Turning Sunshine.

It was spring of 1153 and one of those nights when the air is just starting to turn warm and the fragrance of the flowers fills the night. I'd spent the day napping for a party that night. Starr and I had put on our best dresses and headed out in the carriage that Father always kept at the ready for us. We weren't upper class by any means, but we weren't commoners either. This party was supposed to solidify my courtship with one of the Beaumont boys. Not that I wanted to marry him, but I was considered an old maid at the age of 25.

This marriage was to greatly increase our family's standing in society. As much as I detested the idea of marrying that old mealy mouth Michael, I had no choice. It was my duty to ensure our family's future. Tired of dancing with my betrothed I asked for a cup of cider and stole away to the gardens when he went to retrieve it.

That's when I met him. There he stood, leaning against the trunk of a magnolia tree looking like a walking dream. His sandy hair shone in the moonlight, his blue eyes sparkled with mischief. I stopped dead in my tracks half way to him. This man or whatever he was that stood in my path was my fantasy come true. He calmed my fears with a slight upturn of his lips.

I stood still chewing on my bottom lip while the music floated on the air around us. He moved towards me and I held my breath waiting for his touch. Much to my surprise what I felt was icy cold lips on my neck. The scream lay lodged in my throat as his hand covered my mouth. Fear took hold and I fought him at every turn. His strength was that of twenty men holding me down.

It was the first and last time I ever wished for my betrothed to come for me. Before I knew what was happening the world went dark.

I awoke three days later, wrapped in his arms somewhere in a grave. The scream tore through me as I frantically clawed at the earth that covered me. His hands stilled mine as he helpd me out of that grave. Standing beneath the full moon that night, I saw my future clearly. I was no longer human, no longer the sole means for my family's status in the town. I was free or so I thought.

I soon learned his name was Killian Blood and he was offering me the world for a small price. Without thought I jumped at the chance and gave into my impulses. We made love that night and it was more than I ever imagined. His deep, lazy Irish drawl filled my soul with desire as he whispered in my ear. I was his. His child, his lover, HIS.

And I would remain such for many years to come.......................