Disclaimer: Twilight is the property of Stephenie Meyer
I've posted a little outtake of Dannan and Alex in 'In Darkness Outtakes', it's not very long, but it gives a look at these two characters 'behind the scenes
I'd like to dedicate this chapter to Noble, Fadewind, Bibika94, Alphabloodwolf, Lsb123, Lauren j, Alexsandra, and BellaNessieCullen
Before I could go to my room and escape the day in solitude there was dinner to sit through. I did inform Alec that if he felt uncomfortable he was more than welcome to wait in the library while I ate, but he did not take the hint. Now he sat opposite me, watching me as I ate and I felt thoroughly annoyed. If I thought it would hurt him I would jab my fork in his hand.
"Alec, I know you are not accustomed to dining with those who must eat, but it is not considered polite to stare at them." Father said casually as he cut Billie's meat on her request. "I believe they find it off-putting. It is something to remember if you intend to blend in with Liza and Mal at college."
"Thank you for your advice my lord." Alec said solemnly.
Billie chuckled, "Daddy is not a lord, he's just Daddy." She stated.
"That's right precious one." Father said, and kissed her forehead. "Not that I invite you to call me Daddy." He added as he shot Alec a dark look. "You should use Tobias, as you always have, and stop this formal nonsense in an attempt to curry favour."
"I will remember that Tobias." Alec replied.
"You were a silly." Billie stated as she looked up at Alec and then she froze as if in fright. "It's the bad man! He is taking Liza and Tony away! He's the bad man!" She wailed. "I will protect you from him!" She exclaimed as she pulled off her gloves and sailed over the table, landing in Alec's lap as she put her hands to his cheeks.
Alec looked shocked for a moment, but not afraid, after all he was stronger than any dhampir and Billie was a baby at that. But then he did look afraid and he gasped, trying to draw Billie away from him as Mother and Father rounded the table. Mother wrapped her arms around Billie to try and pull her away, but Billie's grip on Alec was strong.
"Come on Billie Baby, he's not going to hurt you." Mother crooned and Father stroked Billie's hand, hoping it would make her loosen them.
"He took Liza and Tony!" Billie protested.
"I know he did Baby, but he won't take them again, I promise you. Now let go of him or you'll really hurt him." Mother whispered.
"He hurt Liza and Tony!" Billie cried.
"Billie, this is the mean boy you said I should forgive." I stated. "What does Grandpa Carlisle say about forgiveness?"
"That we should give it." She stated.
"This is not an act of forgiveness, but of vengeance." Father stated, taking up my cue. "Once you start on the path of vengeance there is no turning back and it's a bleak path indeed."
Billie gasped and pulled her hands away from Alec, before turning and burying her face into Mother's shoulder. Mother stroked her hair and kissed her softly, cooing also to try and comfort her. Billie was sobbing now.
"Please excuse us." Father said with a slight bow as he and Mother left the room with a very upset Billie.
I watched them, then turned to glare at Alec who had his hands held to his temples looking down in shock.
"How dare you upset my sister so?" I growled.
"Upset your sister? She is the one who attacked me." Alec replied gasping slightly as if he was struggling to draw breath. "What did she do?"
"Billie has the ability to drain energy." Jane said as she entered the room. "Tobias asked that I take you hunting, under the circumstances I think it for the best. We wouldn't want you to accidentally hunt Mal now would we?"
Alec shook his head, but did not look happy about leaving us. Jane stared at him until he rose to his feet and left the room.
"I have finished." I stated as I stood.
"But you've hardly ate a thing." Granny Ness observed.
"I am not hungry." I stated. "May I be excused?"
I did not wait for them to answer, merely left the dining room. Mal followed me, and once out in the corridor I turned to him and embraced him, burying my face in his t-shirt. Mal held me while I tried to push away the thoughts of the day.
"We must check on Billie." I murmured.
"Yes."
"Come." I stated, and I stepped away from him and took his hand.
It was strange, but with only a little concentration I knew where Billie was. It was similar to how I knew where Tony was when we were in the same building. Billie was up in Mother and Father's room, and it was to there I now moved.
"I was a bad girl and now Liza is mad with me." Billie was crying.
"No I am not Sister." I stated.
Billie looked up, but did not leave Mother's arms.
"But I did not show forgiveness." She protested.
"I owe you an apology sister. I should not have said that to you, but if you had hurt Alec further I'm afraid the big bad vampires in Volterra would have been angry with you and that would be most grave indeed." I explained.
"Big bad vampires?" Billie gasped. "They're worse than the bad man?"
"Much worse." Mal replied as he knelt before Mother and was now eyelevel with Billie. "That's why you can't hurt him."
"Can you hurt him?" Billie asked giving Mal a level look.
"However much I'd like to, it wouldn't be right." Mal replied, giving her an equal level look.
Billie nodded.
"Will you forgive him?" She asked.
"Who knows in time?" Mal said with a shrug. "But I think that people should at least try and make up for what they did and earn that forgiveness. In the mean time we have to give him the benefit of the doubt. He might prove himself in time, but if not…"
"We won't be his friend?" Billie asked when Mal trailed off.
"Yeah." Mal stated, although I was sure he would rather kill Alec than suffer him to live if that was the case.
"I will think about that." Billie stated.
"Da iawn bach." Mal said as he squeezed her cheek.
"You speak funny some times." She stated.
"Nah. Just speaking my language." Mal replied.
"You're not American." Billie stated.
"No. I'm Welsh."
"That means you are from Wales." Billie said in a precise manner, as if she'd consulted some inner font of wisdom. "I saw that in the Atlas. It is very small and looks like a person."
"That's right." Mal said with an impressed smile.
"Can I go there?"
"When you're older." Mal stated. "And you can meet the sheep."
"Sheep?" Billie chortled. "You have lots of them?"
"Yeah. And a dog."
"A dog?" Billie gasped in wonder. "I would very much like to see your dog. Is it like a wolf?"
"Not quite. But she's very bright and knows how to handle the sheep." Mal said firmly.
"Are sheep hard to handle?"
"It depends on the sheep. Watch Babe and you'll see what I mean." Mal suggested.
"I think that is in Liza's film collection. Is it the one with the pig?"
"That's right."
"Then I will watch it." Billie said firmly. "Mommy, we watch it now?" Billie asked as she turned to Mother.
"Of course Baby." Mother said and kissed Billie's forehead.
"Then you are feeling better Billie?" I asked.
"Yes thank you Liza." Billie replied.
"Then I shall return to my room."
Billie nodded.
We exchanged goodbyes and Mal and I left the room. I led him back to my room and I felt safe as I shut the door. I was glad to have Mal with me in my sanctuary and I couldn't help but smile at him as he settled into my desk chair in order to organise a movie for us to watch on my laptop.
The movie was set up and I invited Mal to join me on the bed, to lie on our stomachs as we watched the movie. I had no idea what Mal would choose and waited to be surprised.
"The Pink Stiletto?" I demanded as the pre-title scene began.
"I can't believe you know this film from the first few seconds." He observed.
"It was something I endeavoured to learn so that I would avoid this film should it come on and I not realise." I explained.
"You really hate it that much?" Mal asked.
I nodded.
"Well that's a shame. I thought we could riff on it. Together like." He said with his lips inches from mine, and his foot touched my foot, sending a tingle down my spine.
"I think I might learn to endure this if that is the case." I whispered and placed my lips to his for a moment longer than was platonic.
Mal smiled and his arm snaked around my back and he drew me closer to him. He left his arm about me. I loved the safe feeling of his arm across the small of my back and I kissed his cheek to show my appreciation. I absolutely loved his arm about me, and I absolutely love Mal. Oh god how I love Mal!
I ran my nose up his ear, breathing softly to entice my chosen lover. How I would love to make him mine, to become his. To become one as our bodies entwined in that aged old dance. Dear lord I should love Mal to take me. Would Grace loan us the Stables next time she is out with Tony?
Mal's hand rested on the bed beside me, his thumb just beneath my breast, touching its lower region and it was divine. I moved my left arm into a somewhat awkward position, but it allowed me to work my fingers beneath his t-shirt, to feel his warm skin, touching such intimate skin produced a deep pull in my nether regions that made me wish to be utterly alone with Mal and make true the promise that seemed to throb between my thighs.
I moved my hands further up his back, ensuring that I kept to his bare skin as I turned toward him, moving my right hand so that I could stroke Mal's cheek as I continued that contact with his back. I placed my lips to his, my mouth open slightly as I sought out the pleasure he could provide me with his lips alone.
"You really don't like this film do you?" Mal joked as his fingers followed the neckline of my dress and I felt a shiver through me.
"How did you guess?" I replied, before placing my lips to his throat.
"Let's call it a hunch." He stated as he ran his thumb beneath the armhole of my dress and brushed my breast lightly. "You'd do anything not to have to watch it." He added as brushed his nose along my jawbone before kissing a point below my ear that felt very sensitive indeed.
"Yes. Because I find you so hideous Malachite that I only do this for it is the lesser of two evils." I said, feigning a distressed voice.
"I guess I'll have to prove to you that I'm not evil, just misunderstood then." Mal observed as he run his fingers lightly across my collarbones.
"And how do you plan to do that?" I asked, the pleasure breaking my voice slightly.
"I have a few ideas." He replied as kissed up my neck from my shoulder to my ear.
"Perhaps I could offer a few suggestions." I stated and pushed him away from me, over onto his back before I settled beside him, my hands either side of his cheeks, as I looked down into his eyes. "This is much better." I added before placing my lips to his.
"Because you're more in control." He observed.
"There is that." I stated as I kissed forehead. "But I also like to be closer to you."
"Then maybe we should do this properly." He stated, and he put his hands to my hips and lifted me up and across, and I settled upon him, straddling his stomach as I looked at him in shock.
"Isn't this better?" He asked.
"Yes." I agreed, as I hugged him, leaning my head on his chest as I took in his scent. "I could cwtch up like this for eternity and revel in the safety of your presence."
Mal wrapped his arms about me and took a deep breath, causing me to rise and fall slightly. I smiled, snuggling into him further my hand trailing up to play in his hair. He let out a sound of contentment as he began to wind my curls about his fingers, wrapping and unwrapping them as his other hand held my side so gently.
"I'm glad you think of me as safety." Mal stated.
"You're more than safety to me, but making me feel safe is the thing I count highest on my list of admirable attributes." I stated.
"What else is on your list?" He asked, his voice distant, yet attentive all in one.
"The usual." I replied.
"Such as?" He prompted.
"Intelligence. The ability to make me laugh without being too much of a fool. The ability to participate in joint mockery of oneself. A peculiar taste in bad movies. The ability to make my body rush with a simple look or the merest touch…" I trailed off after admitting the latter as I felt my cheeks grow warm.
"Do I meet all the criteria?" Mal asked, his fingers trailing lightly up and down my spine.
"You even won the bonus round." I murmured.
"Which is?"
"That you are beautiful beyond words, but are not narcissistic in the least."
Mal was silent for a very long time as he continued to hold me to him, his hand in my hair or stroking my back. I loved being held by him, and I loved my Malachite. I knew in that moment he would forever be in my life, my safety, my love, my lover…
"You don't really think all them things about me do you?" He asked.
"Why would I say it if it were untrue?" I asked.
"I just can't believe anyone would think that about me, never mind you." He said in what seemed to be a shy voice.
I lifted my head and looked down into his eyes.
"It is true." I stated.
Mal shook his head, turning from me shyly.
"You don't have to be shy when I compliment you." I said softly as I placed my hand beneath his cheek and encouraged him to look at me once more.
"I cannot help it when I value the opinions of the one giving the compliment." He replied, and there was a small smile playing about his lips now.
I laughed softly before placing my lips to his and we kissed for a moment before I returned to leaning my head upon his chest. I felt myself drifting to sleep as Mal held me and I cared not that I had yet to perform my nightly ablutions. With Malachite so close to me I needed no such structures. With his presence I did not feel that it would be the end of the world if I did not follow my routines.
I was drifting into what promised to be a delightful dream when a knock at my bedroom door roused me. I endeavoured to ignore it, choosing to slip back beneath the surface and into the dream that awaited. My visitor was persistent however and the door was knocked once more.
"Liza, I have returned from my hunt and must report to you." Alec called from beyond the door, and I would have left him there, but the doorknob turned and I remembered I had not locked the door.
I believe Mal remembered at the same time, but there was no time to drive the lock not even with telekinesis. I was determined to stay where I was, let Alec see that it was Mal I desired and he had no right to come to my room at this hour. Mal was the one who moved quickly until we were both sat on the edge of my bed as if we were watching the film. It was only half way through, I had thought the hour was later than that.
Alec was in my room and I glared at him.
"The door is there for a reason." I stated.
"I knocked." He protested.
"Yes, but then entered without invitation. That is rude and you know enough etiquette that you cannot feign ignorance." I stated.
"I'm sorry, but I have returned from my hunt and must report to you." Alec stated.
"This could not have waited until morning?" I demanded.
"Jane was adamant that I report to you at once."
"I will ask her you know." I said darkly.
"She will confirm what I said." Alec said in a steady voice.
"Maybe I'll go ask her right now." Mal said, as he made to stand up.
I took his hand and shook my head, I would not have him leave me alone with Alec.
"You have reported to me, now go do what you will for the rest of the evening." I said coldly.
"What are we watching?" Alec asked.
"Mal and I are watching a movie." I stated firmly, wishing to stress that it did not include Alec.
"I can see that." Alec replied, ignoring my hint. "Which movie?"
"I doubt it is your cup of tea." I stated. "We are watching The Pink Stiletto."
"With Kat Perez?" Alec asked, his face lighting up. "I absolutely adore her." He added as he sat down on the bed next to Mal. "Is she not the most amazing actress, a genius in her art?"
"You're about the only person in the world who thinks that." Mal stated.
"I cannot be the only person or they would not employ her continuously in movies." Alec stated.
"She has selling power, but nobody thinks she can act." Mal stated.
"Oh she can act." Alec said firmly. "She is a much better actress than people give her credit for. One has to be an extremely great actress to appear that inept whilst still holding an audience captive."
"And you know all about captive audiences." I said lightly.
"Most amusing." Alec replied. "But shhhh, this is the best scene."
Mal and I exchanged a look as Alec stared fixedly at the screen in wrapt awe, his lips moved in synch with the lines spoken on screen and it appeared that he really did enjoy this film to know it word for word. He sighed once the scene was finished and turned to us with a happy smile.
"I have not seen this movie in years, and I know not why. I am very glad you are watching it. As I said, I adore Kat Perez and followed her carrier from the start. I have all her movies on disc." He said with a wide grin that faltered. "Dear heavens I no longer own them. I had to leave them in Volterra, there was something of greater importance I had to smuggle out…" He trailed off. "Liza, has Jane mentioned anything to you about…"
"About what?" I asked.
"I must go talk with my sister. I am a terrible person not to do this sooner. Please excuse me?" He said in a rush.
"Yes. Go to Jane, but you know I am curious now, I will want to know what you smuggled out which is of such great importance." I stated.
"I will tell you later." Alec said offhand.
"Perhaps in the morning would be best, I do require sleep." I reminded him.
"Of course. I will tell you everything, but I must go to Jane now."
"Then go." I stated.
Alec nodded and left quickly.
"Do you have any idea what he's referring to?" I asked.
Mal shook his head.
"I can't imagine anything more important than an entire collection of Kat Perez movies." He replied.
"I am being serious Mal." I snapped.
"Then maybe we should go spy on them?" Mal suggested.
"That would not be right. I would hate for anyone to listen in on confidential talks between Tony and myself. I should extend the same courtesy to others." I stated.
"Of course." Mal agreed.
"I would like to stay awake and find out what Alec smuggled out of Volterra, but this has been another long day and I am exhausted." I stated warily.
"I know what you." Mal said, stifling a yawn. "My body's starting to hate me with everything I put it through physically and mentally over the last couple of weeks."
"And it is my fault." I said sadly.
"No. Don't ever think that. Alec is completely to blame for all the crap that's happened to us over the last few weeks. If he hadn't been so obsessive Malcolm wouldn't have been killed and you wouldn't have got accused of it. Were you the one who forced Alec to bring that video to the police's attention?"
I shook my head.
"I don't blame you at all. You didn't ask for this any more than I did. It was all Alec's fault, and I wish he wasn't here anymore, but there's no reversing that now." Mal said glumly.
"We have finally found something that can be blamed on me." I stated.
"Maybe, maybe not. Jane could have thought up a different punishment for Alec. I think that Jane's done it on purpose, like to teach you a lesson. I can see her doing something like that." Mal stated.
"It would be a very Jane thing to do." I agreed, as I'd similar thoughts myself. "Shall we go to sleep now?" I asked.
"Yeah. I'll see you in the morning bach." He said and kissed my head before he stood to leave.
"You're more than welcome to stay in here." I said, catching hold of his hand.
"Don't tempt me." He said, sitting beside me once more, but now his body was turned to me and his hand was placed to my hip. "I'd like nothing more than to sleep with you, but I'm afraid that if I do we'll go further than you want to in your parents' house."
"It is not so much the fact that I do not want to go that far, it is the fact that it would be improper." I stated as I placed my hand to his cheek.
"And impractical." He said with a slight laugh.
"Impractical?" I questioned.
"Yeah." He said in a low voice. "When we do finally go there I want you to feel free to enjoy the experience and not have you trying to hold back on expressing your pleasure."
I nodded as he caressed my cheek.
"Which is why it'll be in my cabin and not my dorm room." He stated.
"Ah yes, your neighbour has already complained of the thin walls." I mused.
"Yes he did." Mal said. "And I was only dreaming then."
"Yes. An erotic dream." I remembered. "You never did tell me of whom you dreamed."
Mal gave me a steady look, then smiled in amusement. "You of course." He said.
"Of course." I said, wondering at my own density over such a matter. "So what happened?"
"You really want me to go into detail?"
"Not full detail, but a hint or two might help create a picture in my mind." I replied as I walked my fingers up his shoulders. "Who knows, one day we could make that dream come true."
"Ok. I'll tell you that it started out just me thinking about you, about our free Friday we'd spent visiting the bookstore then walking up as far as the trees where we had a picnic. Then it was suddenly night and I was in the middle of kissing you on a ledge that looked out over the bay to what I knew was La Push, but I wasn't sure what made me so sure. I could feel the dream building toward…well you know…but I wanted it from the start, not the middle, so I changed it a little to start at the beginning and then…"
"Oh god that was my dream." I gasped, cutting him off.
"Excuse me?"
"I did not tell you at the time because I did not think you thought of me in that way. The night before Halloween I began dreaming a memory of leading Simon out to the rocks on the point and instead of my breaking up with him I always guided the dream to become what it would have been if I was of age at the time. It started as Simon, but then it turned into you and it was the most intense dream I have experienced. The next morning I could hardly shower without thinking of how your hands had trailed over my body or the great correlation of pleasures as you brought me to the finish. I could not look you in the eye without imagining your lips upon me."
"That's why you were so weird with me that morning." Mal observed. "I didn't say anything because I didn't want you questioning me. Hey, does that mean we had the same dream?"
"Yes." I stated. "And not just in the way that people who desire the same thing can have the same dream, I believe we shared a dream."
"But neither of us can dream walk." Mal stated.
"But we have new information now." I stated. "There is the fact that I enhance powers and can take on the slightest amount of an aspect of their power. I was linked throughout my childhood with Tony who is not merely telepathic, but also a dream walker. When Mother returned one of the very first nights I entered her dream. Mother always assumed she'd pulled me in, but what if I had managed it alone?"
"Maybe." Mal said, not looking so certain.
"I do not enhance people automatically, I know that much, otherwise vampires would already know this of me and I would be hunted relentlessly for my ability. There must be a link I must first make, and given the talents of my family, is it such a stretch to imagine telepathy is involved? By the time of the dream I had already linked to you, I understand that strange sense of feeling the water around me when I did not touch it that time under the bridge now. I was linked to you, and we were both dreaming of each other, it would be easy for my mind to pull us together, something it has accomplished in the past. As for the physicality of the dream, well that was down to you my dear."
"What do you mean?"
"I think that with your telekinesis you managed to effect my body in reality as you did in the more conventional way in the dream." I admitted somewhat bashfully.
"If that's true then god my power's freaky." Mal joked.
"It made me feel pleasure, I think it is wonderful." I sighed.
"Yeah." Mal said, although he still looked a little perturbed by the idea.
"Would you rather think on it and we discuss this at another time?"
"Yeah. It is something I need to think over." Mal agreed. "I'll go let you sleep now." He added as he rose to his feet.
"Goodnight Malachite." I said with a smile as I tilted my head up to him.
"Goodnight Liza." Mal replied before kissing my lips once.
He began to leave.
"Have pleasant dreams." I called after him.
Mal paused at the door.
"I will." He replied. "Maybe I'll see you in them." He added with a wink.
I giggled as I waved him away, then went to close my door, remembering to lock it this time. With Mal gone I required my nightly ablutions so I went to the bathroom to do so, shutting down my laptop as I passed it. I was soon washed and in my pyjamas as I settled into bed.
I drifted into a lovely dream of Mal and even as I enjoyed the dream I couldn't help but speculate if he was dreaming the same as I.
When I awoke the next morning I lingered in the shower, mostly because I knew once I left the confines of my room Alec would be there ready to report to me, whilst I wanted nothing more than to abscond somewhere with Malachite where we would not be disturbed and we could talk more about our dreams and set about making them a reality.
I had just finished dressing when there was a knock at the door. I was expecting it to be Alec and therefore took my time in answering. It was Father and my annoyed look became a smile of greeting.
"Morning Father, what can I do for you?" I asked.
"I have come to inform you that Mother and I are taking Billie hunting this morning. Ebony and Nahuel will accompany us for we have finally managed to convince them that Maurice is ready to hunt." Father stated.
"That sounds delightful." I replied.
"There is one problem." Father said darkly.
"What problem would that be?" I asked, feeling suddenly wary.
"You will be left alone with Alec." He replied.
"What of the others?" I asked.
"Jane commandeered them last night to help with a mission." Father stated.
"All of them?" I asked.
"All but Nessie and Jake, who will be joining us on the hunt. It is a big mission apparently. She requested Mother's presence, but could not guarantee that it would be over by Christmas so Mother declined, especially when Jane wouldn't reveal what it was in aid of. I am coming to inform you of our plans, but I could stay behind if you think Alec will prove to be a problem."
"He will not be a problem Father I assure you." I stated. "Besides, Tony and Grace are near should I need backup."
"You do not have to be brave about this Vela. I will stay behind if that is what you need." Father stated.
"No. Billie needs you more than I and Aunt Ebony could do with the support of her big brother when she takes this first tentative step with her son." I stated.
"Very well. I wished to inform you first and offer you the opportunity. And you are not completely alone, Alex is still here, although we have not seen him since yesterday, I'm sure he will turn up."
"Alex usually does." I stated. "Very well, I will inform Mal of this before I collect Alec for the day."
"We will say our farewells after breakfast."
"Very well." I replied.
Father nodded before he walked back toward his room. I left my room and went to knock on the door of Mal's room. It opened of its own accord but Mal wasn't in the room, he was in the bathroom. I stepped inside and sat in the old wooden chair to wait for him. The door closed and locked on its own, obviously I knew it was Mal controlling it with his telekinesis and it gave me a lot to mull over while I awaited his appearance.
It was five minuets before the door of the bathroom opened and Mal appeared wearing nothing but a towel about his waist and one about his neck to catch the water from his hair. I was frozen at the sight of him. A droplet of water ran down his toned chest and I followed it with my eyes, down toward the towel.
"Sorry I'm dripping everywhere." Mal said, using the towel from around his neck to catch the droplet and I resisted the urge to take the towel from him and offer to do the task myself. "And I wasn't expecting company, I didn't take my clothes in with me."
"It matters not. I am rather partial to your current attire." I replied with a smile, unable to curb the words.
"Really?" Mal asked with a grin.
"Yes. And I was not criticising that drop. I would have given anything to be that drop." I admitted, finding that I had trouble with my inner filter this morning.
"You mean, something like this?" Mal asked and he came closer to me, pulled me to my feet and took my hand gently. He placed my hand against his chest until my fingers lightly touched it and he pulled my hand down, my fingers gliding over his smooth skin.
"Oh yes." I said unsteadily. "That was my idea exactly."
"I like your idea." He stated as he lifted my chin and all but crouched to meet my lips.
I remembered in the dream, how Mal had lifted me onto the hamper, now I moved backwards to climb upon the chair, and it brought me closer to Mal's height. I pulled him closer to me, able to comfortably place my hands behind his neck now as my lips met his in hunger.
The kiss was long and lingering and I took the opportunity to run my hand along the line of his bare shoulder. How delightful his skin felt as he placed a hand in the small of my back and drew me closer. I delighted in it, considering the possibility of freeing him of his towel. But as Mal had said the night before, we would go further than I was willing in my parents' house.
I pulled away from him and smiled.
"This is delightful, but I'm afraid we must now discuss the order of the day." I said with regret.
"I suppose we must." Mal observed, not moving his hands from my hips. "So what is the order of the day?"
"Jane has taken practically everyone with her and I cannot help but feel it has something to do with what Alec smuggled from Volterra. The only ones who remain are Mother, Father and Billie, Ebony, Nahuel and Maurice, and Granny Ness and Grandpa Jake. But all eight are going hunting this day so that leaves us alone with Alec. Oh, and Alex too if he puts in an appearance."
"So other than Alec, we have the house to ourselves?" Mal asked.
"That is more or less the case." I agreed.
"Oh god, if only Alec wasn't here, imagine what we could do?"
I blushed and laughed as I nodded my head. I couldn't help but picture what we could do with only a few hours, but a few hours of complete solitude. We could know each other in that time and what fun would be had on returning to Riverside?
"But he is here and that is such great sadness." I murmured.
"We'll have our moment." Mal said, his thumb stroking my ear. "But that's not today and we have to baby sit the Volterra brat."
"The Volterra brat?" I chortled, "I shall have to remove that from my mind lest I laugh in front of him."
"Well I'll let you go manage that while I get dressed." Mal said. "I don't mind dressing in front of you, but I don't want to tempt you." He added with a growl as he placed his lips to my neck.
"You need not be half naked to entice me." I whispered. "And you are right. I will wait for you to dress in my room. Call on me once you are clothed and we will collect the Volterra brat together."
"Ok." Mal said and kissed me again before letting me go.
I was deliriously dizzy as I exited Mal's room and entered mine. I shut the door, twirling before falling on my bed. I was lost in my thoughts, delighting in what had occurred. Did this mean Mal and I were official, or was it merely a casual prelude to a true relationship that would see us mated for life?
It mattered not, for either way we were destined and whatever title we wished to give our current status mattered not for it was clear that there was nobody else for us. We belonged together and it made my heart soar.
It seemed only moments later that Mal knocked upon my door and we walked hand in hand to Alec's room. I knocked on the door and waited, Alec was not as prompt as was his custom. He was slow this morning and seemed a little reluctant to see me. I cared not, merely shrugged.
"Once you feel more sociable we are eating breakfast." I stated.
"I will come with you now." Alec stated when his eyes saw that my fingers were entwined with Mal's. "I merely had a bad night. I could not sleep."
I laughed at his joke, but he seemed subdued as he shuffled out into the hall and closed his door.
"What's wrong?" Mal asked.
"My sister had to go off in haste and now I feel I have no allies." Alec replied, and I was sure he was lying.
"Well you did nominate Liza to be your probation officer and not Jane." Mal stated.
"That I did." Alec said with a sigh.
"We are about to break our fast. You are more than welcome to wait up here until we are through. I know how it feels to be separated from your twin and I completely understand if you need time to compose your thoughts." I offered in sympathy.
"I would rather hostile company to none at all." Alec stated.
"Then hostile company it is." Mal growled in jest, or at least he was half joking, but Alec gave no reaction, either laughing off Mal's remark, or taking offence to it.
"If there was more to your depression than merely the fact that Jane has gone you would tell us?" I asked.
"I would not wish to burden you when you only ask out of courtesy." Alec stated and I felt insulted by his words, I would not ask if I was unconcerned by his demeanour, after all, he may prove dangerous if he's unhappy.
"Then I will not ask again and do not expect much communication for the rest of the day." I snapped and without waiting for a response I moved with Mal down the south staircase.
We met Father on the landing of the ground floor as he ascended the stairs from the kitchen.
"Just in time." He stated, gesturing for us to go ahead of him into the dining room.
Mal and I smiled at Father and entered the dinning room. Alec followed close behind, Father thinking it wise not to turn his back to him no doubt. I realised that thanks to Alec's comment I was in rather a bad mood where he was concerned and I would find it hard to be civil with him the rest of the day.
He became invisible to me for the duration of breakfast, I concentrated my vision on those I truly cared about. I held happy conversation with Billie who was excited about the fact that Maurice was going hunting too.
"I can show him all the animals." She declared. "Would you like that Murray?"
"Maurice." Ebony corrected.
Maurice grinned and nodded his head before he picked up a handful of porridge and stuffed it in his mouth.
"No Maurice, use your spoon." Ebony chastised as she picked up his spoon from the table of his high chair and placed it in his porridge-covered hand.
"This is how big kids eat." Billie stated as she demonstrated with her own spoon.
Maurice watched her for a moment, then copied her, bringing the porridge directly to his mouth. He laughed and tapped the tabletop, sending a few splashes of porridge into the air.
"You're very good at spoon eating." Billie said firmly, and Maurice's grin grew wider. "When you're bigger like me I can show you fork eating. Would you like that Murray…Maurice?"
"Yeah." Maurice declared, at least I'm sure he meant that, but his speech was unclear, a definite baby's gurgle one didn't expect from a dhampir.
Ebony looked somewhat worried, but I'd been thinking on his 'slow development' and had decided we shouldn't measure him by the standard of 'normal' dhampir. After all he wasn't a normal dhampir. He was a different type, a second-generation dhampir, and one whose parents were dhampir themselves. Perhaps his percentage of vampire was lower? He was developing at the correct speed for a second-generation dhampir, after all, was the birth not twice as long? And what of other examples? Mother, Hunter and Tina were all born to dhampir women and men who were for the most part human, they had experienced a normal childhood until around age eight when their vampire heritage made itself known.
There were many reasons that I could think of and I would caution Ebony to calm, but she would not take advice at the moment. I held my tongue on the matter, thinking it best to reassure her at some later time.
After breakfast I stated that I would do the dishes and that way the others could start on with their hunting trip. Mother thanked me, revealing that she wanted to get going because they could be back sooner, but they would most definitely be back by dinnertime. I had to assure her many times that I would be fine alone with Alec, for I had Mal with me regardless and perhaps we would ignore Alec for the day.
Mal and I transported the dishes down to the kitchen. Alec did his share too, much to my surprise, although he did look at his hands with some distaste when there was porridge on them.
"You can wash them at the basin in the corner." I stated.
Alec nodded, then went to wash his hands while I washed the dishes. Mal wiped them and put them away between flicking me playfully with the tea towel. I flicked some soapsuds at him, and they landed on his nose. He laughed and wiped it away before tugging at my braid. I splashed some water at him this time.
"You are making a mess. I'm sure Tobias would not like it." Alec stated.
I gave him a cold look before turning back to Mal.
"Our friend is right." I stated. "Father would object to this mess, perhaps we should transfer our tomfoolery to the pool."
"Yeah. I've been dying for a swim again, but didn't like to impose." Mal stated.
"You wouldn't be imposing." I stated.
"Maybe not. But isn't it polite to wait until you're invited?"
"It is. And now I invite you to swim." I said to Mal with a smile.
I felt Alec's expectant look upon me, caught between wanting to join us, and not being rude in light of Mal's statement. I allowed a minuet to pass by, in this time I finished up the dishes and emptied the sink.
"You may join us too Alec." I said lightly, without looking at him.
I felt Mal look at me in a curious manner and I spared him a glance to see that he wore an expression of bemused enjoyment. I returned a look that I was certain questioned his expression and he raised his eyebrows, which I was certain meant that he would inform me later. I shook my head with a laugh as I turned back to the sink and finished my task.
"Do you have a swimming costume Alec?" I asked once I'd finished.
"Yes. It appears Jane's people are thorough and brought all my belongings here." Alec said promptly.
"Lucky you." Mal said. "Most of my stuff's in an evidence locker in the Riverside precinct."
"Oh yes. I will have to find a costume for you." I said.
"But I've still…" I kicked his shin and gave him a look. "Just remembered they're still dirty."
"Then we will have to get you another pair from the attic." I stated.
"And Jasper won't mind?" Mal asked.
"Oh you saw, there are so many unopened packs he will not notice." I chided.
"You'll have to show me where it is again, I think all that time in the sun fried my brain. It's still affecting my cognitive functions."
"Then we will go now." I said with a smile. "Alec, would you be so kind as to run the broom and mop over the floor before you go to change."
"You wish me to mop?" Alec asked, looking aghast.
"I would not have done so, but I know you are so good at mopping, as you demonstrated in the bunker." I replied.
Alec frowned at me.
"But I will give you this one pointer, don't hold the mop so firmly this time, it is much easier to use when it has a greater reach."
"I will remember your advice." Alec said flatly.
"I'm glad you can learn." I said happily. "We will call at your room in fifteen minuets in order to go to the pool. Be ready."
"Yes Liza."
"Then we'll see you in fifteen minuets." I stated before taking Mal's hand and leading him to the north stairs up to the attic.
"Oh my god, you can be mean when you want to." Mal said in a whisper, but his tone was not disapproving.
"I am a bitch, I just choose not to utilise my gift unless there is no other recourse." I replied, whispering also to minimise the chances of Alec overhearing us. "I'm sorry if I am going too far, but I cannot help it."
"Well no one would say Alec doesn't deserve it." Mal said with a shrug.
"Then you are not offended by me acting in such a way?"
"Liza, he should be glad you're willing to be in the same State as him, never mind the same room. A little teasing won't hurt him, although you might not want to push it too far. I'd put money on the fact that Essie's Alphaed him not to hurt you, but who knows if he gets angry enough." Mal observed.
"I know Mother has Alphaed him." I stated.
"She told you?" Mal asked sceptically.
"No. But she would not have left him alone with me, or you for that matter. Alec will not admit it if we were to ask him, either because Mother told him not to, fearing I'd think she was interfering, or because he does not wish to admit it, not wanting me to know that he has been tethered and is not merely behaving because he chooses to. Regardless, there is no doubt in my mind that Mother has Alphaed him, possibly Tony has too."
"I guess the moral of the story is, don't mess with your family."
"Yes." I agreed. "Now we must get you a new costume or Alec will know it a ruse to steal a moment alone."
"Yeah. But he'll be thinking it's because we're doing this." Mal said, and put his hand to my cheek before kissing my lips.
"Yes, he will think that, and that we perhaps go further. Which is why we can not take advantage, fifteen minuets is hardly long enough to do with you all that I would like, and would therefore wait until we can. I much like what you suggested last night, at your cabin just you and I, with nobody to overhear us, how delightful that will be." I observed, taking advantage of running my fingers in his hair since he was leaning down toward me.
"Delightful isn't how I'd describe it." Mal stated.
"You wouldn't?" I asked with a frown.
"No. That's much too tame a word." He said with a wink as he straightened up and I giggled. "So what shall I go for today? Shorts type, or nice red Speedo?"
I wheezed, my breath catching with my laughter.
"Please no, I should explode with contained passion. Please have mercy on me Malachite and opt for the shorts." I chortled, doubling over as my sides began to hurt with my laughter.
"You have the weirdest sense of humour Liza bach." Mal said with an amused sigh as he went to the swimwear drawer. "I'll keep to the big and baggy, don't want you splitting your sides now."
"It is much too late for that." I replied, unable to stop the laughter.
"Do you think you can walk?"
"I think I am unable to accomplish anything at the moment." I said, or at least I tried to say, it was a squeal interspersed with giggles.
"Guess there's only one thing for it." Mal said in sombre tones, and then he lifted me, throwing me over his shoulder before ghosting down to the first floor.
I was laughing all the while, unable to catch my breath; despite the annoyance I felt that he was carrying me in such a way. I was perhaps hysterical, no I was in good humour and I wished not to lose the laughter, even as Mal moved me about in his arms, kissed my lips, and placed me in my room.
"See you in a bit." He said with a grin then flittered to his room.
I was still laughing as I closed my door and made my way to my wardrobe to take out my bathing costume. This time I chose a one-piece costume, since I did not wish to give Alec any ideas, and picked out one of my cotton pool dresses. I then went into my bathroom to change.
Once changed, I knocked on Mal's door, and he appeared wearing his swimming costume and a t-shirt. Together we went to call on Alec who had also opted for big and baggy, something I was thankful for since I had expected him to wear Speedos, or perhaps something that would not have looked out of place on an Edwardian beach. Alec looked at us expectantly.
"This way." I said, and we lead him to the backstairs for it allowed better access to the poolroom.
I spent the morning messing about with Mal, including Alec as little as was polite.
I'd had enough of the water by half past eleven and we three agreed it was time to leave the pool. We went to our own rooms to shower and dress. I braided my hair once more because I was feeling hungry and wished to eat lunch before anything else.
I went down to the kitchen to prepare sandwiches for Mal and I, thinking we could eat them at the breakfast bar. Mal appeared with Alec close behind him. With the arching of his eyebrows I seemed to understand that he meant to refer to Alec as his shadow. I smiled, before turning to Alec.
"We are to eat lunch now Alec." I stated.
"You just ate." He observed.
"Breakfast, which was four hours ago."
"How often do you need feeding?" He asked aghast.
"About three times a day." Mal stated. "But I guess that's something you forgot when you were looking after us."
"It seems inefficient to have to fuel your body so often." Alec stated and I realised he was serious in his argument and was not doing so to be tiresome.
"Yes. But it's how our bodies work. Now you can go up to the library while we eat. We will be up once we have finished." I stated.
"I think I will stay here. Your father was right, I should become accustomed to your eating habits if I am to attend college with you."
"Of course." I said as Mal and I sat down to eat.
As we were washing the dishes Tony entered through the back door.
"Hi." He said. Mom told me you're alone with Alec. I have to go to work now, but any problems just call me.
"Have you come for lunch?" I asked.
"Just thought I'd pop my head in before I go to work. Maybe Grace and me will come for dinner." He replied.
"That sounds delightful. I will set a place for you both." I promised.
"Thanks Sis." Tony said with a smile. "Well I'll see you later."
Tony left and I acted as if it was most natural for him to pop in on his way to work.
Once the kitchen was to my satisfaction Mal, Alec and I went up to the library. We each chose a book and began to read. I thought this better than making false conversation.
I was just getting into my book when the doorbell rang. I made my way to the door with Mal, and Alec following close behind. I opened the door to find a plump dark-haired girl smiling at me.
"Can I help you?" I asked.
"Oh great, someone's home." She said, entering without invite and looking around with interest. "This is some entrance hall, I bet it's pretty when the sun is shining. All them colours glittering from the roof, just like the Star Palace." The girl gasped. "I bet that's where Grace got the idea from."
"Grace?" I asked, wondering how this girl related to her.
"Grace Pearson? Author of the Darktide books?" The girl asked as if I were questioning whom Grace was.
"I know who Grace Pearson is, I am merely confused as to why you are here. This is not her house." I clarified.
"No. But it's Tony's house, or at least it used to be, and she used to come here as a kid. Now I know why she gave the wolves the beautiful Star Palace when they otherwise shun sparkly things. Of course she'd use Tony's home."
"Because Brody is based on Tony." I reasoned.
"Well there's that, but also because Tony's a werewolf." She said casually.
I felt my stomach plummet and Mal was suddenly on guard and Alec became still, watching the girl's every move. I managed to pull my face into a smile.
"You have your wires crossed I'm sure." I said lightly.
"Oh no. I know he's a werewolf. Well I mean he's not a 'werewolf' of the attacking the village, controlled by the moon variety. He's Quileute, they're shapeshifters really aren't they? Well anyway, to save argument they're people who turn into wolves, therefore they're werewolves. But they're not like deranged creatures that kill people, they're protectors. They protect humans from the Cold Ones." She carried on informatively, and her eyes fell on Alec. "Oh my god! You're so pale and you got gold eyes. Can I?" She asked and took his hand without waiting for an answer. "You're colder than the ice outside. Wow. You're a vampire. Gosh, I can't believe I'm standing here talking to a real life vampire."
"Maybe you should move away slightly." I stated, taking the girls shoulders and guiding her back firmly but gently for I'd become aware that she was expecting and I would be loath for Alec to harm her in any way.
"Oh my god you're so strong." She observed, turning to me and she placed her hand to my cheek. "And so warm. You must be Tony's sister Liza!" She gasped in excitement. "I heard you were shorter than him, but then nearly everyone is, I didn't expect you to be so small though. But then I should have remembered, Coach Tulsa likes to play videos of all your victories to inspire the new Muses."
"You were a Muse?" I asked.
"No. I mean, I'm not exactly cut out to be a cheerleader." She observed as she indicated her chubby form. "Coach Tulsa liked my maths smarts and was hoping I could work out some kind of formula to help the Muses win by comparing your footage to footage of the new lot. But there was no comparison, and how could there be, you secret weapon you."
"Quite." I stated, giving her a wary look as I contemplated whether she had escaped from the hospital.
"And the dhampir thing aside, cause that is just so out there anyway, oh my god! I'm standing in the presence of Liza Black, back last year the Muses would have been so jealous of me right now." She said and then hugged me as if she could not stop herself, before turning to Mal. "And you're a dhampir too right?"
"Yes." Mal replied, and I looked at him in question as to why he was confirming this.
"Do not confirm it Malachite!" Alec snapped. "There is still chance to convince her that she is delusional."
"And saying that is going to?" Mal demanded.
"Malachite?" She gasped. "Yeah, you're Liza's boyfriend right? You can move stuff with your mind. You're eyes really are very green. They're kinda pretty and I so would have fallen for you before, but not now."
"Ok." Mal replied with a grin.
"She knows everything about us, she must die." Alec protested.
"Why?" I demanded and I placed my fingers to the girl's mouth to stop her talking.
"Because no human can know the secret." Alec stated.
"That is a guideline in our nation." I stated. "If a human stumbles upon the secret by accident but is found to be trustworthy then there is no need to act so barbarically. I'm sure…" I trailed off. "I'm sorry you have me at a complete disadvantage, I do not know you're name."
"And have that vamp know how to find me?" She asked aghast.
"That vamp knew how to find you the moment you walked in here." Mal said. "Sorry bach, but once a vamp has your scent he has it for eternity."
"Oh god." She gasped, and looked suddenly pale.
"Please sit here." I stated as I guided her to one of the long benches that lined the entrance hall. "Now take calming breaths and ignore Alec. He is an infernal tease. He will not kill you or he will be in breach of the law and he knows well what will happen then."
"What law?" The girl asked.
"The law that forbids the killing of humans on our territory. We are vegetarians and do not take kindly to others disrespecting our beliefs whilst on our territory." I said firmly, giving Alec a stern look for good measure.
"Right, you're veggies. Alex said that means you don't drink human blood." The girl stated.
"That's right." Mal said as he sat on the other side of her, Alec remained standing resolutely.
"You can not promise her freedom, if she were brought before the council…"
"Do not presume to know our laws better than us." I snapped. "I was there at the founding of this nation and I know the letter of the law regarding humans. It was a clause Tony and I made sure was entered for the sake of dhampir everywhere. Now this girl has us at a disadvantage, but that is something that will be remedied." I turned back to the girl. "Please, what is your name?"
"Dannan." She replied.
The name sounded familiar and I nodded my head as I realised.
"You work with Tony." I stated.
"Yeah."
"Did he tell you his secret?" I asked.
"No. Well he let me know a little more today about the vamp side of things, but Alex told me everything else." Dannan replied.
"He did?" I asked in surprise.
"Yep."
I allowed the information sink in, and then I grinned.
"Dear lord it is a miracle!" I gasped.
"What is?" Mal asked.
"Do you not see? Alex told Dannan everything about our world. She is his imprint, and even by Volturi laws she may live." I stated the latter toward Alec who nodded his head once but remained silent for it was something he could not deny.
"What's going on?" Alex demanded from the archway to the left of the stairs.
"Cousin, so good of you to turn up." I said jovially. "Is there something you wish to tell us?"
"Dannan, you're here." He said, his face lighting up at the sight of her, and I knew I had been right. "I wasn't expecting you for another half hour."
"Mom wasn't home and I was missing you so I thought I'd come on out here. I did ring to let you know." She said reproachfully.
"I was out running. Didn't have any pockets." He stated. "Sorry."
"It's something I'll have to get used to I guess." Dannan said with a smile as she stood. "So where's the rest of your family?"
"They're out hunting I'm afraid." I stated.
"Hunting?" Dannan asked. "Those poor animals."
"We eat them I assure you." I stated.
"But to kill them…" Dannan said sadly.
"Dannan, it is either animals or humans, which would you prefer?" Alec demanded and he gave a grin, showing his strong white teeth.
"Hey, lay off her." Alex growled. "I'm not bound by Aro's law, remember that."
"Please forgive me Alex, but is it not my right to defend my people when faced with prejudice and bigotry?" Alec said calmly.
"You'd know all about that Volturi." Alex replied darkly.
"Ok." I said, as I stood.
Everybody regarded me in shock, besides Dannan who had only just met me and did not know how unusual it was for me to speak in such a way.
"Dannan, you must understand that us vampires require blood to survive. We turned to animals as means of sustenance in order to stop killing humans. I would rather not kill anything at all if I could help it, but unfortunately I would die, and I enjoy my life." I explained.
"Well I guess if you can't live without it." Dannan conceded. "So everyone is out hunting?"
"Yes."
"Even Jake?" Alex asked.
"You know he likes to accompany Granny Ness, if only for the chance to stretch his wolf legs." I stated.
"Yeah." Alex said, looking a little worried.
"Is there any particular reason you wished to talk to him?"
"There's nothing that can't wait." Alex said with a shrug.
"Very well. Perhaps you and Dannan would like some privacy while you wait. The front parlour is rarely used and you will not be disturbed there. Or the informal sitting room is free, we have been spending time in the library."
Alex looked at Dannan and she smiled slightly.
"I think perhaps we will go make up some snacks while you decide. I believe you have yet to have lunch."
"Yeah. I'm starved." Alex stated. "How about you?"
"Oh yeah. I haven't eaten since breakfast, which is stupid of me really, but I forgot when I came out of work. All I wanted was to get to you and I knew I'd be fine. Is that normal?" Dannan asked.
Alex looked to me and I realised as the only female present it was up to me to field this question. I took hold of Dannan's arm and smiled at her as I tapped it.
"It is perfectly normal in the early stages of imprinting. You will grow used to the pull, understand it better, but it will take time." I assured her.
"So I won't spend the rest of my time mooning over Alex when I'm not with him?"
"You will learn to function away from him." I stated. "Why look at Tony and Grace."
"Yeah. You're right." Dannan said with a nod. "They can function apart. Ok. It's not that I don't want to be with you twenty-four-seven honey, but…"
"We have our careers to think of." Alex stated. "And we can have that, we will have that. I mean, I can't have you all distracted when you're attending lectures." He added as he placed his arms around her and kissed her forehead.
Dannan giggled, but her cheeks were crimson and she was a little uncomfortable.
"Dannan, may I borrow my cousin for a moment?" I asked, as I took his hand and pulled him away and through the arch where human ears would not hear us. I whispered never the less. "I know it is hard to contain yourself, but from what I understand Dannan is a shy girl and I think it prudent you discuss with her the level of PDA she is comfortable with."
"You think she's uncomfortable?" Alex asked with a frown.
"Yes Alex, she went bright crimson. I know you want the world to know you have found your love, but you must consider her age and her experience." I stated. "Perhaps all she requires is for you to talk to her. She may feel more comfortable with such things when she knows to expect them. I know that is how I would feel." I stated.
"I guess I should listen to you since your so…"
"Highly strung?" I offered.
"Umm…."
"I know I am that way." I said with a smile. "But I am trying to help you here Alex, you would do better to talk over acceptable PDA with Dannan in future to avoid embarrassment. Perhaps I am wrong and she is merely blushing for she has never shown love so openly, but you can not be sure until you ask her."
"I'll talk to her." Alex assured me.
"Good. Now go and settle in with Dannan and I'll prepare some food for you. I'll keep the prying ears of Alec down in the kitchen."
"In that case I'd be better off taking her up to my room." Alex stated. "Or maybe not, I mean what will she read into that?"
"The front parlour is far from the kitchen."
"Ok." Alex said with a nod. "Where to is it again."
"That little room past the dining room." I said as I pointed in the relevant direction.
"I'll just show Dannan the way." Alex stated, and stepped back out into the entrance hall.
While Alex escorted Dannan to the front parlour I ushered Mal and Alec down to the kitchen.
"You have to eat again?" Alec asked.
"No. We are supplying food for Alex and Dannan whilst they discuss some important issue. Perhaps we will go and run in the trees for an hour or two to give them some space afterwards?"
"A run sounds good." Mal stated.
"I would have to agree." Alec said.
"Then that is what we will do."
We set about making up some snacks for Alex and Dannan and carried them up to the front parlour. Once I was certain that Alex had all he needed, I lead Mal and Alec outside. We ran until it grew dark, through most of the forest. The only place we avoided was the clearing with the lake, something Alec had requested. As much as I enjoyed teasing him I decided this was one thing I could relent on, after all I hardly wished to revisit the lake myself.
As darkness descended we headed back to Tregarran and whatever would greet us at dinner.
Thank you for reading
Please review
Gemma x
PS WTST will be up as soon as I've edited