Book One: Revelations - Chapter 31

When I woke from the sedation I was blinded by the bright lights and their reflections off the sterile white walls of the ambulance. I was still strapped down to the gurney but now I had a few extra blankets covering me.

"Hey Baby." Erik whispered as his fingers smoothed my hair back from my face.

"Hey." I replied as I reached for his hand with my free hand and stared back at him while my heart skipped a beat.

"We're still in the ambulance?" I asked after a moment.

"Yes, we met up with the others and moved the injured upfront with Arthur and Melody. Dr. Templeton is treating the injured with Jessica. Everyone else moved to the other transport." He explained while not taking his eyes off me. "How are you feeling?" he asked softly as he leaned closer and rested his arm just above my head.

I thought about it for a moment. "Better. I must be getting some pretty good drugs!" I smiled at him.

He gave me a small laugh, "Yes, you are. You lost so much blood." His face filled with emotions as tears watered his eyes. "I thought I was going to lose you."

"You're not going to lose me that easily." I said gently and smiled warmly at him while I squeezed his hand in mine.

He gently kissed my lips. "I love you. Please don't scare me like that again." He said firmly.

"I will try and I love you too. Did Jess and Mel explain everything?"

"Yes, they filled us in on the details, but I wanted to ask you about the powers you came across. Can you explain them? Mel and Jess had a hard time recalling." He asked.

"Um, okay. The first Mercedes raced ahead of us and blocked the road. I tried to use my air power to push it out of the way but I couldn't. When I use the air I can feel or sense what the air is touching. I wasn't touching the car, there was something surrounding the car and I could get through it. What was that?" I asked.

"I'm not sure. It could be someone like Ellianna who can create some kind of a shield. I'll ask Mr. Taft to look into it. What else?" He asked.

"The next power we ran into was the car being engulfed in flames. Someone didn't throw a fire ball or anything; we were instantly ignited in an orange flame. I kept a tornado of wind swirling around the car. I dropped it once and the flames immediately came back."

"It was an instant orange flame?" He interrupted.

"Yes, is that significant?" I asked.

"Every detail is significant Baby." He smiled and traced the lines of my face. "Sorry to interrupt, please continue."

"There was only one more. It was a sound wave that was bursting our eardrums. I created a wave with the air to counter it. I could only protect us using the air. I was inside the tiny car so I couldn't summon the fire. It was extremely frustrating. I felt so weak not being able to do anything else for us. I'm supposed to be some super warrior and I wasn't feeling very super." I said frustrated.

"You did all this while you were being shot at?" He asked trying to prove a point.

"Yes." I said and rolled my eyes. "Speaking of, what the hell am I supposed to do against guns? Isn't there some secret society hand book somewhere that says they can't use guns?" I complained.

Erik started softly chuckling at me. "I'm proud of you for thinking clearly and quickly to get yourselves out of there, though I should have been with you." He said with a raised eyebrow. Somehow I think this won't be the last time he mentions this. "And if there is some secret handbook then I haven't seen it."

"First, I need to know how to defend against weapons. Second, I'm very sorry you couldn't come with us. A small part of me kept hoping you would catch us sneaking out." I said still amazed we made it all the way out.

"You're planning was impressive." He reluctantly admitted.

"Anything we should have done differently?" I asked. I really don't want to do this again, but if I do then I need to learn to be better at it.

"There are only a few minor things I would have changed." I furrowed my eyebrows at him. Did something I do make this outcome worse? He traced his finger over my wrinkled up little nose. "Nothing would have stopped them from finding you once you landed in London." He assured me.

"Promise?" I asked.

"Promise." He leaned down and kissed me softly again. When he came back up he looked at me intensely. "I replayed the security video a dozen times and read your note at least twenty times. It tore me up to watch you leave and to know that might be the last time I saw you."

"I knew this trip would tear you apart and push your restraint. I'm sorry I had to hurt you. How many of the bruises on your hands are from yesterday?" I asked softly as I traced my fingers over his bloodied knuckles.

He gave me a weak smile. "A few."

"That's what I thought. Is Kevin still alive? Did you kick his ass when he tried to keep you from coming after us?" I asked with a raised eyebrow and gentle smile.

His smile widened. "For not having read my mind you know me too damned well."

"I understand you very well, but in reality I know very little about you." I countered.

"Okay, you understand me well then." He said smiling still not giving me any extra information.

"Someday I'm going to make you tell me about your life apart from me." I said

"I don't have a life apart from you." He said very seriously as his eyes burned into mine. Making me forget how to breathe!

"You have a family." I managed to say as I caught my breath while my stomach did its butterfly flips.

"I will give you that one." He said less than an inch from my mouth. "But you are my life."

"And you are mine." I breathed as I lifted my chin to kiss him. He helped by lowering down to meet my lips with his. His kiss was warm and passionate yet he kept it gentle afraid of hurting me.

He pressed his forehead to mine and traced my lips with his fingers. "How is the party planning going for Saturday?" I asked.

"Good." He answered as he continued to trace my lips.

"Do I get to know what's going to happen at my party?" I asked with a smile.

"No." He answered with his own smile.

I frowned at him. "Why not?"

"It's a surprise. Besides you probably won't be enjoying it very much with your injuries."

"Just keep these drugs going and I'll be fine. Can you answer just one question for me? Are we doing the whole "you're one of us" thing first or later on?"

"First." He answered simply never stopping the tracing of my face with his fingers. I loved his touches.

"How much longer until we're home?" I asked with a small yawn.

He looked at his watch. "Not much longer. We will drop off the protectors first. Melody is going to stay with us again. Ellianna and Arthur are going with Gezabelle today."

"Awkward!" I responded with another yawn and fluttered my eyes a few times before I finally let them stay closed.

"Please try to rest now." He whispered.

I nodded at him with my eyes still closed and sank into the warmth of his gentle touches. I cherished the comfort of his touch and the peace he provided. I slowly drifted off to sleep dreaming of him and his touches.

***

I woke when the rear doors of the ambulance opened. Dr. Templeton, Mr. Tuttle and Erik were preparing to unload the gurney. Erik and Mr. Tuttle moved the doors back out of the way and were waiting for the doctor.

"How are you feeling Sarah?" Dr. Templeton asked as he lifted my bandages to inspect my wounds.

"Okay." I answered as I uncomfortably shifted in the bed from his touches. Okay was as good as I was going to admit to. The painkillers were wearing off and my happy mood was slipping away.

"I'll give you another dose of Morphine when we get upstairs." He said not believing I was fine. He was a smart man and saw right through the tough girl act. He's probably seen it all before. He reached over and unhooked my IV bags from a hook. "Alright gentlemen, we are ready to move her."

Erik and Mr. Tuttle brought the gurney out of the back of the ambulance then guided it over to the front door where I saw Jessica and Melody standing hand in hand. "Are you guys okay?" I asked. I was worried how the last few days were going over for them. Their worlds just turned upside down and I unfortunately understand too well how difficult it can be to sort through your emotions.

They looked at me with identical expressions and rolled their eyes at me. "Stop being ridiculous Sarah. We're fine." said Jessica.

"We've talked. Our parents have a hell of a lot of explaining to do, but we're fine." Melody said with as much attitude as Jessica gave me.

I smiled at them and tried not to laugh. "I love you guys."

The men took me up to my room where they laid me gently in the center of my bed. It was a bit excessive to use both of them to lift me, but I suppose they wanted to keep me flat as possible. Jessica brought the coat tree from downstairs up to my room for the doctor to hang the IV bags from. Dr. Templeton injected Morphine into my IV as he promised and double checked my IV line.

"Alright Sarah you should be feeling better shortly. I will be back this evening to check on you. Please keep your moving to a minimum." Dr. Templeton instructed as he walked out with Mr. Tuttle and Erik.

"Please come, sit and keep me company until the Morphine knocks me out." I asked Melody and Jessica.

They both lay down on either side of me lying on their sides with their heads propped up on their hands. "Okay spill it, tell me what's really going through your minds. This has been information overload for you guys." I said.

They looked at each other, then back to me. "For me, I'm excited and happy. My mom is getting a second chance. She has a lot to work out, but I am very optimistic. I have family. I have cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. Besides Mel, they don't really know me yet and it will be uncomfortable at first but I'm looking forward to it." And Jess was happy. She was beaming and she was talking in her serious tone which she seldom does.

I turned to Mel "And you?"

"Well, I'm very happy Jess is my cousin, but I don't like how I was lied to by my entire family for my whole life. I understand why Aunt Ellianna kept her secrets, but why did my mom erase her from our family. Why didn't my family still talk about her? Why all the secrets? I hate it. I feel betrayed." Melody looked frustrated and angry. She had every right to be.

"I'm sorry Mel. I think you and your mom are going to need a very long conversation. I know you want answers, but I'm glad you get to stay here a little longer." I tried to sound comforting, but I know my words are not going to comfort her. Only the truth will truly comfort her.

"Thanks Sarah. I really want to talk to my mom right now, but I think working things out with Aunt Ellianna is more important right now. And I really don't want to be in the same room with them right now. That conversation would be too intense and uncomfortable to hear."

"Very" Jess agreed.

"We really are okay Sarah. We've done a lot of talking while you were off in la la land. We are mostly sacred for you. I don't think you realize how close you were." Jess said. I noticed she couldn't bring herself to saying it.

"I'm fine. You guys took care of me." I said with a smile.

"No deflecting the conversation." Mel said firmly.

"Okay, but I really do feel fine."

"You feel fine because you're on Morphine." Jess said as she rolled her eyes at me. "Dr. Templeton used four pints of blood on you. It took a while to find all the places the bullet pierced. You are very very very lucky to still be here." She said sternly.

"I know I was lucky. I really do understand that, but I'm alive. You two had a whole lot to do with that. First I was able to hide behind your shielding in the car, second you both changed the bandages and kept pressure on the wounds and lastly, you helped operate on me." I emphasized to them. I was completely confused as to why they were being so stern with me until a small thought occurred to me. "I was scared. I was petrified we weren't going to make it back home. The thing that forced me to hold on was you two. The thought of either of you getting hurt terrified me and it fueled my focus on what needed to get done."

"You really were scared?" Mel asked meekly. Confirming what I really suspected was bothering them.

"Terrified" I assured her. "I kept wishing that Erik and the rest of the protectors would come swooping in and rescue us."

"You're kind of scary when you go into that other persona. You act like you're invincible." Jess added.

"I'm scary?" I asked surprised and they both nodded. "I only focused on what needed to be done. Believe me I don't think I am invincible. I tried to ignore what was happening to me so I could save you. I would sacrifice myself to protect you. That's who I am." I said trying to explain in a way they would understand.

"I don't want you to sacrifice yourself." Mel said sadly.

"Neither do I!" Jess added just as sadly.

"How about I promise to be better prepared next time so it won't have to get down to sacrificing?" I said lightly.

They rolled their eyes at me again. "I've seen how you prepare. You're going to get killed in your training before there is a next time." Jess said sourly.

"I agree that in hand to hand combat I am mostly out matched and I get beat to hell. But if we get to learn how to use our powers better, then I can kick some butt." I said.

"What the hell is the point of hand to hand training anyway when all we've seen is powers and guns?" Jessica asked clearly as annoyed as I am by that fact.

"I agree with you. I was greatly unprepared." I was still frustrated by that and it was laced in every word.

"As usual I am the last one to know, so please explain this training crap." Mel complained with a touch of anger thrown in. She has had enough of being left in the dark all the time and I think her patience was gone.

"Remember Sarah's so-called car accident?" Jess asked. Mel nodded. "That was Mr. Thompson kicking her across the ring and knocking her out." Jessica said angrily. Mel sucked in a quick breath and her face was that of pure shock as she stared down at me.

"We were sparing and he misjudged how close he was to me." I defended him

"He used you to prove a point and you know it." Jessica argued back.

I couldn't argue that point. She was right. "Yes, he used me to set an example. I beat the cocky little protector because he underestimated me, so Mr. Thompson used me to prove a point."

"You were already beat up from your first fight. No one else had to fight twice." Jessica argued.

"I know, but I proved to be a great lesson." I said dryly.

"Please explain more, I'm having a hard time following." Mel said. I sighed in frustration.

"Sarah is being sent to the school for the protectors and she has to train with them in this big outdoor arena. Think Roman Coliseum on a small scale type thing. The first night there they form a circle and Mr. Thompson calls out two names at a time. Those two people go to the center of the circle and beat the hell out of each other until one person concedes or is knocked out. Sarah won her match by choking the guy out. Mr. Thompson gets all angry about them letting a "little girl" win. He says there is no excuse to not break free. So he forces Sarah to fight him. It was brutal. He did a surprise sweeping kick that hit her in the temple. She went flying through the air and it knocked her out." Jess explained clearly still pissed off. I was still mad about it, but I better understood it.

"Holy shit!" Mel said appalled.

"Welcome to my training and preparing to be a warrior. No one said it was going to be easy or nice. He didn't mean to hurt me. He misjudged how close I was to him. He thought he would pin me in the first few seconds like he normally does. He didn't expect me to break free and keep fighting. You both know I don't like to lose and I refused to concede to him. As much as it hurts and it hurts like hell; the sparring is needed. It's how you learn to fight." I explained the best way I knew how.

"I don't like it. I hate watching men twice your size throwing punches at you." Jess said.

"I know you don't. You don't have to come and watch me if you don't want to." I said a little sadly. I understood why it would be so hard for her to sit and watch. I certainly wouldn't be able to sit and watch someone hit her. But I liked having a cheering section.

"How am I supposed to keep them from going too far if I'm not there?" she asked with a small smile.

"Would they let me come and watch?" Mel asked.

"If they let Jess come I don't see why you couldn't come unless you're mom forbids it."

"I'm not going to give her the choice." Mel stated.

I raised my eyebrows at her. Mel being rebellious was a new thing, but a very understandable new approach to life.

There was a light knock at my opened door and we looked at the doorway. "Charlotte has prepared lunch for all of us." Erik said as he looked over at me while he held a trey. "Sarah, I have some water, apple juice and broth for you if you would like."

My stomach growled when I reminded myself how long it had been since I ate. "I would like to try to eat." I replied.

"We'll be back to check on you later Sarah." Jess said as she squeezed my hand.

"Get some rest Sarah." Mel said as she joined Jessica by the door.

"Go enjoy your lunch and think of me when you get to eat Charlotte's desert!"

They smiled at me before they left to go downstairs. Erik brought the trey over and sat it beside me. He sat on the bed next to me so he could face me. I watched as he grabbed a cloth napkin and laid it over me. I smiled at him.

"Planning on me making a mess huh?" I asked.

"No, I'm planning on me making a mess as I feed you." He said with his own smile as he looked up at me.

I looked over the trey and wrinkled my nose. "Clear liquids?" I asked.

"Yes, you need time to heal. Want to start with the water?" he asked.

I nodded as he held up a glass with a straw for me. I sipped slowly on the water soothing my dry throat. This was a very boring and depressing lunch. "Charlotte better not make her chocolate cake while I'm stuck on this diet." I warned him.

He laughed at me. "I'll mention it to her. Do you want warm broth or cold juice?"

"Juice please." I said with a big yawn. He handed me the apple juice to sip.

"You managed to stay awake longer than I thought you would." He stated while he watched me sip my juice.

"I needed to make sure they were okay."

"Are they?" he asked.

"I think so. Jessica is optimistic and Melody is beyond pissed off at her mom. It will take time for things to work themselves out, but Gezabelle better start providing answers to Melody." I explained.

"Are they okay with what happened in England?"

"With what happened, yes but they were freaked out by my reaction. They said I looked scary when I focused on getting us out of their alive. Am I really scary?" I pouted.

"You are strong and determined. You will do anything to protect people you love. It may be hard for them to see you willing to die for them." He said gently. He was a protector and he understood this better than anyone.

"Yeah, they got upset about that." I sighed. "What am I supposed to do about it? I'm not going to sit back and watch them die. I wouldn't change anything I did to get us out of there."

"This isn't something you need to fix Baby. This is something they need to learn to accept." He said gently as he held my hand.

I gave him a small smile. "Thanks." I needed to hear that. I needed to know I did something right.

"You're welcome." He took my empty juice glass from me and placed it on the trey. "Now you need to get some rest."

"Yes sir." I said with a wink.

He chuckled at me and took my hand in his. "I love you Sarah. We'll talk later!" Yes, we still have much to discuss. He wasn't going to let me go tromping around the world without him again.

"I love you too."

I slept on and off for the rest of Thursday and Friday. I blamed the painkillers for making me sleep so much. They were a magic little button and worked better than most sleep inducing drugs plus they provided for wild and colorful dreams. Thursday night I was released to do a small amount of walking around my room. Walking to and from my bathroom was more than enough exercise. The doctor removed my IV on Friday morning so I could move around more easily without the needle tugging at my hand or need someone to carry the IV when I walked.

Jessica and Mel kept me company when I was awake. Jessica was learning about her new found family and they shared many stories both happy ones and sad ones. Melody helped Jessica finish her room makeover since we left in the middle of the project. I spent a while on Friday afternoon sitting in Jessica's room watching them work and enjoyed not being alone in my room. Her room was very purple, floral, frilly and feminine. It represented her soft vulnerable side very well; the side she tended to hide and protect behind her wild and crazy self. I loved her room. It wasn't my taste, but it was pretty.

Erik always brought me my food and we enjoyed our alone time together. I played fifty questions during this time trying to guess what surprise he had in store for us on Saturday during the party. He wouldn't give me a single hint. Hardly fair! He was enjoying the secret surprise entirely too much.

Thankfully on Saturday I was able to move around without too much discomfort. I had downgraded my pain medicine to a form of codeine. I was more the speed of a tortoise than a rabbit but I could move around without help. Erik and Kevin kept us girls upstairs in our rooms during the day on Saturday. They were excited about today, more than I was. It was driving me crazy. I wanted to know what they were up to!

At noon they brought us up our lunch to my room and our first and only hint. They brought a garment bag for each of us.

"These are for the party. Please wear these for us. We will be back to get you at 3pm." Erik said with a huge smile.

"What are you up to?" I asked again. His smile got wider and he shook his head before closing the door behind them.

We all opened our garment bags and found long formal dresses. I pulled my dress out and immediately recognized it. "Oh my God, this is the dress I designed." I exclaimed while I pulled out the dark sapphire floor length gown. It was exquisite. The beading detail along the plunging neckline was more detailed than I imagined. The whole dress was better than I pictured. It was gorgeous and it seemed surreal to have something I imagined come to life in a perfect copy.

"You designed a dress?" Jessica asked as she held up a dark crimson red gown with a sweetheart neckline and straight skirt with a thigh high slit.

"Yes, when I was stuck on a long limo ride, Gezabelle handed me a sketch pad to pass the time. This is the dress I drew." I said as I turned the back to see the almost non-existent back. No way of hiding my mark in this dress which is probably part of the plan!

Melody had slipped on her teal green dress that had a halter style top that criss crossed in the back and was spinning in front of the floor mirror. "Did my mom make these? How did they know what would fit?" she asked.

"She had to make at least this one. You're mom has my measurements but somehow I think they just knew what would look good on us." I said. Erik always knew what looked good on me.

"This is a formal party?" Jess asked as she tried on her snug dress that hugged every curve. She looked sexy as hell.

"I guess it is now." I said.

"I can't believe how well it fits." She said as she joined Mel in front of the mirror. She fussed with her hair a little until she found something she liked.

"It's going to take me a while to get cleaned up, so I better head to the bathroom now. Are you guys going to help me with my hair? Pretty please with a cherry on top!" I pleaded.

Mel and Jess laughed at me and agreed to do my hair and makeup for me. They took their dresses down to Jessica's room and left me to my slow poke sponge bath. I've had too much experience in sponge baths and had a pretty good routine down. It's pretty sad when you have a routine created for sponge baths. My life is so not normal!

After I was squeaky clean and smooth again I started to get dressed. This was a braless style dress so I only put on a pair of panties before slipping on the dress. The front and back plunged too deeply for a bra to be worn. The bodice of the dress was form fitting and lined well. I've never gone braless before and I felt very exposed. I put on nude thigh high hosiery and my nude colored heals. I spun in my mirror a few times. I put on my mother's diamond earrings and necklace before I went down the hall to Jessica's room.

Mel and Jess were sitting in their lingerie and working on their hair. Jess was wearing hers swept up in a low loose chignon. Mel was wearing hers down with lots of spiral curls.

"Holy crap Sarah, that's some cleavage!" Mel exclaimed when she saw me.

"It's so not fair." Jess pouted.

I blushed and tried to cover myself. "Is it too much?" I asked sheepishly.

"Hell no, if I had it I would flaunt it!" Jess replied.

"I hope everything stays in place. I feel very exposed in this dress." I said while I fussed with the neckline of the dress.

"You need to wear your hair up to show off the back of the dress and your mark." Mel added.

"No hiding the mark in this dress!" I said. The ancestors were right of course. I was growing more used to the mark. I accepted it as part of me and a small part of me wore it proudly as a symbol representing everything I have survived. Tonight will be the first night that I openly display it. I was nervous, frightened and happy to show it off.

When Mel finished her hair and makeup she started in on my hair. She formed big chunky curls then loosely swept the big loops softly back off my face and pinned them up with pretty pins. Jessica came over after she was finished getting ready and started working her magic on my makeup. Her first order of business was removing the large gauze bandage cover on my shoulder wound and replaced it with a large Band-Aid. It covered my small wound perfectly and barely showed under my dress. Jess gave me dark smokey eyes and a very soft sheer rose lip color.

It didn't seem to take them very long at all. We were all standing in Jess's bathroom when there was a knock at the door promptly at 3pm. We walked out to her room and called for them to open.

Erik opened the door and his face lit up when he looked at us. He glanced over Jess and Mel but his eyes stayed fixed on me as he took in every little inch of me. I blushed from his expression. Behind Erik were Kevin and Tony. All three of them were wearing tuxes.

"You're protectors are here to escort you downstairs." Erik said with a very graceful bow. "You ladies look beautiful this evening."

"Thank you." We replied in unison. The three of us still stood a little stunned as we took in their tuxes and the formality of everything.

Erik walked over and held his arm out for me. I slipped my arm around his and he led us back out the door. Jessica took Kevin's arm and Melody took Tony's arm as they followed us around the upper hallway until we came to the top of the stairs.

Downstairs the foyer, hallway and both sitting rooms were full of people. Everyone was dressed in formal attire. The Elders and Elder's Council were standing in the foyer at the bottom of the stairs. Ellianna and Arthur were standing with them. Most of them were holding Champaign glasses. I recognized most of the protectors I train with mingling through the crowd. I noticed a few waiters flowing through the crowd with silver treys filled with drinks and hors d' oeuvres.

I was surprised how many of the teenagers that I did not recognize. Mel was right! I'm very blind when it comes to people at school. Slowly the crowd noticed us and the house grew quiet. Erik started walking us down the stairs and I noticed Derrick's face appear from the north sitting room doorway. I gave him a big smile as our eyes met. I promised a big surprise tonight and he was not going to be disappointed. His face was eager and his whole body was buzzing with energy. I also did not miss his expression when his eyes caught Jessica over my left shoulder. I shook my head at him and he gave me a weak embarrassed look.

Erik stopped us at the bottom of the stairs to address the crowd. "Welcome to our party this evening. For some of you, you are probably wondering why you were invited. As you look around yourselves, I'm sure you recognize many of the faces standing next to you. Tonight is a celebration, a celebration of a family, of a people that has existed for thousands of years. And tonight you will learn about your true self, your true path in this life. Please follow us and everything will be explained."

Erik escorted me to the secret door within the study then carried me down the stone steps. When we got to the chambers he carried me over to the circle platform and set me on top of it. I was grinning from ear to ear. He winked at me and we exchanged an unspoken moment as we looked at each other. Tonight would change everything. He stood back behind me along the wall.

Tony and Kevin escorted Mel and Jess to stand by Erik in the front row of seats. The Elder's and their council came in next. Gezabelle, Charles, Caroline and Joseph stood in a circle around me. They were going to remake the ring that allowed everyone to see the spirits.

"Thank you Gezabelle, it's perfect." I said referring to the dress as she stood in front of me.

"It was a nice design and begged to be made. It looks lovely on you." She replied with a warm smile.

Derrick managed to get a seat front and center. He was studying everything and did not miss a single thing. He knew how significant it was for me to be in the very center of the platform with the Elders circling me.

When the room was filled with many new faces and their voices dropped to whispers I turned my head to Mr. Taft who was standing at the podium in front of me. We nodded to each other, then I turned my back to the crowd. My mark was visible for all to see. I kept my face on Erik's and he was still smiling at me.

Tonight Mr. Taft kept it simple.

"Light shone from the heavens,
and from that radiance there came bolts of lightning;
An army of men, but one girl rode ahead,
White-skin ablaze under her helmet,
The enemies were trembling, from her approach,
The Sword of Truth blazed in her hands.
A thousand would die to save only one."

He paused then continued. "She is called the Bellatrix, a warrior to protect our people and seek the truth. She wields fire and air doing the ancestors bidding. Gezabelle, Charles, Caroline and Joseph join together. Sarah, call the ancestors."

I turned back around and nodded to Mr. Taft. I looked at Derrick as I summoned the air. His face looked smug like he already guessed that one. Then I summoned the fire and watched his face go to shock when he watched the brilliant blue flame dance around me. I smiled back at him then sang out and summoned the ancestors.

"With Eagles wings and childhood dreams we'll fly as one.
I'll give you flight and share my world when we join as one.
Take my hand, I'll take your lead.
With fire and truth, let my heart burn with your will.
I'll give you my voice as you give me your strength."

A wind swept through the room and the flame on the torches flickered. The ancestors were calmer this afternoon and did not storm into the room. They flowed like a stream through the walls into the room. A few of the teenagers screamed but they quickly grew silent as everyone else watched the ancestors in awe. One of them approached me and stepped into me. I released my mind and stepped away into a corner of my mind for them.

"Welcome young fledglings to your first council meeting. Tonight many things change for you. Normally each of you will start exhibiting a power on your eighteenth birthday then slowly learn how to control your power when, on your nineteenth birthday you would be granted your full power and welcomed into our society. Your powers are normally directly dependent on the powers that your parents have. Tonight each fledgling will be assigned a protector if they do not already have one. The protector will guide them in the ways of our society and teach you the rules but most importantly how to control your powers."

"Our people are under attack as some of you already know. There is a war coming. No fledgling is allowed out of their homes without their protector present. We have already lost three fledglings before they were able to return home. We do not want to lose anymore. You may speak with your parents about the rules of our society but consider your protector the police."

"Elders, this group of fledglings will be formally taught our history. They are to meet at the House of Knowledge and taught. Teach them about our enemies and how we may defeat them once again. Learn how to combine your powers to form new more powerful powers."

"Protectors, you are to teach your fledglings how to control their powers and every fledgling is to learn basic self defense and fighting skill ."

"Starting today every person in this room has a single purpose and that is to protect and save our people from annihilation. Our enemy has been our enemy for over a thousand years. Their power grows from a darkness that wishes to destroy us."

"Elders, we apologize for not warning you sooner, but we cannot wait a year or longer for this group of fledglings to be ready. They will need more answers than what you are accustomed to giving. As of today, these fledglings are full members of our society and will wield their full powers. Each fledgling is being given a very unique power that is not one of their parent's powers. We need our people ready to defend ourselves."

"Fledglings, you are to protect and serve your people with your lives. Our secrecy is our number one rule. Normal humans must never know we exist or we have special powers. Except these gifts and use them wisely for they can be taken away just as quickly as they are being given."

My arms rose to the sky and electricity ripped through me and joined me with every fledgling in the room by blue electric currents. The room filled with screams as the fledglings fell to their knees including myself as we felt the full force of the change. Brilliant white pillars of light shown above each of us and then I heard a whisper in my head. "You are granted the ability to silently communicate with our people. You can hear them and they can hear you." When the voice left, the light burned out and the electricity dissipated.

Erik helped me back to my feet. "Thank you." I said to him in my mind.

He looked at me startled then said, "You're welcome" in his own mind. Our faces lit up as we tested my new ability,

"The changes are completed. Please begin their training. We will leave you now." The ancestors said. The ancestors left me and they faded back into the walls. When they left the room Gezabelle, Charles, Caroline and Joseph released their circles.

Gezabelle went over to Melody and Jessica and Charles went over to Derrick. The room erupted into chaos as soon as the ancestors left. Mr. Taft banged a gavel on the podium getting the rooms attention. It took him several loud blows to get the room to quiet down.

"People, please be calm. The ancestors have surprised us all this evening. There will be time to discuss everything soon. Erik, can you bring us paper and a pen." Erik ran quickly up the stairs to the study to fetch paper and a pen. "Now, let's be orderly about this. Do the fledglings know what powers they were granted?"

There were many nods and verbal yes's in the crowd. "Good, as I call your name please come up to the podium and tell us what your power is. If you do not have a protector yet we will point out your assigned protector then you and your protector may be excused back upstairs to enjoy the rest of the party. The council will remain down here where we can discuss tonight's events."

He looked at the other Elders and they all gave him short nods of agreement. Erik handed Mr. Taft the pad of paper and pen.

"First up, Derrick Thornton." I watched Derrick walk up to the podium grinning from ear to ear. "Alright Mr. Thornton what is your power."

Derrick looked up at me and faded into a ghostly shapeless shadow. "Holy crap!" Melody exclaimed from behind me.

I laughed. "A power to help you more easily eavesdrop, how fitting?" I joked. Derrick roared out in laughter as he reappeared in solid form again.

Derrick and his protector, Tyson, left the room and headed back upstairs.

"Christopher Taylor" Mr. Taft called unfazed by Derrick's show. I watched as Melody's crush walked forward.

"Um, I'm super fast." He said barely above a whisper. The poor guy was painfully shy.

"Very well. Your protector is Adrian Tower." I watched as the two young men left the room together.

"Melody Trinity" Mr. Taft called.

Melody walked by me and gave me a wink. "I amplify other's powers and I can mimic their powers when I'm standing next to them."

"Sweet." I said. Melody smiled at me.

"Melody, Tony will be your protector."

"Cool!" Mel replied and went back over to Tony. She wanted to wait for Jessica.

"Jessica Stanley." Mr. Taft called.

Jess walked to Mr. Taft in almost a skip. She was so excited. "I'm a healer." she squealed. She walked over to me and laid her hands over my two wounds. Her hands glowed in pure white light as heat radiated out from her hands. Her touch grew extremely hot before she let go of me.

I pulled my sleeve out of the way and tore off my Band Aid. Erik was standing beside me as we watched the wound slowly heal into smooth flawless skin. I hugged her and squeezed her hard. "That's a perfect power for you."

"I know!" She went back over to Kevin and they both left the room.

"Sarah Townsend." Mr. Taft called.

"A form of telepathy that is limited to our society. I can communicate silently. They can hear me and I can hear them." I explained. I walked over to Erik and we started up the stairs together. I felt fantastic.

"Jason Tungstel" I heard Mr. Taft call from behind us.

"I feel fan-freaking-tastic." I told Erik.

"I'm thrilled for you, for all of you. Maybe now you will enjoy the rest of your surprise."

"I'm really going to love this silent communication." I was ecstatic about everyone's powers and my new power. I couldn't wait to start playing and testing their limits.

"You're going to torment me in public aren't you?" He gave me an evil eye but its effect was lost with his wicked grin.

"You bet." I replied and burst into laughter.

"I love to hear you laugh." He said aloud.

"Today is a great day. I'm surrounded by people I love and we are all part of the same big family."

I was practically sprinting when we met up with Derrick, Christopher, Jess, and Mel along with their protectors Tyson, Adrian, Kevin and Tony. They were waiting for us in the north sitting room.

"Sarah!" Mel and Jess exclaimed as they came over and tackled me. We were all laughing.

"This is so cool!" Jess said.

"Hey did you know about this?" Mel asked.

"Yes and I was dying to tell you. No one knew, well except for Erik. I told him a few days ago." I was so excited and happy for all of them.

"Sarah, you told me something big was going to happen and you did not disappoint. Oh and this power is so much cooler than what I was supposed to get!" Derrick said as he faded out into a creepy gray mist.

"That is so cool. Hey Mel, join hands with Derrick and mimic his power." I said.

"Let me try."

Derrick faded back into a solid form and held Melody's hand. Derrick faded first then a few seconds later Melody faded out as well. This time I could barely detect them. Melody had amplified Derrick's power to the point of practically being invisible.

"That is so freaking cool." Jess said. "Can you throw fire balls like Sarah or become a shield like my mom?"

Melody and Derrick faded back to solid form. "I assume so." Melody shrugged.

"My fire is pretty dangerous, so let's wait to explore that one in a much safer environment." I interrupted before they got some crazy idea.

"Chris, how fast are you now? Is it just running or is it your arms as well?" Melody asked. I was impressed she spoke to him.

He looked a little surprise that he was brought into the conversation. He seemed to wilt a little when we all turned to him. "Um, all movements are fast."

"Go to the kitchen and bring me a glass of water." I said with a grin.

His nerves calmed a little and he grinned back. "Okay." He left a trail of wind blowing behind him and two seconds later he was standing next to me with a glass of water.

"Nice!" Derrick said and gave Chris a high five.

"Well, if I may interrupt your conversation there is a party that needs to begin." Erik said. We looked at him confused. He smiled at us. "Please follow us out to the gym."

"I love your surprises!" I sent him Erik as I took his hand.

"I hope it doesn't disappoint you Baby." Erik replied back in our mind link as we walked out to the gym.

We opened the doors and my mouth dropped open. It was a dance! My first dance! There were colored lights bouncing off shinny disco balls casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the floors. There were over a thousand strands of ribbon hanging from the ceiling and attached to each ribbon were shiny silver metallic circles in random sizes ranging from two to six inches in diameter. The walls were draped in white fabric curtains which conveniently hid the ugly weight room and gym walls. The white curtains were backlit with blue lights creating a soft glow of light around the room.

Scattered around the outer edges of the gym were round tables covered in royal blue table cloths surrounded by white fabric covered chairs. Every table had a large white pillar candle surrounded by white roses.

The wall next to the door was filled with pastries, chocolates, hors d' oeuvres, and two different types of punch. The far wall had a stage where a DJ was set up and already playing music. It also looked like a karaoke system was set up on the stage as well.

"It's perfect!" I said out loud.

"Wow, Mr. Thompson, you did a good job." Melody added. I watched as several more teenager and protector pairs walked through the door.

"Thank you Melody." Erik turned towards the growing crowd. "This party is for all of you. It is to welcome you into our society. Normally there is a celebration on your nineteenth birthday, but things are a little different this time. The council will be busy for quite a while so enjoy yourselves. Protectors, you may enjoy the party as well."

I watched as several of the protectors relaxed their rigid postures and slowly gravitate towards each other. Tonight was a surprise for them as well.

"Are you going to stay and dance with us?" I asked.

He smiled at me. "Later, I have a few more things I need to attend to." I was a little disappointed and he knew it. "Save me a dance." he added.

"I promise." I said.

He excused himself and left the gym. The other protectors were already crowded around the food table talking and joking around.

"So, you and Mr. Thompson?" asked Derrick with a raised eyebrow.

My smile grew huge. "Yes, it's complicated and it's not up for discussion." I replied.

"Fair enough, come on let's get the party started." He grabbed mine and Melody's hands and dragged us towards the dance floor. I grabbed Jess's hand and Mel grabbed Chris's hand.

"Bold move! I'm proud of you Mel." I sent her. She blushed and looked up at me.

"I know. I'm tired of not living life to the fullest."

"Jess is rubbing off on you! It looks good on you."

"Thanks!" she beamed a smile at me and I winked in response. This silent communication was very handy.

When the five of us started dancing as a group the protectors stopped eating and turned to watch us. It was slightly embarrassing being the only five dancing and having so many eyes on us. We started grabbing other teenager's hands pulling them out to dance with us. Most came willing but some had to be dragged out to the floor. We may not know each other at school but here we were part of the same family. Popularity did not play a role here. Soon the dance floor was packed with jumping, bouncing, sweating and gyrating teenagers. We weren't dancing with anyone in particular. We were one solid mass of people moving and pulsating to the pounding rhythm.

We let our normal rigid walls down that guarded us from each other and divided us into our school clicks. We were becoming one cohesive group. The powers that could be played with were being safely tested. Derrick faded in and out. Chris moved at lightening speeds as he danced. A boy named Sean was flying around the room. I saw a girl named Rose touch people and transform her appearance to look like the other person. Then she tried to dance like them. I watched as Melody raced over to her and mimicked her powers. When they both touched the same person we saw triplets dancing in unison.

There were twenty six of us in total and Janice was not one of us. I recognized a little over half of them from school. We exchanged names while we danced and weaved through the crowd. I found out the rest of them lived in nearby towns. Jessica was the only one from outside the country who made it back here.

After everyone was good and hot, the DJ slowed things up a bit by starting karaoke. I quickly went to the food table to hide. It would be too embarrassing to sing in front of these guys and other people need to enjoy themselves.

"Hiding?" Kevin asked from behind me.

I startled and turned around. "What?" I asked with my mouth full of food.

"Trying to hide by coming back here?" he asked.

I laughed at him. "Kind of" I replied.

"Why do you hide when you're the best singer here?"

"Not the best. Derrick is as good as I am. Besides it is too embarrassing." I shrugged while I grabbed a chocolate covered strawberry.

"This makes you nervous?" he said as he gestured around the room.

"It's complicated." I said.

"I've heard that before." He laughed.

I grabbed a drink and went over to sit at an empty table. Kevin followed me and sat down next to me.

I looked at him for a minute. "Are you sure you're not a shrink?"

He laughed even harder. "Not really, but I see you're good at changing the subject."

"Yes, but I'm sure Erik has mentioned that." I said with my own smile.

"He has, so why is this embarrassing for you. You know everyone here."

"That's why it's embarrassing. Give me strangers or family any day. This..." I said gesturing around the room. "This gives me butterflies."

He shook his head at me.

"What?" I asked with my eyes narrowed at him.

"You have very little trust in people. If you're going to lead these people you're going to have to learn to trust them." Kevin pointed out.

I was shocked and sat there frozen for a minute just looking at him. I trusted three people and each of them in varying degrees. "First, I don't trust people very easily. People don't prove themselves to be very trust worthy. Second, what do you mean lead people? I am a vessel for the ancestors. I'm not a leader. Third, do they teach protectors how to psychoanalyze us?"

He smiled at me again. "You were born a leader. You demonstrate it every day and no it is not a class."

"You two come by it naturally?" I asked avoiding the leader topic.

"Something like that." He smiled.

I rolled my eyes at him. "So what is Erik up to tonight?" I asked him changing the subject off me.

His smile grew wider. "If I told you he would kill me."

"Are you ever going to have another girl charge after Jess?" I giggled changing the subject again.

"That girl is a handful." His voice hardened.

"Yes, but I did warn you."

"You did." He conceded and nodded at me. "I just couldn't imagine anything like her. She is beyond stubborn."

"Like me." I said with a huge smile.

He looked at me puzzled. "But you do what you are supposed to do even if you don't like it. She flat out refuses."

"Well, I always do what is right, not what I'm told. I don't care that Erik is twice my size I'm not going to do something just because he tells me to do it. We've had many arguments when he tries to pull that crap."

He looked at me studying me again. "Yes, I've heard a few stories." He said slowly. He paused before he continued. "You've broken through to him. I never thought anyone would ever get to him."

"What do you mean? He's had to have had girlfriends after Rebecca."

"Nothing serious. He wouldn't let anyone in." he replied

"That sounds familiar." I replied dryly.

"Yes, you two are very much alike. You have hot tempers but love each other unconditionally. You don't judge him and you are incredibly understanding!"

"You sound surprised." I said.

"I am. I heard the stories about you but I guess part of me couldn't believe that someone could love another person as unconditionally as you do. He's pushed you away multiple times, but you won't give up on him. You even forgave him for the Rebecca incident. He's physically hurt you during a sparring match and even then you understood it and never held it against him."

I paused for a minute before I explained. "I know him and I understand him. He didn't mean to hurt me. He'd rather die than to see me hurt. He pushed me away when he needed to focus on my safety but he never stopped loving me. I could still see it in his eyes. He pushed me away again when they ordered him to and it tore me apart. But I knew he still loved me. I saw the pain behind his façade. I knew he needed the space but I didn't know why he needed the space. I would rather die of a broken heart than to make any of this more difficult for him."

"I've seen many married couples never have what you two have."

"Is this were the best friend gives his approval for the girlfriend?" I asked with a smile.

"Something like that." He smiled. "Does Jess approve of you two?" he asked.

My face fell. "I don't know if she will ever get over the sparring event. She's still really upset about that. I tried explaining it to her, but I think it is too close to her accident."

"Well I don't think Erik will ever forgive himself for that event either. What happened to Jessica?" he asked seriously

"Erik never told you? I practically lost control when it happened." I was surprised Erik would not have said something.

"He didn't tell me anything."

"Let me better explain Jessica to you. Jess is all talk and likes to fool around, but she will never let a guy get too serious. It's all a game for her. She wants to be loved, but she will never let herself fall in love." I stopped for a minute. "She had a college age boy toy that was after one thing. It was moving way too fast and she didn't really see it. She really liked him. When he tried to take their physical relationship to the next level she told him no and tried to get out of his car but it turned violent. He tried to rape her. He beat her really bad and her clothes were torn off, but she was able to get free. I almost completely lost it and wanted to kill him when I saw her. She left school for over a week and talked to a counselor. She jokes about boy toys, but she hasn't had a real boyfriend since then. She's gone out on a few dates but nothing more. I think her trip to New York was to test you, not to hook up with anyone." I added.

He sat there watching Jessica dance around the dance floor moving around from guy to guy. She was keeping it safe even here. She was having fun. "Thank you. I understand now. She wants to be the center of attention but she won't take any of them serious." He said as he nodded to the dance floor.

"Exactly, she moves from person to person and never stops long enough to give any of them a chance. It's part of her game. She falsely believes attention is a form of love." I added. He nodded and his face softened as he watched her dance around the room. He finally understood her. Maybe they could find some kind of friendship now.

We sat for a while watching Stephanie, another girl from choir, and Melody sing Karaoke together. They were singing the classic "I will survive." Derrick and Jess were dancing along to their song and cheering them on. Everyone was having a great time.

"I challenge you to sing Karaoke Sarah. I pick your song and you pick my song. You don't sing then I win." Kevin said out of the blue.

"That's low. You know I hate to lose."

"Oh, I'm aware how far you will go to win." He said clearly amused.

I cringed and covered my face as it turned three shades of red. "Can we pretend that never happened?"

He laughed. "Sure, I can pretend. Are you going to go sing? I can't carry a tune so if I'm willing to go make a fool of myself then you should be able to sing in front of friends."

I glared at him and he kept laughing. "This is blackmail. Fine, you first."

"Don't TRUST me to sing?" he eyed me.

I smiled at him and shrugged.

"What am I singing?" he asked.

"Give me a minute to think." I held up a finger to him and sat there thinking of a good song for him. I wanted to embarrass him, but not be too mean. He is Erik's friend and he is a nice guy. "Okay, sing "Lean on Me"."

"I can do that one." Kevin said and walked up towards the front of the stage. I followed him and joined Jessica, Melody and Derrick.

The DJ started the music.

"Be kind, I can't sing. Oh and Sarah picked the song." Kevin said before he was about to sing.

Sometimes in our lives, we all have pain, we all have sorrow.
But if we are wise, we know that there's always tomorrow.

Lean on me, when you're not strong and I'll be your friend.
I'll help you carry on, for it won't be long 'til I'm gonna' need somebody to lean on.

Please swallow your pride, if I have things you need to borrow.
For no one can fill those needs that you won't let show.

"Come on you know the words sing along." He encouraged. The other protectors gathered up around the stage and they all started singing along. What the hell. I started singing along as well.

You just call on me brother when you need a hand.
We all need somebody to lean on.
I just might have a problem that you'll understand.
We all need somebody to lean on.

Lean on me when you're not strong, and I'll be your friend.
I'll help you carry on, for it won't be long 'til I'm gonna' need somebody to lean on.

Behind me Erik showed up and was laughing when he saw Kevin singing. "It's a bet. He said he would sing if I would. I got to pick his song." I whispered in his ear.

"Nervous about the crowd?" Erik asked. See he understood. I nodded and smiled wide at him.

You just call on me brother if you need a friend.
We all need somebody to lean on.
I just might have a problem that you'll understand.
We all need somebody to lean on.

When the song was over all the protectors cheered and whistled for Kevin then he jumped off the stage and came over to Erik and me.

"Alright, I made a fool of myself. Your turn!" Kevin said.

"Fine. I still say this is blackmail. What am I singing?" I asked.

Kevin turned and looked at Erik and with a huge smirk he said. "Son of a preacher man."

"Cute." Erik replied sourly.

"What am I missing?" I asked.

Kevin burst out laughing and Erik looked at him like he wanted to knock him alongside the head. "Nothing." Erik mumbled.

"I don't believe you, but I'll go sing now."

The little cheering squad was yelling and whistling for me as I went up on stage and gave the DJ the song. Unfortunately the DJ had the song. If I were going to sing this song then I was really going to sing it and get into it. When the music started I winked at Jess. She loved this song. I sang it as bluesy and full of soul as I could get.

I was completely out of breath when I finished but everyone whistled and cheered for me. I jumped off the stage and joined everyone else. Kevin was smug and Erik was beaming at me even though his face did look a little red.

"My turn." Derrick said and jumped on the stage.

Derrick started singing "Satisfaction" by the Rolling Stones and it was too perfect. The whole crowd went nuts and sang along with him.

"Sarah, please come do our Barbie Girl song together." Jess begged.

My mouth fell open. "Here? The whole routine thing?"

"Yes, come on it will be fun." She was tugging at my hand. I looked at Erik and Kevin my face was pleading for them to step in.

"Well this should be entertaining." Kevin said.

"I'm starting to not like you." I said and stuck my tongue out at him. Erik and Kevin laughed at me so I scrunched up my nose at them. "It will be your fault if I die from humiliation."

When Derrick's song was done Jess literally dragged me on stage while she asked for Barbie Girl by Aqua. We made fun of this song all the time, so we made up a little skit that went along with it. It was a catchy beat and was fun to dance to it. Jess sang Ken's words and I sang Barbie's words but we sang together on the chorus.

"Before we start, this is Jessica's idea." I said.

Jess stuck her tongue out at me. "But she loves me."

I was already turning red from embarrassment.

(Jess)
Hi Barbie

(Me)
Hi Ken!

(Jess)
Do you wanna go for a ride?

(Me)
Sure Ken!

(Jess)
Jump In...

(Me)
I'm a Barbie girl, in the Barbie world
Life in plastic, it's fantastic!
you can brush my hair, undress me everywhere

Jess pretended to brush my hair then rip my dress open and I raised my hand to my mouth in an exaggerated surprise look. The audience roared laughing.

(Me)
Imagination, life is your creation

(Jess)
Come on Barbie, let's go party!

Jess gave me a big "come over here" sign with her whole arm.

(Me)
I'm a barbie girl, in the barbie world
Life in plastic, it's fantastic!
you can brush my hair, undress me everywhere

Jess moved my skirt back and exposed a whole lot of thigh then I gave another overly fake surprised look.

Imagination, life is your creation
I'm a blond bimbo girl, in the fantasy world
Dress me up, make it tight, I'm your dolly

She pretended to zip up my dress and I sucked in my stomach in exaggeration.

(Jess)
You're my doll, rock'n'roll, feel the glamor in pink,
kiss me here, touch me there, hanky panky...

Jess kissed my cheek then ran her hand seductively down my side and gave her own over acted surprise look.

(Me)
You can touch, you can play, if you say: "I'm always yours"

I batted my eyes at Jess. Jess raised her eyebrows and grinned huge.

(Me)
(uu-oooh-u)

I'm a barbie girl, in the barbie world
Life in plastic, it's fantastic!
you can brush my hair, undress me everywhere
Imagination, life is your creation

Come on Barbie, let's go party! (Jess)
(Ah-ah-ah-yeah)
Come on Barbie, let's go party! (Jess)
(uu-oooh-u)
Come on Barbie, let's go party! (Jess)
(Ah-ah-ah-yeah)
Come on Barbie, let's go party! (Jess)
(uu-oooh-u)

(Me)
Make me walk, make me talk, do whatever you please
I can act like a star, I can beg on my knees

I dropped to my knees and brought my hands up into a prayer position. If they weren't whistling before they sure were now.

(Jess)
Come jump in, bimbo friend, let us do it again,
hit the town, fool around, let's go party

Jess pulled me up to my feet then bent me over at my waist and continued to pose my arms.

(Me)
You can touch, you can play, if you say: "I'm always yours"
You can touch, you can play, if you say: "I'm always yours"

She lifted me upright then hugged me tight.

Come on Barbie, let's go party! (Jess)
(Ah-ah-ah-yeah)
Come on Barbie, let's go party! (Jess)
(uu-oooh-u)
Come on Barbie, let's go party! (Jess)
(Ah-ah-ah-yeah)
Come on Barbie, let's go party! (Jess)
(uu-oooh-u)

(Me)
I'm a barbie girl, in the barbie world
Life in plastic, it's fantastic!
you can brush my hair, undress me everywhere
Imagination, life is your creation

(Me)
Oh, I'm having so much fun!

(Jess)
Well Barbie, we're just getting started

(Me)
Oh, I love you Ken!

I leaned into Jess and batted my eyes. The crowd went nuts with the whistling. Jess gave my cheek a huge kiss to egg on the crowd. I laughed at her then jumped back off the stage.

Kevin and Erik were speechless. They just looked at Jess and I like men look at women.

"Your turn." I said to Erik.

"I don't sing." He said startled.

"Neither does Kevin and I just made a complete fool of myself, so it's your turn." I argued back.

"Well, I wouldn't exactly say you made a fool out of yourself." He grinned his wicked grin at me.

I blushed even more than I already was. "Well, I'm glad you enjoyed the show but I'm completely embarrassed. If you go up now I'll give you an easy song." I said.

"What's easy?" he asked cautiously.

"I'll even let you choose between Pretty Woman, Wild Thing, or Twist and Shout." I looked at Kevin and he agreed with the choices.

"Only because this is a special night am I doing this. I'll sing Twist and Shout." He sighed and jumped on stage. "I am a horrible singer and I am being coerced into this. Please sing with me." He said to all of us but mostly he was looking at the protectors.

As soon as the music started everyone started dancing and we sang so loud we drowned Erik's voice out. He looked like he was having fun and I loved every minute of it. It was rare to watch him have fun.

He looked completely embarrassed when he came back over to us after the song. Kevin patted him on the shoulder. After that, more of the protectors jumped on staged and started singing.

"I love you. Thank you so much for tonight. This was fun." I sent Erik.

"I'm glad you like it, but your night's not over yet." He replied back and his eyes were heated and his grin was excited.

"Do I get a hint yet?" I asked.

"Nope." He replied.

"Please tell me it involves very little clothes." I mused.

"Don't start when I'm standing here in front of all the protectors. Be my good little vixen and dance with me."

"I would love to." I said aloud. Tony was singing Unchained Melodies and he wasn't half bad. Erik put us in a proper dance position by putting one hand in mine and the other was on the small of my back. My heels helped a little with our height difference but my other arm had to reach to make it to his shoulder.

The girls were outnumbered by three to one so not all the men got to dance, but they stayed on the dance floor and watched Tony. People we're having too much fun to notice Erik and me dancing.

"You never said if you liked my dress?" I sent to Erik.

"I love it and you look completely edible." He said as his eyes burned into mine.

"Thank you for having it made."

"You're welcome. Gezabelle thought it would be perfect since it shows off your mark. You seem to be more accepting of it."

"I'm trying. I'm not a tattoo kind of girl, but I like to think of it as a symbol of strength and courage. Two traits I like to think I have."

"Yes, you are both and more."

The song ended so we reluctantly let go of each other. Erik escorted me to the drink table while the mayhem continued as the next song was another loud party song. Around 9pm Council members showed up to collect the various teenagers. I was disappointed the party was over so early, but excited to see what else was in store for me tonight. Today's party started at 3pm so I guess six hours was more than enough party time.

Erik and I stood by the gym door and said goodnight to the departing guests. When Derrick, Melody, Jessica and I were the last teenagers we said goodnight to the DJ and headed into the house. The Elders were still downstairs talking.

"What could they still be discussing? Aren't the orders pretty straight forward?" Melody asked as the eight of us sat in the north sitting room.

"Mel Baby, Sarah here just turned their world upside down tonight." Derrick answered.

"We just got our powers a little sooner." Jess added.

"It's much more than that. You are going to learn our entire history and they were instructed to reveal secrets to you. Only Elders know the full history and council members know only what the Elders allow to be shared." Erik explained.

"Not everyone is a council member?" Jess asked.

"No, you have to be chosen to be on the council." Kevin added.

"Erik is the only protector on the council." Tyson added. Derrick looked surprised when Tyson spoke. It is unsettling when they start acting like a human.

"Not only are many secrets going to be revealed to you, but everyone will learn basic fighting skills. You will learn how to defend yourselves." Erik added.

"I've seen your teaching, and I want no part of it." Jessica said firmly.

"What you saw is what protectors are trained to do. Protectors are trained to die and kill for their charge. You will not be trained in anything related to that." Erik explained.

"Do I ever get to see you fight? Can I spar with you?" asked Derrick.

"You can watch her, but our kind of sparring holds nothing back. It ends when one concedes or is knocked out. Sarah is good." Tony said.

I turned to Tony. "I'm okay, but I don't want to spar against you without my powers. You're very fast." He smiled and bowed to me. I looked back at Derrick. "We're not allowed to use our powers. So imagine tiny me going against one of them and as Tony said they do not hold back."

Derrick looked surprised as he looked at the four men.

"No shit!" Jess exclaimed as she glared at Erik. "Sarah got knocked out!"

Erik looked ashamed. "Accidents do happen and things go further than are intended." Erik added.

"I get the picture, but I still want to see the real deal." Derrick said.

"If your father agrees, then meet us at the protector's school Monday night at 8pm. Training resumes on Monday." Erik said.

"Do I get to vote on what we learn?" I asked.

Tony and Tyson looked surprised at my question and looked at Erik. Kevin smiled at my reaction.

"We will be getting to it, but not on Monday." He said knowing what I was going to ask.

"I still say they broke some secret society code by using guns!" I stated quite miffed.

Kevin and Tony laughed at me. Erik grinned and shook his head. Tyson wasn't sure how to react.

"Am I the only one in this room who doesn't know what you are talking about?" Derrick asked.

"Yes." I said simply. He scowled at me. He hated not knowing. He turned his attention to Erik.

"A summary or something?" Derrick prompted. Erik's eyes were narrowed on Derrick and he was deciding what to tell him.

"The ancestors sent Sarah, Jessica and Melody on a mission ALONE." He growled the last word. "When they landed in England the enemy was quickly able to find them. When Sarah was able to deflect all their powers they opened fire on their car with guns. Melody had a flesh wound to her leg and Sarah took four bullets." Erik turned to me and his eyes locked on mine. "Sarah was rushed to a mobile emergency room when she landed. It was too close." He swallowed hard then turned back to Derrick. Derrick's face was shocked. "Sarah knew the enemy would be waiting for them when they landed at JFK so the protectors ambushed them. We had only minor injuries on our side."

"Holy shit. Sarah you almost died? When was this?" Derrick asked.

I nodded to him but turned my eyes back to Erik. His were still full of pain. "I'm sorry my Love. I don't like to see you hurting." I sent to him.

"Don't ever leave me Baby. You are my life."

Mel went and sat next to Derrick. "We got home Thursday morning. Jess and I kept new bandages on her during the flight but she lost a lot of blood and she was unconscious for most of the flight. We finally ran out of new bandages and had to ask for help on the plane. They called ahead for an ambulance and these guys showed up when we landed."

"Sarah got us out of there alive. She saved our lives." Jess added. We gave each other a small smile.

"I don't know what to say." Derrick admitted.

"Wow that's the second time I've seen you speechless." I teased.

Derrick smiled at me. "I thought I would never see the day that you were speechless." Melody added.

"Okay, it's true. I give up." Derrick said with his hands up.

"Who made my son speechless? Is that possible?" said Mr. Thornton from the doorway. He was smiling at us as the Elders entered.

"Sarah and Melody have already ganged up on me. I don't need you to add to it." Derrick said.

"Glad to see someone can keep you in line."

Melody and I giggled. Derrick threw a throw pillow at me. "Dad, would it be possible to see the Protectors train Monday night? I want to see what they do."

Mr. Thornton looked surprised and looked at Erik. Erik nodded at Mr. Thornton. "I think that would be a good idea. We need to be leaving now." He turned to the rest of us. "I hope you all have a good evening."

We all mumbled "thank you" and "you too" as he headed back for the door.

"It was nice to meet you Jessica. I'll see you two on Monday." Derrick said as he waved to Mel and Me. Tyson politely said good evening and followed Derrick out of the house.

"Erik, I will call you tomorrow with the final training plans." Mr. Taft said from the doorway. Erik nodded at him then Mr. Taft left.

Gezabelle replaced Derrick on the couch and sat next to Melody. "Are you ready to go home?"

"Sure, I need to grab my stuff first." Melody got up and headed upstairs.

"Jessica, your parents will see you in the morning. They are spending the evening together." Gezabelle said as politely as she could.

"Really?" Jess beamed.

Gezabelle smiled. "They are trying."

I reached over and squeezed Jess's hand. She couldn't have asked for better news.

"Tony, let's go help Melody so we can get home." Gezabelle said as she stood up.

We all walked into the foyer and watched as Tony met Mel on stairs and took her bags from her. Jess and I hugged them all goodnight. I thanked Gezabelle for the dresses before I closed the door.

Erik turned around with a huge smile on his face and kept his eyes locked on mine. "If the two of you will excuse us, I have another surprise planned for Sarah."

He held his arm out for me and I gladly took it. I was dying to know what my surprise was. Jess and Kevin stood side by side smiling at us. I completely ignored them as I kept my face on Erik. Erik escorted me to the back of the house. He paused by the back door and put my dress coat over my shoulders. His eyes were sparkling with excitement as he opened the back door and led me outside.

We walked across the parking area and driveway until we came to the grassy edge then Erik swept me up into his arms. I wrapped my arms around him and nestled my head into the crook of his neck. It took me a few minutes to recognize the direction we were heading.

I was curious, but I wasn't going to ask. I didn't want to ruin the surprise. He made pretty good speed moving through the woods. Soon my castle was insight.

"I hope you don't mind, but I fixed it up a little and made a slight modification to it."

The door was refinished and painted barn red but the big change was the height. It was much taller than before. "It's higher." I said.

"Yes, downstairs is much the same. I had the workers double check the strength of the walls, but I extended the ceiling height of both floors so I could stand up."

I giggled. "I recall you had to duck quite a bit."

"Yes, I did. It was built for you in mind, but what if our kids are tall like me?" he said as he watched my reaction.

I lit up and kissed him. He was dreaming of a future with me. "I'm sure our son and daughter will be tall like you." I replied.

"Both?" he asked with raised eyebrows.

"Of course." I shrugged and he burst out laughing.

"Come on Baby I can't wait for you to see the inside." He carried me through the door then set me down inside.

The roof was taller, but it still looked much the same. The windows had real glass in them to keep out the elements. It was sparkling clean and my dolls had been cleaned up. They were lined up on a new shelf. The tea set was put away inside a new cabinet in the corner of the room. The table and chairs had a new coat of paint and there were even curtains on the window.

The adult items of the room were candles sitting in the middle of the table lighting up the room. He had red roses everywhere in the room; on the table, on the shelf, on the cabinet and along the walls. It was beautiful.

"It's perfect Erik." I said as I raised my hand to my dad's words still written on the wall.

"I'm glad you like it. Ready to see the bedroom?" he asked with a heavy undertone.

"I can't wait." I raced up the stairs ahead of him and stopped in my tracks when I took in the sight of the room.

It was the most romantic bedroom I had ever seen. It literally came out of my dreams. There were long white sheer curtains framing the moonlit window. There was a low sitting bed in the center of the room with a white sheer fabric canopy surrounded by long white curtains. The bed was covered in big fluffy white pillows and a big white fluffy down comforter. The old vanity was sitting in the far corner of the room and was covered in candles. He also had the room filled with red roses. The perfume of the roses was almost overwhelming. On the floor next to the bed was a large trey filled with drinks, fruit, crackers and a few other things I couldn't see from here.

Erik came up behind me and wrapped his arms around me. "We can return it to a dress up room when we have kids, but for now this is our hide away." He whispered in my ear and his breath on my ear sent shivers through me. I felt him smile at my response then he bent and kissed my neck. Another shiver rippled through me and I drew in a breath as I raised my hand to caress his cheek. "Do you like it?" he asked in my ear.

"Umm Hmm." I whispered as I melted into him.

He chuckled and whipped me around to face him. His eyes were locked on mine as he anticipated my reaction. He loved my responses to his touches. My eyes darted between his eyes and his mouth as he very slowly leaned down to kiss me. His lips gently touched mine then he let the heat build. He parted my lips and found my tongue. I wrapped my arms around him and pulled him into me. His hands ran softly and slowly up and down my bare back sending more shivers through me. My hands ran through his hair and I couldn't get him close enough to me.

He pushed me back and we came up for air. We were both panting as he straightened up. His eyes were intense and full of heat. Mine mirrored his. His fingers traced along my face and jaw line.

"I want tonight to be perfect. I want you to know how much this means to me." He said. I started to talk but he put a finger to my lips and smiled gently at me. When he saw I wasn't going to speak he ran a hand through my hair and cradled the back of my head. He gave me a soft kiss then pulled back again. He smiled as he watched me get lost in his touches and kisses. His hands locked my wrists to my sides then he leaned down and kissed slowly at my ear. My stomach was quavering as he kissed down my neck to my collarbone then to my cleavage as he dropped to his knees.

He looked up at me and brought both of my hands to his mouth to kiss. He smiled up at me again. "Sarah, Baby. You are my entire life. I want to make you believe in your fairytales again. I want to be your White Knight and your Prince Charming. I want to sweep you up into your castle and make love to you until dawn everyday of our lives. I want to be the one who catches you when you fall. I want to be the one who lifts you up into the clouds so you can soar. I will fight to keep you beside me and I will fight to keep you safe. I want to be your everything; I want to be your husband. Sarah Maria Townsend will you marry me?"

I wiped the tears away and screamed. "Yes." I laughed and dropped to my knees in front of him. "A million times yes! There is nothing I want more than to be your wife."

Erik's smile was beaming as his eyes glistened. He reached into his pocket and brought out a small velvet box. He handed the box to me. "Open it Baby."

My hands were shaking as I fumbled with the box and got it to open. I caught my breath as I took in the ring. It was a stunning 3ct princess cut diamond accented by round brilliant and baguette diamonds set in platinum. It was breathtakingly beautiful. It had an antique flare mixed with modern which was exactly my taste. I could never have picked a more perfect ring. Erik pulled the ring out of the box and gently took my left hand. He smiled at me as tears still streamed down my face. He gently pushed the ring on to my finger then kissed my hand.

I wrapped my arms around him and kissed him with everything I had. His hands came up to my face and he held me tight as I kissed him. I wasn't going to be stopped this time. I reached my hands up and untied his tie. I pushed his jacket down over his shoulders and Erik helped me get it off him. He started to unbutton his shirt but I shoved his hands out of the way. "No way. I've dreamt of doing this." I growled into his neck. I unbuttoned his shirt and kissed up and down his neck. He was barely restraining himself as he let me pull his shirt out of his pants. He unbuttoned his cuffs and dropped his shirt to the floor. Before I could protest he ripped his tee shirt off over his head.

I was salivating as I traced my hands over his bare chest and shoulders. I kissed and licked my way over his chest and stomach. His stomach was trembling under my touch and I giggled at his reaction.

In a flash Erik sprang to his feet and lifted me in his arms. My mouth was on his instantly as he brought me over to the bed. He let my legs down but he kept me pressed against him. My hands went straight to his belt and his went to my zipper. He had my dress dropped to the floor before I could finish his belt.

Erik stepped back and looked down at me. He bit his lip and shook his head. "You are the sexiest thing I have ever seen. I am going to taste every inch of that skin." He lifted me up and laid me down on the bed.

My stomach trembled as I watched his eyes take me in. He looked like he didn't know where he wanted to start. I lifted a foot up to him and he smiled at me. He unbuckled my shoe and tossed it to the floor. His hands ran slowly up my leg to my thighs until he reached the top of my stockings. He gave me a wicked smile then leaned and kissed my thigh. I came unglued and let out a small moan. He rolled down the stocking and stopped to kiss my knees then my calves. He repeated the same thing on the other leg.

He removed his pants for me then lowered himself down over me. He kissed my forehead, my eyelids, my nose, my lips, my chin, my collarbone and paused at my breasts. I let out a small moan as I wrapped my arms and legs around him. He continued to kiss down my stomach to my panty line. I was losing control as his hands pulled my panties down my legs. He brought his mouth up to mine and his finger slipped into me.

I bucked into him and started pushing his underwear out of my way so I could reach him. Erik gasped as my fingers wrapped around him. My head was spinning "Please don't make me wait. Please, I can't take it anymore." I begged.

Erik finished pulling off his underwear and grabbed a condom from under the pillow. "Nice hiding place." I panted as I went insane waiting for him.

He chuckled. "Out of sight but handy." He lowered himself back over me. "Ready Baby?" he asked as he pressed himself against me.

"Yes, oh please yes." I begged again.

He didn't believe in going slow. He pressed hard into me and I moaned as pain and pleasure overwhelmed me. He held still for a minute watching to see if I were okay. I wrapped my legs around him and my hands traced every inch of him. This was his signal to continue. I kissed his mouth, bit his ear then I continued down his neck and chest. With every pump of his hips I rocked mine with his. Our pace was fast and furious. There was no chance of going slow. We had too many months of pent up frustration to go slow. I wanted every part of him against me and in me.

"Oh God" I cried out as a ripple of indescribable pleasure ripped through me. My body locked down on Erik as I rode the wave.

Seconds later he cried out as he slammed hard into me then he collapsed down onto me. We were panting and our chests were heaving as we tried to regain our breath. I kept my arms wrapped around him and ran my fingers across his back. When his breath slowed he pulled himself off me and lay down beside me and draped a leg over me. I nuzzled my head towards his chest so I could lie in the crook of his arm.

He kept his eyes on me as his fingers traced circles across my stomach. "I love you." I said breaking the silence.

He smiled. "I love you too." His fingers circled over my nipples and I closed my eyes to enjoy the pleasure. Goose bumps ran down my arms as his fingers continued to tease me. I bit my lower lip and concentrated on just his touches. His fingers ran down my stomach to my thighs. He ran circles around my thighs and over my stomach barely stopping in between. He was teasing me and I was trying not to moan. "Mrs. Thompson, do you like that?" he whispered in my ear. The sensation of his fingers and his breath on my ear made me gasp. "I'll take that as a yes." I squeezed my eyes to keep them closed and I licked my lips as his fingers kept getting closer to that magic button.

He chuckled his dark laugh. He was in control now and he knew it. He took a nipple into his mouth and gently bit it and sucked it. I moaned in response and rose up to meet his hand. He laughed again. His mouth moved to my other breast and his fingers gently traced my opening and brushed against the magic button I was dying for him to hit.

"Beg for it." He whispered in my ear as I let another long moan out.

"Please. Please." I begged.

"Please what?" he teased.

"Please touch me. Please make me explode." I begged.

"My pleasure." He said as he hand went straight to the magic spot.

He slipped a finger inside and let his thumb rub my spot. His mouth went to my breasts and teased my nipples. My fingers dug into his shoulders as the climax built. "Oh God." I screamed out as a huge orgasm rocked me. Erik kept his hand moving and watched me as I rode the wave out.

"That was incredible to watch." He said as he lay on his back and I saw how much he liked to watch it.

"Thank you, but I want more." I said as my eyes were locked on his very hard penis. I wrapped me fingers around him and pumped him. "Wrap it up and give me your present again. Please."

He laughed at me. "What have I done to you?" he teased as he obliged me.

"You loved me." I said as I climbed onto his lap. I've seen this done and it didn't seem too difficult. I gently lowered down on to him and gasped with pleasure as I reached the bottom.

"I will love you every second of my life." He said as his hands reached for my hips.

I started the pace slow and loved watching him watch me. His hands would caress by breasts every once in a while before they returned to my hips. As our wave rose my pace quickened. Soon Erik gripped my hips hard and he quickened our pace as he moved my hips. We both cried out together this time and I fell down onto his chest.

He wrapped his arms around me and kissed the top of my head. I buried my face into his chest and completely relaxed. I listened to his heartbeat with my ear pressed to his chest.

"Are you getting cold Baby?" Erik asked after several minutes.

I nodded. I laughed as he pressed me into him so I couldn't move then he stood up and moved our blankets down. He lay back down on his back and kept me lying on his chest. I kissed his chest then reburied my face in it as he brought the blankets over us.

"Aren't I squishing you?" I said after we laid there for a while.

He laughed. "Hardly! You weigh nothing." He squeezed me even tighter into him. "How was your evening Mrs. Thompson?" he asked smugly.

"Better than any dream or fairytale." I looked up at him. "Call me that again."

"Mrs. Thompson." He said as he watched my face light up. He reached down and kissed my left hand.

"You get to tell Charlotte, I'm not going to explain this one." I said

He laughed. "Yes, she will need an explanation won't she? Since I'm the old man who just deflowered you then I guess I can do that." He teased.

I playfully slapped him in the chest. "Stop that!" I laughed at him.

"You don't like deflowered? There are worse!" He mused.

"I know!" I exclaimed and covered his mouth with my hand. "I don't need to hear them."

He laughed and pulled my hand away. "Well, how about I just brag that I'm the only man to ever kiss you, tease you and fuck you." His hands went down and squeezed my ass.

"That sounds better." I said as I slid up his body to kiss him.

"How about I'm the only man who's made you beg for more?" he growled in my mouth as our heat started to build again.

"Please. Please tell me it's not too soon." I said as I rubbed my body up and down his.

"You have an insatiable appetite, don't you?" he said as he rolled me onto my back.

"Only for you!" I said breathlessly as his mouth roamed down my neck.

He kissed down my chest and teased my nipples before he went further down to my stomach. His eyes met mine as he went all the way down. His mouth worked his magic as his fingers slipped into me.

My back arched and I balled up the sheets in my hands as he drove me insane. He was teasing me and enjoying every second of it. He would get me close then pull away. "Erik please!" I whimpered.

He buried his mouth onto the hot button and let me enjoy the ride. He knew what he was doing. He built me up so high that I screamed out his name as my body clamped down. He was a master at these games. He enjoyed himself a little longer before he finally came up for air. His eyes were glazed over like he was drunk when he came back up.

"I loved that. Promise you will let me do that to you whenever I want." He bent down and kissed me hard. He parted my lips and found my tongue. "I cannot get enough of you. You are a fucking drug to me." He growled.

"I will do anything for you, but if you ever take this away from me I will beat the crap out of you." I warned him as I was consumed by his kiss and his hands again.

"That will never happen." He reached under the pillow and grabbed under condom. I smiled wickedly at him.

"Three times? I'm impressed Mr. Thompson!"

"You are an addiction." he said as he rammed into me without warning.

I caught my breath from surprise then he leaned down and kissed me. He pumped his hips hard and pounded into me as deep as he could get. He was relentless and went to a basic raw animal need. I had tears in my eyes as the pain and pleasure drove me over the edge. I cried out his name as I whimpered from his pounding. He grunted out my name as he slammed one last time into me.

He lied on his side and pulled me into him. "Did I hurt you?" he asked softly as he wiped my tears away.

I laughed. "No, that was... I don't have words to describe that."

He crushed me into him and kissed the top of my head. "I understand. That was a first for me."

"Which part?"

He laughed "The intensity level and three times so close together!"

"You know every move to make to drive me insane. I'm glad you feel the same intensity even when I don't know what the hell I'm doing." I said.

"Baby you also drive me insane. Your response to me is what turns me on. I can't even describe to you what it does to me to watch you lose control."

He got up and brought the trey of food over to the bed. I enjoyed the view he gave me as he walked around the room. He noticed me watching him and smiled at me. "Yummy" I said as he sat down next to me and I kept my eyes on him. He chuckled at me.

We picked at the food and drank water while we stayed warm under the comforter. We laughed and giggled as we tried to catch grapes in our mouths. We tossed them at each other and tried to catch our own tosses.

"What kind of wedding does my bride want?" Erik asked after we finished eating and I was cuddled in his arms.

"Um, I don't really know. I've never thought about it before. What do you want? How big is your family? Do they have a clue about me?" I asked as I turned my head to look at him.

He laughed. "I guess most normal couples already know about each other's families. They know you are my charge and they've heard about you being the Bellatrix. My mom suspects I care more about you than a normal charge."

"Women are good at seeing those things!" I interrupted.

"Some are." He admitted.

"What about brothers or sisters?" I asked.

"Ah yes. I have two older brothers. Zack is married and has a daughter. Jake is not married and does not plan on settling down any time soon."

"Jake is a player?" I asked quite amused.

"That's one way to put it." Erik said dryly

"Do they all have normal lives outside our society?" I asked.

"Yes, none of them are involved with the council. My mom is a kindergarten teacher. Zack and his wife own a general store in Loudville. My dad is a preacher." He blushed.

I laughed and laughed. "That's why Kevin was so amused!"

"Yes, he really does have a sense of humor when he's not in his protector mode."

"And he likes to psychoanalyze." I added.

Erik smiled at me. "Yes." He said simply.

"What does Jake do?" I asked.

"Jake is still finding himself. He starts a new adventure every few months." Erik was obviously disgusted by his brother's lack of direction.

"Complete opposite of you?" I asked.

"Yes."

"I never pictured you as a preacher's kid! You're not rebellious or hard core religious. I've never met one who is a happy medium."

He laughed. "Well, Zack would fit your hard core role and Jake is definitely the rebellious one. I just take it as it is. I believe, but I don't think my whole life needs to revolve around it."

"Exactly" I said completely understanding what he was saying.

"It would mean a lot to me to have my dad marry us." He finally said.

"I would like that."

"Thank you. How long of an engagement would you like? One week? One month? Please don't say one year." He said.

I smiled. "We won't have time to plan anything until after I graduate. I have school, homework, training and now history lessons. I'm barely going to have time to sleep."

"You're forgetting something." He grinned. I looked at him questioning. "You're going to be wrapped in my arms so we can screw every night." He chuckled.

"Such a poet!"

He laughed. "I agree these next six weeks will be extremely busy but I think we can pull off a post graduation wedding. We can hire a wedding coordinator who will take care of everything and Gezabelle would kill you if you didn't let her make your dress."

I looked at him for a minute. He was extremely excited about getting married and didn't want to wait. I had no reason to delay other than being busy. If he thought we could pull it off then I won't stop him. Plus the sooner I'm Mrs. Thompson the happier I will be. "Alright, middle of June. But you have to help with the planning. This is your wedding as much as mine."

"I will help with everything, but I warn you my mom is going to be very hands on." He held me tight to him.

"Good. I'm glad you think she will approve of me. When will I get to meet them?"

"How about..." He paused to check his watch. "...later today we can meet them. We can go to my dad's late service at 11am. Do you mind going to church with me?"

"I would love to go to church with you."

"Good, we better get some sleep."

"Alright Love."

We fell asleep with our naked bodies entwined with each other. Our arms and legs draped over each other holding the other one as close as possible. We no longer had any barriers between us. We were finally whole, complete. My ear was pressed to his chest so the familiar rhythm of his heart could lull me to sleep.