A.N: Once again, thanks to all that have favourited and followed this story. I'm glad that you're all so interested in this story even though it's gotten pretty long and a tad drawn out. The end is near though! Perhaps before I reach Chapter 40?
2damnpretty2die is still my amazing beta! Thank you for reading every single word in the long winded essays I send you each time! I salute you Captain!
Chapter 35: The Meeting part 1
Arizona p.o.v
We'd set off nice and early the next morning, even though it wasn't entirely necessary. Our speed more than made up for the distance, but Terri assured that the talks wouldn't be as simple as we'd thought.
*Flashback*
"So, what's the plan for tomorrow Ari?"
"Well, I thought I'd head over to the Geirolf Clan first considering they're the closest?"
"No." Terri shot me down immediately.
"Who's the Geirolf Clan?" Calliope asked curiously.
"Well, they're also a Lycan Clan. Geirolf means 'wolf spear', I'm sure you can see where I'm going with this." I explained. "The Randall Clan represents the 'shield', they protect, and the Geirolf Clan represents the 'spear', they're the fighters. And together, they rule over all of the Lycans."
"Right, so wouldn't going to the Geirolf Clan first be a good idea considering we've already got the Randall Clan on board?" Calliope asked again.
"No, you've seen the effects of the full moon on Lindsey already. I can assure you that the Geirolf Clan will not be welcoming or understanding so soon after a full moon. They're all going to be testy and antsy, they'll want a fight, and that is not going to accomplish anything." Terri answered. "Perhaps you should visit the McCorrigan Clan first?"
"Ah…Seriously?" I blushed brightly, earning a puzzled stare from Calliope. "They're the Succubus Clan."
"Succubus as in…?"
"Oh yeah."
*End Flashback*
So here we were, trailing through the 'Enchanted Forest' on our way to visit the McCorrigan Clan. The forest had gained its name because of the number of people who had disappeared off the face of the earth after entering. What they didn't know was that the people that entered weren't actually human, and that this forest served as a protective maze around the Succubus' home. Those who had entered ended up as meals for the Succubi and had their life force completely sucked away.
Calliope's grip on my hand tightened as we got deeper and deeper in the darkness that was the forest. I only had Calliope beside me, but that wasn't really my choice, Zeus had basically shoved me out the doors before I could ask anyone to help. For once I'd hoped Terri would step forward, but Aria had prevented it.
"Ari, did you feel that?" Calliope was shaking and I only just realised the aura that had surrounded the forest.
What is that?
There was movement ahead of us and I pulled us to a stop and pushed Calliope behind me instantly. The next thing I knew, there was a tall, slender brunette with blazing blue eyes standing before me. Her sudden appearance had shocked me, I wasn't even able to sense her approach, and her eyes and presence were so hypnotising. I found myself unable to move, even when she approached me, swaying her hips sensually. All of a sudden, her lips were on mine.
"Arizona!" I could hear Calliope's outraged voice, but I couldn't move. The brunette stroked her hand across my cheek and I was paralysed. I could feel myself getting weaker and when I opened my eyes, not even aware that I had closed them in the first place, I saw a stream of energy passing between our lips. I recognised it instantly as my life force.
She's a succubus!
The spell was broken when Calliope forcefully shoved the brunette off of me, and when she turned to me I saw the anger and rage, and possible jealousy, all over her face. I grimaced and closed my eyes, fearful of her next action.
Well shit.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" I tentatively peeked at her with one eye and realised that she wasn't talking to me, but rather the brunette who was still on the floor, smirking at Calliope.
"Wow, she tastes…" The brunette trailed off with a moan that made me blush brightly and made Calliope's anger flare up even more. "No wonder you don't want to share." She threw a wink at Calliope, which really wasn't helping the current situation.
Calliope grabbed her by the lapels of her jacket, forcing the brunette to her feet, and slammed her against a tree, growling dangerously under her breath. She didn't even flinch, she merely raised a hand to rest against Calliope's arm and stroked softly as a faint glow surrounded her hand.
Fuck, she's trying to sway her.
I had to react quickly, and before I knew it I had sent out a low-level energy bolt between them, separating them both by force. I then flashed in front of the brunette and grabbed her arm before she could reach out for Calliope again.
"Touch her again and I'll destroy you." I growled into her face. She smirked before reversing the grip I had on her and grabbed onto my wrist, trying to pulse me. I felt Artemis' presence appear and I relinquished control without question. The brunette's eyes widened in surprise and fear when she realised her sway was having no effect on me. My eyes blazed purple and I growled at her again. "Not this time."
"Jesus, what the hell are you?" She breathed out in awe as she stared into my eyes hungrily. "You're so strong." She licked her lips in anticipation as she leaned forward. I pushed out of her grip and summoned my sword, planting it on her shoulder.
"She's a Vampire." An amused voiced answered instead and the brunette's lips widened into a bright grin.
"Oh, I haven't had one of those in ages."
I snapped around and released a lightning bolt into the direction where the voice came from. There was a chuckle as a figure flipped from the tree branch and landed gracefully and elegantly. "You missed."
From the corner of my eye I could see Calliope tensing up, preparing herself for a fight, and I could feel myself beam with pride. I was proud of Calliope for standing up rather than flinching at the new arrival. She was finally adapting to our kind of lifestyle, and dare I say it, but an angry, rearing for battle Calliope was ridiculously hot.
As the new arrival came closer, I caught wind of her scent. "Hybrid!" I sneered out, to which she just chuckled in return.
"Not quite, but close enough."
"Selene, darling, you're ruining my fun." The brunette who was still pinned under my sword pouted at her companion.
"Oh Bethany, you don't stand a chance against her." Selene then turned and bowed in a theatrical manner, "My Lord, Artemis."
"You know who I am?" I asked, ignoring the gasp that came from Bethany.
"Of course, the aura of a Royal bloodline is quite unique." She sounded amused, almost as if she was mocking me.
"You are so certain of who I am, and there's vampire all over you. If you're not a Hybrid, then who the hell are you?"
She chuckled at me again and I felt Artemis straining for the control I had taken away. Even Artemis was getting pissed off by Selene's attitude, though I couldn't blame her, the Succubus was blatantly mocking me.
"What you're sensing, my Lord, is the scent of my mate." She finally answered and Calliope and I exchanged confused glances.
I was caught off guard when I noticed the appearance of another aura approaching rapidly. I prepared myself for the worse, but was surprised when a familiar face appeared behind Selene, arms wrapping tightly around the smirking Succubus and planting a kiss on her neck.
"Hey babe, you're early."
"Or, you're late." Selene chuckled in return, tilting her head and offering an easier access to her neck, to which her mate willingly sunk her fangs into.
"Clio?" Calliope and I asked in bewilderment.
Addison p.o.v
The sun shining brightly through the windows woke me up and I groaned in protest. I turned in Teddy's arms and poked her on the nose, causing her to scrunch up her face adorably. I continued until she finally woke up, glaring at me with half lidded, sleepy eyes.
"Why, Addie? Why?" She protested with a husky voice, sending shivers down my back at the proximity.
"You forgot to close the curtains, again." I whined. "It woke me up, so now you have to suffer with me."
She rolled over and buried her head into the pillow. "Adddddddie! I'm tired." She moaned, voice slightly muffled by the pillow. "You got to sleep yesterday, but I had to help Arizona with last minute preparations. I only got to bed-" she lifted her head to gaze at the clock which had a bright '07:00' shining back at her, "-two hours ago!"
"What were you doing that took that long?" I asked curiously.
"Arizona had given me some more instructions seeing as I'm helping Terri whilst Arizona and Callie's not here."
"Fine, fine. You get to sleep some more!" I conceded with a dramatic sigh.
"No point now. I've gotta go do rounds."
"Erm… Rounds? You know you're not at SGMW now right?" I furrowed my brows at her.
"Yeah, but I gotta go make sure the soldiers and guards aren't slacking off. That's my job for today." She replied with a heave as she forced herself out of bed and into the bathroom.
Teddy had temporarily abandoned me to go do her rounds, so I wandered aimlessly into the garden where I was met with Terri and Aria sitting by the table, holding hands. They were having a conversation with low voices, but there was a look of content of both their faces and soft smiles as well. Aria leaned in for a kiss, to which Terri happily granted, I felt myself flush when Terri's eyes met mine and memories of the previous night came rushing back.
"Morning Addie, you're early." Aria's voice broke me out of my daze and I saw that they were now both turned in my direction.
"M-morning." I scolded myself for stuttering and prayed that they couldn't see the blush that had bloomed on my face. I moved forward and took a seat beside Aria when she gestured for me and avoided eye contact with Terri. "T-Teddy had to go do rounds this morning, so I thought I'd get up with her." Okay, so it wasn't technically a lie. I mean, Teddy did have rounds and I did get up at the same time as her.
Terri arched a brow and smirked at me, obviously not buying the story and I felt the heat spreading again.
"Mommy!" I breathed a sigh of relief when Lindsey's voice came from the door. She came running in dragging an exasperated Erica and Lexie by the hand, she quickly dropped their hands and jumped into Terri's arms. "Morning mommy!" She gave her a cheeky grin before planting a wet and loud kiss onto her cheek. "Morning Aria!" She gestured for Aria to lean forward before repeating the motion.
"Morning Sweetie." Aria replied sweetly.
"Morning baby, you're up early. Did Erica wake you up?" Terri gave a teasing grin when she saw the grumpiness that was Erica.
"More like she woke me up because she couldn't wait to play with Leo." Erica replied dryly. "I have no idea how she has this much energy after last night."
"Wait, didn't Lindsey sleep with you guys last night?" I asked Aria.
"Nope. T needed to heal, so Lindsey stayed with Erica." The nonchalance in her voice shocked me. I couldn't believe that they would so easily hand over something that Terri prized to someone like Erica. I eyed her sceptically, doubt and mistrust lingering in my mind.
"Well well, looks like everyone's up." Lana appeared, strolling lazily to us, with Leo faithfully following a step behind.
"Leo!" Lindsey screamed happily, receiving a happy yelp in return. "Can I play with Leo mommy?"
"Have you had breakfast yet?" She pouted when she shook her head, and as if on cue, her stomach began to rumble, drawing a laugh from Terri. "Lana, Erica, go feed the beast for me?" They both nodded and led the child away.
"Aria, Lexie, can you go and make sure Tim and Mark are still alive? They seemed pretty out of it when I checked in on them last night." They quickly left and I was left alone with Terri.
I internally debated whether or not to ask Terri about what happened last night whilst she calmly sipped at the tea in front of her. "Um…Terri?" I moved into the seat that Aria had previously occupied, trying to keep my voice low so no one could hear.
"Hmm?"
"Can I ask you something?"
"You may."
"There's something I was wondering about… I don't even know what it was, but something about yesterday. And then you fed off Aria and I was… ah…" I rambled slightly as I struggled to voice all my thoughts into a proper sentence.
"Mesmerised?" Terri added helpfully and I was shocked when I felt her breath against my ear. "Hypnotised? Enraptured? Captivated? Enthralled?" With each word I felt a puff of breathe against my ear, moving lower to my cheek, and then my neck. Her voice was husky and low and it sent shivers done my back. She had a hand on my cheek, stroking it gently as she spoke and I found myself frozen, willingly submitting to her voice and actions. "Aroused?" She whispered as her fang grazed against my pulse and I forced myself to stifle the moan that was threatening to escape. Everything about her was so seductive right now, her aura, her gentle caress, her breathe against my skin and her fangs grazing so sensually against my pulse. There was no doubt that I was aroused now.
She drew back and chuckled at my involuntary react. "So that's a yes?"
I almost had whiplash at the sudden change in mood. Perhaps this was what Arizona was talking about when she said Terri might have bipolar disorder?
"The answer's actually pretty simple. The draw of the Royal's blood is hard to resist."
"Wait, that's it?" She really wasn't kidding when she said it was simple.
"Yep, that's it."
"But what about Erica?"
"She's a Royal herself."
"Okay, Lexie?"
"Blood-bonded sister, so half blooded Royal." She seemed to be enjoying to a tad too much, much to my annoyance.
"Okay, what about Teddy then?"
"I was her sire. So she'd fed from me before."
"Aria?"
"She feeds from me quite regularly." I blushed at the suggestive tone in her voice and quickly moved on.
"Fine, what about Caleb and Lauren? I mean, I know they're not Vampires, but how come they weren't effected?"
She stared at me for moments before tilting her head slightly. "You just answered your own question. They're not Vampires. Clan members are most drawn to their own Leader's bloodline. Not to mention they don't usually feed on members from other Clans. Well except for the Succubi."
"Succubi?"
"The plural version of Succubus? Arizona and Callie have gone to their Clan today?"
"Oh…right." From what I'd heard Succubi had the art of seduction down to a t, and being under their sway was supposed to be a very pleasurable experience.
"Wanna know what it feels like?" Terri asked randomly, completely confusing me.
"Know what what feels like?"
"Do you want to know what it feels like when a Royal feeds from you? How it tastes? What it feels like to have a Royal's blood coursing through your veins feels like?" She suggested with a smirk and I felt my entire body heat up at the idea. Her arm suddenly shot around my neck, pulling me into her and her fangs sunk in. I gasped out at first, but was then taken over by an overwhelming sense of pleasure as her presence appeared in my mind. She drew back after a minute or so and without another word she drew her right index finger over the vein at her left wrist, creating a deep wound that started bleeding rapidly. She offered it up to me and without even realising it I had started licking my lips.
My lips touched her surprisingly soft skin and the moment the taste of her blood touched my tongue I started to slurp hungrily. I felt the wounds at my neck seal shut instantly. The power rushing through my veins was unbelievable; I could feel my body vibrating from the intensity of it.
This…This is the power of a Royal? It's amazing.
I moaned out in pleasure, one that quickly turned into a groan of protest when she removed her wrist. She raised her wrist to her own mouth and licked the remaining trail of blood as the wound sealed quickly.
"Fun?" She smiled cheekily at me, blood-covered fangs staring right at me. I could only stare at her as I slowly came off of the high I had gotten from her blood. It was like a drug.
"That…was amazing." I murmured as I came out of my haze.
"Do you understand what the draw is now?"
"And I also hope you understand that that belongs only to me." There was a teasing lilt to the new voice and I turned to see Aria standing there with a smirk on her face. Mark, Tim and Lexie had also arrived, all staring at me with varying levels of amusement, though I'm pretty sure Mark's had a more perverted hint than the others.
"Why, are you jealous?" Terri teased.
"Pfft, not a chance. I do, however, like to remind people, every now and again, that you belong to me." She walked up to Terri and linked their arms together. "However, I think you should handle that first." She pointed to my still frozen form. The power had yet to fade and I didn't know what to do with the sudden on rush of power.
Arizona p.o.v
"Clio? What the hell are you doing here?" I was beyond puzzled at her appearance and her apparent familiarity with the Selene the succubus.
"Uh-" Clio looked up, fangs still bloody, with wide eyes and shock. "Fancy meeting you here." She chuckled sheepishly as she took a huge step away from Selene.
"Right, so why are you here?" I repeated impatiently.
"The Crown sent me?" She replied hesitantly.
"Are you asking me or telling me?" I smirked at her.
"Uh, telling." Clio replied adamantly, "but boy, you sure are quick, I left only minutes after you, you know?"
"Wait, Selene, you said Clio was your mate? Does Terri know?" I wasn't sure how other Clans saw Hybrids, so I was concerned over their wellbeing.
"Does she know?" Selene scoffed, "when she caught us, she laughed in our faces for about ten minutes."
"Wait, really?" Calliope asked through her giggles. "Hold on. What do you mean by 'caught you'?"
Clio blushed and looked away and my brows rose. "Nothing like that." She spluttered. "We were just together and sort of cuddling and kissing." She refused to make eye contact with anyone and I found it quite amusing considering her usual carefree, and confident manner.
"She didn't say anything at all?" I asked.
"When she found us, she kinda just looked at us and whilst we were panicking and trying to come up with excuses and explanations, she just burst out into laughter." Clio whined.
"She was convinced that we'd broken her." Selene giggled whilst gesturing at a sheepish Clio.
"She was fourteen! And still just a child! I wasn't sure how she would take it. Regardless of what she had become when she became the Crown, she was still innocent." She defended.
"But she was so sweet, and not only did she accept us being together, she even offered me sanctuary when my mother kicked me out." Selene added.
"Why did she kick you out?" I asked, even though I'd assumed that mingling with members of the other Clan would most likely be the culprit.
"When she heard that I'd mated with one from another Clan, she was furious and had me removed from our Clan. It doesn't help that Clio is a Vampire either, and Zeus being the reason Hybrids were banished means fuel to the fire. And it just so happens that my mother is the Leader of our Clan." Selene answered, nudging Clio with her shoulder.
"Wow, go Clio."
"Arizona!" Calliope scolded and I gave her a sheepish smile. Of all the Succubi in the Clan, Clio just so happened to mate with one of the daughters of the Leader. I guess Calliope wasn't as impressed as I was.
"Right, I mean, what happened then? I mean obviously everything's okay considering you're here now." I corrected.
"Athena offered me shelter when everyone turned their back on me, so I am forever indebted to her. But she also saved my Clan. There was a virus spreading amongst our Clan, I think some of the other Clans also had it, but they had their own means to heal. We didn't, and the other Clans weren't looking to help us and not even feeding helped us heal. We were at a loss, and it became worse when my mother contracted the illness too. She went hysterical and lost her mind, and she went stumbling into the forest in hopes to avoid anyone else contracting it. That's actually where she bumped into Athena, who had been on her way to try and convince my mother to take me back. By that time, I had been banished for about two years. When Athena bumped into my mother, she tried to steal her energy to sustain her own life."
"She tried to feed off of Terri?" Calliope asked in horror. "She must have a death wish."
"Well, to be fair she didn't know who it was. She could only sense a strong aura, but Athena didn't stop her. She allowed my mother to continue until some of her strength had returned before pushing her off. I think my mother was amazed that Athena wasn't affected by her sway and she had the will to push away a Succubus. Athena tended to my mother until she had settled, and when my mother told her what was wrong, she offered to help without question. My mother wanted to accept, but when she found out who Athena was, she was enraged and tried to kill her."
"A serious death wish then?" Calliope interrupted as Clio chuckled, silently agreeing with her.
"Apparently Athena knew who my mother was when they first met and allowed the feeding, so that pissed her off even more. They sort of had a scuffle, though my mother really wasn't in any condition to fight and just ended up weakening herself even more. Athena became sort of exasperated because she wasn't listening and essentially forced her to submit by pinning her to the ground. Obviously my mother wasn't too happy to find herself beaten by a sixteen-year-old Vampire, even if it was a Royal Blooded one. But she didn't really have the option to protest because Athena slit her palm and fed her blood to my mother."
"Just like that?" My curiosity peaked, "no questions? Even after she tried to kill her?"
"Like I said, Athena was getting tired of her suggestions falling of death ears and said that if my mother wanted a fight, then it needs to be a fair fight at least. Of course with her blood's healing abilities, my mother found herself absolutely mystified when all the symptoms of the virus had disappeared. She then became conflicted. On the one hand Athena had cured the illness that had already killed many of our people, but on the other hand her hatred of the Vampires was still so strong. Athena offered to send her healers to have a look over the Clan, to which my mother reluctantly accepted, and when she found out the real reason Athena had trespassed on our territory, my mother insisted that she would not use the welfare of her people as a bargaining chip for me to return."
"The Crown kinda just scoffed, like she was insulted by the idea and said she had confidence in her own ability to convince her to allow Selene back and wouldn't result to such underhanded means." Clio added with a grin. "She sure knocked your mother off her high horse though didn't she?" She elbowed Selene lightly as she teased her mate.
"I think Athena's persistence and her hands on approach to ensuring the Vampire healers did their job properly impressed my mother. My mother was originally worried about the healers because we weren't one of them, but Athena made sure she was around to supervise and even punished one of them for manhandling a particularly difficult patient. She gained my mother's respect and trust on that day and once she found out that Clio was one of Athena's personal guardians; I think it alleviated some of her worries. She even followed Athena back to where I was staying to invite me home, and they both agreed that they wouldn't stop us from meeting anymore."
"Wow. Okay, so in that case, why are you here instead of Terri?" I was impressed by Terri's selflessness. Although, if Terri had such a strong connection with the Leader, then why wasn't she here convincing them instead of me?
"Well, it's your job isn't it? You've gotta start pulling your own weight around here now, Artemis, you can't expect the Crown to do everything for you." I was annoyed by Clio's tone, but I understood what she was trying to say.
"Fine, lead the way Selene." I acceded.
Maybe this was why Terri was so reluctant to let me leave straightaway. She needed time to arrange for help.
We were the recipients of many curious stares and whispers as Selene and Bethany led us through the town to their mother. We'd learned that Bethany and Selene were sisters, which explained why the people had all bowed their heads lightly at the sight of them. Clio was also greeted with friendly gestures and warm smiles. I guess they weren't kidding when they said the Clan accepted Clio's position as Selene's mate.
I glanced between Clio and Selene and smiled. They'd been together for almost two years and mated for one before Terri found out, which meant that they'd been together for almost seventeen years now. That's almost two decades… I wonder if Calliope and I will still be like them twenty years from now?
I look to my left to find Calliope looking around in awe at the marble statues that aligned the pathway to the main house where we would find the Leader. The way her eyes glittered in delight and the smile that never left her face since we stepped into the town was stunning, and I felt myself falling deeper in love with her.
"What's the matter?" I snapped out of my daze to see Calliope staring at me curiously.
"Nothing."
"You're staring at me." She smiled and I pulled her closer to my side.
"I really love you. That's all." I kissed her lips lightly and she giggled.
"I love you too. Maybe being around all of these Succubus' isn't such a good idea. You've become so clingy." She gestured to my possessive arm that was around her waist.
"I just want to let them know that you're off limits. You're mine and only I get to taste you." I winked at her as a sly smile appeared on my face and she blushed brightly.
"Sorry to interrupt." Clio teased when she saw Calliope's red face, "but we're here now."
You can do this. Terri wouldn't have let you if she thought otherwise. I'm Arizona Robbins, I've got this.
I braced myself before walking into the hall of the main house with as much confidence as I could muster.
"Welcome Lord Artemis, Lady Calliope, to my humble abode." The voice was dark and smoky, and I could feel the power just through her voice. "My name is Lucinda McCorrigan, and I am the Queen of this Clan."
"Queen Lucinda, thank you for seeing us." I replied quickly, silently taking in the woman before me. She was tall and looked surprisingly young, she had long black hair that hung freely down her back and sharp blue eyes that were studying my every movement.
"Clio, it's been a while since you've visited me. How is that Master of yours doing?"
"Lu-" Clio was cut off by Lucinda's narrowed eyes and she coughed quickly. "Uh… Mom. Yeah, uh… Athena's doing good, well, really great even. She's asked me to pass along her greetings."
Lucinda smirked at Clio's stuttering. "Really now Clio, you'd think after all this time you would have gotten used to calling me 'mom' by now. I mean you've been mated to Selene for over a decade now."
"Yes ma'am. Sorry ma'am." Clio replied instantly. I briefly wondered if she was going to salute as well. It was hilarious how docile and how much of a fumbling mess she became around her mate's mother.
"Queen Lucinda, I'm sure you're already aware of my reason for being here and I-" Lucinda held up a hand and cut me off.
"Yes, I am aware, and I believe that this is a conversation most suited to be held in the meeting room. My guests are already getting impatient."
Without another word, she turned and walked off down the hall, wordlessly commanding us to follow.
Guests? What guests?
I shared a confused glance with Calliope before hurrying to follow Lucinda. When we entered through the large oak doors, we were greeted by a group of twelve people, some of who were seated around the large table in the centre of the room, each giving off an intimidating and aloof aura. I was shocked to see Caleb and Lauren both seated amongst the group and even more shocked to see Lana and Erica standing silently behind a brunette male and a red haired woman.
"What's going on?" I asked warily.
"Allow me to introduce." Lucinda spoke up from her position at the head of the table. "To my left Evangeline Aeon and beside her are Luna and Benjamin Winters. To my right Adam and Stella Geirolf, and I'm sure you're already acquainted with Caleb and Lauren Randall."
I stood there silently; mouth agape as I stared at the eyes watching me. Lucinda had somehow managed to gather all the Leaders into one room and now not only did I have to try and convince Lucinda to join the United Council, I had to try to persuade all five Clans in one go.
"Behind Evangeline are her children: Layla, Nicholas and Lucius, they've accompanied their mother to this little meeting of ours. Now, please take a seat and let's get started shall we?" Lucinda continued and I stumbled my way to the other end of the table.
Lana shot me a quick wink as I struggled to find my words, not quite yet able to drop my deer in headlights look. A hand landed on my thigh under the table, squeezing slightly and I looked up to see Calliope mouth 'breathe' at me.
I inhaled deeply, closing my eyes, trying to compose my thoughts. The Court was counting on me, Terri was counting on me and I couldn't let them down. I finally opened my eyes and channelled the Leader persona I had found when I become the interim Crown.
"Queen Lucinda, most honourable Leaders from Clans: Aeon, Winters, Geirolf and Randall." I started in the most confident tone I could muster. "I am here today as a representative from my Clan to talk about the reformation of the United Council."
I had barely started anything when protests came from the different Clans. They were arguing and shouting over each other as they disagreed or tried to explain why the Council was a bad idea.
"I'm guessing they don't like the idea then?" Calliope asked through our mental link.
"I guess not. But I didn't think they hated Vampires that much. I'm pretty sure that most of their protests and complaints are about us."
"As you can see, Artemis." Lucinda started once the voices had faded. "We cannot seem to reach an agreement on this issue. The simple fact is: Vampires can not be trusted."
"B-but Terri-"
"We trust Teresa, but she is not here now, nor is she that one trying to persuade us to join the United Council. Give me one good reason why I should join."
"It's not just for my Clans' sake, it's for all of us. Hades' strength is building each and every day and his current ability to create Hybrids is going to be a problem for all of us."
"It all returns to the issue of Hybrids in the end doesn't it?" Benjamin Winters growled out. "If Zeus hadn't ordered the culling of them all those years ago, this meeting wouldn't be necessary. And besides, it's his problem for not being able to control his own brother. Why should we be the ones to clean up his mess?"
"If I may?" Caleb spoke up. "Hades has tried to destroy the Randall Clan, and if it wasn't for Zeus' intervention, then I can honestly say that Lauren and I wouldn't be sitting here today. Hades is no longer an issue that affect the Vampire Clan, he's become someone that we should all be wary of."
"Whilst that may be true, Zeus' interest in the Randall Clan is rather personal isn't it? I mean, you share a child with Teresa, and he needs her in his Court. So to say that he 'willingly' aided another Clan would be quite farfetched wouldn't it?" Lucinda rebuked.
"True. However, Teresa remained in the dark when the plan to fool Hades was made. In fact, she almost destroyed half of his Court because of it. He took a risk for us, so shouldn't we repay the favour?"
"He took a risk for you." Benjamin corrected. "He's done nothing for us. The Vampires have done nothing but terrorise my Clan and I refuse to protect them."
"They've protected your daughter, Benjamin." Caleb shot back. "Lana is still alive today because of them."
"No, Teresa is the reason, and she just so happens to be a Vampire."
"It's the same damn thing!"
"Guys, this isn't about favours. This is about the welfare of our future. If we don't do anything about Hades, we'll all perish, and then there'll be no discussion about who owes who what." I intercepted carefully.
"Then we can form our own plan of attacks against him."
"With the Hybrids he's created now, you won't be able to beat him. We need to unite and combine our resources. His Hybrids are unpredictable and they're not just mixed with Vampires, he's taken men and women from all of our Clans and has mixed their DNA. Right now, we can't just assume that his soldiers are Vampire-Witch Hybrid, or Vampire-Elf Hybrid. Trust me, I've fought against a few of his soldiers and was easily overpowered because I'd underestimated them." I insisted.
"That's because you're young and weak." He shot back and I had to be physically restrained by Calliope. "From what I've heard, you've spent years away from your home and hiding your true nature. There's no way a Vampire like you, even of Royal Blood, has the power to fight back."
I was speechless because there was no way to come back from that. He was right. I'd watched as Caleb, Lauren, Erica, and Lana took down the Hybrids when I was too weak to fight.
"That's not true. Artemis had not been forewarned of their power and had been caught off guard. Had Teresa not warned us of the Hybrids, I can assure you that even Caleb and I would have struggled against them. Not to mention we had additional help from another Vampire Royal and a Hybrid on our own side." Lauren defended on my behalf.
"Lauren, you're being too biased. Your heart and mind has been weakened from your bond with Teresa. You aren't thinking rationally." Adam Geirolf scolded.
"No daddy, you're the one who's not thinking rationally. You're being blinded by your hatred towards the Vampires. But if it wasn't because of their existence in the first place, then Lindsey, David and I would be dead today." Lauren replied instantly.
"Wait, 'daddy'? Did I hear that right?" Calliope asked me.
"Yeah, Lauren and David were originally part of the Geirolf Clan. But Lauren married Caleb, and David joined the Randall Clan to look after Lauren." I answered quickly. I had only learned of this fact last night and my reaction was pretty much the same as Calliope's: equal amounts of shock and awe.
"Biased or not, this isn't about Teresa, this is about helping Zeus, which I am still against. The blood of hundreds of men and women are on his hands, innocent men and women." Benjamin interrupted.
Erica suddenly stood forward and made her way to stand beside me.
"I know that this is not my place to speak. But the deaths of those men, women and children are not to be placed upon Zeus' head. It was my father, who provoked and encouraged Zeus to take action, and you may not know about it, but my father has the power of voice. He can make you do something against your will, without even knowing if it's right or wrong. Zeus never had a reason to doubt Hades until after the order was placed, and because of that, he trusted him making it easy for him to find his opportunity to influence Zeus. Whilst I'm not saying that Zeus is one hundred per cent innocent, I need you to understand that the blame should be placed on Hades." Erica's tone was respectful yet filled with confidence and I felt the doubt and scepticism I still had of her fade slightly.
"And why should we trust you?" Luna Winters spoke up for the first time since the heated debate began.
"I don't have a reason. But if the only thing stopping you all from joining the United Council against Hades is the mistake our Clan made against the Hybrids, then I feel that you should all truly understand where to place the blame." Erica then took a step backwards and shocked us all when she dropped down to one knee. "And if that's the case, I'm willing to bear any and all retribution that you think is needed, on behalf of my father."
"You speak on behalf of Hades, yet you dare stand in this room to try to convince us to fight against him? What is your angle?" Luna asked incredulously.
"No, I am here for the sake of the Crown. I no longer have any ties to Hades other than the blood that's in my body. I live and die by the Crown, but I am also the closest thing to Hades in this room right now. And if quelling your anger from the long lasting grudge means you'll listen to Artemis and the idea of the United Council, so be it."
"Erica, don't." I pleaded. "It's not worth it."
"Give me a chance to repent for my sins. I have lived by my father's will for too long, I have killed, maimed, and tortured, all for his sake. I've never had the chance to make my own choice in life, so give me this one chance, Arizona." I was too shocked by her use of my name to even speak. She had never once referred to me as anything other than 'Princess' or even an occasional 'Artemis', so for her to use it now just served to prove the gravity of the situation.
"What if I said that in order to quell our anger, I wanted your life?" Lucinda calmly spoke from the head of the table as she studied Erica. "Would you still be so willing to accept?"
"If that is what must be done, however I do ask that you wait until after the battle with Hades is won before you take it."
"And what if I said that I didn't want you to die, but instead I want you to suffer the pain and humiliation we did, and I wanted you to experience it for the rest of your long life?"
Erica raised her head and levelled her eyes with those of Lucinda's, and when she spoke her voice was calm and filled with confidence and resolve. "My answer would still be the same." There were gasps and murmurs that surrounded the room as the Leaders began to chatter amongst themselves.
"Why?" Lucinda continued, seemingly unfazed by Erica's will. "Why would you go to such efforts?"
"Because Teresa believed in me enough to free me from my bonds and welcome me into her home, a home that has been built upon trust, respect and love. She accepted me for who I am and saw what others had not; she offered me sanctuary when none other would even consider leaving me alive. Because I want to see a world where wars and division are a thing of the past and all that remains is peace and unity. Because I don't want to see my father tear apart what Teresa and Timothy has worked so hard to create. And most importantly, because I owe my life to someone I have tried to kill countless times before, yet has never given up on me. I'm sure you understand what I mean, Teresa has gone beyond the call of duty for all of you, even though you've all tried to kill her because of her link to Zeus."
The nods around the room confirmed Erica's statement, and I was oddly amused to see how many people had tried to kill Terri, yet she still offered to help them after. The room then dropped into silence and second after second passed by mercilessly before the Leaders came to a decision.
"We will accept the offer from Styx and are all willing to listen to your idea Artemis."
Aria p.o.v
"Babe, are you worried about Arizona and Callie?" I asked from my place on the couch in her office.
"Why? Should I be? I mean, I sure the other Leaders won't eat them or anything." She chuckled lightly, but it sounded so faked.
"I only ask because you've been really restless, but in a really passive way. You suddenly get this faraway look, like you're really deep in thought with scrunched up eyebrows and everything and it's like you just drop out of the realm of reality. Are you okay?" I had been watching her for the past three hours as she picked up her pen to start her paperwork, only to drop it back down with a deep sigh and then stare out the window, lost in her thoughts, before repeating the motion all over again. And if I'm being honest, it was starting to annoy me.
"I know I shouldn't be, considering I've already sent a message for them all to gather at Lucinda's manor, and Lana, Erica, Caleb and Lauren are there. I even sent Clio to grant her direct access to Lucinda. But I guess I'm just worried that Arizona won't be able to handle all of the Leaders at once. Did I make a mistake in doing that?"
I got up and made my way over to her side, taking a seat on the edge of her desk and caressing her cheek gently. "Baby, you did the right thing. If they can see each other to agree to the Council, then it means less work for Arizona. But that's not the only thing you're worried about is it?"
"I don't like being under prepared. And I know that the other Leaders like it even less than I do, they'll feel like they're being ambushed and that'll make defences rise even faster than you could imagine."
"And?" I encouraged, by now I knew her well enough to know when she was hiding something.
"Erica." She admitted with a sigh. "I'm worried about how her relationship with Hades and her presence at the talk is going to affect the Leaders."
She was getting herself worked up again over 'what ifs', so I leaned forward and kissed her, hoping to calm her down.
"You trust her right?" I asked, knowing full well what her answer was going to be.
"You know I do." She replied in a whisper.
"Then trust that she'll do the right thing." She sighed in defeat and nodded reluctantly. I kissed her again and patted her cheek lightly after we broke apart.
"Good, now get this paperwork done already, we have a date with Lindsey later remember."
"Yes ma'am."
Arizona p.o.v
"The idea is that we separate soldiers into groups, and each group will have equal amounts of members from the different Clans. This way we can ensure that we'll at least have a fighting chance against any surprises he may have. Combining our defensive barriers can also raise the protection we have amongst our homes and protect those who are not fighting: family members and children." I repeated the suggested proposal Terri, Tim and I had formed last night, hoping that I hadn't left out anything crucial.
"We can strengthen our offense and defence by mixing our members together. We'll have the upper hand because no matter what kind of Hybrid comes our way, we'll be prepared." Lauren added, to which I gave her a grateful smile.
"Also, we would like to examine the Hybrids we have on our side. We want to see if we can find any weaknesses that Hades' soldiers may have or perhaps any flaws that may have appeared during the combining of the DNA. We know that the results may differ to Hades' soldiers seeing as his as genetically engineered, whereas any Hybrids we may come across on this side were accidentally created via Terri's blood. But perhaps we could find a link or a connection of some sort." I suggested, before hurrying to add on, "if the other Clan Leaders are comfortable with is that is."
"Who are the known Hybrids on our side at the moment?" Stella Geirolf asked.
"Lindsey from the Randall Clan, and Lauren is also a partial Hybrid, and also Lana from the Winters Clan. I think that's all that I know of right now." I replied hesitantly. Terri and I hadn't really covered that topic, so I honestly have no idea how many Hybrids there are right now.
"I believe you should also add on Lana's younger brother Hayden to your list, as well as Layla and Lucius from my own Clan, and Lucinda's youngest: Helena as well." Evangeline Aeon informed and I nodded as I scribbled down their names quickly.
"Well, Terri really got around didn't she?" Calliope teased and I forced myself not to laugh out loud. "And it seems like she only went after the children of the Leaders. Go big or go home right?"
"Calliope, stop!" I playfully scolded as I tried to force away the laughter. Erica's low chuckle beside me told me that she had also overheard, but had the luxury of not needing to keep up the stoic persona that the other Leaders' seemed to possess.
"Also, may I propose another idea?" Evangeline continued. "I will willingly join the United Council, but on one condition."
I furrowed my brows in confusion and looked over at Lauren and Caleb who seemed equally puzzled. "What would that be?"
"Now I believe that the other Leaders will agree with me when I say that I will join the Council, provided that Teresa stands as the representative for the Vampires." The Leaders' nodded their heads in approval of the suggestion and I was at a loss for words.
Shit, shit! What do I do? I can't give them my word on this, Zeus would never agree. Shit! Terri, why didn't you come instead? Dammit!
"B-but the Council is made of the Leaders from each Clan?" I asked tentatively.
"I am well aware, but I'm sure that you are also aware that Teresa has more standing amongst your Clan than your King does?" Evangeline smirked at my goldfish impression.
Well done, check mate.
Adam Geirolf scoffed in a disappointed manner. "You can't expect to leave your Clan without a leader for twenty years and not have some repercussions. I was actually surprised Teresa gave the throne back to Zeus without protest. That's how he trained her to be though, and it's disappointing how much he's supressed her talent and ability. Such a shame and a waste."
"Perhaps, but I can assure you that the Court respects Terri and listens for her opinion more than they do Zeus." Calliope suddenly spoke up. "I had only come to this conclusion just the other day when Terri spoke against the King and the Court agreed and waited for her instruction. And even though I've been warned that it's probably treason so even suggest it, but I think Terri is more King than Zeus is, so I'm not surprised you want Terri on the Council."
"Really Calliope? You choose now to bring that back up?" I asked dryly.
"Your woman's got guts, saying something like that in a place like this." Erica added in an amused voice.
"What? It's true!" Calliope protested.
"That may be true, but this is so not the place to discuss that!" I protested.
Our mental conversation was cut short when Adam howled with laughter. The other Leaders also laughed albeit in a more demure manner than Adam. Lauren winked at me when she saw the disbelief on my face and Caleb grinned cheekily at Calliope.
"Oh I like that. She's more King that Zeus you say? That's brilliant! What's your name?" Adam asked.
"Calliope Torres, sir."
"Ah, Artemis' mate? I hear that your sister is Teresa's mate? I do hope she's as ballsy as you are, someone's gotta keep Teresa on her toes." He grinned at us, all previous signs of the mighty and fearful Alpha of the Geirolf Clan disappearing as the conversation shifted to Terri.
"I can assure you that she's definitely more fiery and 'ballsy' than I am. Her name's Ariadne, by the way." Calliope replied with a warm smile as we both relaxed seeing the atmosphere in the room had also shifted.
"That's very good. Now, when shall we meet?" He asked.
"Excuse me?" Was that not we were doing now? Did I miss something?
"To make this official, we all need to sign the treaty. We'll come to your Court in two days, it'll give you enough time to report back to Zeus and for him to accept the idea of Teresa taking his place." Lucinda suggested and I agreed immediately.
As we were leaving the room, I noticed the significant lack of Clio and Erica. I halted instantly and turned to their direction in question.
"Oh, the Crown has permitted me to stay until we gather back in the Court." Clio said from her position beside Selene and Lucinda.
"Right. Erica?"
"I'm not allowed to leave without Lana." Erica replied gruffly as Lana didn't seem to be leaving anytime soon seeing as she was lost in conversation with her parents.
"We're coming with you though." Caleb appeared from my left with Lauren in tow. "Otherwise Lindsey and David will never want to come home ever again. I mean I don't mind if David stays, you can keep him, but I want my baby back."
Lauren rolled her eyes, "he's still annoyed because Lindsey said that Teresa is more fun, and now with Aria in the fold, he doesn't think he stands a chance."
"Hey, don't forget Lexie too! Lindsey spends all day with Aria and Lexie and tells me all the fun and playful things they do. A man's ego gets bruised you know? It's because Teresa is younger! She practically a child herself!" He pouted and earned a light slap from his wife.
"You have to ignore him. He feels the need to play the Alpha even in our odd family situation. He doesn't like to admit that he feels emasculated by Teresa." She stage whispered and winked at us.
"Do not!" he protested childishly.
"Well, she's younger, faster, stronger, sweeter, more adorable and more romantic, and from what Aria tells me, pretty great in bed too. Hmm, maybe I'll ask if Aria doesn't mind sharing if Lindsey decides to stay." Lauren teased.
"Wha? Hey! I can be romantic, and sweet! And I really don't want to hear about her 'performance'." He shuddered.
I raised my hand in agreement and also shuddered. "Me neither. I'm happy to go on with life without ever knowing how she 'performs'."
"Are you trying to tell us something Arizona?" Lauren smiled devilishly at me. Who knew she had this side to her?
"I don't know about anyone else, but I never have anything to complain about. I'm always a satisfied customer." Calliope replied with a wink as she and Lauren both walked off in giggles.
Caleb's arm came around my shoulder as he shook his head sympathetically. "I know how you feel." He said when I failed to close the mouth that had dropped at Calliope's reply. "Now that is a conversation I never want to participate in." He added as he pointed in the direction of our mates who seemed to be completely lost in their giggles and hushed whispers.
"You and me both, Caleb." I agreed.