Finally! I can upload this! I'm quite happy with how this chapter turned out, if I do say so myself. Quick thing though, before you read this chapter, go reread chapters 4 and 6 because I've changed some things that wouldn't have made sense later on in the story.

Seriously, do it.

Tori POV

We had a feeling Amanda knew what we were the moment she saw us, but that doesn't make it any easier. We're used to being outcast because of what we are, not welcomed with open arms. So when Amanda asked that question, I was shocked. Thankfully, Trina answered without a second thought. 'Tori was turned around 1007 and I was turned in 1918 during the Spanish Influenza.'

Amanda looked pained at the mention of that horrible time in history and I gave her a sympathetic look. She looks at me and I know I have to tell Trina. 'Treen, do you know what actually caused the epidemic?'

'It's cause is unknown, right? They said it was only supposed to be a common flu, but it's unknown as to why it was so deadly.'

'Well, that's what the humans were meant to think...'

~Flashback~

I've heard of a killer flu that originated around a certain point in Italy, so me, being the curious little vampire I am, decided to come check it out. It's curious because the flu isn't supposed to be killer in these parts of Europe; the people have developed an immunity to it some hundred years ago. That leads me to believe that this flu is a supernatural occurrence. My money is on the werewolves because A: the werewolf infection has flu-like symptoms; B: the probability of surviving it is very slim; and C: there are two ways to get infected, ingest the blood of a werewolf or get bitten by one in their wolf forms.

As I'm about to start looking for the cause of this whole mess, I'm tackled to the ground by something big, furry, and very strong. I quickly throw it off of me and am on my feet in a matter of seconds. I hear growling and turn my head to the source; another wolf, only this one in human form.

'You'd do well to get out of here, you filthy leech. I'd hate to get my hands dirty killing you.'

I snarl at the human wolf, my fangs dropping down a little. 'What are you trying to do to these people? They haven't done anything to you.'

The human wolf actually has the audacity to laugh. 'I plan on increasing the werewolf numbers, of course. The more of us there are, the better our chances are of becoming the superior supernatural species. Our world has been without order for too long!'

That's when I hear a scream from somewhere on the main street. I'm tempted to go look for who made the earsplitting sound, but I can't right now. I have to finish the two mutts first. The human wolf gave me one last smirk before he started shifting. From the pace he's changing at and the amount of pain he's in, I'd say he's a made werewolf. While he's changing, his friend comes and snarls at me before snapping and almost taking off my hand. Right now, all I have are my mental and physical shields, cryokinesis, teleportation, empathy, illusions, and telekinesis.

The wolf is brown with some spots of black here and there. Like all wolves, its eye color is luminous; in this wolf's case a luminous midnight blue. The human wolf cries out in pain as I hear his bones break and rearrange, his skin stretching and fur growing all over his body. I look to the sound and soon realize that was my first mistake. Once my eyes are off of it, the brown wolf lunges at me, knocking me to the ground while trying to claw at my body. I use my telekinesis to throw the wolf off of me, only to be pounced on by yet another wolf. This one's pitch black with luminous bright sulfur yellow eyes. The brown wolf recovers and starts stalking towards me, the black wolf snapping at my face. I teleport out from under the black wolf and into a corner, thinking of a way to kill these wolves so I can see if the person who screamed is still alive. Then, I get an idea and wait as the wolves advance on me. They lunge at the same time and I teleport a few feet behind them, encasing their all but their necks in ice. I bite them, injecting as much venom as I can into their bloodstreams before setting them free so they can wallow in agony. The bastards deserve it for killing so many innocent people.

I then hurry to the place I think the scream originated from and watch as a girl around 21 years old staggers around, asking for a doctor. I smell blood and see her start to lose her footing. She collapses and I can't make it before her head hits the ground. I carry her to a secluded area, the whole way hearing her mumble "Christopher" who I'm assuming is her husband or her son. I notice a bite mark on her leg and grimace, cursing under my breathe. Taking a deep breath, I bite her wrists before biting her neck, praying my venom can cut off the infection before it spreads to her heart and kills her.

~End Flashback~

'When you woke up, you had no memory of the real events that happened; probably due to the fact you hit your head when you collapsed. I suppose your subconscious is wary of werewolves because of the events prior to your change.' I try to explain.

'That's really what happened?' Trina asks, seemingly in shock.

'There was a group of werewolves who thought we were the superior species and should rule the supernatural community. They killed many of their own and used their blood to taint water supplies all throughout Italy. They thought that when the new wolves changed, they'd set them to roam free to do the expanding for them, seeing as how newly made wolves have even less control than newly shifted purebloods. When their plan failed, the wolves who had nothing to do with this made sure the rest of the group was properly taken care of.' Amanda backs me, looking at Trina sadly. 'A made wolf has even less of a chance at turning others than purebloods. While purebloods have around a 25% chance, a made wolf has somewhere between a 10-12% chance.'

'So Christopher...?'

'Maybe. There's a very slim chance, however, and I don't want you to get your hopes up.'

She looks at me with tear-filled eyes but nods, leaning into the embrace I offer.

While I comfort Trina, I look at Amanda. Trying to lighten the mood, I smile at her knowingly. 'You can see bonds between people, right?'

She looks a little surprised but nods. 'How do you know?'

'We can mimic and retain powers. We do it without thinking about it and when we gain a new one, it feels like updating inventory. We just kinda know.' Trina says, still leaning on me.

I hear a noise and look to the stairs where I see a younger version of Jade trying to hide behind the railing and failing miserably. I'm guessing that's her younger sister Nicole. Looks like she's been listening in for a while.

'Nicole, sweetie, what are you doing up? It's nearly 3:30 in the morning.' Amanda says sternly.

'I was in the bathroom and thought I'd get some water before going back to bed.'

I can tell she's lying, but she goes into the kitchen and gets some water anyway. I'm about to ask Amanda what happened to Mr. West, when I hear a snippet of thought from Amanda. 'It's your birthday? When?' I turn to look at Nicole so fast my neck would've snapped had I been human.

Said girl nearly drops her glass and puts her hand over her heart, which is beating erratically. 'Today. How'd you know?' Nicole asks, looking as confused as her mother.

This gets Trina's attention and she sits up straighter. 'We should gift her an ability, one each.'

'That's an amazing idea, Trina! Harmless powers only though, you know how disastrous it was while we were learning to control our pyrokinesis.'

Nicole looks about ready to burst from excitement. 'Really? Do I get to pick?'

'If you go to sleep now, we'll talk about it when you wake up.' Amanda says, shooting us grateful looks. She's thankful I put active powers off the table and she's happy I'm making an effort as Jade's mate.

Nicole runs up the stairs and as soon as her breathing evens out, I turn to Amanda and pick up where we left off before we were interrupted. 'So, what happened to Mr. West?'

Amanda POV

The question doesn't cause me as much heartache as one would expect. 'He found his mate.'

~Flashback~

When I came of age, 16, my father arranged my marriage to Victor West. Both of us came from well known pureblood families, so we were expected to carry on both of our lines. A few months after having Rain and Tawny, I could feel Victor pulling away. For 3 years, he's been drifting farther and farther apart; making our bond weaker and weaker to the point of snapping. With Jade staying at Cat's with Nicole and the twins being with my mother, this is the perfect opportunity to find out what's going on.

'Victor?' I call, hearing the front door close and the sound of loud footfalls on the stairs.

'Not now, Amanda.' He walks into the bedroom and starts packing his things.

'Where are you going?' I ask, thoroughly confused.

'I said not now, Amanda.' He repeats, voice raising slightly.

'Damn it, Victor, answer me!' I shout, knowing my mint green eyes are luminous with anger.

'I found my mate, okay?! Is that what you want to hear?!' He shouts back, emerald eyes matching mine. After a few deep breaths, his eyes go back to normal and he sighs. 'I'm leaving, Amanda.'

I stay silent for a while, comprehending what I heard. It takes a while to make sure you've found your mate. That's where I assume the drift started three years ago. I understand that he would want a divorce to be with the one who holds the other half of his heart, what I don't understand is why he's in such a hurry to up and leave. Without saying goodbye to the kids. My eyes are luminous once more and I round on my ex husband, a growl building in my chest. 'That's it? You're just gonna abandon your children?'

'They're your children, Amanda. They were never mine.'

With that, he up and left.

~End Flashback~

'Haven't heard from him since.' I say, sighing. 'I get that he found his mate, but to leave his children? Just like that?'

Tori looks shocked but Trina looks straight up livid. All of a sudden, Tori's pant leg starts on fire, concentrated around the knee. I gasp in surprise but Tori just sighs and blows on it, little ice crystals turning out the flame.

'If I ever find this Mr. West, I'm gonna end him and his mate.' Trina threatens, a fire in her eyes that downright terrifies me.

'Empty threats, Treen, empty threats. What if they have children? Would you really take their parents away from them?' Tori soothes, a hand on her sister's knee.

Trina sighs and grumbles out a "No..."

I let out a small chuckle and get up from my seat. 'Would you girls like some vanilla waffles with chocolate swirls and cinnamon? It's nearly 6:30 and the children should be waking up soon.'

They smile kindly at me and stand as well. 'We're at your service, madam.' Tori curtsies, remind me that she was once a servant.

'You'll have to tell me about the 1000's someday, but for now, let's get started on those waffles.'

I really want some waffles now...especially those waffles. I haven't had those waffles in a really long time, my sister and I make them sometimes when I go visit. When we have them, instead of chocolate swirls we use chocolate chips. Anyway, which powers should Tori and Trina gift Nicole since the next chapter is her birthday party during which Tori and Trina get a little closer to everyone. Drop a few lines and let me know what you think. Hasta luego mi pastelitos, good damn bye.