Sorry for the long delay. Honestly, I didn't update because I wasn't reaching the quota I wanted. But if I get 30+ reviews I'll update soon. I hope you enjoy this chapter and have a Happy Valentine's Day. Note, I know this bonding is a bit different from Bloody Valentine but I have some reasons why it is. However, I have put some elements from Bloody Valentine in here.

Lily

Chapter 4 - Je t'aime

Paris France

Schuyler Van Alen was nervous. She was at a French wedding dress boutique, the dressmakers were measuring her. Giving her agitated look since she could not for the life of her stand still. You'd think they'd be nicer to her. After all, she had given she had basically told them that they could pick out any dress in the store for her, for her bonding with Jack.

Of course putting in a little of her own inputs such as, she wanted it too be traditional and simple, nothing too fancy or elaborate. After all, Schuyler was a simple girl. Well, simple fashion wise. If you looked at her life it was anything but simple. Given the fact that she was about to bond with a man who was basically on the run for his life because of her.

There was no mirrors in the dressing room, they where all outside. She watched as the French Red Bloods dressed and fitted her into her potential wedding dress. Schuyler couldn't help feel a little giddy. After all, Schuyler wasn't even out of her teens and she was about to walk down the aisle in just a few days time in one of these dresses.

She sighed as she imagined Jack being as dapper as ever, with the biggest smile on his face the day became one. Lately she has been having the most wonderful dreams, dreaming about her upcoming wedding to her love of her life. Yet the happy dream was always cut short, when Jack left her in her dream.

She knew she had to try. Try to convince Jack to come with her to Alexandria, so they can be together, forever. She knew she might not be able to fully concentrate on her task if her mind drifted back to Jack. Debating over and over again whether if he was alive, whether if there was even a future left for them.

Yes, she had made up her mind she must convince him to come with her. She could not bear to lose him, no not again. Thinking of that made her frown as she remembered just close she was to losing him in that church that day.

Schuyler was dragged out of her thoughts by one of the dressmakers as they helped Schuyler of the podium and led her out of the dressing room to face the big vintage mirror. One Red Blood had put her hands over her eyes; she was guided towards the mirror till the dressmakers pulled to a halt. When she felt the hands move from her eyes, Schuyler slowly pried her eyes opened, only to be face to face with a girl she could barely recognize, she gasped.

The dressmakers had out done themselves, not only did they choose and fitted a dress to Schuyler's size; they also applied a little bit of makeup and adjusted her long black locks. Schuyler stared at her reflection, trying to blink back the tears, the overwhelming emotions. She looked beautiful and she knew it. The dress was simple, but it shaped her perfectly, more perfectly than she could have ever imagined. It was white and made from lace with a cream colour ribbon across the middle tying into a simple bow at the back. It was a simple bateau style dress with a daring back, the bottom of the dress fell leaving a small train.

"Oh you are so beautiful, this dress it's perfect for you." One of the saleswomen cooed.

Schuyler nodded in agreement, still unable to speak, she knew this was the dress; she kindly thanked the dressmakers and headed back to changed back into her normal clothes. Staring back into her reflection she felt disappointed, just a little. She knew she could not wait to be wearing that dress, to see Jack's face when he saw her. It was true that she told Jack that she did not care for such an elaborate wedding, but secretly she wanted to wear a beautiful white laced dress, and here she found one. In the heart of France, where she and Jack had reunited after a very long year apart.

After paying for the dress, Schuyler left the small French boutique and headed for the hotel. Schuyler always had a love for the city and so did Jack which made it the perfect place for their bonding.

Letting herself into the hotel she sighed in relief that she was alone. She made her way towards the kitchenette to prepare dinner, since Jack was a worse cook than her. She amused herself with Jack's terrible cooking, though she was never much better, she was a little too adventurous, she remembered back to her curry, a banana in a curry, who would have ever thought? Tonight it was going to be simple, marinated chicken and boiled vegetables with a creamy sauce. Simple, yes just like how she was. She was so busy humming to herself in the kitchen she did not realize that he had returned until he wrapped his arms around her waist.

"You're home." She said smiling before turning around to give him a quick kiss.

What turned out to be a quick kiss lasted much longer until Schuyler got a hold of herself and told Jack that their dinner was going to burn.

She knew he didn't care, and quite frankly she didn't either. She wanted to stay in his arms forever, but he insisted for her safety that he would go back to New York to face his twin.

No she couldn't let him. She just couldn't. He had to come with her. Slowly did Jack release her, so reluctantly moved from his arms and back to the stove, turning off the appliances she plated the food and brought them to the table. Taking a seat they both began to eat, in silence, Schuyler was itching to tell no to beg him to stay with her.

"Schuyler," He said looking at her noticing that she had not touched her food at all. "Is something wrong?"

She laughed nervously, "What would be wrong? Tomorrow's our bonding day."

Jack gave her a sceptical look. He didn't even have to read her mind to know what she was thinking. "It's about us separating after the ceremony, isn't it?"

She looked at him and nodded. "I know we agreed that it was the right thing to do but…"

Jack looked at her, "Love, trust me. I need to go it's for the best."

"But you could get killed," Schuyler said as she stabbed a piece of her asparagus. "You and I both know that Mimi isn't the forgiving type."

Jack nodded, "I know. But I want to have a life with you and we're not going to have a life if we're running around like this. Sleeping in random hotel rooms. It's not fair to you."

Not fair, Schuyler thought as she took a bite of chicken. Didn't he realize what really wouldn't be fair was a life without him.

He looked at Schuyler, "Look, I get you're scared. I am too, but we don't have a choice."

"We always have the choice," Schuyler said speaking the bitter truth. She had made the choice before to leave him and where had that lead them to a year in misery.

Jack shook his head, "No. It's different."

Schuyler really didn't want to hear it. Not now. She knew there was no changing his mind, despite her best efforts. And she really didn't want to fight, not this close to the bonding. So she decided to end it, "I know you're right, but I want you to change your mind."

He looked at her and said, "I want to change my mind too, but there's no other way. I have to protect you."

It was always about protecting her. And while she found the gesture sweet, a part of her didn't care anymore. A part of her wanted to tell Jack to screw the danger that it didn't matter as long as they were together.

Jack looked at her, "Don't say anything."

"What," She said looking up from her food which she had barely touched.

"You're not hungry are you?" He asked out of the blue.

She shook her head. She really wasn't and she could tell by the way he was looking at her, he wasn't hungry either, "Not for food." She said giving him a provocative look.

He laughed at her. "Seriously?"

"What, is it odd I want to be with you." Schuyler said because it shouldn't have been odd. After all, ever since they had reunited that was all she wanted to do was be with him. It was the same way she was at their apartment at Perry Street.

"Yes," Jack said. "Honestly, it is. You could have any guy, sweetheart. One that could give you the sort of life you want. The life you deserve."

Schuyler looked at him, "The only guy I want is you, Jack, surely you realize that by now."

"I know," He said. "I'm just…I'm just giving you a chance to back out."

"Of making love," Schuyler gave him an odd look. "We've done it plenty of times before, Jack. You know I love being in bed with you."

He grinned. "You do?"

"Of course," She said as she reminisced about how alive he made her feel every time he touched her. "Jack, all I want is to be in your arms even if it's for one night."

He sighed, "You know the feelings mutual don't you."

"Well, it better be." She said getting up and holding her arm out to him for the two of them to go to their bedroom. "Because we're getting married or should I say bonded tomorrow."

Jack smiled as he got up, "So you're going through with it?"

"Obviously," Schuyler said as they left the kitchen and went into the bedroom to have one last go at it before they became husband and wife.

Schuyler smiled as she looked at herself in the mirror in the bride's chambers at Notre Dame de Paris. She couldn't believe she was actually here. This was one of the most famous churches in the world that was known for its beautiful architecture and intricate design and for that matter that she was getting married there today.

She didn't know how Jack did it, reserve the church that is, yet he worked in very mysterious ways. In fact, until they arrived at the church late that afternoon that she knew they were getting bonded here. She had thought they would merely do the ceremony. Well…in their hotel room for that instance. But no Jack wanted to give her what she wanted a big church wedding.

Alas though, other than the gorgeous dress and princess like shoes she was wearing, the beautiful bouquet she held of white roses that she was holding, and the fact that their wedding was taking place in one of the most famous churches in the world they weren't having that big of a wedding.

None of their family or friends were their. She had no father to walk her down the aisle and her mother wasn't their to kiss her on the head and tell her how pretty and proud she was of her. She had no maid of honour and Jack had no best man. In fact, there was no priest in the church to unite them as husband and ife. But it didn't matter because as Schuyler walked down the candlelight when she saw Jack smiling at her.

He looked at her once she stood next to him and said, "You look gorgeous."

"You don't look that bad yourself either, Mr. Force." She said smiling at him.

In fact, he looked gorgeous. Rather dapper really in a tuxedo. Honestly, Schuyler didn't know how he had found the tux but she really didn't care at that moment. Because it was their time to become one.

He looked at her, "Impressed."

She nodded her head, the place looked wonderful. But then again, when did he not?

"Ready," He asked.

She nodded and looked at him and said, "I Schuyler Isadore Elizabeth Van Alen am yours, Abbadon for now and forever. May God, be our witness and may this ring be a token of my love. So mote it be"

She then pulled out a ring that she had taken right before she left with Oliver for the first time from her mother's room. It was a plain looking ring. A man's ring. A simple platinum band with the word forever written on it, she had found it amongst her mother's things and assumed it belonged to her father.

Her mother and father had been willing to risk everything in order to be together, in order to have Schuyler. And that for her, reason Schuyler saw it fitting to give Jack the ring despite the fact that she herself had barely knew her parents. Looking at Jack she said, "This ring was my father's. My parents had to fight for their love, just like we're going to fight for us."

Jack looked at her and smiled as she slipped the ring onto his finger, "I'll never take it off."

"Good," Schuyler said smiling at him as she looked into those beautiful green eyes of his.

"And I hope you don't take this off." Jack said as he pulled out a ring from his pocket. Schuyler noted that it wasn't your typical ring. The band wasn't made of your typical gold or platinum, like you'd see at a jewellery store. Instead was made out of a dark almost blackish looking metal that had a darker stone outfitting it. In some ways it was the most hideous thing Schuyler had ever seen, but in a lot of ways it was the most beautiful.

She looked at him, "What is this?"

"This," He said looking at her. "Is my ring. It contains a piece of my soul. I see it only fitting to give to you as you are a part of my soul, Schuyler. Which is why I, Abbadon angel of destruction, gives myself to you Schuyler Isadore Elizabeth Van-Alen from now until eternity. I give you this ring as a sign of my vows. So more it be."

Like, Schuyler had done only seconds before he slipped the ring onto her small finger. As she felt the ring placed on her finger, Schuyler began to feel a small thrill of something. A sense of something that became stronger as Jack's mouth covered hers and they kissed for the first time as one. It was a weird, but very wonderful feeling Schuyler thought as she kissed Jack back.

Although, no one was in the church except for them it felt as if they had declared their love to the rest of the world right there and then. And neither Schuyler nor Jack wanted to stop showing the world that they were together. However, finally they did break apart. Mainly because they wanted to go home. Well, home to their hotel so that they could spend the rest of the night together exploring each other as bond mates.

Schuyler laughed when Jack literally swept her off her feet to carry her from the church to their hotel. However, her laughter was short lived when as soon as they got outside the church premises they found themselves surrounded. And it was not by Red Bloods.

They were surrounded by venators. To be specific the countess's venators. She could hear Jack inwardly groan when he spotted them as he gently sat her onto the ground. Schuyler inwardly groaned too. She was in no mood to fight especially in the beautiful dress she was wearing and for that matter the high heel Jimmy Choos that she had bought as well.

She didn't understand why she bought those shoes really. Cute little white things they were with a ridiculously high heel. She guessed because she wanted to look nice and they went with her dress really well. But they just weren't practical especially when you were surrounded by venator goons.

"Ah," Said one of the venators. The head one, from what Schuyler could figure out. "The two of you didn't have to dress up on our occasion."

"We didn't," Jack said his arm protectively holding Schuyler. "We're leaving now, don't follow."

"Why should we listen to you, Abbadon?" The venator said glaring at Jack. "You're a fugitive after all. And we have orders from the countess."

"I don't give a fuck what the countess says," Jack said looking angry as he pulled out his weapon from his suit pocket. "Now leave."

"Not until we have the girl," The venator said. Causing Schuyler to gasp.

So it was her who they were after all this time and they thought…

"She won't be leaving with you," Jack said his tone icily. He glanced at Schuyler. She knew the look in his eyes, they were about to fight high heels and all. Sighing. She started to wiggle her shoes off, at least with them off she might have a chance of fighting her opponents. Although, she didn't have her mother's sword with her at the time. Mostly because she didn't think she was going to be fighting venators on her wedding day. Needless to say, it was going to be one hell of a fight.

A fight that just started there and then since a venator had unexpectedly decided to lunge at them even before they were able to make a move.

The venator tried to grab Schuyler's throat but wasn't too lucky since Jack's blade had struck it's head. However that did not stop them, they were all coming after them now.

All of them.

Schuyler didn't know how many the countess had sent. It could have been as few as five and as many as ten. She knew though that they were out numbered and in her case she was relatively defenseless given that the only weapons she had were a pair of ridiculously expensive Jimmy Choos.

Although, she thought as she used said shoes to poke out her enemies eyes. They really did make alright weapons, if the venators would've been Red Bloods, in fact, she would've said they were quite efficient weapons. However, as much pain she caused her foes when she stabbed their eyes or a relatively similar part near their faces they were easily able to recover. And while it was true that Jack's blade had touched quite a few of them, they were still putting up a pretty tough fight.

Why did they have to do this, Schuyler wondered, why? Why?

At that moment, she noted that the venator she was currently fighting, a husky man in his mid thirties had grabbed the upper hand form her and had managed to grab onto her wedding veil and was pulling her close to him. "Don't struggle." He told her in French.

"The hell I won't," She said back in the same language. "Let go of me."

He laughed. "Mademoiselle, if you think I'm letting go of you. You're crazy. It was tough enough getting to you because of those blasted shoes of yours. And the countess wishes to speak to you and I find it's best to let the countess get what she wants.. Besides, if I let you go someone else will grab you. Don't you get it the countess wants you and just you."

"But why," Schuyler asked.

The venator laughed. "Don't know, don't really care, mademoiselle. I just want my money."

"My husband," Schuyler said. "He has money he can pay you more…"

"But he has no power, no?" The venator said. "And seeing as how he's fighting with my partner he might not have a life soon."

Schuyler turned her head to see Jack fighting what appeared to be a very tall and very well built venator who clearly was a foe in strength alone. While Jack appeared to matching him blow for blow, Schuyler knew it was going to be a tough fight. Jack needed help and he couldn't see her like this. It wasn't right.

She heard her captor chuckled. "Worried about him, mademoiselle."

Schuyler didn't respond. Instead, she tried to think. Think of a way to escape. She was a powerful vampire that had already faced a lot in her young life. Surely, there was some way she could overpower this goon.

The glom maybe?

Perhaps she could control his move like she did to that venator when she and Jack had escaped from the countess the first time in Italy. It took a lot of energy though and she really didn't know if she could do it again, but she had to try.

The venator laughed, "Your thinking of escaping, aren't you?"

She didn't respond. Instead she directed her thoughts towards her directing him to let her go. And surprisingly, he did after what seemed like an eternity and a lot of energy. He stared blankly at Schuyler who then told him to go to Belgium. To tell the countess that she was there. She didn't know why she told him to go to Belgium of all places, only that she knew neither she nor Jack was there nor would be there.

The venator then turned away, undoubtedly to go to Belgium, while Schuyler turned her attention to the venator that Jack was fighting. Although, Jack was still holding his own. She could tell that the venator was gaining on him. Picking up her dropped shoes she threw one straight at the venator with all her mite causing the shoe to hit his head and causing said venator to pass out.

Needless to say, her husband was starring at her in shock. "Schuyler,"

"Yes," She said looking at him.

"Let's go home." He said.

Picking up her shoes, Schuyler nodded as they went back to the hotel to not enjoy their first day as husband and wife, but to pack up and leave since it was obvious that the countess was now on their trail.

When they got to the airport changed now into street cars, Jack looked at her and said, "I'm changing our flights. We need to leave Paris tonight."

Schuyler nodded. So this was it. They would be separated tonight. Their would be no last night. This was it. She watched as he walked up to the airline attendant to exchange tickets. God, she didn't know what she was going to do without him. How she would be able to handle Alexandria by herself.

A few minutes later Jack came back with two tickets in his hand, "We're lucky. There's a flight for Alexandria out tonight. In an hour to be exact."'

An hour that didn't give them much time at all.

She looked at him, "What about you…what time will you leave?"

"I'm going with you," He said.

Schuyler was shocked. He was going with her. But he had seemed so adamant…

"Their after you, sweetheart," Jack said. "And I'm…well, I'm not going to leave you alone it's too dangerous."

She looked at him and sighed, "Thank you."

"What," He said. "There's no need of thanking me, Sky, I have to make sure you're safe."

She looked at him and smiled. "And I feel the same way, love. Now let's find our plane."

He gave her an odd look, but nevertheless, they began to go through customs so that they could get on their plane together.