Our Last Hope

Working Things Out

I could feel the slight chill in the air from the window that was cracked beside the bed. There was a light breeze coming, stirring the white, gossamer curtains. Will was still gently snoring in my ear when I had the strong urge to pee. I wiggled out of his arms and tiptoed into the bathroom. I turned around just in time to see him readjust within the pillows. I rushed over to the toilet and let the stream escape me. 

Despite feeling like I got a good night's sleep, I was began to feel drained. A million thoughts rushed into my head. Was will right about the bear's blood not sustaining me? Or was it a possible pregnancy? I tested my boobs, they weren't sore and there was no nausea present. I shook it off. It was still early morning, the colors in the sky showed that the sun was about to rise. I washed my hands and tied my hair up into a top bun. My eyes still threw me when ever I caught a glimpse of them. 

I quietly opened the door to the bedroom, William had flipped onto his stomach with his face buried in the pillows. I walked over to check the time on my phone and saw that I missed a call from my mother last night. I thought about how I could have missed it. Then I remembered the activities that ensued last night before bed. After round 6, I was pretty tired. 

I slipped into my fuzzy slippers beside the bed and shuffled over to the stairs. It was just after 6 in the morning. I needed some coffee and a beautiful sunrise. 

I settled into the patio couch and brought my knees up to my chest. The back yard over looked a beautiful lake that was outlined in the mountains. I wrapped myself tighter in the throw blanket and swiped up on my phone. I saw "mommy dearest" pop up on my screen and it started to ring. I pressed it to my ear and took a sip of my coffee, I preferred it black like my soul. 

"Hello?" I missed mama's chipper voice waking me up every morning.

"Hi mama. I'm sorry I missed your call last night. We were preoccupied."

I heard the smile in her voice. "It's no worries darling, I was just calling to check in. How are you adjusting?"

I loved being able to talk to my mom, I could tell her everything. Of course, there were a few details that I wasn't prepared to indulge. I took another sip of coffee before responding.

"I'm good, it's just been a whirl wind." 

"I completely understand my love. It just takes time, you'll get there. I know what you're going through, I've been able to feel it the last couple days. I know that you have a lot on your mind, just relax my darling. Things will work themselves out."

I always felt better talking to mama, she was always good at calming me down. There was a brief silence on the other end followed by a sigh. "Anyway, the reason I'm calling is because your father and I would like to throw you a graduation party. Are you and Will free this weekend?" 

I couldn't help but giggle. "Yes mama, we'll be there."

"Super! Don't worry about bringing anything. Just yourselves!"

Mama and I chatted for a couple more minutes before hanging up. I was able to enjoy the last of the sunrise before I ran out of coffee. I ventured inside for a refill, I didn't really need the energy, I just enjoyed the taste. 

Will was still asleep upstairs so I took some time to go over my commencement speech for Friday. I opened my laptop and saw that I had a new email from the school. It was my final grades and the reminder that I was class valedictorian. I felt guilty of taking the title from someone who actually cared about the school, but my grades outshined a lot of the other candidates. I also hadn't even applied to universities yet, which with my life was understandable. I had no idea what my life was going to turn out to, it seemed silly to make a plan before making a plan. Daddy assured me that it was no big deal. Most of the headmasters at our local collages, "knew the struggle." He told me that they would be willing to process my application whenever was most convenient for me. 

I was able to whip out an impressive speech in no time. It was almost 8 now, I knew that Will would be in a crabby mood if I let him sleep too long. I closed my laptop and headed upstairs to wake the beast. I set another full coffee cup on his side table and slowly crept up the foot of the bed. I straddled his back and started to scratch the length of his spine. 

"Mmmm.." I heard a groan escape him, but it was muffled from all the pillows. 

I leaned down by his ear and whispered, "Wakey wakey my love." I heard another groan before he suddenly turned onto his back making me squeal. He grabbed onto my hips and I had to hover over his member. He flicked his eyebrows and a playful smile spread across his lips. 

"Oh no no! this was a simple wake up call."

His grin got wider. "Well this is the only wake up call that I will except, now take off you shorts."

Fuck. Another order. 

Of course one round just wasn't enough. After about two hours of sweating, panting and f*****g I finally had to beg him to stop. We laid in bed until about 11. 

"Oh by the way. My mother called me and said that they are throwing a graduation party for me this Saturday after the ceremony." 

William kissed my temple and nodded his head. "Yeah, your dad told me last night. He also wants to have a meeting about our new responsibilities."

I looked up at him puzzled. "When did you talk to my father?"

He smiled down at me. "We had an inner conference last night after you fell asleep." 

Well that explains it. As the next leader of my father's coven, it only makes sense that they are now linked too. 

I was growing tired of laying in bed. I propped up onto my elbows, "can we go for a run please?" 

"What, you didn't get enough of a workout for the last couple hours?" He feigned being offended. 

I rolled my eyes at him, "It's not that, we've just been laying in bed for two long. Jogging has always been a pick me up. I would love for you to join me."

"If that's what you want baby then I'm on board." 

*****

I realized that I didn't have too many hobbies. There really wasn't much for us to do together. We don't generally use the kitchen, seeing as we don't eat normal food. We never really run out of energy or need rest. Sitting on the couch watching tv is a good way to get bored quick. I did notice that Will's hobbies involve a lot of videogaming. I'm definitely more of the academic type. I love getting lost in a good book or writing fanfiction.

Later that week, we were sitting on the couch. I had my laptop propped open and Will was engrossed in his game. I don't know who felt it first, but there was a sudden shift in atmosphere. The fragrance was off and we could feel the tension building. Whatever is was, was close by, 

"Move very slowly. No sudden movements." I nodded my head meekly and closed my laptop. I unhooked my leg from underneath me and stood slowly to my feet. Will had carefully unhooked his head phones and set them on the couch beside him. He turned over his shoulder, "Stay here. I'm going to go check it out."

I grabbed onto his arm as he took a step forward. "You are NOT going out there by yourself, I am coming with you!"

"That is not happening."

I rolled my eyes. "We do not have time to debate this, I'm coming!"

Will switched off the lights as we walked towards the back door. I felt my body shifting into hunting mode. This was fight or flight but 10 times stronger. Will went around the West side of the house while I moved to the East. 

 I enhanced my senses and took in the silence around me. I recognized the scent that filled the air, it was familiar, I've smelled it before. I knew who it was. Gregor. 

I took a step into the moonlight and caught a glimpse of bright purple eyes. It was a rouge. When a vampire was exiled and were out on their own, they eyes would reflect a vivid purple color, it was the one way that it gave them away. I just couldn't tell if it was Gregor or one of his minions. 

"Good evening Winnie." Gregor stepped out of the shadows with a condescending smile on his face. I didn't feel threatened by him at all. 

"Hi there Gregor. How's your night going?" 

Gregor took another step towards me as I heard footsteps coming up from behind me. I knew that it was Will, he would freak when he saw who was standing in front of me. 

Will slid in front of me like a super hearo, preparing for battle. 

"What the f**k are you doing here Gregor?" 

"Oh come on big bro. Drop the act. No one from our old coven is around. You know that I am not going to hurt you or Winnie. I just want to talk."

Will calmed a bit and took a step off to the side so I could feel apart of the conversation. He crossed his arms across his body and I could see the annoyance set into his features. 

"Are you alone? Or is my house surrounded by your goons?"

The air did feel heavier, like we were surrounded. Gregor snapped his fingers and the weight suddenly lifted. We were alone, we all knew it. 

Will dropped his edge and prepared to have a civil conversation with his baby brother. 

"You and I both know that I did what I thought was right. Father was a despicable being. His terror needed to end. He was never a good soul, but he became even worse leading up to his death. He was making rash decisions that continued to put our people in danger. I did what you couldn't." 

I felt the anger rising in Will's chest, I know that he doesn't like being called out. 

"You can't just deflect the blame. You knew that I didn't come to the conclusion lightly. It was either exile or execution! You know that I didn't have much of a choice."

Gregor scoffed, "You can't honestly believe that you are blameless in the whole situation. You were just as bad as father. You made my life a living hell, and now you're trying to tell me that you were the hero?" 

I just stood there and listened to them yell at each other. I knew that I wasn't involved but I knew that they would kill each other if I wasn't here. 

"I know that I wasn't the hero. I couldn't stand what I became. Father poisoned me my entire life."

"Yeah, but he didn't actually poison you like he did me. He hated me for no reason. You never stood up for me, not even once!"

"That's exactly why I made the decision that I did. That was my way of making things right!"

"You can never make things right. One little instance and you think that the scales are even now!"

Gregor was close to bubbling over. He threw his hands up in the air and started pacing. "You know that I actually debated on taking your mate from you. Not because I want her, but because I know that it would kill you if I did." Gregor made eye contact with me and I shook my head. 

"If you lay one finger on her, you are dead."

Gregor stopped pacing and rolled his eyes at Will. "Well no s**t Sherlock. I wouldn't do it now, that's why I'm here. I thought that there would be a more civil way to do this. But if you can't get over your own self loathing to hear me out then there's no point. I thought that you would want to reconcile after all these years. There is no reason for me to hate you anymore."

"Well, if you have such a problem with me, why are you still here?"

"I'm here because I want my family back. You are my only family Willie, I'm tired of running. I'm tired of hiding. I want to put the past in the past and move on from this." 

I noticed a change in Will, he was actually considering this. We were getting closer to their reconcile when there was an echo of growls coming from the tree line. The three of us stopped in our tracks, there were several sets of eyes watching us. These weren't vampires, these were something completely different. 

Werewolves.

*****

Electric blue eyes surrounded us. Gregor took a couple steps towards us and we formed a circle. Why were the werewolves in our territory? There is nothing here for them. 

"We can talk about this! We have done nothing to upset the balance." William called to the dozens that surrounded us. "There is no reason for a fight."  

There was a rush in the air and suddenly, a mid 20's, shirtless man walked out into the clearing. 

"We are not here to fight, we are here to talk as well. I'm sorry if we frightened you, we just weren't sure how receptive you would be." 

We dropped our guard as the rest of the wolf pack came out of the tree line. There were easily three dozen men standing in front of us. 

"We actually came to ask you a favor, do you have a minute to talk?"

*****

Will started a fire and we formed a circle around the open flames, the pack leader, Will, Gregor, and I. 

"We've been facing a new threat, one that we've never had to deal with before. We can normally stand our own when it comes to Vampires. We've taken out more than a few in the past."

"Then why do you need us?" Gregor was leaning forward on his knees, he was truly intrigued. 

"This being is nothing like we've seen before. He has the aggression and agility of a vampire, the strength and cunning like a werewolf, and magical powers like a sorcerer. He has outsmarted us in every way, he has been three steps ahead of us the entire time of us trying to end him. Our village elders seem to think that he can anticipate our moves ahead of time. He is extremely powerful and he has been reeking havoc for almost a year. We are growing desperate, there seems to be no end in sight. That is why we are asking to forge an alliance with the vampires and warlocks in this region."

Growing up, there were legends and tales about specific magical creatures that possessed a large array of powers. It was said that this being could harness all the energy in the region and become unstoppable. The last known occurrence was almost 3 centuries ago. But that ended with the beings head on a spike. This can't be the same entity, which is even scarier.

"What kinds of things have been going on? I have yet to hear of the destruction in this region."

The pack leader nodded his head at my question. "Our pack sits on the northern border of your region. We have come along way to warn you to be on your toes. He has been destroying families across state lines for almost a year. It doesn't matter what type of creature you are. He has slaughtered covens, packs, even human villages. He has no biased on how he kills, he is clearly on a mission, for what we are not sure. But we can never be too careful."

"There is no telling if this being will actually cross our land, but you are right. We all have to watch our backs. I will be meeting with my father-in-law in two days time. I will bring this to his attention and we can reconvene first thing Sunday morning."

The pack leader nodded his head and we all shook hands. There was an awkwardness left behind when the werewolves disappeared into the woods. We still had some unresolved issues that lingered between William and Gregor. 

"I'll leave you two to talk. Please no murder in my absence." I leaned over to William and kissed him before I retreated back inside. I didn't hear any yelling coming from outside, so that was a good sign. I set up my laptop once more and decided to proof read my commencement speech one more time. I knew that there was going to be a lot of pressure on me, I couldn't get wrapped up in this new threat that may or may not happen. 

After about an hour. William came inside, his eyes were ringed with red and his skin was puffy. He must have been crying. I really hope that they could work through their issues. 

"Where is Gregor?" 

I closed my laptop and set it on top of the coffee table. 

"He went back to his house. He's planning on coming to the party on Saturday. Is that alright?"

There was going to be hundreds in the attendance, I don't see the harm in one more. 

"I'm sure that that would be fine. But why exactly?"

"I was going to talk to your father about letting Gregor join into our coven."

That bit of information threw me, "Are you sure that that's a good idea?"

"I do actually. I think that it could be really good for all involved. If Gregor and I can bury the hatchet, I don't see an issue with clearing the air with the surrounding covens."

I nodded along, I know that the Bright Coven has had its issues and tainted past, but we are all capable of change. I trust William, if he thinks that Gregor would be a good addition to the Coven's guard then I had no right to question it. 

William came over and plopped down next to me. "How are you feeling about all of this?"

I wasn't sure how to answer that, there was so much going on and it hasn't even been a week. I really hope that our lives won't continue down this path. William placed his hand on my thigh and I leaned my head on his shoulder. 

"I don't know exactly, I can't quite wrap my head around everything that's happening. I feel like we're on a roller coaster of despair." 

William leaned over and kissed my forehead and scooped up my hand. 

"Let's take it one day at a time. Let's get through this weekend and figure out where to go from there. Now, let's get you to bed."

I rolled my eyes, I knew what 'going to bed' meant. We were about three hours away from that. 

*****

Saturday morning was moving by so quickly. It was hot and humid so I knew that taming my curls was out of the question. The graduation ceremony was supposed to start at 3 but we needed to be at the school by noon. 

While I got ready for the day, William was preparing for the big meeting with my dad. There was a lot to go over and he needed to approach the whole Gregor thing in the right way. I don't know why, but I was suddenly a ball of nerves. I was so worried about stumbling over my words or worse, my own feet. 

Mother had sent me a new dress to wear tonight. It was emerald green, in inspiration from William's eyes. It was a gorgeous satin material with a tulip skirt and off the shoulder neckline. It was tastefully low in front with a fold over detail along the dramatic 'V' shape up top. It hugged me in all the right places and fit me like a glove. It was enough to make William's pop out of his skull one minute and then become a jealous mess the next. 

Mama sent emerald earrings and a matching necklace that went with the dress perfectly. I slipped into some silver pumps and I was ready to go. William helped me out to the car with a change of clothes for later. I looked stunning, but I knew that this dress had an expiration. 

I guess I hadn't realized how far out the cabin was to my home town. We were in the car for about 2 hours. William had decided that it would be best if we headed straight there. Apparently he had cleared it with my father already. As my new protector and care taker, William was now responsible for me. 

I didn't mind it being just the two of us, that way mother wouldn't be fussing over me and I wouldn't have to worry about crying too early. 

William dropped me off at the curb in front of the main entrance before going to park the car. My high school was huge, but it didn't have a matching parking lot. I knew that he would have to park farther away than expected, but at least vampires are fast. 

While I was waiting up at the doors, Melanie Haberstroh came up behind me. I was so focused on following the Jeep with my eyes that I didn't notice that she was standing behind me.

"You look beautiful Winnie!" Despite her giving me a compliment I jumped three feet in the air. Melanie gasped and then busted out into laughter. "I'm so sorry Winnie, I didn't mean to scare you!" 

I tried to laugh it off, even though my heart was still lodged in my throat. 

"It's okay Mel, I'm sorry I just wasn't paying much attention."

Melanie was the classic girl next door. Soft brown hair, large expressive blue eyes. She was the athlete, the prom queen, and the social butterfly. Despite her raging popularity, she still managed to keep her kind heart and beaming smile. There was something about her that seemed genuine. 

"I see you found your mate! How exciting!" 

I always forget that Melanie is one of us, she seems like the exact opposite of who I am. "Where is he?" I started blushing as soon as she brought him up.

"He's just parking the car. You'll get to meet him later at the party." Melanie began clapping wildly and smiling from ear to ear. When she finally came back to Earth, she changed the subject. 

"So do you have your speech ready?" I gave her a nervous smile, I still felt weird to be the quiet girl giving the commencement speech, it was something that I could picture Melanie doing, not me. 

"I think so, I re-read it at least a dozen times. I hope I can do it justice." Melanie waved my nerves off. 

"Oh come on, you were killer in Debate this year. Not to mention the countless presentations you've given. You have a real stage presence girl. You're going to do fine!" 

Suddenly, Melanie was getting called by someone else closer to the door. She turned to see who it was before turning back to me. 

"Sorry Winnie, I got to go! Break a leg!" 

She rushed off to the front door just as I saw William strolling up the side walk towards the front courtyard. 

"Who was that?" 

I turned to smile at William, "That was Melanie Haberstroh fellow shadow walker." I winked at him dramatically so he would catch me drift. 

He closed his eyes and shook his head. "Win, I know what you mean. You look like you're having a stroke." I playfully smacked his chest and immediately regretted my decision. My hand started to throb, good for me though, it didn't last long. 

I heard the 12 o'clock charm and knew that it was time to go in. William hovered just behind me the entire time. I could sense when he caught someone staring at me. I had to remind him at least a dozen times to calm down through link.

These are high school boys, cut them some slack.

I don't like the way they're looking at you.

Oh shut up. I'm pretty sure I'm carrying your spawn right now and you are worried about some humans ogling me? 

He tried to hide his frustration but I caught the eye roll. I shook my head as we stood in the long line to get checked in. Of course it wasn't normal to have an escort. Although, I wasn't the only one. I counted at least 3 or four other senior girls that had their mates in tow. At least I didn't stand out too much. 

We came up to the table where Mrs. Filburt was sitting. She had at least 10 clip boards strew about the table. She was looking down at her list when we approached the table. 

"Name please?" It only took her a second to look up and she immediately started to apologize. I could see her red eyes staring back at me. "Ms. Harrington, my apologies. This must be your mate. Very happy for you my dear!" 

It's not everyday that the Primus's daughter finds her mate, I could tell that her excitement was genuine. 

"I look forward to the party tonight. Here's your cape and gown. And you two can head back behind the stage. We will be running through the walking ceremony once before we begin at three."

We exchanged pleasantries before stepping off to the side for the next person to be processed. 

"I can stay with you right?" I felt William's arm tighten around my waist as we walked to the opposite side of the gym. 

I smiled up at him and nodded. "Yes Will, most of the staff here understand what we're going through. You probably won't be able to sit with me, but when my folks get here, you'll be able to sit with them."

"I just want to make sure that you are within my constant sight." 

I rolled my eyes again, nothing is going to happen to me tonight of all nights. We stopped in the middle of the gym and I wrapped my arms around his neck. He pressed his nose to mine and we inhaled our scent. 

"You will have a front row view baby, I promise. Just relax. It is just you and me." 

That seemed to calm him a bit. He exhaled and pressed his lips against mine. 

Our attention was pulled to Mr. Bryson with yet another clipboard. He was calling people by name and we started to form a line alphabetically. Mr. Bryson took in the sight of William and I. 

Mr. Bright can have a seat on this first row of bleachers. This shouldn't take too long. 

I nodded my head before Mr. Bryson turned his attention to someone else. 

I looked up at William.

See, I told you.

William didn't argue. He kissed my cheek and went to sit down with the other newly mated men. I recognized a few of them as fellow classmates. Two of them had just graduated this past year and the third would have graduated the year my brother did. 

It wasn't that strange for older vampires to be mated with younger females. In humans, men can have children well into their 60's where woman have more of a time clock. The younger the female, the sweeter the honey. 

Once we were all lined up, I realized that Melanie was just a few people in front of me. She shot me a wink from the front of the line and then gestured to William, who was wrapped up in his own conversation on the bench. I rolled my eyes and held a finger to my lips. 

Mr. Bryson called our attention and we started to file out of the gym into the field house across the hall. My high school wasn't too terribly big, but there was at least 300 in our senior class, we definitely needed the extra space. 

Within minutes we were ready to run through it. I couldn't believe that it was almost two. I started counting the minutes until my speech. I couldn't even focus on when to walk and when to sit. I hadn't even noticed that they began filing the parents into the bleachers. 

Baby, your parents are here. I'm going to get sit with them. Do you need your speech? I can read it to you if you need me to.

 I giggled, he knew that I had an identic memory.

Thank you my love, I'll be fine.

The next 45 minutes went by quick, next thing I knew. I was being pulled to go on stage.

My knees were shaking as I walked up the stairs. But I could hear encouraging words flooding my brain by my family, mostly William, he was the loudest one. 

I cleared my throat and looked out onto the crowd. Everyone's faces were blurred together and I couldn't see straight. I don't know what was going on, but I suddenly felt light headed. I grabbed tight to the podium and tried not to sway. 

baby, you don't look so good. Are you alright?

 I don't feel so good. 

Suddenly things went dark.