I would have had this up a lot earlier but unfortunately we had a quite awful wheater and my internet connection broke down. But here it is and I hope you'll enjoy it.

thanks to piperspeanut.

Chapter 9

Amber switched on the light, as she woken up by the constant ringing of the door bell. She checked the alarm clock on the nightstand and sighed.

"Only one of your sons pays us a visit at 3 o'clock in the morning, Leo."

The ex-Elder rubbed his eyes. "Do you want me to get the door?"

"Yes, that would indeed be helpful."

He muttered something under his breath while climbing out of bed and getting his bathrobe.

"What did you say?" Amber asked.

"Nothing, go back to sleep"

She narrowed her eyes at him but didn't say anything else.

Leo walked down the hall and the stairs.

The pouring rain was completed by a thunderstorm as lighting lit up the living room.

He opened the front door finding his youngest son soaked through and through.

"God, Chris, come in, hurry before you catch a cold out there in the rain," Leo ushered him inside.

He grabbed a quilt from the sofa putting it around Chris' shoulders while leading him into the kitchen and making him sit down at the kitchen table.

"What happened, Chris?" he asked worrying. He pulled his chair closer to his son's and wrapped an arm around him.

Chris took a shaking breath. "Wyatt."

Leo felt his heart stop a moment. "Wyatt...did something happen to him?"

"No," Chris replied shaking his head. "I hit him in the face."

"You what, but why"

"He vanquished Kira."

"Who"

"Bianca's mom" Chris let his face drop in his hand, sobbing.

Leo felt relived that nothing had happened to his oldest. He watched the brunette wondering why he was so upset. "Wait." He got up waking into the living room, a few minutes later he re-appeared a glass in his hand.

"Drink that," he ordered and Chris did, coughing at the burning feeling in his throat. "Now, clam down."

"What is that?"

"Vodka," Leo shrugged. "Tell me what had happened."

Chris took a deep breath. "Wyatt found out it had been Kira who had sent the demon to me and vanquished her."

"Just like that"

"Yeah…" He shook his head. "No. He only overheard us talking. At least, I think he did. She wanted revenge for what had happened."

"And how?"

The young man shrugged. "By hurting me"

Leo sighed. "Chris, I'm sure you don't want to hear that but she was evil and wanted to hurt you. I think your brother did what he had to."

"If she was only evil she couldn't grieve like this."

"That's true. No one is only good or evil."

"He had no right, dad. I promised her, I always said I would protect her and her mother. She had no family but her; I never broke a promise to her."

Leo pushed his chair closer to his son. "Chris, you still didn't."

"I let it happen."

"It's not your fault."

Chris hit the table top, standing up angrily. "Why is everyone telling me that? Maybe everything is my fault. Maybe if it hadn't been for me, there would still be a happy family living in the suburbs; a mother and her daughter would still be together."

"You know that this is nonsense," Leo replied fiercely. He grabbed his son by the arm and made him sit down again. "Chris, would you really choose some woman that never liked you and blamed you for an accident over the bond you share with your brother? I know one thing about you and that is that for you family matters more than anything. Moreover, if I know anything about Bianca is that she wants you to be safe and happy. She chose you over her own mother, what does that tell you that?"

Chris shrugged.

"And one more thing, now that everyone is out of your life that was the slightly connected to the accident maybe it is a chance for you to go on, too."

"They are all dead, dad."

"Not all. This man, Mr. Evans, he lives and goes on. Don't you know about destiny?"

Chris nodded. "Doesn't mean I have to like it"

"I like to think that we all get a destiny that we can handle."

"Maybe" Chris sighed. "What am I going to do now?"

"Now, I'll tell you. You get rid of those wet clothes, you get a good night's sleep, have a good breakfast in the morning and then you go and talk to your brother."

"You mean I go and apologize to him."

Leo held out his hands protective. "That's your choice."


Noelle sighed finding a bowl with something rotten and sticky inside in the family room.

"I'm living with pigs." She picked the bowl up. A piece of paper stuck to the bottom. She ripped it off noticing one of her recipes. "Ignorant pigs"

She carried both evidences into the hallway.

The front door opened and Chris entered still wearing the same clothes as yesterday. His hair was messy and he looked tired, a perfect appearance to find pity by any girl.

"Hi," Noelle said softly.

"Hi." Chris shoved his hands in the pockets of his jeans. "I need to apologize for scaring you, yesterday. Oh and shoving you. Yeah, that's it...I'm really sorry for that."

"Okay," she nodded.

"Okay? Just like that"

"Yes, just like that." She smiled softly.

"Well, thanks." Chris said smiling relieved as well.

"Wyatt's in the sunroom." Noelle told him knowing that the two young men had to talk as well.

"Right" Chris went past her but she stopped him once more.

"Tell me, Chris, did you leave this in the living room?" She pointed towards the bowl.

"No. I don't eat oatmeal."

The dark haired girl scrunched up her nose. She'd deal with the one responsible later.

Wyatt sat on the white sofa in the sunroom half hidden behind a newspaper.

Chris walked towards him, standing in front of his brother, his arms crossed.

"Where have you been? I was worried, I hate it when you block me," Wyatt said still holding the paper in front of his face.

"Dad's"

Wyatt folded the newspaper and placed it on the small table. He bent forward resting his arms on his thighs. "Do you have anything to say to me?"

Chris nodded. "I'm sorry for…" he vaguely motioned to his own face. "For the punch, I also apologized to Noelle, who by the way forgave me. I shouldn't have reacted like that."

"Then why did you?"

"I promised to keep them safe. Both of them, I already failed once."

"But Kira never liked you. She wanted you gone."

Chris let his arms drop and shrugged. "I know, she also wanted Bianca to be happy. That's what we had in common."

Wyatt sighed. "Maybe I shouldn't have vanquished her."

"Yeah, maybe...but then again you had to, right? And she was evil and threatened your family, so it was your obligation."

Wyatt looked up. "Are you trying to make me feel better?"

"I'm just trying to make you forgive me by forgiving you."

"Forgive you for what...this lame little punch?" The blonde touched his chin.

"Hey, I had you bleeding."

"Lucky strike," Wyatt mumbled.

Chris laughed out loud. "We can fight. Right here and now and you'll lay on the floor in a second."

"That's what you think, peewee?"

"Yeah"

"You are right."

"Course I am. You rely on your active powers too much; therefore you don't stand a chance in a real hand to hand fight."

"Well, yes, with the amount of powers I keep…" the twenty five year old trailed off grinning.

Chris frowned. "Yes, the great twice blessed. How do you handle this?" He jumped on top of his brother and tackled Wyatt.

They playfully grappled with each other when Noelle looked into the room alarmed by the noise and shook her head at the boys.


Chris sat on his friend Justin's bed flipping through a magazine he didn't even really look at.

"Now, all I need are my glasses. I just have to find them," the blonde said.

"You never wear glasses," Chris replied pretending to look for the needed object as well.

"That's because I don't need glasses." Justin held up a box triumphantly putting silver glasses on his nose. He knocked with his index finger against the glass. "Plastic."

Chris shook his head not understanding.

"Last time we did a show guests thought I was a sixteen year old intern, or a waiter. So, I wear the glasses now to look smarter and older. Also, I think it looks good."

"You always look good. Beauty brings that with it."

Justin waved the comment aside. He didn't feel as good looking as everyone tells him he is. He didn't always see it as an advantage.

"Are you guys leaving finally?" Peter stuck his head inside. "I asked for an empty house." The black haired spotted two boxes sitting on the cupboard next to the door. He picked one up. "Was there a discount?"

"No, Chris has a new account."

Peter frowned deeply. "Condom factory"

Chris nodded. "Yes, people provide me with their products when they want me to do their campaign. First cereal you get sick from, now this."

"Poor boy, I'm in the wrong business," Peter said.

"Hey, they gave me 25 family packs. Although, I feel the word family pack is totally wrong in this context but still. What the hell am I going to do with all that?"

Justin and Peter glanced at each other. "Oh, shut up," Chris said. He stood up. "Can we leave?"

"Yes, we can leave," Justin agreed.

"Hey, can I have…." Peter held up one box.

"Sure, grab it."

Chris looked at his friend surprised. "Are you going out with someone?"

Justin tugged him on the sleeve of his shirt pulling Chris with him. "It's none of your business."

"What, but why not? Is it someone I know?"

"Bye, Chris." Peter followed them through the living room and closed the door in Chris' face when Justin had managed to push him outside.

"Okay, who is it?"

The blonde sighed. "Even if I knew…Don't be so curious. Come on, we'll be late."

Chris rolled his eyes. "All of a sudden we will be late."


Wyatt sighed watching his friend Jared checking though the papers. If he made another grunting sound, Wyatt would have to hit him.

The blonde took a large gulp from his red wine to calm himself.

Noelle passed the two men's table dressed in her white chef's uniform. She rubbed her boyfriend's shoulder and smiled at him reassuringly before moving on to talk to a guest.

"So, Wyatt everything looks pretty good to me. You overdrew the budget of almost 25 %. That's fair enough; I think results are what matter. If you ask me, you achieve the best results by a well organized promotion and of course an eventful opening night. So, what do you plan" the man in his early thirties leaned back in his chair loosening his tie.

A young Chinese looking waitress, Wai Man, brought them their ordered food. She placed the plates in front of them. "Anything else, sir?" she asked addressing Wyatt, her boss.

Jared wasn't a very nice person and all employees had by now learned to ignore him and admired their boss for his patience and politeness towards this man.

"No, thanks"

She smiled softly and left.

Jared watched her and smirked. "Well, well, Wyatt. Nice …" The blonde raised his eyebrows threatening. "Girl" Jared laughed out.

Wyatt took a deep breath. "I haven't planned anything so far apart from the Salsa band. I thought you maybe want to participate in the planning."

"Oh, no...It's up to you. But of course, if you need my help, I'm sure I can come up with an idea or two. But honestly I only care for the revenue."

"Sure." As if Jared hadn't enough money already. Nothing earned by himself. He only profited from his grandfather's death... who was lucky with shares.

"What I honestly would improve is this advertising." He took the sheet and looked at it once more. "I think it doesn't say much, it's nothing special. I'm not sure people will look at it twice."

Wyatt swallowed his potato and replied trying to stay calm. "My brother did it and he works for a large advertising company called JM ads – if that tells you anything. I trust he knows what he does and we keep it."

Jared had always been one who you could impress with big names. "Of course, I'm not an expert."

Had anything ever been more true?

"But a Salsa band, I don't think that fits."


Chris loved listening to the guests of the exhibition talk about the art. Sometimes it was just laughable how someone thought he or she was the expert and you could tell that it was a lie. Right now a grey haired man that wore a checkered suit that really didn't fit his body mass was telling a way too thin woman about his meeting with a painter "who truly is a genius. I have an amazing picture from him. I don't know if you know him, he's more in the alternative scene, Mark Kessler". The lady seemed impressed.

"His style is unique and provocative. I met him in 2006 and it was fascinating."

Chris moved closer to them pretending to study the photograph they stood in front of. "I'm sure it was fascinating. Poor guy was dead then for over three years already," he said, smiling at the man. "Press said, car accident but his friends admitted he was a drug addicted. Nevertheless he earns the honour as he could tell stories with his paintings; an amazing talent that we shouldn't forget."

The big man's chin dropped.

"Well, it was nice talking to you," Chris said and took a sip from his champagne before moving to the next piece of art.

The young woman looked the man up and down, scoffed and went off.

Chris saw Justin standing in the middle of five other people who were obviously praising his work. He would surely sell his picture tonight to one of those idiots. Chris emptied his glass, he felt bad for feeling jealous. Justin was a good friend, one of his best friends and he hadn't always been lucky either. He chose to work in the gallery where he did almost everything while his boss was praised by everyone.

Chris turned back to a sculpture of a flower. He wished he could be happier for his friend. But he just couldn't help but feel angry and disappointed that he wasn't that lucky.

Luck hadn't been on his side for a long time.

"Hey," Justin placed a hand on his shoulder. "Guess what, I just sold my picture for a ridiculous amount of money. I think first I will buy gifts for my friends and invite them for a fancy dinner. I'll send my grandma on a cruise and buy one piece of Gucci clothing for myself. Oh and I'll give something to the animal shelter. They really need it; I read an article the other day."

Chris bit his bottom lip. He was such an ass.

"Too bad I was hoping I could have the picture."

"I'll make you a better one."

"Thanks." Chris looked at the other guests. "Are those people for real?"

Justin laughed. "Unfortunately, yes and they like themselves but not each other."

"I've noticed."

"But the snacks are good and the drinks. I know where to order from best."

Mrs. Boyle, Justin's boss hurried towards them. "Justin, Miss. Bernard left her jacket in the washroom, can you go and get it. She also wants to know something about the daily guided tours. Thanks," she brushed past them. "Oh, Mortimer, I have to talk to you."

Justin shook his head. "Psycho...sorry, work's calling. Luckily, it'll be over in an hours. Eat as much as you can. After all, it's free."


Wyatt brought the dirty dishes in the kitchen. He placed them near the sink and let out a frustrated growl.

Noelle looked up from the pot she was cooking in.

"Oh, Mr. Halliwell, I would have gotten the dishes right now," Wai Man said when she saw her boss. She nervously straightened out her apron. She really feared of having done something wrong again. She hadn't work in the restaurant for long and still was in an adjusting period but she was sure another mistake would cost her the job. Although, she knew other waiters had covered up for her.

Wyatt shook his head. He knew everything that Wai Man had had problems with in the past but wouldn't hold it against her. She was still so young and a nice person.

"No, that's okay. I needed to get away from him for a minute."

"That bad" Noelle asked.

"He is a rich dumb ass. The bastard knows everything better and has no idea about money, business and law. I wish I could just blast him in tiny little bits."

The employers all looked up towards their boss as they had never heard any outburst from him.

Noelle smiled at him. "I'm sorry, after Monday you won't have to deal with him again. Only send him his part of the revenue, right?"

"Awesome. I can't wait." Wyatt sighed. "Well, I better go back."

"Do you want dessert?"

"Yes, we will have something."

"I will come to get your order in a second," Wai Man said already standing up straight ready for everything that was asked from her.

"No, no. Ehm…Tim will care for us the rest of the night," Wyatt said.

The young girl's shoulders dropped.

Noelle bumped him with her elbow.

"No, you didn't do anything wrong," the twenty five year old assured her. "I just can't handle one more of his misogynistic remarks."


Chris waited for Justin to lock the back door of the gallery that led into a narrow alleyway.

"Thanks for helping me cleaning up a bit. It's frustrating that I have to do everything including being the cleaner. Sometimes, I feel not honoured at all."

Chris turned away from his friend. "Don't worry, I'm sure your boss knows what a great help you are."

Justin didn't answer and the brunette looked over his shoulder but he couldn't see his friend anymore.

"Justin?" Chris saw the door locked and the key on the ground. "Justin?" The young man looked around franticly. Justin couldn't just disappear. Suddenly he heard a sound from around the corner; he rushed in its direction.

A figure stood with his back to Chris. He slowly turned around letting a body drop on the ground. The demons face looked as is it was falling off on the one side while the other side was the face of a handsome young man.

"I don't want anything from you," the demon said.

"Too bad, I want you to leave my friend alone."

"Or what"

"Or I'll vanquish you."

"Oh, a witch...this is none of your business." The demon waved his arm making Chris crash telekinetically in the brick wall.

When Chris looked up and saw the demon shimmer out with Justin's unconscious body.

I almost never do cliffhangers, do I?

Don't forget to leave me a review on this chapter.