by V L Peters
After our own confrontation, I knew there was more to her than meets the eye and if she tried to attack me again, I’d retaliate.
Why was I the only one who seemed to see it? Did they not realise that she was a few sandwiches short of a picnic. To me, it was plain to see; maybe they were just too close to her. Though Alex had come right out and told me to be on my guard, especially if I happened on the off chance to be alone and if I heard she was on one of her visiting sprees. So, they definitely knew she wasn't what you could call normal. I knew it had been his way of telling me she was dangerous. I still had no intension of seeking her out. The further away from her, I was the better. I didn't want a repeat of the other day. I just wanted to find Megan and find out who was taking the other Humans and Naturals. The thought of what Megan could be enduring made me sick to my stomach. I knew she was still alive. The idea of anything else was…. No, I wouldn't let lose those type of thoughts I didn't want them entering my mind. She was still alive; she was out there somewhere, and we would find her. Any other outcome wouldn’t be acceptable.
Hearing a knock upon my door, I shout out for them to come in. I watch in the mirror as the door is pushed open, and Logan appears in the doorway.
"You've got some visitors. Their waiting in the meeting room," he tells me, taking in my appearance with a raised eyebrow.
"My sisters?" I questioned. Turning around to face him. Strange, they were a day early.
"Well, there's about seven women down there demanding to see you, and I think they're all witches. So, I guess they must be," he replies, with a shrug of his shoulders.
"Seven women?" I questioned him frowning. Something must have happened? The other two women could only be Melissa and Evelyn. I couldn't see either of them turning up, though stranger things have happened. For one thing, Melissa didn't like to leave her home. Unless requested, which was more times than she liked. If someone wanted to see her. An appointment had to be arranged in advance where possible. She loved living in the vast woodland she'd managed to buy. She preferred living in the wilderness than a town or city, plus her wolves could roam more freely. She never left her home unless it was necessary. Evelyn was much the same though she lived on the outskirts of the village she lived near, "what did they look like?" I asked.
I listened as he described my sister's appearance along with Melissa's and Evelyn's. I would be lying if I said I wasn't shocked to find out that they had both came. It just never happened, for them to leave the sanctuary of their own homes was unheard of. I could count the times on one hand that it had happened in the last six years. Something must be up. I rushed out the door as if the hounds of hell were hot on my heels with Logan on my tail, I ignored him as he shouted out for me to calm down and wait for him. I didn't heed his words, I knew he'd be behind me in a blink of an eye, for such a large male he could move quicker than a cheetah. I wanted to make sure they were all well, and in one peace, I needed to find out what the hell was going on. I hoped to God nothing terrible had happened, Pamela had not mentioned any problems when we'd spoken.
I shoved the double doors wide open. Standing there were my siblings and two cousins. Ten of Lucien's men stood sounding them. That didn't include the other men in the room. My family stood there, still taking in their soundings and checking every person who stood there watching them. I felt Logan come to a standstill behind me.
"I told you everything was fine," I heard the whisper from Logan.
"It doesn't look fine to me," I tell Logan with a frown upon my face, taking in the scene before me. At least another twenty men stood around the large room watching the women standing before them. It was obvious they thought that they were a threat. If they were provoked or if they felt they were in danger that was a possibility. I felt a swell of pride deep within me.
I tried to see what others did. I just saw my family. Melissa was dressed all in black leather that hugged her body like a lover’s caress. She stood like a warrior waiting for the battle to begin, her silver hair hung down her back in waves her odd coloured eyes stood out against her tawny skin then there was the black tattoos running up both her arms which if you looked at them long enough seemed to come alive under your very eyes. I felt guilty that I was relieved that none of her brothers had arrived. It would have caused a much bigger problem than just having a handful of witches at Lucien's door.
Evelyn stood next to Messila. Standing at 6 feet with long flowing multi-coloured hair, her skin a golden honey colour. She was dressed much the same as Melissa. Black leather trousers, her top was a deep cherry red. She stood there like some sort of amazon. My sisters stood on either side of them. Pamela, the oldest of us, was dressed in her typical gypsy look. The long flowing skirt nearly reached the floor, the top hugged her body, multiple bangles hung from her wrists, and her jet black hair was short and layered close to her head, her skin was the colour of cow's milk. Not once did she take her dark blue eyes off the men surrounding them.
Ava was a Carbon copy of Pamela except she had long wavy hair that stopped at her waist, and she wore black jeans and a yellow top. Emma stood at five foot eleven her hair so pale in the light it almost looked white, her eyes a startling blue stood out against her olive skin. She wore black jeans with a pale blue blouse. Mia and Abigail were two years older than me. Both had dark brown hair and light grey eyes. Their skin like whipped cream they stood there with a look of innocence, which was far from the truth. They always dressed identical, that sometimes we even found it difficult to know who who was. Being twins, with their combined powers, they were the strongest of us all. In this room stood eight of the most powerful witches and Omega's they would ever see in their lifetime. That very knowledge alone could get us killed.
I stilled, I felt it as if another's mind slid against mine. It felt similar but somehow different. I felt Lucien's presence before he even came in my line of vision. That was when I noticed he stood there in the background, with Damien standing to the right of him. Observing the scene playing out before him, taking everything in, in that calculated way he had. He didn't say a word as his dark eyes met mine; a flash of hunger came and went as his gaze slid down my body, making me burn for his touch, and I wondered if it had been my imagination. I greedily ate him in I'd been starved for his touch, and I hated myself for it. I saw the look of satisfaction on his face, the bastard knew how he affected me and joisted in the fact that he could. The atmosphere around us shifted, I couldn't describe the feeling, but I knew it was down to Lucien. I knew from my family's expressions that they had each felt the shift around them. I wondered if they even realised Lucien was standing directly behind them. Observing, while they firmly kept their eyes trailed on the men surrounding them.
I watched the relief wash over each of their faces as they see me walk into the large room, rushing towards me until I was surrounded. I tried to listen to all the questions being thrown my way. It was just impossible to answer all of them at once. I couldn't help but laugh even while still feeling the heat of his gaze. I let each of them pull me into a loving embrace, I knew it was more than that. They were each checking to make sure I was well. That I wasn't hurt in any way. I felt their relief rush over me. They'd have questions that they would want to be answered and if there was any news on Megan.
Pulling me into a tight hug, Messila whispered into my ear, "How long did they last for?"
I knew what Melissa was referring to, the spell and herbs she'd given to us, "long enough," I told her with a small smile, "though they didn't work on Lucien,’’ I admitted, ‘’and why are you a day early?" I question her.
I watched the alarmed expression appear on her face, then quickly planting a fake smile. I knew Melissa was realising the same thing I had. Lucien was stronger than we had first thought and if he was stronger. Then that meant, he was older and more powerful. I knew the thoughts that were going through Melissa’s mind. It meant Lucien was defiantly higher than a level fifteen, and I knew those thoughts would be shared not only with my family here,
but her brothers as well. I knew they would be wondering who else could see through our spells. Where we in danger? Did we need to go back into hiding after being under their very eyes for the last fifty-odd years? I couldn't answer any of their questions. When I didn't have the answers. It was something that I had been thinking about. The thought had crossed my mind that once he'd used what usefulness he had for my family and me, what did he intend to do? I once again did the same I had done countless times, I pushed it to the back of my mind. When I had to deal with it, I would, until then, wouldn't let it overwhelm me.
"We decided that we needed to throw him off and take him unawares. We didn't know what we'd be running into," Melissa told me. With widening eyes, she queries, "So he knew?"
"Yes," I told her, trying not to nod my head while keeping my answers to one word. Not wanting anyone else to know about our conversation. Bloody heck. That had been stupid and reckless. It could cause so many problems. I couldn't help wondering whose brilliant idea that had been. I was sure I'd find out at some point.
"Fuck!" Melissa mutters under her breath, she knew what this meant as the rest of my family would. Melissa takes a step back from me, with unanswered questions in her eyes. Questions I knew I would have to answer at some point. She gave me space to let the others greet me. I knew some of the issues that were rattling around in her head. What kind of Demon is Lucien, and what type of damage could he do. The mere thought made my head hurt. After suffering through all the hug and kisses, I led them to the large, round wooden table in the centre of the room. Logan stood directly behind me, like a guard dog. I could see the question written in each of my family’s eyes. They were wondering what the fuck was going on and why it looked like a complete stranger was standing guard over me. I gave them a small smile with a shrug of my shoulders. We had more important things to talk about, and Lucien had a part in that.
I watched with batted breath as Lucien made his way towards where we were sitting, his face void of any emotion. Damien walking close behind him. I knew neither trusted any of my family. It was extraordinary seeing them all sensing Lucien at the same time. A Peculiar expression came across their faces, I could not really describe the look, but it was comical to watch. It happened, one after the other. I knew they wanted to turn around and look behind them. They fought the urge to do so. I knew how each of them felt, as I often got that same feeling.
I walked into Scarlett’s family’s line of vision, Damien by my side. I meet the gaze of each and every one of the women who had entered my property. I already knew their names; I never entered a situation without some sort of knowledge. They all sat frozen in place as if they were waiting for me to strike out’
"Ladies," I nodded a greeting to them, "you're got me at a slight advantage. You all know who I am. I don't know any of you, but I'm sure that will change over time", I paused, observing each of them waiting for their response. At each nod, I carried on, "I’ve agreed to help in finding Megan, and I've no doubt Scarlett has informed you that I know what you all are."
I sat there waiting for my family’s reaction to Lucien’s greeting. They all sat there in silence. It was bloody stupid I'd never known any of them not to have anything to say. It was like they were all in a trance, and part of me understood their reactions. I had, after all, reacted in a similar way when I had first met Lucien. I knew they could feel the power that was radiating off him. The energy he possessed was incredible. Even the most powerful of men would be full at his feet and tremble in his wake. He was full of male sexual confidence. It didn't shock me that women seemed to collapse at his feet. It was as if he held them in a trance. I could sense Pamela's eyes burning into me. I ignored her. Lucien had known what I was the moment he had set sights on me. So, there wasn't any point in trying to deny it.
Pamela must have realised that I wasn't going to meet her gaze as she turned her attention to Lucien, "what, exactly has Scarlett told you about us, Mr. Sinclair?" Pamela inquired with a raised brow.
"Scarlett hasn't told me anything. She simply asked for my help, and I agreed," Lucien replied with a shrug, casually looking at his nails as if he was already bored and her words offended him.
"Lucien. May I call you Lucien? You just told us you know what we are," Pamela remarked, tilting her head to one side as she observes him, "I would like to know what you mean by that statement."
"Don't play dumb…… Pamela. You are wasting my time and patience. I know what you all are. Witches. Now, tell me are you willing to hold up the help I have agreed to give you?" I question her, did she think I was an idiot. That I wouldn’t find out as much as I possible could after I had met Scarlett.
"I can't see you doing anything for nothing," the silver haired woman pipes in, keeping those odd coloured eyes on the rest of the men in the room. Gauging their reactions.
"You're right," I agree, looking directly at the silver-haired woman they call Melissa who had interrupted the woman they call Pamela and who dressed like a gypsy. I didn't do anything for anyone without some sort of payment in return. I stood there without any guilt written across my face, "I'm not a charity. I don't agree to help anyone without getting something in return."
"What do you want from Scarlett … from us," asks one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen. Her hair is so light in colour; it almost looks white; her eyes are a striking blue that stands out against her olive skin tone. I knew she must be Emma. I watch as she looks over at Scarlett, a silent message passes between them.
"The agreement is between myself and Scarlett," I reply to Emma’s question, not showing any reaction. Catching Scarlett looking towards me, I let a mocking smile appearing on my lips, daring Scarlett to give away any of our secrets "if Scarlett wants to tell you that's up to her."
All heads swung towards Scarlett. The same question was written in every single pair of eyes. They were demanding, wanting to know what we had agreed to and had Scarlett sealed their fate to the devil himself?
I shook my head; I wasn't ready to explain to my family what I had done or why. It was between Lucien and me. I'd gotten myself in this mess, and somehow, I'd get myself out. My family had no need to get further involved than they already were, and they especially didn't need to know that I'd had sex with Lucien Sinclair. I heard the curse Pamela muttered under her breath; it was blatantly obvious she didn't like what was taking place. I knew Pamela of old, she’d want to sweep me away out of this place apart from Lucien and the power he seemed to have over me, but I wasn't going to back out of the agreement myself and Lucien had made. We all needed to find out where Megan was, and any resources Lucien had would help.
"Have you any information on our sister yet?" Pamela demands, turning her attention once again to Lucien.
Lucien looks at me with a raised eyebrow, it’s plain that he’s taken a dislike towards Pamela, as a look of displeasure appears across his face at her questioning, as he announces, "I'm sure Scarlett has kept you up to date on what's going on. The Soul Keeper who took Megan has been found,"
Up to hearing this, there was a flurry of questions that are fired Lucien's way. Shit, I had not told them about the Soul Keeper. I knew that it would only worry them further. They weren't the safest of Naturals to be around. Lucien just stood there completely unperturbed, appearing unaffected, waiting for them to cease in questioning him. The whole time Lucien stood there; his eyes never left me. His unflappable confidence was apparent in how he just stood there looking like he owned every inch of the space around him. His power and strength radiated from him. I knew he was waiting for my reaction. I hadn't a clue what he expected me to say. I couldn't have got a word in edgeways anyway. When they did not receive any response from Lucien. They turned their attention back to me. I couldn't tell them anymore.
I almost smiled at Scarlett's defensive posture. My little witch was pissed off, she hid it well, but I could see through the charade. I'd had every intention to inform her that though my men had found the Soul Keeper. Another had been found in the buildi
ng with him. I had not told Scarlett that my men had found the Soul Keeper dead on the floor and that a Soul Eater had been injured and on his last legs. I had, had intended in doing so before her sisters arrived. The reason I hadn't, Aria, had once again turned up unexpectedly, and I hadn't managed to get away from Aria until the last minute. Aria was becoming more of a problem than I thought. It was going to be more difficult for me to spend time with Scarlett, something my Demon or I wasn't happy about. With the marking, my Demon and I had given Scarlett. She'd be able to sense me when I was near, and eventually, we would have our own stronger personal link. A link that wouldn't be broken unless one of us died or broke the connection. I'd tried to touch the link I shared with Scarlett earlier and had briefly thought that she had sensed me, our link would only grow stronger over time.
I didn't like to admit it that I felt uneasy. As the Sovereign of my own Territory and the Regions around it, I was responsible for many. Yes, I could admit that I am a fucking bastard, but the ones who are loyal. I support and protect them. The relationship that I'd have with Scarlett would be utterly different from the one I've had with Aria. It wouldn't allow much distance between us. It would be intimate on a psychic level and would always play a large part in our life. I knew by the force and depth of the protectiveness and possessiveness that was being to hit me was going to be hard. I was beginning to feel the pull towards Scarlett, and the feeling I was having was utterly different from what I had once shared with Aria. I still was not entirely happy about it or how it has started to grow stronger inside of me or the changes that were happening.
