Chapter 10: New Additions to the Collection
Whitlock Ranch TX
[Peter's POV]
I am worried about Damon and Bella. An Original is not someone to mess around with and when you gain their attention it usually doesn't end well. As we approach the house and pick up on the conversation in the house. The tone is friendly.
[Jasper's POV]
The emotions from the house are mostly benign. They are discussing Leyline magic and truth stones. I breathe a sigh of relief, there is no immediate danger. Giving a truth stone to the Original was a stroke of genius on Bella's part.
Forks WA
[Charlie Swan's POV]
I am out back of the house throwing hunting knives at an old piece of plywood. I need to work out this anger before I go over to the Weber's. Angela just called on her cell phone. Her parents left her on her own. They changed the locks on the house and went out of state with her twin brothers. I tried their phones all of their family numbers except Angela's has been changed. Angela is still seventeen; she will be until Christmas time. I need to find a place for her to stay. It is going to be hard here since her parents told everyone in town that Angela is a witch. The girl saved her twin brother's lives by using Leylock energy to keep them from being crushed by the family car. Reverend Weber, her father decreed that it was the work of the devil and the family just abandoned her.
Whitlock Ranch TX
[Bella's POV]
I excuse myself from the kitchen as soon as my cellphone chimes with Charlie's tone. My dad tells me about Angela's problems. If I could hunt the Weber's and their messed up congregation, I would show them what family truly means and pelt them with a few truth stones. How could anyone believe Angela is evil? What planet are they on?
"Charlie you put Angela on a plane to Lubbock today. She will have a new family here with me. If you value your latest fishing pole, make it the first flight out of Sea-Tac."
Forks WA
[Charlie's POV]
I drive over to the Weber's house. Angela is sitting on the porch swing. All of her stuff is packed in suitcases and boxes on the porch. I load them into the back of the car. "Angela you are coming with me. I am going to send you to Bella in Texas. I have an airline ticket to Lubbock. I called Bella and they have a room set up for you at their ranch. Bella has been staying with the Whitlock's since last month. I will forward these boxes to you. Here are some forms to sign. I will try to get you emancipated from your family. I know a family court judge that will probably sign these forms as soon as I can explain your situation to her. If not you will be eighteen in a few months. I think you will be safer in Texas. Your father has some strange folks as part of his congregation to condone this kind of crap. I don't trust any of them not to do something stupid."
"Thanks Charlie, are you sure that the Whitlock's want me to stay with them?"
"Bella said she will break one of my favorite fishing poles next time she is here, if I don't put you on a plane today."
"She did not!"
I laugh, "She said to put you on the earliest flight I can book from Sea-Tac and they will meet you at the airport."
Angela hugs me. "Thank you both."
Whitlock Ranch TX
[Damon's POV]
Bella is on the phone with Charlie. From the gist of what I am hearing is her best friend Angela was suddenly abandoned by her family. I don't think I have ever heard my wife cuss so fluently. Yes, she is hot when she is pissed. I have learned not to stop her if she is ranting. I value the family jewels too much.
I may have messed with Stefan for making me complete the change but I never permanently locked him out of the house. Bella issues an order to Charlie to send Angela to us. I find one of the guest rooms and pull out some clean sheets from the linen closet. What's one more guest? We seem to be collecting them.
[Jasper's POV]
Vampire hearing doesn't allow much privacy. Bella is upset that her friend's parents kicked her friend out just because she has inherent powers they can't explain away. She is right we will welcome another addition to the ranch. I am more comfortable about a new Leylock joining our group, than having an Original hanging out here. Pete and I enter the house.
[Pete's POV]
Charlotte took one look at me when I came through the door. "Don't say what you are going to say or you will be dwelling in the barn for a few days." I really hate when she does that. She knows I will say something I shouldn't, which knocks out anything I was thinking out of my mind before I can say anything.
[Elżbieta's POV]
I mentally breathe a sigh of relief. Elijah accepted my deal. I won't do anything to jeopardize that, I just wish my brother would have made a similar deal with him prior to Damon's visit. One of the Originals or some other supernatural would have killed him eventually. He was too curious for his own good. I keep secrets hidden discretely; I will live longer that way.
I pull out my laptop, while listening to the conversation at the kitchen table. Three individuals enter the room. I am taken with the tall blond Cold One with the sandy blond hair and gold eyes. A Vegetarian Cold One, I never thought I would encounter any Cold Ones. I usually avoid vampires of any ilk and other supernaturals, safer that way.
Bella introduces us, "Elżbieta, Elijah, I would like you to meet your hosts: Jasper, Peter and Charlotte Whitlock."
I notice Peter and Charlotte are a couple. I am glad. I am hoping to get to know Jasper better.
"Peter, Jasper and Charlotte I would like to introduce you to your guests; Elżbieta Kowalski and Elijah Mikaelson. They are both interested in exploring Leylock powers and what Leyline energy can do with us."
Jasper bows over my hand, "I am pleased to meet you Elżbieta."
"I smile at him, the pleasure is all mine." I see his eyes widen a little.
I turn to Charlotte, "Thank you for allowing me to visit your home." I hold out my hand to her. She grasps mine and startles me with, "You are going to be family. Just pop Peter upside the head if he says anything insulting. He can't help himself."
"Hey I resemble that remark," Peter grumbles as he bows at our introduction.
They all nod in acknowledgement to Elijah. Jasper speaks for the group. "Welcome to our home Elijah. Can we help you with something?"