A/N – Thanks for the comments! Sashahailee – Thank you so much! * lrobinson01 – Thanks! * doralupin – Thank you! * Virgy15 – Thanks! * Guest lol so do I * Dreamlover – Thanks! * ilovedana – Thank you!

Chapter 9 – Thick as Thieves

Suddenly, Helena grabbed Elizabeth and held a dagger against her neck.

"Helena, what the hell are you doing?" Anna asked.

"Elizabeth will make great bait don't you think?" She asked wickedly.

Jason growled under his breath and Helena smiled as his muscles ticked and rippled under his shirt.

"He is simply scrumptious. Not only would his blood taste sweet, but that body is just made for sin." She said leering at him. "Elizabeth, how did you ever let him out of your bed?"

Liz rolled her eyes. "Put the knife down you old hag before I'm forced to hurt you."

Helena laughed loudly. "You forget I know your tricks."

Jason looked down right predatory. He looked at Elizabeth for a moment and she silently said, "Now."

Jason moved towards them fast as Elizabeth made the knife disappear and Helena suddenly shaped shifted and turned into a bat; flying towards the door before changing back.

"Bravo." She said clapping.

Jason protectively pulled Elizabeth into his arms.

"You two work well together." Helena said grinning.

Liz's eyes narrowed. "That was a test?"

Anna nodded. "Sorry Elizabeth but we needed the element of surprise. We wanted to see what you two would do."

Jason tried to contain his rage. Elizabeth turned to him and held his face. "Breathe deeply."

He nodded and quickly began to calm himself.

Helena studied them. They were a formidable pair. She only wondered what would happen to Elizabeth if Jason died.

Elizabeth spun around and looked at her. Silently, she said, "He will not die."

Helena sighed. "Elizabeth, don't be foolish. You know this is probably not going to end well."

"I can't think about that. There would be no way to prepare for that and I just can't go there."

Anna and Jason realized they were using telepathy.

Helena walked towards her and Jason tightened his grip around Elizabeth's waist. She touched Elizabeth's face and looked deep into her eyes. "When I lost Irina at the hands of Luke, I admit, I went a little crazy and caused a lot of damage. You were the one who confronted me and pulled me back from the edge. For that, I will always be grateful. I would not have survived if I had continued on the path I was walking. I know I'm not known for my compassion, but if death should befall him, I will do my best to be there for you."

Elizabeth swallowed hard. She was not used to this side of Helena but she did appreciate the gesture. "Thank you." She said aloud.

Helena's eyes drifted to Jason. "Take care of her. She is a rarity after all."

Jason nodded.

Helena turned to go back inside.

"What? You're not going to fly away dramatically?" Anna asked.

Helena grinned. "I don't like to be a bat. It makes me perspire. And you know how much I don't like to sweat. I pay people for that."

Anna laughed loudly as Helena disappeared into the stairwell.

"I need a drink." Jason said.

Anna grinned. "Come on. I'll join you."

They went back inside and made their way back to the dining room. After they had a drink, Anna worked with Jason explaining how to better utilize his energy and how to inflict the most damage. Jason was a good student. He listened closely and caught on quickly. In the end, Anna was very pleased with his progress.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

The next morning, Jason woke up and quickly took a shower and got dressed as an amused Elizabeth watched him from the bed.

"What?" He asked as he slipped on some sneakers.

She smiled. "You are so excited. Should I be jealous of your love of guns?"

He smirked and walked over to the bed. "There is nothing I'd love more than you."

Liz gasped. "Jason…"

He put his finger over her lips. "I know it's soon. You don't have to say it back. I just wanted you to know how I feel. This connection we have is so deep and strong. I honestly think I knew I would love you from the moment I saw you. I don't want to fight it. We are stronger if we don't."

She kissed him passionately before pulling back. "I love you too Jason with all of my heart."

He kissed her again.

"I would have thrown in my soul but I probably only have half of one so I didn't think that sounded very romantic."

Jason laughed loudly. "I'll see you later my love. Tonight, I plan on showing you just how much I love you."

Liz shivered. "I'll look forward to that."

She watched him walk out and then fell back against the pillows. Her conversation with Helena filtered through her head and she was deep in thought when Epiphany walked into the room.

"What's on your mind? I could hear you thinking from the hallway." She said as she sat down on the bed.

"Helena."

Epiphany rolled her eyes. "What did that old bat say?"

Liz smirked. "Actually, she was very nice."

Epiphany made a face which made Liz laugh.

"Seriously, she was worried about me should something happen to Jason."

Epiphany sighed. "To be honest, I'm worried for you too. Your connection with Jason is the strongest I've ever seen."

Liz's eyes filled with tears. "I can't lose him Epiphany."

She wiped a tear from Elizabeth's face. "You'll always have a piece of Jason with you no matter what happens." She meant that in more ways than one because she was convinced that Elizabeth hadn't even though of the fact that she could be pregnant. None of them ever entertained such thoughts or knew if it was truly possible. But Epiphany had a feeling that Elizabeth would be with child before the battle began. She had already begun working on a protection spell for the baby just in case.

"I just can't go there. He means everything to me. I've waited a long time for him."

Epiphany gave her a big hug.

"So why were you really coming to my room?"

"Lila is on her way to check on Jason. It's been a week already."

Liz smiled. "Oh good. I'll make sure Tammy prepares her favorite tea."

Epiphany chuckled. "Go take a shower and I'll go talk to Tammy."

Liz scrambled out of bed. "By the way, what's going on with you and Johnny? He's been looking at you funny and staring."

Epiphany didn't answer which was freaking Liz out a little bit.

"Epiphany are you and Johnny…..doing it?"

That stunned Epiphany right out of her haze. "What? No."

Liz laughed loudly. "Oh my God, you have the hots for Johnny freaking O'Brien."

"God help me." She said sinking onto the bed. "I don't know what happened. He just keeps brushing up against me and touching me. He kissed me Elizabeth and it was toe curling."

Liz was shocked. "I knew you two flirted but I thought it was all fun and games. What the hell changed?"

"I don't know. Maybe it was that stupid potion I conjured up for you and Jason."

Liz smirked. "That's what you get."

Epiphany rolled her eyes.

"So, what's the problem? Why are you holding back?"

Liz had known Epiphany for a long time and she wasn't a shy woman. She took what she wanted and due to her personality, lots of vampires were interested in her.

"It's hard to take him seriously. Besides, I am not Johnny's normal type."

Liz sighed. "Johnny has always revered you. You are beautiful inside and out Epiphany. And Johnny's a good man and he's hot. Besides, you keep him in line better than anyone I know."

Epiphany chuckled. "I'll think about it."

Liz smiled. "Good. Now, I have to go get dressed."

Epiphany watched her walk into the bathroom. A talk with Johnny was long overdue.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Francis escorted Lila inside the castle and took her into the room she had been in before. Even in the daylight, it was dark to protect some of the other vampires visiting. She took a seat and Skye walked into the room. "Lila, it's so good to see you." She said enveloping the older woman in her arms.

Lila grinned. "You still look beautiful. How are things going with Lorenzo?"

Skye blushed. "We are doing very well."

"Did I hear my name?"

Lila stood up and hugged Lorenzo. "And you are still handsome as ever."

Lorenzo smiled. "You are good for my ego. Please sit." He said as they all got comfortable.

"I'm so glad that you will be helping Elizabeth. I worry about her. This battle is a great undertaking."

"She is doing well Lila. Her bond with Jason is extraordinary considering they have known each other for such a small amount of time."

Lila smiled. "That makes me very happy. Time is what you make of it. I've always wanted Jason to know what true love feels like. He has been such a tortured soul."

Skye nodded. "They are very good for each other. He's very protective of her."

They were interrupted by Jason walking into the room. They were just about to begin his ballistic training but he wanted to come see Lila first. "Grandmother." He said hugging her gently. "Is everything alright?"

She nodded. "I know you're busy but please sit with me. There's something I need to tell you and I know you won't like it."

"Perhaps Elizabeth should be here for this." Skye said knowing that she would be able to calm the beast.

On cue, Liz walked inside. "Lila, I was so excited when Epiphany told me you were on your way." They hugged and Liz sat on the other side of her.

"It's wonderful to see you too dear. I hear you are taking wonderful care of my grandson."

Liz blushed which made Jason smiled.

"Ah, love is so beautiful. I'm glad that you two found each other." Lila said grabbing both their hands.

"So, what is this about?" Jason asked curiously.

"It's about Emily." Lila said softly. "Jason, please try to keep calm."

Jason stood up and walked across from her. "If you're going to say something that will make me mad, I'd rather not be next to you when you do."

Liz stood up and stood next to him and held his hand.

Lila took a sip of her tea that Francis had stealthily delivered and then looked up at them. "Jason, Emily is falling for someone that you don't approve of."

Jason thought for a moment. "Please don't tell me it's Sonny."

Lila made a face. "Oh God no. But, I'm afraid that you will probably feel the same as if it was. I'm only telling you this because you need to get your feelings in check before you see him again."

Jason frowned and thought for a moment. "Who is it?"

"Nikolas Cassadine."

Jason growled and his body shook with anger. "What the hell is Nikolas doing around Emily?"

"She needed protection so I asked Nikolas to befriend her." Lila said.

"He's a vampire." Jason yelled.

"Jason Morgan. Don't you yell at me." Lila said sternly. "I will do whatever it takes to protect Emily. Nikolas, John, and Cody have been taking turns watching over her and they've been doing a great job."

"Cody?"

"Yes, he's part of Shawn's clan." Lila said. "They have all made sure that no harm came to her. Emily took a liking to Nikolas right away and I believe he feels the same way. He has never acted on it and is always the perfect gentleman."

The thought of Nikolas touching his sister had started to make Jason's blood boil again. Liz turned and placed her hands on his chest. "Jason, you need to calm down. You can't hurt Nikolas. We need him. Emily will go to the ball with him and then he will bring her back here."

Jason closed his eyes and quickly checked himself. "I will try to refrain from killing Nikolas at least until after this is over."

Lila clucked her tongue. "Jason Morgan, you let Nikolas and Emily work out whatever is between them. You get no say." She said firmly.

Jason muttered under his breath making Skye and Liz grin.

"I guess if I ever have to give him any bad news, I'll have to let you deliver it." Liz said smiling.

Lila chuckled. "I would do so gladly. But you know Jason is mush when it comes to you."

"Mush?" Jason said frowning. "Thanks for destroying my rep with one word."

Lila laughed. "Come here and sit next to me. I know you'd never hurt me Jason."

He said next to her and put his arm around her. "You're right. I wouldn't. I love you Lila and for you, I will try to get along with the Cassadines." He said as if it pained him.

She grinned. "Thank you my dear. I love you too."

She looked up and Liz, Skye, and Lorenzo were pretending to cry. Lila laughed loudly. "Oh, it's so nice being here today. Francis has visited me several time to have tea but I do miss your company."

Liz was surprised. "Francis has?"

"Yes dear. He is a wonderful man. You really need to find him someone special."

Liz grinned. "To be honest, he has a crush on Anna."

Skye's eyes lit up. "Really?"

Liz nodded. "Yes. But he has never even admitted it to me. I found out by accidentally reading his thoughts one day."

Skye looked at Lila and they both smiled. "We need to make that happen."

"Has Anna ever shown any interest?"

Skye sighed. "Anna doesn't allow herself to even think about that. After Robert and Robin died, she has never sought love again."

Liz had met the three witches almost a century ago. They were powerful enough that they had conjured an immortality spell. Anna had stopped her aging process at thirty-six. She was a beautiful woman but never again wanted to go through the pain of losing someone.

"Whatever you are planning, no love spells." Liz said firmly. "I will not allow that for my brother or Anna. They have a right to love purely."

Skye nodded. "Okay. We'll just throw them together as often as we can. Your brother is a handsome man and very caring. They would be great together."

Liz smiled. "I love Anna and it would be nice to see her allow herself some happiness."

Lila smiled too.

"There is something you all need to know though." Liz said somberly. "Stefan fancies Anna as well."

Skye was surprised. "Really?"

"Yes, but he has convinced himself that his hybrid nature would not make a suitable companion for her."

Lorenzo sighed. "He's probably right."

"If Francis makes a move, it might prompt Stefan to change his mind. He could really hurt Francis." Skye said.

Liz agreed. "I wouldn't allow that to happen."

A few minutes later Anna walked into the room and grinned when she saw Lila. "Lila Quartermaine, I'm so happy to see you." She said kissing her on both cheeks.

"You are a beautiful sight for sore eyes. Can you sit with me?"

Skye had brought Anna and Lorenzo with her a few times when she visited. The three didn't like to stray too far from each other.

Anna looked over at Jason. "I actually came to fetch Jason. We were about to start a training session. Would it be okay if I came over for tea tomorrow?"

Lila grinned. "I would love that. Francis can bring you by."

Anna smiled. "I can't wait."

Jason stood up and gave his grandmother a kiss. "I'll see you soon. Behave yourself."

Lila chuckled. "Behaving is no fun Jason."

Jason grinned and followed Anna out of the room.

"I am going to take great pleasure in watching them fall in love." Lila said gripping her teacup.

"Me too." Skye said smiling. She would talk to Epiphany about strategy later.