A.N. If you don't recognize it, it's probably mine. All inspiration and substance belongs to L.J. Smith.

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Lady Hannah? Poppy whispered, her eyes riveted to Elyssa's face.

Elyssa nodded nervously. Yeah. I mean, I know I'm probably not supposed to know about her, cuz, you know, no one's ever talked about her in front of me and all, but George--Do you remember George?

Poppy repeated dazedly.

Yeah, he was a gardener here, took care of the front roses for awhile when I was ten.

Oh, yes. A vague hand wave accompanied the breathy statement, as if to say hurry up. Shrugging, Elyssa did just that.

Anyway, before he, well, disappeared--What ever happened to him anyway?--he mentioned her. Told me that Lord Thierry's soulmate was named Hannah. That she'd died a few years before.

That's...all he told you?

He didn't really have a chance to tell me anything else. I was waiting for Nilsson to come take me somewhere, I don't remember where, and Nilsson was off getting the car, so I was following George around and pestering him. I don't know why I didn't go with Nilsson, I was probably just being a bratty ten year old. But I guess I must have finally worn George down into entertaining me with stories about Thierry, and that was all he told me before Nilsson appeared and practically picked me up and shoved me in the car. Elyssa shrugged and rested her cheek on the back of one hand. George was gone the next day and I never saw him again.

A look had entered Poppy's eyes that Elyssa couldn't understand or place. She'd always known it was a sensitive topic, considering no one ever, ever mentioned the Lady that she knew of, but she'd never thought it would move her foster mother to silence.

After that, I was kind of curious. So, I just kept my ears open until I heard someone else mention a Hannah, and then...I pounced. She scratched her cheek, smiling ruefully. I didn't really get much out of them, either. Just that, at one point, Thierry saved her life.

Here Poppy's eyes lost the shiny look. Wait, what?

Elyssa frowned and raised her head to look Poppy in the eye. Gloria said--

Poppy asked with a surprised expression.

Ignoring that, Elyssa forged determinedly ahead. --that Thierry saved Hannah's life, and that that's how they fell in love.

Poppy shook her head. Gloria was wrong. Smiling at Elyssa's confused expression, she ran a hand down her foster daughter's cheek. Yes, they were soulmates. But Hannah saved him. Twice.

Elyssa murmured. Now that was interesting. What happened?

Hesitating for a moment, as if wavering between two choices, Poppy sat with her hand on Elyssa's face, fingers resting just under the pink birthmark. Then, smiling a little sadly, she patted the cheek and moved to stand. I think you should ask Thierry about that.

But I can't, Elyssa wailed quietly, disappointment evident in her face.

Why not? You asked me, Poppy pointed out.

Rolling her eyes, Elyssa sat up and crossed her arms. Yeah, after I spent seven years working up the courage.

Just ask him. Believe me, he'll tell you everything you want to know.

Elyssa sighed and shook her head. I don't want to bother him. It's none of my business anyway. Forcing a smile, she stood and shrugged one shoulder. I better get some of my homework done before Sabrina gets here.

Poppy sighed. If you want to know about Thierry's life, you have to ask him. He's not the kind of man that just blithely volunteers information.

Believe me, I know that, Elyssa assured her. I just don't feel comfortable bringing up a topic he obviously doesn't want to discuss.

How do you know he doesn't want to discuss it? Poppy asked, throwing her hands in the air.

In ten years, he's never even mentioned her name. He doesn't have any pictures, nothing to remind him of her at all. And now that he has a new love, why would he want to remind himself of his dead soulmate? Elyssa asked, quite reasonably for someone who felt like their heart was being ripped out of their chest.

Samantha is not his new love, Poppy began to protest, trailing off as she noticed Elyssa's quickly disguised wince and the pain in those wise gray eyes. she whispered with so much pity that Elyssa couldn't help cringing again.

I really have to get my homework done. Practically shoving Poppy out the door, Elyssa managed to keep smiling until the door was shut. Then her face collapsed and she covered her mouth to try to smother the gasping sob.

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What do you mean, he went out'? Poppy snapped.

The assistant tried not to cower in front of the tiny vampire. He'd been warned that she could be intimidating, but she was downright scary when mad. I'm sorry, Miss Poppy, but he left about an hour ago.

And where did he go? she asked, eyes glowing dangerously.

He didn't say, miss. He just asked that I hold all his calls until his return.

Sighing impatiently, Poppy rubbed her forehead and pulled out her cellphone. Fine, I'll just call him, she said wearily. The assistant cleared his throat and opened his mouth, but she just shook her head. It's off, huh?

Yes, miss, he said apologetically.

Smiling wryly, Poppy shrugged and shook her head. Not your fault. But could you have him call me as soon as you hear from him? Please, she pressed.

Of course, Miss Poppy, the assistant said, hopefully shifting the files he held at this sign that the conversation might soon be over.

She turned to go, staring mournfully at her phone, and the assistant sighed gratefully, only to stiffen again as she whirled back around. Do you know where James is?

Blinking, the assistant thought quickly then answered, He accompanied Lord Thierry on his trip.

The assistant shook his head to indicate that he didn't have that information.

Her voice was beginning to sound a little panicked and it was with more sympathy that the assistant shook his head again.

Why do men always disappear when you need them most? she muttered darkly, stalking away from the very relieved assistant.

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Why do you need your notebook? Sabrina questioned good-naturedly, following Elyssa down the hall to her bedroom.

Cuz I have a neurotic need to analyze everything, Elyssa muttered, twisting the knob with slightly more force than necessary.

Well, hurry it up. We have exactly three minutes until the meeting is supposed to start, Sabrina said, glancing at her watch.

Elyssa agreed, rushing over to her desk without bothering to flip on the overhead light. Grabbing the first notebook her fingers encountered, she ran back out the door and pulled it shut. Okay, let's go, she said, hurrying back down the hall, towing Sabrina behind her.

They practically flew down the stairs and back down the twisting corridors to the meeting room. Bursting through the doors, they were surprised to see everyone was still milling around and that no one paid any attention to the two panting humans.

Where's Thierry? Elyssa whispered as they inched along the wall, trying to avoid all the strangers. Noticing Ash leaning casually into a corner, hands in his pockets, surveying the room, Elyssa altered their path to lead towards him, as the two girls continued to survey the room.

I don't know. I don't see James, either.

And Poppy's not here yet, Elyssa added, vainly searching for any sign of red. With a jolt, she suddenly realized that the lack of red hair implied that Samantha wasn't present either.

Great, she thought bitterly. She and Thierry are probably off cuddling, and laughing about the silly little girl with a crush on her older-brother figure. For a moment, she allowed her mind to torture her with images of them laughing and holding each other. Thierry touching Samantha in the gentle ways that she'd always dreamed of for herself.

In reality, she knew that Thierry would never laugh at her with a cruel intent, knew it with every bone in her body, but she wasn't so sure about Samantha. The woman just rubbed her the wrong way.

Narrowing her eyes, she watched one of the double doors open, but relaxed when she recognized, not Samantha, but the girl Quinn and Ash had introduced her to. The one that Sabrina had taken an immediate disliking to. What had been her name? Martha? Misty?

Great, there's Marissa, Sabrina muttered in her ear.

Snorting, Elyssa turned to look at her best friend. What's wrong with her? Besides her understandable propensity to stare at my birthmark?

Sabrina just shrugged and faced forward again as they came up next to Ash, who smiled his most charming smile at the sight of the two girls. Well, hello there, ladies. What brings you to my humble corner?

Grinning, Elyssa shook her head and stepped up to lean against the wall next to him. We were hoping you might grace us with your desirable presence during the meeting.

Ash pretended to consider for a moment, then nodded. Your proposition appeals to me. Very well, I accept. Straightening, he offered a crooked elbow to each girl, and they slipped their arms through his, giggling as he led them over to three of the chairs around the circle. Elyssa felt herself relax slightly when she noticed that they were about halfway around the circle from where Thierry (and most likely Samantha as well) would be sitting.

Elyssa felt soothed by the mild banter Ash and Sabrina kept up around her as she vainly scanned the crowd again for any sign of Thierry. Suddenly, a flash of red hair caught her eye from across the room and she turned to find it, hoping it was Poppy and not Samantha, but the person had disappeared into a knot of people before Elyssa could focus on her. Sighing, she leaned back in her chair and forced herself to pay attention to the conversation between Ash and Sabrina.

And where did you disappear to today? a voice snapped from behind them.

Ash turned languidly to find Poppy standing behind him, hands on her hips. Hey, Poppy. How you doin?

Oh, just fabulous, she replied airily, gesturing elegantly with her small hands. My soulmate disappears with our boss without telling me, leaving me to wonder at the condition of his mental state and our safety. Our dear friends all run off to destinations unknown, for some odd reason not accompanying said soulmate and boss on this secret mission--

Poppy, it wasn't a secret mission,' Ash interjected.

So you did know about it! she whispered fiercely.

Ash sighed and hung his head briefly, pinching the bridge of his nose. Poppy, I was there when they decided--Look. There's nothing wrong, you don't have to worry, they should be back in time for the meeting.

Poppy grumbled and stomped away, leaving Ash and the girls to stare after her.

Letting out a frustrated sigh, Ash turned back to the girls and shook his head. Sometimes I think she might be certifiably insane.

Sabrina shrugged. Way I see it, your soulmate disappears, you're bound to worry.

Ash visibly paled but remained remarkably calm and his voice was without acid as he asked, And you would know this from what experience?

I've been around soulmate pairs nearly every day since I met Elyssa. I think I have a pretty good idea of what having one would be like.

You have no idea. There's just no way to comprehend it before you find it, Elyssa muttered, surprising herself and her friends.

Ash asked inanely.

Blinking, Elyssa floundered for a minute, struggling to understand--let alone explain--what had felt like an automatic response. The oddest sensation was coursing through her veins: a feeling of desperate frustration, as if she were about to experience an epiphany, but it was waiting just beyond her reach.

She mentally stretched toward the knowledge with an urgency that shocked her, but, right as she was about to grasp it, distraction in the form of Thierry walked into the room. The knowledge slipped away like sand through her fingers as she watched Samantha appear from behind Thierry and smile sweetly into his eyes. James fell into step beside them, but Elyssa's focus was glued to Thierry, who smiled back at Samantha with no reservation. Now the only sensation coursing through her was the all-too-familiar feeling of her heart breaking.

She had to get out.

Taking advantage of the still noisy room and the myriad clusters of people, Elyssa stood and turned her back to the new arrivals. She smiled waveringly at Ash (who somehow managed to look both concerned and resigned at the same time) and Sabrina (who was staring daggers at a certain redhead). I think I'm going to skip the meeting.

Ash asked with a sympathetic half-smile.

Yeah, it's a killer. She tried to add a light chuckle, but it stuck in her throat, forcing her to cough so air could reach her lungs. God, I sound pathetic. I think I'll just head upstairs, she added quickly.

I'll come with you, Sabrina said, standing.

No, no, Elyssa protested. I'm just going to go to bed. Stay here. Come on up afterwards. I'll leave a light on for you.

Sabrina hesitated and studied her friend before sitting back down. All right, feel better.

Let me walk you, Ash insisted, but stayed in his seat as she vaguely shook her hand at him.

I'll be fine. Night.

Relieved, Elyssa turned and headed towards the doors, waving over her shoulder to acknowledge the calls of goodnight that trailed her. As she reached the doors, she noticed Nilsson off to the side of the room, and, despite his CIA-worthy poker face, she noticed the concern in his eyes. She smiled and waved to reassure him, but felt his eyes on her as she opened the door and stepped through to the doorway.

Later, she would carefully consider that short walk back to her room. Wonder if she somehow could have sensed what was coming had she been paying attention instead of thinking about Thierry falling in love with Samantha. Wonder what would have happened if she'd stayed in the meeting, or let Ash walk her up.

But none of that was relevant because, as it was, she didn't think about the five minute walk from the meeting room to her bedroom door. She didn't consider the steps her feet were taking, certainly didn't notice the shadows in the corners of her darkened bedroom. And as she crossed her room to flick on the small lamp she had promised Sabrina, all she could think was that Thierry would never be hers, and now she would spend the rest of her short, mortal life watching him with his true love.

Later, she couldn't remember if she'd heard a noise before they grabbed her, or even how many were in the room. She could only remember the relief she felt when she passed out. Blessed nothingness.

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Reviewers:

Earth Dragonette-You're right, I don't like Samantha. So, no offense taken. I wish she'd keep her grubby hands away from Thierry. (grumbles) And I really wish Thierry weren't so oblivious. Sorry that Poppy wasn't more informative, but don't worry, all will be explained. I absolutely love creating dialogue, it's my favorite part of writing a story. Thanks for the review, as usual it's very helpful and justifying. : )

Terriah-Hehe, don't worry, you won't have to wait long now. All will be revealed in due time. (tries to look mysterious) Yes, the tension is definitely there. I almost feel sorry for Thierry and Elyssa. Thanks for reviewing!

Charlotte-Thanks for the review! I'm glad you're still enjoying the story.

tanya-Hi! Thanks for taking the time to review! Haha, you don't sound insane, and I'm glad you like the story. It's a lot of fun to write, so it's cool to know that other people are enjoying, too. Yeah, the part in the car was a little stilted, but that was partly because Nilsson totally shut down when Elyssa questioned him, since his first loyalty is to Thierry...or, at least, that's how it was SUPPOSED to come out. :p It wasn't quite as clear as I'd wanted it to be. But you're right, I'm trying to depict them as being really close.

incarnated-soul-Hi! Thanks for reviewing! No worries, Thierry and Elyssa will be together in the end. Though I can't really say when that will be. (scratches head) The story just keeps coming. But it shouldn't be too long now.

Marie-Hi! Thanks for the review! Wellllll, the explanation is delayed a little. Sorry. But don't worry, interesting action will take its place!

laura-Thanks for reviewing! I'm glad you're still liking the story! Sorry it took awhile for the update. Well, it'll get explained soon, don't worry.

blaze-Hehe, thanks! I hope you liked this chapter as much as the others. (And another cool email address!) Thanks for reviewing!

lotuspath-Yeah, her phone is so cool. I wonder if I should give it a name. I mean, it has totally reached character status by now. I like the baseball bat idea. Unfortunately, too messy. (mournful head shake) I know, Thierry is being way too oblivious, even for him. Hopefully, he'll get a clue. Soon.

Yav-Hi! Thanks for reviewing! I'm really glad you're liking the story. I hope you like the next chapters, too!

Soraia-Hehe, how dare you? Writing when you should be reviewing my story!! :p I'm glad you liked the chapter. Well, there's always room for more romance (especially during a mushy mood). Unfortunately, Elyssa is trying to go cold-turkey on her Thierry addiction. (sighs) What fools these mortals be.

amber-rules-Hi! Thanks for reviewing! Yeah, it is sad that Elyssa doesn't know about her past lives. Especially since she seems to have made such an impact on so many lives. But I feel even worse for Thierry. (sighs) Poor lonely guy.

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A.N. Hopefully, the next chapter will come more quickly than this one. :p