Chapter 4 – At Last

BPOV

The impact of my sister's hug would have knocked me down, if I let her. Eleanor's embrace was long overdue and I missed her so. She had her family, happy and safe. My father entrusted her lifemate, Vlad with my sister's protection and he has done well. She was glowing this night. "Finally, you're home. Why didn't you tell me you were coming? I've been keeping your house for you, but still, you should have told me. I should wring your ears for not telling me." I pinched her lips, silencing her, "You always did babble when you were happy. You talked Vlad's ear off when you were pregnant. I don't know how his hearing is still healthy from all that."

She glowered at me, then broke into a smile, "I'm so glad you're home." She hugged me again and pulled me into her house, "Boys, boys, come quickly. Your Uncle Byron is home." My sister's home was just as I remembered it, but there were some changes to her furniture. Eleanor kept her hand in mine as we walked through her house. Vlad greeted us, "*Arwa-arvoolenisäntä, ekäm. What has brought you home after all this time?"

I have been away from my homeland for more than twenty years. I left shortly after Jacques and Bella's wedding. I was needed elsewhere. There was more I wanted to see and explore, all the while, protecting those that crossed paths with the undead. They were getting braver, banding together. This is why I have returned; to warn him. There was danger on the horizon.

The sounds of arguing and footsteps came down the stairs, along with the fresh scent of blood. "Josef, I swear, you're an idiot sometimes." No truer words would be spoken. I loved my nephew, but he was foolish at times. A young man walked down the stairs but I didn't know him. "El, do you have a towel? Your son just brutalized me." Eleanor walked over to the young man and lifted his face. My eyes widened; he had Jacques's face, but the eyes. They seemed different. He looked at me, "I'm sorry that I look like a mess, but Josef sucker punched me."

My nephews came down the stairs. Benjamin pushed Josef, "Little Idiot, that's his name now. Uncle Byron?" Benjamin had grown very much, so has Josef. He looked similar to his father. Josef looked very much like his fallen father. Josef smiled, "Uncle, you're back! What is it this time? You found the remains of a dragon and his hidden fortune? No, girl in tower and she needs to be freed." A fist whipped up and punched Josef across the cheek, "Shut up, you moron. That's why he's been gone. To get away from your dumb-ass." I laughed, "I like this boy. Your name is?"

Eleanor wiped away the blood from the boy's face, "This is Emmett Dubrinsky." I looked at him, "You're Jacques and Bella's son?" He nodded, "That I am. Their firstborn son. Nice to meet you." I gripped his forearm, "You look just like your father, when he was a fledgling." Emmett smiled, "That's what Uncle Mikhail tells me." It was amazing how much this young man resembled his father. To see your face in your children; it is the greatest gift in the world.

Josef held his face, "Come on, Daddy's boy. We have a fight to finish." Emmett hugged my sister, "Thanks. Now I have to go hurt your son. Benjamin?" The boys walked out into the yard and continued their fight. Ah, youth.

Vlad shook his head and gestured to a seat, "So, what truly does bring you home, brother-kin?" I told him of the last group of vampires I encountered. They mentioned coming to our homeland, seeking revenge against the Dark One. He has killed many of followers and they wanted to return the favor. "They believe more women have come to our homeland and they wish to take them." Vlad glowered, "There are more women, but only two of them. Mikhail and Jacques; they both have a daughter." I paused for a moment, recollecting the wedding. Bella announced that she was having twins. It was a greater miracle to hear that both of the children survived and grew into adults. I huffed a semblance of a laugh, "Jacques having a daughter. That I wish I could have seen. I know that wasn't easy for him."

Eleanor rested her hand on mine, "Yes, Emmett's twin sister. She is the older of the two actually. She looks just like Bella and Savannah, Mikhail's daughter, she looks exactly like Raven. Wait until you meet them. Alice is very protective of Savannah. I pity Savannah's lifemate. Not for the wrath of her father should he ever hurt Savannah, but of Alice's." I looked at her and blinked. "Oh, that's her name, Alice. Remember, Bella announced the twins' names at the wedding." Vlad wasn't listening, but contemplating this threat to these young women. They were young and full of life; a strong lure.

"We must seek Mikhail's counsel as soon as possible. He must be made aware of this, especially when they are targeting his family once again." I nodded, "That is why I have come to see you, Vlad. I do not know if Jacques wishes to see me. I do not believe he has forgiven me." Eleanor spoke up before her lifemate could, "Why would he be mad at you?" I looked at her, sharing the memory.

I lay in the earth, bleeding and saw as the Prince's woman was pushed in. Bella stood above us, closing the door; fear radiating in her eyes, "I'm sorry." The sound of a door above us, closing and she was running. Raven was pushing against the door, "We have to find her! This can't be happening." I only laid there, slipping into unconsciousness. I failed and I should have died.

Eleanor gasped, seeing my memories of that horrid night years ago when I failed Jacques. "Byron, that was so long ago. Bella is alive and well. She is happy and so is Jacques. She has even told you that she doesn't hold it against you. She made that decision to lead those people away from you and Raven. I owe Bella so much because she protected you." "And the cost? Eleanor, you know what Bella suffered. Jacques was mad with determination to find her and what did I do? It should have been me." Eleanor cupped her hands on my face, "Stop beating yourself up. Bella has forgiven you and so has Jacques. Go with Vlad and tell them of what you learned. Even if you don't believe me, believe this, Jacques would want to know. They are threatening his daughter and Jacques would give his life for her. He would want to speak with you."

"Let him go!" Benjamin yelled. The tenor of panic radiated in my nephew's voice. Vlad and I jumped and ran to the door, with Eleanor shadowing us. The door flew open and we ran out in the yard. Eleanor was close and she wasn't going to listen to us. She was a mother who had to know what was happening to her son. "You moron! What did you do to him? You know I feel his pain and you do this! Didn't you think I would come here? I have told you time and again, I will always find you and return the favor."

My heart stopped as I saw a young woman standing over Josef. I could smell his exposed blood, but it mattered little. All I saw was flowing dark hair, a svelte body and long legs that were clad in form fitting pants. She shouldn't wear such things. Legs such as hers should be in a flowing skirt, allowing the gentle breeze to caress her skin. I couldn't look away from her. Who was she? She paced around Josef, but she was still looking down at him, moving with such grace. There was a stronger presence in her movement. There was a smear of blood on her tightly gripped knuckles. I caught a glimpse of pale, smooth skin and a soft mouth. Benjamin and Emmett caught her arms, "Calm down, Al. It's nothing." The woman groaned, looked up and I finally saw her eyes. A rich color of brown. Brown? My own eyes closed from the extraordinary effect of my emotions returning. I was blinded by the sheer brightness of all that was surrounding me. Even with my eyes closed, the woman's eyes were burned into my memory. She was lethal, but beautiful, so beautiful.

She glared and fought to get out of Benjamin and Emmett's hold. They pulled her back, "Ally, calm down and let Josef up. You know those two play around too much." Benjamin wrapped his arms around the woman; his chest against her back. My teeth lengthened in my mouth; he'd better let her go. She looked up at Benjamin, "Who did it? Which one of you gave my brother a nose bleed? You better tell me!" Her voice was of an angel's harp. Though it was marred with anger, she could sing her words to melt anyone's heart. Eleanor breathed a sigh and walked over to the woman, "Alice, dear, they're boys. They're going to fight."

The woman, Alice was shorter than Eleanor. She was Carpathian, but she didn't have the traditional traits of a Carpathian woman. She turned to completely face me and I recognized her face. It was a younger version of her face. I knew who she was, but that mattered little. She was mine.

Vlad helped Josef up, "Alice, we only have two sons. Please try not to kill them." Alice shook her head, "Then they need to keep their hands off my brother." Protective, strong, loyal; traits of a Dubrinsky. Eleanor glanced at me, "Vlad, you cannot blame her. I know what it is like to want to protect your younger brother." Alice blinked, then looked at me. I instantly fell into her deep brown eyes; the color of the richest soil in our homeland. Eleanor got the woman from Benjamin's grasp, "Alice, dear, this is my younger brother, Byron Justicano. He has just returned home. Byron, this is Alice Dubrinsky, Emmett's sister."Her sweet lips parted to speak, when Emmett stepped in my line of sight of her.

Move, boy! She is mine!

Fortunately, the boy did not hear my thoughts, "Alice, just calm down and go meet up with Mom. We were just wrestling and Josef suckered me. I promise, everything is fine." Alice stepped to the side and looked at Josef, who was standing with his father, glaring. Her hip was tilted to the side, with a hand resting upon it; alluring. Her lip twitched as she glared back. Emmett held her shoulders, "I'll take her home. Dad would have my head if I let you go home alone." Emmett turned her and they walked past us, "Thanks, Eleanor and nice meeting you, Byron. Come by the castle. I know Dad and Uncle Mikhail would want to see you." Alice said nothing; still caught up in her own anger. Emmett shook her, "Say something." She sighed and smiled at me, "I'm sorry you came home, only to witness your nephew getting beat up by a girl. Perhaps you can teach him how to fight like a man."

"Hey! Watch it, little girl. You should be respecting your elders," Josef yelled. Alice turned and struggled against her brother's hold, "You pompous jerk. I'm not the one hiding behind my daddy." Vlad held Josef back from getting to Alice, "Son, stop this now." Alice took one step toward my nephew, but was jerked back by her brother. Emmett threw Alice over his shoulder, "Let's go, *sisar." I watched as he ran into the night with Alice. Where was he taking her? She was mine and mine alone.

I inhaled the air deeply, drinking in her scent. So sweet, floral, but intoxicating. Alice Isabella Dubrinsky was meant for me. I remembered the night of Jacques's wedding when Bella made the announcement that she was carrying twins and giving them names. Alice was to be my woman, but her father was my closest friend. How would Jacques take this news? Jacques and I have fought many battles together. We've exchanged blood more times than males usually do. Jacques could find my mind faster than my own sister. In my years, I have shown Jacques the utmost loyalty. I would have lain my life for him and he would do the same for me. But his daughter? What would Bella say? She has forgiven me once, but not this time. How would they cope with this? Would it require Mikhail to intervene? He knew what being separated from my lifemate would me. That would be too painful for myself and Alice. She had to be with me and soon, so that I could guard her from the oncoming threats.

Josef was still mad after the twins left, "Dad, that girl gets on my nerves." Vlad shook his shoulders, "You listen to me, boy and you listen well. She is the Prince's niece. She is a Dubrinsky. Alice is truly kind-hearted but you have got to stop goading her on. She has her father's temper. And, lest you forget, the Cullens view her as their granddaughter and would protect her from all threats." Eleanor gasped, "Vlad!" but he ignored her. "And we, as true men, do not fight women. We protect them. You know this. Carpathians do not fight against our women, but with them, for them. Now you get this fool idea out of your head and leave Alice be. She would be a strong ally but a greater enemy." Benjamin, Eleanor and I listened silently. I wanted to learn as much as I could about this woman; my woman, my lifemate. I should be off to find her, but I knew she was safe with her brother.

Vlad nodded and I guided my sister inside, shadowed by Benjamin. Vlad still had much he had to teach his sons. Josef was stubborn, but willing to learn from his father, as was Benjamin. Josef folded his arms and winced. Vlad shook his head, "Alice is strong, determined and born to lead. Even the Dark One has said she shows bravery and brilliance beyond her years. She is a Dubrinsky. Emmett and Alice are strong individually, but they would be an unstoppable force together. It was Alice who broke the vampiress's hold on Emmett's mind when they were attacked as children. That is what your mother and I are trying to teach you and your brother. Stand together and be stronger for it. You saw how they were together. Alice listened to Emmett. Yes, she was a little over zealous this night." "A little? Only a little, Dad? She's…." "Josef," Eleanor spoke up, "Silence and listen to your father." Josef hung his head.

Vlad sighed and continued, "You and Benjamin must be united. This is how we must be. Alice and Emmett have shown their unity, an example for the siblings of our people. Learn and adapt to that. And, for God's sake, leave Alice alone. She would have broken all your bones. Josef, I think you should have more fight training."

Josef groaned again, making a face. Vlad turned Josef and saw the blood exposed on his back, "Nasty. She can claw at your flesh worse than a wolf. You require a poultice." Eleanor held Benjamin's arm and he guided her to a seat, "More fight lessons. My heart cannot take more of that." Benjamin and I looked at each other, "Will you help with that, Uncle? You are a great warrior." I nodded, "Of course." Eleanor shook her head, as she thought about Alice. She held a secret of her own, something our women have always wanted. She smiled and looked at me, "I love my boys, but I envy Bella and Raven a bit. A girl would have been so nice."

Josef groaned as Vlad pushed him into a chair. Benjamin laughed as his brother's pain, "Well, I could still make Josef into a girl for you, Mama." Josef scoffed, "What is it? 'Pick on Josef Night?' First, Emmett, then Alice and now you? That chick just kicked my ass. Don't start with me." Vlad smacked Josef in the head, "Do not talk like that in front of your mother. You know she doesn't like it."

Eleanor shook her head, So stubborn.

I looked at her, He is your son.

She rose from her seat and kissed Josef's head, "Honey, just relax and let me apply the poultice. They will help, then I want you to relax for a while. No more fighting, at least, not tonight." Josef smiled at my sister, "Sure, Mama. I'm sorry. I went too far and I got what I deserved. And I'll apologize to the twins when I see them again." One word from Eleanor, and Josef was more obedient than a pup.

Benjamin shook his head, "I don't know why you like to make her mad. Remember when she was little. She almost took out our kneecaps if we were too loud. And the time when we scared Savannah and made her cry. I was scared that her dad would flip, but it was Alice who got us." I turned my head toward him, "What do you mean?" Benjamin turned in his seat, "One thing everyone, and I do mean everyone, knows is when it comes to Alice, do not mess with Savannah. That's her Achilles's heel. We were showing Emmett how to shift into great cats. Josef being Josef shifted into a lion. Emmett was very impressed and dared him to roar." Josef laughed, then winced from the stinging pain. Benjamin shook his head, "Josef roared right as Savannah was walking out of the trees. She was picking flowers with Alice and walked ahead of her. Poor thing jumped out of her skin as Josef roared. She dropped her flowers and burst into tears, screaming for help. I felt horrible. I hated, even to this day, seeing her cry. But then..."

"Someone brought on the thunder," Josef added as Eleanor covered his back. Benjamin scoffed, "Thunder, lightning and earthquakes combined is more like it. Alice came out of the trees and hugged Savannah. She saw us and that look, good lord, it was like her father was staring at us through her eyes. The Prince was alright, realizing it was an accident, so he and Raven took Savannah inside. I thought we were off the hook. For a preteen, Alice was hardcore." I furrowed my brow as Benjamin continued. "She punched Josef in the gut, then gave me one. The both of us fell to the ground. It was stronger than I thought it was going to be. She was one tough little cookie. Then she slugged the both of us across the face. She said, and I quote, 'If you ever, ever scare Savannah like that again, I will have your heads mounted on my wall.' She was only 12, but I cringed. I mean she scared me because I knew she meant it. She only looked at Emmett and he turned and walked into the house. What a way to end a lesson. I was nervous to go back to their house for the rest of the month. I never understood why a 12 year old girl could send a shiver down my spine like that, but now I know. You don't mess with Alice or her family. She will protect them with her life. A quality that is admirable, scary, but honorable. So, since then, I've respected her. Alice and Emmett are younger than the both of us, but I wouldn't want to cross either one of them. You see what she did to Josef, that's nothing. Alice's temper is legendary and she's only 25. She has the temper of her dad, her uncle and her mother. That's why I don't make her mad. I don't want to be on the receiving end of that madness. But when she's calm, she's the sweetest person."

There was a lingering sound of longing in Benjamin's voice. I cut my eyes at him. He cared for Alice, that was clear, but was there something more. I had to know. Benjamin spoke of Alice with reverence, but with something more than just friendship, "It sounds like you care for her." Benjamin cleared his throat and looked away, but Josef laughed, "You would be right. He has a thing for Alice, but he won't admit it." Benjamin glared murderously at his brother, "Why don't you shut it before I call her back here to finish what she started on your back?" Josef laughed, "You would just love that. You see, Mama, he knew I would get into a tumult with Emmett, hoping he would bring Alice here. He wanted a reason to see her."

Eleanor looked up from her work, "Benji?" Vlad and I were silent. He wasn't of age to lose color and emotion. It was the pain that our males faced when as they grew into their strengths. It was rare, but not unheard of a young male finding his woman while his soul was still strong within him. Benjamin threw his head back and covered his face with his hands, "Ok, so I might like her, but her uncle would kill me. I don't know if I'm her lifemate, I just know I care about Alice. Isn't it possible for our people to develop feelings for others who aren't the other half of their soul?"

A noble question, but I fear he wouldn't like the answer. Vlad clasped his son's shoulder, "We are not without heart, son. Affections can grow, but they do not last. We are more fortunate than humans in that regard. The affections for our lifemate are permanent. Benjamin, you are very young in this life. Your affections for Alice will pass in time. I do not believe she is meant to be yours. You would have claimed her by now. All you can do is be her friend." Benjamin moved from the table and walked out into the night. This was not what the boy wanted to hear, but he needed to.

Benjamin was headstrong, thinking of Alice. Recollecting as he held her in his arms. The feel of her body in his embrace. I fell deeper into his mind, replacing Benjamin with myself in the memory within my own mind. I felt what it was like to hold Alice in my arms, feeling my hands on the curves of her body. I felt her back against my own chest. I heard her heart and felt the silk of her hair. I looked down into her eyes as she looked up at me. Her eyes held deep secrets there and I had to know them.

I must go speak with Jacques. He must know this before anyone else. If I were to do this, I would face Jacques, not just as a friend, but as a suitor. He must know what I have come for, my right. I will go to him, as a father and for him to know that I have come to claim his daughter as my lifemate and bride.

*Carpathian Language Guide:

Arwa-arvoolenisäntä, ekäm – Honor keep you, my brother (greeting)

Sisar – sister