ISFNE Chapter 34

A/N: Happy Halloween (a little belated)!

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Eric POV

I watched the man's face drain of color and regretted having said anything. I'd hoped to keep my identity unknown him, but it was obvious he knew more than I'd anticipated.

"You're, you're the…oh my lands, I, sir, master, I didn't mean-" he quickly started spiraling.

"Mr. Davenport, please, let's sit, we obviously have much to discuss," I took his arm, as he seemed faint, and guided him back into his home, myself down at the kitchen nook.

He was looking pale and his hand was shaking slightly and though I usually would have liked that my name and presence had this effect, I was feeling quite the opposite in this moment. "Mr. Davenport, can I get you some tea or coffee? You look very unwell."

"My lands, no, I wouldn't have the Dracula serving me tea," he said fearfully. "I'm so very humbled that in your mercy-"

"Davenport, I apologize it was not my intention that you know my identity."

"But, Master, I was committing what was tantamount to treason in your very presence, why have you not already killed me?" he pleaded.

I sighed, "Be at ease, you are guilty of nothing. I wish to speak to you as an equal, which is why I hoped you would not know who I was."

"An equal? A simple dhamphir like me could never, not with someone as high bred as yourself, Master," he said, I could tell he still felt it was a trap.

"I beg of you, Davenport, please, speak freely," I said, "You will leave this conversation with your life and a generous reward should you like. I only wish to know your connection with Faith."

His brow knit together in confusion at my last statement. "I-I don't know a Faith, Master."

"Eric," I corrected him before continuing, "but I was under the impression you were acquainted with my bride?"

"I-I thought that Allison was your bride, Sir," he stated, still lost, still not trusting my familiarity.

"So that's what she's going by is she," I said, more to myself. "Tell me what you know of Allison then," I stated.

"I'm only piecing it together now really," he said, "you employed my nephew."

"Yes, Caleb was a loyal servant. He helped me secure Faith, or as you know her, Allison, the first time around."

"I was going to keep him away from her, she was scared he'd recognize her. Mind you she didn't know who he was, just a vampire. And I didn't know she was your bride either, just a bride," he defended meekly.

"Go on."

"I mentioned her accidently in conversation with Caleb and then avoided the topic too obviously. It piqued his interest, so he must've gone to find out about my mortal friend," he paused, "She is still mortal, isn't she?"

"Yes, I'm afraid I don't have time to give you my story," I apologized.

"Well, I know most of it anyways," he said uncomfortably.

I caught his gaze and stated my next words with measured care, "Someday, you will know and understand, just as she will," I promised. I let the promise sink in momentarily before speaking again, "Please, continue."

"Well, I don't know but he must've recognized her, and she did something to him. She was incredibly distressed in her voicemail."

"Do you still have it?" I asked eager for something concrete.

He picked up his phone and quickly opened it up, turning on the speaker.

Edward, it's Allison, I just, a shaky breath filled the pause, he came here, Edward. He came to the bookstore and he, and, a harsh sob cut into her plea, I don't really know what happened, but please, come quickly, she cried, and the message ended abruptly.

It was her. Hadn't I heard that same voice pleading with me so many times before? She sounded more mature, as almost five years had gone by, but it was Faith. I felt breathless knowing how close I was to her.

"Caleb had told me about his mission with you and that your bride was missing, and she sounded so very similar to Allison. But I didn't want to believe it, so when she lied to me in the bookstore, making up some different story, I bought it. I figured she was safe. So I brought Caleb in to see if the damage could be reversed, but found out it was a lot more serious and suspect…I quickly put two and two together." He fidgeted nervously, "And I've been debating all week as it's escalated whether to call and warn her. Learning she was bride to…you." He stopped short.

"It changed things. Yet you'd decided to call her regardless," I was amazed and curious at his loyalty. "You can call if you'd like to preserve your image in her eyes. I'll be heading to the bookstore and will collect her, but you should do your duty to her."

"She's moved on, Eric. She has such a beautiful life here; does it not seem selfish to take it away?" he suddenly burst out. I raised an eyebrow at his surge of confidence. "I'm sorry, I forget my place, I meant no disrespect," he quickly began to backpedal, seeming terrified of his own bold accusation.

"No, no, I told you to speak to me as your equal. And I understand that you want to protect her. Especially as you have plenty of preconceived notions about me – most quite unsavory I'm sure." He looked away. "She is my mate, Mr. Davenport, I cannot change that," I sighed, "And you've now seen her power firsthand. She needs to be bonded so that she may learn to control it. So that she may not be used by another who may wish to topple me. So she will not be used as a mere source of power to be fed off of."

"How do I know you won't do the exact same things to her?" he challenged.

I was quiet before I finally responded the only way I knew how, "because I love her." He was silenced at that, looking pensively at the phone on the table. "Call her if you must," I said, "I'll be heading over there. Thank you for your help."

As I left I called Marissa and Max to update them on all I'd found and telling them to arrive as soon as possible at the bookstore. I'd be going in alone, but I would need help making her leave.

Allison POV

It'd been silent all week on the Caleb front, and I was tentatively optimistic about the entire ordeal. It was another quiet day in the store. The twins were upstairs reading, and Simon was at the hospital until the evening. I started changing up the display as I'd gotten behind with all the stress and hadn't changed it since last month, carefully picking out new books and taking down the old, stacking some in a delicate balance when the bells rang out as the door opened.

"Allison, darling!"

I turned with a smile, "Mrs. Finch, how are you today?"

"Oh fine, fine, busy as a bee! You said you had my book?"

"That I do! Let me grab it from the back."

"It's so quiet in here, where is everyone?" she nosed good-naturedly.

"Well, the twins are upstairs reading for English, and Simon's at the hospital for an hour or so more, so it's just me down here."

"Has Edward stopped in recently? I feel I haven't seen him in ages!" she asked as I retrieved the book.

"No, not for a while, actually," I said coming back to the counter.

"Must be that nephew of his, he was so excited about him coming. You must have met him the other day, right? He was looking for the bookstore, such a handsome young man!" she continued to chatter, "Not that you have eyes for anyone except Simon, Dearie."

I was feeling a niggling worry at her observation as I rang her up. Maybe there was a reason I hadn't heard from Edward Davenport apart from there being no trouble. I felt a pang at the thought of Caleb, images of him badly burned and passed out on the floor flashing through my head.

I shook them away and braved a smile, "Yes, well, I met him briefly. Seemed nice enough," I said conversationally, "Cash or credit?"

"Oh yes, here you are," she said digging out a few things from her purse and putting them on the counter before fishing out her wallet. She scooped everything back in and took the book, turning down a bag.

"I'll see you later, Dear! Tell the twins hello and a belated happy birthday for me! OH! And I hear there are some congratulations in order for you as well, Mrs. Timmons!" she said conspiratorially.

I was caught off-guard, "but…but- how?!"

"Oh, Dearie, I know everyone in this town! You didn't think you two would be able to keep it a secret, did you?"

"Maybe for a little while at least," I said with a blush.

"You had your week. Most couldn't have kept it even that long, especially from me," she said with a wink.

I laughed at that, "Maybe keep it a little longer? Just a few more days?" I pleaded.

"Of course, hon, anything you want. Congratulations though. You got yourself a good husband," she said with an almost motherly smile.

I smiled and waved as she left, "Thank you Mrs. Finch, don't I know it."

The door jingled as it swung shut and silence fell again except for the very low music I kept going in the background of the bookstore. I turned my back to the door and began to focus on the book display again.

The bells went off again as the door swung open and I smiled to myself, trust Mrs. Finch to leave something behind every time.

"What was it this time? Did you leave your keys on the counter again?" I said not bothering to look.

"Actually, I'm here to make a return and pick something up," I felt my blood run cold at the familiar baritone.

Eric POV

It was her. And yet, it wasn't her at all. The woman in front on me looked so unlike the Faith I'd known it was bewildering. I looked her over slowly. Her hair only fell to her shoulders and she had thick bangs covering her forehead. It was a dark chestnut color rather than Faith's honey-blonde. She shared a similar physique but was matured in a way Faith of five years ago hadn't been, but perhaps most startling was her shining blue eyes, bright and beautiful, yet definitely not violet. How could it be her?

"How can I help?" she asked perkily, moving behind the counter. I couldn't stop staring, still trying to reconcile the two images in my head and understand how they could possibly be the same woman.

"Look, Sir, as much as I'm flattered, I'd rather you start looking at the books and not my person," she quipped, startling me from my study. I weighed my options, it was probably best to go with my offense, I knew I had a perfect way to trip her up if she insisted on pretending ignorance. If it wasn't her, it wouldn't matter, I would move on and continue my search, but something about her was so very familiar in her voice and demeanor that I knew it somehow must be Faith.

"Yes, well, I can start with the return," I said taking out the box and placing it in front of her on the counter.

Allison POV

Eric. But how? How could this be happening? I thought I was finally safe. I turned with a plastered-on smile, pretending ignorance as I faced my worst nightmare, "Oh! So sorry, Sir, I thought you were my last customer, she tends to forget things here all the time," I said, praying my appearance might throw him off enough. He looked the same, yet there was a different air about him. His black hair was a little longer than it had been – bordering on unruly, his skin had a sicklier pallor to it than usual, and though his eyes were still sharp and piercing they had a tiredness to them that was unfamiliar. I wasn't going to crack; Eric might still be unsure, and I was not going to give him anything. I met his gaze evenly, determined to show no fear. I wouldn't make the same mistake I'd made with Caleb.

Eager to put something between us, I retreated behind the counter. He can't touch me, he can't get near me, I thought to myself, then quickly shut that down in case he could pick up any of my thoughts. "How can I help?" I asked, all business.

He looked me over slowly and said nothing his mouth ever so slightly agape.

"Look, Sir, as much as I'm flattered, I'd rather you start looking at the books and not my person," I said sweetly. I was proud of that line and knew it would've worked on almost everyone. Of course, Eric was not everyone.

He seemed to consider for a moment before stepping toward the counter, "Yes, well, I can start with the return," he said taking out a tiny box and placing it in front of me on the counter.

I gave him a look of confusion, which was actually fairly genuine. What was he up to? "I'm sorry, Sir, we don't sell anything here that would fit in this box."

"You should probably double check though, just in case," he said, "It's a very valuable return."

I carefully took the box and opened it slowly, afraid it was a trap. I finally took the top off and saw my locket resting in the box. My breath hitched, and I felt tears rush to my eyes. No, I had to stay in control, Allison wouldn't recognize the locket. Damn him, it had been a trap, a very good one unfortunately. I choked down all my emotion, "It's very pretty, Sir, but like I said we don't sell anything like this here. Are you looking for the pawn shop maybe? You keep heading down the street to find that."

He leaned forward on the counter, staring into my eyes as I continued to try to cover up my possible slip-up. "It's your locket, I would never pawn it off," he said, "I'm returning it to its owner."

"Sir, it's not mine, I think it's quite nice, but you must be mistaken," I replied, in forced bewilderment. "Can I help you instead with whatever you need to pick up?"

"I think you can, seeing as its you," he said.

Eric POV

She opened the box carefully, wary of what it might hold as I watched her face intently. And the moment she removed the top completely and saw the locket I saw the flash of recognition and elation and heard the slight catch in her breathing and knew she'd recognized it. Faith was standing in front of me after five long years. She quickly covered up her misstep, but I knew it was her.

"It's very pretty, Sir, but like I said we don't sell anything like this here. Are you looking for the pawn shop maybe? You keep heading down the street to find that."

"It's your locket, I would never pawn it off," I said gently, "I'm returning it to its owner."

"Sir, it's not mine, I think it's quite nice, but you must be mistaken," She replied, her bewilderment surprisingly convincing. I wouldn't be deterred though. "Can I help you instead with whatever you need to pick up?" she quickly diverted the topic.

"I think you can, seeing as its you," I said somewhat pointedly. And then, she did something bafflingly out of character: she began to laugh.

"You are quite the charmer, aren't you?" she asked rhetorically, "I'm sorry, again, I'm flattered but I'm a married woman." I froze, and my gaze narrowed sharply but before I got a chance to consider, her hand landed on my forearm.

Allison POV

I was probably getting hypothermia with how much his words chilled me to the bone, but I persevered letting out a small laugh and reaching out to touch his arm as I did so.

"You are quite the charmer, aren't you? I'm sorry, again, I'm flattered but I'm a married woman," I said with a smile and then false confusion and worry at his pained expression as I put my hand on his arm. He grimaced and pulled away.

"Sir? Are you alright?" I asked, mentally congratulating myself on doing something so bold.

"Mommy?" I heard from behind me. No. Why now? I turned to talk to Ellie hopeful that I could get her back upstairs quickly.

"One second, honey. Sir, are you sure you're alright?"

"Just a wound I got recently, it's still tender," he said, though I could see the suspicion in his gaze.

I turned back to Ellie, "Yes, hon? What's wrong?"

"I just had a couple questions about some words in my book. Are you okay?"

"Yes, of course, I'll be up soon, I just have to finish up with this customer." I glanced at Eric. He was staring in wonder and, dare I say, joy, at Ellie, and I didn't like it one bit. "Honey, why don't you head back upstairs, I won't be long."

"Okay, she said, and bounced back up the stairs, surprisingly unperturbed by Eric's presence. I wasn't going to put much stock in it. Maybe she was wrong.

Eric POV

I was about to stop our little tête á tête and call out Faith for who she was when a small voice interrupted.

"Mommy?"

I watched another small flash of worry flit almost imperceptibly across her face. Another sure sign. I immediately leaned forward slightly to get a look at the source of the voice. A little girl, with Faith's honey-colored hair.

It was her. It was a girl. All this time I'd wondered and hypothesized and finally I knew. She was beautiful, Everything I'd hoped for and nothing I'd expected all at the same time – it was overwhelming.

"One second, honey," Faith responded, "Sir, are you sure you're alright?" she asked, obviously testing me, hoping to turn my attention away from the girl. I frowned a little but decided to play along for a moment longer.

"Just a wound I got recently. It's still tender."

She turned her attention back to the girl. "Yes, hon? What's wrong?"

"I just had a couple questions about some words in my book. Are you okay?" the girl said looking at me curiously, an intelligent glint in her eyes.

"Yes, of course, I'll be up soon, I just have to finish up with this customer," she explained quickly, trying to get her out of my sight as quickly as she could.

The girl looked to be sizing me up for a second but then merely smiled at her mother and bounced back up the stairs with a cheery 'okay'. Faith looked after her worriedly.

"She's lovely, Faith. She looks just like you," I said in awe.

Her gaze turned hostile as it snapped to meet mine, "You stay away from my daughter you -"

"Mommy?"

She was interrupted by another small voice. I immediately looked over to see a boy with dark hair standing where the girl had just been. I didn't get to look for long, however.

"SOLOMON JAMES FREEDMAN, GO BACK UPSTAIRS THIS INSTANT," Faith yelled, completely frazzled, the boy quickly darting away without so much as a whimper. Faith's nerves were fraying, and I'd be lying if I said mine weren't as well. I heard the door upstairs close decidedly.

I'd just seem another child who looked around the same age as the first. Which one was mine? Was one of them from the man of this alleged marriage she'd mentioned? Was this even truly Faith? Yet, how could it not be? Faith sank down, bent over the counter to rest on her elbows as her hands gripped tightly at her scalp. I heard her suck in and exhale two controlled breaths.

She finally dropped all pretense, resigned to my recognition. "Why are you here, Eric?" she asked, in a low voice, breaking slightly despite her obvious efforts to control it. She didn't look up but continued to stare down at the counter where her elbows rested.

"Why am I here?" I repeated, "I thought that would be fairly obviously."

"It's been over five years, you never said anything. I got no warning whatsoever!" her voice escalated.

That surprised me, apparently Davenport hadn't called after all, "Why would I do any such thing when you would just run again?" I retorted "And I don't seem to see you giving Caleb any sort of warning either now did you?"

"I told him many times to leave me alone, to forget he saw me. Caleb forced my hand! It's not my fault your power did something to him!" she burst out. "And don't pretend you don't know what I mean about a warning! Why would you let me live with the comfort that you might have given up after I slept with someone else?" she responded tightly still refusing to meet my gaze.

"I had absolutely no way of contacting you, Faith, you made sure of that. Speaking of which, I see you got yourself another child from that experience."

She looked up in confusion at that, tears streaking her face before fury once again consumed her features as she put together my meaning. "You're an absolute pig, you know that? A stupid, jealous, undeserving pig!" she said pulling a book from behind the counter and moved around the counter to throw it at me. I was so caught off-guard by it that it almost hit me. I braced to dodge again but the one seemed to have taken all her momentum away, for she merely collapsed on the floor in a bout of tears.

"They're both yours," she sobbed quietly, "they're twins."

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A/N: Hello beautiful readers! Hope you enjoyed the update! I know some of you expressed your concern for Davenport, so I'm happy I could put your minds at ease regarding him. :) Things are getting complicated, *evil smirk* so you're welcome for that. Hope to update again soon but absolutely no promises cuz life be like that. Love you all byeeeee!