Chapter Nine

Zoey

I sat nervously in my seat at the table. Tonight was the night that could either make or break our connection with humans. Today, we'd all been out and about, frantically publicizing the bake sale. To our surprise, a lot of humans had taken interest, reading the signs. Some had torn them down, but most had taken a chance by reading them. It was becoming clearer and clearer to me that Neferet was using them, goading them into war with vampyres. They didn't want this—they wanted to heal their ties to us.

"You guys ready?" Stevie Rae said. She looked very pretty. She was wearing a red dress that, simple enough, brought out her curves and made her look beautiful, like a woman, as a High Priestess should. Her hair, longer recently, was straight for the first time in a long time, with golden tresses that fell gently to her shoulders. She'd parted it, swiping the two sides between her neck, and her hair was just barely out of her face. She was wearing red heels that went very conveniently with the dress.

"Of course I'm ready. Ready to face this with you," Rephaim said. He, too, looked stunning. He was donned in a three-piece tuxedo, with black dress pants, black dress shoes, a white button-up, and a black jacket with a red tie and a red flower inside his jacket's pocket. He looked so handsome, the tuxedo unable to conceal his ridiculous muscles that were surely a product of his father. And I'd never admit this to Stevie Rae, but his butt looked amazing in those dress pants.

But I had more sexy things to worry about. I inclined my head so that it was facing the other direction, and Kalona and Thanatos strode into the room. His beauty hit me like it usually did, only this time something was a little different. His long, slick hair had been cut short, in a look that surprisingly improved his beauty. His face was starting to grow hair, a mustache and a beard, that wasn't unattractive at all. He wore basically the same outfit as Rephaim, with the exception of a blue tie, and a blue flower to match with Thanatos, who looked stunning as well. Her blue, shimmery dress came down reasonably long, and her hair was curled and pinned up so that it wouldn't be in her face.

"You look amazing, Zoey," came Aurox's voice. I turned and watched him make his way into the cafeteria, which had been set up amazingly—there were rows of tables set up for the food, and in the back there were four tables that would act as stations for the different job sign-ups; we'd decided to include another table for humans who wanted to work to clean the tunnels, because there was no way we were going through that angst again. Aurox trod down the stairs toward me, an eager look in his eyes. He looked dapper. He wore a unique all-white outfit—even his shoes were white. The white somehow brought out his eyes and his golden hair, and made him look incredibly handsome—even more so than usual. "Aurox," I whispered as we united again, and his fingers threaded through mine.

"You look amazing," he repeated, staring down at me. I blushed. The ensemble I'd donned wasn't much—a short, black, long-sleeved dress that resembled the one I'd worn on the night of my Dark Daughters' ritual—but it seemed to make Aurox's eyes light up. Thanatos had been against my wearing it—she'd wanted me to show off my tattoos—but I'd brushed away her concerns, assuring her that the extended Mark on my face would be enough. My hair was curled tightly and fell gently down to my back.

"Aurox, I could say the same for you. All-white's definitely your color." I grinned at him.

He laughed. "Thanks. But you really do look great." He fiddled with my pendant. I'd decided to don it as a showing of leadership, a showing that I was in some way still a High Priestess. My diamond earrings were clasped in my ears too, though that had raised Shaunee and Stevie Rae's eyebrows, remembering that Loren had gifted me with them.

"Thank you," I told him. "I feel great. It's finally here. After all the hours we've been waiting for it."

He nodded. "Are you scared?"

"No, not really. I'm not scared of the bake sale itself—I'm just scared about what will come of it," I admitted.

Shaylin and Erik walked into the room. They both looked cute. Shaylin's incredibly long hair was curled in spirals, falling down to her back in a look I'd never thought of on her. It made her doll-face look so much older. She was wearing a strapless green dress that showed off some of her curves and made her look much taller and older than she really was. In her hand was a wallet-sized purse. She was wearing heels, which was another thing that served her height. Erik was wearing a black vest, with black dress pants and a green tie. Underneath the vest, he wore a green shirt that matched his tie.

Erik and Shaylin strode up to us, giving us hugs. "You guys ready?" Erik asked us.

"Pretty much," Aurox answered him. "About as ready as we can be."

"We saw the nuns walking in on our way down here," Shaylin told me. "It should take them a minute, but they're here."

"Okay," I said, nodding.

In walked Aphrodite and Darius. I had expected Aphrodite's dress to be outlandish, but I was surprised by how normal she looked. Maybe I was just used to her expensive tastes. She donned a Louis Vuitton dress that was silver, like the moon. It shimmered with the lights and actually looked very pretty on her. Her hair had been washed, blow-dried, and combed out—I could tell by how straight it was—but other than that, she hadn't done anything to it. She was wearing lip gloss, but other than that she had no make-up on. Darius had on a simple white button up with black dress pants and black dress shoes, but it did seem to make his muscles stand out, and he looked very handsome.

Aphrodite and Darius made their way over to us as Erik and Shaylin walked away to talk to Stevie Rae and Rephaim. "Fuck, I'm hot," Aphrodite sighed as she fanned her face. "Can we get this over with?"

"I'm ready for it to be over, too," I admitted. "I'm with you. Just grin and bear it."

"That's what I do anyway," she muttered, "but thanks."

As they walked away, Kramisha, Nicole, and Jordan finally entered the room, the last three. I didn't know where Stark was, but I hadn't thought he would show anyway. Kramisha looked pretty; her long, blond weave fell to her back, and she was wearing a pretty gold dress that shined with the light. Jordan was kinda matching with her, taking on the same tuxedo look as everyone else but with a golden tie. Nicole was wearing a long red dress that was a little like Stevie Rae's, but shorter and more inappropriate.

After they walked up to us and said their hi's, Sister Mary Angela and her nuns finally made an appearance. There were about twenty of them, and to my delight, each of them was carrying two cat carriers—at least forty cats. Sister Mary Angela directed them to the back table—we'd let her in on where she would sit her charity—and they set all the cats down. While they were busy, she came over to Aurox and I. "Hello, Zoey. Hello, Aurox," she greeted.

"Hey," we told her.

"This has been well-organized," she praised. "The theme of this is so humane, so normal, that humans will love to be in an atmosphere they can relate to."

"I know," I agreed. "That was the plan. Thanatos and Stevie Rae came up with it."

"Well, hats off to them." Sister Mary Angela smiled. "Street Cats will continue to ally with vampyres, as vampyres are not evil. I trust you, Zoey, as long as you trust me."

I smiled. "Then we trust each other."

I remembered now why I'd liked Sister Mary Angela so much—she reminded me of my grandmother. The two were a great deal alike, both taskmistresses and hard workers. Sister Mary Angela kissed my cheek and walked away.

Thinking of Grandma made me want to talk to her, so I took my phone out of my purse and dialed her number. After three rings, she picked up. "Hello?" Her voice sounded hoarse.

"Grandma? Hey. I was just wondering if you were still coming to the bake sale." My voice sounded pleading.

"I'm sorry, Zoey—I won't be making it. I'm sick." Grandma sounded miserable.

"Oh," I sighed. "What's wrong?"

"I believe I have the flu. I must stay at my farm and heal. When I'm well, I'll venture to the House of Night." Grandma sounded scared for some reason. Why didn't I believe what she was saying? Chills rolled down my spine.

"Grandma—"

"I must call you back, Zoey. Goodbye."

The line went dead.

I wanted to call Grandma back and see why she was acting so strange, but before I could even dial anything, Stevie Rae's mother, Mama "Ginny" Johnson, entered the room holding along with a handsome man who I presumed was her father and two pretty cute boys who looked a lot like Stevie Rae. The two boys were both holding two bowls that were filled to the top of cookies, which both looked and smelled delicious. Stevie Rae cried out and ran to them, throwing her arms around them one by one. Rephaim looked awkward but sighed, walking to meet Stevie Rae's family.

My lips twitched, fighting a smile. This would be interesting.

Rephaim

Rephaim had faced Darkness for years, had been balm to its terrifying touch, and had known the power of Neferet truly magnified. He'd seen things that none of these Light fledglings, even Zoey Redbird, had not seen. So why did the sight of Stevie Rae's father strike more fear in him than ever before?

He took a deep breath. Stevie Rae had told him that one day, she was going to have him meet her family. Apparently, today was going to be the day.

He squared his shoulders and walked to meet his destiny. He walked past the Street Cats table, and past the signup sheets tables. When he had finally crossed the room to Stevie Rae's family, he was shocked by how much they looked like her. Stevie Rae's mother was a slightly plump but beautiful woman, her long, curly hair mirroring Stevie Rae's. Her father was only a few inches taller than him, but he was still highly intimidating. He was muscular, and he looked like he could knock Rephaim out with one single blow. His hair was dark brown, unlike his wife's. Rephaim's gaze drifted to Stevie Rae's brothers. She'd told him that one was 18, a year older than her, and one was 16, a year younger, but both looked very mature. One had the trademark blond hair, and one had the brown hair of their father.

"I've missed you guys so much!" Stevie Rae squeaked, her lips lifted in a smile. "I'm so glad you showed up."

"We've missed you too, darlin'," her father said, speaking with a Southern accent that was not far off of Stevie Rae's. He kissed her cheek, grinning at her. His gaze drifted to Rephaim. Disapproving already. "And who is this young man?"

"This is Rephaim." Stevie Rae's eyes moved to her mother now, who gasped. "He's my boyfriend and it's time you met him. Rephaim—Dad. Dad—Rephaim."

"Hello, Rephaim," her dad said, sticking a hand out. "How ya doin'?"

Rephaim shook her dad's outstretched hand. His grip was like iron, but Rephaim didn't complain—he had a feeling her dad wasn't a man who catered to complaints. "I'm well. How are you, sir?"

"Well, I'm doin' just fine, thank you. And you can call me Mr. Johnson." He nodded at Rephaim before letting his hand go. Rephaim flexed his fingers, unsure whether one was broken or not.

"I thought you told me Rephaim was... a bird," Mrs. Johnson breathed.

"He was," Stevie Rae said, grinning at Rephaim. "And then... some stuff happened. Basically, Nyx forgave him for his past sins and made him a boy again."

"Vampyre shit," Mr. Johnson muttered. "Need-to-know." Rephaim was sure he was the only one who heard the words.

"Well, you're a very handsome boy, Rephaim. Come and give Mama a hug!" Rephaim leaned into Mrs. Johnson's outstretched arms, squeezing tightly on her. When they finally broke apart, Mrs. Johnson grinned at him.

"What are your intentions with my daughter?" Mr. Johnson barked. Oh, Goddess.

"Take the cookies to one of the tables—that first one," Mrs. Johnson ordered the boys. They nodded, glancing at Rephaim again before they walked away.

Rephaim swallowed and turned to Mr. Johnson, thinking carefully before he spoke. "I just want Stevie Rae to be happy. I love her, Mr. Johnson, and by some miracle she loves me too. I want the world for her, and more. I'll be with her for as long as she wants me around." Stevie Rae blushed and grinned as Rephaim kissed her cheek.

Rephaim glanced at Mr. Johnson. The man's expression was strange. It was... proud. Approving, almost. "I can see you're tellin' the truth, but, Stevie Rae, if he breaks your heart, y'know I've got a rifle in the garage."

"Dad!" Stevie Rae protested.

"Oh, calm down, Lenny. He loves her." Mrs. Johnson grinned. "They're so cute."

"Aww, thanks," Stevie Rae said, smiling.

"This is like Twilight or somethin', only Rephaim's not a vampyre," Mr. Johnson muttered. "Fine."

Rephaim had watched the first two Twilight films with Stevie Rae before, and he had to admit, he was looking forward to watching the next one. They were entertaining.

"Where's Zoey?" Mrs. Johnson asked. "I haven't seen her yet."

"She's over there!" Stevie Rae grinned and pointed to where Zoey and Aurox were standing.

"Let's go talk to her," Mr. Johnson agreed. "I need to meet my daughter's best friend."

"Dad..." Stevie Rae said half-heartedly as they walked away. Rephaim beamed. He'd been afraid for nothing. Stevie Rae's parents had accepted him. Maybe that meant it was meant to be between the two of them.

Rephaim remembered what his father had said back when he'd still been on the side of evil; "You know she can never truly love you as a woman loves a man?"

The words had never been more incorrect.

Stark

Stark took a deep breath and entered the cafeteria. He was wearing a simple black dress shirt and black pants. He tried not to be seen, and he wasn't, at first. Zoey was distracted by Stevie Rae and her parents. She looked beautiful in the dress she'd donned, like a true High Priestess.

She is meant for you, Warrior... Nyx's voice? No, someone else. It was a man. Someone else. Kalona? No. It was Erebus, who hadn't been seen since the school had burned up. Or is she? You do not know the answer for this, do you?

Shut up, Stark thought.

He looked around the room, his eyes catching on a beautiful girl. He believed her name was Nicole. She was wearing a long, red dress that shimmered the color of the sky when the sun was setting. She'd been Dark, but had chosen Light. Nicole caught sight of Stark, and her eyes widened. Had Zoey told the vampyre about her struggles with love?

One of the most immediate things Stark noticed about Nicole was her scent. Vampyres weren't supposed to share blood, but the blood that was running through Nicole was hot and sweet, and he wanted it—bad.

Terri's sadness pierced him as would a sword. He gasped and clutched at his stomach. Recently, her sadness was causing pain within him—actual pain. His body was torn between what it wanted and what it needed—between Dark and Light. He hurried to take a seat.

As he sat down, Nicole and Shaylin strode over to a spot before his seat, talking and laughing about something. When Shaylin walked away, Nicole was alone. She started to walk away, but she turned around, seeing Stark, and jumped. "Goddess, you scared the crap out of me! I didn't know you were there."

"Sorry," he said softly.

"Why aren't you with Zoey?" she accused.

"She's with Aurox." Stark's voice was bitter. "It's clear she doesn't want me anymore."

"That's not true. She was looking for you earlier. She's not with you because you weren't with her," Nicole said.

Stark really, really didn't want to talk about Zoey at the moment, so he changed the subject. "What's a pretty girl like you doing all alone?"

She blushed. "Thanks. I don't have anyone to talk to. I—I don't really fit in here."

"I thought you were good," he said, confused.

"I am, but that doesn't mean I have friends. I mean... Shaylin's nice enough, and Shaunee and Rephaim. And I was talking to Zoey earlier. But the rest of them... I don't know if they like me." She sounded sad. "I'm supposed to be the red vampyre Horse Mistress, and I don't even have any friends."

"I'm your friend." Stark placed his hand over hers.

"But... we barely know each other," Nicole breathed.

"Trust me. I'll be your friend. It seems like I'm drifting away from them, too, recently. Especially Zoey." The hard edge to his voice was what made Nicole sit down next to him—or so it seemed. He couldn't see inside her mind.

"I heard the thing with you and Kalona. That's hard." Nicole sighed. "I'm so glad to be free of the Darkness, and you have to go through with it."

"I know," Stark agreed in a hard voice. "It's tormenting. Try and imagine it. The ones you love ripped away from you slowly. You have the option to choose them, but if you do, you could die."

"Well, you have me." Nicole smiled at Stark, and he smiled back. A friend, in all this drama and mess. Finally someone he could talk to about anything he wanted.

"Deal."

...

I'd already started this chapter, so I figured I'd finish it and update the story for you guys. I'm trying to update as quickly as I can; I love the first few days after getting over writer's block! They're amazing!

How are you liking the bake sale so far? Good? Great? Terrible? Horrible? Tell me in your reviews. Also, Nicole/Stark. Do you think it'll happen? Do I? No way! ... Okay, honestly, they're just friends, guys. Every boy and girl don't have to like each other. But you never know with HoN...

Also, I'm proud to announce that I will be doing a Delena fanfic soon! It's about what would have happen if Elena would've chosen Damon before she woke up as a vampire. Lots more sex, and basically a slightly different version of season 4 of TVD.

Thank you for your support!

XOXO,

Casey