Hey everybody! I'm currently sporting a crazy sunburn that is pissing me off. I really should have put more sunscreen but whatever, I still blame the sun. I have to tell you, I might hate the sun as much as vamp Jade does in this fic, lol. Oh, and LittleWolf, Tori is an Alpha (I think I mentioned that in the front) and I was going for that exact route you mentioned. I had it planned out after doing the last chapter so you can guarantee to see that sometime soon. Enjoy!
~Tori~
I woke up to a cool hand softly running through my hair. I grinned and opened my eyes to gaze into soft blue-greens studying me. The last time I saw Jade's eyes they were a sharp icy blue that hungered for my touch. I shivered lightly, making Jade's lazy smirk grow, but she still didn't say anything. I was lying on my side, one arm tucked under me and the other draped over her waist. She had one arm curled under me, fingers splayed on my lower back. Her other hand trailed down my cheek before lovingly cupping my face and leaning in to press a gentle kiss to my lips. Every movement she made was precise and soft, so unlike Jade. The memory of our time together flashed through my mind, my body reacting subtly to the images. I tensed, making Jade raise a questioning brow at me. Her smirk told me she knew exactly what was running in repeat through my mind.
"Ready to go again? Wow Vega, you really know how to excite a girl," she teased, falling back into addressing me by my last name just to get a rise out of me. I laughed and tightened my hold on her, burrowing my face into the crook of her neck, her scent surrounding me. It was all over me too and I loved it. The mix of our scents together was enticing.
"I would lay here with you all day if I could, but I have to see if my family is home yet. I need to know if Trina found anything new and we should talk to my father about letting us see Beck," I reminded her. She sighed but nodded.
"I heard your family come home a few hours ago. Your mother left again after a couple minutes though; something about an emergency. Your father is still here and Trina is in her room doing I don't care or want to know what," Jade reported, drawing circles on my back as she spoke.
"Thanks for the update," I told her with a smile.
"No problem. I guess not needing to sleep has its perks," she responded. I nodded and began the process of untangling myself from her. She grumbled a little and managed to press a kiss to my temple before I could get out of bed. I stretched, highly aware of her focused gaze never leaving me. I glanced over my shoulder to see her laying on her side, leaning on her elbow with her head in her palm, eyes on me, her free hand idly running back and forth over the sheets. The blankets were draped over her stomach, revealing her beautiful pale upper half to me. I offered her an appreciative smile before getting dressed.
"You're a distraction, you know that?" I informed her, looking around for my shirt and pants now that I had my undergarments on.
"Oh, I know. You are too," she responded, finally getting out of bed to get dressed. Once we had both found something to throw on we headed to the bathroom for some slight touch ups. By the time we were making our way downstairs, Trina was exiting her room.
"Hey Treen, did you find anything else on St. Claire?" I asked her. She paused to shake her head, a little troubled frown on her face.
"I think what we have on him is enough, don't you?" she replied. I nodded, and she walked ahead of us to go downstairs. We followed behind her. My father sat at the kitchen table leaning over paperwork when we all came down. He looked up to greet us with his usual smile, making me beam in return.
"Good night," he jokingly said with a laugh. I saw Jade roll her eyes next to me but the corner of her lips still quirked up anyway.
"Father, your jokes are lame," Trina grumbled, making her way over to the fridge for something to eat. He just laughed.
"That was the point," he replied. Trina rolled her eyes and continued with preparing her food. I took a seat at the table while Jade hovered over me, hands gripping my shoulders.
"Father, I want to ask you if Jade and I can try talking to Beck," I began slowly, clasping my hands together on the table in front of me. He looked up from his papers again to give me a thoughtful grimace.
"He isn't cooperating so maybe that would be for the best. If you two can get even a small piece of information from him it'll do wonders for us. It's probably our only option at this point," he agreed.
"And what about Sabine? Did you get anything from her?" Jade spoke up, her hands tightening on me enough to convey her anxiousness. Over Sabine or Beck I wasn't sure.
"She holds no information of importance but we're still deciding her punishment so she'll remain in our care until then," he replied.
"So when do you want us ready to go?" I questioned next. His gaze moved to me.
"I'll be leaving in the next half hour. Be ready by then," he answered. I nodded and stood, taking Jade's hand in mine to bring her with me.
"Oh, and Tori…" he called to me before I could leave. I turned back around to give him my full attention.
"Yes, father?" I responded curiously. A teasing smirk lit his features, making me grow suspicious. Jade lift a pierced curious brow, a smirk of her own on her lips.
"Thank you for using your own time while we were out to consummate your Bond," he stated, his face reserved but the twinkle in his eyes giving away his amusement. I blushed, my eyes going wide. Jade laughed and squeezed my hand.
"I've talked with the Council and convinced them to clear you of any suspicion. I know you're nothing but a victim of this, just like Tori, so have fun with your newly acquired freedom. I trust you'll put it to good use," he continued, looking at Jade.
"Yes sir, I will," Jade confirmed, a grin spreading on her face. I couldn't believe it. My father and Bond mate are clearly holding a conversation on our sex life. To top it off, it's so casual I'm having a hard time accepting that it was so easy just bringing it up. I always thought talking to my father about this topic would be even more embarrassing then talking to Trina or my mother, but I think I might have underestimated him.
"Ok, enough of that. Let's go get ready," I spoke up, my voice rising uncomfortably. Jade and my father laughed at my expense. I groaned and tugged Jade back upstairs. I was happy she got along well with him but that was too much. We returned to my room and Jade pulled me into an embrace the moment the door closed behind us.
"He may be a dork but your father is still pretty cool," she commented, her smile still going strong.
"Figures you would say that," I replied, unwilling to give into the humor of the situation.
"Oh come on, Tori. You said it yourself. Your father knows what goes on with Bond mates and accepts it. Talking about it openly just shows he supports us," she reasoned, her chin on my shoulder, eyes on me. I grumbled anyway even though she was totally right. Her arms wound around my middle, hands spread to cover as much skin as possible. My grumbling turned into a hum of appreciation as I leaned back into her, my head resting on her shoulder.
"You know, now that we have the all clear, I'd love to go another round," she mumbled softly, her lips almost touching my ear.
"You aren't helping, you know," I responded, my eyes watching her from my peripherals. She chuckled and kissed my jaw gently before backing away. I walked over to my dresser and dug through, looking for something to wear.
"What am I going to do about clothes?" she commented. I traveled my room gathering what I would wear and then pecked her on the lips before heading out the door.
"I'm just going to get dressed and then I'll sneak in your room for you," I offered lightly with a shrug.
"Why can't I just go get it myself?" she questioned, her arms crossing defiantly.
"You can't leave here, Jade. You have freedom from being locked up but I really think you should stay here where I can keep an eye on you," I stated firmly.
"Then go with me," she replied, unwilling to allow that to happen. I growled in frustration, shook my head, and then walked away. Jade rushed to catch up with me, grabbing my wrist before I could leave. For a moment it felt like our old dynamic back when Jade wasn't aware of the hidden world she was unknowingly apart of.
"I don't do well locked up for so long, Tori. I never liked it. Not even when I was human. Being imprisoned does nothing but agitate me. It's why I was always out of the house with you and the gang or I was doing other things on my own. I just can't do it, Tor," she pleaded with me, her speech hasty. Her enchanting eyes softened and I found myself wondering if she meant what she was saying or she was just pretending to get her way, because really, Jade was a great actress. She intertwined our fingers together and squeezed, the gesture hopeful. I could feel that she meant what she said by use of the Bond. I sighed and glanced over my shoulder before leaning in close to her.
"Ok fine, you win. I'll see if I can take you over there," I relented, legitimately anxious now that I agreed. I was unsure just how much freedom Jade had and I didn't want to push it just yet. Jade shot me a grateful crooked smile before kissing my forehead.
"You know, I can't stand having you out of my sight while I'm stuck here, so really, thank you," she whispered, her eyes capturing mine. I stared back, a grin spreading involuntarily across my face. It made me feel incredible knowing I had the power to make this beautiful person happy. I was more than honored.
"Anything for you," I replied sincerely. I squeezed her hand once more before continuing on to the bathroom. She had me wrapped around her finger, and I knew it, but I really didn't care. I didn't get far when she stopped me again. I looked over to her curiously.
"Why don't you just get dressed here?" she suggested. I laughed and shook my head.
"Oh no, it's too much of a temptation," I replied like it was obvious. She smirked but didn't deny it. Her eyes appraised me, her lips curving into a smile.
"For who?" she inquired, pulling me closer.
"Both," I answered, closing my eyes when she leaned in to brush her nose against mine.
"I agree. Maybe you should dress somewhere else. Unless you want to try and squeeze in a quick-" she began but I kissed her, effectively halting her from making an offer I wasn't sure I could reject. She pulled me against her by my waist, deepening the kiss before she pulled away.
"Get going before I decide to make a decision for you," she whispered, a finger lightly tracing under my jaw. I nodded numbly, already dazed by her close proximity.
"Good idea," I mumbled with a single nod. She released me and I left to get ready in the bathroom. I sighed and began stripping. I didn't think I would ever get enough of Jade. Once I was done I returned to my room. Jade was busy digging through my clothes, a frown on her face.
"What are you doing?" I asked her.
"Looking for something to wear," she answered mechanically while her attention remained on the task at hand. I walked over and inspected the strangely neat mess she had created in her search.
"I thought you said you wanted to sneak out for your own clothes?" I wondered. She nodded distractedly.
"I still do. I'm just making sure that isn't my only option. The last thing I want to do is get you in trouble again," she responded, holding up a black T-shirt that I forgot I still owned. I couldn't help but grin at her words. Jade pulled off the tank top she wore and replaced it with the shirt she found.
"Gasp, Vega has black. What ever should I think of her?" she teased, her voice effortlessly flowing from her own to the one she always used when she supposedly impersonated me. I smiled and shrugged.
"I guess I'm full of surprises," I told her nonchalantly.
"Nah, you're pretty easy to figure out. No surprises there," she retorted, her voice emotionless as she located a pair of jeans that were one of my favorites to go to patrol in. They were pretty battered and had a few holes in the knees but they were comfortable. She slid off the sweats she wore and pulled on the jeans. This was the most casual I had ever seen her.
"I know you don't mean that," I replied after having my fill of her new look.
"I would say you don't know what I think but you do so that retort no longer works. I'm sure you know I'm just messing with you anyway," she said, turning to offer me a small smile.
"I know, but if I didn't, you can get away with saying anything with a voice like yours. Your skill at acting reaches your tone of voice, injecting any emotion into your words without you actually meaning them," I commented, my amazement audible in my own voice. This particular talent always caused confusion in others as well as myself, but now that the bond had tripled in strength, I could sense her emotions without having to listen to what she said. It was the reason long hours of silence worked for us. That and just enjoying being near each other.
"It does come in handy," she replied with a shrug. I helped her put everything away and then stopped by my closet to toss her a green hoodie that brought out the color of her eyes. Jade looked at the colorful hoodie thoughtfully before pulling it on. We backtracked down to the living room afterwards. My father looked up at our entrance.
"You returned faster than I thought you would. I mean, considering how hard it is to ignore the possibilities presented to you when alone with your mate. Especially during this time of the year. I'm surprised you haven't-" he started to tease, his smile turning into one that would have been at home on Jade's face. In fact, she was smiling the same way too. She was enjoying this way more than me.
"Father, no more!" I whined, giving him a pleading look. He guffawed heartily, Jade following in a laugh that always made me feel like I was soaring. I loved her laugh.
"Good one Mr. Vega," she complimented. He gave her a mock bow before chuckling.
"Please, call me David. I'm proud to say you're part of the family now kiddo," he replied. His words alone made me beam brightly, my hand reaching out to take Jade's. She looked shocked at first but that quickly turned into a content smile.
"I'm honored," she told him, bowing her head slightly, eyes still on him. He gave her a single nod in return.
"I always wanted Tori to have a headstrong mate that would be there for her and take care of her at all times. You know what you want and exactly what Tori needs so I'm more than glad you're her mate. You fit everything I hoped Tori would someday find," he praised, walking over to place his hands on Jade's shoulders. She smiled that endearing crooked smile, the one that was easily dismissed as a small smile when really it was a signal that she was grateful.
"I'll do everything I can to keep Tori happy and safe," she promised sincerely. He nodded and patted her shoulders before taking a step back.
"I know," he replied, convinced. I stood there with a big smile on my face, tears close to falling at the touching moment. My father approved of Jade. He was all for us being together. It was all I could ever hope for.
"Let's get going. I want to accompany you two before heading to the Council, and they wait for no one. Not even their leader," he joked, bringing the lull in emotions into a more light-hearted atmosphere. He winked at me as he led the way out the door. We followed him hand in hand. I gave Jade a happy grin that she returned. We power walked outside now that the sun was starting to make an appearance and piled into my father's sleek black car. It started with a hum of the engine. Had I been human I was sure I wouldn't have heard a thing. We backed out and then we were on the road. I knew where the Council was located but I had a feeling that wasn't where they kept Beck. He would most likely be in the local jail.
Not with the human cellmates of course, but in a special cell under the jail where we kept less dangerous individuals who broke our laws. We pulled up around the back of the drab, grey building. Only a few spaces for parking lined the small area. It was where wolf officials parked to enter through the back doors. I climbed out and Jade followed, pulling up her hood to block out the incoming rays of the sun. She remained close to me; almost to the point of sharing my space. Her body was rigid and eyes alert. I knew she could sense the tension that clouded the place. I reassured her with a brush of my hand on her cheek. Her intense gaze locked on me, her jaw set, and lips in a grim line.
"Stay calm," I advised. She stared a little longer before nodding once. I took her hand and turned to follow my father who politely waited for me to calm Jade and for her to get her bearings. We followed directly behind him as we walked up to the big double doors.
"We're going straight underground from this entrance. Stay close and don't speak with anyone. Fights of all kinds always break out easily here," he reminded me and instructed Jade. I had been here numerous times at all hours of the day since it was open twenty four seven. We both nodded firmly to show we understood. He glanced between us one more time before pulling open the doors. It was cool and dim inside, but nothing we couldn't see through. We descended down the flight of concrete stairs before we were back on level ground. Now we were in a hall that lead in a straight path up to a heavy door. A big scowling guard eyed us instantly. He was a purebred wolf I encountered often named Paul.
"You're back," he boomed monotonously, his voice deep and intimidating. My father nodded.
"We're here to question Beckett Oliver," he responded. Paul nodded and moved to unlock the door behind him. He pulled it open slowly, revealing just how thick it was. No human would be able to move it on their own let alone get past Paul, ensuring the safety of the entrance should a human find themselves down there.
"He's been moved to room B2," Paul informed my father.
"Thank you for the notice," he answered. He started forward while Jade and I tagged along. Paul's gaze landed on Jade and a subtle crease of his eyebrows told me he was curious to see her there. Vampires rarely came in here since the wolves were the ones that handled the law. Vampires usually took roles in the medical fields and practices. Jade gave him her full attention, stopping to return the look. The moment passed soon enough though. She looked away and gripped my hand tighter as we continued on. I returned the squeeze, giving her one last reassurance.