Chapter 6 – Not Ready

APOV

Savannah twirled in front of the mirror, seeing how my dress looked on her, "You look great, Van. You can wear this on your 17th birthday. We could go dancing ourselves and no one else. I think it's time you got out of the woods for one day." Savannah beamed into the mirror, looking at my reflection, "That would be the best birthday ever. But my father, he won't go for that." The dress was a little too low cut for her, but I could alter that. I shrugged, "Let me handle your dad. Our dads could never say 'no' to me. I'll just give them the puppy pout. Works every time." She bounced in place with excitement. It didn't take much to make my cousin happy. I know her dad would freak when he learns that I gave his precious daughter my revealing dress, but hell, Uncle Mikhail has survived worse than a teenage daughter. "Oh, I need these," Savannah pulled the shoes off my feet to try them on herself. I giggled as I fell back on the bed, "You could have just asked me." Savannah laughed as she bounced on the bed, "Where's the fun in that?"

I let my hearing scan out to listen to what was going on in that study. I had a feeling about what was being said, but I had to know for sure. This day was coming; I knew that and it was here. I've been having the same dream for years now. I knew where I was going to be when he saw me for the first time, but I didn't think it was going to happen this soon. Not now, not tonight. In my dream, I was with Emmett and mad about something; that was when he would first lay eyes on me. I looked at him and saw the look in his eyes. I was his and he was mine. My heart sprinted in the dream, scared and excited at the same time. He would come to love me more than anything and I would feel the same. His dark eyes would look into mine and never look away once.

I've been trying to avoid this, but it still came. Dammit. I cannot handle this right now. My precognition, much like my grandfather and aunt who I was named for, told me this was coming and I tried to fight it. I knew better; you can't outrun your future and a lifemate was in my future. I've known he was coming for years, since before my eighteenth birthday. I knew Daddy and Uncle Mikhail would make the call to the other males, but I saw what that would do to me. I would barely escape them. One of the males, I don't know who, would have met me and be on the brink of his madness and….. I cringed at what I saw what would have happened. Claw marks across my face, my clothes torn and my father ripping out the man's heart. Mom held me close as I cried. There was a look of pure disgust on Daddy's face as he cursed Uncle Mikhail for making me endure that. No male would be allowed around me until I was 100. I couldn't let that happen. This could have caused a great rift. Daddy would never forgive Uncle Mikhail.

"What do you mean my daughter is your lifemate? Byron, when did you see her? When did this happen?" Mom was in complete shock. This was going to be the next hurdle. Mom was just as protective as Daddy, but she was more accepting of things she couldn't change. Savannah changed out of my dress, "What's wrong?" I shook my head, "Nothing, honey. Come on. Everyone is distracted. We can get out the safeguard without being noticed." Savannah nodded, "Let's go. Besides, your mom is yelling and that can turn ugly." I nodded and waved towards the balcony doors, pushing them open. Shifting to eagles, Savannah and I flew through the air to the tall trees looking over the valley.

Escaping the watchful eyes of our parents was the best part of our nights. I needed some peace to think about this. I always knew he would do something like that, but it was my fault. I was nothing but a tease, a taunt to men who weren't meant for me. Was I doing that now?

Savannah and I landed and shifted back to our human forms to sit on the high branches of my favorite tree. The view up here was breath-taking. I've come up here so many times when I needed to think and I really needed to think now. This cannot be happening so soon. I'm only 25 and that's way too young to be claimed. It was almost unheard of a woman being claimed before she was over a hundred years old. Only Mom and Aunt Raven were the only ones to be claimed in their twenties, but they were also the only converted women. This wasn't happening. Uncle Mikhail's voice rang through my mind, "You are the Prince's niece. You must set an example." Why me? Why now? Byron was here for me, but my father was trying to prevent it. That explains why he was so snappy earlier. When Daddy was mad, he wasn't rational.

Savannah climbed up onto the branch over my head, "So, when should we break out your white dress?" I looked at her in shock and she arched a brow, "I heard their whole conversation. I know what's going on." She swung down to hang upside down, "Your dad sound like he was strangling a bear when he was yelling. Papa had to calm him down, but that wasn't working. And he broke a table." I looked away and stared off into the distance. Savannah flipped and sat next to me, "Come on, Alice, you must take your place in the circle of life."

I couldn't fight my laughter. I laughed so hard, that Savannah joined me, I knew that would work.

I shook my head, "That line has been taken, but thanks, Van. I needed that." Savannah leaned her head on my shoulder, "So, how do you feel about all this?" I sighed slowly, trying to keep myself together, "My lifemate has found me. Daddy can't handle it. Mom is freaking out and I am trying to deal." The wind blew up through the trees; there was no one near us. Savannah turned her body toward me, "But I thought Uncle Jacques wanted you to be claimed?" My lips curled into a smile, "Daddy was being a hypocrite. He wanted me to be claimed but only if he could handpick the male himself. Until then, I had to remain Daddy's little girl. But never in a million years would Daddy have picked his closest friend. He would never admit it, but he was happy I refused to be claimed when I was eighteen. Daddy wanted me to stay with him and never grow up."

Savannah snorted, "Then he should have moved you to Neverland." I laughed again, "If only." The two of us leaned against the tree, looking over the land. There was the rustling of leaves as the breeze blew by. A flock of birds flew overhead and disappeared around the mountain peaks. My mind wandered back to what was happening at Uncle Mikhail's home.

Byron was here for me. My heart leaped as I thought about that. Could I really go through with this? Marry a stranger? Give myself to him willingly? But I don't know him. I've just met him a few hours ago and heard stories about him from Eleanor and my dad.

Savannah sighed and rested her head in my lap, "You're lucky though." I looked down at her, brushing her hair, "How so?" "You're getting married. And he'll give you everything you want. You'll have someone to be there for you. I can't wait to be claimed." I looked away from her; Savannah was so childlike. She still believed that being claimed was a fairytale. Our mothers didn't let on all the sacrifices they made to be with our fathers.

Savannah, though very much loved, has felt lonely. There weren't any children around when she was younger. It didn't help that I left and moved out when I came home. I sighed, "Savannah, being claimed is not a storybook romance. It's work to try to get along with each other." She shrugged, "At least he's there for you." My lips parted but nothing came out. She was so lonely, that the idea of someone being there for only her was welcomed. "Van, he'll be there, yes, but it doesn't mean it would be easy. Carpathian men; their ways may seem like they are set in stone. Our dads had to change a lot since they met our moms. It wasn't easy for any of them. This isn't something you should think lightly about."

Savannah remained silent, only staring out to the mountains. I knew what was going through her mind; Savannah just wanted to belong to someone who was committed to her. She noticed the way her father would look at her mother, but she never saw the tears her mother shed or the frustration her father went through during their union. Our parents loved each other very much, but it is tough on them. Being a lifemate was not easy and I wanted Savannah to understand that.

In less than two years, she will be eighteen years old. Would her father have her endure a 'coming out' and meet the single males of our people? No, she couldn't go through that. She had to know, to witness it for herself.

Realization hit me. I was, once again, going to set the example for my cousin. I was going to let Byron claim me and have Savannah see the changes and struggle we would go through just to be together. Savannah has never witnessed a new couple. That would help open her eyes and see that this is not the fantasy she is dreaming of.

My heart slammed in my chest when I realized what I was saying. I was going to be claimed by a virtual stranger; which is something Mom and Aunt Raven went through, but they didn't know what it all meant. But I was doing it to teach Savannah a lesson; a lesson that was going to cost me a lot, but she was going to learn from it. This was the burden of being the eldest. You have to be an example to the younger ones. Could I really do this? I sighed slowly, feeling myself getting tired; I needed some rest. The sun was going to come up soon and I just wanted to crawl into bed.

"Come on, principessa," I coaxed, "Let's get home. Your dad will flip if you're out too late." She made a noise at the back of her throat, "Papa is so overprotective. He has someone shadowing my every step." Taking her hand, Savannah and I jumped down to the ground. Our bodies floated down to the earth slowly. My toes touched the soil, feeling the instant connection to the earth. It was soothing, but my body was still tired. I need to sleep. This has been a very long night. Savannah touched down next to me.

"It's about time you two got down here." The both of us turned and I pushed Savannah behind me. I sighed seeing who was waiting, "Daddy! You scared us." He shook his head. "How did you know where we were?" Daddy pushed off the tree, "Because, ever since you could walk, Alice, you've been climbing trees. All I have to do was find the tallest tree and I knew you would be at the top of it." Daddy walked over and kissed my forehead, "Forgive me for getting angry with you. I shouldn't have yelled, *lańa." My arms circled him, "It's ok, Daddy. You were upset. I don't think you were ever expecting your old friend to return and come for your daughter."

Daddy stiffened, then held my shoulder, "You know?!" I shook my head, "Daddy, remember, I'm the one you can't surprise. I always know. Just like your father." Daddy only smiled, "He would have loved you." Savannah scoffed and walked out from behind me, "What about me?" I laughed. Daddy took her hand and hugged my shoulders, "My father would have been proud and loved all his grandchildren. Mother would have spoiled all of you, even more than you are now."

The three of us walked back home. Daddy told us about our grandparents. It really surprised him about my precognition. I never let it be known because of Aunt Alice. I guess I was living up to my name. Well, Emmett lived up to his name too. He was mischievous, danger seeker, impulsive, loved to fight and fiercely protective. Uncle Mikhail said Daddy was the same way when he was a fledgling.

The night was melting into the sunrise. I leaned my head on Daddy's shoulder. He looked down at me, "Come, you need rest." I nodded, "Thanks, Daddy." Auntie and Mom were out in the garden as we reached home. Mom looked up, "There you are." A tinge of concern was on her voice. Savannah walked ahead of us and hugged her mom. Daddy held open the low gate for me as I walked in, "Hi, birthday girl." Mom rolled her eyes, "Where'd you two disappear to?" She looked at Daddy, "Oh, climbing trees again? Are you ever going to outgrow that?" Mom was trying to keep her voice light, but she couldn't hide it from me. She was upset about this as well. Savannah leaned against her mother, "Come on, my darling. Your father wants to see you."

My eyes met Savannah's, Back to my ivory tower.

I stifled a giggle and almost failed. Savannah had an ivory tower while I had a chastity belt. Daddy was completely against me being claimed, there was something he forgot; it wasn't up to him. Aunt Raven and Savannah went inside, while I remained with my parents. My body leaned against Mom, feeling exhausted. Physically, I was alright, but mentally, I was tired. I had a lot to think about over the next few hours. Mom squeezed my hand, "Honey, you can barely stand." I sighed, "I know. Where is Byron?" Why did I ask that?

Mom's eyes widened, "You told her?! I thought we were going to discuss it with her first." I closed my eyes, not wanting to see them argue. "I didn't say a thing, angel. She already knew." Mom sighed as she hugged me, "What are we going to do? She's too young." I peeked through my lashes to see Daddy folding his arms, "I don't know. This is a lot to deal with." My parents went back and forth like I wasn't here. They wanted to shield me, but I knew what I had to do. I wasn't a child anymore and I had to remind them.

"Hello? I'm still here, you know. Shouldn't I be the one to decide what's going to happen next?" With my ear to her skin, I could hear Mom's heart skip a beat. I opened my eyes and Daddy looked like he was going to have a stroke. I lifted my head, "I understand what you're both saying, but you cannot intervene on this. My lifemate is here and, at least, it is someone you both know. But I have to be the one decide on when Byron is going to claim me. I'm doing it because I'm ready. So, let's break out my white dress."

Mom's arms dropped from around me. I moved away from her to look at them both, "Poor joke, I know. I should also remind you that Mom was two years younger than I am now when she met you, Daddy. And she was a few months older than I am when she got pregnant. So, I don't think I'm too young. If we were human, I would be starting a career. Getting married is not so bad. You have to believe me, I've thought this through already. I want to do this." My words seemed so convincing, I almost believed it myself.

"Do you know what this means?" Daddy almost yelled. I bit my lip as he continued, "Do you know what you have to sacrifice?" "My figure?" I asked sarcastically. This was so not the time for joking. Daddy glared at me and I gulped, "I've lived with you and Uncle Mikhail, so I know how Carpathian men are. Gregori is tough, rigid and unmoving. Bryon is most likely like that too, but I know I'm not alone. You know I don't do anything without thinking it through. This is my responsibility and, I'm sorry to say, neither you nor Mom have a say in this."

Daddy said nothing and paced away from me. Mom walked over to him and he hugged her. I turned away from their embrace. My father was tougher than steel, but when he was with my mother, he was the complete opposite. I knew the influence she had over him and over time, I would have a similar influence over Byron. From the corner of my eye, I could see that they were in each other's arms, "Now I understand your mother's thinking when you told her about me." My eyebrows pulled together as they whispered to each other.

Daddy leaned his forehead against Mom's. My own loneliness started to gnaw at me; I wanted someone to look at me in the same way. It was what Savannah was saying; I did want someone to be in love with me. The rational part of my mind scoffed at the idea, but another side understood. There was nothing wrong with wanting to be loved, but Byron was a stranger.

Mom was stroking Daddy's hair, "But she's not a little girl anymore. We raised her right. It's time to trust our daughter. She's right; this isn't up to us." I turned my head and our eyes met over Daddy's shoulder; Mom understood what I was saying. She wanted the same thing, not once, but twice in her life. Edward was her first love, but Daddy was her lasting love.

I walked over to them, "Daddy, I'll be alright. I'm just all grown up now." He pulled me into his embrace, "Not to me, you aren't." He held both me and Mom in his arms, like he's done so many times before.

"Hey, what is going on here?" Emmett asked as he jumped over the low fence. The three of us looked at him as he walked over to us. "Is something wrong?" I looked up at Daddy, then to Emmett, "Oh, nothing. I'm just getting married." Emmett scoffed, "Yeah right, Ally Cat. That is not funny." Emmett looked at Mom and Daddy, his eyes moving between them, looking for them to confirm his comment. His smiled faltered, "She's joking, right?" Mom shook her head, "No, your sister's lifemate has come forward. She is going to be claimed." Emmett's eyes popped, "WHAT?!" The earth trembled from his outburst. Were all my male relations overprotective and slightly crazy?

Mom walked over to Emmett, "It's alright, Em. Her lifemate will protect her." "No, Mom! Alice, you can't do this. We're not even thirty yet." I leaned against Daddy, "Can we talk about this tomorrow? I'm exhausted and I want to go home." I took one step away, but Daddy pulled me back into his embrace, "You are to sleep here this day." I looked up at him, and he glowered, "Alright, Daddy. I won't argue. I just want to get to bed."

Mom curved her arm around Emmett's, trying to calm him down. The four of us walked inside, getting away from the stretching sunlight. Daddy closed the doors and locked out the rest of the world just as the bright light touched the garden's edge.

*Carpathian Language Guide:

Lańa – daughter