Moonlight Denial: Shades of Moonlight Book One

Hello everybody! So, while this isn’t as on time as I would like, it is more on time than the last chapter XD I am very happy in my decision to cut the last chapter off from this since it turned out much longer than I anticipated, like most of my chapters do. Plus this chapter is going to have a completely different feel to it than the last one. It’ll prove to be quite fun and some questions will be answered while I’m sure more will be made, because I’m just so good at that. So here is the link to my reply to reviews and now everyone go enjoy the chapter!

Link to replies: http://darkness80.livejournal.com/2984.html

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Nicoli sat at the kitchen table eating dinner with his parents. Leftover Thanksgiving turkey, stuffing and gravy casserole, one of his all time favorites.

It had been a very peaceful Friday at home. He was fully enjoying his Thanksgiving break with just lounging about in either solitude or with his parents and Beethoven. It was just what his nerves needed since his thoughts were still filled with what had happened at the mansion and what Felix had shown him. He became so relaxed at some points that he even went a few minutes without thinking of either event. For those few seconds it was as if everything had stayed perfectly the same.

His worries had even been eased further when none other than Cecile and Amelia showed up around noon for a friendly visit. Laura insisted that they stay for lunch and it had been a pleasant occasion in all.

At one point during lunch Cecile had excused herself from the table and Amelia quietly told Nicoli that she had gone to put the protection spell over the house. When Cecile returned he couldn’t explain the feeling that had come over him. He felt…safe. It was a feeling he cherished tremendously because he knew then that his parents would be safe as well. He made sure to give Cecile a big hug for that before she left. In all it was a fantastic day.

“Hey, Mom, let me get that,” Nicoli said, getting up from the table. Dinner was finished and Laura had gathered up all the dishes and was about to wash them.

“Wait, you’re volunteering to do dishes?” she asked with a raised brow.

“Yeah.”

“I usually have to twist your arm for you to even look at the sink.”

“I know.”

Laura placed her hand against his forehead.

“Are you coming down with something?”

Nicoli chuckled and batted her hand away.

“No, I’m fine.”

“He must have done something naughty then,” Lance said from the table, finishing a slice of pumpkin pie. He pointed his crumb laden fork at Nicoli. “Look at that guilty face.”

“Dad, really.”

Laura just laughed and handed the sponge over to him.

“Well, whatever the reason, thank you, Sweetie,” she said with a kiss to his temple.

Nicoli set to work scrubbing plates, silverware, and pots. The simple motion of washing the dishes was actually quite relaxing and he went about the menial task happily. Halfway through the load his hand stilled and he blinked. A tickling sensation ran along his brain and he shivered from it. He hadn’t felt that touch in what felt like forever and he was surprised by how much he welcomed and enjoyed it.

“Hey, Ethan,” he greeted, going back to rinsing off a plate.

““Hey, Kid. You’re sounding better,” Ethan replied and Nicoli was struck by how happy he sounded.

The image of the blood starved, suicidal Ethan flashed before his eyes and he quickly shook his head to get rid of it.

“Yeah, today has been really nice, so it’s helping,” he told Ethan.

“Good, so does that mean you’re up to talking about something?”

Nicoli’s curiosity was peaked, but dread swelled within his chest. The “something” was no doubt Heart or Dimitri related. He was hoping his reprieve from both would be longer, but he supposed that was a silly wish.

“Yeah, just give me a second to finish what I’m doing and I’ll go to my room to be alone.”

Nicoli quickly finished the dishes. As he dried his hands on his pants his father tried to hinder his escape to his room.

“Hey, Kiddo, let’s all go watch a movie together. Might as well end this family night the right way.”

“Sure, let me just go check something on my computer and then I’ll be right back,” Nicoli said easily before heading out of the kitchen. He could hear his mother’s voice drift out of the kitchen as he went up the stairs.

“Kids these days. Can’t go fifteen seconds without checking their email.”

“At least he’s not always texting on his phone,” Lance said right before Nicoli closed the door to his room, shutting out the rest of the conversation.

“So, what’s up?” Nicoli asked, plopping down on his bed and laying back.

“Well, I just wanted to check up on you, see how you are and all,” Ethan replied, his smooth, telepathic voice filling Nicoli’s ears. He shuddered again.

“I’m good for the most part. Better than how I was expecting to be. I keep jumping at sudden movements, but that’s better than being terrified of everything.”

“I highly agree.”

“Now out with it. What’s the “something” you wanted to talk about?” Nicoli was happy that Ethan wanted to see how he was, but he wanted to get straight to the point of matters.

“Yes, well, do you remember that witch we were having come here to try and open the book?”

A thrill of excitement raced around Nicoli’s gut. He had completely forgotten about her, which was normal due to his recent predicament.

“Oh, yeah. What about her?”

“She’s arriving tomorrow. We got a message from her not too long ago and she’ll be coming into town sometime around noon.”

Nicoli sat up. His body was pulsing with exhilaration.

“That’s great!”

“I thought so too, but I wanted to ask you if you wanted to be here when she arrives.”

Nicoli’s brow crinkled and he wished he had a face to give his look of perplexity to.

“Why wouldn’t I want to be there?”he asked.

“Because of everything that happened. You’ve had such a hard time lately and I wanted to make sure that you were up for dealing with the book or even having anything to do with us so soon after what happened with Dimitri.”

Nicoli rolled his eyes and shook his head.

“Thanks for the concern, Ethan, but I’m fine. If anything what happened with Dimitri makes me want to open the book even more.”

“It does?”

“Yes. Dimitri kidnapped me because of that book. He may not have known that was the reason, but that’s the information he wanted from me. He tried to get me to tell him what we had on the Hearts and that book is it. If anyone is going to be there when that book is finally opened it damn well better be me.”

A light laugh sounded in Nicoli’s head and he closed his eyes to savor it. Ethan’s laughter was so sweet to hear after seeing what the poor man had gone through at the hands of his brother.

“I think that’s going to be the biggest A-Ok I’m going to get from you. I’m also glad to hear it. I knew Dimitri wasn’t going to be able to keep you down. So I’ll contact you tomorrow when she’s close to getting here and we’ll arrange a pick up spot for me to come get you.”

“Sounds good,” Nicoli said.

“Until then have a good night.”

“You too, Ethan. Night.”

A familiar emptiness rang through Nicoli’s skull, signaling he was alone. In a way it made him sad and he even felt kind of lonely. He would see Ethan tomorrow, though, as well as the rest of the clan. He paused. It would be the first time since his rescue that he would be seeing the whole clan. He didn’t know how he was going to be able to handle that, especially after seeing the travesty that had befallen them. A lump formed in his throat. He’d also have to see Ethan again and now that he knew that Ethan had tried to commit suicide, he wasn’t quite sure if he’d ever see Ethan in the same light.

“Nicoli!” Lance’s voice boomed from downstairs, making Nicoli jump. “Give that dang computer of yours a rest and get down here! Don’t make me come up there and drag you away from it!”

“Okay, okay, I’m coming!” Nicoli hollered back, getting off the bed.

He was just going to have to wait till tomorrow and face the clan when the time came. They were still the people he had come to know and care about and knowing about their pasts wasn’t going to change that. At least that’s what he hoped.

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Nicoli walked briskly down the sidewalk. He hated how nervous he felt. Being outside of his safe house was horrible. He felt vulnerable and was sure that any second Dimitri or Seth was going to pop out of a tree or bush and grab him. He tried to shake off that ridiculous feeling, but being kidnapped once in broad daylight, right off the same sidewalk, made it quite clear to him that that feeling wasn’t ridiculous at all.

He came to the intersection Ethan told him to go to and did the most terrible thing he could imagine. He waited. Every second felt like an hour and he just couldn’t stay still. Fingers tugged on sleeves and the toe of one shoe kept tapping against the sidewalk. His eyes danced everywhere, scrutinizing every shadow as well as every patch of light. A nervous breath would catch in his throat every time a car passed by him, and he released it as soon as it was gone.

Too much time passed for Nicoli than was comfortable. He was just about to ask Ethan where he was through the mind link when a roar from an engine reached his ears. He looked down the road and his jaw dropped. Coming towards him was none other than Ethan’s midnight blue, Sex-On-Wheels Shelby. His jaw was still slack when it pulled up beside him and Ethan grinned up at him, his eyes no doubt flashing behind his shades.

“Hey, Buddy, how much?” he asked in his most suggestive voice.

“Uh-Holy-You-You’re really picking me up in this?” Nicoli asked, struggling to get his voice to work. “I don’t believe it.”

“Well, start believing, Kid. Now hop in. My baby’s seat is getting cold.” He caressed the passenger seat as if it were a lover.

Nicoli didn’t need to be told twice. He raced around the car, opened the door, and slid into heaven. His heart thudded as he was enveloped in the leather seat and he looked around dumbly, not believing he was sitting the most gorgeous car in the world.

“You ready for the ride of your life?” Ethan asked.

Without waiting for a response Ethan gunned the engine and peeled out from the curb. As the wind washed over Nicoli he leaned back in a gooey daze, loving every second of it.

“Wow, this is amazing,” he muttered.

“I thought this would be just the pick-me-up you needed,” Ethan told him, his grin never leaving.

“Wait, you brought your car out…for me?”

“Of course, why else would I take her out of the garage?”

“Uh, because it’s like an instant orgasm riding in this piece of perfection. I can’t imagine what driving it must feel like.” Nicoli watched as Ethan threw his head back and laughed. Seeing Ethan laugh was like having his very own slice of joy. It seemed impossible that such a person could shed one tear. He never wanted to see that again.

“True, very true, but do you remember our conversation about my baby attracting too much attention?” Ethan asked. Nicoli knew he was right. Every time they passed a bystander their heads would instantly follow the car until it was out of sight. “No, I love her, but I’d only bring her out for a very special occasion.”

“Wow, thanks, Ethan,” Nicoli said, not knowing how else to express the gratitude he felt.

“Think nothing of it.” Ethan lowered his shades to look seductively at Nicoli. “I’m sure we can find a way for you to pay me back later.”

Nicoli flushed and Ethan just laughed at him before covering his eyes with his sunglasses and turning his attention back on the road. They rode on in silence from then on. Nicoli wanted to talk more, to say how amazing the ride was, or to ask why Ethan was putting himself at risk by having the top down, even if he was wearing his heavy clothes, but nothing would come out.

His mind began to buzz with all the thoughts he had been having before. Seeing Ethan now, the playful, sexy vampire Nicoli had come to know, was no comparison to the “other” Ethan he had seen. They seemed like two completely different people, but they were one and the same and what terrified Nicoli was that he had no idea if Ethan would some day revert back to that. It was that possibility alone that kept Felix in the living world. Nicoli tried to convince himself that Ethan would never try something like that again, but the truth was he had nothing to support that.

“Hey,” Ethan said, making Nicoli jump out of his thoughts.

“Uh, yeah?”

“What’s up? You went strangely quiet,” Ethan said, his smile disappearing. “This ride was supposed to make you happy and not think about what happened. Don’t make me regret bringing my baby out.”

“I-I wasn’t thinking about that,” Nicoli admitted.

“Then what were you thinking about? That was a rather serious face. Come on, you know you can tell me.”

Nicoli chewed on the inside of his cheek. He thought maybe he should just lie and say he was thinking about Dimitri, but the lie wouldn’t come out. He then began to squirm with the notion that maybe he should just tell Ethan the truth. Nicoli still had questions about the suicide attempt and who better to ask than the one who had been about to commit it?

“I…I know what you tried to do,” he murmured.

“What I tried to do? And what’s that?”

“I know you tried to kill yourself.”

There was a shrill shriek as the brakes were slammed down and the car halted. Nicoli was thrown forward, having stupidly forgotten to put on his seatbelt, but luckily Ethan’s arm was quick and prevented him from colliding into the dashboard.

Ethan’s shades had slid down his nose and he stared at Nicoli with wide, teal eyes.

“What did you just say?”

Nicoli couldn’t look him in the eye. Now he wished he had just kept his mouth shut, but the damage had already been done.

“I know that you tried to kill yourself nine years ago.”

Ethan’s mouth opened and closed, making him resemble a fish out of water.

“H-How did you–”

Ethan was cut off by a car horn blaring. Ethan threw a dirty look to the driver in the car behind them that slammed on the horn again.

“Sit on that thought for a second,” he said. Ethan drove the car forward so they weren’t in the way and began going down roads that became more and more deserted by both people and buildings. He then went off the road and parked a little ways under some trees where they couldn’t be easily spotted.

“Okay, now just who the hell told you about that?” Ethan demanded, pulling his sunglasses up to rest on top of his head.

Nicoli still wouldn’t look at him. He stared out to the trunk of a tree beside the car, trying to form words to answer. He didn’t have to when Ethan groaned and hit his hand against the wheel.

“It was Felix, wasn’t it?” he asked.

Nicoli could only nod and Ethan growled.

“That explains where Felix ran off to. And why the hell would he tell you about what I almost did? What else did he tell you?”

“He…he didn’t really tell me anything,” Nicoli said, finally steeling his courage to look at Ethan. “He showed me what happened.”

“Showed you?” Ethan’s agitation slowly melted into that of surprise. “Wait, are you saying he showed you his memories?” Nicoli nodded. “Why on earth would he do that?”

“I’m still not quite sure. He just showed up last night and after he found out that Meier had told me about what had happened to him, he said that he wanted to tell his story his way because he hates other people doing it for him. Then he took me into his memories.”

“What did he show you?”

“Lot’s of stuff. How you two met, how you took him in, him meeting the rest of the clan and then basically your lives together.” Nicoli then closed his eyes and he shook his head. “Then he showed me how terrible everything turned out. How much you guys have suffered. The troubles you all went through, like Aria and Stephen’s deaths.”

“You saw Aria and Stephen?”

Nicoli looked at Ethan and nodded.

“Yes, and how painful it was for you all when they died. Especially for Cora. Then.” Nicoli swallowed thickly. “Felix showed me the night that he died.”

Ethan’s eyes flew wide at that point and looked like someone had just slapped him.

“Wha-He showed you how he died? That’s–He won’t even share the tiniest detail with me about that night and he showed it to you?”

“I don’t blame him for not telling or showing you,” Nicoli said. “It was horrible what happened. You don’t need to know anything about it. It would only hurt you more.”

Ethan covered his eyes with his hand. He stayed like that as he tried to collect his composure.

“What else did he show you?” he finally asked.

Nicoli was relieved that Ethan hadn’t started questioning him about that horrible night. It would kill him to retell it and besides he wouldn’t betray Felix’s confidence.

“The last thing he showed me was you trying to kill yourself and how he saved you at the last second,” Nicoli said quietly.

Ethan didn’t speak for quite a while and Nicoli fidgeted in the awkward silence. Why couldn’t he have just kept his stupid mouth shut? It was just as well, he supposed. Ethan would have found out that Nicoli knew about the suicide attempt at some time or another. Why not sooner?

“I just can’t believe this,” Ethan finally muttered. He rested his elbow on the top of the car door, his hand against his forehead as he stared blankly in front of him. “Why would Felix do something like this? You didn’t need to see any of that, especially just after what you went through. That’s too much for anyone. Why would he do it?”

“I know why,” Nicoli said, snapping Ethan out of his mutterings. “Sure, he wanted me to know how his life had played out, but he also wanted me to understand, really understand, what you all have been through. The pain and suffering Dimitri has put you through. I thought I understood before when you told me what he did and when I met the bastard, but the truth is that I had not a freaking clue. The sheer magnitude of the shit you went through, it was hard just watching it. I can’t even imagine living through it.”

Nicoli adjusted himself so he was facing more towards Ethan and a great determination overcame him.

“After witnessing everything that happened, and knowing what they did to you, and especially to Felix, it makes me want to help you guys more than ever.”

Ethan blinked at him, his brows rising in surprise.

“It does?”

“Yes, before I met you I had no idea that people that vile or loathsome could even exist in the real world. Now that I know that someone like Dimitri is out there and that he has hurt not only me, but people I care about in the worst way possible, makes me want to help stop him even more. We have to get these Hearts before he does. Or if we don’t find them we have to make sure he never does. I also want to make him pay for what he did to me, but for also what he did to you and the others. It’s unforgivable and…”

Nicoli tentatively reached up and touched his fingers to Ethan’s cheek.

“I want to be there to make sure you’re never hurt like that again. I saw you cry for the first time in those memories and I never want to see it again. Not ever.”

Ethan tilted his face into Nicoli’s fingers before taking the hand between his own.

“Thank you, Nicoli. That’s one of the sweetest things I’ve ever heard.” He placed a kiss on the back of Nicoli’s hand. He then grinned at the other. “I thought I was always the one that has to protect you?”

“I like to switch it up every once in a while,” Nicoli said with a laugh. His smile then fell. “Ethan, about what you almost did. Will you tell me why you tried to do it? You don’t have to, but I just feel like I need to know, to understand. I know the circumstances that led to it, but I want to hear it from you. What made you decide to take your own life?”

Ethan’s smile also disappeared and he lowered his hand to rest on his leg with Nicoli’s hand still in his grasp.

“I don’t know,” he said, staring forward again. He sounded ashamed, and looked it too. “It was a stupid thing to do. A very stupid thing, but it seemed like the right thing to do at the time. After losing everything, my brother, Felix, the delusion of the happy life we all had together, it seemed like there was nothing left to live for. I didn’t see a future for me that had any sort of happiness in it. I think I was also just scared.”

Ethan sighed and leaned back in his seat, his head tilted back to stare up into the tree branches. Nicoli gave his hand a squeeze to help him and the gesture was returned.

“I’ve always been the kind of guy that was self assured in every way. I knew how life was going to be for me and if I wanted something I could get it if I put my mind to it. Sure, I didn’t know exactly how my life would turn out, I never expected to become a vampire, but I knew that whatever life threw at me I’d be able to take it. It was that sense of control over my destiny that made getting out of bed everyday easy.” He made a pained sound and closed his eyes.

“I lost that after what happened. My life was completely shattered by Evan. Everything that I knew, that I had been so assured of, was a lie. I didn’t want to get out of bed because I didn’t know what the future held or even if the past had been truthful. I was scared of what would happen next because I had lost confidence in myself completely and I just couldn’t live that way. It was unbearable.”

He finally opened his eyes and looked at Nicoli, who was patiently listening, giving his full, undivided attention.

“That was why I wanted to take my life, Nicoli.”

Nicoli nodded solemnly. It was the answer he had wanted, but it was still hard to hear.

“You won’t…you won’t ever try something like that again, will you?” He wanted Ethan to laugh off the question and assure him that would never happen, but Ethan simply shrugged.

“I don’t plan on it, but then again I hadn’t planned on the first time. But if it makes you feel better I’ll tell you that I doubt I’ll ever try something like that again. Even after everything that has happened I still love life and besides, ending things now would only cause hurt for the ones I would leave behind. Felix made me see what a selfish decision I had made before and I don’t want to leave my family hurting like I had been hurting. That would make me just as much of a villain. So, to answer your question, I have less of a reason to take my life now and I’m sure the reasons to continue living will always outweigh the other.”

Nicoli couldn’t explain it, but a great warmth spread in his chest to hear that. Before he could stop himself he leaned forward and awkwardly kissed the side of Ethan’s mouth that was turned towards him.

“Good, you’re a pain, but you’re a pain that would be horrible to lose.” Before he could pull fully away Ethan turned his head and caught Nicoli’s retreating mouth in a full kiss. Nicoli mewled, happily giving into it and he opened his mouth to greedily accept Ethan’s offered tongue.

Nicoli lost himself in the kiss and he wanted more and more. He was ravenous for it. His entire body was set on fire and he pressed himself into Ethan to feed that fire, even though the car seats would only let him move so far. It felt so good. The promise of the physical pleasure Ethan could give him made all of the fear and stress he had been having melt away. He wanted Ethan to take him completely and make it so he didn’t have one thought left in his head. It would be his ultimate escape.

Ethan must have sensed his mounting need because the next thing Nicoli knew there was a hand on his shoulder pushing him back into his seat that he had nearly crawled out of.

“Hey, simmer down there, Nicoli,” Ethan said, his voice heavy and thick. His eyes were alight with lust that he was trying to control. “As much as I’d love to bend you over the hood of my baby and rock your world, we do have prior engagements.”

Nicoli gave a groan, remembering why he had met Ethan in the first place.

“Not even a quickie?” he asked.

“I’m afraid not, besides.” Ethan ran his fingers through Nicoli’s hair and leaned over enough to nibble on his ear. “I wouldn’t want it to be quick. I want to take you nice and slow and make you completely forget everything, even Dimitri’s name,” he whispered huskily in Nicoli’s ear.

“Ugh, Ethan, you’re not helping,” Nicoli whined, Ethan’s words making his awakened member throb.

Ethan just gave a throaty chuckle as he pulled away and settled back into his own seat.

“The first chance we get, I promise.”

“That doesn’t help me now,” Nicoli grumbled as Ethan started the car.

“Just think disturbing thoughts and I’m sure it will go away. Now, we have a date with a certain witch.”

Nicoli’s arousal was dampened by the thought that they were soon going to get to open the book. His worries were also appeased by his talk with Ethan and he was sure Ethan would never try to harm himself again. He just wished he could convince Felix of that. One thing at a time, he supposed.

“So, Ethan,” Nicoli said as Ethan pulled out of their little hiding spot and back out onto the road. “Would you really do me on your car?”

“In a heartbeat.”

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They arrived at the clan’s house in a matter of minutes. Once Ethan’s baby was tucked away safely into the garage, they made their way inside.

“Everyone is waiting in the living room,” Ethan said, ushering Nicoli in that direction. They were a few curves in the hallways away when someone met them first.

“Ah, so it is you guys,” Cora said with her bright, cheery smile lighting up her beautiful face. “I was just coming downstairs when I heard you guys come in. Thought I’d welcome you first.” She focused on Nicoli, entrancing him with that smile. “I’m so glad to see that you’re okay.” She put her hands on his shoulders. “I was so worried about you.”

Cora was as lovely as Nicoli remembered. She seemed perfect in everyway and it was impossible to imagine that she had ever experienced an ounce of pain or tragedy. The night Stephen died crept into his thoughts and the image of Cora crying and screaming, trying to get to Stephen’s headless body filled his minds eye. It hurt just to think of it. Cora was another one of those people Nicoli never wanted to see cry again.

Before he could even think of what he was doing he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her. He hugged her tight, wishing he could banish all of her sorrows away.

“Oh,” Cora uttered in surprise, but she happily returned the hug, as unexpected as it was. “That’s the best hello I can think of,” she said when Nicoli pulled away.

He flushed in embarrassment and gave a sheepish smile.

“I’m just really happy to see you,” he said.

“And I’m incredibly happy to see you, too,” Cora replied before kissing his forehead.

Nicoli’s entire face flamed and Ethan laughed after nudging his shoulder.

“Hey, you’re only supposed to react like that when I kiss you.”

“Shut up,” Nicoli hissed and elbowed Ethan in the ribs.

“Come on, you guys, the others are waiting,” Cora said with a light laugh before leading the rest of the way.

It didn’t take long for them to reach the living room and when they did Nicoli’s heart began to pound. Everyone was there and as one they all turned their attention on him. Sweat prickled his scalp as everyone stared at him as if he were some strange creature. He wanted to break the eerie silence, but his tongue was a lead stone in his mouth.

“Come, come, now,” Faith said, shattering the silence for him. “It’s just Nicoli. There’s no reason to gawk at him like he’s a stranger.” She rose from her chair and went to him. A moment later her arms were around his waist and she hugged him tightly. “It’s good to have you back.”

Nicoli gave a full, warm smile and hugged her back, feeling much more at ease.

“Trust me, I’m glad to be back.”

“Yes, this just wouldn’t be the same if our lucky little Nickel wasn’t here to share in our triumph,” Andre said from the couch and beamed at Nicoli, who had forgotten all about his little nickname.

“All right, everyone get your well wishes over with now,” Conrad murmured from the fireplace. “Our guest will be here any moment.” He turned to Gavin who stood close by. “Gavin, please go retrieve the book, if you would.”

Gavin nodded and made to leave the room. As he passed by, Nicoli received a small, warm smile and a friendly nod before Gavin disappeared from sight.

“Well, get your ass in here and take a seat,” Andre told Nicoli, patting the cushion beside him.

“As if I want to sit next to you and your grabby hands,” Nicoli said and Andre leered at him playfully.

“Might as well get his grabbiness over with now so he doesn’t full on molest you later,” Ethan said, shoving Nicoli towards the couch.

With a dirty look to Ethan, Nicoli relented and sat down next to Andre, who instantly put his arm around Nicoli’s shoulders. Nicoli sighed, but it wasn’t irritable in the least. He actually quite welcomed the arm around him and the finger that began to play with a strand of his hair.

He relaxed against Andre’s side and could feel the fear and apprehension trickle out of him until he felt at peace. What had he been worried about? The clan wasn’t treating him any different after what happened with Dimitri and he found that he felt the same about them even after seeing the travesty in their lives. That was the greatest outcome he could have hoped for.

As the clan went about talking amongst themselves Nicoli glanced to the other end of the couch. Felix was hovering on the arm of the couch and seemed to feel Nicoli’s stare because he looked over at the other. Their eyes met and Nicoli’s chest constricted. What was he supposed to do? How should he act? He settled for giving his friendliest smile and a small wave.

To his surprise Felix snorted at him and sharply turned his head away. It appeared Felix was taking the “I never want to be your friend” to heart.

Ethan caught Nicoli’s eye as he went behind the couch to the end where Felix was. When he reached the spirit he whispered something in Felix’s ear. Nicoli strained his hearing as much as possible and was just able to make out what was said.

“We need to have a talk later.”

Felix’s eyes widened tremendously and he immediately shot an accusing glare in Nicoli’s direction.

Nicoli gave his best “I didn’t tell him about that thing, I only told him about the other thing,” face, but Felix just snubbed his nose at Nicoli a second time.

“Ethan, don’t be mad at him,” Nicoli pleaded mentally. “I’m actually glad he showed me all that stuff. Really. It was best in the long run.”

“I’m not mad at him. I just need him to understand that he should have talked to me first before airing out my dirty laundry to the public,” Ethan replied.

Before Nicoli could give a rebuttal Gavin came in carrying the sheet wrapped book. Nicoli’s heart began to race again. They were finally going to open the book and find out what was inside. Maybe they would even be able to locate the Heart that very night!

“So, when is she supposed to be here?” Nicoli asked, unable to contain himself.

“Like I said,” Conrad grumbled. “It’s only a matter of moments.”

Every head turned when there was a knock on the front door. Andre laughed and gave Conrad an endearing look.

“You’re so insightful, Uncle.”

“I’ll get it,” Faith volunteered and raced out of the room before anyone could even think to open their mouths.

“Oh boy, here we go,” Cora said with a chuckle as she went to sit on Nicoli’s other side.

“What?” Nicoli asked.

“Faith and Ursula are pretty buddy-buddy,” Andre explained. “You get them together and they can just talk on and on and on.”

“Ursula, huh?” Nicoli murmured. It was the first time anyone had given a name to the witch.

Voices approached the living room accompanied by the click-clacking of heels. A moment later Faith appeared and she was being held in a woman’s arms as if she were the child that she looked like. The two were chattering away merrily.

“I tried to come sooner, Dear, but no one leaves Paris before Paris is ready to let them leave. You understand, don’t you?” the woman asked.

“Oui oui, Lula. Besides, I could wait a hundred days if just for the chance to see you for a few seconds,” Faith said with her greatest smile.

“Oh, you are just the dearest thing, Munchkin. I wish I could just put you in my handbag and take you with me wherever I go.”

With just one glance Nicoli got the sense that Ursula was very…dynamic. Her hair was a dyed, pitch black and ended at the beginning of her jaw line. It was cut perfectly around the base of her skull as were her bangs that were a straight line across her forehead. A pair of black, rectangular glasses sat on her pointed nose, giving her a sophisticated, yet playful look. Her figure was stunning, accented by her white blouse that had an outrageous black swirl pattern printed across it. And her black, just above the knee, skirt showed off her lean, smooth legs.

“So, who is going to greet me next?” Ursula asked, setting Faith down.

Not surprisingly Andre was the first to his feet.

“I would have been to the door first, but Faith was quicker, as always,” he said as the two hugged.

“Oh, my lovely cad, think nothing of it.” She gave him a sultry look and her bright red lips formed a mischievous smile. “You always know how to make it up to me,” she purred in a very suggestive manner.

She greeted the other members in turn, but paused when her eyes settled on Nicoli.

“Well, well, now, who is this?” she asked. “A new addition?” Her equally dyed black brows rose as she looked him over. “And one with a pulse, no less.”

Ethan opened his mouth to make introductions, but Conrad cut him off.

“His name is Nicoli. He’s…helping us with a few things. Now, we called you here for a specific reason, Ursula.”

“Tsk, tsk, Conrad. As impatient as ever I see,” she said with a wave of her hand as she sauntered over to Nicoli. “If there’s new blood I just have to meet him properly.”

Nicoli stood when she gestured him too. He wasn’t quite sure what to make of this witch, she was quite different from the Fairbrookes, but he got the feeling he would like her.

“My name is Ursula Clothilde. So you’re Nikolai? That’s Russian, isn’t it?” she asked.

“Uh, actually my version is Italian, I believe. Or at least that’s what my mom always preens about,” he corrected her.

“Italian? Merveilleux!” she exclaimed and Nicoli stared at her funny. Did she just speak French at him? “And your last name?”

“Oh, it’s Vurkeshaun. Nicoli Vurkeshaun.”

Now it was Ursula’s turn to look at him odd.

“Vurkeshaun? Hmmm I’ve never heard a name like that. Where does that kind of name originate from?” she asked.

He just shrugged.

“I have no idea. Your guess is as good as mine.”

“Well, no matter then, I’ll just have to look it up later. Anyways, it’s wonderful to meet you, Nicoli,” she said, holding out her hand that was perfectly manicured with zebra stripped nails.

“Likewise.” He took hold of her hand, but before he could shake it she jerked back, yanking her hand out of his. She stared at him with wide eyes, as if she had been frightened.

“Is something wrong?” Faith asked as everyone looked on curiously.

Nicoli wondered the same thing, but the next second Ursula’s easy smile was back and she shook out her hand.

“Oh, nothing, nothing,” she said, waving her hand dismissively. “There must be electricity in the air. That shake gave me a bit of a shock.”

Before Nicoli could say anything, ask her if it was really nothing, Ursula turned from him to Conrad.

“So, what was so important that you had to drag me away from my little vacation?” she asked, walking over to him. “Though, don’t get me wrong. I’ll always drop what I’m doing for a friend in need,” she said when she stood beside him. Then, to Nicoli’s utter shock, she kissed Conrad on the cheek.

The woman had balls. That much was for sure. Nicoli expected Conrad to react negatively in some way, but his cheek only twitched and he acted like it hadn’t happened.

“Gavin, show her,” he said curtly.

Gavin nodded and begun unwrapping the sheet still in his hands.

Ursula moved closer, excitement lighting up her face. When the book was revealed the golden lettering on its cover sparkled in the light. Ursula gasped.

“My word,” she muttered and without asking she snatched the book from Gavin. “This is simply an incredible find. Such craftsmanship. Magic is just pulsing from this book. It’s almost intoxicating. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen.” She caressed the cover a few times before turning to Conrad. “And what exactly do you want me to do with this beauty?”

“We need you to open it,” he told her. “It is locked and none of us can touch it or force it open. We tried to have Nicoli open it, but that ended…rather unwell.”

Nicoli shuddered and rubbed his chest, remembering the fiery pain the book had put him through.

“Well, you called the right woman then,” Ursula said with a smug smile. She eyed the book again and delicately ran her finger over the letters. “I’m guessing the reason you want this opened so much is because this is from Last Hope, isn’t it?”

Conrad remained silent and Ursula chuckled.

“I figured as much. But that’s fine by me. It’d be better if you guys got to the Hearts rather than some of the scarier blood suckers out there.”

“Hey, we’re plenty scary,” Andre said, feigning offense.

“That you are, but let’s get this show on the road, shall we?”

“Yes, please do,” Conrad agreed.

Ursula went to the coffee table and set down the book. Nicoli stared at the table strangely. Why did it look different? Was it new? Why would the clan get a new one?

The book was caressed a couple more times before Ursula placed her hands over it.

“All right, let’s see what is giving you guys so much trouble.” She closed her eyes and began to concentrate.

As everyone watched light began to radiate off Ursula’s hands. It showered down on the book and enveloped it. Nicoli watched intently, hoping that any second the lock would just pop open. His eyes widened and fear shot through his veins. Instead of opening the book began to produce a light of its own. It pulsed for a second, mingling with Ursula’s magic, before it shot up at her hands.

Ursula cried out and stumbled back. Andre got to her before she lost her footing and held her steady.

“Lula! Are you okay?” Faith cried out, also going to her side.

Ursula did not reply. She was breathing heavily, her glasses askew and she stared at the book with wide eyes. She then turned her gaze onto Conrad.

“Wh-Where did you get this book?” she asked, her voice shaken.

Conrad’s jaw clenched, but Faith didn’t give him time to formulate a response.

“Lula, your hands. Are your hands okay?” she asked, taking Ursula’s hands in hers.

Steam was flowing from Ursula’s hands, as if they had been caught on fire, but besides the unsettling smoke her hands appeared unharmed.

“Who cares about my hands?!” Ursula exclaimed, shaking Faith off and moving towards Conrad on unsteady feet. “Conrad, where did you get this book? Who did it belong to?” she demanded, righting her glasses.

Conrad worked his jaw a bit before looking away from Ursula. A name slipped out of his tight lips.

“Deloris Mary-Weather.”

“Deloris Mary…oh goddess,” Ursula said, placing her hands to her head. “No wonder.”

“No wonder what?” Andre asked, placing his hands on her shoulders when she sagged a bit.

“The power that I felt, that coursed through me. It was unlike anything…” Ursula murmured. She shook her head. “I’m sorry, Conrad, but I can’t help you.”

Conrad’s head snapped towards her.

“What? What do you mean that you can’t help?”

“Exactly what it sounds like,” she retorted. “There’s nothing I can do.”

“You only tried once. Do it again,” he ordered.

“I will not kill myself on a fools errand. Once was enough for me to know that I can’t do this.”

“Don’t give me that,” Conrad hissed. “You are always boasting about how powerful you are and you owe us. You said you would do us a favor at anytime and now I’m asking for it.”

“You’re just going to have to take a rain check,” Ursula snapped. “You have no idea what you’re asking for. No vampire would, not with something like this.” She pointed at the seemingly harmless book on the table. “That may have Last Hope’s logo on it, but it was crafted by Deloris Mary-Weather. Do you understand the gravity behind that?”

“I suppose not,” Conrad said lowly. “But she was a witch as are you. It should be simple for a witch to break another witch’s spell.”

“Deloris Mary-Weather was one of the greatest witches in history!” Ursula shouted. “No one could match her back then and few can now. This is beyond me and my capabilities and I’d bet my life that you won’t be able to find any other witch that can or is willing to try and open it.” She took in a breath to calm herself and straighten her hair. “I think it would be best for you and everyone here if you just leave it be. Put the book back where you found it before you get yourselves hurt.”

“Are you mad?” Conrad asked. “This is the greatest find we have ever had in our possession. I won’t give it up and waste the opportunity to get the Heart that it leads to.”

“Then get yourself killed, but I warned you.” She adjusted her glasses again. “I’ll be taking my leave now then.”

She strode toward the hallway that would lead towards the front door, but Faith ran after her and grabbed her hand.

“Lula, don’t go,” Faith pleaded.

Ursula smiled down at her and wiped away a few strands of Faith’s hair with her other hand.

“I’m sorry, Munchkin, but I can’t have any part in this. We’ll get together at a later time to catch up,” she promised.

Faith reluctantly let Ursula’s fingers slip through her hand and watched her leave. When the door closed everyone was still and the silence was suffocating.

Andre sighed, taking the sheet from Gavin and going to the table. He looked at the book before dropping the sheet onto it, hiding it from sight.

“Well, looks like we’re back to square one.”

************************************************************************

There was a clink as Ursula stirred her spoon in her mug of hot chocolate. The chocolaty scent filled her nose and relaxed her greatly. She glanced at all the other customers in the little cafe. Even though she looked outrageous compared to the small town folk, no one paid her any mind, which was fine by her at the moment.

She flexed her fingers and grimaced. Even though there was no damage done her hands still stung and felt stiff. She wrapped her fingers around her mug and sighed when the heat soothed the ache somewhat.

“You tried to open it, didn’t you?”

Ursula jumped and nearly spilled her drink at the unexpected voice. She looked up at the woman who had come to her table and her eyes widened.

“You,” she said in quiet disbelief.

“Yes, me,” the woman said as she took a seat across from Ursula. “I warned you not to try and you did anyways, didn’t you?”

Ursula swallowed thickly and glanced around at the other occupants, mentally screaming for help.

“There’s no reason to look so scared,” the woman said. “I would never dream of hurting you.”

“I wish I could believe that.”

“You can, violence is not in my nature,” the woman told her. “I can hurt people, maybe even kill them, but I never would. If I wanted you dead I never would have warned you about the book, now would I?”

Ursula thought that over and realized how much sense it made. If she hadn’t of been careful the book could have killed her on the spot, but because of the woman’s warning she had gone in cautiously and walked away with just stinging hands. If the woman wished her harm then she could have just let Ursula try to open the book unwittingly.

She looked over the woman, trying to figure her out. There was a great air of mystery about her, especially with the way she had come into Ursula’s life.

Ursula had been on her way to Whixton, fully intending to answer the call of help she had received. With only a few miles between her and the town her car unexpectedly died. No warning at all. It had just slowed of its own accord, sputtered, then died right there in the middle of the road.

Ursula damned her luck since she had not seen anyone else on the road in hours. She had just been about to get out of the car to try to magically kick start the car, when the passenger door opened and a woman slipped inside, as if she had done it a thousand times before.

Before Ursula could even open her mouth the woman began to talk. She told Ursula she knew why she was heading to Whixton and warned her not to go through with it. What she was about to go help with was far too dangerous for those who did not know or understand of its power.

Ursula questioned who the woman was and how on earth she could know of Ursula’s affairs. The woman had just laughed and told her that she had her ways. She also said that she was not going to try and stop Ursula from her task, but urged her not to go through with it if she valued her life. With red flags going off in her head Ursula asked if the woman was threatening her, in which the woman simply replied that she was giving a friendly warning. The woman would do nothing to her, but what she was about to meddle in very well could. With that the woman gave her farewells, stepped out of the car and vanished into the surrounding woods.

With feelings of utter confusion Ursula had sat in her car, staring after the woman, when the vehicle abruptly started up again, scaring the life out of her. After she had collected herself she put her hands on the wheel and continued on her way. She had no idea what to make of the encounter, but she assured herself that she wouldn’t let some random woman scare her from helping her friends. It left her feeling wary, though, and she decided to tread the waters carefully from then on.

It was a good thing she had too. Ursula’s first instinct was to simply blast open the book with her magic, simple as that. Now she was extremely grateful for the woman’s advice. What she had done was a tentative reach to try and figure out the inner workings of the book and it had attacked her viciously. She shuttered to think what would have happened if she had let loose the full frontal assault she had had in mind.

“So who are you?” Ursula asked, leaning back and crossing her arms. “What is this book to you and how did you know what it was going to do?”

“Who I am is unimportant,” the woman replied evasively. “As for your other questions, the book belongs to me so of course I knew how it would react.”

Ursula’s breath caught in her throat.

“It belongs to you? So you are part of Last Hope then.”

The woman laughed and shook her head.

“No, no, no, that would be impossible. From what I understand the remaining members of Last Hope died out years ago. The ones protecting the Hearts now are simply going off words of long forgotten people.”

Ursula swallowed again as she realized who she was talking to. She had no name for the woman, but it was clear she was addressing a real, flesh and blood Guardian. It never crossed her mind that the Guardians were real. She thought that they were made up heroes that were supplied to fuel the legends of the Hearts that vampires always went crazy for. Had Deloris Mary-Weather really been a Guardian then? If that was so then the woman sitting in front of her was Deloris’ successor and that sent a tremble through Ursula’s blood.

“Are you…are you a descendant of Deloris Mary-Weather?” she asked softly.

Again the woman chuckled.

“Unfortunately no. That would be a legacy I would be proud to claim, but alas our bloodlines are as far apart as the Earth is from the moon.”

“So you’re just holding onto the book for Deloris Mary-Weather by chance then?” Ursula asked, trying to confirm her suspicion.

“I assure you, nothing that is happening is by chance. I am simply doing the job that was bestowed to my ancestors long ago.”

The woman was doing the job of her ancestors, but Deloris Mary-Weather wasn’t the ancestor? Ursula was confused, but was now ninety-eight percent sure that the woman was the current Guardian.

“So, let me ask you something,” Ursula said, taking the handle of her mug in her fingers. “If the clan opens the book they’ll find one of the Hearts, won’t they?” She lifted her mug to her lips, her eyes locked on the woman.

A small smile formed on the woman’s lips.

“It's a possibility. The book isn’t the key to getting to the Heart, but it can lead the way if used right.”

“They why have you made no move to take it back? Why leave it in their possession for so long? From what I understand they have had it for a while, plenty of time for you to act.”

The woman became thoughtful, tapping her fingers on the table surface. She then smiled.

“I suppose there is no harm in telling you. Relinquishing this secret may even put me more at ease.” The woman’s back straightened in her chair and she glanced around before locking eyes with Ursula. “The reason I have not tried to get the book back is because Fate has decided for the Hearts to finally be found.”

Ursula blinked at her, setting the mug back on the table.

“Fate? What do you mean? Are you saying what’s happening has been predicted?”

“Yes, I’ve known for a long, long time that the Hearts would be found at some point in my lifetime and I promised myself I would not compromise the hands of Fate when the time was upon us.”

“And you’re saying that time is now?”

The woman nodded.

“Yes, when my book was first stolen I wasn’t aware that Fate had finally been awakened, so I was determined to get the book back.”

“What changed?”

“An…associate of mine told me something that made me realize that the one who I was waiting for, the one that would set everything into motion, the catalyst, so to speak, was already here in Whixton.”

Ursula leaned forward, becoming more and more enthralled in the story by the second.

“A person is supposed to make all of this happen? Who?”

“I believe you might have met him. The boys name is Nicoli.”

Ursula gasped, sitting back as if the woman had pushed her back into her seat. She couldn’t believe it. The boy with the bright blue eyes, the strong air about him that also seemed so fragile and the one that unsettled Ursula the most, he was the catalyst?

“How-How is that even possible?” she asked. “How can one boy be the start of everything?”

“I know it seems unlikely, but he is the one that will start everything. I have seen the result of this journey and I know that he will play a major role in all of it. The moment he set foot in Whixton everything was set into motion. He may never realize it, but he is the key to stopping all of the secret wars that are taking place in the shadows and once his job is done this world will be a much better place.”

Ursula worried her bottom, bright red lip. How could one boy do all of that? Especially a boy such as him?

“Are-Are you sure that he will be a great force of good? To me he seems…” Ursula trailed off, unable to put her thoughts into words.

“You have felt the darkness that surrounds him, haven’t you?”

Ursula jolted in surprise. How had the woman known? She looked away and nodded.

“Yes, I have,” she said, rubbing her hand with the other.

There were many ways that witches could sense auras. Some could see them and others could feel them. For Ursula, she was only able to sense someone’s aura if she touched them. The moment she had touched Nicoli’s hand it was as if she had been plunged into a void of suffocating darkness. It was all around her and all feelings of love, joy and happiness had been stripped away from her. That was why she had wrenched her hand out of his, to save herself from becoming completely devoured by the darkness.

“How is someone like that supposed to be a force of good?” Ursula asked. “Someone with that much darkness inside them–”

“It is not inside him,” the woman interrupted. “That darkness only clings to him outwardly. Why it is there, I don’t know, but I have been watching him for some time and have come to realize that the darkness is not part of him. It is some residual energy left by something that he has come in contact with in his life. You may not have noticed, but the boy also has a second aura.”

“A second one? Is that even possible? I’ve never heard of someone having two auras.”

“Nor had I until I laid eyes on Nicoli. Past the first, malicious aura there is a second one that is made of nothing but light. A good, shining aura, if you will. What happened to him to give him a pair of auras, I don’t know, but that doesn’t change the fact of what he is destined to do.”

“So, Nicoli is some kind of chosen one?” Ursula asked. “Besides the creepy aura what makes him so special that “Fate” would choose him to find the Hearts?”

“Nothing, there is absolutely nothing special about him,” the woman said, making Ursula quirk a brow. “He is a completely average, normal boy that simply got swept up into something far greater than himself, but journeys are all about change and I’m sure this one will transform him into something great.”

Ursula nibbled on her spoon; trying to wrap her head around everything she was being told. It all seemed just too farfetched to be real.

“So, if the clan and Nicoli are destined to open the book and find the Hearts why did you not want me to open the book? Am I not in Fate’s plans?”

“Who knows, you could possibly play a big role in what is to come, but not at this point in time. I was just preventing an unnecessary death in the grander scheme of things.”

“Unnecessary…death?” Ursula swallowed down the words that left a bitter taste in her mouth.

“Yes, the book would have killed you. I have no doubt in that.”

“Then didn’t you just change destiny?” Ursula asked.

“In a way, I guess you can say that, but it will not affect the outcome of what is to happen. You see, while Fate can be set that doesn’t mean that there is one specific pathway to that Fate. There are many paths to be taken and I simply eliminated the one that would have resulted in your death. They will get the book open, but it was never meant to be by your hands. They do not realize it, but they are missing one vital part that will truly begin everything.”

“And what is that?” Ursula asked.

“It’s not a what, it’s a who.”

“A who? They’re missing a person?”

“Yes, one that will help them greatly in their endeavors.”

“Do you know who the person is?”

“I do, actually, but I believe that is one secret I will be keeping on my chest. The time when that person will join them is coming and I believe it will be soon. When that happens my job will be done.”

“Your job as Guardian?”

“Yes, and I look forward to that day.” Chair legs scraped against the floor as the woman stood. “Well, as much as I have enjoyed speaking with you I’m afraid I must be making my leave.”

“Wait, I still don’t understand why you’re telling me all of this,” Ursula said before the woman could go. “What if I go and tell the clan everything you just told me?”

The woman simply shrugged.

“I advise against it. Terrible ends usually come to men who know their Fates, but I will not stop you. I am certain that it will not change what will happen. But for why I told you, I’m not quite sure myself. You seemed like a lovely woman to talk to and I just couldn’t help myself.” She gave Ursula another smile as she walked over to the other, making Ursula tense. “And even Guardians struggle with all of the secrets they have to hide. Being able to tell someone, even a complete stranger, is a great weight off my shoulders. I thank you for that.”

Then the woman bent down and placed a soft kiss on Ursula’s cheek, catching her completely off guard.

“Farewell, Ursula Clothilde. I’m sure we’ll meet again some day in the future and maybe then I will be able to introduce myself properly. Until then, au revoir.”

Ursula watched the mysterious woman walk away and disappear out of the cafe’s front door. She let out a trembling breath and sagged back in her chair. Her fingers shook as she wrapped them around her mug that had become lukewarm. She had no idea what to make of the encounter, or what to do with the information she had just received. She didn’t know what to make of anything.

Should she leave now and go tell the clan that they were destined to find the Hearts? Or tell them that Nicoli was the start of everything and warn them about the darkness surrounding him? Should she tell them that they were missing someone that would open the book for them and who would be vital in their journey?

Ursula gathered her purse and left her unfinished drink on the table as she stood on unsteady feet. No, she wouldn’t tell them anything. Something inside her told her to keep the Guardian’s confidence. The greeter bell chimed as she opened the door, signaling her leave.

No, she would leave everything up to Fate.

===================================Ch. 69 End

…ggrrrr damn you Ursula! I will tell you all right now that Ursula as a character was never supposed to exist. I had planned that the witch that was coming was supposed to be a completely minor character, probably not even get a full description of her and she was just supposed to enter, tell the clan she couldn’t open the book, then leave. Bad things happened when I realized I had to give her a name and the second I decided on Ursula POW! This whole, awesome character fleshed herself out right before my eyes and now I am completely in love with her and want to use her more. Damn it -.- So, don’t be surprised if this isn’t the last we hear of Ursula Clothilde, which is pronounce Klo-Teeld, by the way.

So, yes, lots of epic stuff happened in this chapter. The book may not have been opened but the Guardian has appeared again (which I didn’t plan either. Again I blame it on Ursula) and she has pretty much dropped a bomb that she knows that the clan will get the book open and that Nicoli is pretty much the whole reason why this has started. Of course she left out some stuff, like who this mysterious person the clan needs is, but she gave a lot of info, nevertheless.

Well, I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter and I can tell you the next one is going to be extremely fun. Hopefully I get it done in a reasonable time, but we’ll see. So, until next we meet my lovlies! *Huggies and lickies*