Disclaimer: Twilight is the property of Stephenie Meyer
This chapter is dedicated to Noble, Fadewind, Bibika94, BellaNessieCullen, Lsb123 and skys the limit 7507
So here we are the final, I'd like to thank everyone who's taken the time to read all the way to the end and a big thank you to all those who took the time to review.
By the time fifteen minuets was up Tom had only twenty vamps left on his side, and the cluster of newborns, but they were too wound up with bloodlust and war stories to appreciate what was going on. I felt sorry for them because I knew most of them would have to be put down, but if we could save them, well maybe some of the covens could adopt them and set them on the right path. They'd have to survive the battle for that though.
Dad, do you think you and the pack could cut the newborns off from the main body? I asked.
Why? He asked as he looked across the field from his position on the left flank.
I want to help them if we can. If you have to kill them do, but if they can be stopped then they shouldn't have to die. I explained.
You might want to get some vamps to help us; we won't be able to restrain them without breaking bits off. Jake pointed out and he was right.
I'll ask around. I thought.
Essie, we'll do that. Edward thought toward me.
Thanks Grandpa. I thought back.
Then the fifteen minuets were definitely up and it was time for the battle to begin. Clouds were building overhead as Marlin geared up. She was a last resort, but what a back up plan she was. The sky broiled, adding a dramatic edge to proceedings and it made the enemy wary, the newborns were particularly skittish. Tom knew it was Marlin's doing and I guess he thought she wouldn't have the guts to take him out or something. He called the charge and his rebels surged forward. I prepared to leap, I'd take Tom out myself, but then the thunder rolled and lightening flashed from the sky.
We all paused in our advance as we watched the lightening arch from the sky. I was expecting one fat bolt that would explode Tom in an instant, just like I'd caught from Tobias' memory so many years ago, but then Marlin wasn't feeling lenient today and the lightening that hit Tom was painful, but not enough to destroy his vampire body immediately. It forked and crackled around him, earthing on anything metal that he was wearing. There was no escape for him, and any of his cronies who got too close ended up shocked. One was even caught in the cage with him, it took me a moment to realise it was Polly.
After the initial shock the newborns had scattered and the wolves and Cullens were busy rounding them up, apprehending them but not destroying them. The older vampires who'd followed Tom and stayed at his side even after they learned of his deceit were not so lucky. They'd been given a chance but hadn't taken it and now our carnie allies could have their fun taking them out. I realised with a strange fascination that I wasn't needed anywhere on the field and so I just stood there, frozen as I watched Marlin take care of my job.
Marlin was still holding Tom in place, sending god knows how many volts through him, but still not enough to destroy him. It was at this point, as I absentmindedly tackled a newborn who was about to attack Liza and Tony, I realised that Polly could escape if she wanted to. She chose to stay in the lightening arch. She wanted to die. It shocked me that she'd loved Lupine enough that she couldn't bear to live with him. Potential vengeance had kept her going, but now she wanted out.
Step out of the arch. I'll make it quick. I promised.
Polly locked eyes with me but shook her head; she was determined to take her own way out. Or at least one that didn't involve my help.
Marlin… I thought.
A thicker bolt sliced through Polly and she exploded, but the lightening still continued to writhe around Tom and there was only him now other than the handful of newborns that had managed to be subdued.
"You made me love you once." Marlin hissed as she moved as close as she could to Tom and looked him in the eyes. "But all you wanted was my 'dark gift'. You thought you could be some kind of undead Don Juan, but it doesn't work like that. You broke my heart, but I forgave you for that. You were an impetuous human, a spoilt brat who got what he wanted. But now you've caused so much trouble, hurt people that I care about and love. That is unforgivable. So is the fact that you would have sent this country into turmoil just so you could run things, well you lost Tom. Now by the power vested in me by the Vampire Coalition of America, I, Magarax the Weather Witch, sentence you, Tom Mitsubishi, to death." There was a pause in the lightening and the thunder was tearing the sky. "I should have done this the moment you were unfaithful." She whispered, then faster than you could blink a fat bolt of lightening fell from the sky and Tom was no more.
There was a moment of utter silence, and then the sky fell in.
Not really, but the hail was so big you could have sworn the sky was falling. Marlin was exhausted, leaning heavily against Will, but she had just enough power to turn the hail to rain before she all but collapsed and Will had to take her to find some blood. Now it was time to talk to the newborns, and it was agreed that talking to each one individually would be best since they were less likely to get riled up. I was surprised the twins wanted to talk to the one that had attacked them, but then Tobias and I had a firm hold of him and I could always alpha him if worse comes to worse.
"Mother, Father, could you let him go?" Liza asked as she held hands with Tony in front of the newborn.
I was a little hesitant, but I realised it would show him that we trusted him.
"We're gonna let you go." I said, "But you try anything and I won't hesitate to stop you. Do you understand?" I added since trust was one thing, but a little incentive wouldn't hurt.
He nodded his head, his dirty bangs falling in his eyes.
"Ok. I'm gonna count to three, but any sign of trouble…"
"You'll rain lightening down on me?" The newborn asked in fright.
"That wasn't me." I said, deciding that honesty was the best policy here. "But I could do something even worse."
"What?" He asked, cowering slightly.
"I could take away your free will." I said firmly.
"Like when you made Benito stay." He surmised.
"Yeah. So remember that when I let you go." I warned.
The newborn nodded.
I counted to three then Tobias and I released him.
"I am Liza Black." Liza said, holding out her hand.
The newborn looked at it suspiciously.
"Surely you remember what a hand shake is?" Liza said in exasperation.
"Yeah. But I've learned you offer your hand to someone and they keep it." The newborn replied bluntly.
"Well here am I, Liza Black, extending to you the hand of friendship." She said, offering her hand once more.
The vampire boy still looked at it warily.
"Then we will dispense with the handshake." Liza said with a smile. "Shall we start with something a little less formal?"
The vampire boy smiled but it was only an automatic response because it was hard not to smile back at Liza when she pulled out her winning smile.
"I am Liza Black and this is my brother Tony. What is your name?" She said.
"I…" The boy frowned.
"Are you afraid that if I own your name I can cast a spell on you?" Liza teased and the boy laughed but then looked worried as he shook his head.
"I can't remember." He said. "I don't have a name, do I?"
"Oh dear." Tobias said sadly. "He did not treat you well at all. Even the most cynical of newborn generals have the decency to learn the name of one they intend to turn, if only to tell them apart later. I'm afraid you truly were nothing more than cannon fodder. When did you awaken for the last time?"
The boy frowned.
"What 'awaken for the last time' means is this, when did you become a vampire?" Liza explained.
The boy was still frowning.
"How many days has it been? How many have there been?" I tried.
"Fourteen." He said after a moment where he paused to count.
"Two weeks old." I gasped. "Oh god you really were cannon fodder."
"Oh you poor boy!" Liza gasped and threw her arms around him.
The vampire snarled and I pulled Liza back just in time as I held him in place with a thought. Wow, that was amazing, but then my maternal instinct had been working overtime and I'd known for ages that I don't need words to alpha someone now, but it helps.
"Sorry." I said, "I'll let you go now Noah, I just needed to make sure you were calm first, newborns are stronger than older vamps."
Noah nodded, then frowned.
"Noah? That's…I think that's my name." He said with a smile.
"It is. Your memories are still there, in the little thorn patch at the back of your mind. It's hard to access but maybe I could help you. Unless there's memories you'd rather leave buried." I added cautiously since I knew the people that were usually snatched for the sake of making newborns.
"I don't know." Noah mused. "I guess I'll have to think about it. Who knows what my life was like before this?"
"Sometimes human memories can be painful even if they are happy ones. However, they help form you, without them you may turn wild." Liza stated.
"Wilder than I already have been?" Noah asked with snort.
Liza giggled.
"I think you may not be as wild as that, providing you hold on to your humanity." She stated.
"Yeah, my humanity." He said, "But that's easy for you to say. You are human, although I don't know why you're around all these vampires. And you got gold eyes, is that what happens when vampires get really old?" He directed at Tobias.
"No." Tobias replied. "This is what happens when we abstain from human blood and drink only that of animals."
"Animal blood? You can drink animal blood?" Noah asked in excitement.
"Yes." Liza replied. "It is somewhat of an acquired taste, but I would argue it is worth it for a clear conscience."
"Yeah. Wow, I wouldn't have to murder? I can just…but why didn't they tell me!" He demanded, going from wonderment to anger.
"Because they wanted you wild and savage." Liza replied. "You were meant to destroy us and if you were destroyed in the process what harm was done? You were a newborn created to swell his ranks before the battle and nothing more. He meant to kill you if you had survived."
"Why?"
"Because he was an evil man, but he is gone now and you have survived the battle. You seem coherent enough, you can learn to become a functioning vampire once the first year has passed you by and the thirst becomes more bearable." Liza said in encouragement.
"What do you know about it?" Noah asked suspiciously. "You're a human."
"I am half human that is true, but my other half is vampire."
"What? Half vampires?" Noah asked sceptically.
"Yes." Liza said with a nod of her head.
"But? What? How is that even possible? How?" He muttered.
"The same way other babies are possible." Liza said with a smile, "Provided the father is vampire of course."
"But you're human." Noah stated.
"Can I trust you Noah?" Liza whispered.
"What?"
"Give me your hand." She said as she held out her own.
Noah regarded her a minuet longer then decided she wasn't a threat. He raised his hand slowly. Liza stepped closer to him and held out her arm.
"Do you know how to take a pulse?"
"Lady I'm a vampire, don't take me long to find a pulse." He said with a grin.
"Of course." Liza said with a giggle before she became serious. "Feel mine."
Noah seemed a little reluctant before he put his fingers to her wrist.
"That's fast!" He gasped, "And you're so hot. Are you ill?"
Liza shook her head.
Then Noah sniffed, he'd caught her scent and leant closer to her wrist taking in a deeper breath. I got ready just in case, but all he did was sniff her. He pulled her closer, sniffing at her neck, I held tight, not wanting to jump in too early and putting him off, but not wanting Liza to get bit either. I noticed Tony was as edgy as me, but Liza was totally relaxed. She had no problems with Noah smelling her.
He lifted his head and looked down at Liza with a bemused look.
"You smell lovely." He said. "Like really nice flowers or something. It's something you smell and think I like that, it's almost good enough to eat, but there's that little twang that tells you that's probably not the best idea. That's what you smell like."
"It has been remarked upon before." Liza said with a grin. "But really, it is the scent of all dhampir. It is somewhere between the allure of the blood and the allure of the vampire. My brother and mother have something extra, perhaps you could detect it in their scent?"
"Liza, perhaps we should allow Noah a little space." Tobias said in a gentle but firm voice. "We have plenty of time for questions later."
"Are we going to adopt him?" Liza asked with a smile.
Tobias and I glanced at each other.
"This will take some serious thought." I said. "Is Tregarran far enough from humans for a newborn?"
"It should be a safe distance, but it depends." Tobias stated.
"On what?" Liza asked.
"Whether Noah wants to be vegetarian." Tony stated. "You seem ok to me, but if you don't think you can handle drinking only animal blood then our coven is probably not the best."
"But I can live on animal blood." Noah pointed out. "I won't be a monster."
"Yep. But it won't be easy at first, you have to be strong. You have to fight your instincts. It takes years to get over the call of human blood, but you can start to ignore it after a year or so of feeding on animal blood." Tony explained.
"Can't tell you how much of a relief that would be. But if where you live is really close to humans maybe it's better I try somewhere else first." He reasoned.
"Of course." Liza said. "Besides, we could always keep a correspondence."
"Like pen pals?" Noah asked.
"Yes. Would you like to be my friend?" She replied with a smile.
"You wanna be my friend?" Noah asked, sounding shocked and I got an impression of a life of hardship where friends hadn't factored into it.
"Why would I not wish to be friends with you?" Liza asked. "You seem to be a very nice boy and I would like to have my estimation of you proved right."
"I'd like to be your friend too." Tony said. "Provided you don't mind endless discussions on all things sci-fi and fantasy. Once you can handle yourself around humans I might even rope you into a game of D&D."
"I played that once!" Noah exclaimed. "It lasted hours, killed a lot of time when we were waiting for the rain to ease up…" He trailed off with a frown at the hint of a memory he didn't want to look at.
There was silence for a moment.
"Miss Liza, Jolie here asked if she could see you up close." Ransome said, coming up to us with a hand on a newborn's shoulder.
Her red eyes darted around us all before settling on Noah and he made her feel nervous because she remembered the brawls they'd been forced into by Tom. Noah had known how to handle himself in a fight and the other newborns had decided not to mess with him in the short two weeks he was there. It had afforded him a little peace since he hadn't got into any scraps when they weren't being made to fight like most of the others did.
"I would be delighted to speak with her Mr Ransome sir." Liza said politely as he drew to a stop.
"Thank you kindly Miss." Ransome said, touching the brim of his hat.
Liza smiled at Ransome then turned to Jolie.
"Hello Jolie, I am Liza and this is my brother Tony, what was it you wished to know about me?"
Jolie was nervous now she'd been brought so close to Liza. Liza took Tony's hand and through their link she read Jolie's mind.
"I am a dhampir, a half vampire, that is why I appear human at first glance." Liza said softly, approaching Jolie carefully. "If you feel my pulse then you can see that I differ from humans."
Jolie regarded Liza's offered wrist for a moment, her eyes traced the veins there, but somehow she pushed back on the desire the sight brought her and she reached out a careful hand. She placed it to Liza's wrist, and then gasped before she jumped at Liza and hugged her.
"So warm." She murmured, her voice shaking slightly as if she was crying. "Oh god you're so warm."
"All dhampir are." Liza stated as she returned Jolie's hug and tapped her back.
"Oh, this is nice." Jolie sighed. "Like slipping into a warm bath after a long shift at the Try-N-Save. You smell so nice, and your heat…"
Then she lifted her head and turned to look at Tony who'd now lost his vamp skin since the fighting was over because he didn't like wearing it if he could help it. He preferred the warmth.
"And you're different." She said, stepping up to him and tilting her chin so she could look up into his face. "But you're still warm." She hugged him and her nose wrinkled but she didn't pull away as Tony returned the hug gingerly since he didn't really know her. "There's a different smell to you. Like dog. No…wolf. You're one of the wolves." She gasped, and now she did stand back to look at him. "You're like them, but like us. So much information in your scent."
She turned to me.
"You're their relation, their mother? Yes, their mother, it's in your scent. And you're the father." She said, sniffing at Tobias, "You smell different from all the vampires I've met so far. Is it to do with why your eyes are gold?"
Tobias explained about what made his eyes gold.
"Animal blood." She said and wrinkled her nose. "Why would you drink that?"
"Cause it's better than killing people." Noah stated before anyone else could answer.
"But we're vampires." She said with a shrug.
"Doesn't killing humans bother you?" Noah asked. "It always bothered me."
"Everyone thought you were weird." Jolie said with a shrug.
"Some vampires take longer to develop a conscience." Liza stated. "And some never do."
"You making it sound like us human feeders are the exception Miss Liza." Ransome observed.
"It is wishful thinking sir, but I suppose one cannot change a person's fundamental philosophy. One can attempt to persuade another to change, but it all rests on the shoulders of the person whether they choose to change." She said in a level voice.
"You'd like us all to turn veggie?" Ransome asked suspiciously.
"It is a foolish schoolgirl dream that I am wise enough to know will never be so." Liza said with a small smile. "But what is the harm of wishing it sir?"
"Guess there ain't no harm in wishing." Ransome conceded.
"Diets aside, there's someone I'd like Jolie to meet." I said, while a particular thought seemed to turn in my mind. "Eleazar." I called across the field.
Eleazar came over to us with the rest of the Denali in tow as the twins held hands again now they were no longer being hugged by overenthusiastic newborns. The Denali were being cautious among all the newborns because they knew how unpredictable they could be.
"Essie, you wanted me?" Eleazar asked.
"Yeah. Eleazar, this is Jolie. Is she a tracker?" I asked, since there was no point in beating around the bush.
Eleazar looked at Jolie then smiled.
"Yes she is." He confirmed.
"Cool. Well Jolie, once you got your hunger under control, whatever diet you choose it does get a little easier over time. A lot easier if you go veggie of course. Anyway, you should consider offering your services to Jane on the Guard. She could do with a good tracker." I stated.
"What's a tracker?" Jolie asked with a frown.
"Someone who's really good at finding people." I stated. "Some of us have gifts, I can read minds, Eleazar can read people's powers and you can track people."
"Do I have any powers?" Noah asked excitedly.
Eleazar turned his attention to Noah.
"I'm afraid not." He said. "But powers are few and far between."
Noah nodded.
"In our group only Eleazar and Kate have powers." Tanya stated. "The rest of us are pretty boring."
Noah looked at Tanya and smiled in wonderment.
"You're all animal drinkers too?" He exclaimed.
"Yes." Tanya replied.
"I'd like to learn that, but Liza lives too close to humans for me to be comfortable with." He said sadly.
"Well we live in Alaska, our homestead is remote, there are hardly any humans for miles around, but animals are abundant." Tanya stated.
"Sounds nice."
"It is." Tanya stated.
"Hey, what's your name?" Kate asked.
"Noah."
"Hey Noah, why don't you come stay with us a while. There's plenty of us to keep you in line, and I can always shock you if you seem out of control." She offered.
"I'd like that." Noah said with a smile. "I mean the living with you, not the shocking bit."
"Is this like adoption?" Jolie asked with a frown.
"In the vampire sense it is." Tobias replied. "You were made by a vampire who has now been destroyed. In the past you would have been destroyed along with him, after all you are unruly newborns, but over the years some covens have decided that unwanted newborns should be given a second chance and are keen to train them."
"Really? I wish someone would adopt me." She said sadly.
"Well Miss Jolie, I'd be more than willing to extend my territories to you provided you become my tracker." Ransome said magnanimously.
"I come work for you and you'll give me a place to stay?" Jolie translated.
"Yep."
"I can live with that." She said with a smile. "And you're a proper vampire."
"Well now Miss Jolie, I wouldn't say these fine people ain't proper vampires, but if you refer to the fact that I imbibe human blood then in that you would be right." Ransome said diplomatically.
"Is there a way you differentiate other than human drinkers and animal drinkers?" She asked.
"We're veggies." I stated. "It stemmed from a joke my family used to use, drinking animal blood was like a human substituting tofu for meat, so we were like vegetarians. If we're vegetarians then you're carnivores, or carnies for short."
"So it's veggies and carnies?" Jolie asked to clarify.
We all agreed, even Ransome.
"Then Mr Ransome, I'd be happy to take you up on your offer." Jolie said with a nod of her head.
"Glad to hear it Miss." Ransome replied. "You got any belongings you need to get cause we need to make tracks."
"All I got is the clothes I stand in." Jolie stated.
"Then let's skedaddle."
After saying a few goodbyes Ransome and Jolie ghosted away.
"We should head home too." Eleazar observed.
"If you'd like to come along my dear." Carmen said, placing a motherly arm around Noah who tensed for a moment before he realised it was a gesture of affection.
Noah smiled as his new family accepted him. They ghosted away too, and as I looked around the field I noted that most of the vamps had headed out.
"Great." I said with a sigh. "Looks like we're on clean-up duty again."
"And there's no absconding to the caves to appease us this time." Tobias joked.
"Oh man!" Tony gasped. "My shield's a little wonky at the moment."
"Oh dear, yes it is." Liza whimpered. "Perhaps we should go help clean up at the opposite end of the field for the time being?"
"Sounds like a great plan to me." Tony said, before they walked to the opposite end of the field where Alice and Jasper were busy throwing bits of vampire onto one of the pyres.
"Guess we'll go help Jane since she's at the other end of the field." I said with a laugh.
"I hope we have not scarred them for life." Tobias observed.
"They didn't see much really, they're just being teenagers." I stated.
"Ah yes, teenagers." Tobias chortled. "In age as well as appearance now."
"Well they look in their twenties, but I get what you mean."
Tobias smiled and kissed my hand as we made our way over to help Jane.
The clean up didn't take long, although it was left to us Cullens and Hannigans, the other vampires had moved on with their adopted newborns. There was one newborn who remained, she couldn't have been much older than fifteen when she'd been changed, with messy dark hair and wide eyes that would have looked oh so innocent in her little face if the irises hadn't been red.
Her name was Jodelle and she'd been snatched off the street when she was out with her friends. One minute they were walking along Third Street New York, laughing and joking, foot traffic separated them, and she was being dragged into an alley as she felt something bite her. She was turned and brought to fight here, despite the fact that she didn't want to fight. She was a peaceful creature and Esme and Carlisle were gonna help her become veggie.
I was happy that she'd found them; she deserved a break after her rude introduction into vampire life. It was also cool to think that she was like my new little cousin. I started imagining what she might be to us in the future. Would she be a best friend for Liza? Would she have the same interests, as Tony, and I mustn't forget to add Grace into that equation.
It would only be five years then Tony could be with her and well, he'd be well off even if we weren't already swimming in money. Grace had written a couple of books that were slowly becoming cult; she was in danger of becoming a bestseller. And I wouldn't embarrass Tony by saying it, but I knew he'd read her books, well she had sent him the advance copies authors get of any work they have published so I was in no doubt that Tony had read them. If only because Grace had sent them. I went out and bought the two books that had been published so far when I learned of her series, and I got to say I'm liking it very much. Well I'd always been partial to the odd erotic lit with supernatural elements thrown in and Grace was good at crafting them. That's why I wouldn't tell Tony I'd read them, especially since I was sure that the vampire Lady Anna was possibly Grace and her werewolf lover was modelled on Tony. That was something I'd never, ever tell him unless he brought it up himself.
If Grace had modelled her fiction on real life, well did it matter? It probably had something to do with imprinting and her suppressed desires finding a way out until she thought Tony was ready for her. Tony and Grace would be together once he was eighteen. Hell, they'd be together now if Grace could overlook the actual years he'd been on the planet. It scared me a little when I realised that I wouldn't really care if Tony married Grace right now and they got down to making babies. They were meant to be together, they were inevitable and for all intents and purposes Tony was an adult, but when I remember how I felt when Malachite had kissed me, well I could understand Grace's reservation. Whatever, Tony had Grace in his future, that was a certainty.
It was Liza I was more worried about, and I found myself thinking of those worries as I watched her across the field, helping pick up bits of not quite so dead vampire. Who knew what the future held for her, she had no guarantees. Yes there was Simon, but who knew what would happen if she did go to find him once she turned eighteen? She'd fallen out of contact with him these past few years, more so in the last few months, would he even want to talk to her never mind go further once she was ready. What if he was in a relationship? It wasn't like Liza had imprinted on him, he could still go off with someone else. Hadn't Liza herself had other dalliances? There was Alec for a start; her lust for him was greater than any she'd felt for Simon, although I was sure she loved Simon more. But there were other times where her affection had surfaced, there had been Nelson Jakes at the office, she'd given him a Christmas kiss, it hadn't gone further than that, but she'd certainly felt the thrill. There were others, not to mention Noah; she'd certainly felt a little attracted to him. I knew that Liza wasn't taken yet, the field was open to her, but there were so many potential landmines that it hurt to think of her crossing it. Of course I had to let Liza make her own choices, whatever the future brought.
Worrying aside, it felt good to worry about something a mother should. This was just me worrying about the future happiness of my children, not whether some psychopath was planning to kill all those I love and claim the States as his own personal hunting ground. It made me feel a little better as Tobias and I headed to where I'd parked the van. The twins were close behind us and I knew they were exhausted, so was I if truth be told. It looked like Tobias was gonna drive, although I'd stay awake, I just didn't trust me behind the wheels at the moment.
As we settled in for a long journey that would take us days, I felt oh so joyous. We were heading into a new tomorrow and there really weren't any threats on the horizon right now. No loose threads looking to bite us in the ass. Everything was hunky-dory, and I was experienced enough now not to be too optimistic. As Tobias drove us away from the battlefield I smiled as I decided I'd give it at least a month before I assessed the situation fully.
And everything was fine. We spent months living a peaceful existence at Tremores, now and again someone would visit us, but we were all together and that's what mattered. I would have happily stayed away from all other vamps apart from our family if it hadn't been for one event that we got dragged into.
During that years Conference in the spring the vampires decided that they'd hold a ball to celebrate our victory over the rebels. It would also be a good chance to get to know each other outside of the boardroom and also welcome the newest members of the Coalition. I would have give it a miss to tell you the truth, but Jane had advised us to attend, if only for half an hour, because we had to be seen as part of the Vampire Nation even when there wasn't an emergency.
Since so many vamps would be in attendance there wasn't one room that would house us all, instead Jane had the idea that perhaps we should host the ball outdoors somewhere in Washington. I was not happy with that idea at all, but she managed to get Carlisle and Esme onside by stating that if we held it on vegetarian territory then there'd be no human blood involved. That seemed a little flimsy to me and I couldn't picture the carnies partying hard without nipping out for a sneaky celebratory bite.
Then there was news from the north. After observing us for a few years the vampires in Canada decided that joining the Coalition wouldn't be a bad thing, especially if it protected the whole from the rogue elements like Tom. It seemed he'd been causing problems north of the border too. The ball became a welcome to our new cousins from the north and since Forks was one of the closest territories it was decided that it would be held there. After all it wasn't so far to the border that if the carnies got hungry they could take a trip up north. The Canadian vampires agreed on an area that they'd allow them to use for that night and then hunting rights would be discussed at a later date.
I was out voted and the ball would be held in the old baseball clearing. It would be big enough for us all to attend and with us all chipping in to help, well us veggies at least, the place would be fit for the ball. Although Marlin would have to ensure the rain stayed away while we worked and for midsummer when we'd actually hold the ball.
There was a lot of lugging things out to the clearing, including boards so we'd have a stable dance floor. Tables and chairs because there would be a buffet put on for the dhampir, and besides, it was more civilised to sit and chat. Then there was the festival equipment so a stage could be built and a sound system installed so the band could be heard no matter where you were on the field. Although given that the guests would be vampires I didn't think they'd have a problem hearing anyway.
Everything was set up in accordance to the taste of Hurricane Malice, with contributions by Liza and it was a sure fire sign that everyone would be in for a good time.
I got to admit it felt strange ghosting through the forest in formalwear at five o'clock on midsummer. The ball itself would start at eight, but Jane wanted to brief us before everything kicked off, and since we were hosting it wouldn't do to turn up late.
It was nice for the family to spend a few moments alone; I mean my extended family now, Cullen, Hannigan and Denali. We greeted each other and waited with excitement as the band set up. Now was the time to be optimistic, the other vampires would enjoy themselves and maybe they could host us the next time.
Noah had come down with the Denali since we'd promised him there wouldn't be any humans here, he was now talking enthusiastically with the twins about his new diet and how he couldn't wait until his eyes turned gold too. Jodelle seemed to gain a little confidence and joined in the conversation after a while. She compared notes with Noah about what they did to ignore the fire in their throat. They also compared how different it was between living with the Cullens and the Denali. They also wanted to know from the twins what it was like to be a vampire from the day you are born.
This was Liza's answer; "What is it like not to be a vampire from the day you are born?"
Which she had a point, how could you comment on something you've always been? It would be like asking her what it's like to be a twin. She's always been a twin so how could she know any different.
Sam Ransome JR was the first carnie to arrive with young Miss Jolie Hill on his arm looking the epitome of a demure Southern Belle. Once he reached our cluster and made his greetings he nodded to Jolie and she flittered away to go talk to the other kids. Of course this added a new dynamic to their conversation because she was vehemently sticking to the carnie diet.
Everyone started arriving after that as the band on stage, a group who'd been vamped in the nineteen seventies and decided to just carry on playing into eternity, started up and I guess you could say the party had began. Tobias and I made a circuit of the place, greeting people in passing, but really I was scanning everyone, making sure they weren't planning anything.
It was because of this I felt a big tangle of apprehension coming from one end of the clearing. I looked in that direction to see a cluster of vampires, mostly male, although there were one or two females. They were standing guard around a flock of more than a dozen dhampir. I recognized a few of the vamp faces and realised these were the ones who had originally sided with Tom until they realised what he was really like.
Tobias and I went to extricate Liza and Tony from the midst of the adopted newborns and dhampir who'd been with the Coalition from the start and asked them to help me build bridges. I knew that if anyone could reassure the group that no harm would come to them it was my kids.
Without hesitation Liza managed to win over the more confident members of the group and Tony made the shyer members more comfortable by relating to them through his own shyness. Soon everyone was mingling and I started to relax. I realised in a way that I hadn't expected things to go so well.
At sunset Jane called everyone to order. She wanted to thank everyone for coming and also wanted to give out a special award. Ransome would present it.
"Thank y'all for letting me take a moment of your time." Ransome said as he stepped up to the mike. "As you all know we won the battle with ease. But things could have gone worse, not that we would have been defeated, but we would have taken down some upstanding citizens along with that despicable Tom. He'd lied to them to get them on side, but thanks to the courage of one young woman they were able to see the light before any hostilities took place. It gives me great pleasure to award the diplomacy medal to Miss Liza Black. She may be a dhampir and was one of the weakest amongst us that day, but she never let that sway her when she knew she had to do right by those who'd been swindled and stopped the wholesale slaughter of innocents." He searched for Liza in the crowds. "If you'd care to come up here Miss Liza."
Liza was shocked for a moment, but then four years of receiving awards at school came to her aide, and although she dragged Tony to the foot of the stage, she climbed on the stairs with reserved confidence.
"Thank you Mr Ransome." She said after he had pinned something to the front of her dress. "And thank you all for thinking I deserve such an honour, but it would not have been possible without the help of my twin." She said and now she pulled Tony up onto the stage. "Without whom I would never have known the thoughts of those who faced us. And I would never have had the courage to cross that field had I not known that my family and friends would not let any harm befall me. It was the actions of all of us that day that averted a travesty and only the guilty were punished. For that reason we should all be proud to call ourselves people who are truly united in our belief to live in peace with each other. Eternity can be a long time, but with true friends we will never know loneliness."
This got cheers and the twins were welcomed off stage with enthusiasm as Jane and Ransome handed out a few more medals for those who'd worked well during the hunt and defeat of Tom. I found Liza and Tony in a group of dhampir who were passing Liza's medal around to look at it.
"Mother." Liza said happily, throwing her arms around me. "Did you know of this?"
"No." I answered truthfully. "Jane did mention that maybe she could have an award ceremony, but I thought it was just something she was contemplating for the future."
"Did you know Father?" She asked, as she hugged Tobias.
"No." He replied.
I looked to Tony who was looking a little lost, I smiled and gave him a hug and he relaxed a little. He was feeling a little overwhelmed by the amount of vampires here, but also a little lonely.
Missing Grace? I asked him.
Yeah, but I wouldn't want her here. He said firmly. Even if I was old enough to be with her, I wouldn't bring her here, not as a human. With this many carnies about something's bound to go wrong.
And even if she was a vampire you'd rather be somewhere with her watching one of your fantasy films or hanging with your closest friends than being here. I realised.
I prefer a more intimate thing with a group of my closest friends, than a bid gathering like this. But I can see why we need to do this, that's why I didn't find an excuse not to. Besides, Liza really likes this sort of thing and I have to make sure she's got back up. Tony stated.
Yeah. I said as we watched Liza turn to the tall dhampir woman who'd just tapped her on the shoulder.
"Miss Liza, we've been talking and we think that you, and Tony, would make good representatives for us dhampir at the Conferences. I guess we'd like you to be our governors, if that's the right word."
"There is no correct word at present." Liza replied as she shared a brief silent conversation with Tony. "It would be a great honour to represent our fellow dhampir, but I am afraid at present we must decline."
The dhampir went to protest.
"We are merely thirteen, much too young to truly represent our kind. Besides, we have things we must do first, such as school and university. There is so much life we must experience and truly live before we can even contemplate a life in politics." She stated.
"Yes, yes, I suppose. But who should lead us?" The woman asked.
"Not lead, represent." Another dhampir pointed out.
"I think perhaps we should look to the oldest amongst us for that." Liza said. "Perhaps hold an election?"
"This is something we'll have to think about." The dhampir conceded and the older ones were more thoughtful after that.
Vampires don't need to sleep and the party could have lasted days, if it wasn't for our hunting ban. The vampires started to leave around one in the morning. The first to go were those with dhampir since they would need sleep at some point.
Jane and the Guard would stay behind to clear everything away, and I was glad. I didn't realise how tired I was until I was sat in the van with Tobias driving and the twins in the back. It had been a long week and it would be nice to return to our own beds, even if we would be relocating again in a week to spend summer on the Res.
We slept late the next morning and had a leisurely breakfast in the kitchen. That's when I remembered what Liza had told the dhampir.
"Did you really mean what you said about school?" I asked as I ate a slice of toast.
"Yes." She replied as she carefully manoeuvred a spoonful of muesli to her mouth.
"But you've already done high school, you could go straight to college if you wanted. We could easily change the dates on your exam scores." I pointed out.
"I know, but I wish to experience high school when I am the right age." Liza mused.
"The right age? You mean?" I felt a knot form in my stomach.
"That I would like to attend school this year now that I will be fourteen before September."
I paused for a moment while I thought. I didn't want to jump to any decision here or say something that would hurt Liza. As much as I wanted her to be happy doing whatever she wanted to do in her life, I was also a little wary about upsetting the little bit of peace we'd found in the months following the battle.
"I don't wanna do the school thing again." Tony countered before I had chance to process it all. "At least not yet. I like being an adult."
"I know Brother, which is why I suggest you do not accompany me this time." Liza replied.
"That's all well and good Liza, but you realise you can't go to Olympic right? There hasn't been enough time, people might guess who you are." I pointed out despondently since I knew she knew that.
"That is why I do not plan to enrol in Olympic High." Liza stated.
"Then where was you thinking of going?" I asked, wondering where in the country we'd have to relocate to and would we be infringing on someone else's territory.
"Forks High." She said with a smile.
"What? But it's so far away." I said as I realised that it was also somewhere Tobias and I couldn't be seen for at least another twenty years if not more.
"I know Mother, but the appeal of the place is extraordinary. What would it be like to tread in the footsteps of my ancestors?" Liza said in excitement.
"There is a problem Liza." Tobias stated. "Mother and I can not pose as your parents for there are still those there who would recognise us and wonder why we have not changed."
"I have already devised the solution." Liza said with a smile. "I heard that people have began to comment on the youthfulness of Kate and Garrett. They will have to move on soon and Grandpa Charlie's house will be vacant. I could live there."
"But you can't pose as a fourteen year old and live on your own Lamb." I stated.
"I will not live alone." Liza stated. "I have thought of every aspect. Ebony and Nahuel wish to return to South America, but they have lingered at the house to give an alibi to Zarek's presence. He wishes to remain near for Auntie Tish after the incident with Tom. I have thought of a solution that will benefit us all."
"What is it?" I asked, although it wasn't hard to guess.
"Zarek will pose as my father and live with me in Grandpa Charlie's house. This will enable me to attend Forks High whilst giving him opportunity to linger near Tish. Ebony and Nahuel can then return south and everyone will be happy." Liza said with certainty.
"What about us? We won't see you from one week to the next." I pointed out.
"On the contrary Mother, I plan to return every weekend and holiday. It will be but my schooldays I'll reside in Forks, the rest of the time I will spend here."
"Can we at least think about it?" I asked.
"Of course." Liza agreed.
Tobias and I spent the best part of a week looking at Liza's plan from all angles. In the end we had to concede that her plan was good for the most part. As for her living away for most of the week, well it was gonna happen sooner or later so we might as well get used to it. This was a sort of taster of what lay ahead when the twins wished to strike out on their own.
Zarek was happy with the plan, although he was a little uneasy about living so close to humans. With Liza there it got rid of one of the problems vampires had, what to do about food deliveries. They could buy food in and Liza could eat it. He'd never considered this with Tish since they'd always been underground when she was a child and had only come into public when she wanted to strike out on her own.
Liza enjoyed her first few months at Forks High. She was a little dismayed that the school didn't host a cheerleading squad, but given the fame of the Muses and the fact that she had been captain for three of those numerous victories it was probably better that she tried something else. She decided that she'd avoid sports this time around and present herself as one who is more academically inclined. She decided the school was small enough that she could be an individual and still fit in. It seemed to be working for her.
Since Liza spent most of the week in Forks, Tony started to feel a little lonely; he wanted his friends around him again. He would have settled for just Grace, but they'd decided to keep their contact to phones and writing for now because the last few times they'd met face-to-face had been touch and go. It was getting harder to hold back on their desire, so until Tony reached eighteen Grace had asked him to keep a little distance.
With Grace keeping a distance, and Liza located elsewhere, Tony really wanted to get back in with his old friends. Although they were nearing their mid twenties and so the dynamics would be different he could still be their friend. For a start Johno was now living in Tacoma where he was a junior in a law firm. Funnily enough Eloise was looking to go into law too but so far she was a gofer at the firm that serviced Olympic Pines because she was a little hesitant to move town without a guaranteed post. Bob hadn't quite made up his mind what he wanted to do with his life yet so he was back living with Merial, although she made him take part time work at the very least, if only so he had something to put on his CV.
Eloise and Bob were about, and since they weren't dating at the moment it made the perfect opportunity for Tony to start socialising with them again. He explained his absence by saying he'd joined the army straight out of school and after a five-year tour he'd decided to leave to pursue a civilian life. This was a good explanation of why he hadn't been around and why, despite being one of the top in his class, he wasn't hailed as some academic wonder.
They'd been more than happy to welcome him back into their circle, and it was as if they'd never lost touch by Christmas. In the New Year Bob got some mixed news. One of his relations, an old aunt on his father's side of the family or something, died and left him a hell of a lot of money in her will. Instead of going on a spending spree, like most people his age would have, he decided to invest it in something that would see him through his adult life. Although I think part of this was to do with Merial advising him to do something with his life now he had the opportunity. He bought the Olympic Pines General Stores from the old owners who'd decided the time was ripe for retirement.
Although the store came with a retinue of staff that had been there for years, Bob wanted someone he could trust and since Tony was 'looking for work after leaving the army' he asked him if he'd like to work for him. Tony was a little cautious until he was sure that Bob really wanted him as an ally and he was more than happy to oblige because it gave him something to do as well as getting his own money out of it.
It was weird, but my kids were grown up and I was happy to see them get on in the world. Tobias and I got to see them often, but we also got a lot of time to ourselves and we had fun finding ways to fill it. Well, when Tony was out at work and it was a weekday Tobias and I often had the house to ourselves, you can't imagine how thrilling that was.
It may not have seemed a perfect life, but I was happy. For once things were running at a steady pace, there were no threats from anywhere, and if there was, well my little family and me, we could handle ourselves. At the same time my kids were growing up and finding their feet and that brought the prospect of a reset. Our kids were a fact now, but Tobias and I could revert to being a hip young couple fresh out of high school and sharing an apartment as we made our way in the world. Or we could see the world, well the parts that were safe to travel, or whatever the hell we liked, safe in the knowledge that our kids were doing well and living their own lives.
The future was full of a myriad possibilities and I didn't know what I wanted to do first. But for the time being Tony still lived with us and Liza was back at weekends and holidays. Tobias and I stole the moments that we could.
"Essie." Tobias whispered as he gently stroked my cheek.
"Hmmm?" I murmured, stirring a little in my sleep.
"It is four o'clock." Tobias whispered. "Tony left twenty minuets ago."
"Is everything ready?" I asked, sitting up awake.
"Of course my love." Tobias said, indicating the precautions laid out ready on the bedside cabinet.
"Then we've got at least five hours of alone time." I said with a grin. "Give me a moment to clean my teeth."
"Don't be too long." Tobias called after me with a chuckle.
I was as quick as I could be before I was back in the bed. Tobias' pressed his lips to mine as I pulled him against me, the pleasure rushing through my body. My fingers traced those old familiar lines as he began to kiss down my neck, and then the rest of my body.
Soon I was on fire, ready for my Fang Boy, and as he whispered "Ready Miss Esther" in my ear we began to climb that mountain. Regardless of what the future held this was something we would never tire of doing for the rest of eternity…
The end
And there we are, finally a happy ending for Essie :D
Of course Essie's found her place in the world, but what about her kids? Look out next week for the prologue of my next story 'Dhampir in Disguise' which will follow Liza's steps into true adulthood and a few weeks later 'When the Snows Thaw' where Tony has to help someone from the past overcome her hatred and past sorrows in order to be free.
Thank you for reading all the way to the end
Gemma xoxo