A.N. I own nothing but the ordering of the words. I have one note about the last chapter: Maya's last name was not Redfern. Thanks Soraia! Also, laura asked that we hear more about what Thierry's feeling. I hope this helps!

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Thierry's personal office was quiet, which was completely normal for three in the morning. The only light filtering through the darkness was that from the moon outside, not that Thierry really needed light in order to see; he could see every detail on the pictures just fine with his vampirically enhanced vision.

He wanted to be in the dark.

Flipping to the next page of the album, he paused to study the photos, smiling slightly as he ran a finger over Hannah's hair. It had been going gray by then, but she was still as beautiful and vibrant as ever. Whenever he'd told her that, though, she'd just smile and squeeze his arm, not really believing he wasn't biased. She'd never cared much for looks, anyway.

Bent over the book, he was so lost in his memories that he didn't hear the footsteps in the hall or the door swing open. He finally registered his company as the steps halted next to him, but didn't bother to look up, recognizing Poppy's scent on the air.

Are you in the Elyssa section, or are you still on Hannah? she asked.

The gentleness in her voice made him smiled bitterly. He'd thought this was all over, that somehow he would be able to protect Elyssa from the Redferns. Hell, from all of the bad people on the planet, vampire and human alike. But the same mark that led him to her had proclaimed to the world who she was, and he, apparently, had no way to protect her from that.

he answered smoothly. Snapping the album shut, he pushed it across the coffee table and leaned back on the couch. What did you find out?

Neither Samantha nor Marissa were directly involved, Poppy said, taking a seat in a chair across from him.



Yeah. Do you remember an incident with the London office last year? she asked, offering him the top file of the two she held. One of the outposts being broken in to?

Taking the proffered file, Thierry looked at her questioningly, but nodded. A number of files were stolen, but nothing too critical. The necessary steps were taken to render the information gathered useless.

Poppy wrinkled her nose. Maybe not. It's possible that one of the files contained the general location for this convention.

Flipping open the manila folder on his lap, Thierry quickly scanned the first page. They should know better than to have that information in an outpost.

Should, but didn't, apparently, she said on a sigh. The information wasn't exact; it didn't list your address, just that the convention was in Vegas, but the actual meeting location wouldn't be too hard to figure out. I mean, let's face it, what other Night Worlder in Vegas has the space to host hundreds of people at one time? You can't exactly hold it in a hotel conference room.

Shrugging, Thierry continued to concentrate on a name. What does Briar Raimes have to do with all that?

Raimes was in London at the time, and the rumor mill says he was behind a few Circle deaths around the same time as the files were stolen.

And he's practically a Redfern.



Swearing under his breath, Thierry leafed through the rest of the file. So, Samantha had nothing to do with Elyssa's kidnapping?

Quinn did a quick read of her mind. She's clean.

Thierry nodded and tossed the folder on the coffee table near the photo album. And Marissa?

Holding out the second file, Poppy took a deep breath. Miss Lightblood also has the propensity to write important things down. Her planner contains all sorts of juicy information, including the date of this very convention.

Swearing again, louder this time, Thierry snatched the folder from her hand. What the hell are we telling these people when we recruit them? Diligent notetaking recommended?

I have no idea, sir. We do know, however, that Marissa's brother, Anthony, not only had access to her planner--They apparently schedule lunches once a week when he's in town--

How sweet, he muttered, searching the document for any pertinent information.

But he also happens to have access to Raimes.

Hello, Anthony.

Not exactly.

Narrowing his eyes, Thierry stared at her. he asked dangerously.

Anthony disappeared a few months ago. Marissa hasn't seen him since July, which is about a month after Raimes fell off our radar in New York.

And where does Anthony live?

When he surfaces, New York.

Picking up the first file, Thierry glanced through the contents again, murmuring, But, which one took her?

Poppy shook her head. We don't know, sir.

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But what did I do to piss her off? Elyssa grumbled.

I don't really know, Anthony answered, shrugging as he flipped through a magazine. Why do women read these things?

I don't really know.

Anthony tossed the magazine back on the table with a mock smile.

I thought you said she had personal records. Journals.

Well, she did, but as I said, they're incomplete. You pop up sporadically. At best. As far as I can tell, and I told you, I've never read them, you don't seem to have been her main focus in life.

Digesting this, Elyssa frowned and looked away. If I was so unimportant, why did she keep killing me?

She was actually far more focused on Thierry Descouedres.

Head snapping back, Elyssa stared dumbfounded as Anthony shrugged again. He was her little obsession.

Elyssa stammered, trying to get a grip on her thoughts.

Furrowing his forehead, Anthony watched her, saying, You can't be all that shocked. No one lives for more than one millennium without accruing some sort of dramatic baggage. Your precious Thierry is no exception. Regular soap opera, that one.

She was trying to kill Thierry, too? she asked, ignoring his comments on Thierry's life.

Uh, no, not exactly. Mystified, Elyssa watched as Anthony seemed to rein in his laughter. She seems to have been in love with the bloke. Unfortunately for her, he wasn't very receptive.

Wait...does this mean that Thierry and I have been alive at the same time...before now?

Admirably calm, Anthony nodded and managed to look serious.

So, did I know him before this life? she whispered with wide eyes. Maybe that's why I'm so attached to him.

Cocking his head to one side, Anthony smiled slightly. Well, now, I don't know. Did you?

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Ash raced down a hallway, heading toward Thierry's office with a harassed-looking Quinn in tow. Everyone, it's Ash. Meet in Thierry's office.

Coming, Poppy answered.

Got it, James agreed simultaneously.

Already here, Thierry assured them all. Door's open.

Moments later, Ash and Quinn burst into the room, relieved to find everyone else already present. The pair hurried over to the group gathered around the coffee table and stood next to them, almost quivering with adrenaline.

What's up, guys? Poppy pressed eagerly.

We've managed to link Anthony to the Redferns, Ash began excitedly.

We already had that an hour ago! Poppy interrupted with a definite bite in her tone.

Glaring, Ash ground out, Would you let me finish? Right before disappearing in July, Anthony began frequenting the Black Iris in New York. Not all that unusual, given that he's a witch, but he'd never even set foot in the club before he began hanging with Raimes. Marissa even claims that he wasn't interested in using magic.

Quinn began passing around hand-held receivers. As the others sat down, he pressed a few buttons on the main component which he held and pictures appeared on each screen.

What are these? Thierry asked, flipping the screen to show Raimes and some cronies at a club.

These are pictures of Raimes at the Black Iris in New York. Moving closer, Ash turned the device back towards Thierry and tapped a corner. What we didn't notice before was Anthony in the background. He's still a witch here.

Quinn zoomed in on the face in the corner, clarifying the image to show a handsome young man, obviously enjoying himself. Marissa provided a picture for us and we ran it through our database.

Still a witch? James repeated skeptically.

He's a vampire now, Quinn informed them with his usual lack of expression.

How do you know? Thierry asked, standing.

Ash and Quinn glanced at each other and Quinn opened another folder on the computer to pull up some more photos. This is Soleil Fynn. She was Anthony's girlfriend of two years until she turned up dead.

After handing the pictures to Thierry, who passed a few of them around, Ash cleared his throat and continued. She was found on the streets of Boston in early July. The police called it an OD and left it at that, but since she was a witch, both the Night World and Circle Daybreak sent some people in to check it out.

Witches hate drugs, Poppy murmured.

Exactly. Turns out, she had two very interesting marks on her neck. Further investigation pointed towards a failed change.

Which Elder okayed changing a witch into a vampire? Thierry asked, blinking in shock.

Quinn shook his head.

Exchanging glances with Poppy, James frowned. You think Anthony was an illegal change?

Ash nodded. Considering his body didn't turn up near hers, I'd say he was a success.

But in Raimes' group? Seems a little out of character, don't you think? Poppy handed the handheld receiver back to Quinn, who stuffed it in the black bag at his feet.

Not if he was setting Anthony up, Ash argued. Three blank expressions met his statement. Okay, look. Raimes changes Anthony into a vampire, but then threatens to turn him over to the Council. It's the perfect blackmail potential. Anthony would do anything to stay alive.

Including kidnap a human, Thierry murmured, nodding.

But Raimes would be turning himself in as the illegal vampire's maker, Poppy pointed out, logically. So, he'd never do it.

Ah, but the Redferns protect their own, James said bitterly. They would never let Raimes do the time for something they ordered him to do. They needed someone to steal Elyssa, and Raimes was out, so, Anthony was their big solution.

Now we just need to find him, Thierry said slowly, beginning to pace the room.

That shouldn't be too hard, Quinn offered. He couldn't have gotten very far with her. The front gates are motion detected, so spells wouldn't have covered his tracks there. The back security, however, is just cameras and armed guards. Easy to smuggle an unconscious human passed, especially with Anthony's magical ability.

There's no way he could have covered up a helicopter racing away, though. So, unless he can shapeshift... Ash trailed off with a shrug.

He was on foot, then? Poppy offered hesitantly.

Maybe a car, but driving into the desert? At night? Unless you knew these deserts like the back of your hand, you'd be lost within an hour.

Quinn chimed in. Anthony's an East Coast rich boy. Hardly the desert survivor type.

Ash frowned.

He'd have to have somewhere near by to take her, Quinn continued, ignoring his annoyed partner.

Send out wolves and the big Thierry ordered.

The others glanced at each other. Theirry, we already tried to find a scent last night, remember? The wolves came back with nothing.

We're not looking for a scent, he answered brusquely. They're on a search party for any humans within a ten mile radius. Send up the bird shifters. I want reports of any buildings in the area.

As the others scrambled to get people moving, Thierry frowned and slowed, then stopped pacing altogether. Do we have any bat The others froze and stared at him in confusion, but he just stared back. They have good night vision.

The other four vampires blinked at him for a moment, then turned back to their tasks.
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You don't know, she repeated evenly, her face resigned.

Anthony just shrugged one shoulder carelessly. You might have met him once or twice. Or you might not. I really couldn't tell you.

You are the most annoying man I've ever met, she informed him with neither inflection nor change in expression.

A laugh that sounded sincere to Elyssa's wary ears escaped the vampire's mouth. Eyes locked on him, Elyssa frowned and wondered how he had come to be here, now, with her. What the hell, she thought humorlessly. It's not like I have anything left to lose.

she began, and he managed to tone down his laughter to intermittent chuckles as he nodded for her to continue. Why did you agree to do this?

His laughter died as suddenly as it had begun. Do what? he asked.

Blinking at his almost petulant tone, Elyssa knew that he understood exactly what she was asking. Why did you kidnap me?

I already told you--

Yes, I know, the Redferns are after me. But you aren't a Redfern, so why are you helping them?

His raised eyebrow sent shivers through her suddenly cold blood. Aren't I?

Determined not to let him intimidate her, Elyssa jerked her chin up and forced herself to meet his eyes. No, you're too nice to be a Redfern.

The bitter laughter was a poor imitation of his mirth mere moments before. What did nice' ever get anyone? His mocking eyes glazed over as if he were looking inside himself, and she wondered at the grief she saw lurking beneath the hard surface. Even you had to resort to killing to save yourself.

You were supposed to be so gentle, so peaceful. You'd spent thousands of years passively dying only to one day turn around and kill your killer. Then the mournful look on his face disappeared to be replaced once again by bitterness. But that's the way of things. Kill or be killed.

Anthony's eyes lost their faraway look and refocused on hers. If an Old Soul can't survive in peace, how will the rest of us?

But sometimes, she said slowly, there are more important things than surviving.

Anthony shook his head. Soleil thought that way, too. She was too gentle, he whispered. Too gentle to be a vampire.

Elyssa carefully kept her face neutral as she struggled to put everything he was saying together to form a coherent whole. Was Soleil another witch, like him? Did she try to become a vampire?

And I should have known, he said evenly, the bitter edge back in his voice. I shouldn't have let her try to change.

Could you have stopped her? Elyssa asked, wondering how all this had led Anthony to kidnapping her.

he hissed at her, glaring. Elyssa remained unblinking, meeting his eyes steadily, as she watched his anger waver. Finally, it seemed to collapse under her innocent gaze. No. She was only changing because I was. She tried to tell me it was a bad idea, but I wouldn't listen. Briar already had me hooked on his life, like some kind of drug.

Briar? Was Briar a vampire then? Not sure what to say, Elyssa wisely remained silent and waited for Anthony to pick up the story.

So, now, here I am. A vampire stealing the Lady right from under Circle Daybreak's nose. He snorted. My sister would be so proud.

The Lady? Elyssa asked, shaking her head, as if to shake everything into place in her mind.

Anthony eyes refocused and he blinked, coming out of his daze. He stared at her a moment, like he was wavering again between two choices, then his shoulders moved almost imperceptibly. As if he'd made his decision but was uncomfortable with it.

I think it's time you tried to get some sleep, he said wearily. Standing, he took their dishes into the kitchen.

No, wait. How do I stop him? I'd like to hear more, she urged.

Too bad, came the casual reply over the sound of the running water.

Elyssa sighed. Obviously, he was going to be useless for the rest of the night.

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Reviewers:

Soraia-Whoops. :-p Thanks for pointing that out, I totally forgot about that. Thanks for the review!

happy accident-Thanks for reviewing! Oooh, good thought on the 4th Wild Power. I never could figure out what the heck she meant by One from the Twilight to be one with the Dark. I just figured it was a witch of some kind. But that makes a whole lot of sense...Anyway, I decided when I was writing this not to include the millennium battle just because, well, I had no idea what to do with it. So, unfortunately, Anthony is not the 4th Wild Power. : ( It's such a great idea, though! I love it! Samantha is totally sneaky. (shakes fist at Samantha) I don't like her.

tanya-Elyssa will no very, very soon. I think she's already starting to figure it out, but she's in denial. Thanks reviewing!

EarthDragonette-Thanks for your review! I'm glad things are starting to make sense. It's supposed to be coming together slowly (for us and for Elyssa), so I'm hoping that's working out right. Let me know if there are any loose ends. James and Poppy are so great! I love writing them. But Samantha is so...unlikable. Weird vibes just ooze out of her. (wrinkles nose) Ew. Yeah, I think Thierry needed to have a little break from being dense. He's not stupid, just confused. :-p My updating seems to be having a few problems, though. Mostly caused by the fact that I'm rushing to get ready for school again and trying to finish the story all at the same time. I think the uber updating energy is gone.

Charlotte-Thanks for reviewing! Haha, that's true. Mary-Lynette was never very focused on appearances. Ironic that her soulmate is practically the definition of Sex Appeal. (shrugs) Poor Sabrina seems to have been wrong in her judgments of both women. Well, maybe not about the craftiness of Samantha.

Yav-Isn't Poppy fabulous? Well, now they know who she's with and why, but they still have to find her. Yeah, Thierry was too busy looking at photos. I don't think he wanted any part in questioning Samantha. If I were him, she'd make me nervous. :-p You have good instincts about people. If I were Elyssa, I would be totally pissed at everyone for making me live with love for so long. But then, Elyssa is more wise than I, so maybe not. :-p Thanks for reviewing!

laura-Haha, don't worry about the confusion. You weren't the only one. I'm glad you liked the chapter. Yeah, Anthony is really controlling the information flow here, but I think if Elyssa got all the information at once, she wouldn't be able to handle it. I hope this chapter fulfilled your desire for Thierry's feelings! Thanks for reviewing!

abbi-Hi! Thanks for your review! I'm glad you think the characters aren't acting out of character. It's hard to write other people's characters successfully. I hope you keep reading!

Terriah-Hahaha. Unfortunately, I'm saving Ash for Mary-Lynette. I just love those two soooo much!!!!

Aglaia di Willow-Hi! Thanks for reviewing! It makes me so happy that people are actually liking my story. It's so much fun to write, but the fact that other people are enjoying it definitely motivates me. I hope you liked this chapter as much as the others!

incarnated-soul-I know, Samantha is just so...grrr. I'm glad you're still liking the story! Unfortunately, I can't switch Chess to Mary-Lynette. If I did, I'd have to come up with a whole new Chess character and then I'd have to switch the descriptions of Sabrina to give her blue-eyes...(clears throat) As you can see, I've thought about this a lot. :-p Oh well. I'll try to bring Mary-Lynette in somehow. Thanks for reviewing!

lotuspath-Welcome back! Haha, her phone could totally save her! It has a GPS unit, messaging abilities, and in the future, there will be cell service EVERYWHERE! If only she had it! :-p Anthony really is sexy. More so than I had planned on making him. And no, Elyssa will not be killing Thierry to spend eternity with Anthony. :-p But not to worry! (rubs hands together) I have great plans for Anthony...

blaze-Thanks for reviewing! I hate Samantha, too. She's a flirty piece of fluff. (sniffs) Chess (Sabrina) was Hannah's best friend from Soulmate. She's been with her in every life that's mentioned in Soulmate, so I decided to keep up the tradition. Keep on reading!