Chapter 16

Rowan was lying on the couch, unable to sleep. She was constantly listening to make sure she couldn't hear her mother. After the confrontation earlier, her mother had insisted upon having a room to sleep in. Rowan was the only girl who would give up her room. Her sisters wouldn't even let her sleep in their rooms. So there she was, on the couch, unable to sleep. As soon as Ash and Mary-Lynette left, Dahlia went into a rampage. She stormed around the house screaming curses at the top of her lungs, infuriated with her son's escape. Of course, she could have followed him, but that wasn't her style. She would wait and lull him into thinking that she had given up. Then, once he was comfortable, she would strike. Just like a snake lying in the grass, the more patient you are, the better chances of successfully catching your prey.

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Mary-Lynette woke up to a bright light streaming through her window. Looking beside her, she saw Ash lying there, looking so peaceful as he slept. Remembering the conversation on the roof, she felt a pang of sorrow in her heart, which felt like it was completely out of her body. Her chest felt hollow at the thought of leaving her family behind while a crazed vampire was there. She trusted her blood sisters and all. It was just that she would rather not be states away from her family at the moment.

Watching Ash sleep, Mary-Lynette could remember clearly why she had thought of a cat the first time she had seen him. His face was intelligent looking - despite her beliefs that he was an idiot during their first few meetings - and his posture, even while he was sleeping, resembled that of a large cat. Come to think of it, Mary-Lynette was kind of surprised that he was a vampire and not a shapeshifter or something. As she watched, she couldn't help stroking his ash blonde hair. It was just so soft! One hand on his head, her other hand stroked the side of his face. She was completely in love with him. If she had been told two years ago, that she would meet a boy like this and fall head-over-heels in love with him in a matter of weeks, she would have laughed at them. Yet here she was.

Suddenly, Ash stirred beneath her hands.

"Morning sleepyhead." she teased.

Ash simply moaned, pulling her closer so he could give her a quick peck on the lips.

"I believe we have business to discuss," he informed her.

"Yes, but we can have breakfast first. Then we will discuss things. Oh and my parents will be joining us." she added with a taunting smile. Ash just sighed and headed towards the door.

Once they were freshened up, the two teenagers headed down the narrow staircase to the kitchen. Mr. Carter, Claudine, and Mark were sitting at the table eating breakfast.

"Morning you two." Claudine said with a smile. "Have a seat and eat some pancakes."

Both obliged and quickly filled their plates with the golden-brown pancakes.

"Hey Dad," Mary-Lynette began between mouthfuls, "Ash and I were wondering if we could have a word with you after breakfast."

"Sure. What about?"

"Um, we'd prefer to talk to you about it in private," Ash supplied, seeing Mary-Lynette hesitate.

You okay? I thought this is what you wanted?

Ya. I did. I do. But I just don't know how to explain to him.

Don't worry. I'll help.

Ash flashed Mary-Lynette a dazzling smile as Mark gave them a knowing glance, aware that they were using the soulmate link to communicate.

"Why can't I hear too?" he asked, still not fully trusting Ash after he left his sister. Granted, Mary-Lynette had asked him to leave, but he didn't trust the older blonde boy.

"Mark, please just let us talk to Dad alone. You'll know soon enough." Mary-Lynette wanted to tell her brother what was going on, but she knew he would run straight to Jade. They couldn't have that. Then Dahlia would know about him for sure. Then he would be a target. In her mind, she felt Ash agree with her.

Finishing up their breakfast in silence, Mr. Carter led his daughter and her soulmate into the living room while Claudine and Mark cleaned up.

"Do you figure we could talk somewhere more - private?" Ash inquired.

Mr. Carter nodded, and Mary-Lynette suggested going up to her room. The two men agreed and they all hastened up the staircase, closing the door behind them when they entered the room.

"So what did you want to talk to me about?"

"Well, we need to leave." Ash replied bluntly. "As soon as possible."

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Mr. Cater was shocked. What did he mean? Leave? Now? Why?

"Wh-Wh-What are you talking about?"

"Last night we told you that my mother was in town. Well, I don't want her near Mary-Lynette. I stayed here last night for Mary-Lynette's safety. However, I'm afraid that won't be enough. Sooner or later, Mary-Lynette will be left alone, and then my mother will strike. She'll take Mary-Lynette. Torture her most likely. Make her suffer for us being soulmates. Essentially she'll use Mary-Lynette to get to me. I can't let that happen. The only way for her to be safe is for us to go."

"Where are you going?" Mr. Carter was at a loss for words. This blonde boy was going to take his daughter away from him!

"There's an organization in the Night World called Circle Daybreak. They believe that the Night World should be able to live in harmony with humans. I'm part of this organization. If we go to the headquarters, they'll be able to protect Mary-Lynette."

Mr. Carter nodded. He understood now. Ash was trying to protect Mary-Lynette. Still. He'd rather keep her nearby.

Ash, I'm telling him my idea.

"Dad, are you okay?" Mary-Lynette inquired. When he nodded, she continued.

"I have an idea of my own, so you know. I want you and Claudine and Mark to come with us. At least this way I know for sure you're safe. Mark might not be crazy about leaving Jade, but he'll understand. Especially seeing as how he's in as much danger as me if Dahlia finds out about them. So whaddaya say? Do you wanna come to Vegas?"

"Well…" Mr. Carter wasn't entirely sure what to think. It sounded like his daughter was going for sure. "So, you're going then?"

"I don't really figure I have much of a choice. I'm pretty sure Ash would kidnap me and bring me there if I didn't go peacefully." She shot a glare at her soulmate, who put up his hands in surrender.

"So the only question is whether you want to take a little trip. It'll keep you guys safe. If something happened to you guys because of me-" she was cut off by her father embracing her warmly.

"Of course we're coming. We'd be worried sick about you otherwise. Plus, if Ash seems to think it necessary, we might as well. After all, he would know his mother best."

Mary-Lynette pulled back and smiled widely at her father.

"Hate to break this up, but you might want to get packing. Don't let anyone know that you're going anywhere. Just go through your day like normal. Tell Claudine and Mark the same, please." Ash was practical and business-like about the whole ordeal. All that mattered to him was getting Mary-Lynette and her family to Circle Daybreak.

Anxious to tell his wife and son what was going on, Mr. Carter headed towards the door of his daughter's room.

"Aren't you guys coming?" he asked, not really wanting to explain everything to his family on his own.

"I was hoping to talk with Mary-Lynette for a little bit, if you don't mind. If it helps, just tell them to pack for warm weather, but don't explain what's going on. We'll handle that on the drive there." Ash shot Mr. Carter a small smile. "Oh! One more thing. Make sure Mark knows that he can't tell anyone. In fact, make sure he doesn't even think about it. Tell him to shield his thoughts just in case Jade is listening in."

With a nod, Mr. Cater left the room, closely the door behind him.

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Once the door was closed, Mary-Lynette turned to her soulmate, fear in her eyes. Ash immediately rushed towards her, placing his hands on her shoulder as he tried catching her gaze.

What's wrong?

"What are we doing? What if she finds us? What if she comes before we leave?"

Ash listened to her worries, letting her speak her mind. When she was finished, he reached out with his mind.

Mary-Lynette. Listen to me. She's not going to lay another hand on you. Don't worry so much. Everything will go as planned.

Still looking doubtful, Mary-Lynette nodded as Ash led her towards the door of her bedroom.

Before they could reach the door, however, it swung open, revealing a very angry looking boy.

A/N: So, Mary-Lynette got her way after all.

Thanks to:

Night-Alice: No, that's considered evil! Well no complaining, because this is my second update today :p hope you liked it

pepppa12: Thanks! And I'm feeling like writing today, so hopefully there's more to come! :)

Sorry if the update came before you read the chapter before. Gotta be faster if you want a shout-out! LoL Just kidding. I'll probably add it in as they come!

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