The Shadow House

Paternity

"I'm not going anywhere with anyone." I roared.

Alarics face flashed through too many emotions for my brain to process. He leaned back against the wall, brushing his hand through his hair, and letting out an exaggerated breath. For a moment, I felt guilty. Although I didn't know why. I didn't even know this man, this vampire. Yet, I couldn't help but to feel bad for turning him down.

"Look, I know this is a bit sudden. Why don't we make a deal?" Alaric said. I found myself hanging on every raspy word that fell from his lips.

"What kind of deal?" I inquired.

"When you're ready to solve this puzzle, you will come to me." Alaric suggested.

"That's not much of a deal. What's the catch?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"The catch is you have three days to prepare yourself. At the end of the third day, If I've not heard from you... Well, I'll just come find you myself." Alaric said sternly.

"Huh. I'll think it over." I scoffed as I stomped back towards the cafeteria.

****Dreya's Point of View ****

"Your Majesty. Forgive her. She doesn't know the consequences of her actions." I pleaded.

"There are no consequences, Dreya. She is my mate." Alaric glared at Dreya.

"I see. I'll have a chat with her. She knew nothing of our kind until today." I explained.

"If you wish. I suggest you keep an eye on your son. Wouldn't want the little troll to lose his head over eyeing my beloved." Alaric said with finality as he entered the cafeteria.

****************

I sat through the remainer of lunch in a daze. Alaric gave his speech about upping the patrols around the school, and ensuring to protect us all. Once his speech was complete he sat at a table on the far right of the stage with the rest of the teachers. He never once joined in the conversation. He only sat and stared at me. I could feel his eyes boring into my soul. I felt utterly naked.

Finally, I worked up the nerve to lock eyes with him. He looked surprised momentarily, but his eyes quickly softened. He smiled. Had I had a heart, I'm sure it would be violenty flopping around in my chest. I tried to mentally shake the need to run to him, but the longing remained.

"Elliot?" I asked quietly.

"Yes?" he inquired.

"Can you explain the mate thing to me." I blushed.

I felt embarrased. Like I should know what all of this means, but I'm clueless. Elliot smiled as he turned towards me to give me his full attention.

"Sure. Every supernatural being was destined to be what they are. Just like every supernatural was designed a soul mate. Most of us don't find our mates until we are eighteen or soon after. Royals, on the other hand, can find their mates as early as birth." Elliot said smiling.

"But why does it seem like I'm some kind of property he wants to claim?" I questioned.

"That's because mates are overly obsessive, posessive, protective, commited, and of course... jealous. Right about now you probably feel like jumping his bones, but you're surpressing the urge... because you're freaked out.. Am I right?" Elliot asked as he nudged my shoulder.

I shamefully nodded my head in agreement.

"He's good for you, Ryana. You were made for each other. And he's the friggin' KING for christ sakes. What are you waiting on?" Coral interrupted.

We all laughed in unison. The bell rang loudly over head.

"Wait?" I grabbed Elliot's arm. "I don't have classes until tomorrow."

"Alaric can give you a tour." He winked.

I turned around to find only myself and Alaric standing in the cafeteria. Embarassment washed over me as Alaric stepped off the stage. His eyes never left me.

"Blame this on fate?" He grinned.

I rolled my eyes, and sat back down at the table.

"Why does she make me so nervous?" A mans voice echoed in my head.

"Could you stop thinking so loud?" I groaned.

I was having a hard time processing my own thoughts let alone someone elses.

"Sorry, love. I forgot." Alaric said as he sat across from me at the table.

"Would you like to take a walk with me?" His eyes were pleading.

"Not really, but since I don't have a clue how to find my way back to my room... I guess I will." I hissed.

Where was Killian when I needed him?

I followed Alaric through the building until I found us standing in the driveway. Four large Expeditions blocked our path. Before I could ask where we were going Alaric picked me up in his strong arms, and slammed me into the back seat of the second expedition in line.

"What the hell are you doin?" I yelped as he climbed in next to me, and locked the doors.

"To the castle." Alaric commanded as the man up front cranked the engine.

"Hello?" I pressed.

"If your father is who I think he is... He'll be coming to collect you and Killian. You're both better off with me." The intensity in his eyes was chilling.

"Would it kill you cryptic to people to make more sense? Who do you think my father is? Better yet.. Why are you kidnapping me?" I roared.

"I read your thoughts, love. I didn't have time to wait for you to come around. I believe your father is the fallen King. Alexander, to be exact." Alaric explained.

That name rang a bell. I had heard it before, but I couldn't put my finger on it.

"Collect us?" I inquired.

"Yes. You see, Alexander is The First. He reigned over us vampires for centuries. When his mate, Isabella, was murdered by a former lover he lost his mind. Switching off all humanity, and falling from grace. He appointed me King before he went mad. When he realized he couldn't over throw me, and regain his place in the kingdom... He took it upon himself to impregnate a powerful witch."

"My mother.." I interrupted.

"Yes, your mother. Once, you and Killian were turned he planned to find you two, and recruit your help to take over our world." Alaric explained.

"Well couldn't I have just declined his offer?" I asked.

"No, Love. He's a mad man. He would torture you until you agreed." Alaric admitted. He looked hurt by the mere thought of it.

"So where is Killian?" I asked.

"He's at the castle waiting for you." He smiled.

"Does he know?" I asked timidly.

"Of course. He's been trying to protect you from it all along." He replied. My stomach sank.

"My parents.. did they know?" I asked as tears threatened to rip from my eye sockets.

"I'll let your brother fill you in on that. It's not my place." Alaric said as he placed his hand on my knee.

A bolt of painful electricity shot throughout my leg. I gripped the seat to hold back my scream. Alaric jerked back his hand and stared at his arm. The same tattoo on my arm was spreading across his.

"This can't be real." Alaric whispered just as the blackness consumed me.