Disclaimer: Twilight is the property of Stephenie Meyer
I'd like to dedicate this chapter to Noble, Fadewind, Bibika94, BellaNessieCullen, Cara Gracious, Alphabloodwolf, Alexsandra, and Lsb123
I felt somewhat slow when I awoke on Christmas morning. The first thing I was aware of was a strange sense that I was wearing fewer clothes than I normally would to bed. There were arms about me too, strong, caring arms that I could feel them against my midriff and which I hugged into my chest. There was a bare chest against my back, I could feel its naked warmth seep into me apart from the area where my bra rested. At least I wasn't completely naked for I had no recollection of the night before.
I sat up slowly, turning as I did so and it was a relief to find Mal lying there, my mind was such that I feared it could have been anyone. After that initial relief I felt my heart stutter when I saw that Mal was wearing nothing more than his boxers, I wore only my underwear.
I felt a lurch in my stomach as I prayed nothing had happened, but there was only one way to find out. Even if Mal was offended that I remember naught if we had done anything, I had to put my mind to rest. I could stoke his ego later.
My hand shook as I reached out and placed it on his arm, which had the slightest sheen of sweat to it. Please let that be down to our exceptional body heats and being wrapped up in that thick wool blanket. I shook Mal gently and he stirred. Hi eyes opening wide to reveal that perfect green, I almost lost my nerve for a moment, but I had to know.
"What happened last night?" I asked. "Why are we in a state of undress?"
Mal sat up, rubbing his eyes, before he looked at me.
"You don't remember any of it?" He asked.
I shook my head.
"Nothing about how you called me in the middle of the night to come pick you and your friend up from the pub?" He asked, watching my face for reaction.
"I remember going to the Ingle Nook with Prue." I stated placing my hands to my temples as my head throbbed with the strenuous task of thinking.
"Do you remember coming home?" He prompted.
I shook my head and wish I hadn't as I felt my brain rattle.
"So you don't remember your midnight feast and how you started to undress me?" He asked, sounding more amused than he should.
"I did what?" I exclaimed, my headache momentarily forgotten. "Did we…?"
Mal regarded me for a moment and I sat anxious to know the answer.
"Do you really think I'd take advantage like that?" Mal asked. "Even when you're telling me I'm not taking advantage?"
"Oh thank god." I sighed.
"Well that makes me feel real attractive." Mal said dryly.
"I am merely thanking god that nothing took place last night for I have forgotten it." I stated, placing my hand to his cheek. "For that would be the greatest sadness. I would not have felt ashamed of giving myself to you, or that I managed to seduce you beyond your ethics, but I would have been saddened because I would have forgotten what should be a cherished memory."
Mal held my hand to his cheek for a moment, before he removed it and held it to his lips in a kiss. He seemed to be steeling himself for something.
"Do you know how close I was to giving in last night?" He admitted sheepishly. "The only thing that was stopping me was imagining your horror today, knowing that I'd lost my will."
"Thank you for putting up with me." I stated as I hugged him. "And I'm sorry for behaving like such a monster last night."
"You weren't a monster. Just drunk." He stated. "You always act more on your primal urges when you're drunk. It's a good job I wasn't drunk too or we might have ended up…together."
"I'm sorry to have put upon you." I whispered.
"Liza, I like when you try to seduce me." He said, tapping my back. "I just don't want to give in and have you hate me for taking advantage of you when you're drunk."
"I will never hate you Malachite." I cried, pulling him even closer. "I will never ever hate you."
"Glad to hear it bach." Mal whispered and he kissed my head. "Now you should shower and dress, me too. We need to be ready to open presents soon."
"Of course." I whispered.
"Then I'll just take myself back to my room." Mal said carefully as he pulled my arms from around him and kissed my hands. "Let's just get dressed and we'll talk about this later."
I nodded my head.
"Now go shower." He stated, directing me toward the bathroom.
I entered the bathroom to wash for the day, hoping that the shower would rouse me from my hangover. I should not have drunk so much, I had to be happy and breezy today, and not feel as if a thousand pound gorilla was playing bongos on my skull. I decided to take a painkiller and hopefully it would help.
All I had available was aspirin, which I would not be able to take on an empty stomach. I wished to be over the worst before I saw anyone. Could I make it to the kitchen? However I found a solution in my bedroom. There was still a bag of chips and some bread left from the night previous. There was a slice of ham too.
I considered for a moment, it had been out on the top all night. However it was fairly cool in my room and I did need food in my stomach before I took any painkillers. I let go of all my reservations and made my sandwich with the ham and ate it with some potato chips. The fatty food actually tasted good in my state of hangover and I drank the rest of the soda with it. It had the desired effect in that it filled my stomach and I took the aspirin before dressing.
After eating the food, taking the painkillers and dressing I felt better. Styling my hair made me feel myself once more and I was ready to face Christmas Day with a smile. I pulled on my glittery antlers and opened my door and followed Billie's laughter to the playroom.
I knocked on the door before I opened it and stepped inside.
"Liza, look it's a stocking." She said, holding her stocking up for display. "There's one for you too."
"There is?" I asked.
"Course there is Lamb." Mother said, passing a stocking to me and kissing my cheek. "Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas." I replied and hugged her. "And Merry Christmas to you Billie." I added, hugging my sister. "How are you enjoying the day so far?"
"It's wonderful. I had lots of chocolate and fruit in my stocking and I like your antlers have I got some too?" She said in a rush.
"I was hoping you would ask." I said and revealed the antlers that had been mine as a child.
"Thank you." Billie said as she took them from me and slipped them on her head. "We are matching now." She declared, jumping up and down excitedly.
"Yes we are." I agreed.
"Are we going to get Mal now? He has a stocking too." Billie stated.
"Then yes. You should take it to him." I stated.
"Me?" She asked with a frown.
"Yeah." Mother agreed. "You look like a little reindeer, you might as well act like one."
"Can I fly like Rudolph?" Billie asked with a grin.
"No Baby, just take Mal his stocking." Mother replied.
Billie pouted a little.
"Do you want to fly little reindeer?" I asked and I lifted her into the air and held her so that she lay on her stomach before I moved her through the air and she giggled as I carried her to Mal's door and placed her on the floor.
Mother handed her a stocking and then knocked on the door before we arranged ourselves into a group. After a few seconds Billie grew impatient and knocked on the door again.
"Come on Mallie, it's Christmas." She called. "You got to wake up."
Mal opened the door and he was wearing a jumper with a big smiling snowman adorning it.
"I'm awake Billie bach." He said.
"I'm not Billie, I'm a reindeer." She stated. "And I brought your Christmas stocking."
"Why thank you Blitzen." Mal said as he took the stocking she offered him.
"Liza made me fly." Billie stated.
"She did?"
"Yes. Let's show him Sister." Billie said turning to me and I had to demonstrate how I had made her 'fly' earlier and she giggled again.
"That's some pretty good flying Blitzen." Mal said with a smile.
"I'm Billie again now." She stated then turned to Mother. "Mommy, we have to show Liza the tree. She didn't see it yesterday when the scarecrow lady didn't bring her back."
"Now Baby, we have to wait for Daddy." Mother said, picking Billie up. "Let's go back to the playroom and wait for him."
"Yes Mommy." Billie said sadly.
"Don't worry, Maurice is waking up." Mother said in a conspiratorial whisper.
"I can give him his stocking?" Billie asked in wonder.
"Yes."
Billie clapped her hands and hugged Mother.
"Thank you." She said as Mother carried her back to the playroom.
Mal and I followed them.
"I like your sweater." I stated. "Very festive."
"Yeah. Thought I should make the effort." Mal said with a smile. "Nice antlers by the way."
"Thank you." I said as I took his hand. "I have some for you." I added as I pulled him into my room.
"You do?"
"Yes. Sit down here and close your eyes." I stated as I led him to my makeup chair.
Mal obliged me and I went to retrieve the antlers from where I'd secreted them in a false drawer in my dresser. These differed from my ones and Billie's in that they were brown and more realistic if you discounted the bells on every prong. I carried them carefully in the hope that the bells would not jingle too much as I placed them on his head.
"Open your eyes." I stated and pressed the button on the side of the antlers and they began to move to the tune of 'Jingle Bells'.
Mal opened his eyes and laughed.
"Brilliant." He said with a huge grin. "Where'd you get them?"
"That would be telling." I said as I kissed his cheek. "Now we should go to the playroom before Billie misses us."
"Well I hope there's enough batteries in these." Mal observed as he rose to his feet.
"Why?" I asked as we walked toward the door.
"Cause I have a feeling Billie's going to want me to play it over and over." He stated.
"Possibly." I said with a grin.
"If they start getting on your nerves just give me the signal and I'll make them not work." Mal said with a wink.
"That would be wrong." I said, trying to sound disapproving, but it was hard not to smile a little that there may be an off-switch since I had not considered the fact that Billie might want to play it over and over again as toddlers tend to when they find something amusing.
"It would." Mal agreed. "I just thought I'd put it out there."
I laughed and kissed his hand before we reached the playroom and stepped back inside. Maurice and Ebony were now sat on the floor while Ebony helped Maurice to investigate his stocking. Billie was sat in front of him with her own stocking before her.
"Banana." She said as she held one up. "You take off the skin and then you eat the mushy bit." She stated as she demonstrated.
"Buh." Maurice observed as he picked up his own banana and he managed to peel it.
"Clever boy." Ebony observed proudly and kissed his head.
Maurice giggled before he took out the centre of the banana and ate it.
"Maurice, do you want to wear your hat?" Billie said, holding up a small Santa hat.
"Eh." Maurice said, holding banana covered hands out for it.
"Let's wipe your hands over first." Ebony said, wiping his hands with a baby wipe.
Maurice waited patiently until Ebony put the wipe down, and then reached out for the hat again.
"Shall I put it on your head?" Billie asked.
"Eh." Maurice said with a smile.
Billie grinned and moved closer to Maurice and placed the hat on his head.
"There we go. You look like Christmas now." She stated. "You see in the mirror?"
"Eh."
Billie stood and put her arms around Maurice's from behind and pulled him to his feet. His feet moved on the floor but it was clear there was no strength in his legs as Billie held him up and began walking over to the big window that was a mirror with the darkness still outside. Ebony was on edge, but Mother gave her a reassuring smile as Billie reached the window.
"See Maurice." She said, adjusting her arms a little to hold him up a little higher to window height. "You are like Christmas now, like me."
Maurice laughed and clapped his hands and kicked his legs. Billie lost her balance and fell on her bottom, Maurice in front of her. There was a moment where everyone held their breath, but Maurice laughed and turned to Billie and hugged her.
"Where's Alice with her camera when you need it?" Mother mused.
"Oh." I said, spying my old camera upon the shelf.
I took it down and was delighted to fine that the battery had a charge. I managed to load the battery in time to take a picture of Billie and Maurice hugging. Then I took one of Mother and Aunt Ebony as they fawned over the toddlers acting undeniably cute. Then one of Mal in his delightful jumper and antlers. He poked out his tongue and I took another picture before turning it back on the babies and capturing them as Billie attempted to pull Maurice to his feet again.
"I'll take him this time." Ebony stated as she picked Maurice up and I took a picture of them as Maurice hugged his mother.
Thus I became the chronicler of Billie and Maurice's first Christmas morning. Now and then Mal took the camera from me so that I could be in the pictures, but if truth be told I liked to take the pictures. It felt as if I was doing something special in capturing this day for the future. What would Billie and Maurice think when they looked at these pictures when they were older?
Since Billie was distracted by Maurice for so long, it was an hour before she questioned Mal on his antlers.
"They got bells on." She observed.
"Yeah. And they also do this." Mal stated and pressed the button.
Billie watched enthralled, then clapped her hands.
"Again!" She cried and Mal pressed the button again.
This time Billie sang along as she jumped around. This she repeated several times until Father entered the room with Nahuel. Billie cooed and jumped into Father's arms.
"It's Christmas Daddy and now we can open presents." She sang.
"Of course precious one." Father replied as he bounced Billie in his arms and I took a picture of them.
"Liza gave me antlers, but they're sparkly, not funny singing ones like Mal has. I got sparkly ones like Liza. We look the same. And Maurice wants to open his presents now." She said in her excitable way.
"He does?" Father asked.
"Yes. He told me." Billie said firmly. "Didn't you Maurice?"
Maurice giggled and held his hands up to Nahuel who picked him up. Maurice then reached toward Billie and kept reaching until Nahuel stepped closer to Father, and Maurice could reach Billie. He tapped her cheek happily as if agreeing with what she said.
"See. He wants to open presents." Billie said firmly.
"Then we should go open them." Mother said as she took Billie from Father and then took Father's hand.
Ebony took Maurice from Nahuel and copied Mother in taking his hand. Mal and I followed the two trios down the grand staircase and I paused a moment to take in the sight for the tree was magnificent. It was decorated so beautifully and I felt the slightest twinge of anger toward Prue that she had stopped me in being able to help with its decorating. I soon pushed the thoughts aside for I wished to enjoy Christmas Day without dwelling on any regrets I may have.
I smiled instead as I switched the camera to video mode and recorded Billie and Maurice opening their gifts. They were both sat in a nest of paper on a piece of carpet Father had put down on the cold tile floor of the entrance hall. This was something new to be honest. We have always had some formal decoration in the entrance hall, but never a tree for we had a single staircase as opposed to a split staircase so the tree stood in front of the stairs. However, there was more than enough room to manoeuvre around the tree for the entrance hall was so big.
When Tony and I were children we always had a tree set up in the informal sitting room. It leant a cosy little space for the opening of gifts. Then when Mother and Father were returned to us the tradition was begun of the Christmas tree being placed in the recreation room. It stemmed from a joke that first year when Mother and Father pretended Santa had set up the tree and placed all the gifts beneath it while we slept. It cost nothing to humour Mother for the sake of all our lost Christmases, and those she had lost before our birth thanks to the Volturi.
I pushed the dark thoughts away; this day was for enjoyment, not regrets.
Once Billie had opened her presents she wanted everyone else to have theirs. She rummaged under the tree finding all the presents she had wrapped in shiny red paper. Of course there were a lot more gifts than there was people because I had not factored in the possibility that the rest of the family would have been drafted in to helping Jane and would therefore not be here on the day.
Billie seemed to note this as she handed out the gifts to those who were present.
"Where is Tony? And Gracie?" She asked. "I have gifts for them too?"
"They'll be here later." Mother stated.
"What about everyone else?" Billie asked sadly as she looked around at all the gifts.
"They're working for Jane." Mother stated.
"They won't be here?" Billie replied with a frown.
"No." Mother replied, unhappy to have to tell Billie this.
"That's not nice at all." Billie complained. "They should be here for Christmas."
"You get to meet Uncle Paul and Auntie Rachael." Mother stated. "And don't forget Uncle Hunter."
"He is your brother?" Billie asked.
"Yeah."
"Why haven't I seen him yet?"
"Cause he's been busy on the Res. He's the Alpha so it's hard for him to get away." Mother explained.
"We could go visit him." Billie pointed out.
"We've been busy too." Mother stated. "But maybe we can visit him now you're a little older."
"Ok." Billie said with a nod. "So where is he?"
"He's in the rec room, Granny Ness and Grandpa Jake too." Mother stated. "Shall we go see them?"
"Yes." Billie said with a wide grin. "But I must pick up their gifts."
Billie tried to pick up all three together, but it was impossible because they were two big for her to handle all three together. She tried stacking the boxes, but the bows made them unstable and the tower was much too high for her to see where she was going.
"Shall I help you Sister?" I asked.
"Yes please." She replied.
I handed the camera to Mal then picked up the two boxes that were meant for our grandparents while Billie picked up the one for Uncle Hunter.
"Can we go see them now?" She asked.
"Of course Baby." Mother said, placing her hand on Billie's shoulder for a moment before we all moved to the recreation room.
Uncle Hunter was dozing; he'd drove through the night to get here because he'd wanted to make sure they could cope on the Res without him. Billie being a baby had no concept of this and she ran over to him and jumped on the seat beside him.
"Merry Christmas Uncle Hunter I have a present for you. It is so good to finally see you. You look like Grandpa Jake." She said quickly as she placed the gift in his lap.
Hunter opened his eyes then regarded Billie for a moment before he seemed to realise who she was.
"Hey there Billie, it's good to meet you too." He said with a smile as he picked up his gift. "You got me a present?"
"Yes. It's for Christmas." Billie stated. "Which is today. But don't open it yet." She ordered before she bounded up to me and held her hands out for the ones I was holding.
I passed one to her and she looked at the label before carrying it over to Granny Ness.
"This is your gift Grandma." She said and reached for the other since I had followed her. "And this one is for you Grandpa."
"Thank you Billie." They both said.
"Now you can open them." She said, holding up her hands.
All three of them opened their presents, and Billie watched them intently as the rest of us took our seats. It was then I noticed that Nahuel, Ebony and Maurice were not with us. Was this to give us time alone as a family, or was it that Nahuel had found the perfect juncture to duck out of the proceedings for a while? I had to wonder what we had done to him that he would shun us even now. He may not celebrate Christmas, but he must realise how important this was for Ebony.
I pushed the thoughts away, I would be happy this day. I owed it to everyone not to dwell on negatives. I turned my attention back to my grandparents and uncle as they opened the gifts Billie had got for them. Grandfather had a car, Grandmother an angel and Hunter a wolf. They were ceramic, from craft sets Billie had to decorate herself. She had been very proud of her work at the time, and now basked in the adulation she received from the recipients.
There was a commotion from the entrance hall and Mal and I went to investigate not to ruin Billie's moment of glory. When we arrived Nahuel was standing guard in front of Ebony and Maurice. He was crouched, ready to spring with his teeth bared and his fingers clawed. The focus of his hostility was Alec who merely stood on the bottom stair still and silent.
"What did you do?" I demanded.
"Nothing." Alec stated. "I merely wished to pass the way you had come and Nahuel accused me of trying to attack his mate and child."
"Could you not have doubled back, used one of the other stairs?" I asked.
"I was following your most recent scent trail."
"You wanted to kill my son." Nahuel growled.
"I intended nothing of the sort." Alec snapped. "Why would I harm the boy? What would I gain from it? I have no personal attachment to him and it would hinder my fragile friendship with Liza and Mal. I do not harm dhampir. Even when I hunted them for the Volturi I never once harmed them. Mal, Liza, I kidnapped you and put you into sleep, but did I ever raise a hand against you?"
Mal and I regarded each other for a moment.
"You didn't exactly make me comfortable, but you've never hit me." Mal stated.
"And although you've hurt me emotionally, you have never done so physically." I stated. "Nahuel, he has no intention of harming Maurice, but should you attack him I'm sure he wouldn't think twice about defending himself."
"Your judgement is hardly sound." Nahuel stated. "You stopped his execution. If you had shown better judgement that day he'd no longer be a threat."
"I made the best decision possible that day." I hissed. "I saw the true threat beyond the obvious. That threat is the Volturi and they win if we fight amongst ourselves." I stated. "Alec, go back up the stairs and come down the back staircase. Mal and I will meet you in the library."
"Yes Liza." Alec stated, and then went up the stairs.
"I will keep him out of your way for the rest of the day." I promised. "But he wouldn't hurt you in this house for fear of Mother's wrath."
"That will be a comforting thought when my son is dead." Nahuel hissed.
"Nahuel, you're scaring Maurice." Ebony said firmly. "Calm down."
"Why can't we return to home now?" He demanded slipping into Spanish.
"Because it's Christmas. And may I point out that I doubt there's a language you can speak that Liza doesn't know." Ebony said with a glare. "Liza could you take Maurice to the rec room, I think Nahuel and I need to talk." She added as she placed Maurice in my arms.
Nahuel looked at me as if he was about to rip my throat out, but Ebony growled in warning.
"I will take him to Mother then meet Alec in the library." I stated before turning and carrying Maurice through to the recreation room.
Billie was asking Hunter endless questions about himself when we entered, but then she turned and clapped her hands.
"Uncle Hunter, this is my cousin Maurice." She said happily, and I placed Maurice on the sofa beside her.
Mother, could you watch him for Aunt Ebony while Mal and I go and speak with Alec? I asked.
Of course. What's going on? She asked as she moved nearer to Maurice.
Nahuel doesn't much care for Alec to be too close to his son. I explained.
Right. Well you'd better take Alec somewhere else and find something for him to do for the day so that he's not anywhere near Nahuel. You can't blame him for being protective of his son.
Of course Mother. I agreed. I will find some task for him to do.
I took Mal's hand and we went to the library where Alec was standing silently in the middle of the room.
"Why do you always do that?" I asked.
"Excuse me?" Alec asked, suddenly coming to life.
"You always merely stand there. A human would sit with the choice of chairs in this room." I explained.
"I suppose I'm used to standing." Alec replied.
"But if you're coming to college with us you'll have to act more human." Mal stated. "So if you are waiting for someone you should sit. Or if you have to stand, fidget a little. Nobody just stands there unmoving. It's unnerving."
"You are right of course." Alec said with a frown. "As Volturi we never worried about fitting in."
"What about when you were hunting dhampir?" I asked.
"I was usually among others and I merely mirrored them." Alec stated.
"That could get creepy." Mal said as he sat in one of the chairs. "You'll have to learn to do it automatically, without thinking."
"How do you propose I do that?" Alec asked as he sat down and mirrored exactly how Mal was sitting.
"For a start don't mirror guys." Mal said with a smile.
"Why not?"
"Humans mirror those they wish to sleep with." I stated. "It is part of their ingrained behaviour. That is why you should not mirror someone unless you wish to entice them to bed." I stated as I sat on the arm of the chair Mal had taken.
"Perhaps that would explain my success in attracting dhampir." Alec mused.
"It is nice to know that I was never truly attracted to you, it was merely a result of your bad attempt at trying to fit into your human surroundings." I said lightly.
"Amusing." Alec said dryly.
"You put forth the theory." I said brightly.
Alec gave me a wary look.
"And now you are acting more human." I stated. "Allowing your true feelings to be known. I would gladly wager that you had to watch any reaction you had in front of Aro. To edit them until nothing showed on the surface?"
"It is something that happens to all vampires regardless of their desire." Alec stated. "It is through practice that their faces become animated once more."
"Then you need to practice."
"I have a lot to practice." Alec observed. "What tips can you give me?"
"Firstly you need to keep breathing." Mal stated. "You have a habit of holding your breath when you're not talking or smelling the air."
"But there is no need for me to breathe. Is it not a waste of air?" Alec asked.
"You don't actually process the air." I stated. "But humans do breathe and someone might notice that you are not breathing."
"So rather than run the risk of not breathing when you're with company you should get into continuous breathing all the time." Mal added.
"What if I find a scent enticing and I'll fall into the hunt if I do not stop smelling them?"
"Then you hold your breath but move your shoulders somewhat so that it looks as if you breathe." I stated.
"Any other tips?"
"You need to learn to fidget slightly." I stated. "You can put on the air of good bearing, but even those with the best deportment will move into a more comfortable position from time to time."
"How would I do that?" Alec asked.
"Move your weight a little. If you find something tiresome pretend that you're trying not to yawn." I stated.
"Lean your head on your hand, that's good if you're watching a movie when it's quite late." Mal said, demonstrating.
"Like this?" Alec asked as he copied.
"Yes. You look convincingly bored." I said with a smile. "I think perhaps it would help you to practice in front of a mirror so that you may observe yourself and see how to improve."
"You wish to be rid of me for the day." He stated.
"Merely that you keep a discreet distance from the main proceedings for the day to maintain a harmonious equilibrium in deference to the season." I stated.
"You wish me to be confined to my room this day?" Alec asked.
"Yes."
"I suppose I cannot complain. A day of imprisonment is better than not existing." He remarked. "Although I request that you come visit me at least once today. I saw nothing of you yesterday."
"We will not leave you alone all day, but you can not expect us to visit with you constantly. We will be spending time with our family through the day. You can not become impatient and kick up a fuss if you do not see me for a good few hours." I warned.
"I will behave myself." Alec said solemnly. "I promise you."
"Then I can trust you to return to your room now?" I asked hopefully.
"Of course." Alec replied with a solemn bow.
"Actually maybe we should see him up to his room." Mal stated. "What if Nahuel and Ebony are still upstairs?"
"Of course." I said, rising to my feet. "We must protect Alec as well as our family."
"Yes." Mal agreed, although I was certain this was not his intention at all.
We led Alec through to the dining room, I stopped a moment to admire Father's table laid out in all its Christmas glory. We then herded Alec up the south stairs and to his room. He stepped inside without another word and I decided that he would stay there. I hoped that he would stay there and would feel thoroughly disappointed if he did happen to leave his room and cause trouble again this day.
Then taking Mal's hand I smiled as I pushed Alec from my thoughts and descended the stairs to share Christmas with my family.
The day was going well. The children were enjoying themselves immensely with all the magic Christmas had to offer. Even Nahuel seemed to relinquish some of his hostility once he was certain that Alec was confined to quarters for the day. There were no upsets, not even when Alex brought Dannan to meet his parents.
In fact Aunt Rachael and Uncle Paul seemed pleased with her. I would go so far as to say Rachael was fond of Dannan after an hour or so of them talking. Paul seemed more relieved that his son had finally found the one for him and would now have a chance to live his life rather than be subjected to a lifetime of loneliness and duty than anything else. Knowing Paul's famous temperament he was more than likely reserving his judgement of Dannan until after she had birthed another man's child. I hoped he wouldn't regret the decision to bond sooner.
The disruption occurred with the arrival of Grace and Tony, and Prue of course. It was clear from Tony's expression that he was nearly driven crazy by his future sister in law. She had almost spoilt his surprise for Grace and it annoyed Tony, although he was too gentleman to say anything to her. I wondered if I should say something on his behalf. Of course I would have to determine a way to broach the subject without making it seem as if Tony had complained to me about Prue. I could claim twin intuition and wheedle it out of Prue. Would I get away with saying that I sense Tony is upset with Prue. Why is this? Would Prue admit why?
It looked as if I would not get a chance to talk to Prue at all this evening. Despite kidnapping me for the whole of Christmas Eve, she endeavoured to ignore me. Instead she made a beeline for Uncle Hunter.
"Oh my god Hunter is that you!" She exclaimed. "Look at you! You haven't aged a bit."
"I just eat right and look after myself." Hunter stated with a shrug.
"I wish I'd thought of that." Prue said sadly.
"You look great." Hunter replied with a smile. "Really you do. What you been doing with yourself all these years?"
"If I tell you that I'll have to kill you." Prue purred, and Hunter laughed.
"She was a scarecrow in a field in Iowa." Billie said helpfully as she jumped up onto the sofa and settled between them. "What happened to all your nice hair scarecrow lady?"
"I'm no longer a scarecrow so I cut it off." Prue replied.
"I guess it's pretty now too. You look more like Gracie now, but with short hair."
"People always said we look alike." Prue agreed and Billie beamed.
"I made you a present, I couldn't buy you one cause I didn't know you then, but when Daddy said you were coming to Christmas dinner I made you something. And I got to get the gifts for Tony and Gracie too. I will go get them from the tree." Billie stated as she jumped off the sofa.
"I've brought them in for you." Mother stated as she placed the three parcels on the table.
Billie giggled as she went to the table and handed out the presents. She then watched Tony, Grace and Prue as they opened their gifts. Tony had a stuffed wolf, Grace a notebook that Billie had decorated the front cover of, these I knew. What I was interested in was what Billie had made for Prue, it turned out to be a picture.
"It was you, but you cut your hair now." Billie explained.
"It's very good." Prue said with a smile. "It's the best portrait anyone has ever painted of me."
"It is?" Billie asked.
"Yep."
"I'm glad you like it. Painting is my favourite thing to do in the whole world. Oh and swimming too. I like painting and swimming." Billie said with a nod. "I'm gonna play with Maurice now."
Billie kissed each of them in turn then ran off to the corner where Ebony had set up a soft play mat and the baby toys Maurice had received for Christmas. Billie sat down to show him how to play like a big kid. Maurice loved the attention.
"Merry Christmas Sis." Tony said and hugged me.
"Merry Christmas Brother." I said as I hugged him in return. "And Merry Christmas to you too Grace." I added as I hugged her.
"Merry Christmas Liza." Grace replied. "And you too Mal." She added as she hugged Mal.
"Merry Christmas Grace." Mal replied. "And you Tony."
"Yeah." Tony said, giving Mal a questioning look before pulling him into an embrace. "Merry Christmas Brother."
"Thanks." Mal said, and tapped Tony's back.
Tony stepped away from Mal and placed his hand on his shoulder. As my brother smiled at my potential lover I knew that they held a silent conversation to which I was not privy. It bugged me to know what they were saying, especially since I knew the conversation was about me.
I placed my hand on Tony's bare forearm.
This is boy talk Sis. Tony thought as he turned to me and broke his connection with Mal. It's not right for you to eavesdrop on it. Would you like it if I did it to you and Grace?
I had to concede that I would not like that very much, but I did not like being discussed between the men in my life either.
"We should check on Alec." I said coldly as I took Mal's hand.
Mal was somewhat confused as I pulled him all the way through to the dining room and up the south stairs and all the way up to the attic.
"We're not checking on Alec?" Mal asked as we passed the first floor landing.
"Shhh." I hissed, pressing my fingers to his lips before I pulled him further up the stairs and to the attics.
I led him along the long corridor to the room with my cushion fort. This time I locked the door of the room before I led Mal into the fort. He gave me a questioning look.
"I merely wished some time alone with you." I whispered as I stroked his cheek. "We have not had much time this day."
"Cause it's Christmas and I thought you wanted to spend it with your family." Mal replied.
"I also want to spend it with you." I stated as I placed my lips to his. "I do not intend to go beyond kissing, but can we not take five minuets out from festivities?" I asked.
"As long as this isn't your attempt to get me to reveal what Tony wanted to talk to me about." Mal said.
"It's nothing of the sort." I stated as I pulled at the front of his snowman sweater and lay back, bringing him with me.
I had to remove my antlers before I placed my hand behind Mal's head and directed his lips to mine. Oh such magic as they met and his body lay next to mine. I felt the press of his chest to mine, and what a delight that was as we continued to kiss. How wonderfully his tongue danced with mine as his hands caressed my body. It was such a delight and I tangled my fingers in his hair, glad I had convinced him to keep his hair long. What I wouldn't give now to see his hair in sunlight, to feel it warmed by the sun as the gold highlights danced.
I moaned in delight as I felt my body thrill, moving my hand up beneath his sweater until I could caress his chest with my thumb. If I had been braver I would have gone lower, but for now I would settle for his chest and this pleasurable kissing. Oh my sweet Malachite.
Mal twisted and now I rested on his chest as he reached up to stroke back my hair.
"You always amaze me." He whispered. "I wouldn't have guessed you'd do this today."
"Why not?" I asked with a frown.
"After last night I was worried you'd be cold toward me today." He said, a little shyly.
"Why would you think that?"
"Because you always have in the past. You pulled back and didn't mention what happened." He explained.
"That's because I was waiting for you to mention something. I had no certainty that you liked me, and was afraid you used the fact that I was drunk as an excuse to turn me down, and I would not have coped with such rejection." I stated.
"And I never brought it up cause I thought you were embarrassed about what happened. And I also didn't want to make you feel obligated." He observed.
"Obligated?" I questioned.
"Well, a drunken pass doesn't necessarily mean the person likes you, but you're so honourable that you'd feel obligate to follow through on your promise even though you made it when you were drunk." He replied.
"I see. Did I not hint enough when sober?" I asked.
"There were plenty of hints, but I couldn't make the first move." Mal said firmly.
"Why?"
"Because I didn't want to lose your friendship if I was wrong. I didn't want to make you feel awkward or pressurised into anything. If we're meant to be, it will happen in time."
"I do love you Malachite." I whispered, looking deeply into his green eyes. "But I could not admit that to you without the certainty that you would reciprocate. You know how I like to plan everything."
"I do." Mal said. "And has everything gone to plan?"
"Not at all." I said, shaking my head. "Not that I'm complaining about the outcome. It is what I desired, we merely arrived here along a different route than I'd intended."
"And you're ok with that?" Mal asked.
"Why shouldn't I be? It may not have been declared as I had intended, but I can say it freely now." I began.
"I love you Liza." Mal said softly, hugging me into his chest and stroking my hair.
"If I said that it would be quite narcissistic of me." I said with a giggle. "I can freely say I love you Malachite." I added in serious tones.
Mal sighed happily before he guided my chin up with his fingers so that I could meet his lips once more. The kiss was so exquisite. Mal's hands went to my waist at first, and had I been wearing a top he would have moved his hands beneath it, but as always on Christmas Day I was wearing a dress. Now his right hand moved down to my thigh and then trailed back up beneath my skirt until his hand rested on my hip. I could feel the warmth of it through my tights, and his thumb rested in the crook of my lap. I knew that if I encouraged him he would trail further in, but he would not proceed further than this without my consent.
I liked that he wished to go at my pace. Had we been somewhere more secluded I would have gladly encouraged him on, but we could go no further than kissing, and perhaps a little familiar touching, I decided as I slid my hand beneath his sweater. This was good for now, but we had little time to fully appreciate each other because it wouldn't be long for dinner.
I had judged our absence as being no more than fifteen minuets, but we had merely been checking on Alec. That would not explain why we had been gone so long, for we would have to check on Alec to put some credence to our story.
"We should stop now." I whispered, barely able to pull my lips from his.
"It's the right thing to do." Mal murmured, his fingers lightly massaging my hip.
"We have to visit with Alec before we go back down to the others."
"Would it be so wrong if we spent the rest of the day up here?" Mal asked, rolling me onto my back, and nuzzling at my neck.
I moaned slightly before regaining my thoughts.
"But Father has prepared a fantastic meal and it would be rude not to eat it." I stated, pushing him back onto his back, but unable to break from the kiss.
"You're right." Mal said, and he managed to push me away from him, "But let's just lie here a minuet." He added and he guided me beside him and I lay cradled in his arm.
"Why do we need to lie here a minuet?" I asked, trying to make my breathing normal once more.
"Just to get our breathing back to normal and such. How would you put it? To cool our passions until we can successfully face your family."
"Our family." I corrected. "Even if there was nothing between us, you are part of the family. Part of the extended family yes, but still family."
"Yes." Mal replied. "I'll have to tell you about that sometime. About when I was travelling with Jazz and Alice and meeting the other Cullens."
"That would be nice." I mused as I twirled a strand of my own hair about my fingers.
"There's so much I want to tell you now. I want you to know all of me."
"I've been trying to get you to talk about your past all autumn." I stated.
"I know. But I don't like talking about my past." He said sadly as he took my hand and entwined our fingers gently. "I can only do that with someone special. The one I wish to spend my life with."
I smiled as I realised that person was me. I would very much like to spend my life with Mal, all of my life that stretched into unknown eternity. Was this how it felt to imprint, to know without doubt that you could never tolerate another in your life, that only that one person would do? Or was this love? I cared not, for either way one thing was clear, I loved Mal dearly and would do so forever.
"I think we've rested long enough." Mal said, tapping my hand before he sat up, bringing me with him since he still had his arm about me.
"Yes." I said, turning to him, then laughed. "I think we may have to stop by your room so you can brush your hair." I stated, attempting to smooth it down. "As it is people will know from one look what we have been doing." I added as I straightened out his antlers.
"Well I can get away with being a little ruffled, but you might want to smooth out your curls a little." He stated as he placed my antlers back on my head and he kissed my nose.
"We could both do with a little grooming before we return to the others." I stated as I stood. "Perhaps before we check on Alec too."
"Good idea." Mal said as he knelt beside me because he was too tall to stand.
We moved out of the fort and left the room, going down the north stairs since they were closer to our bedrooms. We separated in order to straighten ourselves out. Other than re-fixing my curls and pulling my dress back into place there was not much more to do. I was thankful I had not donned make-up this morning and had no need to replace it. Or wash it away since it would most likely be smeared.
I watched my grin spread across my face and I realised that I would not have minded that. Some visual representation to the intensity of our kisses. It was something I would try when we were at his cabin. Perhaps the red lipstick I had bought once on a whim but never found the nerve to wear.
I placed my antlers back on and adjusted them, before leaving my room to find Mal waiting in the corridor.
"You could have waited in my room." I stated.
"And be tempted by the bed?" Mal asked. "I thought it would be safer waiting out here. Let's go check on Alec."
I nodded and took Mal's hand.
I knocked on Alec's door.
"It is Liza." I called, when it was clear he would not answer.
"Please, come in." Alec called.
Mal and I entered and Alec looked between us both.
"You have been together." He stated.
"If we have it is none of your concern." I said curtly.
"No. I can smell it on you both. It is obvious. You should have attempted to cover it with icky chemicals." Alec replied.
"How often did you spy on me in Riverside?" I demanded.
Alec merely blinked.
"Well I see you've been practicing blinking." Mal said cheerfully trying to change the subject before I'd become upset by Alec's answer.
"Yes. Among other things. I am sorry to sound accusatory, but I am merely offering you a little advice in return. I have to practice saying it in more civil terms." Alec said, and sounded almost sincere. "You smell as if you have been enjoying each others company, it will be apparent to everyone's senses."
"Only to vampire senses and Father is the only vampire present." I stated. "I doubt he will be under any delusions of what we were doing, and Mother would have sensed us on some level. Besides, we have no time to shower now, and it will hint that we did more than kiss."
"You are right of course." Alec observed. "I know you come to see me as your excuse to sneak off, I do not mind. However I am feeling bored, is there nothing you can offer me to alleviate it?"
"Do you know how to use a computer?" I asked.
"Aro declared that we should all learn." Alec stated.
"And did you?" I prompted.
"Yes." Alec replied in tones that suggested it should be obvious.
"Very well. I will lend you my laptop." I stated. "Hold on but a moment."
I went to my room, Mal following me.
"Are you sure about this?" He asked.
"Alec will never guess my password and I will enter him on the guest account." I answered in a whisper.
"Ok." Mal replied. "But I could always give him mine."
"We have to show him at least a little trust, and he will not know my password." I assured him.
"As long as you're sure." Mal said, sounding doubtful.
"I am." I said, starting my laptop to give it time to load by the time we reached Alec's room. "Besides, I keep everything important on flash-drives."
Mal carried the charger for me and Alec was very thankful when he received both charger and laptop. He settled down immediately at the desk and began to surf the Internet.
Mal and I returned downstairs and nobody made comment on our long absence. The only indication that any one had paid attention to the length of time was when Prue winked at me in one of the moments she turned her attention away from Hunter. They appeared to be getting on fine and I wondered if they would spend the night together.
Dinner was served at six and we all settled around the table.
"Hey, where's Alec?" Prue asked. "I know he's on the naughty step, but shouldn't he at least be allowed something to eat."
Damn it, I'd forgotten the story I had told her.
"I'll go let him know dinner's ready." Mother said, rising to her feet, and she had clearly read everything from my mind.
Father discreetly made up another place while Prue watched Mother out the door. That place was next to me and it seemed inevitable for I was so far away from Prue. Typical.
It was clear that Alec was in a state of shock as he sat down next to me. He had not been expecting to come to dinner, but now he was here and seemed to be touched by the invitation. I regarded him as we all began to eat and there was no pretence in his enjoyment of this moment. He was treating it as if it was a great honour.
I shared a look with Mal for he too had noticed Alec's behaviour. We would discuss this later, but for now I decided to enjoy this meal with my family and friends and worry about such riddles later.
All in all the meal went well and it was a great Christmas. Even washing the dishes seemed like a treat because I'd been itching to get in the kitchen all day. Mal offered to wipe the dishes and since there was no chance of Nahuel coming down to the kitchen, Alec joined us too.
"I can not believe I was invited to join your family feast." He observed. "I have never been to one so lavish since my human life ended."
"You've been to dinner with us all week." Mal stated. "You complained about watching us eat."
"Yes. But that was functional eating. It wasn't a special feast where only family and friends need attend. I am honoured to have been part of that. I would like to do something similar with my children when they are returned." He mused.
"Any news on them yet?" Mal asked casually.
"Jane said they have been located. I have faith my sister will retrieve them alive and undamaged." Alec said firmly, and it was clear that he really needed to believe this.
"Where are they?" I asked.
"Believe it or not they had reached the border of Iowa and Nebraska before they were captured. Jane believes they are still being held to be auctioned on New Years Eve in a special sale."
"That's awful." I declared.
"It is. Jane is hoping this will give her the chance to put an end to the slave trade."
"I hope nobody gets hurt in the mean time." I replied. "Especially your children."
"I have faith that they will defend themselves when it comes to life or death." Alec stated.
"I'm sure they will." I replied, avoiding the thoughts that if they were such seasoned fighters they would not have been taken in the first place.
Of course I could fight quite well, but against Alec I had been helpless. If one of the vampires had the ability to render them senseless then they might not have been able to fight at that point, but they could when they had a chance at freedom. It depended on the hand you were dealt.
"They will definitely give them hell." I said in firmer tones.
"Especially if Lilly manages to rally them. She is most protective of her siblings."
Alec spent the rest of that time in the kitchen talking about his children, naming them all and explaining what he loved best about each of them. He certainly sounded like a pleased father. It saddened me somewhat that he had overlooked their safety to come find me. I would have been more inclined to be his friend had he shown me that he could love unconditionally and had the ability to care for others.
I discussed this later with Mal after Alec had returned to his room. We had to keep our voices down however for Hunter was staying in Tony's room while here and he had disappeared there with Prue some time after dinner. I was successfully ignoring the sounds now emanating from the room. How did Hunter do that so easily when the house was so full? Was it merely a case of not worrying what others thought?
One thing was clear; I could not sleep with my bed against the wall.
"Are you ready for sleep?" I asked Mal.
"Yeah. We did have a late night last night." He replied with a chuckle.
"I'm sorry about that." I said, ducking my head.
"Well I can't really complain." Mal said, wrapping his arms about me and kissing at my neck.
I laughed.
"As much as I want to re-enact this afternoon, can we please change, and then move the bed?"
"Move the bed?" Mal asked as he pulled away from me.
"I will not sleep hearing that all night." I said, pointing at the wall.
"Yeah. I see what you mean. I'll just go get changed and I'll be back in a mo."
"Just come straight in. You know the drill." I replied as I kissed him.
Mal nodded, and then we broke apart while I went to my bathroom to dress for bed. When I stepped out of the bathroom Mal was back and dressed in his pyjamas. Together we moved the bed as far as we could without giving hint that we were moving it. Then we climbed into bed.
We kept to our familiar sides, which meant Mal had to climb in first. I climbed in beside him and snuggled into his arms. I met his lips and felt thrilled as his hand moved up beneath my pyjama top. If truth be told that was why I had worn it. I allowed my hands to trail over him and this we continued for about an hour, before it was either go further or stop.
I was not as free as Hunter and definitely not Prue who was extremely vocal considering she was opposite the nursery. Therefore our only option was to stop for tonight. I pulled my lips away from Mal and smiled.
"Time for sleep now?" Mal asked and I nodded.
He stroked back my hair and kissed me one last time before he encouraged me to turn over, and then he pulled me against his chest, wrapping his arms around me protectively. I wrapped my arms about his and I felt safe and content.
"Goodnight Malachite." I whispered.
"Night, night Liza." Mal replied and kissed the back of my head.
I smiled and kissed his hand before settling down to sleep.
When I awoke the next morning Mal's arms were still about me and I drifted, enjoying my moment with Mal. I turned to him, and smiled to find that he was awake too. I wrapped my arms about his neck and pressed my lips to his. His hand travelled my leg and brought it up around his waist.
We kissed for a while before I remembered that we had to get up for the day. I pulled away from Mal giving him an apologetic look.
"When we're at the cabin we'll stay in bed all day if you want." He whispered, and I giggled.
"But right now…" He said sadly.
"Yeah."
We climbed out of bed and had to move it back to the wall so that Mal could exit.
I went to wash and dress for the day feeling happy. Mal and I were now together, I was certain of that. We were together and taking things slowly until we could finally be one. It was something both of us wanted and I was glad to finally be able to truly think of Mal as mine.
It was these happy thoughts that carried me through such an uneventful day. Other than the two hours I spent swimming I did nothing. I would have found somewhere quiet to be alone with Mal had Mother not made the strangest request after lunch.
"So Lamb, what's the status with Mal now?" She asked.
"We are friends." I stated.
"Good. So he won't need to stay in your room tonight making out." She said with a grin.
"Excuse me?" I asked, feeling mortified that she was acknowledging that she knew what I was doing.
"I'm not trying to tell you what to do, but I feel a little uncomfortable with you and Mal sharing a bed and doing other things in my house when you're not serious about each other. If you were in a relationship then that would be different, but like you said, you're just friends, so until you get all those uncertainties ironed out, I'd prefer you not to sleep with him until you can look me in the face and tell me he's your boyfriend."
I looked into Mother's eyes, ready to declare it. But I realised I could not do that for Mal and I had not discussed the status of our relationship. We were going to be lovers and we had discussed our feelings, but we were yet to say aloud that we were in a romantic relationship. I had only called him my boyfriend to warn Prue off. I had brushed it aside with my excuse when Mal had declared how much he had liked it later. I could not lie to Mother.
I shook my head.
"Then you can sleep on your own tonight. You can do whatever the hell you want when you go back to college, but I can't condone it under my roof if you're just friends." Mother said firmly.
"Yes Mother." I promised.
As I walked away from Mother I realised I now faced the task of explaining all this to Mal. Where did I begin?
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