Author's note: This story is the number 2 story after the Songmaker. (Appearances by the SongMaker and others will be later in the story.) However, Dark Solutions will not be a typical love story, and I'm sure there may even be a bit of controversy from the readers. Sorry, can't stop what my muse tells me to write sometimes, so it is what it is. Fair warning that later in the story there will be some explicit material. -Anne

Chapter 1

Pierce Falkland rubbed the back of his neck as he looked at the computer screen. For the last few hundred years, he prided himself on growing and protecting a fortune made from several businesses he and his brother owned. Nothing was more important than ensuring the Carpathian community had enough wealth to last for generations to come.

As long as there were generations to come.

He and his twin brother had long ago given up hope in finding their lifemates. Still, the recent discovery of a number of Carpathian children had given both of them reason to consider returning to their homeland. While he and his brother were comfortable here in the United States, life had become tedious. They were meant to be hunters and on a rare occasion, they were able to bring a vampire to justice. Pierce and his brother worked well as a team. But unfortunately, vampires weren't a huge issue in the Midwest as they seemed to prefer the South and the West Coast. Other hunters had been assigned to those territories and Prince Mikhail wanted the twins to focus on other things.

Those other things were business. Peirce and his brother were hailed as the top businessmen within their race. Many Carpathians even entrusted them with investment of their own fortunes. And while the twins took this responsibility seriously, it was also a lot of work when it came to ensuring their own identity was kept guarded. They didn't need a lot of questions as to why they looked exactly the same as they did twenty or even one hundred years ago. So Pierce selectively chose humans wisely to assist him in appearances, carrying off the façade that he and his twin were only investors, not actual owners.

"So what's happening with CompuNet's stock?"

Pierce looked up from the computer screen to see his twin Samuel. They were identical twins and no one could ever tell them apart. Except for those who knew their personalities. Despite the fact that both had lost emotion long ago, Samuel continued to play his part like the young playboy who took nothing seriously. That was certainly the case when they were younger. His twin always had at least a woman on each of his arms at any parties or events they used to attend. Samuel acted as if nothing were more important than being with women and taking risks. While Pierce knew this wasn't really the case, his twin did succeed in creating constant challenges while growing up.

"It's being bought by someone in China," said Pierce.

Samuel shook his head. "Fine. Then let's just buy it so we can control it ourselves."

Pierce sighed. "The problem is we already own too many companies. Another company means I have to find good, qualified executives to run it. We've got too much on our plate already."

"I don't know why we ended up being the ones in charge of so much," grumbled Samuel.

"Because our success says it all."

"Give me a challenging vampire over all this stock market nonsense any day."

"While I couldn't agree with you more," said Pierce as he looked at the numbers again on the screen, "this is what our prince wants us to do. We're good at it and we can't be selfish with our talents."

Samuel crossed his arms. "Fine. Then when do we get some leave time? We talked about going back to the Carpathian Mountains. Have you figured out when we can go?"

"I haven't had time to think about it."

"They found all those children…"

"Who are too young to be with either of us anyway," finished Pierce.

"But I hear the SongMaker can identify lifemates, even when they are children."

"Yes, but he's not going to reveal them all at once. Just given the fact that they were found, gives us hope. Can't that be enough for you?"

Samuel looked away. "You're saying he won't identify all their lifemates until they are old enough."

"You know as well as I do that even with over thirty children, there will still be males who will not have lifemates among them. The SongMaker identifying them right now may only bring on an earlier feeling of lost hope to those who do not have their mate among them."

Samuel began to pace the floor. "But what if our lifemates are among them?"

"What of it?"

"Aren't you even curious?"

"Of course I am, but that doesn't mean I need to run off tomorrow and find out. Besides," continued Pierce as he began to enter some transactions on the computer, "what if only one of us has a lifemate among the children and the other doesn't?"

"Do you like being the pessimist?"

"Being a pessimist would assume I have emotion."

Samuel stopped pacing and stood at one of windows. From their home high up in the hills, they could see the city lights of Chicago. "I need something, my brother."

Pierce didn't stop typing. "Like what? A redhead? A brunette? Even though you don't have emotion, I think you miss putting on a show with all those women you used to be with at parties."

"I need to believe there is still something out there for us."

"We have something here. Look at all we do for our people," replied Pierce with a sigh.

Samuel bowed his head. "I need more."

For the first time, Pierce sensed something wrong with his twin and he stopped typing. "I know you need a lifemate. Samuel, use the thought that these children have been found. It will give you hope to hold out at least until they come of age."

"I cannot."

Pierce froze. "Why not?"

"I'm out of time."

"You don't mean that," said Pierce standing up.

Samuel turned to face him. "I do."

"I would have sensed it."

"I've been hiding it from you. Go ahead, brother. Touch my mind."

Pierce held his breath for a moment. He couldn't lose his brother. Samuel was the reason that kept him going for so long. Hesitantly, he reached out and touched his twin's mind only to find what he said was true. The darkness was overtaking him. He hadn't realized just how bad the situation was as Samuel hid it so well.

"Are you considering the dawn?" asked Peirce in a soft voice.

"I've considered everything. I cannot hold out. I am the weaker one."

"Untrue. You have always been the one who is optimistic. You are the reason we are here today and why we have not listened to the darkness."

"I cannot ignore it any longer. I'm sorry, my brother."

"Fine. Then I'll make arrangements to go to the Carpathian Mountains. We'll see the SongMaker. If you are at the point where you are facing the dawn, then it's the only chance we have left." Pierce looked at his brother with serious eyes. "I don't know how soon we can leave as I need to ensure everything can be handled while we are away for a while. This could all take a few weeks. Promise me you'll hold on until we can leave."

"I can wait for a little while longer," murmured Samuel.

"Good." He picked up a stack of folders and handed them to his brother. "Now occupy yourself and help me by going through tonight's work."

Carissa Brooks was about to have a meltdown. Being half owner of a small travel agency was not easy and the customer who was complaining on the phone was not making her life any easier.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Whitcomb, you didn't purchase the travel insurance so there's nothing I can do." Kylie who sat across from her at another desk rolled her eyes and shook her head. Carissa grit her teeth when the customer let out a string of curses at her. But she continued in her pleasant tone. "I know the plane lost your luggage. Surely the airline will do something. What? No, I'm sorry, I won't talk to the airline for you. You'll need to file a lost luggage claim with them."

As the customer ranted on, Kylie laughed and whispered to her. "Serves him right for booking with an online travel site for the airline part of his vacation!"

Carissa nodded and continued to try and play nice with Mr. Whitcomb. If it was any other customer, she would have hung up by now. But he was a regular and always gave them some of his company's business. He was always unhappy but then Carissa and Kylie figured out long ago he just used his complaining to see if he could ever get the best deal possible. It was just his way of haggling even though he knew all about the fine print. After another fifteen minutes, Carissa finally got him off the phone.

"Finally!" exclaimed Kylie. "Come on, let's close up."

"Yeah, sounds good," said Carissa as she began to put away some files on her desk.

Kylie grabbed her purse. "God, I hate how night falls so early in the winter in the evening. It's only six o'clock and it's pitch dark!"

"Another six weeks and it will get lighter," said Carissa.

"That's not what the damn groundhog predicted, was it?"

Carissa laughed. "I have no idea. I just always remember the saying 'April showers bring May flowers.' And April is a little over a month away."

Kylie snorted. "Yeah, well it can't get here fast enough."

"You know, we do own a travel agency. Granted, it's pretty small, but you do get discounts on traveling somewhere warm."

"Duh, partner. But you know Jim's family is having a crisis right now and I need to stick around."

Carissa shook her head. "So what if Jim's cousin is having some type of mental breakdown? Not like you and he have to be involved."

"Oh please," said Kylie with heavy sarcasm. "You know my husband so you should know his family. Someone can't sneeze without the whole family worrying they are going to die."

"Well, I guess its nice to have family."

"They drive me nuts!" Kylie paused and looked over at Carissa who busied herself with filling the fax machine paper tray. "I'm sorry, Carissa. That was selfish of me. I know you've never had any family."

She shrugged. "That's okay. Growing up in different foster homes just made me appreciate things more."

"Well, come on. Let's get out of here."

Carissa nodded and was about to shut down her computer when the phone rang.

"Don't answer that," demanded Kylie.

"It's a slow time. We could use the business."

"We're doing okay. Come on, don't…" She didn't finish her sentence before Carissa picked up the phone. "Fine!" she whispered. "I'm locking the door behind me, okay? And don't stay much longer or I'm coming after you."

Carissa waved her off.

"And call me when you leave."

"Okay," snapped Carissa as she covered up the mouthpiece of the phone. She turned her attention back to the man on the phone. "I'm sorry, what were you saying?"

For a moment, there was dead silence on the phone. "I was looking for something."

"Are you looking to fly somewhere?"

"Yes."

Carissa almost laughed as the guy wasn't very forthcoming. But he had a great voice, so she didn't mind being nice to him. "Okay, want to tell me where?"

"The Carpathian Mountains."

"I think that covers Central and Eastern Europe." She paused and when he didn't say anything else, she persisted. "Any particular country you want to fly into?"

"Yes. Romania."

"Okay," she replied as she pulled up her airline network. "Ever been there before?"

"Yes."

Yep, the guy was about as talkative as her Siberian Husky. And the dog said a lot more with all the whining he did. She tried to fill in the empty silence while she pulled up the information. "I've heard it's lovely in Romania. Do you need a hotel?"

"No."

"Oh. Okay. Staying with friends?"

"Yes."

Okay, that was it. She was done trying to be friendly. He apparently was all business. "Just a minute and I'll have a list of airlines."

She expected for silence to follow but was surprised when he spoke again. "My brother and I…we usually would make other arrangements for ourselves."

"Oh? You never use a travel agency?"

"We don't need one for ourselves, no."

Well at least he was making casual conversation now. "Why?" she asked as she began to type a search on the computer. "Don't travel a lot?"

"We fly on our own."

"Oh. You mean, you can pilot a plane yourself?"

There was another pause. "Yes. Yes, that's what I meant."

"Something wrong with the plane?"

"My brother, he's…sick. It's just easier this way if we can just charter a private plane. That would be better for us."

Oh, crap. "Um, we only book through commercial flights."

"I've tried calling several other agencies. None of them were open and I'd really like to get this done."

"Well, I do know an owner of a private jet who does take on clients. But it will cost a lot of money for something like that of course."

"Money is not a factor."

"Okay, well, I can just give you his name and you can make the reservation directly through him."

The man lowered his voice. "I'd rather it be through you."

"But I don't have any ability to book…"

"Can you call him? Now?"

"Um, look, I don't get paid that way."

"I will pay you one thousand dollars if you get him on the phone and book it for me."

Carissa's mouth almost dropped open. Okay, fine. She could certainly do that. And she wasn't about to pass up that kind of money.

On the other line, Pierce felt his hand tremble as he held the phone. Right now he was barely holding on due to the sudden change in circumstances. As soon as this woman spoke, a flash of brilliant color was all he saw. Her voice threw his world completely upside down.

This could be his lifemate.

He was in complete shock.

"When do you need to fly out?" she asked.

God, he could listen to her voice forever. He kicked himself mentally as she'd asked him a question. "Within two weeks. I'd like it to be sooner, but I need some time to figure things out." That was an understatement. Here his brother was on the verge of facing the dawn and now this. Now he was hoping like hell that his brother's lifemate was indeed among the children. Otherwise, how could he live with the fact that he'd found his lifemate but his twin had none?

He finished giving the woman the rest of the information she needed.

"Okay. So I'm going to place you on hold while I make the call."

He swallowed hard. "Fine. I'll be waiting."

As the hold music began to play, Samuel appeared in the room. "What's going on?"

Pierce tried to play casual. "I'm just on the phone with the travel agent. I'm starting to make arrangements." His twin looked worse than he did an hour ago. Pierce tried to reassure him. "I think I've got a private plane we can line up. I didn't want to wait on getting things done and I think it's best if we don't fly the whole way ourselves."

Samuel just stared at him.

"What?" asked Pierce. "Are you okay?"

"Are you?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," he lied. The woman came back on the phone and he was relieved she'd gotten a hold of the guy who had the private jet. "That's great, thanks. Let me come to your office and I'll pay you." He paused. "Well, yes, I have a credit card. But I'd rather do it in person. Oh. You're closing tonight. I understand. Can I come by tomorrow a few minutes before six? Okay, great. What's your name?" When she answered him, he tried to keep his face completely emotionless. "Thank you. Yes, I'll see you tomorrow, then."

After he hung up, he still found Samuel staring at him. Pierce tried to sound matter-of-fact. "So I think we're all set."

"Why do you need to pay her in person?"

Pierce flipped his eyes back to the computer on his desk and shrugged as if he was indifferent. "She was closing and the only agency that took the time to really work with me. It's the right thing to do and I figured I'd give her some extra money since it's a small agency."

"What's the name of it?'

"Global Travel Agency." Samuel seemed to nod and then turned away. "You get those files done yet?" Pierce asked, hoping to give his twin a distraction.

"Yeah, I did. But I forgot to debrief our CEO of NetTech on a few things. I should head over there."

"You could just call him."

Samuel shook his head. "I need the night air and I haven't fed yet."

Pierce studied his twin. "You want me to go with you?"

"No."

"Samuel…are you sure? You don't look well and if the darkness is spreading, feeding can be dangerous."

"I'm okay tonight. I have some hope now that you've made flight arrangements and all. I can hold out a little longer."

Pierce exhaled. "Good. Just let me know if you need anything."

Samuel nodded and made his way up the elevator and then the stairs to the roof. He transformed into a hawk and flew off the fifty story building with ease. Gliding through the night sky, Samuel's heart was beating fast.

He was now seeing in color.

It had to be because of his brother speaking with the woman from the travel agency. Somehow, through his twin's connection, her voice reached him. Samuel knew the instant his brother found her. But when he touched Pierce's mind, he found it tightly closed. Which could mean his twin thought this woman could be his lifemate as well.

One of them was her mate. But which one? As twins, it was hard to know for sure. He'd heard how other sets of twins could see in color or even be fed emotions from the one who found their lifemate. There was only one way to find out and although it was selfish of him, Samuel needed to know tonight. He flew to a nearby a internet café and quickly looked up the location of the travel agency. Amazingly, it was only a few blocks away. He quickly made his way out the door, hoping to catch the woman before she left.