Chapter I
T
he Second Daughter

"Aro! Be rational! I have always done well! I've been a great worker for you and your race!"

"Yes," Aro nodded with false sympathy, "However, that's the key word isn't it? Been, as in past tense. Your services have degraded themselves from greatly satisfying, to impressively tedious."

The man named Evans' face fell, during which, Aro looked to both his brothers before continuing.

"Slowly, but surely. It truly is a pity, now I mean that sincerely, you used to have so much talent Michael."

"However, we can acquire better talent elsewhere." Caius said, "And with much better prices."

"No! No! Please, I'll do better! I swear on my life!"

"That sort of gamble has already been placed before Michael, and unfortunately we must collect."

"Please Aro! I'll work harder!"

"Empty promises." Marcus said.

Aro nodded, "Felix?"

In a moment, Felix was beside Evans, grabbing his arms as he motioned for Demitri to come over.

"No! Please! I-I… I have children Aro! A wife! You know that! I have to be there for them!" Evans pleaded as he struggled helplessly against the two vampires.

Aro looked at Evans with peaked interest; noticing his expression, Marcus said,

"Aro we are not in a position to make exceptions."

However, Aro was deaf to his brother's warning and quickly raised his hand to cease all action as he stepped closer to Evans.

"How many children do you have again Mr. Evans?"

Evans pulled himself free of Felix and Demitri's yielding arms as he replied,

"Seven. I have five daughters, and my two youngest boys, twins."

Aro nodded, his intrigue clearly progressing, "Quite a family." He extended his hand, "Might I see?"

Evans shook his head vigorously, "We have an agreement about that-"

"Oh of course! Of course." Aro agreed, "Yet, might I assume you have pictures of your family?"

Evans hesitated slightly before reaching into his pocket, once he retrieved his Iphone he handed it to Aro.

He flipped through to pictures quickly until he settled on one that caught his interest.

The photo was of three young girls; the one on the far left was a fair-skinned girl with long ginger-red hair, blue eyes, and appeared to be about eighteen or so.

The youngest-looking of the girls had pale skin with rosy cheeks, chestnut brown hair, blue eyes, and dimples that showed with her big smile.

She was being picked up by a teenage-looking girl with the same pale skin (same dimples as well), but her cheeks weren't as rosy and her eyes were a greener shaded blue. Her hair was long and dark brown.

"Mr. Evans, tell me about these girls; names and ages will do." Aro said cheerfully.

Evans nodded with an audible gulp and took a quick look at the photo.

"That's Loraine, my eldest." He said pointing to the redheaded girl, then pointed to the teenage girl, "And that's Marni hugging Darcelle."

"How old are they?"

"Lor is twenty, Marni just turned fourteen, and Darcelle is almost ten. They are my first wife's children."

Aro thought to himself a moment, a process which ended just before he smiled widely.

"Mr. Evans, would you mind speaking with me in private?"

"Why?"

"I have an offer to discuss, it could save your job, among other things…"

Evans' face became whiter as he nodded to Aro and followed him to his private office.

*A few minutes later*

Aro returned to the throne room alone but seemingly triumphant, holding a small piece of paper in his hand.

"Aro, what have you done?" Marcus asked.

"I've made arrangements for a new student, my brothers." He turned Jane and Alec, 'Jane, make the proper adjustments in the dorms."

Jane nodded dutifully and sped off to her task, Aro then nodded to Alec.

"Alec, please fetch our new girl. Take Chelsea with you for back-up."

Alec nodded, taking the photo from his master.

"Her name, master?"

Aro smiled and said simply,

"Marni Evans."

Alec nodded as he took another look at the hand drawn picture of the dark haired girl.