I cracked my eyes open at the sound of someone knocking on the door. I wasn't ready to be awake yet. The bed was warm and Ciel's arms around me felt nice.
"My Lord? Charlotte? It's time to wake up." Sebastian said through the door.
"Ug." Ciel muttered with disgust above me.
"Maybe if we pretend we didn't hear him he'll go away." I replied curling closer to Ciel.
"I regret to inform you Charlotte that I will not be leaving until I know that the both of you are awake and preparing for the day. Miss Hailey's plane arrives in an hour's time and I'm sure that you don't wish to greet her in your pajamas." Sebastian replied.
"Damn demon ears." I grumbled and sat up.
"I-" Sebastian started but I cut him off.
"I know! You heard me!" I snapped before turning to Ciel.
"I guess there is no point in it. He's not going to go away." I replied.
Ciel sat up and cast me a dark look, "Unfortunately."
The two of us got up and started to get ready for the day. I reached over to the bedside table and picked up the ring that Ciel had given me and slid it onto its place on my finger before getting up and heading to the wardrobe to choose something to wear.
It had been a little over 3 weeks since Ciel and I had become an official thing. Millie had nearly fainted at the news. Had she not been too busy chattering about how romantic it was that we had fallen in love I was sure she would've.
After that I had moved my things in Ciel's room at his insistence. He had even told me that I could quit being a maid around the house but I had refused. I had come here for a purpose and I wasn't about to abandon that. Besides it would've left Millie with all the chores and that was something I couldn't do to her.
I walked to the wardrobe where I kept my things and opened the door, marking a day off on the calendar. I was counting down the days until the next new moon which was when Ciel and I would officially become mates.
Sebastian was the one seeing to all the proper procedures that would bind Ciel and I for eternity. Ciel knew nothing of the ceremonies and of course neither did I so we had no choice but to leave it in his hands.
According to Sebastian demons were born from the dark which was why it had to be under a new moon. He wouldn't speak of what exactly the ceremony entailed though. I wasn't sure if it was simply because he couldn't tell us or if he wouldn't. Somehow I suspected the last of the two. I wouldn't put it past Sebastian to leave us dangling just for his amusement.
I discarded my pajamas and opted for a pair of jeans and a simple green t-shirt. A few moments later Ciel walked out with only a towel wrapped around his waist. I felt my face heat up and saw his do the same before he averted his eyes from mine and walked over to his own wardrobe. I made a beeline for the bathroom.
The relationship between Ciel and I was a chaste one despite the fact that we shared a bed. There had been no more than some cuddling and a few heated kisses between us. Most of this was at Ciel's insistence that we waited until after we were mated. He was very old fashioned about things like that which I thought was sweet.
We had tried sleeping separate but it would always end up with me stealing away upstairs and crawling into bed beside him. During the day I was fine to be away from him but it was at night that I felt the need to wrap my arms around him and sleep. I slept better that way and it kept the dreams of the demon inside me at bay. After several nights of this was when he had declared that I would be sleeping in his room from there on out.
When I finished up everything I needed to do in the bathroom I walked out to see in a pair of jeans and a dark blue button down shirt with sneakers. I had talked him out of not wearing suits and ties all the time. He still wore them for the most part but it was nice to see him in something else.
"So how did you sleep?" I asked as we walked out of the bedroom together.
"Very well. And you?" he asked.
"Amazingly so." I replied.
"I'm glad." he smiled and we headed for the dining room.
Sebastian had already left to pick up Hailey leaving me a plate of one of his delicious breakfasts. I had learned from Ciel that demons didn't need food to sustain their lives like humans did and for the most part he didn't take breakfast, lunch or dinner and instead saved any apatite he had for anything but souls for sweets.
"So you and Hailey have been friends for a long time?" Ciel asked.
I nodded, "We met when we were in Elementary school. She had just moved to town and I fell and hurt my knee on the jungle gym and she saw it. Hailey walked over and told me that I shouldn't cry before giving me half of her snack cookie. We were best friends ever since." I smiled.
"What's she like?" Ciel asked.
"Hailey is….well she's Hailey. She's loud and funny and just awesome. I can't wait for you to meet her. I missed her so much." I sighed.
"How are you going to explain being a demon to her?" he asked.
"What do you mean? I'm not telling her anything." I said as I cleaned the last bite of egg off my plate.
"You do realize all that being a demon entails don't you? You won't age Charlotte and human perception of you will change over time…they will either feel unease around you or they will be drawn to you. Never anything in between. Surely if Hailey is your friend she will notice things like this." he replied.
I sat back in my chair, "I didn't think about things like that."
Ciel softened at the look on my face, "You still have time to decide how to go about everything. Just enjoy your time with your friend."
I nodded, "While I can."
Since I was done I cleared my plate away and decided to go find Millie and help her out. Hailey wouldn't be here for a while yet and I had to do something with my hands or I was going to go nuts.
"Need some help." I smiled as I walked into the library where Millie was working on dusting the shelves.
"I thought the Master gave you the day off." she replied.
"I'm bored. And anxious." I said.
"About what? She's your best friend!" Millie asked looking at me confused.
I shrugged and picked up the spare duster that sat in Millie's maid case, "It's been 5 months since I left. People can change a lot in that time. I mean look at me. I'm freaking in a relationship with my boss!"
Millie laughed, "I'm sure you'll be fine. You two will be just as close as you were when you met."
"I hope so. And I hope you two get along. I would hate for two of my best friends to hate one another." I sighed.
"You think of me as a best friend?" Millie asked looking at me.
"Yeah…kinda." I said smiling sheepishly.
"I'm so happy! I think of you as my best friend too!" She grinned and threw her arms around me.
I laughed and hugged her back. A moment later we pulled away and the doors to the library opened.
"Charlotte? Your guest has arrived." Sebastian said.
"Really?! Yes! I'll see you in a bit okay Millie?" I asked.
"Sure." she smiled and I headed for the front door.
The moment I stood at the top of the stairs I saw Hailey talking to Ciel.
"Hailey!" I yelled and her eyes broke away from Ciel and landed on me.
"Charlotte!" she squealed and I started towards her but for some reason I suddenly couldn't move my feet.
It was like my body didn't want me to go any closer. However after a bit of an internal struggle I managed to make my feet move and go down the steps.
"God I missed you." I smiled as we embraced.
"I missed you too." Hailey said.
"Oh! Have you met Ciel?" I asked.
"We have. He was just introducing himself to me." Hailey smiled.
"Don't let her near him." a voice in the back of my mind hissed.
Without thinking I moved a little more in-between the two of them.
"I'm glad. Now how about a tour of the estate?" I asked.
"That sounds great but I'm tired as hell. How about we just crash and you can fill me in on everything?" Hailey asked.
"Sounds great. C'mon and I'll show you your room." I grinned and grabbed her suitcase.
"I'll take that Charlotte." Sebastian said but I shooed him away.
"I have it. Let's go Hailey." I replied and led her up the stairs.
"This is a pretty nice place." Hailey said as we walked.
"I know. It's like really old. It's been in Ciel's family for years and years." I replied.
"Ciel huh? I thought he was your boss." Hailey said.
"Yeah well…our relationship isn't exactly a working one anymore." I said looking at her.
"Really now? When did this happen?" she asked.
"A few weeks ago. We were just sort of…drawn towards one another." I replied coming up with the best idea I could to explain what Ciel and I had.
"Aww….how sweet." Hailey smiled.
We reached the room that I had helped Millie prepare the night before for Hailey and I opened the doors.
"After you." I said and let her walk in.
"This is awesome!" Hailey said taking in the tall four poster bed with the dark draping and the old wood furniture.
"I know. I hope everything is okay. Millie and I set everything up for you last night." I said.
"Who's Millie?" Hailey asked as she flopped onto the bed.
"She's the other maid here. She's really nice." I said joining her.
Hailey nodded, "I'm glad that you have someone here."
"I miss you though." I replied lightly kicking her leg with my foot.
"You better." I smiled.
I looked at Hailey properly for the first time since I'd seen her a few moments before. She looked different.
Her hair fell around her shoulders in frizzy curls that bordered on unkempt and there was a pallor to her skin that made it nearly see through. Dark circles ringed her eyes which looked distracted, dull and tired and upon glancing at her hands I saw her nails were chewed to the quick.
"Hailey?" I asked.
"Hmm?" she replied.
"Are you okay?" I asked concerned.
"What? Why would you ask that? Of course I am! I'm with you! I missed you." she said and leaned forwards and wrapped her arms around me.
The hairs on the back of my neck stood up and Goosebumps dotted my skin. I felt like a cat raising it's hackles. I had the urge to push her away and run as fast and as hard as I could. But why?
I hugged her back despite my reluctance and pulled away as soon as I could.
"So….what have you been up to?" I asked forcing a smile.
"Nothing much. I spent the last few weeks with Rob and Trisha." she replied playing with a loose thread on the hem of her shirt.
"How are they?" I asked.
"Rob's fine and so is Trisha." she said.
I nodded and sat back. When had things become awkward around the two of us? Usually we never stopped talking. Now I was struggling to find words to say to her. I was too distracted by the urge to run.
"So you're looking good. Something's different about you though." Hailey said.
My heart sped up. Hailey knew me better than anyone. Of course she would notice something strange about me. I had to swallow a lump in my throat before answering.
"What do you mean? There's nothing different." I replied.
"Except you're a demon." the voice in the back of my head said.
"No…there is something definitely different. You know I think I know exactly what it is." Hailey said with a smile.
"R-Really? What is it?" I said looking at her.
"You're in love." she grinned.
"Love? Oh! Yeah! That must be it!" I said with a relieved smile.
"How did you end up with the boss man? Hmm?" she asked quirking a brow.
"It was an accident. Remember when I told you I hurt my ankle? Well that night we shared a kiss and then a few weeks later we shared another one and it just kinda…happened. He gave me this." I said and held out my hand, showing her the ring on my thumb.
"It's beautiful." she said.
"Isn't it?" I smiled.
"So do you love him?" she asked.
"Don't let her know how close you are. Don't do it!" the voice yelled making me flinch.
"Are you okay?" Hailey asked.
I nodded, "I'm fine. Sorry…just a headache. How about I go and find some aspirin and let you rest for a bit? That time exchange can be murder. When you wake up come find me. If you come across Sebastian ask where I am and he'll tell you. He knows everything." I replied with a smile.
"Alright. I'll see you later girly." Hailey said and gave me a hug before I headed out.
Once I was out of her room I took a deep breath. It was like I could breathe properly for the first time in a while. My heart began to slow but my mind was still spinning. What was going on with me? Why didn't I trust Hailey of all people?
Shaking my head I decided to go lay down and maybe these silly notions were because Sebastian had woken up early. Perhaps with some sleep they would go away.
3rd POV
When Charlotte's footsteps had disappeared down the hall Hailey stood from the bed and grabbed her smallest bag. Inside, buried beneath her clothes was a heavy pure silver dagger. It was blessed with holy water and had a cross carved into the worn wood and leather wrapped handle. It was very old and had been passed down though generations of Thorne's.
"This is yours now Hailey. As the eldest of the family I place the honor and trust of our family on your shoulders." Rob said.
Hailey looked down at the weapon in her hand and nodded, "I won't let you down."
"Just remember…we don't know if she's fully changed yet so be careful. If you need any back up call the European Council. They already have a group stationed in London if you need them." Trisha replied.
"Gotcha." Hailey said.
"And most of all…be careful Hails." Rob said.
Taking a deep breath Hailey ran her fingers over the leather sheath that held it and took a deep breath. She could do this. She had to do this.
Charlotte wasn't Charlotte anymore.
What she had just seen? It was just the last few traces of what Charlotte was. Soon that would all be gone and it would be replaced with the demon.
She wouldn't suffer Charlotte to turn into one of those creatures. The real Charlotte, the one that was her best friend, was an amazing person. She was sweet and smart and funny and sharp. The demon would be none of those things. It would be bloodthirsty and cruel. Charlotte would never want to be that.
Suddenly Hailey was snapped from her thoughts as she heard the door of her room open. Hastily she shoved the dagger under her pillow before turning around only to find Sebastian.
"Oh my apologies Ms. Thorne. I thought Charlotte was showing you around the manor and I decided to check that everything was in order in here for you." he said with a slight bow.
"No I was tired so she brought me here to lay down." Hailey replied.
Sebastian nodded, "Is everything to your liking?"
Hailey nodded, "It's all fine. Great even."
"Very well. If you find yourself in need of something don't hesitate to call." he said.
"Alright. Thanks." Hailey said and with another small bow Sebastian left.
Hailey's heart was racing. What would it have looked like if she had got caught holding a dagger? Shaking her head she sunk onto the bed. This was going to be harder than she thought.
Outside Sebastian stood and listened. He heard the girl breathe a sigh of relief probably thinking he hadn't seen the dagger. Silly child.
He had noted the sharp scent of hunter on her the moment she had approached him in the airport. At first he had thought he may be mistaken. It wasn't unusual for someone to have hunter blood and never realize it just as Charlotte hadn't realized that she had demon blood. Though diluted in the system it was always a sharp scent if you weren't expecting it.
However now he knew now that this Hailey Thorne was indeed a hunter. He had already expressed his concerned so the Young Master and he had been told to keep an eye on her. Perhaps she had no knowledge of the fact Charlotte was demon nor that he and the Master were ones as well.
If that was the case then things would be fine. However if she made a move against the Master or Charlotte he would have no choice but to dispatch her. It was his job to protect the Master and by extension the Master's Mate.
He would have no hesitations whatsoever if that time came.
And he there was no doubt that he would indeed enjoy it.
Uh-oh! Sebastian and Ciel know something's up and Hailey has finally arrived! Things are about to get crazy!
Wow so I somehow managed to get this all done in about 30 minutes which has to be a new record for me! I don't think i've ever been able to knock out a chapter this long in that amount of time ever!
And I was even watching the 7th season of Doctor Who while I did it! I found somewhere online to watch it :D
I'm glad I posted because it's been a few days since I did and I really wanted to post today.
For the past week i've been super busy with my friend who drove down from New York for the week. We've been going out and hanging out with some of our friends. I really missed her and it was great to get to see her again.
And the best part of her coming down was she was able to inspire me! I have soooo many ideas for this story and I came up with a few new ones that I may pursue in the coming weeks.
The two biggest ones are Doctor Who related thanks to the fact a bunch of my friends are fans and they got the wheels turning.
Any Whovian's out there interested in maybe reading a Doctor Who story? Let me know because I have two whole stories planned out in my head that I would love to share!
But for now I will continue with this. It's my main focus of all my stories and pretty much the only thing i'm working hardcore on.
And now it's time for the thank yous!
-Paxloria
-irgroomer
-Mimi Sutcliff
-Oriole-of-Silver
-Light Umbreon
-Lifeisnowhere-182
-Inigo Montaya
You guys are awesome! Thanks for reading!