Chapter Seventy Five

Alec

I was sure Sulpicia and Marcus were deliberately keeping me at a distance from Megan but I found ways of seeing her. I wanted her to keep in mind that she was mine. That I held all the cards and if she wanted her precious Darius to remain alive then she had better do exactly as I said.

I was waiting when Jenny, who had taken Megan's meal to her, returned and stopped her when I saw it still contained the jug and goblet.

"What happened?"

She looked nervously around and that made me smile.

"Sh...She refused it. She said she doesn't drink human blood. I thought it was odd. I usually pick up her meals from one of the restaurants. I mean she isn't a vampire is she?"

"She's a hybrid and as such can live perfectly well on blood and as she and I are going to be married soon she should get used to it."

She frowned, "So, what do you want me to do?"

I gestured for her to go on, "Take it away, but her next meal will be the same. I do not want you bringing her any human food."

"But what if she tells someone?"

"She won't."

"I don't always take her meals to her."

"Well, try to make sure you do."

She looked ready to argue with me, but the look on my face was enough to silence her words. If Megan wanted to be stubborn then so be it. She was still part human and hunger would weaken her resolve soon enough. And if not, then I would be forced to persuade her by the production of a small... gift.

I didn't want to visit my prisoner, I didn't want to see him and I didn't like the idea of being that close to him, but it might become necessary.

I was surprised she hadn't already insisted on proof that I had her precious mate, but then she was still immature and trusting, naiveties she would soon lose as she matured under my careful direction. If she did so, then I had one trophy but after that...Well, one should be more than enough.

I sneaked up to visit her again later only to find her in a really bad mood and not as welcoming as I had hoped.

"Megan, you really must be nicer to me. Remember our deal?"

"I don't remember anywhere in that deal it stipulated that I had to give up eating."

"There's no need for you to go hungry and it will get you used to feeding on humans for when you and I get married and you turn into a full vampire."

She shook her head stubbornly and I sighed.

"Please don't make this any harder on yourself. It won't take long for you to remember how well we got on before and you are making a sacrifice just like me. And as a gesture of goodwill, I spoke to Marcus and he agreed that you can join us this weekend. We're having another ball and I am going to buy you a gown to wear. I thought maybe we could announce our engagement then. It would be wonderful to have all our friends around to congratulate us, don't you agree?"

I could see the color draining from her face, but what had she expected? I wanted to have this a done deal as quickly as possible. I didn't trust her bloody parents not to try intervening or her to try something herself, but so far she had acted like a good little girl just as I had hoped.

Of course, Jane and my other friends had been surprised when I told them that Megan was coming back to me. After all, I had said some pretty harsh things about her when we broke up. I think they understood when I explained that I had been so distraught that it was only natural I should lash out, but when Megan had contacted me to explain how sorry she was and how much she missed me I had forgiven her. As a hybrid she couldn't be expected to be as logical and clear thinking as a true vampire and being so immature she had become confused by the strength of her feelings for me.

Megan's attitude when I visited convinced me that I should move quickly, giving her no excuse to delay things, so I pressed the point.

"I'm going straight to the council and tell them the news and ask that you be allowed to meet with your grandparents and break the news to them. You can write to your parents too although it isn't really necessary as the Volturi have taken over your wardship."

"Wardship? What the hell are you talking about? I'm here because you forced me and because I made a couple of stupid mistakes but my parents are still my parents and if you think I'm going to agree to anything like an engagement without speaking to them first, then you can go to hell."

I shook my head and stepped forward taking her by the arms once more and smiling a little when she winced.

"Dear Meg, remember our bargain. If you wish me to go through the pantomime of asking your parents for their blessing then I will, but of course, we both know that they won't give it and then… Well, then I will have to take action and I really don't think you want that, now do you?"

She stared at me with loathing in her eyes and I sighed, "I'll leave you to think about it, but I hope when I return later you will have come to the correct decision. In the meantime, I have something for you. Here."

I handed her the padded envelope I had brought with me in case it had been necessary and turned to leave before turning back.

"Oh, by the way. Don't try using it against me. There's nothing there linking me to the contents and I would hate to be forced into further and more dramatic action. Goodbye, my sweet."

I blew her a kiss and left satisfied by her shaking hands and the look of fear on her face. I didn't think I would have any more problems with her, not once she opened that envelope.

Megan

The very feel of the padded envelope in my hand made me shiver and Alec's expression told me this was going to be difficult.

I waited until I was sure he had really left. I didn't want him walking back in while I was looking at the contents.

Walking slowly over to the window I sat on the edge of the sill and took a deep breath before running my finger under the edge of the envelope feeling something shift as I tipped it and stopped, unable to continue for a second. What had Alec done? This had to be related to Darius it was the only thing which would force my hand and he knew that.

Steeling myself, I lifted the flap and tipped the envelope allowing the contents to slip out onto the sill beside me. There was a soft leather pouch about six inches long and a cellophane envelope containing several photographs which had fallen face down. I wanted to leave them there, I didn't want to look, but I knew I had to.

Pushing the pouch aside with the padded envelope I picked up the photographs with a trembling hand and gritting my teeth, I turned them over.

My mouth went dry, my heart stuttered and I found it hard to breathe as I stared at the first. It was Darius, obviously under Alec's influence by the blank look in his eyes. He lay on a stone floor as if he'd just collapsed and he looked so vulnerable. There was nothing in the photograph to tell me where he was, when it had been taken, or who had taken the photo. Putting it to one side I braced myself for the next.

In this one, Darius lay in a box rather like a coffin but made of stone. His eyes were still open and his face even paler than I remembered but then no doubt he was lacking the blood he needed to keep his body animated. Thank God he wasn't feeling the torture of the terrible burn his body must be subjected to by now. Again there were no clues in the photo, but I sensed it was taken in the same chamber as the first photo.

The third and last photograph was the one that made me cry out and vow to find a way to make Alec suffer. Darius lay in the box with one arm hanging limply over the edge and where his hand should be was only a stump, venom dripping from it to form a pool on the ground.

Glancing at the pouch I now knew what it contained although not the whole hand, it wasn't large enough. Not unless Alec had burned it and put the ashes inside but no… It was too firm for that.

I picked up the pouch and opened it, so angry that my hands no longer shook and slid the contents out into the palm of my hand.

Looking down, I saw a finger complete with a ring that I had last seen on Darius' hand. A thick gold signet ring with the engraving of a knot. He had once told me it was given to him by Sara as a symbol of her love for him. The engraving was called a Hercules Knot which symbolized undying love and commitment.

Tugging the ring from the finger I slipped it on my own thumb, the only digit even close to big enough for it then realized that I would certainly lose it that way.

Instead, I slipped a lace out of my sneakers and threaded the ring onto it before tying it firmly around my neck. Immediately I felt better, having something of his close to my heart.

Holding it in my hand I stood looking out at the setting sun.

"I promise I will find and free you, my love. I won't rest until I do and then I'll make Alec pay."

I wiped the tears from my eyes vowing that I wouldn't cry again until I had Darius back with me safe and whole. Then I picked up the finger and looked around for somewhere to hide it in order to keep it safe. I could hardly carry it around with me. The very thought of wandering around that labyrinth in the dark with a severed finger in my pocket was more than I could face.

Eventually, I wrapped it in one of my socks and tucked it into my case at the very bottom and put the case at the back of my closet.

If Alec had only known. This was just the jolt I needed to go back down into the catacombs and explore as quickly as possible. In fact, I wouldn't wait for the morning, I would go as soon as that little bastard had visited again, as he had warned he would. To hell with being discovered out of my room. Who knew what Alec might do next if I upset him? No, I couldn't risk it.

I made my preparations quickly because I had no idea how quickly Alec would return, throwing a thick jumper and my walking boots along with the torch which Felix had given me and my iPod into my small bag which held a stash of chocolate and candy I had persuaded Heidi to get for me and then threw it back into the closet.

I was impatient to begin and paced around the suite agitatedly thinking of the photographs and how Darius' body must be suffering even if he wasn't conscious of it. Alec was a monster who was torturing a defenceless and innocent man in order to get what he wanted. Well, he might find out that he chewed off a bit more than he could swallow this time.

I knew I had to calm myself before I went exploring, I needed a clear head and right now it was spinning with feelings of rage and thoughts of vengeance.

Sitting down in a chair I took some deep breaths and tried to make a plan of action, but I kept seeing Darius lying there as if he were dead and pain spiked through my chest at that awful thought.

Now I understood why he hadn't returned to me. I knew he had tried to push me away because he saw me as little more than a child, but I'd certainly grown up fast recently. I felt the urges of a mate, a need to protect and avenge my love and I would. Alec Volturi could go screw himself, but I had to play it cool for a little longer.

I had no idea how quickly I could find Darius, there were so many passages, it could take days or even weeks, but did I have that long? Alec seemed set on getting a ring on my finger and I knew I couldn't allow that. I'd slap him silly rather than bend to his will.

Luckily he returned within the hour.

"Well? Are we clear now?"

I nodded, not daring to look at him directly, "Yes."

"Good. Now, I'm going to talk to the council tonight and as I explained, I have to be away on business tomorrow, but when I get back we'll talk some more and then this weekend you and I will make the announcement that we are engaged. I take it you don't want me to speak to your parents?"

I shook my head and saw him smirk.

"I didn't think so, but just to show you that I'm not an unreasonable man I will ask them to allow you to spend some time with Carlisle and Esme. Just don't try anything. You've seen what I'm capable of and trust me if you push me I will make good on my threat and then no one will win. Now, come and give your finance a hug and kiss. After all, we're going to be parted for a while."

My skin crawled as I obeyed him and I vowed it would be the last time I ever did so if I could find Darius. I wasn't sure I could go through with this without becoming physically sick and that made me even more determined to succeed.

As I leaned forward reluctantly to peck him on the cheek he turned his head and our lips met. My stomach heaved at the sensation. This was like being romanced by a large slug and just as revolting.

He didn't seem to notice my revulsion or maybe he just chose to ignore it as he pulled away and smiled.

"Poor little Meg, still thinking about your departed 'friend'. Did you ever kiss him?"

He studied me, then shook his head, grinning.

"No, I don't think you did. I doubt he laid a finger on you which is very exciting. I will be your first and last, how wonderful."

"Just go. Maybe the Gods will smile down on me and you'll get hit by a bus or torn apart by a nomad."

At least that's what I wanted to say but I held my tongue. I had someone else to consider so I just smiled wanly as he took my hand and bowed over it.

"Don't fret so, Megan. Remember you loved me once and I'll win you back again, just give me time. Goodbye, my love. I'll be thinking about you until the weekend. Behave while I'm away and remember I have eyes here in the citadel and will receive a report on your behavior. Oh yes, I may not be here but I have friends willing to watch over you for me."

Saying this, he turned on his heel and left, a spring in his step that infuriated me. Glaring at his retreating back I could hardly refrain from giving him the V sign, the arrogant little prick. We'll see who has the last laugh Mr High and Mighty Volturi. You might just get one hell of a surprise.

I just want to wish all my readers good health during these frightening and difficult times. I hope maybe reading my stories might give some of you a few hours of relief from the grim realities of coronavirus. Love Jules xx