Chapter 5 – Not as Planned
BPOV
It was an old tradition; one that I knew well. I recollect the night a young warrior came to my father to claim Eleanor. Vlad was young, just past his 200th year, but everything was restored to him. One glimpse of my sister's face and he knew. My father was ready to tear our house down. It was too soon for him, for Eleanor. It was for our mother to prepare Eleanor, to calm her nerves. She knew of Vlad, seen him in our village. But, it was something only our mother could speak to Eleanor about; how to be with her lifemate. What she must offer to complete his claim. Back then, I didn't want to know about. I wanted to know how Vlad would guard and care for my sister. Would he keep her safe and place her needs above his own at all times? He proved himself time and again. Vlad came from a strong family, who taught him well. Now, it was I in the suitor's place and Jacques was the father I had to face.
"I will go on my own, Vlad. But I thank you for your aid. I shall return soon," he gripped my forearm as I gripped his in the manner of our people. Vlad looked at me for a moment, Brother, is there something wrong?
I half-smiled, No, but you were right all along. I have forgotten how beautiful my sister looks in green.
Vlad was silent for a moment, Who? When? Have you claimed her yet?
I shook my head, No, that is why I must go speak to Jacques alone. He must hear this from me and me alone.
Astonishment crossed my brother's face as he 5realized who I was speaking of, Alice?
I nodded, Yes. Do not tell Eleanor. I already to have deal with Jacques. With my sister, I do not need that, at least not this night.
Vlad laughed and pulled me into an embrace, May honor go with you and good luck. You'll need it. Alice might be a handful, but Jacques would do anything to protect his daughter.
I know and he should do so, but I am here now. I would guard her with my life. My only pray is that he will believe me.
I turned and took off into the night. The deep hues of green and black of our home was beyond breath taking. I felt alive once more. Alice brought me a wondrous gift and she didn't even know it. The sights, smells and sounds of land brought back so many memories of my youth. The nights Eleanor and I rode into deep into the mountains, seeking new sights. A lake she and I found and spent many hours swimming and shifting. She told me stories of far off lands and creatures that hid beneath the surfaces of the sea. Beings that no man have ever laid their eyes on. She wanted to be one of them, but settled for swimming for hours.
The sight of the Dubrinsky Castle unleashed so much more than memories. I recollected the hours of childhood play Jacques and myself shared on top of the turrets that were before me. Practicing swordplay and fighting skills. He and I laughed, under the watchful eyes of Mikhail, Eleanor and Gregori. Mikhail and Eleanor were great friends. Hours of merriment were spent in those halls and their land.
Now, this was the home of the Prince, his woman and daughter. A strong safeguard protected their home and it did not allow me passage. A stronger guard was to be expected with a budding young woman as our princess were within those walls. I could feel the feminine energy emanating from their home. I have not yet met her, but Mikhail's daughter was a noticeable young woman. Her father must keep her close until her lifemate has claimed her. She would be an irresistible pawn in the game of the undead.
My Prince, I wish to enter your home and greet your family. I have come home to speak with you and pledge my allegiance to you and yours once more.
The safeguard shifted and I passed through without trouble, Welcome home, my friend.
I walked through the front door of the castle. There was more life here. I could feel the influences what having a lifemate will have on one's life. New portraits hung on the walls. There was one of Jacques and Bella holding two infants. I knew her face, even when she was a baby, Alice. She had a sweet smile, even as a babe. The sounds of clacking came down the hall, "Papa?" A young woman walked out of one of the rooms. She looked at me with the deepest blue eyes. She hugged a book to her stomach, "Who are you?" A flash of a memory returned to me. The night I saw Raven for the first time. A young woman with long flowing hair and a frightened look on her face. I couldn't see her blue eyes then, but I see them now.
The young lady took a step back, "Papa!" Her voice was a bit more panicked. Gregori appeared behind the young one, "It is alright, Savannah. This is Byron, Benjamin and Josef's uncle." Savannah looked from the Dark One to me, "Oh, ohhh….. Uncle's Jacques's best friend. It's nice to meet you." "And wonderful to see you again, my friend."
Mikhail and Jacques walked together down the hall, both of them smiling. The years of having lifemates were evident in them. They were bathed in the light of their women. I greeted Gregori, Mikhail ad Jacques; friends I hadn't seen in years. Savannah walked over to her father and he hugged her shoulders, "My dear, this is the warrior who safeguarded your mother's life when the fanaticals invaded our home." The young girl smiled at me, "Then I am grateful to you as well. Thank you for protecting my mother." I bowed my head to her, "I have sworn a pledge of loyalty and allegiance to your family and I now swear one to you, young princess." Savannah smiled and looked up at her father, smiling brightly.
The girl touched her earlobe and her smile faded, "Uh-oh, I forgot to give Alice back her studs. She's gonna kill me." Jacques ruffled her hair, "She said you can keep them." Savannah smiled, "Great, now if she'll just give me the necklace to match." Mikhail looked at his daughter, "Stop taking your cousin's things. If you want them, ask me or your mother." Her eyes widened, "And you always say no because they're too mature for me or some dribble like that." Mikhail glowered and his daughter clutched Jacques's hand, "Bye!" She shifted to mist and floated out of the hall.
Seeing Mikhail in the light of being a father was something that I had to witness for myself. Jacques smiled, "It has been too long. Come, we have much to discuss. Your travels and the developments we have encountered here." I was surprised for such a warm greeting from him. Jacques laughed, "Byron, all is forgiven, so I don't know why you're still worried about that. Bella has taught me that if she could get over it, then you and I should be able to as well. Now, come. Bella and Raven are out, but they will be back soon and happy to see you. You have returned in time to for Bella's birthday." Jacques and I walked into the study, where we have had many counsels with the Prince.
I looked around, "The women are not here?" Why was Alice not here? Mikhail came in with Gregori, "I know. Raven says we are growing up. Our wolves look over them, keeping to the shadows. Bella and Raven are trained enough to protect each other." I shook my head, "Far be it for me to go against what your woman says, but Mikhail, there are several things I must speak with you about."
The four of us sat and spoke. The undead were on the move and coming to the Mountains. There was something shifting in their dark world and I feared we were about to face a great challenge. Mikhail paced the room, "You believe they are banding together. This has never been heard of. They have come on stronger in the last few years, with the birth of my daughter, as well as Jacques's. A vampiress was unleashed and she tried to poison Bella's womb and take Emmett when he was a boy. There is much we must prepare for." I looked at Jacques as he listened on. "I trust that all is well now with your woman?"
Jacques cleared his throat, "Oh yes. My family is very well. My twins are strong and independent. Emmett guards his sister well and she does the same for her brother. Bella has grown in her abilities." The sound of her name and my mind shifted to what I had to discuss with Jacques. "Yes, I've met them at my sister's home. Alice was threatening my nephew." Jacques smiled with pride, "That's my girl." I smiled and shook my head, "She was standing over Josef like she was ready to press her boot into his throat." Jacques laughed again, "She has learned well." Mikhail and Gregori spoke of my concerns and I learned about the poison that was plaguing our people.
"They seem to be getting more cunning, but I heard the Cullens have helped in that regard. I saw the new blood donor facility." Mikhail nodded, "Yes, Carlisle has helped immensely. He is a trusted doctor in the community. And he is working with Gregori and they are close to developing a cure. Carlisle plans to pass it out to the people as a vaccine." This was good to know; at least our people were making strides.
Mikhail sighed, "I think a council meeting should be held. This must be discussed and we have to plan on what we can do about this new threat." I glanced at the clock and noticed the late hour. Where was Alice? How could Jacques allow her to be out this late without protection?
That's exactly what I said, but they did not listen. I am the second, my word means nothing, Gregori agreed with me.
Jacques crossed the room, "I think we should call the women home. With this new threat, I do not think we should allow them such freedom. It is too dangerous now." I drummed my fingers on the desk as I thought about Alice. Where was she? Why hadn't Emmett brought her home yet?
What troubles you, Byron?
Jacques noticed the change in my mood. I had to tell him. Beating around the bush would only aggravate him. I took a slow breath, "Your daughter is my woman, Jacques." Mikhail and Gregori stared at me, but I couldn't look at them. I only looked at Jacques. He looked at me in disbelief, "I'm sorry, what?"
You heard me correctly, Jacques. When I saw her this night, everything returned to me. She is meant to be mine.
Jacques said nothing. I only stared back at him. This is was worse. I expected him to yell, banish me from his home, but this silence; it was unsettling. Mikhail was the first to speak, "You are sure of this?" I nodded, looking away from Jacques, "I am. When I saw her this night, color returned to me instantaneously. It was disorientating. Benjamin held Alice, keeping her away from hurting Josef and I fought the urge to push him away from her. I would never want to harm my own nephew, but he had to get away from Alice." Mikhail glanced at his brother, "Jacques? What do you think of this?"
Jacques's eyes were closed, but his fist was shaking. Jacques turned and faced away from everyone, "My *lańa!" His fist landed on a tabletop, crumbling the legs. The table fell over with a loud noise. Jacques's glare was murderous, "No, she is too young. She's not even fifty years old." I took one step toward him, "I did not choose her. You know I cannot change what has already happened." Thunder crashed above fueled by Jacques's anger. Mikhail walked over to his brother's side, "She is of age, Jacques. Your know this. This day was bound to come. It is out of your hands. This is for Byron and Alice to settle." Jacques pushed Mikhail's hand from his shoulder, "She is my daughter. I have guarded Alice with my life since the day she was born. Now, I am to ensure her safety and well-being to another?"
Gregori and I stood silent as the brothers talked about this. "Jacques, I would do all that I can to protect Alice. You know that. We have bled and fought together more times that I can count. I assure you, Alice will not want for anything." His glare would have killed a weaker man. "That was between you and me, but this is my daughter. She is my firstborn child. She is young, but strong. No male would be enough for my daughter." I stood my ground; this was better than silence. "I have hoped that one day I would be able to argue your point. I have been happy for you, Jacques. I shall admit that my own darkness has been playing on my jealousies. I envied you from the moment you found your woman. I watched as you cared for her from the first night you brought her to your home. I was concerned that the madness claimed you and Bella had to be protected, but now I know. I wanted the woman for myself." "So you think to take my daughter because you couldn't have my woman?"
I took an involuntary step back, "That is not true. I did not know my lifemate would be your daughter. Not until Eleanor introduced her, I only saw her as a woman, not knowing she was your daughter. It was then I saw Bella in her face. I have never laid eyes on your children. Jacques, I did not return to take Alice. I returned to speak with Mikhail and see my family one last time. I returned to say goodbye and greet the sun."
The room fell silent. Jacques said nothing for a moment. He blinked, "Has the darkness consume you that much?" I nodded slowly, "Yes, I went this night to see my sister and tell her of my plans. That was when I saw Alice. She is my anchor. I have come to you, as it is the way of our people. I seek your consent to claim Alice. If you reuse my request, I do not want to think of what would happen." This was low, but I knew it would work. If Jacques didn't give his consent, I would still claim Alice. She was mine and I could not be without her.
Mikhail looked at Jacques, who was breathing slowly, "Alice is my daughter and I say she is not ready." "Not ready for what?" I turned to the door from the faintest detection of her scent. Alice walked into the study, wearing a short green halter dress. Her back was covered by the beautiful curtain of her hair. Gregori, Mikhail, Jacques and myself stared as she closed the door, "What's going on?" She glanced at me and her eyebrows rose, "Is this because I almost killed Josef tonight? Daddy, he had it coming!"
Bella and Raven came into the study, wearing short, revealing dressed and high heeled shoes. I didn't think they realized how they moved. Bella walked over to Jacques, almost floating and kissed his cheek, while Raven stood with Mikhail, smiling at him. Alice looked behind herself to Savannah who slipped into the room. She was eyeing Alice's dress, "I have got to borrow this dress too." "When I'm dead," Mikhail interjected. "Whatever works for you, Papa," she chided.
It was so different to witness their family interactions with their daughters. I longed to be able to do that with my own family someday. Alice was shaking her head and hugging Savannah, whispering in her ear. Her smile lit up the room, but I couldn't help but look at her entirely. Her body was wrapped in a beautiful dress. And her legs, those legs that I couldn't wait to have wrapped around my body. She was beyond beautiful. Alice was exquisite.
"Alice Isabella Dubrinsky, go put on some clothes," Jacques suddenly barked. I felt Alice jump from her father's sharp words. An instinct came over me; I had to protect her. Jacques was yelling at her when she did nothing wrong. Alice gasped and looked at her father. "Jacques, you are not to speak to her like that." Alice's eyes, along with everyone else's looked at me, but I only saw her.
Jacques glared at me, You stay out of this!
"Daddy, why are you yelling at me?" Alice barked back at her father. Jacques looked at her and she arched an eyebrow, "Fine, don't tell me. Come on, Van." Alice pulled Savannah from the room and left. "I swear, I could be 2000 years old and he would still treat me like a child. And you wonder why I moved out in the first place?!"
Bella scowled at Jacques and smacked him on the chest, "What was that about? I bought her that dress and I have one just like it. Why did you snap at her like that?" Jacques's anger radiated off him. Bella and Raven were silent, waiting for Jacques to explain his behavior. He looked at me, "Well, go ahead. Tell my woman why you're here." Bella looked at me, "Byron, what's going on here? Why is Jacques acting all pissy?"
This, by far, was much harder than telling Jacques. Bella was a forgiving person and I prayed she would hear me out. I did not want to incur the wrath of the woman who was to be my mother in law. Bella and Raven sat down and I told them what encountered tonight. I told them that I was here to claim Alice for my woman.
Carpathian Language Guide:
*lańa – daughter
