No Pairing

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

French Quarter, New Orleans

The Compound

Marcel hated it when Rebekah wasn't around. The house felt too large, too empty, too full of ghosts. His first years here as a child were always fresh in his mind. Rebekah had taken off angry at Klaus over killing his half-brother Emil, whom Marcel had never known as a brother. She came back when he was maybe 14 and he thought her an angel. They fenced together and she was fun to be around, but he was still a child in those days. He always had a ball and was always breaking things. But then later, after he had declared his love for her and Klaus found out...those were the years Rebekah lay daggered, while his father and uncle taught him how to be a leader and a vampire...that stung. Why had he not undaggered her earlier? 52 years.

Marcel's cell phone buzzed. It was Josh.

"Hey bud, where are you?" Marcel answered.

"At the safe house, aren't the baby vamps supposed to be here waiting for me?" Josh asked anxiously.

"Yeah? Why?" Marcel pressed getting up from his desk.

"Because it's empty. Marcel, I think they took off. They packed their shit and left," Josh said irritably.

"What? Find them, Josh? Dammit, I knew we should not have given them daylight rings so soon," Marcel growled.

Josh gulped, "This is on me. I've been neglecting them. I will bring them back. And Marcel, you were right about them. They do need a firmer hand. I'm sorry."

Marcel sat again, "Josh, it's okay. You're learning, too. I put too much on you. Do what you can and call me if you need help, okay?"

"Thanks, man," Josh said in relief.

Marcel stopped him, "Look Josh, just call me when you find something. I should be there with you. I really want to help."

Cafe Du Monde

Anjou sipped her cafe au lait and bit into a beignet. Food tasted like dust to her now that she was a vampire. She only craved blood, but she wanted to look human. Now that they had daylight rings, they could hunt in packs and have their pick of the cream of the crop.

Simon, a blond boy from the West who could have passed for a surfer, looked out at the Mississippi River.

"It's a fucking big river there," he said dully.

"It the Mississippi River, you idiot!" Anjou snapped.

Queen laughed musically and put her hand on Simon's thigh, "Look at that busker over there, he looks tasty."

"What, busker?" Simon gawked.

"It means musician, Simon. God, don't you know anything? Did a shark eat your brain?" Queen asked taking a page in insults from Anjou's book. Anjou laughed and high -fived the other female vampire.

"Do you ladies have to be so mean?" Kyle asked scowling. He was from Louisiana, but not New Orleans, like Anjou.

"Yeah, I mean I came here for Spring Break. I didn't know I was going to get turned into a fucking vamp. I guess it's pretty cool and all, but I just don't like water like I used to," Simon admitted.

"So shut up and help us scout out some prey," Queen snapped.

"Oh shit!" Kyle hissed, "There is Josh."

Anjou's smile froze on her lips, "Play it cool. Let me do the talking."

"Nice little day for an outing. Did y'all forget something?" Josh said lightly as he stepped onto the covered terrace. He pulled out a chair and turned it around and sat.

Simon coughed and said he had to use the bathroom. "Stay," Josh ordered.

Anjou fumed, "You cannot control us anymore, Josh. We may be young vampires, sired by Marcel's crews, but we are free now. We have the daylight rings. You cannot stop us from feeding off the tourists any longer."

Josh laughed, "That is where you are wrong, Anjou. Marcel got you those rings. Do you understand how daylight rings work?"

Queen pushed back her black hair, "We don't care about witch affairs."

"Well, witches made those rings and they can deactivate them. You see that lady over there," Josh said tightly. "She's in the coven that made your rings. With just a nod, she will reverse the spell and y'all with start frying in the sun."

Anjou spat, "You are bluffing. I don't believe you."

"Try me," Josh said cooly.

Anjou got nervous, "You never liked me. I am sure you would kill me to make a point."

"Anjou, that is not true. I do not dislike any of you. I apologize for blowing off your training. I've been distracted because of issues with my boyfriend in the Bayou, but he is in the city now and things are good. I promise you guys that I will do being and be there for you more. You can feed, but you cannot massacre a bunch of tourists. That puts us all in danger," Josh explained.

"Fuck you, Josh. You are barely older than us," Queen spat in anger and frustration.

"You are right, but I have been learning from Marcel. I am his right hand man now. In time, you all can move up or move on, your choice, but right now I need all of you to come back with me. We have work to do. If you all come with me right now, you can face the consequences in private," Josh promised.

"Consequences? Like we'll be condemned to the garden? I'm not afraid of that," Kyle scoffed.

Josh leaned forward and whispered, "Are you afraid of getting that cute butt of your warmed up? Because that is exactly what is going to happen if all of you do not get up and follow me right now? It's either a spanking or you get burned into a pile of ashes."

"I'll take my chances," Kyle growled.

Anjou and Queen looked worried. Anjou spat, "I've seen witch before. He's not bluffing. Simple Simon get up. Let's go."

Queen complained, "This is bullshit. I'm hungry for a real meal. Josh, how did you find us? A locator spell from your witch friend there?"

"No, I tracked your cell phones," Josh smiled proudly. "I was a computer major."

Marcel snuck back into the cafe. He had come to see if Josh needed help. He was pleased that Josh handled the vampires deftly and as smoothly as to be expected.

High School

Hayley pulled Jackson's book bag from behind to get his attention, "Hey!"

"Hey, you," Jackson replied smiling widely. She looked so beautiful and perfect to him.

"So, how's your day goin'?" Hayey drawled.

"Good, you?" Jackson said opening his locker.

"Good. You won't believe this, I'm grounded from the tv until we serve our detention. I would say it's no biggie, but they have like 400 channels and go us brand new tvs for our rooms," Hayley admitted. "Marcel was awfully nice about it. He's a heck of a guy. What? Why are you looking at me like that?"

Hayley grinned back and punched Jackson on the arm. He was raising his eyebrows at her.

"Well, excuse me, Miss Fancy Pants," Jackson joked as he grabbed his science book. "400 channels, brand new tv. You deserve it, though, babe, the good life."

"You do, too. Soooo, was Mary pissed?" Hayley pressed.

"Yup," Jackson said simply. Hayley was startled by his tone.

"Jack, what happened? Don't tell me...?" Hayley started.

"That I got the switch? Yeah, I did. Eve gave Grandma some new pill and boy, she got her swing back. I gotta admit, I was relieved you weren't there when I was howling like a cat in heat," Jackson said emphatically.

"Oh Jackson, I am so sorry. It's not fair that you got it so bad when I barely got a slap on the wrist," Hayley frowned.

Jackson argued, "Stop, I'm a big boy. I can take my licks. Besides, I am sure you can make it up to me some other way, but just not in school. Plus, I think my ass is still welted. Damn, it's itching."

"She get your legs or just your butt," Hayley said wanting to run her hand over them. She felt awful.

"A little on my legs. Come on, we best get to class. If I'm late for history one more time, old Reynolds said he's writing me a slip. Alls I need to to get paddled on top of all this," Jackson smiled.

"Yeah, we'll have to get you a pillow to carry around here," Hayley joked.

"Very funny. Now get. I'll see you at lunch," Jackson said watching Hayley scurry to class. Her brown hair flying behind her.

Ollie was already in class, when Jackson finally straggled in right after the bell.

"Dude, cutting it close. What is with you today?" Ollie hissed.

"I was filling in Hayley," Jackson admitted.

"Oh, hey, I found Kaleb this morning. He thinks he found a spell that could help us with the moonlight rings. He just doesn't think he is powerful enough," Ollie added.

"What about his mother? She's not a New Orleans witch, but maybe she could do it?" Jackson suggested.

"He seems afraid of his old lady. It's kind of weird," Ollie said as the teacher was starting the class.

Ollie took out his textbook dug in his bag for a pencil. Jackson absentmindedly handed him one.

"Ha, what's weird? You were afraid of your mom," Jackson reminded him.

"Yeah, because my mom was mean. Did you mom ever try to toss you out of a moving truck? I didn't think so. That woman would get madder than a wet hen if I drove too slow...," Ollie fibbed.

Jackson stifled his laugh at Ollie's antics and tried to pay attention in class, but his mind kept going back to Hayley. A part of him wondered if he wasn't holding her back. But she was a Crescent like him...Maybe she would come back to the Bayou soon?

"Jackson, are you with us?" Mrs. Reynolds asked him.

"Um, yes, ma'am," Jackson replied automatically.

"Then, how about you open up your book? You can start reading on p. 212...," the teacher snapped.

Lunch

Tommy saw the same kids who had been bothering him knock Kaleb's lunch tray down. His eyes searched for Jack or Ollie, or even his brother Aiden, but saw no one. Damn.

"Hey, leave him be," Tommy said walking over with fake confidence.

"You gonna stop me, Bayou Rat?" the skinny, acne scarred boy snickered.

"Yeah, if I have to. I will. Pick up his tray," Tommy yelled.

"Make me, scumbag," the kid challenged.

Right then, Tommy heard Kaleb utter something and the kid hiccuped. Then, he hiccuped again. And again until he backed away in confusion.

Tommy looked at Kaleb and grinned, "Neat trick. Does that always work?"

Kaleb admitted, "Ah no, the last time I tried it. I made the lad piss his pants."

"For real?" Tommy asked impressed.

Kaleb laughed, "Honestly no, I thought it just sounded cool. Thanks for stepping in. That wanker is out for me blood and I don't know why."

"I think they just pick on new kids. Come on, let's sit over there. I don't know where everyone else is," Tommy said scanning for the rest of the gang.

"Okay," Kaleb said following Tommy to a nearby table. They talked about their classes as they ate. Then, the blond boy seemed to be pointing to them. An attractive brunette was also standing there watching the procedings. Three bigger kids seemed to stomp over to them.

"Oh fuck," Tommy said under his breath. "We're dead."

"Been nice knowing ya," Kaleb quipped.

"Did you fucking do something to my girlfriend's bro?" accused a big boy with brown hair.

"No, what are you talking about? Why don't you take a hike?" Tommy snapped. His wolf temper was rising up. This guy was twice his size, but if he was in his wolf form, he could take him.

"You little punks! I am going to kick your skinny asses," the boy said about to grab Tommy.

"Whoa, Jake! What is up, dude?" Jackson said with Ollie and Aiden close behind.

"These little shits were bothering my girlfriend's brother! I was going to teach them a lesson," Jake bellowed.

"Not true. It was the other way around," Tommy spoke up.

Jackson said, "These are my little bros. Man, they wouldn't do that. Honest, the kid has the wrong guys."

"If you say so Jacko. I don't like the look of that pretty one. Keep him away from me," Jake boomed.

"Will do, man. See you at practice," Jackson said seriously.

Ollie doubled over laughing, "It's the off-season. Is he that dumb?"

"Yep, I think he had about ten too many concussions. You guys alright?" Aiden asked looking at his brother.

"He didn't touch us," Tommy assured him. "He was a huge guy, though."

Jackson nodded, "Just stay clear of him. He's a bully."

After the lunch bell rang, Tommy, Jackson, and Ollie got up to throw away their garbage. Aiden and Kaleb were still at the table.

"Ah, Aiden, can I talk to you?" Kaleb asked nervously.

"Yeah, man, of course," Aiden said looking at the young witch with an accent.

"Um, Ollie asked me about doing the moonlight spell and I lied to him. I said I couldn't do it because I'm not anchored here. But there is more to the story. Davina doesn't know any of this," Kaleb began.

"What did you lie about?" Aiden pressed.

"My mum. I got into some trouble with my coven in the U.K. and I ran away. I am cloaked and if I do any magic that is too strong, they could find me," Kaleb confessed.

"What kind of trouble?" Aiden asked.

"Bad trouble. I would like to do the spell, but I need protection," Kaleb admitted.

"What can I do to help?" Aiden inquired in confusion.

"Take me to Marcel. He is the King of New Orleans, he is the only one who can help me," Kaleb trembled.

"Wait? Who do you live with? Is this all a plan for you to get close to Davina to get close to Marcel?" Aiden pressed hotly.

"It's not like that...Well, it started out like that, but I have grown to care for her," Kaleb admitted.

"You son of a bitch," Aiden roared. He shoved Kaleb and he went flying. Aiden jumped on top and punched him several times in the face.

Kaleb muttered something and Aiden felt an incredible rush of pain. He crumbled into a ball and screamed.

A teacher and some students ran over and grabbed the boys.

Aiden panicked, "We have to get out of here. Come on." They shook over the kids holding them back easily. Kaleb followed Aiden to the end of the large high school campus.

"What the hell? Why did you run?" Kaleb panted.

"I panicked," Aiden said breathing hard. "I'll call Marcel. You can explain why your lying face is all bloody."

Kaleb spat some blood on the sidewalk.

"Marcel, it's Aiden. Can you come pick me and Kaleb up at school? Ignore them if they call you. Oh? They already called you. Marcel, that's not what happened. Please believe me," Aiden swore.

After Aiden got off the phone, he texted his brother and Jackson and Ollie to fill them in.

"I'm not sure Marcel believes me. If he takes us back to school, we are in for it," Aiden worried.

"Expelled?" Kaleb asked.

"Maybe, but I doubt it," Aiden said as Marcel pulled up in his white BMW I8.

"Bugger me!" Kaleb gasped.

"No thanks," Aiden scoffed.

"I just like the car, mate," Kaleb gushed.

"Yeah, it's like 150K, forget it," Aiden said as Marcel opened the door and told him to get in.

Aiden wanted to tear off Kaleb's head, but he figured he'd let Marcel do that. Anyone who betrayed Davina, like this, was not someone Aiden would envy.

Marcel had left Josh to deal with the baby vamps and headed to the school.

"You wanna tell me what's going on before I run your asses back to that school myself?" Marcel snapped.

Aiden exhaled, "Look, we got in a fight and we're in for it with the school but Kaleb made me really mad. It has to do with Davina...but he also might be able to help us. But if you take us back to school, they will probably just paddle both of us, so can you listen to his story?"

Marcel looked at Kaleb in the rearview mirror, "I'm listening."

"I am from a small coven in Ireland. My mother is its leader. My father had died in an accident and she went off the deep end. She started dabbling in the dark arts, trying to bring him back. I caught her and some others doing a blood ritual and I tried to stop them. They...had some of our enemies tied up, I freed them and let them loose. In the process, I killed two members. I fled. I've been cloaking myself ever since. I heard about the Harvest ritual and all that happened. I thought maybe you would protect me, in exchange for my services," Kaleb conceded.

"You own mother would harm you?" Marcel asked bluntly.

"She is not a kind woman. I think that is what drew me to Davina. When she told me about the Harvest and how her mum was going to watch...and how you cut her throat. Mr. Gerard, I am sorry for lying. I just didn't know what else to do," Kaleb revealed. "My father had been American. That's how I was able to come. I'm a citizen. I started out at my elderly aunt's flat in the East, but I knew my mother would find me there."

"How old are you? You can be old enough to drive," Marcel questioned.

"I just turned 16," Kaleb answered.

"Then, who are you living with?" Marcel wondered.

"I am in an empty loft. I stay on the move, that's why Davina could never come over," Kaleb conceded.

"You lied to my daughter. Why should I trust a word you say? I can't compel the truth out of you," Marcel shared.

"Sir, I can help with the wolves' moonlight rings. I am the eldest in my mother's line. She holds great power. Give me a chance to prove myself," Kaleb countered.

"I am ready to give you two both a taste of the paddle when we get home for this whole fiasco. Aiden, what am I supposed to say to the school? And Kaleb, you should have come to me man to man. Let's go back to the Compound and figure out what to do," Marcel said sharply.

After a few minutes of silence, Marcel asked Kaleb where his things were. They went and picked them up. Marcel was saddened to see the boy only had two or three bags to his name.

"I cannot let you stay here by yourself anymore, Kaleb. You can stay at the Compound for at least tonight. After that, we will have to figure out what to do with you," Marcel said firmly.