Lucas's POV
My breath hitched as I saw Cora before me. My love was not really here, Arthur had put protection spells all around the place, and no one with magic powers could enter.
'' Cora.''- I gulped as she walked to me. Her hair was tied on a ponytail and to me she was never more beautiful. But my dear witch was only an illusion; she must have found a way through the young warlock's incantations.
'' What have you done, Lucas?! Dark magic?! Do you have any idea what you might unleash upon this world!'' – My fingers touched her cheek, but they ran through air.
'' I have missed you so.''- The betraying heart in my chest still beats for her, my Cora.
'' I don't have much time. Tell me where you are, so we can stop the wrongs you've done. This place is hardly warded; it's taking me a lot amount of power to maintain this form. Please.''- She covered my hand with hers.
'' Why did you come?! Not to see me, of course. So you are answering to that monster? Their witch on hire?! ''- I freed myself from her embrace. –'' How can you do this, Cora?! Look the murderer of Rebecca in the eyes and help him!''
'' Dealing with dark magic isn't gone bring her back! This path of revenge has to stop. I had wanted to see how the life leaves Montgomery for so many times, to use my magic on him and make him suffer. I even thought about bringing Becca back like you did with Roger, but that's not right. She wouldn't want that for you, Luke. Not for Jared or Chris. ''- Cora looked at me with the eyes I adored so much, and that made me angrier.
'' So you suggest I should forget?! That Jared should forget the girl he cared for?! To become friends with the vampires, the murderers, like you.''- My words hurt her, Cora's eyes began watering.
'' This isn't you, Lucas. You are becoming like your father. He started all of this.''- Cora was talking about the researches my father did about Charles, before Thomas claimed my sister as his mate. In the beginning we were looking for an old vampires near and Montgomery's nest was the nearest. Every time that leech escaped us, my father motivated himself to go deeper. We had a whole wall with evidence about that vampire, his niece, family tree. – ''It's still painful to talk to him. But he is changed because of Selena. I'm doing this for you, Luke. Please, tell me where you are.''- She was pleading me with tears in her eyes.
'' No, go away. '' – I hissed. Arthur had showed up and yelled some spell and Cora vanished. I ignored his questions and locked myself in my room.
The idea of exposing Charles as the monster he is came first to me in the gallery. Everyone accepted him as equal, admired his talent. Selena was literally glowing in his presence, kissing him on the cheek or walking hand in hand with him around the guests. Her family laughed with that blood demon, clinked their glasses with his. Everyone was so eager to be in his company. It made me sick then. The vampire had created himself a very good public image. He had an honorable job, a beautiful fiancée and he was a talented young artist. When thanks to my link with Roger Montgomery I learnt that Charles works in a hospital, I had choked on my drink. Who in his right mind would let a demon near patients, operating them? The pride which had filled Roger made me angry. The demon that killed my Becca is now pretending to be a human, working and saving lives. I had thrown my glass at the wall, then the bottle. Now I smiled picturing Charles Montgomery's reaction.
Thanks to dear Roger and thanks to the young warlock Arthur, revenge would be sweet. I wanted to take everything from Charles, to see how the ground vanishes beneath his feet. I wanted for Selena, her loved ones to hate him, to abandon him. Montgomery would be heartbroken, alone. Then and only then, I will deliver him painful death.
# # #
I smiled as I heard my mother laughing. I had missed this. The full house, voices. Last year when my mom was abroad, Nick away, it was crushing to be here, in our home. Angela came to visit, stayed for the night. We had spent numerous nights watching romantic movies, discuss boys and make ourselves pretty with beauty masks. Angie was always there for me and I was glad I had her as friend. The boys also were keeping me from boredom when they came to visit or when I to their place. I loved this routine of ours- cooking together, making plans. I never felt alone when I had Angela to drink coffee with, Daniel to make me laugh, Victor and Alexander to play the roles of big brothers. Even when I was at our home, when everyone was busy, talking on the phone helped me feel good again. I knew my friends had lives, I didn't want to intrude , but this empty flat seemed so cold without other people's presence. Ghosts and other creatures I had considered fantasy and nonsense, they weren't the thing that scared me. I feared because I was alone in there, and the silence was killing me. Daniel joked I should stop watching so many horror movies, but I knew he was worried about me. In fact he and Victor offered for me to move in with them until my brother returns. Nick and my mother had allowed me.
'' You will be safer with us, Selly. We won't let anyone harm you.''- Alex had said after I had prepared my suitcase.
'' Yes, a young girl being all alone in that big empty place.''- Daniel had opened the car's door and I got in.
''You will never feel bored with us. –Victor turned on the heater and handed me packet of snacks and I smiled at him. I knew these boys won't do anything inpropriate to me, our connection wasn't like that. We were like a family, me, Nick. The times we went hiking together, ice skating. I remember vividly one weekend with the boys, Angela, other friends at one cozy hut in the mountain. The lit fireplace, the karaoke, the card games. I had fallen asleep beside Victor on the couch, finally bested by the dances and the alcohol.
So this is why I was so happy that my home is full again. With my mother making coffee in the mornings, Rodrigo watching football on the TV or help my mom with the cooking. I and Catherina arguing which one will use the shower first. I had missed this, having a family. People who make your life brighter, who you argue with, laugh and cry. My family got bigger with Charles, Mary, Raymond and Adrian. And not to forget Roger, the resurrected brother of my fiancé. He seemed nice, polite. I had showed him around the centre, the lake. He was still very confused about being back to this land again.
'' My wife is gone. She had been for so many years. I miss her.-'' Roger had said as we were sitting on one bench near the lake.
''I don't know what to say.''- I really didn't. How to console a man who was awoken only to be used as a weapon? Who had lost so much? I tried to not think of him as dangerous, but my love's brother.
I was surprised when my mother invited Charles, Roger and Mary over for dinner so the brother could properly meet my grandparents. Maybe it was too soon, the poor man had to adjust to the situation. I felt sorry for Roger and my heart melted when every time he reaches for his daughter's hand.
I and mom gave our best with the meals. I glanced at my fiancé. Charles wanted me to move in with him. We have been together for almost a year, not to mention engaged. But something was holding me back, I don't know what. I love my immortal with all my heart, my joy was inexpressible when I accepted to be his wife, but the big final step to start to live with him was terrifying me. Since we began our relationship, I had often slept in his apartment. I had a toothbrush there, a comb, and some clothes, cosmetic. But not my full luggage. I guess I was afraid to start to live with him, which was ridiculous given the fact I will be his wife in the future. Just the moving in and the wedding were making me nervous. I wanted this, wanted to see Charles every day, to listen how he sings under the shower, to play video games with him, to cuddle on the sofa. To create the life like we had imagined it would be. Before my vampire proposed to me, when we were in Italy I made my decision. We were on the top of Leaning tower of Pisa, he was telling me about the time he firstly came here, what was now different. When my eyes met his and I knew- I wanted to live with him; to wake to these blue eyes every day, to see this smile. I had intended to tell my charming vampire I was ready for this step, but then Roger entered our lives. Things got complicated and our personal life will have to wait.
I dropped the fork and it hit the plate when I heard Roger's words. The blood froze into my veins.
Charles's POV
The dinner was going smoothly given how things were the previous night. Selena's mother had really outdone herself with the delicious meals and I complimented her. My precious girl had inherited the charming smile from her mother; Lena's eyes were exactly the same as her father's. Rachel Porter tried to make my brother feel comfortable. She knew who he was and I admired how calm she was when they handshaked and Roger kissed her hand. My brother had bought wine and gave it to Rodrigo Santoro.
Selena's grandparents- Sean and Rosemary Wilson welcomed my brother and my love's grandmother was pleasantly surprised when Roger gave every woman in the house a huge bouquet of flowers, accompanied with the smile that had melted many ladies when we were younger. I was carrying box of chocolates and a bowl of salad. Mary offered with a smile the cake she had baked. Raymond was carrying the beer.
Everything seemed all right. We had told my love's grandparents that Roger is our cousin, who worked abroad as an airplane pilot and that's why they never met him. I hadn't mention Roger before to them, it was too painful. But when Sean Wilson found out that the man I went to talk to is my relative, he normally became curious. Everyone besides Lena's grandparents knew, and I felt bad about lying to them. During those months I started to like them a lot. Sean Wilson prefers to go hunting or fishing and I often accompanied him. Rosemary Wilson thought that I was smart young man and I truly loved their granddaughter. It was normal for them to ask me questions about my past, family, where I had grown up. My faked story contained dead parents, only me and Mary- my sister. I had graduated and began my doctoring carrier. As for the drawing – I had been always talented, but had decided to work in a hospital instead. Selena motivated me to draw again. A lie closest to the truth as it can be. I wasn't ready to reveal my true nature, age. I was afraid of the same fear I might see as they realize I'm not human.
When Roger looked at me, his fork clanked on the plate because he had dropped it, I got the horrible feeling that this night will take a bad turn. My brother's pupils were dilated and saw the tears forming in his blue eyes as he spoke the truth I dreaded. About me and him. My sibling had balled his fists on the table, battling with something deep inside of him. Please make me stop, Charles! I read in his mind, and I prepared myself to compel him. But when I invaded his mind again, it was like I hit a brick wall. My every attempt to get past it was unsuccessful.
I stepped back mentally and breathed deeply. It was exhausting me, and I was affecting badly Roger, he had started shaking. Mind control is always dangerous if it is forced upon the human in a short amount of time repeatedly.
'' What are you talking about?! Mary is his sister. And vampires?! You dead?!''- Rosemary Wilson eyed my brother like he was completely crazy and belonged in an asylum. –'' Who is this man you brought for dinner, Charles?!''- I gulped as her eyes met mine. I could feel everyone staring at me. Selena squeezed my hand under the table and found the strength to speak.
'' Roger is my brother, and Mary is my niece.''- I dared not begin to explain about the vampire part. My previous words were enough to confuse anybody who has met us.
'' But he looks your age! How the hell did he father a girl Lena's years?!''- Rosemary Wilson looked at her daughter and grandson for an explanation. She was shocked to see they weren't surprised. Rachel Porter had touched my brother's forehead.
'' You are burning! I should give you something.''- But Lena's mother stopped as she saw the look her mother was giving her.-'' It's true, mother. But it's more complicated than you think. I know it looks impossible, but it is.''
'' What is going on here?! You are hiding a member of your family, who is clearly insane!''- Sean Wilson pushed his chair aside.-'' Please, Nick, let me pass.''- His grandson had put a hand on his shoulder to prevent him exiting from the front door.
'' You need to calm down.''- Nick had raised his hands in a calming gesture, but it seemed to piss his granddad more.
'' Calm down?! My granddaughter had agreed to marry a guy, who has sick people in his family. ''- I stood between them both.-'' Now I see beneath your façade, Charles.''- The man's gaze was full of malice and I felt it like a kick in the stomach.
'' It's my entire fault, I should have told you the whole truth sooner.'' – Selena walked to me and glanced at her grandparents, both ready to leave, with their coats on and shoes. My love extended a hand towards her grandmother.-'' Please, stay.'' – The conflicted emotions showed on the older woman's face. Selena and Nick were her whole world. But she thought my brother was insane, me too, and wondered why her lovely granddaughter chose me. No need to use my powers to read their minds, everyone could see it.
Rodrigo wrapped one arm around Rachel Porter's waist and I wanted to do the same. But if I touch Selena, her granddad might kill me right there with his bare hands.
'' I don't know what you did to Selena. But I want you away from her!''- Sean Wilson tried to punch me, but I avoided it.-'' And I even liked you!''
'' Stop it!''- My love yelled, but her granddad eyed her as if seeing her for the first time.
'' You are defending this liar! What part of his past is true!''- But I dodged his next blow to my stomach, carefully avoiding using my speed. My instincts were telling me to fight back, but the man before me was only doing this because he cared for his granddaughter. And I liked the old couple before me. What is happening, old friend! I blinked rapidly to focus as I blocked another blow. My maker chose the perfect time to communicate with me. Nothing I can't handle, Adrian! I will explain later.My maker growled. If I sense you are in any danger, I will come, Charles. Great, how to explain the materializing out of thin air of my maker to these people?! A family drama, my friend. I will tell you everything later. I got distracted when I blocked Adrian's access to my mind and that earned me a punch in the eye. Nick and Rodrigo restrained Lena's grandfather and he was yelling at them to let him go.
'' He is not lying or insane. And neither am I.''- Roger walked to us, a knife in his hand. His hands were shaking. Rosemary Wilson screamed as the knife sliced my forearm.-'' I am so sorry,Charlie, but I can't stop him. Lucas wanted to provide a proof. He ordered me to do it. Forgive me.'' – I began fighting with him for the knife, but my brother was skillful, he taught me how to defend myself as a kid. Tears fell down his cheek as he made another cut. I snatched the knife from my brother's shaking hand, using my vampire speed this time. I couldn't risk him hurting anyone else.
'' You are really dangerous!''- Rosemarie hid her face in her husband's shirt from fear.
'' Dad?''- Mary stopped my brother from collapsing and zoomed to the couch with her inhuman speed and placed him to lay there. Raymond stood by her side. My brother was feverish, but I suppressed the urge to go to him. In front of me the old couple was clearly in shock. Selena and her mother approached them, but they were staring at me.
'' How did she..?''- Rosemary glanced at the direction my niece went as if the devil had past her. Then the nice old lady moved her eyes to me again and froze. The cuts weren't deep and with my powers not deadly at all. Sean had yelled that I should find something to bandage my arm with. Selena rushed to my side.
'' Oh, My God!'' – I kissed her forehead as she examined the damages.
'' It will heal.''- I murmured and before everybody's eyes the blood vanished and the wounds sealed themselves. I felt it like a little tingle. The blackened eye, caused by Sean's punch, was gone too.
'' What are you?!''- Selena's grandparents took a step back, frightened. –'' You knew about this?!''- They casted an accusable look at everyone.
'' Yes, we did.''- Nick answered, approaching them slowly.-'' But it was hard for us to believe it at first.''
'' A demon!''- Rosemary began praying and my heart broke. I didn't want them to fear me! I was given this look so many times, but it never stopped to cause me pain.
'' What Roger said it was true. I, Mary, and Raymond are vampires. They exist. Roger is my brother, but he was dead .Let me try to explain. ''
'' Nick, move from this door or I swear I will break it!''- Rodrigo put a hand on Sean's shoulder to prevent him from fulfilling this.
'' You need to hear him out.''- The Spanish said as he was roughly pushed by Selena's grandfather.
'' You are all liars! ''- The old man was about to have a heart attack and I made my decision.
'' Sean, Rosemary, I need you to calm down. You will let me tell you the whole truth. If you still want to leave, no one will stop you. It's not Selena's fault. This is my secret.''- I compelled them, trying not to let my love or her mother's disapproving looks affect me. But they couldn't feel that the old man's heart was about to burst.
Rachel and Nick helped Lena's grandparents return to the kitchen. My compulsion did the trick; they were more willing to listen. My niece was checking my brother's temperature and Raymond gave him the pill Rodrigo put in his hand. Roger had refused getting better with vampire blood. I wanted to go to him.
I sat and told my story- when I was born, how I died, how I met Selena. I left aside my title. The words were pouring as I retold how I met my brother again and the hunter Lucas.
'' So you are not only a blood drinking creature, but a murderer?! We are leaving! ''- Sean got up and dragged his wife to the door.
'' My Selena loves you, but…I'm sorry, but this is too much.''- Rosemary didn't even look at my direction as she grabbed her ladies bag. The front door closed behind them with a bang.
