Title: The Only Choice
Author: crammit
Fandom: Glee
Rating: M
Pairing: Santana/Brittany
Timeline: AU - Vampire fic
Summary: When Brittany walked into Santana's inn all those years ago, neither knew just how much their lives would change. When a dark force from Santana's past threatens to destroy those she loves, she'll stop at nothing to protect them. Vampire-AU - Rated M for language, mild violence, and sex

A/N: Glee and its characters do not belong to me. I am only borrowing them. I promise to put them back right where I found them once I'm done. Also, vamp lore is made up and doesn't follow any specific vampire mythology.

A/N: I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who has been reading (I see those views :-D ), commenting, and/or sending me encouraging PMs. I never thought this story would have this many chapters (and there are a good more to go, if what my brain is telling me is right *lol*) and most of it is due to people actually reading it, even if you don't comment, it's very encouraging to see the views go up for each chapter. So, thanks for sticking with me with this story. I'm actually kinda proud of it. :-)

My Dearest Santana,

Please do not be mad at Cian. I have no doubts that he has likely caught quite the earful from you but I ask you not to take your anger out on him. He loves you and was only doing what he thought was right. If you should be angry at anybody, that anger should be directed at me. You cannot imagine how hard it has been to have to sit by these past few years, as Lucas' violence laps ever closer at your feet while the binds of my servitude kept me tethered far from you. You are never far from my thoughts, dear one, and I can only hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive me.

Things are changing here. Like a mold, there is a darkness spreading within the foundation of the Royal Family. I have come to understand that Lucas and Kaitlin's actions aren't as unknown to the Royal Family as they would like everyone to believe. There are some of us here trying to chip away at this weakness, to try and break the power the Family holds. Until now, it has been a precarious position and as such, I have been unable to provide you with direct support. Though I know you would never ask as you think you would be putting me at risk by seeking me out. It is I who put you at risk so many years ago and it is far past due time to try and make things right.

When Cian told me of your position and your plans at Brogan's Point, so close to where Lucas and Kaitlin are situated, I knew that my window of opportunity was slim and I needed to take advantage of it. I believe the timing is a gift from the Fates you are so fond of referencing and I can only hope that you accept my gift with their blessing.

I have sent you a weapon in the form of a woman, Santana. I have sent you Rebekkah…Kaitlin's half-sister. She's been held captive by the Royal Family for many years. Some of my best men sacrificed their lives to facilitate her escape and it won't be long before her absence will be noted. She is the only one that can match Kaitlin's power and if there is any hope of bringing this reign of violence and fear to an end, she will be the key to unlocking that opportunity.

It pains me to know that I cannot be there with you but know that I am doing everything I can to bring this Royal House down around the Family's feet. I failed to protect you once before and I won't allow that to happen again.

I look forward to the night when I can see you again. I pray that the Fates are on our side and I pray for your strength and your will to prevail. I see so much of your mother in you, Santana. She would be so proud of you, as I am proud of you.

Stay safe and be well, my sweetheart. I love you with all that I am and I will see you soon…

Tracing my fingers over the words on the letter, I eventually become aware that you've come to sit next to me on the bench, your lips pressed against my shoulder as your arm wraps around my waist. Folding the letter and putting it into my pocket, I turn and face you, neither of us speaking for a few moments while I try to process everything I just read. Taking a deep breath, I look over at the door before clearing my throat to speak to you. "I can't believe it. All this time…trying to protect him and he's been the one protecting me. The things he said about the Royal Family, Brittany. I don't even know how to process that. To know that they've known all along about Lucas and worse, that they've been complicit in his actions? All those people killed…your family…Sara…"

Pushing away from the table to stand, I turn and swipe at a chair next us, gritting my teeth as the wood smashes into the wall. I'm aware that you've remained seated at the table, your sympathy and concern valiantly trying to temper the rage burning inside me as I think about what all of this means now. Stalking away from you, I step over the wood pieces and pick up another chair, heaving it into the wall, my breath starting to race out of my mouth. I feel tears of anger building as my eyes change, my hands curling into fists with the need to strike out, my teeth clicking down as I let loose the reins on my frustration and anxiety. As my eyes search for another object to throw, I sense as you rise from the table, steadily walking over to me and meeting me as I turn to face you, your arms coming around me a moment before the tears break loose.

Clutching against your shirt, I shake my head against your shoulder, my hot tears dropping onto the soft material as my thoughts continue to tumble into each other. "We never stood a chance, Brittany. Fighting against Lucas when he had the power of the Royal Family behind him, scraping for progress and an advantage, thinking we were making a difference, thinking we were protecting people when really we were just being toyed with. So many people died. While they probably fucking laughed at us, people died. My friends died and for what? What could they possibly hope to gain by siding with Lucas?"

Pulling back, I step away from your embrace and rip the tie from my hair, running my fingers through my hair as I pace across the room. "Why couldn't my father have reached out before? We could have done things differently instead of going in blind every time. We never stood a chance."

"We have a chance now. Your father is giving us that chance now, Santana," your quiet voice stops my pacing and I reach into my pocket to pull out the folded letter, looking down at it as you come to stand before me once more. Gently, your hand covers the letter as your other hands cups my cheek, guiding my gaze back to you as your eyes flicker between mine. "You can't go back and change what has happened but you can make a difference now. Your father had his reasons for holding back all this time and when we get through this, you can sit down and talk to him all about it. But right now? We have this opportunity and I say we use it. Like your father said, the Fates have brought all this together now and there has to be a reason for it. This is our chance."

It's the calmness in your blue eyes that finally extinguishes the rush of anger I initially felt after reading my father's letter. I've always been a believer in Fate and have counted my blessings from them more than once in my life and as you continue to watch me, I take a deep inhale and shore up my trust in them once more.

"How did you get to be so smart?" Your smile is bashful as I lean up to place a soft kiss against your mouth, my hand tucking the letter back in my pocket before I reach out and pull you into a hug, closing my eyes as your solid presence steadies my anxiety. Turning my head to press a kiss against your cheek, I squeeze once against your waist before easing back to look at you. "I don't know what I'd do without you, Brittany."

Brushing your fingertips against my jaw, you tap lightly against the pendant under my shirt, your voice whisper soft as you reach down to hold my hand. "You'll never have to find out. I am yours, forever."

"Mine." Sealing my response with a kiss, I squeeze your fingers lightly as I lead us towards the door, hesitating for a moment with my hand on the door handle. I feel your thumb brush lightly against the back of my hand and I turn to look back, matching your soft smile with one of my own as I pull the door open, blowing out a breath as we make our way back downstairs, my voice steadier with your hand in mine. "Let's go talk with Cian."

Luckily, we find Cian and Rebekkah where we left them, in the dining hall at a back table engaged in quiet conversation, a half empty glass of blood at Cian's elbow. Robert and Declan sit a few tables away and I meet their concerned gaze with a small smile before releasing your hand, straightening my shoulders as I make my way over to Cian's table. Waving him off as he goes to rise, I grab a chair and sit at the head of the table as you take a seat next to Cian, my position not lost on him as he turns to face me with a serious expression.

Glancing briefly at Rebekkah, I look back at Cian, feeling the weight of the letter in my pocket as I address him. "Did you know?"

"No. I swear it, Santana. I had only hoped to gain an audience with the Royal Family, to ask for their help, something. I got as far as the gates before I was grabbed and put into a cell."

"Wait, what? They arrested you?"

Shaking his head, the corners of his lips curve up into a smile as he answers me. "No, not them. It was your father. A guard loyal to your father told him of my arrival and he had me put into a cell, thinking the Royal Family wouldn't pay attention that way. Their cells are filled with those that have broken their stupid laws in one way or another. I became just one of many. To be fair, at the time, I was outraged and demanded answers and made quite the stink in an attempt to be released so I could speak with the Family."

"You? Causing a scene? Shocking."

Cian's dimples flash briefly as he recognizes my sarcasm, your own smile appearing as the mood at the table eases further past earlier hostilities. Inclining his head towards me, he shrugs his shoulders before continuing his story. "Luckily for me, the guard assigned to me was your father's and he quickly dissuaded me of the notion of clamoring for an audience with the Royal Family. Shortly after I was there, your father came down to see me. Despite what you had instructed, I told him everything. After everything that happened, Santana, I felt desperate. I was worried about you, worried for all of us really."

Reaching forward, I place my hand on Cian's forearm, acknowledging the apology I hear in his voice and tightening my fingers lightly to encourage him to continue his story.

"I told your father about Sara."

I sense Declan shift anxiously and I turn my head slightly to meet his eyes, sharing his heavy grief for a moment before turning back to listen to Cian.

Covering my hand with his own, Cian leans closer to me as his tone takes on a greater intensity. "He was heartbroken, Santana. I think that, for him, it was the final straw in a way. He came clean and told me about the Royal Family and about Lucas and Kaitlin, he told me about the corruption within the Family, and he told me about what he was doing. How he was working with others to finally bring them down."

"Did he tell you why they've let Lucas and Kaitlin continue with their path of destruction?"

"No." Shaking his head, I watch as Cian looks over at Rebekkah, his same inquiry of her met with a negative response as well. Releasing my hand, Cian reaches out and takes a sip of blood, placing the glass down lightly as he looks at me once more. "Shortly after he told me those things, he said he had to return to his duties but to be ready to leave the next night. So, I waited. And then it happened."

Rolling my eyes at his flair for the dramatic, I feel a tiny edge creep into my voice as I prompt him to continue the story. "And then what happened, Cian?"

"Prison break."

Rebekkah's lightly accented voice answers my question and I see both you and Cian turn to look at her, my own gaze following as she looks at me. Frowning, my voice is curious as I respond to her answer. "Prison break? What do you mean?"

"Your father arranged to have all the cells in the jail opened at the same time, lighting a fire in the middle cell to spur the prisoners to escape faster. He had stationed two of his loyal guards at the gates so he could open them as the prisoners made their way through the courtyard."

Getting my attention, Cian continues the story. "During the chaos, your father came down and found me and guided me away from the main gates, taking me underground through a passageway that led to the woods outside. Rebekkah was waiting for me there and that's when your father gave me the letter to give to you and also when he told me about who Rebekkah was and why she had to come back with me."

Sensing my questions, Rebekkah raises a hand, pushing her dinner plate to the side as she rests her elbows on the table. "Santana, I'm sure you have many questions. These next few days are going to be critical in stopping Lucas and my sister and, please believe me when I tell you this, I want nothing more than to see both destroyed. And to see the Royal Family crumble where they stand. But, I do not have the same strength that Cian and you share and I am rather tired after our long journey to reach you. If it is okay with you, perhaps we could continue this discussion tomorrow after I've had some time to rest and recharge my energy?"

You must sense my hesitation, my thoughts teeming with questions, because no sooner does Rebekkah finish speaking when the sound of your exaggerated yawn reaches my ears, both Cian and I turning to look at you with amused glances.

Vampires don't yawn, Brittany.

Oh.

Smiling indulgently at you, I meet Cian's eyes briefly before looking back at Rebekkah, standing as I wave Robert over to our table. "As it seems you are not the only one needing rest, I'll have Robert show you to your rooms. Come find me tomorrow evening when you are ready to talk."

Stepping back from the table, I accept Rebekkah's grateful smile with a nod, placing my hand on Cian's arm as he goes to move past me. "I'm still mad at you for leaving and for going to see my father when I asked you not to. Repeatedly, I might add. The fact that it appears to now be in our favor that you disobeyed me doesn't negate the fact that…"

"I am an ass," Cian's quiet voice speaks over my words, his hands cupping my cheeks in a show of brotherly affection. Pressing a kiss to my forehead, Cian pulls back to look at me, his demeanor serious as he continues speaking. "Leaving you, with everything going on, was the hardest thing I have ever done, Santana. While you were worried for me that I might not return, I was worried over what I might find when I did return. The Fates seemed to be finding us in their favor as here we both stand, safe and sound. Though, you do look a little tired, sweetheart. While I look as handsome as ever, of course."

"Of course." Rolling my eyes, I'm helpless but to return his playful smile, the relief I felt earlier at finally seeing him still a tangible thing. Pulling him into a hug, I meet your eyes over his shoulder, drawing additional comfort from your soft smile. Squeezing him one more time, I release the embrace and reach out for your hand, moving to the side to allow Cian to press a kiss to your cheek before he turns to follow Robert and Rebekkah out of the dining hall.

"Santana?"

"Yes, love?"

Resting your chin against my shoulder, you let out a small sigh as your other hand wraps around my forearm. "I know we don't yawn but I'm actually kind of tired. Do you think we could go back to our room now?"

"Of course." Raising our joined hands, I press a kiss against the back of your fingers before letting go, turning around to face you. Brushing your hair back from your face, I rest my hands on your shoulders and lean forward to kiss your bottom lip softly before nodding my head towards the exit. "I just need to speak with Declan for a moment. Why don't you head over to our room and I'll be there shortly, okay?"

"Okay, San."

Watching as you make your way to leave, I feel my own weariness settle on my shoulders and I roll my neck against the weight. Eager to join you at our room, I take a deep breath and head over to Declan, grabbing a flask of whiskey and two clean glasses from a nearby table. Taking a seat on the bench across from him, I reach out and pour two full glasses, handing him one without a word.

Raising my glass, I meet his eyes and wait quietly until he raises his own, grief passing between us like a sharp blade as I reach out and place my other hand over his on the table between us. "To Sara."

Swallowing hard, Declan's eyes hold mine, even as they fill with tears, his voice hushed as nods his head slowly. "To Sara."

Downing the whiskey, I place my glass on the table and say nothing as Declan refills both our glasses, his hand held in mine as we drink, sadness sitting silent vigil next to us.

Pausing outside our door, I close my eyes and tuck away my grief, exhaling slowly as I calm my mind and push the door open, stepping into the room as the smell of lavender fills my nose. Blindly reaching back to shut the door, I scan the room slowly, my eyes adjusting to the flickering candlelight throughout the room until they finally find you.

"Get undressed and join me, Santana." Patting the side of the tub, your blue eyes seem to almost glow in the soft light of the candles, the edges crinkling up slightly as you smile at me. Watching as I get undressed and walk over to you, you sit up and hold your hand out to help me as I step into the tub, turning me until I am sitting between your legs, your arms wrapping around my shoulders as you pull me back against your body.

"Brittany, how did you get everything down here for this? There wasn't a tub in here last night. Wait, was there?"

Gathering my hair in your hands, you twist it into a bun, kissing the side of my head as your hands drop below the water to run up and down my arms. "Yes, honey. You were so tired last night, I could see how you'd miss it. Getting heated water down here was a bit tricky but luckily, Robert already had the blacksmith fires set up from earlier so I was able to get warm water for us."

Bending my elbows, I grab your hands and press a kiss to each of your palms, folding your arms across my chest and holding you there as I rest my temple against the side of your jaw. "You're too good to me, love."

Shifting slightly, you pull me tighter against your body, brushing your thumbs against my wrists as you shake your head. "No such thing."

Long moments pass as we rest there in the warm water, your lips pressing intermittent kisses against my cheek as I relax against your embrace. After a while, I sense a shift in your emotions, your thumbs brushing against my wrists once more. "I…felt you, earlier. With Declan."

Sighing, I sit up so I can face you, dropping my hand into the water to brace myself next to your hip while I rest my other hand on your thigh under the water. "I tried to keep most of it away from you. I know you're still dealing with your own grief, Brittany."

You frown at that, leaning forward to gently grip my chin your hand as you search my eyes, your sweet voice tinged with just the smallest hint of annoyance. "Why do you keep trying to keep things from me? That night in your room, when you changed me, you gave me the gift of not only your love but of this chance to be with you. Forever. This connection we have runs deeper than anything I've ever known and I am so grateful for that. I am grateful for you. And that means all of you, Santana. You don't have to carry everything on your own any longer…let me be here for you."

I feel your love pushing into me, raising the weight off my chest and putting the sureness of this connection in its place. Tightening my fingers on your thigh, I close the space between us and kiss you, letting your taste wash away the salt of my tears that were shed during my walk back to our room. Inhaling deeply, I take in the smell of the lavender from the warm bath water as it rests on your skin, feeling the low stirrings of arousal coming to life as your hands cup the back of my head, my hair falling from my bun at the gentle insistence of your fingers. The angle is awkward in the tub as I try to push closer to you, your tongue making gentle sweeps across my bottom lip as I rub my hand against your hip, my small groan of frustration at not being able to get closer to you causing you to pull away from the kiss and stand up.

Pulling me to stand up with you, you step out of the tub and help me out, patting both of us dry quickly with a towel before dropping it on the floor and leading me over to the bed. Guiding me onto my back, your body covers mine slowly, both of us sighing into the contact as your thigh slips between my legs, your weight braced on one elbow as your other hand pulls me into another kiss. I feel the ends of your hair brush against my chest as you change the angle of the kiss, your tongue stroking into my mouth slowly as my hands find purchase low on your back. Despite my growing arousal, I find it easy to not let my eyes change or my teeth extend, seeking this connection with you without the reminder of the violence and danger that waits outside this town.

Your skin is warm under my palms and as you rock your hips slowly, your breasts softly sliding against mine, my stomach clenches as a hint of your wetness brushes against my thigh. Digging my fingers into the muscles I can feel moving under my hands, I start to match your rhythm, feeling as you tense your thigh to increase the friction. Your moan as you feel my wetness sends my heart racing and I pull away from the kiss with a gasp, your hand sliding from my jaw to the back of my neck, your forehead resting against mine as you moan into my open mouth.

Your eyes remain blue as you watch my face, your hips curling a little bit faster as I brace my foot on the bed, your wetness apparent in the ease with which you move against me. I can feel the sweat building between us as I spread my legs a little wider and grind up into the pressure, needing nothing more than just this connection with you, your body moving in perfect synchronicity with my own.

Pressing down with my hands, I groan at the feeling of your legs trembling, the angle and pressure working you steadily towards your release. Licking my lips, I claim your mouth in another deep kiss, feeling my stomach tighten as the bed frame keeps time with our movements. Wrapping my arms around your back, I push off with my foot and roll you onto your back, reaching up to grab your hands and raise them above your head, lacing our fingers together as I start to grind harder against you.

Sucking your bottom lip into my mouth, I feel your fingers tighten as your hips start to become more uncoordinated, your panting breaths accented by moans as your wetness increases against my thigh. Pushing up slightly, I look down and watch your eyes, your head arching back as your orgasm starts to race along your body, your legs locking around my thigh as your hips keep moving in jerky motions. Releasing your hands, I press my cheek against yours as your fingers grab tight to my ribs, whispering words of love even as my own arousal pulses hot inside me.

Barely a few seconds pass before your hands slide from my ribs to my hips, your thigh tensing between my legs as you turn your head and kiss me, your tongue encouraging me to match its rhythm. Groaning into the kiss, I tighten my hands in the pillow beneath your head, my hips rocking harder and faster into you until my orgasm steals my breath, my body pressing tight against you as I moan out my release next to your ear. Closing my eyes as your arms wrap around my back, I keep my open mouth pressed against the side of your neck, catching my breath as I listen to you do the same. After a few moments, I shift onto my side, pulling you with me as I keep our legs pressed together, sliding my hand up to brush the back of my fingers against your warm cheek. "I love you, Brittany."

Leaning closer to me, you drop a soft kiss against my lips, your hand resting against the curve of my waist as you smile at me. "I love you, Santana."

A knock at the door startles me awake and it takes me a moment to realize that it's still night time, though the tingling in my body is telling me that dawn isn't that far way.

Throwing my button down shirt on quickly, I walk over and open the door to find Robert standing there with a serious looking Bastian standing next to him. Moving to the side when I feel you come up behind me, I glance at Bastian before addressing Robert. "What is it?"

"It's the prisoners, Santana. They're ready to talk."