THE WAR WITHIN

By: Lorelai Huffman

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Arianna Debutante lost her sister Angelina, but she had no idea what kind of world she was walking into when she stepped into her sister's world. On her first day in Carlisle she was attacked by a wolf...was it just a wolf?

She met Ferrin Farkas and couldn't get him out of her mind. Ari had no idea the secrets that Ferrin and his family were hiding as Ari kept dreaming of her sister and couldn't shake the feeling that her sister was still alive...but was she?

Would Ari find out in time that Carlisle was a magical town filled with supernatural beings before she lost her life? Could Ferrin protect Ari or would he fail the same way his brother failed to protect Angelina?

Who will survive the war that an evil vampire is trying to start in Carlisle...will any of them find a happy ending or will they fall to the war within?

Chapter One

Arianna opened the cat carrier and watched her kittens run out so they could explore their new home. They slid across the hardwood floors and into the living room. She wasn't sure how long she was going to stay in Carlisle, but her sister Angelina had left Arianna her house in the will so Arianna had moved out of her apartment and trekked up into the mountains.

It took almost an hour for Arianna to empty all the boxes out of her jeep because she had to stop every few minutes to pet and entertain the kittens. Since Angelina's house was already furnished Arianna's father was more than happy to put anything Arianna didn't want to take with her into storage. Angelina had exquisite taste and the downstairs was very warm and welcoming.

Arianna opened a bottle of wine she found in a kitchen cabinet and stared at the pile of boxes wishing that she could magically put everything away. Instead she drank two glasses of wine and settled into Angelina's spa tub built for two with some bubble bath and a book she had taken off a shelf in her late sister's living room. She sponged all the sweat away and washed her hair and then put her head against the tub to relax.

The bedroom and the living room each had a stone fireplace full of wood, but the bathroom was warm enough. Angelina had accented light wood walls to match the dark wood floors with gold accents. Ari felt right at home. She felt like Angie could walk through the door any minute...if only she could.

Arianna hadn't seen her sister in a few years, but they talked on the phone all the time. Angelina had sounded so happy the day she called and said that she had become part owner of a small shop in small town of Carlisle. She told Arianna that the owner of the shop Ezmerelda Mantea had wanted to expand and wanted to take on a partner so Angelina took out a loan and became that partner and they had added a green house onto the back of the store to grow their own herbs.

It was Ezmerelda who had called Arianna and told her that Angelina had died in an accident. Ezmerelda said that Angelina had lost control of her car and drove off a bridge and into the river and had drowned when she couldn't escape the car. It tore at Ari's heart just to think about it. Arianna had stopped for just a minute on her way up the mountain and looked at the ranging water coming off Nebdet falls.

The raging ice cold water had sent a shiver down her spine.

Arianna had stayed home and let her father come alone to claim Angelina's body and have it sent home for burial. While he was in Carlisle he emptied Angelina's safety deposit box and that was where he found the will that gave Arianna the house and the land. The will gave Angelina's half of the shop to Ezmerelda with a stipulation that Arianna would still get a portion of the proceeds.

As Arianna drifted in and out as she relaxed in the tub she decided that she would go and meet Ezmerelda tomorrow. Arianna was going to have to buy groceries and cat food anyway so she would get up early tomorrow and head into town. She couldn't wait to see this place that her sister loved so much.

Ari had instantly felt at home in her sister's house. Angelina had pictures of her and Ari as children on the shelves in the living room and the bedroom. The sisters looked so happy together. Ari missed her sister so much. Even though there were two years between them the girls were mistaken for twins their entire lives by people who didn't know them.

Every window on the second floor looked out onto the woods and the mountains. Arianna had noticed that none of the second floor windows had curtains and that was one of the first things she would correct. The view was breathtaking no matter which window you chose. The scents from the forest filled the room and caused Arianna to feel relaxed. It would be winter soon, but the flowers were still in full bloom. The moon was high in the sky and it lit up the mountain and the dense forest.

Ari came across several paintings that Angelina had started but not finished. She carefully placed them back behind the cabinet in her sister's studio. She felt a calmness in Angelina's studio. Ari was happy to be surrounded by all the paintings and sculptures that were made with her sister's very own hands.

After her bath Ari put on her warmest sweater and took a walk out into the yard...her yard. The mountains of Carlisle were mesmerizing and Ari had never seen a more beautiful view in her life.

"I miss you Ang," she whispered into the air.

Ari could feel the grass touching her feet around her sandals. The mountain was incredible. It looked like it touched the sky. The trees were thick and the smell of pine and wild flowers filled the air. Ari found herself walking in the woods and enjoying the magic she was surrounded by. She could see why her sister had loved it here. Ari felt drawn into the woods like a dream where she had no will of her own.

She hadn't even realized she had lost sight of the house and her property until she heard a twig snap and turned around and was face to face with a wolf.

The silver wolf showed his fangs, his eyes seemed to glow as he growled and took another step toward her. Arianna was helpless and the fear paralyzed her until she heard another growl. Another wolf! Black as night stood behind the first. She knew she could never outlast two ferocious wolves. She could hear her heart beating in her ears and her hands started to shake.

She tried to run, but the silver wolf charged her, knocked her down and scratched her arm.

Then something unexpected happened the black wolf charged the silver one knocking it to the ground. Arianna closed her eyes. All she could feel was the pain in her arm as the blood ran down and onto the ground beneath her. She covered her ears so she couldn't hear the cries and growls of the fight between the two wolves. She thought that she must have hit her head as she landed on the ground because she felt dizzy and confused and the noise was so loud.

As she closed her eyes the world began to spin around her and the next thing she remembered was a hand on her shoulder.

"Are you alright?"

Arianna opened her eyes to see the most attractive man she had ever met in her life. His emerald green eyes almost seem to glow and his wavy black hair hung around his face as he looked down with worry in his eyes. He wore all black as Arianna looked into his scruffy face not realizing that she hadn't answered him.

"My name is Ferrin and I heard you scream as I was walking by...are you alright?"

Arianna was beginning to come to her senses. Even though she didn't remember screaming she knew it was possible that she could have. Then as things became clearer in her mind she remembered the wolves!

She tried to hold back the tears as she felt the thick blood running down her arm. The pain was excruciating and her sweater arm was saturated.

She winced as Ferrin helped her into a seated position. Arianna grabbed her arm and then Ferrin ripped open her sleeve to examine the large deep scratches and then he tore the loose part from her sleeve and tied off the arm to decrease the bleeding. He noticed how pale she was getting.

"Did you fall and cut your arm?"

"The wolves..." she said as she tried to support herself from falling over.

"What wolves?"

"The gray and the..." She looked around and there was nothing, but trees and her and Ferrin.

"We need to get you to a doctor so you can get some antibiotics...does your arm hurt?"

"Yes." Arianna was a little confused, but she felt safe with this man she had never met before. His eyes were kind and his smile perfect.

Ferrin scooped Ari up into his arms and held her against his chest, "Let's get you into town so the doctor can take a look at you."

Arianna wanted to say no. She wanted to say that she was alright and could take herself if he could just point her back in the direction of her house, but when she looked into those eyes she felt powerless not to do exactly what Ferrin wanted.

Ferrin placed Ari into the front seat of her jeep and ran inside and found her keys on the counter in the kitchen. She was pale, but the most enchanting thing he had ever seen. He raced into town to get this very familiar looking stranger to the clinic...but as he drove and parked and carried her in he was more then worried that this beautiful woman would tell the doctors that she was attacked by a wolf.

"Ms. Debutante these are deep wounds...do you know what scratched you...perhaps a wild dog...maybe a mountain lion...are you sure you don't remember what happened?"

"Doctor I assure you I tripped and rolled down the hill and my arm got caught in sticker bushes and thorns.

"Maybe razor wire," the doctor said under his breath,

Please just stitch it up and let me go home." Arianna wasn't sure herself why she didn't use the word wolf, maybe she herself thought she had dreamed it...but something inside her said to stick to her story. After all it could have been her imagination…Ferrin hadn't seen the wolves…just her alone in a dark strange forest.

Ferrin stood across the hall and listened with his super hearing to Arianna lie to the doctor. He wasn't sure why she lied, but he was glad she did. He was relieved that she was only scratched and not bitten. He knew what it would mean to his family if she reported a wolf attack on their mountain...and so did Derrous.

The doctor gave Ari antibiotics and pain medication after he finished stitching up her arm. Ferrin had dropped her off and after two pain pills she stretched out on the couch. Ferrin had offered to come in and it took everything Ari had to say no that she would be alright alone. He was a very kind stranger who had taken care of her when she really needed it, but she was exhausted and just needed to close her eyes.

She wasn't frightened of Ferrin, but something deep inside her said not to let him in…not tonight anyway.

Arianna hadn't realized she had fallen asleep until she found herself walking through the woods toward a stream. She could see what looked like an eagle floating in the air above the water and she could feel the breeze on her face.

Arianna had no idea that anyone was standing behind her until she heard a very familiar voice, "Hey sis."

Arianna turned around and Angelina was standing there looking more beautiful then she had ever seen her. Angelina was wearing a long black, lacy gown and had her ebony hair resting loose on her shoulders with flowers running through it.

"Angie...I miss you so much."

"I miss you too little sister...welcome to Carlisle."

"Your house is incredible and the land is..."

"Breathtaking?"

"Well...yes."

"Make sure you keep Harry and Ham inside the house. We wouldn't want them to disappear. There are many dangers in the woods on and off the mountains."

"I love you."

"I love you too. I will come back to check on you after..."

The phone rang and woke Arianna. She was sad that she didn't get to finish her conversation with her sister. It seemed so real she thought that she could have reached out and actually felt Angelina. Ari let the call go to voicemail as she poured herself a glass of wine and rubbed the sore area on her arm. The bandage was tinged with blood but it hadn't soaked through so she left it on. She stood at the window and looked up the mountain as she finished off the glass.

After she rinsed out her wine glass she checked the message on the voicemail. There was a message pad next to the phone with the pass code and how to check the messages. She didn't know if Angelina was senile and had to keep the directions by the phone or if she just had a feeling that someone besides her might need them.

The call was from her dad. He wanted to make sure that she had arrived safely so Arianna called him back before she went to bed just to let him know she was safe. It didn't take long for Harry Potter and Hamlet to find the bedroom and curl up around Arianna's feet to sleep.

She had left the window in the bedroom cracked so that the smells of the mountain could permeate the room.

Ari slept soundly all night. Angelina's bed was so comfortable that Arianna was amazed when she looked at the clock and it was already eleven thirty. She never slept that late and the cats would always have her up early to feed them, but they were all stretched out sleeping still.

Arianna figured the drive yesterday must have taken just as much out of them as it had her. She made the cats their breakfast and then made herself a cup of soup that she had packed in her purse.

Her first week in Carlisle flew by; things had been pretty quiet after the wolf attack. She had met Ezmerelda and liked her instantly. Twice she had found a note from Ferrin on her doorstep with beautiful flowers. All her boxes were now empty and her sister's house was now starting to feel like home, but she needed to load up on some groceries so that she didn't have to drive into town every day.

Ari parked in front of the diner and pulled out her wallet.

As she turned around she was surprised by a man standing just behind her blocking her way.

He grabbed her wrist, "Why do you smell like her!"

Arianna was frightened until Ferrin appeared from nowhere and grabbed the man by the arm. "Release her now Derrous." Ferrin's voice was calm, but even Arianna could hear that he wasn't playing.

Derrous released Arianna and took a step back with his eyes still looking her up and down.

Tasha came running out of the diner and into the street where the other three were standing. She looked at the three of them and said in a whisper, "Can we not do this in the middle of the street…people are watching."

Arianna was embarrassed and she turned and let Tasha lead her to the other sidewalk away from Ferrin and Derrous.

"Are you alright?"

Arianna smiled even though her legs were still shaking, "I'm fine."

Arianna noticed that this young woman with shining eyes was studying her face. She also noticed the necklace that she wore. Arianna had never seen a stone like that before. It constantly changed colors. The gem was set inside a dragon head as the dragon's eye.

"My name is Tasha and you are?"

"I am Arianna …"

"Debutante?"

"Yes…how did you know?"

Tasha instinctively looked around before saying, "You look just like her."

"You mean Angelina…you knew her?"

"Yes, she was my friend."

Ari could see Angelina being friends with this striking young girl with bright red curly hair and skin tight jeans.

Arianna heard Ferrin and Derrous arguing, but she couldn't make out what they were saying and then with one last sneer in her direction Derrous walked away and Ferrin joined Arianna on the curb.

Tasha nodded at Ferrin and then returned to the diner.

"Are you alright? Did he hurt you?"

Arianna was surprised how worried Ferrin looked and she was wondering if she should truly be afraid of the silver haired man who had grabbed her.

"Ferrin, who was that man?"

"My brother Derrous."

"Brother?"

"Yes, I apologize for the fact that he startled you, but he thought that…"

Ari signed with a half-smile, "He knew Angie."

"Yes and he is having trouble…"

Arianna didn't need for Ferrin to finish the sentence. The dreams she had been having proved she was having just as much trouble getting over the loss of her sister as Derrous was. She had reached out and hugged Angelina in her last dream and they had cried together.

Ezmerelda pretended that she hadn't been watching through the store window and pretended to be putting things away when Arianna and Ferrin walked into the shop.

Ezmerelda's shop was a one stop shop for supernatural beings. She had herbs for spells and part of her shop was a mini bookstore. She sold herbal remedies to some of the humans who lived in Carlisle and she also made and sold jewelry.

The argument in the street worried Ezmerelda even though she wouldn't bring it up to Ferrin in front of Arianna. Ezmerelda knew the human population was double the magical one in Carlisle and that they couldn't have such blatant displays in the middle of the street because people would start to ask questions. Ezmerelda had already heard a rumbling about a possible wolf attack, but it did make her wonder why Arianna didn't just come out and tell the doctors that it was a wolf.

"Arianna my dear how are you feeling?"

"Much better Ezmerelda. The cream you gave me has worked wonders on my wound."

Ezmerelda put her arm around Arianna, "Great my dear then let's get you some more."

Before Ferrin followed them into the shop he checked the street to make sure everyone had gone back to what they had been doing before the altercation. He could see Tasha looking at him from the diner as she cleared off a table. Ferrin knew the fight would get back to her kind now and he would have to deal with that. But later because right now he had to take care of Arianna and make sure she was safe. This was the second time in a week that his brother had attacked the beautiful Arianna Debutante.

"You know I have this special bubble bath you should try. I will give you a sample and if you like it then you can pay for the second batch."

"Ez, I don't know how you stay in business if you won't let people pay for things."

"Angelina once said I was like a drug dealer. I give samples for free and then people came back begging for more and paying whatever I chose to charge."

"That sounds like something my sister would say."

"What are we talking about?" Ferrin asked as he joined the conversation.

Arianna smiled the most beautiful smile Ferrin had ever seen, "My sister."

"Arianna are you planning on getting a job in town?"

"I hadn't really thought about it yet Ez. I have plenty saved up and Angie's house is paid for and…to tell the truth I don't know if I'll be staying in Carlisle."

Ezmerelda hugged her, "Arianna your sister was our family and now you are our family and we hope that you will decide to stay." "Isn't that right Ferrin?" Ezmerelda said putting him on the spot as she ran to get the bubble bath for Arianna.

Ari's eyes were mesmerized by Ferrin's. The green glow seemed to touch her soul as he took her hand in his, "I hope you stay."

Ari's heart leapt and her mouth was dry. She smiled at Ferrin and held his gaze until Ezmerelda rejoined them. Time seemed to stand still when Ferrin looked at her and Ari felt warm inside when she was in his company...but something about him was holding her back. Something she couldn't put her finger on.

Chapter Two

Ferrin hitched a ride with Ari back to her house and then said he could walk up the mountain to his family's property.

He took Ari's hands in his, "Thank you for the ride."

"Anytime Ferrin," her hands were warm inside his. Ferrin's face was strong and handsome and his black hair draped perfectly around his ears.

Ari's heart fluttered and her stomach did summersaults as Ferrin kissed her on the cheek, "Until next time beautiful lady."

Then he was gone.

The bubbles made her skin tingle and relaxed every muscle in her body as she sank down in the tub and closed her eyes.

"Ari."

Arianna opened her eyes and she was sitting by the water with Angelina sitting across from her. The sun was high in the sky and Arianna could hear the birds chirping in the distance.

Arianna jumped up and hugged her sister. Then she took Angelina's hands into hers.

"Your hands are cold."

"I know. Sorry about that."

Arianna noticed that Angelina had on the same beautiful dress that she had on in her previous dreams. However, this time Arianna noticed the necklace that her sister was wearing.

Arianna reached out and touched the crescent moon. The eye of the moon was the same stone that she had seen Tasha wear earlier that day.

"This stone is mesmerizing Angie. What is it?"

Angelina smiled at her sister, "How are you Ari?"

"I'm alright except that I miss you so much. I thought being surrounded by your things and your friends would help, but…"

"It really doesn't does it?"

"I miss you Angie."

"I am always watching over you."

Arianna smiled as Angelina sat down next to her on the sand.

"So what do you think of the house?"

"Angie I don't want to talk about the house. This isn't our usual weekly call."

"Of course it is little sister."

A tear ran down Arianna's face, "Ang how did you die?"

Angelina touched her sister's hand, "What did they tell you?"

"That you lost control of your car and went into the river and drown." Arianna noticed that her sister seemed distracted. "You alright?"

Angelina stood and Arianna stood with her.

"I'm fine Ari, but someone is trying to enter your dream and I can't be here when they do."

"Angie I don't understand."

"You will little sister."

Arianna had no idea why she said it, but before her sister could disappear she said, "Angie are you really dead?"

"I love you Ari."

Arianna opened her eyes as the shampoo bottle hit her arm and fell off the side of the tub and hit the floor. She heard Harry hiss and look up at her with a face that said 'well I'm not cleaning that up'.

Something was different about the bathroom and for a minute Arianna couldn't put her finger on it, but then she realized that the walls of the room were now an old time wood and the room was lit with candles other than the ones she had lit.

"I must still be dreaming."

Arianna looked down and Harry Potter wasn't sitting by the tub any longer. Then she heard the bathroom door creak as it slowly opened.

Arianna's heart began to race as a black wolf walked into the bathroom.

How did he get in the house?

Arianna didn't move a muscle as she watched the wolf walk across the bathroom and up to the side of the tub. Then Arianna realized it wasn't just any wolf. It was the wolf who had rescued her in the woods. The wolf with the glowing green eyes. The reason that she hadn't told the doctor or anyone else it was a wolf that had attacked her. Somehow Ari knew hiding the truth would protect the wolf that had protected her.

"Am I dreaming?"

She looked into the eyes of the beautiful animal and her fear disappeared. Arianna reached over and gently touched the wolf's head. He was softer than silk and she felt as though he was trying to communicate with her.

"You are so…incredible. I wouldn't let them hurt you."

Arianna grabbed a towel from the stool next to the tub and wrapped it around herself as she stood still watching the wolf. He walked out of the bathroom and she followed him still wearing her towel.

He walked into her bedroom and jumped onto her bed and lay his head down and watched her as she stood in the doorway watching him.

"Harry and Ham will have a fit that I let you on their bed." Arianna didn't know why, but she walked around to her side of the bed and lay down on her pillow. She ran her hand down the wolf's back and through his fur as his emerald eyes kept close watch on her.

Her eyes were starting to feel very heavy and she knew any second she would wake up in the tub alone, but before then she looked at the magnificent creature and said, "I may never get to thank you in real life so I wanted to say here and now thank you for saving my life." With that her eyes closed and the next thing she remembered was waking up the next morning on her bed still wearing her towel.

"Wow Ari did you sleepwalk in here?" She didn't remember leaving the bathroom, but when she walked in there the tub was empty and dry and the shampoo was sitting on the side of the tub with no mess on the floor.

Ferrin stood in his bedroom window and looked down the mountain to where he knew Ari was sleeping. He had never felt as close to anyone as he did this stranger who had stumbled into his life. Ferrin remembered last week after the attack.

"I have a salve in the back that will work nicely on those cuts. I'll return in just a moment if you would like to look around."

"Thank you Ezmerelda."

"No problem."

When Ezmerelda reached the store room she wasn't surprised to see Ferrin standing there.

"What happened to her?"

"It was Derrous."

"Derrous? But, he knows what would happen if the hunters hear of a wolf attack on a human."

"I don't think that he expected anyone to find her...her body."

Ferrin and Ezmerelda watched Arianna read through a book about wolves from just outside of Arianna line of sight.

"She looks just like Angelina."

"Yes Ferrin, but she isn't Angelina and Derrous must know that."

"He does, but he has been avoiding me so I can't warn him again to leave her alone. She smells like the city."

"I wouldn't know...my sense of smell doesn't compare to yours. I have to get back out there; is there anything I can tell her for you?"

Ferrin shook his head. He didn't know what to say to Arianna, but he wondered if she had any idea the kind of world that her sister had lived in...the world that she now chose to live in.

Ari almost tripped over Harry at the top of the stairs.

"What are you doing Mister Potter?" she asked as she picked him up and carried him down the stairs. She placed him on the counter and he sat happily and waited for Arianna to pour him a saucer of milk.

Harry purred happily as he drank. Arianna looked out the window and noticed for the first time when the top of the mountain was clear enough she could see the Farkas mansion.

Arianna had been told that sometimes the Farkas family had trouble with wolves eating their cattle, but that the wolves never came down the mountain. She wasn't happy that they made an exception just for her.

Ham meowed so that Arianna would pick him up and put him on the counter with Harry. "I know you can...Oh." As she sat Ham on the counter she saw Ferrin walking toward the house. "Where did you come from?" Arianna knew that he hadn't been there a second ago, but she could have been paying too much attention to the mansion and just didn't see him.

He smiled at her with those large perfect teeth. She nodded and walked outside to join him.

"Good morning Ferrin."

"Mornin'. I wanted to check and see how your arm was and if you needed a ride into town."

Arianna looked around and saw no vehicle in sight, "You gonna carry me on your back?"

Ferrin smiled, "No I thought that your arm might be bothering you and you might not want to drive so I thought I would offer to drive your Jeep."

They were standing on the front steps and she noticed Ferrin look passed her into the kitchen. She walked inside and he followed her.

"These are my cats Harry Potter and Hamlet."

Ferrin smiled down at the kittens who wouldn't have even amounted to a snack for his kind. He smiled at them, "They are so cute."

"I know. Would you like some wine?"

Ferrin's phone rang just before he could answer. Ari couldn't hear what was happening on the other end but Ferrin didn't look happy.

"Unfortunately I need a rain check, but later I'll bring some cheese to go with the wine."

"Sounds like a good deal to me."

Ari smiled to herself as Ferrin walked toward the woods and in a minute he was gone. Ari took two Tylenol and drove into town to see Ezmerelda.

"Ezmerelda may I ask you something without you repeating it to anyone?"

"Of course, you know you don't even have to ask."

Arianna looked around and then in a whisper she explained her dreams to Ezmerelda and then asked, "Could she still be alive?" Ezmerelda tried to hide the fear on her face, but Arianna could see she was upset.

"What is it?"

"Arianna have you said anything to Ferrin?"

"Ferrin? Why would I?"

If Arianna wasn't mistaken Ezmerelda looked relieved.

"Will you give me some time to look into it and I'll let you know what I find?"

"Do you promise to be honest with me?"

"Arianna, I will tell you everything that I can."

Arianna knew that wasn't a yes, but she was willing to accept that…for now.

Ezmerelda had everything prepared for her spell before the clock struck twelve. She sat on the floor of her bedroom holding her most powerful talisman and lit the herbs that had been carefully placed in the iron pot.

"Powers of the witches rise. Send my power through the skies. Show me my blood sister be she alive or be she in the beyond." Ezmerelda waved her hand over the pot and concentrated all her energy on reaching her mind out to find Angelina.

Just then her phone rang.

"Hello."

"Ez whatever you're doing stop right now."

"Angelina?" Ezmerelda immediately picked up the lid for the pot and placed it on top which doused the flames.

"Ez what are you doing?"

"Arianna came to me and said she thought that you were alive."

"I knew that I shouldn't have gone to her…even in her dreams she is so full of life. I am a part of her Ez and I can feel her sadness and I couldn't help but go to her."

"Angelina we swore a blood oath to be sisters now and forever so it is time you tell me what's going on since I have spent the last month grieving for you."

"I know Ez. I have felt it, but I couldn't contact you."

"Why not?"

"Ez this isn't the time. I will call you tomorrow."

"I promised your sister an answer."

"I will call you tomorrow at noon. Close the shop before then so that you can talk without anyone else around…and Ez please don't tell anyone you have spoken to me."

"I love you girl."

"I know. Until tomorrow."

Ezmerelda hung up the phone and held it against her chest. Her heart was racing because she already knew what Angelina would tell her tomorrow and life in Carlisle would never be the same.

Arianna was watching a movie trying to keep her mind off of Angelina and what Ezmerelda might find. Arianna had told herself that if her sister was alive then she would have to be willing to accept things that most people might not. Arianna was determined to accept anything to have her sister back.

Harry was asleep on the couch next to Arianna and Ham was asleep on the window sill. It was almost twelve thirty when Ari heard a knock on her door. She couldn't imagine who it would be at that hour.

She walked into the kitchen with Harry following her. She had disturbed him when she moved so he followed her into the kitchen to see if it was snack time.

Ari pushed back the curtain and saw Ferrin standing there with a big smile on his face. She opened the door and looked down the steps at him.

"Are you aware of the time Mr. Farkas...of the hour?"

"I saw your light on and I took a chance."

"You saw the light from my television all the way from the top of the mountain? You must have incredible eyesight."

He smiled, "You wouldn't believe."

"Well I guess you may come in for a minute."

Ham hissed as he walked into the kitchen to see what all the noise was. Ari picked him up and placed him on the counter. "That isn't nice Ham." Ari took two saucers from the dish strainer and poured a small amount of milk for each of her cats as Ferrin stood there and watched. This was the first time he had seen Arianna's hair hanging down loose and it made her even more enchanting. He couldn't stop looking at her. That smile and that perfect skin.

She smiled at him because he looked as if he were glued to the floor.

"You coming in?" She walked toward the living room and he followed her. She sat on the couch and pulled her foot up under her as Ferrin sat on the couch next to her. Close enough for elbows to touch.

He glanced at the television, "So what are you watching?"

Ferrin tried to hide the surprise on his face when she said, "A movie about werewolves." But, he was sure he hadn't been successful.

"Really?"

"Yes."

"That is an odd movie for someone to watch who thought she may have been attacked by a wolf a few days ago."

"Maybe, but it wasn't like I was attacked by a werewolf...after all I was terrified it could have been anything"

"True." Ferrin was a little nervous with this conversation so he decided to change it. "So Miss Arianna, I was wondering if you would like to go horseback riding with me tomorrow."

"With you?" Ari gave him a fake smile as if she were sizing him up before she made her decision. "Hmmm…well I can't help but ask why that question couldn't have waited until a decent hour."

Ferrin gave her a shy smile, "Maybe I was worried that someone else would make plans with you first."

"Maybe…but I doubt it considering I don't leave the house that much and I don't have a slew of friends in town. Do you have ulterior motives for being here?"

Ferrin smiled at her as the light from the paused movie made her eyes sparkle. He took a chance and gently laid his hand on hers. Before Ferrin had a chance to find out whether or not Ari would pull her hand away Harry Potter jumped up from nowhere and started hissing and spitting and Ari jumped to her feet startled because Harry had never acted that way before.

"Ferrin, I am so sorry. I don't know what has gotten into him."

Ferrin attempted a smile as he stood, "I'll pick you up at nine if that's alright."

Ari smiled because Ferrin had taken charge and decided that he was going to take her riding tomorrow no matter what excuses she came up with.

"Nine would be fine."

Ferrin followed Ari into the kitchen. As she crossed through the kitchen Ferrin turned around and winked at Harry because he knew exactly why Harry didn't like him. Ari opened the door and Ferrin walked passed her and was about to walk down the steps when Ari touched his arm. Then she leaned over and gave him a quick peck on the cheek.

"Goodnight Ferrin."

"Goodnight beautiful lady."

Ari smiled and closed the door. Ham was still sitting on the counter, but Harry had ran upstairs to get on the bed because he was satisfied that he had chased away the intruder that had come into his territory.

Arianna turned off the television, but before she went upstairs she sat on her knees on the couch and looked over the back of it out the window at the full moon looming over Farkas Manor. The moon was so large she felt that she could almost reach out and touch it.

In the morning Arianna was sad because she didn't dream about Angelina or the wolf last night and it made her feel all alone. She was anxious to talk to Ezmerelda, but she would talk to and see her this afternoon when she finished her ride with Ferrin.

Arianna wasn't sure why she was reluctant to explore a relationship with Ferrin. He had saved her life and had protected her from his brother and was a perfect gentleman with incredible eyes and a smile to die for. But something was holding her back and it was more than the fact that Harry Potter didn't like him. It was more than the fact that his eyes said so much but his lips shared so little...oh those lips.

Chapter Three

Ari smiled as Ferrin lifted her down from the horse. He held onto her waist and smiled at her, "Did you have fun?"

Ari wrapped her arms around Ferrin's neck, "I had a great time." Ari touched the back of his neck lightly with her fingertips. His green eyes sparkled in the sunlight, "Ferrin…"

"I think you're amazing," he said looking at her lips and hoping that she would lean toward him. He was hoping for any sign that it would be alright to kiss her.

Ferrin took his hand from her waist and touched her cheek. He ran his hand down her jaw to her chin and lifted her chin as he leaned down toward her. Her lips were warm and soft and Ferrin could feel his heart racing. Arianna ran her fingers through his long black hair as she kissed him back.

Her lips were on fire and then his tongue found hers. She inhaled and leaned closer to him. Ferrin held her close with one hand and pushed her hair back from her neck with the other hand. He loosened his grip just enough for her to lean her head back. Ferrin kissed her chin and down her jaw line. She tilted her head back and offered her neck. Ferrin felt her trembled with excitement as he kissed her neck. Then he felt himself tremble because of the effect she had on him body and soul.

"Ferrin…," she said barely above a whisper.

He met her eyes and smiled as she smiled.

Ferrin leaned his forehead against hers as he smiled ear to ear, "Can I buy you lunch?"

Ezmerelda closed the shop at eleven forty-five and placed a sign on the door that she would return at one o'clock. Then she sat and stared at the phone and waited for it to ring. The phone didn't ring until five past twelve and Ezmerelda's heart was beating out of her chest.

"Hello."

"Ez."

"Angelina are you alright? Why didn't you tell me you were alive?"

There was silence for what seemed like an eternity before Angelina said, "Because I'm not Ez."

Ezmerelda closed her eyes because she knew that was what her best friend and blood sister was going to say.

"Who was it?"

"Ez…I'm not going to put you in that position. I didn't even want you to know."

"Carlisle will never be the same. Derrous will kill them all."

"Then we have to make sure he doesn't find out."

"Angie…he attacked Ari."

"What? Is she alright?"

"She's fine. Ferrin stopped him from…"

Angie gasped, "From killing her?"

"Yes."

"Why would he do that Ez?"

"I don't know. I'm not on a sharing basis with him."

"What did Ferrin say?"

"Angie…none of this matters now. Arianna is safe."

"No Ez it doesn't sound like she is."

"There was an incident yesterday in front of the diner. From what I could hear and the gossip afterwards Derrous asked her why she smelled like you."

"Damn he's incredible. I only appeared to her in a dream."

"Well Angie, Derrous is the most powerful lycan I have ever heard of. And you know what you mean to him."

"Ez, you have to protect my sister."

"She asked me if you were still alive."

"I have to break all contact with her."

"Angie, do you need money? I can send some to an account anywhere you need it."

"I will Ez, but I don't right now. You have to protect our way of life Ez. I'm so sorry I put you in this position."

"You didn't Angie. I swore a blood oath to protect you and yours and I will honor that until my last breath. Can I talk to you again?"

"I will send you an email address that you can use to keep me informed what is going on. If things get out of control I might have to come back to try and stop Derrous, but I don't want it to get to that."

"I understand…but Derrous won't."

"I love you Ez. Tell Arianna that I'm dead."

"Are you sure?"

"No, but right now I have to be or the massacre will be my fault."

"Are you sure you won't tell me who did this to you?" The phone went dead so Ezmerelda had her answer. She sat on the floor with her eyes closed. She knew that magical creatures were drawn to Carlisle and that there was a very thin line that kept the vampires and lycans from destroying each other.

Ezmerelda knew that Derrous Farkas loved Angelina more than he loved his own life and the vampires knew that too. Ezmerelda was glad that Angelina didn't tell her which vampire killed her and turned her. If Derrous found out that the love of his life was killed and turned by his immortal enemies he would start a war and the streets of Carlisle would run red with the blood of not only vampires, but any innocent who got in his way.

The truce would be over and Ezmerelda wasn't sure what she would tell Arianna yet, but she knew she had to keep all of this from Ferrin because he would have no choice, but to honor his pack and tell his family what had really happened to Angelina.

Someone out there was trying to start a war and Ezmerelda had to find out who so that they could be stopped. It broke her heart knowing that if Angelina returned Derrous would kill her because he could never be able for her to be so close to him, yet have the form of his loathed enemy.

Ezmerelda made herself a glass of wine and placed a protection spell on an amulet that she was going to give to Arianna. Ezmerelda felt drawn to Ari as she had Angelina. Angelina had become her blood sister and now she had adopted Ari as a sister too and Ezmerelda would make sure that neither the lycans nor the vampires would hurt her.

Arianna parked her Jeep in front of the shop and Ezmerelda waved to her from inside through the large window in the front. Ezmerelda gave her friend a big hug when she came into the shop.

Ezmerelda noticed that Arianna looked happy, "So what have you been up to on this chilly October day?"

"Ferrin and I went riding and then had lunch."

"Horseback riding?"

Arianna smiled, "And what other kind of riding would we be doing?"

They both laughed.

"Arianna, I have a gift for you."

"Ez you have given me too much already."

"Nonsense." Ezmerelda pulled out the amulet and handed it to Arianna.

Arianna took it and was mesmerized by it. It was the size of a quarter and it was gold with an eye in the middle of it. The iris changed colors depending on how much light hit the stone and the pupil looked to Arianna as if it was made from the same gem that Angelina and Tasha were wearing.

"Ez…I can't accept this."

Ezmerelda took it from her and hooked the leather strap which held it around her neck. "Not only will you accept it, but you must promise me never to take it off…never."

Arianna hugged her friend.

Ezmerelda felt better now that Arianna had some type of protection. The amulet would protect her from the vampires and lycans plus any other magical person who might attempt to harm her.

"Ez."

Ezmerelda was afraid that Arianna was going to ask her about Angelina and she wasn't sure what she was going to say, but Ez took a deep breath when instead Ari asked her about something completely different.

"The stone on this necklace, I have seen several on the necks of men and women in Carlisle. Is it a symbol of some kind?"

Ez was keeping so many things from her new friend that she decided she would tell Arianna at least a partial truth about the solus stone.

"I have to pick some herbs. Will you walk out back with me and I will explain the significance of the stone?"

"Sure."

Ezmerelda picked a small basket from behind the counter and Arianna followed her out back into the hot house.

"The smell out here is…"

"Magical?"

Arianna smiled, "Yes…magical."

As Ari followed Ezmerelda around the garden she explained the significance of the stone.

"Arianna have you ever heard of people that wear bracelets that claim to make their pain go away or that claim to give them a better sense of balance?"

"Some type of magnetic therapy right?"

"Yes. Well we don't know what has caused it exactly, but several people in Carlisle have developed an allergy to the sun...maybe a hole in the atmosphere or something. Have you heard of that before?"

Ezmerelda was happy when Ari nodded that she had.

"Well the solus stone works sort of like the magnetic effects of the bracelet. It keeps Carlisle residents from having a negative reaction to the sun."

Ezmerelda stood and watched Arianna absorb what she was saying. Ezmerelda wanted to come clean and tell her new friend that the stone allowed vampires to come out into the sun without bursting into flames, but she knew that right now Arianna was already going through more than she could take.

"So, Tasha has the allergy."

"Tasha from the diner next door? Yes…yes she does."

"Well that makes sense why I have seen so many people wearing them. But, there should be an investigation why so many people have developed the allergy. Perhaps there is radiation or something."

"Or something," Ez said under her breath.

"What?"

"Nothing sweetie. I have everything I need."

Ari followed Ezmerelda back into the shop and it took a few seconds for her eyes to adjust, but then she saw that the shop had become busy so asking Ezmerelda about Angie was going to have to wait.

After a few more pleasantries Arianna turned to go. Ezmerelda gave her a big hug and whispered in her ear, "Remember now you promised to always wear that necklace."

Ari rubbed the necklace between her fingers, "I promise."

"I will stop by and see you tonight after I close up the shop and we can talk."

"See you then." Ari waved and jumped into her Jeep and headed to the grocery store. She needed milk and wanted to have something on hand as a snack for guests who might happen to show up unannounced. Maybe some crackers to go with cheese and wine.

Derrous sat in the living room and stared at the fireplace as the fire roared with the wind that came down the chimney.

His sister Anca stood in the doorway and watched him as he stared. After a minute he realized she was standing there and turned his head to look at her. When he looked she walked into the room and gave him a peck on his cheek.

"Would you like to run with me?"

"No, I have been forbidden to be in the woods today as if I were a child," Derrous pouted. Before Anca could say anything Derrous stood and walked over toward the fire. "Ferrin is riding with that…that woman and father does not want her to see me…to see me in…"

"I understand brother."

"Well I'm glad that you do."

"Derrous you know what would happen if the mortals heard of a wolf attack on our mountain."

"Something is different about her Anca."

"Dangerous?"

"I don't know yet, but Ferrin doesn't want to see it."

"She looks just like Angelina."

"I know…"

"I know you miss her Derrous…"

"It isn't just that."

Anca walked over and placed her hand on her brother's shoulder, "What can I do to bring you peace brother?"

"There is no peace for me…not now."

"She loved you with all her heart."

"I know…and I didn't…I couldn't protect her."

"Derrous it wasn't your fault."

Derrous pushed her arm off of his shoulder and stormed out of the room. With her super hearing she heard him say as he reached the stairs, "Wasn't it?"

Loredana stood in the window of her bedroom and watched her son ride alongside the woman that she knew he was fond of. She heard her husband approach and open the door behind her.

"What are you looking at?"

"Ferrin."

"With that mortal woman?"

"Yes Sorin my love I am watching our son with…a mortal woman."

"Didn't we have enough of that with Derrous? What happened to breeding with one's own kind?"

Loredana smiled as she turned to smile at the husband that she had adored since the moment she had met him, "Sorin you have to let them make up their own minds."

"And let Ferrin hurt as Derrous is hurting now?"

"Yes, if that is what is to happen."

"Derrous is angry."

"I know my husband…just as I know he attacked that child."

Sorin's smile turned angry, "How do you know that?"

"Ferrin told me."

"Do the humans know?"

"No, because when she went to the hospital she chose not to tell them it was a wolf attack."

"Really?"

Loredana walked over and hugged her husband, "Yes really…our children are safe."

"Then I will have a word with Derrous. Anca said she was going to ask him to run with her."

"I forbid him from entering the woods today because Ferrin and Arianna."

"Then I'm sure he's around."

Without another word Sorin left the room to look for his son.

Arianna put away her groceries and fed Harry and Ham before she looked around the house and decided she wanted to redo the bedroom. The bedroom was impeccable and totally Angelina's taste, but Arianna had an urge to make it her taste. She found some empty boxes in the attic and started to carefully wrap and put some of her sister's things into boxes.

Arianna had pulled up the mattress and leaned it against the door so she could change where the bed was. She was breathing hard because the mattress was heavy and she needed to catch her breath before she moved the box spring. Arianna had all the windows in the room open even though the wind was blowing outside because the house was warm and now she was sweating because she was moving furniture.

Just then the phone rang. Still trying to catch her breath she said, "Hello."

"Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," she said as she brushed sweat from her forehead.

"Are you running?"

"No…moving furniture." Arianna leaned against the window so the breeze could cool her face and that is when she saw him standing in her back yard.

"You know Mr. Farkas that men who stand in the back yards of woman they hardly know are usually called stalkers?"

He smiled up at her, but still talked into his cell phone, "Would you believe I just happened to be walking by?"

She smiled, "No."

"Would you believe I had this sense that you needed some muscles to help you move furniture?"

Arianna laughed, "I think the back door is open, if not you will just have to go home because I have barricaded myself in the bedroom."

"That doesn't sound like a bad thing," he said smiling at her as he walked toward the back door.

Arianna hung up the phone and checked her face in the mirror as she heard him walking up the stairs.

"Well you have managed to barricade yourself in there haven't you?"

Ignoring his question she said, "You know Ferrin, polite people call before they just show up at someone's house?"

"Yes, I know that but I have found it is harder to say no if I'm standing in front of a person."

"So that is your secret is it?"

Ferrin smiled to himself, "Yes, Arianna that is my secret."

"So are you going to help or are you just going to stand in the hallway?" As she said it she pulled on the mattress and it came toward her. Before she knew it the mattress was falling on her. She couldn't get passed the boxes so she just sat down and put up her arms with her eyes closed waiting for the impact.

She sat for a few seconds with her arms up and then she opened her eyes to see why the mattress had not hit her. Ferrin was standing next to her holding the mattress and smiling down at her.

He smiled all proud of himself, "Now aren't you glad I was here?"

"If you weren't here I wouldn't have had to move the mattress."

Ferrin pretended to give that theory some thought, "Well I guess you have me there." "Are you ok?"

"Fine…thanks to you. Man you must be pretty quick to be able to get around the mattress and grab it before it hit me."

"Well you were in danger and I didn't like that." Ferrin pushed the mattress through the open door and leaned it against the wall in the hallway. Then he returned and offered Arianna his hand so she could stand.

He pulled her up with ease and she was standing there facing him with their hands still touching. He lightly rubbed her fingers with his.

"I've never met anyone like you Arianna."

"I'm nothing special Ferrin."

"You are so wrong." He leaned in to kiss her and her protection amulet lit up and sent Ferrin into protection mode.

Ari was frightened that he started to look around and he released her and ran to the window.

"Stay here," he said in almost a growl.

Arianna was frightened, but she didn't move from the spot. She didn't even hear him run down the stairs, but she heard the door slam shut. She wasn't sure what to make of the situation, but she was going to stay put until he came back.

Ferrin reached the edge of the woods out of Arianna's line of sight, "Where are you Derrous? I know you are here."

"Of course you do brother."

Ferrin turned to face his brother, "Leave her alone Derrous."

"I mean her no harm."

"Liar."

"How can you be so sure Ferrin?"

"It doesn't matter. You need to go and I mean now." Ferrin's eyes flashed with anger and his claws emerged sharp and ready.

"You have known her just a few days little one, she is nothing but a…"

"Don't finish that statement Derrous or I will consider it personal," he growled.

"She is hiding something about Angelina…I know she is and I want her to tell me."

Ferrin took a breath. He knew how much his brother was hurting right now and he knew it didn't help that Ari looked just like Angelina. "Derrous if I promise to try and find out what she's hiding will you go?"

Derrous thought for a minute, "Yes."

"I will see what I can find for you, but you must stay away from her. I ask you that…I plead with you brother to brother."

Derrous changed form and ran through the woods back up the mountain without answering.

On the way back to the house Ferrin was trying to figure out what he was going to tell Arianna, but when he reached her bedroom she was sitting on the floor wrapping items in newspaper and just looked up at him with that smile of hers.

"Everything alright?"

"Yes."

"Want to help me move the bed?"

"Yes." Ferrin was amazed that she didn't ask him anything about why he had charged outside and he was glad that way he didn't have to lie to her…something was very special about this woman.

While Ferrin took the bed frame apart and placed it against the wall Arianna made them a snack of cheese and crackers. When she walked back into the bedroom she noticed that he was looking at the pile of books that she had sat on the shelf. They were all about wolves.

She cleared her throat and he hurried over to take the tray from her. Ari took a blanket and opened it and sat it on the floor because she had already rolled up the rugs that Angie had in there.

Ferrin poured them both a glass of wine to go with their snack as Ari stretched out her neck and let down her hair.

The hours passed quickly as they sat and talked about many different subjects. As hard as Ferrin tried to avoid the topic of his family Ari tried just as hard to avoid the topic of hers. Ferrin and Ari reached for the same crackers. When their hands touched Ari felt electricity surge through her. Ferrin fed the cracker to Ari with a large smile.

After she swallowed the cracker she lightly touched Ferrin's cheek. She was amazed how smooth Ferrin's skin was and his green eyes seemed to glow in the light. Ferrin took her soft hand into his and kissed her fingers. Ari felt so safe with Ferrin.

"You have been really great."

"I like spending time with you, even it is it manual labor."

Ari smiled and the Ferrin pulled her close to him and kissed her softly. Ari ran her fingers through his hair as electricity that she had never felt before raced through her body. Ferrin pulled her onto his lap and wrapped his strong arms around her.

Arianna could hear Ferrin's breathing become more intense as his kisses changed from gentle to passionate. She lifted his chin so he would have to look into her eyes, "Should I be afraid Ferrin?"

"I would protect you with my life Ari...you have nothing to fear..."

That was enough for her. She was at peace with the thought he would protect her from the things that she suspected and wondered about...but no longer feared.

Ari pulled her top over her head and Ferrin unhooked the clasp on her bra as he was laying her gently down on the blanket. She closed her eyes and enjoyed as he kissed down her stomach and slid off her jeans and her pink lace panties. Ari didn't even realize he had undressed until she felt his weight resting next to her.

"Open your eyes."

Ari opened them and he was naked and muscular and smiling that dam perfect smile looking down at her. She touched his face and ran her fingers over his lips.

"Are you sure?" he asked kissing her fingertips.

Instead of answering with words she gently pushed him back onto his back and rolled on top and straddled him. Ferrin had always treated Ari gently as though she would break and now Ari was prepared to show him that she wasn't a china doll.

Ari would never forget the amazement in Ferrin's eyes when she took him firmly in her hand and inserted him and rode him like a wild animal. Ferrin knew he had never met a woman like Ari before...and that he would never want another.