ANA'S POINT OF VIEW

I woke warm and relaxed, a strange feeling for me, and I stretched out my limbs. A deep guttural groan of pleasure rumbled behind me as my ass rubbed against something hard and really hot and I froze in place, shocked that I was in this kind of situation. I cautiously looked over my shoulder and clamped a hand over my mouth when Death's masked face filled my view. I was smooshed up against his front, one arm wrapped tightly around my waist, our legs tangled together, and my head resting on his other arm. I studied him carefully, wondering what exactly could have happened while I was out. Did I do this? Or did he? What exactly was going on? And why is he so fucking turned on right now?

I rolled over in his arms and placed my hand on his chest, he just grumbled incoherently in his slumber and pulled me closer to him so that my breasts were crushed against his pectorals. It was getting a bit harder to breath and with my cold still present that meant that I couldn't really breathe at all. I let out a soft wheeze as air was squeezed from my lungs and I squirmed in discomfort.

"Stop squirming, woman," Death growled, cracking an eye open to pin me with a blood red stare of annoyance.

"C-can't…brea-athe," I wheezed, squeezing my eyes shut as I struggled for breath.

Death released me instantly, pushing himself onto his hands and knees above me as I gulped in air. The ragged and harsh breathing that came from me only made things worse. I started couching and in turn struggled to breathe even more.

"Ana, what's wrong?" Death growled, realizing that something was wrong.

I tapped my throat and pointed to the empty mug on the blankets and pillows under us and his eyes widened. He leapt to his feet and stalked into the kitchen and I heard him rummaging through the cupboards for a glass and then the kitchen sink being turned on. He returned within a matter of seconds holding a full glass of water and he knelt next to me. I sat up and tried to take the glass from him, but he just pulled it out of my reach and growled like an animal. His eyes were still red and I whimpered weakly. He held the glass above my lips and placed his free hand at my back, holding me up. I drank greedily and once my throat was clear and not in pain I gasped in air. My whole body went slack and Death held me somewhat upright as I just focused on breathing. Once I had it under control I looked up at Death who stared down at me with those piercing red eyes that held a strange hint of carnal interest and I smiled.

"Thank you," I said hoarsely, giving him a brighter smile.

He merely grunted and gently lowered me onto the blankets again and placed the glass with a little bit of water on a side table before returning to me. He laid down next to me and pulled me into his arms, a thing I wasn't quite accustomed to, and let out a low growl of masculine pleasure. As his heat seeped into me again I felt myself drifting back off to sleep while Death stared out the back porch door at the swirling snow that still fell in a rage that Whitefish had never seen before.

DEATH'S POINT OF VIEW

I couldn't believe that I had been so careless. I had nearly suffocated her in my sleep. It was clear that I had to be more alert around her. She was fragile, and I was too rough. She slept peacefully in my arms once more, but my hold on her was much more gentle, just enough to keep her from rolling away, but not hard enough to crush her to me. Her breathing was still a bit shallow, but it was better than when she had started coughing and wheezing. I'd heard the sounds she made before, whilst I killed my enemies, but this was different. The sounds she had made, though familiar to me, tore at my chest. It ached to hear her struggling for breath, for life itself. For a time my more rational side had left me and the monster that was Death had emerged. I had feared the worst, that he would kill her, but he had surprised me when he had cared for her. It was in those moments of utter gentleness and care that I accepted her as my mate. If Death itself accepted her, then why not I? He was part of me, and I could not deny that which made me what I am. She was mine, even if she didn't know it. But how was I going to explain this to her? How was I going to tell her that I had to take her from this world? Would she still sleep peacefully then? Would she turn away from me like all the others? Even my own kin do not accept my darker side, they only wish to see the rational part of Death. I was alone, even among-st family. But Ana made me feel as if I belonged here, wrapped around her as she slept. It was a new feeling, a feeling I wasn't adverse to becoming acquainted with. I looked out the back door and noticed that the storm had died down a bit, and I knew that she would be out in the barns to take care of her horses if she knew it. But she needed rest, and since I had nothing better to do I carefully got up without disturbing her and headed outside.

ANA'S POINT OF VIEW

I woke in the late afternoon and I looked around. I remembered falling asleep next to Death, but he was nowhere to be seen. I looked out towards the barns and the snow had slowed down enough that I could see my barns. I spotted Death leading around a large group of horses by their lead lines through the snow. It made me smile that he was taking care of them for me. Though I highly doubted he was doing it for my sake. If I was in his situation I would be ecstatic to get out of the cabin and run around. I got up and headed upstairs to get dressed in warmer clothes. I changed into long underwear and jeans and an ivory v-neck sweater and a hoodie. I then grabbed my coat and pulled it on after I had shoved my feet into my boots. I practically ran outside and when I approached Death he paused in what he was doing.

"They seem to like you," I said, smiling as Leviathan trudged over to me and pushed me around with his nose.

"It does appear that way. I am a Horseman after all," he chuckled, patting one of my other horses on the neck.

"Glad to be outside?" I asked him, looking over at him with a forced smile, hoping he couldn't see past the doubt that he did this for me.

"Yes. But it feels better to do something for another. You should be inside resting," he grumbled, approaching me in the way that a predator would approach its prey.

Instinctively I backed up, unsure if I was truly safe or if he had intent to do something to me.

"I wanted to check on my horses. They are all I have," I practically growled, giving him a hard look.

"Not anymore," Death growled back, suddenly grabbing the front of my coat and pulling me to him.

I gasped when he wrapped a muscled arm around my shoulders and tucked me into his side.

"What do you mean?" I asked, clearly confused.

Wasn't he upset that I had come outside? What the Hell is going on?

"I remember why I am here. But I will not discuss it with you out here," he stated simply, leading me and the horses back into the barn.

Once he had placed the horses in their stalls he then guided me back up to the house with a large hand at the small of my back. I was quite nervous, but I would not press him for information. I took a seat on the blankets and pillows and Death paced the space in front of the fire place, tossing a log on the embers as he walked by. He appeared to be struggling to explain to me why he was here.

"Well?" I asked, crossing my arms over my chest, drawing his eyes to my v-neck sweater and he froze.

I gave him a hard look and pulled a blanket over my front and he snapped out of his daze.

"I was sent here by the Charred Council, a group of beings that keep the great powers of the universe in check, to find someone. Someone of great importance," he began, starting to pace again.

Who would have thought that a being such as Death would be at such a loss of words. I leaned forward a bit more, hoping to encourage him to continue. He finally paused in front of the fireplace, his back to me, and I waited patiently.

"They sent me here to be tamed. They sent me to find my mate," he growled, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine and making my womb tighten in excitement.

"Your mate? As in like a wife?" I asked, unsure if I was understanding this correctly.

"Yes. In your words my mate would be my wife. But it is not as easy as you would think to get her affections," he grumbled, still turned away from me.

"Do you know who she is? I could help you get to her if you need it," I said, coming to my feet, wrapping the blanket around my shoulders.

"I have already met her. But she is not exactly comfortable with me," he stated, glancing over his shoulder at me.

"What's her name?" I asked, giving him a hesitant smile.

"Ana. Ana McLeod," he said, his voice holding a sorrowful note as he turned around to face me.

Me? I was his mate? When the Hell did this happen?! I was a nobody. An outcast in society. I wasn't normal, I wasn't a woman than men went after. I was a woman that everyone ignored and pretended that I didn't exist. My own parents left me behind, what's that to say about a person? I couldn't possibly be his mate! I didn't even know him that well! And now I'm supposed to marry him? What the Hell?!

"Me? I-I'm your m-m-mate?" I stammered, staring at him like a lost puppy.

"Yes. But you must know, I will not force this upon you. If you do not accept me as your mate, I will leave. However, you will be taken care of in my absence. You will never want for anything, or be unprotected. I have accepted you, and will do anything for you," he stated, his voice at a near growl, as if he didn't like the situation either.

"You'd still take care of me? Even if I said no? What would happen to you?" I asked, seating myself on the couch.

"It does not concern you. This is about what you want. Think not of me, think of yourself. It is your life and your choice. What you decide is entirely up to you," he growled, looking away from me.

"Answer me. What will happen to you if I say no?" I snapped, gaining his attention once more.

"I would grow weak. Possibly go mad from rejection. I would most likely die in a battle if I did not have you to return to," he snarled, as if unable to deny me what I demanded.

"You would make this about me, when it is really about saving you? You would give your own life away to make me happy?" I nearly shouted, coming to my feet again.

"I would destroy thousands of worlds to make you happy! Even if it cost me my own life," he shouted back, but his next words were in a whisper, "All I ever wanted was someone to call my own, even if I couldn't have them."

With those words I felt my heart break. He was exactly like me. He wanted love as much as I did. He would give everything for it. Tears came to my eyes and he rushed to me. But hesitated to touch me, almost as if he was afraid that it would cause me more tears. This being, so full of anger and rage, sought to make the one he wanted happy, even if it killed him. That was a commitment that not just anyone could do. But I believed Death could make me happy. He already had. Just lying there with him earlier this morning had made me happy. Seeing him care for my horses because I was sick and he wanted me to rest made me happy. He was willing to do anything, yet made the choice to let the one who could destroy him have their say in it. He could have just taken me. Could have just carried me off to wherever he wanted and forced me to be his mate. Yet here he was, waiting patiently and trying to stop my tears for my answer. He showed me more care and attention than anyone else ever had.

"Before I make my decision, there are some things I wish to know," I stated, slowly reaching up to his face and running my fingertips over the mask that hid his features from me.

"Anything you ask for will be yours," he stated, sinking a hand into my hair and cradling my skull in his massive hand.

"Then we have much to discuss. But first I need some coffee," I said, smiling brightly.

I pulled away from him and entered the kitchen, biting my lip and trying to hide my radiant smile.

DEATH'S POINT OF VIEW

I watched as Ana left the living room and entered the kitchen, her swaying hips attracting all of my attention. Since accepting her as mine the cravings and the urges were getting stronger and stronger. Very soon I would be unable to hold myself back. We Nephilim males went through a stage in the mating process that was a bit violent, but I didn't want to be that way with her. I wanted to be gentle. But this was all up to her. After all, it was me who barged into her life. It was me that caused this to happen. And I wasn't about to let it ruin everything for her. Ana returned with a large mug of hot coffee in her hand and she took a seat on the couch and patted the space next to her. I sat, stretching my legs out and resting an arm on the back of the couch so that I could run my fingers through her hair as she or I talked.

"Okay, to start I want to know more about you. Any family? Backstory? Any adventures worth sharing?" she asked, her turquoise colored eyes bright with curiosity.

"I have a bit of family. Two brothers and one sister. War, the youngest of us, is a bit stubborn and irresponsible. He is a mere child compared to myself. Strife is almost my age, and a bit more responsible, but he is very introverted and very secretive. Don't get him started on conspiracy theories. Now Fury, she is unlike anything I've ever encountered in any realm. She fights better than most males and is really protective of her brothers, she even makes me take a few notes when she's in one of her moods. But I'm sure she'll like you if you choose to meet her one day," I said, smiling behind my mask at her smiles and giggles as I spoke.

"They sound wonderful. I'd love to meet them one day. Any backstory?" she asked, scooting a bit closer to me.

"It is not a tale that I enjoy telling. But since you asked it of me, I will not hide anything from you. My race, the Nephilim, sought to take Eden from Man. My brothers, sister and I feared that our conquests for a land of our own would imperil the balance that holds everything together. The four of us sought the help of the Charred Council, and in exchange for unimaginable power we exterminated our own kind. I am known as the Executioner and Kinslayer to the other realms. And in this one I am known as Death," I said softly, keeping my eyes on the blanket and pillow laden floor.

"You did what you had to. The past is the past. Now, there is one thing that I have been wondering," she said, placing her cup aside and twisting on the couch to face me.

"And that would be?" I asked, eyeing her warily.

"Ever since I brought you into my home, and cared for your wounds, I've always wondered what your face looked like. Would you let me see it?" she said, pulling on my hands as she came to her feet.

I was extremely hesitant. No one has seen my true face, not even my siblings. My mask was my calling card, and whoever saw my real face ended up dead by my hand. Yet this woman made me want to do anything for her. She gently placed her hands on my shoulders and pulled down, signaling me to kneel. I knelt, making my face level with her chest, and she tipped my head up so that I could look her in the eyes.

"If you don't want to show me, just tell me. I'll understand," she said softly, her fingers sinking into my hair.

"I am yours. Do what you will," I whispered back, closing my eyes and placing my hands on her hips.

I felt her fingers gently pull the mask away from my face, she was shaking, clearly nervous. Would she scream? Would she run? Would she like what she saw? I heard my mask being dropped onto the blankets beneath us and then her hands were on my face. I squeezed my eyes, and parted my lips, afraid to see her horror. I was not a handsome being, not like my brother War. Women didn't fawn after me, they didn't want to see my face. They ran from me. But Ana was different. She ran to me. I heard a tempting giggle and my eyes flew open to see what she was up to. She was staring down at me, her eyes misted with tears and I frowned.

"Ana?" I asked, tensing to come to my feet.

"It's just like I imagined. It's a good thing you hide your face. Or else I'd have to fight off the other women to keep you," she said in a giggle, making me frown even harder.

"I am not a handsome male, Ana," I growled, watching her smile fade.

"You may not be to other females, Death. But to me you are the most handsome male I have ever seen," she said, running her thumbs over my bottom lip.

I blinked up at her dumbly, at a complete loss for words. Again this woman has shown me something that no other has. She's shown me that no other is right for me.

ANA'S POINT OF VIEW

I giggled as Death stared up at me like he was in shock. The face that stared up at me was a very handsome one. He had a strong jaw line with thick lips that only enhanced his bone structure. His nose was long and straight. His brows were black arches above his gold-red eyes and gave him a very arrogant look. He had high cheek bones that matched the mask he wore perfectly. I couldn't help but wonder if he had it custom made or if he just found it lying around. But that was pushed from my mind when he suddenly surged upwards and molded his lips to mine. The deep groan of relief and pleasure that came from him had my knees going weak. He pulled me down to the floor, his kisses making my heart flutter like it never did before. His hands remained at my waist, encircling it entirely since he was three times my size, and that made me worry, even while we kissed. He kissed like a man drinking water after being in the desert, like only my lips could sustain him. And perhaps it was true, given what little he shared with me about rejecting him, but I was lost in the moments. My hands were in his hair, tugging on it gently to adjust him as I saw fit. He was gentle, but I wanted the rougher side of him. The real side of Death. I bit his bottom lip and pulled on it, earning a pleasured growl and a tight squeeze at my waist.

"I don't want to hurt you, Ana," he groaned, pulling away to kiss at my throat.

I gasped when he licked the pulse just beneath my jaw and shivered against him.

"You won't. Give me all you've got," I growled, rolling with him until I was on top.

His animalistic growl only fueled my hunger for him as we rolled again and he ended up on top. He pushed my legs apart, settling his hips against my own. His back was arched as he kissed me so passionately that it took my breath away. This was what I had been craving, this was what I was wanting all my life. He nipped and bit, then licked and soothed. He teased and tormented, but responded to me like I wanted. I gave him cues and he obliged to my desires. He could read me like an open book. I knew what he wanted, the hair pulling, the nail scraping, the love bites and possible bruises. He never did anything that would leave a mark, yet he wanted marks on his own body. I left scrapes and bruises, clearly evident, and it seemed odd to me that a mere human could leave a mark on him, while the Hellhounds did not. Perhaps it was a mating thing, but I wasn't going to be concerned with it now. But our little make out session was interrupted rudely by a violent flash of light and the ground shaking the cabin roughly. I cried out in surprise and Death bent over me protectively. His enraged growl set my blood on fire, but I could only watch as he came to his feet and then gently pulled me to mine. He stared out the back door with blood red eyes that slowly returned to a more golden color and I glanced at the direction he was staring. I couldn't help but stare as three large beings, much like Death approached the cabin in the deep snow. It had started to become another blizzard outside and I wrapped an arm around Death's left arm. He gently pushed me behind him and squared his shoulders.

"Guess it's time to meet the family," he growled, remaining still in front of me.

"Those beings are your siblings?" I asked, staring wide eyed at the one in the red hood who looked much larger than Death.

"Yes. Don't leave my side, or War will try to bed you," Death said, looking down at me without moving his head.

The female of the three beings opened the back door and stepped in, followed by the two males, and I peeked around Death to get a better look.

"Glad to see that you are well, brother. Come, show us your mate, and let us see if she is worthy of you," the female, Fury, declared in an arrogant tone.

A tone I didn't like.

"Now wait just a goddamn minute! You come barging into my house without an invitation and then declare that you're going to see if I am worthy?! I think not. Get out! All of you!" I shouted angrily, stepping around Death, who reached for me and I swatted his hands away.

"You think you can make us, human? I am bigger than you," the one in the red hood snarled, stalking up to me like the arrogant male he was.

"The big sword must be compensating for something. How else will you get a female if not for a large weapon since you clearly don't have a brain," I growled back, planting my fists on my hips and glaring at him.

Death quickly got between the two of us and gave the one in the red hood a threatening glare.

"Touch her, War, and I will hurt you," Death snarled, his muscles going tense.

"Then perhaps you should teach your mate better manners," War snarled, reaching for his giant sword.

I moved faster than Death could have anticipated and kneed War right in the groin. He doubled over like any male would and Fury and the remaining male, Strife backed away quickly. Death took a step to the side as I approached War.

"If you ever insult me again in my home, and in front of my mate, I will rip off the very thing that gives you the right to be called a male," I growled, squatting down in front of War so I could see into his hood.

"I like this female. She should come around more often," Fury chuckled, patting Death on the back.

I turned to look at Death and frowned when I saw that he had his mask back on. But I would not force him to take it off. Fury approached me with a pep in her step and embraced me tightly.

"I have longed for a sister that could butt heads with the arrogant males in this family," she exclaimed, pulling away to look down at me.

"I have just longed for a sister, doesn't matter what she's like," I laughed, earning a brilliant smile from the female.

Death draped an arm over my shoulders and pulled me towards Strife. He had remained silent through the whole ordeal and when I got close enough he held out his hand. I shook it gladly and gave him a bright smile.

"I hear you like conspiracy theories. The library down that hall and last door on the left has a whole shelf full of books on conspiracies," I said, pointing to the hall.

Strife took off faster than I could follow and Death just groaned in discomfort. I giggled and leaned into him a bit more and turned to see War coming to his feet.

"War, I am sorry for what I did. I have a bit of a temper and I should not have taken it out on you," I said, approaching him slowly.

"What you did is no worse than what I would have done. You have been forgiven, but please refrain from going for the groin for a few months," he chuckled, ruffling my hair with a big hand, "She is indeed your type, Death."

"Why do you think I mated her?" Death chuckled, seating himself down on the couch.

"So are you guys going to be here for a time, or are you just passing through?" I asked, seating myself next to Death.

"I'm afraid we will be bothering you two until the start of next week. Four days in your human time I believe," Fury answered, seating herself on the loveseat.

"There are plenty of rooms for you three to choose from on the first floor. There is food in the kitchen and horses out in the barns if you wish to ride a bit, and if you need anything else please don't hesitate to ask," I said, smiling brightly.

Maybe, just maybe I would get to know what it was like to have a family, a real family. But all this exciting new encounters has sapped my strength and I coughed a bit, earning a concerned look from Death. I rose from the couch and headed up stairs, smothering my coughs in my sweater sleeve. I didn't hear Death right behind me and jumped when he gently took my shoulders in his hands.

"Ana? What do you need?" he asked quietly, gently scooping me up and placing me in my bed.

"In the cabinet behind the mirror there should be some nighttime cold medicine. I need two pills, the blue ones, and a glass of water," I answered between coughs.

Death retrieved the items I had described and I took the medicine and drank all of the water.

"My siblings will understand if you need rest. Sleep for now," Death murmured, removing his mask to kiss at my throat.

I giggled and nodded, cradling his head as he licked the skin just beneath my right ear. I watched as Death pulled back and returned his mask to its rightful place, and then left the room. He left the door slightly ajar and turned off the light. I laid back and quickly drifted into a deep sleep.