A Dangerous Affair C12
By: Raq Umali
umalific@hotmail.com
5.15.01

***

"Well...." Darien glanced down a bit, smiling lightly "I would like to be 
included...since, it does concern Serena... my fiancée" Darien smiled largely to 
Craig's piqued response. 

Unexpected and shock was written all over his face as he heard the news. His 
dark brown eyes moved down to see an engagement ring of some type to prove the 
news. There it was, glistening on her left hand was the very large diamond ring. 
Staring at the diamond ring for a few then cutting his insides to sheer shreds 
as the diamond taunted him with every wink.

From the diamond ring to Serena, his eyes glinted in anger and furiousity. Then 
as if he strayed on having multiple personalities, his eyes became soft and the 
brown it was. Serena watched him as his eyes turned and now held a soft light 
rather than the deep dark browns.

"Well then... I congratulate the both of you" he smiled to Serena at first than 
to Darien. Once his eyes met Darien's blues, he felt a large pang of jealousy 
curse through but he knew to hold it for the man that he was faced with can 
easily kill him. Craig extended his hand towards Darien and if Craig was really 
what he seemed, kind and compassionate.. The handshake would have been a peace 
offering.

"Thank you!". Darien shook his hand firmly and arrogantly. Indeed Serena was his 
and it was something to be happy and arrogant about.

"Well I should be going." Craig motioned as he began to put his hat back on.

"Yes... you should" Mina whispered for Michael to hear. Craig once again eyed 
Serena and tipped his hat.

"Miss Annesley, Miss Carrington I am sorry to have disturbed you. Good Day!" he 
walked away, exiting through the doors.

"What was that all about?" asked Andrew as he pulled a seat next to both women.

"I don't know, we were just eating and then Serena felt a bad aura". Mina looked 
towards Serena as well as the rest of the men.

"Bad Aura?" questioned Darien "What did you see sweetheart?"

"I'm not sure honey.. I mean... his aura is confused" she ended a little 
blankly. Darien noticed her confusions as well.

"Enough about that" he whispered to her as he leaned down "It is a glorious 
day..... I wont have the both of you worrying about such
things.... are you two ladies ready to go?"

"YES!" piped Mina "I've had enough bad company today" standing and being helped 
by Michael. "You ready Serena"

"Yes... but.." said Serena as she stood and faced Darien. Darien watched her as 
her eyes became childish and her lips pouted. "May I have some ice cream?" she 
coo-d. Darien chuckled slightly, amused at his woman.

"If it makes my Serena happy" he smiled as he caressed her chin "Then ice cream 
we shall get."

"YEAH!" she piped like a little kid awaiting anxiously for ice cream. "Can we 
get it at the park?".

"Certainly" he slightly pushed her in front of him. "Kyle go pay the man and 
meet us outside" ordered Darien.

"Oh wait... let us"

Exiting the restaurant Mina and Serena chatted happily forgetting about the 
encounter with Craig. Darien, Andrew and Michael walked behind them smiling and 
nodding to the ways of their women. Putting on their glasses to shield their 
eyes from the bright sun they now lived an almost mortal life.

***

The serum indeed work and it was a blessing for both ends. For now Darien and 
his minions lived day by day, spending as much time as possible with their 
chosen ones. Darien with Serena, Mina with Michael and the rest paired with 
Serena's sisters.

The weeks that Darien now lived, is a dream come true. Walking around and 
talking to others in broad day-light. Seeing and visiting many things that only 
in light could a person be enthralled by its beauty. For say like his love, 
Serena, she was even more so beautiful in the sun. 

Being able to wake with Serena by his side and not leaving in the middle of the 
morning was heavenly. Though he still held the decency within those times. He 
tried to live and initiate the relationship with modesty. For a high society 
ranking woman such as Serena, virtues were highly expected from her. The 
community would not have a whore or a sleeping tramp within its high society 
functions and indeed it is what she would have to endure if many found them 
sleeping together before they are wed. So come before sunrise he would leave and 
make sure her virtue, reputation and her immaculacy was untainted by their 
passion. If not, Serena would surely be in the tabloids or the mouths of 
gossiping women.

*** Engagement. 

Along with the first few weeks, Serena had taken him on an intimate picnic, 
showing her favorite spots and many areas that held beautiful and picturesque 
scenery. Indeed they were a breath taking sight as Darien agreed. His mind 
registered on how much you loose being a vampire in the night. Missing many of 
life's natural beauty, a genuine phenomena! Deep hills and valley's carved the 
ground to an endless horizon. Tree's and grass, scattered throughout the meadows 
as many animals frolicked around. The wind blowing lightly as different scents 
of florals eluded his senses. This was all a dream come true and he owed it all 
to his little rabbit. 

On top of the hill underneath a large tree was where they had their day planed. 
Lounging away within each other's company. His life was almost perfect he 
thought as he laid his head on top of Serena's lap. Childishly she stroked a 
sleeve of grass against his cheek. 

His mind wandered as his covered eyes watched Serena hovering above his. 
'Beautiful' he thought over and over again. Darien could not believe how happy 
his life was now that he had his 'witch'. It was a wonder to how he was able to 
live his life without her. Through her eyes and her light, he was able to see 
the brightness in every situation. Never went a day where she would not spark up 
his mood. She was contagious and overly influential when it came to being happy, 
infact she was very influential on many things. Wandering from the first day he 
met her to the present, he contently smiled as he remembered their first 
coupling. Their first night of sheer bliss and passion. Indescribable, the 
feeling of her within his grasp and still after all that has happened, it was 
the same feeling over and over again. Her mere touch would attack his senses and 
it would drive a man wild to always have to hold back the desire to not take her 
every time. As it was, their was never an evening where he would not sneak into 
her room to be buried in their heap of heavenly passion. As a mother pregnant 
with her child, he craved, craved for his Serena. 'Truly magnificent in every 
way, her being, her ways' it is what he loves..

"May I ask what my dear prince be so much in deep thought about?". Serena saw 
through the glasses and found his blue eyes boring into her soul.

"you!" he smiled brightly as he turned and roused himself from his position. 
Feeling a slight lump within his pockets as he lay beside her with his elbow 
propping him up.

"Oh yeah?" eyeing him suspiciously "and what of me?"

"just how magnificent you are.." kissing her lightly, her sighs of pure 
satisfaction was clear.

"Darien, I love you", stating as she removed his glasses to look into his blue 
eyes. Squinting at first Darien smiled largely, indeed he was ready for this.

"Serena, love"

"Hmmm."

"Do you remember when we had first made love?"

"Of course I do" she answered blushing a bit as she popped a grape in both of 
their mouths. "Why wouldn't I, it was pure heaven" she giggled.

"Heaven.. never been there but Ill take your word for it"

"Darien..."

"Well sweetheart I'm glad that our first evening has had the same effect and 
memory to you as it does to me" he fondly kissed her nose. "But I want you to 
remember a bit more details on that night". Darien grinned as Serena's features 
became flushed again. Indeed she was obviously thinking in detail.

"Darien... how detailed did you want me to remember............" she asked as 
she arched a brow "or rather than remember why don't we re-capture the moment 
and....." Darien felt the burning fire in her words. Serena began to kiss the 
nape of his neck making her way down with tracks of butterfly kisses. Darien 
contemplated on his actions.

"mmmmm... Seeerennna.. please..." he grinned as he felt her giggling.

"What's the matter?"

"You witch.. let me get back to what I was getting to"

"Okay..." Serena kissed him one last time and listened.

"Like is 'SAID' I need you to go back and remember"

"Remember what?" she questioned "I remember details very clearly Darien but I'm 
not sure what you want me to.."

"Shhh.. just close your eyes and think...". Darien watched Serena close her eyes 
as he too closed his eyes. Both mingled with the telepathic abilities, playfully 
going through ones minds.

NOTE: '......' means speaking in their minds, and "......" means the usual.

'awww how cute' mumbled Darien as he witnessed a memory of Serena when she was a 
little girl playing tea party with who it looked like Mina. He then began to 
laugh as he noticed a little boy dressed in a summer dress and a hat sitting 
angrily on the other end of their table. "Oh... don't tell me that's Andrew" he 
chuckled.

'Darien!....' said Serena as she felt Darien deep within her mind. 'Fine' she 
thought as she began to dig into Darien's. With a deep sigh, jealousy triggered 
her emotions.

'Who is she?????' asked Serena with more feeling than she had wanted. Darien 
returned to his mind to see what Serena was probing and questioning him on. 'oh' 
said Darien as he watches a flirtatious scene with him and a woman he drained of 
blood later on. Serena jumped out of his mind, afraid to go on. Opening her 
eyes, Serena became a little uneasy all of a sudden.

Darien opened his eyes to see Serena's eyes shattered with confusion and 
uncertainty. Knowing that more than likely she wanted answers, it was acceptable 
to him for he was never hid anything from her.

"Serena what's wrong?" he asked as he watched her features turn a bit more 
serious.

"Nothing" she murmured as she quickly turned away. Darien tried to jumped back 
into her mind but Serena had blocked and closed his path ways.

"Baby... what's the matter?" he whispered as he lovingly tilted her face to his. 
His eyes asking for answers to why the sudden change. Indeed it had to deal with 
his past, that he knew and perhaps with the scene that had just played for her. 

"Darien... you've had many women.... and... and.. I just don't know if I really 
sum up to the level..that..." Darien had cut off Serena in a mere instant he 
knew where this was getting to.

"Love....they mean nothing" he stated as he watched her more intently.

"But...they were all so beautiful... and smart not like I..and...*mph* " she 
began again before cutting her off once more, kissing her to silence. Breaking 
the kiss, Darien smiled and nodded his head in disapproval.

"I can not believe you would say such thing" he whispered as he pushed a lock of 
her hair away from her face. "YOU... are more than ANY woman I have ever been 
with... even more than all of them put together and mind you that I have lived 
for many years." Serena watched his eyes as he said what he needed. "None... and 
I mean none of those women can even come close or compare to the beauty you 
hold... and I'm just not talking about here...." He caressed her features fondly 
"but here as well" moving to her chest, indicating her heart. "And surely..... 
none and I mean NOOONE...." He emphasized as Serena giggled "can ever compare to 
what you have here" he tapped her temple. Smiling largely, he can feel Serena 
open up once more. "that's it" he coo-d... "I don't like seeing you that 
way..... and besides... I've never been with a woman longer than a meal" he 
chuckled lightly... Then winking at Serena as he noticed her surprised eyes.

"DARIENNNNNNNN" 

"What?...... anyhow... I don't want you to ever think that way"

"I'm sorry.. its just when I saw what I saw and how beautiful she was then 
I..*mph*..." she began to say when again..... he interrupted her with a deep 
kiss. After a few moments he broke away to see her smiling.

"Will you stop doing that"

"Only if you stop saying what you had intended to say...DEAL?"

"Deal" sighed Serena as she watched him "Okay now what where we doing?"

"Close your eyes... and no wandering... I think you've done enough for today" he 
grinned as he too closed his eyes after Serena. 

'yes....' Serena and Darien were now in the right time line of their 
relationship. Watching as she confessed to him being a witch and everything 
else. Then it was their scene of sensual play and discovery.

'I want you to pay close attention to this scene' Darien motioned as the scene 
played.

*** (the scene from chapter 9 - sexual content)

Shifting his weight a bit, he finally lowered himself be in the midst of her 
sensual limbs. It was then that Serena became aware of the pulsating throb of 
his fully harden member. So close but yet he kept her waiting guiding her hands 
back up to the carved dowels, he molded his hands over hers. Tongues dancing 
merrily his mouth never leaving hers. Never before had she ever ridden any 
desire so powerful then this. 

Serena was loving every minute of their long awaited passion to flare and in no 
time she would be forever bonded with him. As if their kisses could not be 
deepened any more, they rode their flaring fire to the point of maddening 
appetite. 

"Serena.." he asked as he pulled from their kisses.

"Yes Darien?"

"Marry Me?" he asked thought he didn't know how or what he was actually saying, 
she had clearly knew what he had meant. Serena watched his features soften, from 
the hungered animal to the gentle man he was and she couldn't love him less of 
the truth of his real being. 

"Yes..." she whispered as she sincerely meant her small but yet powerful three 
letter word. Darien smiled lovingly and placed a soft gentle kiss in acceptance.

"I love you" he whispered, it was then and their that Darien smoothly entered 
Serena's silky entrance of her woman hood. Breaking her barrier in one swift 
movement, Serena cried as the threshold of pain engulf her. Gripping the dowels 
tightly she groaned painfully as Darien pressed on, taking her pain within the 
confines of his mouth.

***

'aww.. honey' coo-d Serena as she tried to feel his presence. Nothing 
'Darien???' Serena wondered where he had gone to.. Perhaps back in her mind.. 
but nothing.. His presence in her mind was gone. 'Darien!'

'I'm here' he finally answered

'where did you go?' she asked.

'Serena hold out you hand' he instructed. Serena thought of him a little 
curiously but then did as she was told her and held out her hand. With her eyes 
still closed, she felt a soft rather light weight item on the palm of her hand.

"Baby... open your eyes" he whispered. Serena opened her eyes and her heart 
raced to an endless beat as she focused her eyes on the beautiful contents of 
the box. Winking against the sunlight, the large diamond ring was overwhelming. 
Serena touched the diamond with her fingers... Mouth open she could not seem to 
get any type of words out of her mouth. Slowly she looked up to Darien who had 
said nothing.

"Da...Darien.. what is your purpose with this?" she asked with hopeful eyes as 
she glanced towards the ring then back to him.

"Serena.... I had meant what I said that night... I don't quite know how...but I 
had wanted to.." pausing a bit he thought of the right words to say. "I had 
wanted you to be mine from the moment I laid eyes on you. Now that I have you, I 
never want you to ever think that I would ever leave you for any other reason 
than death. You have given me so much... and more... and I just want to live 
with you as normal as I possibly can and give you all what you deserve. 
Sweetheart what I'm trying to say is, and I'm not quite sure how this is to 
happen. But...Do you think you would be satisfied with me as your husband, and 
you being my wife?" he asked. Serena said nothing, she was in shocked to have 
him even propose to her, for a wedding was such a holy and sacred ceremony. 
Serena looked down to the ring that still glinted even in the shade. 
"Serena..... Can I be that one man/vampire" he smiled almost cunningly as tears 
began to collect in her eyes "that will make you happy till death do us 
part..... and be the mother to anyone else that may come along between us.... My 
love... I am proposing...... to you a bid of our eternal life together." Serena 
became entrance as he said those words. Remembering she traveled back in her 
mind for the sadden day where everything downshifted between them.

*** Flashback (insert from chapter 2)

"Aren't I at lease good enough to be let in to your secret life"

"Serena, why can't you just take what we have now?"

"Darien, I want more!" she said eyes with glaze as she began to feel the burning 
pain. 

"MORE???" he asked "Serena, I give you any riches your hearts desires, I take 
you to evenings of sweet memories... I...."

"That's not what I meant... and I never asked to be given any of your riches nor 
our nightly rendezvous. I have all that already...... All I ever wanted from you 
was your love, your honesty, the TRUTH!" she bit loudly before gaining her 
composure. "Besides I want more than this Darien" said Serena as tears began to 
welt her large eyes. "For months now, I have thought and wished for the day when 
you and I can be together as husband and wife, a proposal a bid for our eternal 
life. * pause * I want to take care of you and anyone else that comes along" she 
whispered as she stared at his quiet and calm features.

*** End of Flash back ***

"baby..." he whispered taking her out of her trance "Will you Marry me? honor me 
and be my wife.." his eyes were somewhat pleading as if he even thought she 
would reject him in any way.

Serena lunged at the prince/vampire/man that she fell madly in love with. He was 
everything to her, her life... her means of survival was to be with him. She had 
already tasted the solemn and disheartened life of being without him when they 
had been separated and never would she ever want that again. Crying on his 
shoulders, Serena took one look at the ring and made a decision that was already 
foretold before she was even born.

"YES!!!!" she excitedly roused as she removed herself from his grasp to look him 
straight in the eyes "YES!". Darien watched her features, she was crying but 
tears of joy filled her heart and soul. Darien kissed the tears that came 
falling from her beautiful eyes, If crying was to darken a persons mood or even 
dim the persons eyes, it had the opposite effect on Serena. For her eyes shined 
with joyous love. Serena was his life, that he swore to his very death.

*** Back to the present 

"Goodness Andrew you had yourself a handful with these women"

"Michael you don't know the half of it. I remember when Serena and Mina used to 
put ants in my bed". He chuckled as he reminisced the days when they were young. 
Darien then remembered what he saw in Serena's mind.

"Or dress you up in girlie clothing and play tea party..." added Darien. Andrew 
stopped his tracks and looked upon Darien.

"She told you?". Andrew looked fully embarrassed and irritated by the matter... 
"Serena... you told him" he yelled gaining both women's attention.

"He what?" asked Michael

"Told him what?" asked Serena as she looked on to Andrew then to Darien than 
back to Andrew. Mina too looked on with a deep interest.

"Tell him what?" now asked Mina.

Kyle had paid the man for Serena and Mina's lunch and was making his way towards 
to group outside. As he exited through the chiming doors, His eyes steadied on 
the man behind a pillar and shrubbery, watching the group he was to join. His 
eyes narrowed and indeed he recognized him as the same man that had given the 
two girls a difficult time.

Craig stood impatiently waiting for the groups exit. His actions were of anger 
as he cursed through his teeth on how he hated any man that neared Serena. Even 
hated the fact that she was engaged, not with him but Lord Darien. "Lord Darien" 
he mocked as he watched the group walking out of the restaurant. His brown eyes 
fell on Serena as he watched her happy movements and chatter with Mina. Hunger 
never missing a beat as he watched the beauty. 'grrrr' he growled as he witness 
Darien come closer to Serena holding her affectionately. "I will not give up" he 
vowed "you will see..." he ended as Craig noticed a piercing glare from the 
raven man he so hated. Challenging his eyes never left his.

Kyle watched the figure's features grow angry at every movement. His mind 
thought telepathically towards Darien warning him of the by-stander watching 
them from a far. 'My lord, you are being watched' he said as he kept his eyes on 
the man.

Darien was having a ball teasing Andrew on his childhood experiences. Laughing 
heartily as he held Serena closer.

"I must say Andrew... that..." Darien began to say when he was interrupted 'My 
lord, you are being watched' he heard. 

"I don't want to hear it Darien...." Andrew babbled as Darien tuned him out. 

His head snapped and looked behind him to find Kyle standing on top of the 
stairs in front of the restaurant. 'where' he asked without words. Kyle glanced 
at him then motioned to the man across the street. Darien's eyes grew dark under 
his gaze as he focused on the man. 'It is Craig Galli, my lord' told Kyle. 
Michael had caught on and received the same message as Darien to Kyle. He too 
glanced that way and found the man staring at someone in the group.

'What does he want?' asked Michael quietly

'Sir, he has been watching Miss. Annesley' answered Kyle

'Yes.. I see that'. Darien watched the man and gave him an angered gaze. Craig 
returned his stare and this time didn't back out. 'If he so much as touch her 
again...' Darien mumbled to the two.

Serena was speaking lightly when she had directed the question towards Darien. 
"Darien.. Darien..." she said again. She found him to intently be challenging 
someone and there she followed his gaze. Turning around she found, from across 
the street, behind the pillars was Craig.

Craig kept his stance not backing down to the stares that Darien and him men 
were giving him. Brave as he may thought he was, he was still slightly backing 
down. The motion of the lovely woman interrupted his contest and smiled at her 
softly.

Serena's blue eyes caught the man. He had been watching them from a far and it 
began to scare her to what he had in mind or what his intentions were. Serena 
narrowed her eyes as she tried to look un-interested by his stalking. Mina and 
Andrew now too caught on. All six pairs of eyes watched him waiting for him to 
approach them or perhaps speak to them. Craig did nothing, it was time for him 
to leave. Putting on his white gloves, he turned back towards the group to tip 
his hat and proceeded to walk on down the street. Darien felt his inside burn to 
the man, he was up to something and he wanted to know, especially if it 
concerned his love.

"What would you have us do?" asked Michael out loud as he too watched the man.

"What is his problem?" asked Mina

"I think he's got some fetish in Serena here" added Andrew.

"Darien?" Serena questioned. Darien came out of his trance as he tried to figure 
out what the man was up to. "are you alright?" looking at his love, he smiled 
and cheerfully laid a soft subtle kiss on her lips.

"I'm fine love... NOW lets go get your ice cream" the subject changed. Mina and 
Serena smiled and started walking ahead of them men. From behind the men spoke.

"What could he possibly want?" asked Andrew to Darien.

"I'm not quite sure, but I don't like it one bit" veered Darien with a bit of 
danger in his voice. Kyle go and find out everything about that man, where he 
lives, what he does, and who he socializes with" Kyle nodded and departed from 
the group. "Kyle" Darien called out, "have one of the men, perhaps Nathan keep 
an eye on him". Kyle nodded once more and walked away.

"Michael, if I am not with her, I want you to always keep an eye on Serena and 
Mina. Thought I'm quite sure that Mr. Galli is prodding up a plan towards 
Serena, I don't want Mina harmed in any way." instructed Darien to his loyal 
companion. "If so much as touches her in any way... don't waste your time, do 
away with him, understand?"

"Yes Sir"

"Darien........." called Serena as Mina and her had come upon the ice cream 
vendor "what flavor would you like?"

*** The Wall

It was night and the sauntering man entered his home. Quite irritably he threw 
his hat and coat on to the couch that greeted him. The house was average, 
somewhat decorated and with manly figures, a painting of a wineries and such.

"Good evening Sir" greeted his maid "dinner will be in a few".

Waving her off, he took a moment to think of what had just happened. For years 
now he had desired Serena. But always she was surrounded by many who adored her. 
He was a man with a private life, never was he 
too shrill about spilling more than he had wanted. Sure he had made himself 
gather with stuffy over rated social lights, but it was only because of the 
siren that had captured his interest. With his mind on Serena he stood and 
quickly strolled towards a door under the stairs.

Descending down the long darken stairs, finding the light switch he made his way 
towards the wall. His collage of some sort, his smile became more lusty as his 
eyes focused on the photos on his wall, photos of no other than Serena herself.

The wall, covered in clippings or photo shots were of Serena. Indeed some had 
others on the photos but clearly they were taken out, cut out by the man that 
only focused his rituals on Serena. "Serena...... Serena......" he whispered as 
he caressed a photo. "you are so beautiful..." his eyes loved the beauty that 
Serena held, so innocent and so good to have. Traveling from one photo to 
another his eyes were brimming with lust. "aaa... Serena... one day... you will 
be mine" he veered as he stared at his favorite photo. It was Serena with 
smiling greatly towards the camera during last years fundraiser. His thoughts 
were interrupted as his name was called.

"Mr. Galli, dinner is ready" called the woman. Craig did not say a word and 
caressed the photo one more time before turning the lights off.

Dinner was served and Craig had sat patiently in his chair and reading the paper 
all the same. His life was stricken with loneliness... His being was no more of 
importance than a mere servant to the world.
His eyes scanned for news or bits and pieces of the happenings in their town or 
yet the world. Spooning the last of his dessert in his mouth, he then turned the 
page. His eyes grew dark, and his anger stirred his body as he orderly adjusted 
to the photo on the paper. Inside in the society page, was a large photo of 
Darien and Serena. Posing together for a happy moment in their lives, the 
clipping was an announcement of their engagement. "Miss. Lady Serena Annesley 
and Lord Darien Langtry announce their engagement" Indeed they were making their 
wedding highly publicized. "grrrrraaaaaaa" he seethed.... Torn... and crumpled 
the paper was harshly thrown across the room. 'No! You will not Marry that beast 
of a man. That... that... Prince of Vamps!' he detested as he rose from his seat 
and quickly grabbed his coat exiting the front door.


Stay tune for Chapter 13.........

Email me... they're an authors lifeline. umalific@hotmail.com