Darkmyth University

Chapter Twenty One

In Zander's Hideout

Zander's POV

I was sitting in my office when the phone rang. I picked up and say, "Hello."

"Zander it is Clarisse."

"Clarisse, how are you dear?"

"It would be great if you send a car for me. I am at the airport. I have an early Christmas present for you."

I smiled evilly and said, "I am sending someone now. They will be there in ten minutes." I hung up the phone, sent my driver to go pick up Clarisse, and then finished up my paperwork. Clarisse walked into my office fifteen minutes later with a sweet smile on her face.

Clarisse walked around my desk, sat in my lap, kissed up and down my neck, and then said, "Come with me handsome. I want to give you your present."

I did not like Clarisse touching me in such a personal way but, I had to endure it for now. As soon as Clarisse gave me what she had for me; I was going to lock Clarisse up and throw the key away. I followed Clarisse from my office, into a room nearby, there was a woman on the bed, and as I moved closer I saw that is was Crystal. I smile at Clarisse and said, "You, my sweet did well. Now go to the kitchen and see what I have for you." Clarisse nodded and left the room. As soon as I thought that Clarisse was far enough away I summoned several guards to capture her on the way to the kitchen. One of them came back and told me that Clarisse was in silver shackles in a cell. I nodded and turned back to Crystal. Crystal was completely oblivious to where she was.

I stayed with Crystal until she was conscious and coherent. When I Crystal's blue eyes on me I said with an evil glint, "Welcome Crystal to my hideout."

Crystal's POV

When I opened my eyes and saw Zander I stayed completely still. Zander said with an evil look on his face, "Welcome Crystal to my hideout."

I felt my abilities coming back to me 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."

"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?"

I just nodded my head. I wanted to see Stephanie. I wanted to be sure that Stephanie was in good health. When Stephanie walked in the door I smiled because she did not look any different from when she was taken from me. Before Zander left he said looking straight at Stephanie, "You will take care of her but, not speak to her." Stephanie nodded before Zander left the room.

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

I looked at Stephanie with a raised eyebrow and asked, "What in the world is going on? I thought you were under his control."

"I was before..." Stephanie paused and said, "I think we should sit down before I say anything further." We sat on the bed and she continued, "I am Zander's mate."

"What!?"

"Shh... I found out the night that Zander came to kidnap you. I was under Zander’s control until we mated Crystal. You must understand something and not say anything until I am finished." I nodded in agreement. "Mates have 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's POV

I watched as Crystal's eyes grew wide and her mouth dropped open. I took a deep breath and said, "None of that Crystal. It is my decision. I do not want to leave you but, if I can be of some help with this whole thing then I will be. This decision was made knowing full well what would happen. I want 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 this 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." I watched as Crystal quickly went into the bathroom, then heard the water turn on, and I went to get her a change of clothes from the wardrobe.

Zander walked in and asked, "Having any problems?"

"No, 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 the door."

"As you wish, my love." Zander walked outside of the room while Crystal came out of the bathroom. I put my index finger over my lips, mouthed Zander is outside, and then handed her the change of clothes.

I walked with Crystal to the bathroom, watched her slip on a ring on her finger, and asked quietly, "Are you and Quinten engaged?"

"We are engaged. I was going to tell you." Crystal replied quietly with a warm smile.

"I know you would have. I suggest not bringing to much attention to your ring."

"How do you suggest I do that?"

"Here..." I say taking off a locket around my neck and said, "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 help you further." I hand Crystal a piece of paper that she slips in her pocket.

"Will, you are not coming with me?"

"Once you have disappeared Zander will be very angry. I will need to be here for Zander so, that he will not take it out on the innocent. Come we need to go." I say grabbing Crystal's arm, lead her through the room, and out into the hallway. I would have to get some things together for Crystal. I wanted Crystal gone tonight if possible. I knew Zander was going to torture Crystal after tonight. As soon as we sat down Zander ordered me away and I knew that this was my opportunity to do what I needed for Crystal.