Darkmyth University 2021

Chapter Twenty

Zander was sitting in his office when his burner phone rang. Zander picks up the phone and says, “Hello.”

“Zander it is Clarisse.”

“Clarisse, how are you dear?”

“I will be great once you send a car for me. I am at the airport. I have an early Christmas present for you.”

Zander smiled evilly and said, “I am sending someone now. They will be there in ten minutes.” Zander hung up the burner phone, send his personal driver to pick Clarisse up, and then finished his paperwork. Clarisse walked into Zander’s office fifteen minutes later with a with a sweet smile on her face.

Clarisse sat in front of my desk, crossed her legs, and said, “Come with me please. I would like to get back before I am missed.”

Zander had no plan of letting Clarisse return home he was going to lock Clarisse up and throw the key away. Zander followed Clarisse from his office, into a room nearby, there was a woman on the bed, and as Zander moved closer; he saw that it was Crystal. Zander smiled at Clarisse and said, “You did very well Clarisse. Now, go to the kitchen and find your reward.” Clarisse nodded and left the room. As soon as Clarisse was far enough away, Zander summoned several guards to capture Clarisse on the way to the kitchen. One of the guards came back and told Zander that Clarisse was in silver shackles in a cell. Zander nodded and turned back to Crystal. Crysal was completely oblivious to where she was.

Zander stayed with Crystal until she was conscious and coherent. When Zander saw Crystal’s blue purplish eyes on me Zander said with an evil glint, “Welcome to my hideout Crystal.”

Crystal froze when she saw Zander standing in front of her. Crystal felt her abilities coming back to slowly and said, “The pleasure is all yours I assure you.”

“Are you going to make this difficult?”

“I would never dream of it. However, Quinten will make this difficult for you.”

“Well, I have a surprise for you princess. Stephanie will be taking care of you. Now, do not get your hopes up because Stephanie is completely under my control.” Zander asked, “Will you stay put?”

Crystal just nodded her head in agreement. Crystal wanted to see Stephanie to be sure that Stephanie was in good health. Stephanie walked through the door making Crystal tried not to smile like a fool and the good news was that Stephanie looked very healthy. Before Zander left, he said looking straight at Stephanie, “You will take care of her but, not speak to her.” Zander then left the room after Stephanie’s eyes closed slowly and reopened.

As soon as Zander left Stephanie ran over to Crystal, enveloped Crystal in a hug, and said, “I am so glad that you are safe.”

Crystal looked at Stephanie with a raised eyebrow and asked, “How are you?”

“I am fine but, I have so much to tell you.” Stephanie took Crystal by the hand, brought her to the sofa in the sitting room and asked, “How much do you know?”

“Not much. Quinten, Nicholas, Michael, Brody, Lucas, and I were scheduled to discuss everything later today.”

Stephanie squeezed Crystal’s hand and said, “I am Zander’s mate.”

“What!?”

“Shh...I found out the night that he came to kidnap you. I was under Zander’s control until we mated Crystal. You must understand something and say anything until I am finished.” Crystal nodded in agreement. “Mates have a power over one another that most people do not know about. Mates can kill each other by taking their own life. I have decided that if Zander does not turn himself over quietly, I will take my life.”

“But Stephanie.”

Stephanie watched as Crystal’s eyes grew wide and er mouth dropped open. Stephanie took a deep breath and said, “None of that Crystal. This is my decision, and it will not change. I do not want to leave you but, if I can be of some help with this whole thing then I will be. I need you to understand that I want you to be happy and you are happy with Quinten. Now, that you have met the rest of his family, I know you will have people that care about you.”

“Stephanie, you have been the one that has looked out for me. I am not sure how to feel about his decision that you have made.”

“I do not expect you to know how you feel. We do not have any more time to talk Zander is on his way to check on us. Go get in the shower.” Stephanie watched as Crystal quickly went into the bathroom, then heard the water turn on, and Stephanie went to get her a change of clothes from the wardrobe.

Zander walked in and asked, “Having any problems?”

“Not really my darling. She was emotional but, I think that she is better now.”

“Where is she?”

“She is in the shower. She will probably be out in a few minutes. I was just getting an outfit together for her. We will be out momentarily for dinner.”

“I will be waiting right outside of the door.”

“As you wis my love.” Zander walked outside of the room when Crystal came out of the bathroom in a robe. Stephanie put a finger over her mouth, pointed at the door, mouthed ‘Zander is outside’, and then handed Crystal the change of clothes. Stephanie walked with Crystal into the bathroom, watched Crystal slip a ring on her left ring finger, and Stephanie said quietly, “Marissa was able to slip me a photo of you and Quinten from one of the popular magazines announcing your engagement.”

Crystal smiled and replied quietly showing Stephanie her ring, “I am glad I get to share the news with you in person and I am sorry that you were not there for the announcement. I miss you.”

“I would suggest that you not bring to much attention to your ring. Zander is already in a tizzy that he was unable to capture his parent and brother while they were on holiday.”

“How do you suggest I not draw attention to it?” Crystal said gazing down at the sizeable diamond on her finger.

“Here...” Stephanie says taking off a locket around her neck and continued, “Put the ring on this. I want you to have this anyway. As soon as you can get away, I want you to run to these coordinates. Marissa will be there and be able to help you further.” Stephanie hands Crystal a piece of paper that Crystal slips in her pocket.

“Will you not come with me?”

“One you have disappeared Zander will be very angry. I will need to be here for him so, that he will not take it out on the innocent. Come we need to go.” Stephanie says grabbing Crystal’s arm, leading Crystal through the room, and out into the hallway where Zander was waiting for them. Stephanie would get some things together for Crystal this evening while Zander was working. Stephanie wanted Crystal gone tonight if it were possible. Stephanie knew Zander was going to torture Crystal after tonight. As soon as we sat down Zander ordered me away and Stephanie knew that this was her opportunity to do what she needed too for Crystal.

Hephaestus University...

The next morning...

Quinten woke the next morning missing Crystal and not being able to feel that she was close by which, was odd. Brody, Lucas, and Michael were spread around the room still sleeping. Quinten showered and moved around the room as quietly as possible. Quinten made his way to the room that Crystal was in with the other ladies a bit worried. Quinten opened the door to their room quietly, found three women sleeping on the bed, and went to check the balcony where Crystal like to sit and look upon the city of Greece. Quinten found Crystal’s cell phone smashed on the ground and Quinten growled in anger knowing that Crystal not telling me good night last night was odd. Quinten thought that one of the ladies had just disconnected them so that they could spend more time with Crystal. Quinten when back into the room, into the bathroom, and growled loudly in anger. “Where is my mate?” Quinten asked loudly and angrily as he walked back into the room.

The three women on the bed sprang up in shock, looked at me, cowered, and one of them said, “We fell asleep around eleven last night. We do not know where Crystal is. Clarisse seems to be missing as well.”

“Get out before I lose complete control over myself.” Quinten said with black eyes and fangs out. The three ladies left in a hurry. Quinten calls Lucas, when Lucas answered Quinten said, “Get the guys and get to my room now!” Quinten did not even give Lucas; time to respond; before running to my father’s room, threw the doors open without knocking, and roared, “Clarisse has kidnapped Crystal.

“This cannot be happening. When was Crystal taken?” My father said shaking his head.

“Early, around one in the morning. I called Crystal to check on her and I heard Crystal step out on the balcony to take the call to not disturb the ladies that were sleeping. We were disconnected; I thought it was just one of the ladies hung up on me so that Crystal would get back to the sleepover. The three women that were with them last night do not know what happened; they were asleep by eleven. Clarisse and Crystal are not in our room so, Clarisse is the only one that could have kidnapped Crystal.” Quinten said rubbing his hands down his face in exasperation, “I am going after Crystal. Brody, Lucas, and Michael should be in my room by now.”

“Son, I think that you are making a grave mistake. Crystal is more powerful than all of us put together. Besides, if Crystal has been taken to Zander Stephanie is at least with Crystal right now making sure that Stephanie is safe. Stephanie will be sure that nothing happens to Crystal. You need to trust and believe in your mate.”

“How can I not go after her father? Crystal is the love of my life. I need to get back to the states.”

“I will allow you to go back to Darkmyth University but, you are not to go anywhere else without my permission. Have I made myself clear?”

“Yes, father I do understand but, I do not know how you expect me to sit at Darkmyth University and do nothing.”

“I expect you to do what I have told you even if it is not what you want to do. I believe that this will keep Crystal safer than going after Zander now. Besides, we have no idea where Zander is or how many people, he has with him. Marissa has been able to obtain some numbers but, says that Zander is nowhere close to being done recruiting.” Quinten felt his inner monster come to the surface, the veins around Quinten's eyes darkened and surface and his fangs grew another few inches as he breathed, heavily. Nicholas walked over to Quinten, put his hands on Quinten’s shoulders, and said, “Son, please calm down. If you let the monster within out it is not going to help. Go to your friends, go back to school, and wat for Crystal to call you.”

“I will do as you ask father but, I will not pretend to be happy about it.” Quinten closed his eyes for a second, took a few calming breaths, and calmed down. Quinten would speak with Micael, Lucas, and Brody while we are on the way back. What Nicholas did not know would not hurt him. Quinten wanted Crystal back in his arms safe and sound. Quinten toward my father in respect before leaving to go back to my room. As Quinten expected Michael, Lucas, and Brody were in my room waiting for Quinten to return. Quinten said, “Clarisse has taken Crystal to Zander. I am packing my bags, getting on the jet, and going back to school. I would like you to come with me.”

Lucas said, “Of course we are coming with you. What did your father say?”

“To go back to school and wait for Crystal to call me.” Lucas frowned, shook his head, and headed out of the room. Brody and Michael followed quickly after Lucas. Quinten packed his and Crystal’s bag, met up his friends, and boarded the jet without a word.

Brody and Michael follow Lucas into the room that they shared. As soon as the door shut, Lucas turned and asked, “What do we know about Clarisse?”

“Not much. Crystal is the one that spent time with Clarisse.” Brody said with a frown.

Michael said, “All I know is that Clarisse is the dean’s daughter, and we cannot go to him about this. If we tell Dean Xavier that his daughter kidnapped Crystal, it would be on all the news stations in ten minutes, and he would disavow any knowledge of the plan his daughter had to kidnap Crystal.”

“How true. Come on let’s pack. Quinten will be ready to get off the ground and head back to Darkmyth University so, if we do not have our s**t together, he will kick our asses.”

Michael was worried about Crystal and Quinten for that matter. Quinten seemed to be hiding his anger, worry, and content which, was concerning. If Quinten held it in too long, he would allow the beast to overtake him and that was never a good thing. Michael needed to keep an eye on Quinten or things would get bad very quickly for everyone. It was more important than ever for us to be at our A-game because something was coming. Michael did not know what it was but, Michael knew for sure that it was bad. Having not found our mates yet was becoming bothersome for both him and Brody because we were not at our full potential. Everyone needed to be at their full potential when it came time to fight, they would all need their strength and full capabilities.

How could Lucas seem so unconcerned about Crystal/ Not that Brody though Lucas was not concerned but, it just seemed like he was moving on too quickly. How is it that either me or Michael had not found our mates yet? Brody was considering that maybe we would not meet them. Or maybe they were not born yet. Brody just did not know. Brody was becoming more and more anxious to find my mate and so was Michael. Brody wanted to take some time away from all the lovey dove around him and he wanted to take Michael with him.

Brody needed to speak with Quinten about this because he was going to need me and Michael at the top of our game. Especially if we were going after Zander. Me and Brody could not afford to have our mind on anything else. We could get everyone killed along with Crystal. Brody was not about to let that happen. Brody knew that he could come off as a jerk something but, Brody cared about his friends and what happened to them.

Nicholas knew that Quinten may not listen to me but, he hoped that Quinten’s friends would at least adhere to what he wanted. Vanessa had come to talk to me, and Nicholas explained to her what was happening. Vanessa was shocked and agreed that Nicholas had said the right thing to Quinten. Vanessa went to find Quinten hoping that Vanessa could reach Quinten. Nicholas did not like holding his power over Quinten but, sometimes Quinten needed to understand that Nicholas needed him to do what he asked of him. Quinten was someday going to understand the reason Nicholas ordered him to wait for Crystal to call him.

Vanessa found Quinten in the bar with several empty glasses in front of him. Vanessa sat next to Quinten and said, “Your father told me what happened to Crystal, and I am so sorry my son. Would you like to talk to me?”

“I am not sure what to say mother. I am upset, angry, and I would like Crystal back.”

“I know you want Crystal back Quinten but, you must understand why your father wants you not to go looking for Crystal, do you not?”

“I have some understanding of why father is asking me not to go after Crystal but, I do not like sitting here doing nothing.”

“Quinten look at me.” Quinten looked at Vanessa as she continued, “Crystal is a grown woman, and she can take care of herself. Crystal is more powerful than we can imagine my son. With Crystal being in Zander’s hideout she will become even more powerful. Who knows how many powers Crystal will have now that she has encountered these other vampires. You need to think things through not drown your sorrows in drink.”

Quinten blinked several times while looking at Vanessa and said, “I am going back to school as father requested. Michael, Brody, and Lucas will be coming with me. I will think about what you have said mother.”

“I am happy to hear that. Your friends are ready to leave. Stay safe and please call me as soon as you are at Darkmyth University.”

“Of course, mother.” Quinten says with a quick nod. Quinten watched as Lucas, Quinten, Brody, and Michael leave with grim looks on their faces. Their looks did not give Quinten the vote of confidence that he was hoping for. Vanessa was worried about them but, Vanessa was not going to tell anyone that. Vanessa wished them luck and hoped that they did not do anything stupid or get themselves hurt.

Marissa arrived outside of Zander’s office after a phone call at one am in the morning and knocked soundly on the door. Zander said, “Enter.”

When Marissa walked into the office, Marissa saw that Zander had papers scattered all over the desk. Marissa asked, “Whatever are you doing?”

Zander looked up and said, “Oh, Marissa I am glad that you are here. These,” Zander said motioning to the papers on his desk, “are plans for Darkmyth University.”

“However, did you get those?” Marissa asked truly curious.

“These are public records. Any public building blueprints are public records. Now, I have made plans to meet with Quinten in two days in the classroom where I first saw him which, is here.” Zander said pointing to a small auditorium.

“What was the agreement?”

“I promised to bring Crystal if Quinten came alone.”

“Do you honestly think that Quinten would come alone?”

“If Quinten does, he is not as smart as I thought he was. I just do not know what to expect from Quinten.”

“I do not think that Quinten would bring anyone that he does not trust. Are you going to bring Crystal?”

“I have not made that decision yet. I was thinking of using one of the shape sifter vampires I have here to take Crystal’s place but, I think that Quinten would know that it was not her. I think that they have completed the bond so, I think it would be stupid of me not to bring Crystal.”

“Let me think about it some. Do you think that I could meet Crystal?”

“That is a fantastic idea. Maybe you can get something out of Crystal.”

“I shall do the best I can. Where would Crystal be?”

“Why don’t you go see if you can find Stephanie? I believe Stephanie is in the kitchen. Stephanie will show you to Crystal’s room.”

“I will see you at dinner then,” Marissa said heading toward the door. Marissa left, ran to the kitchen, nodded toward Stephanie, Stephanie ran over, hugged Marissa, and Marissa said, “Zander sent me to find you. Zander said that you could show me to Crystal’s room.”

“Of course, Marissa please follow me.” Stephanie said leading the way out of the kitchen.

Stephanie was glad that we had an undercover agent in our midst right now. Zander was now obsessed with getting to Quinten even though Quinten had nothing to do with what happened to Zander. Zander was becoming more crazed as the days went on and Stephanie could not do or say anything to calm Zander. Stephanie opened the door to Crystal’s room and said, “I have someone that I would like you to meet.” Marissa walked quickly, Stephanie shut the door, nodded toward Crystal, who clicked a button soundproofing the room, and said, “This is Marissa.”

“It is so nice to meet you. Stepahanie has told me a lot about you, and I want to thank you for doing what you are doing.”

“It is an honor to serve you and Quinten. I saw you click a button, is it safe to speak in here?’ Marissa asked with a smile.

“Yes, Stephanie helped make sure of that. Do you know what Zander is up too?” Crystal asked with a concerned smile.

“I do but, before I tell you will you please tell me what powers you have?” Marissa asked starting to pace.

“My true power is to store and use the power of any vampire that I encounter. So, the list of things I can do is a long one.” Crystal says softly.

“Holy mother of all vampires. Why do you not just teleport back to Darkmyth University?” Marissa asked with a raised eyebrow. Stephanie was just sitting there watching the conversation progress like a tennis match.

“I want to know what Zander wants. I cannot do that if I am not here.” Crystal says seriously.

Stephanie says to try to get Crystal and Marissa to hurry the conversation along, “Ladies we need to move this conversation along. Zand is becoming angry because he has not had a report yet.”

Crystal looked at Stephanie worriedly. Marissa looked at Crystal and says, “You need to get out of here. Zander is planning on using you against Quinten. Do you have the schedule of your guards down?”

“No, but I can leave when I go into the bathroom to take a shower this evening. I can use my schedule against them. What is going to happen to both of you one I leave?” Crystal asked concerned.

“It is not going to be anything that we cannot handle. I am also a tracker so; I could lead Zander on a wild goose chase.” Marissa says with a smile.

“Please promise that both of you will look out for one another.” Crystal said seriously.

“Stop worrying for us we can take care of ourselves. You just be ready to inform Quinten of what is happening. It is up to the two of you to deal with Zander.” Stephanie said with a soft smile. “Marissa and I need to leave you now. Are you going to be alright?”

“I shall be fine. Just promise me that you are not going to do anything rash Steph.” Crystal said pointedly toward Stephanie. Stephanie nods in acceptance before leaving the room. Crystal was worried that Stephanie would follow through with her plan to stop Zander herself. Crystal would need to help Stephanie confront Zander about what she was feeling.

“What are you thinking Stephanie?” Marissa asked softly but incredulously.

“You know what I am thinking. Crystal will get the message to Quinten, and they will be back here to capture Zander because he has spies in the castle. I will do what I must to keep them safe. I will not complete my plan until it is time to do so.”

“Have you told Crystal?”

“I have told Crystal and she does not like the plan I have concocted either but, it is the only card that I have against him. I do not think that this obsession is ever going to go away. For Zander, it is revenge for what his parents did to him, and he thinks the best way to get back at them is by hurting Quinten.

“You have figured out a lot while I have been away. I will get my people here by tomorrow morning. Let me go make a few calls.”

“Whatever do you, please do not call Quinten.” Stephanie says seriously.

“I promise not to call Quinten because Crystal will tell him when she gets back to him. You my friend need to eat.” Marissa said with a soft smile. Marissa went to Zander’s study and said, “Stephanie has gone to feed. You may need to go check on Stephanie. Stephanie seemed upset about something.” Marissa needed Zander out of his office so, Marissa could see the rest of his plans.

“Do you know were Stephanie headed?” Zander asked with a frown.

“I am not sure where Stephanie was headed but, she should not have gotten that far. Stephanie just left.” Marissa said with a smile.

“I will be back in an hour,” Zander said with a nod. As soon as the door shut Marissa went to the bookcase pretending to look for a book, Marissa shut her eyes to see if I could since any kind of security system and when I found nothing I went to Zander’s desk, rifling through it until I found Zander’s journal. Marissa read through it quickly and was startled by what Marissa found in it. Stephanie was right, this was because Zander was mad at his parents for what happened to him. It was clear that Zand had feelings for Stephanie and wanted to make their relationship work. Maybe Stephanie could convince Zander to change his mind once he was captured. Marissa could only hope that Stephanie could talk Zander off this ledge that he was on and get this information to everyone.