The Changer, The Charmer
Summary: Their mate was delivered to them in the midst of violence and blood, with a dire warning to boot.
Bella/Tanya, Kate, Irina
LONDON 1804
"You have found them." She exclaimed, having barely made it through the door while pulling her gloves off.
"It has taken some effort and a great deal of financing, but yes, I believe we have found them."
"Where?" She moved closer to inspect the maps littering his dining table.
"Part of the Russian Empire is this parcel of land, which somehow is not part of Canada." Lord Clayborne pointed to the map. "That is where they are located. It will take several days to make the trip. I have friends in Moskva who will find you transport and all necessities you need to make the trip. I'm sorry, that is all I can do on such short notice." Lord Clayborne muttered wistfully. "I'm afraid we have somewhat underestimated our foes. I cannot come with you. Someone needs to halt the pursuit we know will come… if only temporarily." Lord Clayborne looked older than she'd ever seen him. "Everything is ready for you at Southampton. Good luck." She left by the backdoor unseen; darkness was her friend in times like this.
Growing up, Agnes Hill thought very little of her parents. She thought them insane. Her parents revered the Swan family as if they were Gods because of some ancient scroll found in a monastery during the reformation. As the years went on, though, she started to understand her parents so much that she took a job to make sure Isabella Marie Swan was protected. Of course, she had no idea that protection would involve stealing the child from her parents. Even if it was to keep her safe, she still hated what she had to do.
She had just turned the corner when she saw a movement out the corner of her eye. "No." She whispered and took off at a dead run towards Swan Manor. She drew her sword and cut down the first assailant in one swift motion. She stayed low, waiting for any other hiding in the shadows. They would not go through the front entrance, and neither would she. She climbed one of the oak trees that framed the left-wing of the manor onto the second floor and went through the staff quarters. She heard Lady Swan scream, and within seconds she was running towards her with Isabella in hand.
"Take her, keep her safe." Isabella was thrust into her hands. "Please, go." She begged, seeing Agnes' hesitation. Agnes now wondered if she truly could have taken Isabella had danger not been present. She'd hesitated to take the child from her mother even when Lady Swan had pleaded with her. With her small bag packed and ready for any eventuality, she was out of the manor in minutes. Tears run down her cheeks, knowing Lord Swan and Lady Swan would not live to see another day. She hoped Isabella would one day avenge the death of her parents.
"ELEAZAR." The entire coven was in front of her in a split second.
"Tanya, what…" Was all Katrina managed.
"I came across them… she was fighting..." The woman in her arms coughed, spewing blood all over Tanya. The child in her arms woke up then and surprisingly did not cry, just stared at the strangers.
"Take care of her… please. She is beyond powerful, a desired weapon for so many. I am the last of those who vowed to protect her. They might attempt to retake her one day, so be prepared and teach her well. At least I found you." She let out another bloody cough. Carmen appeared with water and clean strips of cloth. "You cannot save me." She gasped as Tanya laid her gently on the ground. The true nature of her injury revealed itself then. She was nearly in half; it was anyone's guess how she was still alive.
"She is yours. Take her." Her hands reached out for the inquisitive child.
"You were coming to find us?" Irina asked.
"Yes, you three, the daughters of the creator of the son child, who perished by fire... are the only ones who can protect her. Her name is Isabella of the House of Swan." Whatever questions they had died on their tongues as she took her last breath.
Isabella cried then as though knowing her guardian had left this earthly plane. Tanya picked up Isabella and tried soothing her to no avail. "She must be hungry as well," Carmen murmured.
"What does a child barely able to hold her head up eat?" Katrina asked.
"Milk," Carmen answered. "Even better if we can find a wet nurse," Carmen added almost absentmindedly.
"I would rather not have a stranger coming into our home," Tanya murmured. However, her focus was entirely on the dead woman who had risked everything to save a child.
"What happened?" Katrina asked.
"I heard fighting; in truth, I had no intention of interfering until I realized she was fighting two men and a woman to protect Isabella. I was a second too late, she killed two, and I killed the one that inflicted the fatal injury." Tanya answered.
"We will deal with their bodies. "Eleazar disappeared with Kate. The acuteness of their senses meant it did not take them long to find the bodies. The three were dressed in the same attire, black robes with red ropes tied through the middle. Eleazar inspected the chain around their necks and found an emblem attached to the chains. It reminded him of the Volturi, instead of an intricate V, this was an M. He ripped all three of their necks.
"Look at this," Katrina whispered. Both arms on the female were covered in symbols in a language she did not recognize."
"Theban," Eleazar muttered a little too excitedly. "Now we are getting somewhere." He pulled the sleeves up on the other two and found the exact wording adorning their arms.
"What is Theban?" Kate asked.
"It is an alternate to Latin, mostly used by occultists." He could only make out a few words. "I will need my books to decipher the entire text." He mumbled. That meant one of the bodies was going home with them.
Carmen did not look pleased with the sight of Eleazar with a body thrown over his shoulder. "I just need to copy the text on his arms, and I will have the body out of here." He placated, dropping the body on the porch.
Katrina looked around for the other two. "They are inquiring about hiring a wet nurse. We might have to move in the meantime." Living on the far outskirts of the Russian Empire meant they were far removed from the human population, which did bode well for them as vampires. Unfortunately, it was no longer feasible to live so far from civilization with a child to take care of now. Isabella would need much they did not have.
Two weeks later, they had purchased a home in Moskva and a wet nurse for Isabella. Eleazar was still locked in the new study, pouring over books and scrolls, trying to find the meaning of the words on the three bodies.
"When was the last time you three fed?" Carmen asked as she rocked a sleeping Isabella. She preferred to be held, and the vampires had no qualms about doing so.
"I hunted two days ago, although I find I do not enjoy it so much living so close to many," Irina answered.
"No, I mean, when was the last you fed?" The three looked at each other.
"Seventeen days before Isabella arrived." Tanya sounded as perplexed as her sisters felt. "We should have fed by now, yet I have no desire to do so." She added.
"Not just a lack of desire; I am not hungry," Katrina added. Irina nodded in agreement.
"Could it have anything to do with Isabella?" Eleazar asked, joining the group.
"What other possible explanation is there," Tanya whispered.
"It seems our mate does not desire us feeding on others." Katrina jested.
"It would appear so," Carmen whispered, looking down at the sleeping child.
"It is no great loss," Katrina said with a shrug. In truth, the lack of hunger was exhilarating and freeing. Seducing humans in order to feed was nauseating at the best of times, especially now that they had decided to leave them alive. Leaving them alive meant, so much of the human's essence was left behind, wasted really.
"So, since you have finally decided to grace us with your presence, I take it you have news." Carmen finally turned her attention to her husband.
"Indeed." Eleazar sighed. "I'm afraid I have no idea what it actually means." He added. "I do know one is a protection spell against being charmed. The other is a spell that allows the wearer to see the changer."
"That could mean a great number of things," Tanya said, exasperated.
"I don't think so," Eleazar interjected. "I believe Isabella's birth was long ago prophesized."
"Daughters of the one who created the son child," Irina murmured. "I will admit I forgot about that." She added solemnly.
"Yes, it does sound very much like a prophecy." Katrina intoned.
"The only place I can think to find answers is the Volturi ach…"
"No." Tanya's voice was barely above a whisper, but it held so much authority.
"You are tasked with protecting Isabella; how do you suppose to do that when you have no knowledge of what or whom you are protecting her from. Moreover, we were told she is beyond powerful, and some are willing to kill to get their hands on her. Your mate Tanya is wanted by some to use as a weapon." Eleazar argued.
"We also have no knowledge of what makes her powerful. We have no notion of what to expect. We are wholly blind here." Carmen strengthened her mate's argument.
"We have little choice." Eleazar implored.
Tanya could see the sense in his argument. Still, the idea of exposing Isabella to the Volturi did not please her in the least. "Send your letter." She grumbled.
"She is our mate, no matter her power, their own laws mean they cannot lay a hand on Isabella," Irina said hopefully. She knew Aro was likely to find a way around that. They just had to make sure they didn't give him one.
"I will write to Marcus, it will take several weeks before he receives my letter, so there is no time to waste." Eleazar left them.
"I hope we are doing the right thing." Tanya moved towards her mate. Isabella was still sleeping soundly in Carmen's arms. Tanya ran her finger down her soft cheeks and smiled at the child whose eyes opened at the contact. "Hello, dear." Isabella returned her smile before her eyes shut again.
"I swear she knows us." Katrina chuckled.
"I believe she does," Carmen answered, knowing what Katrina meant.
"Isabella, come here," Carmen shouted, exasperated. The toddler in question was hiding behind the chair Tanya was currently occupied, giggling. "You do know I can hear you," Carmen said, attempting to sound annoyed but in truth, found herself highly amused by Isabella's antics. Still, Isabella stayed hidden, trying fruitlessly to stifle her giggles. Her mates simply watched on in amusement, having no intention of intervening. The last time Katrina had, Isabella did not take the betrayal well. Isabella got away with much where the three were concerned. It was only thanks to Eleazar and Carmen's interventions that kept the toddler reined in.
Isabella hated the bath and would bolt given a chance. Carmen had stripped her naked and turned around to pour the bucket of water into the small iron tub used for the three-year-old when she ran. Carmen had forgotten to lock the door.
"You really should know by now what happens when you turn your back on her," Eleazar said, coming up behind Isabella. The girl squealed and tried to escape her papa but failed miserably. "Come on, darling, you are covered in mud. Do I even want to know how?" He laughed at her pout.
"Kat pushed me," Isabella answered. She still surprised them with her level of development. Her growth was on par with your average human, but her mental development was so far superior to anything they knew. Her cognitive development had honestly terrified her family, and with Marcus taking so long to find any answers, their worry increased daily.
"I did no such thing." Katrina defended vehemently.
"Yes, you did." Isabella countered just as ardently.
"It's not my fault you seem hard of hearing when it comes to your stance. How many times have I told you to widen your stance." Katrina argued.
"I still won." Isabella stuck her tongue out as Carmen carried her off for her bath.
"She truly won?" Tanya inquired, disbelieving.
"She threw mud into my eyes." Her answer was met with uproarious laughter. "I will admit she managed it with unerring accuracy," Katrina admitted proudly.
"The fact that she even thought to throw mud in your eyes as a defensive strategy is impressive," Irina muttered. "Still nothing from Marcus?" She asked, earning a head shake from Eleazar.
"He will write when he finds the answers." Though waiting for Marcus, Eleazar had been doing his own research and was nowhere near finding the answers.
So far, Isabella had not shown signs of any power, yes, her intellect was far superior to other toddlers her age, but the anticipation was its own form of torture.
A knock on the door disturbed the quiet. "That would be Alik," Tanya muttered as she made her way to the door. Isabella, who was finally clean of mud from her bath, followed Eleazar to the door.
"Privet, Alik." Isabella greeted enthusiastically, practically bouncing on the spot.
"Hello, Isabella," Alix responded. He knew a few words in English thanks to working for the coven. Alix delivered food for Isabella, did whatever was needed, and earned a tidy sum for his effort. Eleazar paid the boy, and he ran off as he always did.
"I don't think he knows how to walk." Isabella quipped, earning a chuckle from Eleazar.
"No, I imagine not." Tanya teased.
Despite their fears of so many unknowns where Isabella was concerned, it did not change the delight her presence brought them. Her desire to learn and insatiable curiosity brought them joy as they reveled in teaching her. Eleazar and Carmen had very much taken on the role of parents, something Isabella needed. Being of English descent, the first language she learned was that of her native tongue, one that came easily to someone of her intellect. Spanish came next. Slovak was something of a tongue twister for Isabella. She understood much of the language but speaking it was currently beyond her. She insisted on Russian now, as though that would be any easier.
Though Tanya's eyes remained on her book, she did not miss the curious eyes that stared at her from the kitchen. The child seemed aware of her connection to them but did not know exactly what that connection meant. "Is there something I can do for you, Isabella?" Tanya asked the suddenly shy-looking toddler. Isabella shook her head vehemently and disappeared further into the kitchen. These moments greatly amused the sisters, some days, Isabella was as bold as could be, and on others, barely able to look them in the eye.
"Mama?" Tanya heard the soft voice call. She couldn't see Isabella but could tell the toddler was nervous.
"Yes, hija," Carmen answered.
"What are you?" Everyone in the house froze.
"I wondered how long it would take before you asked the question," Carmen responded. "We are vampires," Carmen added, barely above a whisper. What followed was the last reaction any of them expected. Isabella cracked up laughing, bent over holding her stomach. At this point, everyone was in the kitchen. It took her several minutes to calm down enough to talk.
"The sun is out… okay, it's a little cloudy. Are the coffins in the basement?" She asked, chuckling. "No, really, what are you?" She looked around, eyes earnest.
"Isabella, come with me." Eleazar took her tiny hands in his and led her to the dining table that was never used for its intended purpose. "Okay, find my heartbeat." He instructed.
"I already know you don't have one." She answered, waving the request away.
"Okay then," Tanya whispered. "Tell us what you know."
"Your skin is hard, so I struggle to see how you can be killed with a stake. Mama sometimes says Dios Mio and makes the sign of the cross, which vampires can't do. You are not fast, and vampires are fast."
"At least we managed to act human in that department." Katrina quipped.
"Above all else, vampires are not real, just stories." Isabella finished looking rather smug.
"Forget everything you think you know about vampires. What you've read in various books... it's all myth, with the exception of the fact that we do drink blood. But we as a coven have made the decision to drink animal blood, it's not as filling or tasty, but it allows us to live a relatively normal existence." Tanya answered.
"I just realized I've never seen you eat," Isabella whispered.
"And we are far from slow." Irina boasted. To Isabella's eyes, her family simply disappeared from the table.
"Wow." She whispered in wonderment.
"Wow, indeed," Tanya said as they came back to the table in the same manner.
"Everything you know about vampires has been perpetuated by us," Eleazar added. "You live with us, and yet when we told you the truth you laughed for several minutes. How much more someone from the street." He finished.
"We are to keep ourselves hidden. It's our number one law. If a human found out, they were either turned or killed." Tanya warned. She knew Isabella would never repeat what she knew, but still, it was best to err on the side of caution.
"Do you plan on turning me into a vampire?" And there it was. This was the question they did not have the answer to because they had no idea what Isabella was. She was beyond powerful, those were the words used. Was it simply her mind or was it what she would be capable of once she became a vampire?
"The honest answer is we do not know," Carmen answered.
"Why?" As far as Isabella was concerned, it was a simple enough question. Turn or be killed, and her family certainly was not going to kill her.