Ally or Enemy?

by Lemonbite

Jasper wasn’t always a good man. He had been a vicious killing machine for quite some time. He shared the passing of time with a lover. One long before Alice had changed the course of events, sending him on a better path. Now ,she, is back again! Vowing to help the Olympic coven defeat a mutual enemy. Thy enemy of my enemy is my friend, no? Slowburn. Cheating. Dark. Lgbt. 18up. AU.

19. A life in pink

Jaspers Retelling of ch. mental musings. Sorry, I posted them out of order. Bella's chapter is to be read after this one.

That sound. I'm very familiar with that note. That little tune playing. There it was. On the strings of a violin, the notes to la vie en rose began to fill club Sinister. I was wandering around still. Searching for Benjamin. I had yet to come across him. The significance of that song playing didn't come together until I smelt smoke.

That was our song. It played at our wedding. The song we danced to just outside that shabby little jazz spot you loved so much. The song you hummed on even the worst days. Yes, my sweet Alice, it sure was a life in pink. I loved you.

I truly did. If I could describe our marriage, I'd liken it to a cool summer day. Not too cool, just a light breeze. Yeah. As I lay trapped under this column, choking on thick black smoke, I found it hard not to think of you as it played. I guess those rose-tinted shades have lifted once and for all. There were signs. There were plenty of signs over the years.

The first one? Well, I don't know if you remember or not but you were quite the jealous bug. I found it endearing. You took it a bit far a few times but, eh. To now know the jealousy was paranoia, a fear of some hidden women coming to pluck me from you.

Well, it's more tragic.

You knew all this time that you would lose me, yet even then, you loved me. I'm not sure I'll ever understand why, why did you love me so? When you met me I was a pitiful wretch, and then you just came along and... fixed me. You're always doing that. Fixing things. I'm so sorry.

I tried. I really did. I tried to be the man you deserved every day of my life. If I'm honest, I could have tried harder. I could have told you the truth. Told you about her. I think you knew, more than just that vision, you knew intimate things.

I never said anything when I'd find her items missing or moved around. You never asked about whose they were, you just hid them from sight. Fates ring box especially. That went missing quite a bit if I recall. I got the message eventually and put them away. Safely tucked from your eyes. The letters were a bit more complicated. I'd spend my time writing them. Drawing each word out with careful thought. Telling her things, sometimes things I'd never fix my lips to tell you.

I'd try and write them away from home. But you always knew. I'd come home smelling like ink. It was a special ink I used. Handmade and scented. I pulled out all the stops, and used the finest ingredients, herbs, and flowers, grinding them into powders to color my inks. Same with the paper used. Hand-pressed. Every letter was placed inside a thick envelope and sealed shut from prying eyes.

It was still in the early days of our marriage when you had found them. I always kept them boxed away from the other things. But these weren't just inside any box though. They were inside a padlocked Spanish antique trunk. The message was clear. Do not touch.

I found the key in a place where it shouldn't have been. Despite your snooping. Not a single one had its waxed disturbed. I was still livid. You never did that again, well, that was until Fate showed up in that field. You weren't shy about reading every one that night.

I had found the trunk broken into. Every letter was ripped open and read. You didn't even have the decency to put them back. You just left them open on the floor. I didn't say anything, just cleaned them up. I felt I deserved it. That I deserved the treatment because you were my wife. I shouldn't have been writing them in the first place. It probably didn't help that I came home smelling like that 'ink' again.

The look on your face when you realized the scent of the ink was made to mimic the scent lingering off her body. I had a hard time meeting your eyes that day. I was ashamed. For years it was something I did to comfort myself. It helped me. But really? It kept my love alive for her. I see that now. Those little trinkets I kept. The letters. I saw them as harmless. They weren't. Those were little bombs just waiting to go off. They certainly blew up.

"Jasper?!"

"Ov... over." Cough. Cough." over here."

Edward clambered over to where I had fallen. Or was I shoved? I have no clue. In the bustle of everything, I lost sight of where Fate had run off too. I was pushing and shoving against people trying to get her. There were so many. So many dead.

Once I was free, I finally saw the carnage. Most of the screams have died out now. All that was left was the roaring sound of flames. As we escaped we ducked and dodged debris falling from the ceiling. I was laid next to Fate. All I could do was hold her through it. I'm so sorry. As my mate twitched in agony, the only thing I could think about was La vie en rose.

Why was that playing? Why would that song begin playing just as a roaring fire broke out? It doesn't make sense... I was caught in thought until I felt Fate go still. That caught my attention enough to make me panic. No matter how hard I tried to wake her. Nothing happened. Edward came back and drug her away from me.

It was odd looking at her in his hands. He seemed so sure of himself. So sure Fate would be alright, while I just fretted. It's something I've done my entire life. I was an anxious little kid, man. It didn't help the reasons why either. But nothing is worse than an anxious kid, growing up. This world is too big and way too scary. Something kept pulling at me. That song.

The moment Fate seemed ok, Edward currently had her head bent back and some animals blood pouring in her mouth, I ran back inside. The beautiful landscape was almost completely consumed by flames so hot my marble began cracking. I didn't care how badly it hurt to stay inside, I had to keep looking, for what? I don't know. As I stumbled down the halls, I finally found it, this part of the building hadn't been touched by flames.

When I mean not touched? It's pristine. This seemed to be the starting point. The scorch marks start maybe ten feet just outside the entrance of a beautiful balcony. I moved closer to the carved stone banister and looked down. I'll be damned. That's where she was. Fate.

I thought about jumping but my cracks hadn't completely healed. So I climbed down a tree. The limbs and branches twisted and winded around. As I reached the last one something caught my attention. Beautiful pink roses were sprouted throughout and at the base of the tree? A lighter was tossed a few feet from where Fate had lain. Not just any old lighter either. One I got rid of. For good reason too. It was given to me by my father. A copper and bronze zippo.

It was engraved with my initials. Dog tags weren't around back then. It was a calling card in case I didn't make it. My orders were to keep it on my person at all times. I didn't. The night I was bit? I was forced to kill a man that held some resemblance. We burned his face of course. I stuffed it in his breast pocket. My family was notified a week later of my passing.

I didn't obtain it again until after theirs. One of many little escapades Fate set up. It started as a joke. I'd tell her stories about my home. The ugly ones too. Her favorite one was for me to tell her about the Whitlock annual Christmas ball. It was a red Christmas instead of white. Looking back on it now, we were ruthless. Taunted and played till our bellies were full. I saved Luther for last. The terrible?

That terrible awful thing I did to my daddy. I tied him up to that whipping post he loved so much. At first, I thought about doing it. But Fate told me not to. She had a better idea. We had gathered an audience. They were awfully frightened at first but once she explained what was going on. They all joined in. Every man, woman, or child that wanted to give their stripes, got to. He earned every lick.

We helped the rest escape that night. I didn't go back to that land till after Alice came into my life. It was her idea to bulldoze and rebuild a memorial. She didn't understand why I kept the whipping post up but never said anything about it. That night I carved every name I could remember into it. Every name that died begging and pleading on that post. Just like Luther did. I can still hear them...

I looked down at the zippo. I carried this thing. This weight for decades. I tossed this lighter into flames. The same ones we burned her daddy's head. I slowly made my way back over to Fate. She was just finishing up that rabbit. I pushed Edward out of my way so I could check her vitals. I didn't like how warm she felt. It's too hot, we need to get somewhere cooler. Somewhere she can lie down. I held her in my arms until the last bit went down her gullet.

"What happened?"

"I don't know. But I will find out. Are you alright?"

The sound of a scream brought our attention somewhere else. Off in the distance was the man I had been looking for. Benjamin was on his knees, just screaming up at the crumbling building before him. Fate hightailed it to his side. The moment he caught sight of Fate, he launched himself at her.

His hands clawing to wrap around her neck. All while she begged him to listen. To understand it wasn't her fault. He wouldn't listen to reason. I only managed to just drag him off of her, he stood looking up at me. A glint in his eyes suggested he wanted to take me on but thought better of it. He adjusted his suit and turned away from us both.

Fate was frantic. She kept waving her hands around in wild formations. No matter how hard she tried. The burning building before us kept on roaring. The sounds and emotions rumbling of my brother snapped my attention. Benjamin was looming over a fumbling Edward, his body language read as predatory.

I began to advance but just as I reached him. He relaxed. It was strange. I kept bouncing my eyes back and forth between them. Just trying to get a read on what was going on. To break the tension I decided to admit my findings. I tossed the lighter between him and Edward.

"I tossed that into a fire. A rather hot one just like this, this is my fault. Alice...did this. She planned it. I'm sorry Destina, Benjamin."

Each word slipped from my lips with guilt and shame. The look on my mate's face at the sound of her name. She's beginning to lose patience with me. I'm no fool. Fate could easily handle Alice, even in her weakened state. She won't lift a finger because she expects me to handle my wife. It was quite evident I'm running out of time. If I don't put an end to this, I'll lose them both, and that? I'm not willing to do. I took a deep breath and calmed.

"I was so distracted with her nonsense, I forgot to cover my back. I do apologize Fate. I lost my temper."

"Mary's going after Elijah. Dominic warned me just before I lost control."

I flinched at the sound of Alice's name. She can't stand being called Mary. From what I gather it's the name her father used. The one he called out when she was in trouble. Usually having to do with 'devil worship', he wasn't fond of Alice and her visions, she was abused because of it. She and her mother...

"I'll up your dosage. Let's go."

"Go where?"

"To save your vile baby daddy. "

Before I could protest, we all were swirled into some portal. I can't stand these. It's like being stuffed inside a vacuum. As soon as I landed on solid ground it took me a moment to adjust. Fate stomped towards the entrance of Elijah's hell-scraper. I hated visiting this place the first time. I can't stand Him.

I stared at the giant monstrosity before following after her. From the look, the doorman gave her as she waltzed past him with no regard. He certainly knows who she is and was deeply afraid. The moment we entered the main lobby I understood why.

A slew of men appeared from seemingly nowhere. Each one was outfitted with full-body tactical armor. I counted the weapons aimed at my mate and almost shit myself at the thought of her not backing down. Turrets right above our heads were tracking each movement she made. The men surrounding us held Six M4 Carbine assault rifles. Two Baretta 92s and a single colt M19.

Many were shaking in their boots at the sight of her. Well. All but one of them. Fate laughed in confusion and amusement. I don't think she was confused about the reaction to her arrival. More so, confused as to what it was supposed to do. She may be able to survive this type of injury but we certainly won't, at least not with all our limbs. I adjusted her levels and hoped that would be enough to dissuade an attack.

She noticed my adjustments and wasn't pleased with my interference. I don't give a damn, I'm not trying to fucking die. The more paranoid I got, I kept thinking about my first visit. Elijah doesn't see me as a threat. It kind of hurt my pride, maybe that's why he did fight back?

"Hello, Mrs. Casimir. We're experiencing some problems right now and don't have time for a visit."

The sound of that last name made my venom boil. I glared daggers at the old man who said it. He's certainly seen some shit. He's got that look in his eye. War. He's begging for a fight. Fate, please don't. I couldn't help but pray I survived whatever pops off between those two.

"Fredric. It's so lovely to see you around. Be a nice lackey and go get my husband."

The sound that rumbled from my chest at hearing Fate call Elijah her husband made the old man sweat. Even Fate jumped. I immediately forced myself to relax. Despite that, the tension didn't subside.

"My mate here. Would like a well fair check on Elijah. We're concerned he may be hurt or worse."

I tried to maintain a steady pace of words and a controlled demeanor. The old man met my gaze as I spoke. The fear in his eyes wasn't about Fate or me. It's about Elijah. He's desperate for Fate to go. Honestly, I wouldn't feel too bad about his passing, but she would... so I adjusted his levels to curb any reaction that might set off these guns. We can't have that.

"He's currently busy entertaining guests. Everything is fine Fate. Now leave."

The more this Fredric continued to push at Fate. The more afraid she got. She knew something was going on. That each second wasted with him, was one less for Elijah. I braced myself for the attack.

"Oh. Is today the day? The night of his engagement party? I imagine he's marrying some rich child barely out of diapers. Now move!"

Her hands pushed forward. Those delicate fingers moved in complicated formations and those plush lips twitched with foreign words. The spell used made the men fly backward at a speed meant to maim. One of the boys obviously unprepared for this job obtained multiple injuries despite how armored. His left arm and wrist had broken. Most of them seemed banged up but alright. The old man took the brunt. He got smacked into the wall. A hole was left. It was unclear where he was. She immediately took off after the elevator.

Fate was panicking and clicking the button over and over. I just managed to reach the closing doors in time. Once everyone boarded, I looked her over, I wasn't sure the expression on my mug but hers certainly reacted. An expression of defiance sat perched on Fate's face. I moved closer to her until she hit the wall of the elevator. Despite the gaze in her

eyes, she was afraid, I didn't like that.

I caressed her cheek gently, she softened immediately and launched herself towards me. My hands lifted her legs until they wrapped around me. I held her steady against the wall as I tried to find an ounce of peace. Our tongues danced with need. I felt a tear slip out of her eyes and a moan drift from her lips as we kissed. It spurred me to hear more. I touched every inch I could reach.

I needed to possess her.

Just as the doors opened we stopped and just gazed at each other. Both of us panting as we tried to calm ourselves. It took a few seconds too long to notice the stench permeating around us. Fate moved her head to see and I tried to stop her. I knew what that was. Blood. Thick sticky warm, I caught myself gazing at the vein bulging from my mate's throat.

I dropped her immediately. The reaction spurred a shriek from Fate. I thought I had hurt her but I followed her sight and felt woozy. You know that scene in the shinning? The river of blood? How it touched every inch of the hallway? Imagine that but inside a penthouse. Fate franticly pushed past me and shoved Edward out of the way. Elijah's name bellowing out in fear. The sheer amount was enough to make my knees buckle.

As she ran into the suite her shoes slipped on the blood pooling across the marble tile. I followed after her as she slipped and skidded around screeching out for him. The sound of footsteps running up a set of hidden stairs clued me into where the old man had got off too. He knew. He was covering for what Alice had done. I imagine out of fear of Fate's reaction. The moment he reached the floor, he barreled after me, I made sure I got a head start by throwing off his stomach. You gotta love how delicate the central nervous system is, especially the brain, he threw up.

It wasn't that hard. He was already being affected by the aroma. It was boiling in here. The heat was putrefying the blood. Fate had gotten out of sight. I blindly just ran about looking for her and him. It wasn't hard to find her again. The moment my eyes laid on her I became deeply afraid. I immediately began praying that Elijah was safe or at least breathing. The terror and rage boiling off my mate were evident of why the old man was so scared. Destina is not okay.

The fear etched across her features resembled the look on her face as we walked toward her father's house. The same one her mother ran from all those years ago. She franticly searched all over. Taking me through the place. The house out by the beach was their home, but she must have lived here too with how familiar she seemed with the layout.

The last door we stood in front of, I knew. There was a reason for this level of fear. Not just for Elijah but of something else. Her hands shook uncontrollably as she slowly moved to open the cracked door. It was reminiscent of the door at Pointe Dubois. The symbols were different but they made these interesting patterns. They must mean something. As her fingers touched the wood it began to faintly glow.

As the door opened completely, I took notice of a nursery. I fell to my knees at the sight of a crumbled dying wretch. Elijah was curled in the fetal position over the ashes of his son. Destina collapsed over him. I crawled away from the sight. I stood up at the sound of clambering footsteps. It was just Edward and Benjamin. I moved out of the way as they entered at the sound of her wails. I jumped at the sound of each one. My knees buckled as she screamed in agony.

I was forced to lean against the doorframe to steady myself. The sound was deafening. The waves having shattered my eardrums. As the silence took hold I was left with nothing but my thoughts. They attacked. An intrusive assault hit every insecurity and crumbled my resolve and control. It didn't help that I could feel every emotion pouring from my mate. The devastation of immeasurable pain and suffering. Then suddenly I felt every inch of my body burn and boil. I bit my tongue so hard to keep myself from screaming, it broke. I didn't deserve to express my pain. Not right now. Not while she's in agony. Not while she cradled the deceased father of her child and the remains of their son.

I endured until all at once it stopped. I slumped to the floor and finally let out a whimper. It took me a moment to recover. The moment my injuries healed I sat up and finally looked inside. I took notice of Benjamin, he was deep in active spell work. His fingers flexed and danced around as he tried to reign in Destina and her flames.

I flinched at the sight of them. I had seen them before, many times before. But never like this. I clutched in terror at the sight of my mate's chest ripped open. Her hands held onto the fleshy flaps. Her organs exposed and screeched as they blackened and shrunk in the boiling blood. The blacked fluid flowed over the weeping bite mark on Elijah's throat. The organ I took notice of most?

Her beating heart.

I was mesmerized by the strange sight. Something was wrong with the right side. Every four beats it would lapse and shatter like glass then regrow. Bump. Bump. Bump. Bump. Crack. I took notice of more things. Along her ribcage shards of bone were raised and crystalline. They sparkled in the firelight.I shuttered at the sight of her womb.

She lied. Normally, I'd be angry but this time I'm thankful. She was doing me a kindness by sparing me the truth. It had completely turned to stone. It glittered and sparkled with the colors of the rainbow. Just like the marble skin on my face. I did this. I cursed my mate.

The bubble surrounding her began to fail and flicker. Benjamin was losing to her. I was forced to tap in and help stabilize. The flames inside smoldered and sang along the frosty fogged bubble of protection. The moment Destina turned to ash and the flames died the bubble burst. I disconnected and Benjamin slumped forward. He was weakened and taxed of energy from fighting against Destina.

With their presence now diminished.

I could feel Edward once more. I was quite amazed at how pure each emotion felt. He's usually a cluster fuck or nothing at all. But right now, each one came in separate waves. The first was curiosity. It curled around my mind and set each synapse on fire with delight. The next burst in my chest and filled me with longing. My stomach soon twisted with shame and guilt. My sphincter clenched with terror and disgust. But most of all? My dick pulsed and throbbed with lust and eager anticipation. That emotion was so strong it made my mouth salivate.

Her scent in the room had yet to abate. In some areas where the blood still sat bubbling and popping on the tile. It caramelized the edges of Fate's remains and left the room smelling...divine. I looked over to my brother and saw with my own two eyes his face twisted in wonder, horror, and something else. Despair. I followed Edward's gaze.

His glazed-over ambers were stuck on Destina's remains. He rocked and shuttered as he waited for her to rise. As the imagery and the emotions felt painted a strange portrait of love. My own emotions began to build and overwhelm me until a manic desire burst forth. Before I knew what I was doing I attacked. I felt my fingers crack marble.

The shards embedded themselves in my fist. A shriek ripped from within as I heaved in rage. Just as I went in for another one. Edward began to struggle and fight back causing us to tumble. My hands wrapped around his throat and squeezed until the skin around his eyes crackled under the pressure.

An arm clamped around my neck and cinched until I needed to let go. My fingers clawed and dug into the skin. Blood seeped out. The scent sent me into a blood rage. I bucked and frenzied. I was soon shot into a wall. Benjamin tried getting through to me by speaking. His hands held up in threat. I only saw red.

I only got a few inches before a shield slammed over me. As I banged and clawed against the walls I felt zaps. Each one sent a volt strong enough to crack the marble finish. Fear kicked in once it began to shrink around me. I struggled against it until it shrink-wrapped around me forcing me to remain still. Even then I kept my eyes on Edward.

The only thought in my mind was shattering every inch of his body. The sound of sniffles took my attention away. Every muscle in my body stilled at the sight of Elijah's fingers caressing Sven's ashes. That's his name, Destina's son. I looked up what it meant. I was curious to know... in Old Norse, it means young warrior. It fit. Any child of hers would most certainly be a warrior. A shameful emotion bubbles at the thought of their child... of Elijah. No matter how tragic this was, he got to experience something I'll never have.

For years I swore I never wanted to marry. Even as a small child. I knew that I never wanted to be my father. I wanted to revolt from it all. Each of my brothers was expected to follow his footsteps, the most important step was providing an heir. I never wanted to marry or create... have a child. Imagine my surprise when I laid my eyes on Fate? That's all I had wanted. I wanted the whole shebang, the wedding, and everything. She didn't.

Fate was always resistant to everything. I mean everything! It took me months to get her to even accept her ring, let alone get her to wear it. It makes sense now, but then? It scared me. I always felt like she had one foot in and the other one out. It didn't help her strange mood swings or the hot attitude towards me.

Despite having to fight her tooth and nail to allow me to love, there was one thing she was adamant about. One part we both were extremely enthusiastic about. We both wanted children. That little fantasy about the cottage in the countryside of France? It featured a bundle of joy too. A few of them actually. That's why it felt like a personal kick to the groin. Not only did Elijah have my mate, my home, my life, but he had my child.

I know how that sounds. I know. I just can't help but look at those ashes and feel relief. I felt responsible too. But yes, relief. Destina genuinely loves him. Even now. But that sweet child's death ended it. I have no doubt in my mind. I'd have lost her forever if my venom didn't... it's wrong I know. I'm deeply ashamed that I'm not sorry she's back in my life.

The thoughts died. Once I caught sight of Elijah's emerald green eyes glaring holes into my chest. The expression written across his face was undeniably cruel. If given a chance. I'm sure he'd attempt to kill me. I'd fight till my last breath. I'm no fool.

I've seen Fate in action. If he's even a fraction of her strength, I'd lose. Another selfish thought popped into my mind. If he killed me, he'd lose her forever, maybe even make her hate him, or retaliate.

As the time drifted we all just sat. No one wanted to move, yet, no one wanted to be there when she woke. There's no telling what mood she'll be in. I kept my eyes anywhere else other than where she was.

The thought, I can't afford to think about the possibility of her not rising. Edward kept twitching in anxiety. His foot bounced around in anticipation. I'm not sure if I should take that as a good thing or not. He seemed quite sure she was alive earlier. Elijah. He kept his eyes away from me. His arms were wrapped tightly around the repaired urn. I tried not to look at it. I failed and noticed the material it was made from. Bone.

The size of it clutched at my soul. It only just fit inside Elijahs' hands. He caressed the urn lovingly as he waited. My eyes wandered around the room. Taking in the decor chosen for their son. A round wooden crib sat center of the large room. It was the first thing your eyes saw.

I imagine that was the point. Hanging above it was a brilliant mobile that spun and clanked about in the breeze. Hanging from it were more bones. These ones seemed older and held carved runes. I imagine they are meant to protect the child from harm. Strange keys clinked and clacked too. Beautiful crystals sparkled in the moonlight.

These items hung from woven branches, flowers, and herbs. Over the mobile and attached to the crib was a canopy of luxurious textiles draping down. They were embroidered with the finest threads of silk in elaborate designs. The colors of the walls were different. Usually, you'll see some form of blue. However navy isn't usually the one chosen. The matte color looked almost black in the dim lighting of the golden crystal chandeliers. Matching gold crown moulding ran around the entirety of the room and along the ceiling.

All the furniture looked regal, antique, and mighty expensive. Lastly, a glass box sat on a podium... it was bloody and broken. The more I noticed, the more I began to feel violently ill. So I escaped to the hallway once more. Elijah called out to me. Breaking the intense silence drifting between us all. His voice sounded strange. Almost cordial, or amicable?

"How's her father?"

"Dead. Well, we burned his head, don't know if it took though."

"How's she doing?"

"Dying quicker than we can save her. I tried... she refused to bind her magic."

"If you can't get her to do it. No one can."

We got quiet again. The thought of her death was too much to handle right now. My thoughts began to drift once more. They drifted back to the shattered glass covering of their son's resting place. I couldn't help but think about how it happened. If it was Alice that destroyed it, or if it was Elijah. If it was Elijah, it's possible it was an accident. But if not. Alice meant to torture him. She meant to torture Fate by hurting her loved ones.

Did she make him beg? Did she break it before or after biting him? Why do it in the first place? Neither one of them has anything to do with my lies. It became abundantly clear... she's punishing me.

It's the only thing that makes sense. The song playing, the lighter, hurting Fate. These are all flashing signs to get my undivided attention back on her. That's another thing Fate and Mary have in common, they fucking hate being ignored. The sound of laughter shocked me out of my wretched pondering and made my eyes go directly to the cackling madman.

"You're completely obsessed. It's how it starts you know? She claws her way in and then you're hooked for life. Goddess forbid you get a taste. She'll have you itching like a crack addict. Your buddy Jasper knows a bit about that. It's why he's so... hungry. It's the magic. Drives you delirious. How many others?"

Elijah glared at Edward with wild rage and glee as he finally put it together. My brother twisted uncomfortably at the attention and continued to emotionally deny the truth. He was obsessed, he was absolutely ridden with manic desire. What's strange about him is, that he hates her too. The desire to kill my mate is just as strong as the one to love her.

"You know what the curse does don't you?"

"It feeds dumbass. You're her meals. That fucking psychic sure was touched. I wonder who else? Is it you or the human? One of you will try and kill the other. I can't wait to see who goes after you Jasper. I sure want to!"

The rage had begun to set in. Elijah was livid! I could see it in his face. His fingers clutched tight to the urn. Almost as if it was the only thing keeping him from attacking Edward and then killing me. Despite that. I needed to know.

"Was it Claudia or Magnolia?"

"Claudia was driven insane by Louis, not Magnolia. Same with this boy over here mooning for the psychotic bitch currently a pile of dust."

"Watch your mouth!"

"Make me!"

The words spitting from his mouth were meant to insight rage. He's attempting to provoke me. To make me attack him first. I'm ashamed to admit it almost worked. The sudden surreal sight of watching his lips literally zipper themselves made me laugh. It must have been the point as it did lighten the mood for a moment. I turned my head towards her and felt relief flood. The feeling only lasted so long. I averted my gaze as Destina took the urn and carried it back to the broken casing.

Her words trembled as she spoke a spell to repair it and then bless the room. I jumped at each footstep she made towards the door. She stopped just in front of me and stood there for a moment. I didn't dare lift my eyes to meet her gaze. I just stared at her bare feet and rocked in fear. She didn't say anything or do anything. Just kept walking past me at a slow pace. I stayed there until I could no longer hear the soft padding on the tile.

Once Elijah got the courage to rise he barreled after her. I was quick on his heels. We found her trailing through the house and cleaning up all the blood. I finally took in just how much of a mess Alice made. I lost count of how many

body parts were haphazardly tossed.

They floated around in blood at least three inches thick. Most of them were housed in a large ballroom. Tables and chairs were overturned leaving food to go rotten.

I'm not sure what was worse. The smell of all the decomposing corpses or the bugs they attracted. Swarms of them buzzing around all over the place. All of it was wiped away. Well except for a few of the cleaner-looking bodies, she kept those.

The moment she was satisfied with the cleanliness she sat down at a table and began gnawing on an arm. She's a stress eater. The sound of bone crunching hurt my teeth, but what really made my stomach turn was the emotions I picked up from Elijah. He was deeply aroused. Once she was full her lips pursed into a smirk just before she spoke to him.

"Did the blushing bride survive?"

He got a kick out of her tone. It did bother her that he was getting married. I decided to ignore her emotions on the matter. I'm not in the mood to start up an argument.

"I killed her myself. His little plaything entered my building and threatened me. She was quite surprised to see how far I was willing to go to protect you."

Fate wasn't shocked to hear that. I wasn't either. I get the feeling he wasn't that hurt about the passing of his fiancé. Although she was intrigued to know why he went to such lengths. I was right. Sven was used as a method to torture Elijah, but why?

"Protect me from what?"

"She's after a certain book."

"This one?"

The book was an odd grayish color. Probably because it's not normal leather. Pressed into the leather were strange tattooed designs. Along the edges were strangely carved locks securing it closed. That wasn't the weirdest thing about it. I could feel it. I mean actually feel it. From the way Edward kept staring at the thing, it confirmed my suspicions. Its alive.

"I've been looking for that thing for quite a long time. Believe it or not, you're holding your father-in-law. "

"How do I open it?"

"Why would you want to open it? It needs to be buried on hallowed ground, salted, and burned. Even then it won't be enough. Your little friend has done some research, she wants you destroyed. The spells in that book? Can control and kill us all. Every last one of us, returning the magic to our goddess. I'd prefer to stay alive."

Hmm. From the tone of his voice. Elijah has daddy issues too. I beginning to see my mate goes for a particular type. Despite the emotions about the book, his fingers itched to possess it. To steal it. Fate noticed and immediately put it away.

"That means it can save me, right?"

"You're unwilling to complete the sacrifice. The feeding. I suggest you eat the human, you did always love women. I was surprised you never settled down with one."

From the way he spoke about her taste for pussy, let me know, her wandering eyes were a problem for them. I guess he's not as willing to share as I was. I tried not to react toward the body language and tone.

"The ladies love me, what can I say."

"You look good."

"Fuck you, I'm dying, can it help or not?"

"It's possible. It's ciphered, so good luck reading it."

"You're willing to let me die?"

"You don't have to die, bind yourself, you'll live."

"Answer her question."

Elijahs' flirting and possessiveness had finally gotten to me. I was getting quite tired of being in his presence. Fate wasn't happy with me for interfering. She was working an angle. She was trying to make him spill his guts about the book.

While Elijah was working his own. He's either trying to seduce her or the book from her. I decided to step in and took a seat of my own. My proximity to her made it abundantly clear, that won't be happening, he got the message. I leaned close to my mate and caressed the side of her cheek. Fate gave me her attention.

"Darlin, would you be so kind to make me a drink?"

"Make me one too gorgeous."

She glared daggers at Elijah but just kept on walking. I waited until we were alone. The moment Fate was gone Elijah attacked. My head ended up smashed into the table. His fist tangled in my hair.

"Now. I was forced to endure years. Fucking years! Of your bullshit messing up my marriage. How dare you!!"

He drug me around on the floor. I clawed at his hands. No matter how hard I drug my nails in he wouldn't let go. I was lifted off the floor and slammed into the marble tile. He broke a chair over my body, took the leg, and held it to my chest as if it was a stake. He laughed as I struggled.

I went still once I looked into his eyes and saw flaming coals staring back at me. I went slack-jawed as I was forced to witness Sven. I shook like a leaf barely hanging on. The poor child drowned in my venom. It was fed the poison through the umbilical cord. Tiny crystalline shards began sprouting throughout its body and consumed him. The flames danced in Elijah's eyes as the vision morphed.

I watched Destina give birth. She wasn't kidding about Elijah having to cut Sven out of her. She was awake the entire time. The moment he was out she begged Elijah to let her see. She rocked and sang to the crystalline babe. Bloody tears dripped onto his little head and burned right through. I witnessed those flames once more. But this time? No one but her rose from those ashes. The damage done was irreversible, so there he lies in that urn.

"I look forward to the day she no longer loves you. I'll be there to watch you burn! Do you hear me? It'll happen soon, oh yes, do you honestly think you can keep toeing the line with that little side piece of yours. Alice? If you don't end her. Fate will end you. She always did say you had a weak stomach. Couldn't get it up for blood. The curse will see you as too weak. "

Flashes of my death bounced in his eyes as he cackled in glee. I knew it was true. Destina won't take kindly to my not defending her. I'm surprised she's being as patient as she is now. Once upon a time, she would have questioned my manhood for not killing Alice the moment she even dared to look Destina's way. At one point, I would have happily cut Alice down.

He was drug off me by the old man. I guess he finally decided to show up. I got a good look at them both and knew they were related. During the old man's tussling and fending off Elijah's attempts to kill me. I could see the resemblance clearly. Those eyes. I took in more of his appearance. Outside of the tactical gear, Fredric wore his hair long and braided.

The long white hair was woven and plated into Celtic knots. Beads and dangling jewelry adorned each braid. They clanked and clacked as he reined in Elijah. A beefy arm was latched around Elijah's throat until the flames in his eyes died. He eventually tapped out and the old man let him go. We just sat and looked at one another. A promise behind both our eyes.

Regardless of who the curse takes. Me. Him. Fucking Edward. The human. One of us was going to die by the other's hand.

"Can the book fucking save her or not?"

"Yes. It can. But it won't. Something neither one of you understands. It must be a willing sacrifice. I'm not willing to die."

"She's not willing to bind herself."

"So which one are you willing to let fall so madly in love with her they fork over their heart, mind, and soul? The human? That boy in there currently drooling over her? Some random fuck? Yourself?"

"There's no other way?"

Elijah burst into malicious laughter. He and the old man disappeared. I got up and searched out where they all got off to. Benjamin was sitting outside the kitchen. He was drowning himself in liquor.

"You knew, didn't you? About the curse?"

"I know a lot of things. Your gift. Its compatible with hers. You're able to stem the burning. To stem the death away."

"What does that even mean?"

"It means you're like a bandage or duct tape. You can hold the madness at bay. But at some point, she's going to need to repair the damage. Otherwise... boom."

I just nodded my head and entered the kitchen. The sight before me took me back to earlier this night. I felt his arousal. I was curious to see how far he'd go. I see now. Edward isn't looking to get in her pants. He's looking to get into her heart. It made my stomach twist in knots as they flirted. Her emotions toward him are innocent. I do believe her when she says she has no interest in either of them. But they both, the human and my brother, are hungry for her. I finally had enough.

"Fate. Let's go."

At the sound of my voice, she smiled and waved goodbye to the sneaky fuck. I grabbed her hand and led her out of there. I was a bit more forceful than need be. She certainly didn't mind. I wasn't the only one that got a kick out of her straying. Fate enjoyed making me jealous. Probably because my reaction isn't to fight but to fuck.

To claim my mate back. We just barely made it home before her clothes were ripped off her body. I didn't give a single damn who saw. I gave her exactly what she desired earlier today. We were full bareback on the kitchen table. The moment we finished we just collapsed against the broken mess it had become.

I held her against my body. The full weight of the day hit. I sobbed and begged for her forgiveness. To forgive me for what I have done. For hurting her. For killing her child. I begged for her forgiveness for taking so long. For taking so long to stand up and protect her. For leaving her side in the first place. Then something happened. Something that hasn't happened in a long long while.

I fed. I suckled from her teet like a newborn babe. The blackened ambrosia flooded my mouth and soothed the ache. The candied boozy citrusy flavors burst across every tastebud and enlivened them.

Her hands petted and caressed my head. For the first time in over a hundred years, my heartbeat. It sped into a race. Ba bump. Ba Bump. Ba Bump. Ba Bump. The color in my pallid cheeks returned. Tears ran down them in relief and rejoicement. Tears. Real tears fell from my eyes. The first time it happened I couldn't believe my eyes. I had gotten used to seeing the deep scarlet tone. The moment I tasted her. I felt alive again.

She let me know when she needed me to let up. Her fingers lightly tugged on my hair. I released and watched the bite mark disappear before my very eyes. I stood up.

The moment I did I stretched my aching muscles. The effect only lasts so long. The more I drink. The longer it does.

I helped her up and we both began dressing. The table was fixed and cleaned.

"Feel better?"

"Immensely. We need to talk."

"Yes. We do. But from the looks going around. You might wanna cover-up."

I had only my pants on. I turned around to see multiple pairs of coal-black eyes. The way Carlisle was ogling me. I was going to be a meal. Esme was in shock. While Rosalie and Emmet had been affected. I could hear them going at it upstairs.

"Son?"

"Yeah?"

"You've got green eyes..."

"I know. It's cool ain't it. It wears off."

His eyes drifted towards my mate. I scooted closer to her. She got the point and left. Where too, who knows.

"Now. I'm aware of your desires Carlisle. I know they are more scientific than anything. Please don't make me an enemy. I'd hate to have to end your life."

Carlisle adjusted his stance. Esme did too. She moved in front of him and placed her hands on his chest. The action was enough to dispel whatever was going on.

"I'm sorry. I was just... you're alive. Its true. She can heal creatures!"

"Yes. She can. But, it requires every ounce of blood in her body. You understand that right?"

It crushed my soul to watch the light die in his eyes. It began clicking for him. That the only way he would ever be free is if he kills my mate. He wouldn't survive. I'd hunt him down to the end of the earth.

"Understood."

He limped away from me with the help of Esme. She kept turning her head towards me as they walked up the stairs. I decided to go out and enjoy the last few moments. It's been a long time since I've had a good meal. I'm thinking of a full slab of ribs and all the fixins. Dessert too. Ice cream and warm pie. It'll be my last meal. The last one I eat before I hunt down Alice.