Hey! Thanks for all those that reviewed! I loved all your comments! New episode tomorrow! (: So excited! Haha…so here's the next chapter of Unexpected Surprises! WHOO! By the way, thanks for all the reviews out there! Please write some more! I really love to hear what you think!

Disclaimer: I don't own Nine Lives of Chloe King, or the people in it. So sad I know. BUT I do own the brand new characters that show in this story, most specifically this chapter.

Chapter 2

Previously~

She waited in the elevator listening to the catchy waiting music wondering what Valentina wanted to tell her. She heard the elevator ding, which gave her the cue to leave. She searched for their apartment address and took a deep breath before lightly knocking on the door.

Chloe could hear the tapping of heels from inside the room, and could hear the sound heading towards her as it grew louder and louder. The door opened and Valentina appeared behind it. Chloe smiled shyly at the intimating Mai leader in front of her before saying, "Hello."

Valentina smiled at the young girl in front of her. "Chloe, hello. Thank you for coming here so quickly."

Chloe chuckled nervously, hoping Valentina didn't notice. "Oh, it was no big deal. You ask, I come," she said as she walked into the apartment. However that didn't work too well, as Valentina clearly saw how nervous she was.

"Chloe, there is nothing to be nervous of," she said in that soothing tone of hers.

Chloe sighed in relief as she felt her muscles relax. "Oh okay. That's good because I just thought something was wrong. I mean I know that we already killed that scar faced guy, but I thought there was another one that's coming to get me. Not that I already know the whole Order is after me, but….I'm rambling. So I'll just shut up now and let you talk," she said sheepishly.

Valentina laughed. "Well then follow me." She walked past Chloe to lead her into the hallway where her office door was. Once they got there, only then Chloe noticed another heartbeat in the apartment. She didn't question as when Valentina opened the door, did she see a man standing to welcome them.

Chloe hesitantly walked inside, but stayed close to Valentina as she looked over the man.

He didn't look that old, maybe early or mid 40's. He was all around a good-looking guy. He was tall, probably at least 6'0 with dreamy blue eyes. He had this dark black hair that was swooped back a bit, and a five o'clock shadow on his face. He had slight color to him but was still kind of pale, but in a nice way. He was wearing a blue button-down that complimented his eyes, and black slacks.

He smiled at Chloe in an openly friendly way. It made her relax, but what bothered her was that he looked so familiar to her. But she had never seen him before…right? Surely she would remember such a man that looked like a movie star.

"Chloe, this Derek Pierce. He is the leader of the New York Pride in New York City. Derek this is Chloe King," Valentina said, while walking into the middle to make introductions.

"Hello Chloe," the man said to her. His voice was friendly and deep. She frowned, as the voice sounded so familiar to her.

"Hi," she said quietly. "I'm sorry, but I don't mean to be so forward. It's just I cant seem to shake the thought off. But Mr. Pierce have we met before? Or am I just crazy because it feels like we have, and I just want to know so I can make sure to check my sanity before I go home," she stopped talking then as she noticed she was, once again, rambling.

Derek chuckled. " You are so much like your mother," he said. "You ramble on and on just like her when you get nervous."

Her mother? But her mother never rambled as far as she knew. "I'm sorry, but my mother doesn't-" she can began to say, but he cut her off.

"Not your adopted mother Chloe," he said kindly as not to be rude of cutting her off. "But your biologically mother, Cecily."

She looked at him with surprised. "My biologically mother. You knew her?" she whispered as she was too shocked to speak any louder. The man nodded at her, his blue eyes staring intently at hers. She couldn't believe. "How do I know you're not lying? How can I trust you?"

Derek reached for his wallet in his pocket, and took a picture out of it. He walked slowly to Chloe, as if not to alarm her. And he reached forward holding the picture, as offering for Chloe to take it. "This will prove that what I say is the truth," he said calmly.

Chloe took the picture out of his hand, and looked at the picture. She gasped at what she saw. It was Derek, but a younger version of him. He looked to be in his early 30's. But that's not she noticed the most. It was the two people in the picture with him that she was focusing on. One of the people was a beautiful slender woman. She looked to be around the same age as Derek in the picture. The woman had pale skin, with a friendly smile and dark green eyes. Her hair was blonde and in slight curls….just like how Chloe's is now. And the woman was holding a child in her hands that looked like a mini version of the woman. And that small child was…Chloe herself.

Chloe's breath was speeding as she continues to view the picture. She knew that the small child was she. She had seen many pictures of herself that her mother took of when she was adopted by them when she was five. But in the picture she looked a little bit younger. Maybe 3 or 4 years old.

Chloe took a breath to try and calm herself, but it didn't help at all. After staring at the picture, she looked up at Derek who was staring intently at her face. "I believe you," Chloe said.

He smiled. "Thank you. Now I do believe you have questions for me."

Before Chloe could speak, Valentina spoke instead. Chloe had forgotten that she was in the room. "Why don't we talk in the living room, so you can be more comfortable?"

Chloe nor Derek said anything, but followed Valentina out of her office. As they got settled on the couch, Valentina left the room to give them privacy. Chloe knew though she could still here from the neighboring room, but she thanked Valentina for her gesture. Chloe then turned her head to the man sitting next to her. "How do you know her?"

Derek leaned back on the couch to stare at Chloe. "As you know you were born in Ukraine, well that's where Cecilia and I grew up too. We were best friends. Our parents were close, so gradually that made us close. It made going through the transition easier as we transitioned almost at the same time. Things were going okay. We lived in peace, and we both went to college together."

Chloe nodded at the information. "What happened next?"

"We met another Mai there. Elizabeth. My wife and mate. I don't know if Valentina told you, but when Mai have only one soul mate to give their hearts to. Once they fall in love with their mate, that's it. No more backing out, not that I have ever heard of any Mai mated pair complain before," he said at the end with a chuckle.

"Soul mates huh?" Chloe said with a soft smile.

Derek smiled back. "Yes, soul mates. Sometimes Mai would throw big annual parties where other Mai from all over can come and mingle to see if they can find someone. However, this can only happen after you transition. So for example, if you had were in a relationship with a Mai that neither you or him have transition yet, you may not be together after you both have transitioned. "

Chloe furrowed her eyebrows. "But how do you know when one is your soul mate?"

"You will just know. It's like a connection between the two. And you will figure it out. Your heart and mind will help and show you who it is. You will feel a change once you realize it. But the connection may not always be noticeable. Like it may be instance for some couple, like love at first sight. But for others, it will gradually take time."

Chloe listened intently to what Derek was saying. "Oh okay."

Derek smiled at her. "Relax. You will know. You just have to wait it out. Now that is cleared, how bout I tell you what happens next."

Chloe nodded and sat on the couch with her legs crossed and her feet in her lap.

"So, while I found my mate in college. Your mother did not, but she and Elizabeth were very close. After college though, Cecilia told me that she was going to leave. She didn't tell me why or where she was going, but I didn't stop her. I had faith in her to come back safe and sound. She left for a couple years, and through those years Elizabeth and I had a child. She came back though. She appeared on our doorstep, and we were shocked."

"Why were you shocked? Had something happened to her?"

"Yes, but not a bad thing. When she appeared she had a slight bump on her stomach. She was pregnant with you. She told us while she traveled she had found her mate. I was thrilled as my long time friend found someone, but angered as she was alone. Though she quickly told me that the Order was killing Mai, and that they had ran away in different directions. Though she didn't look sad."

Chloe frowned. "She didn't? How come?"

"Well, I wondered that too. But she just beamed at me, and said with confidence that she would reunite with him soon. I didn't object as to not her hurt feelings. She stayed with us then.. After a few months she had you, and she stayed us still as we could offer more protection. Everything was going good. Until one day she asked to talked to me in private. She told me how she had a vision of you being the Uniter, the one to save us from the Order. I didn't doubt her one-minute. You're mother had very good intuition. But then she also gave me a letter to keep to give to you when she was older. I was confused by this, but did not ask. And with her choice, we made a deal."

"What kind of deal?"

"I'll explain later, but on to the story. She gave me a hug, but it was different. It was as if she was saying goodbye. The next morning, when I came to look for you, you were gone. I was frantic and searched for Cecilia. I found her on the porch and explained that you were missing. But she told me she knew and that it was all a part of the plan. I didn't understand what that meant, but I hugged her begging her to tell me what was going on. She smiled at me and said all will be revealed soon. She gave me a kiss on the cheek and said she was going to take a walk, but she never returned."

"I sat in my office the night she disappeared. I was so angry that something had happened to her that I threw a picture frame across the wall. The glass broke, and the something slipped out. It was a piece of paper that was folded. It was a letter from Cecilia. She explained how she had to leave to unite with her mate, and that she made sure you were safe. She reassured me that you were safe and that we'd meet again one day. She also told me that I had to pack my family and get out of Ukraine immediately. She said she loved me and goodbye."

Chloe frowned. "She left me? Or better yet gave me away," she said under her breath.

Derek put his hand over his. "You have to understand, she did it to keep you safe. You were your mother's world. She loved you so much. She would do so much for the people she cares about, and I know you have that trait of hers. Along with her rambling and spitfire, or so what Valentina has told me," he said chuckling at the end.

Chloe smiled at him in thanks. She put her other hand over his and kept it there. He continued on with their position like that.

"I did what she said, and we left to New York where I was able to come the leader of the pride there. A few days later after we settled, I saw the news of Ukraine of a building being burned and your mother's names as one of the deceased who died in the building. I didn't believe it until I saw her body. I grieved for a long time before I was able to stand strong again. But the feeling that she was in a better place helped me through. And when the word spread that the Uniter was found, well I gathered things and made arrangements to come here to see you."

Chloe stayed silent as he finished his story. She thought about everything he said, and it was nice to finally know about her missing young childhood. Except there was something that she wanted to know. "But wait, what about my father?

Derek frowned apologetically at her. "I don't know what he looks like or what happen to him, I'm sorry, but Cecilia told me that you have his eyes and that his name was Zander."

Zander. Chloe could feel the side of her lips pull into a smile. She liked that name. It was unique. She also felt relief that she had something of her father.

"Wow," Chloe said unable to contain herself. It was just so much to think about.

Derek nodded understandably. "Yes, it is a lot to take it. I am sorry if I have overwhelmed you. But I must say that you have grown to be a very beautiful young woman. Your mother would be proud."

"Thanks. I really appreciate that..uhm. I'm sorry but I have no idea what to call you now that you've told me this," she said embarrassingly.

Derek laughed. "It's fine. You can call me Derek if you'd like. When you were young you called me Uncle Derek. You can call me that too, but I don't want to pressure you," he said though Chloe could see that he hoped she would call him the later one.

Chloe smiled at him. "Thank you Uncle Derek, but I have a feeling that there is something else you want to tell me about. Am I right?"

Derek beamed at her due to the name. "Yes I do, but I believe Valentina should join us now."

Neither called her, as they both knew she could hear the conversation. And sooner than a minute she was walking up to them sitting on the couch along with them. She sat on Chloe's left, while her now Uncle Derek sat on her right.

"So, what else is there to say?" Chloe asked curiously.

"Well, it is said that the Uniter would have a special protector when she or he was discovered," Valentina started.

"By special, you mean my soul mate?"

Valentina shook her head. "No, not like that. Though you're mate and all other Mai would protect the Uniter, there is one Mai that is unknowingly chosen as well your warrior. A blood ceremony is done for the chosen one to become the Uniters."

"Blood ceremony?" Chloe said horrifyingly.

"It's not as bloody and bad as it sounds," Derek assured her.

"It's just to show the specialness of the bond between the chosen one and the Uniter," Valentina continued.

"Well, who is this person?" Chloe asked.

"Remember the deal that I made with Cecilia that I told you about. Well this is it. The night she said she was leaving. She asked me if my son would be your warrior when the time came for us to meet again," Derek said.

"My mom chose for me? So I don't get a say in this," She said only a little put out, only because she didn't get a say.

"No you do. Of course you do. This man would be chosen to be your warrior and protector, and be bonded to you. So of course you have the say. It's just that you're mother just picked a candidate. Though you will have many more protectors of course," Valentina answered her. "I was shocked too, when Derek told me this. But he should proof that Cecilia did come up with this."

Chloe's eyebrows furrowed. "What kind of proof?"

"This," Derek said before handing her a very old piece of paper. And it said:

To whom this is being read to,

I, Cecilia Annamarie Hunter, chose Derek Pierce's eldest son to become the Uniter's-my daughter, Chloe's-blood warrior if she, herself, chooses to accept him.

Signed by,

Cecilia Hunter

"Why is there blood next to where she signed her name?" Chloe said as she finished reading the letter.

"It's to show that she truly did write it, and that Derek didn't fake it," Valentina said. "You need hard evidence like this to show you're being sincere, and not taking advantage of you for their own personal uses."

"Oh," Chloe said understandingly.

"Well Chloe, what are you thinking? I understand this is all confusing, and I do hope I am not trying to force you into anything. Whatever you decide is completely fine with me. I just want you safe. Just like your mother, I believe my son can do this," Derek said. There was no doubt how sincere he was, the look in his eyes was all the proof enough. Chloe realized how much her Uncle Derek cared for her. She was sad how she couldn't really remember him.

"I would like to meet and get to know him first," Chloe said. If her mother had faith in this person, she wanted to see it herself. "Did he come to San Francisco too?"

"He did. I sent him away, but I called him to tell him to come over after you finished talking with Derek. He should be here soon," Valentina said. And right after he said it, there was a light knock at the door. Valentina stood up to go and get it.

Derek chuckled. "Speak of the devil, and the devil shall appear."

Chloe couldn't help but giggle at that. She knew he was trying to put her at ease, and she appreciated it. She stared at the floor trying to avoid this as much as she could. When she could see Valentina's heels in front of her, she knew it was time to face this person that her mother blindly put her faith in with her lives as the cost.

She felt Derek get up and clear her throat. "Chloe, this is my son, Cedric."

Well there you have it! The end of chapter 2! Haha I hoped you enjoyed. Next chapter you get to meet who Chloe's mom chose. I hoped you liked it. I felt as though you needed background information, and this chapter gives it to you. I'm sorry if it was a little boring, but it's only the beginning and I have to introduce things. It does get interesting I promise you that (:

Please review! I love hearing your comments, and it just makes me want to write more.

LOOK HERE!

I thought you'd like a visual of who plays who with my new characters. Since I showed one, ill show you who plays him.

Derek Pierce is played by Patrick Dempsey