Love Chooses You
Story by Meilean
Beta: Churchlady63 (thank you 1000times for your help!)
Rated:T
Supernatural Brotherhood AU Prequels (East Side Triad = EST)
Disclaimer: Nothing of Supernatural belongs to me. Though this is pretty much an original story, I have Ridley's characters Wade, Cole and Daniel Wilmington in it. Mentioned in her story To The Victor Goes The Spoil. The idea of the Brotherhood belongs to Ridley C. James.
All characters except of Wade Wilmington, Cole Tanner, and Daniel Wilmington are mine. :)
History: The US is at war with Britain (The 2nd war of Independence 1812-1815); the time of the Napoleonic War in Europe.
Love is a strange thing.
Sometimes you fall in love with a complete stranger
and sometimes you live next to each other for years,
barely being aware of the other's presence
and in a blink of an eye
everything changes.
*** East Side Triad ***
Chapter 1 - Love
Early April 1813 - Glastonbury, Connecticut at Wilmington Farm
MIKE
Mike Campbell knocked at the well-known white-painted oak door of the Wilmington farm here in Glastonbury, Connecticut. He wasn't prepared for what would happen next. The door was jerked open by a dark-haired beauty. Her long strands were only slightly tucked up with two yellow loops, matching her dress.
She beamed at him from ear to ear. Turning her head around, she shouted inside the house, "Annabeth, they are back!"
"Hey, Mike, you look ..." Diana Wilmington gave him an upside-down look, which made him unsure what this was about. With a mysterious smile, his friend's younger sister added, "... good." Then her demeanor changed to the excited one before. "Where have you hidden my brother?" Diana asked, already walking past him to rush down the steps of the main house.
Mike Campbell turned confused, looking after her. Diana's brother Wade had gotten hurt during their trip. He was barely out of the carriage when he was attacked under hugs and kisses from his sister.
Annabeth, Diana's governess, showed up at the entrance scolding her, "Miss Diana, this behavior is in no way suitable for a young Lady!". Then her dark brown eyes turned to Mike and she changed her tone to a friendly one. "Master Campbell, good morning, Sir. I'm happy you are back. Is Master Wade alright? Is he hurt?"
"Good morning, Annabeth. I'm happy to be back too. Yes, Wade got hurt but nothing stops him from chasing after some skirts on our journey." Mike grinned mischievously at the woman.
"Oh, Master Campbell, you shouldn't talk like that, when Master Wilmington hears you saying something like this, he will send you home right away."
Mike laughed wholeheartedly. "Oh, Annabeth, don't worry. So far I haven't found anything that makes me believe Mr. Wilmington would ever kick me out of his house. He loves me like a son."
Annabeth gave him a strange look.
*** EST ***
They had dinner with Wade's parents in the garden. A long table was placed in the backyard underneath the blossoming apple trees of the farm. Silver plates, forks, and knives were placed neatly on the white tablecloth. Ranks of flowers were decorated in the middle. The Wilmingtons were a wealthy family.
This spring day was one of the mildest Mike had ever noticed. A warm breeze flowed over to them as the others still spoke about the things they had experienced during their trip. There was even enough to tell. But Mike's mind drifted off quickly; he had heard all the stories over the long drive home. His distraction sat right across from him at the table.
The wind played with Diana's hair and for the first time since he knew the girl, he saw her with different eyes. She was no longer a kid that ran after her brother and his friends to play with them. She had become a young Lady. If she hadn't opened the door in a rush this morning, hurricane-like as it was her nature, Mike wouldn't even have recognized her. During the six months that they had been away, she had turned into a beautiful rose. It took Mike's breath away. Her skin was even and soft like porcelain and her full lovely lips made him want to kiss her instantly. He watched them moving with every word she spoke. And the clothes she wore, Jesus! What a difference to the riding clothes, wool trousers, and a wide shirt she had worn when she angrily had discussed with her father why she wasn't allowed to go with the young men on their journey.
"... Mike? Mike! What do you think?" Wade addressed him, snapping him out of his reverie.
Mike hadn't followed the conversation on the other end of the table. He had no idea what they were talking about. He had only eyes for Diana that evening. "Sorry, Wade, I wasn't listening, I think I'm tired from the ride."
Wade as well as Bastian gave him questioning looks and Bastian saved him by taking the lead of the conversation. "Most men I spoke to saw it as a politically based and unconstitutional military campaign waged by the Jeffersonians against Federalist-controlled states of New England. It is more an unconstitutional war of aggression, rather than one waged for defense. It's running counter to the values, morals, political beliefs, and economic and security interests of the north."
"Well spoken, Bastian, I see a great career for you in a high political position," Mr. Wilmington said to Summers raising his glass to him. Then Mr. Wilmington turned to Mike, meeting his gaze with a stern glare.
Mike swallowed hard. Had Mr. Wilmington seen him staring at his daughter? He tried to sit upright in his chair.
The conversation went on about the war with Britain and the sea blockades, but Mike's mind drifted off and he found himself staring at Diana again.
She looked up at him and that was the moment when he entirely lost his heart. It was like the sunrise - like butterflies in his whole body - it tingled up to his fingertips and he had no clue where to put this energy at. His heart was beating loud and fast in his chest. Everyone must hear it. It was then that he lost control of his hand and let his fork fall to his plate awkwardly.
Trying to catch it unsuccessfully, he even brushed his empty plate from the table to the grass with a loud clatter. All eyes were on him. "Oh, I'm so sorry." He felt the heat of embarrassment rushing to his cheeks. What a fool he was! He bent down to collect his plate from the ground but Joe, the house servant, already bent next to him to pick the plate up.
"I will bring a new plate, Master Campbell," the man said and hurried back to the backdoor of the house into the kitchen.
Mike got up from his chair, putting his napkin on the table. "Would you excuse me, Mr. Wilmington?"
Mr. Wilmington signed Mike, he was allowed to leave the table.
Mike hurried to get into the house. Holy mother, what in the world had gotten into him? He felt ashamed for staring at Diana. Suddenly he had found a perfect reason for Mr. Wilmington to kick him out of the house. Mike walked into the kitchen though it was not common for the family or guests to enter it.
Annabeth looked up from the plates with the dessert she was about to prepare. "Master Campbell, are you alright?"
"Can I have some water, please, Annabeth?" Mike asked.
The woman gave him a glass full of cool water and eyed him with a worried expression. "Do you wanna retreat to your room, Master Campbell?"
Mike only nodded and gulped the glass of water. "Thank you, Anna, don't worry about me." He handed her the empty glass and left the kitchen through the door to the hallway into the main house.
Finally in the guestroom, he closed the door and leaned onto it. God, what had just happened out there? In the depth of his heart, he knew it. He had just fallen in love with Diana Wilmington. Not a need or friendly feelings or something thin as air.
No, this was LOVE.
The love he had read about in embarrassing romantic novels.
The love that let you do things that were so stupid that all others only shook their heads over your juvenility.
The love that brought home soldiers from lost battles where no one else survived.
The love that no one would ever be able to destroy.
Mike swallowed hard. He knew her for years, knew what she liked and disliked, how she sounded when she laughed when she was sad or mad. How stubborn she was and how brave, she did everything the boys did to be a part of the bunch. And now he loved her - just with a blink of an eye, literally.
*** EST ***
DIANA
Diana fell into her bed happily smiling. She hadn't missed the glances Mike had given her the whole evening. She had always liked Mike best of Wade's friends but as he had stood before the door today something had happened to her. She had been excited about her brother's arrival the last two days. She wanted to hear every story Wade would tell her. But the moment she had seen Mike she forgot everything. He looked gorgeously handsome. His blue eyes hadn't wandered off like so often before. He had really looked at her this time and she could tell, he liked the view a lot.
She had to meet him today. Wade would stay inside because of his hurt leg. So she could spend some time with Mike for sure. Maybe they could ride out or wander through the apple tree orchard.
What should she wear? It had to be something gorgeous but not too overdone. Maybe the blue riding outfit? The jacket was as blue as Mike's eyes. Yes, that was perfect and it was not too tight to move and would outline her body perfectly.
She headed over to the stables. She found Gabe there. He was on the farm for many years, caring for the horses. With a friendly smile on her lips, she addressed the older man, "Good morning, Gabe."
"Good morning Ms. Diana," the man answered, smiling.
"What a wonderful day for a ride, don't you think so?"
"Indeed Ms. Diana. You are not the first person to say so," Gabe said, putting the shovel aside.
"Really? Who else is out this early?"
"Mr. Campbell is already out and he said Mr. Summers and Mr. Harris wanted to ride out too."
She laughed, "Well then they will be right. Can you saddle my horse, Gabe?" Diana asked.
"Of course Ms. Diana." Gabe turned to do as she had asked of him.
She walked into the back of the building to get some hay as a treat for her horse. It was then that she heard the voices of Bastian and George.
Bastian's voice was unmistakable, "I can't wait until we go to that witch coven feast. Do you think Mary will be there again?"
Diana hid behind the wooden wall and listened.
"I'm not sure if she will come but I do know Mike really needs to get laid. He's been off all week, don't you think?"
Diana stepped out of her hiding place, playing dumb. "Oh, Bastian, George. Are you here to go on a ride too?"
George looked perplexed at her. "Diana! Uhm, good morning … were you spying on us?"
She pouted at the two. "C'mon, I'm not ten, George. I don't care what you're talking about. But maybe you can help me anyway. You have ties to the witches, don't you? Do you know some woman who knows about special herbs, one of the witches maybe?"
"Uhm, maybe. Why do you wanna know, Di?" George asked, surprised and curious.
Diana still played dumb. "Well, it's a bit embarrassing. You know, I have a woman's issue. I could use some advice or maybe tea or something. When I get my period…."
George raised a hand to stop her. "Whoa, whoa, stop. Please don't tell me such things. I know someone who might help you and yes she is a witch. Go to the pharmacy and ask for Hannah. Tell her I sent you. But please leave me alone with this woman's stuff."
Diana grinned at the two. "Thank you, honestly. I'll visit her. I have to go anyway. See you two later."
She walked over to Gabe who had her horse ready, leaving the two friends confused.
*** EST ***
The morning air was fresh and Diana was glad she had decided on a light jacket. She tried the four friend's usual meeting place first. It was next to a small chapel a bit away from the path. But she found it abandoned. Next, she tried the small pond with the big willows. She was about to turn when she spotted a horse near the water. This was Mike's stallion. Her heart began speeding up. He had to be around somewhere. She steered her mount a bit closer to the water. There he was, sitting on a blanket behind one of the thick tree trunks. He studied a book, writing something down in a notepad. He was so immersed in his work that he didn't seem to notice her.
Diana hurried out of her jacket and stuffed it carelessly into her saddlebags. She would play this right. She wanted Mike to be hers, making him eat out of her palm. She was a Wilmington and she was used to getting what she wanted. The young Lady slowed her horse down, stopping a few yards in front of him.
Mike's head jerked up from his work. "Diana! What are you doing here?" Mike asked, surprised, closing the journal he had on his lap. He put the document he had been working on aside. Mike got up from the blanket, waiting for an answer.
"I searched for you," she said directly without unnecessary courtesy.
She saw the instantly worried expression in Mike's eyes. "Did something happen?"
God, he was gorgeous when his protective senses were on full alert. She considered for a second to let him believe there was really a threat but that would be mean. "No, uhm, no. What are you doing out here all alone?" She asked, getting down from her mount.
Mike relaxed again, giving her a lopsided grin. "Well, I could ask you the same. Isn't it inappropriate for a young Lady to ride around - so all alone?"
"That depends," she said with a smirk, plucking her gloves from her fingers.
"Depends on what?" he asked, now looking at her with his intense blue eyes.
Diana giggled, "It depends on if I'm safe where I'm riding to."
She saw him searching for words for a moment. Time for her to take a closer look at her prey. She had noticed some changes in his appearance when they had arrived, like the well-trimmed beard, as well as his now long hair, worn in a ponytail, revealing the beauty of his bright eyes and perfect face. He looked like a hero out of one of the pirate novels she loved reading so much. With strong muscles and broad shoulders to feel safe in his presence. She longed to touch him. A slight sigh escaped her throat which made Mike raise a brow.
He smirked at her, "And you believe you are safe with me, Di?"
"Am I not?"
Mike chuckled, lessening the tension of the situation with his lightness. "Of course you are. Do you want to sit with me for a while? The pond is beautiful in the morning before the mist evaporates."
Diana felt the excitement in her stomach. "Sure, what are you writing about?" she asked, coming closer to take a seat on the big checkered blanket Mike took a seat again on. The fabric felt surprisingly soft and warm.
He picked the paper and book up, shoving everything to the side. "It's nothing to worry about, just a report of our journey for Mr. Rutherford."
"Hm," she hummed. The report would be boring stuff about animals they had seen on their trip. Mr. Rutherford did something with strange animals of America. Clara, his daughter, had told her this at a winter dance they had been invited to. Clara was a nice person. She could imagine being friends with her. But she could die from curiosity to know what was in this journal next to him. Maybe it was his diary?
After a few minutes of watching the mists and talking about the weather, she shivered.
Mike looked at her concerned. "Are you cold, Diana? Why don't you wear a jacket? Here," he slipped out of his jacket and spread the garment around her shoulders.
Comforting warmth welcomed her. And his smell - mhh so good, it made her smile instantly. "Thank you. I forgot mine in the stables," she lied to him.
Diana hung on Mike's lips while he told her about the journey. Mike had such wonderful lips - soft and full though still masculine. He didn't speak of boring things, in fact, he could tell amazing stories and his adorable Scottish brogue was the icing on the cake. Diana could listen to him forever. She was not quite sure if she started drooling. She should behave. The last thing she wanted was that he thought she was digging on him like a harbor whore.
She forced her gaze off him, studying the pattern of the blanket they sat on. "Is this a Scottish plaid?" she asked brushing over the blanket.
He smiled at her. "Aye, it's the Campbell Tartan. My mother sent it to me to have a piece of home with me."
"Do you miss Scotland?"
"Sometimes, but I have a family here too, not only my uncle. I was always welcome at the Wilmington's as well as the Summers'. Wade and Bastian are like brothers to me; so I'm good," he answered, brushing over the fabric lost in thought. He touched her hand by accident and looked up into her eyes.
Every fiber in Diana's body threatened to explode at his touch. They looked at each other for a moment, or was it an eternity - she couldn't find a difference. She only knew it was too short-lived.
Mike drew his hand back, clearing his throat. "We should ride home, or you will be missed."
Her heart sank. This would have been the perfect opportunity to kiss and now it was gone. Trying to hide her disappointment she agreed, "Yes, you're probably right."
*** EST ***
MIKE
Mike was so full of energy, he didn't know what to do. If he allowed Diana to sit longer next to him, he couldn't guarantee he would behave. She looked stunning today. He had liked the yellow dress but the blue riding outfit made him even more hungry. It would be better if he brought her home now.
After a few minutes riding next to each other in awkward silence, Diana asked, "How about a race back to the stables? I'm sure you won't beat me."
She sped up her horse without warning, rushing ahead. Mike was all in for a good challenge. She was a good rider. He had trouble following her but didn't let her out of sight. Even if he had been able to win the race he would have stayed behind to enjoy the view of her back. Out of breath, she slowed her mount on the last bend before the stables. "That was fun, Mike! But I think I won."
He stopped his stallion a few paces past her. "Why did you stop, Diana? We're not at the stables yet."
Slipping out of his jacket she was still wearing, she handed it over. "I think you should have your clothes back before we arrive."
He took the jacket from her, slipping into it himself. "Aye, you won, I let this count."
She gave him a victorious smile, "I always get what I want, you know me."
With that, she spurred her horse on. He had to take a deep breath to get his head straight. Did he imagine this all or did she dig on him? Though maybe inappropriate for a Lady, he liked her direct manner. What a whirlwind she was. Mike swore to himself she would be his.
In the far distance, he made out Bastian and George coming towards the stables from the other side. Mike waited for them.
George greeted him. "Hey Mike, where have you been?" he asked him before the three friends headed into the stables too.
"I worked on my report for Rutherford," Mike told him.
"I hope you didn't forget to mention how close it was that Wade got bitten by that werewolf," George teased.
His friends went on with jokes about Wade's misfortune. Mike usually joined in but today he didn't listen. Distracted, he watched Diana helping Gabe with her horse. She was such a special girl he couldn't stop being amazed by her.
*** EST ***
DIANA
Hartford, Connecticut, 27th April 1813
Diana exited the black carriage in front of the pharmacy, eying the building.
"Don't be late to Madame Robinson, Diana," her mother reminded her.
Diana turned to the carriage. "Yes mother, don't worry, and if I'm too late I will go in my nightgown to the dance." Diana grinned mischievously at her mother who looked shocked at her.
Diana, it's time to find you a suitor. Would you please take this more seriously?"
"I'm thinking about nothing else lately. I will be there in time," she promised, walking to the entrance.
She heard the carriage leaving and tried to encourage herself to enter the building. "Alright then, time for some investigations."
A bell rang and announced her arrival in the pharmacy. The air was thick with the smell of various herbs. Over the dark clean counter hung bundles of dried plants. She studied the room for a moment. Along the walls were shelves with different packages and bottles. Diana neared the counter.
A small man with hardly any hair gave her a friendly smile, peeking over his round glasses. "Good morning, Miss. Can I help you with something?"
Diana came closer with a winning smile on her lips. "Good morning! A friend of mine told me I would find help here and to ask for a woman named Hannah. Might it be possible to speak to her for a moment?"
"I see. Wait for a second, please," said the man and he vanished through a small door to the back room.
She heard voices from there. Then a young woman came to her but the man stayed in the back room. Her red hair was tied in a knot and she wore a nice white apron. Even in this plain appearance, she looked gorgeous. She had full lips and intense green eyes. And it was not enough that her face was beautiful - her body was too. Curiously looking at her, she approached Diana, "Hello, I'm Hannah. Can I help you?"
"Hello, I'm Diana Wilmington. George Harris said you could possibly help me with an issue. Can we speak somewhere in private?"
"Wilmington? Are you Wade's little sister?" Hannah asked like she was well acquainted with her brother.
Diana didn't know that her brother was known here in the city as well. "Uhm, yes. Do you know him?" Diana could swear she saw the young woman blushing slightly. She couldn't be much older than her.
"Yes, I know him. Your brother is a handsome man, my dear," Hannah giggled. "Come, we can go upstairs if you prefer more privacy and I'll see if I can help you with the issue." Hannah opened the back door and talked to the man. "I'm upstairs with Ms. Wilmington for a moment."
Diana followed her upstairs to what appeared to be Hannah's private room. It was clean and small, some kind of wooden wind chime hung at the little window with a view to the backyard. Otherwise, the room held only a bed with a clothing chest and a small table with a chair.
Hannah closed the door behind them and asked. "So what is it that I can do for you?"
Diana thought of how to start the conversation. "Well, I told George I need some advice because I have issues with my period and if he knows a witch who can help me with the matter." Diana grinned sheepishly.
Hannah looked at her for a moment, "and that isn't the issue, is it?" she assumed.
"Well, no," Diana looked to the ground. "I lied a bit to him about the real reason."
"I'm sure he didn't want to talk about a period matter with you," Hannah stated, grinning. "So tell me what is the real issue you need a witch's advice for?"
"Can I trust you that you won't tell anyone about this conversation?" Hannah nodded and Diana spoke on, "Well, I overheard George speaking with Bastian about a coven feast in a few days. Do you know what it is about?"
Diana saw Hannah consider if she should tell her or not. "How old are you Diana?"
"Seventeen," she answered uneasily.
The witch nodded shortly, "This will be the feast of Beltane, my dear. We honor the god and goddess of the woods every year on the night before May. We pray for her blessing for fertility and growth. There will be a ritual with the high priestess and there will be dancing around the fires and wine. Later women and men are gonna find a partner for the night in mutual consent and can do whatever they want with each other. You know what I'm talking about, right? Like nature is awakening from the winter, we should too. It's time to be free, to be fertile like the earth, to find a partner to do what nature has wanted us to do, and not to be ashamed of, like men of our so-called society keep trying to tell us. They say it is a sin but that is just a lie to keep us under their control." Hannah had talked herself nearly into some kind of rage. She took a breath before she spoke softly. "I'm sorry, what I wanted to say was; It's a love festival. If a woman is blessed with a child at the feast of Beltane it will be a special child - blessed by the goddess. But I'm not sure if it's a place for you to be."
Diana had to swallow. She hadn't thought of something like that. The heat of shame rushed to her cheeks at hearing these things. Did Hannah really tell her that all these couples would make love in the woods like animals; naked romping on the ground with a partner they might have just met a couple of hours before? And this feast of Beltane was every year? The fact that Hannah seemed to know Wade very well made her consider the possibility that he had celebrated this with her last year. And the others? Bastian, George, and Mike? Had they done this too? NO! She wouldn't let Mike join this thing. He was hers. She would not allow another woman to touch him and certainly not spend the night with him, seducing him with wine and a gorgeous body like Hannah's.
"Are you okay, Diana? I didn't mean to scare you. Maybe I shouldn't have told you this." Hannah brought a hand to Diana's shoulder, looking concerned at her.
She snapped out of her stun, "Uhm, yes, I'm okay. Don't worry. What if I want to join it? What is demanded from me?"
"I don't know if this is a good idea. Your brother will be there and I'm sure as much as he likes the idea of Beltane, he is still a man who is raised to function in this society. As far as I know, he is protective of his friends and family. He will not allow you to participate in something like this. I mean not that you need his permission for that, but I don't want you to be in trouble. Apparently, you are a nice person. Why do you really wanna join Beltane?"
Diana wondered if Hannah had some kind of gift. The woman seemed to read her like an open book. She needed to trust someone with this. "I'm … I'm in love with someone who will be there and I don't want him to be with another woman. He's mine!" Diana brought her hand to her mouth to stop her from speaking like this. Her mother always said she spoke too much from her mind.
"Now you're talking, Sister. May I ask who this man is? Could it be George?"
Diana quickly looked up, "No!" she exclaimed, speaking now with only a whisper, "Uhm, no. It is Mike Campbell."
Hanna smiled mildly at her, "Mike, huh? You two would make a wonderful couple. Does he know you are in love with him?"
Diana stared at the ground, feeling her heart helplessly exposed.
Hannah brought her hand under Diana's chin, lifting it to face her. "My dear, that is nothing to be ashamed of. Love is a wonderful thing. You should embrace every moment of it. You never know when love will knock on your door again. Tell him, and if you don't have the courage to do it before Beltane, well, then the festival would be your best opportunity."
TBC