Ok guys. I promised you Chapter 18 before I left so here it is. Only three chapters left. EEK! Things will start happening pretty fast, so I'll have a post when I get back. Have to give a big shout out to VampyricAngel. She was kind enough to donate the name of Tiernan to me, because I was having a hell of a time thinking of anything! Give her a thanks guys, cause that chapter would have taken me that much longer if I had to think of a name.

Thanks again for the all the reviews and support you all have given me. I didn't even dream it would ever go this far, so thank you. Enjoy!

Chapter Eighteen: Betrayal

Flar approached the mansion slowly. The early morning sun caught his eyes and blinded him momentarily. Raising his hand to shield himself his eyes caught the enormity of the building. He gulped, having second thoughts. Perhaps this isn't a good idea. He turned around but a loud voice shattered the silence.

"Stop right there."

Flar froze. Well, I'm committed now. Taking a breath he turned around to face the human guard. He held up his hands submissively. "I bring information about the girl that came to this house last night." Then slightly raising his chest he said. "But I warn you now. I am a lycanthrope."

Geren rubbed his eyes and sat down at his desk. He turned on his laptop and stretched into his chair. He hadn't been able to sleep. Too much was running through his mind, but he found that the more he sifted through it the more he realized the girl was at the heart of it. He justified himself by saying it was in the best interest of the coven, but he couldn't deny the knot that drove him. He had to know more about her.

Bringing his eyes to the screen he began. He had till this afternoon when he had to bring her to Kahn.

Flar was brought in shackles before a very heavily guarded Elder. He was bound to the floor, forced to bow on his knees. His pride could not have been lower, and his anger could not have been higher. He snarled and drooled menacingly; fighting the desire of change with everything he had in him. He had to focus on his purpose, what he knew to be right. Gritting his teeth he physically forced his change down. He kept his eyes closed as he gathered himself, and when they came to rest upon the vampire elder, they were glowing yellow.

"Amazing." Markus said amused. "An animal with some restraint."

"They you understand. I would not be here if it wasn't of absolute necessity." Flar snarled through clenched teeth.

"Then what necessity brings you to the home of your enemies?" Markus leaned his large frame forward, imposing himself over the creature he believed should be his slave.

Flar's nose twitched as it picked up the unusual scent of the elder. What's this?

"Speak beast, or I kill you now." Markus roared.

The lycan shook his head. "There is a traitor in your midst. The girl brought here not 24 hours ago was sent by Selene and her abomination."

Flar watched as the vampire's right eye began to twitch. His mouth curled in anger. "Hybrid, dammit! "Hybrid, hybrid, hybrid. I'm sick of hearing the term abomination." He settled from his tizzy to see his guards looking strangely at him. He cleared his throat. "I mean, the word is quite out dated."

Flar once again inhaled the strange scent. His yellow eyes widened as his mind began to stir.

Markus redirected his attention to the lycan. "Well, my mangy animal. I appreciate your information and will handle it accordingly, but since you yourself have been proven a traitor for coming here, I see no reason to trust you." He turned to the guards holding Flar's chains. "Kill him."

Flar roared and pulled against his chains. His fangs grew and his mouth began to extend. He snapped in warning at the vampires coming towards him, and when they ignored him he tore the hand from the one closest. That gave them pause. He turned towards Markus, crimson spilling from his jaws. "Tell me blood. Why is it that I smell more than one lycan in this room?"

Markus halted. His face froze and in that moment, Flar knew his suspicions were correct. He smiled greedily as he waited for the elder.

The vampires looked unsure at their leader. Markus continued to stare at the lycanthrope. "Leave us." He commanded, still watching the lycan as his underlings scattered off. "Now." He said firmly. "You have my attention."

With a beastly smile, Flar's mouth eased back into its human shape. He brought his head down to wipe the blood from his face. "Unchain me." He was in command now.

Markus flicked a switch resting on the underside of his throne. The cuffs opened and were sucked back into the floor. The vampire nodded, as if to say 'what next?'

The lycan rose from the floor, rubbing his wrists. He took a step towards his ageless enemy and grinned. No lycan had ever stood before an elder and lived. Except for Lucien. Flar corrected with hate. But Lucien held the wrong dream. He cared for nothing but Sonja, selfishly blinding himself to the consequences of such a union. His chest rose as he prepared to deal with the enemy. I hold no such illusions.

"There is only one thing I want." Flar said firmly. "I want the hybrid and his traitorous mate dead."

"Then we share a common goal."

"Not quite." Flar held up his hand. "When it's done I want you and your filthy coven to leave. I don't care where you go, or what you do, but hunting lycan's will not be a part of it. You stay away from us, and we won't rip your throats out. Agreed?"

Markus reared back. "You have quite the nerve dog. The vampires have been here for centuries longer than you mangy animals."

Flar crossed his arms. "Tell me. How does it feel to have lycan coursing through your veins?"

Markus hissed. "I will kill you for this."

Flar grinned maliciously. "Not today...brother." He turned and headed for the door. "I want them dead Markus. When you invade, make sure you find them." Then he walked out the door.

Markus stood seething. His chest heaved up and down and every muscle in his body tightened. They began to expand. His bones crunched loudly as they rearranged themselves to take on his new form. Within moments the full hybrid ripped the top half of his throne and threw it at the security camera in the corner.

Kahn ran into the security room just in time to see the screens go black, but he could hear a vicious growl coming through the speakers. "Jesus, is the lycan still in there?" He turned to call for backup and saw the screens that viewed the front gate. He watched as the lycanthrope strolled outside and into the forest. Then his ears jumped as he heard the breaking of glass and a loud roar. Then all was still. "What the hell is going on?"

Lily sat and watched as the vampire that had escorted her to the training room fired his weapon, then turned around and flexed his muscles as if she cared. She rolled her eyes, and found herself wondering for perhaps the hundredth time where Geren was. He wouldn't let her out of his sight until dawn, when he finally went to sleep. Then every time she so much as coughed he would appear at her door. Despite the incredible invasion of privacy, she found herself almost waiting for him to come. Each time he'd stay a little longer and they'd talk for a moment as if they were normal people getting to know each other. But he always caught himself and turned guard again. He'd leave acting like he was annoyed, but somehow Lily didn't think so. So where is he? She looked around again. Come to think of it, Kahn isn't here either. She began to get worried.

Just as she was about to start biting her fingernails she caught the dark haired figure out of the corner of her eye. She snapped her head quickly and was met with stormy blue orbs. Uh oh. She bit her lip. She could already see it in his eyes. Something's happened.

Geren marched quickly up to the guard he had sent to pick her up. "That will be all Jacob."

The lesser death dealer holstered his gun and made a jittery escape. "Yes sir."

Lily gulped and gathered her courage. "Good morning Geren."

He kept silent for a moment, then asked her one simple question. "Who's Jacen?"

Lily's mind reeled. "What?" How the hell? "I don't know who you're talking about." She said firmly.

"I find that hard to believe considering you listed his address as your own." He scowled at her.

"I'm not in the phonebook genius." In perfect mimic of Selene she crossed her arms and glared.

"It was on your job application."

Lily was furious. He ran a check on me! With sapphire eyes blazing she turned on him. "I don't know how it works for you, but in the human world you can't get a job listing an abandoned building as your place of residence."

Geren bit his lip.

"It doesn't matter. I guarantee he has absolutely nothing to do with the coven. He doesn't even know where I am."

"Why? What is he? Friend, relative, boyfriend?" He couldn't help the accusing tone as he spoke the last word.

"Boyfriend?" She crossed her arms, riling herself up again. "Why in the hell would that be important?"

Without a thought Geren leaned in and kissed her. He held his lips softly over hers, and to his amazement he felt her pushing back. He gently ran his lips over hers then pulled back. She held her eyes closed and the softest smile played about her face.

Geren felt his chest tighten as she opened her eyes to look at him. "That's why." He said shyly.

She gazed at him for a moment, completely unsure of what had just happened. She opened her mouth to speak but,

"Hey Ger. Here to shoot some statues or what?" A rather deep voice came from behind the death dealer.

Geren held Lily's gaze. Don't go away. He hoped if he pretended the voice wasn't there, it'd disappear.

"Hey Geren."

Lily looked over Geren's shoulder to see a tall, rail thin man with, clothed in the usual black leathers. His stature was startling, increased more so by his shaved head and almost reddish skin. Her eyes widened.

Geren saw her reaction to his comrade and knew he had lost her. With an exasperated sigh he turned around, and didn't even have to look to know she had left.

"What is it Tommy?" He said defeated.

"Um, did I come at a bad time?"

"No." Geren shook his head. "What's up?"

Tommy grinned. "Oh, well I was heading down here for some practice when Kahn came running at me like a bat out of hell. He starts asking me if I knew where you were. I told him I didn't have a clue, and then he sent me looking for you. Um, he said to meet him tomorrow night for the hunt. Are you two going hunting with out me?" He scrunched and almost seemed hurt.

Geren took a deep breath. "Of course not Tommy. Kahn and I have a bet going on that's all. I'm gonna take the old sucker for all he's worth." He smiled convincingly.

Tommy nodded excitedly. "Well let me know who wins will you? Now," He smiled with a toothy grin. "First one to shatter 50 lycan's wins?" He angled his head at the ceramic statues.

Geren couldn't resist glancing behind him and down the hall Lily had went through. He gathered she wouldn't want to see him now anyways. He turned back to his friend. "Make it 75." .

Lily slammed the bedroom door behind her and stormed over to the desk. She began rummaging through the drawers, angrily slamming them open and shut. Not finding what she was looking for she threw up her hands. "Damn him." She kneed the bottom drawer shut. "The last thing I need right now is a fucking distraction."

She glanced down on the top of the desk. Sitting neatly piled right before her eyes was a small stack of paper. "See!" She roared. She sat down and picked up a pen from the middle drawer. She took a few deep breaths and concentrated on what she wanted to do. She began to write her message. It's not the lycan's I'm after. She reminded herself. They still deserve to be warned. I'll deal with Selene separately.

She finished scribbling, then reached down her leg and removed the dagger she kept there. She used the tip to prick her finger, waited for a small pool to form, and pressed it to the paper. She pulled her hand away to revel a bright red mark. Satisfied, she crumpled it up to make it look like trash, and stuffed it in her pocket to later be thrown in the main compactor.

But first she had a window to visit. She glanced at the watch Tyran had given her. It was late afternoon. More people would be stirring than she would have liked, but she didn't have much of a choice. She leaned against the door and listened to the activity in the hallway. There appeared to be none, so quietly she opened the door. She checked down both directions of the hall way and neither saw, nor heard anyone coming.

Calmly, as if she had no where to be, she strolled to the window. She turned and seemed to ponder it, then flicked a button to the left that opened the single shade. Bright rays of sunlight cast through the window. She could see the particles of dust floating, illuminated by a light that had not shown in the house for centuries. She faced the window completely and let the sun play on her face.

"Saying goodbye?"

Lily jumped and turned around quickly. The medium height figured stared at her with piercing eyes. He regally kept his arms crossed behind his back, and wore a centuries old robe of silk. "Forgive me sire I did not see you."

Markus nodded slowly. "Do you think you'll miss it?"

Lily looked confused. "Miss it, my lord?"

Markus tilted his head in the direction of the window. "The sun my dear."

Lily turned around and remembered the window was still open, ultra violet rays littered the floor. She glanced down at them in horror, and saw that Markus's sandaled foot was standing openly in one of the beams. She brought her eyes back to his face and realized he was staring directly into the sun and not even flinching. She remembered Selene not even being able to look at the UV ammunition for very long.

"No my lord." She looked him directly in the eyes, and made no attempt to close the shade. "I prefer the moon to the sun. I'm afraid it's where I belong." There was no lie in her answer.

The elder watched her closely. "Very good. I'll take my leave, and let you finish what you were doing. Good day." He pulled his lips into a smile that reveled more than just the tips of his fangs, and proceeded down the hall.

He's a hybrid! Lily shook her head. He has to be. A vampire that can withstand daylight doesn't exist. Frustrated, she hit the button again and stood with her back to the window as the shade closed. She felt a slight chill as the sun was shielded from her back. Her hand instinctively felt for the pendent around her neck, but her fingers met for a shock when they felt nothing. She angrily pulled her hand away and stormed down the hall. As she rounded the corner she smacked into a dark figure.

--------

Lily opened her eyes and was met with blinding pain from the middle of her forehead. "Damn." She moaned.

"Good evening." A rather perky voice called to her from above.

"What?" She said confused. Blinking to clear her vision she sat up slowly and realized she was back in her room. Selene's room. She corrected.

"Here." The voice said and handed her a glass.

Not even questioning Lily took it and drank deeply.

"Sorry I ran into you so hard. Vampiric strength; who knows when it will strike."

Feeling more aware, Lily looked to her company. To her surprise, the figure was a small, petite looking woman. Her hair sat in golden ringlets atop her head, and she wore a complementing gown. She stared at Lily with mischievous violet eyes and an angelic smile. This is what knocked me flat on my ass? God, I'm in trouble.

"My names Erika, by the way." She smiled sweetly. "You're the human they brought in aren't you?"

Lily swallowed. "That would be me." Please don't tell me she knew Selene.

"I was Selene's handmaiden, of sorts." She added weakly.

"Wonderful." Lily sighed heavily.

"We didn't get along." Erika said lightly.

Lily shook her head, feeling slightly nauseated. "Jesus, was there anyone in this house she got along with? Is there no one that regrets that she's gone?" Perhaps it was the bump on her head, but Lily felt especially angry that none of the people she'd met so far seemed to feel for the supposed death of their comrade. She had to live in this for 200 years?

"Selene didn't talk much." Erika spoke softly, catching Lily's attention. "She kept to herself. That was the way she preferred it."

"Didn't she talk to anybody?" Lily was rubbing the side of her head, trying to numb her conflicting emotions.

"Viktor. She talked to Viktor. When he was awake, she was at her best. He always made time for her. She was his prize. Kraven should have known better. Viktor would never have given up what belong to him."

"Kraven?" Lily's ears perked once again.

"You know of him?" Her delicate mouth curved into a vicious hiss. "Filthy sleaze."

"Apparently you know of him to." Lily remarked dryly.

Erika smirked. "A handmaiden knows a lot of things. If there is something to be known about the coven, a maiden knows it. Information: our unofficial job."

Lily laughed. It made perfect sense.

"Well that sounds better." Erika smiled and glanced at the clock. "Oops. Nine o'clock. I should be going."

Nine O'clock? Lily's mind suddenly flared awake. Selene had been extremely firm when she'd said that the drop would have to be made before ten. Lily suddenly realized she didn't know where the kitchen was. She looked at the young maiden, an idea forming. "Erika." She got slowly to her feet. "Um, I'm kind of hungry. Is there anyway you could take me to where I could get some food?"

"Of course." Erika replied calmly. "I'll take you to the kitchen. Has no one shown you around the mansion?" She asked curiously.

Lily shook her head. "Not yet."

A devious looked played about the blonde's petite face. "Well after you eat, I'll give you the behind the scenes tour. This place is full of dark secrets."

Lily grinned widely. "That would be perfect."

Thayer sat crouched in the trees that rested just outside The Devils House. He watched through his binoculars as a group of kitchen vampires wheeled out two large bins. His heart began to beat faster as the gate slid open and the bins placed just outside it. He had seen Lily's signal during the day, and he knew what lie in those containers. A twinge of fear hit him as he realized that he was responsible for getting that message to Michael. He'll have it before the sun rises. He vowed silently.

With his convictions made he called to his fellow lycans. "Lucas, Matt." His voice was barely a whisper, but quick and sharp.

Two young looking boys emerged from the brush, and met him below the tree. "Right here sir." Matt whispered back.

Thayer paused, momentarily thrown by their formality, then shook his head and continued. "Lucas and I will each take one of the barrels. Matt, you'll cover us. We'll carry the barrels to the truck and go."

"Carry sir?" Lucas asked.

"So they won't make noise, right?" Matt added proudly.

Thayer nodded, and then jerked his head to the right indicating that it was time to go.

Matt stepped out first and took a look around. The air was quite and calm. He could neither see nor smell anyone near. He motioned that it was clear, and Thayer and Lucas cautiously made their way to the trash bins.

Thayer checked to his left and right. He looked in front of him, behind him. His nose was alert and tuned, yet he never saw it coming. In one moment his hand was upon the cool steel of his target and the next he was lying on his back, trash covering him.

It unfolded before him as if in slow motion. He watched as Matt yanked his machine gun from beneath his jacket, but there was nothing to fire at. He glanced around frantically, never seeing the shadow ascending from the fence. It clobbered him with its body, then rose and viciously fired six rounds into the young lycanthropes chest. Then it turned to Lucas, who was already charging.

Thayer yelled for him to stop, throwing himself up and running full speed at his friend, but he wasn't fast enough. The shadow fired a shot that caught Lucas in the shoulder. Another shot rang out and Thayer watched as the wolf fell to his knees. No! He began to step forward, then suddenly remembered why they were here. He turned back towards the bins. If Michael doesn't get that message the whole pack will die. With alarming speed he charged back towards the gate.

Both of the containers had already been knocked over. Without hesitation he dove in, allowing the change to take him. Within seconds he could smell it. It called to his bestial side. Sniffing deeply he followed the scent till it was directly under his nose. In one fluid motion he grabbed the paper and stood up.

"Not very dignified is it?"

Thayer stared at the gun barrel pointed at him, then at the man who held it. All Thayer could see, were pitch black eyes, the rest of him was masked.

The figure snickered. "Caught sniffing through the garbage. A true dog."

I'll show you what it means to be a dog. He snarled loudly and leaped upon the figure, he landing directly upon its shoulders. Cleary, you underestimate how far we can jump! He yelled triumphantly in his mind as he roared proudly.

Beneath him, the creature growled and sent the lycan flying backward.

Thayer landed perfectly on his paws and reared back to pounce again. He snarled and aimed for the throat. He leaped and felt satisfaction as fangs met flesh. He jerked his head back and forth and yanked away, only to find that it had only been the figure's arm.

With amazing force the mauled hand reached back and smacked him, knocking him back against the gate. He whimpered as he fell to the ground. He got back up and tried to shake it off. He saw his foe walking towards him, and met it head on. He could almost feel his claws latch around the figures throat when they seemed to fall short. His entire body went cold as icy fire spread through is body. He fell back on his haunches and gazed at the smoking gun held by shadow. He stared into the black eyes of his attacker and waited for the final shot. The gun clicked. Thayer's eyes closed and he fell to his side.

"Damn." The figure cursed. "It would appear as if I wasted too many bullets on your friends." He knelt down and cupped Thayer's head in his hands. "Guess I'm just going to have to snap your neck instead."

Thayer's mouth clenched firmly upon the shadow's arm. His fangs ground deep into muscle and tissue. With every ounce of strength he possessed he threw his head back, angled his body, then used all his weight to throw the figure into the mental fence behind him. He used the momentum to sling his own body upward and began running before his paws hit the ground.

He ran till he couldn't feel his limbs anymore, till his chest became too tight, and air began to get scarce. As he fell to the ground, his body returned to normal, but the icy fire of liquid silver still spread.

Selene kept pace with Michael as he hurried down the long corridor. She wouldn't take her eyes off him as they made their way to their quarters. Grabbing her hand Michael pushed open the door and yanked her inside. The door shut behind them and he pushed her against it, trapping her body and her mouth with his. She anxiously reached for his shirt and yanked it over his head. He grabbed hold of her then and spun her around to lay her on the bed. He straddled over her, hungrily kissing her neck while his fingers reached for the ties of her corset. She moaned softly as she scraped her fangs down his neck and set him shuddering. Frustrated with the ties of her suit, he didn't hear the rapping on their door. Damn, this thing. He yelled impatiently as he continued to kiss Selene's neck.

"Michael."

Her voice touched the human reaches of his mind.

"Michael." She whispered into his ear. "Someone's knocking."

Michael finally stopped and looked down at her. A loud clang resounded within his ears, and he could hear the voice of a young lycan from behind the door. "Sir! I'm sorry to wake you but you're needed at the medic station!"

Michael took a deep breath and let it fall heavily to the floor. He looked longingly at Selene.

"Do what you have to do Michael." She flashed him a sultry smile. "Just make sure you wake me up when you get back." She leaned up and kissed him gently.

He gave her a grateful smile and reluctantly walked to the door. He stopped and put his shirt on, checked to see if Selene had composed herself, and opened the door.

A young lycan of about a quarter century of age stood outside his door. He tired to stand tall, but there was such fear in his eyes.

"What the hell happened?" Michael asked, trying to keep his adrenaline down.

"It's Thayer. He's been shot."

Selene was suddenly standing behind Michael. "How badly?" She questioned quickly.

The boy shook his head.

Without another hesitation Selene was walking swiftly down the hallway. Michael thanked the lycan and moved to catch up with her.

She wouldn't let herself think anything until she saw him. She dared not to hope, but she wouldn't give up on him yet. She rounded the corner and blasted through the curtains of the medic station. He was lying on a steel bed, blood dripping from his side. She could smell the silver. She didn't look at Tyran or Tamara as she slowly moved to the fallen lycan's side. She became unaware of Michael's presence behind her. All she could do was stare at Thayer's fatal wounds. He'd been shot in the stomach with liquid silver nitrate, and from the look of things, it was slowly being released into his body. They've upgraded to make it last longer. So they won't die before questioning. She was disgusted with her race. Rage flowed into her veins like an old friend. She clenched her fists at her sides.

Thayer's eyes were dilated, indicating that he had been sedated. They'd already degreed him dead, all they could do was make him comfortable.

"What happened?" Michael asked Tyran who sat across the table one hand on his mates back, the other on his son's shoulder.

"There was a message." Tyran lowered his head. "We lost Lucas and Matt." He couldn't bring himself to say anymore.

Thayer turned his head and looked at Michael.

"How many were there Thay?" Michael asked as gently as possible.

Thayer swallowed. "Just one. He had eyes like you Michael. Black as night."

"Another hybrid?" Michael drew his head back. He had no doubts that it was true but, "How?"

"Marcus is a descendant of Corvinus." Selene spoke angrily. "Viktor spilled Lycan blood in the chambers." She sighed heavily. Things were getting worse.

"Michael." Thayer spoke up, catching his alpha's attention. The clenched fist resting on his stomach turned over and slowly opened to reveal a small piece of crumpled paper. When Michael looked up in surprise, Thayer was smiling. "Told you I'd have it before sun rise." He rasped out.

Michael reverently took the paper from his hand, he looked at it in amazement, then smiled at the fallen lycan. "You did very well Thayer." His voice grew thick. "The entire Lycan clan owes its life to you." Michael took a step back, lowered his head before the lycanthrope, tipped it slightly to expose his neck, and stared at his comrade with submissive eyes. It was the greatest respect Michael could pay him. The alpha had submitted.

Thayer's eyes widened with moisture. If he had words, he would not have been able to speak them. He looked at Selene softly, but never met her eyes. The corners of his mouth curved into the tiniest smile. "Remember what I said?" He asked her quietly.

Selene nodded, coming to stand beside him.

"It was supposed to happen this way."

A lump filled her throat. "Thayer no,"

"Please be careful." He asked her, ignoring her protest. "Sometimes I think you're too brave for your own good." He squeezed her hand softly, then turned away towards his mother.

Selene gazed at him a moment and fought desperately to keep the tears from her eyes, but one slipped down her cheek. She looked up and caught Tamara's piercing blue eyes. I'm so sorry. She shouted silently, and then moved quickly from the room. She marched with purpose down the tunnels of the underbelly. She had but one destination.

---------

Tamara slowly entered the weapons room. She saw Selene standing behind a table, checking her Berettas and jamming clips of glowing blue ammunition in them.

"Where are you going?" A tired voice came from the darkness.

Selene looked up to see Tamara leaning against the wall in front of her. She looked tired and beaten. There was a darkness about her eyes that Selene had never seen before, but she knew from experience that it would never go away. She couldn't imagine losing a son, and the thought of it set her blood boiling. "Hunting." The resounding click of her magazine connecting with her gun accented her determination.

"Why?"

Selene looked hard at Tamara. "Because they deserve to die."

"And you are the one who decides such?" Her voice didn't hold any hint of sarcasm. She asked as if she truly thought Selene was the authority on death.

"Tonight I am." Selene responded coldly, although the emptiness of Tamara's stare was beginning to frighten her.

"You would let your anger make my son's death meaningless?"

Selene was caught off guard by her question. "No, I..."

"But you would." Tamara took a step forward. "You would risk being seen. You would destroy the last chance we have to end this war, the war that killed my son, and for what? For your anger, your hatred?"

Selene stared at her in disbelief. "Do you not want revenge for what they have taken from you?"

"And what have they taken from me?" She looked tiredly at Selene. "I've lost my son yes, but they can't take what really mattered. They can't take my love for him. They can't kill his memory."

There were tears streaming down the females face. Centuries of pain and death and she still had the courage to cry. She awed Selene. She had kept her families death so close to her heart, she now wondered if perhaps she had strangled their memory. All she ever remembered was their death. But never their life. I chose to forget that. She looked at Tamara with defeat in her eyes. "What do I do then, if not this?" She motioned to the weapons of death around her.

"You learn to feel pain, and then you let it go." The corners of her mouth turned into a regretful smile. "The last part takes time." She acknowledged softly. She shook her head and wiped the tears across her face. "Don't let them win Selene. Let go of what you've lost and remember what you have." She turned around to leave.

"Tamara." Selene called out gently, letting several tears glaze her cheeks. "I won't forget him."

"I know." Tamara said gratefully. She looked up at Selene and for a moment a wistful smile crossed her face. "Goodnight dear." She turned and left, making her way flawlessly back to her quarters.

Selene stood their, silently streaming tears. In the immortal years to follow she would never be able to erase the pain etched on Tamara's face, but she would choose to remember the hope that had still clung to her voice.

Michael stood yet again at the head of his meeting table. He looked sorrowfully at Thayer's empty seat, but what made his chest ache was the empty seat that sat next to his, Tyran's. He took a heavy breath and noticed still that Flar's seat was not occupied as well. Strange. He thought. I would think Flar would never miss a chance to cause trouble.

"So who was it Michael?" Tiernan, a lycan too old and jittery for his own good, asked.

Michael shook his head. "I'm not sure Tiernan. They could have been caught accidentally."

"By an elder?" Another lycan spoke bitterly. "They only leave their tomb to be put to sleep or to hunt us."

"There's only one explanation." Tiernan spoke up again.

Michael looked warily at the lycan. "Easy Tiernan. You're going to fast."

"It had to be her Michael." The elderly lycan roared. "Who else could have tipped off Markus?"

"Had to be who?" Selene's tired voice rang from behind him. Michael turned around and felt lighter with her presence. He was glad to see she was all right. He gave her a small smile, and she stepped forward to stand beside him. "Who are you talking about?" She asked again.

Tiernan put his head down, and Michael stared hard at him. "Tiernan is jumping to conclusions." Michael said angrily.

The lycan ground his teeth. "There is no other possibility." He growled. "It was her!"

For a moment Selene thought he was accusing her, but Michael had not jumped across the table and ripped the animal's throat out yet so it had to be someone else. "Do you mean Lily?" There was amazement in her voice.

"You heard what Thayer said." He growled lowly. "There was only one."

Selene shook her head. "That's ridiculous."

"She's the only one who knew about the drop. She's the only one who had access to Markus. Tell me vamp, who else could it possibly be?" His voice rose bitterly as he spoke to her.

Michael emitted a low warning growl.

"I don't have the slightest idea, but there has to be someone else." Her tone was flippant and excusing.

Tiernan snarled. "Listen blood!"

Michael slammed his hands upon the table and roared. "You will abstain! Or I will make you bleed." He kept eye contact with the lycan for a moment longer, then looked at Selene. "You should go."

"What?" She was genuinely shocked.

"You heard me. Your presence is not helping right now. I'll talk to you later."

She felt surprised. Not by his words, but by the actual pain that came to her chest. She squinted. "I know what my gut tells me Michael. It wasn't her."

"I know that Selene, right now is not the time. Just go." It crushed him to see hurt in her eyes, but he didn't know what else to do. Things were starting to unravel and he felt she'd be safer away from angry lycans.

"Fine." Selene murmured quietly and walked out the door.

She leaned back against it and let out a large breath. If he thinks I'm going back to the rooms he's crazy. She wasn't about to miss what was happening. Her eyes caught the cement overhang just above the meeting structure. She jumped up to it and glanced down. She could see three out of the four sides of the building, and quite a way's down the halls in any direction. A lovely place to lurk. She thought strategically. When he came out, she would be there.
Flar paced nervously across the floor of his room. He anxiously drummed his fingers together, lost deep in paranoid thought. He jumped as Kendra burst through his door.

"Did you hear what happened?" She said uneasily.

"Jesus!" He roared. "Can't you knock?"

She crinkled her face at him. "Since when have I ever knocked?" She glared at him. "Flar, are you listening to me? Thayer is dead!"

"I know!" Flar spat angrily. He went back to pacing in front of her. "This wasn't how it was supposed to happen. He was supposed to wait!"

Kendra lightly crossed her arms in front of her, slightly confused by the lycan's rambling. "What are you talking about Flar?"

Flar stopped pacing. He turned to her, and she retracted at the fire in his eyes. He seemed desperate, and even werewolves did stupid things when they were desperate.

"Flar?" she said softly.

"It was Markus!" He growled again and kept shaking his head. "This was not what I had in mind."

Kendra stomped her foot. "Flar! What the hell are you jabbering about?"

"I told you!" He steamed. "I talked to Markus after Kraven betrayed me. I told him about Lily. He was supposed to wait till she led them down here, kill that fucking hybrid and vampire and leave us alone!"

Kendra was shocked. "You put the whole pack in danger just so you could be rid of Michael?"

"No, I gave the vampires what they wanted. Their looking for Selene and Michael. Once they have them, they'll leave us be."

"They will never leave us Flar. They haven't for six centuries what makes you think they will now?"

He shook his head. "Look Kendra. What's done is done. I need your help now. We can still salvage this."

She stared cautiously at him.

"All I need you to do is seduce Michael and bring him over here." He walked over to his mattress, and pulled a pistol from beneath his pillow. "I'll take care of the rest."

Her eyes went wide. "You're out of your mind." She said firmly. "And Michael would never follow me. I'm not Selene Flar."

"Oh, but you have quite the persuasive powers." He came and pressed his body to hers. "A little while ago you were very generous when it came to getting what you wanted."

She pushed him back. "Things change." She said simply.

Flar's eyes flashed. "You mean like that little blood you've been spending so much time with?"

"Mark has nothing to do with it."

"Oh I think he does. Maybe I'll kill him while I'm at it."

"You will not!" She roared and her fangs became enlarged. "Leave him out of it."

"He's a vampire Kendra! Just like the rest. He'll take you for what your worth and leave you dry when he's through."

She shook her head ferociously. "He's not like that. Now drop this." She turned to move toward the door. "Let it go Flar. Just give it up. Things change. It's not always so bad." Then she left, hoping he would listen to her.

Shit! He bellowed inside his mind. He glanced around the room nervously and rested his eyes on the gun in his hand. An internal struggle raged momentarily in his mind, but he could not relinquish the ideals that had held him together. "I end this tonight." He said firmly, and stormed down the halls.
Well guys, whatcha think? Thayer's gone. (Sniff), but I'm a firm believer in tragedy as long as it provokes deeper thought, which for Selene, it did, or was supposed to. (Shrug) And Flar is up to no good as usual. Let me know how you liked, or didn't like it. Thanks again!

Adalon Ithilriel: You're right, the story had to end sometimes. Just like this one must, but hey at least you gave us sequel to chew on. I might not do that. (dodges watermelon). :) Glad you like Geren. He was actually one of the first characters I though up for this story. And I had to wait all this time to reveal him! That's patience. ;) More will be explained about him next chapter. As for the rest, you'll just have to read and see. Thanks again dear for your support. You rock!

VampyricAngel: Well dear as always your review made me smile. :) Thanks. Glad you like Tyler and Selene. I'm kind of partial to him myself since he's based off my kid brother. (smiles) As far as Lily turning on Selene, at this point in the game it looks like she's going to. Selene has rubbed off on her, possibly in to many ways. Maybe its Selene's residual hate that she mimic's. (shrug) just have to read and find out! Thanks though dear. I really, really appreciate the support.

Rayefire: I was so glad to read your review. I felt a little strange devoting almost an entire chapter to a non-underworld character, but your explanation was exactly why I wanted to do it. Thank you for justifying me! And I don't think Pockliment sounds like a disease. Blah! Sell it over here. I think it would fly. (wink) Thanks again!

Redd: So I take it you like Kahn as much as I do? He is brilliant! I have no idea why they killed him off in the movie. It seemed a bit excessive to me. Anyways, so glad you are enjoying this. Thank you for your consistent reviews. And if Lily is starting to make you guess, that's a good thing. The Sawgrass mall? You know, I'm not sure if I went by there or not. I was a little taken with the streetlights when we drove. Their vertical over here. For some reason the horizontal tripped me out, although I understand why is that way. Cool though! Thanks again Redd. And POST WILL YOU! (Glares, then smiles) Later.

vampirehuntr00: (laughs) Thank you so much for picking out that line! I was wondering if anyone would catch that. (shrug) silly moment for me. Hee hee. Glad you like the names. They can be hella hard to come up with, but so far so good. :) Thanks for all your help girlie. Couldn't have gotten this one read without ya.

AngryTolkienPurist: New relationship, yes, but not to focused on. Only for sequel purposes. (wink) And if they did smell the lycan on her clothes, it wouldn't matter. They knew that's where she was coming from, but still those vampires are snobby bastards. I appreciate the continuous reviews. Thanks for the help!

AsianScaper: Wow, your review was awesome. Thank you so much! You're right about the spelling and I apologize. The last few chapters I have done without by beta because she's out of town, and didn't want to hold this up. I have a feeling it's a bunch of those words that are spelled right, but not the right word. (shakes head) those get me every time, but thank you for pointing it out! I'll go though it once again. As for an intense review, please do not worry about that. It was strictly on a when you have time bases, and actually I'll be writing another fic in a short while that I would prefer a more intensive review about. So no worries about this one. This was my get my foot in the door fic, but thank you anyways for taking the time to read and leave such thoughtful reviews. I look forward to those. Thanks again.