Author's Note: I had so long to think over this fic that I decided to change the tempo and style of it. When you don't have an internet, you have nothing better to do. =( So I'm keeping the theme the same as before, but the writing style and some other aspects of it will be different. I'm not even sure if you guys will understand what I mean. But anyway, please enjoy this chapter and I do apologize for the lengthy time it took me to get it done. Don't forget to leave me a review also!

Her intoxicating scent was filling his nostrils, his tongue running along her soft skin and tasting her, accustoming himself to her. She was delicious, beautiful, everything he'd ever dreamed of and wished for. He could feel a fierce possessiveness for her rising inside of him, his protective nature for the only one he could ever love taking over his emotions. He growled low, beneath his breath, his hand cupping her, his finger moving inside of her warmth with skill and savage hunger.

Her small hands came up to his massive shoulders, suddenly pushing at him and confusing him so much he halted." Get off of me!" She uttered it desperately, shoving harder when he didn't so much as budge." Don't touch me!"

"Little one-"

"Stop calling me that!" She cut him off, shocking him even more." Get off!" He lifted his head, saw her tears, and was horrified at himself for causing this in her. She managed to roll out from under him, standing and racing to the other side of the room, clutching her robe about her and hiding behind a large table." Who are you and what are you doing in my room?"

"I've come for you." He couldn't believe she didn't know. She had to be able to see he was her mate, her male meant to take her and claim her as his." I've found you and have come to take you back with me."

Her beautiful eyes, a clear blue, reflected confusion and anger." What are you talking about? I don't even know you!"

He went absolutely still, staring at her for a long moment." You don't?"

She didn't understand why there was hurt in his voice, but she had to get him out. She dared not call for her parents, they would believe she had welcomed him into her room and wished for his attentions. Especially a man who looked as he did.

She admitted reluctantly that he was gorgeous, a dark man who held the looks and appeal of a god, his body extremely large and dominating. She could see how strong he was, how much power he wielded, but she also remembered distinctly the gentle way he had touched her, the awe that had been in his eyes and voice as he gazed down at her.

And why was it that she felt she knew him? She'd never seen him before in her entire life!

She refused to be touched by the hurt clearly written across his features." No I don't. If you don't leave right now I'm going to have to call the guards."

His face darkened, so much fury coming to it that she took a step back, her hand flying to her throat." No other male will come near you or touch you ever again. You belong to me and will return with me to my home."

Anger surged at his superiority, drowning out the confusion and terror of finding a stranger in her room." I don't belong to anyone, especially a stranger who invaded my room. Get out!" She pointed at the door, but when he didn't move to leave, she went to it and was about to fling the doors open when she was caught from behind by two powerful arms. Terrified, furious, she struggled desperately, her silvery hair falling into her face as he dragged her away from the doors." Let me go! You-"

"I enjoy arguing with you already, little one, but would feel much better if I took you away from here and to my domain." He nuzzled her neck, smiling when she kicked and thrashed against him." Your scent is what brought me to you."

She elbowed him, seething when he didn't so much as budge." My scent? What are you talking about?"

"You're at your peak, little one. Even without your body giving off its aroma I would have still smelled you and found you." His body, large and powerful, curled itself around hers, his hands running along her flat belly." And now that I've found you I'm taking you back with me."

"You're not taking me anywhere! Let me go right now or I'll-"she halted suddenly when he emitted a low growl, the sound so much like that of an animal that she froze with horror. His entire body tensed, went still and he lifted his head, scenting the air. She didn't move, afraid she would provoke this man who seemed intent on taking her away from her home.

"A woman approaches." He muttered it, dragging her with him toward the balcony doors in the room.

"Stop it!" She hissed at him, struggling within his hold, even when he didn't seem to notice.

He kicked the balcony doors open, flung her over his shoulder easily, and walked toward the stone railing to look down at the courtyard below, estimating the distance below." You must cease your struggles and hold on to me. I don't wish for you to be hurt."

"Barbaric man, let me go!" She beat at his broad back with her fists, her long hair falling about her face and blocking her view of her surroundings." Put me down!"

He made sure to secure her before leaping from the balcony and landing on his feet below, quickly racing for the walls that surrounded the estate. He made it to where he had swung over the fence, already coiling his muscles so he could vault over the wall once again.

A shriek was heard from above, echoing to them below." Serenity! By the gods, she's being kidnapped!" The woman he had heard speaking inside the estate stood at her balcony above, looking down at them." Guards! Guards, save my daughter!"

Serenity rolled her eyes." Please guards, save the only daughter she was planning to sell to another man." She muttered sarcastically.

He picked up the words, but decided he would have to question her about that later. Because she had ceased her struggles, he was able to leap over the wall with her and race through the city quickly, moving so fast with her that none of the townspeople were able to see them. He didn't stop until he was out of the city and in the mountains again, slowing to place her on her feet.

The move was so unexpected she fell on her bottom, glaring up at him as he scanned the distance they had covered, his ears perking for any sounds of soldiers that could have followed them." They're not going to give up that easily." She stood, dusting off her silvery dress, the silk material clinging sensuously to her curves." My father promised me to the lord of these lands, Lord Donovan."

She watched him snarl, baring his teeth menacingly." I would gladly rip your father to shreds for that one deed alone."

She took a cautious step back." What are you, an animal or a man?"

"I am your male and will not tolerate another putting his hands on what belongs to me." Because he could see he was frightening her, he reigned in his temper, burying it neatly below the surface." This Lord Donovan: you said he rules these lands."

She made sure to keep a weary eye on him as she scanned her surroundings, struggling to find a way to escape him." He does. He lives in a castle in the mountains, but a couple of months ago he came down and to my home." She was silent, remembering their first meeting." He asked for my hand right after we met."

He gritted his teeth, but managed to sound calm when he spoke." And your answer?"

She stopped glancing about, focused in on him once again, and smiled slowly at the sharp jealousy in his voice. She didn't know him, didn't care too, but his obvious temper at her engagement to Donovan was amusing.

"My answer was, of course, yes." She lifted a slender brow." He's outrageously rich, handsome as sin, and a gentlemen. It was hard to resist."

He approached her, towering over her so that she had to crane her neck to look up at him." You're purposely trying to anger me."

"I'm purposely telling you the truth." She poked a finger into his chest." So now that you know there's no hope between us, I want you to take me home." She folded her arms over her chest, stood silent a moment, than slid him a look." Right now."

"I had always thought my female would be sweet and submissive." Sighing dramatically, he took her arm, tightening his grip when she attempted to jerk away from him." Don't. You will remain with me."

"Let me go!" she attempted to jerk her arm again, hissed at him when he didn't release her." You have absolutely no rights over me! I-"

"I have every right." He hauled her up against him, his nostrils flaring when the scent of her, soft and female, drifted up to him." You were made for me. I've been searching for you for centuries and I won't let you go now that I've found you."

She stopped her struggles to look up at him, disdain on her face." Centuries? That's impossible. You can't-"

"Be one thousand and thirty one years old? It's very possible. I'm living proof." When she just stared at him, he took the opportunity to take her chin in his hand, caressing the soft skin of her cheek and neck." In all that time I've waited for you. In all that time I've dreamt of you, tasted you in dreams that were fantasy, and never reality." He bent his head to brush a soft kiss across her forehead, taking a moment to inhale her delicious fragrance." And now that I have you, I'll never let you go."

She could feel fear bubbling to the surface, choked it back even when she felt his hands run down her arms. She was alone in the open country, nearing the mountains and forests, with a man who claimed she belonged to him and that he was hundreds of years old. If he made a move to touch her, made a move to take her, she would be powerless to stop him. The realization caused her to stiffen, her eyes wide and frightened, watching his big hands on her arms, the muscles on his tanned arms, the power that rippled just below the surface.

To her shame and growing horror, the sight caused both terror and a strong desire to course slowly through her.

He watched her face, and felt impatience at the obvious fear there. She wasn't very good at hiding her emotions, something she was struggling to do. He didn't want her to fear him, didn't want her to stiffen at his touch or back away from him. She should recognize him, and accept him easily into her life.

She swallowed and again made a quick scan at their surroundings." I need to..um...I need to have a moment alone."

He studied her intently, unnerving her at the sharpness of his dark eyes." I won't let you go."

"Than at least allow me a moment alone to relieve myself, will you?" she couldn't decide whether to remain frightened, or angry. The man brought out the worst in her.

"Very well. But I'll be close by." He stepped back, gesturing to the dense trees some feet away from them.

She took a step toward them, than halted. She had heard stories about these forests, and these mountains. It was whispered that in the centuries past a pack of wolves roamed free here, with a huge, black wolf as the leader of this pack. Men had come here once, in the years before, and attempted to hunt in these forests, but the wolves had chased them away. She remembered the story of the black wolf, the alpha male, and recalled now how he had been cunning, and clever beyond words. The hunters had returned frightened, angry, and confused at the quick thinking in such an animal. Almost as if he thought as a man did.

She had listened with awe to the tales, had been captivated by the thought of such a wolf, but had always considered the stories myths, legends. After all, it was impossible for an animal with such skill, strength, and knowledge to exist. The stories were hundreds of years old, and in each story the black wolf always appeared. No wolf was immortal. The idea was completely ludicrous.

She forced herself forward, but stopped yet again just feet away from the forest. Darkness was rapidly falling, the sun descending into the east and leaving the land washed in shadows of night. It was her favorite time of the day, the moment when both day and night spread over the earth, when light shone with softness, and when darkness sought to cover the remaining sun.

But in this moment she only felt fear, and a nervousness at the shadows that shifted inside the trees. She thought she saw the shadow of a wolf, quick and agile, race through, its golden eyes watching her. But the sight was gone before she could pinpoint him, leaving her trembling and rubbing her bare arms against the cool breeze the night brought.

She glanced back over her shoulder, seeking comfort in the sight that the mysterious man who had taken her from her home would still be standing some feet away from her. But as her eyes locked with his, a violent shiver ran down her spine, the hunger burning in his dark eyes causing a sharp thrill of excitement and terror to run through her.

How could she feel comfort in seeing such a thing? How could she feel comfortable in knowing that this man held her captive, and that they were completely alone in the mountains with the sun nearly gone? She didn't want to feel safe with him, didn't want to know he would never harm her. But even these emotions were nearly certain to her, as well as the desire that was simmering inside of her, rising to a near boil to take over her being.

She couldn't tear her eyes from his, couldn't bring herself to turn back and go into the forest. He stood so tall, a violently handsome man watching her, the sun shining behind his back and casting his face into shadows. But he stood poised, almost ready for an attack, the stillness and intensity of him almost like that of a wolf.

A wolf, she thought dimly, a wolf. He had said he was hundreds of years old, a fact that was impossible. But...could he be..his movements were so like a wolf, the legend she had heard existing in these mountains and forests. Could he be...?

The terror, the gut deep horror at the conclusion of her thoughts was terrifying, and had her racing wildly into the forest before she could think coherently. Branches reached out at her as snaking arms, scratching into her soft arms and legs, tearing through the gown she wore. The darkness of the forest engulfed her immediately, the night sounds and moving shadows causing her heart to race madly inside her chest.

She ran without being fully aware of where she was going, ran as if her life depended on it. Trees arched over ominously, casting the forest into complete darkness and causing her to trip over roots and rocks, scraping her knees and causing immediate gash's to form. But she stood and ran on, terror clawing at her throat when she saw the outline of wolves pacing along side her, and heard the rapid approach of something from behind her.

She was caught from behind, than whirled about and pressed back against a tree. The rough bark cut into her already sensitive wounds, and she whimpered, shutting her eyes and turning her face away from her assailant.

She could hear his heavy breathing, could feel his hands biting into her arms in what she recognized as rage. He shook her once, but with enough force to have her head snapping back." Why did you run from me? What is it about me that frightens you?" when she didn't respond, merely kept her head turned away, he gritted his teeth." Damn it! Look at me!"

Because the fury in his voice caused her to tremble with fear, she opened her eyes slowly, turning them to look up at him. In the night shadows his face was sharp, brutally handsome, and had her nearly melting into a neat puddle of lust at his feet. But she remained stiff instead, and unyielding in his grip.

"I don't know you and you've taken me from my home. How did you want me to react?" she watched his eyes narrow, his nostrils flare, and a muscle in his jaw tighten." Did you really think I would just fall into your arms and that would be the end of it?"

"I had hoped you would recognize me." He needed to calm down. He had never felt such rage coursing through him, and he shouldn't be feeling it for his chosen one. She was the one light in his life and the one who mattered above all others." Come. We must take shelter in my home. These forests aren't safe at night." He could see his pack slinking through the trees, watching them curiously, and decided he would have to wait to introduce her to them. She had been through enough for one day.

She jerked at what he said, but he didn't release her." Your home? Are you serious? I'm not going anywhere with you!"

He had developed patience over the past centuries, but this little woman was putting it to the ultimate test." You belong with me. Now that I've found you I won't let you go." He swung her into his arms, held her despite her struggles, and turned to walk back through the forest." What were you thinking, running from me that way?"

She stopped struggling to glare at him." I don't know you! Why should I trust you? You kidnapped me from my home and your claiming I belong to you-"

"You do."

His tone set her teeth on edge." And were walking through a forest that's said to contain a huge black wolf that attacks humans when we violate his domain."

He grinned, shifted her in his arms as he stepped over a huge root." He won't attack us, I can assure you."

"And I'm sure you would know." She risked a glance at him, saw his cunning, almost wolfish grin, and quickly looked away. The man was much too handsome for his own good." Where are we going?" they had emerged from the forest and were walking through the plains of the small hills, toward the mountains.

"My home. You'll feel safer there." He scented the air, pleased when no strange smells or sounds came to him. He felt better knowing there would be no wild animals jumping out at them this night, especially with her so frightened of him and her surroundings already.

She lapsed into silence as he walked quickly, taking her through winding hills and deeper into the looming mountains that surrounded the forests. The chilly breeze here was fiercer then she would have liked and had her shivering violently in the thin, torn gown she wore. He noticed immediately and walked faster, keeping a brisk pace until they came to the top of a hill. Below she could see a huge castle, dark in the shifting shadows of the moon, but with strong lights glowing in welcome to them.

She slid another glance at him, studied his savagely handsome face, with the slashing cheekbones and lancing dark brows. His eyes, she thought dimly, were as blue as a wild storm brewing through the skies. His hair was thick, unruly, and fell in dark, wild waves to nearly his shoulders. But it was his mouth that her gaze lingered on, the fierce shape of it, firmly pressed together as he walked with her held easily in his arms. She wondered if he realized just how incredibly, brutally handsome he was.

She wondered if he had a wife waiting for him in those welcoming lights.

The thought had her going rigid as stone. Was he a man who took pleasure in kidnapping innocent girls, taking them home with him, and ravaging them? What then did he do with them? Did he keep them as his harem, as his slaves? Or did he simply……dispose of them?

"This will be your home from now on." He spoke calmly all too aware of how rigid she'd gone." You will have free use of the rooms, the kitchens, and the gardens. I have mazes in the back and along the side. There quite amusing, but you can get easily lost if you don't mind where you're going.

"And your wife? Won't she protest to my presence?" the words were hissed out between clenched teeth.

He cocked one of those dark brows, amused." Wife? I suppose she would be if I had one." He bent to nuzzle her neck." You're all I have."

She shoved at him." I'm nothing to you. No, better yet, you’re nothing to me."

He chuckled quietly." We'll see if I can change your mind on the matter." And turning her in his arms, used his shoulder to push open the heavy double doors to his home.

An immediate warmth welcomed them, the quiet sounds of a crackling hearth coming from the room to the right of the entrance hall. It was a beautiful home, with mahogany colored chairs and tables lining the sides of the walls, with exquisite paintings of wolves draped in forests hung on display on the walls. Vases, both silver and gold, were perched atop these mahogany tables, with slim, white roses in the vases just as the sweet aroma came to her. It was a home made for one who lived in luxury and in quiet.

She imagined he was a man who enjoyed his solitude.

He shut the door behind them with a resounding click, than walked toward the stairs and began to climb them, never once halting to place her on her feet." You're to sleep now. Once you've rested, I'll have some supper ready for you."

"I don't need you taking care of me." But she was growing oddly drowsy, her eyes heavy with sleep as she struggled to keep them open and on him." I can take care of myself."

She felt him brush a soft kiss at the corner of her lips." Of course you can." His tone was indulgent, tender, and had her sighing as she relaxed in his arms.

The weariness that came over her was strong, and swift. Sleep was beckoning to her and she allowed herself to fall, to swirl into a pool of soft pillows and velvet blankets. She felt him lay her gently down on a bed, snuggled deeply into it and let out a deep sigh of contentment.

She felt the bed give, opened her heavy eyes to watch him sit in silence and watch her. His face, so absolutely perfect, was relaxed and held none of the fierceness it had earlier. She watched his hand reach out, felt him touch her cheek in a caress that she felt radiate throughout her body.

It was his eyes she was enchanted with, the deep longing touching a vital something inside of her." What? What is it?" she reached up to capture his hand in hers, holding it against her cheek." What makes you so sad?"

He drew her hand to his lips, pressing them deeply into the palm." A burden I've carried my entire life." He rubbed his cheek against her hand." A burden I will have to share with you."

His voice sounded far, as if in a dream, his cheek against her hand the feel of a phantom in mists and dreams. She didn't struggle to fight the encroaching weariness, merely accepted it with a an ease that surprised even her.

"I know you." The admission was torn from her, spoken in a soft, drifting voice." I cannot, but I do. Why is that?"

His eyes, as blue as a bolt of lightening, held hers in silence. She tried reading what was there, but couldn't. A shutter had come down and left them guarded from her." Because your heart recognizes me, when your mind does not." He bent to her, pressing a gentle kiss to her temple for one long moment." Sleep, annsachd, sleep and remember me. Let the answers come to you in dreams."

When he would have shifted away she tightened her grip over his hand, willing herself to remain awake long enough to hear him." You're Caladran, aren't you? Caladran…..."

His hand went still in hers, but she couldn't find the strength to see him just then. The silence stretched, until he spoke quietly once again." I am Endymion, annsachd. Now rest and let your dreams tell you who I am."

This time she let him go, and allowed herself to fall. And as the images receded, as voices whispered in her mind and faded slowly, it was his name echoing through her, like the gentle touch of a cool summer breeze.

Endymion...oh Endymion…..