Chapter 2: Of the Returning
For The Quitaran
Authors note: Hi everyone, I hoped you liked the last chapter here's the new instalment. Just like to clear up a few things, Mala'Khai is a mind manipulator; -note it's not a copy of Edward's ability or Aro's ability- I won't explain further because that just ruins the surprise. The vampires in this story are slightly different from the twilight vampires in that they don't sparkle in the sun but they do have an ethereal visible glow faintly in the sun and have a very very slight heartbeat, they still can't eat but can drink and still don't age. Oh and Paul can manipulate fire.
In Paul's POV
The ambiance in the car was strained and uncomfortable; the usual easy companionship is replaced with unpleasant tension and unease. The hard hitting 808 and bass of one of Logan's numerous hip-hop playlists is drumming a big bass song through the speakers, the sound waves pulsing faintly and filling in the awkward spaces of absent conversation and the absence of pleasant camaraderie although the music was fairly loud the silent tension was more deafening. There was none of Papa's passive-aggressive condescending commentary on the vulgarity of Logan's adopted culture, none of his chiding and warning me jokingly to ignore Logan's terrible taste in music and listen to music at "at it's best and in it's purest form" he would say and none of Logan's usual quick retorts in defence of his music and grumbling about " terrible refined nonsense is for the men in monkey suits and a stick up their ass" and none of my fence sitting commentary about the importance of classical music as well as the freeform expression of hip hop music or whatever subject that is being discussed. No, the usual benter between us is nonexistent today although it hadn't been completely silent the entire journey. I let the recent memory of Logan's insistence at getting the best luxury SUV at the car rental at Tacoma distract me briefly. Remembering with fond amusement, Logan's complaining and protesting about the long roadtrip and uncomfortable seats of inferior cars would reduce him to speech in annoyed grumbles and growls – as if that wasn't his preferred vocabulary- not to mention the discomfort of the unleathered upholstery of the inferior cars. I had agreed whole heartily with this statement even then allowing the comedy of Logan's antics to distract me from the destination of said roadtrip. Papa had just performed his customary acceptance ritual shaking his immaculately styled dark head of hair head shortly at our double-teaming him and sighing. The roadtrip was in effect only 3.75 hours from Tacoma but my perception of time was thrown off by the contradictory feelings the nearing of that place. The closer and closer the Mercedes we hired crept towards our destination the more anxious and fearful I became. My hands started to shake, their trembling an indicator of stress and fear, it was growing worse every mile. I had tried to fight my anxiety by dozing throughout the trip but that my sleep was fitful and restless even some weird dreams.
I hated feeling like this trembling, scared, vulnerable and weak. I had thought that I had long gotten over this, dealt with this, mastered this. it had been six fucking years but actually stepping into the unknown yet familiar place of Forks was unnerving me slowly and we weren't even near the godforsaken place yet. I hated every nanosecond of it, the irrational fear causing adrenalin to seep into my bloodstream, the situation grew worse as I looked up from my wavering hands and looked through the window. I saw the sign " WELCOME TO FORKS" it read but in my mind this warm and friendly greeting was translated into "WELCOME TO HELL" and it was back then although now I realize for all my tough talk and telling my papa that I was ready. I realize that I wasn't and that this place still is my personal hell. I grimace at the sign and stare unseeingly as the evergreen trees covered in a white blanket of snow blurring passed us, the familiarity of the scenic backwater town induced a feeling of foreboding, further sinking me slowly into this gradual build to a conniption of panic and emotion. I had anticipated that we would go into town and meet Biers before we proceeded to rest and regroup at the Lodge but I noticed that Logan took the hairpin that led to a road heading towards the outskirts of Forks, Cullen territory was my last memory of the area. I studied it quietly through the window trying to regulate my breathing. The territory was similar to the one in my memories but the forest for some reason had patches of broken stumps of used-to-be trees and greater spaces in between each line of trees, I put it down to deforestation or something but I knew it was most likely the latter than the former.
Logan pulled us into the driveway of a small mansion one that was modernistic in it's' design. The clean cut lines and incorporation of elements such as the vast expanses of crystal clear glass windows, the lack of intricate detail in the small fountain in the courtyard was replaced with simple and minimalistic tones yet still achieving a status of sophisticated simplistic elegance or new-age glamour. Yes definitely Cullen territory. The engine of the Mercedes quietened from a purr into silence as the car stopped and the engine was cut off. I frowned at this and our location, confusion swirling in my head distracting me from my wariness a little.
"Papa why are we here?"My Pops unbuckled his belt and turned around from the passenger seat to face me smiling reassuringly but I could see the thinly veiled concern underneath the small upturn of his lips. He opened his mouth to answer me but Logan beat him to it. " This is the address this Biers character gave us, do you recognize the area?" he asked genuine curiosity in his tone. We climbed out of the car slowly taken in the slightly austere facade of the beautiful small scale mansion and once we had I turned to face him and he too looked at me with concerned eyes but thank gods no pity in either of their gazes. After exhaling slowly I answered him as we started walking, Piere walking in the middle, Logan on his left side and I at his(Logan's) right. " Yes it's Cullen territory" I replied at the same time faltering a little in my steps realizing that this was Biers address then Biers must be a Cullen or perhaps the Cullen's new human pet? like that whiny little self-centred bitchy girl. What was her name? Bella?. My confusion quickly exchanged with wary curiosity with as I quickly analyzed the situation the wariness deepened. Why was a vampire handling Shape-shifter affairs? If he wasn't a vampire why was a human handling shape shifter affairs.A human that was obviously an ally of the enemy? Questions swirled around in my mind spurned on by my deductions. "Biers wanted to speak to us about some details and gave us this address, Etes-vous bien mon fils?" I smiled a little, now having grown slightly more accustomed to accepting concern from my Piere . I smile at him putting on a more confident show then I was actually feeling. " Oui Piere, Let's just get this over with" I sigh. Logan shuffles uncomfortably the sickly sweet smells of vampire making him grow more anxious, he stiffens and pauses obviously not liking the situation he expresses his displeasure his accent thickening in his speech as his annoyance grows.
"Merde.Je n'aime pas vraiment vampire, mais les choses que je fais pour vous mon neveu" he whistles and ruffles my hair affectionately but it was still annoying and I punch his arm to get him to stop. "Children, children" Piere admonishes and he looks at Logan " Maintenant, maintenant Logan, donner les vampire une-chance, they are like the Denali Coven favouring an alternative diet, you can at least tolerate them for a little while" he says as we walk up the pristine black granite stairs, Logan grumbles out an intelligible response and Piere lifts his hand to ring the doorbell but the cherry wood door opens before his hand reaches the button for the doorbell. The beautifully hand-crafted cherry wood door opens to reveal a tall blonde vampire dressed casually yet still smartly in designer jeans and long sleeved black Gucci shirt. Jasper Cullen, the Major that was training the pack and the coven in preparation of the Victoria's newborn army.
His honey coloured eyes scanned us lightly holding a slightly calculating edge to them. In response my body automatically shifts into a more pronounced defensive stance, in my peripheral vision I can see the Logan mirroring the action on Piere's other side but the wariness in his gaze evaporates as his scan lands on me, and I could see the flicker of confused recognition in them and he smiles awkwardly yet still politely. I understand his confusion because I look different than I did when I left, only standing at 5'11 and my frame slighter than it had been his uncertainty is justified. Truly though only a beat had passed in his quick scan and he held the door open for us as he greeted us with a " It's good to see you again Paul and it's pleasure to see meet your acquaintance gentleman ." He steps aside and makes a small sweeping gesture with his free hand indicating that we should enter. "My name is Jasper Cullen, please come in". Piere smiles that enigmatic smile of his, the rest of his face in an impassive expression but inclines his head in approval of Jasper's manners. I walk in behind Piere with a slight frown on my face, grunting in reply to Jaspers greeting. Logan brings up the rear, nodding once curtly, his features also schooled into an impassive face.
" Thank you Jasper?" he asks a questioning lit in his voice to which Jasper nods once in approval as he directs us into the spacious living room with a silvery colour scheme. The furniture is crisp white colour and abstract new-age design that would look odd anywhere else but somehow works in this modern artwork of a mini-mansion. The glass table is simple yet elegant as the finishings that adorn and complete the decor of the room. Jasper offers us seats and sits opposite us, waiting expectantly, for introductions I presume.
"My name is Mala' Khai Meraz and this is Logan Hunter" Piere says gesturing towards Logan. " We're from the –" Piere would have continued but a sandy browned haired vampire shorter than the last dressed in semi-casual designer threads, his ensemble is slightly little less composed because his tie is loosened and the first few buttons are undone but he still manages to look perfect like vampires always do. The 5'9 vampire gracefully glides across the marble tiles his footsteps silent as he moves towards Jasper and it was obvious this new vampire was the submissive because he smelled faintly of Jasper not in any sexual manner but in manner that identified him as Jasper's mate. He smiled a little in apology for interrupting Piere's speech, his features attractive and gentle. He made his way over to us extending his small hand " Good afternoon gentlemen, My name is Riley Biers and it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I trust that you had a safe, agreeable journey." There was no flicker of recognition in his eyes as he looked at us unease or ill-intent clearly, Riley felt at ease even with wolves in his home but then again he invited us. Piere tries his introductions again gesturing at each of us as he introduces us." Good afternoon Riley, I am Mala'Khai Meraz, Paul's adoptive father and this Logan Hunter Paul's Uncle and lastly Paul Lahoute-Meraz my son and We are from the Canadian tribe The Quitaran." He finishes. Riley nods and smiles as each name is announced, and shakes each man's hand politely, I notice that the submissive is very young and barely looks 18. The age he was turned at it, realistically I knew that he could be centuries old.
"Jasper honey won't please bring these gentlemen something to drink" Jasper kisses Riley's temple silently agreeing and heading in the direction I assume is the kitchen.
" Welcome to our home, we are the Cullen coven although we prefer to be say family. I'm sorry that we are meeting under unfortunate circumstances and offer my condolences to you and sincerest apologies for suffering a loss" I snort impolitely and Logan, Riley and Piere look at me questioningly but I shake my head at them.
"Yes well thank you for informing us Riley, you say coven but there are only two of you?" Piere inquires conversationally. Riley shakes his head the constant sweet smile on his face is surprisingly genuine even if it is annoying me. " No there are more of us, however they are out on a hunting trip at the moment. If you like you can stay to meet them" he directs this at me more than Piere, I grimace at his subtle attempt at involving me in the conversation but I just stare blankly at him. " No I don't think that will be nesscarry Riley, not today at least." Piere says as Jasper walks in and sets a try of various beverages and small appetizers in front of us. " I wasn't sure what your preferences are, so I got a bit of everything" Jasper says quietly as he reassumes his position next to his mate. Piere cocks his head to the side and smiles, " do you have any wine?" he asks a hit of hopefulness in his otherwise neutral tone. I roll my eyes at his standard beverage request. Piere, Typical Frenchman can't survive a day without it, although he doesn't ever get drunk. Jasper perks up and smiles a little more openly " Of course any preferences?"
Piere smiles enigmatically still " Yes, rich and red have anything with that description like Carbernet Sauvignon or 2005 Shiraz" .Jasper smiles and leaves to fetch the wine whilst Logan has snagged himself a Hiekien after sniffing it discretely. He smiles awkwardly at Riley looking at him properly for the first time" I would like to meet this coven sometime whilst we are here" he says in his lightly accented English, his tone is openly conversational after the first swig but I think it's more to do with Riley's easy going nature and hospitality than the alcohol loosening his tongue. I don't eat or drink my emotions too frayed for it. " Yes , Our coven leader Carlisle Cullen would appreciate to get to know the friends of our cousins from the Denali coven."
Piere arches an eyebrow delicately "Cousins?"
"Yes, Carlisle has lived longer than us and had found other alternate diet vampires like us, our cousins are always closely in liaison" Riley explains. Then it clicks how Riley found me but what doesn't is why. We are familiar with the Denali coven but I hadn't known that they had ties back to Forks. The situation is looking more staged and set-up as the minutes pass on. Jasper re-enters presenting Piere with a expensive looking bottle of wine. " Chateau Maragaux 2009, it's the best blend" Piere breaks out of his impartial character slightly smiling indulgently at the seductive depths of the wine as Jasper pours it. He hums as he sniffs the rich blend and winks at Jasper in agreement. " You, Southern gentleman do know how to make a guest feel welcome" he compliments. Jasper smiles "My mama taught raised me right." He smirks his accent thickening further. He takes a swig of his as well, he and Piere launch themselves into deep debate about the wines, the blends, the labels and other winery subjects.
The ceremony of this meeting is killing me, the pretence of behaving like I give a rat's ass about this guy's death is murdering me. I frown at all of them my patience with the awkward situation diminishing quickly I unfold my arms and reply plainly in a polite but firm tone. "Look Riley, I appreciate the kind gestures and hospitality but we're not here to exchange pleasantries, in fact Riley why are we here?" letting my confusion leak a little into my tone. I was growing wary of being in a vampire coven's lair –not that I hate vampire or anything it's just my defences rearing up-, a vampire who is apparently in charge of dealing with a dead shape shifter tribe member affairs, which confused me because the Cullens and the shape shifters were not allies outside protection detail for that pitiful whiny human bitch.
Riley smiles sadly at me and focuses his honey gold irises on me. " Yes well, I am a state lawyer who was given 's case and because Mr. Lahoute finances must be dealt with and to give you details about the funeral arrangements." The answer was vague at best and at that he was neglecting to tell me something. I knew he was being polite and didn't want to be rude or insensitive but I was having none of this bullshit my patience slipping from me caused by the vampire's evasiveness. I spoke in a clipped tone " You've already stated when the funeral will be and the location is quite obvious and beyond that I don't care about the arrangements." I narrow my eyes at the vampire and tilt my head to the side. Our quietly heated conversation has brought a halt to Piere's and Jasper's friendly chatter, they look between us, Piere with masked worry for me as he eyes my ever constantly wavering hands and Jasper with worry for his mate. My gaze turns hard on Riley but I continue paying them no mind "We all know that there are no assets to divide, except for that ancestral property on the reservation which can be sold to offset his debts. Now what is the real reason I am here Riley?" I finished in a warning growl indicating I sick of his evasiveness and didn't care for the superficial pleasantries. I knew it was considered sacrilege to sell an ancestral home but I really did not and do not care about the pomp of obsolete customs and traditions. My shoulders were hunched and I could feel Jasper react accordingly meeting my gaze with slight warning as he angled his body so Riley was partial behind him. Riley smiled sadly at me and that unnerved me as if he knew the truth about something but before I could react he pulls out a brown envelope and offers it to me. " Mr Lahoute, wanted to give you this Paul" is all he said but his tone was a grave one filled with sadness and anger. I didn't understand it and didn't attempt to or even question it. What I did understand was the gesture. The letter from beyond the grave, the strings of pretty words and pitiful pleas for forgiveness so he can clear his conscious and die knowing that he had asked for my forgiveness. The self-righteous, arrogant bastard could kiss my proverbial ass. As if I would ever accept a few blotches of ink and pretty words strewn together crudely to persuade me to give up my hatred or even induce guilt in me. NEVER.I glared at the letter in unadultred hatred and contempt and spit "Burn it, I care not for its contents. Are we finished?" I was seething with quiet rage and I was barely able to control the trembling of my ever unstable hands and push down the instinct to incinerate the small offensive envelope. Riley frowned at me and offered the letter to Piere whilst speaking " Yes we are Paul but I do recommend you read the letter. I hope to see you after the service, it was a pleasure meeting you Mala'kahi, Logan, Paul." He says he closing the conversation and the meeting.
Piere looks at Riley momentarily but I knew he was accessing his mind, I would ask what he found later but at current moment and time I just wanted the truth this was obviously premeditated. Piere rises from his seat gracefully, Logan and I following suit as we prepare to take our leave Piere says " Perhaps we could meet the rest of the Cullens after the service Riley and even your allies down by the reservation. Oh but Riley do warn them it will be on our own terms" his voice seeping with the venom and snarl that frightened even Ezra. I mostly heard this tone when Papa was very angry or upset which was rarity itself because Mala'khai Meraz was the epitome of most composed and controlled shifter. Riley's face register's shock at Papa's words and Jasper too, he smiles enigmatically neither predatory nor kind - a bit of both really -at their shocked expressions and turns to leave but not without a parting "Thank you for your hospitality. Have good evening Riley, Jasper" He nods politely at them and exits the room all 6'2 of him walking gracefully out of away from the gaping vampires. Logan smirks at them following Piere " Thank you for the drink and all. Oh and Jasper you should really try to control your gift it is annoying to constantly block it." Is his parting message along with a wink as he stalked away from the scene towards the door, he pauses as he waits for me unwilling to leave me alone with unknown vampires. I ignore him momentarily
" Last time, Why did the tribe summoned me and why are you the messenger?" I press, blatantly calling him out tired of all pretence. Riley looks at me with a frown on his face and I can feel Jasper trying to use his gift now that Logan is not near to shield me from it. " They asked me to find you because they thought you were dead Paul, after losing so many.." his voice catches and he pauses. I blink at him in confusion what? Why in the fuck would a VAMPIRE care about shape shifter affairs or shape shifters at all? " I know you may not understand this Paul but the peace treaty was amended after Victorian war, we have a better relationship with the wolves now and they asked me to locate you, they've been trying for years and knew that you wouldn't come to Forks if they asked you, fortunately or unfortunately Lahoute died and there was a legitimate reason to contact you and... here you are. The rest is not mine to tell but the Alpha and packs of course" I spit at the thought of seeing him again. My hands itch with the need to burn something to ashes, I grit my teeth and shake my head at them retreating. " Oh and Paul?" Riley says quietly. I pause halfway to Logan and the door and turn around his features are sad and upset as he looks at me straight in the eye, pity there too." I'm sorry" he says so quietly so gently I KNOW what it means though. I stare at him in shock and horror.
FUCK! If heknew they did too and just like that my conniption reaches it's crescendo and I'm fast-walking to the safety of the car, ignoring Logan's hand on my shoulder. I shake him off harshly as the damn inside me leaks a little more. FUCK they know.
Logan's Tracklist:
Let's get high Dr. Dre featuring Hitman and Mis Roq
Bad intentions -Dr Dre
Kush –Dr. Dre featuring Snoop Dogg( he was Snoop Dogg not Snoop Lion when this was recorded)
Blue Magic-Jay-z
No Church In The Wild – Jay-z & Kanye West featuring Frank Ocean
Poetic Justice- Kendrick Lamar featuring Drake
Furthest thing -Drake
Footnote: Yeah Logan is a serious hip hop fan and a shield. My oh my Paul's secrets are about to be unravelled.. Hope you liked it.
Translations:
Etes-vous bien mon fils?- Are you alright my son?
Merde.Je n'aime pas vraiment vampire, mais les choses que je fais pour vous mon neveu- Shit. I really don't like vampires but the things I do for you, my nephew.
Maintenant, maintenant Logan, donner les vampire une-chance- Now, now Logan give the vampires a chance