SAM: The Deal
Note: I know I said I wasn't using the guide in this story, but I thought Alistair's story in SM's cannon was more compatible with Ilona
Chongde and Holly took Sam to a town called Alba Lulia and hosted him at the Hotel Apuseni, it was where he greeted by the owner and her dogs as she lead him, Chongde and Holly up to a room. As soon as Sam settled, he looked up at the Hotel Concordia and called Emily. She wasn't in, so he agreed to go with Chongde and eat whatever he brought him, he notice Holly wasn't eating. She was also being rather bitchy, but he figured it was because she didn't like Chongde giving him so much attention. "Sam," Emily answered finally glad to speak with her fiancé. "Where are you?"
"I am in Alba Lulia with a vampire I met on my way to Hondorus, Paul had it wrong. Pricilla is at Barnmy castlie."
"Tell her not to go out tonight," Chongde said instantly as Holly came out in cheep clothing.
"Yes, it's very important she stays away from the woods," Holly said sadly and left.
"Don't go out tonight," Sam said quickly. "So how is your trip going?"
"Well it would be better with you," Emily sighed. "Today I went to the Teleki library. Let me tell you it is the hugest library I have ever seen. I stopped on my way to the made Ethnographic Folk Art Museum. That is where I met these girls, who realized I was Native American. They were very polite in saying they never seen someone of the indigenous population from the Americas and were curious. I told them about the Makah's art, and we then got into a discussion comparing Romanian folk art to Native American folk art. They then invited me to go shopping in a place called Concurd. The pottery and fabric is just beautiful. Got at least a hundred things under fifty. Now, I am going to a violin concert at a place called Reghin. I got a dress for it and everything. So how is your trip going?"
"Went looking for Pricilla?" Sam answered not wanting to tell her how he had was out numbered, ran into the Volturi, had his car broke down, he almost got killed, twice, forced to hitchhike, got robbed, and showed up at the wrong place. "My trip hasn't been that easy either. I met this vampire, an animal drinker like the Cullens. He is going to take me to Pricilla."
"Good," Emily sighed. "So where are we going to meet?"
"I will make plans with you afterwards," Sam explained still determined that three are heading back with them. "I am glad you are having a good time."
"Thank you, and thank you for taking me," Emily smiled. "Love you dear."
"Love you too," Sam sighed and hung-up.
"You know, most men spend their best years in the arms of a woman other than his wife," Chongde spoke. "You should have called that woman first."
"I'm not calling her," Sam said shocked that he knew about Leah.
"So you made time to call the woman who is the love of your life, but you won't call the woman who gave you life?" Chongde lectured him.
"I was going to call my mother," Sam rebutted. "Eventually…I'm calling her now. Let me explain to you about shapeshifters we have this thing called imprinting when we see that one our life revolves around them."
"So I guess we are all imprinted at birth," Chongde assumed.
"Well no," Sam felt a little guilty, he then realized what he was applying. He picked up his cell phone and called his mother.
"Sam," Allison answered. "Finally, how is Romania?"
"It is fine, the company keeps me busy," Sam answered quickly, not wanting to reveal too much.
"What exactly are you doing on this internship? And why aren't you giving me too many details?" Allison asked. "You aren't giving any of us details, I was talking with Old Quail the other day and he was asking me where you were? Why is this so secretive? You are my son, what secret is so big you can't tell your own mother? Why can't I tell too many people? Have you even worked out the details, such as food, clothes, money, language, housing and other necessities before going to another country? Another thing, why haven't you been answering my calls? I am your mother, I deserve better than this…"
"That will come later," Sam answered calming his mother's sharp voice. Even after becoming a wolf, she seemed to have a way of speaking that still could cause the biggest stress.
"Well, I'm glad you called, I have to speak with you about a couple of things," She explained. "I have several things to discuss with you, most of the news would be better speaking in person, but since that isn't possible. I will tell you over the phone. So don't hang up on me." Allison then went into a kinder tone. "I am going on a date tonight, Sam, with someone I've been going out for awhile. I want him to be my boyfriend."
"Who is this punk?" Sam asked shaking his head not sure what to think.
"You are fully grown," Allison responded. "I can have a life now, and I certainly don't need your permission to go out, especially with this one."
"What you couldn't have a life before?" Sam asked.
"After your father left, I started to date again. Your grandmother and your uncle even had a few men picked out for me, ones who could be potential step fathers, which was my main focus. You however, would wreck havoc on any men I brought home," She explained calmly.
"Like when?" Sam asked.
"When you were seven, you ran the hose on the lawn…in the winter. The poor man had to go to the hospital, when you were ten, I brought home a gentleman practically, you told me he hated kids."
"He did," Sam defended.
"He was a pediatrician with two of his own," Allison smirked off. "The last straw was when you were fourteen, and I went out with your math teacher. You started failing in his class on his purpose. Then told the guidance councilor he is a distraction because he was dating me. So I decided right there, no more dating. My son was my first priority, and I like always your needs came first. That is what a good parent does. They put the child first, speaking of which child services is trying to contact you."
"About what?" Sam asked as Allison took a heavy breath.
"I really didn't want to tell you this over the phone, but I have no choice. It appears Josh fathered more children after he …left us. To make it short you have a little half-sister, named Natalie," Allison explained.
Sam already knew that fact as embarrassing as that was for him to find out. Nothing could be more humiliating than a guys ex-girlfriend's little brother's imprint showing up at a council meeting for the first time. Then hearing her announce she only met her Quileute father once, Joshua Uley. Sam's mind was blank when she mentions having the same biological father. Then the shrill when she said that she had to go home to meet her sister's curfew and left with him wondering if he could have more sisters.
Then trying to find out if what Natalie said was true. Making Sam have to go to the Clearwater house. However, Leah was surprisingly cooperative and had no problem providing him with a hair sample. She was cold as normal, but actually supported him in finding out if Natalie was his sister. She even warned him that it could be anybody, by explaining Natalie had three half-sisters all with different fathers. She even theorized that it might have been someone Sharon thought of when the girl was born. When the test came back positive, he went to the girls' 'house' to tell her in person. That was when he met Natalie's other sisters, Heather and Kelly. They weren't surprised by the news, but Heather was offensive. She showed up with the baby staying with them and politely informed him that didn't matter, Natalie wasn't leaving her sisters. She practically threw him out of the house acting as if he was out to get them. Kelly, then gave him a look as if she could punch him. Since then, he has made no attempts to know his sister. He didn't have any older protective brother instincts of the sort. She was just a child of the union of his "father" and some white-trash junkie.
"Really?" Sam pretended to be surprised. "What does that have to does that have to do with social services calling me?"
"Well, the state ruled her mother unfit and they are going to officially terminate her parental rights," Allison explained. "According to customs, her closest adult relative is appointed guardian."
"And…" Sam continued.
"That's you," Allison said straight out. "Now, you are young, I understand if you don't want to take the responsibilities of raising a teenage girl, so I have no problem taking her in for a couple of years."
"Why should you be stuck with Josh's love child?" Sam blurted out.
"Alright, then you are most certainly not being her legal guardian," Allison rolled her eyes. "This isn't about my well being or your well being, this is about Natalie, your little sister. I'm not going to let some innocent girl go into the system. She does have older half-sisters that Sharon had with other men. One of them turns eighteen next month and requested custody. I doubt any judge in their right mind will allow that. I think you would be better than Heather personally. Considering Natalie is a member of the Quileute tribe, therefore she should be raised by the Quileute people. She has a younger half-sister, Kelly who was just recently informed that she is related to one of the Cullens by law, according to some papers that came in from France. That just came out though and there is no proof to prove it. At least consider it, I will understand fully if you choose not to, after all you're young and engaged. We need to find something for her though."
"I will think about it," Sam agreed. "Can I have her number?"
"Of course," Allison then spoke a list of numbers.
"Now, who are you going out with?" Sam demanded to know.
"Billy Black, we actually have been seeing each other for quite some time. I asked him to be my New Years Eve date, and he agreed to go with me. He cancelled his normal plans of hanging out with Charlie Swan, and was looking for something to do. I was thrilled to go with him. We've been dating ever since, now he is taking me to meet his friend Charlie in Forks. I am really excited about going. I warned him you don't like me dating. He said he will help you find a way to accept it," Allison explained as Sam smiled.
"He did, didn't he?" Sam looked at the window; he'd been trying to find ways for the elders to approve of the pack employing a vampire to work for them. It was hard enough trying to explain how this vampire's gift would help wolves out of phasing. The fact that the head elder was dating his mother may just make things run a little smoother. "Alright, have a good time."
"What?" Allison asked shocked.
"You sound happy. You deserve that, have a good time with him," Sam spoke relived.
"I will. Promise to call Natalie, I didn't tell her about you when I met her at her mother's hearing, she is being charged with assaulting her other daughter. Bill and I just introduced ourselves. She is really sweet," Allison explained.
"I can't wait to meet her," Sam said casually. "I'll call."
"It is a full moon. We are going to be here all night waiting for Holly," Chongde informed. "An older brother should protect younger sister. It is his duty to his family."
Sam picked up his cell phone and dialed the number his mother gave him.
"What do you want?" A rude voice answered. It sounded like her younger half-sister.
"Hello, this is Sam Uley, is Natalie there?" Sam said politely.
"She's out. I can give you her cell," The voice responded as Sam wrote down another phone. It was Leah's old cell phone number. Sam called it.
"Hello, who is this?" Her voice answered.
"Natalie, this is Sam," He spoke nervously.
"Sam, as in my half- brother Sam," Natalie asked having a hard time recognizing his phone voice.
"Yes," Sam answered her.
"Oh," He could tell by the sound of her voice she was surprised he called. Normally, when she did come down to the reservation it was with the Clearwaters, the elders secretly joked she was Sue's third child considering she paid for everything. She didn't know much about her Native American heritage. Sam never really even talked to her, not even at the councils which met monthly. "So, how are you doing?"
"Fine, how are you?" Sam asked realizing this may be a short conversion.
"Good," She answered awkwardly. He knew she was wondering why he was calling her.
"Schools out, right?" Sam asked.
"Yes, it was out a couple weeks ago," She answered slowly. "It is mid-June."
"Did you get good grades?" He asked, trying to sound concerned. He minus well asked her if she was enjoying the weather.
"Yes, I normally do," She answered offended.
"Good," Sam then spoke up. "Are you free next week?"
"Well, I have to look at my schedule and see, why?" She asked.
"I would like to take you out for lunch or something, get to know you a bit better." Sam explained. "I'll treat."
"Alright, do want to double date or something?" Natalie asked unsure, thinking of Seth. That was the only wolf she spoke to, Rachel normally had a conversion or two with Jacob when she came to pack events with Paul. Yet, Sam and Natalie just nodded and continued with their imprinter or imprinted. They didn't grow up together, he can't state a single fact about her except they had the same sperm donor; it was nothing more than that. Sam wanted to be there for his family, unlike his father, he should start with his half-sister.
"No, Seth's not invited, nether is Emily," Sam answered straightly. Emily has been suggesting he had alone time with his sister, Seth still spent time with Leah away from Natalie, and he has seen Rachel and Jacob in cafes without Paul or Reneesmee."They'll understand, I'm your brother, I want to get to know you better."
"Oh," Natalie seemed a little eased, seeing that his intentions were good. Unlike her half-sisters, she let her guard down a bit. "Well, that sounds nice. Sure, I can arrange that, I'm staying with Clearwaters temporally until Heather is out of the hospital, then we are moving in with a local foster family in Forks. It will only be until we get a place of our own. Would Sue and Leah be comfortable with you coming to visit me?"
"You're my sister, I have a right to be concerned for your well being and I have a right to spend time with you." Sam spoke strongly. "I doubt they would mind, if they do, they will have to deal with it."
"Okay," Natalie said biting her lips. "I will find a date, and call you back."
"Alright, I'll talk to you tomorrow," Sam asked quickly.
"You too," She said they both hung up at the same time. Sam looked over, his new friend was silently reading. He was waiting for Chongde to suggest calling someone else he should call, his aunt, his cousin,….anyone. The man just sat there and read.
"Do you mind if I listen to music?" Chongde asked.
"No," Sam answered. "Where is Holly?"
"It is a Full Moon, she will be away tonight, let me play my music," Chongde then put on soft oriental music, as Sam laid on the hotel bed. It seemed so strange, the vampire's scent began to disappear, instead of that tense feeling he had around vampires. The soft voices of the music he played seemed to ease him by listing to it. Sam felt his body become heavy as the woman's voice sung soft in an unknown language. It caused his eye lids to become heavy. Soon he forgot the worries, and duties he had just by listening to the music. It wasn't long before he fell asleep.
The next morning Sam woke up quickly, to find blankets covering him. He didn't remember putting it on, but he was glad it was, it was very comfortable. Sam then looked over, it was nine o'clock. He had slept for twelve hours straight; he actually went a full night without waking up once. He hadn't done that since he became a wolf, he actually slept the full night. He looked over, to see Chongde who appeared to be mediating when the door cracked open and Holly entered.
"Oh, you're already awake," She smiled, with her wet hair as Chongde remained deep in meditation.
"What is he doing?" Sam asked.
"He mediates at night in order to find strength to resist human blood during the day," Holly explained, as Chongde did a little bow and made their way to them.
"I am going to get you two some breakfast, while Sam showers." He then looked towards Holly. "You had a long night, after I get you something to eat, you will rest and I will show Sam to the Romanian coven."
"Thank you," Holly called as Chongde left.
"You need some towels," Holly said handing him towels. "I got shampoo and conditioner you can borrow, and hotel gave us some free soap. Oh, got a spear lathe. Don't use the hot water." Sam stood up and left, as Holly sat down on his bed. He couldn't help but feel a bit odd; they were treating him rather nice. After he showered, he came back to see Chongde with some sort of egg and bacon casserole, pancakes, this strange minced sausage and several kinds of pastries. "Eat, and I will take you to the Romanian coven, you have a duty to serve one there." He said as Holly poured some coffee. "You might want to take some to go, it's going to be a long day." Sam listened to him. He ate until he was full. Then he called Emily, agreed to meet her at the place they planned when they first arrive in Romania. She also agreed to get him some new clothes.
"Good luck finding her," Holly called as he left with Chongde.
"You're not coming," Sam asked, as Holly shot him a tiring glare.
"You're kidding me, right? I've been running around all night, I'm beyond beat," Holly yawn lying down and as soon as her head hit the pillow, she was gone. The two left quietly, Chongde grabbed Sam's arm and lead him from the hotel where she bid the owner. He then took Sam through the high mountains leading him through the midmorning mist as it cleared in the bright blue sky. He lead him thorough the tall pine trees of the wilderness at a fast speed. This truly was a hidden coven; they went deep in the wilderness following secret paths that was clearly made for immortals traveling through Europe. Sam kept up with him, not wanting to transform, Chongde was gracious and slowed down for him as Sam soon picked up on the new vampire scent.
"This is where they are now, knock on the door, and be respectful," Chongde warned. "This is where we will part my good friend." Chongde left, Sam went in alone.
It seemed to be empty, the tourist must be out due to the rain. Sam walked in, following the scent of their venom, despite the pain it caused him. He followed it until he saw two strange women. One of them was beautiful with long flowing blond hair in a braid, the other had really nothing spectacular about her, just another blood sucker with snow white hair, and a smooth face. They stood up instantly recognizing his scent.
"May we help you?" The white hair woman asked.
"Yes, I am here to see the vampire matchmaker," Sam explained as the two stared at each other.
"What business do you have with her?" He heard a voice behind him; Sam turned recognizing the two Dracula from a couple months back. Jacob was right they were creepy, now he wished that he would have stayed in the pack. Jacob would of bought back Pricilla for sure. There was an argument in their language; it was between the black hair man, and the blond hair women with the white hair couple. Sam had a feeling they were debating on killing him or trusting him.
Finally, a younger vampire came down with dark raven curls pulled back covered in a traditional woolen scarf. She wore a white chemise with red hemp that went up her sleeves and through her shirt along with a narrow fabric belt that went to her ankles. She had two brightly colored aprons, one in the back one in the front covering her chemise. Her feet were covered in what appeared to be woolen slippers. Making her stand to be no more than five feet, barley going past his waist. She had pure white skin with an innocent child-like face with bright shining gold eyes being the most noticeable feature. Paul is going to have a lot of explaining to do; he said his reasoning for not making the offer was because she killed humans, when her eyes clearly showed she used animals for her blood source. She walked in confident, head staring straight forward, her eyes strong, and her shoulders stiff as Paul described. Reminding Sam of how the Volturi guard approached the Cullens, with confidence as if they owned them. Sam wondered where did she learn such a well practiced walk, Paul describe it the same way. She asked the white hair woman a question in what seemed to be in some form of Hungarian.
"You haven't broken any rules, but I still don't trust you," She hissed making Sam feel like he was in elementary school. She had the aroma of a school moron.
She continued speaking in her language as she looked towards the two men. One of them finally let out a sniff, as they shouted at her. It seemed they were shaming her. She didn't let her head down, it seemed whatever they were shaming her for; she held no regret. She spoke, trying to convince them. Finally, they looked towards Sam. "Do you wish to harm her, American?" the gray hair man asked.
"No," Sam answered.
"What business do you have with her?" the other asked. The girl said something to them in her language, that caused a bit of an uproar she responded with a shrugged saying something else. Finally, she spoke towards him. "Jojjon velem," She spoke then walked away, and turned back towards Sam. "Vino cu mine, acum," She said in a demanding voice as she turned her head towards the hall, she wanted Sam to follow her.
Sam followed her through the castile, she noticed something about her. She didn't smile; she had a stance of seriousness on her face. She was miserable here; he could tell by her face the girl was deeply unhappy. The face she had, the way she walked they kept her a prisoner with them. Sam was going to kill Paul, he said the girl seemed happy, that was a clear lie. The girl had no joy inside her. The way she walked with shrunken sholders, cast down eyes, and stood with misery.
She led him to a room filled with objects, treasures from around the world. Now he was nervous, wondering if she would give up this wealthy life for his pack.
"What do you want, shape-shifter?" She spoke in perfect English, which shocked Sam.
"You speak English?" Sam asked her, surprised. Paul said she didn't speak a word of English.
"Yes, I have been observing my mate and his sister speaking for years, I know Italian too," She answered. "Now, give me your hand." She took his hand, and held it for a minute. "She is beautiful, but easy to point out. She has some scars on her face, covering half of it. She appears to be of Native American decent. She has long black hair…"
"Her name is Emily," Sam finally cut in as she gave him a confused look.
"Why do you shape shifters keep coming to me when you already know who the one is?" She asked. It was clear by the tone in her voice that he and Paul weren't the only shape-shifters that came to her. There must have been shape-shifters of other species after her. He may have found out they weren't werewolf, and there were other indigenous people that turned to animals to fight off her kind. He should of figure there were other species of his kind were also after Pricilla's gift.
"To help imprint," Sam answered as her face calm.
"Imprint?" She asked. "What is this nonsense? That's what happened to geese, when they see the first living thing after hatching."
"Yes, they know who their mother is at first sight," Sam explained
"The ducklings are drawn to their mother at first sight, they feel a pull and they don't want her out of their sight," Pricilla explained. "This helps them to grow."
"Yes, the same thing happens with us shape shifters," Sam explained. "When we see our soul mate, we are drawn to her."
"Or him," Pricilla nodded. "Some tribes it is females who become the beast that attack my kind."
"Yes," Sam continued, finding that interesting. "They are drawn to her, and it is because of her they are able to grow and continue the normal human life. Have family, raise children, and become a human again."
"What does this have to do with me?" Pricilla asked.
"If they don't find their soul mate, they are trapped," Sam explained. "They are unable to move on, the only way they are able to continue is to imprint."
"Is that why you come to seek my help?" Pricilla asked.
"Yes," Sam answered. "I would like you to work for my pack."
"Why should I?" Pricilla asked. "I can't move on, I am trapped here, unable to get away from this castle. Why should I help you? Tell me what you have to offer that will make my life easier. Why should I care if they are trapped when I am trapped?"
"You mean none of the leaders have offered you any kind of deal?" Sam asked as a smile came across his face, remembering the road guide of Washington state .
"No," She answered as Sam showed a map of the Olympic Peninsula. This wasn't going to be easy. "I see you drink animal blood." He stared as he took out the map for her. "See this, Olympic National Park, it is filled with animals, it's illegal for humans to hunt there. So there would be no competition. See this down here." He pointed to La Push reservation's game lands. "Vampires aren't allowed past this point, not even the ones that also drink animal blood. So all this…" His hands ran across the Olympic National Park. It'll all be yours, if you work for my pack." She seemed intrigued by the offer as she stared at the map, her eyes glowing at the land that will belonged to her and Alec. High crime cities weren't far for vampires, animals were plenty, rain was often, it would be perfect for them.
"I've read about these areas, filled with animals. Can I finish school?" She asked looking at him with hope in her eyes.
"Yes, I can make arrangements for that," Sam answered.
"I need to get my mate first," Pricilla stood up instantly. "How will you get me out of here, without them knowing?"
"Grab your stuff," Sam ordered with a smile, ready to show how easy her kind is to outrun. She quickly went to her chest drawl and took out two jewel butterflies placed them in her hair, a jaded heart she placed around her neck, and a black and white picture of her human family. She then went to put on a bright green dress with white trimming around her sleeves and the hems.
"This is all I am taking, the rest of the treasures I will leave behind." She could consider asking them to send it to their new address.
"Good," Sam wouldn't know what to do with all that anyway. "Do you know how to get to Medias?"
"Of course, it's in Transylvania," Pricilla answered.
"Do you know a good place for us to meet Emily?" Sam asked.
"Tell her to drive North on rt. 14A, there will be bend between the Medias-Blajel and Padure Bazna-Tarnava-Medias. It is surrounded by woods, right in the middle of the Padure Blajel-Medias perfect place for us to meet." Pricilla explained as Sam finished his text message. "Alright, take my phone if she texts or calls for direction, you'd be better at answering than me."
"I will," Pricilla promised.
"Good, now go and stand on your couch," Sam explained. "I'm going to turn into a wolf, and break through these walls, when I land. Then you are to jump out and land on my back."
"I will," Pricilla said as she went to stand on her couch. Then in an instant she saw Sam become a gigantic black wolf breaking out of his body and through the stone wall landing on his feet at the back draw bridge of the castle. He barked as Pricilla appeared through the gigantic hole in the stone walls. She seemed terrified, unknowing what to do, freedom was set before her for the first time. This world was big; she would be on her own now. It was time for her to jump into the unknown. She closed her eyes and purged herself off the wall landing directly on Sam's back. She opened them and pointed in the right direction.
Once Pricilla was secure on his back, Sam kicked his back feet starting a dash through the countryside of Transylvania. He followed Pricilla's directions, trusting every point she led him. She kept her head up, realizing that enemies of her species had taken kindly to her. Vladmir was wrong about him, she wondered if what they said about Aro was based on whole truths. Being away from them would be easier than she thought before.
They came out of the woods, to the exact highway of Pricilla's directions. It was then a rental car appeared and parked when she saw the black wolf. Pricilla had felt sweet freedom in front of her; she no longer had to listen to them. No one was going to clam her gift as their own. No one again was going to tell her how to love, or who to love. She was free to drink what she wanted, and lived the life she wanted. She knew there were others she cared about that needed to have that feeling. She wasn't going to forget about the friend who would want to come to the Volturi with her.
"You must be Emily," Pricilla got down from Sam. "It is please to meet you."
"It is a pleasure to meet you too, you must be Pricilla. We've been looking at you for a long time," Emily smiled towards the girl, impressed by her politeness. She saw Sam transform behind her. Emily kept Pricilla distracted as she threw Sam's clothes to him so he may put them on quickly and finally come to her side.
"Thank you very much, I am glad to take the offer," Pricilla said as Emily smiled.
"Well, I got you some clothes for you," Emily said coming out of the car. "This is a gift to you on behalf of the Quileute pack," She handed the girl a gift basket filled with Quileute artwork and jewelry. "Also, some new girlfriends I made got you some new clothes."
"Modern, beautiful," Pricilla said as Sam went to the basket and pulled out a specific bracelet. It was a cedar woven bracelet with a wolf charm and a heart that had the pack symbol engraved in it. He was determined to clam her, he searched for her too long. The pack was going to prosper with her; the tribe was going to prosper with her loyalty. The last thing he wanted was for her to leave without a reminder of who rescued her.
"This bracelet is a sign of this treaty, when you and your mate come to La Push, you have to be wearing this, and that he is with you," Sam explained. "My pack knows what it is, and will know who you are if you are wearing it. That way you won't be in any danger. I instructed the others to bring you to me. The other pack has a member that I want to be your first client, and after you will use your talents under the wolves under me." Sam explained to her as she nodded.
"You aren't coming with us?" Emily asked.
"No, I need to go get my mate," Pricilla explained. "Our covens won't let us be together, they are both enemies, so this offer had perfect timing."
"Awe," Emily smiled towards Pricilla touched.
"Well, I am glad you took it, I spent a lot of money coming here to get you and a lot of time away from my pack. This is a big step for my kind, and the elders are going to need a lot of convincing, so I need proof I have your word," Sam asked her.
"Yes, of course, I owe my freedom to you," Pricilla answered. "Here this heart, it was the first gift my mate gave me and take this, it's my favorite hair clips, and take this, it's a picture of my human family. These objects I will go around the world for you."
"Good, now we have a flight to catch, when should I expect you in La Push?" Sam asked her.
"Two months," Pricilla promised. "In two months we'll arrive on the shores of First Beach, and I'm yours."
"Good, we will be waiting." Sam said as Emily took the picture and the heart, so Sam can shake her hand confirming the deal. He was happy; his pack would be invincible with two vampires working under them. It was a pretty good feeling, to have won the loyalty of one with such a useful gift.
"Where are you going?" Emily asked as Pricilla began to walk away.
"Germany, it's a good idea to leave Romania as quickly as possible," Pricilla informed as she flew off. She knew the way to Gisbert's home wanting him to go to the Volturi with her. She flew passed the Romanian border, with her insides pounding. Once her feet touched Slovakia, relief and fear swarmed her. She would never return to her homeland again, and would miss Romania. Her whole heart became blank, she was free from them, and she no longer had to live in fear for who would discover her. For the first time, in her immortal life she was able to do as she pleased, and she knew where she wanted to go. She had felt the freedom one was suppose to feel when becoming a vampire.
Pricilla no longer had to answer to anyone, except the sun. She came through the city of Bratislava when the sun shown so bright she had no choice but to hide out until night fall and continue her journey. It didn't matter though, it wasn't like she had a curfew to worry about anymore. She wished she could see Vladmir's face to find that hole with her gone, she would mail a note later. She decided to go to the theater and just watched the plays, before heading to the Orlicke coven. No one was going to come looking for her, and she didn't have any appointments to make or worry about being seen by pro-Volturi nomads. She hid in the Slovak National Theater, high, in the best seats. As she watched an afternoon musical, her advance hearing picked up chanting below the rehearsals. She went to the underground tunnels, places forgotten by the city and saw what appeared to be actresses and actors having a secret ceremony. One of them she recognized as the actress that was the most well known among Eastern Europe for her fine voice and the many fans that adored her. Yet, she had yet to hit a motion picture in Hollywood. She watched from a distance as she summoned someone, it was then another vampire appeared.
"Your back," She cried to him as the rest stood there bewildered, some raced to the door getting away from this red eyed creature, while some made crosses arming against him with fear. Pricilla watched from a distance as some seemed to worship him.
"Have you reached a decision? I can make you ten times more beautiful than any plastic surgeon, with a voice that will be heard for immortality. I can provide more fans the world will think you are the only one with talent," He said as he remained hidden in his dark cloak. "Just give me the blood of your boyfriend."
"You don't want to do that," Pricilla interrupted coming down between the two; she noticed some of the humans turned instantly towards her, gazing in awe. Some even hid behind her protecting themselves from the man whispering prayers. He gave Pricilla a wide eyed look knowing she was his equal, and they could easily turn whatever he was running towards her. She heard some whispers of an anjel, must of been due to her innocent immortal features. Some started coming to her asking for eternal youth, and other begged for forgiveness for talking to this man and turning form God. Pricilla innocently went to the actress next to the man. He hissed as she touched her. "You will be sacrificing more than just him, you be sacrificing your future."
"I will give you a brighter one," the man said quickly.
"A future that includes him and your children, do you want to sacrifice that?" Pricilla lectured her.
"She's right," The actress screamed. "I can't give that up." She then ran out along with the other following her.
"What are you doing?" The man asked taking off his cloak, he was just an ordinary vampire. He was young around twenty with long blonde curls with nothing interesting about him. "Her boyfriend would have tasted good."
"What are you doing?" Pricilla asked. "Torturing humans acting like they are your plaything? It is very derange, considering she wouldn't be able to come famous with your offer?"
"That wouldn't be my problem now would it," The man said. "What was that other stuff about, how did you know she really wanted that?"
"I have a better outlook to humans, sir," Pricilla explained. "Thanks to my extra gift."
"What is that?" The man asked annoyed.
"I can see one's soul mate when I touch them." Pricilla answered as his eyes beamed.
"That is a rather unusual gift," He said. "Tell me how does it work?"
"When I contact someone's skin," She explained taking his hand. "And I can see a vampire or human's destined mate. She's very pretty, but she's kind of hard to find. She lives in the rainforest."
"That is interesting," the man said as Pricilla let go of the hand. "My name is George by the way, yours?"
"Pricilla," She answered. "Would you like to know more about her?"
"Well, I haven't been looking for a mate," George explained. "But I have been looking for something new. My old hobby is starting to get boring since the Enlightenment and all these revolutions. Now, no one wants full power because of all this equality among humans. I use to have a ball seeing how much humans are willing to sacrifice for more power. Now that power is divided, its not as appealing. After some of my former dictator clients have been killed because of my help…the desire for political power has kind of wore off to humans. Now, all I have left is these dumb entertainers wanting fame, and their name on a poster. I should start considering something new."
"Perhaps it is time to settle down, if you take me where I ask, I will tell you more about her," Pricilla suggested.
"Where would you like to go?" He asked eyeing a car to steal. "I've been around for a good thirteen hundred years, so I can map Europe easily."
"I have two stops, Orlicke coven, I've set up two of their matches so I am welcome there. I need to pick up a friend. Afterwards, you will take us to Volterra."
"The Volturi?" George raised an eyebrow.
"You know the way?" Pricilla asked.
"Yes, I visited Heidi a couple times, but…"
"Just the city walls," Pricilla closed the deal.
"Fine with me," He shook her hand.
~X~
Alistair didn't know what to do with Gisbert. He was supposed to keep his mind off Jane. Alistair personally was glad Gisbert came back alone, last thing he wanted was some Volturi guard coming into this coven getting them involved in whatever scheme. He had waited too long to have Ilona in his life, he didn't want to lose her because her step brother truly thought a well known menace was going to give up the highest place in the guard for him. That spoiled vampire princess didn't deserve this coven.
They understood him perfectly. They even didn't blame Alistair for telling the false story to Beatrix's sisters. The coven understood and accepted him afterwards without asking his real story just as Ilona said they would. When she came up with the story, and told it to her nomadic uncles. Alistair came to depend on her, she made immortality a blessing. Ilona was the one who pulled the current forcing him to see the sun. It was her love that opened the door he kept shut for centuries. It was her love that forced him out of injury that showed him there is still goodness in this world. Alistair trusted Ilona with everything.
Being in love was something Alistair thought he would never encounter. This experience that was full of fear was at the same time execrating. It was one true fact though, he needed her and he was willing to take whatever road she was going to take him down.
She lead him to this coven, the Orlicke coven was perfect for him, no one was interested in advancing power in the vampire world, mainly because three of their members including him were victims to betraying conspiracies. Alistair was, with his father arranging for him to be a undefeatable, Kondrat being betrayed by his wife to marry a man of higher status, Ilona being lied to her whole human life and convinced to marry a man of higher status. This made them all want nothing to do with power, a social ladder or such nonsense. The other two, Beatrix and Gisbert, were both simple peasants as humans, so the idea of climbing the ranks never crossed their mind. Beatrix related to him a little with herself learning to come out after centuries of preferred isolation. Gisbert was a little naive, but at least that didn't add to an unneeded member to the coven. Besides his strange obsession, he knew they were safe from authority.
Alistair was the only one who felt that way, the rest were concerned for Gisbert's depression. They secretly put him on suicide watched. It was Harof's idea, when they ran across Gisbert on his way back from Greece. They escorted him back, since they were on their way to pick up Fred from the wedding Kondrat and Beatrix took Fred too. Ilona hated weddings, he would have gone to see Carlisle but if Ilona was uncomfortable than he would be as well. Mille informed Ilona that she heard Gisbert mumbled something about things being easier without him around. They stayed and kept Gisbert busy until his creator return. Once Harof explained to them in privet, they set up a secret schedule so someone would be with Gisbert at all times. They worked Alistair into it without asking, they just assumed he would take part. Alistair didn't say anything. He still needed to work on speaking up and responding. He had become comfortable with Ilona talking for the both of them. She was the more confident one. One of her friends showed up insisting on taking Ilona lingerie shopping. It was Alistair's turn to be with Gisbert.
Alistair was working with Gisbert when a scent came to them, it was that vampire they met the first night Ilona brought him here. The one with the boy, that later turned out to be a member of the Volturi guard. He looked over and saw her approaching alone this time. He had to be somewhere, ready to deceive again. A car drove and Gisbert dropped his tools as a girl came out of it.
She was a of the Romanian coven, he was grateful that she told Ilona about him, but still kept it in the back of the mind that she was created to help her masters advance in the vampire world. So somewhere, there she was involved in a plan to use Ilona's gift to gain loyalty to take over the Volturi. He wanted him to stay way, but he didn't hissed when Gisbert looked over and saw her.
"What are you doing here…where's your mate, Alec?" Gisbert asked without even saying hi. Alistair couldn't help but be proud, he saw through her lies.
"He went back. He thinks I'm dead," Pricilla answered guiltily. "I am going to the Volturi to get him, I want you go come too."
That was the exact danger they were scared of, the danger Alistair was suppose to make sure doesn't approach. He looked over and noticed the man in the car waiting for her. He seemed familiar, but Alistair didn't investigate too much. He went to stand by Gisbert's side to insure he didn't go with her.
"How exactly are you going to get there?" Gisbert asked as the man stepped out, and looked at Alistair. It was Astaroth, the man who killed his family. He stared at Alistair recognizing him.
"I met a vampire named George and he said he will take us there if I use my gift on him after he shows me," Pricilla continued, as she looked back towards her friend.
"Why are you here then?" Gisbert asked.
"I figured you would want to come."
"Jane wants nothing to do with me," Gisbert said solemnly. "She asked me not to follow her."
"No," Gisbert answered. "Why should I? She would rather stand and be their puppet then be with me, why should I stop her?"
"Because you love her," Pricilla explained. "And you want wants best, sometimes that means going against their wishes."
"I'm not going," Gisbert answered stubbornly. "She doesn't want me to come after her, then I won't, I'm not playing this game."
"What game?" Pricilla asked. "You're just being a coward."
"Don't you dare tell me, you waited how long to get Alec…why does he think your dead if you're so brave?" Gisbert asked, slyly.
"So he would only live in a temporally lie, then a preeminent one," Pricilla answered. "I admit it, I'm scared of Aro, I love Alec but I fear what his creator would do to keep them. He is a selfish man. The only way I can be with him safely is if Aro sees us leaving together. He wouldn't have a chance to take me in privet. Come with me. The four of us can leave together. You and Jane can come back here. Alec and I will go to a place that has offered us freedom in exchange I use my gift?"
"I told you my answer," Gisbert hissed.
"She is going to live in pain when we leave," Pricilla said. "Are you going to let her?"
"Then let her," Gisbert said angrily. "It'd be her own dam fault."
"She'll have no reason to stay without Alec," Pricilla continued.
"Gisbert already gave you his answer," Alistair butted in as Astaroth eyes shot towards him.
"Alistair," Pricilla snarled upset he was on Gisbert's side, this certainly wasn't the Olerick coven way. "Are you enjoying your new coven? Would have you joined if it wasn't for me telling Ilona about you?"
"Don't bring my mate into this," Alistair spoke upset that she dared to mention the name of his mate in front of the man who killed his last family. "You leave us alone, take your chauffer and get out of here. We want nothing to do with the Volturi or any authority of the sort for that matter. Just leave us alone!"
"What he said," Gisbert spoke shocked to see Alistair speaking so strongly and for him. Alistair couldn't help but get caught in the moment. It took centuries to find Ilona. He wasn't going to let Astaroth's deception or Pricilla and whatever her power hungry masters sent her on take Ilona from him. He went for seven centuries in morning the lost of his human family, losing his mate would end him.
"Pricilla, it's obvious this isn't going to work, I'm ready to take you to the Volturi," Astaroth spoke to her, obviously recognizing Alistair, knowing whatever game they were up to wasn't going to work on them. "Enough trust has been violated."
"Come on, George, we have a long journey ahead. Gisbert, hope things work out for you my friend," It was then, the two left.
"You know that guy who was with her?" Gisbert asked in German, than again in English both times Alistair didn't answer. He remained silent and watched him like he was suppose to be doing. After about twenty short minutes, Beatrix and Kondrat return from their short day trip to France.
"Gisbert, glad to see your out and working," Kondrat smiled towards him, patting his son on the back.
"Yes, figured minus well get something done." Gisbert said a little frustrated.
"Good, is it running well?" Beatrix asked.
"It's missing a few parts," Gisbert answered as Kondrat looked at Alistair, nodded towards him with concerned. Then glanced towards Beatrix, they nodded at each other as Beatrix looked towards Alistair and her eyes moved towards the door. Kondrat then looked at him as his head pointed at the door as Beatrix waited for him. He was having a hard time picking up on this coven's strange inner language. He figured it out this time, he was supposed to go with Beatrix.
"How is he doing?" Beatrix asked as soon as they were inside the house.
"Good," Alistair answered still having a hard time responding in a conversion with someone other than Ilona.
"I am glad to see he is doing things he use to enjoy, I never seen him so depressed it worries me," Beatrix sighed. Alistair nodded, as she shook her head. "How did you convince him to doing his old hobbies?"
"He volunteered," Alistair answered.
"Well, that's a good sign. Wish there was some way to make this work out. It makes me resent Jane a little, what's wrong with this coven?" She stressed to herself.
"Nothing," Alistair answered her question. That was why Jane didn't need to be part of it.
"He didn't do anything to try to end his pain did he?" Beatrix asked.
"No," Alistair said being honest. He didn't go with Pricilla.
"Good, that's good, well I am going to go out maybe convince him to help me paint that cedar chest. He likes that, it will keep his mind off of things. I talked to Tanya, they are worried about his behavior. After I explain it wasn't normal for him." She sighed shaking her head. "She suggested that maybe we send them over for awhile, to focus on something different. I am going to make the suggestion this afternoon. I am glad you are adjusting so well, I know how hard it's to be use to others after centuries of preferred loneliness." She then left, later Kondrat came back in.
"Gisbert said a man came by that seemed to know you," Kondrat stated in a question like manner. "You wouldn't respond when he asked you about him."
Alistair was silent.
"I know you are use to being in solitary, but this coven we don't keep secrets. In less it's between mates…" Kondrat looked towards him. Alistair didn't know how to respond, this coven truly was honest. They even criticized each other openly and welomply. He never expected to even be in a coven, he wondered what in the world was he doing here. It was then, the sound of a red convertible pulled up along with the answer.
A couple months ago, if someone would have told him a hot blonde would find him, follow him, and convince him to finally take part to take part in the world. He would have thought they were more insane than he was, but it happened. He wanted nothing to do with her at first, he feared her even, thinking somehow she was going to use him. When others laughed at him, saying he is the strange vampire that despises company. She reached down and offered him some, when he denied it, she stayed faithfully by his side. She showed more patients than anyone he has ever seen, teaching him to trust and enjoy life. When he turned her away, asking her to leave she refused his request offering her heart. She showed honesty again, calling him a selfish coward, there was no reason to shut out the world and no reason to shut her out. He asked her to leave, and she asked him to come with her. She offered her heart, soul, body, and life. Saying it would be his if he would go with her, and give up his way to be with her. He turned her down, and she kissed him giving him something he turned down from Carlisle …hope. He wasn't going to let Gisbert ruined that for some Volturi princess, who most likely wanted nothing to do with him in the first place.
Alistair walked out to greet her, she was with some friends she forgotten their names. They were a couple of girlfriends of Ilona who insisted that she knew everything happening in the vampire world. Things like who got a mate and such. Alistair didn't understand why Ilona was so interested but he just nodded as they said their quick good byes to her and said it was nice meeting him then left. Ilona came up and kissed Alistair on the cheek, "Missed you so much," She smiled, as she grabbed his hand and put the shopping bags in the others. "How is Gisbert doing?"
"There was a close call," Alistair answered, thinking of him being asked to go down to the Volturi and steel the two most valued guard members.
"I don't blame him for being like this, his own mate refusing him," She sighed. Alistair knew she understood how that felt. He made her feel that pain in the beginning. "Thank you for watching him."
"You are welcome," He said as she then hugged Alistair. "I am so lucky you changed your mind." He was lucky too. He held her body and put his lips against her cheeks. This was the reason he lived those centuries of isolation, so he can hold her. This was the reason he turned Asthroth away, so he wouldn't take her away. They came to the rest of the coven. Kondrat and Beatrix were with Gisbert, he stood up at they entered followed by the couple behind him.
"Ilona, how was your day?" Kondrat asked.
"Find, Ojciec," Ilona answered as they exchanged kisses on the cheeks. "Beatrix, you look lovely in that new dress."
"Thank you," Beatrix nodded towards her stepdaughter. Then looked towards Alistair."Gisbert tells me Pricilla came by what seems to be an old friend of yours."
"He wasn't a friend," Alistair snapped, as they all stared, Ilona included.
"Alistair, I have some new clothes you need to look at, do you mind looking at them with me?" Ilona asked as Kondrat, Gisbert, and Beatrix glanced towards Ilona and nodded, she nodded back. They weren't going to question it anymore. It was rather strange, how they commutated, with nods and signals. It was also strange they were concerned for him. Alistair even wondered if he should give the truth about his transformation. Something about Kondrat, Beatrix and Gisbert told Alistair they would never betray him. Ilona was still the only one he trusted out of the whole coven. None of them seemed to be out of any form of self-gain, but he didn't want to risk him or his mate being betrayed. She wanted to live with them, so he needed to learn to live with them and that meant keeping guard for both of them.
"Come on, Alistair, let's go," Ilona grabbed his hand and they fled to their room.
"What is this about?" Ilona asked calmly, as she sat down her bags and she took off her large hat used to block down the sun, letting go of her long blonde hair, reveling her heart shape face. Alistair was truly blessed with her being his mate. He knew it wasn't him loving her that made her beauty above the norm of a normal vampire. Volturi guards men weren't after her heart for nothing. She had the beauty that seemed to turn heads everywhere they went, she was one of the few vampires that had beauty that was unforgettable. He would wonder for an eternity why she chose him.
"That man," Alistair started. "The one who came with that Pricilla girl, he was the one who changed me into a vampire. After he filled his first with my family, he came and changed me. This was arranged by my father, so I could be unstoppable"
"After your father made that offering?" Ilona asked sadly, thinking of his poor mother and sisters. She was the only one he told the truth, she was the only one he could be honest with, others still scared him. Trusting anyone else, besides Ilona wasn't an easy thing. "When do you want to tell my coven the truth?"
"I don't know," Alistair answered hastily. "It's bad enough your stepbrother is after a member of the Volturi."
"Alistair," Ilona said as she sat beside him, holding his hand and staring at him straight in the eyes. "Your father betrayed you, my father was betrayed. He will understand. Everyone in my family was betrayed at one point or another, they will all understand."
"I don't like authority," Alistair said firmly. "Anyone who trusts those in power of authority are fooling themselves. People who want power over others only care for themselves. It's best to avoid them whenever possible."
"What did I say to you at the beach? The day you tried to send me away, the day I told you I loved you?" She asked sitting next to him.
"Everyone suffers lost, that is no reason to shut the world out. There are people who will betray you, but there are more people who are out for what is good, you have to let them in." He said putting his arms around her as his fingers ran through her golden hair. It seemed he will spend an eternity wondering why she chose him. "Where did you get some such wisdom?"
"Everyone suffers lost, that is no reason to shut the world out. There are people who will betray you, but there are more people who are out for what is good, you have to let them in." He said putting his arms around her as his fingers ran through her golden hair. "Where did you get some such wisdom?"
"My own experiences," Ilona answered. "Did I ever tell you how mother got indicted?"
"In a mental hospital?" Alistair asked, still surprised how she spoke so casually of these things. "How?"
"Revenge is natural for vampires," Ilona explained. "Your mother and my father were the same person. When you told me about him, how he thought only of having more power. I thought of her, and how she used me to climb the social ladder. She cheated on my father with a man of higher rank and used me to switch to a better husband."
Alistair was silent; he never heard this part of her story before. Ilona then confessed. "I always felt like someone was watching over me growing up, as if I had more protection than normal. I once confinded in a friend that I seen my garden angel, the man from the window who was always out to keep me safe. My mother wanted me to be like her, hunting for the hearts of men in a higher status. Even as a child, my mother would encourage me to play with children who appeared to be better than I. I learned to please her by pleasing everyone, I was a chameleon, each person I found someway for them to like me. It was my mother's pushing that made me look forward to marrying a man twenty years older than me. He was a Hansburg, that's all I could see. I was blind to the truth. All I could focus on was the prize.
The night before the wedding, I remember clearly waking to the sound of a window opening. I sent a servat to close it and went back to sleep. That morning I felt as if there was someone following me at every cornor, waiting for me. I even heard a hiss when I went to put on my wedding gown; he was waiting for the perfect time.
Then the moment it was my parents and I, after we sent the servants were getting the carriage train ready to take us to the cathedral. Kondrat bruised through the cubert door grabbing me. They were shocked, my mother kept saying 'whats he doing here, why is he alive and the same' he said 'Damn right, I am alive and I am here to take back what is mind.' My father…well stepfather begged him not to take me. Kondrat asked why does it matter I am not even his. That was the first time I heard that Casmir wasn't my father. He said he watched me grow and loved me as a daughter that I am his daughter. Kondrat grabbed me by the hair, pulling me close to him and told him he is nothing but a thief. That was when my mother confessed to me about being married before and Kondrat being my real father. She said that she only did it because Casmir had a higher status, more to offer. I then realized how this social ladder hurt others. I felt bad for Kondrat. I was shocked beyond belief, my mind going blank. Kondrat smiled evilly and picked me up like a piece of cloth despite my abnormally large dress. I didn't know what to think, that this man could be my father. I knew he was dangerous though.
My mind was blank, as he grabbed me by the neck tightly, and said they better do what he says; he forced all three of us to the dungeon. Then forced me in, and ordered them to stay out there. I begged him not to hurt me, he said he was offended that I would even think that, he was furious I would asked that. I wasn't sure what he was going to do when he grabbed me by the neck, he promised he was only thinking in my best interest. He then bit me and I of coursed went in that agony. He apologized every time I screamed; it was midway through Harof come and told me there was nothing to ease it. I needed to just take it in, and it was for the best. Then I woke up, and Kondrat took me to Marik. He was my first meal. I was theirs from then on, I trusted Kondrat wouldn't let anything bad happened to me. A decade later we came back through Poland. I snuck away to find out what happened to my parents. They were in an asylum. I went to visit my mother, she rejoiced in seeing me. She made no recollection of the change in appearance just apologized. Apparently, after Kondrat bit me, he went back out to the hall and told them I was in pain because of them. It was their fault for my agony, it was punishment for the lies and deceit twenty years earlier. They begged to see me, and he denied them, I was his now. He then forced them out of the dungeon."
"Yet, you still traveled with him?" Alistair asked.
"I forgave him," Ilona said simply. "It took me awhile but I knew I could trust him and his coven in the vampire world. However, my situation was different from your father's arrangements. I'm not suggesting you to forgive this man. I must asked, are you happy that I went through that ordeal?" She asked as Alistair nodded. She then gave him a soft cool kiss on the lips, followed by a heated passionate one, with her venom flowing through him. "I wished I would have been there, met the man I owe my happiness. Call me selfish, but I am glad your father arranged for you to be immortal, gave you to me. You're my life, Alistair, don't forget that."