She followed the main road leading from her home onto the dirt back road. It wasn't long before she caught sight of a huge mansion to her left and panic set in. Her gut told her to turn around and go home, but they needed to know where Nik was. Pulling the truck to a full stop she could just barely see the bars to the front gates. Letting the engine idle while she tried to gain some courage, she laid her head on the steering wheel and growled to herself. She was about to see Alex for the first time in centuries. They had left so much unresolved and she left him with little to no explanation as to why she was leaving. How was she to face him now knowing a thousand years ago she had chosen Nik? How was she going to explain to him her reason? No, she couldn't do this. She would just send one of the wolves. Looking up out the windshield she didn't have time to turn around and get someone else to tell them where he was. There was a group of people gathering outside the gates with Alex in the lead. She didn't hear much else trying to get out of the truck and caught the sound of Marcus' name. She cursed under her breath. The last thing they needed was to raid Marcus and not find Nik. No need for any more massacre right now. There was such anger in his voice, it almost didn't sound like him. Not that Marcus could easily kill his family, but a massacre in front of a city of humans was not needed. Alex walked away from the crowd while someone else barked out orders when she finally got her door open.
Cutting off the truck while she jumped out of the truck and she abandoned it where it was. Running up to the gates flaring her arms she tried to get their attention. "Wait! Wait! Wait!" Instantly they reached for their guns. Holding her hands up as a touch of good faith she spoke before anyone else could ask anything. "Nik sent me! I need to see Alexander Rhodes this instant!"
"Mr. Rhodes we have a woman here who knows the whereabouts of your brother. Should we allow her in?" The man who stopped the group of people spoke into his arm and waited for a reply.
"Send her in." Jade's heart stopped hearing his voice come through in reply.
The gates started to open and she was already through the gates before they could give her full permission, or she took off the other way. A man sitting at a small podium that she could only assume was the velvet was waiting at the end of a rather large staircase. For a moment she was pretty upset not having brought her truck so he would have something to do. Leaving a tip anyway she rushed up the staircase trying to figure out why they needed all these damn stairs except to piss off mortals. A doorman already had the door waiting for her to enter the moment she reached the top. Jade hesitantly stepped into the doorway, jumping as the door slammed shut behind her.
The entrance was magnificent and had distracted her from what she was here for. The whole house was silent for a moment before the sound of heels clicking against the marble floors broke that silence. Jade looked up following the sound. Emily had gotten up from the couch walking into the room distracted by one of those tablets. She stopped abruptly as if her eyes had deceived her. It was like she couldn't really believe what she was seeing. Questioning if she was really seeing her best friend. Jade sighed softly and looked down waiting for her to start screaming at her. The two used to do everything together before she left, and Emily wasn't too happy about Jade rushing off with no goodbye. Jade looked up hoping to apologize, but Em was already in front of her, arms flared out for a hug. Smiling Jade fell into her arms both holding onto each other like long lost sisters seeing one another for the first time. The two were about to speak when she heard Alex's voice come from the winding staircase leading into the entrance where they were standing. Moving away from Emily, she sucked in a breath. Did she still have time to run?
"Who are you and where do you have my brother? More importantly what do you want for him?" Alex cleared his throat. One arm behind his back, the other holding a phone a little too distracted to notice her at first while he approached them. Looking up as he came to the last step his phone fell from his hands, but none of us jumped as it slammed against the ground. His eyes locked onto Jade's letting out a shaky breath and he hardly got the name past his lips."Jade?"
Pulling from Emily's arms, Jade tried to sound serious. "You say that like it's a question. Is it that hard to believe I am here?" Her voice surprisingly didn't break, but her composure was about to. She wanted to run up to him, throw her arms around his neck and feel the kiss she missed so much. Perhaps she loved Alexander far more than she had realized all those years ago. Controlling herself was far harder than she cared to admit. Forcing her to stay in place, she put one foot behind the other to lock her in place and looked down at her feet. Emily had taken place beside her giving a squeeze to Jade's arm with excitement. Em was always a big believer in true love. She always said that if two people were meant to be, they would find their way back to one another. That and she was always team Alexander.
"No, it's not hard to believe...it's relieving...I thought your smell was my imagination." He took a long pause, and Jade was sure he was going to run the other way, but to her surprise, he was moving closer to her. The whole gentlemen act dropped nearly running to close their distance. Cupping her face Jade was stunned when he planted a long-awaited kiss on her lips. It wasn't intended, but the kiss was long, passionate and filled with a lust she had long missed. A kiss that nearly brought her to her knees forcing her to use Alex as support. After a few long moments, he let her, and she couldn't help but smile as they parted ways. Sucking in her bottom lip her eyes fluttered open not realizing somewhere in the kiss she had shut them. Alexander couldn't help but smirk at the quirky little lip thing she had always done after they shared a moment. Taking a moment to catch her breath and revel in the kiss, she almost didn't want this moment to end.
It took her back all those years ago. Unfortunately, this wasn't Norway and she had to be brought back down from her high. Em cleared her throat ruining the moment and making her crash back into the real world, not that it was a bad thing. Trying to regain her balance she replaced one foot behind the other to not only balance herself but keep her in place. She dared to look up into those caramel eyes she had been missing so much and try to have a conversation with him. Alexander cleared his throat, once more placing a hand behind his back and step away from her. He was trying to act like a gentleman again, but Jade could still see that lusting desire lingering in his eyes. One she couldn't deny was burning deep within her as well. Emily couldn't help but giggle and of course, ruin the lustful moment.
"If you two start ripping your clothes off, please don't do it on the marble flooring. I just had it cleaned." Emily gave them a wink forcing out a giggle from Jade and an eye roll from Elijah. Typical of Emily to loosen the tension with a joke. "Though before you do that, where is my brother?"
"Right, that's why I came over her, Nik." Emily's words broke more than her sexual tension, it gave her the perfect reason to ignore her feelings. Jade blinked rapidly and tried to breathe. Hesitating at first, she did not want to piss off Alexander by telling him what was going on. She didn't want him to know Nikolas was in her home and would likely be there for a while. She didn't want him to get any sort of ideas about her and Nik doing anything. She felt like that little village girl again trying to keep two brothers from fighting over her when she wasn't even sure if she wanted to try with them again.
"Come now Jade, you said you knew his whereabouts, but I need to know where he is. Does Marcus have him? Is he safe?" Alexander started to ramble off questions forcing Jade to come out of her own mind and try to shut him up.
"Alex, hey! He is fine. He is in my cabin!" Cutting him off she let out a sigh and looked up at him. Gulping hard she could see that look in his eye. The one of pain and fear. The tension in the room became thick enough you could cut it with a knife. "Yes, he is safe. The cabin is not far from here. He was attacked by one of my wolves and was badly injured. It's going to take him some time, lots of my blood and rest to heal. Marcus doesn't even know he is injured and if you think he is going to hurt Nik in any way while I am around, then you are sorely mistaken. So you can call off the manhunt because the last thing I want is humans to discover my wolves. Or worse, a massacre to break out and draw in attention. This stupid battle for king of New Orleans is already doing enough of that."
Neither one said something for a long time. They both would have questions she knew that. Alex finally spoke with some concern in his voice. "What kind of wolf would be able to harm our brother?" Seeing the look in Alexander's eyes, she was not sure how to explain what she had done to enhance her pack. Not without making them both freak out.
"Well, that would be my fault. See I kind of gave them an elixir of sorts. It's from my blood and it kind of gave them the same kind of poison contained in my blood. It won't kill him since he had my blood before, but it has to run its course. It was something I had to do to keep them safe. Marcus has been attacking my pack. He's been killing them almost daily since I turned him down, and kind of threatened him. No matter how many times I tell him my land is Switzerland he refuses to listen. He refuses to adhere to the laws of peace, to the laws of the symbol his family used for years. It seems I have kind of entered this war between him and Nik, but I plan to win and not by more death. My wolves protect the lands, and anyone who doesn't enter in peace is attacked. Nik did not exactly enter peacefully then again he didn't exactly enter viciously. It's a complicated situation. Then again he is the second most hated man in New Orleans." Trying to shrug it off she could see the look in their eyes making her scuff. She tossed up her arms in defense. "Hey! Do not look at me like that, I already took care of the situation. My wolves should leave him alone. That is not to say if I do not get back soon, he will be in the same condition I left him in. So I am going to go now. You can decide how you feel about this on your own time."
"Jade, Jade, Jade!" Alexander grabbed hold of her, giving a strong shake in order to pull her from the ramblings. "Listen, I understand what you had to do. I understand what is going on. What I don't understand is what you mean by turning him down? Why would Marcus be killing wolves that have left his pack over you, turning him down?"
"It's more complicated than that. He wants me to be his queen, queen of New Orleans. He thinks tearing down my pack will force my hand to do more than piss me off. He's doing everything and anything to get my attention. Of course, he's not doing it the right way even if I wanted him in that kind of way. Killing my pack, my family? He's lost his mind and started a war he really doesn't want to be involved in. Just today we lost Simson, one of my generals. It's not something I took lightly. I can't keep doing this back and forth with him. I can't keep losing my pack. So if it's a fight he wants it's a fight he will get. I don't want to be Queen of New Orleans, but he's forcing my hand. I threatened him today, but I know he will retaliate, he always does. Just a matter of time before I find another dead, and I have to put my words into action, again. I guess I will have to bring New Orleans back to peace." Jade could almost feel the anger building once again, and well clearly both Emily and Alex had noticed it as well. Em touched her shoulder hoping her touch would be just enough to calm her.
"Listen, I will speak with my brother. He may be a heathen, like Nikkolas, but he is reasonable. If only Erik was around, he could end this all. He is, of course, the only one who could end our sibling's fights. I hope you do know that we will stand beside you should you need our support. I have no doubt Nikolas will side with you as well.." Alex watched the tension in her body ease just a little with his words. Letting out a relieving sigh, a smile gracing his face. Motioning to the back room she almost couldn't resist what he was about to ask. "While you are here would you care to join me for a drink? We have much to reminisce over." Jade gave a sad smile and shook her head. Her denial filled his face with pain. She didn't want to but she had to refuse his request.
If she was gone for too long, Nik would face danger and she had promised him something to eat. She placed a hand on his forearm and tried to give a genuine smile. The pain in his eyes made her heartache. "I'm sorry but I promised Nik something to eat and he needs another dose of my blood. Not to mention I did leave him in a territory filled with vicious unpredictable wolves. I really must be on my way." She could see in his eyes the fear. He didn't think he was seeing her again after this. "That doesn't mean we can't make some other plans. How about tomorrow? We can meet at the bar you like to attend with Nik, and we can spend a whole afternoon together? Say noonish?" Jade's invitation perked him up rather quickly. Almost beaming with some kind of light.
"It's a date Princess." He gave a smirk letting the words roll off her tongue. She rolled her eyes at the God awful nickname and glared at him. She hated the nickname because it only reminded her of who she was deep down. Alexander had known this from the beginning and started using it to mock her, at first. After a while it just kind of stuck. "Tomorrow at noon, it's a date."
Turning on her heels she made the short distance to the exit. He followed her to the door with Emily on his tail. Em grabbed a hug before Alexander ensured to snatch a hug and steal another kiss before they said their goodbyes. After a moment, the rather long embrace, she forced him away and headed down the staircase. Neither one wanted to say goodbye, granted the last time they shared a kiss she never came back. Taking her time to depart from the mansion she couldn't help choking on tears. This was far harder than anything she had ever done. Staying away was easy, it seemed reconnecting was the hard part.
Jade made her way back to her truck a lot slower than she had run from it. The day had slowly turned into the night while she was inside the Rhodes mansion, making her sigh softly. She was feeling weaker now than when she left the house. The adrenaline had run out and it seemed he had taken more blood then she would have liked. They both needed as much blood as they could get and she knew exactly where to get it. A local, and loyal, vampire den would have several willing walking blood bags for her to snag. Sliding into the truck driver seat she slid the key into the truck ignition. Turning it on she took a second to breathe and collect herself from what had just happened. Sucking in a deep breath to calm herself she didn't have much left to go on energy-wise, and frankly, she didn't want to pass out in her truck. Putting the truck in drive, she started down the road into town. Ten minutes passed before she stopped three blocks from an old run-down mansion. After ensuring no one followed her, she knocked on the back door rapidly. A young vampire girl named Iris appeared in the doorway with a smile. Iris knew her well, allowing her access almost instantly before running back to the feeder in the corner she had been gnawing on. As always they were throwing a party filled with drugs, sex, booze and of course blood.
"Hayley!" Jade made her way to the main room while trying to get around the array of bodies and vampires having their way with human slaves when she heard someone call her name. She looked up as the clan leader called out her name. His words carried a thick old English accent from the old days. Jade went to smile covering her eyes as he stood up bare naked.
"Ruben, you'll never change. Can you please dress or at least cover your extremities." She heard him laugh before whispering to one of the women on his arm for a pair of sweats. Giving him a moment to slide them on she opened her eyes, once more looking at him. Ruben stood from the chair jumping into the pants before making his way towards her. Backing away from his attempt to hug her, she held up both hands and spoke quickly. "No thank you, keep your distance. I'm here in business and business alone. I just need a few of your walking blood bags."
"It's been a long time since you have asked for walking blood. Out of curiosity, why do you need them?" Snapping his fingers a few of his Vampires rushed off to get what she asked for, and waved for her to follow him. Ruben returned to his throne sitting upon a ledge of a stage. Jade gave a look around trying to avoid the questions. Sighing she followed him looking around the mansion with disgust. It was clearly a mistake giving this to a clan of vampires with no manners. Her once nice home was in ruins. Rolling her eyes she felt his eyes on her. Closing the distance but a few feet she tried to keep a smile.
"It's not all for me. I have a friend in distress and some human blood is exactly what he needs right now. Help him get some strength back." Folding her arms over her chest she thought back earlier in the day. She narrowed her eyes in his direction and clicked her tongue against the top of her mouth. "You are the high ranking vampire in this area. All nests report to you, do they not?" Ruben gave her a sarcastic glare knowing she should know the answer to that question."Then why were three of them pledging allegiance to Marcus? I mean are they trying to end up with a lack of blood in New Orleans cause I can stop that."
"Oh, wonderful. Rachel, Even and Denmark no doubt." He sighed in annoyance making her scuff slightly. "I knew they were hiding something from me. I had a feeling their loyalties were iffy, but Marcus? I heard they didn't return today, I assume you had something to do with it. If you found out what was going on they are probably dust. I will handle it, but this is going to be problematic. They heard something about you taking Marcus' side and becoming his queen. I can safely assume we can debunk those rumors?"
"Yes, you can. I will take a death before I become Marcus' queen of anything. Also, tell them it's not Marcus they need to worry about. I am not in alliance with the Rhodes brothers and their ridiculous feud! I think it's time someone shut up both of those boys for good and did this city justice for once." Before she could finish speaking the vampires came forth with a single human on each arm. Jade looked them over, fresh, never before fed from. These would do better than fine. "Appoint the new leaders quickly and make sure you trust them. You know I don't do betrayal well. Thank you for the food Ruben, we will be in touch."
"Of course…" Ruben held up the wrist of the woman sitting across his lap as a way to say cheers. Shaking her head, Jade made her way with the mortal on her tail. Using the ally to mask the mortals who almost looked tranced, she didn't want to draw attention. Luckily for her, the truck was parked in a secluded area away from the typical mortal eye. Each one slid in and said nothing, likely compelled to comply with her every will. Typically Jade preferred her prey scared and screaming while she drained them, but today she wasn't about to be picky.
Flicking the ignition to on, she reversed her direction, taking herself back around to the mansion. She wasn't sure why she was driving by it, but she had to make sure it was really there and not her imagination. That and maybe it had something to do with Alexander being there. Knowing he didn't hate her was something she never suspected to find. Driving by a bit slower than she should have she sighed softly and forced herself to keep going down the road. It wasn't long before she was turning down the driveway leading to her cabin. To no surprise Andrew was waiting for her on the front porch. Jade rolled her eyes not exactly wanting to get a lecture on Nik and keeping him in the cabin. Nik was a good man, even if they couldn't see it. Throwing the truck into park, she cut the engine off. Sliding out of the driver seat, she pushed her seat forward and ordered the three women out. She handed the first one a set of keys, sending them inside to wait for her in the living room. Once all three were from earshot she turned to face Andrew, who looked twice as pissed seeing mortal women in her grasp. Jade let out a sigh leaning against her truck without a word for her actions and for a minute it was silent.
"You got live blood? I thought you said you didn't do that anymore?" Andrew's voice held disappointment and anger. Jade knew at this point she would have to lie. Tell him she wasn't going to feed from them. That the slave girls were for Nik and Nik alone so he could heal and get off their lands. Of course what he didn't know was that she had no intention of letting them stay away now that they reconnected. An open invite would be granted and not one of her pack would dare touch them not unless they wanted to piss her off.
"It's for Nik, not me. You know if I need fresh blood I do it far from our lands, but he can't move. Once he is better, no live blood bags ever again. You just need to trust me okay?" Jade knew he wouldn't catch the lie, not with her, but that didn't mean she didn't feel bad. She had trained her heart rate to remain steady, her voice to stay strong and her eyes to remain clear when telling a lie. It wasn't an easy task to learn, but it was a useful one having lived so long. A new identity and a new lie had to happen every 40 years or so in order to keep everyone from getting suspicious of her never-aging. Andrew gave out an angered sigh looking down at his feet for a moment before tossing his hands up in the air as if giving up. Then again he knew there was no point in arguing with her.
"I will keep the wolves away until he is gone. How long do you estimate his stay?" Andrew's voice now simply held pain. She knew he and the wolves painted an image of her as a queen and a hero. They worshiped the ground she walked on and as much as she denied it, held her on a pedestal. Seeing her cave to the monster they hated? It put a dent in all the perfect picture they saw her as. Truth was, she was far from perfect and they could never know that.
"Three or four days? I can't really be sure. I have to drain his blood to get out the poison and let him feed as much as possible. I promise he won't be here longer than he has to be. Even if he isn't fully healed, I will take him to his mansion as soon as he can move about without pain." Jade laid a hand on his arms frowning when Andrew slightly flinched at her touch. She did not want her pack to fear her, or believe she wasn't what they saw her as. She went to pull away, but Andrew came in for a hug instead.
"Just be careful, he's a very cruel man…" Jade sighed hugging him back. Moments later he was gone, and she stood alone in her driveway. Looking up at her front door she let out yet another sigh and mumbled the words more to herself than anyone else.
"I know."