(Oh geez, I feel really bad. I promised to have the next chapter out by September, and here it is November, and I'm just updating. It's just been a little difficult, ya know? Anyways, enough of my babble. Here are some notes:

Some scenes I didn't feel suitable for writing (Actually, I just couldn't bring myself to write them), so that's why I eventually skip forward. I apologize for the inconvenience.

Sdakerrigan: LOL.

Thanks to S, Neverneverland and JeanB. Thanks for the reviews, love 'em

FLASHBACK: In the story, Selene has just returned to Michael's base with Kahn and Erika, where they proposed a peace treaty between Lycans and Vampires, in order to fight off the Lorkai, led by an ancient enemy known as The Creature (AKA Gaerwn). The previous chapter was a short little thing about Kailyn beginning to open up again to the werewolves, while plans for meeting with Markus are being made (and argued over). On with the story

(Oh yeah, and I'm not very good with negotiations, so this may seem a little stupid)

CHAPTER TEN

AN ALLIANCE BEGUN AND HER SECRET

Selene straitened up in her seat, and glanced over at Erika. The white-haired vampiress returned the look with a reassuring, yet nervous, smile. It wouldn't be much longer before Simon and Raze were to arrive with Markus and the few other vampires preparing for negotiation. Michael stood glaring out a window at the black night's sky with thought. Tonight, an alliance shall truly be formed, and then a new war shall come, an old war buried away in the ashes of this new one. Everything seemed to be taking on a different gleam in the lives of Vampires and Werewolves. Somewhere, a wolf howled into the night, alerting the quickly approaching presence of the vampire elder. All waited a moment longer, and when nothing happened they let out a relieved breath. Had there been another howl, it would have meant that it was dangerous, and the meeting premises should be evacuated immediately.

Over the past two days, while Selene and Erika had been staying at the Lycan safe house, they had come to know more Lycans. Soon to be fellow partners, these Lycans were willing to give the vampires another chance. Most of them, anyway. Some still didn't trust vampires, after losing family members to the war. It didn't take Selene long to notice that these Lycans were different than the ones in Budapest. According to Michael, they had rarely been bothered by vampires, so other than old grudges, they really didn't see them as much of a threat.

After several more minutes of thought, a car pulled up outside. Michael composed himself, standing up straight and waiting near the door. Everyone held their breath, waiting for the door to open. It didn't take too long, and several moments later, Raze pushed the door open and stalked into the room. He looked around, meeting Michael's eye before he moved out of the way, a low growl rising in his throat. Marcus stomped through the door, followed by two other Vampires and Kahn, Simon bringing up the rear.

"Michael, may I introduce Lord Markus Talbot, and two of the vampire congress, Draco Martyr and Jordan Serth," Simon said, giving a quick bow before he took his place beside to Michael.

The Lycan elder stiffened, and looked Markus over before stepping forward, a nod of approval. "Welcome," He said. "Should we begin?" He gestured to the large round table in the middle of the dark room.

"Fine, then," Markus said. Everyone quickly took a seat. Several moments later Michael began.

"It has come to my attention that you wish to form an alliance. Although I have been briefly informed as to these plans, I would like to hear them again, if you don't mind," He said.

"Not at all," Markus replied. "We – Vampires and Lycans – have been at war far too long now. I had always been against the war, Amelia and Viktor insisting that it was necessary. Now that they're gone, however, perhaps an alliance could be made. We could fight against The Creature together."

"Could you tell us more about this creature? Does it have any weaknesses?" Michael asked.

Markus shook his head. "Not that we're aware of. Gaerwn is an immortal, son of a demon and a human. If he finds a Vampire of Lycan to his liking, he will change then to be part of his order, the Lorkai. But this is for another time. Let's take care of these arrangements, first," Markus said.

"Fine. We'll need to find a place where we can easily join our forces," Michael said. If there were to be a surprise attack, we would need to be able to jump right into battle, and not have to wait for recruits."

"But where could we go?" A vampire wondered out loud.

Selene's head shot up. "I know of a place," She said. For some reason, it was almost as if a tree had gotten up and started singing. Everyone gawked at her. She ignored it, and stood. "There's an abandoned castle over is Scotland. It rather large, and would no doubt hold all the vampires and Lycan clans in this regiment."

"Is this so?" Markus asked with interest.

Selene nodded. "It could use a little fixing up, but it will be perfect. Everyone will be together, so we can ready troops easily. It's far out of public display, so the humans would never have to find out."

"It sounds perfect," Michael murmured.

"Very well. Negotiations will be settled, and we shall take this castle. Lycans and Vampires working together," Markus said.

"For a good cause," Michael added.

"Yes. Perhaps this will work better than we thought."

Eight Months Later

"Selene!" Erika called, dashing through the crowded hall of the castle to Selene's retreating back. "Selene!"

The dark haired woman turned around, and grimaced a little at Erika's entrance. Although the two were getting along quite well, still being nervous around the Lycans, Selene was irritated at always having the vampiress by her side. She wanted some time to herself.

"Yes?" She snapped.

Erika frowned at the sharp tone, but said, "Its Simon – he says he's got something he wants us to look at," She said.

Selene frowned. "Such as …?"

"He wouldn't tell me," Erika growled.

"Fine, fine. Where is he?" Selene demanded.

"He's in the library," Erika said. Selene nodded, and then started walking off towards the library. Erika let out an annoyed sigh, and then followed after her. They stalked into the library where Simon was sitting at a table. He looked up, and gave a wary smile.

"Hello," He said.

"What news do you have?" Selene asked.

Simon's smile quickly dissipated. "Alright. Take a seat. I've just found an old book written by the Scots, and I have reason to believe it contains information on Gaerwn," He said.

"Does it mention how to destroy him?" Selene asked, sounding hopeful. Gaerwn had yet to actually find the Lycan-Vampire hideout, but sources said he was closing in.

"Something along those lines. The ancients and their ideas of riddles – got to hate 'em. There's a small paragraph which states: And so It rose, by the name of Grosswor, to become one of us. The mighty one shall come to be, and lead to the life of the chosen. Only two of mixes shall form one pure enough to defeat It, but only when the time has called for it," Simon read.

Selene blinked. "Well what the hell does that mean?" Erika demanded.

"It means nonsense," Selene replied. "I don't have time for this, Simon. I have a resistance to be building up."

"I have reason to believe you may be a carrier," Simon called out to her. Selene stopped, and looked back at him.

"A what?" She asked.

"The reading mentions two of mixes. The only way I can think of interpretating it is that hybrids mate, and the only two hybrids are Michael and Markus."

"Although that is very interesting, I don't think Michael and Markus can have children," Selene glowered.

"You've misunderstood. I mean each will have an offspring. Since you and Michael are … close, I believe you may eventually become the mother of one of these mixes," Simon explained.

Selene stiffened, and then sat. "What about Erika?"

Simon looked at the blond. "You're close to Markus. I thought you might know of any romantic interests he might be taking," He told her.

Erika looked surprised. "Me? Why would I know any of that?"

"It is a theory I wish to test. Of course I will have to research this more, but if Michael and Selene were to have a child, and then Markus and another were to have a child, they would be very powerful. Perhaps these two will be the ones with the power to defeat Gaerwn. I'll have to ask for some confidentiality between the three of us on this, though. After all, it's just a theory in process."

"A ridiculous theory in process," Selene snapped. She got to her feet, and started out, Erika quickly behind her, leaving Simon alone.

He stared at the rapidly closing door with thought.

"Impressive idea," A smooth voice said from behind Simon. He spun around to see a young woman perched in the high window, peering out at the night. She turned to meet his eyes, showing him that she was wearing sunglasses. A small smile spread across her lips. "Hello Simon."

"Who are you?" Simon asked, taking a mistrustful step backwards.

The woman jumped down, and strolled closer to him, until their faces were inches apart. "You can't really tell me you don't remember me," She said with a pout. "You tried to kill me, remember?"

"Caelan," Simon stated.

The woman turned the book on the table to face her. "Good interpretation of such a tiny little blog," She said. Simon snatched the book away from her, which made her smile coyly. "Don't trust me now, do you?"

"I never trusted you," Simon said.

Caelan shook her head with a soft laugh, causing her curls to fly around and then settle gently on her face. "You still think I'm the enemy. I left Kay in your care, trusted her with your kind, and still you think I'm your enemy."

"You seem to fit the description quite nicely," Simon said. "Why are you here?"

"Oh don't worry, my Father won't find out about this little rendezvous. As long as you don't tell, and I don't either," She said.

"Your father?" Simon asked with confusion.

"That creature your hunting. Gaerwn. He's my Father – much to my discontent. But shh, it's supposed to be a secret," She said. She turned and walked towards one of the bookcases, tossing her trench coat on a table as she did. Simon looked her up and down, with some interest, taking in her appearance. She glanced back at him temptingly, and then picked a book off of the shelf.

"Hmm … American democracy. Now why would you have a book like this?" She asked.

"Any book could be useful," Simon said distractedly. He looked away; towards the book discarded on the table. He cleared his throat and asked, "What do you know about this prophecy?"

"Oh, I know everything about it. Sixteenth century prophecy – Ryle Gowen. Very good poet, but couldn't write a prophecy for the life of him," She said.

"Did you know him?"

"You insult me," Caelan said. She searched through the book in her palm. "Sixteenth century – ha! How old would you think I am?" She spread out her arms and let Simon get a good look at her. She was dressed in a formfitting black cat suit.

"Err ..." Simon spat out, his mind blank. Caelan nodded her head and then turned back to her book.

"That's what I thought. But if you must know, I'm approximately four-hundred and twenty-six years this fall," She said.

"I never would have guessed," Simon said, finally finding his voice. "I don't know what you're here for, but you won't get it out of me."

Caelan disappeared, and then reappeared in front of Simon, her book gone. "Won't I? Who says I'm here for anything," She whispered; her breath warm on Simon's face.

He pulled away. "What are you looking for?" He asked; his eyes narrowed.

"Nothing, yet," She said. "Just letting you know I'm back. I plan to stick around this time, maybe visit with my sister. Maybe visit with you."

"I'd rather you didn't," Simon said dully.

Caelan's melodious laughter filled the room, and then her hidden eyes search his face. "I'll definitely have to visit with you," She whispered, her fingers creeping up Simon's chest. Then she pulled away and turned her back to him. "But that's for another time. I'll see you later, Simon."

She held out her hand, and her coat flew into it. She pulled it on, and then disappeared; leaving Simon to wonder if that had just really happened, or if it was just his imagination.

SELENE

"Who does he think he is, just assuming things like that," Selene grumbled, thinking about her little meeting with Simon earlier. She opened her door and slid in, slamming it shut behind her. "How dare he try to imply … that. He doesn't know anything about … that."

She settled onto her bed, her face in her hands. "Oh god," She whispered. There was no way some old dead guy could know … She hadn't told anyone yet. Couldn't. It wouldn't be too long until someone found out about her … her secret. Simon had gotten it right when he said that Selene and Michael had seemed pretty close, but he had no idea how close. Selene was so terrified of the idea of having to be a … she couldn't even think the word, it was too ridiculous. Her, a mother? It didn't fit. Now with this theory of Simon's, it would soon get around that Selene and Michael may be able to have a child who could defeat the Creature. Little did they know they were already going to have the child. Seven more months before it was born. Seven months until … they would put her on a vampire's maternity break. She wouldn't be able to fight anymore, not while she was still raising the kid. This would be difficult. So for now, she decided to stick with the plan – don't let anyone know.