Chapter One

He had been watching her all night from the darkened corner of the loud, smoke filled bar where he sat along. When she got up to leave, he followed her, sensing a sadness, an innocence…a vulnerability surrounding her that would make her easy prey for him. He followed her home, although she was not aware of it. She did not hear him for when he moved, it was with the lightness and gracefulness of a cat. She was too wrapped up in her own grief to be able to sense him…Not that she would have been able to anyway.

He followed her into her home, watching intently from the dark shadows as she prepared for bed. He waited until precisely the right moment, when she was deep asleep and his craving had reached is peak. His eyes on her sleeping face, he stepped forward from the darkness and walked silently over to where she lay in a restless slumber on her bed. He ran a long finger gently down her cheek, beckoning her to wake up and open her eyes.

Katrina slowly opened her eyes and sat up, looking around the familiar surrounding of her moonlit bedroom, slightly disoriented after being pulled out from her sleep. She was unable to prevent the startled gasp that escaped her when her eyes touched on the strange man standing beside her bed staring down at her. She felt fear crawling up and down her spine as she took in the features of the man who had invaded her room. He stood completely motionless. He was huge and well muscled. Tattoos covered his massive arms and long dark red hair hung loose past his broad shoulders. He was dressed all in black leather. She looked up into his eyes and found her self becoming lost in the green pools that glowed with some kind of eerie fire. She continued to stare into their depths and found herself completely captivated. She was not able to drag her eyes away from his, although she tried several times.

Katrina finally snapped out of it and cried out in fear as he sat down beside her, moving her long hair back from her neck as he did so. He softly brushed a finger across her lips to quiet her frightened cries. He stared again into her eyes and within seconds had her completely under his control once again.

He slowly leaned forward, bringing his lips to hers as he ran his fingers down her neck, feeling her pounding pulse and the warm blood that flowed plentiful through her veins. He tilted her head to the side and back a little for better access. He looked up at her. The slight smile on his face allowed Katrina to see his vampire’s teeth. As he moved in, she suddenly began screaming, pleading with him not to hurt her as tears fell from her eyes. She struggled, twisting and turning to break free from his grasp only to soon become exhausted and unable to fight his inhuman strength.

Something snapped inside him as he watched her begging him to spare her life. He felt drawn to her suddenly and didn’t know if he would be able to take her blood. He waved a hand in front of her face, putting her into a deep sleep. He continued to watch her as he thought back to when he had become what he was. He too had begged for his life to be spared. And spared it was. Kane had given him eternal life while his mate, Willow looked on.

He stayed there until before dawn and then just before leaving, he slowly brought his mouth to her neck, taking only the necessary blood to continue his existence. As he stood to go, he felt her blood running through his veins and looked back at her once more, thinking some where in the back of his mind, that he would be back again.

Aside from the twin puncture marks on her neck, she would only remember bits and pieces of his visit when she awoke in the morning.

______________

Chapter Two

Kane watched as the woman with the long red hair, took a seat at the table just across from him. He couldn't take his eyes off her! She was lovely. Her eyes were the bluest blue, he had ever seen, framed by the blackest, longest lashes. Her complexion was pure peaches and cream, and free from any blemishes. She was the very image of his long dead wife... his Cat! She had been gone from him for just over 200 years, yet it seemed as if she was taken from him just yesterday, so great was the pain, still! And yet her very image sat across from him.

Willow was unaware of the big man's close scrutiny at first, but after giving her order to the waitress, her eyes happened to meet those of the man across from her. Her heart skipped a beat then raced away. A delicate flush stained her high cheekbones, as she met that hazel gaze. Hastily, she lowered her lashes. Where had she seen this man before? Almost against her will, she lifted her eyes to his again.

"Come to me!" He sent the thought to her. The compelling intensity in his eyes, would not allow her to do otherwise. Unable to prevent it, she got up and walked over to him.

"Excuse me for intruding, but...and I know this is going to sound like a come on, but...have we met? You look SO familiar!" Willow's embarrassment colored her cheeks a becoming dusky rose, and made her stumble over her words. Her fingers were nervously locked together in front of her.

Kane smiled slightly. His eyes never left hers. "It was a long time ago! Will you join me?" Kane's husky voice and compelling eyes had an almost hypnotic effect on her. She sat down without even realizing what she was doing.

She was drawn to this man! She knew they had been lovers...she sensed it on a primal level, yet could not remember how they met or when they parted. Yet, how could anyone NOT remember this man! He was incredible! Sexy, intense, GORGEOUS!

Kane knew her thoughts and smiled with that secret knowledge! He lowered his eyes to the delicate crystal wineglass on the table before him. They spent the next three hours in each other’s company. To say the big man mesmerized her, would be an understatement! They would meet at the same place the next night!

Over the course of the next three weeks, Kane and Willow spent every night in each others company. They were completely captivated with each other. Eventually, they became lovers.

Willow suspected Kane was not quite a "normal" man, but it wasn't until well into the second week, that she found out exactly what he was. And by then, she didn't care!

One night, after they had thoroughly enjoyed each others bodies, Kane told her about himself.

"I was married to my beautiful Catherine! We were only together for a short time, just over one-year. She died during childbirth. I lost them both. The week after they were buried, I was sitting in Cat's garden, lost in my own grief. I hadn't noticed full dark had fallen, or that the servants had lit the lanterns. It was while I was sitting there, that I was attacked by a creature of the night! I am vampire!" Kane watched her reaction to his simple story.

Aside from a slight widening of her eyes, Willow wasn't all that surprised. After all, there HAD been a number of things pointing to that very thing! He almost never ate, he avoided mirrors, and she never saw him during the day. Somehow it just didn't matter. All she knew, was she wanted him, on any terms. God forgive her, if her congress with a vampire was wrong, but she loved him and would take him on any terms.

Her eyes met those of Kane! The love she felt for him, shining in her eyes, as she gazed back at her soul mate! "I don't care bout that! God help me, I love you, and want to be with you always. You are my heart! I could not live without you! I want to be with you forever!" She said with more than a little passion!

Kane was touched deeply by her words. "But you don't know what you say!" He replied softly. He wanted to believe her, but didn't want her to bare the same curse as he.

"YES! I do! I'll have to become like you!" She spoke the words calmly, her eyes not leaving his.

Her eyes never left his! "I don't care! I want to spend eternity by your side! PLEASE! I love you, Kane!"

All he could do was stare at her, at her beauty. The candle-lit room brought out the luster, the delicate sheen of her skin. She was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen, and he loved her. It bothered him to think of her growing old and frail, of her losing her youth and beauty. But it disturbed him even more to think of her becoming like him.

They were on her bed. Kane was on his knees looking at her. Willow came to her knees as well, facing him. Her soft hands lightly caressed his thickly muscled chest. She began kissing, licking, and gently nipping at his sensitive nipples. His deep, almost agonized groan, brought a satisfied smile to her soft lips. She knew EXACTLY what she was doing as she lightly scratched his ribs, making him shiver with desire for her.

Unable to help himself, he pulled her to him. Gently, placing a huge hand on either side of her head, Kane covered her lips with his, in a kiss that was hungry and deep. Moaning softly, she silently begged him, her eyes never leaving his. "Please, Kane!"

He could not resist her, and against his better judgment, he gave in to her demands! With careful precision, he opened a wound above his own heart. As the blood ran slowly down his chest, she looked first at him, then at the wound he had created. Without another thought, her lips covered the area, as she tenderly sucked.

As his blood filled her eager mouth, a look of ecstasy came over his face. Groaning almost as if in pain, he wrapped her in his loving embrace. A look of near sexual release covered his handsome features. Finally he broke free. What had he done? Why had he allowed it to happen? Guiltily, he looked back at her and saw the transformation already taking place.

A few weeks later, as they strolled past an alley, they heard gunfire, then saw two men running away. Kane was on them instantly, ripping out their throats. They were dead in minutes.

Willow kneeled beside the bleeding man. She knew he was going to die. He was an apparent mugging victim, and had been shot in the belly. The big man was bleeding to death.

"Please don't kill me!" Confused, green eyes filled with agonizing pain, held hers.

"I'm not going to hurt you. You're not going to die!" She said softly. Willow laid a comforting hand on his. Kane had rejoined her, having made short work of the two thieves.

"He thinks we're going to kill him!" Willow said in a whisper, as they looked down at the mortally wounded stranger, laying there in the dimly lit alley.

"You're not going to die!" Kane said as he knelt down beside the man.

Green eyes widened slightly as he understood what he saw in the hazel ones. Without a word, Kane lowered his head, his fangs extending as his mouth fastened on the other man's neck. Willow heard that one say one word, just before Kane's fangs sank into his jugular. The stranger gasped out "NO!"

_______________

Chapter Three

Katrina slowly opened her eyes the next morning, hearing her alarm clock going off. She moaned as she sat up, feeling like she’d been run over by a truck. She collapsed back down on her pillow, not having the strength to get up just yet. She was drifting back to sleep when a pair of glowing green eyes flashed through her mind. She briefly felt herself being pulled deep into the depths of the emerald pools before they faded away.

She frowned in confusion as she tried to remember where she had seen those eyes before, becoming frustrated when she couldn’t remember. She rolled over on her stomach, ready to go back to sleep and was arranging her pillows when something caught her eye. She rested her head on her elbow as she stared at what looked to be tiny drops of blood on her pillow. Again those green eyes invaded her mind, and for a brief instant, she also saw the owner of those eyes.

She was dimly aware that she had seen that man before, but all her memories were foggy and jumbled together, making her believe that this mysterious man was only a product of her dreams.

“But where did this blood come from?” She questioned herself as she looked down at the spots again. She sighed, and lay back down, not able to figure out how it had gotten there.

She tried for several minutes to get back to sleep, only to find that she couldn’t. Finally she sat up and climbed out, and headed for a shower. After turning on the water, she stood in front of the mirror, combing her long hair up into a ponytail. She dropped her hairbrush to the floor when something on her neck caught her eye.

“What the hell….” She said to herself, trailing off as she leaned forward to get a closer look at what appeared to be two bite marks on her neck.

*****

“Where are you at, Mark?” Willow asked the man who had been in the company of Kane and herself since that night they had found him in that alley after he had been shot. On this night, he had been quiet since he had awakened just after the sun had set. His silence wasn’t really anything out of the ordinary, but he seemed more subdued than usual that night. His body was there, but his thoughts were a million miles away.

“Mark?” She asked again after getting no response the first time. She glanced over at Kane, who was staring at Mark in confusion also. Finally he snapped out of it and looked at Willow and Kane.

“I can’t get her out of my mind.” He stated and then stood to leave, knowing exactly where he was going.

______________

Chapter Four

Mark was drawn to her! He thought about her constantly, even dreamed of her during his hours in the dark! But why this particular woman touched him so deeply, he had no idea!

The thick, musty smelling fog found its way through each crack and crevice of the French doors. The balcony just off her bedroom, was a veritable jungle of ferns and an assortment of rather large potted plants! She even had a banana tree and rubber tree out there. That side of her house was rather shady and her favorite. Her flower beds were planted there.

The full moon's silvery light bathed the balcony and her bedroom in its cold light. She slept deeply and soundly. Her shoulder length blonde hair lay over one bare shoulder. The light coverlet was pulled snugly up to her chin! The fog slowly took form. Mark stood at the foot of her bed staring down at her. He lifted the heavy curl away from her face, the better to see her face!

He was struck again by the innocent quality she possessed. She had the genuine inner beauty that seldom was found in this day and age! He watched as she stirred in her sleep, rolling over on her back. One slender hand lay on the pillow beside her head. Katrina moaned softly, dreaming of the eyes of a stranger!

Mark hunkered down beside the bed. His face was nearly level with hers. She fascinated him beyond all reason and he wanted her! But not just her blood!

Katrina dreamed of a dark lover! The man's eyes were compelling. You could drown in those emerald pools. He touched her body in the gentlest of caresses. His touch feather light, yet it ignites fires of passion she had never experienced before! She hungered for them in the same way a starving man craved food. She moaned passionately in her sleep, thrashing about on the bed. She kicked off the light covers, exposing slim, silky legs.

Mark watched as she tossed about on the bed. He was aroused by the sight of her near naked body. Her golden thighs parted slightly in silent invitation of some unknown lover. He knew her dreams,... knew she dreamed of him. He smiled in satisfaction knowing soon she would be his. The big man stood up and very carefully leaned over her sleeping form, kissing her hungrily on the lips. As silently as he entered her bedroom, Mark left it with the knowledge that in a few nights time, he would be back to claim his mate! But for now, he had another hunger to quench!

"What do you think Mark is up to?" Willow asked a distracted Kane!

"I think this woman fascinates him! He may even be obsessed by her! And that troubles me!" Kane lifted troubled eyes to Willow's.

They were spending a quiet evening at home, talking quietly, enjoying the night! They had fed already. A young teenage couple who fancied themselves "vampires", not really believing in the existence of such creatures, came to see Willow and Kane every couple of weeks. In exchange of a little blood, the dark couple paid them well. The teenagers went off, happy with their small fortunes!

"Is it safe to keep using those kids?" Willow asked shortly after they left. She knew Kane didn't like "turning" people, without good reason. Although they were vampires, they were vampires with a heart!

"One more time, then we'll have to find some others!" Kane hated the need for blood as much as Willow did! Someday!... Maybe...! Ahh, that was just wishful thinking! They both HATED this weakness of theirs, almost as much as they loved each other! And they were both concerned by Mark's behavior.

"Maybe he's in love with her!" Willow suggested, as she settled herself in Kane's lap, wrapping her arms about him.

Kane nuzzled her neck affectionately, his canines dropping as his lusts grew. Willow growled softly in his ear, nipping playfully on his lobe.

"Beloved one of these days we need to talk!" She said huskily! Her hands unbuttoned his shirt and lightly scratched his massive chest.

"Are you keeping secrets, love?" He asked curiously! His eyes never left hers!

A wicked laugh escaped her soft lips! A decidedly evil look had entered her eyes as she smiled at the man she loved! "In time love! In time!" She leaned forward, kissing him passionately.

Mark entered the crowded bar drawing attention from all present. His sheer size plus his stunning good looks were the reason. He made his way to the bar and ordered a tonic water. He gave the appearance to anyone who happened to look his way, to be drinking his drink!

Leaning on the bar, one foot propped on the rail, his mind was on the woman he'd just left. He had to admit to himself, that he loved her! He could not think about not having her in his life! But how was he going to approach her? How was he going to win her? He WOULD NOT take her against her will!

With a heartfelt sigh, Mark paid his tab then left! Feeling restless, but not really wanting to go anywhere, Mark headed home. He wanted to talk to Kane and Willow.

_____________

Chapter Five

"Mark, we need to talk." Kane said as he rose to his feet the instant Mark came through the door.

"Funny you should mention that. I was just going to say the same thing to you." Mark replied as he walked into the sitting and took a chair across from where Kane had been seated.

"What's on your mind?" Mark asked, his green eyes meeting Kane's hazel ones as he sat down again.

Kane was silent for a moment as he closely studied the other man. "Tell me about this woman." He stated finally.

Mark closed his eyes as her image flashed through his mind. "I don't even know her name, Kane, but something…" he trailed off, trying to understand it himself. "She fascinates me beyond all reason. I'm drawn to her and I can't get her out of my mind…not that I want to though. I already know I love her and I can't imagine being without her." He finished, again meeting Kane's eyes.

Kane sighed as he ran his fingers through his long hair. Mark reminded him so much of himself sometimes. "How did you find her?"

"I found her at a bar a night ago. She was alone and when she left, I followed her. She has a vulnerability that I knew would make her easy prey for me, but I couldn't do it. She has touched something deep inside of me." Mark answered Kane's question.

Kane asked one final question. "Are you planning to make her yours?"

"I won't do anything that is against her will, if that is what you're getting at." He answered honestly. "I won't do anything to hurt her in anyway."

"So, when do we get to meet her?" Willow suddenly walked into the room and asked as she sat down by Kane.

Mark smiled for the first time since Kane and Willow had known him. "Hopefully soon." Was his reply.

*****

Katrina sat on her balcony early the next morning watching the sunrise as she drank her coffee. The previous night's dreams filled her mind. Everytime she closed her eyes, she saw those green eyes and felt the gentle touch of her dark lover. She wished she could have a man like the one who visited her while she slept.

"Yeah, that'll happen in this life time." She thought sarcastically to herself as a tear slipped from her eye. She sighed as she angrily wiped it away and blinked back the others that were threatening to fall. She lit a cigarette and finished her coffee while she watched the brilliant display of colors in the morning sky.

*****

Two nights later, Mark stopped at the bar that he often frequented. It was the same place where he had first saw Katrina He felt his heart skip a beat as he thought about her while he made is way toward the bar. He settled his large frame onto one of the stools and he had only been there a short time when something caught his eye.

He turned slightly, his breath catching in his throat when his eyes touched upon her. She wasn't alone like she had been the first time he saw her. This night she was with a man, and they were involved in what looked to be a very heated conversation. Although her back was to him, Mark could tell that she was angry with her companion. He also noticed that the man seemed to enjoy her angered state and was doing what ever he could to keep her that way. This infuriated Mark, but he stayed seated where he was and continued to watch. Only when the man roughly grabbed Katrina's arm and pulled her out the door against her will, did Mark get up and follow.

Just as Mark arrived outside the bar, Katrina broke away and took off running down the street. Mark automatically knew that she was headed towards her home and he intended to be there when she arrived.

Katrina walked into her house and slammed the door behind her hard enough to shake the walls through out the old house. She silently cussed herself as she walked up the stairs to her room. She knew what kind of man Tom was and yet, for some reason, she had still gone out with him that night.

"Damn, I am so stupid!" She said out loud to herself as she walked over to her dresser and pulled out a pair of shorts and a cut-off T-shirt. She quickly changed into the much more cooler and comfortable clothes.

Katrina lit a cigarette as she grabbed the bottle of water that she had brought up with her, then she pulled open the French doors and stepped out to her balcony. She breathed deeply, inhaling the sweet scent of her flowers and plants as she looked up at the moon and stars. Sighing deeply, she sat down and thought back to the evening's events. She felt tears stinging her eyes. She was tired of the way all of her dates ended and she again wished for a man like the one in her dreams. She tried to wipe her tears away, but she was unable to stop them from falling Moments later, she was startled and jumped to her feet. She turned around, looking into her room, suddenly feeling that she wasn't alone.

The first thing she saw were those green eyes that burned with an intensity that made her breath catch. She stood frozen, unable to take her eyes from his as he slowly approached her.