Chapter 45: Ryan's Fate

Once they were in Jean's room Candice began pacing the room. "You know Josef better than anyone. Do you think he'll let Ryan live?"

Jean moved to the sitting area and took a seat nodding for Candice to do the same. Once Candice was seated Jean reached over and gave her hand a squeeze. "I don't know how Josef will handle this. He will do whatever he feels is best for the community. Ryan did betray him and let Coraline free." Seeing Candice about to interject she continued, "On the flip side he did also come back to warn us of her return and did everything he could to help us catch her."

Moving her head to her hands she sighed, "I just don't want him killed."

"That's understandable. You two went through a traumatic ordeal together."

"It's not just that. We had lots of time to just talk. You know I've always felt bad about the way things ended, that it was my fault. Maybe I had done something to lead him on without realizing it."

"You talked to him about it," Jean guessed.

Nodding Candice fiddles with the material of her skirt. "About everything. He didn't meant to cause Coraline any problems he was just trying to deal with everything and he was easy prey for her manipulation. I really believe he's a good man."

"Do you have any doubt that he'd do something in the future to win your affection?"

"I don't think he'd do anything drastic but if for some horrible reason something happened in the future and…well he might try then but I don't think he will as long as he knows David makes me happy. He wants us both to be happy, they were like brothers. I don't even know if what he feels for me is love or not. He wanted to ask me out, he wanted more but was afraid of upsetting Josef so he didn't act on it but David did."

Jean nodded, "You think he built you up in his mind as the one who got away. The one he loved but someone else got."

"Does that sound crazy?"

"Not at all," Jean stood and walked over to the small fridge and pulled out a bottle of A negative. "Will your feelings towards David or Josef for that matter change depending on the outcome?"

Candice took the offered glass as she thought about Jeans question. Would she feel differently about them if they had Ryan killed? Taking a small sip she realized the truth. "I think I'd always feel responsible."

"Why?"

"Because Ryan only betrayed them because he thought he was in love with me. Because I know how jealous and protective David gets with me and I know even though he won't say it the fact that Coraline made me dance for Ryan and that I am concerned for him bothers him."

"No matter the outcome Candice you should know this is not your fault. I know just hearing it isn't enough but I hope you will eventually learn to accept that. Each person makes their own decisions in life. You didn't lead Ryan on. You are too considerate, you can't blame yourself for not knowing what someone else was thinking." Jean smiled, "If that were the case we'd all be in trouble."

Candice managed a small smile. She nodded and continued to drink her glass of blood. Jean was a really good listener. She had great insight and never judged. "Thanks Jean."

"That's what friends are for." She could see Candice was leaning back in the couch looking worn out. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm okay just a bit tired. I do fine then it just sorta hits me."

Finish your blood and then you can rest until David comes to take you home okay.

Candice finishes the blood as instructed and hands the glass back to Jean. Leaning her head back she closes her eyes hoping a quick nap would give her enough energy to really connect with David.

Josef went to the bar and poured three glasses of scotch. Ryan took his and took a small drink feeling the burn of the good stuff. He knew he might die but Josef was good enough he'd at least let it be quick.

"Do you have anything to say for yourself?" Josef asked as he moved to the chair and took a seat relaxing back.

Ryan walked so he was standing ten feet in from of Josef with his head down. "No sir. I am the one to blame for all of this. I helped her escape and then I brought her back into the lives of everyone here."

"You brought her here? I thought you said you had no idea why she came back suddenly."

"That was before. While I was held captive with Candice Coraline told me this is my fault. She said she only came back because she found out through my files and updates on everyone here that Mick and Beth had a child."

"You kept track of everyone?" David asked.

"At first it was a way to keep one step ahead of you but then as the heat died down I kept tabs to see what was happening. I heard about the attempt on Candice's life and her miraculous recovery and I knew you had turned her. I knew I could never come back and be a part of any of this but I couldn't help myself from just making sure everyone was okay from time to time. My biggest mistake was saving the files."

Josef nodded and took a drink slowly. "What do you feel should be done about this?" He always liked to asked the men before him what they thought to see if their answer was honest of lenient.

"I betrayed you and I know the penalty is death. I accept this. I'm just glad Coraline is dead and my mistake will no longer cause you any problems." Ryan answered before finishing the rest of his scotch.

Josef looked over at David who simply nodded. Josef stood up and took the glass from Ryan and set it back on the bar. "I am not an easily swayed man Ryan. That being said I'm also not completely obtuse. I respect your strength. You are ready for your punishment without pleading or other melodrama."

Josef continued to walk around the room while Ryan continues to stand with his head lowered ready for whatever happens. "I know from personal experience what a manipulative bitch Coraline can be. You should know she has gotten under the skin of vampires much older and powerful than yourself. Though I must admit I have seen very few get under hers."

"I don't know if I'd go that far." Ryan amended sure he never really got through to Coraline.

"You did manage to keep her away from here for some time without issue. Who knows if she hadn't seen your files she may have stayed with you for years longer before coming back and make no mistake she was always going to come back. With all the facts in mind I am willing to overlook the original grievance given all you have done to atone for it. This is a one time only thing and any future move against me personally or anyone under my protection will result in instant death."

Ryan looks up meeting Josef's eyes understanding that he is meant to live. "I understand."

"Now I believe David may have a few words for you as well before you're free to leave." Josef turns the floor over to David who has his hands clutched behind his back.

"I am grateful for what you did to help Candice when I couldn't but she is my mate. Remember that."

"I wish you both nothing but happiness. Candice and I had time to talk and I feel like I have finally come to terms with my feelings."

"You don't love her anymore?" David asked unsure.

"I do," Ryan answered honestly. "But I think now I can try and move on."

David nodded, "I hope you do. Now if you'll excuse me I'm sure Candice is ready to go home and rest."

To Be Continued…

Evilous