Chapter Text
Chris ran down the hallway, glancing into the open rooms he passed. He had to find his youngest brother before their sister. If Sadie..
“Where are you running to in such a hurry, Christopher?”
Turning, Chris stopped at the pale gaze now focused on him. “Sadie, I was, uh, I-I was looking for Charlotte. Have you..” Chris broke off as a blonde head appeared from behind Sadie. Glancing up at his older sister, Chris knew his search for their younger brother was all for nothing. “We were supposed to..”
Sadie cut Chris off with a harsh sound. “Where is Allen, Christopher?”
Stepping back from the soft tone, Chris tried to control the tremor that moved over him. “I do not..I-I have not seen him.” He knew she could tell if he were lying or not. Being the eldest, Sadie could always tell if they had done something wrong or were in trouble. “Not since father..” He broke off at the angry look on Sadie's face. “Sadie?”
Taking a deep breath, Sadie ran a hand over Charlotte's curls. Glancing down, she gave her younger sister a soft smile. “Go with your brother and enjoy your day. You two have done nothing wrong.”
Chris slowly reached for his twin, eyes on his older sister. “Sadie?” He asked softly, pulling Charlotte behind him. “A-are you really not angry with us?”
“Non, little one, neither of you have done anything wrong. Go, you and Charlotte deserve to enjoy your time off from school.” Sadie watched as two pair's of wide, sky blue eyes stared back at her. Giving them both a soft smile, she motioned them down the hall. Watching in silence as Chris and Charlotte disappeared, Sadie waited before speaking to the man behind her. “You have to find her, Shane. If she believes that I deliberately stood her up..”
Shane sighed, running a distracted hand through his hair. “I will do what I can but you know how the wolves are. The entire pack is as stubborn as the coven.”
Shaking her head, Sadie turned back into the study. “As long as you can explain what has happened. I did not abandon her Shane, she has to be told I did not..”
“Do not worry so much on it, I will take care of it.”After a pause, the deep tenor echoed around the room. “And what of your youngest brother, what do you plan to say to him?”
“I will deal with Allen in my own time.” Sadie looked back at the silent figure behind her, silently studying the raven haired man. “You have been with me for most of our lives, my friend, when will you decide you want a life of your own?”
Shane studied the petite woman in front of him, a small ache forming in his chest. “You know why I have not. The family secrets..”
“Must die with you, yes yes I know.” Shaking her head in frustration, Sadie interrupted him softly with a wave of her hand. “Only issue is you can not die, Shane. Much as I can not but you..you are cursed for something that is not even of your own doing.”
Shane frowned, watching as Sadie moved to the window. “My father owed your father and failed to follow through. It is the least..”
“You were a child, Shane, an infant barely new to this world. Your father knew what he was getting into, you how ever, did not. How can you continue to say it is the least you can do?” Sadie sighed as she looked out over the courtyard. She hated her father's house. Hated the overbearing and oppressive air that surrounded the four story mansion. “You did not deserve this life, Shane. You did not choose this life, so it is unfair for you to be forced to endure the burden of it.”
“And yet, I find that it has not been as difficult a burden as most would think.” Shane sighed as he moved to stand behind Sadie. He followed her gaze until he saw him, the youngest of the family. “You know he did not mean..”
“He did, for years she and I have been together and this year because of one of his jealous.. fits.. she is not allowed.” Shaking her head, Sadie turned away from the group now watching her. “Chris and Charlotte are worried that I will not speak to them again.”
“Well, your silence can be more painful than physical punishment. Trust me, I know.” Shane grinned at the soft huff, following Sadie around the small library. “Why does your father insist on having so many rooms?”
“Mother loved to read, father always said it was one of her greatest passions.” Sadie moved towards the small white desk in the corner. “Here, since you will not be here for your birthday, I want to give you this.” Opening the top drawer, Sadie pulled out a small box and two envelopes. “There are two, one for your birthday and one for later in the future.”
Shane nodded, a grin curving his lips at the small box now sitting on top of the envelopes. “Is that what I think it is?” At her small nod, Shane reached for the package. “You know he's going to be mad you gave this to me.” Opening the lid, Shane stared at the ice white diamond surrounded by blood red rubies, forest green emeralds, and ocean blue sapphires. “Is this the Vântul lui Vampire ?” (Vampire's Breath)
“It is.” Sadie sighed as she watched Shane's expression. “You are the only one I can trust to protect it and me. The keeper of the flame will present themselves at the next gathering. This is what will be presented to them.”
“But that's in another ten years, are you sure..” Shane broke off as a slim hand landed on his shoulder. “My lady?”
“I already know who they are and by giving you this, I am making sure that they are protect just as I.” Sadie held the dark gaze, giving Shane a soft smile. “You have always been good to this family, it is time that we do something good for you.”
Shane frowned at the soft statement, watching as Sadie moved back towards the window. “Doamna mea?” (My lady?)
“Nu am vrut ca viața ta să fie prietenul meu. Când va veni timpul, veți cunoaște flacăra. Doar tu poți să-l controlezi, numai tu îi poți da puterea de a arde.” (I did not mean for this to be your life my friend. When the time comes you will know the flame. Only you can control it, only you can give it the strength to burn.) Glancing back at Shane, Sadie gave him a sad, watery smile. She could tell him his future, tell him that the child he once knew was no longer a child. “Iartă-mă pentru că familiile mele s-au deservit de tine.” (Forgive me for my families disservice to you.)
“Din nou, niciuna dintre acestea nu este vina ta. Tatăl meu nu și-a ținut cuvântul. A fi protectorul tău este mai bună decât alternativa.” (Again, none of this is your fault. My father did not keep his word. Being your protector is better than the alternative.) Shane slowly reached forward, pulling Sadie back against him. “You can not continue to blame yourself for his mistake.”
“If he knew the truth..” Sadie started but was cut off by a harsh sound behind them. Turning, she stiffened to find a dark figure hiding in the shadows. “Who's there?”
Turning, Shane frowned as he stepped back from Sadie. Dark gaze narrowing, he moved forward, searching for the intruder. When a slim figure dressed in white stepped out of the shadows, Shane sighed. “What in the hell..”
“So you would break the blood oath and touch her?”
Frowning, Shane looked from Juls to Sadie and back. “Are you insinuating..”
“I was informed that she does not wish for me to be here this year. I came to find out the reason. I see I should have stayed away as requested.” Bright gaze narrowed in anger, Juls circled the dark room. “Is this the true reason or is there another.”
“If you wish to believe what you have heard then leave now and know that you have done wrong by me. Shane has been and always will be our friend. In this, you are guilty, not he or I.” Sadie glared at the woman in front of her, chin raised in defiance. She would admit to a sliver of fear at the angry gaze in front of her. Fear and excitement at the others jealousy. “Allen told father about us and father has forbidden the pack attendance.” Voice soft, Sadie watched as Juls stepped back in confusion.
“I do not understand, why would the child tell your father..”
“He was punished at school and was angry that I did not make it go away before father found out.” Sadie took a deep breath, silver gaze moving to the door. “You must leave Juls, he is on his way here. We can not protect you in his house.”
Shane watched the interaction, aware that the couple's time together was limited. Turning away, Shane glanced up at the door. Who was coming? Was it her father or..
“Shane.”
Turning, Shane frowned at Juls. “You accused me..”
“Forgive me, it is not easy for me when I see her with another. It is difficult knowing that as I slowly grow older she will remain forever young.”
Shaking his head, Shane sighed. “You do not have to worry about me. I protect the family, nothing more.” Giving the couple a small grin Shane glanced back at the door. “Besides, there is someone else that haunts my dreams.” Shane wasn't aware that his statement had been heard by anyone outside of the room. He hadn't known that the one person he desired most would be the one person to cost him the most.