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Click hereShe nodded her agreement though she wasn't thrilled they would be going. It was necessary though, so they knew what they were dealing with. Testing her link with Caleb, she found it still closed. "Do you think Caleb is right, that I've changed so much that Anakatrine will take over for good?"
Gard stopped walking, frowning at the question. He chose his words carefully. Despite being livid with Caleb, he respected him as his King, and loved him as his Sire. "I can never be sorry to see Anakatrine. For so long she was the only thing in my life, mine to protect and love like the very air I breathed. I knew her better than Callain ever did, and I know that while there may be times she's required, she knows this is your life, Annie.
He reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "She only wants to help you when things become too difficult for your compassionate nature. The problem isn't with Anakatrine, it's with Caleb and Callain. You were right when you accused him of lacking balance. Caleb is such a strong personality he's afraid Callain will become the dominant part and he's projecting that onto you. When he learns to listen to his past self and see that Callain doesn't want to take over, he will find balance and be able to understand the same applies with you."
"How long do you think that will take?" Rhianna's words broke off in a wave of misery.
Gard gathered her to his side, keeping his eyes firmly ahead. "Soon, Annie. I have never seen any two people more suited to be with one other. You've crossed millennia to attain that end. Caleb just needs a little more time."
*****
Caleb stared at the door as Rhianna and Gard vanished from sight. The rage within burned brightly and he couldn't find a way to dampen it down enough to be concerned that his mate was drifting further and further away. He knew the concern was there, it had surfaced enough that he'd pushed at Gard to keep Rhianna safe, however, the emotion was lacking. Any emotion other than fury was lacking.
Around him, he could hear the pack moving quietly, starting to come out of the shock of what they'd witnessed. Thereasa was silent, Liam's low voice whispering to the human. His antipathy towards the woman was still strong but how could he execute her now? She wasn't a vampire anymore and killing humans was frowned upon. If he continued to try to push for justice, Gard's words would come true, and there would be civil war and she would have won.
Rafe moved to Liam. "Take her to my Jeep. We'll be there shortly." His gaze turned to Caleb, waiting to see what his reaction would be. He'd promised Annie he would keep the woman safe. He meant to keep that promise.
Their eyes connected and a long moment passed before the vampire gave a slight nod. The Alpha managed to contain his sigh of relief. It would appear they were not about to go to war with the vampires today. He deemed it prudent to get his people back to the pack as soon as possible. "We're going home."
The Vârcolac appeared to move as one, all coming to flank Liam as he rose gracefully for one of his huge size, Thereasa cradled tenderly in his arms. The woman was limp though conscious, her eyes glazed as if in another place. She put up no struggle being in Liam's arms, lying against his wide chest as if resting against an immovable object.
"If you hear from Annie...?" Rafe let his words trail off.
"I'll let you know." Caleb turned away from him, ignoring the Weres as they left the house. His thoughts were now firmly centred on how to minimise the damage of what had happened. He knew the Weres would remain silent but there were many vampires present today. Demetri and Mara could be trusted, but there were younger Praetorians affected by Liam's loss of control.
Demetri watched his friend with narrowed eyes. He was concerned for Caleb, concerned what this rift with Rhianna would mean for him, not only personally, but also for the rest of their people. If Caleb didn't get a resolution soon, who knew what would happen. "Mara, can you give us a moment?"
It was clear his mate wasn't happy about the prospect but she nodded and brushed her lips against his briefly. "Don't be doing anything stupid now. I like that head firmly where it is."
Her response was enough to bring a smile to his face, and he deepened their kiss, his body naturally reacting to her pull. "Would I be stupid?" he laughed, giving Mara a reassuring hug before releasing her reluctantly. "I won't be long."
Demetri waited until she had left before his glacial gaze rounded on his friend.
Caleb could see the fury in Demetri's eyes, but wasn't willing to hear what he had to say. Holding up a hand, he halted his friend's words before they could leave his mouth. "Don't think about going there."
The expression of disbelief that crossed the other man's face was almost comical. "You really think that's going to work on me after all these years, Caleb? It might work on others but never me; we've come too far for that. What the fuck is going on here? What's all this crap with Annie? How could you just let her go off with Gard like that? If the Council finds out what happened here today, you know her life will be in danger. "
"Of course, I know that!" Caleb hissed, his eyes glowing amber in his fury. "I have to get this fucking nightmare nailed down tight before they find out about it. Protecting Annie at the same time will only distract me and I can't have that right now. She'll be safer with Gard for the moment."
"And then what?" Demetri persisted, his own fear for Annie making him feel helpless, which in turn, pissed him off. "The way you're treating her is wrong, Caleb. Of all of us, you and Annie are the heart of all that is right with the changes happening to our people. If you break...not just you, but Anakatrine and Callain too, where does that leave the rest of us? Everything that has happened the last quarter of a century, you pushed us into it kicking and screaming for our own good. Are you going to throw all that away?"
Demetri's words broke the fragile control he still possessed. Caleb spun around, picked up a chair and tossed it across the room to crash into the fireplace. He let out a loud roar, his fury finally erupting, as he picked up another and it joined the broken pieces in a pile. How could she do this to him? How could she defy him, and throw everything they had away? Rhianna was the other half of his soul. She made him who he was, tempered the monster within, soothed the beast on the rare moments he surfaced. Now she was gone and the monster ruled because the man couldn't face the fact that he may have just lost the most precious thing in his life. The rage within was everything, blinding hot fury flowing like molten lava in his veins.
Caleb gave vent to his fury, his talons shredding fabric as he systematically took the room apart. He wasn't aware that he was crying as he carved chunks out of the wall with a broken lamp. He wasn't aware of the animal sounds issuing from his throat as he wreaked havoc. All he was aware of was that his Annie was gone and he didn't know where she was.
He had let her go, left her protection to another. He had let Gard just walk away with his mate and did nothing to stop it! If anything happened to Annie...he couldn't finish the thought. If he tried to, he was afraid of what may happen.
"Temper tantrum over?" Demetri's coldly amused words seeped into his brain and he came to his senses, surveying the carnage in the room. The living room was like a war zone. There wasn't one piece of furniture intact and half of the wall at the fireplace was full of holes. Mac was going to be pissed. Thankfully, none of the Praetorians had ventured in to see what was going on. He may have hurt them if they had.
Turning, he saw his friend leaning casually against the doorway, well out of harm's way. His body language was nonchalant though he knew Demetri was alert underneath, ready to move if he were to lose it completely and attack him.
Taking a deep breath, Caleb reined in his feral side. It was difficult but he managed it eventually. It was as if allowing his vampiric side to work out some of the rage had permitted some reason to return.
As he slowly calmed down, he felt the weight of sorrow he'd been hiding from. He ached inside, wanted Rhianna to be close, and missed her terribly. However, he knew they needed some space; that he needed to work through all the emotions he was suppressing before that could happen. He needed to find some balance and the best way to do that was to work on protecting his mate first from the Council, and to deal with the aftermath of events later when he was calmer. Taking control of situations always helped to balance him.
"We need to keep this quiet, Demetri."
His friend relaxed, standing up straight as relief flowed through him. The coldness was dispelling from Caleb's expression, a hint of normalcy returning. For a while, he'd been concerned that Caleb would cross over completely and he'd have to intervene. However, it appeared his friend had pulled himself back from the brink. "The Praetorians won't talk. I'm fairly certain of that. Mac and Karn will be able to contain any potential issues here. "
He crossed the room to stand before the other Ancient, stepping over the broken furniture. "Annie?"
Caleb sighed, running a hand wearily through his hair. "We'll work through this somehow. She's my world, Demetri. I can't be without her, but I just can't be with her right now. I know you don't understand that. Hell, I can't understand it myself. I long for her and yet when she's here I want to throttle her. Not Annie, but Anakatrine, if that makes any sense?"
His friend rolled his eyes, exasperation written across his face. "No it doesn't, because they're the same person in my eyes. You're the only one who seems intent on making the distinction, my friend. When you can see that...maybe, you'll come to your senses and end this foolishness. I only hope there will be something to salvage by the time you get there."
Content that disaster had been averted for now, Demetri spun on his heels and headed out to find Mara. He was concerned for Caleb but also angry with him. The heart of the vampire nation was missing, and only Caleb could return it to them. Now if he would only stop pissing about and get on with it.
Caleb scrubbed his face tiredly, following Demetri from the ruined room to get started on damage control. He knew his friend was frustrated with him. He could understand it but he couldn't bring himself to go looking for Rhianna yet. He wasn't sure he had enough control to react rationally at the moment, but soon. Being apart from his Annie was not going to be easy, for either of them. The sooner things could be fixed; the better it would be for everyone. He only hoped there was something left to fix when he did finally go looking for her.
To be continued...
- COMMENTS
I didn’t read the 1st installment but did vampires in Jazz’s world used to have babies back in the day? Saying that vampires used to have royalty that was matrilineal certainly implies so. It also is implied by Anakatrine being three when her mother was killed. When did vampires lose that ability? And while I see the horror of losing immortality, is it the case now (obviousely) that Thereasa can now have children? Is the question that is it worth the loss of immortality to have children? And speaking as a dude, isn’t all the long hair a disadvantage in a fight? And finally, why are all the guys the same and the women so different? There is a lot of variety with the women, but the men are pretty similar except for the hybrids. But they are magical beings and there differences lie in in the magic they display.
After re-reading this myself I wondered that too. I didn't remember this bit about Elijah from my first reading. But it's a definite possibility.
Elijah= The Big Bad that's coming. Pity, because I'm partial to that name. Elijah, is my very favorite Mikaelson.
The thing about Annie and anakatrine is that they are almost like a Were in that there are two souls inside of her. She achieved balance with her seeing her memories and sometimes relying on her strength. Annie knew she wouldn't be able to save Reasa so she let Anakatrine do it. She firmly believed that if Reasa was killed 3 souls would be lost.
As to her knowledge the only way they would get anything from a vampire especially a zealot would be incredibly long torture. I don't doubt Mac or Karn would have it in them to do it but that's not what their leadership stands for. They are all trying to do what's right and to do the exact same thing she did to Pietro is unconscionable.
As to Rare not taking off Caleb head it is because he basically went into Alpha mode. He came out of it to comfort Annie but any push on his part could have split them even further apart creating the civil war Anakatrine and Annie sacrificed so much to stop. That and he knows deep down the other lyrics place Annie is safer than being with Caleb is with Gard even if he doesn't like it.
why has no one questioned that chick before they were gonna kill her? Why not get all and any info from her. Would caleb have said 'off with her head' before trying to get info on who is making the amort and who is the enemy? really? they were mad she wasn't killed on the spot. that isn't sounding like a smart ruler or even a smart cop for god's sake.
This chapter disappointed me a bit. I don't understand the fact that Gard and demetri say annie/anakatrine are the same person, but she was so broken by what she did to the girl and almost confused about what had happened. Anakatrine didn't discuss with her what would happen and then take over b/c she was strong enough to do it. she was given control by annie, that is clear, but it wasn't the souls of anakatrine and annie working together. Caleb, if he believes Annie is letting anakatrine take control, should be worried about Annie and see if the woman he loves is still there since his issue is oen day anakatrine will be all that is left.
if annie is still there after that move then ask her why she felt it necessary. don't they need to work on it together? Can he be sure word won't get out? If it does she'd be in danger and he's not around to care for her. Shouldn't he care where his mate is so he can protect her. Where is this male mate behavior in him now? the guy still is jealous of her brother touching her after 30 years together or whatever and he can turn that off on a dime. wierd.
Does even annie know what the repercussions are for liam and this girl?
Why has rafe not kicked caleb''s ass for hurting his 'baby girl' or not being a good mate?
who is working on seeing the hybrids are better understood and working on helping them?
I really liked the world you created and the characters in it, but by the end of this story it kind of got... Predictable, it lost the suspense and drama because the male mates are 100% whipped and no one can do any wrong. It'd be nice to see relationships actually tested for longer than a chapter or two. But still a good read.
...several years after the story ends.
But speaking of nagging thoughts.
The pistol Theressa used, still had several rounds in it. What happened to it after her capture? Who secured it and why wasn't it turned over to the antidote research team? Also her gear.
And if someone is hiding the weapon and the lone assassin's other gear, what is their motive?
A minor quibble, Thereassa's nails were painted with Vampire venom. When was that removed?
Yup! Men are idiots at times! LOL. But I love your stories. You put so much emotion into your plot and characters that I have cried and laughed. Great work!
Patti
I just cried five times. Two during this story and three during the ending of Lilly's story when She ran away.
I would like to say yes men are idiots. We can't help it. We are programmed that way genetics caveman primal urges take your pick. We need a strong, kind, caring, and loving women who can put up with us and Gibbs slap us in the back of head for are own good.
Who votes for smacking Caleb upside of the head... Men geez!!! As Demetri said only he has the problem separating them no one else but I love these guys so I hope it all works out well in the end. I can't have sympathy for Reasa but what a punishment but I do feel for poor Liam... what do you have in store for us next I wonder
Lady, I need to see all this made into a series, I'd buy the whole dvd series!
I have finally had the time to catch up, and this is what you do to me, okay, I am bracing myself to move on to other chapters. 'Great!!!
If vampires can't have children, how were Anakatrine and Gard siblings....I can't believe I didn't catch this the first time through when we first met him! Although it seems that only the Vampire Queen can have children (somehow), does that mean that Annie can have kids too?!!?! Haha, getting ahead of myself. I just had to bring it up because it hit me like a slap in the face when Gard was talking about their mother, and again, I can't believe I've never thought of it before.
Also, I love 1.5 hours SW of Toronto, so that's pretty awesome!
No, not Annie; but you Jaz. I had to look at my "cheat sheet" and go back to the last chapter of HOW to get re-acclimated. However I am now back on board. You are the master of this genre. Now on to the next chapter!!!!!!!!!!
Owk iam officially handing you the tittle of bests,badass and awesomest writer, WOWZA!!!!!!! :))
Heck yes, good first chapter, and also awesome is that I'm like a whole two hours north of Toronto :) Jaz you are super duper awesome :) :)
If I recall correctly, Mac and Demetri had killed many vampires in their past. Also there was a scene, where Caleb and Demetri with company kill vampires in the council. All those killings didn't create such a fuss, as turning a vampire back to mortal. I think there shouldn't be so much drama about it.
Here are my points:
1.I think mortality is lesser punishment than death.
2.Vampires have been killed in this story for smaller faults, than attacking children of the ancient.
3.You can always bite a human, turning him back to vampire.
When is the next part of the story? It's kinda almost been a month...
Your talent for writing is amazing. I happened to find your stories a few months ago, thank the gods, and haven't been able to stop reading them since. I've even, I admit, read them all more than once... Ok, more than twice... All right, all right, I've read through them at least three times.
I'm hoping Pietro finds his mate in one of the Hybrids. Perhaps Alexie and Cedar's daughter? He deserves a little happiness, don't you think?
Either way, I'm sure your stories will continue to enrapture me, and I can't wait for the next chapter.
First off I want to say that I am in love with your stories and all of your characters. I only just found them and I have spent the last 4 days reading them all.
But...I'm confused about the whole "Anakatrine/Annie having a mother" thing. How does a vampire have a mother? And is Annie able to have babies too?
Also, I'm kind of getting annoyed with Caleb going all "how dare you defy me" like. I really hope he gets put in his place. I think that's the only thing that slighty annoys me about this series is that the males dont seem to ever get put in their place. The women just forgive them so easily.
Oh well I suppose. I still love and will keep reading the series :)
Oh my gosh! When I saw you had a new story out I thought "Cool, a new story to read!" And then when I saw Caleb and Annie's names I almost screamed out loud with shock and joy! So incredibley happy that you're continuing this series:) Keep 'em coming and don't make us wait too long
Or rather the beginning we only heard about as part of the past rather than to actually live it like now, well sort of. The future holds so much of the past that this looks like a great ride to be on. Let this ride begin!
I have enjoyed your stories and followed them with great interest. I have to admit that a few of the characters seem to forget their time placements as the story unfolds. Such as The Vampire Leader married to the Queen, sometimes I think he forgets his power is not even close to the Power of Gard as Gard has been alive sense the first deaths of the King and Queen, I seem to remember that it was Gard who changed the Vampire King once he realised who he was and whose soul was held within the Human male. For the most part your stories are fascinating, perhaps reminding your characters who has the power and where their place is would help freshen things up a bit and remind all your readers who is where and in what standing ? Just a thought..
I have to disagree with the previous comment. One of my biggest problems with stories is when a series is over, and that is the end of those stories. It kinda feels a little like an old friend leaving for good.
I believe you are abusing your characters, I love them but I'm afraid I'm going to get sick of them.They already feel like protagonists in an immortal soap opera.
Why not start a new story ?
Ive just spent the last few days reading all these stories. Your storytelling is amazing and I only wish I'd found them at the end of this year so I wouldn't have to wait in between chapters lol. Love your work and can't wait to see how the stories and characters evolve. Keep up the awesomeneds!! :)
I've been hooked on your stories since you started, and have been rereading through them all this last week... You are superb! Better at creating a world with engaging characters that we all care about deeply, than most published authors. I keep my fingers crossed for your publication quest, but till that joyous day I look forward to reading each new installment....
So... Speaking of new installments, when is the next one coming?!
Why is it that the hybrid children always mate with vampires? Why not a were or even human? and will they ever get to go out and meet the rest of the world?
And you are definitely one of the best writers of literotica. Keep the good work up
This has got to be the best start of a new year ever ;)
I am already hooked on the story. Caleb still pisses me off but atleast everyone else seems to understand Annie... stupid Caleb!
Loved the first chapter :)
I love your stories so much but this one is already killing me with a new cliffhanger right off the jump. Please make the next chapter longer and post it soon if possible. i can't wait to see where this goes. You are awesome!
I have awaited anxiously for you to continue with the story and am so glad that you have. It has made my night. I think I can finally go to sleep content and await the next installment of this wonderful series!
Please don't stop writing! Your fans will support you always. And keep the publishing dream alive. I know I will buy these books and read them over and over again! You are the best!
You have been missed. Please know that finding this chapter has put a smile on my face. I am looking forward to your coming chapters woven with danger, sex, love, smiles, tears and unforseen plot twists.
I remain your faithful
Werefan :)
Really? You leave with a huge cliff hanger, wait for FOREVER, then come back with another cliff hanger? You're killing me! I'm biting my nails here! Hurry with the next one!
P.s. i think your stories are awesome :)
Jaz I am so annoyed at you for the following reasons:
1. You have been gone so long
2. You have the audacity to cock/ cunt tease us with the bare skeleton of this story
3. Pssssssshhhhh it's so bloody short and
4. Caleb is an even BIGGER ASSHOLE than before
Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrggggggggggggggh! Like an addict I STILL crave your storytelling though! BITCH!!!!!!!!!
The only way to forgiveness is to write every day for the next year in recompense and post on Literotica every week!
Oh and Merry Christmas Happy New Year blah blah blah! Get writing!
Welcome back and yesnim writing this at 0123 after remembering that you promised an update around this time. Keep hope alive on the publishing attempt and remember that there's more than one publishing house...now hurry up with the next chapters!!! Happy New Year
I was so glad to see this posted! :) I love your stories and am looking forward to more!
Through all the series' I have been faithful. And I'm not about to start failing you now! I knew that this possible loosening of heart was in the background somewhere and IT'S TOTALLY FABULOUS!! The angst is incredible and once again you leave me aching for more.
awesome chapter as always and I cant wait to read more I'm so happy your back and writing again love your work keep it up
Too short a chapter. Your cliffhangers are killing me! You need to post more chapters, longer chapters soon...PLEASE! Make it a New Year's gift to us loyal readers. Hehehe. :)