Chapter 1


Alexis sighed in frustration. Physics was defnitely not her subject. Usually her schooling came to her quite easily, but not science. She tried in vain to concentrate again, but five minutes later realized her efforts were wasted.

Knowing that if she didn't distance herself from the confusing academic work soon, she would scream, Alexis decided her best course of action would be to take a relaxing stroll through Central Park. Something about that park always had a calming effect on her, especially a small, relatively secluded, pond she had found during her first weeks exploring New York City.

This personal spot of refuge reminded her on some level of a swimming hole she and Stefan had frequented during their childhood. Part of the reson that they went there so often was because Starvos and Helena were either unaware of it or ignored it. It became their private santuary. An island unto itself. Smiling at the fond memories, Alexis quickly exited her dorm room.

Walking briskly, Alexis smiled to herself. She really enjoyed this city.There was always something to do, something to see. Alexis stopped to listen to the haunting music that floated from a balcony where a man was intently playing his saxophone.
This is why I love this city Alexis thought to herself. Here I'm not Natasha Cassadine, a frightened puppet controoled by Helena's malice. Here I'm just Alexis, a college student who hates physics and loves french fries. Here I'm normal. Here I'm just me.

Lost in these contented musings, Alexis had become unaware of the footsteps that had been following her for the last several moments. It wasn't until she felt someone's hot, rancid breath on the back of her neck that she began to panic.

"Give me all your money, bitch!" a cold male voice rasped.

Frozen with shock, Alexis did not respond for several moments. When she finally reained her voice, all she could manage was a hoarse croak: "I-I don't have any m-money."

Enraged, the man spat out: "Don't lie to me, you whore!"

Alexis whimpered in fright. The man sneered at her continued in a voice oozing with sinister charm: "Well, if you don't have money, I'm sure you have something, I'll find valuable. Know what I mean?" he cackled lewdly as he eyes assualted her body.

Not knowing any other way to rescue herself from this situation, Alexis tried unsuccessfully to swing and kick at any available part of his body to no avail. These attempts at flee only angered him greatly as he pinned her slender arms behind he back and pressed a knife to her throat.

Oh, God, no! She was die in the manner he mother had! Sensing this, Alexis fought with renewed strength. She flailed wildly and managed to scream loudly once before her captor's hand clamped over he mouth.

"I'm goona make you pay for that, slut!" he said in a deceptively soft voice, "Just wait."

"Like hell you will." a voice purred. This man's voice was just as soft as her captor's, but there was somethng about this man's voice that was different. His voice was very quiet, but deadly serious. His voice told of strength. This voice was like velvet wrapped around steel.

Please save me, Alexis impored sliently. Please.
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Chapter 2