Steps onto stage and ducks rotten fruit. Sorry guy's and girls! I beg forgiveness for the time it took me to put this chapter out. Real life, well it's determined to sink it's claws into me, not to mention writers block.
Fortunately though, I have a wonderful friend who has been talking to me, feeding me ideas, and keeping my interest in the story active. That, and threatening me within an inch of my life to post. (Grins) Thanks Vampyric Angel! You're a doll and I couldn't have done it without you!
So I've made you wait long enough. I'll zip my lip and let ya'll at it. Thanks again for all the reviews! You guys really are awesome.
Chapter Twenty: So It Begins
Michael sat on his bed, hands clasped loosely in front of him, and stared dejectedly at the floor. Every noise brought his head up as he expectantly looked for Selene, but she was never there, and he knew she wouldn't be. It's my fault. He thought painfully.
He should have believed her. Brought on by fatigue, stress, and a frenzied pack his doubt had exsisted mere seconds, but the absolute belittled look in her eyes would haunt him for the rest of his immortal life. She had been vulnerable to him. He realized that now. Blinded by her tough exterior he hadn't begun to guess how much he could hurt her. Idiot. He cursed himself.
A quiet knocking on the door brought him to his feet. He shuffled over and opened it. Tiernan stood before him.
The lycan tipped his head and lowered his eyes. "Michael."
"What do you want?" The hybrid growled.
Tiernan looked up. "To apologize." From behind him and around the corners, lycans began to gather at the hybrid's door. "You were right about us."
Michael brought his gaze from the encroaching lycans to Tiernan.
The older lycan continued. "I'm tired of this war. We all are, but prejudices die hard." He hung his head. "Selene has shown nothing but loyalty to us. We were wrong. I was wrong." He corrected.
A younger lycan stepped forward from the crowd. "We trust you as alpha Michael."
Tiernan took a deep breath and lowered his head submissively. "We trust you, as we did Lucien." He cautioned a glance up, if only to show his sincerity. "You have the allegiance of every lycanthrope here Michael, if you'll still have us."
Michael caught the eyes of Tyran as he came slowly around the corner and leaned against the wall, casually surveying the scene. There was a soft smile about his face as he watched his brothers.
The hybrid looked back at the group. "Hey Tyran!" He called, still keeping his eyes on the lycan's before him.
"Yea boss?"
Michael smiled. "Go make sure the cages are ready, and tell Mark I need to see him."
"With pleasure." He tipped his head and set to his task.
The crowed remained silent, but stood a bit taller as Michael began issuing orders. There was still much to be done before the vampires arrived.
Geren stood with his hands clasped behind his back, studying the surroundings of Lily's quarters. She was in the bathroom, getting ready for the nights excursion. Massacre is more like it. He thought to himself.
His mind was spinning with all that he had learned from Tyran. Markus will prove no better than Viktor.
The bathroom door clicked open and Lily emerged, clad in her black pants and waist high leather coat. Her hair was swept up in a simple pony tail, keeping it out of her face. He held his breath. She looked every bit like a death dealer, the utility belt hanging lose about her waist completing the image.
"That's a rather old belt you have there." He smiled weakly at her.
"Selene gave it to me." She blurted out before she could think.
Geren crinkled his brow. "Why are you doing this Lily?"
She stopped her last minute adjusting and looked at him. "You know why."
"It could have been an accident Lily. Things happen."
"Then she shouldn't have lied to me about it." Lily snapped back. "We've been through this Geren." She was tired of him constantly second guessing her. It made her nervous, and the last thing she needed was to be nervous.
The young blood took a calming breath. "Look Lily, Kahn and I, we" He was going to tell her about the previous night's excursion, but a knock on the door stopped him.
Biting down on his lip he walked over to the door and opened it.
"Markus wants to see you." Tommy stood three feet from him, formal Death Dealer leathers from head to toe. An excited glow covered his face. "Ready to clean house?" He grinned maliciously.
Geren swallowed hard. "You said Markus wants to see me?"
"In the throne room buddy. Right now." He looked at his friend strangely. "Something wrong?"
Geren shook his head. "No, just anxious." He managed a flash of his fangs. "Waiting is the worst."
Tommy smiled again. "I know what you mean. Well go talk to Markus and when you're done meet me in the weapons room. We'll go in together."
"Excellent." Geren clasped his friends hand and shut the door. He turned back to Lily. "I have to go." He said gravely.
"All right." She said softly.
"Be careful tonight." He cleared his throat, it having suddenly gone dry.
Lily nodded. "I will. See you down there."
Taking her hand in his he stared at her while he gently caressed her skin with his thumb. Then he bent down and kissed the top of her hand. With a last look of longing he turned and left the room.
Selene had her hand wrapped around the handle of her car when she suddenly felt the eyes of someone upon her. It sent a chill through her, and like the hairs on a cat her fleshed rose.
"What do you want Michael?" She asked without turning around.
He remained silent behind her.
She closed her eyes tightly and bit down on her lip. Why is he doing this to me? She gathered her anger around her. Whirling around she faced him, and almost lost her nerve.
"I wanted you to look at me." He said softly.
Selene had never seen him as broken as he looked now. His body posture slumped, his arms hung like dead weight from his shoulders, and his sunken eyes seemed painfully dull. There was no mischief behind them, no light. She stared into them and could see nothing.
But those very same eyes had doubted her.
"I don't want to hear your affirmations of love Michael. They're wasted on me." Her tone was heavy and tired.
Michael shook his head and stepped toward her. "I know they are. You're a woman of actions Selene, not words."
"Then you understand that this conversation is a waste of time. This is a war Michael. It's more than just you and I."
"I don't care about anyone else." He yelled passionately.
Selene blinked. How long had she been waiting to hear him say that? But her stomach turned with disgust. I've managed to destroy the very thing I fell in love with. His compassion.
"You used to." She said softly. "Perhaps you should remember who you were without me." She shook her head and turned back to the car.
He opened his mouth to argue, but nothing came. He watched in silence as she climbed into the car and sped away.
Geren walked slowly into the throne room. When he was close enough to see his master's face, he instantly took a knee.
"Enough." Markus barked and the young vampire rose.
"You wanted to see me my lord?"
"Yes." Markus stood up from his throne and let his dark blue robes flow to the ground. "I am putting you back in charge of Amelia's Death Dealers."
Geren's undead heart stopped. He felt a jolt of elation, but it didn't last. As he looked into his dark master's eyes he grew cold. This was no reward.
"You are to keep them here." Markus continued.
Geren looked up. "But my lord, are we not storming the lycan lair tonight?"
Markus drew his lips back into a malicious grin. "Plans have changed. You and your coven will stay here, to protect me." He hissed smoothly. "I will send the rest of the Ordoghaz dealers with the girl."
What are you up to? Geren hands fisted at his sides. He ground his teeth as he recalled what the lycanthrope had told him. Against his better judgment, he spoke out. "My lord, forgive me, but do you think that is wise? To divide us on such a large scale attack?"
Markus stopped smiling. He turned his head to the Death Dealer slowly. For a moment his eyes grew endless black. "You've just been reinstated soldier; I suggest you show a little more gratitude. Amelia would have been most disappointed." He sneered his last words, slicing the warrior's skin like a ultra violet whip.
Geren cleared his throat and stood tall. "Very well Sire." He choked out, then turned on his heels and left. Outside the room he let out his breath. He felt the familiar stab of guilt, but it seemed dulled as he considered the validity of Markus's statement. Would Amelia be disappointed? He had to wonder if she would have been secretly pleased at the recent developments. If she knew the truth, he thought, she wouldn't want me to ignore it. A small smile crept to his face.
"Lily." The words dropped from his mouth as he realized he had to tell her. He didn't yet understand why Markus was pulling his troops, but he had a feeling she could tell him. There is something more to that girl. He smiled to himself. Heaven help me.
With a quick gathering of strength he set off for her room. I just hope she hasn't left yet.
Michael once again sat in his meeting room, but for once he was not surrounded by his council. Instead, the only company he kept was Kraven. I miss my council. He thought bitingly as he sighed and rubbed his forehead. He ached to resolve what was between him and Selene, but she had been right. There were other lives at stake here. He scoffed at himself. When did she become the one to care about others? Then he almost laughed as he remembered that her underlying motive for everything had always been someone else.
Sometimes it frightened him how much he loved her.
"Michael, are you paying attention!" Kraven hissed from across the table.
The hybrid closed his eyes. "Shut up Kraven, I have a massive headache."
"I don't care if you're having a coronary. I need to know what is going on." The vampire paced up and down the room.
"It's very simple Kraven." Michael sneered as he continued to rub his temple. "Lily is leading the vampires here as we speak. Once we've contained them we'll head to Ordoghaz. My lycan's, and your vampires. Simple as pie."
Kraven scoffed. "You're unseasoned. Nothing is ever that simple."
Finally pulling his hand away from his head he shrugged and stood up. "There's nothing left to go over. Whatever happens now happens." He stared hard at the blood before him. "Just have your vamps ready Kraven. I want you in the cars when we're ready to go."
Kraven's lips curled into a snarl, but he held his tongue. Working with the bloody lycan that caused all this trouble was the last thing he ever expected to be doing, but he had to admit; Michael was more formidable than he thought. "We'll be ready." He hissed.
Michael nodded. He stared at Kraven for a moment longer then left the room. He was going to check the trap one last time. I wish Lucas and Matt we're here. He shook his head. The two young lycanthropes had designed the contraption, they should have been there to see it finished. And Thayer.
He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. As always the first thing he saw was Selene. He watched as she fired off a few rounds with her Beretta. She had such focus, such intensity, but completely shut off.
And then he saw her face in the pre-night hours, when she'd lay beside him, never speaking, but talking all the same.
And he knew he loved her, no matter which side she chose.
He opened his eyes and smiled, feeling her calm wash over him. He glanced upward and without even seeing, knew the moon was right over him. He could hear her call. The wolf inside him howled. Time to finish what you started Lucien.
Selene sat parked just outside the Mansion gate. Her car was cleverly concealed by the bushes, but her keen vision allowed her to see every detail. That, and she had binoculars.
After stocking up in the weapons room she had gone to Thayer's old office and checked the monitor that would tell her where Lily was at. Tears had threatened her eyes when she opened the door, but the urgency of the situation had quickly taken hold. She located the small dot on the screen and was moderately surprised to find the girl in her room.
"Old room." She spoke roughly to the screen and stood up.
Now she had to get in. She scanned the yard and noticed three dogs and two guards. They must be assembling. She rationalized for the lack of security. She could have easily killed the guards, and the dogs knew her scent well enough to leave her, but she still had to get in without being noticed.
If I make too much noise, I'll never get Lily out.
Using the binoculars she glanced to the far left of the mansion. She squinted through the lenses as something caught her eye. A tree branch hung almost directly parallel with the roof on the back of the mansion. Perfect. A small smile curled her lips. Kahn would be very disappointed. She thought ideally, the smile growing as she pictured her former weapons master, and friend.
Taking a deep breath she pulled her Beretta from its holster and silently made her way to the back of the house.
Tamara slammed the door of the safe house shut behind her. She took a moment to catch her breath as she gazed upon numerous transformed lycan puppies.
Getting them into a van hadn't been terribly difficult. Having watched over the children many, many times before while in their feral state she knew the yips and growls that would command their attention.
But trying to unnoticeably haul over twenty yipping lycanthropes up a flight of stairs that seemed
inhumanly long had been another challenge. Tamara watched as her makeshift assistant moved about the room and gathered the blood packets. The young wolf jumped over a pair of fighting pups and opened the fridge against the wall.
"Tamara," She turned and held out vacuum wrapped slabs of raw meat. "I didn't know vampires actually ate meat."
She almost laughed and moved away from the door. "They don't Kendra. I have a feeling Selene was here before us."
Kendra swallowed and held pause for a moment. Her nails dug into the packaging of the meat as she grappled with what to do.
"Are you all right?" Tamara's voice rang out softly.
Kendra shook her head. "Fine." She cut the wrapping with her extended claw and threw the slab into the middle of the room. She never even saw it hit the floor as a dozen pups swarmed.
Tamara chuckled and placed her hands matronly at her front. She smiled slightly and looked for her son, but he wasn't in the swarm. Frowning, her eyes searched the room quickly, and found him crunched in a corner. There was a consistent low growl emitting from his throat, and his face, all though furry, was contorted in an expression of agony.
Frightened, his mother dashed over to him and leaned down to pick him up.
But he snapped at her.
Rearing back Tamara stared hard at her child. He had never bitten her before. It happened, happened all the time on a full moon, but his action seemed to deliberate. "What's wrong love?" She asked quietly.
Kendra came from behind and peered over the matron's shoulder. "What is he doing?"
Tamara shook her head and furrowed her brow. Kneeling down she once again reached out to touch her son. He let her this time, exhaustion shattering his face. "Come on son." She whispered very gently.
His deep blue eyes found hers and with a snort she saw him renew his efforts. As she watched him, lightly stoking the back of his neck, she began to notice the flesh colored patches appearing on his back. His claws were beginning to dissipate, and his grunts and growls were become more human.
"Tamara he's changing by himself!" Kendra yelled from above.
The lycan mother smiled. "I know." She breathed, pride catching in her throat.
"But he's too young."
"Not my little wolf." She smiled as her son's howl became a human scream. In an instant, she wrapped him up in her arms and cradled his burning forehead.
The baby wolf took large, gasping breaths as his body eased into its human form. "Mom." He said softly.
Tears trickled down her cheeks. "Right here love."
She hugged him close and then pulled back to look at him.
"I have to tell you something." His little voice seemed strained and urgent. "It wasn't Selene."
At the mention of the name Kendra took a step back and worriedly stared at the child.
"Wasn't Selene?" Tamara gave Tyler a questioning look.
The baby wolf sat up in his mothers lap and collected his strength. "He was trying to hurt Michael."
"Who baby?"
"Flar. Selene knocked the gun from his hand, and he...he yelled at her. He told Markus Mommy. Not Lily." His face contorted into an expression of anger. "He tried to hurt my Selene."
Tamara's mind spun as she flashed on the recent events. Her eyes went wide as realization hit her. "Tyler you saw all this?"
The boy nodded and then hung his head. "I picked the gun up Mom. I know I'm not supposed to play with them, but I got scared Selene would get in trouble." He lowered his voice to barely above a whisper. "I hid it in Thayer's room."
"It's true Tamara." Kendra's dejected voice came from behind her. She sat down next to the older woman and looked regretfully at her. "Flar made a deal with Markus."
She may have been old, but her mind was sharp as a tack. Not missing a beat she spoke roughly. "How do you know this Kendra?"
The young lycan lowered her head. "Because I was a part of it, for a little while at least." She took a deep breath and kept her eyes down. "I was...jealous of the position Selene held by being Michael's mate. I wanted it, I wanted him. Flar told me he had been working with Kraven for some time, and that if I could keep Michael occupied Selene was as good as dead. But Kraven had a change in plan."
"When he kidnapped Lily, he made the deal with Michael instead." Tamara nodded. "Go on."
Kendra swallowed shamefully. "With Kraven out of the picture, Flar needed someone else. He went to Markus." She looked up now. "Tamara I swear to you I had no idea he was going to the elder. I found out afterwards, but I didn't say anything. I thought he would give up."
"When did he decide to take matters into his own hands?" She was referring to his attempt at Michael's life. Obviously, the plan with Markus had not worked.
"After Markus attacked Thayer. Flar knew then that the vampire would never stick to his bargain."
Tamara's heart froze at the mention of her eldest son. So Flar was the bastard that betrayed us. His lies cost me my son!
She felt a small squeeze on her arm. Biting back her anger she looked down once more at Tyler. "Selene got even for us Mommy. It's okay now." He smiled softly.
Letting out a breath she didn't know she'd been holding, Tamara bent down and kissed his forehead. "You're right baby. Enough now." Smiling she picked him up and laid him on one of the tables. Removing her outer coat she covered him and gently rubbed his forehead as he closed his eyes. When she was sure he was asleep, her attention turned to the female still crouched in the corner.
"Kendra." Tamara said firmly as she marched over to her. "Stand up."
The dark haired lycan did as she was told, solemnly keeping her head down.
"I need to know what Flar told Markus." Her voice left no room for argument.
Kendra tried to control her shaking. "I don't know for sure. I assume he told everything. About Lily and the attack. He had to get Markus to deal with him somehow."
"So he knew about more than just Thayer's retrieval?"
"I would assume so."
"Do you assume or do you know Kendra!"
The girl inhaled sharply. "I know Tamara. I know so."
The older lycan took a step back and crossed her arms. Something was nagging at the back of her mind. So Markus knew everything. That put Lily in a great deal of danger, but Selene was on her way...
"Selene went to the mansion early to go get her."
Tamara blurted the words as it dawned on her. "He has to be using her as bait." She looked up at Kendra. "Selene is walking into a trap."
Kendra looked strangely at her matron.
"Listen to me." Tamara reached out and gave a motherly yank upon the girls chin, brining Kendra's eyes to meet hers. "I don't care what you did, or why you did it. What matters to me is what you do right now." She let go of the girls chin. "I have to tell Michael. You have to stay here and watch the children." She came in close to the females face. "Including my son Kendra."
Kendra swallowed hard and looked Tamara bravely in the eyes. "I won't let anything happen to them."
The older female stared at her, then slowly inclined her head. "Make sure Tyler stays warm." She stepped over a pair of pups playing viciously on the ground.
"I'll be back as soon as I can."
Selene stood at the base of the tree. Taking a moment to look, she effortlessly reached for a branch and swung herself onto the roof. She kept still for a moment, gun raised. When she heard nothing, she silently crawled to the front of the mansion, directly above her window.
Waiting till the guard's backs were turned, she let her self fall, and hung from the roof. She removed a screw driver from her belt and swiftly pried the hinges of the left window. It swung open with ease and she flipped herself through it, landing inside with one knee and hand touching ground, gun aimed in front of her.
She didn't even take a breath before the door burst open and her finger brushed the trigger.
"Lily!" The voice called out from shadows.
Her finger stopped. She stood up and stepped into the moon light. "What do you want with Lily?"
The figure jumped and turned around drawing his gun, only to be staring down the barrel of another. "Who the hell are you?"
Selene titled her head slightly. She stepped to the side and let a ray of light reveal his face. A Shimmer near his throat caught her eye and she glanced into the deep red pool of the pendent around his neck. She looked back up at him. "Geren?"
The vampire inhaled sharply and took a step back.
"It was Geren wasn't it?" Selene advanced on him, gun level until she got close enough to reach out and grab the jewel.
Geren held still while she examined his pendent. He had lowered his weapon to his side, relinquishing the idea that he had any control in this situation.
Selene suddenly let the amulet fall and looked him directly in the eyes. "It is you." She said narrowing her eyebrows and brining her Berretta back to his chest.
Realization hit Geren like thunder. "You're supposed to be dead." He gaped at her, the pieces of a large puzzle coming together.
Selene shook her head and shrugged away his comment. "Where's Lily? You were looking for her when you came in."
Geren blinked, as if hearing her name had reminded him of the urgency of the situation. His eyes focused and he stared at the Death Dealer before him. "I have to find her." He said suddenly, and turned his back on a raised weapon.
Selene's eyes widened. In two steps she slammed the door shut and barred him in. "You'd walk away from a pointed gun as if it were nothing?"
"You don't understand Selene. Markus knows you're alive, which means he knows Lily's a spy. It didn't make sense until now." He shook his head and brought lightning crimson eyes to meet hers. "He's going to kill her Selene. I have to tell her."
The vampiress stepped back from the door to face him. "Disloyalty to your coven for a human?"
"I hear I won't be the first."
Selene almost felt herself chuckle.
Geren stared hard at his fellow vampire. "I love her." He said simply. "And I just want to see her out of this mess safely."
The woman reared back. The look in his eyes confirmed his words. It was that simple for him. Lucky man.
She scoffed. Selene her arms across her. "Do you know where she is?"
Geren nodded his head. "She's taken the Death Dealers to the lycan's."
"Why haven't you gone?"
"Because Markus told me to keep Amelia's dealers behind. He knows your coming Selene."
The vampiress furrowed her brow, when suddenly it became clear. "Flar." She ground out through gritted fangs. Her stomach tightened and her anger became greater. She looked up at the young vampire before her. "Do you know the way to the tunnels?"
Geren let out his breath and shook his head.
Selene took a step aggressively forward. "I'm trusting you."
He inclined his head and lowered his eyes, an aged gesture of respect.
Satisfied, Selene told him what to do.
Lily tried to stay focused as she led a troop of Death Dealers down the caverns of the underworld. She knew the route by heart. That part, at least, required no concentration. She clutched the rifle in her hands. It had been Geren who finally showed her how to hold one. He never mentioned her exaggeration about her knowledge of the weapons.
She shook her head at thoughts of him. He was not what she was supposed to focus on. Still, she could not seem to stop her mind from spinning. Images of her brother and Selene would taint her vision, but not all of them depicted horror. In some they both smiled.
That was confusing her even more. She let out a frustrated grunt and angrily looked at the captains very near to her side. No trust. She thought sarcastically and prepared to say something when a slight rapping perked her ears.
She halted and gazed down the tunnel on her left. She knew that at its end was the sparring room. She shook her head and continued foreword. The rapping sounded again, louder this time. She looked to the guards, but they had continued walking, barely noticing her absence.
Some guards. She rolled her eyes and moved to catch up to them when a hand reached out, cupped her mouth, and pulled her into shadows.
A familiar voice whispered in her ear. "It's just me."
The hand released her and she turned around slowly to see his shinning eyes. "Geren?"
He pressed a finger to his lips, then took her hand and led her further down the tunnel and into an alcove. Before he spoke he leaned down and pressed his lips tightly to hers. "I'm glad you're all right." He whispered, then pulled back and looked sternly at her. "I don't have a lot of time."
"Geren, wait a minute." Lily held up her hands and stepped back.
"Look." He grabbed her hand and held it softly. "Markus held all of my Death Dealers back. He knows about you, and he knows about Selene." He squeezed her hand tightly. "I know about Selene."
Her eyes went wide. How long had he known? "Geren..."
The young vampire shook his head. "It doesn't matter. When the lycans attack Markus will be ready. They'll be outnumbered, and he'll..." He swallowed and straightened. "He'll kill you Lily. You must know that."
"Not if I get to her first." She ground out through clenched teeth.
"You still believe she killed your brother? Murdered in cold blood. Enough to deserve this vengeance?"
Lily brought her sapphire eyes to meet his momentarily. Her gaze held no answer for him, and neither did her words. "I have to tell Michael."
He sighed and shook his head. "I'm taking you out of here."
"Like hell you are." She reared back and turned to walk away.
He reached out and grabbed her arm, holding her back as gently as he could.
She turned around slowly on him, radiating eyes demanded his attention. "You think humans aren't a part of this war." Her voice was calm, matter of fact. "Selene believes it to, in fact most of the Death Dealers do. But who is it that gets caught in the cross fire? Who is it that winds up feeling the loss of your skirmishes?" She crossed her arms in front of her. "We have a right to be a part of its end."
Geren blinked and let go of her arm. He rubbed his hands down his face and looked at her. "What can I do to help?"
Unable to stop it Lily smiled. "I need you to finish leading the dealers down the tunnels. Tell them Markus called for me. Just finish taking them down the hall, turn left and take first right." She looked hard at him. "Then Geren you have to go along with whatever happens. Just stay calm and don't fight."
He nodded. "All right." He bent down and kissed her hand again, then wrapped his arms around her tightly. "Please stay alive." He whispered into her hair.
She chuckled softly against his chest, then detached herself. "You know me."
"Exactly." He muttered, then motioned her away. He watched her run further into the tunnel and disappear.
Then he pulled himself up, and marched back to take charge of the wondering dealers.
Michael sat perched on the cement ledges of his training room, the one where he'd fought Tyran. Everything had been cleared out, save for the very large steel cage hanging from the ceiling. He couldn't feel the grind of the gravel beneath his fist, and no muscles ached from being continuously tense, but his ears could hear the encroaching sounds of the blood armies. He fought to stay the change. The wolf inside him howled to attack, but he easily let the vampire's patience slide over him. He looked to his side and saw Tyran watching him.
The elder lycan smiled softly. "You're ready." He said simply.
Michael was about to reply, but he heard fast footsteps coming at him. He turned to his left and saw Lily running along the ledge towards him. Stop running you might fall. He thought worriedly when he first saw her. Then it occurred to him. "Lily, what the hell are you doing here?"
The girl stopped in front of him and caught her breath. "We have a problem."
The hybrid groaned.
"Markus knows your coming. I'm not sure how, but he knows." She looked seriously at him. "He's kept a full army at Ordoghaz. The entire New World coven is there. Michael, that's more than half his army."
Before her words could even register, Tamara's face appeared behind Lily.
"Michael," She breathed heavily. "Michael, Selene is at Ordoghaz. Flar told Markus about the ambush, and Selene went early to pull Lily out." She looked down at the girl in front of her. "Oh no." She sighed.
Lily looked strangely at her. "Selene went to the mansion to find me?"
Tamara nodded. "She thought you might be in...trouble."
Lily bit her lip and turned away.
Michael's face contorted strangely as he absorbed what he'd been told. His strategy was crumbling before his eyes and all he could think was, Selene is in the mansion. His eyes went hazy as he brushed past the two females, intent on rescuing his mate.
"Michael?" Tyran said softly. "They're going to be here any minute."
The hybrids eyes quickly came back into focus. His eyes and ear surveyed the room. He looked at Tyran, then back over his shoulder towards the way to Selene.
"You're in charge Tyran." He said, continuing to look back.
"Excuse me?" The lycan scoffed.
Michael whipped back and faced him. "You're in charge here. I have to take as many as I can. I'm leaving you with those on the ledge." He motioned with his hand, a mere 30 lycanthropes. "I'm taking Kraven's team and the reserves and going to Ordoghaz." He reached out and clasped his friends shoulder. "I have to go to her Tyran."
Reaching out a crumbled hand, he firmly clasped Michael's. "Don't worry boss. I got things covered here."
"We've got things covered here." Tamara stepped beside her mate.
"But the children?"
She smiled lovingly at him. "They're in good hands."
Michael looked satisfied. "Thank you." He nodded and began running back into the tunnels. He called the group of lycan's waiting at the bottom and led them through a sewer that took them into the car garage.
With nothing more than a whistle he summoned Kraven's vampires.
He jumped inside a silver BMW and started the engine.
"And so it begins." He muttered.
Suddenly, the passenger side door opened and ashen locks fell into his car.
"Lily what the hell?" He yelled angrily at her.
She turned to him and smiled. "You didn't think I'd let you go rescue her without me, did you?"
He looked hard at her, then jammed the car into reverse. "Absolutely not."
well, what you guys think? Not to great for such a
long time, I know. But it's kind of the build up
before the big plunge. ONLY ONE CHAPTER LEFT! And I
started work on that this morning. Hopefully, if my
luck continues I'll be able to post it much sooner
than this one. Endings are funny that way I suppose.
For me, they are the first thing I think of when a
story plot develops. Ending first, then I work my way
back. Now, here I am, finally to the place where it
all started and I can't write it for the life of me!
Gah! But it was going well this morning, so wish me
luck! Thanks again guys. You all have been really
super and an awesome source of support. Once again,
without your reviews, this never would have been
complete. Thank you very, very much.
LK
Azira Morrgaine Vida: I'm very glad the poetry worked
out. I was nervous about that. And I'm more glad
that you enjoyed that novel sized chapter. Thank you
for the reviews. I so look foreward to your input.
Adalon Ithilriel: My faithful Flar Fan. (grins) How's
that for Alliteration? Thank you Adalon, thank you!
I'm glad Geren/Lily is working out, cause I had my
doubts. (And yes, it is Garion's son. had to pay
tribute to Eddings some how right?) And Jacen, well,
he's still got a sister to save. (winks) But I do
promise, I WILL NOT waste the chance for Selene/Michel
to make up. Just not in the chappy... (evil grins)
thanks again girl. As always, you rock! btw -
Excellent Assasian chapters!
vampirehuntr00: Moosey! Thank you girl for the
review. So glad you liked it, but very bad that you
get pissed. Have no fear though! Endings are really
just beggingings or somthing like that. (Laughs). As
always, thank you my friend. Drink Orange Juice and
be merry!
AngryTolkienPurist: So let's see. Did I get
everything? Kendra spoke up, Tyler told, and Selene
ran into Geren first. (Laughs) You pretty much nailed
what I had planned! Hope you enjoyed it though, and
thank you so much for the review. By all means,
please finish those LOTR fics and get the Underworld
board somthing to read! I'll be there. Might even
check out the lotr fics when I get a chance. Thanks
again!
VampyricAngel: (grins) I already thanked you, but
I'll do it again cause your that special. (blows
rasberry) I'm sorry Michael was such a jerk, but
remember I promised you a good ending. (winks) and
I'm really glad someone noticed the smoking. It was
somthing knew I wanted to try and see how it worked
out. glad to know the effort was not lost. And as
for having a knack, well I know I have a knack for
falling down and hitting my head, but writing? I'll
take your word for it. thanks again girl!
Irish-Chick13: The sequel to the movie?!? I'm very
flattered. thank you so much for reviewing. nice to
see new faces. Hope you liked this chapter and enjoy
the ending as well. thanks again!
Redd: (Laughs) yes, Kahn is a good boy. And Tyler,
well, he did the right thing. Thanks for the review!
Hum...what's lucas up to. (poke , poke) thanks Redd.
Hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Rayefire: wow! Your review was great for my ego.
Thank you. I'm glad you noticed the symbolism. It's
such a cool metaphor, but I doubt it could be better
than anything you'd write. (winks) Use it. I want to
see how you go about it. As far as Flar, I'm sure
he'll be needed some asprin to say the least in the
next life. I hear being headless can be quite
painful. (evil grins) Still very sorry about all
your stuff though. Lord, that's painful. Good luck
with it all. Hope to see your UW story up and running
again soon. Thanks again Rayefire! I appreciate the
thoughtful review.
Revan1539: glad you like! That's for reviewing.
iridescent eyes: Hey! You came out of nowhere! Thank
you for stopping by. I'm very glad you enjoyed the
scene with Selene and the moon. Coming from a great
writer such as yourself that means a lot. I must
admit though I did not even think about the irony you
pointed out. Hum...that makes things that much more
interesting. Thanks for the review girl! nice to see
you around. (smiles)
Thanks again to you all! let me know what you think!