DISCLAIMER: I do not own the Stackhouse material, just Leah/Alyssa, sort of.

Chapter Seven

I opened my eyes slowly. The gentle glow of moonlight trickled in through the curtains. I could feel a breeze trailing over me lightly. Turning my head slightly, I met the gaze of my lover. I reached out with one hand and stroked his face gently.

"I hear that you had a bloody nose today."

"I did."

"How are you feeling?"

"Much better now."

"Can you sit up?"

I sat up slowly, the world spinning as I did so. I reached out or Eric and he grasped me, steadying me. I closed my eyes and breathed deeply.

"So, maybe I'm not so okay." I commented, allowing myself to go limp against him.

"I can see that. Have you been feeling odd at all lately?"

"Just some bad migraines, a few bloody noses, and now a dizzy spell."

I could feel the thoughts in his head churning and whirling.

"Eric, what are you thinking?" I inquired bluntly.

"A lot of things."

"Eric…"I growled softly.

The Viking sighed.

"When Weres hit puberty, they change for the first time. When witches come of age, around 13 or so, they come into their powers. Vampires remain in a death like state for three days before waking for the first time. Fairies, or part fairies, can come into power in their early teens."

"Okay…And?"

"And you have fairy blood, Were blood, human blood, and vampire blood."

"What does that mean?"

"That's the thing…I don't know. I don't think there has ever been such a combination. There are still many who think that allowing the races to breed amongst each other so freely is bad for the magic that is amongst the Supes. Vampires cannot breed so they don't really count, but they can share their blood. Most other races, besides humans, frown upon drinking vampire blood. Weres obviously believe in breeding with other Weres like them to continue the survival of packs. True shifters are the same way. Most will try at least once to produce another pureblood regardless of other relations. Fairies are the most particular of them all. Very few of them ever mate with humans. I've never heard of a fairy mating with any other race besides their own or humans."

I bit my lower lip softly.

"What's happening to me?"

"I don't know Leah, I honestly have no clue."

For several moments Eric and I sat together silently; each of us mulling over our own thoughts. I was still slumped against Eric and he had fallen into a motionless state.

"I need answers. I can't keep dealing with this."

"I know some people we can talk to."

"Will they have answers?"

"They should…"

"What are they?"

"She, the Ancient Pythoness. She's a vampire and very, very old. She is the oldest surviving vampire and is very wise. As a matter of fact it has been said she may have once been a fae herself."

"Once been?"

"Vampires are attracted to fairies more than most other Supes. Typically if a vampire can catch a fairy they drain them of all their blood. A vampire intoxicated with that much fairy blood in them is a threat to both the other Supes and the exposure of vampires. The Ancient Pythoness was a very, very old fairy of pure descent. The early vampire leaders knew how beneficial it could be to have a fair older than even them under their control. So, the four captured her and changed her, each of them using some of their blood. The idea was that if each of them donated blood to her transformation, none of them would have more control and that if one should die, there would still be someone to control her. These early vampire didn't realize that the older a vampire the more powerful the blood. So, although they had all donated the same amount, one vampire had more power than the rest. Over the years the ones that had created her learned from her and she from them. Eventually three of the four died, leaving only her and the oldest vampire left. Since then what became of the two has been very vague. All I know is that they two are kept at a secret location and if needed they are brought to the people, under very rare circumstances the other way around.

Since the Pythoness has been around for so long, she may have some knowledge as to your special predicament. It has been said that she is clairvoyant and may be able to provide invaluable information."

I nodded slowly. Despite the basicness of his explanation it was still a lot to take in.

"When will I meet her?" I finally asked.

"As soon as the arrangements are made. It could take quite some time. Early winter at the soonest probably."

"Have you ever met her before?"

"Not formally, as I'm hoping you will."

"Should I be scared?"

"Possibly. The Ancient Pythoness is infinitely wise, but her age has caused her to become bitter and cold hearted. She is extremely impartial as well due to all that she has seen in life both literally and other wise."

"Wow…"I murmured to shocked to say anything else.

"Leah, there's something else I need to talk to you about."

I stared at Eric, my heart pounding. Something bad was coming, I knew it was. I twisted my hands together."

"What is it?"

"During the past few years my maker has been procuring a match for me."

"A match?"

"Yes, a vampire of equal or greater standing. He recently wrote me that he is working on a plan in which I would marry a queen. He feels that this match is ideal. The woman is the Queen of Iowa, another one of his children."

"Iowa?"

"Yes, Iowa. Despite as dull as that sounds, financially and economically it could be quite beneficial."

I shot Eric a look.

"Anyhow, if it goes through Louisiana and Iowa will have a strong tie, though not as bonding as a direct marriage. My marriage to Iowa would follow the same guidelines as a typical vampire marriage, this includes a yearly mandatory conjugal visit and I have to give up any formal claim on humans."

"So, that means me."

"Formally yes, but you would still be mine and I yours."

"This is what you've been hiding from me…"

"Yes…The situation is very delicate. If things do not go as my maker whishes, he may order us to marry."

"Why would he order you? What would he get from this?"

"It's a sick satisfaction for him. The idea of marrying his children off pleases him. It also gains him the Queen's favor as she has been trying to persuade Iowa for quite some time. I'm sure the Queen would pay handsomely for such a match."

"What does that mean for me?"

"It means I cannot have a formal claim on you. Right now I can interfere in your life as I see fit. If the marriage happens I would be required to give up that claim, as well as some protection. We could no longer be, steady, as I believe the humans say."

I could feel the color drain from my face. My heart shattered and I felt my fingers grasp around my wrist tightly.

"Leah…"

"What?" I growled.

"It's not a for sure thing."

"You and I both know that's a lie."

"Leah, don't do this…"

"Eric, I rescind your invitation."