Hello there! Thanks for reading the 10th chapter! Virtual cookie/brownie/red velvet cupcake with cream cheese icing/chocolate for you, my friend! (pick your poison! ;) If it were me I'd go with the cupcake) ANYWHOO, you know the deal, review your thoughts if you like the story and I'll reply in this bold text at some point. Or you can do me the pleasure of favoriting and/or following it!

Sauskaepanda- Aww shucks, thanks! Honestly, thank you for giving me a little reassurance :) And about the updating...well here's the 10th chapter, enjoy! (^.^) Hopefully the 11th will be up soon too! I love the name btw my cousin recently introduced me to Naruto haha. Anyway, thanks again and I hope I don't disappoint in the near future with the story :)

PLEASE READ THIS PLEASE! IF YOU READ NOTHING ELSE BUT THE FOLLOWING I WOULD DIE A HAPPY TEENAGE DRAMA QUEEN TYPE DEATH!

I've been thinking. I might start a one shot series for the Drake chronicles. I kind of want it to be like an account of everday life in the Drake house. For example, their lives inbetween the action and danger. It'd include some funny family drama, some romance, random childhood scenes, and maybe a heartfelt moment or two. Well actually, I've already started the first few chapters and whatnot but I've been hesitating to publish them, for the following reasons:

A: It'd take time/concentration from this story and I feel like I'd be betraying my own work.

B: I'm scared no one will read it.

C: I'd be pressured to update that story more than this one if the other gets more popular.

D: Most importantly.. See A

So in that case, you all have three options.

1. I hold off on publishing that story completely and only focus on this one.

2. I publish a preview (a chapter or two) and then you all decide?

3. I publish/write the one shots and balance my time/effort between the two.

I'd really love if whoever is reading this would PM me their thoughts OR just leave a review on which option you like best. THANKS AND YOU CAN SKIP TO THE READING!

IMPORTANT TEXT ABOVE PLZ READ IT AND IF YOU HAVE ALREADY AND/OR DONT READ THIS CRAP YOU CAN MOVE ON TO THE STORY!

Jack POV

I was no idiot. Although, I have to admit, the girl was clever or perhaps just a really good actress. My heart surged finally thinking she had accepted me. We were going to be together, her and I.

But the moment she carefully unclasped the chain from my neck I knew I was being played. Her lips were sweet and her small but curvy frame warm against mine was enough for me not to have stopped there and then. Instead, I decided I would test the girl's loyalty. If she tried escaping I'd go on with the original plan but if not... I would forgive her and move on.

In the elevator, Alara was silent and we made our way to my main living room where Vera was waiting. I sighed. Damn vampire politics.

I couldn't wait for the hour to pass so I could make my way back to my darling Lucy. I was confident she wouldn't leave me.

"Master Stanford. A pleasure, as always." Vera smiled and reached out to embrace me. "How I've missed you, my friend."

"Will both of you please stop calling me that?" I asked mostly to myself. "Vera. What was so urgent you needed to come an hour early to talk about?"

"The Drake's came by the manor. As was expected, with your use of the Host to obtain the girl, it wasn't a suprise. However, something interesting happened. The female vampire, Solange, she struck an unexpected deal with Montmarte. They agreed to put both their efforts towards finding Lucy and if Montmarte finds her first, she'll dethrone Lady Natasha and take the crown. We both know that man's determination when it comes to the Drake girl."

I processed the recent conundrum. Montmarte would definitely be out for the kill. He was a man with an army of Host at his disposal and who knew how many connections. He also had nothing to lose. If he found Lucy he'd get the Drake girl and his rival off the crown but if he didn't he remained where he was with both situations.

It also posed another problem. I hadn't realized how much Lucy actually meant to the Drakes. Initially, I had assumed she was merely their human pet. This would certainly complicate things.

"Vera, I appreciate your loyalty and thank you for coming to me with this."

"Of course. Do you still need the Hamilton girl dealt with?" She tapped her head with a delicate finger and grinned.

"Stay for another hour at the most. I'll have an answer for you then." She glanced to Alara, who was unusually quiet, and nodded at both of us before exiting the room.

"Alara what's wrong?" I asked her. She was the closest to a friend I had ever had and it hurt me to think of her pain. "You can take some time off...if it's about your sister."

"I...I think that'd be best. I'm of no use to the cause if this is the state I'm in."

"Whenever you're ready, friend."

Alara walked away gracefully. No doubt she'd be gone a long time. If anything it was a blessing really. I didn't have the heart to tell her what I'd really done with her sister. What my blood had done for her, the same it had done for Vera.

30 minutes to go..

I used my spare key to travel a few floors down to the room Cassandria had held Lucy in. Unlocking the steel door, I stepped a foot inside. The room's new tenant sprung to life.

"Master Stanford. How can I assist you?"

"I am trusting you with a task. If this time you choose to betray me, I won't save you a second time."

Her blue irises were speckled with amber as Cassandria nodded. I was eager for her transformation to be complete and I was sure her ability would be a great asset to me.

I need you to travel to the royal court. Tell the Queen the Drake's youngest has preformed an act of treason against her crown.

Lucy POV

I searched every inch and millimeter of that room to find anything useful to OPERATION MAKE LIKE A BANANA AND SPLIT. Or in simpler text, getting the hell out of here before its too late and I can't remember anything.

From the closet, I grabbed a huge bag and stuffed three day's worth of clothing, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and even toilet paper rolls. I didn't know what was waiting for me outside these walls and I wanted to be prepared for anything. I had even grabbed a pair of stilettos, they were too cute to leave behind and they'd come in handy if I needed to gouge someone's eyes out.

More importantly the latter.

I was still in my white t-shirt and jeans, when I became aware of my time. I cursed. I only had a half hour to go before Jack came back to get handsy. Exiting the room with Jack's key I pretty much ran to the elevator and prayed there was no one inside. I cringed at the small ring that signaled the doors opening as I jumped inside.

There were too many buttons. I pressed what seemed like the main floor's button and waited, armed with a stiletto in one hand. I cringed again as the elevator ding-ed and sent a thank you to the elevator gods; I was alone.

Looking around, it appeared I was in a large room that was bathed in light. An entire wall was made of glass and the marble flooring glittered in the sunshine. The outside was a mass of trees and wildlife.

How the hell am I supposed to get out of here.

"Enjoying the scenery, love?" A woman's voice called out. I turned to my left quickly. A beautifal tan woman in a form-fitting dress was leaning against the wall. She looked at ease and was eating an apple. "We haven't met formally. I'm Vera."

So much for being alone.

The woman Jack had spoken about earlier. The one who was brought to take my memory. She sauntered over towards me and I faced her straight on.

"Lucy Hamilton. It has been a true pleasure to meet you but could you point me towards the exit?" I feigned innocence and hoped she was stupider than she looked. She laughed a deep, smoky laugh.

"Oh my, I can see why Jack and the Drakes want you. You're edgy, I like that."

I brushed a hand through my hair and remembered something significant. I looked up at her sharply. "You've met the some of the Drake's haven't you? Jack mentioned something earlier about it."

Vera nodded slowly and she reminded me of a lioness, she moved lazily but with confidence, as if she had no care in the world. "Yes, they're quite the bunch aren't they? Those boys were ridiculous except for the grey eyed young man and Solange."

"Are they okay? What happened with Montmarte?" I questioned fiercly. Her green eyes, flaked with gold, widened.

"Enough. Get back to your room. On second thought, I'll escort you myself." Vera said sternly. She took me by the arm and gided me into the elevator. I didn't fight her. Solange and Nick would come for me I was sure.

The walk back to 'my room' wasn't unpleasant but the sight of the wooden double doors was enough for me to want to fight against Vera's grip. I didn't get the chance to because as quickly as OPERATION MAKE LIKE A BANANA AND SPLIT had ensued it ended in as much time it took turn the lock. I threw the bag into the closet and was on the verge of trashing the place.

Exhaling, I collapsed on the large bed when a thought came to me. I hadn't tried to purposely mind-speak with Nick yet. I might be able to get a message across and that would be worth the headache that would come soon after.

I layed down and closed my eyes forming a speech in my head.

Vera. She's the connection in all of this. She knows where I am, you can force her to take you to me. It'll have to be soon before Jack takes-

SLAM

Before I knew it I was forced outside of the space within my own mind as a wall came down along with a sharp pain that made me cry out. A terrible ringing sound made my ears bleed and my toes curl. I clawed at my head but the ringing wouldn't stop. Oh God, the shrill ringing began to grow louder with each second. My temples were being ripped apart with a power drill and the ringing would not stop. It. Kept. Ringing. RINGING.

"Make it stop! NO!" I sobbed.

One moment I was ready to pull my hair out, strand by strand and the next I was panting on the bed wondering what the hell that was. The air was silent, torn apart from my shrieking and crying.

Jack was towering over me, the terrifying expression back on his face. He grabbed the comforter in his fists and dragged me towards him. I flinched when he grabbed my upper arm tightly and pulled me to him.

"What is it that you think you're doing Lucky Hamilton?" He sneered and his grip tightened. "Calling for help, are we?"

With my legs tangled in the gold blankets and my arms subdued, I bit his neck until I tasted blood. Jack yelped and immediately backhanded me so hard the floor caught me.

"And here I was thinking you had stayed for me. Ha! As if you could leave without me wishing it. The key you stole couldn't have even gotten you out the front door, girl."

Jack's eyes were on fire and he smiled down at me. My head spun for a few seconds and nausea gripped me.

SLAM

The walls were closing in. I felt so small and insignificant. Tears pooled and made my vision blurry. Why was I so stupid and worthless? So damn idiotic for trying to leave. It's a wonder anyone loves me. But no one does...no one loves me. Soundless sobs were tearing themselves free from my chest.

Jack. It was all Jack's doing. He was making me so sad and depressed.

No, it's all my fault. The Drakes haven't come me because they dont want to. Right?

"Stop it!" I sucked in a ragged breath and tasted fresh, salty tears. "STOP IT THIS INSTANT!"

I couldn't explain what it was that I did but it was like a whip, razor sharp, cutting through his connection. Through my shut eyes I saw a blinding, searing, white and the world froze for a few seconds.

When I could finally see through the remaining tears in my eyes, Jack gaped at me. He was breathing heavily clutching his head. His eyes were wide and then clouded.

"I need you on my side, Lucy. You will be an amazing vampire. Imagine how strong you'll be then, especially if your power is already expressing itself before the bloodchange." he breathed. "Truly Amazing."

I was sucked dry of energy. Which is why when Jack stepped out and returned, Vera following suit, I could barely sit up straight and watch. She came over and cupped my face in her hands gently.

Vera's green-gold eyes looked into mine before closing. "Don't fight me Lucy, you'll be with your Drakes soon enough." she whispered.

I gasped as I felt her intrusion and sighed blissfully as my pain fell away along with the memories.

Jack POV

"She's done. Anything else?" Vera looked up at me, still holding Lucy's flushed face in her hands.

I shook my head. "You can leave now. We're done here."

Vera gently laid Lucy on the bed and left me alone. The rest was up to me, now that Alara was gone I'd have to be the one to take her back. I only had to set up the scene, for the human authorities of course.

An accident, will do. Traumatic enough to cause sudden amnesia. Now to make it believable...

Happy Thanksgiving! It is currently 12:12 am (My lucky number is 12 so perhaps its a good omen.) so consider this an early Xmas gift. I'm extremely thankful for you, the reader! Yes, you! Please review and I'm sorry for the length of the chapter its shortish. Anywhoo my brain may fry if I don't get my eight hours. Hope you enjoyed, see you next time! Hopefully soon!

So I JUST figured out how to make a poll and its up! So go ahead and vote for your options which are at the top of the page :) I'm still quite unsure how this stuff works so I'll hope for the best and thank you!