Off Balance

[Corey]

Flynn Harper

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Flynn was tired but he was enjoying the company of the men who had rescued him and Fritz. He had feeling he and Fritz would get along with them well. He caught the look Chester gave Liesel and thought they were lucky.

That bloke seemed like he had to justify things a lot. I'm sure she's a wonderful baby.

When he heard that everyone in the car other then Father Marek were married with kids and or with kids on the way, he chuckled.

You weren't kidding about the water....This place would please my mum. She keeps nagging me to settle down.

He meant it as a joke but knew his mother was very serious about it. He was only 24 but listening to his mother you would think he was a confirmed bachelor in his 40's. When Asif brought up Lina, Flynn didn't know the whole story but he did remember that Chauncey had made some comments about his wife. When Chester offered his congratulations, Flynn did too and so did Chase. Chase knew what was going on and he was happy for Lina and Asif. Flynn nodded his head to Chester when he told him about the principles of their community.

Don't have to worry about us not respecting that.

He and Fritz had taken part in a war to try to stop terrorists and make the world a better and more peaceful place, Flynn would easily be able to respect the principles of their home and he knew Fritz well enough to know he would as well.

[Tigers]

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Roxanna Volkova


A weight seemed to lift from Roxanna's shoulders, Tash didn't hate her, nor did she want to stop being friends. It was a great relief to know she hadn't screwed things up to the point of it being irreparable. Relationships, the non sexual kind were new to her and much more difficult and confusing.

"I...think I understand, or I'm starting too." Roxanna admitted.

"I didn't stop caring about you, and I didn't want to hurt you. I just thought dealing with this on my own doing what I did, that I would protect you from me."

Since it was just the two of them at the moment, Roxanna could speak more freely. She had no intentions of repeating her earlier mistake.

"Relations, ones that aren't sex...they're hard. I don't know what to do or I do the wrong things. But I don't want to keep doing the wrong things. It's not your problem, but, I'm grateful for you telling me and I hope that if I do something wrong again, you'll say something."

Roxanna was all for putting this behind her and she gave Tash one of her half smiles. She was hesitant at first but seeing that a hug seemed appropriate and Tash let her know that it was okay, she hugged her friend. It was good letting go of burdens this way.

"Thanks." She told Tash.

"Do you think Liliya will see me. I owe her a hug too."

[Tigers]

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Viktoriya


"You have a good start." Viktoriya replied.

"When I first started, I couldn't boil water." Viktoriya laughed.

"Since you've had most of your experience with baking, how about we start there. Help build up your confidence so that you're ready to tackle something new."

Although it wasn't always a healthy choice, dessert was often prepared for consumption. Not everyone could avoid a sweet tooth, so cookies, cakes, brownies and such were often available in the cafeteria. While the two women gathered the ingredients, Viktoriya passed the time in conversation.

"I do hope life has improved for you Jasmine. I understand coming from a difficult life, I suppose that's why cooking became such a passion for me. It was a good escape from the bad things."

[Tigers]

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Emily


As soon as school was out, Emily had rushed over to the infirmary to see Shazia. It felt only natural to want to make someone feel welcomed and loved when she had been given the same. There were so many things that Emily wanted to do to help, sometimes she didn't know where to begin. She came to the girls' room and knocked.

"Hi, is this a bad time? Do you need me to come back later?"

[Monkey Kitty]

Zabel

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It struck Zabel once again that her childhood had been very happy as compared to that of many in their community. Her life had been a peaceful one, with kind parents, until about two years ago. Briefly, it had been hell... but now she was safe again, with a new and equally loving family. She was lucky, really.

In response to the comment about colours, she replied, "The nice thing about the baby stage is they don't really have preferences yet, so you can decorate however you want and dress them in whatever you like. One of these days, Krikor is going to start having his own opinions about these things... it'll be interesting to see what he ends up liking, but I admit I'll slightly miss picking whatever I find adorable."

They went to pick up Krikor, then headed out to the car to meet Helen.

[Monkey Kitty]

Helen

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Helen was clearly pleased that Rachel was going along. "Great! It'll be fun to have a girls' day out."

She wished Alenka could come along. Her second-oldest daughter was going to be at the university for a class, though. Besides, as far as Helen knew, Alenka hadn't told her boyfriend she was pregnant yet, so she probably wasn't ready to start bringing home baby supplies. Helen would need to prod Alenka again - gently, of course - that it was important to have that conversation.

Once she was done with her school responsibilities for the day, Helen dropped her younger kids off with the babysitter, then met Zabel, Greta, Rachel, and Krikor by the car.

"I love shopping for baby stuff," Helen confessed. "I don't plan on any more newborns of my own, so it's fun to live vicariously."

[Monkey Kitty]

Asif and Chester

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Chester nodded. "Our kids are definitely wonderful, including the baby," he agreed, every inch the proud father.

Chauncey had been right about one thing - Nia had suffered brain damage from being shaken as a younger infant, and it wasn't clear to the doctors or her adoptive parents how much she was likely to be able to progress in the future. She was still a person, though, and she still mattered. She didn't deserve to be mistreated.

Chester was pretty sure that Nia was more aware of her surroundings than the Vampire doctor had realized, though. When she had first been brought to them, she had shown little reaction to anything... but that seemed to be mainly because she was so terribly ill. Now that she was feeling better physically, she smiled at her adoptive family - she had clearly learned to recognize them - and though she couldn't crawl yet or move much on her own, she would snuggle against them when they picked her up. Far from a vegetable, no matter what the future held.

Neither Chester or Asif had been seriously worried that Flynn or Fritz might turn out to be bad people. They seemed like honourable sorts. It just didn't pay to take chances, not when there was so much at stake. Asif felt a cold chill whenever he imagined someone hurting Lina or his nieces again. Better to risk offending someone by making sure the expectations were clear, than to risk harm to a loved one.

The van pulled through the gates of the community, then drove as close to the infirmary entrance as possible. The doctors and nurses appeared immediately with three stretchers - at the first two casualities had been reported before they even arrived on the scene, but after Marek was shot, Dmitri had called to make sure the medical team was prepared for a third serious case.

Father Marek was rushed off to surgery, while Flynn and Fritz were moved to a room where they could recover. Flynn was given more blood to drink, and Fritz received an emergency transfusion. Asif briefly ducked out to let Lina know he had arrived home safely, then he and Chester stayed to keep the two men company until they were ready to sleep.

[Monkey Kitty]

Tash

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Tash smiled. "You don't have to deal with things on your own. Not anymore. I know it can be hard to remember that though."

"When it comes to relationships... you do fine. You seem to be judging yourself really harshly, but no one else is. We all like you. I promise I'll tell you if something goes wrong - if you promise not to ditch."

Once they'd settled things between them, and the subject of Liliya came up, Tash said, "Yeah, she's been wanting to see you. She's worried about you. I think she'll feel better when she sees you're really alright."

She called out for Liliya, and a moment later the little girl appeared. Liliya smiled at Roxanna even as she scrutinized the older girl's face for signs of anger at her.

[Monkey Kitty]

Shazia and Samira

Shazia smiled when she saw her friend at the door. "No, this is a perfectly good time, please come in!"

Their aunt had been with them for much of the day, but now she had briefly gone to make arrangements for Samira's surgery the next day. Asif had realized that his presence without Lina made the girls uncomfortable, so he was elsewhere in the infirmary too - Shazia knew she could find her uncle and aunt if they needed anything.

Shazia showed Emily inside. "My sister is awake. Emily, I'd like you to meet Samira."

Of course, Samira was till in horrible shape, bruised and cut, swollen and bandaged, hooked up to machines. Still, she managed a smile for Emily.

"Nice to meet you," Samira said.

[Tigers]

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Emily


Emily returned the smile and came inside to join Shazia.

"Hi Samira, I'm Emily. It's nice to finally get to meet you. I brought these for you, my younger sister's and brother drew them for you."

Emily handed her pictures that Phyrre, Liliya, Max and Eszri drew. Get well pictures to hopefully cheer Samira up.

"How are things going?" Emily asked Shazia.

[Tigers]

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Roxanna Volkova


"No ditching." Rox promised.

When Liliya came out and smiled at her, she gave the younger girl a lopsided grin. If there was anything that Liliya might read it was Roxanna's own shame for what had happened. She loved the younger girl very much, the two had a shared history, as horrible as it was.

"Hey Liliya." Rox said.

"I'm sorry about what happened. Can you forgive me? Can we still be friends?"

She wanted badly to hug Liliya, but she couldn't do it, not yet, not until she knew Liliya was okay with still wanting to have something to do with her.

[Jenny]

Jasmine Torres

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Jasmine laughed when Viktoriya said when she first started she couldn't boil water. Even though Jasmine couldn't taste foods anymore, she could still smell them and she could tell that the food in the cafeteria smelled good. She nodded her head.

That seems like a good place to start.

She hoped whatever she and Viktoriya made today would turn out good.

It's gotten better. There was a time I didn't care if I lived but now...there are people I need to stick around for.

Like Bruno, Turner, and Elena. She couldn't leave them behind even if Bruno would surely say he could take care of himself. She couldn't just leave the coven and not be there for them. They were like a family she never had.

How did you come to this community?

She asked as they gathered the ingredients to start baking.

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

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Greta laughed when Zabel said that someday Krikor was going to start having his own opinions about things.

Well maybe your good taste will wear off on him and he'll end up liking a lot of the things you think are adorable anyway.

She was excited about the shopping and thought that she should find a present for Jasmine. Not the older vampire would probably want anything but Greta felt she give her something. What a change one day had been for her. Before she had been upset and scared, but now she could enjoy her pregnancy and be excited about being a mother. If it wasn't for Jasmine, she wouldn't be here and had already made some good friends. She went with Zabel to pick up Krikor and meet up with her mother.

[Jenny]

Rachel Bardou

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Yes it will.

Rachel replied with a smile of her own. She used to go shopping with her friends Anna and Seona before they got busy with their own kids. Rachel always felt a little left out looking at baby things since Chase had wanted to put off having children, so it was nice to finally get to buy things for her own child. Although it was far too early to know if she was having a boy or a girl, so she would just have to get gender neutral things. When Helen confessed she loved shopping for baby things, she smiled.

It's a good thing there's something in the water around here then.

Greta laughed at the comment. She had heard there were a couple of women in the community expecting children. Greta and Rachel were already getting along well but Greta was certain that she had heard her name from Nathan before. Nathan thought people didn't hear him yelling about people he hated, but rumors spread fast around his coven. Rachel was a common of enough first name that she wouldn't have thought of it except she heard what Rachel's last name was. And Rachel mentioned her husband and said they had decided to stay in the community because she was a human pregnant with her lycan husband's child and they were both wanted to make sure she and the baby stayed as healthy as possible. Yeah there couldn't be too many human/lycan couples named Rachel and Chase Bardou. Still Greta thought Rachel was nice and not like the things Nathan had said about her. Her husband probably wasn't anything like Nathan had claimed either. Of course, Greta was realizing quickly that many things Nathan had told her were wrong. He said that lycans were evil and she was learned quickly that wasn't true. She could tell Jasmine about Rachel and Chase but decided not too. Jasmine would probably have to tell Nathan and Greta didn't want him to hurt them. His version of what happened to his brother was probably not what truly happened. Just like he wanted to kill Arrah because her mother "embarrassed" him. Nathan could be so petty Greta thought and she decided what he didn't know wouldn't hurt him.

[Corey]

Chase Bardou

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Flynn could tell Chester was a proud father and figured he had ever right to be. When they arrived at the infirmary, Flynn yawned as the stretchers came out.

They'll take good care of you.

Chase told him. Chase went with Father Marek to surgery to inform the other doctors about his injuries and what he had done to help him during the car ride. Flynn eagerly accepted a drink when it was offered. He enjoyed the company of Asif and Chester. Although he was worried about Fritz. He was still asleep and he thought they said something about an emergency transfusion but he wasn't sure. Exhaustion had finally won over his stubbornness to stay awake and he fell asleep.

[Tigers]

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Viktoriya


“We were rescued, very much like many of the people that live here.” Viktoriya began.

“It’s a rather long story, on how we got to where we were, but luckily it ended well. I was reunited with a son I thought I had lost and I can now raise my daughter in a loving environment. It wasn’t always that way, not in the beginning anyway.”

As the women worked on baking some cookies and cakes, Viktoriya continued her story while she taught Jasmine.

“As I had said earlier, I was born human; I was turned by my first husband. Our marriage started out well, but things changed and the situation became rather abusive. Back then, I had no one to turn too and I had a son, Lukas, to worry about. Foolishly I stayed, and I would likely still be with him had he not fallen asleep and caught the house on fire with his cigarette so long ago.”

Viktoriya had sensed there was more to Jasmine’s story about why she had made an effort to survive. She understood that reasoning very well; there were times, even with Lukas that she had questioned whether death would be a better solution to her situation. But Lukas, he kept her going, kept her strong, even though the worst of it.

“Instead of being liberated from an awful situation, I ended up in something just as bad. My ex-husband was drawing unwanted attention to himself, so much so that his family and the local lycan pack had turned their backs on him. I wouldn’t be surprised if they hadn’t planned on killing him, but the fire, so they thought, had taken care of that. I was saved by a human military group where I had remained for almost 14 years. I thought Lukas had died in the fire along with his father. It was more painful than dealing with the poking and prodding from scientists and military personnel. “

“To make a long story short, they were using me to make a better soldier. I’m not purely lycan anymore, as my daughter, Karina, is not a hybrid in the sense of the term that everyone is accustomed too. She does not have vampiric blood. It was Karina that kept me going; she was born there and had grown up in that awful place. The things they did to her, they still haunt my dreams. But as harsh as life can be, there are silver linings in the clouds. Rebecka, one of the Volkov members had been captured and taken to where we were. When they came to rescue her, they found us and rescued us too. As it turned out, the Volkov’s had taken in Lukas long ago, and I was reunited with my son.” Viktoriya said with a smile.

“Karina is now healing and doing well and I’ve since married a wonderful man who is a great father to our children. There are days that I wished I’d been brave and taken that risk and left with Lukas. I was so scared for the both of us, that I let fear keep me in a place I shouldn’t have been. If I had had the help then that I do now things would have been very different.”

[Monkey Kitty]

Shazia and Samira

"It is nice to meet you too, Emily," Samira replied.

Samira took the pictures in her bandaged hands. A smile lit up her face, and her eyes filled with tears. Realizing her reaction might confuse Emily, Samira explained.

"I'm sorry, it's just... they cared enough about me to do this. Yesterday, everyone but my sister wanted me to die. Yesterday they hurt me, and told me I was a horrible person. Today people are trying to make me feel better. Today people want me to be alright. It's wonderful. It's just... overwhelming, in a pleasant way. Please tell your sisters and brother thank you for me."

Shazia wasn't quite sure how to answer the question. Things had obviously improved for them tremendously. At the same time, she still felt strange in her own skin.

"They are kind to us," she finally replied. "And we like it here. I just wish..."

Was it ungrateful for Shazia to wish for anything, after all they'd been given?

"I wish I was younger. I wish I was Samira's age. It seems too late for me. My life was difficult, but it was all I knew. All I've been for three years was a wife. At that, I was a failure. The only thing I know, I wasn't good at. What will I do now? I see no future for myself."

Shazia was worried that when the others realized this, they would stop bothering with her. Perhaps she shouldn't have shared any of this, but she trusted Emily and couldn't keep all her worries inside. Yes, her sister had been in a similar position, but Samira had only been a wife for six months; she hadn't gotten used to it and could still recover. Shazia, though, wasn't sure there was even any of her self left anymore.

[Monkey Kitty]

Liliya

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Liliya nodded, gave Roxanna a hug, then stepped back so Tash could translate for her.

When Liliya first came here, learning to sign had been tremendously freeing because she could finally communicate. At times, though, it was still frustrating that she couldn't be more direct. Most of the others didn't have to be interpreted when they talked to their friends.

"She says she's not mad at you, and she forgives you. She says she hopes you forgive her too for making you feel sad and not being able to help you. Liliya is glad you still want to be friends, too."

[Monkey Kitty]

Tim

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The surgery was complex and delicate, and Tim's focus was complete while he worked. The lives of all in their community were valuable, but he considered Marek a personal friend, and he knew the priest had made sacrifices for others... if Tim had his way, today's sacrifice wouldn't be the ultimate one.

Finally, their work was done. The priest was pale, still out from the anaesthesia, but his bleeding had ceased, and Tim was reasonably confident that he would recover. Not that recovering from gunshot wounds to the chest was pleasant, of course, but it was better than death.

He turned to Chase and smiled. "I think he's going to pull through. I'm glad he's a Vampire; most humans would have been goners from that. I'm also glad he had you there to help. Your first-aid was excellent. Thank you for helping to save his life. You did great work today."

[Tigers]

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Emily


"It's okay Samira." Emily replied.

"Many of my brothers and sisters understand what you've been through. We all want you to feel the way we feel now."

Emily's heart went out to both girls, she liked Shazia and to see both girls suffering made her want to cry for them. She hugged Shazia.

"No, no don't say that. You can do and be anything you want now. It's never too late." Emily reassured her.

[Tigers]

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Roxanna Volkova


The hug from Liliya felt good and Roxanna felt another part of her burden lift from her shoulders.

"I'm not angry with you. I could never be mad at you...or Tash." She said as she looked back toward Tash.

She hugged Liliya again, it felt so good for things to be okay for all of them.

"We'll always be friends." She told the girls.

"Always." She repeated with with a smile.

[Monkey Kitty]

Helen

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Helen wondered if Greta and Rachel knew each other, although Rachel didn't seem to be reacting the same way to the other woman. Mentally she shrugged it off, though. It was probably just her imagination, and even if not, it was none of her business.

"I'm not sure what you still need, Rachel?" Helen asked. "Greta, I know you don't have any baby supplies yet, and you could probably use some more clothes. We can work on that today. Don't worry about the money; I'll take care of it."

Although teaching special ed wasn't exactly lucrative, Helen had inherited a great deal of family money when her parents died. They had written her out of the will... but they hadn't yet named a new heir, so that was a rather moot point in the eyes of the law. She didn't really want anything associated with them, but it was nice that she and Tim would probably never need to worry about cash again - especially since they were providing for special needs children and several young moms.

It seemed ironically fitting that their money would be used to help mothers like Zabel, Maria, and Greta; Helen's parents would have hated it. That thought made Helen smile a little.

"Greta, we should also look at redecorating your room... unless you plan to move over to the main building, of course. If you stay at the house, we can provide more hands-on help after the birth, but it's your choice. Whichever you're comfortable with, I won't be offended."

[Monkey Kitty]

Shazia and Samira

Samira seemed surprised that anyone understood. Before coming here, she had thought she was such a bad person that no one would ever be able to sympathize with her, and it was strange to experience the opposite.

"Could I meet your brothers and sisters someday?" Samira asked shyly. "I mean, would your parents allow that, after... what I've done?"

It was hard to imagine a nice family letting their children be friends with a young adulteress. No one here seemed to blame her so far, but this seemed like the exception to her, not the rule.

Shazia smiled weakly as she returned the hug.

"I hope you are right. Everything just seems so... dark. I don't know the way forward. I don't see how I can heal. Did you ever feel that way? Did you ever feel so different, so contorted, that you would never fit in?"

Surely Emily hadn't. She was so sweet. But Shazia couldn't help wondering, since Emily had spent her early years in seclusion too.

[Monkey Kitty]

Liliya

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<<Yes, always!>> Liliya agreed, feeling good about how things had worked out. She still had her friend, and her family. No one hated her. Everything would be fine.

Roxanna hung out with them for awhile, then returned to the infirmary to see her sister. Although it hadn't been an easy conversation at first, it seemed a cloud had lifted.

[Quaxo9]

Sylvia

One thing she could say about Raina was that the girl wasn’t afraid of the tough truths. It had to hurt knowing your family was out there, was aware of your existence, but didn’t want to take the risk to reach out. Of course, that risk was pretty terrible – like Raina, Sylvia could see the other side of the coin. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but she seemed to be taking it as well as could be expected.

“Well, I get it, but it’s their loss. You’re awesome. It’s too bad they won’t get to know you. Glad we do, though.”

She added the last bit at risk of sounding cheesy and half-hid behind Zach’s head. Marianna patted Raina’s knee and simply said, “Let’s play!” as if to say ‘you’re here and you’re my friend, what else could possibly matter?’.

[Jenny]

Jasmine Torres

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Jasmine told Viktoriya she didn't mind hearing her story as they baked. She carefully followed Viktoriya's instructions as they talked and baked. When she heard about the other woman's first husband, he sounded too much like her own ex-husband for her taste. Although she could understand not leaving because Viktoriya had her son to worry about.

Your first husband sounds like...Micha.

She almost said her ex-husband but stopped herself because she had to remember her stories in case Millie, Gabriella, and Viktoriya ever compared stories she told them.

He's good at making you believe you're nothing without him.

That had been true about Micha, he made her feel like she was worthless, just like Nathan made her believe she'd be nothing without him now. When she heard what had happened to Viktoriya after the fire and what they did to her daughter, she said.

I'm sorry what happened to you and your daughter. It must have been terrible thinking Lukas was dead and having them use you like that...Maybe everything worked out the way it was supposed to. If you hadn't been taken by the military group you wouldn't have Karina and you wouldn't have met your new husband or have your son back.

She said with a smile. There were times she felt she was supposed to met Nathan that night in Las Vegas. The night he made her an immortal. If she hadn't, she still be scared of Micha and she wouldn't have met Bruno, Turner, and Elena. She wouldn't have met Greta and helped her escape Nathan's coven. She remembered her babysitter told her everything happened for a reason but sometimes people just didn't understand the reasons right away.

[Jenny]

Rachel Bardou

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Rachel didn't catch on that Greta recognized her name and it was probably a good thing. If she realized that Greta's former boss was Nathan, she would be upset. Nathan had tried to kill her and Chase ten years ago because of his brother. She would be happy to spend the rest of her life never hearing from that vampire again. She smiled at Helen as she looked down at her stomach. She was still early in her pregnancy so she didn't look pregnant, although her pants were starting to get tighter then before.

To be honest Helen, I haven't really started. It seems so overwhelming, there's so many things a baby needs. I'm not sure what I should get first.

It's good that you still have plenty of time to figure it out.

Greta commented to Rachel as she looked down at her own stomach. Before she was pregnant, she had been smaller then Rachel, it seemed like a lifetime ago. Greta couldn't even see her own feet now without making an effort. When Helen said she'd pay for everything, she told her.

That's very nice of you, I'll pay you back when I get a job.

She didn't want to take advantage of anyone's generosity. When Helen mentioned they could redecorate her room, she said.

If it's okay with you and Tim, I think I'd like to stay with your family for a while. I can use all the help I can get.

[Corey]

Chase Bardou

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Chase hadn't known Father Marek long and he wasn't much for religion, but he thought the priest was a good man and he was an important part of the community. So when he was told he was going pull through, he gave a sigh of relief.

That's good, I'm happy to hear that.

Although he was certain that if Marek was not a vampire, he wouldn't have survived what had happened to him.

You're welcome, I'm glad I was there to help him. So is there anything else you need help with today? Rachel left me a message that she's shopping with Helen, Zabel, and Zabel's new friend Greta, so I can help out some more today if you need me.

[Tigers]

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Emily


"They would love to get to meet you, both of you." Emily replied.

Emily thought about coming here for the first time as Shazia told her of her fears. Not only had Emily been terrified of being out of the Menagerie, she suddenly discovered she wasn't just a vampire. The whole experience would have been unbearable if she had to have gone though it alone. She was still dealing with the change within her body. Most teens only had to worry about growing up from boys and girls to men and women, that change of puberty.

But Emily had to deal with the fact that she was part fae and she had no idea what changes would happen to her. The whole thing was frightening and she wasn't sure what was going to become of her. At least she had her family, that made it more bearable.

"Yes, I have." Emily confessed.

"Shazia, I'm...I'm not a pure blood vampire. I'm part fae, two different types it seems. I didn't know until recently. I'm part djinn and some kind of water fae."

She gave a nervous chuckle at the irony of the mix.

"I didn't find out until I my skin had caught on fire, I was so scared I thought I was going to die. I felt like...such a freak afterwards. It is still a weird feeling, I'm not yet comfortable with."

[Tigers]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/Viktoriya.jpg
Viktoriya


"I was lucky Jasmine. My choices could have cost Lukas his life, they nearly did. Not only did I think he'd died in the fire, but things had become explosive between he and his father. Lukas couldn't stand seeing him...well, do the things he did to me. He started to fight back. Richard took a silver tipped fire poker to him. His eye lost most of it's sight and he has a scar that will never heal. That happened because I allowed my fears to keep me there."

The two women finished up the first batch of cakes and put them into the oven.

"Fear can be a crippling thing. You make choices that aren't necessarily the wisest and you think that you're doing the right thing. I would never take back the fact that all of this brought Lukas back to me, or that I had Karina. But it could have been different, I could have lost everything. I should have left him along time ago, I should have taken the help when it was offered to me."

Viktoriya started working with Jasmine for making homemade icing for the cakes. The subject changing back to Jasmine's tutoring in cooking.

"Following the directions on recipes is always the safe way to assure that things come out the way their supposed too. With your senses you'll be able to tell if the ingredients are still good, avoiding some pitfalls that even humans can't always detect. It's when you start to experiment with recipes that it will become more difficult. We'll focus on following the recipes so that you can attune your senses to what is normal, then we can start to deviate from there and experiment. I have a few recipes in mind."

[Jenny]

Jasmine Torres

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/jasmineunderworld.jpg

Jasmine didn't know what to say when Viktoriya told her what Richard had done to Lukas after the fire. It was horrible and she couldn't imagine the guilt the other woman probably had knowing that happened to her son. Jasmine thought she was lucky in a way not having children of her own. Micha could hurt her but he couldn't hurt an innocent child. She didn't know what she would have done if she had had a child in that type of situation. She took a mental note of accepting help when it was offered. Jasmine never had help when she had needed it in the past and these people were offering it now...

Life's too short for regrets, even for immortals. We can't change the past, we can only make our future better.

Jasmine told Viktoriya when she could tell Viktoriya regretted not making other choices and protecting her son from his father. She was glad the subject turned back to cooking because she didn't like thinking about her own choices she had made in her life.

I think following recipes would be best until I get a better sense of what I'm doing.

Jasmine said with a nod of her head as they made icing for the cakes.

[Monkey Kitty]

Helen

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"I wouldn't worry, Rachel," Helen said with a smile. "You have plenty of time. We can look at maternity clothes and decorating stuff today - that's probably a good place to start. The rest, you can accumulate over the next few months. You may see cute clothes or toys while we shop, too. Things like diapers and bottles, you won't need till the last minute, but it's nice to get as much out of the way as possible."

She shook her head in response to Greta's offer to pay them back. "That's not necessary. This is family money, and you're considered an honourary part of the family. Your parents should have shared this with you, but they aren't here for you, so we want to be. If you'd really like to pay us back, you can help babysit sometime; that's priceless to us."

Helen smiled when Greta expressed her desire to stay with them. "That's great. Tim and I hoped you would. Every mom needs a support system, and we're happy to be yours. We'll enjoy having you and the baby as part of our household."

The Hybrid drove them to a clothing store first, and they looked around the sizable maternity section. Rachel didn't have anything yet, and it would be nice for Greta to have some things that weren't hand-me-downs, so Helen encouraged both of them that she would foot any bills as needed, so they should feel free to pick anything they wanted.

When Greta was headed for the fitting room, and Helen's back was turned, a brunette woman in ill-fitting clothes approached the Vampire woman.

"Excuse me, miss?" The woman was fidgety, nervous. "Can we talk for a minute? It's important."

[Monkey Kitty]

Tim

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Tim nodded. "Yes, we can certainly use your help. We'll need to keep an eye on Marek and our new patients, and prepare for the visiting surgeon who will be operating on Samira tomorrow. It may be a busy afternoon."

"Could you check on Fritz and Flynn, first, and if they're awake, do a quick checkup to see how they're recovering? If they're still asleep, there's no need to wake them up. I'm sure they can use the rest."

[Monkey Kitty]

Millie

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/MillieAvatar.jpg

Before long, the Kazlar kids were home from school. Tash and Liliya spent time with Roxanna, Raina was visiting Sylvia, and Emily had gone to the infirmary to see Samira and Shazia, but the rest of the kids soon came to see their new sister Yulia.

At first, Yulia seemed overwhelmed; her eyes were wide and her movements were nervous. She quickly settled down, though, when she realized they liked her and wanted to include her. Soon Sami was taking a turn on her lap, and she had Erzsi on one side and Grace on the other. Yulia couldn't help smiling. For the first time, she had a family of her own.

Millie looked over at Lukas, and gave him a broad grin. She loved how their family had turned out. The life they had together was, truly, her dream.

[Monkey Kitty]

Raina

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/RainaNew.jpg

Raina nodded. "Thanks for understanding, Sylvia. And thanks for... what you said. We didn't meet under the best of circumstances, but you're cool. I'm glad we're all friends."

She had appreciated what Sylvia said, and hadn't thought it was sappy - but now the Glaistig was the one in serious danger of sap.

"Good idea," Raina agreed with Marianna. She stood and kicked the ball gently to the little girl, then when it returned, she ducked sideways to catch it with a hoof and return it at normal force to Sylvia.

The game was fun, but even better was spending time with friends.

[Monkey Kitty]

Shazia and Samira

"I'm excited to make new friends," Samira replied, thrilled that they would get to meet more people. "We never had any before. Well, just each other."

Having each other meant a lot, though. Without a sister to lean on, it was unlikely either of them would have survived.

Shazia looked relieved that Emily was willing to share this. She didn't wish any ill on her new friend, of course - but it was nice to see that someone could experience these feelings and still come out on the other side as a whole person.

"Emily, that is... amazing. I had not heard of Fae before we came here, but we grew up hearing stories of Djinn. Please do not feel like a freak! You deserve to be proud of who you are."

She reached out and touched Emily's hand. "Thank you for telling me this. It makes me feel more at ease. I want to be like you someday. I want to be like the others here. I want to be part of this community. I just... don't know how I should do that? Do you have any advice?"

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/gretanew.jpg

Rachel was glad she had a lot of time left to get things for her baby because if she tried to do it all at once she knew she'd get overwhelmed fast. When Helen told Greta there was no need to pay her back, she smiled.

Thank you, I really appreciate everything you and your family have done for me already. I'll babysit whenever you need me to.

She said, she would be happy to help with the babysitting since she could tell that was the only type of repayment Helen would accept from her. It was nice to her to be part of a family in a honorary way. Rachel was busy looking around at the various clothes in the maternity section, she wasn't big enough yet to fit in them but she when she looked over at Greta's belly, she knew it wouldn't be long before she would need them.

So how should I repay you for these?

Rachel asked when she saw two outfits she liked. She didn't feel right just taking Helen's money without offering something in return. Greta didn't mind wearing hand me downs but still liked the idea of having things that were brand new. She found a couple of things to try on but frowned when she was approached by the brunette woman. She could tell she was really fidgety and was trying to remember if she knew her. It was hard though to keep track, since working for Nathan she had encountered lots of different people.

What do you want to talk about?

[Corey]

[]Chase Bardou

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/underworldchase.jpg

It does sound like it'll be very busy.

Chase replied when Tim told him what all they needed to do today. When he asked Chase if he could check on Fritz and Flynn, he nodded his head.

I'm sure they can after what Chauncey put them through. I'll see how they are doing right now.

He headed into the room where Fritz and Flynn were resting. Both men were sleeping, so Chase wasn't going to wake them but he still needed to check their vitals. Fritz wasn't even aware of his presence, he was fast asleep but seemed to be recovering well. When Chase approached Flynn, Flynn opened his eyes.

Hello Chase.

Hi Flynn. Sorry I didn't mean to wake you. How you feeling?

Tired but feeling better. And it's okay. Between the military and Dr. Frankenstein, I've gotten used to sleeping lightly.

Flynn had been living the majority of the last 6 years of his life in a combat situation. One couldn't be a heavy sleeper in case there was an emergency in the middle of the night. A soldier had to be ready for action at any time. Then he and Fritz had been kidnapped by Chauncey and it was hard to sleep when they were trying to get out of there. As Chase checked his vitals, Flynn looked over at Fritz.

How's he doing?

They had to do an emergency blood transfusion but his body seems to be responding well to it. He should be fine.

That's good, he's scaring me a little since he's still sleeping.

After what you two have been through Fritz's body probably just needs the sleep. Your own body could use it too.

Flynn yawned at the suggestion and smiled.

Probably.

Chase finished up and told Flynn to get some rest. Flynn decided it was a good idea after all and fell back to sleep. Chase went to check on other patients.

[Monkey Kitty]

Helen

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Helen_Hunt.jpg
Helen shook her head. "Don't worry about it, Rachel. Today is our treat, for both of you. Really, I'm the one who should be repaying you for the excellent talk you gave the students today."

She wished Rachel's own parents could be here. Not that Helen didn't want to be, but surely the birth of a child was a time when family should celebrate together. It was a shame Rachel couldn't experience that because of being orphaned... but Helen would try to fill the motherly role for both her and Greta as best she could.


***


The brunette woman still seemed wary and jumpy, but she nodded. Greta would be able to tell she wasn't young; the woman was perhaps in her early forties, based on her looks. She also might or might not realize that the newcomer was one of the Fae.

"My name is Gale," the brunette said quietly. "I saw you with that Yeats woman and I figured you must be living with those people. I couldn't keep silent. I had to... to warn you!"

Gale was whispering, careful not to attract Helen's attention, but her voice was vehement.

"They'll steal your baby. That community. That's what they do. It's what they want you for. Believe me, I know - they stole my two babies from me."

She wrapped her arms around herself, and stared off into space. "Eve and Fabian. They took them away from me because some lady can't have babies so she likes to collect other people's kids. So they kidnapped mine, changed my kids' last name to theirs, and force them to call them Mom and Dad. They're doing their best to brainwash my kids into loving them, and not trusting me. I don't even get to see my own babies."

Her eyes returned to meet Greta's. "These people are just pretending to be nice to you to get what they want. They're helping you to get a healthy child out of you. Don't let them take your little one, too. Get out while you can! Or you'll wind up like me. All alone, without your baby."

[Monkey Kitty]

Junie

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Junie.jpg

Junie always felt a little out of place in the infirmary, since it seemed like medical knowledge resided here, and her own knowledge on so many subjects was so limited. Today, the feeling was more than a twinge, though. It was almost overwhelming.

Today she was bringing home the child she hoped to adopt. She had prepared his room, made sure their house was completely accessible to his wheelchair, and had spent the last few days reading all she could about cerebral palsy so she would know how to meet his medical and developmental needs... but now that she was actually coming to get him, it all seemed completely inadequate as preparation for a lifetime commitment.

She smiled at Delia and Shadow, trying not to let them see her nervousness, and looked for the first medical professional she could find - which happened to be Chase.

"Hi, um... I'm supposed to bring Patrik home. I'm going to be adopting him. Is it okay for me to take him now? Is there anything you think I should know? Any advice you have? Or... anything?"

[Tigers]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/Viktoriya.jpg
Viktoriya


Viktoriya smiled at Jasmine.

"Don't worry, we'll take baby steps. But you're doing just fine, we'll have you cooking things you'd never imagined in no time at all, you'll see."

The two woman finished the icing, covered it and placed it aside as they checked the cakes, pulling them out of the oven and setting them on cooling racks. They cleaned up their area while the cakes cooled and passed the time with talk of cooking. Viktoriya had never been one for television, but she enjoyed the occasional show on Food Network or some or something on HGTV, on home decoration and restoration. When the cakes were cool, Viktoriya and Jasmine icing them, covered them and placed them to the side to be set out with the evening meal.

Viktoryia then began working on the evenings main dish, while Jasmine helped.

[Tigers]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/Laura_Vandervoort.jpg
Emily


Emily smiled and touched the hand that Shazia had laid upon her.

"Yes, just be you. I know it sounds silly, but just be who you are. Now that you don't have to worry about the bad stuff, you can just be you. Just give it time, give yourself time to heal and the rest will just come naturally."

Emily gave her another hug.

"No one here expects you to be something you're not and there's no one here that will make you act they way those other people did. No expectations, except being respectful of others, not hurting each other and just being yourself."

[Tigers]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/images.jpg
Roxanna Volkova


Roxanna had barely walked into the door into the infirmary when she overheard that Father Marek had been shot. A shot of panic as well as guilt went through Roxanna. She remembered Tash's comment from the night before, that Father Marek had been off his game. That was because of her, because she did what Tash had said, pushed people away and gave them the impression she didn't care.

All of her experiences with Priests, what limited ones they had been had never been pleasant. Father Marek was the first one she'd actually found, well, kind of cool...for a priest. She should probably have gone back to the room and told Kat where she was going, but as soon as the information had gone from the lips of one of the nurses in the infirmary, her feet had carried her right to his room.

When she walked into his room, it appeared he was resting, fast asleep or something. Rox was nervous, perhaps it was better than having him awake. Quietly she came up to the side of his bed and sat in the chair, another part of that heavy burden weighing down on her soul. It wasn't long before she was resting her head against the side of the bed.

"I'm sorry Father Marek, this is all my fault." Roxanna cried softly.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dmitri

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/DmitriSmall.jpg

The school day was over, and Dmitri had finished closing up his classroom for the evening. Darya and Karina were both spending time with their friends, so Dmitri decided to pay Viktoriya a visit if she wasn't too busy. This time of day usually wasn't too crazy for her, but if she had a lot going on he'd just give her a quick kiss and head home.

He entered the kitchen, and was surprised - but pleased - to see Viktoriya had company. Apparently this was another cooking student, this one a Vampire. Dmitri smiled on both counts: the potential new friend for his wife, and one of his own kind learning to prepare food. Maybe he should follow her lead one of these days.

"I don't mean to interrupt," Dmitri said with a smile. "I just wanted to say a quick hello to my lovely wife." He demonstrated this with a kiss for Viktoriya. "But I apologize for intruding on your lesson."

[Monkey Kitty]

Shazia

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Shazia.jpg

"It doesn't sound silly," Shazia replied, grateful that Emily had given her another hug. It felt good. "It's just... what if I don't know who I am?"

She looked down, embarrassed. It seemed like such a strange problem to have.

"I know I'm more than what they reduced me to. But I don't know... what. I never had a chance to find out. I don't know what being myself even feels like. So how can I do it?"

This probably sounded like she was just feeling sorry for herself, she realized, but that wasn't her intention. It was an honest question. After fifteen years being shaped by someone else, she didn't really know how to do or be anything else.

"I don't mean to sound like I'm complaining. It's a wonderful idea! I just... don't know where to start."

She gave a helpless little shrug.

[Monkey Kitty]

Father Marek

Father Marek had woken up a few times since his surgery, only to drift off again, the combined result of pain medication and his injuries. His head felt fuzzy and muddled, but he was aware of the highlights of the situation. He was in the infirmary, among friends. He wasn't going to die. The two soldiers had been saved. All of that was very comforting.

Tim had seemed puzzled when Marek asked if Veronika and Roxanna were safe, because as far as Tim knew the two girls hadn't been in any danger. Marek hadn't told anyone that the Coven had offered to accept anyone else as a trade; the priest wasn't trying to be a martyr about it, he just didn't see it as relevant, because the idea of him acting on the suggestion was so absurd. Tim hadn't questioned the reason - he had simply reassured Father Marek that the girls were fine - but Marek suspected the doctor had had an inkling, even as he refrained from comment.

Marek was surprised to wake up to see Roxanna. He didn't understand why she would visit him, since she seemed to dislike him so much. He considered that his own fault. It was his clumsy words that had created the rift. When she had barely acknowledged his apology, he had started to think that maybe she outright hated him. Why would she visit someone she hated?

There was no time to puzzle through that, though. She was upset, and he needed to comfort her. It took his brain a few seconds to process that, since he didn't have any idea why she was blaming herself for something that, in his view of the situation, she hadn't even been involved in.

Marek shook his head, winced at the movement, and managed to speak instead, although every word was a major effort.

"No. Was not... because of you. I didn't go because of... argument. I went... because they were... in... danger."

The priest drew a few ragged breaths. It was important that she understand she wasn't responsible. He managed to continue his explanation.

"They were dying. I could... prevent. I could help. That's why. Not because... not you. Because it was... right... thing."

He hoped his broken words had been intelligible enough that, at the very least, she didn't have to carry a burden of guilt that was completely unwarranted. Marek reached out and touched her arm gently, barely making contact in case she wanted to shake him off.

"Don't blame... self. Not... your... fault."

[Tigers]

Emily

“It’s okay,” Emily assured her.

“I had to find out who I was too. But you have that opportunity to do so now, without having to worry about being something someone else wants you to be. It may take a little time, but you’ll figure it out, I have confidence in you.”

Emily thought for a moment about the path she’d gone down in this idea of self discovery.

“I took it one day at a time. I don’t know that there’s really a specific point you’re supposed to start at, just that you slowly take what each day brings you and how it makes you feel and what it makes you think. There’s always your aunt and uncle there too, they’ll no doubt encourage you and be there for you to talk too… as will I,” Emily said with a smile.

[Tigers]

Roxanna

Roxanna looked up at the sound of Father Marek’s raspy voice. Her face was stained with tears she found seemed to flow all too easily now a days, not that she was sure it was wrong. It’s just that she had never cried so much in her life. But Roxanna had never felt so much in it either, she had lived in a world where you walled off all emotions that affected you personally and gave into those that were related to what she was made to do.

She absently wiped at her eyes, giving Father Marek a puzzled look. She wanted to say something but she could see the pain in his eyes and didn’t want to interrupt. Roxanna didn’t pull away from Father Marek’s touch as he spoke, quietly when he was finished speaking, she finally spoke.

“You didn’t go because of me?” She asked for reassurance.

When Father Marek nodded that she was correct, Roxanna suddenly stood up and carefully hugged Father Marek, kissing him on the cheek.

“I’m so sorry for what happened earlier…for making you think I don’t care. I…I do.” She choked.

It took her several minutes to let go of Father Marek, so many burdens had been lifted today that Roxanna felt overwhelmed.

“I’m sorry.” She whispered again.

[Monkey Kitty]

Shazia

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Shazia.jpg

Shazia considered this for a moment, then nodded. She wasn't used to not having a plan. Generally, her mind was several steps ahead, thinking through how she would protect herself, and protect Samira. She couldn't remember a time when she had ever been able to just... be. Maybe that was another reason it was difficult to identify who she really was.

"I'll try. Thank you. I'm glad to have you as a friend. I have to admit that I'm still a little afraid of my aunt and uncle. I'm trying not to be, but I'm not used to adults being kind. Thank you for helping me, Emily. I trust you. And I hope you're right. I don't want it to be too late. I want to be... who I am. Or who I could be."

[Monkey Kitty]

Father Marek

As far as Marek was concerned, he really hadn't gone because of Roxanna... or Veronika... or even Flynn and Fritz. The Coven, and the Coven alone, was responsible for what had happened today. The others were just innocent bystanders.

There was no reason Roxanna ever needed to know that she could have taken his place. The information would only hurt her, and serve no benefit. It still didn't make this her fault, or make her the cause, so what he said was completely truthful.

Father Marek was completely taken by surprise by the hug, and the kiss on his cheek. Apparently it wasn't so much that she disliked him, as that she didn't know how to express it when she cared. He could certainly sympathize.

"Thank you for... apology, but... I understand," he replied, returning the hug as best he could, although he was very weak and his movement was difficult.

"I know... is not... easy... to say this. You have... a good... heart. This may sound strange... but I'm... proud of you."

[Tigers]

Emily

"You're very welcome." Emily replied with a slight blush and a smile.

"Give yourself time, you'll see it will get much better."

Emily gave Shazia another hug and a gentle one to Samira. She had chores to do and her new sister Yulia was coming over. She hoped that meant a Kazlar camp out in the living room, she loved those, but all of the Kazlar's did.

She said her goodbye's and headed home. She was excited to see that her wish was coming true. Her dad and several of her siblings were setting up for a sleep over in the living room. Her mom was in the kitchen with Muriel cooking dinner. She stopped by first to give Yulia a hug and welcome her home, before heading to the kitchen to help out her mom.

"Hi mom." Emily said as she hugged her mother.

"I was wondering when Samira got better if we could have her and Shazia over for the night?"

[Tigers]

Roxanna

She didn't understand why everyone felt this way about her, but she had promised Kat and Tash that she would not run away from it. It was a strange feeling, hearing someone tell you that they were proud of you. Like so many of the kids that had come before her, Rox was not used to people praising her.

"Thank you Father Marek." She replied quietly.

"I don't see it, I don't understand why you say it, but thank you."

Rox gave Father Marek another hug, gently so as not to hurt him and another kiss on his cheek.

"You're the first priest that was ever nice to me. It means a lot. I promise to come back and visit. I don't want to worry Kat. Thanks Father." Rox replied before she left Father Marek alone to rest.

[Monkey Kitty]

Millie

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/MillieAvatar.jpg

Millie returned Emily's hug, and kissed her daughter's forehead.

"Of course," she replied. "As long as it's something Shazia and Samira are comfortable with, I think that's a great idea. It's good for them to socialize with others their own age, and I know that's something their uncle and aunt want for them, too. We can talk to them about it soon."

Emily was such a kind, sensitive girl, always thinking of others. Millie knew it meant a lot to her to be able to help the girls adjust, and Emily would be a wonderful friend for them. At the same time, though, Millie knew it must be difficult for Emily to see the visible evidence and emotional aftermath of the cruelty they had suffered, since Emily felt so deeply for others.

"I appreciate your willingness to spend time with them and make friends with them. I'm sure it's helping them feel more comfortable, and more at home."

Millie gently smoothed Emily's hair so it framed her face, rather than falling across her cheek.

"How are you, though, Emily? It's a hard thing to see, when people are hurt like that."

[Monkey Kitty]

Father Marek

"Thank you," Father Marek replied when she promised to visit again. "I... appreciate that."

When she had gone, he closed his eyes, but he was praying this time, not asleep. Marek thanked God that she was safe and that she was finding the courage to reach out, and asked for heavenly strength to support her as she continued to heal.

Afterward, exhausted from the effort of talking but feeling happy and reassured, the priest drifted off to sleep.

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

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Rachel told Helen she didn't have to repay her for the lecture because she had enjoyed it herself and that she did appreciate her offer of paying for anything she found today. She wished her parents were here, it was nice shopping with Helen and Zabel but it made her wish her mother was alive. There were so many things she wished she could have shared with her mother but it was nice to have friends to help fill the void. The way Gale was acting Greta had assumed she was an addict, she had quickly learned an addict's usually body language in the year she worked for Nathan. She was some sort of immortal Greta thought but she wasn't sure what. Before coming the community she had only interacted with other vampires in the coven. Her eyes got wide when Gale claimed they would steal her baby and that they had stolen two of hers. She wondered if her initial thought about the woman being on drugs was true because it sounded like a ridiculous claim. She didn't believe her because Zabel and Maria were both single mothers who had come to the community while pregnant and they were raising their babies. Still she didn't want the woman to cause a scene and told her in a quiet voice.

Thanks for warning me. You'd better go before Mrs. Yeats sees you.

She repeated Eve and Fabian's names in her head a few times so she'd remember to ask Helen about them after Gale left.

[Jenny]

Jasmine Torres

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/jasmineunderworld.jpg

I'm doing well because your help, I'm sure it'll be very different when I try it by myself someday. I just hope it tastes good.

Jasmine replied to Viktoriya. She was glad she came over to the cafeteria because she was having a good time and she enjoyed the other woman's company. She helped her clean and chatted with her. Jasmine never had much time for television other then watching some sports with Bruno, although she was finding she did like watching some of the cooking shows on tv. When Dmitri came in to greet his wife, she smiled at him.

It's okay, I'm Jasmine and your wife has been very kind letting me help her out today.

[Corey]

Chase Bardou

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/underworldchase.jpg

Chase smiled at Junie and her daughters when she approached him.

Oh hi.

He had heard that Patrik was going to be adopted, which made him happy. He seemed like a good kid.

I'm sure he'll be very happy to see you. Come on, I'll take you to his room.

Chase said leading the way and to answer her questions, he replied.

Despite his physical limitations, like any child he'll like to play games with his new sisters. Video games would be good for him. It'll help with his finger dexterity. It's going to be difficult for him to do some tasks but it's important that he learns how to do as much as he can for himself. It'll help his self esteem even if it takes him longer then other children to do something. But most of all love him, because that's what every child needs.

Chase led Patrik's new family into his room and smiled at the young boy.

Look who I found Patrik. You get to go to your new home today.

[Monkey Kitty]

Gale

Gale seemed to be weighing Greta's reaction, but evidently she decided it was satisfactory, because she nodded a second too slowly, as though her brain wasn't entirely engaged in the scene.

"Good," she whispered. "Good. The sooner the better. Don't waste a moment. Run as soon as you can do it without making them suspicious."

The Fae woman shoved her hands in the pockets of her oversized coat. It was springtime, and too warm for winter outerwear, but if anything Gale seemed permanently chilled.

"I'll get them back. They'll see. They'll all see. And they'll pay for what they did to me."

Gale started to shuffle off, then turned back, and said quietly, "Don't forget! Get out while you can!"

Then she was gone through the back door.


***


Helen smiled at Greta when she returned.

"Did you like anything you tried on?" Helen asked pleasantly, unaware that anything had transpired in the fitting areas other than fitting.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dmitri

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/DmitriSmall.jpg

"It's nice to meet you, Jasmine," the former Death Dealer replied with a smile. "My name is Dmitri. I'm not surprised to hear Viktoriya was kind - she's a very kind person, always. It's one of the many things I love about her."

He sniffed the air. "The meal you've cooked smells delicious. I wish I could taste it. I think it's wonderful that you're learning to cook, Jasmine."

[Monkey Kitty]

Junie

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Junie.jpg

Junie pulled a small note pad out of her purse, and carefully wrote down Chase's suggestions. When he got to the part about love, her pen went still, and she looked up and smiled.

"I can do that," she replied. "Well, all of it, but especially the love. His sisters will too."

The girls nodded eagerly, seemingly just as excited as their mother, without the dose of nerves. They weren't the ones who would be responsible for him, though, so why would they be nervous?

"Thank you, Chase," Junie added. "I appreciate the ideas."

Junie had always found concrete ideas more comfortable than abstractions, so adding to her list of practical tasks was oddly reassuring.

When they entered the room, Patrik's eyes shifted so he was looking at them, and his face broke into a smile.

"Nee!" he said enthusiastically, and Junie knew he remembered her and was trying to say her name.

The doctors had warned Junie that Patrik had trouble with his speech, so she wasn't surprised by that. It was because of difficulty with oral and facial movements; some people with cerebral palsy also had intellectual disabilities, but there was no reason to assume it from his speech. His other capabilities would take time to become clear, and with good therapy he had the potential to make a lot of progress.

"It's nice to see you, Patrik," she replied. "This is Delia, and this is Shadow. You're going to be living with us now, and if you want, you can consider us your mom and your sisters."

She glanced over at Chase, as though asking if she was doing alright so far.

[Tigers]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/Laura_Vandervoort.jpg
Emily


Emily loved the affectionate side of love. It was something she and Muriel never experienced in the Menagerie, at least from a parent. It warmed the soul when someone loved you and cared about your well being. And as a sister, daughter, niece and friend she wanted to make sure that she shared her love in ways that conveyed she cared. With Samira and Shazia, that meant being as good a friend as she possibly could, helping them to acclimate to their new home and feel loved and welcomed.

And because Emily herself had received this kind of love from others, it wasn't surprising that her mom was willing to have the girls over for the night. Her cheeks colored a bit as Millie complimented her and quickly spread to a feeling of a snug warm blanket of love as her mom smoothed a piece of hair. She exhaled deeply as she thought of Millie's question.

"I'm okay mom. I...I just don't understand the world. It scares me and sometimes it's hard not to want to go back to a place where I didn't know about these things."

More quietly she added.

"How many suffer like this and we never know? How many more are like my brothers and sisters and never get a chance to be happy, who never make it."

It was a struggle to talk about such things, to know they existed and she would never be able to do anything about it. A tug a war of anger and sadness pulled at her heart. Her eyes watered with tears and she wiped them away.

"It's difficult to think about it, it makes me so angry too and I'm afraid of what it makes me feel inside or what the djinn part of me will do."

[Tigers]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/Viktoriya.jpg
Viktoriya


"I'm sure you'll do just fine." Viktoriya replied.

Dmitri's appearance in the kitchen was a pleasant surprise and Viktoriya happily returned the kiss. It was still an awkward feeling at times to hear such loving words, something until Viktoriya had met Dmitri she'd not been accustom to hearing.

"Says the man who is just as kind and compassionate." Viktoryia added with a loving kiss.

"Don't underestimate yourself Jasmine, you're doing wonderfully. I have all the confidence that you'll be a fine cook."

Viktoriya knew that her husband often wished that he could taste her cooking. There wasn't anything at present they could do about it, but someday maybe he would be able to ingest at least some food. She couldn't imagine how difficult it was, especially for someone like Jasmine, or many of the newly turned vampires what it was like to lose that part of you.

"Jasmine, what are your plans for dinner? Would you like to come over and join our family for the evening? We would love to have you, and it will give us a little more time to talk about cooking."

[Tigers]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/catherine-zeta-jones-bangs-hg-de.jpg http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/images.jpg
Katherine Volkova & Roxanna Volkova


When Roxanna returned to the room, she seemed a bit more relaxed and at ease. She had still remained relatively quiet, but for now there was something that was noticeably different. Kat spent time with the girls, not forgetting her appointment with Camille. With the waters finally starting to calm again, she didn't need an outside force stirring them up again. Katherine kissed both her daughter's on the cheek and gave them a hug, promising to be back around dinner time to visit until bed time.

Once the girls were settled, she excused herself and went to have a private talk with Alexander. He agreed with his wife that something needed to be said to Camille, but dealings with humans outside their own community was always risky. He trusted his wife though, and although he'd have preferred to do this himself, it was really a matter more suited for a woman. While Alexander took their son and went to go visit with the girls, Katherine headed to town.

She easily spotted Camille waiting by the fountain outside the shopping center. Camille was none too pleased by the appearance of Katherine.

"Do you know who I am? You have no right butting into our affairs, Roxanna is old enough to make her own decisions!"

Katherine gazed steadily at Camille, who suddenly felt uncomfortable.

"I don't care if your the Queen of bloody England." Katherine replied in her old style English.

"You will stay away from my daughter Camille. And if you really care for her the way you say you do, you'll give her time to find out who she really is. You know damn well that she can't do that if you're confusing the issue. In the meantime, while Roxanna is trying to discover who she is, I suggest you do the same thing. "

Camille glared at Katherine, but was not compelled to do more.

"How dare you!"

"Oh, I dare! Anyone who would take advantage of a young woman like you have Camille, has issues. I suggest finding a good therapist and discussing that with them. Stay away from her or you'll be dealing with me and you don't want that Camille. No email, no texting, no FaceBook or other social venues, no phone calls and no letters. I hope I've made myself perfectly clear."

Katherine took Camille's silence as a yes, although she knew the girls thoughts were confused as to whether or not she should listen to her. Kat really wished her no ill, but if Rox was going to heal, she didn't need someone like Camille confusing her. As difficult as it would be for Roxanna, abstinence, time, and therapy with Millie would be her best chance at recovery.

Kat left the bewildered and slightly pissed off woman to her thoughts as she returned home. She found her entire family in the infirmary when she returned, a heavenly sight minus the infirmary Katherine thought. She could see the worried look on Roxanna's face and she took a few private moments to assure her that she had not harmed Camille in anyway. They returned and joined the others for supper where Kat and Alexander remained until bed time for Jakob. They once more kissed and hugged the girls goodnight and left them for the evening. Rox made herself comfortable in the bed with her sister, finally having been able to ingest something without throwing up. She felt satisfied in all aspects of body and soul tonight, it felt good.

[Monkey Kitty]

Millie

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/MillieAvatar.jpg

Millie gave Emily a gentle squeeze. "I understand," she replied honestly. "I really do. It's hard to know that no single person can help everyone. It's hard for me to know that I can't adopt every kid without a family into mine. My heart may want it, but it's not possible."

"I try to remind myself that I'm only one person, and I can't help everyone... but I can encourage others to help, too. It's like a chain. More people can do more than any of us alone. I already see that in you, Emily - the desire to help, and the ability."

She smiled reassuringly. "I don't worry about what your Djinn side will do. I trust you. You're a caring, loving, moral person, Emily. I think all your sides are compassionate and want to help. I think you'll use your abilities for the benefit of others... because it's just your nature to do so."

"I'm glad you're here. I know it's hard sometimes. This is where you belong, though. Safe, and loved. Not locked away. You have so much potential... and we love you very, very much. I'm so glad you're my daughter."

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/gretanew.jpg

Greta was glad that Gale seemed to accept her answer, although she had no intention of leaving the community. She was far safer with them then on the streets where Nathan could find her but she wasn't going to tell Gale that.

I won't...

She said and shook her head as Gale hurried out the back. She tried the clothes on and went back to the others. Rachel was asking Zabel's opinion about an outfit she liked when Helen asked Greta if she liked anything she tried on.

They're nice...Although I had an interesting conversation.

She looked around to make sure Gale hadn't decided to come back and told Helen quietly what Gale had said.

...I don't believe her but she was claiming she'd get Eve and Fabian back and make everyone pay for what they did to her.

[Monkey Kitty]

Veronika

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/VeronikaAvatar.jpg

Veronika couldn't help being in a good mood. Her surgery had gone well, and her hand was going to be alright. She not only had a family, but she starting to be pretty sure that they felt the same way about her that she did about them. Soon, Veronika hoped she'd work up the courage to actually say it. She was no longer terrified of rejection - maybe just a little nervous. Mostly, she didn't know where to find the right words.

She smiled at Roxanna. "You seem... more relaxed, Rox. Are things better now?"

[Jenny]

Jasmine Torres

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/jasmineunderworld.jpg

I wish I could taste it too. I hope the people who can eat it will like it.

Jasmine replied when Dmitri said he wished he could taste the meal. it seemed a little odd making something she couldn't enjoy anymore but she had had fun cooking. She hoped the people who ate in the cafeteria thought it tasted good. She smiled watching Dmitri and Viktoriya, she could tell they were deeply in love and thought that was great. After what Viktoriya had told her about her life before coming to the community, Jasmine thought she deserved this type of happiness. Watching them made her miss Bruno and she thought she should go call him later. She had been so busy cooking with Viktoriya she hadn't talked at him at all today. When Viktoriya said she would be a fine cook, she smiled.

If I become one, it'll because you are a good teacher. And I don't have any plans tonight, I'd like to come over for dinner tonight. Thank you for inviting me.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dmitri

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/DmitriSmall.jpg

Dmitri smiled. "Excellent. I'm glad you'll be joining us."

Aware that he really was interrupting, although they had been nice about it, he added, "I'll let you two finish up here. See you at the house."

By the time Viktoriya got back, he hoped to have the carpet vacuumed and the table set. Dmitri might not cook, but he was far from useless around the house.

[Corey]

Chase Bardou

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/underworldchase.jpg

I didn't think that part would be a problem and you're welcome.

Chase told Junie with a smile when she said she and her daughters could do the love part. Chase smiled when he saw how happy Patrik was to see Junie. He went over to grab Patrik's wheelchair from the corner of the room and wheeled it over to the bed. He gave Junie a reassuring smile when she looked over at him for assurance she was doing okay. He turned his attention to Patrik.

I bet you and your new family are going to have lots of fun together. Now let's get you out of that bed so you can see your new home.

Although Chase could easily help Patrik into his wheelchair, he figured it would be better for Junie to do it. After all she was going to be adopting him, Patrik would have to be used to her helping instead of a doctor. He stayed near though in case Junie wanted help.

[Monkey Kitty]

Helen

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Helen_Hunt.jpg

Helen raised an eyebrow at the mention of an 'interesting' conversation, but when she found out how interesting, twin feelings of alarm and relief shot through her. Alarm that Gale was around and still trying to interfere - and relief that Greta hadn't fallen for it. At the moment, Gale and her dangerous friends couldn't get to the kids. Having someone on the inside of the community betray them could tip the scales in the wrong direction.

"Thank you for telling me," Helen replied. Her voice was calm, but there was a note of seriousness in her tone that revealed how much this concerned her.

"Your instinct is correct. Gale is severely mentally ill, and we suspect she's also a heavy substance abuser. To be blunt, though, Gale is also just a cruel person, and her problems, although very real, don't excuse the things she's done."

"Gale blames my daughter that she lost her children. She's expressed that opinion many times. The truth is that Gale is a neglectful, abusive parent who has a history of placing her children in dangerous situations and then just walking away... often for years at a time."

"She believes she lost custody of her children because Millie and Lukas wanted to adopt them - but in reality, the department of child protection terminated her parental rights years before the adoption. It was just that until the Kazlars decided to adopt Eve and Fabian, Gale could ignore that painful fact, and pretend the government was just providing babysitting for her."

Helen pondered how much detail she should go into. She didn't want to gossip about the kids, especially the horrific trauma they had endured. At the same time, though, she wanted to make sure Greta understood what Gale was capable of, in case Gale's pathos inspired a pity that could could prove dangerous.

"Gale didn't mention she has given birth to three children, did she? She tends to ignore the existence of the eldest, Jade. Gale was enslaved when the children were born. When Jade was nine, the slavers decided to start training the poor girl to provide sexual services for her owners. Jade was horribly tortured, brutally violated - of which Gale was quite aware. Gale escaped from servitude, taking her two younger children... leaving Jade behind."

"She never attempted to get help for Jade. She never tried to tell the authorities. She just let it happen, and forgot about her. Jade was bought and sold many times, then finally rescued by the police... three years later. Three years of hell later. Millie and Lukas adopted her. They didn't know at the time that her siblings were still alive. Jade has had a hard, painful road to walk, healing from that, but she's doing much better with her adoptive parents' love and support."

"Gale was edgy living on the run. She was afraid the slavers would come after her. It wasn't long before she decided Eve and Fabian were slowing her down. She sent them to a little store at a train station to buy candy, told them she would be right back... then got on a train without them. Eve saw her leave. At the time, Eve was seven years old, and Fabian was five. They were lonely and terrified."

"Eventually they were found, and taken to an orphanage. Six months later, Gale phoned and wanted to visit them. The social worker on duty said Gale would need to come into the office to discuss a case plan first, because the government couldn't just provide long-term free childcare while the parent does nothing. Gale refused, hung up, and disappeared for another two and a half years."

"In that time, the two children were horribly abused in the orphanage, but Gale never checked on them. Her parental rights were terminated in court on grounds of abandonment, and she didn't even bother to show up for the hearing. Eventually Eve and Fabian were given by the orphanage to a group of humans who tortured and brutalized them for weeks."

"Fabian got so sick from infection that he permanently lost some of his hearing. When the humans got tired of abusing Eve, she was slashed dozens of times with a knife and then buried alive. My daughter, Millie, dug Eve out of a shallow grave. Gale made no attempt to contact them or express concern, while they were held captive or while they recovered from their injuries."

"Millie and Lukas decided to adopt the two kids also, so they could live with their biological sister... and then Gale suddenly cared. She didn't want to raise them. She would have happily left them in the orphanage, presumably till they became adults. But Gale couldn't bear the thought of someone else loving them - or them calling someone else Mom or Dad - so she contested the adoption in court. She lost."

"But of course, she didn't let it go. She made a deal with the last remaining clan of Fae slavers - probably by offering them at least one of the children - and our community was attacked by an army of slaves. It was a horrible thing, seeing those slaves... forced to fight, intended to die, all against their will. The despair on their faces broke my heart. I don't think I'll ever forget that day. The slavers didn't win, though, thankfully."

Helen sighed. "Maybe this is all more than you cared to know. I just wanted you to be aware what we're dealing with, here. Gale is nothing like you or Zabel or Maria. You three are loving, motivated young women, who simply faced difficult circumstances surrounding a pregnancy. We can help with bad circumstances, easily. Gale's problem, by contrast, is cruelty, indifference, and narcissism. Unfortunately there's not a lot we can do to change that."

She smiled wearily. "So Greta... thank you. For doing the right thing, and the smart thing. Thank you for not turning against us. I'm glad we can count on you. By telling me, you've helped keep these kids safe."

[Monkey Kitty]

Junie

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Junie.jpg

"Lots fun!" Patrik agreed, and Junie smiled. At least he seemed happy about going with them. If he'd seemed relucant or afraid, it would have been a lot harder.

She gave Chase a nod of thanks for the reassurance, then lifted Patrik into his wheelchair. He didn't weigh very much, and Junie was pretty strong anyway, so she didn't have any trouble lifting him. As she helped him get settled, she impulsively kissed his cheek, and her smile widened to a grin when he kissed hers in return.

"I wanna to push his chair!" Delia demanded.

"No, I wanna!" Shadow countered.

"Moooom!" Delia implored, hoping Junie would intervene on her behalf.

"I'm going to do it this time," Junie replied to keep the peace. "Once Patrik knows you better, you'll both get your chance."

A motorized wheelchair had been ordered for him, but it hadn't arrived yet. Junie thought it would be a very good thing - clearly the family didn't mind pushing him around, but it would be nice if he could control the chair himself so he could move more independently.

Since Patrik was technically a ward of the state until the adoption was finalized, a government subsidy was offered to provide the chair. The paperwork was complicated, though, and there would be a wait.

Junie had brought the form to Tim the day before to get his help filling it out, and he'd told her not to worry about it; it would be taken care of, without the red tape or the delay. Junie was fairly sure the Yeats family had personally covered the costs outright, but Tim had shrugged off her thanks, assuring her it wasn't a big deal... though to her it was.

"Thank you, Doctor Bardou," Junie told Chase sincerely. "Thank you for your help, and for taking good care of Patrik while he was here. I know he and I are still getting to know each other, but... I care a great deal about him. I'm so glad he was in good hands."

"Tanks!" Patrik agreed.

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/gretanew.jpg

You're welcome and honestly the way she was acting, at first I thought she was a drug user coming to see if I would sell her something.

Although when Helen told her how Gale treated her children, Greta felt sick to her stomach. Her mother had abandoned her and her brothers and her father was the king of emotional abuse but neither had physically beat them. Nor allow someone to do the terrible things she heard had happened to Jade. Who Gale had conveniently left out. How could anyone treat their children like that? Greta would never understand it, since she discovered she was pregnant with her daughter all she felt was love for her. There was the need to protect her and give her a good life. No matter how scared she was of Nathan, she couldn't imagine leaving her. She didn't think it was possible to learn of someone who was just as bad or even worse then Nathan but the fact that Gale didn't even care what happened to her younger children until Millie and Lukas had adopted them, made her upset. She was glad they had a loving home and it made her angry that their horrible excuse of a mother would try to take them from it.

It's okay, I glad I know. She sounds like a horrible person and don't worry I wouldn't turn against anyone. Everyone here has helped me. Before coming here I was scared but now I know that my daughter can have a better life. I'm not going to screw that up. I hope the kids remain safe because it sounds like Millie and Lukas are the type of parents they deserve.

[Corey]

Chase Bardou

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/underworldchase.jpg

Chase smiled as well when he saw how happy Patrik was to be leaving the infirmary and going home with Junie and her daughters. It was a good sign to him when the girls argued over pushing his wheelchair and that he returned Junie's kiss. When she thanked him, he replied.

You're welcome Junie. He's a good boy and I'm glad he'll be in good hands with you and your daughters.

He could tell she already cared a lot about Patrik, so Chase was certain Patrik would be very happy with her. When Patrik said thanks as well, he grinned.

You're welcome Patrik. You take good care of your new family, okay?

[Tigers]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/DanJongebloed.jpg http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/Laura_Vandervoort.jpg
Lukas & Emily


Emily blushed.

"Thanks mom. I like being like you. I know things can be difficult at time, but I'm glad I'm here. I'm glad you and dad wanted us."

While Millie and Emily were talking, Lukas came into the kitchen and gave their tiniest daughter a task. He and Millie needed to talk to Emily about the Blackburne's and prepare her for the man's visit. He wasn't sure what the two had been talking about and to segue in that particular conversation could be complicated. He came up and stood next to Millie, wrapping and arm around his mate's waist.

"Hi dad." Emily replied with a smile.

"I'm glad you're here, there's something I wanted to talk to both you and mom about."

"Sure sweetie. You're mom and I actually have something we wanted to talk to you about too. Nothing we want you to be alarmed about, just something you should know so that it isn't a surprise."

Emily was already nervous, there wasn't any reason to be, but it was difficult for her not to worry, she was very much like her mom in certain aspects.

"You and mom go first."

Lukas looked briefly at Millie and then turned to his daughter. They didn't want to frighten her, but she needed to know the situation so that there were no unexpected surprises.

"You're mom and I received a letter in the mail today. It was from the vampire that Harris had made the arrangement's with for your betrothal. He's coming here to the school, he feels that the arrangement needs to be honored."

"I...I don't have to leave with him. Do I? You're not going to make me go away."

"No sweetheart. You're not going anywhere. You belong here with us and that's where you're going to stay."

"I don't understand, why is he even coming? I don't live in the Menagerie anymore." Emily replied frightened.

[Tigers]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/images.jpg
Roxanna Volkova


Roxanna gave a short amused chuckle.

"Yeah. I guess I am. I had to clear up the air so to speak with people. I didn't realize I'd been making them feel certain things. Communicating is hard, so are relationships, and I have a lot to learn."

Roxanna was quiet for a moment, contemplating the future.

"V?" "Do you think it's too late for us to do things like younger kids?"

She propped herself up on her elbow and looked at her sister.

"Do you think it would be strange if we asked Alexander and Kat to take us to the Circus? There's some fliers out there on the table. I kind of want to go, see what it's like, you know."

[Monkey Kitty]

Helen

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Helen_Hunt.jpg

"Thanks, Greta. We'll keep Jade, Eve, and Fabian safe," Helen promised. "Gale and her slaver friends - they call themselves the Solari clan - know they can't get to the kids in our community. It's too secure. They're just hoping they can find a weak link. And of course, Millie and Lukas love all their children dearly. At least the pain has a happy ending."

"I was actually going to tell you about this situation soon anyway, because you're staying with our family. At some point, it would have been mentioned."

"Our oldest son, Reuben, came to our community as part of the slave army. The slavers gave him the scars on his face; they disfigured him as punishment for giving the other slaves information he had learned that he hoped would keep them alive. Reuben had heard rumours about our community, and he told the others that if they surrendered to us, they would survive. Obviously the masters weren't too pleased that their army was getting this advice... but as far as I'm concerned, it was heroic for Reuben to try."

She smiled slightly. "Of course, there are things Reuben didn't know about us at the time. We realized their army was coming, and we never intended to kill any of them, surrender or not. We knew they had been forced to fight by their masters, or in some cases even had their loved ones held hostage. We had no desire to hurt them. Many did surrender, and those who didn't or couldn't, we managed to subdue without harm to them. The whole former army lives in our community now."

"Several times, our enemies have thought that they could create a moral dilemma for us by sending innocent people to attack us."

She thought of the poor golem kids, terrified and believing that a quick death was all they could hope for, because they couldn't stop fighting.

"It's not a moral dilemma, though. We protect the innocent ones, even if they can't surrender."

Helen finished sincerely, "We'll protect you and your baby too, Greta. I promise. Even at the cost of our lives, if necessary. Because you and your child are worth protecting."

She chuckled. "This is a rather deep conversation to be having on a shopping trip, though, I suppose."

[Monkey Kitty]

Junie

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Junie.jpg

Junie smiled, feeling bolstered by the compliments. It would be alright. She already had two children, and they were doing well. She knew how to care for kids. Patrik seemed to like her. It might not always be easy, but they would be a family. They would be okay.

Patrik smiled at Chase, indicating that he would.

Then they were on their way, leaving Chase free to see to his other patients. A moment later, though, Tim appeared, looking concerned. "Chase, can I get you to take a quick look at a sample?" he asked. "I could use a second pair of eyes."

[Monkey Kitty]

Veronika

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/VeronikaAvatar.jpg

Veronika smiled. "I'm glad you got stuff sorted out. We both have a lot to learn... but we'll get there. I really believe we will."

Her face lit up into a grin at Roxanna's suggestion, and she suddenly looked years younger. "The circus? I've always wanted to go! Do you think they'd really take us? I'd love it if..."

Suddenly she blushed, realizing her reaction probably seemed over the top and silly. "I mean... you know... maybe if we both asked, they would. I think it would be alright. We didn't really get to be kids when we were kids. Maybe it's... maybe it's our turn. Do you think?"

[Tigers]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/daniel_craig_02.jpg
Nicholas Thompson



Nick was looking over a stack of case files on his desk. Aside from the normal stack of mortal cases, Nick was involved in a rather large amount of immortal ones. Three of those happened to be in the community in Budapest, a still new haven made up of several different types of immortal beings. He would be traveling there in the next day or two, taking his son Phillip with him.

One of the cases involved Junie, it seemed she was adopting a special needs child. Nick was going to be working with her to finalize the adoption, to make sure that everything ran smoothly. He couldn't help but reminisce his time with her when he was last in Budapest. He'd had a very good time, and found himself looking forward to seeing her again. It was then one of their conversations struck him and he found himself picking up the phone and dialing her number. He hadn't asked for it when he was there, but the adoption file had it listed.

The phone rang a few times before Junie answered. He had no idea that they had just walked into the house with Patrik. He cleared his throat a little nervously, very uncharacteristic of him.

"Junie? Hello, it's Nick."

"As you know, I'll be in town for the week to help with some legal matters, including your finalization for adoption of Patrik. I was wondering, if you recall we talked about taking the kids out on a picnic next time I was down here with Phillip. My son will be accompanying me and I thought perhaps we could make good on that idea."

[Monkey Kitty]

Millie

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"You don't have to go," Millie said, agreeing with her husband. "We won't let him take you. You're our daughter, and you're stuck with us. There is no way in hell you'd have to go with him. When you're an adult, you can choose to live wherever you want - whether with us or somewhere else - but you're still a kid. No matter what, though, and no matter how old you are, we would never let someone take you somewhere against your will. No way. We'll protect you. I promise. "

She found Emily's last question difficult to answer, so she replied honestly, "I don't know. Maybe he thinks this place isn't very different from the Menagerie. Maybe he thinks it's just a change of scenery, and the old rules still apply. We all know that isn't true, though. We're your family, and family sticks together."

"Some people treat others as objects, and that's what he's doing by demanding you as though you're property. We'll just have to educate him that what he's doing is unacceptable."

[Monkey Kitty]

Junie

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Junie almost dropped the phone from shock when she realized who was on the other end. Nick, the lawyer she had a secret crush on, much to her embarrassment. She had expected to phone him soon about her adoption - but being contacted first took her by surprise. But of course, it was just business...

It wasn't just business. He wanted to spend time with them. Perhaps she shouldn't be surprised; they had already discussed the idea. Junie had assumed he would forget, though, or that he was just being polite in the first place. She hadn't imagined their conversation had been as memorable for him as it had been for her.

"I'd love to," Junie replied, managing to find her voice when he had finished speaking. Then she silently cursed her lack of poise; she should have said 'we,' not 'I.' Perhaps he wouldn't notice. "How about Saturday? My kids won't be in school, so it would be a good time for them to get to know each other. The weather report calls for sun..."

If he could see her face, he would realize she was beaming, although she knew how foolish it was. Someone like him would never be interested in someone like her. Still, it would be fun to spend some time together, even though in the long-term it would come to nothing.

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

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You're welcome and I was certain the community would make sure they were safe. It seems like everyone looks out for each other here.

Greta told Helen with a smile. That was what families were supposed to be she thought. Caring for each other and protecting each other. Fritz had been the only member of her family that had ever looked out for her like that, she hoped he would get her message that she wanted to reunite with him. She was happy to know her daughter would know what a real family was supposed to be even if she wouldn't have a father. When Helen told her about Reuben and his scars she felt terrible that someone would do something like that to a child.

He is very brave.

It had be too scary with those slavers she thought and thought Reuben was brave trying to to tell other slaves about the community. She smiled when Helen said they protected the innocent and they would protect her and her daughter as well.

Well thank you, everyone has already helped in that. You have given me a safe place to live.

She chuckled as well when Helen said they had a deep conversation for a shopping trip.

A little but I'm glad we did.

[Corey]

Chase Bardou

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Chase was certain Patrik would be in good hands with and grinned when Patrik indicated he would take good care of his new family. He told them bye and frowned when one of the nurses told him his cousin had tried calling him while he had been busy with Junie and Patrik. He wondered what that was about, especially since he had an answering machine and Jackson could have just left a message for him at home. It had to be something serious if he wanted to get a hold of him at work. He would worry about it later though because Tim found him and he could tell from his face he was concerned about something. He nodded his head.

Sure thing.

He replied when Tim asked if he could look at a sample.

[Corey]

Nathan Betancourt

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When Nathan heard from Jasmine about a circus coming to town for the weekend, he was thrilled. It would be a perfect opportunity to get his revenge on Marisol through her daughter. There would be so many people. People watching the circus and people in costumes. He and his people could easily blend in. He wasn't going to waste the chance although he had to carefully consider who he would bring. He debated bringing Sacha but knowing the boy he probably wouldn't be happy just watching Nathan kill Arrah from the sidelines. What the girl's mother had done to him was personal and he always took care of those things himself. He was walking through the labs to get some blood when he saw Elena and Turner. Those two drove him nuts, they acted like kids and if they weren't both so good at their respective jobs he'd probably just kill of them. They were both adults, they should act like it. Turner was showing Elena a new magic trick he learned when an idea came to Nathan. Sparring with Sacha had left Bruno thirsty and he was getting a drink when Nathan asked.

How do you think those two would fare outside the warehouse?

Nathan asked he drank his blood. Bruno frowned looking over at Turner and Elena.

Not well, they are both lab rats. Why?

Because I think Turner's love of magic tricks will come in handy at the circus.

Nathan replied with a smirk and filled Bruno in on what he was thinking. Bruno thought it could work but he wasn't sure if he liked the idea of Turner and Elena actually going out in the field so to speak. Neither knew how to truly protect themselves. Although he did agree with Nathan that they were both so scared of him neither would dream of running away.

But what if things go wrong? Elena gets shell shocked when bad things happen and Turner hits like a girl.

Well that's why you'll be there to make sure they return home safely and in one piece.

Nathan informed him and after finishing their drinks, Nathan told Elena and Turner that they would be going to the circus after all.

[Jenny]

Jasmine Torres

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Jasmine told Dmitri bye for now and helped Viktoriya finish up at the cafeteria. She thanked her again for giving her a cooking lesson and said that she would see her soon for dinner. She headed back to infirmary where she was shown where the guest rooms were. They were nice although they were only supposed to be temporary living arrangement. She sighed as she realized she didn't have many clothes. She had lots of clothes back at the warehouse. When she thought of the warehouse, she thought of Nathan. Yeah he wouldn't be too pleased with her, she thought. She was making friends but not the ones he would want and he would surely tell her that cooking was a waste of time. Well she just wouldn't tell him that part, what he didn't know wouldn't hurt him. She wondered what he had planned for the circus. He had seemed too happy when she told him about it. Circuses were supposed to be fun for kids...Well she couldn't control what Nathan would do, she thought. But if he got his way, she'd soon be going home. She sat down on the bed and texted Bruno. Seeing Viktoriya and Dmitri together made her miss him. She was able to get a hold of him after Nathan told Elena and Turner they were also going to the circus and that Bruno was going as well to make sure they came back safely. When Bruno told her that development, she was shocked. Nathan never let them leave whatever building the coven called home unless they were moving. She did tell Bruno about her cooking lesson but made him promise not to tell Nathan. He said he wouldn't and that he was glad she was doing something for herself. He asked if he would finally get to see her again at the circus and she replied yes because that's probably when she'd be going home. After all if Nathan got his way at the circus, she wouldn't need to stay in the community anymore. Although she realized she would miss this place and the people. They were all nice to her and she hoped that Greta and her baby had a good life here. After chatting with Bruno a little while longer, she got ready to head to Viktoriya and Dmitri's home for dinner.

[Monkey Kitty]

Helen

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"I'm glad, too," Helen replied honestly. "Unfortunately, our community isn't without our enemies, and it was important for you to know that. On the other hand... you're right that we look out for each other, and as a group that's our greatest strength."

"Back to baby things, then." Helen smiled, and then asked, "Would it be alright if I gave you a hug first, though?"

She was conscious that - especially when people had been mistreated or made to feel like they didn't have control over their own lives - it was important to allow others to maintain personal boundaries for physical contact.

[Monkey Kitty]

Tim

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Tim showed Chase back into the office, and then gestured to the microscope. It was already set up with a slide in place.

"Yulia's blood sample," he explained. "There's a worrisome number of abnormal cells. At first I thought cancer, but it's... not. It's something I've never seen before, seemingly immortal in origin."

As Chase looked through the microscope eyepiece, Tim added, "It's not contamination; I've tested four unique samples, and it's present in all of them. To me it looks... engineered. I'm afraid it's something else Chauncey has done. Some secondary disease designed to activate at a later time. Now that he's dead, though, it complicates the process of finding information."

"I realize this is a longshot, but did he ever mention any places he frequents, where he might have left additional records? I'm worried for Yulia, and I'd like to resolve this as quickly as we can."

[Tigers]

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Roxanna Volkova


Rox shot her sister a quick smile that faded into a smirk. She was relieved that she didn't sound like some freak for wanting to go to the Circus. Veronika was just as excited at the idea as she was, although her sister was better at portraying that excitement.

"Are you kidding, we're talking about Kat and Alexander. I think they'd find a way to send us into space if that's what we wanted."

Roxanna suddenly realized how true her words really were. All this time she'd lived with them, it was like she knew this as fact, but hadn't really KNOWN it.

"You'd love what?" Rox asked as she realized V had stopped in the middle of saying something.

[Tigers]

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Emily


Emily had put this whole arranged marriage out of her mind when she'd come to live with Millie and Lukas. She was no longer in the Menagerie, she had a mom and dad and brothers and sisters. Never in her wildest dreams had she thought that this would come up again. Was it foolishness on her part? What scared her was not that her parents would give her up, or that they wouldn't fight this matter. What scared her was that this could likely be a potential problem for her parents. Who knew what this man would do, how he would act, that thought alone terrified her.

"I don't want to be a problem." Emily whispered.

"I don't want anyone to get hurt because of me, but I don't want to go with this man. I don't want to go anywhere."

[Tigers]

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Nicholas Thompson


Junie wasn't the only one beaming. His delight could be heard in his voice as he talked to her.

"Saturday it is, it's a date." Nick replied.

He spent a few minutes talking to her, seeing how she was, how the kids were doing. Nick enjoyed Junie's company, and he was quickly finding excuses to spend time with her, even if it was a simple phone conversation. He wrapped up the conversation, not wanting to monopolize her time.

"I will see you Saturday Junie. I'm looking forward to spending time with you and getting to know your children."

Nick hung up the phone, not aware of just how much he'd been smiling the whole time he'd been talking with Junie.

[Monkey Kitty]

Veronika

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Veronika looked down, a little embarrassed.

"I'd love if we could go, and have a good time, and just... be like a regular family. Not worry about the past, or anything like that. Whenever I heard the circus was in town when I was a kid, I always imagined what it would be like to have the kind of family who wanted to do stuff like that. Wanted to... you know... spend time with me. I'd love to just be a kid for awhile."

She bit her lip. "But I don't want to ask for too much. I know Katherine and Alexander want to do things for us and want us to be happy, but I don't want them to think I'm greedy or... too much trouble. They've already done so much. I don't want them to even think that maybe I'm not worth it."

"What if they think it's stupid for me to feel this way? That at my age, I just... want to be their kid? It's not that I want them to spend more money on me. I just think... it would be neat to do the family stuff we never did. You know, do it as a family."

[Monkey Kitty]

Millie

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"You aren't a problem," Millie assured Emily. "Far from it. You're a joy and a blessing. This doesn't change that."

"It's important that you understand, whatever happens... you aren't responsible for it. Other people's choices aren't your fault."

She smiled. "I don't think anything bad will happen, though. This community is safe, and the people are strong. It'll be alright."

"We don't want you to go, and you'll never have to. You'll always be our daughter, and you'll always have a home here. No one can change that."

[Monkey Kitty]

Junie

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Junie.jpg

Junie blushed at the word 'date,' even though she knew perfectly well that he didn't mean anything by it. Yes, Saturday would be a date, as would Sunday, as would every other day on the calendar. He just meant an appointment.

"See you Saturday," she echoed. "We're looking forward to it, too. Bye for now."

Really, she needed to stop acting like a silly girl, she reminded herself harshly. She had three kids, who didn't need to see their mother being foolish over a man and setting a bad example.

Once, years ago, Junie had been in love, or thought she was. She'd imagined she'd have a future with Delia's father... nevermind that he was twice her age and she was still in her teens, or that he was one of the masters while she was one of the slaves. Obviously, it hadn't worked out. He'd been toying with her, and she'd been too naive to see it.

Not that she thought Nick was doing the same thing, of course. He was a genuinely kind man, who was being pleasant to her, and that was all - no romantic intentions on his part. She wasn't the naive girl anymore, who would turn it all into something more.

Even if he did find her attractive... which she found unlikely, since she saw herself as odd-looking... it would never work out between them. His social status was too much higher than hers.

That was reality. She needed to put him out of her mind.

"Anyone hungry?" Junie asked brightly, and when all three children responded in the affirmative, she went into the kitchen to prepare the meal... after carefully marking their Saturday plans on the calendar.

[Tigers]

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Karina



By the time that Karina and Darya had returned home from their friends, they had learned that they were having company. It wasn't an uncommon thing to happen in their home, their parents often had people over. Although most of those people did tend to be members of the community, but lately they had quite an increase in new people.

Before the doorbell rang, Karina knew that their company had arrived. She went to the door and opened it before Jasmine had a chance to ring the bell. She gave the vampire a curious look when Jasmine seemed startled by her sudden appearance.

"Hi, I'm Karina."

She appeared to be about 17, but Karina was biologically only 13. Although she had a good heart, Karina had been engineered to be the militaries weapon against her own kind. Years in captivity being trained to be a killer had taken from her ability to grow socially. At times she could be awkward, but Karina wouldn't hurt anyone unless they threatened her family.

"It doesn't work." She said indicating the doorbell.

"Dad said it's something with the wiring that the contractors have to fix."

As Karina was talking, Dmitri came and up behind his daughter.

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/gretanew.jpg

Even with the risks, I still feel safer in the community then being on my own.

Greta told Helen. She would rather live in a place where people protected each other even if they had enemies. She nodded her head in agreement they should get back to baby things. When Helen asked if she could hug her, she smiled.

Sure.

Helen didn't have to ask, Greta would have accepted the hug anyway but it was nice to be asked just the same. It made her feel that what she wanted mattered.

[Jenny]

Jasmine Torres

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/jasmineunderworld.jpg

Jasmine was surprised that Karina had answered the door before she even had a chance to ring the door bell. She had had her finger ready to press it when the door opened.

Oh hi, I'm Jasmine.

She lowered her hand and nodded her head in understanding when Karina told her the doorbell didn't work.

You must have some good hearing to know I was here before I even tried it.

[Corey]

Chase Bardou

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Chase followed Tim into the office and frowned as he looked into the microscope. At first glance he would have thought it was cancer as well but he had never seen cells like those before either. He looked up and shook his head at Tim's question.

I don't recall. He spent most of the time trying to justify his experiments to me but I think it was more to himself.

He tried to think back at the conversations in case something would come to him. He was worried about Yulia as well. He told Tim the name of the places he had met Chauncey at and the hotel where there was someone on the coven's payroll that had given him the hotel key to find Lina.

[Monkey Kitty]

Davia and Dawn

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Davia was smiling, practically walking on air as she stepped out of the dress shop. This evening she'd had her final fitting. The dress was perfect, fit for a princess. The ceremony, the church, the reception hall - it would all be her dream day, and she would share it with her prince charming. All eyes would be on Davia as she walked down the aisle, and she would sparkle for the occasion. Not many more days until...

Engrossed in her thoughts, she literally ran into a slender blonde teenager in an oversized and battered leather jacket.

"Watch it!" Davia growled reflexively, although clearly the collision was her own fault.

"Sorry..." The girl started to turn away, then got a better glimpse of the Vampire woman's face. "Hey! You're Davia, right?"

For the first time, Davia actually noticed the girl - and realized she was a Vampire too. "How do you know my name? Who are you? What do you want?"

"Um..." The girl dug her hands deep into her pockets. "My name is Dawn."

"Fine. Dawn." What a name for a Vampire! "I repeat, how do you know my name, and what do you want?"

"I was actually... um... looking for you. This is going to be hard for you to believe, but... you're my mother."

Davia laughed. "You've got the wrong bloodsucker. I've never had a baby."

Dawn looked awkward. "I know. It wasn't like that. Do you remember Doctor Chauncey? He was experimenting with the DNA from Coven members. You were under anaesthesia for surgery on your knee one time, and..."

Davia grabbed her by the shoulder suddenly. "I think you're a liar! What do you want? Why are you doing this? What are you after, money?"

Dawn tried to pull away, and left Davia gripping her empty jacket sleeve as she wriggled out of it.

"I don't want money!" Dawn looked insulted. "It's just... I don't have anyone. Even Doctor Chauncey is gone now. I thought we could hang out. Maybe I could even come live with..."

"Absolutely not! I don't believe you, and even if I did, it wouldn't be my problem. I didn't ask for this. I don't want a child - not like this. I'm getting married! I can't have this complication, not now!"

"You could get a DNA test, if you don't believe me."

Davia absently ran a hand through her hair. The willingness to offer proof suggested that Dawn at least believed what she was saying. "What difference does it make? I can't have you in my life. I'm sorry. I'm sure you're a nice young woman, but I wouldn't be a good mother."

"I don't care. You don't have to be good at it. Just..."

"You aren't listening to me, Dawn. I don't want you!"

For a moment, Dawn looked like she'd been slapped, but she recovered enough to say, "Maybe my father will, then."

Davia paused, and looked pale. She hadn't even considered that angle. "You know who he is?"

"Yes. He was a Death Dealer. His name is Dmitri. He doesn't know about it either, but if I tell him, maybe he'll..."

"No!" Davia shoved Dawn against the wall so hard the girl gasped. "You can't tell him! Are you insane? Why are you trying to ruin everyone's lives like this?"

"I don't want to ruin anyone's life. I just want to talk to him, and tell him..."

"Don't be an idiot, Dawn. If you tell him, you'll ruin everything for him. Dmitri has a wife now. He has children. You seriously think you can just waltz in and be part of it? He won't want you either, Dawn. He'll resent you for intruding. But he's nicer than I am, and he'll probably tolerate you. You think his wife will, though? You'd break up his marriage. He'd lose the children he actually loves. Do you want to do that to the man you claim is your father?"

"No," Dawn replied miserably.

Davia smiled coldly, masking her fast-beating heart and sweaty palms. At least she had protected Dmitri. He was a decent guy, and didn't deserve this. "Stay away from us, Dawn. Never contact us again. Do you understand?"

"Where am I supposed to go?"

Davia shrugged. "That's not my problem. I'm not responsible for you. I don't hate you, Dawn, but... I can't care about you, either."

"Fine. I get it." Dawn turned and walked away, disappearing down an alley.

For a moment, Davia watched her, as though trying to memorize the girl's path. Then she shook herself, and reminded herself she wasn't a mother. Before Dawn was completely out of sight, Davia was headed the opposite direction.

[Monkey Kitty]

Helen

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Helen gave Greta the promised hug, pleased that it had been accepted, although she hadn't had much doubt. Then they continued their shopping, and Helen and Zabel helped Greta and Rachel pick up some of the things they would need.

"We can make more trips," Helen assured the two expectant moms. "So don't feel pressure to pick everything out today."

In the car on the way to the furniture store, Helen said, "So Greta, I don't mean to bring up a difficult subject, but I was asked to ask you: what can you tell us about your boss, that will help us protect you from him?"

And, in all likelihood, deal with him in a more permanent way, although Helen didn't draw attention to that, not wanting to make Greta feel responsible for what had to happen.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dmitri

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Dmitri joined them at the door, and wrapped an arm around Karina.

"Hello, Jasmine. Thank you for coming. This is our daughter Karina."

He let Karina herself field the comment about her hearing, unsure how attention she'd want drawn to it, and it had been addressed to her anyway. Suddenly there was a four-year-old human girl attached to Dmitri's other side, as always shy around strangers and thus clingy.

"And this is our other daughter, Darya. Please, come in, Jasmine. We'll be ready to eat shortly."

[Monkey Kitty]

Tim

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Tim wrote down the addresses Chase gave. "Thank you. This will give us a place to start, at least. I hope we'll find something that will help."

He looked tired, not just the result of a long day, but of stress.

"I'm sorry. I don't mean to seem... overly emotional. It's just that my daughter and my son-in-law are adopting Yulia, so she's family to me. It worries me that my granddaughter may be very ill, and at the moment there's nothing I can do about it."

Tim smiled. "Rachel will probably be back soon - feel free to go home whenever you need to. There's not much we can do for Yulia tonight. I'll get a team together to go hunting for information, and talk to Millie and Lukas about what's going on. Thanks again for your work today, Chase. You did very well."

[Corey]

Chase Bardou

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/underworldchase.jpg

You're welcome, I hope it helps.

Chase wished he could remember more but he hadn't gained all of Chauncey's trust before he had been killed. He smiled when Tim said why he had been overly emotional. Chase understood, Yulia was going to be his granddaughter and he was worried about what Chauncey might have done to her before she had been rescued.

I understand, hopefully we'll figure out what is going on soon and then Yulia will fine and can just enjoy being a kid and being loved by all of her family.

His child wasn't born yet but he could already imagine how upsetting it had to be to know that a child was sick and you couldn't do much about it. Hopefully the team would find out something soon so they could help Yulia. When Tim said he could head home whenever he wanted, he nodded his head. While he was waiting for his wife to come back he could call his cousin and see what he wanted to talk about.


You're welcome, I'm happy to help. And thank Helen for me for taking Rachel out shopping.

He turned to walk away when he remembered something else.

I know the circus is coming this weekend and if you want I can work here so you and Jacques can take your kids to see it.

Tim had children that would probably enjoy it and Chase knew Jacques was marrying Gabriella and her older daughter might enjoy it as well. He and Rachel could go but the circus would be more fun with children. Besides he was sure they would come back again and he could enjoy it with his son or daughter once he or she was old enough for it.

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/gretanew.jpg

Greta returned the hug and found a couple of new clothes for herself and a little dress for her daughter she couldn't resist. She thought it was very cute. Rachel ended up with a few clothes for herself as well and resisted the urge to look at a baby clothes. They were all very cute to her but she wouldn't know for a couple more weeks if she was having a son or a daughter so there was no point buying any as much as she wanted to. Rachel also found a Tigger stuff animal for her baby. Both Greta and Rachel nodded their heads when Helen assured them they could take more trips. Although Greta felt more of the urge to get lots of things today because her baby would born sooner then Rachel's. When Helen asked her about her boss, she bit her lip.

He's the vampire who turned me....

She still remembered the night Nathan turned her like it was yesterday. The coven had just moved to Berlin and Nathan had Sacha eliminate Alric because he was "competition". However, Nathan liked Alric's home and decided to make it his new home instead of having Sacha burn it to the ground. She had returned home to find Nathan there instead of Alric. He seemed to like her face and told her she could either work for him now or die. It wasn't much of a choice. She wondered how much she should say, Jasmine said to tell the truth if they asked but...She didn't dislike everyone in the coven. Bruno was nice enough as were Elena and Turner. Although Sacha scared her, she didn't mind him too much. Alric used to hit her when he was angry so Sacha had done her a favor killing him. Nathan didn't hurt her much because she quickly learned how not to make him angry. Plus he had lots of girls, so she didn't have to sleep with him as much as Alric would make her sleep with him.

He doesn't usually leave home much because he has plenty of people selling things for him.

She was more worried that one of the other girls would see her and tell Nathan she was alive then worried of Nathan seeing her himself.

[Jenny]

Jasmine Torres

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/jasmineunderworld.jpg

Thanks for inviting me.

Jasmine told Dmitri with a smile. It was nice to be over to someone's house for dinner, Jasmine hadn't been invited to many people's homes most of her life. When she was a human she wasn't the type of woman people usually invited for just company. Although when she was married to Micha she had tried to make friends. It had worked okay until Micha got drunk at the parties and people started to distance themselves from her because of him. Later she found Nathan and it wasn't like he was one for inviting people to have dinner with him. It depressed her a little to think of how few friends she actually had. She had Bruno and she liked Elena and Turner and that was about it. She and Greta weren't very close at the coven since Jasmine figured she'd be like most of the girls who came and went. Maybe now she could be more of a friend to Greta and then reminded herself that was a dumb thought. If the circus went the way Nathan planned, she'd have no reason to stay at the community anymore. She decided to not think about that stuff anymore and smiled at Darya, who she could tell was very shy.

Hi.

She followed Dmitri and his daughters into the house.

[Monkey Kitty]

Tim

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"I'll tell Helen thanks, but she won't think she needs to be thanked," Tim replied with a chuckle. "She enjoys shopping for baby things, and I think she was pleased Rachel and Greta were up for the trip."

Truth be told, Tim enjoyed shopping for baby things also, much as some might claim it was a strictly feminine pursuit. He and Helen had decided not to have any more biological children - though they might adopt a few more kids who were older, and planned to continue to help out with their grandchildren - but although he'd needed to work today, he hoped to be included in preparing for the babies too at some point.

"That's very kind of you, Chase," Tim replied when the other man offered to be on call the day of the circus so the other doctors could spend time with their families. "Thanks! I'll take you up on that, and I'm sure Jacques will too."

Since Jacques and Gabriella hadn't gotten married yet, the ties between him and Nadine weren't official, but Tim knew they already felt and acted like a family. He was sure his colleague would be just as eager to accompany his soon-to-be-stepdaughter on the outing.

"Have a great evening, and tell Rachel hi for me."

[Monkey Kitty]

Helen

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Helen_Hunt.jpg

Helen nodded, but this wasn't quite what she needed to know. It did, however, confirm that they were going to intervene more actively than just providing shelter to Greta.

"I understand this isn't easy for you, Greta. No one blames you for anything you've had to do in the past, but I know it doesn't feel good to relive it."

"The thing is, Greta... your friends are still there. He's still hurting them. We're happy to help you - but that's so little. It's not enough. Not when we know he's hurting other people the way he hurt you."

"I'm not asking this so we can keep him out of our fortress-like community. That's not going to be a problem either way, I assure you."

Helen smiled reassuringly. "I'm asking because we want to offer our help to all of you. Including the friends you left behind. No one has to stay. It can be over, now... for everyone. We need to know what you know, though, to make it happen."

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/gretanew.jpg

Greta looked down at her at her lap listening to Helen. It wasn't that easy though, she didn't know the type of connections Nathan had. He hadn't stayed alive as long as he had by making many mistakes. He always found a way to survive and he would find her if she told them everything. Some how she'd make a small mistake and he'd kill her just like he had killed those other people who betrayed him.

I...I didn't make a lot of friends there...

She replied to Helen. Jasmine had warned her the first night in the coven not to get attached to people. Most would do or say something to make Nathan angry and you never wanted to make him angry. Of course she was naive and had made a friend with one of the girls who later had gotten killed. She got accused of bad mouthing Nathan. She didn't make that mistake again, it was actually pretty lonely at the coven. There were always people around but not many you could trust. You could had to be careful what you said or did or it would get back to Nathan.

And that ones I do like...He's made it really hard for them to leave. They won't get out as easily as I did.

Turner and Elena were never allowed to leave because they were too "valuable" because of their skills. Bruno couldn't just fake their deaths like he had hers.

He's smart and he has all these connections....He'd find some way to escape if you guys attacked because he always does. People have tried to kill him before but he always manages to get away. Then he'll realize I'm alive and then he'll kill me, my daughter, and the people who helped me get out...Anyone who crosses him always ends up dead.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Dawn.jpg

Dawn was fuming as she walked away. Davia was a real piece of work! Not that Dawn hadn't expected that - Chauncey had never told her much about her genetic parents, but she'd caught the odd snippet. Besides, Dawn herself wasn't always the easiest person to be around.

Still, she hadn't expected the dismissal to be quite that abrupt or permanent. Maybe they really didn't share anything but some genetic material. That was disappointing, but not unbearable.

"She's really the B-word!" Dawn said aloud, then felt embarrassed that she hadn't even managed to use the actual insult.

Her backup plan had been to talk to Dmitri, but after what Davia said, she was no longer sure it was a good idea. She genuinely didn't want to hurt him, and losing his wife and kids was a price she couldn't ask him to pay just to satisfy her curiosity.

Maybe she could find some way to watch him from a distance. Yes, that was what she would do. Then she could know who her father was, without screwing up his life. It wasn't really satisfying... but it was better than never knowing anything about him at all.

Dawn had been honest when she said she wasn't looking for money. The point had been to find out about her origins. Unfortunately, the lack of money was still a problem.

All her life, Dawn had been sickly. She'd grown up in and out of the hospital - in much more than she was out - and always taking medication. Once Chauncey had died, there was no one left to pay for her treatment, so the hospital had discharged her.

She had run out of medicine, and she had nowhere to go. The Coven wouldn't accept one of Chauncey's science projects, and when she had visited the group home where she'd lived when she wasn't hospitalized, it was shuttered and dark with a 'for sale' sign on the door.

Her body was tensed with worry... then gradually, as the results of the last injection she had given herself wore off, was wracked with pain.

No more meds. What was she going to do?

She'd tried a pharmacy, only to be turned away for her lack of prescription and insurance - something that had never mattered while Doctor Chauncey was providing his rather dubious care. The only free clinic she knew of was right next to where Davia lived, and Dawn had been warned to stay away. She couldn't risk a fight she would lose.

Where was she going to go?

Dawn wandered aimlessly for awhile, trying to ignore the pain, finally ending up down by the docks. As she drifted, she saw a man in the shadows exchanging small, plain, paper-wrapped parcels with furtive-looking pedestrians who would slink away after giving him their money.

It took her awhile to figure out what he was, but even she had heard the stories. He was a drug dealer. Maybe he could get what she needed. She approached him, trying not to look nervous; he seemed completely relaxed, so she tried to copy his stance.

"What can I do for you, little lady?" he asked with a sly smirk. "I bet I got your poison."

Dawn passed him a handwritten note, and the dealer looked surprised.

"That's some kind of cancer drug, ain't it?" he asked.

She nodded.

"People don't use that... um... recreationally. What, you got cancer?"

"Something like that," Dawn replied, in what was clearly an I don't want to go into it tone. She couldn't exactly explain she had been born with a disease that only affected Vampires. "Can you get it or not?"

"Sure. I can get anything. But I can't go with my regular supplier, so it's gonna cost ya."

"Um... that's kind of the problem, actually. I don't have any money, but I thought..."

"You crazy, girl? I'm not runnin' some kind of charity here!"

Dawn's heart was already sinking, but she persisted, "Maybe if I could get some kind of, like a loan...?"

The dealer chuckled. "Right. A loan. Crazy girl!"

He was still snorting with derisive laughter at her as he sauntered off in search of other marks.

Dawn wrapped her arms around herself, and disappeared into the shadows. She had nowhere to stay, no money, no medicine. What the hell was she going to do?

[Corey]

Chase Bardou

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/underworldchase.jpg

I'm sure she won't but it is appreciated. Especially since Rachel and I don't have any family here to help with getting baby things.

Chase replied to Tim. He knew his pack and their friends back home would send presents but it wasn't the same as having someone take you shopping and giving you advice in person. He and Rachel both appreciated that from the Yeats family. He smiled when his offer for working the night of the circus was accepted.

You're welcome, I hope the kids enjoy it.

He told Tim goodnight and asked him to Helen and Zabel hi for him as well. Rachel wasn't back yet from shopping so he decided to change his clothes and call his cousin back instead. When he got a hold of Jackson, he joked that it was about time Chase returned the phone call.

...Boo hoo. Some of us actually work.

I do work.

Cooking at Emma's tavern isn't the same as taking care of sick and injured people.

Jackson had long been the cook at the tavern owned by Rachel's aunt.

Hey it's hard work keeping some customers happy. You just act like you're better because of that medical degree.

The cousins were as close as brothers and often liked to tease each other.

Which I'm sure my dad is happy I'm finally using.

Yeah he said it's about damn time. He figured he wasted money sending you the university.

It was never a waste, I met Rachel there.

To Chase that made it worth going to college. After some joking though they both got serious as Chase asked Jackson what was going on. They were close but Chase also knew his cousin wouldn't have called him at work for just a social call. Jackson replied it wasn't good and told him what happened to Dustin, Ellen, and Samuel. They were all dead and Samuel had died within a month of Dustin and Ellen's deaths. He was sad to hear it, they were friends of his back home but he figured that Dustin and Ellen had just died of an accident since they probably kept the snake hidden from everyone. Jackson said he would have believed it except Samuel was supposedly killed by a prostitute and both cousins knew he wouldn't cheat on his wife. On top of it Spencer had just been found dead recently and his wife Isabelle supposedly committed suicide after killing him.

...I'm just saying it's all too much of a coincidence.

You think Nathan had something do with their deaths?

I know he did. He hated them, each one of them "wronged" him in some way.

Chase knew that was true just like Nathan hated him and Rachel too. Nathan hated Jackson too for protecting them. No one knew what happened to Nathan because he had went missing right after his rebellion was stopped. Neither lycan believed Nathan was dead.

You and Rachel should come home. He found the others because they were on trips and they weren't safe anymore.

Nathan was on their country's most wanted list and if he ever attempted to step foot on its soil again he would be killed for his crimes. Nathan wasn't that stupid to ever go home. Chase sighed.

I can't. Rachel needs the medical care-

We have medical care here.

But those doctors don't deal with a lot of humans being pregnant with a lycan baby...

Besides this place was already starting to feel like a home away from home. He and Rachel liked the people and were already becoming a part of the community. He wasn't just going to risk Rachel and their baby's heath just because of Nathan.

We can't live in fear of him all our lives. He's just one vampire and not nearly as strong or smart as he thinks he is.

But what if he has a coven again?

That would be a problem because Nathan was very manipulative and could get people to do whatever he wanted.

Then I'll deal with it. I'm not going to let him control how my family lives or risk my wife and unborn child's lives because of him. Besides the people here will protect us.

Chase assured Jackson he and Rachel would be safe. Jackson was worried that if he was right and Nathan was back, that he would eventually go after them. He didn't want them to get killed but eventually accepted that Chase wasn't going to leave. They talked a little longer with Chase promising Jackson he would be careful. After telling his cousin goodbye, he decided to watch a some television while he waited for Rachel to come back. He'd have a lot of news to give her.

[Corey]

Amy Dubois

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/amy.jpg

Amy Dubois was one of Nathan's girls and she had been following the drug dealer to see if he was much competition for her boss when she overheard Dawn's conversation with him. She only been with Nathan for about 7 months but she quickly learned that when Nathan was in a city he wanted to be in total control of the market. She probably should have kept following him but felt bad for the girl when he wouldn't help her because she had no money. She looked lost and had said the drug she needed was for cancer. She knew Nathan didn't run a charity but still...She couldn't just let the girl run around the city on her own. She'd just tell Nathan she lost the dealer and he'd probably yell at her and say he should have sent Sia out instead since she was the only capable of doing what he asked. She quickly went after the girl.

Hey. I couldn't but overhear your conversation with that jerk. Maybe I could help you instead.

Amy had grown up in France and she spoke with a slight French accent. Nathan actually found her in Germany where she was living with her then boyfriend Thierry who owed Nathan money for drugs. Thierry tried to offer her as a payment instead, Nathan turned her but then had Sacha kill him anyway.

[Monkey Kitty]

Helen

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"We can get them out, Greta," Helen replied seriously. "Not a lot of people just turn up on our doorstep. Most of the time, we've had to rescue them - often against very difficult odds."

"I understand that he's scared you badly, but he's only a person, not a ghost. Our community is secure. He can't get in. He won't hurt you. He won't hurt your baby. I promise you, we'll protect you. I swear to you that I will die before I'll see you harmed."

"He'll probably eventually figure out you're alive... but Greta, it doesn't matter. You're safe now. No one will hurt you. You're not in danger anymore."

"Frankly, though, the people who helped you are in danger. Now that they've helped, they're at even more risk. I'd like them to survive, too. I can't make it happen without your help... so I hope you can try to be brave, for their sake."

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

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Dawn startled visibly when the other woman approached, but then she realized the newcomer didn't mean any harm, and she relaxed a little, although her posture was still that of visible discouragement.

"Thanks, but... I can't pay. I don't have money or anything of value. I guess he could have been more polite about it, but it was a longshot to think he might give me something for nothing."

She gasped as a wave of pain crested, and staggered slightly, catching her balance against the cold brick of the building whose facade she was temporarily sheltering against.

Trying to distract herself, although she didn't really expect the stranger to help her for free, she said, "My name's Dawn. What's yours?"

[Corey]

Amy Dubois

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/amy.jpg

Amy could tell she startled Dawn and she thought the girl shouldn't be on the streets. When she saw how she gasped from pain and needed to use the building to catch her balance, she knew she couldn't just leave her out here. Dawn needed help and if she could help her, Amy had to try.

I'm Amy. Look my boss probably won't like this but...We have access to lots of different drugs. Maybe we'll have the one you need, don't worry about the money. I'll cover the cost for you.

She would just have Nathan take the cost from her pay. She might be doing some bad things since she started working for Nathan but there was no way she could just leave this girl on the streets when she clearly needed help.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Dawn.jpg

Dawn was worried there might be a catch. She might not have experienced much of the world, given how much she'd been in the hospital, but she had been practically raised by people from the Coven; she didn't expect altruism without an ulterior motive.

Still, what could she do? Just die slowly without her meds? Better to take her chances.

"Thanks, Amy. I appreciate it. I'll find a way to pay you back someday... somehow."

Obviously, the best option was to get a job. Most people weren't going to be eager to hire a sixteen-year-old, but she could be a waitress or ring up groceries easily enough. At least, she could work if she could stabilize her condition.

"I'm not an addict or anything," Dawn explained, in case Amy was thinking she was untrustworthy. "It's a medical condition. I've always had it. If I don't take the medicine, it gets... bad."

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/gretanew.jpg

Greta sat there unsure what to do. She wanted to help but her fear of Nathan was strong. She had seen with her own eyes what he was capable of. She was sure those people he had killed recently had thought they were safe too. They had went on vacations and Nathan made sure they knew he never forgot what they did to him.

I know you would but...He....They're surviving because they do what he says. He finds them useful and he keeps them alive. He only kills you when you disobey him or aren't useful anymore. He wanted to sell my baby so I left. That's why he'll kill me. He could have killed me last year but he turned me instead. He'll think I'm ungrateful that he spared me back then...Bruno made sure that the boss thinks I'm dead, if he finds out Bruno tricked him...He'll kill him too.

Greta didn't realize that Jasmine had mentioned that Bruno was her friend. If she had known she wouldn't have said his name. Because some people would start to connect that her boss could be the Micha that Jasmine was telling the community about.

[Corey]

Amy Dubois

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/amy.jpg

This might not go well for Amy but she'd rather take the chance then let the girl die a slow and painful death. She smiled at Dawn.

You're welcome Dawn. Don't worry about how long it takes to pay me back.

She wasn't worried about it. When Dawn said she wasn't an addict but had a medical condition, Amy replied.

Well we don't want it to get bad and I didn't think you were an addict. I've met a lot since I started working for my boss and you aren't acting like one. Come on, my car's over there.

She would drive Dawn to the warehouse and see if they had the drug Dawn needed in the lab. She didn't know much about drugs other then selling them but Elena would know if they had it or not. Maybe she could get Dawn what she needed before Nathan realized what was going on. Hopefully she could because if Nathan found Dawn in the warehouse, it wouldn't be good.

[Monkey Kitty]

Helen

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Helen didn't recognize the name Bruno, not having had any extensive conversations with Jasmine. She did file the name away, though. Every scrap of information they could gather might help. Comparing notes with Tim later, it would come to light.

She understood Greta's dilemma. It was hard to trust, when you knew people you cared about were in danger. Helen had felt the same trepidation when her family first came to Budapest. At the moment, though, Greta's fear was putting her friends at more risk. If only there was a way she could see that.

"Greta, I wish I could show you our community's past. All the battles we've fought. All the enemies we've defeated. That would make it easier for you to trust us, I think. I know, you trust us to help... but trusting us to keep you safe takes time, and I understand that too."

Helen wasn't prepared to give up on saving the other lives. Perhaps it was time to recognize, though, that Greta was not psychologically capable of being much help right now.

"Can you at least tell me his name?"

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Dawn.jpg

Dawn had never had much need for self-defense. Her life had been quite sheltered, between the bouts of illness and the fact Chauncey was working so hard to keep the rest of the Coven from finding out about her. They wouldn't have been too thrilled to learn that their DNA was being taken without their consent for his freakish projects.

That was all she was, wasn't it? A freakish project. No wonder her genetic parents weren't willing to be anything more to her than that.

Still, even one as innocent as Dawn knew that getting into a car with a stranger was a dangerous thing to do.

What choice did she have, though? No one else was going to help... and for that matter, who wasn't a stranger to her now? She'd sought out Davia and Dmitri, not because she knew them or had any clue if they were good people, but because she shared their genes. That hadn't been any safer. Amy was the one person who actually seemed concerned for her.

"Okay," she replied. "Let's go."

Hoping she wasn't making the biggest mistake of her life, Dawn followed Amy to the car.

[Monkey Kitty]

Lina, Asif, Shazia, Samira, and Alenka

Lina was already starting to feel comfortable in the community, even though she had only been there a short time. Everyone had been so welcoming. It meant a lot that several people had immediately referred to it as her home - and her arrival as a homecoming - even though she had never been there before she was rescued. It made her feel like part of things.

It had also helped her settle in that everyone had just assumed she was still with Asif, and no one had questioned whether he was going to stay married to her. No one seemed to disapprove. No one suggested that because of her ordeal, she no longer deserved him. Everyone seemed... genuinely happy for him, as well as for her. Her return to him was treated as an entirely good thing.

She was home, now. She was with her soul mate again. Life was good.

Of course, she still had healing to do. Forty years of trauma couldn't be erased from her mind, much as she would rather just forget what had happened to her.

Lina was happy, though. She felt like herself again, the self that had been lost and suppressed for so many years. There was a world of difference between being their prisoner and being Asif's wife. It was like night and day. With Asif she was loved, respected, and safe.

Just like she had never been able to imagine him when they were abusing her, when Asif touched her, she never thought of them. Only of the man she was so deeply in love with, and trusted so completely.

When Asif returned from the rescue mission, he found her with a smile on her face. He wrapped his arms around her, kissed her, and then they went to sit with their nieces for awhile. The girls were still nervous, but they seemed to be adjusting slowly to Asif's presence.

There was a knock on the door, and Alenka came in. "Hey! It's nice to meet you, Shazia and Samira. My name's Alenka, by the way. They told you you're having surgery in the morning, right?"

Samira nodded, and both girls watched the bouncy young Lycan with wide, interested eyes. They had never seen anyone who dressed in such an ecclectic rainbow... or had purple streaks in her hair!

Alenka noticed the curiosity, but didn't seem to mind. "Well," she continued, "The doctor needs to know what your face looked like before, so it will look the same when he fixes it. I know there aren't any photos, so... I'm going to draw you. You and Shazia can tell me what to draw, and we can keep erasing it until I get it right. Sound okay?"

Samira nodded, and Alenka started setting up her drawing supplies.

Shazia said quietly, "Thank you, Alenka. This is very kind. How did you know we needed this?"

"Your uncle asked me," Alenka replied matter-of-factly, digging around in her huge purse for her eraser.

Shazia was surprised. Their father - or the man who had married them both - would never have thought of that. She wasn't used to anything being done on her behalf by anyone but her sister. Certainly not by a male.

"Thank you!" she murmured to Asif, softly but with deep sincerity.

"You're welcome," he replied. "But there's no cause to thank me. We want you to have what you need."

He had told them that several times... but Shazia was slowly starting to believe it.

[Monkey Kitty]

Davia

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/DaviaFace.jpg

By the time Davia got home, her initial panic about Dawn had passed, and she had come to a logical conclusion about the whole thing... the girl was a scam artist. What were the chances that Davia had a child - even in the purely genetic sense - and didn't know it? It was absurd. Without the girl's too-similar face staring at her, Davia was able to remind herself how impossible the whole thing was.

Clearly, the girl had realized she resembled Davia by chance, had perhaps even altered her appearance to emphasize that resemblance, and then she had tried to trick her way into a share of the Volkov fortune. Brazen little urchin! Good thing Davia had seen through her wiles! Davia considered herself shrewd, and saw the rest of the community as foolishly trusting.

Davia managed to work up a good head of steam in her righteous wrath. How dare she? Who did she think she was, trying to pull that kind of trick against decent people? Good thing Davia had sent the interloper on her way!

The Vampire stormed around for awhile, then settled down, and felt much more at ease and pleasant. Forget the little scammer. Focus on the wedding. Yes, her beautiful wedding...

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/gretanew.jpg

Greta wanted to help the few people she did like at the coven but she didn't think Helen understood. It wasn't easy to get away from Nathan, he had manipulated everyone to think he was stronger and smarter then he actually was. Life only had two options with him, be loyal and do what Nathan wanted or die. She was free of that life now but it wasn't easy to realize that other's could be. She still thought in the same mindset as the rest of the coven of how you stay alive with Nathan. When she asked what her boss' name was, she said what Jasmine told her to say.

Ethan...Ethan Betancourt.

Ethan Betancourt, Nathan's twin brother, had been dead for ten years but the community wouldn't know that. Well except for two new members of it and Greta quickly realized her mistake when she caught Rachel's face hearing that name. "Sh*t" Greta thought to herself. Rachel knew Greta was lying and it didn't take much for her to figure out who Greta's real boss probably was. Rachel didn't like arguing but she knew they would have to get the truth out of Greta.

That's not possible.

I...ummm....how would you know?

Greta said looking out the window even though she knew Rachel would know it wasn't. She had never been good at lying.

Because Ethan's been dead for ten years. My husband killed him. You work for Nathan don't you?

....Yes...

How long as he been in Budapest?

We moved here a few months ago....He doesn't know you and your husband live here though.

Are you going to tell him?

No! I really meant it when I said I didn't want anything to do with Nathan. I just want to forget that last year of my life with him.

Greta said and Rachel believed her. Both women realized Helen and Zabel wouldn't know what was going on.

Ethan attacked me ten years ago and Chase killed him to save me. His brother Nathan has held a grudge against us ever since. He swore he'd kill us for that but he disappeared when a war broke out and his rebellion to take over the capital city was ruined.

....I'm sorry I lied....My friends said it would best....

I'd rather know Nathan's still around. I'm sure he hasn't forgotten me or Chase.

No he hasn't...

[Corey]

Amy Dubois

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/amy.jpg

Amy could see Dawn's hesitation and that was a good thing. It wasn't safe to go into stranger's cars. Especially not ones you met in dark alleys. She gave her a smile.

I don't want to hurt you, I just want to make sure you don't get sicker.

She meant it too, Amy did want to help Dawn. Although taking her to Nathan's coven wasn't the smartest move. Hopefully he was occupied...Amy hoped to get Dawn the drugs she needed and get her out before Nathan realized the girl had even been there. As they drove out of the city towards the warehouse, she asked.

Not to be nosy but you don't have a family do you?

Amy figured if Dawn had a family she wouldn't be out of the streets begging for a drug she needed to stay healthy. What kind of parent wouldn't make sure their child got the help he or she needed?

[Monkey Kitty]

Helen

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Helen_Hunt.jpg

Helen's heart sank when Rachel pointed out Greta's lie. She was disappointed that Greta couldn't be honest with her... but she also blamed herself, primarily.

If she hadn't pushed for information, Greta wouldn't have felt forced into the deception. Helen shouldn't have assumed that Greta would trust her. Trust had to be earned, and what had Helen ever really done to earn it? Opened her wallet for a few outfits? She was stupid to imagine Greta might feel able to rely on her. It was her own fault that Greta thought she was compelled to lie.

"It's alright," Helen replied to the apology, and she clearly wasn't angry - just a little sad. "Try not to worry. We won't let him hurt either of you, or your families."

She parked the car in a space near the front door of the furniture store. "You three can go ahead and browse. I need to make a phone call. I'll be inside in a minute."

Helen kept an eye on them through the large front window. It seemed like all hell was breaking loose, and she didn't want them to be attacked... although of course it was daylight. Still, she couldn't help worrying about those in her care.

She informed the security personnel on duty back at the community about Nathan Betancourt, and about Gale's visit. They were always vigilant, but when they had known enemies or a specific threat, they could be on extra alert. Then the Hybrid forced a smile onto her face, and tried to get herself back in the mood for baby furniture shopping.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Dawn.jpg

Dawn shook her head. "I don't have anyone."

All she'd ever had were the crazy doctor who had created her and the staff who were paid to take care of her. Now she'd lost even that.

"I mean, I have biological parents, but..."

She sighed. This was the first time she'd been able to talk about it. It felt good and bad at the same time. Voicing it was painful, but it was like releasing a burden.

"My mother made pretty clear that she has no interest in me. It's not as bad as it sounds - I don't think she even believed me that I'm her daughter, and I never told her I was sick. If she didn't want to bother with me when she thought I was healthy, she'd want me even less when she found out I wasn't."

"My father... doesn't know about me. And he's never going to. He has a wife and family now. I can't mess things up for him. I'd like... to see him someday, though. Not even talk to him. Just like... maybe pass him in a crowd, or something."

Dawn shrugged. "Probably more than you cared to know. But yeah, I'm on my own. It's fine. Except for the meds."

It wasn't really fine, but complaining about it wouldn't help. Belatedly, Dawn wondered if it was smart to tell a total stranger that no one knew where she was or would ever come looking for her...

[Tigers]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/Karina.jpg
Karina


Karina did have exceptional hearing, better than that of any natural hybrid. Having been raised in confinement for the sole purpose of being a weapon, they had taken this young lycan and altered her DNA. In truth, the girl had no natural vampiric blood in her body like most true hybrids, she was a manufactured hybrid with the DNA of several animals. Up until Rebecka's incident, the only true successful one that they had managed.

When Karina answered Jasmine, she did so in a matter of fact tone. It wasn't that she was conceited, it was how she had learned to respond to those she had spent most of her life with. And contrary to the fact that Viktoriya had been there with her, they were not always allowed time together. Karina was very analytical in nature, despite the fact they treated her as an animal, what they wanted was a machine, a living and breathing killing machine.

"Yes, I can detect the precise location of any sound in 0.01 seconds and hear frequencies higher than any known hybrid."

The words were those she'd heard from the mouths of scientists after many experimental sessions, some that were none too pleasant. Karina finally smiled briefly when her dad put his arm around her. Darya clung to her father's leg and peaked out shyly at Jasmine, but she did get a smile from her.

[Tigers]

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Roxanna Volkova



" I get you V. But I don't know if I know how to be a kid, ya know?"

"I mean, I've laughed and smiled more than I ever have in my life, I know that much. And I did bite Kat more than once, and I think I've been a pain in the ass more than I haven't...and they haven't given up on me. So I don't think you need to worry about being a burden."

Roxanna cracked a smile, and laughed a little.

"And Alexander, Sasha said he'll never grow up, but I kind of get the feeling they were like us and were cheated out of being kids too. Kat and Alexander haven't ever talked about it, and what I know of Kat, I got mostly from the memories of her blood. I think we got lucky and the right family found us. I mean, the others around here, I like them, but I just feel this is where I belong."

Rox suddenly got quiet. It was the first time she'd ever admitted this to herself and she said it so freely, so naturally that she knew it was the truth. After everything that had happened, and after all this time, she really felt that maybe she could do this, live here and with these people. She guessed it was better late than never. They had already adopted her and had been treating her like their daughter, but it was the first time that it had actually struck Rox that this was real.

[Tigers]

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Emily


Emily found herself exhaling a lot like releasing steam from a pressure valve. But this wasn't a build of anger, more like one of anxiety.

"I was afraid to come here at first, now I don't want to ever have to leave. I may not be the direct cause of this mom, but I am in the middle whether I want to be or not. I just don't want things to go bad."

Emily didn't want to talk about it anymore. She had wanted to tell them about what she'd told Tash, but now it just, didn't seem as important or worth the effort to discuss.

"I don't want to talk about it anymore, this is Yulia's day, I'd rather spend it making her smile."

[Tigers]

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Antonio


Antonio had returned from the gym. Although his wallet played the biggest role in the wedding, Davia was making sure that it didn't go to waste. It wasn't that he minded, in truth Antonio had never been a materialistic person. It was his looks, and his Charisma that had always kept him at the top of the food chain, even as a mortal. When he had come to live with the Volkov's, living well had only been a side benefit.

He had years on Davia in the sense that he had been around wholesome people that had helped to tame him from his wilder nature. Now he just reserved that nature for his bride to be, which in some instances were for the better. Being able to work out in the gym may not sound like much, but for Antonio and Stephan it was a full time job keeping the Volkov's in fighting condition. Now that they were in Budapest, they had taken a larger responsibility in helping Boris' own group.

You wouldn't hear Davia complain about Antonio's duties either, not only was she working beside him on most days, but she had the added benefit of his well conditioned body. Her increased abilities in training had added to the bedroom appeal, there seemed to be no limit to these two and their imagination for each other behind closed doors. Sex aside, it had become clear to everyone that these two genuinely loved each other.

When Antonio had entered their room, to shower and change, he walked right into the righteous wrath that Davia was spreading around the room. He had grown to know her enough that pushing her in anything, even talking often times spelled disaster. Davia needed to be able to work things out and think about them before being pushed to answer. He had learned to back off and give her time, but he always made sure that the issues were addressed.

He couldn't imagine what had her going, his thought was that there had been a snag in something with the wedding. He showered, although his original intention had been to drag her in there with him. As much as people would like to think that he was totally shallow, he knew sex was not the answer to a person's problems. Antonio was still wrapped in his towel when he came out into the room and found Davia seemingly more at peace.

He softly rubbed her shoulders as he bent and kissed the nap of her neck.

"Bella." He whispered in her ear before kissing her softly on the neck once more.

"Problems with the wedding arrangements?" He inquired.

"Is there anything I can do to ease your stress."

[Corey]

Amy Dubois

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When Dawn told Amy that her mother wanted nothing to do with her, it broke Amy's heart. She wasn't a mother and would never have the chance to be one because of Nathan but if her life was different and she had a child, she'd never turn her back on her child. She didn't agree with not trying to talk to her father, so he he had a family. He didn't know about Dawn, maybe he would want her. But Amy didn't say that, they had just met, so Dawn probably didn't want advice from a stranger.

I'm sorry you are on your own. You know the streets won't be a safe place for you. There's a community I heard about that takes in people who need help and have no where else to go. After we get your meds, I'll take you there.

Amy had heard about the community Nathan sent Jasmine to. She wouldn't feel right just getting Dawn the meds she needed and letting her roam around the streets by herself. She pulled up the warehouse. On the outside it looked run down. She parked the car and told Dawn as they got out.

Don't let the exterior fool you, my boss made the inside look like a mansion.

She knocked on the door and Bruno asked.

What's the password?

Ethan.

He opened the door and was surprised to see Amy back already.

Amy why are you-Who's she?

He forgot what he was going to ask when he saw Dawn with Amy.

This is Dawn, she needs some medicine Bruno or she's going to get really sick. She doesn't have the money to buy it herself.

The boss doesn't run a charity and he isn't going-

Yeah I know but...no one else will help her. Is he around?

She asked looking past Bruno to see if Nathan was nearby.

I saw him and Sia head into his room just before you knocked. You'd better get here what she needs and get her out of here before he sees her.

I will.

At least she planned to anyway. She turned to Dawn.

Let's get you that medicine.

She walked her through the warehouse to Elena's lab. Elena was bagging some drugs she just made when Amy and Dawn came up to her. Amy told Elena that Dawn needed some medicine.

We have lots of drugs here Dawn. What is the one you need?

After four years with Nathan, Elena's Italian accent wasn't as strong as it once was.

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

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Helen might have said it was alright but Greta felt ashamed. She could tell her lie had disappointed Helen and she horrible for doing it. There she went screwing things up again, her father was right about her. She couldn't do anything right. Maybe she should have just stayed with Nathan and let him sell her daughter to some childless couple. At least she wouldn't have some screw up for a mother. She only nodded her head when Helen told her, Rachel, and Zabel to head inside the store. She didn't feel like shopping anymore. Instead her mind was trying to figure out what she should do now. She couldn't head back to Nathan but she probably wouldn't be welcome with the Yeats family now since she lied to them. She didn't know what to do. Rachel wasn't up much for shopping anymore either. Hearing that Nathan was back just made her upset. She left out the part when he almost killed her and thinking about him brought back some bad memories. At least Nathan didn't know they were here yet but he clearly had a coven again. Greta had said a lot worked for him. She believed Greta when she said that she didn't want to go back to Nathan but she knew Nathan well enough to know that if he knew she and Chase were here he would come after them. Greta looked over at Rachel and told her.

I'm sorry.

No I'm sorry.

For what?

That you had work for that a$$hole. He didn't give you a choice did he?

Greta shook her head.

No, he killed my first boss and...He said I could either work for him or die....I didn't want to die.

Is his coven big?

Sometimes. Lots of people come and go. They usually do or say something that p*sses him off and he has them killed.

Rachel shook her head.

I'm not surprised. You should tell them what you know. You could help the others that are still there.

But he...

Greta he isn't as smart or strong as he thinks or tells everyone that he is.

Greta didn't know what to say because she had never seen Nathan not be in total control of a situation.

[Jenny]

Jasmine Torres

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/jasmineunderworld.jpg

Wow that's incredible.

Jasmine replied when Karina told her who quickly she could detect the precise location of sounds. She was a lucky girl to be with Dmitri and Viktoriya. There were lots of people who would use a girl like her as their weapon. Nathan would, she mentally shook her head. She was here to have a nice dinner not think of him. She followed Dmitri and his daughters into the house.

[Monkey Kitty]

Veronika

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"I don't know how to be a kid, either," Veronika admitted. "I mean, my childhood wasn't as bad as yours, but... I was always worried, and my mother wasn't much of a parent. I grew up pretty fast, too."

When Roxanna went silent, Veronika let her have a moment with her thoughts, then hugged her.

"I know what you mean, Rox. I feel that way too. I feel like you belong here, and like maybe... maybe I do, too."

She grinned. "I think we can be kids again by just doing things like the circus. Not like there's an instruction manual. We can just be ourselves, but... experience some of what we missed, with a mom and dad of our own finally."

[Monkey Kitty]

Millie

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Millie hugged Emily, and gave her another kiss. She wished she could take her daughter's fear away, but Emily would just need to see for herself that it would all work out. Millie as confident that it would.

"You're a brave girl, Emily, and very caring. I'm proud of you," Millie told her sincerely.

They returned to the living room, and spent some time together as a family, with a lot of laughter and snuggles. Then there was a knock on the front door, and Millie got up to answer it. She returned a moment later, with a worried look on her face.

"Lukas, can I talk to you in the hall for a sec?" She gave the kids a reassuring smile. "Everything's okay, your grandpa and I just need to talk to your dad."

Tim was waiting for them in the hall, and as gently as he could, broke the news of Yulia's mysterious illness.

[Monkey Kitty]

Davia

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Davia practically purred with pleasure at the kiss. She could almost ignore what had happened and focus entirely on him. Almost.

"Not the wedding. I... mmm..."

She was momentarily distracted, but eventually found her thread again.

"I was ambushed by some little street urchin today. Claimed she was my daughter. Does this look like a body that pushed out a baby? But no, she made up some story about Chauncey tampering with my DNA and Dmitri's to create her. Ridiculous."

"She happened to look a bit like me - so what? She clearly just wants a share of the Volkov fortune. I got rid of the little scam artist, and told her not to bother me or Dmitri ever again. It shook me a bit, but I don't think she'll try her scams here again any time soon."

Davia smiled. "So, all's well that ends well. It just annoyed me that she'd lie like that. How dare she toy with people's feelings? I'll get over my annoyance, though."

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

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Dawn passed Elena the piece of paper. She didn't know how to pronounce the complicated name, but she'd copied it down from her chart before the hospital sent her packing.

"Thanks. I really appreciate it. I know I can't stay here. I'll get out of your way as soon as I can..."

Suddenly she looked worried.

"I can't go to that community, though. My... my mother is there. She said she never wanted to see me again. I'll have to find somewhere else."

Realizing that it might seem like she was trying to foist herself on them permanently, she added, "Out of town, maybe. I'll be fine. I just need the meds, and then I'll get out of your hair. I really appreciate this. Really. A lot."

[Monkey Kitty]

Helen

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Helen could sense the heavier atmosphere when she returned, and it made her feel wistful for the carefree mood of earlier. It was probably inevitable, though, given what the two women had suffered, and what they still feared.

She wrapped one arm around Rachel's shoulder, and another around Greta's.

"I know this was hard for you both. It's going to be okay, though. Really, it is. Try not to worry."

She smiled, feeling in more of a good mood, now that her call was made and things were as settled as they could be.

"Greta, you need to start thinking about how you're going to redecorate your bedroom. Since you'll be staying with us for awhile, you should have something more to your own taste."

[Monkey Kitty]

Dmitri

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Dmitri smiled proudly. "We think all three of our children are quite incredible," he replied, every inch the proud father. He was sure the baby on the way would be, too.

"You won't be meeting our oldest, Lukas, tonight - he has a family of his own. It'll just be the five of us. Please, come in and take a seat."

He couldn't really offer her a drink; as Vampires, blood would be their meal. They could chat while food was being prepared for those who ate it, though.

Dmitri wasn't aware Jasmine didn't plan to stay in the community; most people who came there remained, so he just assumed.

"By the way, if you need any help decorating your new home or setting up your furniture, we'd be happy to be of assistance."

[Corey]

Amy Dubois

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Elena took the paper and told Dawn to give her a few minutes. She was sure she had the medicine but they didn't sell it very often. It wasn't in high demand. While Elena was looking for the medicine, Amy told Dawn.

You're welcome and trust me, this place wouldn't a good place for you.

She hoped the community would be a safe place for Dawn and frowned when she said she couldn't go there. She didn't mind helping her, Amy just didn't want to get in trouble with Nathan. She was going to tell Dawn she should still go to the community when Cara came into the lab. Amy mouthed a curse word seeing her. She knew Cara would tell Nathan right away about Dawn if she didn't distract her quickly.

What's a kid doing here?

Don't worry about it.

Does Nathan-

Just go get high Cara.

Amy growled and Cara glared back at her.

He doesn't know. He's going to be so-

Here I found it.

Elena said handing Dawn a vial of medicine. Cara smirked.

Oh he's going to kill you. You're giving her free-

She's a paying customer.

Amy said cutting Cara off and motioned for Dawn to follow her out before Nathan got told what was going on. Cara was starting to attract the attention of other girls in the coven.

Yeah right! I'm going-

Here Cara I have a new batch ready for you.

Elena said shoving a sample of drugs in front of her. Drugs were about the only thing that Cara loved more then tattling to Nathan. Amy mouthed thanks to Elena and said quietly to Dawn.

We'd better get out of here before Nathan finds out.

Cara wasn't the only tattletale in the coven, just the loudest. Amy was certain she just sealed her own fate but she figured she'd at least get Dawn out before Nathan could kill her.

[Jenny]

Rachel Bardou

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Rachel nodded her head and gave Helen a smile when she said to try not to worry.

I'll try not too. It's just been a long time since I had to worry about him.

Although she and Chase always knew in the back of their minds Nathan was still alive. At least they knew about him before he knew about them. She just hoped Greta would tell the community more because she was certain he had just gotten worse in the last decade. Greta looked at Helen in surprise when she said she should start to think about redecorating her room.

You aren't going to kick me out for lying?

She had just assumed she wouldn't be welcome there now.

[Jenny]

Jasmine Torres

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/jasmineunderworld.jpg

I'm sure they are.

Jasmine replied to Dmitri and she could tell he was very proud of his children. She nodded her head and followed him to take a seat. She could smell the food being prepared and it made her miss the days when she could actually enjoy the taste of food.

It smells good.

When he assumed she'd be staying in the community, she replied.

Oh that's good to know...I've never been much for decorating since I've moved around a lot.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

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"Good idea," Dawn replied. She didn't know who this 'Nathan' guy was, but he sounded like bad news. She didn't think she wanted to meet him. "I hope I haven't gotten you guys in too much trouble. You've been really nice."

Dawn took a clean syringe out of her jacket pocket, and started to fill it. She knew time was of the essence, but the ache was getting stronger, and she wasn't sure she'd make it to the car. The meds didn't work instantly, but it should suppress the symptoms enough that she could...

Her shaking hand dropped the needle, and it shattered on the floor. She cursed under her breath - for real this time - and reached for another, but her balance was off and she started to tumble, catching herself at the last minute against the table, and rattling the glassware.

"Sorry!" she said through gritted teeth, but her knees were buckling, and she fell, hitting the floor hard with her bum, and unable to get her legs back underneath her to stand.

[Quaxo9]

Miksa

It had been weeks since they had hung out – it felt more like months. She had been distant over the phone and barely responded to his texts. Miksa had even resorted to texting Anya to see if Alenka was mad at him. She said no, but he still couldn’t shake the feeling of hurt. Was this her way of breaking up with him? No - maybe she was on an anti-technology thing and had just…forgotten to tell him. Even he knew that was a stupid idea, but he felt like trying to hold onto some other reason Alenka had been so absent from his life.

Miksa ran his hands through his hair, and let out a pent up breath. Her door was right there, well, her parents’ door. Why did this feel so weird? He’d come to pick her up for dates before…maybe it was because he suddenly wasn’t sure where he stood. Finally he worked his way up the steps and rang the doorbell before he could chicken out.

Reuben answered the door and Miksa offered the boy a tense smile before asking for Alenka. True, he could have just texted her that he was there, but he thought maybe he’d stand more of a chance if someone else knew he was out there waiting, too. He sat down on the porch steps and unfolded a piece of paper from his pocket. It was his excuse for coming over in the flesh – a flyer advertising the circus was in town. Miksa wasn’t absolutely certain Alenka’d be for it, but even if she wanted to go there to protest animal rights, he’d be happy. At least she’d be with him.

[Monkey Kitty]

Helen

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Helen shook her head. "Greta, I'm a mom. I wouldn't kick one of my kids out for making a mistake. I realize I'm not your mother... but when I said you were an honourary part of our family, I meant it."

"I'm not crazy about being lied to - but I understand that you had your reasons. I hope that someday, you'll be able to trust us enough that you won't feel like you have to. With time, we'll prove ourselves to you."

"In the meantime, though, we still want to make you feel at home. Decorating your space will help it feel like your own. You and your daughter need to be able to be comfortable there."

Helen wished she could take Greta's pain and fear away. She wished she could fill the gaping hole that left the poor woman so vulnerable. At the moment, though, this was the best she could do.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dmitri

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"I can understand that," Dmitri replied. "Not much point making a place into a home if it's only temporary."

Or, sometimes, even when it wasn't. Even though he'd lived in the Coven for many years, Dmitri's bedroom and office there had been austere and impersonal. The others had laughed about it, but Dmitri had never been able to muster concern regarding the decor. The Coven had never truly felt like home.

The house he shared with Viktoriya and the children had, immediately. Dmitri knew it was because of the company, not because of the architecture. Where his family lived was his home.

"You won't have to worry about that anymore, though," he added with a smile. "Now you can finally settle in, if you're so inclined."

[Monkey Kitty]

Alenka

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There was a knock on her bedroom door, and Alenka's Lycan nose identified it as coming from her brother Reuben.

"Come in!" she called absently.

"Hey... I just came to let you know Miksa's downstairs."

Alenka paused, and was silent for a moment. She wasn't proud of herself for avoiding Miksa - and she had been, she could no longer deny that to herself - but she just didn't know what to say to him. Eventually, she was going to need to tell him that she was carrying his baby. When she wasn't sure of was how he was going to react.

On some level, she had the irrational fantasy that if she just never saw him, he couldn't break up with her.

Of course, the more rational part of her brain knew he very well could break up with her for ignoring him, and he'd be very much within his rights to do so. She'd been a terrible girlfriend lately. Miksa was a tolerant person, but at some point even his patience would run out.

At that point, it would be too late to tell him about the baby, because it would just seem like a desperate bid to win him back. She had to tell him before things reached a breaking point. But of course, he might never want to see her again when he found out, anyway...

Alenka was quiet so long that Reuben started to wonder what was wrong. "You want me to tell him you're busy?" he asked doubtfully.

She shook her head. "No. Nope, I'll talk to him. Just give me a minute."

It wasn't like she never wanted to see him again, after all. He'd come to her house, and she wasn't going to hide from him. Whether her secret would come out or not, though, she wasn't sure.

Alenka stood in front of the mirror, studying her pale and nervous-looking reflection. The scar running down her cheek stood out even more when her skin looked this pallid. She ran her hands through her hair, although it didn't really look any smoother when she was done. The young Lycan drew a few deep breaths, as though preparing to face a firing squad rather than her own boyfriend. When she had stalled all she reasonably could, she went downstairs and out the front door.

"Um... hi," she said awkwardly to Miksa.

[Tigers]

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Roxanna Volkova


Roxanna willingly accepted her sister's hug. If anyone understood what she was going through, Veronika certainly did. Their lives may not have been identical, but pain was something they both understood well. Not having a childhood, or being able to maintain their innocence was something else they'd both lost.

"I think your home, but, I guess it's really what you think. It took me awhile, but I think I understand that now."

She laid back against her pillow, there were a lot of things vying for her attention, but Roxanna pushed them aside.

"I know this is going to sound stupid, but...do you know what a circus is? The flier is the first thing I saw, and I heard the nurses talking about it. I can't read what it says and..."

She laughed a little.

"Circuses weren't really the kind of talk you heard in a brothel."

She turned to look at Veronika.

"Do you know what they are V? I know I'm the one that brought it, but I couldn't help but get the feeling they were fun."

[Quaxo9]

Miksa

Miksa almost got up and left – he figured that she wasn’t coming down. He felt so low, like he was under his own boot. When Alenka finally came out the door, it startled him and he jumped to his feet and turned around in one motion. A smile broke out on his face and he hopped up on the top step. Belatedly, he realized that she wasn’t smiling but it was far too late to curb his enthusiasm. He kissed her temple, hands brushing her shoulders.

“Hey. I’ve missed you.”

It wasn’t meant as an accusation, but his hurt came through more than he’d liked. Alenka looked so…scared. Her fear caused his own heart to falter. What had happened? Did he miss something? Had someone died? He had forgotten that she hadn’t been talking to him – his concern for her was the only thing showing through now.

“Are you okay? You look a little…pale.”

[Quaxo9]

Sylvia

It was an idyllic scene in the Baikov household when Sergei got home. Marianna was in her room playing with her stuffed animals, talking away to herself and to them, visions of grandeur playing out in full colour. Zach was bouncing in a jolly jumper suspended from the doorway to the living room, burbling and cooing all the while. And Sylvia was sitting at the kitchen table, her gun in pieces, violently scrubbing at inconspicuous specks in the barrel.

When Sergei walked in the door, Sylvia barely glanced up from her task. Clearly, something was up. As he took a seat at the table with her, she indicated a circus poster lying just beyond the gun parts that was circled many times with crayon.

“They were passing these out – Marianna really wants to go – so I volunteered to do security. Hope that’s alright.”

It was conversational enough, but her voice was utterly lacking in enthusiasm. Usually Sylvia was excited when Marianna wanted to do something with other people, or go outside and do something where there would be women she didn’t know. There was something else here that she was avoiding bringing up. She let out puffs of air every now and again until she finally put the rag down and met Sergei’s eyes.

“I hate clowns, okay?” She was practically rolling her eyes at herself as she fiddled with some mechanical pieces. It would be evident to Sergei that by ‘hate’ she meant not only ‘dislike’ but ‘scared to death of’.

“I know it’s stupid. I just…don’t…like them.” Sylvia added, her fingers now interlaced and twisting uncomfortably. She was blushing, anticipating that he would laugh or at least have a bit of fun at her expense. Hell, she would have laughed – that sentiment was evident enough from the tight smirk pulling strangely at her lips.

[Tigers]

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Lukas


Lukas got up from the couch, not an easy task in the Kazlar home because it normally meant that he was buried in children. Not that he or Millie minded, they loved the fact that their children were able to express love without fear. He took Millie's hand, worried now because of the look he saw on his mate's face. But he hid it from the children as they exited the room.

The day seemed to be full of surprises and they weren't pleasant ones. Lukas listened to Tim, squeezing Millie's hand in support until his father-in-law finished. Lukas ran his hand across his mouth in contemplation, this was a lot for Yulia to have to deal with so soon.

"Any ideas on what we need to do for her in the meantime, or where to proceed for a solution for her condition?" Lukas asked.

[Tigers]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/Antonio.jpg
Antonio


He'd be lying to himself that he didn't love the fact that he was a distraction to Davia. The moment the two of them couldn't find a reason to be distracted by the other meant that there were serious problems. And he had to admit, Davia was just as much a distraction to him. Even after all the time they'd been together, she took his breath away. She was undeniably a gorgeous woman, and desirable didn't even begin to scratch the surface. Yes, they have had their ups and downs, but the fact that these two former freelance lover's had remained together solidified their commitment to each other.

Her story caught him a bit off guard as she retold the incident. It wasn't something that he had expected, and had mixed emotions on how she had dealt with the situation. In truth, it was not the first time that the community had been attacked by someone using children. He could not blame Davia for sending the girl off, it may have been a backup plan or something else either Chuancey or the Coven were trying to pull.

But he knew Davia well enough to tell it bothered her on many levels she hadn't even been able to reconcile within herself. If there was any truth to what the girl had said, Chauncey had used Davia and Dmitri's DNA without their permission. The fact that it was unethical aside, how was it really affecting Davia inside? It was a violation, not in the traditional sense, but a violation none the less.

Pushing her to discuss this before she was ready would be a mistake, but they did need to deal with the issue of the girl. Whether she was being honest with Davia or not, the girl was either a potential problem through manipulation of others or she would need help. Antonio had recently been entertaining the idea of children, but he knew that Davia wasn't ready and that she may never be. And this certainly wasn't a way anyone would want to find out they were a parent.

Whatever anyone else thought of Davia, she was the woman he loved. And loving someone, from what he had seen meant for better or worse. She could be a pill, stubborn, self righteous and a bit slow at times when it came to figuring out lessons in life, but she was his pill and he loved her and would stick with her no matter what.

"We should probably have someone look into it more. If she is connected to Chuancey and the Coven, the others will need to know.." Antonio began.

"But if...if there was some truth in what she said, we should at least find out. I know that's not something you want to hear, but we can't just leave her exposed and out on the streets. The risk to not only her but to the rest of us is too great."

[Tigers]

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Sergei Baikov



Sergei had been apprehensive of moving to the community, but slowly he had begun to make friends and feel more comfortable. His original reason for selling his house and moving here with Sylvia, had been purely for her. Then Marianna seemed to blossom more before the incident with Anastasia, and had also played a factor with her healing. He smiled as he drove home, daddy's girl had pretty much become a mamma's girl too.

He suspected from the first day that Marianna had met Sylvia. He laughed out loud at the thought, Sylvia never stood a chance from their first meeting. He sometimes wondered if he was a bit crazy, looking back at everything and how he had met Sylvia, and everything that had happened once he found out she was a lycan. That point was kind of moot now, the whole family was immortal, not that any of them had planned, Sylvia included.

If Sergei knew anything, it was that he was head over heels in love with her and that during his entire day at work, there wasn't a moment he wasn't thinking of her or their family. When he walked through the door and no one was welcoming him home, he wondered what was up. It's not that they all greeted him at the door, but the moment he came in he was usually greeted by Marianna's excited voice, Zach's baby talk or Sylvia calling him from somewhere in the house, letting him know where she was.

Walking into the kitchen and watching his wife try to wear a hole in sidearm momentarily had him alarmed. His first thought was that Anastasia had resurfaced and that thought almost made his heart stop. He knew she eventually would, but the questions was where and when. He sat down at the kitchen table to be next to her as much as to keep his legs steady in case she mentioned Anastaia. You could imagine his relief when she indicated the circus poster.

The moment continued to get weird as she scrubbed away at her piece. Okay, she'd volunteered to help, so why was she so worked up? Then the reveal came and he almost laughed, but the look on Sylvia's face held it in check. She was polishing her weapon after all and he knew she could shoot it with deadly accuracy.

For the moment, he was more relieved it wasn't news about Anastasia. When she finally allowed a small crack of a smile to emerge he knew it was okay to at least breath. With a smile of his own finding its way across his face he leaned forward and kissed his wife.

"Thank god, for a minute there I thought maybe I'd forgotten to put away my clothes and you were getting ready to shoot me." He teased.

"The clowns are on their own, they'll get no help from me. But um...if you need a body guard, I'll be more than happy to guard yours."

Before Sylvia could open her mouth to respond, Sergei decided to occupy it for the moment with a kiss. She'd surly get in the last word, but he was going to make her wait for a moment before she could express it. If he had his way, several moments.

[Monkey Kitty]

Veronika

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"They're a lot of fun!" Veronika replied enthusiastically. "Well, at least I imagine they are. I've never been. Other kids seemed to like them, though."

"I think it's under a big tent - at least it is in books. There are acrobats and dancers and animals. Music and clowns. And food, for people who aren't Vampires, and... maybe you could get a stuffed animal, like a tiger."

Veronika's own circus fantasies had always involved coming home with a toy tiger under her arm, thus the inclusion of that oddly specific detail, even though she tried to remind herself that she was too old for that.

"I think we'd have a good time. You couldn't help feeling like a kid, somewhere like that."

[Monkey Kitty]

Alenka

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"I'm fine," Alenka replied, and managed to keep her voice from shaking. Then she tried to force a smile, and it was too much. The facade cracked, and she started to cry. Weeks of tension that had been on the verge of exploding leaked out through her eyes and her trembling body.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I'm sorry..."

She meant it as an apology for crying, but it wasn't, not really.

"I'm sorry I haven't been around. It's not that I didn't want to see you. It's just... when things are hard, it's easier to hide from them, because then bad things can't happen."

Alenka took a deep breath. "Miksa, I'm... I'm pregnant. I know it's not what you wanted. It wasn't exactly my plan, either. I can't get rid of it. I'm sorry, but I just can't. I know it's not fair that you didn't get a choice in it, but..."

The tears started to fall harder. "If you never want to see me again, I understand. I was just trying to... put that off, I guess? I'm sorry."

[Tigers]

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Roxanna Volkova



Just listening to Veronika's description made Roxanna want to go. She tried to imagine everything she talked about, but admitted that she just didn't know enough. The lack of education really bothered her and the fact that she had struggled so much with the tutoring with Zora only made her feel stupid. Most people that lived in a brothel or came to visit them didn't talk about anything other than sex.

And it's not like they were allowed away from the brothel for trips, unless it was a wealthy paying customer like Camille. And Roxanna had very few of those, because most of them didn't want to be see with a whore. Camille just had her own way of hiding it. She remembered her first trip away from the brothel, she had been captivated by just about everything she saw. Camille had told her later, when she'd become a regular customer for Rox, that she thought it was cute the way she had looked at everything.

It was then that the slightly older woman had begun trying to educate Roxanna on certain things. She was starting to wonder now if that was what she's planned all along, to have her come live in her high class apartment and pass her off as one of her classy friends. Friends with benefits, but friends no less to hide her secret. Thinking about Camille made Roxanna's cheeks color slightly for even letting her mind wonder in that direction.

"Food...what a crappy time to be a vampire. God I miss food."

Rox hesitated for a moment, and then asked.

"V, what is...an acra...acrobat?"

[Monkey Kitty]

Millie and Tim

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Millie leaned slightly against Lukas, unable to help being very worried. She knew Yulia was in good hands, but a disease was worrisome, particularly one they couldn't identify; particularly one that looked like cancer.

"For now, there's very little we can do," Tim replied sympathetically. "I'd like to perform another checkup and run a few tests, as soon as possible. That should help us get to the bottom of this. For now, you should explain it to her and the other kids, but try not to let her get too scared about it. I have no reason to think she's in immediate danger. Meanwhile, I'll keep trying to locate Chauncey's records. Maybe they'll shed some light."

The doctor and grandfather added, "We'll figure this out. Don't worry. We'll find a way to help Yulia. I'll do everything I can for her, I promise."

[Monkey Kitty]

Davia

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Davia looked at Antonio like he'd gone crazy. "NO!" she replied, a little too vehemently for her feigned indifference.

"So what if it's true? So what? If she's not lying, Chauncey did that to me! Without my consent! Why should we be responsible for it? Why do we always have to be the ones who care?"

"Do you know how it feels? He took part of me, against my will. He can't force me to pretend the results of his little science project matter to me!"

"I don't want to see her again, Antonio. Our life is good as it is. We're happy. For heaven's sake, just... for this once, let some other community worry about someone for a change!"

[Tigers]

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Antonio



Antonio was expecting a response, but not one this heated so quickly. Apparently this was affecting Davia a lot more than she had thought and with much more speed than he had anticipated. He figured she'd continue to pretend it wasn't a big thing and then later have another fit. But, in truth, he felt bad for her. What Chauncey did was unforgivable and he obviously didn't care how any of the parties involved would feel.

"Bella, I can't begin to fathom how you feel." He replied softly.

Regardless of how her reaction would be, he reached up and cupped the side of her face with his hand.

"I would rip his heart out myself for what he did to you, if he wasn't already dead. It may not be rape, but it might as well have been. It's a violation against your will and against your knowledge. But Davia, this child is not responsible for this if it's true, it's Chauncey. I'm not asking you to bring her home, to suddenly have feelings for her or want to be her mother. Not everyone in the world can have instant feelings of love and devotion and it's not fair to expect it, but it doesn't mean we shouldn't act. Maybe Adrijana's Coven or Isabela can take her in, but if this is true, she's just as much a victim of Chauncey as you and Dmitri. She deserves a chance, we all do at some point in our lives."

[Monkey Kitty]

Veronika

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"Ummm..." Veronika was a little embarrassed to admit how little she knew about something she was so excited about, but still drawings in a children's book didn't really convey what a body in motion was like.

"It's like a dancer, I think, only they do flips and tumbles and stuff, and they hang from this swing thing in the air. It looks like they're going to fall, only... they don't. I'm not sure how. It looks like magic but they're just really good at stuff."

She suddenly looked embarrassed. "But I mean, I only know from kids' picture books, so I might be totally wrong."

[Tigers]

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Lukas



"I know you will." Lukas said as he reached out and shook his father-in-laws hand.

"Thanks for stopping by, I know it's not the kind of news you want to give people, especially family. Millie and I will take it from here, you should go home and be with your own family."

Millie and Lukas walked Tim to the door. There wouldn't be much sleeping from the parent's tonight, nor likely Yulia. As much you didn't want a child to worry, they knew she would. Tonight was a good night for a Kazlar camp out, she'd be surrounded by family who would give her unconditional love.

Lukas took Millie's hand and returned to the living room. The kids had all staked out their locations for the night and were patiently waiting for their parents. They sat down on the couch next to Yulia and held his daughter.

"That was grandpa Tim." Lukas began, not really ready to break his daughter's heart.

"Yulia, there's something your mom and I need to tell you. The doctors found something in your test results. It looks a little like cancer but there not quite sure what it is. Your mom and I know this is a scary thing, and that it's difficult not to worry. But the doctor's are going to do everything they can to find out what it is. They don't think you're in any danger right now, so that's a good thing. In the meantime, your mom and I want you to just concentrate on getting better and getting to know your brothers and sisters. Let your mom and I worry about the other stuff, okay?"

Lukas could just feel his heart break into pieces as he spoke to his daughter. Why was it that children had to suffer such horrible things, especially those brought on by others.

[Tigers]

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Roxanna Volkova



"That's okay V. Sorry if I made you feel like you should have, I should have known better. It's not like either of us was living in the lap of luxury our whole lives. I just assumed because you seemed so excited. I guess we'll find out together, won't we." Rox replied as she shot her sister a quick grin.

Roxanna grew quiet for a moment.

"V, I umm...I was wondering when we got home if I can...stay with you for a bit. I really don't want to be alone. I know that sounds...I don't know...weird I guess. I'm just afraid to be alone for now...you know."

[Quaxo9]

Miksa

If ever he’d felt like a rotten boyfriend, he definitely thought that this moment took the cake. He’d been to long in stopping by – or been too accusing – or something – because Alenka burst into tears after she’d only gotten two words out. Miksa held her close and stroked her hair, trying to soothe her. Bad things? What kind of bad things?

Oh. That kind. He was glad he was holding her so she couldn’t see his face when she told him. Pregnant? She was pregnant? They were having a baby? Miksa’s mind reeled for a moment before he tuned back into what she was saying. He pulled her away from him, undoubtedly Alenka would take it the wrong way – until she saw his face. A huge grin was plastered over it.

“Really? We’re having a baby? This is great!” He laughed and held Alenka close again, spinning around on the porch. Had this been a surprise? Yes. Had it been unplanned? Yes. But that wasn’t really the point. The point was that the girl he loved was having his baby – and that he was going to be a father.

“I’m glad you wanted to keep it.” He leaned in to kiss her. “I love you.”

Him. A father. Miksa had to admit, all these kids being born around the community, all these guys having little guys to look up to them – it was something Miksa had started to wish for himself. Now it looked as though he’d been doing all that wishing for nothing. Here, it’d been a reality for…however long. Poor Alenka. He knew this wasn’t the reaction she’d been expecting – and maybe he should have guessed that this was why she’d been avoiding him – but in the end, it wasn’t going to matter.

They were having a baby.

[Monkey Kitty]

Davia

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Davia almost shouted at him, but it wasn't Antonio she was angry at. He wasn't saying anything that, on some level, she didn't already know. She couldn't admit it yet, though.

"Well, I don't feel anything about her, and I'm not her mother. She's nothing to us!"

Her hands balled into fists. "That girl is not a victim! If it wasn't for what happened, she wouldn't even exist. I don't see how she gets anything but benefit from what he did to me, especially if she gets free room and board out of it."

"I don't want anyone to go looking for her. I just want her to stay the hell away. I'm not going to let her keep profitting from my pain! Just... forget about her! She isn't important!"

Davia was short of breath, almost panting.

"What matters is us! Our love, our wedding. Dmitri's marriage, and his family. I'm not going to let her ruin things for us! For all of us, not just you and me. If she shows back up, we can send her to Adrijana or Isabella. I'm not going to waste everybody's time sending them after a little urchin who happens to share some genes with us. The girl has gotten by this long; she'll make it without us."

"I don't want anything to do with her! Do you hear me? Not ever!"

[Quaxo9]

Sylvia

Sergei’s interpretation of her gun-polishing activity made her giggle, which helped release some of the nerves she’d built up. She would have had something witty to say after his bodyguard comment, but he interrupted any of those thoughts she had. Several moments spent like this were a-okay with her.

Of course ‘several’ moments was all they’d get in their household. Zach was squealing at the top of his lungs now and jumping hard enough to make the springs holding him squeak loudly. Marianna ran into the room with her stuffed hippo and tiger, excitedly letting her dad know all about the circus they were going to see – right dad? Sylvia smirked, winked and gave Sergei one last peck before slipping away to get Zach and get about making supper.

[Monkey Kitty]

Yulia

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Yulia started to cry, snuffling softly as she pressed her face against Lukas. She wasn't scared of dying, or even being ill. Life hadn't taught Yulia to value her existence or her comfort very highly.

What she was scared of was that this was yet another reason for them not to keep her. She was terrified of being all alone and sick. What would she do if she had something like cancer, and no one to take care of her?

She reached for her notebook, and wrote, "I'm sorry! Please don't send me back to foster care!"

Yulia knew she should try not to worry, like they said, and just take whatever came... but with that hanging over her head, she couldn't help being scared. Maybe if she begged, really begged, they would take pity and let her stay.

[Monkey Kitty]

Veronika

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"Yeah, we'll find out together," Veronika agreed with a grin.

"I'd like it if you stayed with me," she replied sincerely. "It would make me feel better too. I'm still pretty freaked out by what happened to me... you know, getting attacked and beaten up. I'm not ready to be alone yet."

Maybe she should have been used to it. Those gang members had beaten her - and worse - many times before. It was different this time, though. Scarier. Maybe because she had finally gotten away. Or maybe because she finally felt safe somewhere, and didn't have to constantly expect to be hurt.

Veronika smiled. "So yeah, you can totally stay with me. It's not weird. It'll be good for both of us."

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

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Oh okay.

Greta replied when Helen said she wouldn't kick her out. That made her feel better because most people she encountered in her life would have thrown her out for making a mistake.

I won't lie anymore about Nathan, I promise.

She just hoped it was a promise she could keep. She would try hard to do it because she didn't want Rachel and Chase to get hurt. Except there was Jasmine and she wasn't sure what she should do about her. She'd have talk to the older vampire later she thought. There was no pointing worrying about it right now. When Helen told she still wanted her to feel at home, she nodded her head. She felt more into decorating now and Rachel tried get into looking at stuff as well. Greta looked over at Zabel and wondered if she was angry at her for what happened in the car.

I'm sorry. I thought by lying about Nathan in some stupid way I'd be helping the people who helped me escape him stay safe but I know that's not true.

[Jenny]

Jasmine Torres

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Jasmine nodded her head in agreement with Dmitri. It seemed all her life every "home" she had was temporary. Her mother moved them around a lot, she never could pay the rent. Then Jasmine got moved around foster homes and there was the streets. For a short time with Micha she thought she had a home but it quickly felt like a prison. And then she found Nathan and they never stayed long. Eventually he would surely want to leave Budapest as well like he had all the other cities the coven lived in. When he said she didn't have to worry about it anymore she gave him a small smile.

I guess so, it would be different.

[Corey]

Nathan Betancourt

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Elena and Amy told Dawn she was welcome and to not worry about them getting in trouble. If Amy could get her out of the warehouse before Nathan realized what was going on then maybe they wouldn't be in too much trouble. It wasn't that easy though since Dawn's symptoms kicked in and she couldn't get help. Amy was trying to help her up when Nathan approached. One of the girls had went to get him. She had interrupted his time with Sia and he was angry for that. Although when he was told that Amy had brought a teenager into the warehouse he was even angrier. He was just wearing a pair of pants when he approached them.

Why the hell is there a kid here?!

He yelled at Amy who swallowed hard in fear. No one liked being the one who made Nathan angry. Things didn't always work out well for you if you made him angry. She slowly got up to her feet.

She's sick and needed medicine. I couldn't-

Does this look a f*cking hospital to you Amy?!

No.

You think I care she's sick! I can't make money when you're giving away my drugs!

I didn't! She paid-

Oh bull sh*t! I'm not stupid.

Nathan growled at her and held his forehead like he was getting a headache.

Take the cost from my pay-

You aren't getting paid for a month! That's if I decide to let you live.

I'm sorry! I-

Sorry? You know the reason why we stay in business Amy? It's because we don't show kids where we live! How do you know she's going to tell someone about us?!

I...I wasn't-

Yeah you weren't thinking! Huge surprise there!

She said she doesn't have anyone-

And you just believed her?! How do you know her daddy isn't captain of the police department or the mayor?!

Nathan let off a stream of curses and threw all the glassware that was on the table onto the floor. Cara looked up from the drugs she was snorting at the noise of glass shattering on the floor.

Then just make the kid stay here.

What?! This isn't a daycare!

Make her work for you.

Cara replied, she was starting to get high so she wasn't bothered too much at Nathan's anger.

She's too young! I can't have a minor on the streets!

Not that Nathan would care much what would happen to Dawn. But if he had a teenage girl on the streets working for him the cops could find him sooner. He wasn't going to risk it.

Screw it! I'm just going to-

She could help me!

Elena said quickly and cowered when Nathan turned his attention to her.

With what?!

I could have her help me with the drugs and then we'd have more to sell.

At first thought Nathan thought it was dumb and he was just angry enough that he wanted to kill Amy and Dawn. But he did like money and if Dawn's help could make Elena have drugs ready sooner and make more then it was good. He looked down at Dawn.

Here's your option girl. You stay here and help Elena make my drugs or you and Amy die.

[Monkey Kitty]

Zabel

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Zabel shifted Krikor slightly so she could give Greta a hug.

"I understand. You don't need to apologize to me. When I first came to the community, I wouldn't really tell them much about myself. I was pretty much just... silent. I didn't believe they could help me, and I was afraid if I said anything, I'd get myself into more trouble than I was already in."

"I got over it, eventually. I'm glad I did. They fought for me, and they saved me. I know it can take time, though. I remember what being afraid felt like. I don't blame you, Greta. I just hope... someday you can see your way out of it, like I did."

[Monkey Kitty]

Dmitri

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Dmitri didn't know that Jasmine was planning on leaving their community - but he could tell her reply was tentative, lukewarm. He just wasn't quite sure why.

"Darya, can you go help your mom for a minute?" he asked. Karina already knew what he intended to tell Jasmine, so he saw no reason to send her out of the room, but he didn't want to worry his four-year-old with it.

When Darya had gone into the kitchen, Dmitri addressed Jasmine.

"I know it can be strange, coming here. I know it can be very different. And I think perhaps... you're wondering if you're worthy of it? I don't mean to insult you, if you have no such insecurities, but it's the voice of experience. I did."

"I'm not sure how much anyone has told you about my past, Jasmine... but I was a monster. I'm a murderer. For many years, I was a Death Dealer, and I was an efficient and heartless killer. The blood of dozens of innocent Lycans is on my hands. That is a past I've tried to put behind me, but which I can never fully escape."

"When I came here, it was as a prisoner. They spared my life... I still don't entirely understand why. I certainly didn't deserve it, and I intended to go right back to killing werewolves as soon as I was able."

"But the things I saw here - it changed me. I saw that Lycans weren't animals, but it was more than that. I also saw more love than I thought was left in the world. I couldn't go back to my old life, and do the same things I had done before. My conscience would never have allowed it."

"I did go back to the Coven, naively thinking I could change their minds. They attacked me, tortured me, and I barely escaped, as the sun was rising. I came back here. I don't really know why. After all that I'd done, I didn't expect mercy or forgiveness. Perhaps I thought if they watched me burn at their front gate, it would be some measure of justice?"

"The gate opened. They brought me inside, and tended my wounds. They knew what I was, everything I had done... and they spared my life, because they could see I was truly sorry. They could see I wanted a new life. And I have that life now. My beautiful wife, my wonderful children... far more than I ever deserved."

He smiled. "So Jasmine, don't feel bad about the past. If they can forgive me - if they accept my attempts to make amends - they can forgive whatever you've done. And perhaps more importantly, if my life can change, if the life of a monster can change, then I promise you, yours can too."

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

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Dawn's heart pounded with fear when Nathan entered the room, and she cringed when he yelled. Why had she ever come here? Not only was she now in far more danger than on the streets, but she'd put the only person who was kind to her in danger too. Maybe ruining other people's lives was just something Dawn couldn't help.

If she hadn't been so scared, she would have laughed at Nathan's speculation about her father. Yeah right! My father is a vicious Death Dealer who very well might consider me an "abomination" and kill me himself. No one cares what you do to me. But of course, she didn't say that - she didn't exactly want to give him ideas.

Her biggest fear was that Nathan would kill her. There was another nagging fear, too. Dawn didn't know much about sex, just the basic concepts and not the details... but she knew people considered her pretty, and though she was young, she wasn't so young that men wouldn't be attracted to her. What if he held her prisoner and sold her body? What if he raped her himself?

At least for the moment, though, she seemed to have gotten a reprieve. Dawn couldn't help being relieved. Working in a drug lab wouldn't have been her ideal career - but it was better than being dead. Besides, where else was she going to go, even if she made a frantic attempt to run away? Not that she would. Risking her own life was an option if it came to that; risking Amy's, after the woman had tried to help her, was not.

"I'll stay," Dawn replied. "I'll help. I'll do whatever you tell me, just... don't kill me. Please."

She had no idea how to make drugs, but she thought she'd be wiser not to point that out to Nathan.

[Monkey Kitty]

Alenka

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Alenka had expected a rejection - as she'd been rejected so many times in her life - so when Miksa pulled back, it just felt inevitable. Her insides felt cold, frozen.

But then he was... smiling? He looked happy. He was happy. Alenka was stunned. She had no idea if Miksa wanted kids, let alone a kid right now. Privately, she'd thought he would be a good father, but it wasn't the sort of thing you pushed on someone. Well... unless you'd already conceived so there wasn't much option.

"I love you too. A whole lot. You aren't breaking up with me?" Alenka asked quietly, as if seeking confirmation that she wasn't just engaging in wishful thinking. "You're staying with me? With... with us? With me and the baby?"

Her fear ebbed away. It was going to be alright. She hadn't lost anything. She had just gained a child, and that was all. It was a great relief, especially after carrying the burden so long.

"Miksa, do you think you could... get your stuff and sleep here tonight? I mean, if you don't have anything going on? I really need you to hold me for awhile. I just need us to be together tonight. If it's okay."

[Tigers]

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Roxanna Volkova



There was a sigh of relief from Roxanna, even with her own cat and dog waiting at home for her, the human contact just seemed needed. Although she was anxious to get home to Blue, and that mischievous cat. He'd probably staked claim to her bed and she'd never get back into it.

"Thanks V."

"Have you picked out names for your pets yet?" Rox said, as her mind carried through with her thoughts.

"It's too bad you had to wait another day to see them. I still can't decide on a name for the kitten."

She laughed a little.

"Black and Blue was my first thought but, I don't know. Maybe something a little better than Black...Midnight or just Night maybe? I never thought about ever having pets so I never thought about names you know."

[Tigers]

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Lukas


Lukas wiped at Yulia's tears. It was so difficult to see your children suffer and fell helpless to do anything about it. But he could at least reassure her of her place in their family and their love for her. He cradled her close, rocking her gently.

"Yulia, you're home, you're not going anywhere. You're never going back to foster care again, no matter what. It doesn't matter if you're you sick, your mom and I love you and we want you here with us."

The rest of the Kazlar kids joined in on their dad's confirmation that Yulia was home. Muriel who had been carting around her "Things We're Going to Do List," she made the night before piped up and reminded Yulia that she couldn't go, they had plans. Lukas smiled.

"Looks like you're stuck with us kiddo, I hope that's okay with you."

[Tigers]

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Antonio



It was times like this that were difficult for Antonio, he knew that the two of them had lead very different lives and had very different morals. At one time, he would have responded the same way, perhaps not with as much emotion being a man. But he knew in his heart if this had been before he had met the Volkov's, he would have sent the child away. But time had slowly changed him, to degrees that now something like this would bother him.

He felt for Davia, living in this community wasn't easy at times. And he often wondered if anyone else but himself could see the potential in her and the slight changes that Davia continued to make. Maybe they would be better off in an environment where she wouldn't feel so judged all the time, but would she be able to grow as she had? The old Antonio would have just walked away from this mess and let her deal with it on her own. But regardless of how everyone else looked at Davia or what they thought of her, he loved her.

It was scary to think that at one time he wouldn't have cared and been fine with walking away. But to care about someone so much, you just couldn't see anything worthy in life without them did something to you inside.

"Bella." Antonio pleaded.

"We don't even know if it's true. And even if it is, it doesn't change the fact that I love you. We're still getting married, nothing is changing that. Nothing." Antonio emphasized.

He took hold of her hands that were still balled in fists, fully expecting her to pull away.

"And if it's true, no one is taking away your pain in this, the fact that it happened to you. But it also affects Dmitri and this girl, and that's not your fault or theirs, this is all Chauncey's doing. They need to know for the safety of the community and for your own. Dmitri needs to know so that he can deal with this as well. He has to make his own decisions on how this affects him, we can't do it for him. You wouldn't want him making the decision for you. Something has to be done."

"Please Bella." Antonio replied softly.

"You've trusted me in the past, trust me again. Know that I love you and that isn't going change."

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

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Greta was happy to know Zabel wasn't angry with her. She already considered her a friend and it would have upset her if Zabel was angry over the lie. She returned her hug.

I'll try.

She said but she was conflicted. If she told them everything then she'd have to tell them Jasmine was part of Nathan's coven too and that he wanted to kill Arrah. Not that she thought Arrah should die, she didn't but if the community messed up his plans then Jasmine would be killed. She felt she owed Jasmine since she had told her about the community so she could get away. She wasn't sure what to do and went back to looking at things instead. Shopping was easier then trying to decide what was the right thing to do.

[Jenny]

Jasmine Torres

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Jasmine watched Darya leave to help her mother in the kitchen and had a feeling she was going to get another story about why this place was so great. She knew it was and that's why she had told Greta about it, she didn't think it was good enough for her. She might try to deny it but she was like the rest of Nathan's coven, they all pretty much believed there was no option but staying with him.

They didn't say much.

Jasmine told Dmitri when he started, that was one nice thing about this place. People didn't seem to gossip as much as the coven did. She gave him her full attention as he told his story and was surprised that although he was a Death Dealer and had been their prisoner, the community had spared him. Help him see a different way of life. Although she wasn't too surprised to hear his old coven had tortured him when he returned. If she was to go Nathan trying to change his mind about anything, he'd do the same to her. But he probably wouldn't give her a chance to escape, he enjoyed watching other people suffer. Considering how much the community protected each other, she doubted they would forgive her for helping Nathan get to Arrah. She returned his smile though and said.

It's just hard for me to believe change is possible. I've spent a long time hearing the same things.

That wasn't a lie, she had spent almost ten years with Nathan and believed that she had pretty much sold her own soul to a devil. He had made her do terrible things like Dmitri had done in his past as well. The problem was Nathan wasn't her past yet, she was still a part of his coven even if she wasn't living there right now.

[Corey]

Nathan Betancourt

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Good girl.

Nathan sneered at Dawn when she said she would stay and do whatever he wanted. His angry was starting to disappear and he got a better look at Dawn's face. She was young but pretty. He could put out on the streets because he was certain that there would be men out there that would pay to be with her. But he wouldn't risk her presence alerting some nosy people and the police finding out about her. It could open an investigation, he would have to move, and he wasn't going to screw up all his hard plans at getting to Arrah and Violet because of Dawn. Besides he didn't trust her, the first chance she got she could run off. It was better she stayed and helped Elena. Still that didn't mean he wouldn't enjoy Dawn's "company" himself at some point.

You can have Greta's old bed. She doesn't need it anymore.

As far as he knew Greta was dead. He grabbed Amy's arm and pulled her close to him and whispered in her ear.

I'll let you both live, for now. But if she screws up anything, I'll take off both your heads.

I understand.

Amy whispered back and was relieved that at least for now neither she or Dawn would be killed. Nathan let go of her to find out why Bruno had let Dawn into the coven. Bruno was starting to get on his nerves for his compassion when Amy looked over at Elena.

Thanks Elena.

You're welcome.

She hadn't wanted Dawn to get killed and Amy then turned to Dawn.

I'm so sorry.

She had just wanted to help Dawn not force her to be part of the coven. Nathan yelled at Bruno.

Bruno why the hell did you let Amy bring that girl into the warehouse?!

Oh there was a girl? I just saw Amy.

Bruno said with a shrug of his shoulders, pretending to be dumb. Which both he and Nathan knew he wasn't.

I swear-

Oh umm that was my fault for distracting him.

Turner spoke up. He had been watching the whole thing from his computer desk and knew he had to get involved when Nathan yelled at Bruno.

Oh really?

Yeah, I asked Bruno when he was going to do his mail run because the costumes I ordered for me and Elena were supposed to be delivered today. We were talking when he let Amy in.

Nathan wasn't sure if he believed Turner but Bruno confirmed his story quickly. Nathan accepted it and growled at Turner.

Don't ever f*cking distract him again when he's working the door.

Turner was scared and quickly stammered that he wouldn't. Nathan pushed Turner out his way and headed off to the gym. He was surrounded by morons tonight and needed to blow off some steam. Bruno and Turner watched him leave and both sighed in relief that he bought the story.

[Quaxo9]

Miksa

The smile hadn’t left his face for a second and he ran a thumb along her jawline, as if trying to decide where he was going to kiss her next. Re-affirming with her was exactly what he needed to hear too – just to make sure it was real.

“No, I’m not breaking up with you. Yes, I’m staying with you and the baby.” Her invitation was greeted with another kiss. “With you is where I want to be. I’m all yours tonight. I’ll be right back.”

Miksa kissed her again and then made good on his promise to hurry. He didn’t even touch the stairs on his way down and started running back to the main building. When he thought he might be out of sight/earshot, Miksa lept in the air and let out a whoop.

“I’m going to be a father! Wooohooo!”

If Alenka had wanted to keep things underwraps for awhile longer, she mightaswell consider her cover blown. Miksa wasn’t about to be keeping this secret.

[Monkey Kitty]

Veronika

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Veronika's face lit up with a smile when Roxanna brought up the subject of her pets.

"I can't wait to see them! I guess in a way it was better they couldn't come home right away. It probably would have scared them to see me hurt. Once we can get them from the shelter, I'll be doing better and there will be nothing to worry about."

"I'm not sure what to name them. I've never named anything before, that I can remember. I never really even had any stuffed animals; we moved too much, and my things would always get left behind. Anyway... I'm not sure what good names would be. I'm afraid I'll pick stupid names for them and they'll hate me. Or maybe they wouldn't realize, it's just... a big decision, you know?"

She considered the names Roxanna suggested. "Black and Blue makes me think of bruises, which would be kind of sad. I like Midnight or Night, though. It's really pretty, and it sounds mysterious... but like, in a good way."

[Monkey Kitty]

Yulia

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Yulia's tears dried up as her new family reassured her that they weren't going to send her away. Nothing else scared her as much as that thought did. She would rather die tonight with people around her who loved her, than keep living without anyone ever wanting her. Being sick was nothing compared to being alone.

The doctors had fixed what Chauncey did before, and that desperate thirst and slow wasting away had been far more painful. They would fix this too. She was confident about that.

She wrote on her notebook. "I want to be stuck with you. I want to stay. I want to have fun plans together, too."

Shyly, she added, "Is it alright if I use the name Kazlar, too? Or do I have to wait till you can officially adopt me?"

[Monkey Kitty]

Davia

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"I love you too," Davia replied with fierce determination. "And you're right - we are getting married! Nothing will prevent that."

Not even some skinny, awkward girl claiming a relationship Davia didn't want.

"I just don't see why we can't let this go! I just want to forget about it. We're not the only do-gooders in this city. Someone will find her. Someone who actually wants her."

"Dmitri doesn't want her, Antonio. Why would you want to torture him with this? He's happy. He has the family he chose. You really think he wants some messed up teen he's never met? He'll feel obligated, and it's not fair to him. Don't you dare say anything to him! He doesn't need to know! It'll only make him unhappy!"

Why was she being so emphatic about this? Davia couldn't help querying her own reaction. She liked Dmitri alright, but she wasn't all that attached to him.

Maybe secretly, she knew he would step up, and that would make her feel more guilty that she had no desire to do so herself. She would feel even more ashamed than she already did that the whole thing made her want to gag.

"Please, Antonio. Can't we just let this drop? Why does this girl have to be more important than the rest of us? We'll be better off without her. All of us will."

Davia looked down, and suddenly her eyes were welling with tears. They were genuine, and in fact they seemed to irritate her - she wiped them away a little too harshly.

"Why does everyone have to know what he did to me? If she comes here, it will broadcast it to them all. I won't have any privacy left. Everyone will see what happened, and it's... humiliating. It's more than I can bear. I don't want this... violation... to be on public display. Please, Antonio. Don't expose this to them all."

[Monkey Kitty]

Zabel

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Zabel regarded Greta seriously for a moment, then added, "You can talk to me about anything, Greta. Really, you can. Being the pregnant girl on the run from the community's enemies is... well, frankly a role I've played myself. I won't judge you. I promise. No matter what it is."

She smiled. "I want us to be friends, Greta. Real friends. I'll be here for you. I'll help, with anything. I just... wanted to make sure you knew that."

[Monkey Kitty]

Dmitri

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Dmitri got the sense his story hadn't been received as intended, and he was sure his explanation was to blame. He could see, in retrospect, how she might have taken it as insulting.

"Jasmine, I apologize if I've offended you. I didn't mean to compare my situation to yours. I didn't mean to imply that you were engaged in wrongdoing when you came here - or ever were. I didn't mean to suggest that anything that was done to you was your fault. No one is ever to blame for abuse."

He smiled, hoping this was sufficient reconciliation. "It's not just monsters like I was when I came, who find protection here. I just meant to say that... well, if an active enemy combatant could become part of the community, anyone can. That's all. I'm sorry if it came out in a way you found hurtful or insulting."

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

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I want us to be real friends too. Thank you Zabel.

Greta told her with a smile. She believed her that she could tell her anything and she would help her. It's just some of the things she had to tell didn't just effect Greta and she needed to talk to Jasmine before she said too much. She looked around the store and found a nice crib for her daughter and a bedspread and matching curtains she liked for her room. She also saw a crystal vase she thought was pretty and wondered if Jasmine would like it. She didn't really know what Jasmine liked, they had lived together for a year but they didn't talk too much. Greta was just one of the girls while Jasmine was important to Nathan. If the coven was like a monarchy then Nathan was the king, Jasmine one of his captain of the guards, and she was a peasant or a slave. Still she always heard it was the thought that counted most so she decided to get it for Jasmine anyway. Since Rachel still had plenty of time to get things for her baby, she just looked around to get ideas.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

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Dawn cringed at the threat... and wondered who this Greta was, and whether Nathan had killed her. If only she hadn't accepted the help! She could run away - but where would she go, and what would happen to Amy? No, she couldn't. For now, she was stuck here.

Her eyes were filling with tears, but she wiped them away. It was shameful to show fear like this.

"Thanks for trying to help," Dawn whispered, her voice shaky. "I know you were just trying to keep me safe. I hope it won't backfire too badly for you."

She tried not to think about what tomorrow would bring. Her tomorrows didn't look very bright at the moment.

"Don't feel bad about me. I have nowhere else, anyway. I guess I might as well be here."

Terror and despair warred within her against... something else. Something she had never felt before, because she'd never really needed it. Stubbornness, and determination to keep her head above water, no matter what.

"I don't know the first thing about making drugs. I guess you'll have to teach me... and I get the feeling I'd better learn fast."

[Jenny]

Jasmine Torres

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Jasmine didn't take the story as insulting but realized that Dmitri had thought so.

No it's okay, you didn't offend me at all.

Actually he made her realize that she wasn't the only person in the community who had done horrible things. She might not have killed many people herself but she never stopped Nathan or Sacha from killing either. Didn't that make her guilty by association? She smiled at him so he knew there was no ill will.

I understood what you meant, sometimes I just get lost in my thoughts.

[Monkey Kitty]

In the Courtyard

The announcement of Alenka's pregnancy wasn't exactly subtle, and Miksa's news was met with approval all around. Chester and Asif were among the first to hear, and they gave Miksa hugs and claps on the back.

"Congrats, mate!" Chester told him with a grin.

"Yes, congratulations!" Asif agreed. "What a wonderful blessing for the two of you."

Within a short time, others were giving their hugs and congratulations too.

Even Tim, on his way back from the Kazlar house, smiled in spite of the difficult news he had just delivered. He already knew about his daughter's pregnancy, but he hadn't yet gotten a chance to talk to Miksa about it.

Tim put a fatherly arm on Miksa's shoulder. "Helen and I are happy for the two of you. You've been so good for Alenka. I'm sure you'll both be excellent parents. Congratulations!"

[Corey]

Amy Dubois

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When Nathan left them, Amy breathed in a sigh of relief and helped Elena clean up the glass that was all over the floor. She had figured her life was over although she instantly felt so much guilt that Dawn was now forced to live with them. She looked up at her.

Yeah but I should have had you wait in the car...

One of the other girls could have came home and saw her Amy. Nathan would find out, he always finds out.

Elena replied but it didn't make Amy feel any better. She felt responsible for Dawn, she had wanted to help her but she made things worse instead. Elena gave Dawn a smile when she said she didn't know anything about making drugs.

Don't worry, I'll teach you.

It wasn't like Elena was proud of the fact she knew how to make drugs but it was her way of staying alive. It had worked when her brother had got them involved with Riccardo and his gang and making drugs had kept her alive when Nathan had found her. In Nathan's coven it always felt like you had to survive. As long as you were valuable to Nathan and helped him make money, it kept you alive. After the glass was cleaned up, Amy told Dawn.

I might as well show you around if you feel up to it.

There were areas of the warehouse the girls couldn't go into unless Nathan wanted them to be there. She might as well know the places to avoid. Amy hoped that Nathan didn't want Dawn to go to his bedroom but she knew deep down eventually he would make her. He had slept with every girl in the coven whether they wanted to sleep with him or not.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

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"Sure," Dawn replied, trying to sound brave and cheerful, but failing miserably. "I guess I'd better see home sweet home, right?"

The attempted levity fell flat, which Dawn had expected it would, but once it was out of her mouth, she worried it would make Amy feel worse.

As they took the grand tour, Dawn explained, "Look, it's not like... I ever had a real home, anyway. I've always been sick. I was mostly in the hospital, sometimes in a group home. I was raised by paid staff, and this weird doctor guy. It's not like I had much to lose. If I had, I wouldn't be here, would I?"

She felt tears threatening again. Everything seemed so hopeless.

"Um... I'm kind of tired. Maybe I should go get some sleep, so I can help in the lab first thing tomorrow."

Really, Dawn wasn't sleepy. She just didn't want the rest of them to see her cry.

[Monkey Kitty]

Helen

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Helen smiled when she saw Greta's purchases. "Good choices. That'll look great in your room. Perfect for your little daughter!"

She paid for the items, then the four women shifted it all to the car. Helen was glad she'd planned on furniture, and had brought a big enough vehicle to accommodate it.

When they got back to the community, Greta and Rachel might notice the car received a little more scrutiny than usual before the gate opened to admit them. Helen's call had already set tighter security in motion.

Helen parked, and said, "Thanks for coming along, ladies. I wish things hadn't gotten so tense, but... things needed to be said, and it'll be better now. Rachel, can you fill Chase in on what's going on?"

[Corey]

Amy Dubois

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/amy.jpg

Yeah I guess so.

Amy replied although she still felt awful that Dawn was going to be calling this place a home. It wasn't much of one. She told her that she'd be sharing a room because only a few people got their own rooms and that if she needed to shower the bathrooms were shared as well. Nathan was the only one with his own bathroom. She pointed out Nathan's office and where the gym was. She told her there was blood always available in a fridge near the labs. When Dawn told her she had mostly been in the hospital or in a group home, it still didn't help Amy with her guilt.

This isn't the type of place to be though.

She should have just driven her to that community, Amy thought. But she had wanted to get her medicine first, damn it....Amy was going to make this right, she thought. She just wasn't sure how she was going to do it yet though. She nodded her head when Dawn said she was tired. After meeting Nathan, she was sure Dawn needed some time alone.

Sure, I'll show you where your room is.

She walked her to the hallway where the shared bedrooms were and pointed out Greta's bed.

Your roommate is still out working, so you'll have a couple hours alone. If you need anything Dawn, I'm just three doors the hall.

Amy said pointing out where her room was that she shared with another one of the girls.

[Jenny]

Rachel Bardou

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Greta was glad that Helen liked her choices because she liked them as well. The car ride back wasn't as awkward as Greta had thought it would be, Rachel wasn't happy to know that Nathan was Greta's boss but it was better then not knowing. She knew Greta was doing what she thought was best, she just hoped Greta would come to trust everyone enough to tell them what they needed to know to stop Nathan. Because she knew how he held grudges, surely if he knew she and Chase were in Budapest, he would starting planning a terrible reunion for them. Greta was surprised to see the upped security while it made Rachel feel better that it was there.

Thank you for inviting me and paying for these.

She was glad she had been invited for the trip and grab her shopping bags.

I wish it hadn't either but it's for the best in the long run. I'll let Chase know what's going.

Talking about Nathan wasn't exactly the way she planned to spend her night with her husband but he had to know. She told Helen, Zabel, Greta, and Krikor good night and headed back to her townhouse. Greta was happy that Rachel wasn't too angry with her and told Helen.

I'm sorry I almost ruined the trip.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dmitri

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Dmitri smiled. "That's quite alright, Jasmine. I understand. I'm prone to being lost in thought, too."

He still wondered if something was bothering her, but she truly didn't seem offended, so if she was worried, it probably wasn't because of him.

"If you ever need to talk, I'm here... or Viktoriya. But yes, it looks like we're about ready to eat. Shall we go sit down?"

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

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"Thanks," Dawn replied weakly.

Sharing the room didn't bother her. She wondered idly who her roommate was, and whether they would become friends. There were a few nice people here, so maybe it wouldn't be so bad. It was reassuring to know Amy was there if she needed her... although there wasn't much Amy could do.

Briefly, Dawn fantasized about sneaking a letter out to her father, or even attempting to contact her mother again. Then she tried to compose the note in her mind.

Dear Genetic Parents, Hi, this is your daughter Dawn! I'm writing to you from the drug house and den of prostitution where I'm currently employed making the illegal drugs. Aren't you proud of me? Don't you wish I would come live with you?

She laughed bitterly. Yeah, that would go over well! If they hadn't wanted her before, she hadn't exactly improved her merit since then.

Dawn started to cry, tears pouring out of her until her face was red and blotchy, and she felt utterly spent. It was too late, now. Maybe there had been a chance, before, but the door had slammed shut as soon as she had accepted Nathan's offer. She lived here now. It might not be much of a home, but these were the cards she had been dealt, and she would make the best of it.

Dawn got up resolutely, and went into the bathroom to wash her face. She didn't quite manage to obscure the evidence of her tears, but at least she felt a little better. It would be nice if she'd brought a nightgown or something, but she didn't have anything else but the outfit she came in, so she just stripped down to her underclothes. At least her outfit wouldn't look slept-in the next day.

She drew the sheets and blanket around her like a cocoon, closed her eyes, and determinedly tried to sleep. Eventually, she managed to doze, and it was a welcome respite from her waking life.

[Monkey Kitty]

Helen

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"You're welcome, Rachel," Helen replied with a smile. "I hope we can do this again sometime, under happier circumstances. Say hi to Chase for us."

She wrapped her arm around Greta's shoulder when the young woman said she was sorry yet again.

"I appreciate the apology, but it's alright to just let go of it now. I understand why you said what you said, and it's completely forgiven. I don't want you to worry about it anymore, okay? Let's focus on happier things now, rather than dwelling on this one moment that didn't go well."

"I know in the past, people have worked hard at making you feel worthless... but that's not true at all. You have just as much value as everyone else. You're a very nice young woman, and you're going to be a great mother. I don't want to see you forever beating yourself up over what happened this afternoon. It's really and truly forgiven."

[Tigers]

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Lukas


Love was the best medicine, especially for a child who had been denied it. And if there was one thing that Lukas knew his family was good at, it was being loving and welcoming of others. He looked over at his mate and smiled, at least Yulia's fears for the moment were relieved. It felt good to hear from her that she wanted to stay, it was a step in healing, in trust and acceptance. It was important that Yulia could feel these things, it would make it more difficult for her if she couldn't.

"You're already a Kazlar Yulia, it doesn't matter if we have an official paper yet that says it. If you're ready and feel comfortable enough we would love for you to use the family name. "

[Tigers]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/Antonio.jpg
Antonio



She fought so hard to keep a barrier up and not let anyone inside, Antonio wondered how she didn't ever drop from exhaustion. It had weakened slowly over the last few years, but she would likely always struggle letting those in that she felt would hurt, ridicule or judge her. If only she could see what he saw, what Rebecka saw, she might let that barrier slip more.

Davia wasn't perfect but neither were any of them, but he could understand her struggle. When he first came to the Volkov's it was very different from the life he had lived. It was like a worldly man who had done just about everything immoral a man could do, walk into a church full of saints. Davia wasn't motherly, and may never be, yet she was surrounded by women who had children. On some level, even though she may not admit it, it had to be intimidating.

Everyone struggled at times comparing themselves to others, and in light of how the community lived, it likely made Davia feel far inferior. So the defenses came up, the claws came out and you put yourself into survival mode, you became a bitch. Then you become faced with something like this and the fear of being judged even more reared its ugly head. Inwardly, Antonio struggled for her, both to help her grow and to want to protect her.

He gently reached up and touched her face, wiping at the tears. He never got tired of looking at her and every time he saw a bit of the beauty inside her it made him love her more. Caring, loving, being there for better or worse were new concepts for him and this was as difficult at times for him as it was Davia.

"Bella..."


"Trust me and know I love you. If this were you out there, I would move heaven and earth to find you and I would kill anyone who stood in my way. This does not have to be advertised, but Dmitri should know so that he can make his own decision. We don't even know if she really is part of you, but if she is I wouldn't want to see any more harm come to her than I would you. I know you're not ready to be a mother and this...this isn't fair to any of you. But something has to be done before something bad happens."

A thought occurred to Antonio, what if Chauncey wasn't the only one involved in this? The other frightening thought was, the Coven had had Sasha. She was so badly beaten you would have never known what all had been done to her. And if Chauncey had collaborated, who was his partner? If it was the military, then they could add Viktoriya, Karina, Rebecka and Violet to the list. Could they take the chance that it was just one minor incident done by one lone Coven member?

[Tigers]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/images.jpg
Roxanna Volkova


The corner of Roxanna's mouth curled up in a smirk as she saw her sister's face light up. At the moment all was calm and things seemed settled, and Rox thought she could actually sleep peacefully tonight. There were still things on her mind, but nothing she felt she needed to deal with immediately. She had an appointment with Helen soon and there was a slight twinge of nerves tugging at her insides. Rox may not have voiced it much, but she felt stupid and her difficulties grasping things with Zora was frustrating.

While she listened to Veronika talk, she wondered if they would be able to be at the same level in studies some day. Pushing aside the thoughts that constantly seemed to cloud her mind, she turned back over on her side to give her sister her undivided attention. This was such an unusual feeling, laying in a bed with someone that you didn't have to do anything with other than just talk and hang out.
Nothing was expected out of her, other than to be a sister. Something she and Veronika both were just learning as they went. Not meaning to interrupt or change the subject so fast, Roxanna spoke something that was on her heart.

"I'm glad that your surgery went well. I kind of figure we both have enough crap in our lives to deal with, more would just be....well, it would suck. I have to tell you V, if Kat hadn't of done what she did, I would of have done it. I hope...I hope that doesn't bother you, or...make you think less of me. I like having someone to talk to, someone around my own age, someone that doesn't want me to do anything other than...well be a sister, not that either of us really knows what that is completely."

Rox never shied from the hugging, but she wasn't always prone to be the one to initiate. Instead, she leaned her head against her sister's good arm.

"I'm glad your here. I think...no I know it would have been harder for me to stay if you weren't here. It's not that I don't care for Kat and Alexander, it...it just would have been easier to take off, you know."

[Monkey Kitty]

Yulia

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/YuliaFace.jpg

Yulia beamed, for once forgetting that she didn't have her teeth. "Thank you!" she wrote, then wrapped one arm around Lukas and one around Millie.

Never before had Yulia really felt the love of a family, not like this. She'd never had a dad - her biological mother's boyfriend had made clear she was nothing except a potential victim to him - and she'd never had much love from a mom, either. This felt pretty amazing.

She didn't think she'd be able to sleep, given how nervous she had been and how excited she was about having a real family of her own... since there was an adult male so nearby, which she still felt a little unsure about... but somehow with her new siblings snuggled all around her, Yulia quickly drifted off.

[Monkey Kitty]

Davia

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/DaviaFace.jpg

Davia wished she could tell Antonio how wrong he was about the whole situation - but unfortunately, she secretly knew he was right. Nor could she even pretend to herself that he was indifferent to her feelings, when he clearly cared so deeply.

"I know you love me," she replied wearily. "I never doubted that. It's just... you didn't see her, Antonio. Everyone will look at her, and see me. It doesn't matter who we tell. Everyone who sees her will at least wonder. Everyone will know, and it will be a violation all over again."

She sighed. "But I don't hate her. I don't want her to die, or suffer, or any of the things that could happen to her out there on her own. Someone should help her. I know that."

For a moment, Davia pondered, trying to decide what she could live with. "She can go live with one of the allied Covens. I don't mind if she's found discreetly, as long as she's not in my face all the time. I don't want her here! But it could be tolerable otherwise."

She looked down. "We can tell Dmitri if we must. But what if he wants to bring her here? Can't we just... let what he doesn't know not hurt him?"

[Monkey Kitty]

Veronika

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/VeronikaAvatar.jpg

"I don't think less of you," Veronika replied. "Things are... complicated, and when they go badly, it sometimes seems like it would be easier to just run away. I don't blame you for that, or for not being sure how you feel about this chick. That's just life."

"I'm glad you didn't go, though. It would be a lot harder for me if you were gone, too. I'd miss you, and I'd feel... more alone. The rest of the family is great, but it's not like having a sister."

"So thanks for not ditching me. And if you ever feel this way again, just... remember I need you here, okay? I need my sister."

[Jenny]

Jasmine Torres

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/jasmineunderworld.jpg

Jasmine returned Dmitri's smile. She was glad he seemed to accept her answer and didn't press the issue.

Thanks, I appreciate that.

She told him when he said if she ever needed to talk he was there and so was Viktoriya. She did appreciate that they seemed to care about her even if her stay was only temporary. When he suggested they go sit down because it appeared dinner was ready, she nodded her head.

Okay, it's a shame I can't taste Viktoriya's cooking though, I've heard it's great.

She never thought much until recently about not being able to eat food anymore. Nathan didn't associate much with humans unless he could make money off of them or kill them for blood. It had been a long time since she had been around anyone except other vampires.

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/gretanew.jpg

Rachel said she hoped they got to go shopping again soon and promised that she'd say hi to Chase for them. She also asked they say hi to Tim and the kids for her. Greta was so used to having to say she was sorry. Whenever she messed up most people, other then Fritz, would make her feel bad about it. She almost said sorry again for not just letting it go. She gave Helen a smile and nodded her head.

Okay, I won't think about it anymore...Or at least try not to.

She looked down sadly when Helen said she knew that people had worked hard at making her feel worthless. Most people in her life had, other then Fritz. And after hearing it so long she believed them. It would take her a while to realize people like her father, Alric, and Nathan weren't right about her.

[Corey]

Amy Dubois

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/amy.jpg

You're welcome.

Amy replied sadly to Dawn after she showed Dawn her room and let her be. Her mind was thinking of how she was going to make this right for Dawn. Dawn said her mother didn't want her but only that her father probably wouldn't either since he had his own family. Well Dawn hadn't approached him though, so maybe if Amy could find him...She sighed though as she started to get ahead of herself. It was a good idea if she knew who Dawn's father was and considering how the girl felt alone, she probably wouldn't tell her. All Amy knew he was someone in that community Jasmine was at. She saw Bruno and wondered how badly she got him in trouble, she went over to apologize to him. Bruno smiled.

It's okay, just don't make a habit bringing home teenagers.

I won't...

Amy looked over and saw Cara passed out on one of the couches after getting stoned on the drugs Elena gave her to sample.

I'm still shocked she suggested to Nathan that Dawn work for him.

Cara was a pretty selfish person, so to hear those words come out her mouth was shocking. Bruno shrugged, he didn't care much for Cara and made no secret of it.

She was probably too high to realize what she was saying.

Probably.

Amy replied with a small smile. She went to get some blood while Bruno headed out for his mail run. Nathan abused the punching bag in the gym for a while when he decided to head off to his private chambers to clean off the sweat of his body. Although he stopped short when he headed down the hallway to the bedrooms. He walked over to the room he had told Dawn to sleep in and watched her sleep. The girl had better good at making drugs or be a fast learner, because he wasn't just going to let her stay in his home and not get something in return. Every member of his coven was there because they were useful to him. The second Dawn proved not to be, he would have no problem ending her life and Amy's as well for wasting his time.

[Corey]

Chase Bardou

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/underworldchase.jpg

Chase turned off the television when Rachel came home. He knew he needed to talk to her about what Jackson had told him and the very real possibility that Nathan was behind the recent deaths of their friends, but he didn't think it was the best way to start a conversation when they hadn't seen each other all day. He smiled at her and took the bags from her hands.

I see you found some things. Did you have a good time shopping and how did the teaching go?

Chase asked her after he gave her a kiss and heated up a plate of food for her to eat. Since he had gotten home before her, he had made supper. He had already ate because he got hungry watching the television.

[Jenny]

Rachel Bardou

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/underworldrachel.jpg

Rachel grinned when she came home and saw Chase. She had missed him and returned his kiss.

It was fun for the most part...Helen and Zabel said hi by the way.

She told him when he heated up food he had made for her. She frowned when she thought of who Greta's boss was. She knew she needed to tell him about that but she didn't want that to be the first thing they talked about. She thanked him for the food, sat down at the table, and began to eat.

You were right about the teaching, it was fun...

She told him with a smile and told him how her lecture about dinosaurs had went over very well at the school.

...I was asked to come back and I think I will. How was your day?

She asked Chase as she continued to eat. It had been a while since she ate and she was hungry.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Dawn.jpg

Somehow even in her light sleep, Dawn realized something was amiss. She tossed and turned for a moment, then her eyes opened... and she gasped audibly, surprised to see Nathan there.

In her sleep-befuddled state, she forgot who he was, and only realized there was a strange man in the bedroom. She drew up her knees closer to her body, and pulled the blankets around her, even though she had been well-covered to begin with.

Slowly, it dawned on her who he was. She still wasn't quite sure why Nathan was in the bedroom watching her sleep, and it struck her as more than a little creepy, but she supposed it was his "house" and he could go wherever he wanted.

"Um... hi," Dawn said awkwardly. "Did you need me to go work in the lab now or... uh... something?"

No one had really told her when to report for duty, so perhaps she'd overslept.

[Corey]

Chase Bardou

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/underworldchase.jpg

Chase saw that Rachel was frowning and he wondered what happened on the shopping trip, he knew her well enough to know she would tell him eventually. He smiled as he sat down across from at the table.

That's nice, Tim said hi to you as well.

When she said how well her lecture had went at the school, he grinned.

I told you so.

And told her he thought it was a good idea for her to continue lecturing in her spare time. When she asked how his day went he first told her how Junie had came to take Patrik home and about the mysterious illness Yulia had. He then said.

Well I think the memorial service for the old man will be postponed for a little while...

He told her about the rescue mission he went on where they found Fritz and Flynn and that Father Marek had been injured during it. Although there was good news, Chauncey was now dead.

We won't have to worry about him anymore. Although...

He told her about Jackson's call and that Dustin, Ellen, Samuel, Spencer, and Isabelle were all dead. He didn't believe though that any of the deaths were caused by what the police found.

...Nothing's confirmed but it seems like Nathan's doing.

[Corey]

Nathan Betancourt

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/nathanonly.jpg

Nathan sneered at Dawn as he watched her.

Yeah I need "something". You're going have to earn your keep around here.

He told her and he could care less if she found it creepy or bothered her at all.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Dawn.jpg

Dawn was a little thrown off by this, but she tried not to show it. Surely he didn't mean...? It was unsettling, but she thought it was best to just avoid rocking the boat by acting strange about it. Not like he could see anything through the blankets except a vague outline of her shape, anyway.

She gave him her best smile. "Sure, I'll get ready for work and head to the lab. Thanks for letting me know."

Hopefully that would be enough to get him to leave her alone. Not that she had any idea what to do when she got to the lab, but Elena could give her the promised crash course. If Elena wasn't there, she'd just dust the shelves or mop the floor or something. Dawn didn't want to make Nathan think, even for a moment, that it wasn't worth keeping her alive.

[Jenny]

Rachel Bardou

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/underworldrachel.jpg

Yes you did, I should just admit you're always right. Shouldn't I?

Rachel joked with Chase when he had told her that the lecturing at the school would go well. She was sad to hear that Father Marek had been injured and was glad he was recovering well. She hoped that the doctors figured out what was wrong with Yulia because after everything Chase told her that girl went through, she didn't deserve that as well. She was happy that Patrik was being adopted into a loving home. She also was glad that Chauncey was dead and that Chase had helped Fritz and Flynn.

There you go, off playing hero again.

Although the joking died when he told her the news from home. She was shocked to hear that five friends had died in short amount of time from each other. She didn't believe it was just a big coincidence either. When he said that their family pack thought it was Nathan, she told him sadly.

It probably was. He's here in Budapest...he was Greta's boss.

She told Chase and told him the little Greta had been willing to tell everyone about Nathan.

She said he doesn't know we live here though and Helen said the community would keep us and her safe from him. Greta's scared to death of Nathan, so she won't say much....

Not that she blamed Greta for being scared, Nathan scared her too...

What are we going to do?

She asked him with fear in her eyes.

[Monkey Kitty]

Helen

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Helen_Hunt.jpg

"Good, I'm glad," Helen replied with a genuine smile. "I need to go get supper ready. Would you like to help me? I realize most Vampires can't cook, but if you'd like, you can set the table."

Helen didn't mean to put Greta to work like a servant, but they all pitched in around the house, and Helen thought that joining them might make Greta feel like more like part of the family.

"Our other daughters will be home soon, so you'll get a chance to meet them."

[Corey]

Nathan Betancourt

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/nathanonly.jpg

You are a naive little girl, aren't you?

Nathan laughed when Dawn thought he meant she should go help Elena in the lab. The naive ones were always so much, he didn't get too many of them. It was far easier to convince the jaded girls to join his coven. Those ones didn't have much to live for and were easily charmed. Dawn was going to be fun, he thought.

Elena doesn't need you right now, but I do. Get out of bed.

He ordered her, whenever he had his way with one of the girls, he did it in his own room.

[Corey]

Chase Bardou

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/underworldchase.jpg

Yes you should dear.

Chase grinned at Rachel and told her when she commented he was off playing hero again.

I was just the medic. The others did the real saving.

Although the joking died when they talked about Nathan. It didn't make him happy to know that Nathan was so close to them. He knew for a fact Nathan still hated him for killing his brother. He understood that Greta was afraid but he wished she'd tell them what she knew so everyone would be safe. Hopefully the Yeats Family would be able to gain her trust and she would tell them. He took a hold of Rachel's hand.

Keep doing what we're doing. If he comes for us, he will and we and our new friends will be ready. Worrying about it won't change that. Why don't you show me what things you bought?

He told Rachel with a smile. There was nothing they could do about Nathan until the community knew more about him. Instead Chase would rather focus on something positive, like their baby.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Dawn.jpg

Dawn nodded agreement that she was naive, although perhaps less so than he imagined. Her life had been sheltered, but she'd heard and seen enough to have an idea how the world worked. At the moment, feigning more ignorance simply seemed to be in her best interest.

She knew exactly what Nathan meant. She just had to figure out how she could get out of it.

Dawn briefly glanced around, looking for an exit, but Nathan was between her and the door. If she went along with this for now, maybe she'd be able to make a run for it once he was assuming she'd comply.

The girl drew the blanket around her like a cape in one fluid motion as she stood, and reached for the clothing she'd left next to the bed.

"Sure, always glad to be helpful!" Dawn chirped as she started to pull on her jeans beneath the folds of the bedspread.

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/gretanew.jpg

Greta was happy to see that Helen was happy with her again. She hadn't liked disappointing her. Helen wasn't her mother but she was already acting more like one then her real mother had. When she asked if Greta would like to help her, she nodded her head.

Sure, I'd be happy help.

She didn't want to hide up in her room and ignore the family. She liked the family members she already met and looked forward to meeting Helen's other daughters. She couldn't carry the crib herself but she could put the other stuff away. She'd have to find a time later to give Jasmine the vase. She put the bags in her room and headed back downstairs to set the table for supper.

[Jenny]

Rachel Bardou

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/underworldrachel.jpg

Rachel had laughed when Chase agreed she should just admit he was always right. When he said he had just been the medic, she replied.

You help save lives though, that makes you my hero.

She gave him a loving smile and squeezed his hand when he said that they should just keep living their lives. Chase was right, Nathan would come for them if he wanted and worrying wouldn't change that fact. She was going to try not to worry about it because stress wouldn't good for the baby. After putting her plate away she showed Chase what she bought. It was mostly clothes for herself except she couldn't pass up the Tigger stuff animal. She began to tell him all about the different things she saw and ideas she had for the baby's room.

Of course I'm getting ahead of myself since we don't even know if we're having a boy or girl yet.

[Corey]

Nathan Betancourt

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/nathanonly.jpg

Nathan made sure he was blocking her only way out of the room. When he wanted something, he got it, so Dawn might as well just accept that. He rolled his eyes when he saw her trying to cover up her body.

That's good to know but you won't need those. Come on.

He said reaching out to grab her arm and force her to come into his room if he had to.

[Corey]

Chase Bardou

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/underworldchase.jpg

Chase smiled back at Rachel when she said he was her hero.

Well I'll gladly be your hero any day.

He was glad that she was going to try not to worry too much about Nathan. When she said she was probably planning the baby's room too early, he told her.

Nothing wrong with that.

In a few months their lives would changed forever but in a good way. He and Rachel spent the rest of their night spending time together and planning their future with Nathan being the last thing on their minds.

[Tigers]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/Antonio.jpg
Antonio




Antonio knew she cared, but it was a struggle of her own self preservation and that of a child that shared her DNA. It was frustrating at times, but had this been a year ago, there wouldn't have even been a discussion, no signs of regret, no emotions at all. To Antonio it was a big deal, it was amazing progress, to others it may not seem like nothing at all. But Antonio didn't give a damn about what others thought because any show of concern for someone else other than herself was a show of change.

In a way, this whole situation made Antonio angry. Look at all the children in this community that came from bad parents. At least Davia hadn't gone around giving birth to children and neglecting them or selling them into slavery. She at least had the good sense to know she wouldn't be a good parent, perhaps most of them or all of those reasons were selfish, but the point was she knew and she didn't go around having kids with that knowledge.

And yet someone like Chauncey could steal not only her DNA, but Dmitri's and create a child. Selfish or not, he could see Davia's point. Even if Davia hadn't sent her away and had brought her to the community, she would likely receive ridicule for the fact she didn't take her own flesh and blood in. It had been a long time since he had thought such things, but Antonio wondered did they really fit in here, did they really belong?

He had never considered children, even living with the Volkov's for so long. He had enjoyed his freedom to see women, to not be tied down. Now, not only was he in love with this beautiful woman, but he had also been entertaining the idea of be a father someday. But he had kept that to himself, because he knew Davia was not ready, and may never be and that was the price he was willing to pay for love.

He kissed her and whispered to her softly.

"I'm proud of you, it is the right thing to do. We need to let Dmitri know."

His words were not patronizing, they were spoken with sincerity.

"If this was not Chauncey's doing Bella, would it be so terrible for a child to share a part of you?"

He kissed her hand, and stood from his seat.

"Let me get dressed and we can go talk to Dmitri."

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Dawn.jpg

When Nathan grabbed Dawn's arm, her instinct was to pull away, but she knew he'd be expecting that. Instead, she leaned toward him slightly, generating some slack between them. Her jeans were around her right ankle but not her left, and the blanket hung loosely around her.

Trying to keep hold of the blanket with her other arm - although she would drop it if Nathan grabbed it - Dawn tried to push past Nathan and out the door. He still had hold of her arm, but she hoped his grip would loosen if she went the opposite direction than he expected.

Even if she could get away from him, she didn't know where she would go, but at the moment it wasn't a concern. Just... out. Far from here.

[Monkey Kitty]

Helen

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Helen_Hunt.jpg

Helen dropped off the crib in Greta's room - it was too much for a pregnant woman to carry, but for the Hybrid it might as well have been made of matchsticks for all the trouble she had. They could set it up closer to the time.

Then she returned to the kitchen, and started preparing supper while Greta set the table.

The front door opened and shut. Helen could tell who it was by sound of the footsteps, and the unique smell each person carried.

"I'd like you to meet two of our daughters, Anya and Zora. Girls, this is Greta. She's the one who'll be staying with us."

[Corey]

Nathan Betancourt

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/nathanonly.jpg

Nathan hadn't expected her to move closer to him, he had expected her to pull back. He was used to girls fighting him the first night they were in his coven. Dawn was able to loosen his grip a little when she pushed past him but he wasn't going to let her get away from easily. He let go of her arm and tried to get a good grip of her hair instead.

Fighting is useless, I always get what I want Dawn.

She might as well accept it because things would be easier for her that way. If she was to fight, then he would just be rougher with her. It wasn't like he was going to care if he hurt her.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Dawn.jpg

Dawn screeched when Nathan caught hold of her hair, and although she managed to pull her head away, when she did there were strands of light blonde still clenched in his fist.

She kept fighting her way toward the door, knowing it was a fight she was ultimately going to lose. He was stronger than she was, and she'd been sick for most of her life.

Still, she didn't intend to give up and go quietly. How dare this man think he could put his hands on her? Her virginity wasn't his for the taking!

"Stop it! Leave me alone!" Dawn tried to catch his hand in her teeth, but he was too quick, and her fangs closed on air. "Don't touch me!"

Her hand closed on the door handle, but it would wouldn't turn. Backed against it, she did the only thing she could think of... one last act of defiance. She spit at him.

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/gretanew.jpg

It amazed Greta a little that Helen could tell by the sounds of the footsteps and the unique smells which one of her children had come home. When Anya and Zora came in, she smiled at them as she continued to set the table.

Hi, it's nice to meet you.

She hoped they wouldn't mind her staying in their home for a little while until she got back on her feet.

[Monkey Kitty]

Davia

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/DaviaFace.jpg

It wasn't the first time Davia had thought about having children. On one of her first days as part of the Volkov family, Davia had actually floated the idea to Katherine - although Katherine had thought she was joking. At the time, she had been... sort of. Now that she and Antonio were together, it was a possibility Davia contemplated more seriously.

"I'd like to have children someday," she replied honestly. "With you. Not one that's half Dmitri. He's nice enough, but I'm not in love with him. I don't want to reproduce with him. And... I want it to be a baby. If I start from scratch, I can learn as I go along. Not right now, of course. Probably not soon. But... someday. Maybe someday."

Belatedly she remembered it wasn't exclusively her decision, and added, "If you do."

She nodded that he should get ready to go. Privately she'd sooner keep him as he was, but they couldn't exactly go traipsing off to Dmitri's with him in his towel.

Davia was half-tempted to suggest a little "recreation" before they left... but no, not right now. She'd only be doing it to delay an awkward conversation, and that wasn't exactly the recipe for pleasure. When they got back, perhaps - to reward herself. Her mouth upturned in a small smile at the thought.

"Don't forget," Davia reminded him as they walked across the courtyard. "We have to make sure we tell Dmitri that she's leaving. I can't handle seeing her face every day."

[Corey]

Nathan Betancourt

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/nathanonly.jpg

Nathan growled at Dawn she tried to fight him. They both knew she was going to lose, he was stronger then her. He made sure the door was locked when he had attempted to grab her. He threw the strands of her hair that he clenched onto the floor.

You can't tell me what to do! You should be f*cking grateful! I could rethink my decision and just kill you and Amy after all if you keep this sh*t up!

He'd teach her that she couldn't fight him. When she spit in his face it caused him to get even angrier. He wiped the spit off in disgust and growled.

That was a bad idea. I was going to be gentle with you but not now.

Not that Nathan knew how to actually be gentle. He wasn't a very good lover if the girls were honest about his skills. He was extremely selfish and only cared about his own pleasure. So much for taking her to his room, he was just going to force her here instead. He reached out grab her and throw her on the floor. If he was able to get her on the floor, then he was going to get on top of her and teach her very quickly that he always got what he wanted despite what anyone else wanted.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Dawn.jpg

Dawn expected it when he grabbed her, but there was really no way she could avoid it. Nowhere to run, no place she could escape to. She hit the ground hard, and the back of her head smacked against the floor. She didn't lose consciousness, but for an instant she was dazed.

Quickly, she shook it off, and kept on fighting him - but she wasn't going to be able to get back up. Her position was too vulnerable, and he was too strong.

Logic told her that she should just give in, that it was going to happen either way and she might as well save herself some pain, but somehow her instincts were too strong and overrode her rational brain.

Dawn continued her dogged attempts to fight Nathan off... but in the end, it didn't make any difference.

[Corey]

Nathan Betancourt

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/nathanonly.jpg

In a sick way, Dawn's fighting got Nathan off more. Some of the girls would just lay there and take it, like they couldn't wait for it to get over. The ones who fought were more fun. The more she fought him, the more Nathan hurt her. He realized quickly he was taking her virginity and that made it even better for him. He enjoyed himself greatly, although he was certain that Dawn hadn't. When it was over, he got off of her and threw the blanket at her. He was done with Dawn for now, so he didn't care if she covered up now. He got what he wanted and that was all that mattered. He pulled his pants up and walked over to the door.

Clean up and go start helping Elena.

He unlocked the door and left her deal with what just happened on her own.

[Quaxo9]

Miksa

He was surrounded by people before he even knew that anyone had heard him. His friends – Chester, Asif, Riff – all congratulating him. Sure, he and Alenka weren’t married or anything – nor had they ever talked about kids – but it just…felt right. Miksa was flying high and nothing could bring him down right now. Not a thing in the world.

Well, except maybe perhaps the sight of her father. Miksa’s face went a little pale. What was Tim going to think about this? Helen? Shit. He hadn’t even thought about this part. The man flinched a little, a panicked look on his face. When Tim appeared pleased enough and even offered his own congratulations, he breathed an audible sigh of relief.

“Thanks very much, Mr. Yeats, sir. We’re pretty excited.” Miksa paused, thinking perhaps he should let him know one more thing. “Errr, Alenka asked me to stay over tonight. I hope that will be okay…sir. Just to hang out.”

The grin from before was back.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Dawn.jpg

Dawn didn't respond when Nathan addressed her. When she heard the door click, she drew the blanket tightly around herself and went into the bathroom, where she took a shower so hot it left her skin red, even as she scrubbed her body raw. It was hard to walk, and there was a slight limp visible.

She didn't cry, though. Not now. She just stared straight ahead, moving as though she was in a trance.

Her jeans and fitted t-shirt covered up the worst of the bruises, but there was nothing she could do about her face and arms. Too bad she'd never owned any makeup.

Just forget about this. Just push it down, and don't think about it. Cover it over with a hard shell, and forget it.

Dawn was, in some ways, exactly like her mother.

She put her hair up in a ponytail - refusing to look in the mirror as she did so - then went to the lab, trying to hide how much each step hurt. Dawn knew she ought to eat, but her mouth still tasted like his, and she knew she'd throw up if she made the attempt, so she ignored the gnawing in the pit of her stomach.

"What are we making?" Dawn asked Elena in a monotone. Unlike yesterday, today it seemed impossible to meet anyone's eyes.

[Monkey Kitty]

Tim

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/1083097566_PEOPLE_ROACHEx.jpg

Tim smiled, pleased to see that Miksa was so happy about his impending fatherhood. Miksa and Alenka had started dating before Tim and Helen adopted Alenka - who had already been a legal adult at the time of the adoption, she had simply wanted a family - but Tim genuinely liked the young man, and thought he and Alenka were well suited for each other. Miksa seemed to be the quiet but responsible sort, and Tim could easily respect that.

"I'm excited for you two, too. You'll be excellent parents."

He didn't want to rain on Miksa's parade, but he couldn't help being a little bit parental, too. "I hope you're giving some thought to a permanent living arrangement?"

Perhaps that made him sound old-fashioned. Many children grew up just fine with parents in different homes. Still, Tim couldn't help hoping for something different for his daughter - and his grandchild - than just visitation and child support.

It made him smile slightly that Miksa felt the need to explain that his presence would be purely for emotional support. It wasn't as though Tim hadn't figured out where the baby came from. Still, it was courteous of Miksa to respect their home.

"Of course. We trust you, Miksa."

Tim wouldn't have agreed to just any adult male stranger sleeping over, but Miksa was already pretty much part of the family.

[Tigers]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/images.jpg
Roxanna Volkova



"I'm not used to being scared, or unsure of myself...it sucks. I didn't realize that there was more out there, that I didn't have to be a whore all my life. This is all I've ever known and I never dared think of myself anywhere other than at the brothel. I feel out of place, V. I feel dirty and I never felt that way before, hell I don't think I ever allowed myself to feel anything at all only the sex, you know."

Roxanna didn't think she'd ever talked about this so much with anyone other than maybe Millie. She felt bad that she continued to keep Kat at arm's length. She knew that her adoptive mother understood her on a deep level, so why was she holding back? Was it that she was trying to keep them away from the worst parts of her? It was stupid when she thought about it, Kat knew so why was she doing it?

"Don't give up on them." She replied suddenly.

"Kat and Alexander I mean. They're good people and...I really think they're the right fit for us. Of all the people here that may have stepped up, I think we're with the people we were meant to be with. I know that sounds...weird, but it's just a gut feeling."

"And...I promise I won't ditch you. I need you too." Rox added.

[Tigers]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/DanJongebloed.jpg
Lukas



Lukas was relieved to see that Yulia was able to sleep. He knew from past experience that traumatized children were often times wide awake with fright when they were thrust into a new environment. There was so much of the unknown and their past experiences often told them that trouble would come sooner or later and it was best to be prepared.

He marveled at how the older girls seemed to take right up on the role of comforting and cuddling their siblings, often paired off with one of their younger brothers or sisters. Emily, Tash, Phyrre and Muriel were all carefully sleeping with Yulia. The floor looked like a wave of air mattresses, pillows, blankets and people.

Although the rest of the family rested comfortably, Lukas and Millie were still awake. As the parents of these children, it was difficult not to worry about their safety and welfare when trouble loomed on the horizon. There was the impending visit from Mr. Blackburne, whose intentions right now appeared to be self-serving and harmful, and then there was Yulia's health.

Lukas held Millie in the semi dark of the room, with their little bat and Erzsi snuggled on each side of them. Even if he couldn't see her face, he knew by her breathing that she was awake. He leaned down and kissed the top of her head.

"It will be okay Mil, I promise."

Millie snuggled deeper into Lukas' side and he smiled in spite of the day.

"I'll make sure the coffee's extra strong today." He replied with the smile still evident in his voice.

[Tigers]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/SergeiBaikov.jpg
Sergei Baikov



Sergei laughed when the moment was broken by the reality of life. They exchanged that look of "It had to happen sooner or later," before taking a breath to clear their own heads and focus on the ruckus around them. He shot her a knowing look as she walked away, before scooping up Marianna in one long high pitched giggle. He followed Sylvia toward the kitchen, there wasn't any reason he couldn't help her with dinner.

"The circus huh?"

Marianna went on in a jumble of excited words as Sergei took a closer look at the flyer. He mentally checked the dates against his work schedule.

"I don't see why we can't all go." He told his daughter with a kiss on the nose.

About that time Marianna let loose one excited high pitched squeal that would rival Zach's. Sergei winced and playfully covered his daughter's mouth but not before Zach joined in with his big sister.

"Inside voice you two rascals."

Marianna covered her mouth with both hands.

"Sorry papa."

He set her down and told her to go play while he helped her mother with dinner and Marianna grabbed her dad's neck and hugged and kissed him before bouncing off into the next room. Sergei set the flyer down and took a moment to scoop up Zach while Sylvia washed some vegetables.

"And you little man, have you been picking up bad habits from your big sister?"

Zach squealed in response, clapping his hands as Sergei nuzzled his head against him before giving him a kiss and setting him back into his bouncy seat. He came up behind Sylvia and wrapped his arms around her waist kissing her neck.

"And don't think you're getting off that easy Mrs. Baikova, the kids do eventually have to go to bed, even if I have to wear them out myself."

He kissed her once more on the neck but did not release her as he washed his hands. He chuckled as Sylvia shot him warning looks as he took up a knife and began to cut vegetables.

[Tigers]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/Anya.jpg http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/Alexis_Bledel1.jpg
Anya Lovas-Yeats & Zora Yeats


Anya and Zora had been chatting away about school and Zora's up and coming college entrance exams. Anya knew she was still nervous about the tests, but she reassured Zora she had nothing to worry about. Both the girls were intelligent, Zora's shy nature and secluded upbringing had not been a good nurturing environment for learning.

On any other day, there girls would have been leery of a stranger in the house, but they recognized Greta from the night before, or at least her scent. Strange men were a bigger issue, but they trusted their parents and knew they wouldn't allow anyone that would harm them into their house.

"Hi mom." Anya said as both girls greeted Helen with a hug and a kiss.

"Hi mom." Zora replied a bit more shyly.

They turned to Greta, both smiling, though Zora's responses were always muted by her natural shyness.

"Hi Greta, I'm Anya. It's nice to finally meet you."

"Hi, I'm Zora." She replied more quietly.

[Corey]

Elena Sammartino

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/elenaunderworld.jpg

Elena was putting out different chemicals to start working when she saw Dawn approach.

We're going to...Oh Dio...Nathan he...I'm so sorry...

She didn't have to ask if Nathan had raped her because Elena could tell he had. Dawn had the same look on her face, she used to have. Jasmine would try to protect Elena from Nathan but she couldn't always be there. Although Nathan wasn't the one who had taken her virginity, that "honor" had went to Riccardo Esposito when her brother Eddie hadn't been around to protect her. After Nathan made her come live in the coven, he just decided she'd have to earn her keep around here by doing more then just making his drugs. She whispered to her quietly.

If you don't fight Nathan too much, he'll get bored and won't bother you as often.

At least that's what Elena had learned in the last four years. He'd still make her come to his room but only when he decided he hadn't been with her in a while. Nathan found Elena quite boring in bed because she just laid there and that was fine with her. Just laying there and taking it wasn't an idea solution but she usually didn't hurt as bad afterwards. Turner was practicing his magic trick when he saw Dawn come up. He felt horrible seeing what Nathan had done to Dawn and looked down when he overheard what Elena whispered to Dawn. He wished he was braver because no one should be forced to do something they didn't want to do. But he wasn't, he was scared to death of Nathan. He knew Nathan could easily rethink his decision to keep him alive if he stood up to him. He was no where near as strong as Nathan and wouldn't stand a chance against him in a fight...Still it made him sick to his stomach to know he was the only virgin in the entire coven and that girls like Elena and Dawn were forced to sleep with Nathan because he said so. Elena sighed because it wasn't like anyone would really do anything about Nathan. This was his home and he'd kill them if they stood up to him. Everyone was replaceable, even her and Turner. How long you stayed alive depended on how long Nathan decided to keep you alive. She and Turner had both seen what happened to those who tried to stand up to Nathan, they never lived to tell the tale.

It seems a lot of customers have been wanting meth lately, so that's what we'll be making first.

She told Dawn. She had the feeling Dawn didn't want to talk about what happened and she didn't blame her. Elena never liked talking about what Nathan did to her either. She would just put in the back of her mind and try to forget it ever happened. Easier said then done but if she thought about it too much, she'd break down and wouldn't be able to do her job. Besides they'd better get started on a new batch of drugs or Nathan would just get angry that the girls had nothing to sell.

[Tigers]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/Antonio.jpg
Antonio




Antonio took Davia's hand and pulled her up toward him. It was the first time that she had actually talked seriously about children with him, even if it was in the future tense. He couldn't help but smile, both at the thought of the two of them having a child together, but at what changes he knew that would bring about. In truth, he was likely a lot closer to handing that moment now than Davia, but he knew they needed time together alone before even contemplating bringing another person into the picture.

They were immortals after all, it wasn't something he wanted to rush, even if he desired to be a father. Her sudden realization that it wasn't just her that was involved in this process brought an amused smile to his face.

"I do, someday and only with you. But we have plenty of time for children, in the meantime, I'm keeping you selfishly to myself. You have many more years of pleasurable torture ahead of you and I plan to carry out your sentence as soon and as often as possible."

He pulled her into an embrace and kissed her, to emphasize the sooner than later aspect of her sentence before reluctantly releasing her to go get dressed. The walk to Dmitri's house was a bit tense for Antonio, he hadn't voiced it, but he fully expected the conversation to not go well at all. He felt trapped in the middle of understanding between Davia and Dmtiri. Part of him did not want to see this girl out there alone either, and it made it especially more difficult because she may very well be Davia's daughter. The feeling was like turning Davia out alone to face the world with no help and no one who cared, and he just couldn't do that.

This whole dynamic was messy and unfair to everyone. If Dmitri wanted Dawn here, and he fully expected the vampire to want that, what would this do to everyone involved? He felt it highly unfair if Davia were looked at as the complete bad guy here. Sure she shouldn't have just left the girl to fend for herself, but could you totally blame her? How many children in the past had been used as a way to try and murder members of their community?

He didn't blame the children of course, but he knew that it was logical that some of the community would be apprehensive about bringing in just anyone. One day, their enemies would succeed, what then. When the blame should be pointed toward the ones responsible, would they be too busy pointing fingers at each other? This was Chuancey's doing and as far as Antonio was concerned, all blame for anything and everything that happened could be laid at his feet.

And what of the other women, those that had been held captive by one faction or another? He had to tell Alexander, the leaders needed to investigate everything Chuancey was involved with. What if the girl and all the others that were rescued from Chuancey were just a distraction from the real problem? Antonio didn't wish to relive another home burning. They had lost so many of their friends and allies, both human and immortal that night, who would they lose this time?

Antonio took a deep breath when they reached the house. He knocked on the door, knowing full well they were home.

[Tigers]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/Viktoriya.jpg
Viktoriya


As Viktoriya finished setting the table, She had put Darya in her booster seat and worked on her Russian and English. Ever since Rachel and Chase had come over she had been fixated on pudding and dinosaurs and those were the words she wanted to say. Viktoriya finished the last of the place settings, and kissed Darya on the cheek for a job well done. She was just about to let Dmitri know it was time to eat when he and Jasmine came into the room

" I was just on my way to get you." She replied with a smile.

"Please, sit down Jasmine, help yourself to the decanter."

[Jenny]

Greta Keller

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/gretanew.jpg

Greta could tell Zora was shyer then Anya but it didn't bother her much. Greta used to be shy too until Alric made her get over that to get more clients. Although picking up men wasn't something she ever felt comfortable with. She actually liked working for Nathan a little better, he created such a reputation where ever he lived, that clients would approach her not the other way around. She gave the sisters a genuine smiles in return.

I hope you don't mind me staying with your family.

Although Helen and Tim had said they wanted her to stay, she didn't want to feel like she was a bother to Anya and Zora. It was their home, not hers.

[Jenny]

Jasmine Torres

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll145/sojournfan/jasmineunderworld.jpg

Jasmine smiled when she saw Viktoriya and smelled the food she had made.

It smells delicious Viktoriya. For the first time in nine years I almost miss being a human.

After Nathan turned her, she didn't miss her human life. She had nothing going for her, Nathan made her feel important. That feeling is why she knew she'd have to go back to him. Although the more she spent with people in the community, the more she wished she didn't have to leave. She helped herself to some blood and sat down to enjoy the company. She was determined to keep thoughts of Nathan and his coven far from her mind.

[Tigers]

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Rebecka



"So not fair!" Ben called out.

"Sore loser. Admit it, you hate losing to a girl!" Rebecka laughed.

"Hey now! Be nice, do you know how much it cost me to get you into this thing? A month's salary and a bunch crap details." Ben hollered back.

"I know." Rebecka suddenly whispered in his ear as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"I didn't mean to sound like I was complaining, or didn't appreciate the gesture. I didn't realize how much I missed the military life, and flying, minus the evil generals of course."

"The flight simulator's are great, it makes me think about the earlier days during flight school. But, the simulator's just isn't same as the real thing, screaming across the sky at mach one."

"Doing G Rolls and making the newbies puke up their breakfast." Ben added with laughter.

"Phfft... speak for yourself fly boy, god the smell alone was enough to make me only want to do that once. Not to mention having to clean it up and air out the cockpit."

Rebecka hugged Ben's neck and gave him a kiss on the cheek. She really hadn't meant to sound like she was complaining, she appreciated the effort that Ben had been making to help ease the adrenaline junkie craving that one could develop flying. Flying the Volkvo jet helped to satisfy part of that craving, but it would never compare to feel of a fighter jet.

"I don't mean to put a damper on the moment, but have you put any thought into the holidays yet and how we're going to handle this?" Ben replied as he jumped out of the simulator's seat.

"No...I'm sorry Ben. I've been avoiding it as long as possible. My folks want me to come home and visit, and they want me to bring you with me not to mention inviting your parents for a whole big Indian powwow. I can only imagine how that would go over."

"And I shouldn't have let it slip to my parents that you and I were seeing each other. My mother's been drilling me every time I talk to her. This secret is a lot harder to keep than I'd imagined, I don't like lying to them but I'm afraid of the alternative."

"I don't like lying to them either Ben, but we can't keep telling people about my little secret. It's bad enough my own family knows, I put not only myself at risk, but them as well."

"Not to change topics, but, do you have your vacation set? I want to let Millie know that you're confirmed for the Kazlar's trip. She wants you to meet the kids before we leave, that way everyone feels comfortable."

Ben smiled.

"That is an affirmative Captain, would you like to see my approval for my request for leave?"

"Would you like me to show you the floor so fast that your head will spin?" Rebecka added with the same teasing tone.

"Good, I'll let know when I get back to the community so we can set up a time for you to meet the kids. This way we can get the awkwardness and freaking out done before we get on the plane. And I mean the awkwardness and freaking out from you." She added as she smacked Ben on the rear.

"Let's go, we've got things to do before you have to return to the base."

"Yes, Miss I must follow the schedule to the letter. Are all Cherokee women this bossy, or just you?"

Rebecka gave Ben mocking smile and slipped her hand inside his pocket and pulled out his phone.

"Would you like me to hit speed dial for your mother's number?"

Ben laughed and grabbed Rebecka by the waist.

"Point taken...cheater." He replied before planting a kiss on her.

[Tigers]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/Anya.jpg http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/Alexis_Bledel1.jpg
Anya Lovas-Yeats & Zora Yeats



"Not at all." Anya replied to Greta's comment.

"I'm sorry we didn't get to meet sooner. Zora and I have school and other chores that usually keep us pretty busy. But if you need anything, we're just right down the hall from you."

"Congratulations by the way. " Anya added.

[Tigers]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/Tigers90/Viktoriya.jpg
Viktoriya


Viktoriya returned Jasmine's smile.

"I do apologize Jasmine, it was certainly not my intention to do so, but I imagine it must be difficult at times. I know Dmitri's struggled with it. Perhaps one day that can at least find a way that vampires can enjoy solid food again."

Both Karina and Viktoriya were more than just lycan now, but since they're hybridism was genetically manipulated by men they weren't reduced to drinking blood like the other hybrids. In hind sight, it may have been easier on her husband to have a family that shared the same need for sustenance, but then there was also Darya to consider. She was human, and having as close to a normal life as possible was what she needed.

[Monkey Kitty]

Dawn

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/Dawn.jpg

Dawn just shrugged when Elena said she was sorry. She knew the woman was sincere, but it wasn't like sympathy changed anything, or talking would fix it. Trying to find words about it would just dig deeper into the pain that she was working so hard to bury.

She nodded absently at the advice, and wondered if she'd be able to follow it. She'd realized this the night before. Yet she hadn't been able to just... give in. As though her body belonged to him. Talking about it now, Dawn saw the wisdom of it. When it came down to it, though, she wasn't sure she had it in her to accept violation passively.

"I need to start taking birth control pills," Dawn said. The only thing she would say about her rape. After all, it was going to happen again. This was her life now.

At least, it was until she killed Nathan.

Until last night, that idea hadn't even crossed her mind. She'd understood that the Vampire boss was a mean guy, but she wouldn't have taken action. She could have dealt with the threats, and with being forced to make drugs. She could have tolerated being a prisoner here, since she had nowhere else to go. If he thought he could rape her whenever he wanted, though? That upped the ante.

Dawn didn't entirely understand why no one had done it yet. Did they really value this sort of life so much they would cling so desperately to living? Seemingly they did, but Dawn didn't.

Maybe she'd stab him. Maybe poison. She'd only get one chance, so she couldn't attempt it rashly. That meant she'd probably be abused again in the meantime while she planned it out, so the contraception was a good idea... but it was going to happen. Did Nathan have any idea how vulnerable he was making himself, naked and close to her? He'd find out soon enough.

She'd do everything she could to ensure success. Hopefully she'd manage to kill him and free them all. Perhaps she'd fail, and he'd kill her instead. That was a risk that - as of last night - he had proven to her there was no reason not to take.

Cruelty could backfire, if you convinced the person you were hurting that stopping you mattered more than their own lives. By taking her virginity, Nathan had made sure Dawn was thoroughly convinced of that.

Soon, she told herself, and fantasized about Nathan's bloody death. Plan it carefully, but soon.

"Meth. Sure. Great," Dawn replied, with faint sarcasm. "Just show me what to do."

Talking about the drugs, seeing how they were made, reminded her how little she had to lose. This wasn't a life. No one would really care if she died.

Dawn thought about the next line she would need to add to her imaginary note to her parents. By the way, I'm now sleeping with the drug lord/pimp. You must be very happy for me. He didn't use protection, so maybe you'll get a grandchild out of the deal. One happy family. The thought of sending a letter with that attached made her want to giggle and cry at the same time.

No one was going to come rescue her. She was on her own. Dawn caught on very easily to what Elena was telling her; she'd always been smart and quick, and was reasonably well educated. So they cooked meth together.

This was her life now. If she had her way, it wouldn't be for long, one way or the other.

[Monkey Kitty]

Veronika

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/VeronikaAvatar.jpg

Veronika gave Roxanna a gentle hug. "You aren't bad, or dirty, or any of those things. But I think you're feeling that way because... you're feeling, finally. Those things you're thinking about yourself aren't true, but it's a start. Once you get used to it, you'll realize who was really to blame - and it wasn't you."

Would she ever be able to take her own advice? It was easy to see how Roxanna wasn't to blame. It was harder not to hate herself for the stealing. Hard not to think she was just bad, even though for some reason she was the only one who could see it. Veronika knew all too well how Roxanna felt.

"I won't give up on Katherine and Alexander. They're great. I... really like them. Maybe love them. This is going to sound weird, but... I lived with my other mother till I was ten, and Kat still feels like more my mom than she did. Katherine and Alexander actually protect me and care about me. They're more my real parents than the woman who traded me for drug money, aren't they?"

She smilled. "I think you're right. We belong here. In this family, together. Not just in this community. I'm glad you aren't going to ditch, because life is gonna be good now. I really think it will be."

[Monkey Kitty]

Millie

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n216/TreeHuggerHannah/MillieAvatar.jpg

Millie nodded her agreement as she cuddled against her mate. She couldn't help worrying because she cared so much, but she had complete faith in Lukas, and in the one big family that was their community. For that matter, in the last couple of years Millie had discovered more confidence in herself than she had ever imagined she could possess. They would get through this. Just like everything else.

"Yeah, it will. I love you, Lukas. I love you so much."

She grinned. "Strong coffee sounds like a good idea."

They lay together for awhile, just holding each other, until the semi-dark became true day, and the birds began to sing.

"I'll start mixing up some pancakes," Millie said, yawning a little and stretching. "I bet we're going to have some hungry kids on our hands before we know it."

[Monkey Kitty]

Dmitri and Davia

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There was a knock on the door, and Dmitri stood. "Excuse me a moment," he said apologetically to his family and Jasmine as he went to answer it.

He was surprised to see Davia and Antonio on the doorstep. Since he had come to the community, Dmitri had been cordial with Davia, but he wouldn't exactly call them friends. In the Coven, their paths had rarely crossed except during Davia's brief stint as a replacement Death Dealer, and Dmitri had been able to muster very little patience for her lack of focus. Those fences were for the most part mended, particularly since Dmitri was no longer a Death Dealer either... but they didn't really visit. He wasn't sure Davia had ever been to the house before.

Davia glanced inside, and saw an excuse sitting at the table. "Sorry. We didn't realize you had a guest. This wasn't urgent. We can talk later." She turned to go.

Dmitri didn't want to be rude to Jasmine, but something in Davia's hasty tone and Antonio's worried face alerted him that the matter was more pressing than Davia was letting on. He just couldn't fathom why; Davia was usually more than happy to claim centre stage with any of her personal dramas, no matter how minor.

Dmitri said evenly, "I think you'd better come in, and tell us now."

Having lost her reason to leave, Davia mutely followed him inside, then just stared at him... trying to remember if she could see him as clearly in Dawn as she could see herself. Dmitri was disconcerted.

"Davia - what's going on? I know this isn't a social call, so can we get to the heart of the matter, please?"

Davia took a deep breath, and said, "A girl... a teenager... approached me in the city this evening. Her name is Dawn. She claimed Chauncey had created her using a combination of your DNA and mine. I realize it seems rather far-fetched, but to look at her... it wasn't as hard to believe as you'd expect."

Dmitri was pale, and his hands clenched, his knuckles turning white. Was this true? He glanced frantically over at Viktoriya, his eyes searching out her support. A deep sense of violation was written all over his face. He now knew Chauncey was unethical - but he'd had no idea it involved Dmitri himself.

Davia continued, as if trying to fill the silence, "I can't be a mother. Not right now. I don't know anything about raising a teenager, and we're getting married. There's too much going on right now. I wouldn't be a good parent..."

Dmitri nodded, interrupting her stream of words. "Of course. I understand, Davia. This wouldn't be an appropriate time for you to take in a new family member. You're making a sensible choice. That's obvious."

Davia smiled with relief. He agreed with her! Good. Now they could go. She motioned to Antonio that she was ready to leave, her duty done. Her heart sank, though, when she saw that Dmitri wasn't finished.

Calmly, Dmitri continued, "Fortunately our community isn't so sexist as to assume that custody of a minor automatically has to go to the mother. Dawn can stay with us."

His exchanged glance with Viktoriya had confirmed it was what they both wanted, and he would have expected it, anyway. His wife was too compassionate to leave a child of his to fend for herself... even a child neither of them had known about.

Thinking he was really suggesting a good solution, Dmitri added, "And of course, you and Antonio can spend as much time with her as you feel comfortable with. Your relationship with her matters too. Where is Dawn? I'd like for us to meet her as soon as we can."

Davia stared down at Dmitri's well-polished loafers. "I... erm... sent her away."

Dmitri looked disconcerted. "What? Why? When is she coming back?"

"Never. I told her not to come back, ever. That we didn't want her around. I told her she was never to bother you and Viktoriya." Petulantly, Davia added, "I was just trying to help you. You two are happy, and I knew you wouldn't..."

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Dmitri thundered, raising his voice for the first time in the conversation. "You sent a teen out onto the streets alone and told her not to come back? Do you not understand what can happen out there? Have all the abused and tortured kids we've rescued failed to make any impression on you at all? Is that really the price you want to make her pay for what Chauncey did to us?"

"You don't want her, either!" Davia yelled back, eyes flashing. "Don't lie!"

"Don't tell me what I want and don't want! What I want is for all my family to be together. What I want is for all of my children to be safe. I didn't plan this, but it doesn't mean I don't want her!"

Davia looked at Dmitri like she wanted to punch him. "You can't bring her here! I can't handle seeing her! Don't you care about how this makes me feel?"

For an instant, Dmitri actually looked sympathetic. "Yes. Of course I care. I feel bad for you. It doesn't change anything, though. We're grownups, Davia. We have to deal with things that make us uncomfortable, not just try to make them go away. I have a right to raise my daughter. The fact you prefer to live in denial doesn't take away that right."

"I can't bear to remember this every time I look at her!"

Dmitri raised an eyebrow. "You really think you won't think about her if you don't see her? You have feelings about this, Davia. That's not wrong. But you have to let yourself feel them, not just hide them away. You have to face this. We both do!"

"Don't you even care that Chauncey violated you?" Davia shrieked back at him. "Don't you feel anything?"

"Of course I do!" Dmitri was shouting again. "Of course! I'm not a stone statue! I feel things as deeply as you do, and what he did sickens me. Unlike you, I'm not determined to take it out on poor Dawn. It isn't her fault."

"She's the result of that violation..."

"You violated me more than he did!" Dmitri's face was red. "He took some DNA. You changed who I am. You turned me into someone who doesn't take responsibility for his kids. You turned me into a deadbeat. You made a daughter of mine think I don't care what happens to her, when that couldn't be further from the truth. You took away my choices. That's on you, Davia!"

"She's not coming here!"

"Yes she is. Dawn exists, Davia. You're going to have to find some way to live with it."

The two of them stood glaring at each other, suddenly aware that a room full of other faces was looking on during their heated exchange.

[Tigers]

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Viktoriya

This wasn't exactly the ideal dinner conversation with guests. Viktoriya could tell right away that Dmitri was upset and she knew that Davia was, lack for a better term a challenge to deal with at times. She wasn't exactly prepared to hear the news that the other vampire had just dropped on them, but she was with her husband in agreement that the two of them would be best suited to take care of Dawn.

If anyone in that room could understand how the two of them felt it was Karina and Viktoriya. She later discovered that she had been impregnated with her ex-husband's DNA, but it had not eased the violation of them using her eggs and his sperm to impregnate her. And it had not stopped their, DNA test and all kinds of genetic manipulations, it was a horrid memory she wished to bury.

But the situation suddenly turned ugly, and while she could sympathize with both her husband and Davia she was shocked by the sudden shouting and yelling. Karina was suddenly glued to the conversation, the words "Dmitri's daughter" and DNA catching her attention. Viktoryia instructed Karina to take Darya upstairs, she was more afraid of their 4 year old reacting to the yelling than anyone else.

She apologized to Jasmine, asking her to give them a moment to deal with this issue and she joined her husband in the other room. She slipped her hand into his and calmly spoke.

"Davia, if you would please quit shouting and calm down, there are children present. Unless of course you want to be up all night with myself and Darya, I suggest we try to handle this calmly."

"And before you open your mouth, no one in this room understands what you're going through better than I do. But Dmitri is right, you never should have left Dawn alone on the streets. And regardless of how it makes you feel, Dawn needs to be found and brought here where she can be safe."



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



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Antonio



Antonio had expected to do most of the talking, that plan was blown out of the water right away. Things escalated and he stepped up and gently placed his hands around Davia's side. It was obvious that she was upset and when the yelling started, Antonio had a sinking feeling in his stomach.

"Davia." He replied calmly but with enough emphasis to draw her attention.