Well, I'm back from Florida and all I can say is: God bless air- conditioning! Oh the humidity. Beautiful state though. Enjoyed watching it from my air-conditioned car very much. Hee hee. Thanks you all for the lovely reviews. They were nice to read while I couldn't sleep in the hotel. This chapter is more about Lily and how she gets herself rooted into the coven. Sorry, not to much Selene/Michael but you guys need to know this stuff! I promise they'll be back with full force, there just taking a momentary break. Hope you enjoy the next chapter!

Chapter Seventeen: Internal Conflicts

The vampire guard drew back, then motioned for the doors to be opened. The three rushed her, brining her painfully to her knees as they chained her hands behind her back. Lily made no attempt to stop them. She didn't even wince as they forcefully pulled her too her feet and led her inside the mansion. She followed calmly, eyes downcast, but once she stepped through the mansion doors she couldn't help raising her eyes to take a peek.

The stark contrast of red and black startled her eyes. The room was appropriately dark and ancient looking. She couldn't help but gawk at the elaborate dress of the vampires. She noticed that, while the room was rather empty, those that were in it seemed to be doing practically nothing. I thought they were at war. In the Lycan den it permeates everything they do, but here you'd never be able to tell. As she scoffed at the occupants of the main room one person caught her eye.

He wasn't incredibly tall. Perhaps an inch or two above her towering 5'7''. He stood in the corner, leaning nonchalantly against a fire place. He was clothed the same as her escorts, but the black leathers suited his thicker frame. He seemed to fill every inch of it. The dark look on his face matched his brooding blue eyes and midnight hair. Lily caught herself staring.

"Move it." The guard jerked her binds roughly.

All the commotion caught Geren's attention. He looked up from his glass and watched as Anthony and his watchmen pulled a young girl into the interragation room. What do we have here? He left his glass upon the mantel and moved to the other side of the room. He stood next to the door.

"Now, tell us what you want with Lord Markus." The blonde haired sergeant towered imposingly over her.

"Bring me to him and I'll tell you." She smirked.

"Watch yourself human." The head guard sneered.

Lily sealed her mouth and glared at him.

"Who are you?"

Lily looked at him.

"Tell us what you're doing here."

Lily continued to stare at him.

"Dammit girl, answer me!" He roared at her and reared back as if to hit her when the door opened.

"That will be all gentlemen." Geren walked calmly inside, arms crossed behind his back.

Anthony sneered. "You don't have jurisdiction here anymore Geren." The vampire's eyes flashed. "Why don't you go back to mingling with the gentiles."

Lily swore she saw his eyes flash red as he lost control, but regained it quickly and took two menacing steps forward. "As much as I love conversing with second rate Death Dealers, I don't have the time."

"This doesn't concern you." Anthony flared one more time.

Geren leaned closer to the vampires face. "Everything is my concern Anthony, everything. Now get out." He stepped back and let Anthony pass, slightly grateful that the vampire had chosen not to push the issue. Geren watched all three of them until the door shut tightly behind them, then he turned to the prisoner.

He blinked as his eyes took in the sight of her. Even in her state of upheaval she managed to look proud. He liked the slightly dirty quality her hair had as pieces of it hung about her face. When she looked up at him, his stomach made an involuntary flip. That has to be the most intoxicating color I've ever seen. He breathed deeply to catch her scent, but his nostrils picked up the hint of something else. He furrowed his brow down upon her, then noticed the pool of blood beginning below her hands. He knelt down closer to the liquid, the smell telling him what he already knew.

"Why do you have vampire's blood on your hands?"

Lily flashed him a mischievous grin. "Because I killed a vampire."

He stared at her a moment longer than he should have, then left the room returning with a towel. He unlocked her hands and dropped the towel in her lap. As she began wiping her hands he sat across from her. "Why in God's name would you come here after killing a vampire?" It shouldn't have been the first question to ask, but he couldn't help his absolute astonishment at the girl's idiocy.

She looked at him with unnerving calm. Bringing her hands up to her throat she held the pendent out to him. "The vampire I killed was wearing this."

Geren leaned forward and examined the etching on the sides. In the vampiric script the necklace identified the holder as one under the direct protection of an Elder. Reaching down into his suit he pulled the charm he held around his neck. They were exactly the same except for the color of the jewels. While his was a deep red, the black stone told him that its owner had been one of Viktor's chosen.

He looked up at her in shock. "Get up." He ordered.

Lily did as she was told. Silently she followed the man up a winding stair case and down a long dark hall. He stopped at a set of double doors and waited.

Slowly, the doors began to slide open. As metal ground into metal, Geren risked a glance at his prisoner. For some reason, a part of him wished he didn't have to bring her here.

Lily watched with vacant eyes as the doors revealed the darkened room. She saw the floor, cast in elegant tile surrounding a circle of pristine metals. She recognized the three letters that marked each sub circle. Markus, Amelia, and Viktor. She thought of the last with great distain. Selene had given her a brief background on the three Elders. Knowledge had been as much a part of her training as combat was. I wonder what Selene didn't tell me. She thought as her eyes fell upon the faint figure seated in the throne before her.

Geren stepped forward and dropped to one knee. Lily followed suit, but kept quiet.

"My lord." Geren pronounced reverently.

"Geren." An irritated voice sounded from the throne. "You come to me when I have not summoned you."

Geren bowed his head, causing his ebony bangs to fall across his face. The contrast of darkness to alabaster skin seemed to form bars along his face. Lily's mouth went dry. Returning her eyes to the downcast position she licked her lips, and tried not to think about the slight tone of guilt held in the vampire's voice.

"Forgive me my lord. I meant not to disturb you."

"Well you did!" The figure barked. "Your very presence in my coven disturbs me."

Turning her head slightly she watched as Geren's eyes closed and his head drooped lower. Enough of this. She lifted her head. "My lord, he comes before you so that I might speak with you."

"What's this?" Markus turned, reveling his features in the dull light. He took a deep sniff and exhaled in disgust. "Speak quickly human."

Lily pushed down the bubble of fear welling in her stomach. As Selene had shown her, she cleared her mind and thought only of her purpose. Christopher. Feeling the strength of anger, she rose, and kept her hands stately at her sides. "I bring news my lord, of the death of a traitor."

Markus's eyes went wide. He leaned forward in his throne, showing his obvious interest. "And how would a human know this information?"

"Because I am the one that killed her." Reaching up she ripped the necklace from her throat and dangled it in front of the Elder. Her hands were still stained red. "Does this look familiar my lord?"

Markus reached out with a smooth hand and took the trinket. He examined it closely. "Selene." The name fell from his mouth and he looked at the girl in surprise. "You expect me to believe a mere mortal killed one of the most skill death dealers in the coven?"

"No my lord. That's why I brought you this." She removed the vile from her jacket and handed it to him. "Taste it if you do not believe me."

Markus looked wearily at her, he was sure that this was the girl he'd seen with Selene that night. She would have had the opportunity. He thought to himself. Setting the vile down, he stared menacingly at her. "Tell me. How?"

A wicked grin crossed her face. "It was easy my lord. She trusted me." Lily shrugged. "I guess she shouldn't have."

Markus couldn't stop the corners of his mouth from curving. There was hatred in this girl. He liked that. "Why? If you are nothing but a vampire hunter why would you return here?"

"I'm not a hunter my lord."

"Then why did you kill her?" His voice echoed about the room.

Lily licked her lips and paused. She knew what she was supposed to say, had rehearsed it so many times she could say it backwards. But she had not come to merely spout her all ready written lines. The motive had changed for her. Her fists clenched at her sides as she thought of why she was really here. "Because she killed my brother." She said, a dangerous pain in her voice.

Geren looked at her quickly, shock on his face.

Markus's lips curled back, exposing his fangs in a demented smile. He leaned back in his throne and laughed. "Very good my dear. You avenged your family and in the mean time rendered me a great service, but that still doesn't explain why you are here."

"I had more reasons to side by Selene than just revenge my lord. I always intended to kill her, but I wanted something from her first."

"And that was?"

"Immortality. She promised to make me a vampire in return for helping them. It soon became apparent that she had lied." Her eyes narrowed aggressively. "I don't like being lied to."

Markus caught her eyes and stared back at them. "Neither do I."

There was silence as the two inspected each other. Finally Lily spoke. "I have a proposition for you my Lord."

Markus raised his eyes.

"Because of my relationship with Selene I was brought into the lycan den." She kept her eyes upon the elder, making him hang on every word. "I can take you to them for one small price."

"You wish to be turned." He remarked.

Lily nodded.

Markus remained quiet as he thought about the opportunity before him. The girl was willing to lead him straight to his foe, and all he had to do was bite her. Of course if I bite her the hybrid virus will kill her. A small smile crept upon his face.

"Very well then. When the full moon rises in three days you will lead my death dealers to the lycanthropes. Upon your return, I will personally see to your turning."

Lily's eyes flashed. "The last of the elder's will sire me?"

Markus gave her a humble look. "It is a small price for the extermination of immortal pests. Are we agreed?"

Lily bowed to one knee. "Yes my lord. It would be my greatest pleasure."

Markus grinned and turned to Geren. "Now for you."

Lily saw Geren's Adam's apple jump as his leader addressed him.

"I'm putting you in charge of..." He paused and looked at the girl.

"Lily, my lord." She supplied for him

"Lily." He tipped his head to her, then returned his scornful look at the death dealer. "Let's see if you are any better at guarding humans then you are at protecting elders."

Once again Geren lowered his eyes. "Yes my lord."

Lily could feel the shame radiating from him. She felt the small trickle of pity in her chest, yet she had no idea what he had done.

He rose and began escorting her out of the throne room.

"Geren." Markus called behind them. "Show our guest to the death dealers' quarters. Use the room next to yours."

Geren glanced at the girl, then at Markus. "But my lord that's..."

"I'm sure she'll feel right at home."

Geren sighed. "As you wish my lord."

A sadistic grin came to his face as he watched them leave. With animalistic pleasure he opened the vile and downed its contents. When he smiled, his teeth were stained red.

With a smile she just couldn't seem to get rid of, Selene made her way quickly down the halls. She tried not to grip the papers she held in her hand so tightly. She almost felt uncomfortable with being happy. We're in the middle of war, and preparing to commit suicide. Every coven from here to England is hunting us; I'm the only vampire amidst a very bitter clan of my sworn enemies... Her thoughts came to a halt and that incorrigible smile gleaned her face once more. And I'm shagging their boss. She shook her head. What could I possibly have to be happy about? She thought, still smiling.

Unconsciously licking her lips Selene opened the door of the tactics room. Thayer was seated at his desk, surrounded by papers. They covered the floor, the walls, and every inch of the desk. There was even a large piece resting on the lamp shade. Thayer had his eyes closed, but his posture was erect and alert. Selene smiled inwardly as she watched him.

"A little involved in your work?" She added lightly while taking a step toward him.

Thayer jumped, eyes shot open. He looked directly at Selene, but just as he did he pulled them to the floor. "Hello Selene. You startled me."

Selene looked curiously at him. "Why is that?"

Just then, the pile of papers in the far corner of the room began to move. A small voice paraded across the room as a familiar figure exploded from the whiteness. "GRRRRR!!!!!!" Tyler roared as he held his hands in claw like positions and slashed at the air.

Selene was unable to contain her laughter. The youngster had paper falling out of his hair and ears. The scene was priceless.

Thayer allowed himself a glance at the vampiress while her gaze was distracted. His breath caught as her lips curved into a lovely smile and the sound of her infectious laughter filled his ears. Warning himself, he once again diverted his gaze. "Come here runt." He motioned for his younger brother to sit on his lap.

Tyler smiled with wide eyes and nearly bowled over his brother while trying to climb up. He wrapped his arms around Thayer and grinned. "Thanks for letting me play in here. It was so boring out there!"

Thayer chuckled. "You're always bored, no matter what you do."

"Hum...That's true." His small voice squeaked.

Thayer laughed again and rubbed his nose to his younger brothers. "You should go play somewhere else now. I have a feeling Selene didn't come here just to be scared by you."

Tyler looked to the vampire. "Were you scared? Did I scare you?" He gave her a hopeful grin.

Selene shook her head causing her bangs to sweep softly across her face. "Oh I was terrified! I don't think any lycan has ever frightened me so much."

Tyler beamed with pride. He jumped from his brother's lap. "I scared a vampire! I scared the great Selene." He ran around her before enveloping her legs in his embrace.

She bent down and placed her hands upon his back in a loose hug. "You most certainly did young master, but I suggest you do as your brother says. Even the most intimidating lycans such as yourself must remember their place."

He nodded at her. "Ok. Will you be around later?"

"Oh, I'll be around."

He grinned at her, showing all his teeth, including those that were absent from their spots. "Then I'll see you later. Don't hurt Thayer to bad okay?"

She glanced up at the older lycan. "Not to bad, I promise."

Satisfied, Tyler gave her legs a last squeeze, then ran to his brother and threw his arms around his neck. "Love you Thay. See you at dinner." Then he ran from the room like the devils ghost was nipping at his heels.

Thayer gave a throaty chuckle as the pup scampered out the door. "He's a good kid." He commented lovingly.

Selene nodded. "He certainly is." Then she looked at her older companion. "But I'm sure you were the same way."

Thayer laughed. "Not quite as imaginative as he is."

"Uh huh." Selene teased him. "I bet you drove your mother crazy, running about and devising plans. Your mind never stops working Thayer. I'm sure it hasn't stopped since the day you were born."

"You're probably right." He said softly, keeping his eyes directed at the ground or papers upon his desk.

Noticing his reserve, Selene covered the distance and stood next to him. She dropped some papers before his eyes. "Here are some more drawings I cooked up. Thought they might help."

Thayer looked at them quickly. "These should do nicely. Thank you. The manor is quite complicated, if you weren't here to tells us every detail I'm not sure what we would have done."

"You wouldn't be trying to infiltrate it in the first place." She sighed heavily.

Fighting the urge to look at her, he tried to convey his feelings with his tone. "You still don't think it's a good idea do you?"

Selene shook her head, hesitating. "It's not that..." She sighed. "I'm just tired of this." A solemn laugh escaped her as she placed her hand to her forehead. "To think a few months ago I couldn't get enough."

Thayer couldn't take his eyes off her as he watched her cope with her emotions. "It's just change Selene." He murmured softly. "That's what keeps us all here; the hope for change. Michael's very existence is proof that it's possible. The fact that you're even..." He stopped and once again lowered his eyes to the ground.

"That I'm even what Thayer?" She couldn't help the tone in her voice, annoyed that he kept looking away from her.

Keeping his eyes downcast he barely spoke, "That you're standing here right now. You're the first vampire I've ever met." In a last indulgence he took a moment to fully look in the eye. Beautiful. Was all that went through his mind. With a lingering look he pulled away, removing himself from her.

"Thayer why do you keep doing that?"

"Doing what." He asked quietly.

"You never look at me when I talk to you anymore. Your father does it too, I don't understand."

Thayer shook his head. "You're Michael's Selene." He swallowed hard. "You've been marked as his chosen mate. It is no longer proper to keep eye contact with you." She could hear the slight hitch in his voice.

"I see." She muttered softly. There was a moment's uncomfortable silence then, "I'm sorry Thayer."

The young lycan shook his head. "No." He took a deep breath and looked her fully in the face once more. "I don't want you to be." He almost smiled "Some things truly do happen for a reason."

"I have a hard time believing in Destiny Thayer."

He laughed. "It doesn't matter Selene. I do. I can't help looking at you and Michael and not see it."

Selene recoiled. "Michael and I..."

"It doesn't matter Selene. That's my point." He inhaled deeply, shaken by his courage. Feeling like he had already damned himself he stared directly into her endless brown eyes. "You are by far the most magnificent creature I have ever seen. Everything that you are amazes me." He swallowed hard and checked himself. His back straightened as he said, "But if I had to lose to anyone, let it have been Michael." Every word dripped with pride and loyalty for his alpha. With his last declaration he lowered his eyes to the floor.

Selene choked as she watched his striking blue eyes disappear. She knew that she would not be seeing them again. "You are my hope Thayer."

His head shifted, but his eyes remained lowered. "Hope for what?"

"That this war actually can end." With a shaky breath she bent down and kissed the top of his head, then turned and left the room.

With grey cement clouding his vision, the lycanthrope grinned.

Geren silently led Lily down what she recognized as the second story hallway from Selene's sketches. As casually as she could her eyes swept each room and hall. She tried not to linger on the window she was supposed to signal out of. In spite of her surveillance she couldn't help notice Geren's watchful gaze as he continuously looked back at her.

"Would you stop that?" She finally said, generally annoyed with him.

"No." He replied stiffly.

Lily sighed. "Fine. Then I'll walk next to you so you can see me at all times." She quickened her pace until she matched his. "Better?"

His unusually soft face curved into a harsh frown. "I would watch your tone girl. Are you sure you know where you are?"

A solemn look crossed her face. "I know exactly where I am." Giving into an incredible urge to lash at someone she turned on him. "The question is, do you? Sounds like you don't always follow the rules either."

"I have broken no rules of the covenant."

"Really?" Lily glared. "Then how'd you get stuck with the lowly job of guarding me?"

Geren couldn't stop the pang of hurt that crossed his face.

Lily felt the stab of guilt as she realized she'd gone too far. "I'm sorry. That was uncalled for."

Geren merely looked at her as he finally stopped and opened the door to his left. He held his hand out to motion her in. She cast him a sideways glance as she crossed the threshold and gawked at what was to be her room.

It was perhaps the largest room she'd ever seen. The whole thing was done in green hues and tints. In the far corner sat a desk with a rather expensive looking lap top. Beside that was a makeshift sitting room, complete with couch and sitting chairs. The other side of the room was obviously the sleeping area, for it was consumed by a ridiculously large bed with light and dark green covers. She noticed the small door to the right.

"Bathroom?" She asked Geren as he entered behind her.

He nodded, arms kept behind his back. Lily took a few more steps inside, fully amercing herself inside the quarters. She closed her eyes and for a moment thought she felt something, but then it was gone. "Did anyone actually live here?" She asked calmly.

Geren's pale blue eyes caught hers. "Not anymore." He replied almost sadly. He looked like he wanted to tell her something, but shook the idea from his head. "My room is just across the hall. I have to go speak with someone, but I'll be right back." He turned to leave. "Don't go anywhere." He said firmly, hand upon the door knob.

"Would I do something like that?" She asked innocently.

His eyes narrowed. "I wouldn't know."

"Then you'll just have to find out." She fired right back.

She could have sworn she saw the corners of his lips curve into a smile, but he had turned and left before she was sure.

"Damn." She muttered to herself, gazing around the room once again. "Come to vampire mansion, get the deluxe suite." She commented dryly to herself, using the sound of her own voice to calm her. She'd actually done it. She'd infiltrated the vampire manor and still had breath to tell about it. Lily moved to the window to gaze outside. She could see the front gate, and the three guards that patrolled with their hounds. She shivered slightly and suddenly remembered her blood stained hands. Rushing to the bathroom she scrubbed them raw, but still couldn't seem to remove the pink tarnish. Doing her best to ignore it she moved to the work area of her quarters.

The desk appeared to be made of the finest cherry wood. She ran her fingers along its edge, eyed the lap top and pieces of paper that were chaotically spread about. Whoever stayed here before must have left in a hurry. Although she could see no personal belongings, the entire room held a stale quality about it. Like it was holding its breath, waiting. For what? She wondered. Then a small silver frame caught her eye. She picked it up and examined it. A rather handsome looking older man proudly stood behind what had to be his family. Despite being in black and white Lily could tell that his wife had been beautiful, and his two children, both girls beamed out with bright teeth and smiles that lit their faces. Lily thought she recognized the smallest girl, standing just to the left of her father's hand. She brought the picture closer to her. "It's Selene."

"Where is Kahn?" Geren angrily asked the sergeant standing beside the weapons cabinets. The man silently pointed across the room where the weapons master sat silently cleaning his guns in solitude. Geren left his manners and marched straight over to him. "We should talk." He addressed his superior with urgency.

Kahn took a moment to pop the magazine back in place, then looked up at the young vampire. "What's got you spooked this time Geren?"

Slightly resentful of his remark, Geren straightened. "Nothing, but I thought you should know." He swallowed. "Selene's dead."

Kahn's body froze. "Excuse me?"

"There's a girl here..."

"What girl?" Kahn rose so quickly from his seat he knocked the chair over. "Take me to her."

"Kahn, I'm supposed to be guarding her, I just thought..."

The weapons master reached out and took his pupil by the collar. "Where is she Geren?" He hissed dangerously.

The dark haired vampire gulped. "Selene's quarters."

Kahn let him go and took a step back. "Markus put the girl right in the midst of the Death Dealers?"

"Kahn I don't think you understand. The girl is claiming to have been the one to kill her."

"What? A human?"

As he had hoped, Geren could see the wheels turning in the weapon master's mind. I knew he would think it suspicious.

"I'm going to go speak to her." Kahn said firmly.

"I'll come with you, but Kahn I'm warning you. You will not lay a finger on her, all right?"

Kahn paused. "You are warning me? Geren, you may have been the big shot in your coven, but here I make the rules, which means I deal out the threats. Is that understood?"

Geren stood tall. "I understand sir, but I will not see her harmed by you or anyone else."

Kahn stared at him, "As is your duty handed down by Markus, correct?"

There was a small prick in the back of his mind as Geren realized that his duty had had nothing to do with it. The desire to protect the girl had been welling within him since he encountered her in the interrogation room, but that was a detail Kahn did not need to know. "Yes sir." He responded formally. "That is correct."

"Very well then. Not one finger." He replied.

Geren tilted his head. "Thank you sir."

Kahn scoffed. "All right Geren, that's enough. I'm done reprimanding you."

"Yes Kahn." The corner of is lip curved, grateful that he had one person to trust. While the rest of the coven shunned him, Kahn had somehow forgiven his mistake. He didn't yet understand why, but the weapons master was different. Kahn had his own mind, and he used it. Geren rather admired that.

"Are you coming?" Kahn called from over his shoulder as Geren had been lost in thought. He quickly moved to catch up, and the two made their way to Lily and hopefully some answers to their many questions.

Lily gazed at the photograph in horror. She was in Selene's room. What kind of sick bastard puts a woman's killer in her old room? She shook her head and sighed. "I should have known." She muttered aloud. The room reeked of the vampiress. "Absolutly no feeling. She didn't live here, she slept here."

"What was that?" A distinctly British accent sounded across the room.

Startled, Lily dropped the frame. She watched as a dark skin man approached her, followed closely by Geren.

"What's this?" She asked her dark haired guard nervously.

"This is Kahn." Geren said mildly. "He's the weapons master of Ordoghaz, and was a friend of Selene's."

Shit! Lily's mind screamed and she took a few steps backward.

"It's all right. I harbor no regret over the loss of a traitor." Kahn spoke softly.

She glared cautiously at the vampire.

"What's your name?" Kahn asked while approaching her slowly.

"Lily." She replied warily.

Kahn nodded and motioned for her to take a seat. She shook her head and remained standing.

"Very well." Kahn muttered. "An interrogation does not require you to be seated."

"Interrogation?" Lily looked quickly to Geren who was standing by the door, as if to block her only exit.

"It's all right. We just want to know a few things." He smiled sweetly at her, hoping that she understood that he truly meant her no harm.

The questioning look on her face told him she didn't. He opened his mouth to explain, but Kahn held up his hand.

"How did you do it?"

"What?" Lily now faced the African Death Dealer.

"Look," Kahn said angrily. "I knew Selene, and she was no push over. I have a hard time believing that she met her death at the hand of a human."

Unconsciously, Lily took Selene's standard defensive pose. Swallowing the rising fear, she crossed her arms. "Believe what you want. You are not the one I have to answer too."

Kahn licked his lips dangerously. "Child, I do not have time for your games. All I want to know is how."

She remained silent.

Slamming his fists down upon the desk he advanced on her threateningly.

"Kahn!" Geren yelled his warning from the back of the room and began to step forward, but to his surprise Lily held her ground, and Kahn made no move to hit her.

The corner of the girl's mouth curled into a snarl. "You want to know how I did it?" She reached down and removed the vampire's gun from his holster, then pointed it directly at his head. "Ultra Violet bullet, directly to the head. Bam!" She moved the gun upward as if she'd fired it, then turned it around and handed the hilt back to Kahn. "She never woke up."

Kahn's eyes had widened at her explanation. He took the gun from her and placed it back into its holster. "You shot her while she slept? Have you no honor?"

Lily smirked. "You said it your self. I'm human."

Kahn stared at her for a long moment, and then his eyes fell upon the black pendent at her throat. He knew it, had seen it a hundred times, always around the neck of Selene. His chest grew tight and he chewed the bottom part of his lip. Something's not right. He could feel it in his bones.

"You traveled with her, did you not?" He asked, suppressing his desire to grab the girl and choke the answers out of her. He had a hunch that this was the girl Selene had been leaving that night she shot him.

"I helped her, then she betrayed me." I wish that were a lie. She thought to herself. While the killing of Selene was fabricated, the duplicity she felt towards the vampiress was not. I know the truth, and I cannot turn my back on it. The thought alone made her stand strong.

Kahn thought for a moment. He wasn't sure what was happening. "Tell me, did Selene teach you to fire a weapon?"

Again Lily looked suspiciously at him. "A little, yes."

"Fine." Kahn said sternly. "You will meet me in the weapons room tomorrow afternoon. Geren will escort you." That said he turned to leave.

Too shocked to respond she watched the two vampires exit her room.

"What the hell was that all about Kahn?" Geren asked the moment the door shut behind them. He was annoyed at the Death Dealers behavior.

"Did you see the way she held my gun? Selene would never have taught her that. It was sloppy at best, no grip on the handle, fingers to lose on the trigger. If I had to guess that girl has never held a gun in her life."

"Where are you going with this Kahn?"

Kahn shook his head, remembering. "I wish it were nowhere, but I've been heading there for to long. It's time for some answers, real ones. Watch her closely Geren, and bring her to me tomorrow." He began to limp down the hallway.

Geren's mouth had suddenly gone very dry. "Kahn, I'm not sure I can be a part of this."

Kahn turned around. "Tell me Geren, you above all people know the hypocrisy of this coven. The rules are twisted, bent to keep the Elders in good light. Do you ever wonder who really started this war?"

His training had been so ingrained that his first reaction was no, but the recent events in his life had led him to a new place. He had seen and heard things that were just too unusual to ignore. "I suppose I do." He said quietly.

Kahn came close to him. "Then I'm going to ask for your help. I need answers Geren, and I'm going to find them, weather it kills me or not. I need to know right now, are you with me or them. Either way, I will respect your decision."

The young vampire took a heavy breath. He closed his eyes and silently asked his guardian what to do. More than anything he wished she was still alive, still able to speak to him, but he knew better. He knew that the coven held no place for him, and as soon as things settled down he would be tried and exiled. And then there is Lily. He thought, feeling strange that she should be a factor in his decision, but he felt sure that her presence in the house was more than accident. He had never believed in fate, but perhaps circumstance had brought her to him for a reason. Opening his eyes he looked at the only person he could call friend. "I'm with you Kahn. Anything you ask, I'll do my best."

A small smile came to his lips and he placed a supportive hand on Geren's shoulder. "Thank you." Kahn admitted, relieved. "I'll explain more tomorrow, for now just keep an eye on that girl."

"Of course. See you in a few hours."

Kahn nodded and left.

Lily lay in the center of the bed. She felt enormously uncomfortable knowing the room had once been Selene's. Sleep was out of the question. The words she had spoken to Geren & Kahn kept reverberating in her mind. They were true. Unable to take it anymore she flung the covers off her and stormed to the bathroom. She angrily began to run the hot water, intent of taking a shower. She removed her clothes and was about to step in when the silver cord of the necklace caught her eye. She turned slowly to face herself in the mirror.

Staring directly into her own eyes she ran her fingers over the cord and down to the jewel. She ran the pads of her fingers over the black diamond one last time. This was Selene's necklace. She sighed heavily and with tears in her eyes reached up and unclasped the chain. "But she killed Christopher." The words fell from her lips as she placed the token on the sink. Tears fully streaming now she took one last look in the mirror. She ran her fingers along the emptiness of her skin, closed her eyes painfully, and stepped into the shower.
Well there we have it. Another long, mind bending chapter. Nah, just kidding. So what do you guys think? Looks to me like Lily's defecting. Will she do what she was supposed to, or have her motives changed? The truth can be a hard thing to grapple with. Sometimes we don't always make the right decisions. Hopefully, she'll figure it out. Anyways, thanks again for all the support. Chapter 18 is nearly finished, so you can expect that relatively soon. Definitely before I take off to go camping with me Dad. It's our annual thing. Thanks guys. Let me know what you think!

VampyricAngel: Thank you my dear for continuing to review. I cannot thank you enough for the support.

Rayefire: Pockliment? LOL! You know I think I like that? That is what he's kind of turning out to be, but with good reason. Kendra's a bit insecure and princess like. She'd need to be complimented all the time. Glad he's still likable. And if Lily was killed on the spot, I wouldn't have much of a story now would I? Talk about your plot turners though. Hee hee. And no, it was complete accident that I named Lily after Kate's daughter. I wasn't actually much of a Kate fan till I saw this film, and I didn't know anything about her. Course, once I got into the story I learned about her daughter. Kind of creepy, but total coincidence. My question for you is, took you this long to notice? You must be losing your touch. wink Just kidding. Thanks for the review as always. Glad still enjoying. And if you're going to drink, you should share! :P

00 : LOL! Gotta love that log in name there. Thanks for reviewing. (Grabs fishing pole and reels in) Now that I have you hooked... Nah, just teasing. Glad you like though. ;)

Adalon Ithilriel: Far from Over is...over. (cries) But today I read the sequel, which makes it better. :D Adalon, you get bonus huggies cause you have been such a faithful reviewer. I know if no one else posts something, at least you will. Cannot thank you enough dear. In info Flar got from Kraven was just stuff about what Selene and Michael were planning to do, and the dirty work Kraven is letting them do is taking over Ordoghaz and getting rid of Marcus for him. He's a sleeze. He'd never do it on his own if he didn't have to. ;)

Redd : (smiles) Oh I'm glad you enjoyed the bath thing. Kids are fun to write. Tyler is based off my little brother, and we had that same debate the night I wrote it. Ha ha. What is it with kids and baths? Gotta love em. I went to Florida to visit my favorite Aunt who just moved up there last year. She lived in Miami or Coconut Grove. Not a bad place, but OMG the heat. Damn. I'm to much of a Cali girl, but we did have fun. And yeah, you thought you'd get away without updating, but I'm watching! I love the story, you can't let it die. Lucas is far too cute. :) I loved watching him interact with Kahn. So you must go on!

AsianScaper: Thank you so much for your glowing review. That made me feel pretty damn good. ;) I'm glad you appreciate the OC's I've got. I'm torn between fics that have many OC's and fics that stick to the original characters. Both are admirable styles and both have difficulties with them. Thanks for acknowledging that. I would love an intensive review if you have the time. I enjoy hearing the lows and highs of a fic. Anything to help the writing improve. Thanks again for reviewing and hope the rest of the story works out. ;)

Jewel : Hello and thank you so much for that review. I was worried that I had waited to long to pair Selene and Michael, but every time I tried it did feel rushed. Selene had a lot of realizations she had to come to before she could let Michael in. I think he would have known that. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Keep reading, and hopefully you'll be surprised. Thanks again.

AngryTolkienPurist: Hurray! No more school for you! God, do I understand what a great feeling that is. Congratulations! So Lily a vampire to make it more real? That's what I was thinking, but then my beta suggested another option so...We'll just have to see huh? Thanks for the review and support. Hope you enjoy the rest.

vampirehuntr00: Well hello Moose! You get huggies too because since you started reviewing you haven't stopped and I can count on yours just as much as Adalon's. Thank you so much! It's hard to find reviewers like that. I appreciate it. Yeah, sunburn is doing better, and Jacen will be back soon. ;) And yeah, I know it's spelled Marcus. I caught that mistake a few chapters into it and then just decided that since I'd started it that way I would just continue on with it for the sake of consistency. Hey, I march to a different drum sometimes. Hee hee.