Hidden One

Chapter Twenty-Nine: Part Two

"We don't have time for all of this!" Tessa exclaimed, running hands through her hair. "Demetri, love, I'm so sorry..."

He nodded, his eyes full of understanding. "I know. We'll have time for heart-felt reunions afterward."

Things had gone into an absolute uproar when that single name had left Demetri's lips. Someone had tried to run and grab Cecilia as Jorge and the other Shifters had dropped to their knees, apologizing over and over again. Niko had stood, looking flustered, and Tessa had stopped anyone going and alerting Cecilia.

"Niko," She said now, turning away from Jorge's unit. "I'm assuming you are not completely blind to the current situation."

He inclined his head in agreement. "Alright. So, I don't suppose you've come to help, or...?"

He cracked a grin. "If you require my help, Lady Teresa, I would be glad to provide it."

"It's Tessa. And yes, that would be appreciated."

A warning call broke through whatever Niko had been about to say, and everyone's heads whipped around toward the noise. It was one of the look-outs, high up in a tree, that had called out in a piercing howl as they raised their great leopard head to the sky. Someone was approaching.

"Stay strong," Tessa said suddenly, her voice like steel. "We fight until the end. We defend our own."

"Yes, Lady Teresa." Jorge and some of the other higher-ranking Shifters chorused and bowed their heads. The others mimed their actions, steel and determination in everyone's gazes.

"We search for the one called Tessa, and her companion Demetri."

It was Kate; she and the other Seers and Keenan and Kol had come to state their terms. No doubt they thought it would be an easy victory.

Tessa stepped up onto the top steps of the house, Demetri beside her. If they were going to play this way, so would she.

"I am Lady Teresa." She said, her voice ringing clear through the clearing. "And beside me stands my mate, Demetri."

Kate's lip curled at the word 'mate'. "We have come to discuss the terms of surrender." She said, a hand resting lightly on her stomach. The other was behind her back.

Demetri barked out a laugh. "I hope you mean your own." He said. Tessa laid a gentle hand on his forearm.

"There will be no surrender from us, Katerina," She said firmly. "Return to your ranks."

"Not so fast, Tessa," Anna said, stepping forward. "Don't you think we should at least talk about it? For the sake of your people, and mine?"

Tessa sighed. "You know," she began. "It could have been 'our' people, if you had just been a little more open-minded."

"What you have is an abomination!" Kate exclaimed, unable to keep her mouth shut. "There is something wrong with it."

Maria and Keenan shared a glance, as if not quite agreeing; Maria opened her mouth hesitantly. Keenan shook his head.

"Is this little battle about the Shifter vs. Bender rivalry, or is it about me, Kate?" Tessa asked, crossing her arms over her chest and frowning. Kate scowled.

"Don't be so self-centered, Teresa," She said.

Kate turned away, the other Seers following slowly behind. But Keenan and Maria lagged behind, looking over their shoulders at Tessa. She extended a hand.

"We were friends once." She murmured.

Kate turned back around, her eyes widening. "Keenan!" She said. "Maria! What do you think you're doing?"

Maria didn't look at her. "You know what, Kate?" She said. "You aren't right all the time."

Keenan and Maria walked forward, ignoring the shouts from the other Seers as they went to stand beside Tessa. Kate, livid, began to rage like a maniac.

"You've ruined everything!" She shouted, throwing her hands in the air. "Everything! And now you will pay, you vile, evil creature! You will return what you have taken from me!" She swung around to look behind her, raising her arms to the trees. "Now, Tarrana!"

A huge, speared rock, sharpened to a deathly point, came sailing out of the trees and directly at Tessa. Kasper, who had just stepped out of the house, saw the spear sailing through the air, and jumped in front of Tessa.

And fell to the ground, crimson blood blossoming across his shirt.