“Into a vampire?” Adele hesitated a moment to give Ally a chance to back out, the answer wasn’t going to be what she wanted to hear. Ally motioned for her to continue.
Adele’s voice trembled as she spoke the awful truth. “Then she must die.”
Ally gasped. “No, there has to be another way.”
Adele shook her head sadly. “If you ever have the unfortunate luck to meet Natalia, you will understand why. She was an immortal too but all trace of humanity is gone. She is insane and evil, not a good combination.”
“But surely every person is different?”
“That’s just it Ally, a vampire is no longer a person, they become pure evil.”
Ally sat in shocked silence for a moment, either her friend was already dead, had become a vampire and would have to be killed anyway or she was alone and terrified god knows where with one of those options about to become a reality. She didn’t like it one bit and it strengthened her resolve to rescue her friend one way or another.
Adele motioned to James, “He needs you Ally. We can work out a plan when Chase arrives.”
Ally nodded and got up from the table and slipped outside the door to the terrace.
She came up beside him and leaned over the railing. Ally said nothing waiting for him to talk if he wanted too. She had come out here to stand beside him when he needed her. Ally hoped that he understood that she would do that always, no matter what. Their relationship was still up in the air but she would be there for him regardless.
He stared out at the vast wilderness before him. “I want to protect you Ally and I feel like I’m losing control of the situation.”
She looked up at him with love in her eyes; it touched him to the very depths of his soul and warmed his heart. “You have a grasp of how I felt then.” she said with sadness. Ally wouldn’t have inflicted the feeling upon her worst enemy, let alone this man who she was beginning to adore.
“I now understand why you reacted to way you did,” he looked down at her, his face softened and she felt the love pouring out of him. “I’m sorry Ally.”
She felt her heart expand at his heartfelt words.
“Thank you but I’m not angry at you anymore. All I want now is to annihilate those evil creatures,” she said with a conviction that surprised James.
He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead.
She smiled up at him.
“Me too, my little spitfire.”
“I’m going back inside, do you want to stay and clear your head a bit longer?”
“I will stay,” he said, grateful that she understood.
She started to go back inside then turned back. “Don’t be too hard on Chase, we both know you would have done the same thing.” He held her eye contact for a moment before she slipped back inside.
He didn’t want to admit it but he knew she was right. The sun was beginning to fall behind the horizon, he watched and waited for answers that he knew would never come. He reflected upon how much life had changed in the last week. It was quite an eye opener to feel what Ally had felt like and he only admired her more for the way she handled herself.
Her conviction surprised and impressed him. She really was the prophecy girl. He knew that already, but with each passing day she was becoming more and more settled in her place. He was slowly gaining the confidence that maybe they weren’t doomed.
James had thought that he loved her five years ago and the truth was he did, but it was nothing compared to what he felt for her now. Soulmates were destined to love but sometimes the all-encompassing passion got in the way of what it was really about. Passion was an incredible emotion that he had never experienced fully until she walked into the kitchen that morning but there was so much more to it than that. He respected her, cherished her and valued her as Alessandra, not just as his soulmate or the prophecy girl, chosen by the powers that be. She was courageous and held herself in a way that was almost regal.
James was so grateful to have found her.
Chapter Nineteen
WHEN ALLY WALKED BACK INSIDE SHE found that all four members of the Muir family had gathered around the kitchen table to hear what happened. She was met with looks of genuine sadness and horror. They had been with James for a long time but had never encountered a vampire before.
Adele motioned her forward and drew her into the group.
Henry spoke, “I’m sorry about your friend, lass.”
Ally smiled gratefully as everyone nodded, agreeing with the sentiment.
“We will get her back,” Ally said with a confidence that was far from what she felt.
“Chase should be here soon,” Adele addressed the group with an almost trembling voice. “You are all welcome to stay and hear what he has to say but no-one will think any less of you if you choose to leave.”
Ally looked around at the faces that were forlorn, confused and lost. These people needed a leader. It was as good a place as any for Ally to start leading she thought.
Taking a deep breath to calm herself and get her thoughts together quickly, she began to address the group. “This is not something that any of us want to know or want to deal with but it is a reality. Whether we are human, immortal or in my case a bit of both, this involves us. It touches our lives whether we like it or not. We all need to join together and fight this evil that has the audacity to enter our lives and create destruction and heartache. As Gran said we won’t think any less of you but I personally believe it is vital for everyone to listen to what Chase has to say for their own knowledge.”
Unbeknownst to Ally, James had quietly entered the room and had listened to her impassioned speech with pride. This was the woman that could lead them to victory. He felt humbled and honoured to be her soulmate.
Every person in the room appeared to be mulling over what she had said.
James remained quiet in his corner. It was imperative that she be able to convince them that she was in charge. It was her first true test as a leader and he knew that he would need to stand behind her in this. He would guide, support and stand by her no matter the cost but ultimately it was up to her and no-one else.
Sophie was the first to speak. “I agree with Ally. I think we should all stay and listen. She is right this affects us all and I think I speak for everyone here when I say that we love James and would do anything for him,” she looked toward him as she spoke.
Ally followed her line of sight and noticed James had come back in and was leaning casually against the wall, watching her proudly. He smiled warmly as she met his gaze and she felt the heat begin to rise again. Not now she thought.
James looked at her knowingly and smiled, he was listening in to her thoughts again.
She sent him a speaking look and turned back towards the crowd.
Henry spoke up next. “Sophie is right, we have never faced this before but we all love you James and Ally even though I have only known you a short time I think of you as part of our family. We would do anything for you as well.”
Ally felt loved and cherished, it was a nice feeling that she wanted to hold onto. As she looked around at the faces before her, she felt their love, acceptance and confidence in her ability to lead them through this.
It spurred her forward. She had their faith and respect, it was all the encouragement she needed.
James came up behind her to take his place next to Ally.
She looked up at the man beside her. “Together we can defeat them. We just need to have faith and courage.” She looked to her Gran and could feel the pride flowing from her.
James rested his hand on the small of her back. It felt so right for him to be beside her, she could never imagine anyone else being there.
In our darkest hour of need, the people who stand by us are the ones we need to hold onto and cherish, that is true loyalty and friendship. It appeared that she had just inherited four people that would stand by her no matter what.
The doorbell rang and Henry went to open the door since it was his role as
Butler. He left the room quickly knowing it would be Chase.
“Poor Chase,” Mackenzie said quietly.
Sophie gave her daughter a hug. “I know, lass but everything will work out, you’ll see.”
Mackenzie nodded into her mother’s shoulder.
Ally and James took a moment to step back from the group before Chase entered and the tale of terror was told to the group. James was worried about how she would handle listening to the story of Kathryn being abducted but she had proved herself to be a strong woman already.
“I am very proud of you Ally you spoke like a true leader.”
“Thank you, I don’t know where it came from but it just felt right. You are quite stealth aren’t you,” she laughed. “I didn’t hear a sound when you came in.”
He smirked, “One of the perks.”
“If you’re going to keep that up I will have attach a cat bell to you so you don’t scare me half to death every five minutes.”
He laughed softly and kissed her forehead. “Ah my little spitfire you make me laugh.”
Chase entered the room with Henry hot on his heels as James and Ally were sharing a quiet laugh.
“Glad to see someone can find some enjoyment today,” he said with a deathly tone.
Ally was taken aback; this was not the kind, soft Chase that she had encountered a week ago. This version of Chase was seething, terrified almost to the point of insanity and horrible. Ally felt a pang of sadness for him she knew that this was all because he was terrified for Kathryn. It wasn’t his fault but there was no need for him to be nasty to the people that would help him. No-one had forced him to bring Kat to Scotland, he chose to do that and somehow they ended up as the bad guys. Something in Ally snapped and she walked straight up to Chase and slapped him.
She wasn’t sure who was more surprised, Chase, James, herself or everyone else in the room.
Adele watching from the sidelines said with a quiet seething anger, “I told you that you would answer to me if something happened to that girl but it appears that you will be answering to my granddaughter.”
Ally felt a murderous rage coming over her. She hadn’t felt like this until he had entered the room. What is wrong with me?
Chase didn’t say anything for a moment, he was shocked into silence then he spoke, “What the hell was that for?”
“Kat was in your care and now she is out there somewhere in god knows what condition all because of you! If it wasn’t for you then she wouldn’t be in this mess. The vampires now know where we are thanks to you and we were almost killed today by one. If you are going to come into this house and ask for help then you could damn well show a bit more respect. How do you think I feel about my best friend missing? I have known her all my life, you have known her for five minutes. If you’re going to be angry at someone then you can damn well be angry at yourself,” she finished as she poked him in the chest.
Chase was angry. James could see it and was about to step in before Ally got hurt in a moment of rage but before he moved a muscle Chase had backed down.
“You’re right,” he said as he slumped down on one of the chairs behind him, looking distraught. Ally kneeled down in front of him.
“We all want her back Chase,” she said calmly but firmly. “You just need to lose the attitude.”
She was firm but a fair leader who obviously wasn’t afraid to pull someone back into line when they needed it. This was not the time for loose cannons and Chase was shaping up to be one hell of a ticking time bomb when he first entered the room.
“I’m sorry,” he said as he hung his head in his hands.
She laid a comforting hand on his shoulder. James had to fight back the jealously that was growing within him. This wasn’t about him. She was comforting someone that needed it. Ally was the group leader and she was acting the part very well.
“Tell us what happened. We need to know everything so we can form a plan to get her back.” Ally said gently.
Chase looked up and surveyed everyone in the room and he felt the sympathy that was being sent his way. He felt it most from Mackenzie. She had always been such a sweet girl he thought.
“The night we left the Masquerade ball I took her home to her house. On the way home I told her of the immortals and the prophecy. I explained that we were soulmates and she said that she felt it too,” he said as he smiled at the memory. “I said that I wanted to go to Scotland to help and that her place was with me. She agreed and said that she wanted to help too. I explained the dangers but to be honest I don’t think either of us ever really thought we would be in trouble. We were so caught up in the moment and the romance of it all, we just figured true love would save the day and that would be that.” He shook his head as if realising what a stupid thought process they had shared.
“Go on,” Ally urged quietly beside him.
“She packed her things, called her parents to tell them she was going to Scotland with Ally and then we went back to my house so I could gather my things for the trip as well. I was going to take her that night and only be a few hours behind you and James but we decided that perhaps we would stay in Melbourne for a few days so I arranged flights out of the country in a private jet and we left yesterday morning. I started the conversion once on board the plane and she was a full immortal by the time we landed.”
He stopped and gathered his courage to continue telling the story. The night before had been glorious, today however had been nothing short of a nightmare for him.
“When we arrived at the airstrip just near my home we were ambushed…” he trailed off remembering the event.
Everyone waited in silence for him to continue.
“Natalia,” he said with a sadistic laugh, “was waiting with a greeting committee. There were ten of the bastards. We didn’t stand a chance. As we got off the plane, I heard Natalia’s shrill voice and knew instantly that we were doomed. She taunted me and I let my guard down for a moment believing that she was back and wanted to be good not evil but I was dead wrong. She grabbed Kat before I had a chance to breathe and said that she would kill her that instant if I didn’t reveal the location of you and Ally. What could I do? I couldn’t just stand there and watch my own sister kill my soulmate.” Chase was clearly grief and guilt stricken over the situation. No-one in the room would have blamed him for what he did. Perhaps they hadn’t been as careful as they ought to have been but who would have seen it coming. Natalia shouldn’t have known where they would be.
Chase looked at James with a heavy heart. “What would you have done in my position James?”
James wanted to take some of guilt away that Chase felt but James also spoke the truth when he said, “I wouldn’t have done anything different. Our soulmates are our lives which can also make them our biggest vulnerability if someone is willing to use them against us.”
Chase smiled a sad little smile and continued, “I was so distracted by the thought of Natalia killing Kat that I didn’t notice that two vampires had crept up behind me. Next thing I knew I felt a burst of pain on the back on my head and everything went black. When I came to, Kathryn was gone, everyone had gone.” He looked to Adele, “I ran straight to the house got in my car and started driving to the manor. I received the call from you a few moments after I started driving. I knew there was no point in looking for Kathryn in the area.” A tear ran down his chiselled cheek. “Natalia won’t let her go anytime soon. Kat is the perfect bait to lure Ally out and I just handed her over on a silver platter…”
Adele had softened towards him as well. She could see he had only been acting out of anger and fear.
The room was deadly silent as everyone absorbed what they had just been told. Henry was the first to speak. “So what do we do now?”
Ally looked up to find all eyes on her. Everyone was looking towards her for a solution.
So this is where the true part of being a leader comes in, she thought to herself. “I don’t think we should attempt a rescue until tomorrow at first light. The v
ampires appear to be able to get about in the daylight but I have a hunch that they are still at their peak during the night. We have to attack when there is an advantage. If we are going in there then we are going in to win, not walking into a suicide mission.” Ally addressed the group like a true leader. She was finding more and more that this is where she was meant to be.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Ally continued, “I want input on the plan but I don’t think we should risk the lives of Sophie and her family in this.”
“I agree,” James said strongly.
Adele and Chase nodded their agreement.
“But we want to help in some way,” Mackenzie said shyly.
“And you will, just not with the battle,” Ally said reassuringly. “We will need meals tonight if you could organise that Sophie. Logan we will need Destiny, Cooper and another horse saddled and ready tomorrow morning at dawn. Henry I need you on standby to bring us a car should we need one. I won’t bring you anywhere near danger though I promise,” Ally smiled at him. “Mackenzie can you organise a guest room for Chase?”
Ally turned to Chase. “You will stay here until we find her and I don’t want to hear any arguments.”
“I had none, but thank you,” Chase said holding her eye contact a moment longer than was necessary. He didn’t mean anything other than gratitude, but James didn’t like it and moved to take his place beside his love, Ally. She leaned into James instinctively without noticing. It didn’t however escape James’ notice. He was very pleased with how things were progressing.
“Tomorrow we will set out on a tracking mission. We can go back to the airstrip where it happened and see if they left any clues behind that we can follow. In the meantime, I want each of you three,” she motioned to James, Adele and Chase, “to contact each and every immortal you know. See if they know anything about where we could find Natalia or anything to do with the vampires. And I think one of us should stay behind in case the vampires decide pay a visit to Carlisle Manor. We can’t leave the Muir’s unguarded.”
Immortal Prophecy (The Immortal Prophecy Saga) Page 20
