The Decision of Fate

Things seemed so normal, so human in the seemingly quiet neighborhood. Small children were just getting home from school. Parents watched with joyful smiles as their kids rushed in, cheeks rosy from the cold, to grab a cup of warm hot chocolate. It seemed, though, that not even the delicious beverage could keep them in for long; the snow was just way to inviting. The powdery substance soon found itself packed into small balls and thrown at other little children. Either that or squashed under their frail, little bodies to make sketchy forms of angels. All this, they did with the utmost show of joy painted across their faces.
Grace saw all this in confused wonder, as the small group of vampires ran to their destination. They, the humans, were just so innocent. It seemed funny to her how they could do such simple things while, in the same day, there was chance that she could lose her sister.
No don't think about that. You have them out numbered. You've gone over every single outcome. Brad and Matt are behind you. What could go wrong?
Even as she assured herself of the solidity of her plan, Grace knew that there were many things that could go wrong. Skylar and Megan could turn out to be double-crossers. Matt, under all his emotional pressure, could make a mistake that could compromise the whole group. And then there was Loren and Cole. Grace was aware that they were both extremely powerful vamps and could easily take them out if anything went awry. But she wasn't looking for a perfect plan. She had a plan, and that's all she could ask for at the moment.
It had felt like hundreds of miles, but the dark, looming shadow of the house was suddenly upon them. Its windows showed no sign of life, Grace noticed, as she and her mix group of a lover, a brother, two maybe's, and a old friend hid in the dense foliage that made a half moon around the back yard. Her figurative heart racing with all her fears combined into one, she turned to the steady hand beside her. Looking at him now, she reverted back to her favorite daydream.
It was much like the day she had met Brad. Sunny, at the beach, surfing. And then afterward stargazing on the roof. No interruptions, just the endless depths of the universe, and her hearts desire.
However, ever since Loren had come to town, there always seemed to be a black cloud floating above her wonderful little vision. No matter how much she wished for this maneuver to slide along successfully, there was always the chance that someone might not make it. What if that someone was him?
" It's time."

Jenna sat in a daze-like state, her hands behind her head as she stared up at the milky white ceiling. The fan she had turned on earlier spun, again and again and again. It made her want so despratly to fall asleep and never wake up again unless she was in her own house. She was still listening in to the conversation downstairs, her senses straying from the room she was in and trying to catch scent or sight of anything going on around the house. Despite the think walls and locked door, there were cracks that she could still hear or smell through and for the last hour and a half, she had listened to Cole and Loren talking and had scented various wildlife through the crack in the window. By this time, Loren and Cole had stopped talking and she didn't know which part of the house they were in. Wind whistled through the miniscule crack in the window and she scented something new but familier. She silently wondered if it was her own scent from before but it smelled of something different. Jenna slowly got up off the bed and pressed her ear to the crack. It tickled for a moment before the wind died down and she could hear a faint rustling in the trees and bushes. SHe hoped that it was more than just a wild animal roaming the forest.

---------------------------

Skylar took Meg's hand and followed Grace with enthusiasm. He hoped that they could get to Cole first, try to convince him that he was making the biggest mistake of his life. This battle would end in one of two ways. Cole would die or become one of them again. But maybe Cole wasn't ready to leave the trio. Maybe what Meg saw was, of course, the future but even more into the future. Plus, the future could always change. It was never set to happen.
He brushed up against a tree, his hands digging into the bark. If Cole died without them talking to him first than Skylar knew that he would be beyond furious. This battle wasn't even their own and they somehow got mixed into all of this. But he decided that his priority was not to keep them from killing Cole but to protect Meghan in case anything were to happen beyond their control. He already had a plan in his mind about a plane back to London and disappearing within the shadows of the streets there. It would all come together eventually though, Skylar thought as he gazed upon the house Loren, Cole and Jenna must be at. His stood at attention for the signal to go through with the plan ahead.

---------------------------------

Ian crouched low within the brush concealing his figure. He didn't know who had Jenna or why they did but it was a last minute kind of thing: a quick decision he knew would most likely pay off in the long run. Perhaps if he helped Grace and Jenna they would allow him to stay at their house again and maybe he could become great friends with the people they had met while he was gone. Ian scanned the green yard before him, a low sun above it reflecting it into his golden eyes. He looked back and quickly spotted the looming shadows of Grace, the two male vampires, and the pair who seemed to be working on the two sides at once. One was leaned up against a tree, and the other was staying close to him. His immediate thought was that that was his mate. It had to be. Ian's eyes were taken off of them as he looked up and down the house now. The upstairs windows were sealed with a metal that made sure nothing could get through. THat must be where they were keeping Jenna. He gazed over at Grace's figure, watching her mouth move as the notification to carry out the strategy.

(done )

Running alongside Grace to Loren's abode, it seemed that there were so many different thoughts spinning through Brad's head at once. Thoughts of what would happen if they failed, what would happen if they succeded, and what the casualties would be. He knew full well that they weren't going to escape here unscathed; there was going to have to be some kind of trouble on their side no matter what they did. All around the troubled group was white, powdery snow. Kids everywhere came out of their houses one by one, creating large-scale snowball fights, or simply just enjoying the beautiful snow, making snowmen or snow angels. Wishing he could join them, Brad focused his mind now on what was lying ahead. As they got further and further into the Shell Cove addiction, the houses became few and far apart, until they traveled down one small, shady road that led to a huge house that was isolated from the rest. How perfect. he thought grimly. Isolated away from the rest of the houses so any human he lures into that trap won't be able to have their screams heard. How very much like Loren. Finally stopping, he narrowed his eyes up at the house, studying every angle of it. It looked just like any other house in the addition; old fasioned. But this one was somehoe sinister-looking, and a feeling of dread surrounded the premisis. An air of danger, if you will. [i]"It's time,"/i] he heard Grace say, her small hand taking his own. Again, the thought of casualties struck him hard this time as his golden eyes looked down to meet her gaze. He knew she was worried about him; he could hear it as plain as day in her mind. But he wasn't worried about himself. In fact, he'd rather it be himself that anyone else here... Especially her. He couldn't let her get hurt. He couldn't let Loren hurt her again. Nodding slightly to her, he waited for her instructions. He'd let her do this herself; she worked better that way. Planning things out was what she did, and he'd respect that. JEnna was in there, and she was going to die if they didn't get her out. Now was not the time to interrupt. "Go ahead," he prompted gently, in a murmured voice. "I'll be right there the whole way."

Staring deep into his eyes, Grace was once again struck by how much she cared for this one vampire. And it had happened so quickly, which was probably the reason why it was so amazing to her. He had captured her heart that one day in such a small amount of time.
Thinking back, she had completely under estimated the time she had with Brad. The things that had seemed so small, like being alone together, now was something she'd give anything to have back. The quiet afternoons where they could just lay by each other and not have to worry about anything seemed millions of years away. Grace missed the sight of his smile, the cute almost smirk that had made her fall in love with him in the first place. The longing of the old days brought questions forth for the present. What if this was the last moment they had before something awful happened? What would happen to her when her solid rock was no longer there for her to lean on when things turned ugly?
The longing that spread from these dark questions was almost uncontrollable. The need to be in his arms, to feel his reassuring presence wrapped around her like a warm blanket on a cold winters night pulled at the very core of her heart.
Not taking her eyes off her beloved, Grace raised a slightly shaking hand to caress his smooth cheek. Just the touch of his skin was enough to send small prickles down her arm.
" Brad, I love you. Whatever happens today don't forget that. Wherever I am I'll always feel the same," Grace's voice so soft, she was afraid that her words hadn't been heard. Nonetheless, there was no stopping her from closing the distance between them to share what might be there final kiss together. A warmth enveloped both of them as Grace pressed her lips passionately to Brad's. She had missed this so much, this feeling that they weren't two people but one soul broken up into two different bodies. Drawing him ever closer, Grace knew deep down that they were wasting valuable time. But there was no way she was going to head into her possible death without sharing a final kiss with Brad.
Ending the kiss, she wasn't aware that she had been crying until she felt a slight moisture roll down her marble cheek. Wiping it away with one swipe of her hand, she tried to give Brad a convincing smile.
Suddenly hearing the restlessness of her fellow friends, Grace quickly revealed to her love what she had been pondering over for some time.
" Listen, Brad. I have a idea that I think would be good for us if we come out of this in one piece. It's become too dangerous to live here. If we moved to a more peaceful place, maybe a little farther north, I think we could finally have the time we need. Jen and Matt could come if they want, but they'd probably want some time to there selves as well," Grace swiftly murmured. The vision that she had of just the two of them in a high mountain cabin was almost alluring enough to make her forget some of her troubles. Sadly, the frantic whispering of her other companions brought her back to harsh reality. No matter how much her soul longed to stay here near Brad, her logic told her that the longer they stayed out here the more chance Cole or Loren had of spotting them.
" Megan. Skylar. You remember the plan. Don't let either of them know you've talked to us. It's key that they don't suspect anything," Grace spoke urgently to the couple who sat only a couple feet away. If they failed, and Cole and Loren found out their true allegiance the prospects seemed to terrible to even imagine.

(tensy bit of power playing)

Skylar squeezed Meg's hand gently. It was time. This was the big moment. They both made their way out of the woods, the moonlight glistening on their skin. It wasn't as stunning as when they were in sunlight but it made their skin as smooth as the surface of chyrstal clear water. Skylar's eyes scanned the house for signs of movement but there were no open windows, no cracks.. anywhere.
Skylar pulled Meg next to him, their shoulders brushing as they walked uphill towards Loren's dark house. The path to the front door was right beside the driveway and Skylar couldn't help but notice that Cole's car was parked just outside the garage, Loren's car just on the other side. A big breath drifted in and out of Skylar lungs as he started up the steps. He didn't know about Meg, but he could feel all of the others' eyes on his back as he stepped one foot from the door. He couldn't see the night sky above as he stood there and he was suddenly panicking inside until he felt Meg shift from foot to foot. He had to be strong, not only for her but also for Jenna and Grace. They were depending on him to come through with this and he intended to do just that. His hand moved to the wooden door without him really thinking about it; His head was buzzing with adrenaline: knocking on the enemy's door wasn't really his cup of tea. There was no answer at first but after he had knocked twice, his head had cleared and his ears picked up the murmur of voices just inside the house. Skylar looked over at Meg, their golden speckled eyes meeting before Skylar's drifted off.

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Jenna listened hard, her whole mind concentrating on sound alone. The cold metal material that her head was pressed up against she could no longer feel, neither the strain that she normally would have as a human when crouching by a window for several minutes. Crunch, crunch. Something was stepping on the lawn. Crunch, crunch. They were getting closer and Jenna soon recognized it for four feet striding on the grass. She removed her ear from the crack and then shifted her head to look out of it. Shadows leaped across the yard but she couldn't make them out: tall or short, male or female, nothing except disfigured shapes. Then she heard it: a knock on the door. At least someone was here that could see her. It wouldn't be a human: who would dare to knock on the door of the most dangerous looking house in the neighborhood? Only Grace, Brad, Meg, Skylar, or Matt would come here. She hoped that it was in the intent to save her, never the less. She leaped over the bed and to the door, wiggling the doorknob. It was locked. She crushed it in her fingers and soon pushed the other half out of the circular hole that was made in the door. Setting both pieces off to the side, Jenna opened up the door and crouched down low, laying flat on her belly to watch what was happening downstairs.


(dunno how this is... lol)

Megan looked up at the night sky, the moon shining down and providing all the light they would need. Her stomach turned slightly and she hastily swallowed the nervous butterflies that filled her mouth, this was no time to be nervous, and definetly not the time to show it. The house had an eerie look about it, like it was forbidden to enter and live in, which she knew was wrong. The shadows started playing tricks on her frightnend mind, and she jumped faintly when she saw a dark figure approaching, only to be the dark shadow of a thick tree limb.
She numbly realized they were almost there, and wondered where the brief moments she had to collect herself had gone. Taking a deep, unecessary breath, she stedied her walk and stood up starighter. Would they be able to pull this off? Megan herself would have to stay quiet and act like she was hesitant but okay with kidnapping, which she now wanted to beat Cole's head in about. And then there was Cole, of course, how on earth could she act normal around him? He had clearly said that he wasn't part of their coven, and by now he had probably already said it. How could she act a bit normal around him? It was going to take all her will power not to scream at him for breaking her heart, abandonning the pair when she had loved him dearly as her own brother.
The dull knock vibrated throughout the door, and Meg glanced over at Skylar. Was she the only one that would be able to pick up the layer of fear and pain that covered his beautiful eyes? She hoped so. On an impulse she quickly grabbed his hand and squeezed hard, conveying that they were in this together, and that's the way it would be no matter what.
Then a new fear struck her so hard while they waited for someone to open the door. In the back of her mind she was mildly surprised that she hadn't thought of this before. What if.. What if we don't make it. If Skylar gets himself killed I don't know what I'll do.. The thoughts blurred through her head, making her want to turn and drag him away running. Coward. She spat angrily at herself, as she fought the sob that threatned to break free of her small hold on her emotions. Looking down, she noticed that her manicured fingernails were slowly digging into Skylar's hand, and she rapidly let go, sending him a small apologetic glance. Whatever happened tonight, she hoped desperately that they would stay together.

(Long overdue post here, I'm sooo sorry for making you guys wait this long. ;.; I feel horrible about it Dx And I'm kinda confused as to what the setting here is; I know it's snowing but I dunno if it's night time or day time xD I'll go with night time though to fit in with Casey's post :BB)

Brad's golden eyes looked down upon Grace before him, her firey red hair tamed somewhat by the pale moonlight of the white orb above. A grim reality settled over him, disturbing his mood. This may be the last moment he has with her. The last moment he'll be able to hold her in his arms. The reality of that fact stung him hard, and he couldn't help himself when she raised her head toward his. Their lips met, and the emotion behind the kiss was something he didn't like. It was saddening, desperate, and uncertain, yet was full of the love and compassion that they'd shared with one another. Again, that thought came back. This could be their final kiss... A kiss goodbye. Lifting his right arm, he cupped her cheek in his massive hand, his fingers reaching behind her head. A wet sensation trickled down his hand, yet he didn't dare release his hold on her until it was over. When the kiss eventually came to a halt, and he retreated his head, he saw a glistening line of tears rolling down Grace's face, light catching the moonlight and reflecting off of her perfect features. "Don't cry," he murmured quietly, his eyes sympathetic. "I'll be there no matter what happens. I promise." His voice was low and quiet, only enough for her to hear. Remembrance made him turn his gaze to the side, where the others were. He'd forgotten them for an instant, too caught up in his own emotions. It didn't matter; the others didn't seem to mind. "Brad, I love you. Whatever happens today don't forget that. Wherever I am I'll always feel the same," her soft, musical voice floated to his ears, and he turned his attention back upon her. "Listen, Brad. I have a idea that I think would be good for us if we come out of this in one piece. It's become too dangerous to live here. If we moved to a more peaceful place, maybe a little farther north, I think we could finally have the time we need. Jen and Matt could come if they want, but they'd probably want some time to there selves as well," she continued in a quick voice. Brad couldn't help a small smirk; the same one that'd been on his face when he'd first met her. "That sounds like a perfect plan to me," he answered. With this thought now on his mind instead of the grim one that was before them all, waiting inside that house, he felt stronger somehow; more focused. "Megan. Skylar. You remember the plan. Don't let either of them know you've talked to us. It's key that they don't suspect anything," she spoke, this time her voice fair yet strong. Brad's eyes turned from her beautiful face to the two forms of Megan and Skylar's a few feet away, now moving toward the house. He watched with shapr eyes as they neared the looming shadow before them, and held his breath when he heard the hollow knocks on the wooden front door.

----

Loren sat, rather comfortably, on one of the three huge plush recliners set about his living room, his dangerously dark eyes glancing up at the massive grandfather clock in the corner opposite of him every once in a while. As the seconds ticked by, he found a small grin spreading across his jaw. He was quite pleased with what he's done so far. There was nothing Brad and his idiot friends could do to stop him. If they tried anything, Jenna would lose her life. Easy as that. Of course there was one small detail that was botheringhim; the fact that Megan and Skylar had not shown up yet. Cole seemed to be a loyal follower of Loren, and that he was happy about; Cole would make a perfect apprentice for him. But where were the other two? They hadn't done anything during the kidnapping but stand there and watch, yet they'd agreed to his plan nevertheless. Thinking more about those two, Loren's dangerous grin faltered and broke off, slowly transforming into a small scowl as he thought more about it. If those two proved to be a liability then he'd have to do something about it. Had they decided to abandon him and the plan? If so, were they staying neutral, or had they gone back to the others, seeking their alliance? That disturbed his happy mood, and Loren stood to his feet, throwing once last glance toward the clock in the corner. There wasn't much time left; they'd be here soon. Agitated with the lack of presence of the two, Loren set off in a slow, calculating pace back and forth across his tan living room floor carpet. Moonlight filtered in through the kitchen window a little ways off, reflecting the time that glowered back at him from the corner. Baring his teeth in agitation, Loren suddenly became furious with the two. They'd betrayed him! They've gone to the others. That's why they haven't shown up yet. How dare they mock his power like that? Angrily, Loren tread across to one of his antique glass lams beside one of the recliners on a small sidetable and rose his hand to strike at it. Before he could attack the stationary nonliving thing, three hollow knocks echoed back at him from his wooden front door. Freezing, Loren halted his attack on the lamp and slowly turned his attention to the door. "Seems we have a visitor," he murmured mockingly to Cole across the room, approaching the door. Expecting it to be Brad surrendering to his might, he was dissatisfied to find none other than Skylar and Megan standing before him, looking unnerved about something. His expression turned to one of annoyance as he peered down at the two. "You're late," he said, his voice low and menacing, and his eyes dark and penetrating through the hazy darkness that the moon above provided. After a brief moment more, he turned and made his way back into his home, once again agitated with the wait Brad was creating for him.

----

Matt stood and stared at the car in the driveway before him. It was the same car that had driven off with his Jenna; the one that he let get away. Anger seethed within him at the sight of it, and at the thought of his love within those walls, helpless with what was waiting for her. Every once in a while, his golden eyes would flicker sideways to see if the two strangers were going or not, yet each time he did they were only standing there. He had to force himself not to snap right now; this was no time for quarrels. These two were the same ones who were there when JEnna was kidnapped and snatched literally right out of his arms... If only he'd been stronger. If only he'd seen it coming and not let his guard down, she might be safe right now and in his arms again. He could practically feel her small frame grasped within his arms, encircling her in a safe embrace. Clenching his hands into tight fists, Matt's jaws clenched together as his teeth grinded past one another. It was taking all he had to stay put right now. He knew full well that bursting inside himself would only get Jenna and himself killed, so he was in no hurry to waste life like that. But he was impatient right now and the sight of the two vampires just standing around angered him. A movement beyond the two made Matt refocus his gaze on the two figures behind them; Brad and Grace. His heart ached when their lips met in a final goodbye; the last peaceful moment they had together. Tearing his gaze away, Matt's emotions were mocking him now. He was upset at himself and what happened back at Borders. He could have stopped them. He should have tried harder. Closing his eyes, Matt fought back the urge to go with the two up to Loren's house. As their forms disappeared into the darkness and three knocks echoed back at him, his heart raced. This was it.

( Its great to have you back twi! Loved the post...so emotional! God your good lol! Cant wait to see how this plot turns out, guys! )

( Post as Cole later)
Feeling the need to bite her fingernails from all the anxiety, Grace quickly checked herself. She had broken that habit along time ago. Once it had been clear that indestructible nails came along with the immortality, she had reluctantly traded her human flaw for the more necessary needs of her new life.\And, right now, a new need had suddenly arisen in her life as a vampire.
No one had ever explained to her the deep, inner, workings of being a vampire. Her creator had done nothing really, except for the common courtesy of making sure she was alive. Fending for herself most of her human life had its perks in this new world. She knew how to survive without being seen. Finding places to rest wasn't a problem. But, when Grace had met Jenna that one night, her need for someone to share in the day to day tediousness had won. After creating Jen, Grace had felt little change in herself emotionally. Yes, she felt protective of her creation, but wasn't that normal?
Later on, in her many delves into the history of her kind, she ran across basically a 'Creating Vampires for Dummy's' Book. In these accounts, the writer explained the unusually strong bond between a creator and its creation. It was almost like they were connected in soul, and, in some cases, mind. One story told of a vampire who was forced to watch his creation die right before his eyes. The vampire went completely mad and later massacred a whole city in the name of his dear one.
Grace had been disturbed at that depressing picture the story had painted in her mind. At that time, nothing but pity for the lost vampire had entered her mind. But, now, as she stood outside the house where her sister's kidnappers resided, she felt his pain in full, blaring color. She felt the sudden extreme need to have Jenna in her arms, to pet her soft hair like she used to when she was just a newborn. It was pushing her ever closer to this place. Even standing still was a challenge when every fiber in her body wanted to run in and retrieve what was rightfully hers.
I have to think this out clearly. If I'm to have any chance of getting her our safely, I have to stay calm. The picture of the mad vampire from long ago, along with her mental checkings seemed to pull her out of her doom like state of mind, and back into her cool, plan-carrier-outer mode.
" Okay. Ian. Matt," Grace summoned them all with her urgent whisper. As soon as they were all together, she decided to reveal what had been occupying her mind. Not the part of her mind that had been frantically spassing out over the situation, of course.
" Like what I said before, we have a lot of helpful resources here. Traveling to this place gave me some time to connect those gifts with strategies. Brad's mind reading will be perfect for keeping guard once we find out where they have Jen. He'll be able to hear if anyone has been alerted to our presence, while Ian and Matt get her to safety. Ian, because your faster than any vamp I've known. Matt, because I knew you'd chew me out if I assigned you to anything other than retrieval." Grace smiled jokingly, letting a small patch of humor out to possibly loosen up her sister's mate. She had no idea how hard this was on him. The only way she could possibly understand was to put Brad in Jenna's place. The emotions were definitely not happy ones.
" Me, I'll be a scout since I know a general lay out of the house. Basically, I'll be added help for Brad. I'll make sure Megan and Skylar are doing their job correctly, and if not then I'll be added help for my guard when things get thick." Grace's eyes focused themselves on the vampire who had her heart. She knew he wouldn't like her fighting, but sooner or later he would have to realize that losing him would be worse than dying. Period.
" Now, its not a great plan, but its solid enough to give us a fighting chance. They have two men. We have twice that many, maybe two more if Megan and Skylar stick with what they ought to believe in. So, lets focus on those facts, not any others. Fear turns to weakness and right now we can't afford that. Weakness, at this moment, could mean the death of my little sister. Your all here because you care about what happens to her. She's left a little bit of herself in everyone here. You've seen the pure kindness that she posses. If it were any of you in her position, I know she'd gladly risk her life in the effort to save you. So, lets return the favor and get her out of that hell hole." Grace's speech had set off something inside of her. Speaking aloud what had been inside her heart all along had changed her settings completely. The weepy, worrisome, girl of before was no longer. In the heat of the moment, a ruthless killer with a pissed off attitude and a hunger for the pain of the sadistic beast who was the cause of all her heartbreak had been created.
Looking at all of her companions, Grace knew they were ready.
" Lets go," was all she said. Nothing else was left to be said. Nothing else left to do. And so, the red headed vampire, slunk through the low underbrush, reaching the end of the tall trees in this place. And yet it did not bother her because she knew she was backed by a skilled group of vampires ready to bring down the enemy. With this reassurance radiating through her, Grace stepped confidently into the clear brightness of unobstructed moonlight.

(sorry for the late reply... been REALLY busy lately!)

Skylar let his hand fall at his side and then he could feel the frigidness of Meghan's hand on his own. Shadows covered her elegant face from his view but out of the corner of his eyes he could see an abnormal look upon her face. Her eyebrows were curved down in a determined look but at the same time her mouth was motionless. He looked back at the solumn black door in front of him and then caught the muffled noises on the other side. The door was yanked open with such a force that Skylar had to rock back and forth on his feet to not flinch. Loren's figure was outlined in light on the other side of the threshold and he had a snarl on his face, not surprizing. Skylar's mouth remained closed and his eyes relaxed, better for the enemy to be unsuspecting. "You're late." Loren's voice echoed towards them--a low growl that sounded more like a cranky bear than a menacing vampire voice. Skylar stepped in, pulling Meg in behind him, just enough to where she was half behind him. "Good to see you too, Loren," Skylar remarked in a sarcastic voice, inching closer to where Loren and Cole were sitting after swinging the door closed--the sign for everyone else to move forward with the plan. Of anyone in this whole animus, Meghan was the one that Skylar didn't want to get harmed. Loren and Cole were layed out in the living room, Cole soluded to his small chair in the corner and Loren with his broad back against massive leather chair near the fireplace.
Skylar stepped inside the house, tipping his head to his x-comrad. He allowed himself to relax the slightest bit: he and Meg needed to keep Loren and Cole here at all costs otherwise the aftermath would be far from pretty. He shifted his eyes from Cole to Loren, studying him for the first time. He closed his eyes for a few seconds, seeing Grace and Brad stepping out from the woods and into the yard. For Jenna's sake, he hoped they were quiet.

------------- (ugg.. don't like this post V (below).... tensy bit of powerplaying btw)

Ian nodded his approval, relizing that he was more in the way than anything. But maybe he could help if fighting broke out. For Jenna's sake though, he hoped it wouldn't come to it. For Grace, Brad, and everyone else to be this worried, this enemy was someone much more powerful than he would've guessed. Grace turned towards the house when the sound of the door closing echoed into the forest where they remained hidden. The red headed vampire he had learned to call his 'adopted' sister stepped out into the moonlight, her trusty mate beside her. Shadows incased their eyes and a chill almost spread through him. He looked over to find Matt and plan how they were going to get to the bedroom without the other vampires seeing but he was already nearby the house, looking around the windows. Ian shot through the bushes over to him, making sure not to make a sound as he went.

(I'll post as Jenna after Matt and Ian make it to that bedroom)

(ok this going to be probably quite bad because I was rushed *cough Jen!! Lol jk)
Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock. Cole glared at the annoyingly slow, antique clock. Staring at it, he wondered if it was even moving. To him, each full rotation the hand made felt like a century. A frown marring his perfect features, Cole darted a quick glance upward. The object of his impatience was only just upstairs, so close and yet so far. His tormentor happened to be a beautiful girl of around seventeen. Or so she appeared.
That was the thing with this girl. At first glance, Cole had seen whatever everyone else did when meeting Jenna. She had the small, fragile figure of a fallen angel, and also the personaliy of one. So kind and defenseless, her very look made you want to protect her from the evils of the world. However, he knew what she really was. After being himiliated and rejected by her, he had seen the real Jen. And what he saw was nothing even close to the angel everyone else beleived her to be. He had loved her, and what had she done? She had thrown his love right back in his face.
A wicked grin slowly formed across Cole's face, as he pictured his revenge. She would pay for pushing him away. After he was done with her, no one would think her beautiful anymore. That was if he left her alive. Not being able to decide whether to let her live or to just kill her, he decided to just leave it up to his instincts when the time came.
A sharp rapping caused him to instantly tense up. Someone was at the door. It was too early for it to be Grace's mate, so who was it? Warily, Cole watched in stoney silence as Loren stood up from his perch, and walked over to answer the door. The second he heard the person's voice from outside, he drew in a sharp breath. What was his old coven doing here? Remembering the last time he had seen them, Cole couldn't understand why Skyler and Megan had come.
His old leader's dark form sidled into the living room, followed closley by the waif that was Megan. Studying each of their faces, Cole let a small light of hope blossom. They didn't look disgusted to be here, so maybe they planned to help. Afterwards, if they still felt the same, he didn't think Loren would mind if they joined up as well. His old coven were strong vampires with useful powers. His new leader would appreciate this.
Returning Skylar's gesture with a curt nod, Cole focused his eyes on Megan. Fragile from the start, he wondered how her mate has gotton her to go along with him. Her face seemed guarded and focused. A slight hint of fear was noticeable only because he had become skilled in reading emotions in the past years. Hoping that the cause of her fear would be revealed soon, the dark vampire stood up slowly.
" Im happy to see you my friends. But I must be honest. I did not think you would come. Our last visit gave me the impression that you were too soft to deal with what needs to be dealt with. I'm curious to why you have suddenly changed your minds."
(it's like 12:15 right now so I'll do graces later)

Hoping that the unobstructed moonlight hadn't taken away their advantage of suprise , Grace sprinted across the open lawn to the cold safety of the brick wall. She watched as her comrades copied her movements, sending of a silent plea for protection.
Sticking to the wall like a slippery lizard, she tilted her head upward to the two ajacent windows. One was completely dark while the other was litt by a orange, wavering light, probably a candle. Grace recalled a hazy lay out of the house from when she had been their last. Unfortunately, she'd only seen the inside of the living room and Loren's bedroom. Guessing that the unlit one was the dreaded place she had been in last, she gazed longingly uptowards the candelit glass. The waves of agony hit her with unbeleivably strong force. She wanted to hold Jenna, stroke her soft, brown locks, tell her that everything was going to be fine. Even more than all these things, she wanted the blood of her sister's tormentor. I'll make him pay for doing this us, Jen, I swear.
Focusing back on her goal, Grace turned to Ian and Matt, who had by now reached the wall. " Window right above you is where I'm guessing they're holding Jen. Brad and I will go up into the one ajacent to it. Wait until Brad gives you the say so, then get in there, grab my sister, and get the hell out of here." Making sure they had understood her mouthed instructions, she then turned to a tall birch that lay coveniately close to her objective. Grabbing Brad's strong arm, Grace pointed to the tree, letting him know her plan on entering the house.
The tree was covered with small knots and low branches perfect for climbing. Trying to keep her actions as quiet as possible, the vampire grabbed ahold of a low branch and swung herself upwards. The journey to the top proved as easy as it had looked, and she was soon high enough to reach her slim arm out and reach the window. Touching the smmoth pain of glass, Grace tried to slide it upward, only to be faced with a locked window. Frowning slightly, she stretched her mind for a way around this. Suddenly, her acute eyes noticed the stark white surrounding the frame. This wasn't an old house, so maybe the metal would be maneuverable with aid from the frost and a little supernatural strength. Taking the risk of a little noise, she applied a little more pressure to the glass pane. Grace winced as a grating noise issued from the old metal. Fortunately, her logic had proved right. Sliding the window to it's highest point, the red head took no time in throwing herself through the opening. The soft cusioning of carpet met her hands, as she landed silently in the pitch black room. Not daring to move, she waited to see if she had been heard.
( Done!! Now someone else!!!)

(I don't have much muse, so these are gonna be kinda short. >< ALSO, if you don't like what I did in this post, I can edit it lol, I wanted to make it a bit exciting... But I think I just blew their cover. xD)

Through the shadows that clung close to the Earth, Brad made out the slight movement of the door opening somewhere before him. The sound of Loren's voice just barely reached his ears, and then, after a few breathless moments, he heard the door close. Skylar and Megan were inside; now it was time for them to follow through. Grace's quieted voice hurriedly ran through the plan, and Brad listened intently. His mind was already stretching inside the confines of the house, picking up everyone's thoughts at the same time. He could hear those of Jenna's' she did seem scared, but not as much as a true hostage should. That almost made him smile; she had a stubborn side, that was for sure. Then there was Loren, who was raging mentally about how long they were taking. He was trying to decide if he should just waste Jenna at this very moment and forget about everything else, but his own hatred for Brad wouldn't let him do that. "Me, I'll be a scout since I know a general lay out of the house. Basically, I'll be added help for Brad. I'll make sure Megan and Skylar are doing their job correctly, and if not then I'll be added help for my guard when things get thick." Grace was still running through her plan, and at the sound of his own name, Brad focused more on what she was saying. It was somewhat difficult to listen to different conversations going on at once. He just wanted to make sure that their two spies inside the house weren't found out until they get into place. If so, they'd need to act fast. Right now, however, it seemed Loren's own anger was getting in the way of his judgement at the moment. Finally, Grace led the movement and bravely stepped out of the shelter that concealed them. Now all they had to hide behind was the veil of darkness that night brought with it, and hope no one would see them crossing the lawn. He followed her quickly, making sure to stay right beside ehr at all times. In this dangerous situation, his protective feelings were taking effect of his body. He'd take the blow before he let anything get near her. They'd have to go through him first. It seemed like an eternity before they reached the side of the house. Brad crouched low and kept his eyes sharp for any movement, while his mind was still reading the thoughts of those inside. Nothing suspicious... Yet. A sharp noise from above made him flinch, and he looked up to see Grace forcing a seemingly locked window open to gain entry into the house. Frantically, his mind worked to search those of the beings inside. No one had heard it. Wait! ... What was that? the thought came from Loren. Brad held his breath and glanced up at where Grace had been, now disappeared into the house. "Get out," he hissed quickly. His mind followed Loren's as he moved inside his house to the sourse of the noise. This was one of the corner rooms, so they had a little time to move, but not much. Brad sped his way up the tree where Grace had climbed and caught the outline of her form in the darkness. He made wild hand gestures signaling that someone had heard them, and to get down. He hoped they had enough time. Loren's thoughts were getting stronger as he neared, and Brad knew they weren't going to make it outside in time. He launched himself into the room and took his spot in front of Grace, facing the door.

-----

Loren sat in his spacious livingroom in one of the huge leather armchairs. His mind was gooing through loop after loop as he pondered each outcome of this situation. His eyes continuously flicked from the dark door to the two lovebirds who just decided to show up, and then back again. He wasn't too sure of them at the moment. Why'd they just now show up? What had they been doing this whole time? Had they decided to play the good guys in the end afterall? Either way, they were here now, and he had too many things on his plate to worry about that. His dark red eyes were shrouded in a shadow that the trees outside cast upon his face; all that the moonlight made visible was his chin, torso, and a partially-hidden sneer on his face. Everything was eerily quiet in his home; the only sounds being those of the quiet breaths of his companions and the ordinary nighttime woodland sounds. Owls hooting in the distance, coyotes somewhere nearby bickering amongst themselves. And a window screeching? That's not normal. ... What was that? he asked himself, his eyes immediately flickering upwards where the noise came from. He waited a moment to see if he'd hear it again, but no sound came. Slowly, he rose from his perch, his head tilted upward at the floor above them. He sauntered across the room as if it were the normalest of days, and stepped up the stairs quietly. Was there another visitor, perhaps? A happy grin spread across his lips as he thought about it being Brad, or, better yet, Grace. How wonderful it would be to have her as a hostage as well. Or perhaps he should simply kill her. Or, maybe torture her slowly? His happy grin turned into one of evil pleasure as he neared the top of the staircase. He made his way to the door that housed the noise, and heard a quiet scuffling within it's borders. "What's behind door number 1?" he asked, that same grin smeared across his flawless features, as he reached for the door knob and flung the door open.

(Still left it open so that they could escape if MP doesn't want them caught just yet xD)
----

(Merf, not feelin' a Matt post right now. x.x I'll edit later with his, but you guys can go ahead and post; it won't make a difference.)

(If y'all don't want them to get caught yet, say so... Megan can make a distraction to get Loren back downstairs.. That's just another option)

( If we don't want them to be caught then Grace could pull Brad with her behind the bed out of site of the door. Megs could make the distraction and Loren could go back down. If we want to do it that way, let Jen post because its her turn and then I'll post and then Case since she has to make the distraction..sound good?)

(I'm kinda outta muse for Jen and Ian.. would someone else mind posting before me? MP, if you could type up a small post (or large one, either way) and then Casey, I would post after that.. Unless you're ok with me posting tommorow.. I'm just kinda tired)

(lol I'm feeling really creative do I might post, it would be quite small. I still have to finish studying, but if I'm not exhausted afterwards I'll post. If not, I don't think anyone would mind you posting tomarrow)

Jenna brushed away a hair from her face, staring intently through the railing of the stairs down to the living room. Meg and Skylar had just walts in, as if they were attending a tea party. Why weren't they asking about her? Where were Brad and Grace? She sighed a little bit too loudly, ducking down when she heard her noise echoed back to her. She lay there with her head on the ground and wrapped in her arms, thinking about Loren. What must he be thinking right now? If he waited this long, then Brad (or possibley Grace?) must be on his mind. It seemed like that was his mission in life: to get back at Brad. Jenna smiled a bit, wondering what Brad had done to make Loren this determined. Her now darkened golden eyes widened when she heard a noise from a room down the hall. It sounded like only a simple bump of maybe the house moving or a bird hitting against the window but to Loren it must of meant something else. He came stomping up the stairs, a grumpy look, that only made Jenna smile, on his face. Again, she wondered if he thought that was actually Brad. As Loren started to come near to where she was laying, she flickered on her powers, her whole body invisible even to his red demanding eyes. The supid bloodsucker didn't even know the fury Grace would have when she saw him. Jenna stood up quickly, not missing a beat in pressing herself up against the wall as he romped loudly past. Whether it be a squirrel or Grace or Brad, any of them would hear him, probabley. She watched Loren stalk up to the door she had, too, heard the noise come from and as he opened it with such a force, she heard a few of the hinges snap. "What's behind door number 1?" he asked mastitistically. A sneer formed on Jenna's face just from the pleasure he got from looking behind a door to an empty room. She slid against the wall and into the bedroom again, shutting the door silently again.

(haha, got another idea for distracting him.. this gave me an idea: maybe Jenna decided to jump off the bed? lol.. idk but just something to think about)
-------

"I'm happy to see you my friends. But I must be honest. I did not think you would come. Our last visit gave me the impression that you were too soft to deal with what needs to be dealt with. I'm curious to why you have suddenly changed your minds." Skylar stared as Cole looked over to them and slowly, Skylar felt himself tense up as he sat there.
"Whether we agree with your methods or not, Cole, what's done has been done: we are still, until otherwise agreed upon, on your side." Skylar stated it as evenly as he could, speaking slowly to say just the right words. His golden speckled eyes locked with Cole for a few seconds until he looked away. "How long have you been here, waiting? Must of been agonizing waiting to see if the rest of your clan made it." Skylar's upper lip showed, his anger that Cole had most likely decided that he wasn't in their coven was getting the best of him. He felt a reassuring hand that he found to be Meghan's on his left one. Skylar just waited to, hopefully, see a look of confusion on Cole's face. It was the only way to know if he was still with them or not.

(blah.. don't like Skylar's post but I felt that i needed to post something)

(Short I know but Im at a hotel and my parents said I have like 30 min)
The seconds dragged on forever as Grace crouched on the floor, the steady rythm of her breath absent for the moment. She had been sure that the noise she had made, by opening the rusty window, would have been audible enough to be suspicious. Having almost decided to calm out of her defensive position, the sound of a footfall almost sent the immortal life right out of her. Damn.Grace had been hoping for a more ambushy sort of attack, but either way worked for her if only she was able to hurt Loren as much as he had her.
A battle cry of a growl had already started forming in her throat, when a pair of broad shoulders and a long body replaced her few of the door. Immediately her mind switched gears from attack mode to protect. Her whole body screamed in agony at his appearance. It wasn't just her need for first blood that drove her to do what she did next, but her fierce instinct to protect the one she loved. Surging forward, Grace grabbed the back of Brad's shirt and slid slightly to the side. The fortunate placement of a king size bed hid both of their forms from the door's veiw.
Feeling marginnly better now that he was by her side, she focused her hearing back to the steady footsteps that had now reached the door. Did they belong to Cole or Loren?
"What's behind door number 1?," a slow, sarcastic drawl sounded. Of course, Loren would be the one to have heared her. She had been hoping for Cole who might have hestitated at attacking her since they had been friends way back. But, Loren had way to much motivation for wanting her and her love dead.
Swiping her head back behind the cover of the bed, Grace flicked her eyes closed, grabbed Brad's reassuring hand, and focused on becoming the stone statue she resembled. The last thing she heard, before firing off a round of desperate prayers, was the thud of the wooden door hitting the back of the wall.

Megan squeezed Skylar's hand reassuringly, conveying to him to stay calm. She had picked up the anger in his voice directed at Cole. Meg hoped Skylar would pick up the sign that he needed to relax if they were not to make anybody suspicious. She nodded with Skylar's description, not even feeling the need to speak to Cole. What was there to say? Hey, we came back because you betrayed us so now we are going to give you a taste of your own medicine That's what Meg felt like saying, but that wouldn't go very well with the plan. Besides, she couldn't lie very well, so it was best to let Skylar speak for her.
All of a sudden, a loud noise came from upstairs. Megan wanted to groan from frustration, could the others be any more obvious? Panic began to fill her mind as Loren got up and began the slow walk upstairs. She flicked a glance at Skylar, who had turned to her in fear. Think, girl, think... She screamed at herself. Grace and Brad couldn't get caught, the fight couldn't start yet. A small idea was forming in her head, and she quickly and subtly winked at Skylar. He needed to know that she was faking what would happen next.
Just as she heard the door open and Loren's comment, Megan closed her eyes slowly and groaned. She fell towards the floor, being sure to make a loud thump on the floor as she did so. A vision strong enough could send her spiraling towards the ground, both Skylar and Cole had seen that before. They would explain it to Loren, who was hopefully by now worried about what was going on back downstairs. She tensed her ears, hoping to hear footsteps of Loren returning, but none came. Sucking in a deep breath, Meg screamed loud and shrill. After another tortured breath she screamed again. Now Skylar's arms were around her, cradling her to him, going along with the act. She didn't have to open her eyes to know that the distraction had worked.
Opening her eyes, she looked at Skylar, and then pulled herself into a standing postion. Wiping her eyes and taking another shaky breath, she hoped her performance had been good enough. "That was not a fun vision." Meg said, crossing her arms across her chest. She only wished she could have seen Cole's face while she had been pretending. Would his features have shown worry, like when he was in their coven and she got a vision like that? Or did he really not care anymore? She heard the footsteps of Loren returning, and let a small sigh of relief escape her body.

(sorry.. haven't checked in a while.. my bad! XP.. who should post next? Since Twi won't be able to, I'm not sure what we should do.. Maybe we could just still play as our characters but powerplay Twi's. If we do do that then we'll need to make sure that Loren, Matt, or Brad would do that.. Otherwise, idk who would play Loren, matt or Brad.. any suggestions?)

(I'm back now! 8D Just got my computer back today! I'll have a post up soon.)


EDIT:

As the wooden door hit the back of the wall inside the room, Loren cantered inside. His deep red eyes scanned the moonlit furniture. Nothing seemed out of place, aside from the rusty old window across the room from himself, which was open. That darn old window had always caused him trouble; he'd always kept it locked. It was tarnished by years of rust covering the metal framework, so a human couldn't have opened it unless they had some sort of crowbar type thing to pry it open. Taking one more step within the clean, carpeted room, he searched for anything metallic lying on the floor, yet could find nothing. He bared his teeth in a silent snarl and prepared himself to look around the other corner of the bed that lay to his left, when a cry erupted from downstairs. Immediately, Loren froze. The loud noise downstair was a complete difference from the silence that had been prior. He hesitated for a moment, but when the scream only grew louder, Loren cursed and swiftly turned and exited the door, slamming it shut behind him. He made his way to the stair railing, where he looked down upon the scene below. Megan seemed to be the source of the scream. She was crumpled on the floor in the arms of Skylar, who looked down at her with worried eyes. Cole was standing now, but he was simply watching the display. "That was not a fun vision," she said, standing to her feet with the help of a steady hand from Skylar. Loren didn't know what to think. If she made that much of a show about a vision it had to be something big. Something painful. Or perhaps there was something else behind her actions? He narrowed his eyes at the vampires below, his mind at work. Eventually, he dismissed the thoughts of betrayl and headed downstairs again.

----

Brad stood bravely in front of Grace, his hands tightening into fists as he ehard the muffled footsteps drawing nearer with each heartbeat. This is it, he thought, and tensed his muscles for an onslaught once the door opened. As long as she was safe. That's all he cared about. Suddenly he felt a hand on his shirt, tugging him to the side. He wasn't ready for an attack from behind, and struggled the best he could, but the hand was strong and he was pushed, almost gently, to the side. Turning his head, he only saw Grace there. Relief flooded him, yet when the door opened he was on edge again. Grace dove for cover behind the shadow of a rather large bed within the room, and he followed suit. Feeling Grace's hand on his, he held on tight and held his breath. He could hear Loren's mocking voice sound from outside the closed door as it swung open and crashed into the wall with a loud clatter. Brad's golden eyes focused on the looming shadow on the other end of the room as it took careful steps forward. He could hear Loren's thoughts, thinking of what could have made the noise and opened the window. Another step closer and he was at the foot of the bed. Only the darkness was hiding them now as Loren's red eyes gazed around the room. Brad readied himself to spring from their cover; it would be so easy to snap his neck right now and end all of this. He shifted himself very slightly to get in a better position. Yet before he could act, a loud scream rang through his ears. He recognized it as Megan's. Brad watched carefully as Loren hesitated, just on the brink of discovering their hiding place, and then left the room with a door slam behind him. The sound of his retreating footsteps made Brad visibly relax, and he let out a long sigh of relief. He waited a moment to make sure no one was coming back up, then rose to his feet and looked down upon Grace. He offered her a hand up, giving a small, cocky grin.

(gotta make this short and.. it might not be that good.. if that makes sense. I just have to type fast cause I've been sick recently and I just haven't gotten on in a while.)) (o yes, and a good song to listen to for this scene is: "raid on the castle" from the soundtrack of Prince Caspian. Make sure and not listen to it though when the battle actually starts!) (On a side note (promise this is the last thing I'm going to say before you read my post) but I've been sick and I don't know if I'm still going to be well but I am getting better. So if I don't show a few days after this, I'm either sick or can't get on or don't need to post:))

Jenna's head turned, her nose catching a scent that smelled so familier. She just couldn't place it in her mind. She crept to the doorway, opening it up to a crack. All of a sudden, someone screamed downstairs. It was like nothing Jenna had ever heard and nothing she wanted to hear again. Swinging the door shut silently, Jenna watched the shadow of Loren from under the door as he lept downstairs. She took the chance to sneak out of her room and into the neighboring one, immediatly letting her power make her invisible. Once she entered the room, all she could see was dusty furntiture. Even though she tried her best to avoid it, floorboards creaked under her invisible foot. She glanced around each time, wondering who or what was in there. After checking everywhere except the bed, she knew she was almost out of time when something caught her eye. She saw a pale velvety hand reach out from around the bed and then disappear behind it again. If she had had a heart, it would've skipped a beat. Had rescue come at last?
She squatted down beside the edge of the bed and slowly peeked around, forgetting that whoever it was wouldn't be able to see her. To Jenna's surprize, the moment she peeked around, she was met by feiry orange hair. "Grace!" Jenna scream-whispered. She hugged her sister from behind, covering Grace's mouth to keep her sister from alerting Loren. She turned back to normal, relief setting in.
----

Skylar had only a moment to react when Meg winked at him and in that one moment, he prepared himself for the worst. Meg sure had a big imagination and was good at distractions--especially on the spot. She fell to the floor with a thud and a groan came from her mouth. He was immediatly bent over when she screamed. He jumped and then cradled her in his assuring arms, trying to sit her up. She screamed again and his brow crinkled as Loren came bounding down the stairs, a look of utter confusion on his face.
Skylar made sure to make eye contact with him, made sure there was a look of hurt in his own eyes so that Loren would see this was no hoax, well, no hoax Loren should know about. Skylar stared at Meg's face looking at her facial expression when her golden speckled eyes fluttered open. He relaxed, by the look in her eyes, he should be more worried. He helped her up by the arms, letting her hang onto his arm when she sat back down. "That was not a fun vision," she huffed out. Skylar kept a hold of her hand, rubbing it with his thumb in a way he did whenever she had actual terrible visions. Cole was staring at her but Skylar couldn't tell if he thought it was real or not. Skylar was at a loss of words as he sat with Meg. Loren came over.

(ek, don't know what Skylar would say... sorrah!)
-------


Ian watched Grace and Brad squeeze through the window with a sigh. Now, to wait for them to get Jenna. He and Matt were to stay on the ground until they led Jenna to them. He heard voices above, and prayed that the three would be quiet until it was truly time to escape.

(haha.. I was going to make him go to the window but I'll just wait for Grace and BRad to make Jenna come to the window.. then maybe Matt could carry her down . I didn't want to just not post as Ian so here's four sentances X))

Cole immediately switched from being curious about his friend's sudden arrival to somewhat suspicious about the strange noise that had just creaked from upstairs. He didn't know the house very well, but he could have sworn it had come from the room right next to where he had imprisoned Jenna. Brad and Grace.
The rage that issued from him at the very thought that they might even up their had the vamp almost sprinting up the stairs. However, Loren beat him to it and was already out of side when Cole noticed his absence. Turning his simmering rage and a skeptic eye on Megan and Skylar, he wondered if he could possibly have missed any of the tell tale signs of two double crossers.
Both vampires where turned to each other, but weren't showing any visible signs of fear. Megan looked a little anxious, but she normally was these days. Just as Cole's gaze flicked up towards where he had last seen his leader, he heard a low groan. Flipping his attention back to the couple, he was surprised to find a obviously in pain Megan. She was on the floor and was letting out the most skin tingling scream he had ever heard. For as long as he had known her, Cole had never seen her act this way before. Foolishly, he let a small ounce of worry for her escape.
"That was not a fun vision,"she said as Skylar knelt beside her. The sound of additional footsteps was quickly followed by the appearance of Loren. He didn't look like he had any new information; if he had found Grace or Brad he wouldn't have just left them by themselves.
" What the hell is going on." Cole couldn't help showing his frustration. He still had his doubts about his friends, and he had planned on using his cunning to get the proof he needed. But Megan's 'vision' had made him unsure.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

It felt like years for Grace. Just sitting there, completely defenseless, waiting for a extremely lethal vampire to discover them. For the rest of her existence, she knew that nothing would top this feeling on her terrifying scale. The only bright light in the dark storm that was this situation was Brad. He was sitting there next to her, his hand secure in her's. She clung to him with all she had.
And, it was, when the seconds ticked by that her brain suddenly registered the retreat of Loren's footsteps and the closing of the door. She was still frozen, only a little less brain dead to the world, when Grace looked up to see her love smiling down at her with his hand outstretched. Shakily, she took his hand, wandering how the hell he could be smiling after a near death moment like that one. But, she had to admit that it was contagious. She found that she was answering his beautiful smile with a hesitant one of her own. They had dodged an endless sleep. That was definitly something to smile about.
Suddenly, through her random happy cloud, Grace noted a slight twitch in the predator part in her mind. It was telling her that she and Brad were no longer alone. When the invisible foe caught her from behind, the red head didn't take time to notice the happy whisper that formed her name. Still jumping from before. Grace swung around to face her attacker head on, grabbed where she supposed its neck was, and held it down on the bed.
Only then was the form revealed in a shimmer that took the form of a girl with brown hair who looked very familiar.
" Dear God, Jenna," Grace breathed. Looking down at her hand pinning her sister by the neck, she quickly retracted it. Pulling her back up, she suffocated her sister with a bone crushing hug. It felt so nice to have her dear one back in her arms. Jen's scent was a comfort to her mind who couldn't remember how long it had been sense she'd last detected it.
" I've missed you so much."

Megan fored herself to look like she was spent, worn and beat. She made sure to cling on to Skylar's arm like she would if it actually had been a terrible vision, surely Cole would remember this. Usually when she came to, Skylar would stay with her and calm her down, make sure that whatever she had seen that made her yell was solved so that she could let her mind not worry. Even before he had really loved her, he had been caring.
Meg subtly watched Cole's and Loren's expressions, hoping that they wouldn't be looking at her suspiciously. At first she could see it in their eyes, but slowly they let it go. Megan mentally congratulated herself for the good distraction. But then, Cole said " What the hell is going on," voicing his frustration that Meg could so easily pick up on. They'd have to act better to keep this working.
"Oh, we were on our way back to London, in fight with some newborns. Skylar had just got bit.." Megan was sure too add the perfect amount of concern and worry in her voice and take a step closer to him. "So, we're gonna have to be careful on our jorney home." She was also careful to make sure the 'we' included Cole, since as far as she was supposed to kniw he was still in their coven. Meg wasn't quite sure if she should add anything else, but she decided not to. If she overplayed anything, then Cole and Loren would defnitely be suspicious.