Scarlett stopped the BMW in front of the Quinn mansion in Devaria; she placed her head on the steering wheel in deep thought. She had to tell them, there was absolutely no way she'd pull this stunt off without them finding out. Xander already knew, her grandmother knew and she didn't promise she would keep shut which meant that they would most likely know already. She also didn't have a choice but to stay with Seth because well…he was the only one who could help her control her body when she was on heat. She materialized in her room and stared at the sheets on the bed, she fell helplessly on the bed. She had to agree with Seth on this one, she had been very reckless and definitely didn't think this through. She was so lost in her thoughts she didn't realize her grandparents and great grandfather had been in her room even waiting for her.
"Where the hell have you been Scarlett?" Regina's voice brought her out of her thoughts causing her body to react on instinct. She had the tip of her dagger on Regina's throat while her dark dagger was barely inches away from Nicholas' eye and her dark magic held Lothaire in strong dark chains.
"Fuck," Scarlett cursed. "What the fuck are you three doing in here?" she breathed as she released them.
"That was fast," Lothaire commented. "You caught me off guard,"
"I see Seth's been a great teacher," Regina teased.
"Grandmother," Scarlett called annoyed.
"We have a lot to talk about kiddo," Nicholas said.
"You can rest first Scarlett, you look exhausted," Lothaire was already at the door wearing a proud smile. Scarlett stared at him, his eyes had an exciting gleam in them and Regina had an assuring look in her eyes while Nicholas' eyes didn't betray even the slightest emotion. She wasn't sure if he was mad and she couldn't hope for the best reaction with that indifferent look in his eyes.
After they left, she had her shower and put on a black t-shirt and camouflage trousers. She tried to sleep but her mind was just swirling with one thought and wasn't shutting down. How could she when the only thought in her mind was how to start telling her family she's mated to a shade prince? She made her way to the training room, she was trying to avoid everyone and the training room was the best place for that…besides she hadn't been in there in seven freaking months.
As she pushed the doors open, the sound of metal breaking echoed in the room. She turned to the punching bags and Nicole stood there with a towel on her neck, a bottle of water in her hand. In the boxing ring were Chris and Michael and they were still fighting each other. These were the main people she was avoiding. She was just about to leave when Chris called out to her.
"Hey Quinn, come train with us," shit! She'd really thought none of them had noticed her but as always, Chris did. Nicole and Michael both turned to her with surprised looks.
"You're awake," Nicole exclaimed and embraced her. Scarlett felt safer than ever in Nicole's arms, which was exactly what she needed. "Tell me everything," Nicole said.
"Correction, tell us everything," Michael corrected as he leaned on the wires confining the boxing ring.
"Can we train while I talk?" Scarlett asked.
"Whatever you want," Chris said. The four of them fought themselves with a low intensity while Scarlett explained everything, starting from when she decided to leave, how Ryan took her to his home, how Eliza got hospitalized, the black book with the silver dragon engraved onto it, when she returned to Devaria, how she'd asked Seth to teach her to fight with daggers, why she even met him in the first place, her merge with Damon, the night Seth marked her, the Ancients and her one week time limit.
"How the hell did all this stuff happen and I knew very few of very little?" Nicole asked. "We're best friends Scarlett,"
"I know that and I'm sorry for not telling you, I promise it won't happen again and can you please give me another hug…I really need one," Scarlett said, her voice breaking. Nicole was stunned. That was unexpected.
"I'll always be here for you," Nicole said as she trapped Scarlett in a hug.
"We'll all be," Michael said. Scarlett choked on her tears that threatened to spill as Michael hugged her next.
"I'll try not to be the mature one again,"
"It's okay Quinn, as long as you don't end up dead, you can be as mature as you want," Chris said and hugged her as well.
"You guys are the best," Scarlett said as she wiped the tears that escaped her eyes.
We are, aren't we?" Michael said as he held Nicole and kissed her hair. "Ugh," he breathed after Chris shoved him. "Is it…is it just me or is everyone being a little touchy?"
"Scarlett usually stops it before it gets to this point…but she's the one who's touchy today," Chris teased.
"Alright fine, that's enough, I'm not touchy anymore," Scarlett said, her voice becoming firmer.
"Show us the mark Scar," Michael said. Scarlett pulled her hair aside and bent her neck. The mark still looked fresh.
"Does it still itch?" Chris asked.
"Yeah but it's not as bad as before…and there are times when I feel…hot and I lose control of my nerves and I black out,"
"Why does that happen?" Nicole asked.
"It's a sign that a…um, you may not be comfortable with this Quinn,"
"A sigh that what Chris?"
"A sign that you both are going to be in a sexual frenzy soon,"
"What?" Scarlett, Nicole and Michael exclaimed and then all too soon, Michael started laughing.
"You've got to be kidding me," he said. "You really didn't think this through did you?" he asked and continued laughing. "Look at her, she's never had a crush on a guy before, never even dated a guy, she's not les because she's never shown interest in girls either, she's just dense about this whole thing and now she's going to be in a sexual frenzy..." Michael paused and had another laugh. "How are you not laughing?" he asked. After a while he stopped laughing. "Alright just get my point Scarlett, there's no way you're going to escape this one, you've escaped countless guys, dates and even girls but Seth…there's no escape,"
"That's enough Michael," Scarlett said. "No I didn't, I…I just needed help from a shade to get into the castle so I could get the seal, he was the only one I could get to. I found out Gallus doesn't accept invitations from the castle and neither does David, Seth goes as a representative for all three of them, he just comes and leaves immediately,"
"If you'd said something earlier, we could've found another way," Nicholas' voice made them turn toward the entrance door. And there standing behind Nicholas were her grandmother, parents, brother, sister and cousin.
"I was given that responsibility grandfather; to get the seal and our throne back, what other way do you intend to do that without getting into the castle?" Nicholas stayed quiet. Everyone was surprised, the great Nicholas Quinn, son of the devil, didn't have an answer for a question. For the first time, he was at a loss for words.
"Let the girl be Nick…she's frustrated enough already," Lothaire's voice broke the silence.
"Can't you see that she's been crying?" Lilith said. "…even if it's just a little?" she added, her voice softer.
How did you…?"
"I'm the queen of darkness young one…and I'm your great grandmother,"
"Lothaire," Scarlett said. "Tell me everything about the shades you created," Lothaire wore a smirk on his face.
"It would be my pleasure, Scarlett," he said.
***
Scarlett weighed everything Lothaire had told her about the shades, judging from what he said, it seemed he didn't make them strong them enough to kill a true blood dempire or demon one on one not to talk of hybrids. If he made the shades to have revenge on the demons who betrayed him in the great battle then why did he make them weaker? She had wanted to ask him that but decided against it. She'd had enough for one day, that would be a once upon a time for another day.
"Ms. Quinn, Mr. Chen and Mr. Young instructed that you get dressed," she was still lost in her thoughts to understand why.
"Why?"
"They didn't say,"
"What about Nicole?"
"Ms. O'Connor is with them already Ms. Quinn," She changed to a white hoody, black cargo jeans and black sneakers. As she was about leaving her room, she heard a knock then the door pushed open and Nicole walked in with a line of maids behind her.
"What the hell is going on?" Scarlett asked confused.
"We're going out and you need to look amazing,"
"I'm the devil's great granddaughter and the man is well…perfection, let's not forget a supernatural creature…I thought that was all there is to looking amazing," Scarlett said. She knew what Nicole wanted to do and there was no way she was letting anyone do any make up on her face.
"That's just it…you already have ethereal beauty…"
"Get to the point Nicole,"
"We're going shopping…"
"No!" Scarlett cut her short.
"You haven't even heard what we're shopping…"
"No!" Scarlett repeated.
"Okay look, just let me finish," Nicole said. "We're going shopping…but it's for men not clothes," Scarlett stared at her dumbstruck. What the hell was wrong with her best friend all of a sudden?
"Um Nicole…are you…okay? You're scaring shit out of me,"
"I'm fine Scar, I don't know Seth and I doubt if I'll like him either way. I also feel you can find your real mate, I'm pretty sure this is just a mistake,"
"So there are real mates and fake mates?" she asked. Nicole rolled her eyes at her then sighed.
"What I'm trying to say is…the mark is irrelevant if you both don't fall in love. You may be bound by the mark but it doesn't mean your heart is bound as well,"
"I'm fine this way, all of you leave," Scarlett ordered. The maids quickly left the room with all the cosmetics and accessories they'd come with. Scarlett held Nicole's hand and they materialized outside where Chris and Michael were leaning on their car.
"Thank the gods Chris, Scarlett's face is normal," Michael said with a grin and hint of mischief in his voice. Nicole rolled her eyes at him.
"What's this about men shopping?" Scarlett asked obviously annoyed but she tried not to show it.
"Nikki's not in favor of you being Seth's mate," Chris said.
"Hold on, Chris said you both will be in a sexual frenzy right?" Michael asked and Scarlett nodded annoyed. "Aren't you supposed to be like…with each other? Don't get me wrong Scar but I'd rather you have your first time taken by your mate and not some random guy," he said.
"What the fuck Michael," Scarlett breathed.
"Look Scarlett, you're mated now, you have to understand that you can't keep escaping discussions like these and you can't keep being dense and ignorant about these things…girls your age have had their first and multiple times already, you're nineteen for fuck sake," Michael said seriously.
"Girls my age Michael not me, I'm Scarlett Quinn,"
"You'll eventually have to open up Quinn, Michael's right; you can't keep ignoring the heads and eyes that turn when you go somewhere. I'm going to say it, you're damn hot, you can't keep denying that people don't notice it," Chris said.
"So where are we going now?"
"The thing is Michael and I don't have a problem with Seth as the perfect man for you but Nikki says she doesn't trust him with you so she wants to find a guy you'll be interested in,"
"So in summary we're going men shopping," Michael said.
"Which is what exactly?"
"Ugh you've got to be kidding me," Michael groaned. "I can't wait for that sexual frenzy," he said with a chuckle.
"We're taking you to see men who I strongly doubt may pique your interest," Chris explained.
"And you both don't have a problem with it?" Scarlett asked; the exasperation obvious in her tone and etched on her face.
"We just want to watch your progress in becoming less dense,"
"I have one week with you guys without any problems, can we please do something better?" Scarlett asked. "I don't think I'll enjoy shopping for men when I don't like regular shopping Nicole, please,"
"You're just going to see different kinds of men and see which you like, what's the harm in that?"
"You won't change your mind no matter what I say will you?"
"Nope,"
"Are you really going to let her go men shopping brother?" David asked. He couldn't believe Chris had actually agreed to that. It's not like Chris didn't know Scarlett had a mate or wasn't even interested in the whole idea of shopping for men. "Say something brother, she's your mate and she's bonded to you, she's yours now, you can't let her roam around the city, she's on heat for fuck sake,"
"I suggest you find other matters to meddle in brother," Seth said coldly as he pulled his gloves on and then he was gone. David sighed to himself. Why does he even bother? Seth was right; he should find other matters to meddle in.
He materialized in Claire's estate; in the sitting room was Elizabeth, who had a screen glued to her face that she didn't even sense his presence. He stole a glance of what it was that had her attention and realized she was reading a novel. Judging from the little he was able to read before he heard footsteps, it was a romance and fantasy novel. Claire stood in front of him and motioned for him to follow her into the kitchen.
"You do realize she's reading a fantasy romance novel right?" David asked.
"I know what the romance is about and yeah I don't mind, as long as she knows what to expect in life,"
"How is she? The whole accepting that she's not human,"
"Well it's harder for me because she's part werewolf but it's a working progress," Claire said. "Thank you for bringing her David,"
"It's no problem, she's a beautiful girl and she deserves a mother,"
"What did she mean by what she said the last time you were here?"
"What's that?"
"Don't act dumb with me David, I see it in your eyes and Gallus' as well, I can't say the same for Seth because his are cold. What happened to your mother?"
"It's a story I don't wish to tell Claire,"
"If she's still alive, you will see her again but if she's not…"
"Thank you, I should take my leave,"
"Won't you say hi to her?"
"No! Don't let her know I was here, just keep her safe and happy," David said. "I trust you can do that,"
***
Seth stood at the top of the grand staircase staring at nothing in particular. His mind still replayed everything David had said 'she's your mate and she's bonded to you, she's yours now' no matter how much he tried to ignore the obvious, she's his now.
A familiar yet faint almost impossible to believe presence made him come back to reality. He made his way to the underground dungeon and stilled in front of the open door. Gallus stood opposite him with his head bowed. Seth's eyes remained fixated on the ground staring at the bodies lying there shocked.
"It's been more than five centuries since mother, Lilith and Aerith were trapped in that abyss," Gallus still had his head bowed. He knew Seth wouldn't say anything. "I've been with their bodies since the night of your mate's dark outburst, her explosion released their bodies from the crystal in the door to the abyss," Gallus looked up at Seth and their eyes met, a tear dropped from Gallus' eyes.
Seth remained quiet, there was nothing he could say to his brother, no word or action would ease the pain in his brother's heart. He knew just how much Gallus loved his woman but unfortunately he couldn't understand it. He slowly made his way to his mother and sister's soulless bodies. He went down on one knee and caressed his mother's ashen face. Gently, he kissed her forehead and turned to his sister, he held her hand. He kissed her cheeks and rested his forehead on his sister's.
"I'm going to Ascia," Gallus said. "I want to see father," Seth glared at Gallus at those words. "Relax brother,"
"If you get into any trouble, don't expect me or David to help you," Seth finally spoke. Gallus smirked at him causing Seth to arch a brow at him.
"Your mate is one of my allies, she'll definitely help me," Gallus said. Seth glare turned even colder at those words. Gallus knew Seth would be possessive over his mate and he wanted to make sure it wouldn't just remain possessiveness.
'Don't dare me brother, I'll make you regret ever meeting her' Seth's voice echoed in Gallus' head.
"Don't forget dear brother, I met her first," Gallus said with a smirked and quietly walked passed Seth. If he wanted his mother and sister back then he would need Scarlett to be motivated to do it and not just because of what she owed Seth for teaching her to fight with daggers but because she wanted to. It was high time Seth's frosty heart thawed out.
***
"First stop, a frat house," Michael said. "You know what it is right?" Scarlett stared at him silently.
"You don't," Chris said not in the slightest disappointed at the outcome.
"This might not be the best idea," Michael said. "Frat houses are like a playground for players and hookups and you don't exactly fit into either categories and let's not forget, not in the slightest experienced," he paused and turned to Nicole. "She's our friend and we don't want to see her get hurt Nicole even though that may probably never happen in a place like this,"
"What the hell are you doing Michael?" Nicole asked slightly irritated.
"Look here me out babe, those guys in there…they're not exactly known for their respect for women and we don't want Scarlett to get taken advantage of or caught up in something that's not good for her…"
"I'm wondering if that's possible," Chris interrupted.
"Plus, we're trying to help her find someone genuine, not some dickhead frat bro who's just looking for a conquest. Let's get out of here and…"
"I think she beat you to it Michael," They watched as Scarlett made her way across the road as though she was going to the frat house. "Or maybe not," As she got to the end of the road, an auto piloted power bike pulled up in front of her.
"It's Quinn Incorporation latest model," she said as she got on. "Anything but a frat house," she revved the engine and then she was gone. Nicole, Michael and Chris stared at the spot where Scarlett stood surprised, they hadn't expected that but Chris and Michael both burst out laughing.
"This is going to be an amazing week, don't you think Nicole?" Chris teased as they all got into the car. "I guess the frat's house's off the list, what else do you have in store for her?"
"I'll think of something," Nicole said with a frown on her face as she stared out the window.
"Just…not a place as hot as a…frat house okay babe?" Michael said but Nicole glared at him causing Chris to chuckle.
"Don't worry Nicole, she'll bend, it's all just a matter of time," Chris said.
'I hope' Nicole thought as she leaned on Michael's shoulder.
***
Scarlett walked through the doors of Debbie's room. It was actually the first time she'd been in her since seven months ago. The walls were painted azure and had patterns drawn in white. The room was perfect and big enough for a fifteen year old teenage girl.
Debbie lay on her bed using her laptop; it was a top model of Quinn electro. As Scarlett walked in, she looked up at her sister and a smile spread across her face. Debbie shut the laptop and sat up with a bright smile on her face.
"Hey Deb," Scarlett said. "I'm sorry I didn't keep my promise…but I'm here now," she said as she sat on Debbie's bed.
"It's okay…" Debbie said. "What about Nicole, Chris and Michael?"
"I ditched them; they want me to go men shopping,"
"Seriously…that's…wait aren't you mated to Seth?"
"I am," Scarlett sighed. "Nicole doesn't trust Seth and I'm ignorant about this stuff. I want to make her happy but I don't want to go men shopping either,"
"Which means you choose Seth?"
"I don't know Deb,"
"How do you feel when you see him?"
"Normal," Scarlett said. In an instant, she had her back to the wall and Debbie's hand around her throat in an attempt to choke her. Debbie's eyes were red and she snarled at Scarlett. "How else am I meant to feel?" Scarlett choked.
"Ugh really Scar?!" Debbie said frustrated. "He's your mate for goodness sake! You have to feel something like uh…do you feel tongue-tied? Do you feel your heartbeat accelerate? What about blood coursing faster than normal through your veins? A chilling yet hot sensation that goes down your spine and makes you shiver, do you feel any of these things?"
"No," Scarlett said. Debbie felt disappointed. She had thought with the look in her sister's eyes and the way she rejected the men shopping idea that Scarlett was finally becoming a teenage girl who could be affected by a man but Scarlett was nowhere near that road. "You can let go now Debbie," Scarlett coughed out. Debbie's eyes darkened and her nails grew longer digging into Scarlett's neck.
"I'm not done," Debbie said. "I feel you're lying to me, so until I'm sure you're not, I'll let go,"
"Fine,"
"How the hell did you survive high school? Let's not forget the devil's your great grandfather and his unrealistically handsome and you're insanely beautiful, every guy would fall for you…so how?"Debbie asked.
"I told you Debbie, I'm ignorant, I ignore every asshole who comes near me because I don't care about falling in love, I just want my family safe and happy, I want to get the throne back so we don't have to fight so hard anymore,"
"But the fight will never end Scarlett, as long as we're all still breathing, we will always keep fighting, either for survival or for the ones we love,"
"I know that," Scarlett said.
"It's good to see you two bonding but could you make it a little less bloody?" Scarlett and Debbie turned to door. Zev leaned on the frame with his hands in his pockets and a mischievous gleam in his eyes.
"Hey Zev," the girls said as Debbie let Scarlett go. Scarlett coughed and smiled at him.
"Let me tell you how Debbie," Zev said as he returned the smile and walked inside then sat on Debbie's bed. Debbie also sat on the bed while Scarlett made her way to a couch after cleaning her bloody neck. "Every year on the first of July, our dearest sister Scarlett while in high school, received at least a hundred love letters, dozens of chocolate, car keys and billions of dollars as birthday gifts from different guys," Debbie stared at Zev then turned to Scarlett surprised.
"Are you kidding me? What do you do with all that stuff?" Scarlett had a smug smile on her face.
"I have a storage room and garage for everything in Ensco, the letters are in heart shaped envelops, the chocolates are in refrigerators, the cars are in the garage while the cash is in my bank account,"
"I want chocolate and I want to read those letters," Debbie said. "Can I have some chocolate?"
"Is that good for your health?"
"Oh please I'm a hybrid," Debbie said. "Are you coming brother?"
"I would love to check out Scar's collection but I have a lot to take care of at the office,"
"We'll see you later then?" Scarlett asked and Zev nodded. "And it's not my collection…it's just a random preservation of stupid piece of papers, I'm burning all those letters at the end of the year as a bonfire"
"Why would you do that?" Debbie asked.
"I have better things to store than stupid letters,"
"Why don't you burn the cars and money as well? It'll make the fire blaze even more," Zev said teasingly.
"Would you?" Scarlett asked with a raised brow. Zev didn't answer but he had a smirk on his face.
"I'll see you two later okay," he said and kissed their cheeks. In an instant, he was gone.
"Now…let's take a look at your gifts shall we?" Debbie said. Scarlett let out a relieved breath, that felt amazing, spending time with Zev and Debbie felt really refreshing.
"We have to go to Ensco Deb,"
"That's not a problem," Scarlett smiled hearing that.
***
They took a bike from Scarlett's mansion in Ensco and Scarlett drove it to a remote location in Ensco, a large warehouse stood in the middle of the area. The entrance was the garage and there were amazing, expensive and brand new brands of cars that hadn't been driven, the cars were either black with a touch of gold or a dark shade of blue with a touch of white.
"What is it with you and these colors?"
"I'm not sure; I guess I just like the combination," Scarlett said. "The chocolate's over there in those large refrigerators,"
"Are those refrigerators?" Debbie asked in disbelief as she stared at three large blocks that had handles. "All that's in there…is chocolate?"
"Yeah," she led Debbie farther inside the warehouse and stopped in front of a set of huge mahogany drawers and a shelf. "The shelves has jewelry in them, chains, bracelets, name it," Scarlett turned to Debbie. "I haven't been here in a while; I think the number increased,"
"What?"
"I didn't come here last year, you know I lost my memories so I didn't check it out but…I think…" she paused as she made her way to a control panel. She inputted a few codes and a door slid open. "…these are the new entries," Scarlett said as the lights came on.
"Shit!"
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