CH 7

Mare sat on the front doorstep writing a letter while she waited for Ash to return. Her parents had gone away for a few weeks vacation leaving her and Mark alone, trusting them to be ok and for the Redfern sisters to watch out for them. Knowing she couldn't leave without an explanation but she couldn't wait for them to return Mare opted to write a letter, the one she was write at the present moment.

Dad and Claudine,

I'm sorry I couldn't be here to explain this all but the sooner I could leave the better which is why I am writing you this letter. Do you remember last summer when the Redfern sisters arrived and then their brother Ash? Well I know I never told you but Ash is my boyfriend but he had to leave for awhile but now he's come back. He works in Vegas now and wants me to go back with him and I agreed to go to. I already have all the qualifications I need to get into a good collage and I will apply for one there. I will write and call as often as I can. I'll be ok Ash will look after me.

I love you guys, and I promise to keep in touch

Mare

Mare signed off on the letter and folded it up into an envelope, looking up to see Ash watching her from the now waiting car.

"You ready sweetheart?" he asked pulling her close to him as the walked inside to leave the letter

"Yeah" she replied placing the envelope on the table "I guess we should get going"

They walked out to the car to find his sisters and her brother waiting. Hugging them all tightly Mare told them how much she'd miss them before climbing into the car next to Ash.

"It'll be ok sweetie," he said picking up her hand and kissing her knuckles

"Thanks" she replied turning to smile at him

Ash squeezed her hand gently before returning his eyes to the road.

"We'll drive as far as we can today and hopefully should get to an old family house that no one uses anymore by ten at the latest. Thea and Eric will be meeting us there"

"Who are they?" Mare question sounding a little worried

"It's ok, their part of circle daybreak. Thea's my cousin and Eric is her human soulmate. Thea's a witch."

"So why are they coming?"

"Protection sweetie" Ash replied as if it was the simplest thing "they might not be the best but Thea's a healer and one of the only ones who is part of the Redfern's that used to use this house a long time ago."

"Oh ok" Mare said before falling back into silence

"Honey, I didn't really tell you everything when I came back, but I was really well known, popular in the Nightworld before I found you and then I just suddenly left. I joined circle daybreak because of you, because you're my soulmate, but there are people in the Nightworld that don't believe the old powers are rising, that the soulmate principle is coming back. If they knew I found you, that you were my soulmate they would kill you and quite possibly me for so many reason and I just can't let that happen. Neither can anyone else in circle daybreak, we are here to join the Nightworld with the Dayworld and we are going to protect one another whatever the cost so long as lives aren't at stake."

"So what? I'm in danger?" Mare asked

"Maybe Honey, but I sure as hell hope not" he lifted her hand and kissed it

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The pair continued to drive in scatter silence throughout the trip until the sky had fully darkened and they reached their destination.

"It's beautiful" Mare murmured looking up to the while building decorated with black flowers and vines.

Emerging from the car they walked up the tiled path together to find Thea and Eric waiting for them at the door. Thea immediately pulled Mare into an embrace.

"You must be Mary-Lynnette, the only girl to ever tame our Ash" she said pulling back from the hug.

Mare smiled sheepishly at the blonde girl.

"She's kidding Mare" Ash thought towards her

"About what?" she simply thought back

"Taming me. You never tamed me sweetheart, I just fell in love with a beautiful angel who I thankfully get to keep forever"

Mare felt herself blushing at his words before suddenly saddening at the last word, forever.

"You ok?" Thea asked pulling the two inside as Eric shut the door behind them

"Oh, um yeah I'm fine" Mare replied, "just a little tired"

Everyone in the room accepted the answer leaving her to peace.

"I'll show you your room if you like" Eric told her softly causing Mare to notice Thea and Ash who were now deep in conversation.

Eric led her upstairs and stopped outside a single door.

"If there's anything you need…" Eric said trailing off

Mare nodded

"Thanks" she said as he disappeared leaving her alone in the strange house

Mare opened the door and entered the room finding it fully furnished. Walking in she moved to the bed and lay down finally alone to let the emotion show.

------

"Mare" Ash called lightly knocking on the door

Hearing no answer he entered and saw her curled on the bed.

"You ok baby?" he asked leaning across her to kiss her neck

"Yeah" she whispered hoping he would miss the silvery trails of tears

Ash didn't miss the trails though; he saw the silvery lines that were rapidly drying on her flawless cheeks.

"Hey what's wrong?" he whispered kissing her cheeks along the drying tears.

"Not forever" she simply whispered rolling away so her back was again facing him

"Hey" he cried pulling her back to look in his eyes "why not sweetie?"

"You live forever, I don't" she replied pushing away from his hands before pushing passed him to lock herself in the bathroom.

"Mary-Lynnette!" Ash yelled banging on the door "I love you ok? So what I'm a vampire? Does it really matter that much?"

"I want to be with you forever" she whispered just loud enough for him to hear "but it's not possible, I'm only human, what more can you do."

Ash found himself beginning to worry he knew about her depression and he'd only been with her a few days he couldn't let her slip back, not now, not when she was so much better.

"I could change you" he murmured

"What?" Mare asked pulling the door open

"I could change you, make you a vampire too, remember?" he whisper pulling her body safely in his arms while relaxing at knowing she wasn't hurt

"When?" Mare questioned

"After we get back to circle daybreak, when I know you're safe. Mare you know I never ever want to lose you. And I just want to make sure your okay before this happens ok?"

Mare nodded before falling into a deep kiss.

"I need to feed, but I'll be back soon ok?" he whispered

Mare slid her hand in his and walk down stairs with him kissing him one last time before they separate. One going to feed, the other to watch late night t.v.