7 comments/ 11957 views/ 2 favorites Dark Sun By: HorniBunni Note to reader: Okay gang, first off i want to say sorry for taking so long in continuing the Dark series. I have got my first ever job at a uniform shop...for kids and since its that wonderful time of year known as the summer holidays I havent had a moment to myself let alone to write. Plus *Cough* I also publish fanfictions so they've taken some of my time too. I'm really sorry and please dont hate me but at least I'm back-ish. The truth is, is that i hate uploading stories I havent finished, there is a whole amount of unfinished fictions on my hard-drive and its disgusting. But that is why one, I implore that you give me some input so that I can complete this story and two, why this is being published as a sequel and not the last in a trilogy. Book number two is on the back burner so instead of Dan the bear we have Leon the lion. That only means I can then widen the scope to more than shifters...did someone say that the shifters have a distant cousin that lives of blood...hmm dunno if i'm going down that road, though there is a story on literotica that i wish to reload...anywho enough of my insane ramblings and on with the show. ................................................ Prologue León Dubois stirred on the hard mattress pulling the too short blanket over his bared chest. His actions only served to bare his toes to the coldness of night. Growling he tucked his knees against his chest, brushing against a warm fragrant body. Growing still he pushed himself up on his elbows, watching the sleeping face through a curtain of red curls. The young woman's mouth was small and plumb, her top lip arching ever so slightly. Small puffs of air breezed against his cheek as he leant closer. With careful movements he brushed the locks from her face, revealing the round contours of her face. Dark rouge lashes fanned her cheeks and delicate eyebrows accentuated large brown eyes. Though they were hidden from him now, León knew their exact colour. A deep chocolate rimmed with dark blue. Her small button nose twitched as she felt the heat from his body and slowly she blinked those chocolate eyes open. "Morning." She croaked, sleep hampering her vocal chords. León smiled, kissing her softly. She yielded to him instantly, her tongue stroking his just as gently. León could feel fire burning in his stomach as he grew aroused. Without provocation his hips began to grind against hers, needing to sate the lust only she could produce. Using immense willpower León pulled away from her. They had spent the night tussled in the sheets and he had not been as gentle with her as he would have liked. Even now, as she followed his retreating body, she displayed signs of soreness. "It's still dark." León warned knowing just how much she loved to sleep. "I know, but do you really think I can sleep? I'm no longer Catherine Finnegan but Mrs. Catherine Dubois." She laughed, splaying her body over his. León couldn't stop his mouth from twitching into a smile. He was just as happy as Catherine. Running away from home and eloping in Vegas was not what he had envisioned three days ago but Catherine was spontaneous like that. She was like a tornado of energy blitzing his mundane life at every turn. "You aren't having second thoughts are you?" Catherine asked peeping to see his face. If not for the slight tremor in her voice, León may have seen her question as innocent. Steeling himself for her reaction León smiled. Instantly she sighed with relief returning her head to his chest. Smiling was something he rarely did. His face lost all maturity as dimples took over his features and his eyes brightened making him appear ten years younger than he actually was. If not for Catherine he doubted he would ever smile. Catherine sighed again raising her left hand in the air. The neon lights from outside cast a fuchsia tint to her skin, catching the glint of the silver band on her ring finger. It had been León's mothers ring and as her eldest child she had given it to him, with the hope that he would give it to the woman he loved. Now that woman wore it. Lacing his fingers with hers he brought her hand back down and placed it over his heart, revelling in the feel of her soft skin against his. Her pale skin against his dark mocha complexion was a glaring contrast, and that was one of the things León loved about her. They were complete opposites. She loved listening to backstreet boys and N'Sync, whereas he was more of a Guns and Roses man. Catherine wore bright colours and always had a flower in her hair, León prefeered deeper shades. The one thing they had in common was their love for each other, though Catherine had been the more persistent one in their relationship. He was glad for that otherwise he would never have known the joys to be found with someone other than himself. Catherine's snuffling snores signalled that she had fallen back to sleep. With a soft chuckle León pulled the blanket over her, her short stature making it possible for her to be protected against the harsh temperature. Just as León was about to fall asleep he heard the small vibration of his mobile on the bedside table. With an irritated groan he quickly picked it up. Checking to see if Catherine was still asleep he slipped from her embrace and sat at the edge of the bed. "What?" He asked. "Where are you?" The voice of his best friend, sounded harried and scared. All traces of sleep fled his body as he picked out sounds of yelling and screaming on the other end. "Smyth's motel, we just got back. What is going on?" "Hunters, they found our den hurry..." the line suddenly went dead and León was left with a persistent ringing on the other end. Fear swamped him. Hunters were his people's mortal enemy, if they had found their den then that meant their identities had been compromised. León quickly dressed, fumbling with his shirt as thoughts assailed his mind. His eyes landed on his new wife and regret built in his throat. He wouldn't wake her, this was their last night together and he wanted her to have happy memories. "Goodnight." He whispered into the air swiftly leaving. .............................................. So please tell me what you think guys so far so good? or will I not be hearing from you again??? Dark Sun Ch. 01 Note to readers: okie dokie this chapter took a while to edit. I admit not knowing much about the USA so any references i make to places or life in america is fuelled by tv, google and wikipedia. Anywho onto with the chapter.... ..................... Chapter One Catherine looked in the mirror for the fifth time inspecting her straightened hair. It was darker than the carrot orange of her youth and monthly hair jobs were the only thing keeping it that way. Her session in the tanning booth saw to her freckles being disguised by a faint tinge. Backing away from the dressing table, Catherine inspected herself in the full length mirror, running her hands over the sapphire dress, flattening out the creases. Glancing at the clock, she realised that Sean would be knocking on her door at any minute, forcing her to scurry around for her stilettos. The rouge shoes matched her painted nails and lipstick. With one last spritz of her perfume, Catherine grabbed her clutch bag and opened the hotel door. Sean was standing with his back to her, his wrist raised as he looked at his watch. He was always prompt, one of the quirks she liked about him. Too many people had been unreliable in her life, that she found his punctuality refreshing. If Sean said he was going to be there at nine o'clock, then you'd see him arrive one minute early. "Sean." She said softly returning his smile as he turned. His eyes roved over her body stopping at the flair of her waist and modest cleavage. Catherine blushed slightly over his appraisal, as there was no doubting the thoughts running through his mind. Coughing she drew his attention to her face. Sean gave an apologetic shrug before offering her his arm. Another quirk that Catherine found attractive. He was an attentive and old fashioned gentleman, traits rarely found in the modern world. "The limo is waiting outside." Sean informed her as they walked out of the elevator. The marble floor shone beneath the crystal chandeliers, glancing of the fine diamonds around her throat and wrist. Though Catherine had been hesitant over wearing such expensive jewellery, Sean had been adamant that she wear them. Since they had been a gift who was she to refuse? As he had stated there was indeed a black stretch limo waiting for them. A tall butch man exited the vehicle and opened the doors for them. Catherine gave a small nod of acknowledgement before gracefully entering the car. Inside was plush velvet and glowing blue lights shone over a small bar. Beside it was a metal champagne bucket filled with ice and a vintage wine. Such frivolous things were foreign to Catherine's modest lifestyle, though that was soon to change. The diamond ring on her finger was a constant reminder of the world she was soon to be a part of. The solitaire cut was the only simple thing about it. A large diamond was set in gold with smaller diamonds embedded in the band. Ostentatious and extravagant to the extreme, Catherine rarely wore it but tonight Sean had insisted. "What will people think, knowing I am engaged to my boss?" Catherine had asked earlier. Sean had simply laughed and given her chaste kiss on her cheek. "They can think what they will, where is the harm in marrying your PR?" He had replied. Catherine played with it nervously as the car wove through the skyscrapers of New York City, the blazing lights of the buildings still managing to make her feel slightly uncomfortable. She had grown up in the Idaho wilderness, close to the mountains. Only the five years working with Dawson and Son's had seen her make a move to the city. Her father had begged her not to leave but he was far from old and was a capable man. He didn't need her and she hated home. The boarded house next to hers was a constant reminder of the pain caused by one man in her past and she didn't need that. Now she was an established business woman with contacts all over the world. The company she worked for was pushing all sorts of boundaries. Catherine felt Sean's hand upon hers breaking her away from past hurts and reminding her of the here and now. Tonight she would give all her attention and energy to the man beside her, he who had earned her trust and affection. Soft music could be heard as they walked into the hall. Gold banners hung from the marble pillars and small lights were wrapped around their thick bodies. A waiter showed them to their table which was currently unoccupied as they had arrived early. Catherine placed her bag on her lap and tapped her foot to the soft jazz from the live band. "Let's mingle." Sean suggested offering her his hand. Catherine plastered a fake smile on her lips hating the thought of having to force an interest in what the other high and mighty folk had to say. She was anything but an introvert but her trip down memory lane had left her mood sour. "Sure honey." She replied sweetly, allowing him to pull her into the throng of people. The first person they met was an elderly man, who smelled like a mixture of mint and stale urine. Catherine couldn't move away fast enough. From then on she was on her own. "Ah I have heard many things about you Ms. Finnegan." Said a tall balding man. He was dressed smartly with a young blonde on his arm. "All good I hope." Catherine laughed. "Of course. You have done wonders for a failing company, many of us are curious as to who this woman is that is reviving one of our biggest competitors." The man joked. The woman beside him gave him a bored look. He didn't even bat an eyelid, instead his golden gaze fell upon Catherine's neck. "I see." Catherine murmured as the atmosphere grew tense. "Where are my manners, I am Elijah Moore." He said thrusting his hand towards hers. Catherine had no other option than to shake it, discreetly wiping her palm on her thigh as their hands parted. Elijah Moore was a prominent businessman, one of the main competitors in shipping. "I see your wife is not with you tonight." Catherine said giving Moore a knowing look. The man's eyes blazed with something indescribable before he laid his hand on the blonde's shoulder. "Well Ms. Finnegan," he said, stressing her last name "We all have something to hide. My wife is pregnant with my sixth child so I brought my eldest daughter along. You on the other hand..." Moore trailed off, keeping his last words to himself. Catherine blushed profusely, her intuition having failed her again. She had assumed the worse and called the man a philanderer. Before she could apologise Moore excused himself taking his daughter with him. "Well that went well." Catherine smiled as her best friend approached her. She and Sasha had both interned at Dawson and Son's and had been friends ever since. Sasha worked in marketing and was genius when it came to graphics design. The tall black woman wore smart charcoal trousers and a red blouse that accentuated her large breast. Her hair was cut short with a fringe that covered her right eye. The one eye Catherine could see was soft amber, and Catherine had spent many years envying her friend's eye colour. Sasha was also stick thin, with a physique Catherine had strived for over the years. Where Sasha could eat as much junk as her stomach could hold, Catherine had to watch every single thing that she put in her mouth lest she gain five hundred stone. "I am so embarrassed, that was highly unprofessional." Catherine said, leading the way to the bar. "Ah yes, but this is the cut throat world of corporate business. I think you are the only person I know who has such morals." Sasha joked, ordering a double martini and lemonade. Catherine ordered a glass of wine, knowing that anything stronger would make her a raving drunk. Another thing to hate Sasha for, the woman could chug down bottles of tequila before showing even an ounce of intoxication. "Yeah well, my father always told me to fight fire with water." Catherine said using her favourite quote. She wouldn't allow her soul to be corrupted like the men and women around her, only when the situation called for it would her claws come out. Sasha was just about to make a comment when the lights of the hall dimmed and a spot light illuminated the stage. Catherine rolled her eyes as the mc took the mic and began making introductions. Playing with the beads of condensation on her glass Catherine took a sip of the sweet drink almost spluttering when she heard the next voice. "Bonjour mes amis, welcome to the twentieth annual fundraiser for children in need. As you may know there are many children in our fair country who need help and support that cannot be supplied through natural means." A soft murmur of agreement went through the room and Catherine almost choked as she looked at the dais. A tall man in his early thirties stood in a white suit with a dark shirt, which was open to reveal a flesh of toned flesh. He had dark skin, similar to Sasha's. Black hair was tied in a long plait that lay over his shoulder and crystalline azure eyes glowed with intelligence. Though his hair was different she would notice those eyes anywhere. Ten years had made him taller, and the aura of immaturity was all but gone. He was even more handsome than the last time she had seen him and she cursed her traitorous body for reacting to the sight of him. Turning quickly lest he saw her, Catherine cast her eyes to her hands, her brow furrowing as her hands shook. "León Dubois has to be the finest brother I've ever seen." Sasha sighed fluttering her eyelashes in his direction. Catherine fought the urge to beat the woman for looking at León, but she had no such claims and as far as she was concerned he didn't even exist. He had taken what he wanted and fled into the night. All his promises had been lies and she hoped he choked each time he thought of her. Everyone had warned her about León, her friends had told her to stay away from him and even her father who had known the Dubois for years had protested against their relationship. León had been known as a promiscuous Lothario but she had thought she knew him better. She had been wrong. "...So please delve into your wallets and purses, and find it in your heart to give as much as possible to the innocent." The rowdy round of applause erupted shocking Catherine back into the present. The mc took over the mic once again urging the patrons to make donations. Soon the band began to play and a small group of people began to congregate around León. "I thought he wasn't coming." Catherine hissed. Sasha gave a small laugh eagerly watching León. "My sources said he wasn't, but then he is the chairman for the charity so he must have pulled out of whatever he was doing and flew down. I really don't understand why you hate him so much." Sasha said, looking at Catherine as though she were deranged. Catherine frowned but said no more. Very few people knew of her relationship with León and she planned to keep it that way. "Oh my god he's walking towards us." Sasha squealed quickly smoothing down her hair. Catherine barely got the chance to leave her stool before he was upon them. Refusing to turn from the bar Catherine continued to play with her glass praying that he was as self-absorbed as she knew him to be and ignore her. "Mr. Dubois, it's so great to meet you." Sasha gushed practically falling from her perch. León's deep chuckle sent shivers of desire up Catherine's spine but still she refused to look at him. "Ah admired by a beautiful woman like you, god must be smiling on me today." Catherine gritted her teeth over his slimy flirting. Once upon a time Catherine would have fallen for the same lines, but not anymore, not when she knew the pain that came with being with him. "Oh Mr. Dubois, you flatterer you. My name is Sasha Douglas and this is my friend Catherine Finnegan." Sasha said. Catherine cursed at Sasha's introduction. If León even remembered her then things were about to get awkward. Though she couldn't care less about what Leon thought of her, that did not mean that no one else was watching their exchange. Turning slowly Catherine looked up at him briefly. It was enough to assess his appearance all over again and if he was handsome from a far, then he was downright irresistible up close. His skin was flawless, and his hair was longer than she remembered. His brows were a dark shade of blonde and arched over his oval eyes. Cat-eyes she used to call them. Not wanting him to see just how much his presence unnerved her, Catherine stared him straight in the face urging him to say something. The only indication of surprise was the soft rise of his brow, and the falter in his smile. Rage battled behind Catherine's cool facade and Sasha must have realised the tension as she quickly left proclaiming she heard her name being called. "It has been a long time Kitten." He said. The familiar afro-french accent and use of the pet name he had given her, struck a raw nerve. Without thought she lifted her glass and threw it over his face before dashing through the mob of people. She could feel her chest bursting as she ran but she didn't dare slow down in case he caught her. Only when the cool breeze hit her did she stop, leaning against the cast iron balcony for support. Her actions had been brash and so unlike her usual behaviour. Yet she couldn't quell the satisfaction of embarrassing León in front of all his peers, now he would know a fraction of the shame he inflicted upon her. After regaining her breath Catherine tilted her face toward the breeze, enjoying the soft caress against her cheek. "Still as impulsive as ever, non?" Catherine's eyes narrowed at the recognizable baritone and she clenched the railing tighter hoping that her silence would deter him from talking to her any further. Instead the distinct sound of a door locking greeted her ears and she was forced to turn. The large glass doors had been closed, and thick drapes blocking them from the view of the people in the hall. Catherine gave a low growl as León approached her but she resisted the urge to run. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction of knowing just how much he unnerved her. The rosé left a pink tint on his lapels, from the tag she could tell it was Gucci and she almost felt guilty for ruining it, almost. "Impulsiveness has always been my downfall, I fell for you didn't I?" She said. León continued to approach her and she was forced to lean back as he grew in height. She was not overly short but León stood at an impressive six foot five, a one foot difference in her height. Finally León stopped and tucked his hands in his jeans, the action surprised Catherine. León only did that when he was nervous but then what reason did he had to be nervous, when he had so callously tossed her aside. "If I knew you were going to be here, I would not have come." He said quietly. Catherine's jaw dropped over his words hating him even more. Was she that repulsive that he would avoid her at every turn. Artashir Industries did not deal with the same business as Sean so she had had the fortune of never having to see him. That did not mean she didn't know where he was or what he did. Recently León had moved his headquarters from England to Seattle. Yet he had not even bothered to call her. If he had done, she would have been able to slam the phone down with a triumphant yell. Now with his stupid words he had made her feel as though she needed to be avoided. "Well nothing is stopping you from leaving." Catherine said motioning to the door. León took his hands from his pocket displaying them as an act of surrender. Catherine would have laughed at the forlorn look on his face if this had been any other situation. Perhaps if he hadn't broken her heart then she could find joy in his easy behaviour. "That is true, very true but this moment may not appear again. You must tread carefully Catherine, the man you are with is not all he appears to be." León said. Catherine clenched her jaw at his ominous warning, as if he had the right to care about her safety. "And I should listen to you why?" She asked settling against the balcony. Catherine could tell her flippant questions irked León but that only caused her to feel smug, let him get angry, there was nothing he could say that Catherine would ever listen to. "Because no matter what you choose to believe, I love you." León said softly. Catherine burst into a flurry of rage pummelling his chest with her fists. They were hard like rock but that didnt stop her from her attack. "Don't ever throw those words in my face, you don't know what love means. You left me!" She screamed, not caring who heard. León continued to stand there and take her beating as if she were a troublesome toddler which on made her fury rise. "I hate you, you bastard!" she screeched, clawing her nails against his cheek. She punctured flesh, leaving four distinct scars on his face. León moved swiftly, his hands clenching her arms. Catherine cried out as he bruised her flesh. A low pop rented the air and León staggered against her before righting himself. Catherine fought her way out of his hold no longer caring about the man before her. "Trust me on this, ma Cherie." Catherine halted for a second, hating the way her body responded to the soft endearment. Then she wrenched open the doors and continued into the ball room. ... León took a deep breath wavering on his feet slightly as his heart pumped blood through his wound but he did not fall. Movement now could be the difference between life and death. The bullet was close to his heart but the pain was worth it if it meant that Catherine was okay. He settled on the floor of the balcony, hoping that one of his men would soon search for him. It had been foolish of him to be in New York when he knew Catherine would be here, but it had not occurred to him that they would be so persistent in hurting him. León gave a contemptuous snort, they would never stop the pursuing him and his kind. His enemies had known Catherine's position in his life and ten years had not lessened it. There had to be a leak within his pride, that was the only explanation. He had been adamantly informed that Catherine would not be attending tonight's fundraiser yet when he had spotted a redhead at the bar he had instantly known who it was. Though he hadn't changed much during their years apart she had. She was no longer a curvaceous size sixteen, and he hated that she had changed so much. Her wild curls had been tamed with a hot iron, and her skin no longer resembled the pale aura of a full moon but was like warmed honey. "My heart breaks little one." He muttered, searching his pocket for his pack of cigarettes and lighter. León groaned as he muscles contracted with pain, as his shoulder knocked against the iron bars. He was the cause of Catherine's hatred towards him, he was aware of that. The call that night had changed everything and he could no longer think about his own personal needs. Taking a drag from the cigarette León looked through the bars, smirking as he caught no sign of his assailant. Though to human eyes the bushes below would yield nothing, as a lion shifter he had enhanced eyesight, making the ground below appear as if it were broad daylight. The masked man had been cocky, thinking that he could kill his wife and assume that he, Artashir of all lion prides would allow it to happen. Throwing the butt of his cigarette to the ground below León gave a tired sigh, not wanting to die out here, alone and in the cold. Getting up was harder than sitting down and his whole body screamed with agony as he pulled himself up. His movements caused more blood to drench his blazer. "What is a few thousand dollars." León hissed through his teeth, finally getting to his feet. Dark Sun Ch. 01 His body swayed dangerously but León had been shot many times, and from past experience he knew how to stop the dizzy feeling. With staggering steps León pulled open the large doors wincing at the sudden brightness of the artificial lights. Quickly he slipped off his jacket throwing it into the bowl of a potted plant. The blackness of his shirt would serve to camouflage the blood. Catching a whiff of lavender León's eyes zeroed on to the very man León had warned Catherine against. Sean Dawson was one of the generals in charge of the Hunters, an organisation that strived to rid the world of all shifters. León was a lion shifter. A specie of one of three clans, Canidae, Panthera and Ursidae. He was also Artashir, which meant that he was ruler of all lion shifters. His head on a mantle would be a great accomplishment for any hunter and the reward for his death was high. León's dark skin and white hair made it near impossible for him to hide his identity and the only thing that had been keeping him alive for the past ten years was that he was constantly changing his hair colour. At the moment he had dyed it black, yet Catherine had been able to see through the disguise. Of course she was also his wife so it made sense that she would remember the colour of his eyes. Continuing through the crowd, León tried his best to keep away from the other patrons. "Excuse me." He growled, wincing at his own tone but the woman had been close to bumping into him. His skin was clammy with sweat and he knew that he was moving dangerously on his feet. Just as he reached the table where the rest of his employees were sitting the lights went out. ...................................... Note to readers: So that was chapter one, please, please, please tell me what you think. Unlike Dark Moon this is a writing in progress so all input, feedback and CONSTRUCTIVE criticism is welcomed and encouraged. :D Dark Sun Ch. 02 Note to readers: Thank you so much for your reviews and theories on what will happen next it really helps with planning the next chapters. I really hate writing unfinished stories as most times the dreaded writers block grips me. Not to sound like I'm fishing for compliments but all comments are beneficial in making this story as interesting as its predecessor if not more so...anywho enough of my prattling and on with the story :D p.s. [" "] means the characters are speaking in French ....................................... Catherine stamped down the well of fear as the lights went out, startled chatter almost drowned out the portly mc who stood on a table, trying to regain order. "Please everyone, calm down there is just the small matter of..." the man's voice was swiftly ended with the hammering of a machine gun. The light from the shots brought limited illumination into the large building. There was a deafening silence before the screams erupted. Sean pulled her into his arms and began moving them to the entrance. From the glow of the city lights Catherine could make out the row of armed men blocking their exit. Catherine could barely breathe as the surge of people threatened to push her towards the attackers. The few brave souls who dare break the formation were gunned down ruthlessly causing more chaos. "Shit." Sean swore, the first use of profanity Catherine had ever heard from his lips. Sean always believed that swearing was uncalled for so if he felt the need to do so, that certified that this was not a joke. Blood reached the panicking group and Catherine could feel it seep through her opened toed shoes. Bile rose in her throat but she forced it down, not wanting to join the hysteria of the partygoers. Suddenly someone grabbed her hand and though Catherine fought against their strong pull she was dragged away from Sean. She could see him whipping around looking for her but whoever had grabbed her had no intention of letting go. Refusing to leave her fiancé, Catherine dug her heels into the hard wood floor, attempting to slow them down. This did nothing but anger her assailant who with a soft curse flung her ahead and pushed her by her shoulders. Catherine was quickly shoved into the woman's toilet her eyes furiously trying to adjust to the darkness. By the time her unknown captor had pushed a chaise lounge against the door Catherine had huddled inside a cubicle locking the door behind her. She could hear heavy panting on the other side of the door and severe mumbling but he didn't try to force her out. "Who the hell are you!" she shouted sitting the lowered toilet seat. Her hands shook as she ran her fingers through her hair, and tucked her legs towards her chest. The man gave a soft chuckle, causing Catherine to cock her head at the sound. "You have forgotten my touch already, ma cherie, I am hurt." Catherine flinched at the sound of humour in León's voice hating that she hadn't put up much of a fight. Between him and the gun men she wasn't too sure who she'd rather be with. "Take me back this instant." Catherine hissed rubbing the back of her hand against her throbbing eyes. She didn't want to be near him, she hated him for what he had done. "I cannot do that Kitten, those men mean you harm and I cannot allow that." She heard León say. Catherine cupped her face in her hands and sighed. She had forgotten just how stubborn León could be. "Me harm, I have never been shot at before, I can only assume it's because of your presence that they are here." Catherine said, her eyes widening as the silence grew. Fear made her slide of the toilet lid and open the cubicle door. A large mass sat opposite her and only the glow of blue orbs told her that León was sitting there. "Perhaps." He whispered. Catherine choked, falling to the floor and crossing her legs into the lotus position. "If this wasn't such a serious situation I would laugh." She muttered. "Please don't let the masked gun men stop you, on second thoughts maybe now isn't the time to draw attention to ourselves." León said dryly. Catherine shook her head not allowing him to charm her into forgetting what was happening on the other side of the door. If this was really because of León then that gave her even more of a reason to stay away from him. "Even if they wanted to harm me..." "That will not happen, despite what you have made yourself believe, you mean more to me than my own life." León said harshly, cutting Catherine off. Catherine scrunched her lips as she fought the building anger. He could not keep throwing the L word in her face, it was not fair of him when he had been absent for so long. "You hurt me, will you kill yourself?" she asked, breathless as she waited for his answer. "If that would please you then I will." He replied, stunning Catherine into silence. If there hadn't been a note of humour in his voice she may have believed him, instead she picked up her shoe and aimed for his head. León easily dodged her attack sending the shoe back at her, where it landed a few inches away from her body so that it did not hit her. "You are such a bastard." She grumbled. This exchange was wearing her out, they were just going around in circles and she was not going to change her feeling towards him. She would hate him forever. ... León tried to get comfortable though the bullet in his shoulder was a constant reminder of how close he was to losing consciousness. He had managed to contact his pride members, but there was no telling how soon they would get here. He hadn't thought Dawson would orchestrate such an attack putting innocent lives in danger, but someone must have tipped Dawson off. When he had been in England as an unknown, threats against him and pride were few and far between. Returning to America had changed everything. He had been forced to enlist the help of other prides. It was their duty to serve him as he served them, but the Lavine were his pride. He hated asking the other alpha males to aid him, but now was not the time for him to be self-righteous. Catherine had grown quiet and though he missed the sound of his voice, talking to her was exerting energy he didn't have. When she had asked whether he would kill himself for her, he had answered her truthfully. The reason why he had answered with laughter was because he had already done just that. They were married and he had been forced to stay away from her, each day he lived a half life, his only consolation were the brief reports his men relayed back to him. He had her graduation picture framed in his office at home and a whole album dedicated to her. No, León had been dead since the night he had left her. The sound of rushing footsteps forced León to lean towards the door and use his heightened hearing. The sniffling of a distressed woman confirmed his belief that the Hunters were now rounding up the humans. He heard gruff whispering but couldn't pick out the words as more hostages scurried past the toilet. León scrambled from his place on the floor pulling Catherine up with him. "Up we go Kitten." He whispered into her, silently laughing as she squirmed in his arms. She was not as immune to him as she liked to believe because the pungent scent of her arousal wrapped around his senses. "Just let me go, if it's you they want then it's you the can have." Before León could cover her mouth, Catherine began screaming hysterically. León jerked her around and shook her, the pain from his wound making him a little less amiable than usual. He could hear the approaching footsteps and the door knob began to rattle violently. "I am going to say this once, oui? If you want me dead kill me yourself, but do not endanger others with your teenage hurts." He snarled. Catherine quickly shut up and grew lax in his arms. León sighed then rubbed his head against hers, knowing that he had been harsh with his words. As he began to release her, Catherine drove he knee into his crotch her fist inadvertently colliding with his gunshot wound. Stumbling to the ground Leon tried to regain his composure. He heard the shriek of the chaise being pushed by the opening door and the sound of splintering wood as ammunition tore through the wood. With Catherine's safety being paramount, León forced himself off the ground. If anyone was going to kill her it was him. ... Catherine screamed as one of the gun men grabbed her by the wrist, wrenching her from the ground. His gloved hand chaffed her skin, and his breath stank of alcohol. The cold metal of the gun was shoved against her back and Catherine winced as it bruised her spine. "We know you're in here demon." The man yelled, shoving Catherine back into the restroom. Her eyes watered as his hold tightened, her bones creaking in protest. She could not see León anywhere, and the thought that he may have slipped out of the room flittered through her mind. Immense irritation over her current circumstances caused Catherine to renew her fight against him. "Keep still you demon whore, I know that bastard is still in here. There is no way he will leave you to die." The man said. "He doesn't care about me you dumb fuck." Catherine snarled. An even deeper snarl erupted from the darkness and all of a sudden Catherine was thrown into the corner. The machine gun tore holes in the plaster, shards of which rained harmlessly over her. Then there was nothing, save for her heavy pants. "Don't do that again." León growled pulling Catherine to her feet. Catherine thought to fight against him but she no longer had the energy to do so. León led the way through the door moving over the dead body with care. Catherine winced as her shoeless foot slipped on blood, but felt no guilt over his demise. He had been prepared to kill her so his death was of little consequence. As they weaved through the darkened corridor the urge to flee from Leon was overwhelming, the only thing keeping her by his side was the skill in which he had dispatched her assailant. "I know you have many question, many question yes." León murmured slowing their run to a crawl. Catherine bit her lip trying to still her rampant thoughts. He was right, she did have many questions but she wasn't sure if she wanted to hear his explanations. The less she knew the easier it would be to walk away. "All you need to know is that I am trying to keep you safe." He said. "I was safe before I saw you again." Catherine reminded him. León remained silent, making a noncommittal grunt. She could hear the occasional weeping of distressed people and guilt tore at her. "Help will come for them." León said, as though he read her mind. Catherine smiled begrudgingly, he knew her so well. Just not well enough to realise that her small acquiesce was temporary. They continued through the twisting corridors until Catherine felt that they would never leave. Just as she was about to complain she saw the soft glow of a fire exit. León pushed her up against the wall using his foot to open the door. Frosty wind blew against her bared shoulders but there was no sign of a guard. "That was slightly anti-climatic." Catherine muttered. León squeezed her arm gently before exiting out into the street. Three armoured SUV's were waiting for them. Catherine faltered wondering what would happen now. This was the perfect opportunity for her to escape, however she didn't know who was sitting in the vehicles. For all she knew the people behind tinted windows would gun her down without a thought. Then the door to one car opened revealing the butch limo driver from before. "Alonso." León said, relief evident in his voice. Catherine squirmed from León's hold and to her surprise he released her. Catherine staggered away from him towards the street. No one appeared to notice her hurried departure. Though León was probably the reason for the attack, he had saved her. She turned just in time to see León pass out. Alonso caught him in time, stopping his head from smacking into the ground. "Oh my god!" Catherine hissed rushing towards them. Alonso lifted León into his arms pushing him into the back of the SUV, he then turned to her. Catherine jerked back at the blazing look of anger in his eyes. "You will come, yes? León cannot continue like this." Alonso said. Catherine bit her lip indecisively. León did not deserve sympathy from her yet she couldn't help the urge to be with him. He had been shot and the whole time he had concentrated on protecting her. Catherine looked into the dark confines noticing how much perspiration bathed his brow and the blood leaking onto his white pants. The other cars opened and a dozen men and women rushed into the building, guns strapped to their hips. Catherine gave a small sigh of relief, realising that León was making good of his word. He was helping the others even though he was relatively safe. "For now." She whispered, her brain rebelling with the thought of being in León's company any longer than she needed to. She climbed into the seat her fingers pressing against León's pulse. He was burning up and his heart beat was oddly erratic. Alonso had rescued them, yet she did not know his relationship with León. Though she had wished his death numerous times over the years she had never thought it could become a reality. Alonso gave Catherine a tight nod slamming the door behind her. Catherine shook, her hands once again resting upon León's skin. It had been such a long time since she had had contact with him and though it should repel her, Catherine continued to hold his hand. Apart from their shared history, León Dubois was a human being and at this moment when he was in need, she felt compelled to aid him. "Where are we taking him?" Catherine asked as the large lit buildings, thinned. Having lived in the city for five years she knew where the hospitals were. She caught Alonso's gaze in the mirror but the man remained tight lipped. Catherine pushed aside her panic and opened the window, needing the cool air to fan her heated body. Sean would be wondering where she was but she realised that she had lost her bag during the attack. It was on the tip of her tongue to ask Alonso if there was a car phone, but the man had not been forthcoming with his answers. "We are reaching the Dubois estate now." Alonso said gruffly. Catherine's eyes widened as twin gates opened, revealing a weaving drive. A large mansion sat atop a hill. Ground lights illuminated the stone home, making it appear eerie and haunting. Catherine could make out groves of trees and hedges but the dark night did not yield much. "I still think we should take him to a hospital." Catherine piped as the car came to a halt. Alonso frowned slightly, and then pulled a compact cellular from his breast pocket. ["We have the Artashir and his wife."] Alonso said in flawless French. Catherine lowered her eyes not wanting to give away her knowledge of the language. It was the one thing that León did not know about her. Before he had left she had been learning French for years hoping to one day surprise him with what she knew. Catherine smiled slightly as she realised that she now had an advantage, this time around there would be nothing León could hide from her. The house doors opened casting oblong glows of soft light that illuminated the stone steps. Two men hurried towards them as Alonso carried León out of the vehicle. Catherine stayed close to Alonso, since he was the only person she knew within the group. ["What happened?"] One of the men asked as they made their way back into the house. Catherine barely had the chance to take in the grand surroundings as they continued up glossed wooden staircase. ["The Hunters have grown bold. I warned him about helping the other clans, but he did not listen. Now he has endangered the whole pride."] Alonso growled, impatiently kicking open a door. Catherine zeroed out after that, the men practically ignored her and there were some words she could not make out. Instead she looked around the bedroom. The walls were painted a deep red, gold wall sconce held small tea candles bathing the room in a soft glow. A large four-poster bed graced the room, with embroidered coverings. The walls were covered in pictures, some of them were of relatives she knew and others of people she did not know. "Call Lana." Alonso ordered. The two men departed quickly, their eyes downcast as they passed her. Catherine rolled her eyes over their somewhat docile behaviour. She hadn't completely recovered from their previous ordeal but her common sense was beginning to return. Exactly who was Alonso to be issuing orders and coming to León's rescue? "How long have you been working for Mr. Dawson?" Catherine asked watching as Alonso began to undress León. Though she had seen him topless a number of times, that did not make her any more prepared for when his chest was revealed to her. There were two things she noticed first. One, León was ripped, his pectorals were well defined and his biceps bulged with leashed strength. The second thing she noticed were the multitude of scars bisecting his flesh into faint lines. He had a number of gunshot wounds and on his waist there was a scar that looked like a bite mark. Catherine backed away from the bed deciding that she really couldn't care less who Alonso was or what León was involved in. Feeling the cool metal of the door handle brush her fingertips, Catherine decided that she had overstayed her welcome. "Five years." Alonso answered, startling Catherine from her thoughts. "And how do you know Mr. Dubois?" she asked releasing the handle as curiosity winning over the need to flee. "We are family." Replied Alonso. He finished with undressing León, then stalked towards her. Catherine gulped, afraid of what he was planning. Alonso gently pulled her aside and opened the door. A petite dark haired woman entered the room, carrying a bowl of water and a towel. "I didn't believe it." The woman whispered almost running to the bed. Catherine heard Alonso give a deep sigh as though tired of the girls' presence. "Just leave the water Jana." Alonso said. Catherine's ears perked at the familiar name, instantly knowing who the young woman was. "Jana?" Catherine asked hesitantly. Jana turned just realising that there was more than one person in the room. When her gaze settled on Catherine a deep hatred bloomed in her eyes. Catherine took a step back, hitting the wall in the process. "What is she doing her Alonso?" Jana asked, her gaze never leaving Catherine's. Catherine didn't understand why Jana was so angry with her when it was her brother who had left her. "She is his wife, he would want her here." Alonso explained. "We aren't married." Catherine said trying to distil the tension in the room. "León never signed the papers." Jana said. "After five years the marriage became void." "It does not matter, if León says you are married then you are married." Alonso explained. Catherine rolled her eyes, deciding that León was not the only stubborn ass in the family. She had filed for divorce and when she had not heard from him, the courts had granted it in her favour. "If she is here then everything he has done has been for nothing." Jana whispered before fleeing the room. Catherine was confused by the woman's behaviour but before she could find out more a small sound came from the bed. "Water." León croaked. Catherine reached the jug before Alonso and poured him a glass. When León realised who was offering him the refreshment he froze. "What are you doing here?" he asked. "I couldn't just leave. I'm not like you." Catherine said unable to stop the small dig. Dark Sun Ch. 02 León gave a groan and took the glass from her. He drank large gulps of the cool liquid before passing it back to Catherine. ["León, what do you want us to do?"] Alonso asked. Catherine sighed over the sudden secrecy; she couldn't stop feeling slighted as they began to speak in French. ["Catherine is my priority now."] He said. Though his comment was aimed at Alonso his attention was firmly rooted on Catherine. She looked away refusing to be drawn into the sadness of his eyes. Catherine sat on the chair beside the bed and ran her hands through her hair. The watch on her wrist told her that is was six am. She had to contact Sean and let him know that she was okay, but she doubted León would allow her near a phone. "Mrs. Dubois I will show you to your room." Alonso said jarring Catherine from her thoughts. "It's Ms. Finnegan." She corrected. León gave a small laugh and Catherine sent him a scathing glare before following Alonso out of the bedroom. Once they were in the hallway Catherine decided to ask about a phone. "There is one in your room. León said that you would want to contact your fiancé." Alonso said. Catherine was startled by what he had just said. "Yes. Then I would like to leave." She said. Alonso remained quite. They passed numerous doors before he opened one. Catherine felt her jaw dropped. The room was not as opulent as León's nor did it match the theme and décor of the mason. It was simple, painted in a soft blue hue. A large queen sized bed was set against the wall. Flowers graced the varnished dresser and side table. The bedroom resembled her childhood room in North Bend. "He remembered." She whispered, feeling her eyes well with tears. All that was missing were the photographs but that did not lessen the effect. Catherine felt like she was home. "You are always on the mind of the Artashir." Alonso said, as though that explained everything. "Would you like your phone call now?" he asked pointing at the phone on the dresser. "yes and then..." Catherine asked, hoping that she would be free to go. "And then you will stay until the Artashir says otherwise." ........................ Dark Surprise She had been seeing him for several weeks. They met in motels once or twice a week, whenever they could both get away. These were times of hot passion, for they were both passionate people who were not fulfilled in their separate lives. Several times lately he had restrained her, binding her wrists and ankles with soft, yet strong material, the type used to restrain patients in hospitals. At first, she was a little apprehensive, but it was such a rush to lose control, to be helpless under his lovemaking. And he was skilled at the art of love, too. He took his time, kissing her, licking her neck and breasts, sucking them, fondling her, rubbing his large, hard organ on her until she would strain at the bindings. When he sensed she was hot enough, his kisses led to her wetness, and there he used his tongue masterfully, bringing her to orgasm after orgasm. At these times he was almost cruel. She would climax until she was weak, yet still he would eat her. Finally, he would move up and enter her fully, her wet vagina offering no resistance, and ride her until they both came together. Afterwards, he would untie her and they would lie together stroking, fondling each other. She would be utterly spent, until some time later when he would make love with her again in a more conventional fashion, bringing them to the peak again. They did not do this often, but she had learned to love it. This time, she thought it would be like the others, and smiled inwardly when he brought out his restraints. They were naked by now, having spent several minutes in hot foreplay. He stroked her limbs as he placed the restraints. He was an expert at it, too, and while he did not leave her uncomfortable, she had little room to move, lying spread-eagled on the large bed. This time, there was a new twist, however. When she had been fully restrained, he placed a large black sleep mask over her eyes, blocking her vision completely. She felt the bed move, heard it squeak, as he got up. In a moment, she heard a door open. It sounded like the connecting door to the next room. She heard whispered conversation, but couldn't make out anything over the hum of the air conditioning and the music he was playing on the portable CD player he had brought. They had talked about a third person. Both of them were experimental, and had discussed both a man and a woman, but both felt that another couple would just be too many people. She felt dizzy, hot all over and instantly aroused almost to orgasm. She had imagined something similar, but never thought it would happen to her. Soon she felt the bed sag, twice. It dipped on both sides, as it was mounted by two people. She fought for clues as to who had gotten into the bed, but found none. Her nipples were hard, puckered with desire. She could feel herself getting wetter and wetter. She heard no voices, but began to feel hands exploring her, touching her breasts, legs, ass and pussy. Four hands, roving over her body. Both people had soft hands, no clues there. Shortly, both of her nipples were surrounded by warm, wet mouths, simultaneously. She moaned involuntarily, as her nipples were sucked and licked. Although he shaved close, she could always feel some stubble during their lovemaking. She knew that he was on her right, sucking her right breast, because she felt a slight stubble there, and none on the left side. Her mind raced, wondering who it was, fighting to take every sensation in. By now, the person on her left had inserted fingers into her vagina. She did not know how many fingers, but loved the way they were probing her. They licked and sucked her nipples, pulling them into their mouths. She could hear their sucking noises, like hungry puppies at feed. She was moaning now, without even realizing it. His mouth moved up to hers, and she felt his long tongue enter her mouth. Oh, to be kissed deeply and have a nipple sucked at one time! She could only tremble with anticipation of what she knew was to come. His mouth moved to her neck, and the other mouth replaced his. She felt no beard, but smelled no perfume and felt no hair on her. The mouth was soft on hers, the tongue exploring tentatively. She kissed back, thrusting her tongue in the mouth. Her tongue was greedily sucked. She was no longer being fingered; that hand was rubbing her wetness on her left nipple, pinching and rolling it. She was frantic now. Whoever was with them, it didn't matter. She wanted to picture the scene, however, and was not sure whether her phantom lover was male or female. She could feel his hardness on her right side, but none on the left. Surely its a woman, she thought. Still, she wasn't sure. Slowly the mouths began to kiss their way down to her belly and then her groin, tracing wet lines with their tongues. One of them, she could not tell which, licked her clitoris a few times before they moved past. Down her legs they moved, licking, sucking and biting. All the way to her feet. She felt the mouths descend on her great toes, both feet. What a curious sensation. The mouths were warm and wet, much like she was... They sucked her toes like 2 cocks, pulling them in and out of their mouths. By now, she was ready to explode. The unknown person got between her legs and began to tentatively explore her pussy with their tongue. He had moved back up to suckle her breasts, alternating between them. The person eating her paused. She felt a shake, and the sensation of long hair brushing her thighs as their mouth slowly descended on her again. She knew it must be a woman, that's the only thing that made sense. But she had seen nothing, and could only guess what she might look like. Long hair, for sure. She could no longer stand it. She began to climax, in wave after wave, like some sexual hurricane pounding a beach. It was such an erotic feeling, fighting the restraints, being pleasured by two lovers at once. She was no longer moaning now. She was screaming, and she continued to scream as she came and came, until at long last the tongue stopped. She heard him whisper something, but couldn't make out what. She was drunk with pleasure. The person (woman?) between her legs began to shift, moving up beside her head. She felt them slowly position themselves over her head, and at last her question was answered. She had always wondered what it would be like to eat another woman, wondered if she could. She found that, as he entered her with his cock, she could do nothing less. She was so hot she wanted to devour her, the silent lady, and began to explore her partners wetness as he moved in and out of her. The flavor was much like her own, which she had playfully tasted, and also tasted on his mouth many times. She was still hot and was soon coming again, but this time, she was partially in control. She licked the other's wetness, flicking her tongue as he had showed her, wishing she could get a grip on the woman's ass, but unable to move her hands. He was riding her fast, pounding her. This only served to rub her face into the other's wetness. In only moments, they were all three coming noisily. She felt them shift positions and lie beside her stroking her. Finally, she felt the bed shake again, heard the connecting door, and felt his hands removing her bindings. Reaching up, she removed her mask, and found, as she knew she would, they were all alone.