CH 21
It was nearly dawn when they reach the Tiberian's tribe. The sanctuary was located on a flat valley not on top of the mountain as she thought but it would be impossible to reach the sanctuary without crossing the mountain range and cutting through the forest . As they stood on the steep hill she was able to observe the beauty of the landscape , lavish with green vegetation , the rivers flow down the mountain like a veil and then carve itself around the land. The valleys blocked the winds and shaded the inhabitants, creating cooler temperatures in the daytime, and warmer temperatures at night. Stone structures of temples and guard towers appear ancient . They went inside the temple , the floor was made of white marble with an image of two wolf dancing or perhaps fighting each other , Jade wasn't sure but she was amaze by the art work . The only light in the room was from the row of burning torch along the stone wall of the temple and the only piece of furniture was a throne like chair on the upper platform in front of them.
"Is this your home?" she asked
"Yes. It get scarier at night" he said teasingly and then reach over to pull her toward him and whisper "So , stay very close to me. I'll take care of you" his cunning eye spoke more of his intention . Ever since his love confession in the cave, well , close enough to one, she find herself breathless and bubbling with happiness when ever he grin or tease her intimately. It could only mean one thing , she realize and no longer find it necessary to pretend those feeling doesn't exist . She love him. She had known it for awhile but refuse to accept it and now that his feeling are some what the same , though he only hint it and interpret it like a stubborn man would , she found herself caught in a web of love. She had not told him yet of her feeling because she are not quite confidence with his true motive , if he really sincere or playing mind game with her . Everything about him is such a mystery.
"Who goes there!" cries a woman voice that seen to balance off the hollow wall and send a chill down ones spine. The wall to the side turn and a woman appear at the entrance , she was dress in a red velvet robe that reaches to the floor with white and gold trim run it's length down the fabric. The black hair was smooth back with a two stripe of gray that mark her as an elderly woman but her face was stern and full of authority . When the woman came forward and settle herself on the throne , her pose was of a royal queen and the malice in her eye could strike fear into anyone who dare appose her . "Lucus!"
He shrug lazily and accept his fate "Yes , mother and I did not came alone" He turn to pull Jade beside him and announce "I brought my mate as well ." The old woman stare in total shock and then let out a loud laugh .
"This child ? Lucus , you could not be serious? Return her to her parent" she wave a dismiss hand.
Whether that was an insult or a joke , Jade was turning red with embarrassment and with her already pale completion it was quite noticeable .
"She of age mother. I'm ready to do the transformation now . She will be my soul-mate" he turn to smile at her and back to grim at his mother.
"After 5 years , this is how you return to me ? What happen to the proud warrior who once swore indifference and refuse to mate among his tribe ?" she lean back in her throne .
Jade whisper to him , "Is she really your mother ?"
He lean to her ear , "Yes. You don't see the similarity ?"
"Silent!" the woman voice tolled in the couple ear like a death knell , as she rose from the throne ." How old are you!" she demanded .
"She turn 28 this year" said Lucus
"She can speak for her self !" his mother cut him off with a deadly stare and snap her attention back to the child-like-woman.
"I will be 28 in October" said Jade and then all the sudden felt her neck was being choke , the woman astound speed had reach her within second . Jade grab on to the wrinkle hands that was being wrap around her throat . She can see the predator glare in the old woman eye and felt the nail cutting through her skin .
"Mother! Release her!" fear swamp him as he stare into Jade pleading eye and his heart was torn .
"You stay right there ! Or else I'll kill her" his mother hissed over her shoulder and heard her son growl in retaliation . The woman draw her face close to examine the young girl with great curiosity , she notice the eye color , green and bright . The pale completion , youthful face of a woman not more than 16 years of age and what is that strange smell that seen so inhuman . "Tell me . Why do you have green eye"
Jade couldn't hardly breath , left along answer the question and when the old woman loose her grip , was when she reply "our ancestor are foreigner and my father have green eye as well"
"You're a vampire" the woman realized , her eye lit up with great satisfaction and surprise
Lucus swoop in and break the contract , he stood as a shield between his mother and Jade . "I will not let you hurt her" he said harshly . Jade was overwhelm by his determination to protect her , then he look over his shoulder and whisper "Stay behind me ." She shyly smile at him but he was to focus on his mother to notice it.
The woman laugh became a phantom of evil, halting them in a frozen death stare. The huge stone door behind the couple automatic shut itself , leaving the room dark with only the burning torch light , casting a red silhouette of his mother robe .
"You will not have her as your soul-mate" said his mother shooting a side glance while her lip twist disgustedly
"Why!" he roar and clench his fist , remembering the reason why he detested his mother at the first place. The old woman had not change one bit , still bitter as a snake envenom.
"We can not bond with a vampire but I have other good usage for her" she let the last word hung in suspense and took a step forward .
"Then we're leaving" Lucus declare and grab Jade's hand in a tight grip .
"There no where to run , my ill-temper child . The wall is seal off"
Lucus spun in all direction in fit of a bull raging , searching desperately for an exit and then his heart pound against his ear at the thought of putting Jade in danger . If it were his alone , to hell with it but with her it another matter . He know the power his mother posses and to go against her will only provoke her fury . He turn to face the child-like woman he come to love , with such torment expression he cup her pale cheek , "I should had not brought you here" he close his eye briefly and drop his head to her .
"Next time , when a woman said she doesn't want to meet your mother . Listen to them" said Jade .
If their situation wasn't so life threatening he would had laugh at that statement. He was the one that insist on coming here when she clearly demand he return her back home. What does a man do when he crazy in love with a vampire , who have no earthly idea the important his kind must undergoes to posses her ? In her world , marriage would honor any love sprung between a couple but in his world the Tibel leader decide their soul-mate . Only with the leader approve will he be able to have her as one of them and without his mother content , Lucus could not laid claim on her.
"She will stay in a separate room from your. I will not harm her for now"
"Then what are your plan for her ? I need answer mother!"
"I will be frank with you then my dear son , its her blood that I want ! For century rumor of vampire existence plague our ancestor mind. The wise one are correct in their prediction . One day , a green eye demon will appear at our temple and with their blood the curse will be lift"
"Nonsense ! I read the transcript hundred of time . The curse in Death Valley can not be lift. And even if it were true , I will not stand a side and let you harm her . The curse been there for hundred of years and I see no reason to remove it , let it stay there as a reminder to all Tiberian."
"Do you realize you are contradicting yourself? Wasnt it you that refuse to abide by the Tiberians rule , a rebellious who seek an adventurous life and got himself poison be entering the forbidden valley ? Wasnt it you , who shout in rage at the ancestor for having such a place cursed as a warning for all future Tiberian ? And now you are saying it should stay as it is ?" the woman begin to laugh , it was a sound of mockery of his past self . It was true . He hate to admit it but his mother was right . Hell with it . Jade was more important than anything he ever stand for .
He suck in his pride, "Fine. I was wrong. I was a idiot 5 years ago . Are you happy now ? Im willing to be punish for stealing the manual script as well . You can have it back" he took a step forward , his expression desperate "But in return , leave Jade out of this. She had done nothing wrong. I kidnap her from her wedding and I temporary reduce her strength to human ability. She will cause no harm to our people"
There was a moment of silent as her son word being to sink in . She had intend on using the young woman for a ritual ceremony to remove the curse from Death Valley and to punish her son for disobeying the elder . She turn to the young woman , "I believe my son have a fondest for you. I can play a wick mother from hell and kill you this instance but Im going to reconsider his words. For 5 years he had remain un-capture and refuse to return home , therefore, I will spare your life for bringing him to me. Now , leave before I change my mind !" she slam her palm on the arm of the chair and the entrance wall begin to push out , daylight pour into the room , Lucus move to stand in front of Jade , blocking the sunlight . His height shaded her as she look up into his face .
"I take it , she cant be expose to sunlight?" his mother voiced her observant .
"She can be expose to sunlight but not directly . If to much is expose she need to be feed to recover the lost energy and then she be fine" his statement was meant for Jade . If he let her leave alone she will get lost in the forest and without anything to feed on she will lose her energy to the sunlight . He cant bear to let anything happen to her . The concern in his eye was readable . She felt it with deep sadness and his finger touch her pale cheek , a gentle stoke that left her aching to be held for one last time.
"What are you waiting for . Leave." came his mother impatience voice.
"She will not survive out there without my blood, mother" he retorted and sigh "Please , mother. This is the only woman for me . Let her be my soul-mate."
"You want me to spare her life .I have not even decided on your punishment yet and now you asking for more favor ? Beside , bonding a vampire to a wolf is unheard of . Absurd . Such a thing had never been done."
"Just never been done but not impossible ? Im willing to take a risk . Lets us be together and I will do what ever you wishes"
"I understand your urgent but what of her ? She had not said one word where you are concern. Do she even agreed to a lifetime of your possession ? If I heard you correctly the first time , you mention about kidnapping her from a wedding ?"
Damn. He shouldnt have leak out that bit of information. And of course she would refuse him. He was hoping to force her into a lifetime of him , "She agreed!" he answer for Jade . Since his back was to her , the expression she held he would not know but it doesn't matter .
"I had not said anything yet" Jade protested , annoyed with him for speaking for her and when he turn to frown at her as a warning , her chin lift challengingly but remain silent .
"Then it settle . You can have her. In return you and your mate can never return to the outside world. In no condition will I allow the both of you the freedom to roam outside this wall. I will have to discuss with the counselor to arrange a date for the ceremony . In the mean time , she can stay with you in your bedchamber" she rose from the throne and left .
Lucus was able to breath again . He was smugly satisfied . Deep down his mother cold heart was a softer side for a son like him as well . He had known his mother will never harm him because he is the only heir to the tribe , he was important . He turn to his mate and held her hands . There was saddness in her eye and he was suddenly worry .
"Whats wrong?"
"Becoming your soul-mate will mean I can never return to my family.." her voice was fainted
"You will have me ? The tribe will be your new family . There many places I can take you to go see ! You will never get lonely or bore " he fail miserably . Of course , it wouldnt be like her own family and home.His selfishness tore the guilt from him and he quickly push the thought away because he love her to much to be apart from her .
"I want to go home" she whisper
He squeeze her hand and his words was in a rush , "I will talk to mother about visitation , I mean , not now but later on down the road . I will figure something out. Just trust me ." he know its wrong to give false hope , his mother will never allow such a thing , he had just throw his freedom out the window when he agreed to any term his mother wishes . He pull her into arm and held her as if he was hanging from a cliff . He whisper endure and promises . She begin to relax in his arm . How much truth there are she was not sure but she want to believe him because a part of her want to be with him as well.
"The entrance is this way !" a man voice was heard from the outside .
"Grandma hurry up !!" said another voice
The voice sound familiar. Jade turn toward the entrance door . "Father ? Grandma ?!" Jade cried out. Stone and Lime run inside the temple , follow by Grandma and Aum. The family reunion was full of hug and kisses , tear was still in her eye as she embrace her grandma. Lime runt on and on about how his hunting skill was put into good use and of course their fathers super sense was able to track part of the trail and Stones book knowledge lead them to the right located where the Tiberian's tribe might exist , according to legend and history document .
"This is fascinating!" Stone curiosity lead him to break away from the crowded reunion to admire the ancient drawing on the marble floor and wall of the temple . Of all the book he read about ancient lost city and mystical creature , this by far the most astonish discovery!
"We come to take you home" said the father
"She not going anywhere" Lucus snarled .The anguish between both male intensify .
"She doesnt want to be with you. Ill make this easy on you . Leave her alone and I will not press charges or mention of this place to anyone." said the father
"We love each other" Lucus announced
The whole family turn to stare at Jade , searching for her confirmation and caught her blushing . In fact , she had not speak of love to Lucus, therefore he would not know whats in her heart and his arrogant assumption was terribly miss use to win her family approve and to avoid being thrash by her father . "I--I It's like this ----" she stumble with words
"And we are expecting a child" Lucus rush the words in , going for the kill , not allowing for Jade to deny any of his fault accusation .
"A child !!!" the family shout in union .
Jade was completely lost --- flabbergasted and couldnt even form a words . That coward! That liar ! She is not pregnant ! She reach down and touch her stomach . The family watch her movement in silent suspend , as if the climax drum was beating for their conclusion to finalize .
She shook her head , "I'm not sure.."
"After I was release from the mansion. I return back to her . I went into her room every night and we make passionate love .She enjoy it as much and then she feed on me" he speak as if he was a victim and then he turn his head to the side and show the fresh wound on his neck. Everyone lean forward to exam the evidence and silently draw an conclusion.
If her face get any hotter she would need an iceberg to crawl under afterward , "That bit mark was from last night . I needed blood but nothing happen!" she explain
"Do you deny we didnt make passionate love in your bedroom late at night." he ask innocently , concealing the delight feeling to tease her to a blink of madness .
"Oh! You are not playing fair !" she snapped , frustrated and embarrassed . That bit of information she had hidden from her family . She had not told anyone about her late night treat .
"I even saw you change into your true demon form" he added with a grin .
Grandma gasped , "Of all thing that is holy. He saw your true form?! You mean to tell us , you continue seeing each other even after your father warn him not to ever set foot at the mansion again ? We thought you hated this man because of what he done to you and your father was kind enough to release him the first time! This midnight liaison was not just a one time affair I assume"
It was over . Everyone in the family know, there only two way for Lucus to know she could transform during a full moon , one he part of the family or two he was there in her room. In that very moment she wanted to bolt a stake into Lucuss chest . He even have the audacity to smile smugly while her cheek burn from pure humiliation by his blunt runt !
"Big sis ! And we thought you need rescuing !" said Lime
"I do --- but"
"But you love him!" said Stone , finishing the scene for his poor sister
"Well, I--I" she was fumbling with words
"A child . Goodness . This is a good thing . Hopefully this Lucuss blood is good , we need a vamprie offspring!" said Grandma delightfully after carefully thinking of the whole ordeal .
The father loosen his combat pose . There no point of fighting when your own daughter is pregnant and love the bastard that cause it . Great! He going be a grandfather -- wait till his wife hear about this .
"Stay for the ceremony . I will speak to mother to arrange room for everyone" said Lucus and before he left he wag his brow at his soul-mate . She caught his damn look and gape in disbelief . Of all the dirty trick ! Pregnant ? Even with that said , she could not help but wonder if she indeed had sprung a life inside her . She could have deny it but in truth she was not sure herself .
"Jade!" came another familiar voice
It was Raven. Good lord. It cant get any more worst than this . She was surprise and didnt even realize he had rush in to hug her tightly in his arm . His big warm body cover her completely and his gentle voice was saying all kind of relief statement , to finally found her .
Lime have to interrupt his brother exploration from the ancient drawing on the wall to whisper in his ear , "I think we are about to see two dog fighting for their master"
Stone turn to watch Raven with his sister , "Husband vs. Lover . Interesting"