Never is Enough
Prolougue:
Mary-Lynette has a secret, she's a Night Worlder also. So after Ash leaves, but doesn't come back to her, she's heartbroken and powerful. Two things that the world would be better off without. After constant hiding and running, Mary-Lynette decides it's time for a change, a new start. A clean slate. But going to Circle Daybreak isn't that much of a vacation for the young girl after all.
When she finds out she's going to have to pull her weight around the home, an unexpected task is pushed her way. Not only does she have to help protect to Royal, she's also paired up with two people she really doesn't get along with right off the bat.
How's the young Night Worlder going to tackle her future problems? And what will her heartbreak bring to the table for her?
Chapter One: The Finding
Mary-Lynette's POV.
The steady hum of the vehicle drowned and engine settled my nerves as I continued to drive through the lands without stopping. I didn't need bathroom breaks or food, and if it weren't for the fact running took to much energy out of me, I could be out of this country right now. But traveling as humans confused the Bounty hunters and messed them over.
The rich scent of leather and freshly cut grass on a spring day flowed gracefully through the air and distracted me as I drove and drove. Seventy two hours ago I was outside at target practice when fate cruelly changed my path and much too dramatically if you asked me. Now, I was on the run and under a deadline to get to my destination without being caught.
I had been exposed, seen. As a Night World Child, secrecy had become a very big part of my life, but there were odd times when the word would slip, or someone wasn't careful as to watch what was happening around us.
Bounty hunters, scientists, the devil's right hand men, whatever you wanted to call them, they were after me. And being caught would ensure an eternity of pain, testing, and no doubt involuntary and forced breeding on my part for research purposes. When I was discovered… I know not, but being a shape shifter I knew I would find out all too soon for my liking. And if that wasn't bad enough, Hunter Redfern was also recruiting new night world creatures for his army.
All I ever wanted was to be normal. Go to high school, graduate and grow old. But no, not now.
For years, I have stood alone as I got through hunter after hunter and battled my way through life to survive. I never liked being different, but this is a hole new level. As a night worlder, I've always had 'extra' abilities. I never knew about them until the faithful day I realized the cruel truth of reality. It's because of who my parent are though, I come from a long line of famous night worlders, different shape shifters, witches, vampires, werewolves, anything and you name it. As a new hybrid, I will always be different from everyone else, every other night world creature. And I hate it.
I would have been happier if after Ash left, my mother and father would have left me to myself and not try and change the way I was. I never knew of my night world heritage, and I liked it that way. Because now I knew, so did everyone else.
When Ash promised to return for me, I took that extra step and believed him. But after two years, you've got to move on. And when I did, it took a turn for the worst. I met my first Redfern, saw my first werewolf, fought in my first battle, and lost my first real night world friend. I stopped all contact with the ones I loved, I quit school and focused on training and fighting. I improved and excelled. Now there's nothing holding me back but the fact that it isn't possible for me to take on the whole world right now.
I was immortal, never changing, something I would rather die then have at times. Life had been pretty cool before I had to start running. I went to school, made friends, and did somewhat normal teen things like shopping, movies and I trained for every different fighting technique I could. Marshall Arts, sword fighting, I had even taken classes on archery and combat. But now I was being pulled away from all that because some low life losers want me to join in a battle I have no intention of fighting in, then they want to sell me off.
Now, as I drive down the highway towards the airport with a new passport and identification, a different look and voice, I can't help but wish I was dead rather then alive. Everything would be so much easier if I were dead. But I suppose I don't have any such luck. My only reason for not finding a way out of this life at the moment was the honour I carried on my shoulders from my parents' generation to my own.
I was headed to Los Angeles. There, I was told, was a housing for night world people that wanted to be kept safe against the Redferns and relax for a while. And that's exactly what I had in mind.
As the SUV cruised along the smooth road a ringing noise irrupted from my dash board and as I reached to retrieve the cell phone that was perched on the dash, I found my hope spike as I noticed the number right away. It was Hannah's, from Circle Daybreak.
"Hi Hannah." I opened the cell phone and held the cold device to my ear.
"Mary-Lynette, how are you?" she asked in a cheery voice, one I never got tired of hearing. Listening to Hannah's voice immediately made you stop and listen. She had an attitude that you couldn't ignore and I smiled even at her quick hello.
"Good, thanks. You?" I replied. My curiosity spiked as the reason she called seemed to become duller.
"Not bad. Look, we've got Poppy and James driving to the airport to pick you up, but you will not be alone. Three others will be escorted to the institute with you from the airport and to let you know, these three mean business." her voice turned serious and I found myself admitting this wasn't the news I wanted to hear. "The boy, Aiden is one of the most important shape shifters coming to Circle Daybreak, not that you aren't all important, but it is vital that we keep Aiden safe and I know the training you've had. Second, Lydia and Sophie are also very important keys in Circle Daybreak. Their witches and it is of up most importance that everyone arrives safely." her voice was serious and full of authority.
Sighing, I replied annoyed. "And I, along with however many others will be assigned to watch out for this group, ensure that they are kept safe and out of harms way. Am I right?"
"And Aiden is destined to mate with one of the two, so it is vital they all get here safely. The future of Circle Daybreak depends on all of you."
"But I still have to guard them don't I?" I asked board, Hannah sighed in the background and I rolled my eyes as she hesitated to respond. "Don't I?" I asked again, an edge on my voice.
"Yes! And I know this wasn't your idea of a safe getaway Mary-Lynette, but we need you now. We need everyone now." Hannah's voice was full of a pleading tone I could not turn down, so agreeing to the request, I made my last turn on to the highway exit to the airport. There, the babysitting would begin.
Walking towards the front entrance of the Toronto Airport, a feeling of loneliness seemed to flood through me. Not a feeling I liked either.
But at the moment, I was focused on one thing, and one thing only. Get to L.A. alive. And at this point I'm not sure what will be more difficult. Accepting the fact that I am now an authorized babysitter for a bunch of kids, or that I might not make it out of this country alive.
As I made my way through the check in and security and pushed my way onto the plane and into first class. The seats were wonderful and the first class cabin was more grand then my hole house out together. "Is there anything I can get for you miss?" the attendant would ask every hour or so. When it came time to leave, I didn't want to get off.
The sun was shining and my carry on was heavy. The airport was crowded and it smelt funny, nothing like back home. But then again, this was my new home. It would just take some getting use too.
Sauntering through to receive my luggage I hauled it from the belt easily. The signs people had looked nothing like I expected. There were people asking for the O'Malley Family and Doug Marsh. I couldn't even see through the crowd, let alone find the sign I was suppose to be following. But as I looked closer, the five stuck out like a sore thumb. Two girls, which would most likely be Sophie and Lydia, leaned against their giant suitcases, board, and the 'special' boy I'm guessing to be Aiden looked around curiously.
Poppy and James seemed to be highly annoyed at the two girls that looked as if they were just there to make everyone's lives harder. They held a sign that read Mary-Lynette and I knew right away that was my ride. Marching up, my luggage in tow and my carry on bag smacking the side of my leg, I made my way towards my ride to my safe haven, hopefully.
"Uh, hi. I'm Lyn, Mary-Lynette…" I smiled as Poppy looked ready to praise me on her hands and knees for showing up. Poppy was very pretty, and James was very handsome. Like matched movie stars. Sophie and Lydia looked sickly sweet and pretty, and I hadn't yet seen the front of the 'oh so special' golden boy yet.
"It's about time you got here! We've been waiting forever!" one of the girls chided as I rested my carry on bag on the floor and shook the hands of Poppy and James. "Enough with the introductions, I just want to go." the girl hissed as I looked from Poppy to her and back to Poppy again.
"Uh, maybe you didn't hear her. We should be going." the other twin stated from behind her sister.
"Well, this is Sophie." said James, gesturing towards the dark haired girl. "And this is Lydia." he finished pointing to the blond. "And this young fellow is Adien." finally, the boy turned around and looked me square in the eye. He extended his hand to shake my own, but I refrained from making contact. I knew how disrespectful it was to touch the bare skin of someone with a higher ranking then yourself.
"A pleasure." I greeted quietly. I was not use to being in the presence of royalty and I definitely wasn't use to being around other people so much. "How far is it from here to the house?" I asked Poppy and James. They looked at each other and seemed to silently battle about the distance.
"It's about four to five hours. We need to make a quick stop before we can arrive at the house if you all don't mind. In the mean time there is a residence nearby that will be housing us for the night. We will bunk there until morning then we'll be on our way once again." Poppy smiled. At first just talking to just me, then turning her attention to everyone who nodded and picked up their luggage to continue towards the vehicle James was driving.
The vehicle James was driving was almost as beautiful as my old SUV. The big black truck had twenty inch chrome rims and it was an extended Escalade. A limited addition Escalade it looked liked. Something I thought I'd never see. "Okay, everyone in." Poppy called out as everyone starred at it. Suddenly, Lydia and Sophie pushed past Aiden and I to climb into the vehicle.
Opening the door, Lydia's sudden ear piercing scream seemed to bring everyone to life as immediately; I jumped in front of Lydia and Sophie and poised myself for an attack. Poppy and James were beside me in an instant. There were two men in the vehicle and they were dressed in all black and looked as if they were heavy weight champions.
"Girls, Aiden… calm down, these are the other body guards that will be watching out for you along with Poppy, Lyn and I." James sighed as the girls shrieked again in fear and clutched out for each other.
As Poppy and James manoeuvred around the car to the driver's and passenger seat. Lydia and Sophie blushed in embarrassment. They eventually climbed into the vehicle and sat in the back with one of the guards. Aiden sat between the other guard and I in the middle seats as the car started off and silently drove out of the parking lot of the airport.
Driving down the highway, I reminded myself of where I was hours before, when I was pulled out of my trance by the stop of the car. As everyone undid their seatbelts and exited the vehicle, one of the guards pulled me aside and gave me a small smile. Pulling my hand out, in it he placed a blue tooth and a pair of sunglasses in my hand. "Now your one of us." he teased and walked off after the group after patting me on the back and smiling widely as if he were hiding a big secret.
Putting on my shades and inserting the device in my ear, I ran after the group towards a small white house that looked very neglected. The plant pots went without water and the grass was overgrown and dieing. The paint was chipped and the shingles needed replacing. The door, as they pulled it open, let out an awful squeak and which seemed to bother everyone, not just me. Inside seemed to be in no better condition.
The walls and ceiling were stained and the floor was dirty. The twins looked disgusted and Aiden's back was facing me. A sight I seemed to get use to already. On a far chair, an older lady sat and watched us with keen eyes. On either side of her were two body guards much like the men in our group. The was a young boy standing behind the older woman who's eyes didn't leave me. In fact, everyone seemed to looking at me expectantly.
Suddenly, Poppy and James bowed in respect as did the guards, I repeated the same motion and looked around confused as the girls and Aiden did nothing but stand motionless. "Ah, my fellow Circle Daybreak children. How is everything?" the older lady asked in a captivating voice that was filled with not only wisdom but authority and experience.
"Everything is great my lady." James smiled and bowed his head once again. "May I introduce Lydia and Sophie Noland and Aiden Wayling." he added, gesturing to the two in front of myself. Confusion sparked in me as I looked from James, to Poppy to the older lady, shouldn't these people know who Aiden is? The old lady nodded her head and turned her attention towards me again. I felt small under this woman's glance with disturbed me greatly.
"Come here child." the lady smiled as I looked to Poppy who nodded and smiled reassuringly at me. I couldn't help but feel unsecured in front of all these people. "Come closer girl." she sighed as I took a small step forward.
Slowly walking up to the woman, I bowed respectfully in front of the lady, the only thing I could think of at the moment. The lady grabbed for one of my hands and I shivered slightly as I looked into her eyes, her skin was leathery and cold. "What is your name child?" she asked quietly starring at me with such knowledge I found myself becoming more intelligent just looking at the woman.
"Well my name is Mary-Lynette miss, but I prefer Lyn." I answered, my voice faltering from the confidence I thought I had placed behind it. I could feel my knees weaken as I held her eyes with my own.
"Lyn, I'm very close to your great grandmother. More closer then you know. It's an honour, I have herd much about you." her voice was mysteriously calm and I couldn't help but get the feeling of resistance from her. Letting my hand go, she dismissed me and I returned to one of the guard's side. My head seemed to feel unusually painful at the moment.
"Pardon me miss, but I'm sure the children are tired and I think they would appreciate a good night's sleep." Poppy's voice was full of strength and confidence, something I couldn't find in myself at the moment.
"Very good Poppy. You're dismissed. Goodbye children, and good luck." the older lady said as Poppy and James herded us towards the car outside. Exiting the house, the headache increased and I started to feel dizzy. Ignoring the sudden urge to hurl, I noticed the new vehicle parked behind ours. Then I heard the voice beside me.
"Lyn, you and two other guards will escort Aiden and the guest along with a driver to Circle Daybreak. I will be going with Poppy, James and the twins in the other vehicle. Just turn on the Bluetooth if something goes wrong and remember to watch them closely." the man warned, I was only capable of listening to half of his conversation as we walked towards the Escalades. But I got what I needed to know. Watch the boys, there's a driver and two others guards and signal with the Bluetooth if something goes wrong.
"K," I slurred as I walked towards the second vehicle. The guest was dashing and some force I couldn't explain seemed to be pulling me towards the boy more and more. In the back, Aiden sat on the other side of the guest, and I beside him. Which I was completely not comfortable with due to this attraction.
My head was pounding and the odd urge to sleep continued to tug me under more and more as the minutes passed. I continued to nod of and every couple of minutes I managed to smack my head off the window and wake myself. At one point, the guest beside me grabbed me with cold strong hands before I could hit the window. His sudden action startled me, and acknowledging him slightly, I straightened myself and reached into the knapsack I had brought with me.
Pulling my I-pod from the front pocket, I inserted the cold headphones into my ears and turned on the most upbeat song on my music player, praying to God it would keep me awake for the ride. I didn't want to fall asleep again. My most important mission other then protecting the three passengers was to ensure I kept to myself. I'm done with other people and trusting them. I had learnt my lesson with Ash.
It hurt even to say his name let alone think of what he had done to me. I trusted him, I trusted him and he let me down. I refrained from leaving for University, and I had received a full scholarship. I stopped going away; just to make sure I would be there when Ash showed up. My friends stopped hanging around me, because I was too set on seeing his face again. My parents argued and argued on end because I broke down into nothing when I realized he wasn't coming. Then it all stopped, they came after me and stopped at nothing. All of my friends, my parents, my town. Everyone I ever cared about other then my little brother. And even after some time I stopped seeing him, or replying to his phone calls and letters. I couldn't put him in that kind of danger.
Now, as I sit here, my music in my ears and stuck in a car with other strangers. I still can't stop my thoughts from drifting back to him and his face, his body and steady movements. My friends say I'm a fool for thinking you're the one for me, I guess I'm just a sucker for love. I smirked at the lines. This artists got no idea what their talking about.
Suddenly, a hand struck my shoulder and I turned my head to see everyone getting out of the vehicle. Stepping out into the brisk, cool air, I shivered and starred at the motel. It was small and tidy. Comfortable and homey. Something I haven't had in a long time.
The night passed with no problems, no disruptions. Everything seemed fine, but Poppy and James still seemed more comfortable when we were on the road and sounded giddy as we came in range of minutes from Circle Daybreak.
Pulling around the last bend, I looked out the window and starred silently as we approached a grand old building. It was like an extended duplex, old and ancient, with history and personality. The gardens were nicely tended too, and the people standing outside seemed to have an authoritive look, but seemed charming to the eye.
The cars stopped and we got out of the vehicle, half the body guards going first, and the rest exiting the cars second with more guards behind them. Everyone took cautious steps as we approached the house and I felt the quiet gasp escape my lips as the doors opened and we walked in. The inside of the home was even more immaculate then the outside. Pale and dark colours staining the walls and furniture. Ancient artefacts and antiques lightly covered some of the surfaces in the cabinets and the look on everyone's faces looked as if it matched my feelings.
"Feel free to look around everyone, and when you're ready, we'll show you to your rooms." Poppy's voice was reassuring and calmed. As if stepping into this house brought her great peace and happiness, as it did to James. A smile crossed both of their faces as James wound his arm around the shoulders of Poppy and they slowly walked down the first hallway you saw as you walked into the house.
Taking a quick peak around, I headed towards the back rooms first. Curious as to what special memories and stories each one held with them. But as I walked down the hall, an odd sound hit me, it was a piano. Playing a soft and meaningful melody. But as I followed the sound to an antique room, I saw the back of a girl and a piano, surrounded my musical instruments ranging over everything you could imagine.
Leaning against the arch in the wall, I folded my arms and listened for a second before the music abruptly stopped and the player lashed around on her seat and the next thing I knew, there was a sword poised to puncture my head, a deathly look in the girl's ice blue eyes. Out of no where, the guest from the old home ran into the room and stood in front of me, holding his hands up as if to surrender to the girl.
"Lyric, this is Mary-Lynette. She's a new member of circle daybreak. Everything's okay." his voiced was breathless and worried. Lyric's eyes flashed from me to the guest and back again. Before slowly lowering her sword, she gave me a small nod in what seemed like an apology and put her sword away. "Sorry, Lyric's deaf. I'm Jake by the way." the boy said, holding out a hand for me to shake which I refrained from regardless.
I looked at him incredulously, if Lyric was deaf, she wouldn't have been able to hear his voice. "Oh, uh, yeah. Lyric can read your lips as well as your thoughts weather or not you try to block them. It's like a super power." he grinned, almost embarrassed by the thought.
"Okay…well, thanks Jake. I'll see you later." I said simply. Looking from Lyric to Jake and to the only escape behind me. Turning to leave, I sneaked one last glance at Lyric and left the room, retreating to the stairs in hope of finding my bedroom for some much needed hours of sleep.
"Hey! Wait up!" Jake called out and ran after me as I sighed and regrettably turned to face him.
"What's your story?" he asked casually as I turned around and once again started up the stairs. Matching my pace and steps, I knew this boy wouldn't leave without an answer.
"I wanted to get away all the pressure and memories of my old life, I figured if I came here, I could get away from all that." I stated, starring around as I neared the top of the stairs. There were three hallways. Each lined with closed doors and pale walls.
"Oh… cool." Jake said quietly. Obviously not expecting the story I gave him. "Here, I'll show you too your room and you can meet your partners here." I nodded my head but suddenly froze.
"Um, partners? I didn't sign up for guard duty." I hissed, taking a threatening step towards him with my eyes blazing and my throat burning.
"Believe it or not, no one did here. But if you want a new start or a fresh break, this place comes with a price. And doing your part is just that price we have to pay." Jake sighed and walked around me, gesturing for me to follow down the hall directly in front of us. Opening up a door in the middle of the hall, Jake showed me a wonderfully decorated Victorian styled bedroom with a perfect view of the backyard outside.
Walking to the window, I glanced out to see Lyric fighting fiercely with another resident here, and she was winning, but still holding back. Jake appeared beside me and commented on her fighting skills. Said how she had received training in every form of fighting to weapons and self defence. That she was the best fighter here.
"Lyric will be one of your partners." he added, I turned to stare at him with my mouth open.
"Just ten minutes ago, that girl was ready to kill me!" I yelled back in defence. Suddenly, Lyric finished off her opponent and starred up at the window, directly at me. Shoving, with unneeded force, her sword slid into the leather band that held the weapon to her belt. She glared at me and walked towards the back door of the house.
"She's really not that bad. Wait till you meet your other partner." Jake sighed, a sly smile on his face.
"Who…" I was abruptly cut off by a female voice from downstairs demanding him there at once.
"Coming!" he yelled back before turning away from the window. "Don't worry, you'll meet your partner soon enough." he smiled and exited the room, closing the door behind him.
Second Chapter Preview:
What Mary-Lynette doesn't know,
Is that Circle Daybreak is housing a special surprise just for her!