Disclaimer: Twilight is the property of Stephenie Meyer
I apologise but I haven't felt much like writing this week, so there is only this chapter of DID. I hope to be back on track next week.
I'd like to dedicate this chapter to Noble, Fadewind, Bibika94, Alphabloodwolf, Lsb123, Alexsandra, Lauren j and BellaNessieCullen
It was a little after five when we arrived back at Tregarran to find that Alex was now entertaining Dannan in the recreation room. He invited us to join them. I had thought that it might be time to start on the preparation for dinner, but after considering the fact that dinner would not be served until eight at the very least I decided that perhaps half an hour of becoming more familiar with Dannan would not go amiss. Besides, I had to ensure that Alec forgot all ideas of killing her.
"I can really ask you any question I want and you'll answer me?" Dannan asked in shock.
"Provided the answer isn't too personal." I stated.
"Ok." Dannan said with a grin, and she looked thoughtful for a moment. "What's it like being a dhampir?"
"How could I successfully answer that?" I asked. "I've never been anything other than a dhampir so I have nothing to compare it to. It is the same as when someone asks me what it is like to be a twin." I explained. "Or short." I added, casting a sideways glance to Mal and grinning.
Mal grinned back.
"I was mucking around." He protested. "And you were the one who raised the subject."
"That is true, not that I minded your question." I assured him.
"I know bach." Mal said, patting my shoulder.
"It raised my spirits if I am honest. I found it most amusing." I replied, before remembering that I was entertaining. "Sorry Dannan, do continue with your questions."
"Did you really age super fast?"
"Yes." I replied. "I aged about three times as fast a human until I reached the age of seven and have looked like this ever since. Had Tony and I been human we would have gone through school the same time as you, as it was we joined high school at the age of five and graduated when we were eight."
"So you're actually my age?" She asked.
"Yes."
"But weren't Tony and Grace steady in high school?" She asked with a frown.
"Not at all. They never had a relationship that was more than platonic because Tony tried to avoid it for the obvious reason, and when Grace found out our true age she could not settle it within her mind. Despite the fact Tony was physically and mentally an adult, she thought it was unethical to do anything with him because of his true age. That is why the sudden reconciliation, they are enjoying each other as they would have done ten years ago if Tony had been the same age as her."
"Isn't it a bit of a bummer though that Grace has aged in that time and Tony hasn't? Well you said you haven't aged, and from the later videos that seems about right. Grace does look older than the picture they got hanging on the notable past students wall at the school. I guess it was taken from your senior yearbook photo. Anyway, isn't it gonna be hard for them with Grace aging, and Tony not? Or will Tony start aging when he's not phasing, like Alex?"
"Tony is dhampir, not human, he will not age further than what he looks now." I stated.
"That's got to be hard on Grace." Dannan said sympathetically.
"There are ways to help someone live forever." Alec stated in a low voice.
"You mean become a vampire?" Dannan asked, proving that her mind was quicker than she allowed people to know.
"Yes." Alec confirmed.
"But vampire women can't have kids. How can Grace still be Tony's imprint and a vampire?" Dannan stated.
"They have children first, then after the need of the wolf spirit has been fulfilled then we can turn Grace." I stated, wondering why I was lying, but Alex had not explained Grace to Dannan and I couldn't help but think that he was worried Dannan might request it for herself and something would go horribly wrong. "That way Tony and Grace can be together forever. But I am sure had they the opportunity they would avoid such risk and grow old together."
"What risk?"
"There is always a risk when making the change." Alec said in a low voice. "Whether the one to change you can bite without feeding. Whether your heart will hold through the entire process. Not to mention the unending torrent of fiery pain, coursing through every blood vessel, burning every tissue as the venom changes you from frail humanity to durable vampire."
"Turning into a vampire is painful?" Dannan asked in a wary voice.
"Yes." Alec replied and he gave a mirthless laugh. "Sometimes I wonder if it would have been less painful to allow the flames to take me. I hear that often the nerves would give out within minuets and you cease to feel the pain. Besides, it would have been over within hours. I would have ascended to heaven, my soul cleansed by the fire. Once upon a time I thought I had reached a better place. I had ben transformed into a dark angel and would stride this world forever, my sister at my side as we dispensed justice for the only god we recognised, the one who had saved us with his own baptism of fire. Perhaps even the depths of eternal nothingness would be better than this endless struggle."
Alec placed his face in his hands and for a moment I felt sorry for him, I tapped his shoulder, wishing him comfort.
"I am a failure." Alec moaned. "I failed as a minion. I failed as friend." And he looked to me when he said that one. "And I failed as a father."
I frowned, wishing to question him, but Dannan cut in with a question that derailed my train of thought.
"So, are you Liza's Dad?" She asked.
"Good gracious no!" Alec and I exclaimed at the same moment, and I shot him a look of annoyance.
"He is not my father." I said firmly. "And I take umbrage that you could think such a thing. We look nothing alike, and Father is a noble man, and not a criminal hoping to redeem his sins."
"Why? What did he do?" Dannan asked, as she looked a little frightened of Alec now.
"Killed a guy and framed Liza for the murder then kidnapped us both." Mal stated.
"You did?" Dannan gasped in horror. "But you got gold eyes, I thought that meant you were good."
"It merely indicates that I have a vegetarian diet. It does not show that I am nice." Alec said flatly.
Dannan shook her head at him, giving him a sad look.
"I can't believe it didn't click." She observed. "You're the guy who was supposed to be executed, but Liza saved. Alex told me all about you. I should have realised."
"It's ok." Alex said, and kissed her cheek. "It's easy to get the vamps mixed up. And the way he said 'failed as a father' did kinda look like he meant he'd failed Liza as a father, which would be even creepier than the obsession he already has for her."
I knew Alex was only making a point, but it made me shiver none the less.
Thankfully a distraction arrived in the form of Billie who came bounding into the room.
"Liza! Liza! We got a tree! We got a tree! You gotta see!" She sang as she took my hand and pulled my out into the entrance hall where Father was manoeuvring a tree into a holder while Mother held it at the top. "We can decorate it with lots of things, like popcorn and tinsel and lights, and for the top we got a star. A big sparkly star that changes colour. Can we decorate it now?"
"First we must tether the tree before it falls over." Father stated, and in a show of his vampire abilities he tethered the tree to various hooks about the entrance hall until finally our twenty-foot tree was ready, reaching proudly toward the dome.
"Wow! That tree's ginormous!" Dannan gasped, and Father turned to her, looked her over and then looked embarrassed.
"She knows everything Fang Boy." Mother stated as she descended the stairs and picked Billie up into her arms as my sister run to meet her. "So, Alex, something you wanna tell me Cuz?"
"Essie, this is my imprint Dannan. Dannan, this is my cousin Essie."
"Oh my god! You're Tony's Mom right?"
"That's right." Mother replied with her widest grin and I wondered what she might be reading from Dannan's mind.
"Oh, I can totally see that. And I get why I offended you earlier Liza, cause he is so obviously your dad. I mean, you're a vampire right." She said, directing the latter to Father. "Oh god! You're like ancient! Three thousand right?"
"Give or take a century or two." Father replied.
"Yeah, Tony said. God, the things you must have seen in that time." Dannan mused. "What's your favourite era?"
"The one I am currently experiencing, where I have been given a chance to know all those things stolen from me when Aro made me vampire. All those dark years of servitude, and even the freedom I experienced after, means nothing to me now I have my Essie and my three wonderful children." Father stated as he pulled Mother, Billie and me into an embrace.
"That's beautiful." Dannan stated, her eyes brimmed with tears. "Just…" She broke off and hugged the four of us together. "What I wouldn't give for a family like yours."
"You don't have to give anything." Mother said, tapping Dannan's back. "As long as you're happy with Alex, you're part of this family now."
"Thank you." Dannan whispered.
"Of course it depends on whether you want to put up with that big lug." Mother stated and in a blur of movement she handed Billie to Father, and had jumped onto Alex' back, and ruffled his hair.
"Very mature Ess." Alex complained as he pulled Mother from his back, only succeeding because Mother let him.
"I can't help it Alex, you ain't gone steady with a girl since we were kids." Mother replied, her tone showing no hint of apology.
"Don't mean you still have to act like my annoying little cousin." Alex stated.
"Well I guess I ain't got Harry and the Twins for back up, so it's not so fun." Mother conceded.
"Phew!" Alex said, swiping his hand over his forehead in a joking manner.
"Of course you're in for a big amount of ribbing this summer."
"Not if I keep away from the Res." Alex joked.
"The Res without you there? Just doesn't seem right." Mother observed.
"You really miss me that much Cuz?" Alex asked.
"Only the opportunity to tease you." Mother replied with a wide grin. "Seriously Alex, it'll be weird not seeing you there."
"Then I guess I can risk your assassin squad." Alex said with a smile.
Mother laughed and socked his arm.
"I hate to interrupt the jollity, but time is running on. Have you started dinner Liza?" Father asked.
"No Father. I intended to do so now." I stated and made to go to the kitchen.
"Relax Liza, I merely wished to know so that I did not step on your toes. I will go cook dinner."
"Can I help you Daddy?" Billie asked.
"If you wish." Father replied and he held out his hand to Billie. "Essie, would you like to accompany us?"
"Sure." Mother replied and she took Billie's other hand before they left the entrance hall via the arches.
"Shall we return to the recreation room and continue with our conversation?" I asked.
"That would be great." Dannan replied.
I lead Mal, Dannan, Alex and Alec back to the recreation room and we spent the hour Father took to prepare dinner answering Dannan's numerous questions about our world. By the time Mother and Billie came to inform us that dinner would not be long if we wished to wash up, Dannan was well versed in everything to do with the supernatural world and the history of my family.
It was somewhat strange if you thought about it. Given the Volturi's fear of humans discovering our world one would think humans would explode or go on a rampage. In my experience, those who found out had not acted with revulsion. They had not gathered armies to hunt our kind to the ends of the earth. They had accepted our world with delightful curiosity. Of course I was basing my findings on people who were drawn into the supernatural by being the ideal match of a Quileute. Perhaps the magic that drew them together also saw that the imprintee would have no compulsion to pass on the knowledge they had learned.
It was an interesting hypothesis and I decided I would discuss it with Mal when we were alone. For now I washed up and made my way down to dinner escorted by Mal. Alec had elected to remain downstairs since he had no need to wash up. It mattered not, it gave Mal and I the chance to steal another kiss or two before we would be before the scrutiny of my family for the night.
That was a wrong thing to think. My family would not be opposed to my being with Mal, but it was hard not to feel that way because I had never had a boyfriend. I had not had a boyfriend if you truly thought on it for I had not had the inclination to go as far as any man would like. If I had the inclination I denied myself, yet I now I felt thankful I had, to give myself to Malachite and nobody else. In my mind it felt right and I wanted him mind, body and soul. When could I make him mine? When would I be his? When would we be together with no interruptions?
I pushed the thoughts from my mind in order to maintain a calm air at dinner before Mal and I stepped into the dining room.
"Liza, Liza you come sit by me?" Billie asked, taking my hand and pulling me to the table. "You sit on my right and Mal sit on your right. It is a good seating arrangement?"
"Yes, a very fine arrangement." I agreed as Mal and I sat.
"I am the host this evening." Billie told me proudly.
"And what a marvellous host you are." I stated and Billie beamed at me in the moment I felt Tony close to the house.
"I get to greet Tony and Grace when they get here." She stated with a wide grin.
"And you soon will." I said with a smile, as I was aware of Tony in the corridor beyond.
Then we heard Grace outside the door.
"It was a short walk from the car to the dining room, that's hardly time for a conversation." She said in an annoyed tone as Billie ran to the door and pulled it open.
"Tony, Gracie, you have come to dinner. And who are you funny scarecrow lady?" She announced and I went to the door to collect Billie and because there was something Tony was thinking of that I couldn't quite discern, but he and Grace had a guest and although she was indeed rather scruffy I chastised Billie for stating so.
"Billie that is rude." I began, and held back my gasp of shock when I realised whom the 'scarecrow lady' was. "This is Prue, Grace's big sister and she's not a scarecrow, she is a follower of the ways of new age teachings." I guessed at the latter for that was the only reason I could think that Prue would be dressed so, for she had always been ahead of the fashions when in high school.
"For the last six years, but as soon as I wash my hair I'm getting back to civilisation." Prue observed. "So Liza, long time no see. Is this your daughter?" She asked, picking Billie up.
I was surprised at first, and somewhat offended that Prue would consider that I would have a four year old child, that meant I would have had a child at fourteen. I was about to scoff at the notion when I realised that as far as Prue was concerned I was twenty eight and it was perfectly feasible for me to have a child as old as Billie appeared to be.
It was Billie who corrected Prue by saying, "No. I am Liza's sister. And Tony's sister too. I am four."
"Ain't you a clever girl for four." Prue observed in an adoring voice as she carried Billie over to the table. "And with this hair I do look like a scarecrow lady. You know, that's what they used to make me do in Iowa. I'd stand in the cornfield and when those fat old crows came down to eat the seeds I'd run at them and scare them all away." She stated, and then pretended to eat Billie's stomach.
Billie giggled, enjoying the attention, but Father came to take her from Prue commenting on not becoming excited before dinner. It was at this point Prue recognised Father for who he was and her mouth fell open. She was truly surprised by his appearance, something confirmed by her words some seconds later.
"Whoa! Mr Black, can I say you're looking mighty fine for a man of your age. What are you, fifty now? You don't look a day over twenty." She announced.
"We know some of the best surgeons in the States." Father replied, using a tried and tested excuse humans had come to accept without question.
"Surgeons? They must be witch doctors, cause that's some kind of magic." Prue observed, showing an insight humans often lacked. Or perhaps it was simply that Prue had no qualms in saying what she thought. "Same goes for you too Mrs Black."
"It's ancient Quileute magic. We get the medicine man to mumble a few words over us whenever we visit the Res, and voila." Mother stated.
"Do you think he'd do me?" Prue joked. "I found a grey hair in my dread. Look, it's right there, and six years of no moisturising routine is not good for your complexion."
"Well, if you're nice to us we might let you in on the secret one day." Mother replied jovially as she winked at Prue.
"Oh my god!" Dannan gasped as she entered the room. "This is un-freaking-believable. I so wish this was back last year and I could brag to all those stuck up Muses that I was in a room with Liza Black and Prue Pearson at the same time. Hey, maybe you should go up to the school at some point, kick them into touch. I know Coach Tulsa would appreciate it."
"The Tulsanator's still there?" Prue asked, casting an appraising eye over Dannan and I wondered what she was surmising about the girl.
"Yeah. She still got the gift but not the talent. They're so hopeless these days. Nothing like when you two captained." Dannan stated oblivious to Prue's scrutiny.
"Gee, you're how old kid?" Prue asked.
"Eighteen." Dannan replied.
"You're making me feel old with all the gushing." Prue stated in a way I found rather dismissive and I felt I should defend Dannan somewhat.
"Do you not hanker for those glory days Prue?" I asked.
"Now and again. Course my knee hasn't got any better. And sleeping in a puddle for six years probably wasn't the brightest idea." Prue replied, not realising my tone and I shook my head in despair.
"So I see you got a few guests. Is your uncle about?" Prue asked eagerly.
"He'll be here tomorrow." Mother stated, which was news to me.
"What? Ain't we going to the Res for Christmas?" Tony asked in shock.
"We had to alter the plans a little." Mom stated. "It's easier for Hunter to come here, he's driving Rachael and Paul down tomorrow."
"What? But Dad's been laid up for weeks." Alex protested.
Mother went on to explain the new arrangements for Christmas. It did sound delightful, but if I am honest I was rather disappointed not to go to the Res. If anything it would have allowed me time away from Alec for he could not set foot across the border. I must have been looking forward to that little break more than I realised if the disappointment I now felt was any indication. Perhaps this was the reason why I tormented Alec somewhat and made it impossible for him not to eat.
"And you will eat everything after the trouble we went to cook it." I stated, despite the fact it was Father who had prepared it.
"Especially the chicken, you done such a good job on that but." Mal stated.
"Oh, I like your accent." Prue said, sauntering up to Mal. "What is it?"
"Welsh." Mal replied.
"Ooh, where are you from?" Prue asked and I knew she was on the prowl; I ground my teeth as I forced myself not to swing for her.
"Wales." Mal replied, frowning at her as he began to glean her intensions.
"So you got a name?" Prue purred.
"Oh Prue I have been so rude. Please allow me to introduce to you my boyfriend Malachite." I said pleasantly as I placed myself in front of Mal, giving Prue a look to warn her away from my Malachite.
"Your boyfriend?" Prue asked, and there was doubt in her question and a look of amusement about her face.
"Soon to be fiancé." Mal stated, his arms coming about me as he pulled me into an embrace I delighted in, and fiancé, oh my! "We just want the proposal to be just right."
Oh, he was painting such a wonderful picture, providing me with what I needed to weave our story so well.
"Who would have thought I could find a lover who was as precise as I?" I said wistfully as I reached up to touch his cheek behind me.
"Yeah." Prue said, although she didn't look as convinced as I would like.
"Shall we sit?" I said curtly, taking hold of Mal's hand and leading him to the table.
"So if Mal's your boyfriend, who's he?" Prue asked, pointing at Alec.
"My cousin on Father's side." I stated, having already decided earlier on who he could be.
"And how old are you Alec?" Prue asked in a way that suggested she thought him a child.
"Thirty one." Alec replied in a way that gave no reason to doubt.
"You don't look it." Prue observed.
"I too have access to the witch doctor." Alec replied with a grin I had not seen him wear since the days he was 'Sasha'.
I realised Alec was flirting with Prue in an attempt to make me jealous after the reaction I had given when I thought Prue was after Mal. Why would I feel jealous that Prue had interest in Alec? If it were not for the fact that there was the potential for him to kill her I would happily unload Alec onto Prue. I shared the joke with Tony, and he grinned before he shared the joke with Grace.
We spoke of many things through dinner, whilst I did all that I could to drive home the fact that Mal was mine to Prue. Prue seemed to play upon her lie of an attraction to Alec while Alec played along with her in the hope of making me jealous. It was laughable, truly it was.
I was enjoying the play, and was much surprised when at the end of the meal Mal declared, "Isn't it time for us to go play billiards while the ladies indulge in idle gossip?"
"I believe that is the custom Malachite." Father replied. "Shall we?"
As all the men filed out of the room, ushering Alec with them, Mother informed me that they meant to talk to him, remind him that Prue is human. And to warn him away from Prue on Grace's behalf. In my annoyance that she had set her sights on my Mal I had clean forgotten that Prue was somebody's sister. I felt bad that I had forgotten that detail.
"So how did you meet a guy like Mal?" Prue asked.
"In college." I said without thinking for I was lost in my thoughts.
"College? You guys have waited this long?" She exclaimed.
I was at a loss to explain, so I began with the truth.
"We are both guarded about our true feelings. It took many years of platonic flirting before we finally gained the confidence to admit our true feelings. That was three years ago. I was in a long-term relationship with a man who was nice enough and I was ready to settle for him, having long put my feelings for Mal to bed. Realising that he was about to lose any chance of being with me he laid his feelings bare. Knowing that he felt that way about me I could finally be honest with him."
"So what happened to the other guy?" Prue asked.
"Naturally he was unhappy, but seemed rather resigned to the idea. He suspected all along that my feelings for Mal had been more than platonic, but had never mentioned it since he knew I would never act upon those feelings."
"Until you did and chucked him for Mal." Prue stated.
"Would it have been better to continue to live a lie and lead him astray? He has found a woman better suited to him now. Had I continued with a façade I am sure it still would have been revealed eventually, but he would have been hurt more, and possibly denied his happiness."
"I guess that's true." Prue conceded.
"So Prue, what have you been up to other than standing in a field scaring crows?" Mother asked, and it was clear that she was directing attention away from me before my story became too elaborate that I forget details.
"No offence Mrs Black, but I just want to forget that episode of my life. As soon as I can, I'm gonna scrub myself clean and I'll be me again and will never have been Sister Pixie Mellow Moonbeam." Prue said in a bright brittle voice.
"Pixie Mellow Moonbeam?" Grace questioned.
"Yeah. There was this who'll re-birthing ceremony thing and I got to choose my name." Prue stated. "I was a little out of it at the time, but I guess that's what landed me there in the first place."
"What was you out of?" Billie asked.
"Excuse me?" Prue asked with a frown.
"You said you were out of it. What is it you was out of?"
Prue looked thoughtful for a moment, then smiled, "Smarts." She said. "I was an idiot, but now I learned my lesson."
Billie nodded, and pursed her lips while she thought. "Did they make you wear a sparkly dress?"
"A sparkly dress?"
"They made you be a pixie. They wear sparkly dresses. Or leaves." Billie explained.
"I was more of the leaf variety." Prue stated.
"Did they have to make you all small so there was a leaf big enough?"
Prue frowned for a moment, then grinned.
"Sure kid." She replied. "There was a special wand the Grand Master had that when he waved it made me stupid and made me a lot smaller than I really am."
"Prue!" Grace hissed, understanding well her innuendo, as did every other woman in the room, bar Billie who was frowning.
"That's stupid. Why is the leader of the pixies a man? It's always a lady with lots of yellow hair in the picture books." Billie stated. "Kind of like you."
Prue laughed.
"I like you Billie, you remind me of why I wanted to go into childcare." Prue stated.
Grace was looking at her sister in wondering curiosity tinged with the merest hint of doubt that her sister could want to do something so caring. Before any of us could question Prue on this revelation Tony entered the room.
"That was a quick game of billiards." Prue observed, and it was apparent that she suspected the men had been up to something, perhaps she guessed correctly that it was to tether Alec.
Tony explained that he had work the following morning, and after a few sharp words from Grace, Prue left. Although it was more than apparent that Prue wished to stay without her having to state it. Although she did, which was why Grace all but herded her from the room.
After they had gone Billie laughed.
"The scarecrow pixie is funny." She stated. "Will she be at dinner tomorrow?"
"No." Mother said firmly. "It's too risky to have Prue here too often."
"Why?" Billie asked.
"Because human kids don't grow as fast as you. We can pass you off as a four year old because of your speech and movement. You're a little small for a four year old, but we can get away with that for now. Soon you'll be bigger and will look like a four year old, probably in a month or two and Prue will get suspicious that you grew so quick." Mother explained.
"But she's Gracie's sister. How doesn't she know about our secret?" Billie asked.
"Because she doesn't need to know and it's better not to give her anything to worry about. It's the way it has to be with humans until you stop growing and it's easier to hide what you are." Mother stated.
"But I liked the scarecrow pixie." Billie protested.
"Yeah. But the scarecrow pixie would be frightened of you if she knew you're only five weeks old." Mother said as kindly as possible.
"Five weeks?" Dannan gasped. "You're kidding right?"
"No." I replied. "This is how dhampir age. Of course seeing a picture of Billie you may place her somewhere around two, but given her mental development and general demeanour it is better for us to state that she is a small four year old."
"Wow. It was hard to get my head around it before, but to actually see this is awesome." Dannan declared.
"Dannan isn't afraid of me." Billie said sulkily.
"Because Dannan has an open mind, but some people are less accepting." I stated.
"But she used to be a pixie." Billie protested.
"Billie, pixies don't exist." I said soothingly. "They're make believe. Some people think that about our kind and do not like to be proved wrong. Especially people like Prue."
"But if people think we're not real but we are, can't pixie's be real even when we think they're not?" Billie asked.
"That's a good point Baby." Mother said. "But Prue isn't really a pixie, she just changed her name to that."
"But that's a silly name." Billie chortled. "Why would you want to be named Pixie?"
"Because she had lost her mind." I stated.
"But she found it now?" Billie asked.
"I guess." Mother hazarded.
"How did she lose it? Your mind is in your head so you can't put it down and lose it."
"That's true." I said with a grin.
It was then that the men returned.
"Dannan, want me to drive you home?" Alex asked.
"But I came in my car." Dannan pointed out.
"I know. I'll ride home with you and then run back." He stated.
"But it's five miles into town."
"Ah, that's nothing to us Quileute." Alex said dismissively. "Especially if I phase and run back."
"Ok. Well I guess we'd better get going then." Dannan stated. "But I'm driving."
Alex nodded with a smile.
"Well, I guess I'm going now. Thanks for having me to dinner Essie and Tobias, it was real good of you to invite me. And it was nice to finally meet you Liza, as the former great Muse, and as Tony's twin sister. Billie, if my kid is as half as sweet as you I'll never have to buy sugar again. It was nice meeting you too Mal, you look after Liza you hear, or you'll have me to deal with. And I guess you're not all that bad either Alec, you just need to lighten up a little and try dating some other people, there is someone out there for you…"
"But you think it is not Liza?" Alec asked, cutting her off.
"Yeah, let's go with 'think' there." Dannan said cheerfully as she patted Alec on the shoulder. "Well I guess I'd better be going. I'll see you all when I see you next."
After we had seen Dannan and Alex off, I volunteered Mal and I to wash the dishes. As was becoming custom now Alec followed us. I was somewhat annoyed as I'd hoped to discuss the evening with Mal whilst being allowed a little privacy, but it seemed obvious now that would not be the case.
We spent that time in silence and it was only as I was washing the meat pan that something occurred to me.
"You never did tell us what it was you smuggled from Volterra." I stated.
Alec ignored me, feigning having not heard me of all things.
"Alec!" I said sharply, and he looked up. "What is it that Jane has gone to fetch for you?"
Alec regarded me for a long moment, Mal too, before he let out a sigh. He put away the bowl he was wiping and I hoped he was composing an answer, merely stalling somewhat rather than this being an attempt for him to ignore me further.
"It is the greatest treasure in the world that I could not leave Volterra without, and that is all I will say for now." He stated.
"A treasure so great you forgot about it in your pursuit of me?" I demanded.
"I did not forget." Alec said through his teeth. "I thought the treasure safely posted to Jane. I know now I should have confirmed the delivery, but I had no inclination it might go missing along the way. I thought my sister's country safe, that such treasured items would not go amiss. Yet this is a deceitful place where innocents are lost and blind eyes are turned."
"You're a fine one to talk about innocence." Mal said grouchily, but there was something in Alec's tone that made me question if his treasure was something that could become lost through negligence, or whether it was only possible through design.
"When you talk of innocents, you are talking of that which is missing." I stated, regarding Alec carefully.
He shook his head, but there was something clear in his manner that I was right.
"Innocents? From Volterra?" Mal asked.
"Like Mother. Like you." I stated toward Mal before turning my gaze upon Alec. "Like Alec's children."
Alec closed his eyes as if in pain and I knew I was correct.
"They are missing?" I asked. "How?"
"I have no idea. I had a few contacts here from before the new arrangement was put in place. I thought I could trust them, I paid them enough, but they did not reach Jane. I thought them safe, three days travel at most and they would be with their aunt." Alec explained.
"But they had to travel through nomad territory first." I stated. "A busload of dhampir with only two vampires to protect them. Dhampir who were not used to combat because of their upbringing. And who knows how trustworthy the vampires truly are. Perhaps they took your money then sold the children for extra."
"You know of the slavers?" Alec asked.
"Yes, Tony told me of them." I replied.
"Jane said you knew nothing of them. That it was better not to inform you because you are a loose cannon and likely to put your own life at risk as well as those of others." Alec stated.
"And yet she took Uncle Emmett." I said with a sigh. "For the record, had you asked it of me, I would have helped. We cannot have vampires thinking they can enslave dhampir. All dhampir are my kin and we must band together to avoid these things." I took a calming breath as I realised I was becoming excitable. "I think perhaps it was wise that we did not go. You have an emotional attachment because they are your children, and I would not think objectively because dhampir are being mistreated at the hands of vampires."
"Of course, we could have made a mean team." Mal stated as if he was surprised by his own words.
"We would have?" I asked.
"Yeah." Mal stated in firmer tones, determined to continue with his suggestion now he had started it. "Alec could have used his sandman powers to render them senseless. I could have held all the vamps in place just in case while you and Alec roused the kids. Of course Essie would have been with us too, she would have definitely helped if Jane had told her what was going down."
"I guess that's why Jane didn't tell me." Mother said from the kitchen door. "Alec, I'm sorry this has happened to you."
Alec didn't say anything, merely bowed his head respectfully.
"Yeah." Mother said, and I was unsure of what she meant by that word. "Now you have an idea of what you put me through. And maybe if you'd been concentrating on getting your kids safely to America rather than moping over Liza you would have got them safe to Jane and Liza wouldn't hate you as much as she does right now."
"How I had planned it in my mind…" Alec began.
"I know how you planned it in your mind." Mother cut him off. "I've seen in quite vivid detail what you were hoping for, and can I say, delusional. It would not have gone that far, even without all this. Was there any time at all that you realised you and Liza would never be anything more than friends?"
"Around the time she vanished through the wall." Alec admitted.
Mother shook her head.
"You need to grow up." She said. "Seriously mature beyond what Aro's kept you as all these years."
Alec nodded.
"And I'm sorry about your kids. I wish Jane had told me that's what she was doing and I would have helped her. Obviously she didn't want me along either or she would have made more of an effort to make me go. She so would have emotionally blackmailed me into that one if she'd really wanted me there." Mother observed warily.
"Jane has always had her ways of persuasion." Alec observed.
"Yeah." Mom stated. "I guess the waiting must be eating you up. Would you like Tobias to wait up with you tonight? He's a good listener."
"I know this to be true of Tobias, however I do not talk of my feelings to others. Even to Jane." Alec observed.
"I guess you don't. But you might want to start thinking about it." Mother said firmly. "It helps a lot. Anyway, I'm gonna go sleep now. Don't be up too late kids, and Alec, nothing too noisy, some of us do have to sleep."
With that Mother left the kitchen.
"You really should talk about it." Mal stated. "All hostility aside, you must be pulling your hair out but. I can't even begin to imagine what it must feel like for you having all your children in trouble like that. But like they say, a problem shared is a problem halved."
"And have you gloat over my problems behind my back?" Alec hissed.
"You think we would do that?" I demanded. "We may discuss you when you are not around, and admittedly a lot of that is critical, but we would never take pleasure in something so important. We worry about them too. I may never have met them, but they are dhampir, and one of them is my cousin after all."
"Lilly." Alec said.
"Yes. Lilly. She is Aunt Layla's daughter." I stated.
"Oh Lileth, another girl I wronged for my masters, and I had no idea I was doing it. I am completely to blame for the mess that was made of her mind." He said as he sunk to the floor with his hands to his head. "And the memories were stolen, but as they came back I realised I was to blame for daring to show affection. When the memories returned I could not believe the love I felt for the human girl and the feeling of protection for her and our child. Aro wanted my child and couldn't have my loyalties divided. That's why he took my memories of that moment of happiness and robbed poor Lileth of her mind entirely for such a long time. I understand Masen has repaired her; we should have let her go with him in the first place. I mar everything I touch."
Mal dropped down next to Alec and he put his arm around him in comfort.
"Aro would have taken Layla's mind whatever. The only thing your affection meant was that he took your memories too just in case you got all unstable and blabbed. I was there when the Fire Twins were. I know how he liked to employ them. He still would be if they hadn't turned on him and you wouldn't know anything about your kids." Mal stated. "Did you really smuggle all of them out of Volterra?"
"All who wished to come." Alec replied.
"You left some there?" I asked, sitting down on Alec's other side.
"They wished to remain." Alec stated.
"Were you not afraid that Aro may hurt them in retribution?"
"Of course I thought of that, but one of them is mated to Santiago while the other three are honorary members of the pack, acting as medical staff and nannies. They are indispensable to Aro as long as he wishes to keep the Children of the Moon on side. As their numbers grow Aro grows more wary and realises that he can not abuse them or risk rebellion." Alec explained.
"You got eleven out. That's pretty impressive." Mal observed.
"Fourteen if you include Trinity and the twins." Alec whispered. "They are not my children but Lilly considers them her siblings and made it clear that I was to bring them too." He laughed. "Not that I would have left them behind. They are orphans now and should be looked after."
"See you have compassion." I stated. "Had you but come to me with that tale how could I have been angered by your presence?"
"When I learned that you were away from your family all I could think was of the opportunity to talk to you away from them. Hoping that I could convince you of my good intentions without the caution of your family." Alec murmured.
"Alec, that was a mistake. What transpired later aside, I would have been more disposed to speak with you had you approached through my family, than when I was alone and feeling vulnerable." I explained.
"I do not know you at all do I." Alec said sadly.
"You know the seven year old me enamoured by a foreign student that made the rushing in her body affect her thinking. I am older now, have a better judge of my head, and know however my body may react, and there are more important things than that." I stated. "And before you begin to think that you stir me, you do not. Not any more. Once you did, but my tastes have now matured."
"Yes." Alec said with a sigh. "Yet you played your hand so well in the bunker. I have never had a woman seduce me so."
"You did seem somewhat nervous." I agreed. "It almost seemed that you were the virgin and I the seasoned lady of the night."
"I was disarmed by the freedom with which you had embraced your sexuality, so different from the girl who watched her every action." Alec replied.
"Regardless of why I affected you so, it was all acting upon my part and I think we should move away from the subject now." I stated. "Has Jane informed you of any progress made?"
Alec shook his head.
"I doubt she will tell me anything until successful." Alec said sadly, and then sighed. "I should allow you two to sleep now and I'll return to my room."
"That is for the best." I stated as I stood. "Come Mal, we should prepare for sleep." I added as I held out my hand to him and pulled him to his feet. "Are you going up now or later?" I directed to Alec.
"I will go later." He stated.
"Not too late, Mother and Father do not want you wandering the house at all hours." I stated.
"I will be an hour at the most." Alec promised.
"Then I bid you good night." I said, and Alec nodded his head.
"Night." Mal said, and then we left the kitchen.
I was thinking about all those poor dhampir lost out there, it was deplorable. How would I feel if I was their parent? I would be out searching for them that was for sure, I could not stay behind. What had Jane said to Alec to make him do so? How could Jane make him do that, surely ensuring his children were safe superseded his punishment?
Unless Alec had chosen not to go and he was now playing on my sympathies. If that was so…
"I will kill him." I murmured.
"I'm sorry?" Mal asked.
I blinked and realised we had reached my room.
"It matters not." I said as I brought Mal into my room. "I have given too much thought to him today. It is time to get back to us and my family, and everything that transpired before Alec's revelation."
"You mean like our interesting dinner guest?" Mal asked.
"Yes. Her." I said a little angrily.
"You know, I liked when you called me your boyfriend." He said with smile as he placed his hand to my hip.
"I had to let her know you were unavailable or she would have made a play for you." I stated as I backed Mal to the bed until he sat down and I could place my hand upon his shoulder.
"I wouldn't have fallen for it." Mal said firmly.
"But Prue can be quite persuasive." I stated as I placed my other hand upon his other shoulder.
"Yeah. And that might have interested me once, but I'm fed up of casual dalliances. I'm in for the long haul. I'd much rather wait while building up a firm foundation, before anything physical. I know if it's anything like my dreams it'll be fantastic." He whispered, pulling me closer to him.
"Dream of me often do you?" I asked, my lips close to his.
"You know I do." He stated before placing his lips to mine.
I returned his kiss, my hands moving to his cheeks. I pulled back slightly and smiled before kissing his cheek and stepping away.
"Why don't you go and change into your pyjamas and then come back here." I suggested.
"What?" Mal asked, giving me a cautious look.
"Only to sleep." I assured him. "And perhaps to cuddle a little. I know you said last night that if you stayed in my room we would do other things, but I think we can be grown up about this."
Mal smiled.
"You know what, I think you're right." Mal said and he kissed my lips before standing.
"I have one word of advice." I said, beckoning for him to lean toward me. He leant down until his ear was by my mouth.
"Lock your door using your gift. That way even if Alec should peek through the key hole he will think you're in your room." I whispered.
"Ok." Mal promised. "I'll be back in five minuets."
"I will be changed by then. If I am still in the bathroom, lock the door and slip into bed." I stated, feeling a delightful roll in my stomach at the thought.
"Are you sure?" Mal asked again, brushing my chin with his thumb.
"Yes." I said, placing my hands to his cheeks and kissed his lips. "I would not suggest it if I was not."
"See you in a bit." Mal said, and kissed my head.
Then he was gone and I went to the bathroom after a trip to my wardrobe. Once inside the bathroom I washed, and then brushed my teeth. My hair was still in a braid from earlier, I pulled out the band and loosened it. My hair looked wild, a mixture of curls and the waves that had been pressed into my hair by allowing the plaits to dry. Running a brush through it before I had chance to wash it would have an adverse effect. There was nothing for it but to try and loosen it a little more and add some volume with my fingers.
With my hair satisfactory I turned to the chair where I had placed my nightclothes. My hands shook as I reached out for the garment and held it up. It was a nightdress made of white satin. It wasn't particularly risqué, it came to mid thigh-length and it was cut somewhat lower than I would wear in the day, the straps were thin, but there was still a touch of innocence to it. Yes there was a little bit of lace but I had never thought anything of it before, I wore it when it was hot. Now I realised I had picked it because I wished to look nice, it was my nicest nightdress, and my most grown up.
What was I doing here? I had to change the nightdress for pyjamas instead. I went to my bathroom door, but I heard the door of my room open and close. Mal was here. I couldn't change it now! There was no other option than to change into that provocative nightdress. I changed and regarded myself in the mirror and tried to convince myself that it was definitely not provocative.
I picked up the dressing gown, a dark silk kimono that reached the floor. I pulled it on and when tied it covered the questionable garment. If I turned off the light before I removed the kimono then Mal would be none the wiser. At least until morning, but it would matter not by then for we would be dressing for the day. That is what I would do.
I tidied around the bathroom then ensured my robe was secure before I left the bathroom. I turned out the light as I stepped into the room. Mal was lying under the covers and he was reading. I said nothing as I flittered to the light switch and turned it off.
"Hey, this was just getting good." Mal complained.
"Sorry. I wish to sleep." I said as I slipped off my robe and dove over Mal and beneath the covers.
"You ok?" Mal asked as he placed the book aside and lay down.
"Yes." I replied, pulling the covers close around me and turning into the wall.
"Liza?" Mal asked and he placed a hand on my shoulder.
"Yes?" I asked in return.
"You didn't say goodnight." He stated.
"Yes. Goodnight Malachite." I said quickly.
"You know, I think I might as well go back to my room." Mal murmured and he made to leave.
"No." I cried and I twisted to stop him and pulled him back to me.
His arms came about me as he fell and I fell on top of him. I grimaced, waiting for him to chastise me on my choice of bed-wear.
"Liza, there's something wrong, now tell me." He stated.
"I don't want you to see what I'm wearing." I muttered.
"Why?"
I couldn't answer.
"Now I got to see." Mal stated.
"No." I gasped.
"Then I'll guess." He said and I felt his hands move about my back, his fingers warm through the satin.
I shivered as I felt my skin alight. Perhaps I should have allowed him to look, it would not have been as intimate as his hands now exploring the shape of my nightdress. I felt his fingers reach the hem and brush from satin to the bare flesh of my leg. He stopped, and lingered and I raised my head to look down into his eyes, feeling my heartbeat rise as his hands brushed lightly just below my hemline.
"Why didn't you want me to see this?" He asked.
"Because it is skimpy and I do not want to give you the wrong idea." I stated, biting my lip in worry.
"Now I really got to see it." Mal said and the light clicked on.
I blinked in the sudden light as Mal guided me to my knees and he sat up beside me.
"What's so skimpy about that?" He asked.
"It's so low cut." I stated, placing my hands to either shoulder so my arms covered the area of exposed skin.
"Really it's not." Mal said, taking my hands gently and guiding them from my shoulders. "It's revealing yes, but it's not too low cut. It looks like something you might normally wear to bed rather than something you've put on special."
"You really think that?" I asked.
"Yes. It doesn't even show a fraction of your actual breasts and there's nothing see-through about it. It's pretty, maybe even sweet, but I wouldn't have thought you were trying to give me a signal tonight." He stated.
"Then I need to purchase something more revealing when we finally come to…" I trailed off feeling my cheeks burn.
"Oh no." Mal said as he lay back down. "All I'll need is you in whatever garment you choose. I won't need you to wear anything to communicate your desire because I'll already know. Like tonight you could have come out naked, but I would have behaved myself because I know you don't want to go there in your parents' house."
"I would not have stirred you naked?" I asked, smiling down at him.
"Well yeah, but I would have behaved myself. Honestly Miss." He replied, smiling back up at me.
I hugged him, settling down against him.
"Thank you." I whispered as Mal hugged me closer.
I felt so comfortable in his arms and I was starting to drift.
"Are you going to sleep?" He asked.
I nodded.
"Do you think I could get a little more comfortable first? I'm awkward here from where you attacked me." He said with a small chuckle.
"I am awfully sorry about that." I said, sitting up.
Mal moved and lay back against the pillows then held his arm out for me. I settled down beside him, resting my head on his shoulder. Mal's arm came to line my back and his hand was on my thigh, but I allowed it to remain because I liked the feel of it. Mal pulled the quilt back around us and the light went out.
I stroked Mal's cheek before settling my hand upon his shoulder. We kissed goodnight and settled into sleep. We dreamed together and it was such a lovely dream. There was nothing sexual about it, just Mal and I existing together. I was still in his arms when we awoke and we both pretended we still slept to stay there as long as possible.
Mal broke before me, his silent chuckle shaking me until I too giggled.
"I suppose we should rise now." I whispered.
"Do we have to?" He asked. "Can't we just stay here until it's time to go back to Riverside?"
"If only we could." I mused. "But life will soon come calling at the door and if Alec knows you stayed in my room we will not have this opportunity again."
"If Alec is any kind of man he'll be too busy worrying about his kids rather than what you're getting up to."
"He did not do so yesterday." I stated.
"Now that we know he might actually show he cares about his kids."
"Yes." I agreed.
I opened my eyes wide and looked up at Mal's chin. I sat up so that I could see his face properly.
"Shall we get redy for the day?" I asked.
"Why not." Mal agreed and we rose for the day in happiness.
Thank you for reading
Sorry again that there's only one chapter this week; hopefully I'll be back up to two next week.
Gemma x