Disclaimer: I don't own anything except the original characters that I have created. The script of the movie belongs to the original writers, producers, etc.
Rating: M for violence and swearing and sexual references (in the future)
Author's Note: This chapter is quite lengthy and packed full of action and drama. I had a little bit of trouble writing some of the scenes, so I would like to thank my beta (Violent-Flames) for helping me and guiding me through this chapter. You've been a great help. Thank you so much! This chapter has been beta-ed by Violent-Flames.
This is told from several POVs so I hope it doesn't confuse you too much. Sorry if it does. Thanks for the reviews and enjoy.
Chapter 14:
From the moment she had driven into the estate, she knew that it was only a matter of time before Soren caught word of her return. What she hadn't expected was for Kraven to be inside the throne room with Viktor at this very moment. She had anticipated on Kraven preventing her from seeing the Elder, only to find Soren in her way. Selene stared into the dark brown eyes that belonged to Soren, neither one blinking as the silent stare off continued.
She had never really liked Soren. The man constantly shadowed Kraven like he was on a mission. It was a known fact that he was Kraven's right-hand man and yet none knew how the relationship had come about. One day Kraven were a mere warrior and the next he was the Steward of the Coven, with Soren by his side heading a small force that rivaled the Death Dealers. Viktor was less than impressed, not hat Selene could blame him, but with some convincing the Elder had finally relented after ground rules had been set in place. Soren was as loyal as any servant to his master and followed Kraven blindly.
Hell Selene was sure that the group Kraven hand selected was loyal and only devoted to him.
"Open the door, Soren," she all but demanded and the smirk that spread across his face made her want to wipe it off. What she wouldn't give to…
"You're under house arrest," he snarled not giving an inch, especially not to someone like Selene. She may be the center of Kraven's world, but she sure as hell wasn't his.
"Open the damn-"
"Escort Selene to her quarters and this time make sure she doesn't leave," Soren ordered never taking his eyes off of the fuming woman in front of him.
Selene's jaw tightened and she curled her fingers into a fist. If the only way to see Viktor was by using force then she would use it. Nothing was going to stop her.
"Selene remains here. You however will be escorted to your quarters," Kahn firmly stated pointing a finger at Soren and nodded at two Death Dealers. They stepped forward and made a move to grab the other man only to be shrugged off violently. "That's an order."
"You don't out rank me," Soren snarled already having enough of the argument. They weren't getting in and that was final.
"You're forgetting your place Soren. I'm the Chief of Death Dealers. You fall beneath me, no matter what title Kraven gives you," Kahn growled lowly stepping forward so they were only an inch apart, "Now you can either go quietly or be forced."
"Take him back to his quarters, along with the rest of Kraven's men," Kahn ordered turning to four Death Dealers. "You, along with Kraven will stand trial before the Elders for treason."
"What the hell are you talking about Kahn?" Soren exclaimed as his insides tightened and he swallowed thickly, pretending in vain hope that he knew nothing. That Selene hadn't discovered the truth.
"Amelia's alive, Soren. I guess you didn't get the memo from your lycan buddies," Selene smirked as she watched the color drain from the man's face.
"Take them."
"You have no idea what you've just done," Soren glared accusingly at Selene "If you weren't such a stubborn bitch-"
This time nothing would stop Selene from getting to Soren. Fist met bone and there was a loud crack before a cry of surprise and pain filled the air. Red liquid oozed from the broken nose traveling down the pale skin before droplets stained the ground.
"You fucking bitch!" Soren cried out trying to get to Selene only to have strong hands grab him, holding him back as he continued to struggle.
"You'll be lucky to even live past tonight," Selene growled into his ear, watching as he hissed and continued to struggle against his captors.
"Are you ready for this?" Kahn asked as the last of Kraven's men were dragged out of the control room. He received a nod and he glanced down hesitatingly before opening the doors. He hoped she knew what she was doing.
"I have my proof."
The words tumbled out so easily she was afraid they didn't make sense. However the look on Kraven's and Viktor's face told her otherwise. She didn't know why but the urge to smirk smugly at Kraven was high on her list of 'to do's'. But it quickly passed as she felt hard, angry eyes on her.
"What is the meaning of this?" Viktor growled glaring between Kraven and Selene. "You were told not to interfere-"
"My Lord, I have the proof-"
"I was supposed to-"Kraven was immediately cut off by a cold stare.
"Stay out of this Kraven," Selene warned dangerously, stepping forward and staring directly into the dark eyes that had kept watch over her for most of her Immortal life. "Amelia's alive."
"What is she talking about, Kraven?" Viktor asked, furious and bewildered by the sudden turn of events and it suddenly occurred to Selene that Viktor had absolutely no idea. Kahn had failed to inform him for whatever reason, though she had a feeling that very reason was locked in a room at this very moment.
A choked laugh escaped Kraven and he shook his head in utter disbelief, "That's impossible my Lord, Amelia's been slain…by the hands of the lycans." He paused before reminding the Elder, "Our enemy."
Selene hissed and pulled out her cell phone ready to put an end to all the lies. Surely Viktor would believe her now, "Then explain this."
There on the screen was a pale image of Amelia staring back at them. And Selene watched closely as Kraven's face twisted from bewilderment to sheer panic. She knew right then and there that she had him, caught in his own web of lies.
"Cat got your tongue Kraven?" a voice sarcastically asked, interrupting the discussion.
All three turned and the sight that greeted them left them breathless. There stood Amelia in all her glory looking as beautiful as ever, even death couldn't stop her from looking radiant. Dark eyes immediately zeroed in on Kraven boring invisible holes in his body and if looks could kill, he was sure he would have died a thousand deaths already.
"Amelia?" Viktor breathed unable to believe his eyes. "How…is it possible?"
"Viktor," Amelia greeted surprise lacing her own voice as she found herself staring at the powerful vampire. She hadn't expected this. Selene had all but failed to mention it to her. But then again this was Selene and she looked sharply at the Death Dealer wondering what sort of game she was playing at. This was punishment by death. Surely the girl wasn't so stupid to do such a thing.
"My Lord?" Jasper asked from behind Amelia. He stared confusingly back and forth between Viktor, Amelia and Selene. "Y-You're…awake…how?"
Amelia watched as Selene straightened and met her gaze head on, not cowering in fear but accepting the consequences of the decision she had made. The Elder should have known Selene would pull a stunt like this. She loved Viktor like a father. She tried not to sneer at the devotion Selene showed for the man but it was hard not to. A part of her wished to have such love in her life and for a moment she envied Viktor.
"We'll speak about this later," Amelia finally spoke dismissing the matter for the moment and concentrating on more important things, such as Kraven and his betrayal. She glided forward and a humorless smile spread across her lips as she eyed the man up and down, "Kraven."
A chill traveled down his spine at the way she said his name and he couldn't help but swallow. He suddenly wished he could start the entire day all over again.
"My Lady," Kraven breathed and not knowing what else to do he bowed respectfully.
"You would still bow at the feet of those that you have betrayed?" Amelia sneered, wanting nothing more than to rip his head off with her bare hands.
Viktor's jaw tightened as he regarded the vampire. He had been betrayed and that cut deeply. He had given Kraven all he had wanted and yet he still craved more. Growling, he struck the man, watching as blood spluttered across the room. The hit was not hard enough to kill but he would be wishing it had.
"You will be judged. And you will be found guilty," Viktor spat grabbing Kraven by the collar of his silk shirt and tossing him at the feet of Jasper. "Take him to his quarters. He is to be under constant guard."
"Yes My Lord," Jasper bowed respectfully, unable to hide the satisfied smirk on his face.
Viktor's lips curled as his nose wrinkled at the strong scent of human rolling off of both Amelia and Selene. It was much stronger now that the others had left. He narrowed his eyes and regarded the two. He had been completely devastated to discover that Amelia and the Council had been slain by the Lycans and was still recovering from the shock and bewilderment at the discovery of Amelia being alive. The who, how and why were all floating through his mind as it mingled with Selene's distorted memories.
He could figure out the who, since they both reeked like them. He had to stop himself from gagging. This was unacceptable. He wouldn't' stand for this.
"Humans. You both stink of them," Viktor harshly accused stepping around each of them and sniffing the air.
The door to the throne room opened once again and Kahn walked in with a perplexed expression on his face as he met Selene's eyes.
"What is it Kahn?"
"My Lord, there's a human outside. She's asking for Selene."
Viktor watched as Selene's head spun around so quickly he was surprised it didn't snap off. His eyes narrowed as he regarded his childe. She seemed…different. She wasn't as cold and emotionless as usual. There was an unfamiliar emotion shining brightly in her eyes and he knew immediately who exactly it was standing outside the gate.
"Kill her," he ordered as brown eyes wide with a mixture of horror and anger met his and he silently dared her to defy him.
"No," Selene sharply cut in.
"No?"
"She saved my life and Amelia's. That counts for something."
"You know the law!"
"She's not a threat to the Coven," Selene said trying not to sound like she was begging, because God she would give anything to keep Trinity alive and safe. She glanced across at Amelia. Surely the Elder wouldn't let the woman who had risked her own life to save her, to die?
"Go," Amelia finally said, much to Viktor's displeasure. She wasn't as heartless as many believed.
"What?" Viktor roared as he watched his childe rush out of the throne room with Kahn hot on her tail. He hissed and glared at her now being able to smell jasmine rolling off of Amelia.
"She is to be allowed safe passage."
"Not in my house!"
"That it may be, but you are forgetting who's in charge. It is still my turn to reign. Not yours Viktor," Amelia sharply said stepping closer to the Elder so that they were mere inches apart. "You are forgetting the bigger picture. Your Steward has made a pact with Lucian. The mess we are in now needs to be cleaned up."
"You need to leave," came the firm reply and she shook her head, a plea already slipping from her lips before she could help it.
Trinity shivered and breathed through her mouth, letting puffs of cold mist escape. Her teeth continued to clatter as she tried to speak to the doorman. The constant pounding in her head wasn't doing her any good and it left her dizzy and disorientated. Squinting, she tried to focus on the intercom and sobbed in frustration at the double image in front of her. She felt numb and cold and God, all she wanted was to see Selene, and if she had to beg she would.
"P-Please I just…want to see Selene," she begged desperately.
She held herself tighter as the cold wind blew against her already numb and cold skin. Her breath hitched and she tried to hold in the unshed tears that blurred her vision. There was a moment of silence before the pale vampire was all but shoved aside and blue eyes could barely make out the lithe form of Selene.
"Trinity?" Selene breathed needing to make sure it was the blonde and her heart skipped a beat at the sight of her.
Her brows creased as she took in the blonde's demeanor. There was something entirely different about it. Her mind screamed at her and immediately she knew that something was wrong. Every muscle in her body tightened in the unfamiliar feeling of apprehension as her stomach lurched and her breath caught.
"Wait there, I'm coming out," Selene barely managed to say as she sprinted out to meet her.
She silently wondered why her skin felt as if it was burning. Why her head pounded to the rhythm of her feet hitting the cold, hard floor of the mansion? Why her heart was thudding so hard against her chest?
Her stomach felt as if there was hot oil inside. The oil churned and burned like acid as she drew closer and closer to the blonde. The harsh wind brushed against her already cold skin and she let a gust of mist escape her lips as her feet carried her towards her destination. As Selene drew near, her nose wrinkled at the scent of blood and she felt something she hadn't in a long time.
Fear.
Her breath hitched at the sight of a drenched Trinity. Her blonde hair stuck to the sides of her face and her clothes clung to her like a second skin. The smell of blood was now much stronger and she suddenly knew why. There was a large gash on the side of her head, and the vampire could see the blood trailing down the side as it mingled with the rain. The once white shirt was now translucent and covered in blood. Her heart leapt and she prayed to the higher powers above that it didn't belong to the blonde.
A wave of dizziness hit Trinity and she suddenly felt the world spinning and tilting on its axis. She swayed and she felt her feet buckle as gravity dragged her down. Strong hands caught her before she could hit the ground and everything from then on out seemed to blur together.
Ignoring the whispers and the stares, Selene hurriedly made her way to her quarters and had all but slammed the door shut, keeping the outside world away. A whine escaped the blonde in her arms and she softly apologized, mentally kicking herself for her stupidity. Clearly loud noises were off limits. Not that she could blame the blonde. Gently, she lowered Trinity down onto the bed only to find her trying to get back up.
"Just…Just sit down," Selene said urging the blonde back down. Fingers moved swiftly to unbutton the bloodied shirt, an urgent need to make sure that the blood didn't belong to the scientist high on her list. Undoing the last button, Selene brushed open the shirt and her brown eyes stared at pale, unmarred skin. A sight she was more than grateful to see.
However it didn't ease her mind as she had thought. The smell of blood still hung in the air surrounding her and it alone made it hard to concentrate. Add Trinity and it was a whole different ball game. Reaching up, Selene gently touched the large gash on the side of her head causing Trinity to flinch and try to move away from the touch, only to have the hand on her stomach slide down and grip her hip, keeping her in place.
"I-It's just a concussion," Trinity weakly informed as fingers brushed loose strands of cold, wet hair away from her face.
"The blood tells me another story," Selene murmured getting up and moving across the room with ease before she disappeared through another door.
Trinity's ears pricked up at the sound of running water and before she knew it, she was standing in front of a shower with hot water pelting down. Steam rose out of the shower and into the air engulfing them.
"You need to get warm," Selene murmured turning to the pull out a small first aid kit hidden in the cabinet. "I'm going to find you some clothes."
And with that, Selene disappeared once again leaving Trinity standing there in wet, bloodied clothes. Scrubbing her face, Trinity sighed and tossed the bloodied shirt, watching as it floated down to collect on the tiled floor. After a small struggle with her jeans she managed to kick them off in mild frustration. Tears threatened to spill as she tossed her remaining clothes to the floor before stepping in. Heat immediately seeped through her skin and warmed her right to the bone and it wasn't long before the heat burned her skin, something she welcomed. At least she knew she was alive.
Closing her eyes she took a deep breath, she stepped under allowing the hot water to hit her. Her wound stung as it came in contact with water and she relished it. Taking a step back, she shivered and wiped away the droplets of water from her eyes. Blue eyes stared at her fingers as the water washed away the red tinge that had stained them. Her eyes dropped to the tiled floor and swirls of blood mingled with the water as they flowed down the drain.
Swallowing thickly she tried not to think about it. Tried not to think about whose blood was flowing down the drain, whose blood she had been covered in. That thought made her shiver. There was a sudden need to wash the smell and feel of blood off of her. She could barely stand much less think but she rubbed her skin until it was raw and red. She needed the Gabriel off her. She just wanted it off her. All Trinity could think about was how the blood just wouldn't come off.
The thought was irrational and probably wasn't even coherent. But it was purely raw emotion and completely out of her control. Suddenly a pair of pale, strong hands gripped hers pulling them away from her raw skin, making her stop.
"I-I can't get the blood off."
"It's gone," Selene softly replied watching as blue eyes gazed wildly at her, completely lost in her own world.
"N-No…it's-"
"Trinity, it's gone," Selene firmly stated this time turning the water off and pulled her out of the shower. A towel was wrapped around her as she stood in front of the fogged mirror. With a quick swipe, the mirror was cleared and Trinity found herself staring at her own reflection, bringing her back to reality. Soft pants of air brushed against her shoulder blade as the vampire leaned in to whisper softly and reassuringly.
"It's gone."
Trinity nodded as her control crumpled under her. The statement hit her hard and a violent sob escaped her. Strong hands awkwardly held her as she turned, wrapping her arms around the one solid figure that seemed to make sense in the world, held on to her like her life depended on it and cried.
Selene creased her brows ever so slightly, unsure of what to do. Comfort wasn't exactly something she was good at. It had been years since she had last held someone this close. She felt awkward and clumsy as she tried to soothe the crying blonde and she must have done something right because Trinity was holding on tightly.
Kraven gritted his teeth as he was led down the hallway to his quarters. The walk of shame. There were whispers and stares and he tightened his jaw. He was angry at the mere idea that the humans had managed to foil his plans and the very idea that Selene was infatuated with one of them almost sent him in a fit of rage.
"Keep walking asshole," Jasper growled pulling Kraven along.
"What are you? Amelia's pet?" he snarled at the bleached blonde.
"Shut up and move," Jasper ordered as they neared his quarters.
Kraven glared at him and tried to stop the panic from flooding his body. When Viktor and Amelia were done with Lucian they would come for him and he knew that he would die a slow and very painful death. Viktor was always one to hold a grudge, the man loved to show who was in control.
"Keep-" Jasper heard more than felt someone behind him. Half turning he caught a glimpse of gelled back hair before his world went dark.
Kraven watched in a mixture of horror and relief when Jasper collapsed to the ground, unconscious. Looking up he met Soren's eyes before his right hand man signaled for two vampires to drag Jasper into the room. Soren grabbed his master's arm and all but dragged him away from the scene of the crime.
"We must leave," Soren insisted and glanced over his shoulder, "Viktor and Amelia-"
"I know. Selene and her stinking human friends know everything," Kraven growled in frustration. "Lucian said Amelia was dead, that lying bastard!"
"Kraven, we have to go," Soren repeated urging his master.
The sounds of gunfire and shouts filled the night sky. The smell of sweat and blood surrounded him and for a moment he thought he was still in the desert with his platoon. Instead of countless dead civilians and soldiers, dead lycans lay scattered throughout the destroyed hide out. As he looked around, Leo felt as if the world had slowed down before rapidly speeding up again, pulling him back to the present.
A loud cry caught his attention and he turned, green eyes catching sight of Melinda. A fully transformed lycan bore down on her, ready to rip her throat out. Like an automatic response, he fired and the creature roared in pain and staggered back before collapsing. Rushing forward, he grabbed the fallen woman, pushing her behind him in order to keep her safe.
As quickly as they came, they disappeared into the night. The gunfire ceased and silence descended upon them. Breathing heavily, Leo slowly lowered his weapon not quite sure what had happened. Licking his dry lips, he tilted his head and creased his brows.
"W-What happened?"
"I don't know," Leo murmured gently, "But we need to go."
"W-Wait, what about Michael?" Melinda asked glancing over her shoulder at the large hole she had seen the lycan escape through with Michael in tow.
"We need to find the others. I don't want to be here when a second attack is launched," Leo explained urging her forward, "We'll get him back."
Making their way through the destroyed building was harder than he had originally thought. Holding out his hand, he helped Melinda over the partially fallen roof. His ears immediately picked up soft voices. Brows creasing, he placed a finger to his lip, telling her silently to be quiet and raised his gun. Melinda swallowed and followed quietly, hands shaking as she tried to keep her emotionally wrecked body under control.
"Drop your weapons, assholes," Leo growled raising his gun only to have four gun barrels aimed at him.
"Relax Leo, it's us," Jonathan said lowering his weapon, his eyes sweeping over the two of them.
"Dad?" Melinda asked uneasily before rushing into his arms, holding him tightly as a sob threatened to escape her. Despite being estranged, he was still her father. Strong arms held her tightly and Jonathan breathed out with relief, his mind put at ease now that he knew that his daughter was safe and physically unharmed. He silently thanked the higher powers above for keeping her save. He didn't know what he'd do if she was injured or worse, killed.
"Where's Michael?" Jonathan suddenly asked, noting the absence of the doctor. He was sure that Michael had been with Melinda and Leo at the time of the attack.
The sharp-shooter looked dejectedly at him as Melinda drew back and he just shook his head, "They got him."
Jonathan cursed and ran a frustrated hand through what little hair he had. He rubbed his face in hopes that it would release some of his frustration and anger.
"Fucking hell," Rusty muttered hand gripping his weapon as a chuckle escaped the captured lycan. Curling his lips in anger he went to strike the man only to have Jonathan grab his arm, pulling him away.
"Get a grip," Jonathan growled as the ex-arms dealer struggled out of the strong grip.
"This is…this is just fucked!" Rusty exclaimed turning when running footsteps caught his attention. Turning, his eyes widened at the sight of Jamie and Danny covered in blood. Their faces were pale and for a moment he thought there were tears shining brightly in their eyes.
Although it was good to see them, there were two missing and suddenly Rusty couldn't ignore the sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach.
"Fuck," Leo quietly said as if he too had read his mind.
"What happened?" Jonathan all but demanded, his eyes searching the pair for answers.
"G-Gabe's dead," Danny's voice cracked with emotion as he informed them and he rubbed his chin, averting his eyes to the ground.
There was a gasp and a quiet choke of a sob that escaped Melinda, her hand flying to her mouth as tears fell from her eyes. Rusty shook his head unable to believe what he was hearing and he tightened his jaw and gripped the gun tightly until his knuckles went white. This time it wasn't Rusty Jonathan had to worry about, but Jamie who tossed his gun aside and threw himself at the captured lycan, fist coming down hard as he pounded him in a fit of rage and loss.
Jonathan dropped his gun and rushed forward, grabbing the emotional man as he struggled against him.
"Son of a bitch!" Jamie shouted struggling against Jonathan before another set of hands pulled him back.
"Someone help me!" Jonathan struggled before Danny snapped into action and pulled Jaime away long enough for Leo to grab the beaten and bloodied lycan.
"Get a fucking grip," Danny hoarsely told the man.
The lycan laughed and Jamie struggled to get past the two of them, ready to continue where he had left off.
"Stop!" Jonathan barked pushing Jamie away.
Jamie growled and wiped the side of his mouth; glaring at the creature with such hate and fury that it sent a shiver down Melinda's spine.
"He knows where they took Michael," Rusty informed holding Jamie back.
"That's not going to bring Gabe back," Jamie snapped running a hand through his hair.
"Neither is beating the man!"
"So what's the plan then? If you haven't noticed we don't have much of anything left!" Jamie waved his hand around at the destroyed building they were standing in.
"Where's Trinity?" Leo asked swallowing and licking his suddenly dry lips. Jamie had completely flown off the handle. The man in question tightened his jaw and his nose flared as he recalled the devastation on his twin's face.
"Where's Trinity, Jamie?" Jonathan reached forward and grabbed him by the collar, making him stare him in the eye urging him to reveal where she was. A defeated look shone brightly in the brown eyes. Fear struck Jonathan as he waited impatiently for an answer.
Trinity despite not being blood related was like a daughter to him and if anything happened to her not even God himself would stop him getting his revenge.
"I don't know. She took off after Gabe died," Jamie replied knocking Jonathan's hands away and rubbed his face trying to gain some control over his emotions.
"She saw it all," Danny murmured recalling her utter devastation and heartbreak.
"Jesus," Leo breathed and closed his eyes. He was never one to cry but damn this was just too much. Gabriel was, to many of them like a brother, but he was closest to Trinity. The pair was never far from one another. "What do we do now?"
Jonathan eyed the bloodied and bruised lycan, his mind already formulating a plan. The night had gone from bad to worse with the click of a finger. Michael was captured, Gabriel was dead and Trinity was MIA. They were already two men down and vulnerable. Supplies were down and their home was destroyed. If they were going to get Michael back they were going to need help.
Selene watched the rise and fall of the blonde's chest as she fell into a restless sleep. Trinity was completely and utterly exhausted both physically and emotionally. Her eyes were red and puffy, evidently from all the crying she had done. Through the heart wrenching sobs, the vampire had managed to pry out the details of what had occurred in the warehouse. Her own heart ached as her mind flashed back to the night her family had fallen prey to the lycans.
Her first observations of Trinity had been right. The vibrant and compassionate young woman didn't belong in this world, where the heartless took without care and death was the end result. There was no happiness especially not in Selene's world, an emotion rarely experienced. Trinity's heart was fragile and the vampire was almost afraid she wouldn't recover from something like this.
Reaching out she brushed her fingers along Trinity's brows, smoothing the crease that had momentarily formed. She looked so peaceful sleeping with the moonlight shining on her face. Leaning down, Selene leaned forward and brushed her lips across the soft skin and felt the creature before her stir ever so slightly. Drawing back, brown orbs clashed with weary blue ones.
"H-Hey," Trinity croaked and cleared her throat in hopes of washing way the sleepiness. Sitting up, she glanced around the dark room, the only light coming from the moon and she squinted trying to make out Selene's face. "How long have I been out?"
"Two hours," Selene replied as she stared at the blonde, her mind urging her to ask the one question that had been burning in the back of mind since her arrival. "Why did you come here?"
The blonde looked up sharply before opening her mouth and then closing it, the words somehow unable to get out. She looked away and closed her eyes. Her fingers pinched the bridge of her nose and she sighed.
"It's going to sound crazy but y-you're the only thing that makes senses at the moment," Trinity murmured avoiding eye contact and fidgeted with the edge of the bed sheets.
Selene was grateful for the darkness in the room, because she wasn't sure what she looked like at the moment. Somewhere caught between stunned and a strange sense of comfort, because it did sound crazy. But at the moment, crazy seemed to make sense. Gently reaching forward, she lifted the blonde's chin, making Trinity meet her eyes again.
"Crazy's good, right?" Selene murmured before leaning in and capturing her lips in a soft, burning kiss.
The lips underneath hers yielded to her touch and a tongue darted out and met its partner in a glorious dance. A hand lifted and Trinity stroked through dark strands of hair before letting fingers gently drop to stroke the side of Selene's cheek.
Drawing back and breathing in heavily, Trinity murmured, "Crazy's good."
Selene rested her forehead against Trinity's and breathed in her scent, hands traveling up and down the warm arms. The loud thundering of the blonde's heart echoed in her mind and a soft smile ghosted across her lips and her hands tightened ever so slightly.
Before either could say anything there was a firm knock on the door drawing Selene away from the familiar warmth. A moment later the door opened, revealing a black man who by appearances looked to be in his early thirties. Chocolate eyes darted back and forth between them and Trinity watched a strange expression spread across his face before his eyes finally settled on Selene.
"I think you need to see this," Kahn softly said stepping in and closing the door as sheets rustled and Selene's attention was diverted to the blonde once again.
"What is it?"
"Your human friends are here, outside the gates. They request an audience with Viktor and Amelia," Kahn answered as a gasp escaped from behind Selene.
"Open the gates," Selene all but ordered as she stormed into the control room.
"I can't. Viktor's orders."
"What? Amelia-"
"I'm sorry Selene, I can't open the gates," the Death Dealer replied looking helplessly at the woman.
A low growl escaped Selene, and her eyes narrowed dangerously, "Open the doors to the throne room."
"But-"
"Open them!"
The Death Dealer hesitated for a moment before relenting and watched as Viktor's childe disappeared through the threshold.
Viktor eyed his childe critically as she bowed and a mixture of disgust and disgruntlement settled over him. She smelt of the human girl and that unsettled him even more. From what he could gather, Selene had taken her into her own private quarters and the moment she had entered the throne room, he could smell the blonde all over Selene, so much that it was almost sickening. A relationship between the two species was spelling disaster in capital letters.
He was less impressed with Amelia for allowing Selene to bring the creature in. It made no difference to him whether their lives had been saved or not. Of course Amelia didn't see it that way. Heated words were traded between the two until finally they had come to some sort of agreement. The coven was to continue to be ruled by Amelia until the matter of Lucian was settled and then the natural order of things would return. Of course he still had some say in things, especially since he hadn't agreed to let more humans in.
"My Lord-"
"This is completely unacceptable," Viktor growled, his eyes moving to glare at the vampire seated beside him and continued to sneer, "Is one not enough?"
It was clear to Selene that Viktor and Amelia were two completely different leaders, and yet when combined they were deadly. However, when divided they were a victim to their own prides. Viktor was the strongest and the eldest of their kind. He ruled by force and power, whereas Amelia was more of a politician but was just as ruthless as Viktor.
She tried not to flinch at the mention of Trinity and was somewhat grateful that the blonde had listened to reason and hadn't accompanied her down. She didn't need to be exposed to Viktor and his wrath. There wouldn't be any hesitation on his part to kill her.
"Viktor-"
"The coven has grown weak in my absence," he snarled.
"The coven is no stronger than it was the day you went to sleep Viktor. If anything it is weak because of the mess you've created," Amelia hissed more than ready to place the blame where it should be. Picking Kraven to do a man's job was clearly a mistake that she wouldn't attempt to make.
"They request an audience with you," Selene informed redirecting the conversation. There was a part of her that didn't want to see the two Elders slang off each other. Hell she was already in the middle and she definitely didn't want to choose sides.
"What could they possibly have that we don't?" Viktor asked with disdain, thinking very little of the race.
"They wouldn't be here unless it was important. They know the laws that govern our coven," Amelia tried reason. The plan never involved them coming to the mansion until she had sniffed out every one of Kraven's followers. Kraven's betrayal ran deep through the chains of the coven and there was no telling just how many he had recruited. However, that plan had all but been thrown out the window the moment the lycans attacked the warehouse.
The damage the group had sustained had been on her mind until the sudden arrival of Trinity. The drenched and bloodied blonde had all but been confined in Selene's quarters and the fate of the rest of them had been unknown. Until now. Amelia was in some respect relieved that they had survived. This group of human renegades surprised her and she wasn't the only one.
Viktor, against his own instincts hesitated before finally relenting. He knew she was right. They were nowhere closer to finding Lucian's hide out. The city had been turned upside down and still there wasn't so much as a peep from their enemy.
"Send them in."
The smell of sweat and blood drifted in as the bedraggled, wet group of humans stepped through the threshold and into the throne room. They looked like a sad, pathetic bunch, each sporting a forlorn expression on their faces. His nose twitched however as his sense of smell was assaulted with the familiar scent of lycan. An angry hiss erupted from beside him and Amelia was already on her feet, words tumbling out before he could even speak.
"What is the meaning of this?"
"We come in peace?" Rusty asked with a small grin which earned him four death glares and he shrunk back muttering under his breath.
"Your sense of humor is at best questionable," Viktor replied with displeasure, eyes focusing on the gagged and bound man.
"Please, excuse my comrade his sense of humor tends to lead him into more trouble than necessary," Jonathan apologized and refocused their attention on the matter at hand, "As I'm sure you're aware Viktor, Lucian is alive and has all but made a deal with Kraven for the better half of the century. "
"Tell me something I don't already know," Viktor disdainfully remarked.
"Our base was raided as Amelia and Jasper were heading back to the Coven. I lost a good man trying to protect one of our own, another was captured, Michael. Lucian has been very interested in our friend, but we couldn't figure out why," Jonathan replied pushing aside the loss of Gabriel to the back of his mind as he tried to stay on course.
Amelia glanced sharply at the group, eyes roaming quickly over their faces trying to find the one missing. The young one, Gabriel wasn't present. Her jaw tightened realizing whose blood the blonde, her angel, had been covered in.
"…We managed to find one alive," Jonathan glanced over his shoulder.
Rusty dragged forth the bound and gagged Lycan and all but forced him down onto his knees, and ripped the gag from his mouth. The lycan wheezed and coughed and looked up shakily before quickly gazing back down
"Now tell them what you told us," Rusty hissed and when the man didn't speak he pulled back the hammer of his gun and fired into his shoulder, ignoring the splatter of blood that hit him on the side of his face.
A gasp escaped and Leo placed a firm hand on Melinda holding her in place. Her face was pale and she bit down on her lower lip as it quivered. The sound of the man's painful cry echoed throughout the room and it made her skin crawl and her stomach churn.
"Tell them, or you'll get another one," Rusty growled already placing the barrel on his other shoulder.
"Alright, alright!" he gasped shrugging his uninjured shoulder away from the weapon, "we've been searching for someone with a special trait. A direct descendant of Alexander Corvinus, a Hungarian and a warlord, who came into power in the early seasons of the fifth century. Just in time to watch a plague ravage his village. Somehow, his body was able to change the disease…mold it to his benefit. He became the first true Immortal."
"And years later, he fathered at least two children, who inherited this same trait. The sons of the Corvinus clan. One bitten by bat, one by wolf…one to walk the lonely road of morality as a human."
"It's a ridiculous legend. Nothing else!" Viktor dismissed as he stepped closer to the kneeling lycan.
"That may be," Singe murmured before looking up, his dark eyes shining somewhat with glee, "but our species do have a common ancestor. A mutation of the original virus that is directly linked to his bloodline."
He paused and the tiny touch of a smile spread across his lips as the audience held their breath waiting from him to continue.
"There is a descendant of Corvinus lying there, not three feet from you!" Viktor pointed at the floor where the dull golden markings hid the tomb of Markus.
"Yes. But he's already a vampire. We needed a pure source, untainted. An exact duplicate of the original virus which we learned was hidden away in the genetic code of his human descendants and passed along in its latent form, down through the ages and all the way to…Michael Corvin." Singe explained as slowly realization seemed to sink into the room.
"For years we tried to combine their bloodlines. And for years we failed. It was useless," Singe admitted disgruntled and shrugged, "That is until we found Michael. The Corvinus strain allows for a perfect union. A triple-celled platelet which holds unspeakable power."
Furious Viktor glared down at the creature, unable to believe what he was hearing. Amelia herself scoffed and shook her head, "There can be no such union."
"And to speak of it is heresy," Viktor added already having enough. He didn't need to listen to the ramblings of a lycan scientist.
"We'll see," Singe merely replied, "Once Lucian has injected himself with Michael's blood. If Lucian was able to get his hands on the blood of a Pure-Born, a powerful elder like Amelia," looked up and eyed the now standing Elder with a flicker of mocking smile as she reached up and touched her neck.
"Or yourself and inject it along with Michael's blood-"
"Abomination," Viktor's mind was suddenly reeling at what Singe was saying.
"Half Vampire, half lycan but stronger than both…," Singe trailed off and laughed, "It's already-"
Singe never got to finish what he was saying as a fist stroked him across the face. Melinda jumped in surprise, her hand flying to her mouth as she tried in vain to hold the cry from escaping. Leo's grip tightened and he watched the color from her face drain. Her eyes were glued to the now dead body of the lycan as blood began to pool around his head.
Jonathan growled, ready to tear Viktor a new one, "What the hell were you thinking? If you weren't so impatient, he would have given you the location to Lucian's hide out!"
"Thankfully we managed to pry it out of him," Danny said.
"What is it that you want?" Viktor asked.
"I don't give two shits about your damn war. All I care about is getting Michael back safely," Jonathan answered, "I don't have the man power to do that. But if we work-"
"You are brave if not stupid to come here in the first place and now you're offering an alliance?"
"A temporary alliance. We share a common enemy Viktor, by working together we can perhaps clean this mess up."
Viktor looked down at his childe, sorrow shining in his eyes as he regarded her. Lifting her chin, he made her meet his eyes, "I'm sorry I doubted you. Fear not, my child, absolution will be yours," he whispered before his face hardened as his ears pricked up at the sound of a commotion outside the main doors to the throne room.
It burst open and they turned at the sight of the blonde trying to break free from the strong grasp of the Death Dealer. The vampire tried in vain to stop her from entering before she glared and swung blindly at him. Her fist made contact and a small cry escaped the vampire.
"Jamie!"She cried out managing to pull herself free and ran towards her family.
Her twin turned and engulfed her in a strong, tight hug, feeling more than relieved to see her. His mind was put to some ease as he drew back and eyed her critically up and down, checking for any signs of injury. His brows creased when he realized she wasn't wearing her own clothes and his head snapped around, brown eyes glaring accusingly at Selene.
Before he could even open his mouth, he felt Trinity slip from his arms as Leo all but pulled her into a crushing hug. It was clear then to Amelia, what role she had within this group. She was much smarter then she expected. Innocence oozed from the blonde, the purity seeped through the darkness that surrounded her, and she was like a light – a beacon that guided the others home. And it hit Amelia right then and there, that this woman was the heart and soul of the group, the one weakness that would destroy or strengthen them.
It was amazing what she could learn through the power of observation. Trinity neither had hatred or a killer instinct within her, and perhaps that was what drew Amelia to her. She was reminded of herself when she was but a little girl, so young and naïve about the world. And yet the Elder knew that it was not as black and white as the blonde believed it was.
She snuck a glance at Viktor as he stared at the blonde with a strange expression on his face, something Amelia didn't quite like. She realized he too had come to the same conclusion. She could almost hear his mind working away and she had to suppress the shiver that threatened to shake her body.
"Tonight, will be the night that retribution will be delivered."
Michael could feel a dull headache build behind his eyes and he slowly tried to open his eyes before wincing and snapped them closed again. Struggling to pull himself out from the sea of darkness, he opened his eyes once again and shook his head in hopes that it would clear his blurred vision. He mentally cursed himself as his headache worsened and the throbbing pain increased. Groaning, he barely lifted his head and his blue eyes managed to focus on a man that he didn't recognize.
His mind suddenly flashed to a memory and he snapped his eyes closed. The smell of blood and sweat surrounded him. Michael struggled to maintain focus as the distorted memory continued to play through his mind. Hollering and jeers echoed through the large enclosed arena. Glancing around Michael realized that this wasn't his memory before the sound of a whip cracking caught his attention. There, lying on the ground was the distinctive Lucian, covered in bruises and blood.
Michael struggled to pull himself from the memory. It wasn't his and he didn't want it. His eyes snapped open and he came face to face with the man from the memory.
"You've been given an enzyme to stop the change. It may take a little time for the grogginess to dissipate," Lucian softly explained as he eyed the now awake Michael Corvin.
Michael stared at him as if he were insane and struggled to get up, only to find himself strapped to an upturned table. A fist came from nowhere, knocking him back and sending his mind reeling.
"That's enough!" Lucian barked glaring at the other lycan, "Just go and see what's keeping Raze, will you?" Turning back he gave Michael a small apologetic smile, "I really must apologise. He's in desperate need of a lesson in manners. Speaking of manners, where are mine? Forgive me, I'm Lucian."
"I need to go," Michael said struggling against the binds and he stopped when he heard a familiar voice.
"Go? There's no hurry Michael."
Michael felt his breath catch as he looked up and meet angry, steel green eyes. Cecelia. His heart pounded in his chest and a wave of confusion settled over him.
"W-What are you doing here?"
"I was in the neighborhood, visiting an old friend," Cecelia smirked and he choked on his breath not sure whether she was being serious or not.
"What?"
"Come on Michael, you're smarter than this. I'm sure you can work it out," she urged leaning in and tilting her head to the side, and pressed her lips against his cheek. He struggled to pull away and earned a small laugh. "Who do you think told them where you were?"
"You!" Michael growled realizing what she had done and he violently struggled to get to her.
"Well done," Cecelia applauded, and glanced over her shoulder at Lucian, amusement shining in her eyes, "I told you he was smart."
"You sent them after me? Why-"
"Because everything has a price Michael and Lucian just happened to have mine."
"When Jonathan and Selene-"
Cecelia reached out and slammed his head back against the metal table, hand gripping his jaw tightly as she snarled at him, "When I'm finished with Jonathan and Selene there's going to be nothing left of them."
"You're a cold hearted bitch," he gritted out and the brunette smirked widely at him.
"I'll take that as a compliment," Cecelia murmured and leaned in to kiss him as Michael struggled.
"That's enough Cecelia," Lucian interrupted from behind her and she stepped back licking her lips.
"Hmm…I can see why Melinda likes you."
Michael spat and glared at her, tugging hard at his binds as he tried to break free.
"Your money is waiting for you outside," Lucian said watching as the brunette stepped back and patted Michael on the cheek.
"It was a pleasure doing business."
"There's no going back Michael," Lucian said adjusting another strap around his arm and picking up a large needle. "There's no going anywhere. The vampires will kill you on sight. Just for being what you are. One of us. You are one of us."
Michael watched somewhat helplessly as the needle pricked his skin, "What are you doing?"
"Bringing an end to this conflict."
"Your war has nothing to do with me!" Michael retorted.
"My war?"
Michael's mind flashed to another memory, this time it was of a woman, a beautiful woman chained to a post of some kind. He was in the arena once again however this time, he watched as a group of men and women left through another door before the roof was opened. Sunlight crept through the opening and the woman struggled in vain. In horror Michael watched as she was burned alive, her screams of agony sent shivers down his spine.
"No! No! Sonja!"
"T-They forced you to watch her die," Michael weakly murmured as he was brought back to reality. "Sonja. That's what started the war. I saw it happen as if I were there."
Lucian stared at him for a moment before speaking, "We were slaves once. The daylight guardians of the Vampires. I was born in servitude, yet I harbored them no ill will. I even took a vampire for my bride."
Lucian pulled the strap off forcefully as he continued, the years of anger creeping into his voice, "It was forbidden… our union. Viktor feared a blending of the species. Feared it so much he killed her. His own daughter… burnt alive for loving me. This is his war. Viktor's. And he spent the last 600 years exterminating my species."
"We have company," a lycan informed stepping into the room before glancing over his shoulder.