Hello! If you have been so kind as to have read up until now thank you! You have reassured me that hey, maybe, just maybe, I can write well. I'm having lots of fun writing the story and I hope you continue to read. Those of you who left a review (thanks!33333) I wanted to respond so just scroll down...

lemonecake - Eek!^.^ That means a lot! I've actually read your work and I LOVED IT :) Seriously. I could marry it. (With your blessing of course) Imagine little ole me suprised when someone actually reviewed but not just someone..You! Speaking of your One Shots...you should update please? :D

Jess M - Honestly, I'm glad you enjoyed the first chapters... I hope you feel the same about the next few!

Guest #1 - I WILL! I HOPE YOU KEEP READING!

Kay130 - You used the word fabulous... *tear*

Guest #2 - I can't wait either! It's a work in progress, you know? I have to think of somthing that'll do the series justice so no pressure right? haha

Claire Reilly - By continuation do you mean me finishing it? Most likely, I hope. Thanks for reading/enjoying!

Claire3loves3music - haha thanks for your reviews! You gave me some ideas to think about. I will definitely explain Lucy's newly found abilities and all that good stuff! I'll try my best to update sooner :) p.s. I'll try fitting in some more childhood memories!

Chapter 7

Nicholas POV

I couldn't begin to describe the hatred eminating from deep inside myself and directed towards the man sitting at the head of the long dining table. The way his eyes lingered over my little sister's body made my blood boil and my skin crawl. I noticed my brothers glaring at Montmarte and their deep growls echoing in the extravagant room.

"Solange. My, don't you look ravishing?" he dared to say. The air was thick with the tension, but Montmarte seemed at ease. Solange sat down on the other side of the table, straight across from him, and took a deep breath.

"Can we cut the bullshit for once and get to the matter at hand? I have been patient enough, putting up with this ridiculous dress and all that oher nonsense but enough. What is it that you want? And more importantly, where is Lucy!?" Solange was staring Montmarte down and I almost shed a tear of joy.

"Darling, I've made it quite clear what I desire from you. As to your other question, I haven't the slightest clue where you've left your pet. What makes you beieve I have her?" he stated nonchalantly.

"You don't exactly have the best track record, bud. A group of Hel-Blar along with others, probably the Host, came on our property and took her." she said bitterly.

"The Host are under my control and you very well know I don't associate with the Hel-Blar. I assure you, my dear, that I did not order your pet's kidnapping. Though I wish I had thought of it. Tell me, if I had your friend would you cave and become my queen?" he said as he stood and walked over to Sol. He then grabbed her hand and raised it to his puckered lips.

That did it.

Solange stood abruptly causing her chair to clatter onto the floor. She pulled back her hand as if it had been electrocuted and she began to shake. The same hand that Montmarte had kissed moments ago was in a fist and connected with his jaw with a sudden crack.

"How dare you! This isn't some game you sick, manipulative, pervert! First of all, Lucy is no pet, and second of all, get your head out of your ass. You will never, EVER, be anything remotely important to me!" Solange yelled. "You better tell me where the hell you're keeping Lucy or so help me, I'll end the misersble existance you call a life!

Montmarte lifted a hand to his jaw and narrowed his eyes. In the corner of my eyes, I saw all my brothers tense and fight the urge to protect our baby sister. I shook my head slightly.

"No one has struck me in the last century. All I have wanted is for you to be at my side in taking the throne from Lady Natasha and becoming my queen. I honestly haven't a clue as to why you have not taken up my offer. However, I am done with your accusations and disrespect after I have invited you and your delinquent brothers into my home." he said angrily. "I will give you two options. Help me and give me your hand in matrimony. Or you can leave knowing we're enemies. And I'll do anything in my power to find your friend and drain her dry while you beg for forgiveness."

My hopes died with his ridiculously long speech. I shuddered and fought the urge to break down. This was my fault after all, no matter what my siblings thought. One thing was sure: she wasn't here and we wasted our time.

I looked back up and saw my brothers stand as soon as threats were being made. Instinctively, we all edged closer to our baby sister. It looked, however, that she didn't need us to protect her at the moment.

"No."

"No?"

"You listen to me. If you so much as touch Lucy, with the intent of doing her harm, you can be rest assured that I will never be your 'queen'. I wouldn't ever willingly be queen...unless you find Lucy."

"Solange." Logan hissed. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"

I wanted to hear the answer myself but I felt I already knew. At this point I noticed shadows moving in the darkest corners of the room. The Host. Way to many for just Logan, Quinn, Conner, Duncan and I to handle.

"Shut it, guys. I need to do this. Restrain them and I'll give you a proposition." Woah. What?

Montmarte didn't hesitate to snap his fingers and niether did the Host as three happened to gang up on me. I landed a fist in one's face but another kicked me from behind forcing me to the ground. I was going to spring back up on my feet when a third party joined and kicked my gut. I gasped for air and heard the struggle between my brothers and the other vampires.

"I said restrain!" Solange snapped, emphasizing the last word. Montmarte simply nodded and they obeyed, leaving us helpless to interfere.

"What are you proposing we do, Solange?" A slow grin emerged on his face.

"If you find Lucy before I do, I will willingly dethrone Lady Natasha and take the crown for myself, which would make me queen. Assuming Lucy is unharmed and you, only you, personally deliver her to my doorstep. Are we clear?"

"Crystal. I'm glad we've had this chat, my dear. You are free to go but I will most definitely be seeing you very soon. Unhand them. And one of you fetch Miss Vera."

I bit my tongue trying to keep from yelling at Sol. I tasted copper. Mom was going to be so pissed.

"Goodbye Solange." With that he left the room followed by all his puppets. And then the yelling began.

"What the fuck, Sol!? Are you trying to get killed?" Logan

"What the hell was that Solange?!" Duncan

"Solange Ambrielle Drake you are so grounded." Quinn

"This is unbelievable! Why would you do that to us? To yourself?!" Conner

I, for one, stayed silent. But the voice in my head didn't.

"Nicholas I'm sorry, I can't fight anymore. I'm not strong enough and they keep hurting me. Tell your family and Sol I love them. I love you, Nicholas. I wish I would've told you earlier. Goodbye." Lucy.

Lucy POV

I was dreaming. I HAD to be. I could feel the sun on my eyelids, signaling the morning. If I opened my eyes I would be at the Drake's sleeping on Sol's bed. I'd wake up to yummy pancakes made by a yummy vampire. I would be all right.

I opened my eyes slowly and then widened them. This was not Sol's bed. I'm not at the Drake's house. And no pancakes (or cute vampires) for Lucy. It wasn't a dream.

Ah, hell.

Closing my eyes, I tried to go to my happy place. Last night came back to me. After Jack left me crying I realized I was being a pansy. I needed to stop with the pity party. I was going to rebel in any way I could.

I surveyed the room. The queen of England was going to walk in any moment to kick me out of her bed chambers. It was full of light. Golds, nudes, and warm browns filled the place. A king-sized bed with that see-through curtain thingy. You know, the ones that princesses had. I glared at it. The whole room looked like it could feed a village of people in need.

"I refuse to sleep in that bed." I muttered to the air.

All I needed was the comforter, a pillow and I sat in the middle of the floor. I peeled of the grimy sundress from this morning. I didn't care I was only in my bra and girl boxers. I went to sleep and woke up in a new nightmare.

You know the bed is meant to be slept in, correct? And there is a bathroom to your right which is adjacent to a closet full of clothes and anything else you might need.

Get the hell out of my head...jerk.

I groaned. It was way to early in the morning and this was the extent of my name-calling skills. I searched and sure enough there was a door leading to an extravagant bathroom. And walk-in closet. The closet was big enough to be an average bedroom and held every article of clothing a girl could need. I explored some more finding clothes and undergarments. I didn't question the fact that everything was in my size. The answer isn't something I wanted to hear.

If it were Helena in my place she'd bust down the door and fight her way out. Not try to take a shower.

You're stronger than Helena. Than any of them actually.

Bullshit. STOP IT! I hate this.

I'm sorry for that. I'll send someone up, after your shower, with food.

Chosing to ignore him, I turned on the water to fill up the tub. I stripped off my remaining clothing and caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. I looked horrible, beaten up, and bruised. There was a few scabs where the blood had dried but most of all, bruises. I felt dirty. I turned away quickly and dipped into the scalding water. I started scrubbing my skin raw and pink.

Five minutes and I was done. I trashed the closet until I found a plain white t-shirt and blue jeans. As promised, there was a light knock on the door the second I left the bathroom.

"Come in?" I asked the door. It was locked afterall.

"Lucy. I've brought you some food." Alara said gently. I couldn't help flinch at the sound of her voice, similar to her sister's. My eyes zeroed in on the plate she carried. She noticed.

"It's chicken noodle soup, toast, orange juice and some fruit. Master Stanford said you'd be hungry." she explained.

"Hmph." I scoffed at the sound of his name. "But don't mind if I do..."

She giggled at the sight of me shoveling in food. I eyed her suspicously. She sobered up after a few seconds of watching me.

"I must tell you Lucy, for your own sake, that you should try being happy here. It is not as bad as you might've gathered originally. I have to apologize for my sister's actions. Her orders were to bring you to this room and question you. If Master Stanford would've had me welcome you I would've done just that. I am deeply sorry Lucy."

"Do you know what happened to Cassandria?" I asked.

"Master Stanford asked me what I would suggest we do with her. I told him, asked him actually, if he'd see to her death. He even tried reasoning with me but I know my sister. Cassandria could've never come to terms with seeing humans as equals."

"B-but she was your sister!" I was shocked.

"Yes, and I'll miss her. However, Mateo is dead because of her and you could've died. Many more would've died by her hands in the future had I not chosen what I did." Alara seemed lost and then focused. "Enough. I meant to come and discuss your blood test." I totally forgot about that. But now that it was out in the open, I was scared for the results. My hands were clammy and I wiped them on my jeans.

"Alright, shoot." She didn't seem to eager to share this with me. Alara was glancing at the door nervously. The child-like vampire was either going to bolt or expecting someone. The latter seemed more likely as a shy knock filled our silence. I glared at her while she bounced up and scurried to the door.

"Master Stanford. Nice to see you this lovely morning."

"Likewise, Alara." Jack nodded at her with a smile. He then looked at me. "Lucy, I hope you're feeling better." I pretended he didn't exist.

"So, Alara. You were saying?" I probed.

"Yes! Now that we are all present we can begin. Lucy, you are very special, indeed." Alara said cryptically.

"Sure, and how's that?" I asked sarcastically.

If Nicky were here, he'd snicker and say I belonged on the short bus. Jeez, I missed our banter. Hell, I miss HIM. A lot. Wait a minute...I missed ALL of the Drakes, not just Nicholas. What the hell is wrong with me? Now's not the time to be thinking about a stupid crush.

Focus, Lucy.

I blushed furiosly. I hoped Jack didn't catch all of that.Unaware of the things going on in my head, Alara continued. "You aren't human, Lucy. You'll expirience the bloodchange when you turn sixteen. You have three months."

Tada! I hope you enjoyed! Sorry people but you gotta love a good cliffhanger. They're fun to write but not so much appreciated on the recieving end :p I'll try to write the next chapter soon! P.S. I forgot Solange's middle name so I improvised :p