Chapter 18

After a few hours of travelling, everyone in the vehicle was wide awake. The sun was just beginning to rise to their left as they travelled south to Nevada. Ash still drove and would likely continue to drive until they reached Las Vegas. Since he knew the way, it was easier than him having to instruct Mr. Carter.

"So why exactly are we travelling to Vegas? I believe you promised us an explanation." Mr. Carter was annoyed. He was sitting in the back seat of a cramped SUV being more or less kidnapped.

"And you, sir, would be completely correct." Ash replied, looking at the man in the rearview mirror.

"You see, my mother is in town. She doesn't approve of me and Mary-Lynette being together or of my sisters living out here among humans. She essentially attacked Mary-Lynette, my sisters, and I when we found her in our home. After we escaped, we went to your house and that's why I stayed the night. I wanted to protect Mary-Lynette from her. During the night, I tried convincing Mary-Lynette to run away with me to Vegas where she could be protected by an organization known as Circle Daybreak. They want harmony between the Night World and humans, and many members also have soulmates. She refused, not wanting to leave you all in danger. So, here we are. Travelling to Las Vegas so you can be protected from my mother who is sure to follow us."

The two humans who had not heard this story looked upon Ash in shock. His blunt delivery of what was going on surprised them, as they had expected him to be more reluctant to share what was going on.

Looking at Mark in the rearview mirror, Ash added "Mark, that's why you couldn't tell Jade we were leaving. She's distracting our mother so we could escape."

"You mean Jade is in danger?" Mark suddenly screamed, causing his family to cover their ears in pain.

"Mark. Calm down." Mary-Lynette soothed. "Jade will be fine. Plus, you'd be able to feel if anything was wrong with her."

Seeing the logic, Mark slowly calmed down, though he remained anxious. All the while, he was frightened that something would happen to his Jade. And if it did, he knew exactly who to blame - Ash. It was Ash's fault that she was back there lying to her mother to protect them. Ash's fault that Jade wasn't in on the plan. If she was tortured for information, Ash would regret every minute of it. Mark would see to that.

After what seemed like forever, Mary-Lynette could finally make out large buildings in the distance. No one else seemed to notice them though.

Vampire sight, remember? Ash reminded her.

We're almost there. Don't worry. Ash could sense that Mary-Lynette was anxious. He didn't even need the soulmate link to do so. She was practically quivering in her seat.

Mary-Lynette. Calm down. Everything's gonna be fine. Trust me.

I do.

Good.

Ash re-focused on the road ahead of him, taking care not to go too far over the speed limit. As much as he wanted to get there quickly, he had to remember that there were other people in the car who probably wouldn't appreciate the sudden accelerated speed.

Eventually, the famous "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas' sign came into view. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief except Mary-Lynette. She took in a shaky breath and held it.

Breath, love.

I can't. I'm scared.

Mary-Lynette Carter, do you think that I would let anything bad happen to you?

No.

Then why are you scared?

It's stupid.

No it's not. Please tell me?

What - What if they don't like me?

Ash laughed out loud, causing him to receive strange looks until Mark muttered something about it being a soulmate thing.

Sorry. I shouldn't have laughed. It's just that it's so absurd! Of course they'll like you! I thought we went through this already.

We did. It's just that I can't get it out of my head.

Well don't worry, love. It'll all be alright. I promise.

M'kay.

Mary-Lynette took the time which Ash's silence gave her to look around at the humongous buildings surrounding her. It was getting dark again and the lights were just starting to come on. Everything was just so huge! She couldn't believe it! Suddenly Ash turned off The Strip, taking a winding road up a slight incline. Mary-Lynette looked anxiously ahead. Suddenly a large building came into view. However, their path to it was blocked by a gate. It looked like one which appeared in old horror films - large and creaky with spikes across the top. Ash spoke into a little speaker, and the gate suddenly swung open. Ash drove through slowly, feeling glad to see the gate close behind them. His Mary-Lynette was now officially protected.

As they pulled up in front of the mansion, Mr. Carter looked up in awe. This was Circle Daybreak's headquarters?

"Oh, just so you know," Ash began. "Las Vegas is a Night World city."

Mr. Carter thought he had heard Ash wrong.

"A what?"

"A Night World City. Basically it's run by the Night World. That means you probably won't want to go do much exploring."

The adults simply nodded.

Hopping out of the car, Ash walked around to where Mary-Lynette was sitting. He opened the door, taking her hand.

"You ready?"

She simply nodded, too frightened to speak.

"Let's go then!" Ash exclaimed. "Don't worry about you stuff," he added. "Someone will bring it to your rooms for you."

Helping Mary-Lynette from the car, Ash wrapped an arm around her waist and led her to the front door. Making sure that the Carters were following, he opened the front door and they entered a large marble foyer.

"Ash!"

Mary-Lynette swallowed. It had begun.

A/N: Sorry this chapter is so short. It's getting late and I just felt that I needed to post one more chapter before getting some shut-eye. Hopefully it's alright.

Thanks to:

alissarhode: Haha I've just been feeling inspired to write today, I guess. Your review made me so happy! It's awesome to know that people are reading and enjoying my story :) Hope you enjoyed this chapter!

Well don't forget to review! Maybe I'll feel inspired to write a bunch really fast again if you do!

Happy Writing!