A/N: Hey! It's very weird that I'm writing chapter 8 when I haven't posted
chapter 7 yet. Long story about my computer doing its own freaky thing.
Anyways, I'm hoping there wasn't too much confusion about the whole history
last chapter, but if there was this is kind of a "break down" of it all.
Please r&r! All comments are welcomed.
***Charli is Sonja and Lucien's daughter. Viktoria and Rigel gave her to Yvenea and Griffin because they feared the death of her by Viktor and Amelia. Yvenea and Griffin are married. They have a daughter Sabriella (Riea) and they hate Viktor and Amelia, so during Viktor and Amelia's rein the 4 (Yvenea, Griffin, Riea and Charli) leave for another country. This time it was Egypt (which you will learn more about very soon)
***Rigel, for those who didn't catch him in the movie, was one of the death dealers that were fighting in the subway. He was the one that died, and you're never know if Nathaniel dies or not (though he does die in the book) Selene mentions this when she is talking with Kraven and Kahn.
*** Griffin is Nathaniel's brother who is also a death dealer. He was older than Nathaniel by about a few years, but they were both turned at the same time. Griffin is married to Yvenea and has a daughter name Sabriella a.k.a. Riea. Nathaniel had two son's Marlem (Tyson Ritter-lead singer and bass to All American Rejects) and Connor (John Hannah; Alex/Son in Mummy Returns)
***Riea is the same age as Charli, which is another reason why Griffin and Yvenea left for Egypt (because Viktor wanted to kill all the newborns to be sure Sonja's child was dead) You will be introduced to her in this chapter.
***Viktoria is another vampire who helps give birth to Charli (meaning she's aiding as a midwife) She really does love Charli, and was the closest friends with Sonja. Likewise she hates Viktor and Amelia, but she stays at the manor so she can update Griffin and his family when they come back for Marcus's reign.
***Craig is the lycan that was guarding Sonja's cell in the dungeon when she gave birth. He was also a roommate to Lucien and Keith (think Keith from One Tree Hill, but don't think that's where I got the name) during their servitude. Viktor killed him before Lucien could save him. Keith, the other roommate, wasn't killed, but he is the closest and oldest friend to Lucien. However, many people thought Raze was his closest, but more his second closest.
***Calvin is another young lycan who like all young people believe he is quite strong. Maybe physically he is.
Then I had some requests about old characters because I mention pretty much all the characters.
***Kahn is the African black vampire who is more like a weapons master/scientist. He is good friends with Selene, and created the silver nitrate bullets. He was the one with the thick Cockney accent and if I'm not mistaken he played funny bomb guy in Oceans 11(newer version)
***Soren was a death dealer who was loyal to Kraven and his evil doings. He was the one that met up with Raze and Lucien with Kraven (Kraven and Lucien were talking in the car) He is the guy with the whips, and was killed ( in the end.
***Pierce and Taylor were the two lycans that were fighting in the beginning. They were also the "cops" that were searching for and took Michael. Pierce has long black hair, and monkey features. Taylor had short spiky dirty blonde hair with long sideburns.
***Adam was the other doctor trainee. Not much about him in the movie, but soon you will see...
***Singe was the doctor for the lycans who was back slapped by Viktor and killed(.
And if you can't remember Michael, Selene, Viktor, Kraven, Amelia, Sonja or Lucien then I highly suggest you watch the movie again.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything from the Underworld novel, movie, comic, etc. I do in fact own anything that was not involved in the amazing process of Underworld novel, movie, comic, etc. I do fortunately own everyone not included in the above including Viktoria, Gavin, Marlem, Griffin, Gabrielle/Elle, Connor, Charli, Yvenea, Riea, Calvin, Craig, and Keith, and the plot, and anything else I can't think of!
~*~
Charli pulled up to the large mansion. She always, for some odd reason, called the home manor instead of mansion, not that it really mattered. The manor was enormous and could easily fit thrice the number of vamps that occupied it, but compared to the lycan den with all its tunnels underground, it was a mere apartment.
Her jeans and black leather jacket got a bit wet in the slight drizzle. Her hands felt the rusted bronze door handles, those she had opened few times before. She plunged the doors wide open while muttering to her self, "Home sweet home." The doors banged the side and were brought back to a closed position.
Vampyres all around looked at her. It wasn't as busy as she expected it to be. Lucky for her.
An older vampyre with short blondish brown hair rolled his eyes. Despite the fact that his hair was quite spiky there didn't seem to be any traces of gel or any other styling product. She smiled at Griffin, an old face, and good friend. His pale skin blended with his ice blue eyes. She didn't go up to him and hug him though she wanted to, but he motioned his eyes to the top of the staircase. She saw a man appear at the top of the staircase. He probably came to see what in the hell had banged the doors. Marcus hated when people banged doors, and she knew that. His hair was longer than the last time she saw him, but still had that same midnight black hair with strange piercing blue eyes.
He smiled at Charli, obvious, at least to her, that he was pleased to see her. His eyes went from piercing blue to warm green. Some of the vampyres hissed at her, already sensing her lycan self. Marcus came slowly down the stairs, one at a time. He knew that Charli had no patience for little things.
She rolled her eyes, and spoke loud to Marcus. She had to act to let the vampyres know she wasn't going to join forces or anything, "I'm not here to join forces or play in this silly game called war." Charli said with all her confidence. Marcus acted along, "Thank god. I was afraid I wasted 600 years hating you, but then again I do have those years all over again." Some laughed; all sneered.
"I just want to have a word with the not so wise of the bunch." Charli backfired. It was an act, but it was also Charli's chance to take him out verbally.
Marcus slapped Charli hard. He knew it wouldn't hurt her, and once again it was part of the act. Her face touched her shoulder from the force. She immediately growled eyes turning black. She could tell Marcus wanted to help her, worry almost took over his face, and then seeing that Charli's eyes turned their normal coffee color, he put on a stubborn face. "We'll take this to my chambers." Marcus glared, and the other vampyres whined wanting to see a fight, but they believed the story.
Charli followed Marcus up the stair two death dealers behind her. When they reached the stairs a woman with long blonde hair met them at the top. Marcus seemed to be taken aback by this, and stared into her eyes. Her nose probably smelt the lycan in Charli because the woman grabbed Charli's shoulder digging her nails hard, but not enough to hurt Charli.
Charli would have flipped the vampyre over down to the first floor, but Marcus thought ahead knowing Charli all to well, and stopped her from making a big mistake. Erika looked at Marcus who returned the connecting glance, but unlike Marcus she pulled herself away. They started to walk again Marcus looking behind him.
"Selene." Erika let out a whisper. Charli whipped her head around to look again at this woman. She knew that Charli had been near Selene, or at least she got the smell from Michael. Marcus, too, looked at her with curiosity, but Erika left without a word back to her chambers.
Marcus sighed; he would more than anything want to follow Erika. She had locked herself up for two days straight, not coming out at all. Marcus knew, he waited for her silently, but Charli returning to him was more important now. He knew that she would not stay long if she had found her father and come back alive. She would probably just pick up some old things and be off, but it was nice to see her again.
Marcus led Charli to the third floor where they were met with five doors. Three on the left, and two on the right. Charli followed Marcus to the last door where she knew was Marcus's chambers. Marcus whispered to the death dealers to wait outside and he did not want to be disturbed for anything. Though that wasn't strictly true. He would like to be disturbed if Erika had shown her pale face again, and he would like to know if Viktoria was coming around the room. She too would like to see Charli, but he held all these urges, as he often had to do.
Charli sat herself on the tiled window seat. Her muddy Doc Martins were rested in front of her so she could tie her shoes. She heard Marcus close the door firmly, and then a huge angry sigh, "How many times do I have to tell you no shoes on my damn floor." Marcus moaned like a three year old. He could never raise his voice to Charli; she was too much of a daughter to him.
Not like him though, Marcus thought. Not like Viktor. This was different, it was not his daughter and he knew it, nor his granddaughter. Marcus didn't use Charli for the guilty sick pleasure of killing his own. No. He never had one of his own.
Charli rolled her eyes and groaned like no time left between them. She kicked off her shoes and hopped from the cold stone to the bed where she ruined perfectly made sheets. "You're too clean."
"And you're too messy." Marcus smiled, happy to have her back. She finally flopped to a sitting position after completely wrinkling the bed. Marcus looked at Charli through the moonlight. He went into the bathroom and took a cold wet cloth, and with long strides was instantly at Charli's side. He knelt so that they met eye to eye and pressed the cloth gently against her cheek. His eyes took worry though the dark shiny red spot had already turned into a small bruise and the blood from the cut in the harshness of his slap had already dried up.
Charli smiled and hugged Marcus. She hugged her father. To her being a father was not a right, but a privilege. For Charli, to become a father, you had to earn it. She let him go after a minute or two letting him hold her.
When Marcus turned his body so that he was now sitting next to Charli on the green covers he found Charli's eye fill with water. He put a fatherly arm around her. "You're tired; you need rest." He whispered softly to her.
"I'm not tired," Charli wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. She responded like she was seven and thought she was twenty.
"I know." Marcus couldn't help, but smile. "But look, you've met him, and you're going to live with him. You're getting you're life back, Charli." It was the first time he had said her name all night.
"What about you?" She asked. Always thinking about others. "I know after this I won't be able to see you anymore unless you're black, and trying to kill," she said sarcastically.
"What do you mean by trying?" Marcus accused jokingly. Charli laughed, and sniffed. Marcus grabbed her shoulder bringing her closer to him. His chin rested on her head. Her brown hair smelled like dirt. He kissed the top of her forehead looking into her deep brown eyes. Eyes like her father, he would never forget. "Why don't you go and take a shower, and I'll get your bag." She nodded absently, and like a zombie walked toward the open door. After Marcus heard it close and the water turn on he sighed deeply. He would miss her terribly, but he had to be strong for her.
He went to his dresser, and opened the bottom cabinet to find two men's t- shirts. He lifted them up gently to find all of Charli's clothes she had left with him. Then he grabbed a black suitcase with two pockets on each side. He neatly put in her shirts, pants, and other things that belonged to her. As he put in a red Beatles shirt he noticed a pendant face down. He picked it up; his thumb swiftly ran over the silver circle and the engravings of the letter C. He held it firmly in his hand and kissed it before tightening the black leather rope around his wrist.
He zipped up the bag as he heard the water turn off. He saw the door open while turning away leaving his arm outstretched with her black and blue sweat pants and tank top. She quickly got dressed while Marcus patiently waited for her. She felt much better now having a shower. She took the elastic from her wrist and in three quick movements put her hair up in a messy bun.
"Feeling better?" Marcus turned around when Charli touched his shoulder.
"A bit." Charli yawned. As much as she would like to argue that she wasn't tired her eyes felt like ten-pound weights. Marcus could evidently see this, and led her to his bed.
She shook her head and deficiently pointed to the soft couch. He returned the head shaking and led her to the foot of his bed. She groaned and silently crawled into the covers. Her eyes opened to see her father's forest green eyes stare back at her. She whispered, "I don't want to be alone tonight." She thought of her last time with Marcus. She was back in her seven-year-old body asking Marcus if he would read her a bedtime story. She remembered the nights in America when she was without Marcus. It had scared her, and took her a long time getting over. Sure Griffin knew everything about fighting and protection, but there was something about Marcus that made her feel like nothing could touch her. He was her comfort blanket. His hand held hers as he watched her fall asleep. He was about to get up and fall asleep on the couch himself when he felt a strong squeeze as he tried to pull himself away. Instead he used his other hand to swiftly pass over Charli's head. He lay next to her falling asleep instantly.
~*~
How could she be alive? How could she? It was impossible. Gavin had spent his entire life looking for her. Well for the better part of five hundred years. Just when Lucien was announced 'dead' she had left. She didn't even look at him twice in the room. Something was defiantly wrong with her. Her eyes seemed hard, and her look was more aggressive.
Gavin sighed a sorrowful and unhappy sigh. Charlize, or Charli, had come back. She probably didn't want to look at him. He left her in that house. She had wanted to come, and he told her it was too dangerous, and that he didn't want her hurt. She begged him, which was something she never did on any occasion he knew. He left her in that house.
In that awful house he left her. He remembered it like yesterday.
***
"Gavin." Charlize whispered quietly. "Where are you going?" He had stormed out of her room with a stone face. None of the lycans were here in the house. They were pretty much alone. Daytime meant that the lycans had things to do, places to be, people to torture, kill, maim, or bring home alive for their masters. Charlize didn't have to go out to work, but she did it to help her friends. Sometimes she was even able to help with the kill, which was only meant for a man to do.
Now, with the lycans gone, life had been stressful with the vampires. The war had begun; Charlize knew it all along. It was only a matter of time before the lycans realized this was not their place in life; the lycans were better than this. She had helped tremendously to free her friends. She had even fallen in love with one of them.
The main lounge for the servants was about the size of half a basketball court. Charlize followed the lycans across the velvet furnished room.
"Gavin! Wait," Charlize ordered not wanting to catch him. She didn't care now that her voice was normal, and not secretive like it had been. Gavin spun around his floor-length black jacket spun with him.
"What?" He asked coldly, "What do you want?" His voice softened slightly.
"Why in God's name are you acting like this?" Charlize's eyes were glazed. He wanted to hold her, make the pain go away, but he couldn't. It was better to leave her like this; she would be able to move on. Besides who would want to be with him for eternity? Eternity was a long time.
"Because I... I have to go." Gavin held everything he kept inside close to his heart; he wouldn't let a mere girl get to him. But she was more than a mere girl. She was the love of his life. She may have been a hybrid, but she always treated him like an equal, like they were friends and beyond. Lucien acted like this all the time.
"Not now. Don't leave me now." Charlize struggled with her words. She wasn't used to acting so open; it was a new feeling, but Gavin had opened many new feelings to her.
"The more you argue the harder it gets."
"Then I'll make it hell for you!" Charlize now had tears in her eyes.
"I told you that soon I would leave. I warned you not to get close." Gavin walked the few feet in two strides holding her shoulders, and looking deep into the crystal eyes.
"So now it's my fault?" Charlize said hoping to bid time for them the sun had risen just a few hours ago. It was nearing midday. "That I accidentally fell in love." Gavin held her closer. Had her heard her correct? Had she heard herself correctly? God damned emotions, She thought, but it was the truth.
Gavin couldn't breathe. Was it possible? Probable? "No, it's not." Gavin couldn't help himself. "Well it may have been an accident, but it was a good accident." He couldn't help himself. His heart was choosing his words, not his mind. His lips pressed against hers. She welcomed the embrace joyfully. Her arms floated up towards his neck. One of his hands moved from her shoulder holding her waist. He felt her silk dress all the way down. He knew she hated dresses, but to fit in with the vampyres that's what she had to wear. Her hands moved to his jacket lightly pushing it away. No. He couldn't do this again.
"I'm sorry," Gavin suddenly broke away from the passionate incident. He pulled himself away, but not before stroking her hair. Soft brown curly hair. Not before wiping the few tears that now fell. Then he turned around, and broke into a run. The servant's door was left open, and he shot out into the sun. Charlize was quick; she wouldn't let him get away. She had no shoes on, but ignored the dead leaves, and fallen twigs that scraped her feet. She still tried to keep up with him when he reached the dirt path. This was easier to catch him, not as hard on her feet.
She would follow him until he stopped. She would follow him into the woods, and swim after him in the lake. If he would slow down for her, she would probably follow him through blazing fire, and icy winds. But such measures were not needed because her hand clasped onto his shoulder, and she pushed him. "Don't." She gasped for air, "Don't please."
It was Gavin's turn to have glossy eyes now. They probably had been while he was running. "Charlize," his voice faint and tender. "I have to go. I cannot stay here. There is nothing for me here."
Charlize was hurt by these words. She brushed aside her pain, and begged him. Her body fell to her knees, face buried in her hands, "Then take me with you," she looked up wiping away her own tears. Was she actually begging? She had never done anything like this in her entire life. He seemed to notice too. He, too, fell to his knees reaching eye level.
"You have a life here Charlize. More than I can ever think of giving you." Gavin knew this wouldn't be a good enough excuse for her, "Please, for your own safety, stay here for your own sake."
"I don't care about my safety or my damned sake." She had said so much.
"I know, but I do. And that has to be worth something doesn't it."
Charlize didn't want to give in, "I can go with you. Please, I'll do whatever you need. I don't...I don't want to stay here anymore. I cannot stay here." She knew that there were mostly men in the lycan clan, and few women. This was because Marcus killed them off, knowing that it would take them by heart. Marcus killed whatever lycan he got his hands on.
Gavin took in a deep breath. He knew he had to say the worst. "I'm sorry milady."
Charlize looked up into Gavin's eyes. He picked himself up wiping the dust from his jacket, and pants. Her eyes no longer had a peace about them. They were rough stones of brown.
"I cannot help you anymore." Gavin turned and walked away leaving. Tears now brimmed the bottom of his eyes. He didn't let her see, he never let her see.
She must have stayed there for an hour. Maybe more, maybe less, she didn't know. All the pain she had been feeling before went away, and was replaced with anger. Hot, white, sick anger that swelled inside her like boiling water or a third degree burn.
***
His thoughts returned. Gavin bet that she had found someone else. Someone who loved her and would always say yes to those luscious brown eyes. Some one who had kissed her natural dark lips, and massaged her tan skin, and to hold her strong, built frame. Someone who could always look at her, and always protect her. Someone who had danced the night away with her; she had loved dancing. That someone was no longer he.
Tears fell from Gavin's eyes, "As long as she's happy." He vowed to himself. He threw a nasty punch at the black bag that hung from his ceiling. He cursed himself a million times. Each curse came with a hard punch, and an unbreakable kick. He imagined himself in that position helpless, and lifeless. He had let her go. He had left her; it was all his fault.
***Charli is Sonja and Lucien's daughter. Viktoria and Rigel gave her to Yvenea and Griffin because they feared the death of her by Viktor and Amelia. Yvenea and Griffin are married. They have a daughter Sabriella (Riea) and they hate Viktor and Amelia, so during Viktor and Amelia's rein the 4 (Yvenea, Griffin, Riea and Charli) leave for another country. This time it was Egypt (which you will learn more about very soon)
***Rigel, for those who didn't catch him in the movie, was one of the death dealers that were fighting in the subway. He was the one that died, and you're never know if Nathaniel dies or not (though he does die in the book) Selene mentions this when she is talking with Kraven and Kahn.
*** Griffin is Nathaniel's brother who is also a death dealer. He was older than Nathaniel by about a few years, but they were both turned at the same time. Griffin is married to Yvenea and has a daughter name Sabriella a.k.a. Riea. Nathaniel had two son's Marlem (Tyson Ritter-lead singer and bass to All American Rejects) and Connor (John Hannah; Alex/Son in Mummy Returns)
***Riea is the same age as Charli, which is another reason why Griffin and Yvenea left for Egypt (because Viktor wanted to kill all the newborns to be sure Sonja's child was dead) You will be introduced to her in this chapter.
***Viktoria is another vampire who helps give birth to Charli (meaning she's aiding as a midwife) She really does love Charli, and was the closest friends with Sonja. Likewise she hates Viktor and Amelia, but she stays at the manor so she can update Griffin and his family when they come back for Marcus's reign.
***Craig is the lycan that was guarding Sonja's cell in the dungeon when she gave birth. He was also a roommate to Lucien and Keith (think Keith from One Tree Hill, but don't think that's where I got the name) during their servitude. Viktor killed him before Lucien could save him. Keith, the other roommate, wasn't killed, but he is the closest and oldest friend to Lucien. However, many people thought Raze was his closest, but more his second closest.
***Calvin is another young lycan who like all young people believe he is quite strong. Maybe physically he is.
Then I had some requests about old characters because I mention pretty much all the characters.
***Kahn is the African black vampire who is more like a weapons master/scientist. He is good friends with Selene, and created the silver nitrate bullets. He was the one with the thick Cockney accent and if I'm not mistaken he played funny bomb guy in Oceans 11(newer version)
***Soren was a death dealer who was loyal to Kraven and his evil doings. He was the one that met up with Raze and Lucien with Kraven (Kraven and Lucien were talking in the car) He is the guy with the whips, and was killed ( in the end.
***Pierce and Taylor were the two lycans that were fighting in the beginning. They were also the "cops" that were searching for and took Michael. Pierce has long black hair, and monkey features. Taylor had short spiky dirty blonde hair with long sideburns.
***Adam was the other doctor trainee. Not much about him in the movie, but soon you will see...
***Singe was the doctor for the lycans who was back slapped by Viktor and killed(.
And if you can't remember Michael, Selene, Viktor, Kraven, Amelia, Sonja or Lucien then I highly suggest you watch the movie again.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything from the Underworld novel, movie, comic, etc. I do in fact own anything that was not involved in the amazing process of Underworld novel, movie, comic, etc. I do fortunately own everyone not included in the above including Viktoria, Gavin, Marlem, Griffin, Gabrielle/Elle, Connor, Charli, Yvenea, Riea, Calvin, Craig, and Keith, and the plot, and anything else I can't think of!
~*~
Charli pulled up to the large mansion. She always, for some odd reason, called the home manor instead of mansion, not that it really mattered. The manor was enormous and could easily fit thrice the number of vamps that occupied it, but compared to the lycan den with all its tunnels underground, it was a mere apartment.
Her jeans and black leather jacket got a bit wet in the slight drizzle. Her hands felt the rusted bronze door handles, those she had opened few times before. She plunged the doors wide open while muttering to her self, "Home sweet home." The doors banged the side and were brought back to a closed position.
Vampyres all around looked at her. It wasn't as busy as she expected it to be. Lucky for her.
An older vampyre with short blondish brown hair rolled his eyes. Despite the fact that his hair was quite spiky there didn't seem to be any traces of gel or any other styling product. She smiled at Griffin, an old face, and good friend. His pale skin blended with his ice blue eyes. She didn't go up to him and hug him though she wanted to, but he motioned his eyes to the top of the staircase. She saw a man appear at the top of the staircase. He probably came to see what in the hell had banged the doors. Marcus hated when people banged doors, and she knew that. His hair was longer than the last time she saw him, but still had that same midnight black hair with strange piercing blue eyes.
He smiled at Charli, obvious, at least to her, that he was pleased to see her. His eyes went from piercing blue to warm green. Some of the vampyres hissed at her, already sensing her lycan self. Marcus came slowly down the stairs, one at a time. He knew that Charli had no patience for little things.
She rolled her eyes, and spoke loud to Marcus. She had to act to let the vampyres know she wasn't going to join forces or anything, "I'm not here to join forces or play in this silly game called war." Charli said with all her confidence. Marcus acted along, "Thank god. I was afraid I wasted 600 years hating you, but then again I do have those years all over again." Some laughed; all sneered.
"I just want to have a word with the not so wise of the bunch." Charli backfired. It was an act, but it was also Charli's chance to take him out verbally.
Marcus slapped Charli hard. He knew it wouldn't hurt her, and once again it was part of the act. Her face touched her shoulder from the force. She immediately growled eyes turning black. She could tell Marcus wanted to help her, worry almost took over his face, and then seeing that Charli's eyes turned their normal coffee color, he put on a stubborn face. "We'll take this to my chambers." Marcus glared, and the other vampyres whined wanting to see a fight, but they believed the story.
Charli followed Marcus up the stair two death dealers behind her. When they reached the stairs a woman with long blonde hair met them at the top. Marcus seemed to be taken aback by this, and stared into her eyes. Her nose probably smelt the lycan in Charli because the woman grabbed Charli's shoulder digging her nails hard, but not enough to hurt Charli.
Charli would have flipped the vampyre over down to the first floor, but Marcus thought ahead knowing Charli all to well, and stopped her from making a big mistake. Erika looked at Marcus who returned the connecting glance, but unlike Marcus she pulled herself away. They started to walk again Marcus looking behind him.
"Selene." Erika let out a whisper. Charli whipped her head around to look again at this woman. She knew that Charli had been near Selene, or at least she got the smell from Michael. Marcus, too, looked at her with curiosity, but Erika left without a word back to her chambers.
Marcus sighed; he would more than anything want to follow Erika. She had locked herself up for two days straight, not coming out at all. Marcus knew, he waited for her silently, but Charli returning to him was more important now. He knew that she would not stay long if she had found her father and come back alive. She would probably just pick up some old things and be off, but it was nice to see her again.
Marcus led Charli to the third floor where they were met with five doors. Three on the left, and two on the right. Charli followed Marcus to the last door where she knew was Marcus's chambers. Marcus whispered to the death dealers to wait outside and he did not want to be disturbed for anything. Though that wasn't strictly true. He would like to be disturbed if Erika had shown her pale face again, and he would like to know if Viktoria was coming around the room. She too would like to see Charli, but he held all these urges, as he often had to do.
Charli sat herself on the tiled window seat. Her muddy Doc Martins were rested in front of her so she could tie her shoes. She heard Marcus close the door firmly, and then a huge angry sigh, "How many times do I have to tell you no shoes on my damn floor." Marcus moaned like a three year old. He could never raise his voice to Charli; she was too much of a daughter to him.
Not like him though, Marcus thought. Not like Viktor. This was different, it was not his daughter and he knew it, nor his granddaughter. Marcus didn't use Charli for the guilty sick pleasure of killing his own. No. He never had one of his own.
Charli rolled her eyes and groaned like no time left between them. She kicked off her shoes and hopped from the cold stone to the bed where she ruined perfectly made sheets. "You're too clean."
"And you're too messy." Marcus smiled, happy to have her back. She finally flopped to a sitting position after completely wrinkling the bed. Marcus looked at Charli through the moonlight. He went into the bathroom and took a cold wet cloth, and with long strides was instantly at Charli's side. He knelt so that they met eye to eye and pressed the cloth gently against her cheek. His eyes took worry though the dark shiny red spot had already turned into a small bruise and the blood from the cut in the harshness of his slap had already dried up.
Charli smiled and hugged Marcus. She hugged her father. To her being a father was not a right, but a privilege. For Charli, to become a father, you had to earn it. She let him go after a minute or two letting him hold her.
When Marcus turned his body so that he was now sitting next to Charli on the green covers he found Charli's eye fill with water. He put a fatherly arm around her. "You're tired; you need rest." He whispered softly to her.
"I'm not tired," Charli wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. She responded like she was seven and thought she was twenty.
"I know." Marcus couldn't help, but smile. "But look, you've met him, and you're going to live with him. You're getting you're life back, Charli." It was the first time he had said her name all night.
"What about you?" She asked. Always thinking about others. "I know after this I won't be able to see you anymore unless you're black, and trying to kill," she said sarcastically.
"What do you mean by trying?" Marcus accused jokingly. Charli laughed, and sniffed. Marcus grabbed her shoulder bringing her closer to him. His chin rested on her head. Her brown hair smelled like dirt. He kissed the top of her forehead looking into her deep brown eyes. Eyes like her father, he would never forget. "Why don't you go and take a shower, and I'll get your bag." She nodded absently, and like a zombie walked toward the open door. After Marcus heard it close and the water turn on he sighed deeply. He would miss her terribly, but he had to be strong for her.
He went to his dresser, and opened the bottom cabinet to find two men's t- shirts. He lifted them up gently to find all of Charli's clothes she had left with him. Then he grabbed a black suitcase with two pockets on each side. He neatly put in her shirts, pants, and other things that belonged to her. As he put in a red Beatles shirt he noticed a pendant face down. He picked it up; his thumb swiftly ran over the silver circle and the engravings of the letter C. He held it firmly in his hand and kissed it before tightening the black leather rope around his wrist.
He zipped up the bag as he heard the water turn off. He saw the door open while turning away leaving his arm outstretched with her black and blue sweat pants and tank top. She quickly got dressed while Marcus patiently waited for her. She felt much better now having a shower. She took the elastic from her wrist and in three quick movements put her hair up in a messy bun.
"Feeling better?" Marcus turned around when Charli touched his shoulder.
"A bit." Charli yawned. As much as she would like to argue that she wasn't tired her eyes felt like ten-pound weights. Marcus could evidently see this, and led her to his bed.
She shook her head and deficiently pointed to the soft couch. He returned the head shaking and led her to the foot of his bed. She groaned and silently crawled into the covers. Her eyes opened to see her father's forest green eyes stare back at her. She whispered, "I don't want to be alone tonight." She thought of her last time with Marcus. She was back in her seven-year-old body asking Marcus if he would read her a bedtime story. She remembered the nights in America when she was without Marcus. It had scared her, and took her a long time getting over. Sure Griffin knew everything about fighting and protection, but there was something about Marcus that made her feel like nothing could touch her. He was her comfort blanket. His hand held hers as he watched her fall asleep. He was about to get up and fall asleep on the couch himself when he felt a strong squeeze as he tried to pull himself away. Instead he used his other hand to swiftly pass over Charli's head. He lay next to her falling asleep instantly.
~*~
How could she be alive? How could she? It was impossible. Gavin had spent his entire life looking for her. Well for the better part of five hundred years. Just when Lucien was announced 'dead' she had left. She didn't even look at him twice in the room. Something was defiantly wrong with her. Her eyes seemed hard, and her look was more aggressive.
Gavin sighed a sorrowful and unhappy sigh. Charlize, or Charli, had come back. She probably didn't want to look at him. He left her in that house. She had wanted to come, and he told her it was too dangerous, and that he didn't want her hurt. She begged him, which was something she never did on any occasion he knew. He left her in that house.
In that awful house he left her. He remembered it like yesterday.
***
"Gavin." Charlize whispered quietly. "Where are you going?" He had stormed out of her room with a stone face. None of the lycans were here in the house. They were pretty much alone. Daytime meant that the lycans had things to do, places to be, people to torture, kill, maim, or bring home alive for their masters. Charlize didn't have to go out to work, but she did it to help her friends. Sometimes she was even able to help with the kill, which was only meant for a man to do.
Now, with the lycans gone, life had been stressful with the vampires. The war had begun; Charlize knew it all along. It was only a matter of time before the lycans realized this was not their place in life; the lycans were better than this. She had helped tremendously to free her friends. She had even fallen in love with one of them.
The main lounge for the servants was about the size of half a basketball court. Charlize followed the lycans across the velvet furnished room.
"Gavin! Wait," Charlize ordered not wanting to catch him. She didn't care now that her voice was normal, and not secretive like it had been. Gavin spun around his floor-length black jacket spun with him.
"What?" He asked coldly, "What do you want?" His voice softened slightly.
"Why in God's name are you acting like this?" Charlize's eyes were glazed. He wanted to hold her, make the pain go away, but he couldn't. It was better to leave her like this; she would be able to move on. Besides who would want to be with him for eternity? Eternity was a long time.
"Because I... I have to go." Gavin held everything he kept inside close to his heart; he wouldn't let a mere girl get to him. But she was more than a mere girl. She was the love of his life. She may have been a hybrid, but she always treated him like an equal, like they were friends and beyond. Lucien acted like this all the time.
"Not now. Don't leave me now." Charlize struggled with her words. She wasn't used to acting so open; it was a new feeling, but Gavin had opened many new feelings to her.
"The more you argue the harder it gets."
"Then I'll make it hell for you!" Charlize now had tears in her eyes.
"I told you that soon I would leave. I warned you not to get close." Gavin walked the few feet in two strides holding her shoulders, and looking deep into the crystal eyes.
"So now it's my fault?" Charlize said hoping to bid time for them the sun had risen just a few hours ago. It was nearing midday. "That I accidentally fell in love." Gavin held her closer. Had her heard her correct? Had she heard herself correctly? God damned emotions, She thought, but it was the truth.
Gavin couldn't breathe. Was it possible? Probable? "No, it's not." Gavin couldn't help himself. "Well it may have been an accident, but it was a good accident." He couldn't help himself. His heart was choosing his words, not his mind. His lips pressed against hers. She welcomed the embrace joyfully. Her arms floated up towards his neck. One of his hands moved from her shoulder holding her waist. He felt her silk dress all the way down. He knew she hated dresses, but to fit in with the vampyres that's what she had to wear. Her hands moved to his jacket lightly pushing it away. No. He couldn't do this again.
"I'm sorry," Gavin suddenly broke away from the passionate incident. He pulled himself away, but not before stroking her hair. Soft brown curly hair. Not before wiping the few tears that now fell. Then he turned around, and broke into a run. The servant's door was left open, and he shot out into the sun. Charlize was quick; she wouldn't let him get away. She had no shoes on, but ignored the dead leaves, and fallen twigs that scraped her feet. She still tried to keep up with him when he reached the dirt path. This was easier to catch him, not as hard on her feet.
She would follow him until he stopped. She would follow him into the woods, and swim after him in the lake. If he would slow down for her, she would probably follow him through blazing fire, and icy winds. But such measures were not needed because her hand clasped onto his shoulder, and she pushed him. "Don't." She gasped for air, "Don't please."
It was Gavin's turn to have glossy eyes now. They probably had been while he was running. "Charlize," his voice faint and tender. "I have to go. I cannot stay here. There is nothing for me here."
Charlize was hurt by these words. She brushed aside her pain, and begged him. Her body fell to her knees, face buried in her hands, "Then take me with you," she looked up wiping away her own tears. Was she actually begging? She had never done anything like this in her entire life. He seemed to notice too. He, too, fell to his knees reaching eye level.
"You have a life here Charlize. More than I can ever think of giving you." Gavin knew this wouldn't be a good enough excuse for her, "Please, for your own safety, stay here for your own sake."
"I don't care about my safety or my damned sake." She had said so much.
"I know, but I do. And that has to be worth something doesn't it."
Charlize didn't want to give in, "I can go with you. Please, I'll do whatever you need. I don't...I don't want to stay here anymore. I cannot stay here." She knew that there were mostly men in the lycan clan, and few women. This was because Marcus killed them off, knowing that it would take them by heart. Marcus killed whatever lycan he got his hands on.
Gavin took in a deep breath. He knew he had to say the worst. "I'm sorry milady."
Charlize looked up into Gavin's eyes. He picked himself up wiping the dust from his jacket, and pants. Her eyes no longer had a peace about them. They were rough stones of brown.
"I cannot help you anymore." Gavin turned and walked away leaving. Tears now brimmed the bottom of his eyes. He didn't let her see, he never let her see.
She must have stayed there for an hour. Maybe more, maybe less, she didn't know. All the pain she had been feeling before went away, and was replaced with anger. Hot, white, sick anger that swelled inside her like boiling water or a third degree burn.
***
His thoughts returned. Gavin bet that she had found someone else. Someone who loved her and would always say yes to those luscious brown eyes. Some one who had kissed her natural dark lips, and massaged her tan skin, and to hold her strong, built frame. Someone who could always look at her, and always protect her. Someone who had danced the night away with her; she had loved dancing. That someone was no longer he.
Tears fell from Gavin's eyes, "As long as she's happy." He vowed to himself. He threw a nasty punch at the black bag that hung from his ceiling. He cursed himself a million times. Each curse came with a hard punch, and an unbreakable kick. He imagined himself in that position helpless, and lifeless. He had let her go. He had left her; it was all his fault.
