's chest and with a blast of light, created a whole right through its body. It dropped like a sack of potatoes. That was number three and four. Only one left. She heard growling and snarling from behind her and turned. The last Chupacabra was bashing itself mindlessly against Leticia's barrier, trying to get to her. It could smell Snow's scent on her and it would kill itself just to get to her, but the barrier held steady. Leticia snapped at him, her fangs deadly but she knew that leaving the barrier would put her and her young in danger. She spotted Jacques to her left and in a blink if an eye he was behind the wild animal, careful of its spikes and shaved it's head clean off, putting it out of its misery. His dark eyes never wavered. He was a hunter, a predator. The best their race had to offer.

'Thank you.' Leticia said and her barrier fell away.

'Don't thank me just yet female. We are surrounded. Those beasts were just a distraction for what is to come.' Jacques said and just to prove his point, more than a dozen vampires slithered out of the forest, not quite as old as the one they encountered earlier but just as dangerous, each one with a pink eye on his forehead, alongside them more Chupacabras and, bloody hell, were they… Mngwas? Yeah, they were. Lilith's blades returned to normal.

'Shit. This just keeps getting better and better. Not just ugly Chupacabras but bloody Mngwas as well.' Gwen swore and the crafty witch took out a piece of pink calk from her special black case, quickly drawing something on her hands. A charm? Jacques just stood silently. Watching, waiting for the horde to attack. The once clear star spotted sky had been blocked by dark rolling clouds, thanks to the male. Men, always have to show off. The wind had also picked up, thanks to Jacques, kicking up leaves and twigs. Was Jacques angry? Lilith looked over at him. Yep, he was well, pissed. Lilith held both her weapons at her side and saw Leticia back away, but she too took out her dagger. Unafraid to fight if need be. The vampires hissed and spat at their show of aggression, snarls full of bloody teeth before they attacked. Turning to mist, the vampires reformed around them just as quickly and Lilith spun to miss the swipe of black claws, turning her dagger the other way and hit, hit, hit the vampire square in the face with the hilt. It screeched and leaped away but came back for more, turning to black mist then reforming behind her, as if the asshole was playing with her. A game of cat and mouse. She spun as the vampire attempted to bite her with poison dipped fangs and slashed him her dagger-turned sickle, before old fashionly nailing him in the rotting stomach with her foot, not paying attention to what was behind her.

'Watch out, Lil.' Lilith heard Leticia shout out but it was too late. Something, the weight of a freight train, slammed into her from behind and she went down, just managing to roll out of the way of a pissed Mngwa's foot. That would have been bad. She had to focus, get her head in the game. Hopping to her feet, panting, she palmed one of her daggers and just as she was about to mistify, her prey dropped to the ground, an arrow sticking out the back of its neck. She looked at it with confusion What the…?

'Need some help?' A deep, recognizable and very annoying voice said arrogantly and Lilith glanced up to see Galen standing there, removing his arrow from the beast's head. A smug look on his scarred face. A smug look she wanted to slap off his scarred face.

'That Mngwa was mine.' She snapped. The cavalry had arrived.

'Snooze you lose, sweetheart.' He turned and with the soiled arrow dripping with the Mngwa's blood and brain matter stabbed a floating cloud of black mist. His arrows were coated in a special magical 'brew' courtesy of the ever- crafty Elves, capable of disabling even the most cunning of beings so the vampire became solid matter, actual surprise on his mangled face and gurgled, black blood dripping from the corners of his mouth. It screeched loudly, grating the ears and Galen dislodge his arrow. The vampire went to mistify again but a ripping, squelching sound made him stop suddenly and looked down at his chest, at the hand holding onto its black heart. It seemed to be confused for a moment before its eyes widened to buldging sauces and the hand was pulled back, taking the undead's heart with it. It collapsed to the floor with a roar and Constantine threw the heart over to the other side of a clearing where it began to drag itself over to reclaim the dead organ. With a hand to the heavens, summoned his purifying lightning, grinning, jumping from cloud to cloud, separating into two sparks before both slamming to earth with a deafening crack, incinerating both the still beating black heart and the struggling vampire. Nothing left of it except singed grass. He was instantly in front of Leticia, using his body as a shield, taking out the Chupacabra slashing its tail against her barrier.

A second flash of lightning caught Lilith's attention and she looked over to see Theo had arrived and was in the process of blasting the vampire he had under his boot to smithereens. Even though Gwen had the creature totally on the ropes. She looked at Theodore with sparkling eyes but he said nothing, just thrusted her behind him, would have taken her away completely if he could but he knew he would get an ass whooping if he tried.

'It's about time.' Lilith heard her sister say.

'Yeah sorry about that, but we were occupied.' Constantine said and Lilith noticed the bleeding starches on his arms.

The undead suddenly became quite angry, snarling with rage, looking around as if waiting for something. Suddenly the forest around them seemed to come alive. From the with the darkness in front of them, Mikhail, Gregori and the rest of the hunters emerged behind the crowd of beasties and the undead. Their forms dark, silent and deadly, becoming one with the elements around them. The vamps screeched and howl, shaking the ground. The hunters didn't wait for the meets and greets. Neither did the vampires and their horde of beasties. Just went in for the kill.

'I don't think we're in Kansas anymore Totto?' Snow said over the blowing wind as he put up his hand to peer out over the vast mountain he now stood on. His waist length white hair blew in every direction. The night sky stormy overhead. He looked up with glowing red eyes up at the cloudy sky then over Lake Yamanaka until he meet the bright lights of Tokyo. He was a long, long way from the Carpathian Mountains. He bet Lilith and Leticia must be worried about his sudden disappearing act. No doubt cursing her name. He smiled at that. He trusted Constantine, Theodore and Galen to protect them. Not that they needed protecting. They had probably no doubt already ran out of the house after finding out where he had gone and who he was with. No doubt taking out their frustrations out on a poor defenseless vampire. His smile began to fade, the serene look on his face replaced with one of deadly rage. Eyes flashing crimson. His fangs began to lengthen and his nails turned into deadly weapons. He felt his power boil to the surface. No matter how experienced his wives were in the art of hunting the vampire, he was a Carpathian male, one who did not like the prospect of his lifemates ever coming into contact with the undead. Especially if one of his lifemates was pregnant He flared out his powers, hoping to open his portal but he was being blocked somehow.

'Snow.' Lilith called out.

'Snow.' Leticia straight after.

He clenched his fists. His lifemates were calling him. Their voices in such pain. His beast roared out in frustration and tore at him from inside. Wanting, needing to get out, to get to them. To get to its unborn child. To sooth their pain. Mates. Have to get to mates.

I know just how you feel buddy. At least his beast managed to get out a sentence. Most times he usually just gets one word responses. They made for great conversations.

'No, just Mt Fuji. And put those claws away and let's try to be civilized beings.' A voice, soft and feminine chided from behind him. Like chimes singing delicately in the breeze. A familiar voice. One he had been service to for most of his long, long life. Snow didn't bother turning around. He could feel her at his back. Her tell-tale fragrance of lilacs and jasmine reaching his nose. Civilized beings, ha. That was funny coming from a Goddess.

'Such a lovely sight isn't it. I wonder if any demons or goblins are out haunting down in Aokigahara tonight. I hate those mischievous creatures. I'm surprised their not trying to climb over each other to get up here after getting a whiff of your scent. Have you ever thought to produce your own cologne? You could make a killing.'

'Could you have chosen a place any colder? Maybe Antarctica. I hear the North Pole is nice this time of year.' Or maybe Hell. He wasn't really that bothered by the elements. It was quite pleasant actually. Like he was home. He reached out his tattooed hand and few falling snow flakes landed on his out stretched palm before they were absorbed into his skin.

'You're Carpathian. You can handle it.' Cyra said sweetly, knowing that he could. 'Well, half Carpathian anyway.'

'Snow Iazarovichi, if you are listening to this tell that husband stealing, gold-digging whore if she lays even one finger on you, one finger we swear on all that is holy we will cut off all her fake hair and use it to strangle her. You tell her that.' Both Lilith and Leticia warned him. He could still feel them even over this great distance, barely, but they couldn't feel him, thanks to the Goddess behind him. It was taking all of his mental strength to be able to her them at all.

'Well, shit.'

Snow laughed darkly and his blood red eyes moved to the small dainty figure that passed by him, gliding just above the ground to stand on the edge of the cliff, her back to him. Her styled pitch black hair remained intact despite the strong breeze, her gold ornaments adorning her hair and throat, befitting her station. Cyra must have taken a little detour through Japan before coming here. Her pink and white kimono hugging her form and falling just above her zori sandaled feet was a good guess. The red and gold fan she had open, leisurely fanning herself was another. It must be great to not have a care in the world. Do what you wanted. Snowflakes fell lazily around her and she lifted her bronze hand up, just as he had before, and a few of the icy droplets landed in her palm. So calm. So placid. Snow felt his eyebrow twitch. He wasn't fooled. Despite her harmonious attitude, she was quite pissed at him. He supposed he could only dodge the upcoming bullet for so long before he finally got targeted. He sighed and closed his eyes. 'Could we make this scolding quick? I have some vampires to play with and two worried lifemates to get back to.'

'I thought you were retired?'

Snow shrugged. 'Got to show the young'uns how it's done. Awesomeness just doesn't come to everyone. Anyway, being retired is so boring. I have taken a liking to one in particular though, Dimitri. Reminds me of me when I was young. Good times. A little rough around the edges but given time, he could be quite the ally.'

'I see. You've had a vision of him?'

'Of sorts. They come and go.'

'I presume you have seen what the future holds then?'

'I have. How's the old gang. Still a bunch of loud-mouthed, uncivilized louts?'

'There angels and they're under your command. I wouldn't expect anything less.'

'Huh. I presume this little kidnapping wasn't to ask me about my predictions?'

'No it's not.'

'Then speak.'

They fell into a weird silence, the moaning wind and the loan howls coming from inside Aokigahara the only sounds around them. Cyra still hadn't turned around. Remaining still, like a marble statue. Snow was waiting for the hat to drop. For shit to hit the fan. She hadn't asked what it was he'd seen in his visions but knowing this little dainty Goddess of Fate, she probably already knew. And that he would do anything to see that future changed. And he knew full well the consequences of changing fate. No matter the pain. But in his long life he had come to value the power of free will.

'Life is so precious don't you think.' She said suddenly. 'It comes with so many twists and turns you never see coming. I suppose the most important part is to enjoy it as it comes.'

'Do you really think so? I see life as like a strange unpopular restaurant filled with odd little waiters who bring you things you never asked for and don't always like.'

'You've been ignoring your summons, priest.' It wasn't a question. It was a fact. 'Have you forgotten your duties as a guardian?'

'I've been busy.' Snow shot back sarcastically, pulling invisible lint off his shirt. 'Couldn't say the same for you though. Which poor defenseless sap have you devoured this time?'

'As if that is any of your business.'

'You should stop waiting for prince charming. Get up and find him. The poor idiot is probably stuck in a tree somewhere.'

She turned and pierced him with her glowing aquamarine orbs. 'You play with fire, priest.' Yep, she was pissed. The wind picked up violently, tossing snowflakes every which way before calming down instantly. Fate's eyes never left his. Almost as if she was daring him to challenge her. He stared right back. His own eyes glowing just as brightly. His face devoid of all emotion. If she wanted to duke it out, he was more than happy to comply. He had been playing this game for over five thousand years. And it was worth the effort when he won. Though he didn't think the humans living in the city just beyond the river would welcome his efforts. The last time he had 'sparred' with a God, the city below them hadn't fared very well.

'Your eyes look like jewels picked from the treasuries of heaven. I would love to possess them. To see what you can see.' Fate smiled, snapping her fan shut. Ok that wasn't in the rule book. Her sudden hostility vanishing with the wind. Snow wasn't fooled however. This was a woman who could go from naught to full volume at the drop of a hat.

'Well thanks. I have been told they are my best quality.' He scratched his nose. 'And as much as I would love to stay and chat with you about you stealing my eyes and using them for things I don't want to know about, as I said before I am quite busy so, why don't you just give me my detention slip and I'll be on my way.'

'So heartless, wouldn't you rather stay and find out why I brought you here. Have a friendly chat, like old times. It's been so long.' She pouted, trying to look hurt.

'Has it.' Snow tapped is chin. 'And here I thought it was only yesterday I told you to go to hell. Time flies doesn't it. Well see ya.'

He gave her a salute and turned to leave when Fate's soft voice floated to his ear. 'And how do you expect to get back to the Carpathian Mountains? Your portal seems to be out of order and you'll never make it if you fly, even with your speed.'

Snow stopped, his eyebrow starting to twitch again. No thanks to you. He waved her concern away. 'Please don't worry your pretty little head over me, princess. I'm quite resourceful. I'll tell my lifemates you said hi.' He went to take a step but his body suddenly felt like it had been turned to lead, his feet suddenly rooted to the spot. Blood red eyes narrowed. Snow tried to take a step forward again but his body apparently had other plans. It turned on its own accord so he was faced again with Cyra's satisfied smile.

'That's better.' A very loud jingle came from inside Fate's clothes and she reached into the long sleeve of her kimono, pulling out her iPhone. She pressed a few buttons, the screen lighting up her face and after a few more taps she gave a frustrated huff. 'life was so much easier when apple and blackberry were just fruits.'

'What is it you want?'

'A chat. Just a friend chat.' She pocketed her phone back inside her sleeve.

Snow sighed 'Was hijacking my body really necessary? You could have just said 'please stay Snow. It would be great to catch up.' So uncool.'

'Snow, I have learnt, when dealing with you I have to go to that extra mile. I thought Carpathians were the respectable, prideful, old worldly types. You, not an ounce. Now, were we're we, oh yes, you have been a bad, bad boy.' She shook her finger at him as if he was a child. She was only a thousand years older than him.

'I try. If I wasn't, you'd be out of the job' Snow tested the bounds of his confinement. Yeah, he was stuck pretty tight.

She laughed but then her face suddenly turned serious. It almost gave Snow whiplash. 'The hands of fate and destiny have changed Snow. To meddle with what is to come to pass can lead to devastating consequences. That's why we have the council.'

'I am aware of that. What's your point?'

'This time it's different. They demand compensation for calling you for help.'

'What do you mean? 'They deserve compensation?' The council is only there to oversee, not meddle and this is not a matter that concerns them. 1'm the Immortal white priest of the Carpathians. This is my problem alone.'

'I beg to differ.

He then felt the sudden jolt of fear; turning his head sharply in the direction he sensed it. There was no denying whose fear it was. It made his teeth clench together. His beast roared out in agony. It spoke to him. Beckoned him to let it out. Child. Afraid. Must get to her. His unborn child was afraid. Her fear he could taste on his tongue. It was making his control slip very fast. He once again tested the bounds of his restraints, giving the invisible threads little bursts of power. He felt them slowly weaken. He felt the soul shattering fear and his beast roared out.

'Cyra, release me. Now!' Child in danger. Must get to her. Lifemates in trouble.

The Goddess of Fate touched her forehead before she began to circle him, like a vulture does to a carcass. She came to face him and in a blink of an eye she was right in front of him, her finger circling his chest. 'First it was the Lycan clan you now have working for you. Then it was you're little heroic act saving your housekeeper from the vampire. Then it was your little blood donation you gave your vampire hunter buddy to keep him from dying. I could go on. No good deed goes unpunished, no matter how good the intentions are. Now it's this little rebellion you got going on. Do you like making extra work for me?'

'Rebellion.' Snow growled. He was done with playing nice. His power was rising and he didn't know how long he could keep the darkness at bay. Darkness that he didn't really like to rely on because once it was out, it was difficult to leash. 'Did you think I was really going to sit back and watch as my race gets wiped out by some crazy psychopathic magician in a robe hoping to drain us dry? Now, release me.'

'This isn't your fight Snow. You're only half Carpathian. Angel blood runs through your veins as well. Your place is to watch and observe. That is the role of a Guardian. Of the white priest. One who safeguards the past, present and future.' Cyra said calmly. 'You know this, yet, after five thousand years, you still continue to fight your responsibilities. Your mother knew this. Knew her place. Remember if it wasn't for my help, you would never have been able to find your lifemates. You would have still been sleeping in the ground.'

Snow snarled. 'Choose your next words lightly, women because they could be your last.' He felt the air crackle and the temperature drop a few more degrees. Cyra felt it also. A slow, dull burn began to spread across his back. Dull before the pain became like a knife cutting into his flesh. He welcomed it. His wings were threatening to break loose. He hated those feathered appendages.

'I may be the white priest, but first and foremost I am a father. Angel blood may run through my veins but so does Carpathian. If my children are to have a future the Carpathian people must stay alive. I'm willing to do anything to see that happen. Anything. We've fought to long and hard to give up now.'

'Such sentimental views, Snow. But where were you when the Turks were invading the Carpathian villages. Slaughtering your people as they slept. Vampires slaughtering your seemed pretty comfortable to sit on your throne and watch.'

Deep wrenching agony, agony he had kept locked away for over a thousand years came to the surface. He could never forget that day. A day carved in darkness and drenched in blood. 'You have no right to judge me, old hag. I paid in blood for what happened that day. Not just my blood but all those humans I killed that suffered at the hands of my madness. Every death I felt scared my soul. Human and Carpathian. I had to sleep in the ground for a month to be able to function again. I almost lost my mind. Just like I'm about to do if you don't release me. An enraged Carpathian male hybrid is something you wouldn't want to deal with.'

'I have seen you let loose, Snow. It still gives me goosebumps. No, I think I'll just keep you here a little longer. We still have a lot to talk about. Let your Carpathian posse handle the vampires. I would want you to do anything…' she leant forward and whispered in his ear. 'Unnecessary.'

'Snow, the baby.' Leticia whispered softly to him. No. His control snapped. Wind and ice became like a howling tornado around him like protective armor. Cyra had to raise her arm to protect herself from the ice being flung her way as Snow's beast broke free and ancient power, white hot, pumped rapidly through his veins like dark water. Such…ecstasy. Fangs lengthen to needle points. White and black wings unfolding from his back and flared out behind him. So pure, yet so tainted. A symbol of his mixed heritage. A symbol, wrought from forbidden desire. Not quite Carpathian, not quite angel. Walking a line between the two. Robes of the purest white covered his tall body. Black to white. The white hood obscuring half his face. Yet glowing, wet red eyes, eyes of a raging beast, peered out of his windy ice- made barrier to stare at the calm, serene Cyra standing there, looking quite pleased with herself.

Fate wanted to sigh in feminine appreciation. Who wouldn't? Nothing was more breathtaking, more beautiful than Snow letting his beast loose. Releasing the magical chains that kept his ancient power in check. Power that made even her hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. Power that sizzled and crackled like the lighting that now lit up the sky. Shaking the earth with slight tremors. His black and white wings, a mark of his cursed existence, shimmered with the snow that dusted the tips before he ruffled them, intimidatingly and folded them close to his body. He didn't say a word. Didn't move to strike. But she was poised for battle. Her own power skating just above the surface. Snow was ready to pin her to the mountain wall like a butterfly. He could try. Instead, with a flick of his wrist, his portal appeared underneath him, sparkling like a pool of blue crystals before he disappeared through it and was gone from sight.

Cyra stared at the spot the Snow had just disappeared from and sighed, closing her eyes. That could have gone better. She opened them and turned to the city lights of Tokyo, slipping her hands inside her robe sleeves. Feeling the cold wind around her. Snow would understand. In time, he will understand that everything she did, every button she pushed, she did so that he wouldn't have to suffer anymore. He has done enough of that in his lifetime. She had seen it, witnessed it. And she had to keep up with her bitch persona should he find out the love she had been carrying inside her for the past five millennia. And it would do no one any good she it be discovered. That and he was mated with four children, one on the way, to be born as the next priestess. Fuck her life. She sighed and with a flick of her wrist, she to disappeared.

To be continued…

This took so long to get out. Things just kept popping up out of the woodwork. the quote I add about funny dressed waiters was one I found on a website and thought it was funny but all rights go to its owner. But here it is the next chapter. So enjoy.