A/N: Hey Pitch Perfect Fans, another chapter of our Pitch Perfect Vampire Story. Sorry I'm a little off schedule, BeChloeIsLegit had this done on time, but I lost the internet yesterday, and so was not able to post this.

BeChloeIsLegit and RJRMovieFan do not own Pitch Perfect or any of their characters, we just really like them.

Love at First Bite
Chapter - 10 - Tough Decision

After the rehearsal room was emptied, Beca sat wondering what she was going to do about Chloe. There was something there but she couldn't put a name to it. It was strong whatever it was.

Strong enough for her to be concerned about what it was doing, or going to do, to her and Jesse.

Beca wandered over to the piano and ran her hand over the keys. Listening as each note reverberated around the empty room.

Unseen by Beca, Chloe had slipped in and was hidden in the deepest darkest shadows in the corner of the room just out of Beca's eye line.

She froze for a moment as she sensed someone else in the room. She slowly scanned the entire room but saw no one.

Chloe held her breath and was able to remain concealed during Beca's search of the room.

The redhead had to concentrate to mask her bond with Beca. All during rehearsal she had been able to sense Beca through what she thought of as their soulmate link. She had been trying to control this, to mask her presence. She needed to be able to break this if she was going to leave. For both their sakes.

The redhead was only partially successful. She could still sense Beca. Chloe did not sense any fear from Beca, although she could sense a lot of anxiety from her. Something was troubling the petite woman, and Chloe had the guilty feeling her behavior at rehearsal was playing a major part in it.

She watched with sadness in her eyes as Beca remained at the piano and struck a few notes before sitting on the bench placing her hands in the home position over the keys.

Beca started playing and went through the first refrain before starting again and singing as she played.

I'm on the tightrope
You've got your reasons
When did it get so hard to breathe?
Hide in the spotlight, I'm feelin' so tired
Your hands are burnt from holdin' me
And maybe you and I will fall in time
Eventually
Maybe we'll both die trying, but I can't bring
Myself to leave
'Cause I've looked

Beca was putting a lot of emotion into the song. It was as soulful as her singing had been in rehearsal. The young brunette just had a way of infusing so much feeling into what she was singing. As Chloe listened, she felt as if the song was not just a random song Beca decided to play. There was a message in this song that Beca was desperately trying to say.

And I ain't seen nothin' like you
The way you light up every room tonight
So easily
And I have moved mountains, babe
Just to stumble and too long a grace and I
I still can't compete

Chloe could hear Beca's heartbeat as she played. The thump-thumping was out of sync with the slower melody of the song. She stepped slightly out of the shadows to be able to watch Beca.

You're on the tightrope
I've got my reasons
How did we get so tangled?
You turn, I stay straight
I bend as you break
We're so messed up but I know
That you and I will fall in time, eventually
Or maybe we'll both die trying

Chloe sensed a shift in Beca's demeanor as the song continued. A shift that made Chloe realize that Beca was torn; confused by something in her relationship with Jesse. She took several steps closer to Beca.

'Cause I ain't seen nothin' like you
The way you light up every room tonight
So easily
And I have moved mountains, babe
Just to stumble and too long a grace and I
I still can't compete

Beca continued playing but could sense Chloe was in the room. It took some effort, but she kept her eyes down on the piano keys.

Oh, oh, hmm
Oh, oh, oh, hmm

Oh, you and I will fall in time eventually
Or maybe we'll both die trying

'Cause I ain't seen nothin' like you
The way you light up every room tonight
So easily
And I have moved mountains, babe
Just to stumble into your good grace and I
I still can't compete

Beca held the last note before removing her hands from the keys. "Chloe," she whispered before she stood to see the redhead standing a few feet away.

Chloe heard Beca say her name with some reverence. She swallowed and stared back at Beca. She could hear Beca's heart beating faster.

Beca could see some of the brightness had returned to Chloe's eyes. The two continued to stare into each other's eyes. Beca made a move toward Chloe when suddenly the door was flung open and banged against the wall; they both jerked their heads around at the sound.

"Beca!" Jesse called out and smiled when he saw her. "I've been waiting outside for you."

"Um, I'm just -"

"Oh, Chloe," Jesse said. His face fell upon seeing the redhead. "I didn't see you there."

"I, um, left my sweater," Chloe said and moved toward the chair to grab it.

Jesse watched expressionless as Chloe turned to look at Beca. Beca started walking over to the two.

"I, um, was, um," Chloe said as Beca approached. "I was also hoping to talk to you about something."

Beca stopped so she stood midway between Jesse and Chloe. She frowned when she looked at Chloe. She once again saw the light go out of the redhead's eyes, replaced by sadness.

"It will have to wait," Jesse said causing Beca to look at him questioningly. Jesse moved closer to Beca. "I made reservations for us to grab dinner before we go home." He gave her what he considered a flirtatious grin as he said, "I thought maybe we could have a replay of last night if you know what I mean?"

For some reason, Jesse felt the need to add an eyebrow waggle so Chloe knew he was talking about something sexual that happened between him and Beca.

Chloe's head snapped up to look at Beca. Beca blushed and grimaced knowing Chloe was looking at her. For some reason, Beca could feel the hurt and anger coming from the redhead.

"I'm sorry, Chloe," Beca said with a soft smile. "Maybe we can meet for coffee in the morning before rehearsal and talk. Would that work for you? I'll text you later with a place and time."

"Yeah, that's fine." Chloe looked down at the sweater in her hand. "I should, um, probably go."

Neither woman said anything. They stood silently looking at each other until Jess broke the silence.

"Let's go, Beca," Jesse said, taking Beca's arm. He was uncomfortable with the unspoken interaction that was happening between his girlfriend and her...friend. He looked at Chloe. "Beca said she'll talk to you tomorrow, so you can go now as well."

"Jesse," Beca scolded. "Don't be rude." She turned to face Chloe again and gave her a small smile. "Did you need anything else, Chlo?"

"No, I'm good," Chloe said tersely.

"Well, then, bye," Jesse said and gave her a small wave.

Beca smacked the back of her hand across his stomach. "Jesse!"

Chloe turned her eyes to Jesse and let out a low growl that could not be heard by Jesse or Beca. Her eyes start to darken and she may have attacked Jesse if Aubrey hadn't suddenly appeared between them and grabbed her arm.

"Oh, good," Aubrey said smiling. "I see you found your sweater."

Jesse looked at the blonde, confused. "Were you here all this time?"

Aubrey gave Jesse a perplexed look. "Yeah." She made it sound like she was saying 'No Duh'. Under her breath, Aubrey spoke so only Chloe could hear her. "Calm down, Chloe."

Chloe's demeanor changed instantly and her eyes lightened back to their cerulean blue. "Yes, it was where you said it would be."

"Good. Let's go home," Aubrey said as she moved to stand next to Chloe. She kept a tight grip on Chloe's arm as she looked at Jesse and Beca with a smile. "You two have a good night."

"Um, you as well," Beca said.

Jesse gave Chloe a smug smile as he put an arm around Beca's shoulders and led her out of the rehearsal room.

{(0)}

Aubrey held Chloe back until she was sure that Jesse and Beca had left the premises. They had both stood silently, lost in their thoughts about what might have happened if Aubrey had not shown up when she did.

"I'm quitting the tour," Chloe suddenly said breaking the silence.

"What?" Aubrey let go of Chloe and looked at her. "What are you talking about?"

Chloe didn't respond. She turned away from Aubrey and walked out of the rehearsal room. Aubrey quickly followed.

"Chloe?"

"No, Aubrey," Chloe said as she looked around. "Not here. We'll talk about this at home."

Aubrey remained silent as she followed Chloe out of the building and to her car.

{(0)}

Stacie was on her way home after rehearsal when she suddenly felt afraid. She looked around at the traffic and couldn't pinpoint what exactly she was afraid of.

Stacie continued driving when she was overwhelmed by another feeling. One of serious, deep concern.

"Oh, my God," Stacie said loudly in the confines of her car. "Am I feeling what Aubrey's feeling? Is this part of the soulmate connection?"

Stacie immediately turned in the direction of Aubrey and Chloe's. She needed to be close to Aubrey; to make sure Aubrey was okay.

Stacie arrived at Aubrey's but didn't see her car. She could feel Aubrey getting closer so she stayed and waited for her.

Stacie had been there for less than ten minutes when Aubrey's car came into view from the long drive. Stacie got out of the car and waited for Aubrey to park.

Stacie was surprised when Chloe practically jumped out of the car and ran past her and into the house. Stacie looked at Aubrey as she stood by the car watching Chloe.

"Is she okay?" Stacie asked as she walked to Aubrey. "Are you okay?"

"She wants to quit the tour," Aubrey said.

"What? Why?"

"I have a few ideas," Aubrey said leaning int to pull Stacie into a hug. Aubrey just needed to physically feel Stacie. "We're going to talk about it. You should stay. I think you might be able to convince her to stay on the tour better than I."

"Of course," Stacie said pulling out of the hug.

"Are you coming in?" Aubrey heard Chloe's voice and smiled softly.

"I'm on my way," Aubrey whispered. "And I'm bringing Stacie in with me."

"Let's go in," Aubrey said as she took Stacie's hand.

{(0)}

Aubrey walked in to find Chloe pacing back and forth in the living room. Lily was sitting in a chair watching the redhead.

"Chloe?" Aubrey spoke getting the redhead's attention. "Let's sit down."

"Okay," Chloe said and sat on the sofa.

Stacie and Aubrey sat as well, positioning themselves on either side of Chloe. Aubrey looked at Chloe and waited.

"I am quitting the tour," Chloe said. "I need to quit the tour."

"Why do you need to?" Stacie's question caused Chloe to look at her.

"Because I can't be around Beca while she's with Jesse," Chloe said. "I almost attacked Jesse today."

Stacie's eyes widened in surprise. "What happened?"

"He was being...possessive of Beca," Chloe said. "It was like he was putting on a show for me to let me know that Beca was his. And, Beca, let him. I feel like I have to let her go."

"Chloe," Aubrey said softly. "Don't make this decision while you're upset."

"I'm not upset," Chloe said jumping up from her seat. "I'm heartbroken. I find my Beca only to lose her again. The only consolation I have is that I didn't have to see her die again. And it is my choice to let her go."

Chloe flopped back down on the sofa with a sob. She put her hands to her face as tears fell from her eyes and slipped through her fingers.

Aubrey could feel so much of Chloe's pain. She wrapped her arms around Chloe and held her while she cried.

Stacie sat and watched Aubrey consoling Chloe.

"Chloe?" Stacie called to her quietly. "Why are you giving Beca up so easily?"

Chloe's head snapped to look at Stacie. She let out a low growl and Aubrey tightened her hold for fear Chloe would attack.

"You think this is easy? You think my feelings for Beca are tossed aside lightly?" Chloe's voice was a low and menacing.

"I'm sorry," Stacie said sensing Chloe's anger. "I'm just confused. I know you have very strong feelings for Beca. And, I see the way Beca looks at you. I can honestly say I have not seen Beca look at Jesse like that in years, if ever."

"Then why is she still with him?" Chloe asked, her anger replaced with sadness. "Why does she go with him if she wants me?"

"I don't think she knows what she's feeling for you," Stacie said. "It's all new to her. I also think she stays with Jesse out of a sense of obligation, not of love."

"But she had sex with him last night," Chloe said. "I could feel what she was feeling and she was enjoying it."

Stacie gave Chloe a small smile. "You can have sex and enjoy it without love being involved. I would think at your age, you would know that."

Aubrey gave a little snicker, earning a glare from Chloe. "I do know that. It just seemed like there were more feelings involved and it wasn't just sex."

Chloe thought about what Stacie had said about Beca feeling obligated to stay with Jesse.

Stacie sighed and looked questioningly at Chloe. Aubrey saw the way Stacie was looking at Chloe, and asked, "What's on your mind, Stacie?"

"I'm just wondering how you two met Beca in the first place? I mean her original Beca."

Aubrey nodded her head and looked at Chloe. "I think you should tell her the whole story."

Chloe sighed and looked at Stacie. "We met Lady Rebecca over four hundred years ago. She was raised a lady, but had such a wild, free spirit that it was easy to love her. And from the first moment I met her and she smiled at me, I did love her."

Chloe sat back to be more comfortable as she spoke of her beloved Beca. "She was out riding around the countryside when she came upon our cottage. Bree and I were walking around the property when I sensed her. It was like nothing I'd ever felt before; I started looking around and saw her just as she saw us. She looked like a proper young lady and I was struck by the way she sat the horse and carried herself. She stopped and hopped down off her horse in a most unladylike way but it was so cute I could only laugh at her. She smiled at me and my mouth went dry and my heart seized. I realized that I had felt her presence before that day. I had wanted to find her but the sense of her would move farther away and I felt she was unreachable. And now here she was standing in front of me. I still didn't know what it was, but then she smiled at me and it was at that moment that I knew she was going to be a big part of my life. What I didn't know at the time was that she was my soulmate and we were destined to be together forever."

Stacie waited but Chloe seemed to be lost in the memory. "So, what happened to her? That night, after the fight at the Observatory, I recall you telling me she died but there was so much information to process that I don't recall how she died."

"Let Chloe tell you everything leading up to that moment," Aubrey said. "Then, you will understand how strong their connection really is."

"I'm sorry," Stacie said. "Please continue."

"It's okay, Stacie. Um, so we spoke cordially that first day," Chloe continued. "We did the introductions, and spoke of proper socially accepted things such as the weather. She hadn't been there long when she noticed the sun was starting to lower and said she needed to go. She got on her horse and rode away, looking back at us with a smile. I watched her until she was no longer in sight, yet I could still feel her. Aubrey and I went inside and I was restless. I didn't know what was happening to me. I had never felt like that before."

"I could sense Chloe's unease," Aubrey said. "I, too, did not recognize it for what it was at the time. Later that evening, Chloe suddenly went to the door and looked out it into the dark of the night in distress."

"I could feel something was off," Chloe interrupted. "I sensed someone in pain, but I again didn't know what was happening. Two days later, my Beca showed up again. She wasn't as vibrant as she had been on her first visit. I noticed she had some bruising on her face. When I asked about it, she broke down and cried in my arms. Her father had slapped her for returning late."

A tear fell slowly down Chloe's cheek as she relived the memory. "She, um, pulled herself together and told us that when she returned to her father's house, he confronted her because she was late. She said something about being old enough to do as she pleased and he slapped her. Aubrey had to calm me because I was ready to go after Beca's father that very day."

"Rebecca stayed with us most of the day," Aubrey added. "She and Chloe remained close the entire time. They talked, they laughed. I'm not sure either of them was aware of it, but they fell in love that day. After that, Rebecca came by every day to see us." Aubrey smiled. "Well, to see Chloe. Her father didn't like it and he had forbade her from coming to see us. She disobeyed him and came anyway."

Chloe smiled. "She told me that she felt compelled to see me again even if it meant another beating from her father. I think I knew but didn't want to believe that she had the same feelings for me. It was a much different time then. Our love would have been frowned upon. Especially by her father."

"One day, about three months after meeting her," Aubrey continued. "Rebecca came to us in great distress. It seemed her father had arranged for her to be married to Theodore Stuart, the Duke of Cambridge. Her father said it was in the best interest of the family and that she must do it for the honor of the family."

"Aubrey and I had talked about telling Beca about us," Chloe said. "I wanted to wait until we had time to prepare her. Only her father made that happen sooner than we had hoped. We told Beca what we are and that if she chose to, I could sire her and we would be together forever. She, at first, thought we were monsters. But we explained how we came to be sired and suffered at the hands of our sire and would not do that to her. It was her decision and her decision alone. She had agreed to allow me to change her and leave with us. We did not have much time and were packing our carriage to make our way Liverpool to try and book passage on a ship. Her father came with the Duke of Cambridge and several of his men. Beca jumped onto her horse and told us she'd meet us in Liverpool. She knew her father would chase after her so she raced off knowing we would be safe and could get away. The last words she said to me were I love you."

Chloe wiped at tears that had started to fall. "Her father and his men did give chase. I knew something bad was going to happen and I forced Bree and Lily to chase after Beca as well. After a while, we came upon a group of men and I jumped out of the carriage to see Beca's father holding her lifeless body. He drew his sword and I became the monster Beca thought we were. Bree and Lily jumped in to help and protect me. I did not stop until there was no man left standing."

Stacie sucked in a breath. "And, Beca was-?"

"Yes," Chloe said. "I stepped over the dead bodies of the men and made my way to her. I already knew she was dead because I could feel an emptiness inside where once there was so much life. I took her in my arms and held her as I screamed and cried. I was in such pain but it eased somewhat and I held my Beca gently in my arms, brushing the hair from her face. She was just as beautiful in death as she was in life. We found a small church and buried her. I didn't want to leave her, but Aubrey and Lily got me back into the carriage and we followed our original plan."

"I think Chloe knew when her soulmate was reborn," Aubrey said. "She had grown restless a little over twenty-one years ago."

"And Beca's twenty-one," Stacie said and looked at Chloe. "I think you should stay with Beca. I think you will find that she does indeed have feelings for you. You just need to give her time to figure it out."

"By then, she will be married to Jesse," Chloe spit out. "And she is not the type to leave him once that happens."

"She won't marry him," Stacie said firmly. "It's like I said earlier, she only keeps him around out of a sense of obligation. Once she realizes what you are to her, she will leave him."

Chloe looked at Stacie, and asked in a pleading voice, "What does that mean? What obligation?" She desperately wanted to better understand.

Stacie let out a deep sigh. "Jesse is a good guy." She held up her hands, palms towards Chloe, when she heard the redhead's growl. "I know you don't want to hear that, but it's true. And he truly loves Beca…"

Another growl from Chloe had Aubrey interrupting. "Maybe you could make your point, Stacie."

"Well," the tall brunette continued. "When Beca's father welched on his deal, Jesse stepped up. Big time. He organized a number of parties on campus with the express purpose of raising money to help Beca. He got the Trebles, an Acapella group he was part of, to do a couple fundraisers. He went above and beyond to make sure Beca could follow her dream."

Stacie looked at Chloe with sad eyes. "Beca definitely has feelings for Jesse, he's done a lot for her, and he followed her out here. She looks at him and sees a man who has epitomized everything she values in a partner." Stacie started listening off traits, using her fingers to count off. "Loyalty, commitment, honesty, determination, perseverance…"

"So, you seem to be making my argument for quitting and putting distance between us," Chloe exclaimed in frustration.

"Wait," Stacie said. "This is why she doesn't kick him to the curb. He doesn't deserve that, and loyalty is just too important to her. At the same time, she has held him at arm's length."

The brunette leaned forward, as if she were revealing a deep secret. "Jesse has wanted to move in with Beca forever, but she has kept putting him off. She loves Jesse, but doesn't Love him."

Stacie now looked at Chloe with all her sincerity. "You can't just expect to drop in Beca's life and have her swoon into your arms. You need to show her you are here for her. Show her you're her friend first and foremost. The rest will come."

"Oh. Um, thanks for this insight. I, uh, I need time to think," Chloe said standing suddenly. "I am going to my room. I'll make a decision before I am to meet with Beca tomorrow."

"I will bring you something to eat in a little bit," Lily said, her voice startling the girls; they had forgotten she was there.

{(0)}

Chloe woke the next morning with a heavy heart. After thinking about everything that was said the night before, she still felt that was best if she quit the tour. She would rather be able to control her heartbreak than to give Beca that privilege down the road. Seeing and being with her every day would have been torture, especially when Jesse joined Beca on the tour.

She was going to quit to protect her heart from any more pain. Besides, there were so many dangers that were inherent to Chloe's life. It was enough to make Chloe pause, even if it looked like she was going to be able to be with Beca. Then there was the danger of siring Beca if she did actually want to be with Chloe. That danger by itself was enough to convince Chloe that she needed to sever all contact with Beca.

Beca's safety would always be Chloe's number one priority.

Chloe's phone pinged with a text notification. She checked it and saw it was from Beca, and she couldn't hold back her smile. This was the effect that the petite brunette has had on her. Just as quickly her smile dropped, and she sighed.

This was going to be harder than she thought.

Chloe let out another sigh and got up and dressed. She made her way downstairs and found Lily sitting on the sofa drinking a cup of tea.

"Good morning, Lily," Chloe said.

"Good morning," Lily said. "The car is waiting to take you to meet Beca."

"How did you-," Chloe stopped herself. "Never mind. You're Lily."

Chloe asked Lily to let Aubrey know she'd catch up with her later. She then left the quiet Korean.

Chloe walked outside to see Donald holding the car door for her. She smiled and told him where she was going and climbed into the backseat. The drive to the coffee shop was quiet as Chloe went over in her head what she was going to say to Beca. There was so much she wanted to tell the young brunette, but knew she was going to have to keep it professional.

Donald was pulling up to the coffee shop before she knew it.

"Don't get out," Chloe told Donald. "I'll call you if I need to be picked up. Thank you."

Donald smiled and nodded as Chloe got out of the car. She took a deep breath and walked into the coffee shop.

Chloe stopped inside the door and looked around for Beca. Beca had seen her enter and was waving her over with a smile.

Chloe schooled her face to show no emotion and walked over and sat across from Beca. Beca's smile dropped when she saw Chloe's face.

"Um, I ordered you some tea," Beca said as she also sat.

"That was very nice of you," Chloe said, trying to keep her face neutral.

"So, you wanted to talk to me about something," Beca said clearing her throat.

Chloe looked at Beca and couldn't help the small smile that crept to her lips. Beca looked so nervous and it melted Chloe's heart.

Chloe looked down at the table and took a calming breath. She looked back up to Beca.

"There you are!" The two women jerked their heads to see Theo walking toward them.

Chloe let out a low growl. "Why is he here?" Chloe thought to herself.

"I'm glad I caught you," Theo said to Beca as he reached the table. "I need to speak with you about your tour. Finalize a few things."

"I'll come by your office before rehearsal," Beca said. "Right now, I'm meeting with Chloe. She has something to discuss with me, so…."

Theo and Beca started bickering back and forth, and Chloe tuned them out.

Chloe sat there looking at Theo. She was struck with how familiar he seemed. It was not the first time she thought this.

She remembered Lily's proclamation that Theo was a minion. Perhaps she had seen him during their many travels. As a minion, he would be to another vampire as Lily was to them. Only Lily was more a part of the family than just a minion.

A part of the family? Chloe's eyes widened suddenly as she realized who he truly was. She quickly glanced down at the table lest he see her staring at him.

It all made sense to her now. The way he looked at Beca. The way he always seemed to be there whenever she, or even Jesse, was around Beca.

Theo was Theodore Stuart, the Duke of Cambridge. Rebecca's betrothed.

But, how is he here? She killed him when she killed Rebecca's father. Didn't she? She remembered biting into his neck. She remembered throwing him aside. Chloe searched her mind for any reason why he would be here. It was obvious that he did not die that day, but how did he not? And, did anyone else survive?

Chloe was lost in her thoughts. She realized suddenly that she must stay with Beca. She must go on the tour to help protect Beca from Theo. And anyone else he may have helping him.

"Chloe?" Beca's voice brought Chloe out of her musings.

"I'm sorry," Chloe said. "I was lost in thought. What did you say?"

"That's okay," Beca said. "I asked what it was you wanted to talk about."

"Oh," Chloe said looking around. "Um, where's Theo?"

"He left," Beca said. "He thinks because he's my manager he can interrupt or do whatever he likes. I had to set him straight and told him I was going to finish my meeting with you, and then I'd go see him. So, you're on, Miss Beale."

Chloe smiled. "Oh, um, I just wanted to ask if while in London we would have a free day. I was hoping Lily, Aubrey, and I could visit around the area since we had lived there for so long."

Beca was a bit surprised. "Really?"

Chloe nodded.

"I think that would be fine," Beca said and then gave Chloe a grin. "You know you could have just asked me this during rehearsal. You didn't have to use it as an excuse to hang out. We're friends and we can spend time together outside of rehearsals."

Chloe let out a small laugh. "Good to know. But I wanted to surprise Aubrey and Lily with the free day. Perhaps you and the others would like to join us. I'd love to show you around the countryside. We had a lovely little cottage in the area at one time."

"We can ask the others if that is something they'd like to do," Beca said. "But I will have to decline. I've been to London and travelled around the countryside a bit; I didn't like it. It felt like something bad had happened there and the bad memories were still lingering."

"How overly Poe-esque that sounds," Chloe said with a chuckle.

"Maybe," Beca said and looked at her watch. "Ugh, I need to get going. I do need to see Theo before rehearsal. I'll see you there."

"Um, actually, could I get a ride with you?" Chloe asked chewing on her bottom lip. "I, uh, took a car here and was planning to have Aubrey pick me up on her way but she's probably already halfway there."

"Sure, it's no problem," Beca said. "Let's go."

{(0)}

"I don't know what she's going to do, Stacie," Aubrey said. "She was gone when I got up. Lily said she'd meet up with me later."

"Well, can't you like feel her?" Stacie whispered so no one else would hear. "Aren't you tapped into each other's emotions or something?"

"Normally, yes," Aubrey said with a laugh. "But right now, all I can feel is your anxiety."

"Aww," Stacie said and kissed Aubrey on the cheek.

They both turned when they heard someone laughing as they came into the rehearsal space.

Stacie and Aubrey's jaws dropped when they saw it was Beca and Chloe who came into the rehearsal space together, laughing and smiling.

"I'm guessing she didn't quit," Stacie said.

"Oh, hey, everyone," Beca said seeing everyone was already there for rehearsal. "Could you guys get set up? I have to go meet with Theo but I promise I won't be gone long."

Everyone agreed and Beca left. Stacie and Aubrey hurried over to Chloe.

"What happened?" Aubrey asked when they reached Chloe. "I thought you were quitting."

"I had a change of plans," Chloe said.

Chloe looked around and pulled Stacie and Aubrey to a far corner of the room, away from anyone being able to overhear.

"I have to go on the tour to protect Beca," Chloe said quietly. "We all have to do our best to protect Beca."

"Protect Beca from what?" Stacie asked.

"Theo."

"Chloe, you have to rein in your jealousy of anyone that's around, Beca," Aubrey scolded.

"No, it's not like that," Chloe said. "I realized today who Theo really is, or was."

"Who?" Stacie asked looking around the room, expecting to see Theo hovering about.

"He was Theodore Stuart, the Duke of Cambridge," Chloe said looking directly at Aubrey.

Aubrey gasped as a look of understanding passed over her face.

"Who?" Stacie asked confused.

"He was the man Rebecca was betrothed to when she died," Aubrey responded.

"If he is a minion as Lily said," Chloe said. "Our biggest concern other than Beca's safety, is who is he minion to?"

{(0)}

Beca came into the rehearsal space with Theo following close behind. Chloe glared at the man and Aubrey had to remind her to rein in her anger once again. They could not let Theo know that they knew who he really was.

After about an hour, Fat Amy bursts into the room interrupting the rehearsal.

"Dammit, Amy!" Beca said. "We've talked about this and I'm getting tired of having to remind you about entering quietly during rehearsals."

"Take it down a notch, Shawshank," Fat Amy said. "You told me to bring your new roadies by so you could meet them."

"That doesn't mean you barge in like a-."

Fat Amy starts talking to the two people she brought in with her, ignoring Beca.

"Arrggh!" Beca screams causing Chloe to giggle. "Why do I even bother? Take ten everybody."

Chloe handed Beca a towel and a bottle of water. "Thanks, Chlo."

"You're welcome, boss," Chloe said with a grin.

Theo watched the interaction and didn't seem to be happy about it. He watched as Beca walked over to Fat Amy and the two people she had brought with her.

"Okay, Ames," Beca said. "Who do you have here?"

"These are the two new roadies I was telling you about," Fat Amy said. "This black beauty here is Cynthia Rose, and this little Latina firecracker is Flo."

"Please, call me CR," Cynthia Rose said as she shook Beca's hand. "I'm a big fan and want to thank you for giving us this opportunity. Hanging out with you and being able to see places we've never been before. It doesn't get any better than that."

"I don't know what Amy has told you," Beca said looking at her Aussie friend. "But I haven't agreed to hire you yet."

When it looked as if the two were going to say something, Fat Amy held up her hand. She put her arm around Beca's shoulders. Beca looked at her arm and then at Fat Amy with a raised eyebrow; Fat Amy, of course, ignored the look.

"Beca, Beca, Beca," Fat Amy said. "We both know you're going to hire them. So, let's just skip over the pseudo I'm the boss and I make all the decisions angst and just tell them they're hired."

"I don't even know what qualifications they have," Beca said shrugging Amy's arm off her shoulders. "Being a roadie is very physical, and no offense to Flo, but she's smaller than I am."

Theo, sensing that Fat Amy was pushing for these two women to be on the tour for a specific reason, stepped in and said, "They're hired."

"Excuse me?"

"Beca, we need them," Theo said. "No one has answered our ads for roadies. Plus, they're women. Consider how empowering it will be to have practically an all-woman tour. You, the backup singers, your backup band, and even your opening act are all women."

Theo was surprised by an unexpected ally who spoke up for the two girls.

"I think it's a great idea," Stacie said. "Think about it Beca. Whenever there are guys on tour with you, we all spend more time avoiding getting hit on than we do anything else. Plus, they're both cute."

"Thanks, hot stuff," CR said and winked.

Aubrey let out a low growl and it was Chloe's turn to rein her friend in. "Easy, Bree," Chloe said putting a hand on Aubrey's arm.

Aubrey blushed a bit in shame and gave Chloe a grateful smile. Chloe bit her lip to keep her smile at bay. She wasn't the only one becoming quite territorial when it came to her soulmate.

"Look," Theo said placatingly. "Let's hire them temporarily. Then, if we get any hits on our ads, we can take another look and hire who we, who you, think is best."

CR, Flo, and Amy both looked at Beca with such hopeful looks on their faces, Beca couldn't help but agree, though still begrudgingly.

"Fine," Beca said. "You're hired." She then got a smug smile on her face and turned to Theo. "You can take them to your office and have them fill out all the necessary paperwork. Give them their itineraries, have your Assistant make the necessary travel arrangements, that sort of thing."

Theo frowned because he did not want to leave. Not with Chloe and Beca back to being buddy-buddy again. He frantically tried to think of a reason he needed to stay, but could not come up with one, much less a good one.

Theo plastered a fake charming smile on his face and said, "It would be my pleasure. Ladies, if you'd follow me." He looked at Fat Amy. "Oh, and Amy, you should come, too."

"Of course," Fat Amy said without hesitation.

Chloe and Aubrey looked at each other and heard Lily speaking to them.

"Did he just compel Amy?" Lily asked.

"I think he did," Chloe said.

"Lily," Aubrey started.

"I'll do a deeper background check on Theo this evening," Lily said.

"Also, our new roadies," Aubrey said.

Chloe looked at Aubrey with a raised eyebrow. "You think that's necessary?"

Aubrey just raised an eyebrow in answer.

Lily nodded. "I will take care of it."

{(0)}

Please keep up the reviews. They help us know how we're doing.

Song Used: Tightrope by Kelly Clarkson