Our Last Hope

It ends here

Mama and daddy were standing out front of the house as we pulled up. I noticed mama trembling as I hopped down from the Jeep, she wasn’t hiding her anxiety well. She ran over to me as I turned towards the back seat for the twins.

“Oh, thank God. I was wondering what was taking you guys so long.” She sounded frantic and was subtly checking me over for marks. I tried to ignore it, if I played into it, it might raise William’s suspicions.

“I’m fine mama, promise. We had to stop a while back and change Henry’s diaper.” I tried to play it off as best as possible. Mama c****d her eyebrow, she was trying to see through something that was in fact, true. I shook my head and proceeded to reach into the back seat to grab Lilly’s carrier. Mama watched me carefully as I lifted Lilly up and mindlessly handed the carrier to her.

Once Lilly was secure, I stepped up and wiggled my way into the far side of the backseat. I unlatched Henry and carefully shimmied my way back out to where mama was standing.

I huffed as I stepped down to the ground and closed the door with my hip. Mama threw her arm around my shoulder and we walked into the house together. Daddy was helping the staff unload our bags as William stood in the background, doing absolutely nothing; God he is such an asshole.

It was a mad dash once we got into the house. Mama had hired some nannies for us for the weekend. It was her way to ensure that the babies weren’t caught in the crosshairs.

“Ms. Harrington, my name is Ashley and this is my sister Becky. I promise that your babies will be well taken care of.”

I gave her a tight smile, I didn’t feel right with them being out of my sight, but I knew that it was necessary. Mama and I passed my children over and she quickly ushered me into the lanai. She makes it impossible to stay inconspicuous. She sat me down on the large patio sofa and scooped up my hands.

She lowered her voice and pretended to kiss me on the cheek.

“Everything is set for tonight. I have something for you to take.”

She pulled away from her and I looked at her in disbelief.

“What to do you mean something to take?”

She quickly looked over her shoulder and turned back to me.

“The antidote. Tonight, when we do the toast to the happy couple. You’re going to have to make it look as authentic as possible.”

I closed my eyes and shook my head. Why did I have to drink the poison too? William wouldn’t care, I wasn’t supposed to drink tonight anyway. I opened my eyes and leaned into mama.

“I can’t take anything... or drink right now mama.”

She leaned back and looked me up and down. Her eyes slowly bulged and her mouth dropped open.

“I knew that there was something off with you. You’re pregnant?” She had more anger in her voice than I anticipated.

I brushed my finger across my lips and mama tried to calm herself. I nodded my head in silence and looked down at my hands.

“Yes, mama. It’s Gregor’s.”

“WHAT!?” I shushed her as quickly as I could.

“Yes mama, please calm down. There is so much going on right now and I can’t tell you everything. It doesn’t matter now. We only have to worry about him for another couple hours. Just keep telling yourself that everything will be okay... lord knows I have been telling myself that the last couple weeks.”

Mama’s expression became grim and I could see her body recoiling, she looked so small sitting next to me. I placed my hand on her shoulder and looked into her eyes.

Trust me mama. Pretend to be naïve. It's the best thing for all of us.

She didn’t have time to respond. We heard loud booming laughter coming in from the long hallway into the lanai. Daddy and William were about to join us.

We sat in the lanai for about an hour or so when mama stood suddenly and turned to face me. She had enough of the fake pleasantries.

“Shall we go dress darling?”

I was speechless as I studied her outstretched hand. I nodded my head slowly and placed my palm in hers. When I was standing, mama turned to the men.

“I want you both dressed and ready in two hours. We will meet right back here.”

Daddy smiled up at mama.

“Yes dear.”

Mama’s eyes flicked over to William and lingered until she got a response.

“Yes ma’am.”

Mama nodded tightly and then dragged me down the hallway. Her grip was a little tighter than usual. She was seething from the news of a new grandchild. She didn’t say anything until we were safely in my room. She closed the door quickly and locked it. She whipped her head around and her brows settled into a stern line.

"What the hell were you thinking? I can only ensure your safety if you tell me everything. Don't leave anything out."

She was looking at me like I was five years old again. I tried to fight the tears as my frustration started to build and a spark of nausea threatened the back of my throat.

"You have no idea what my life has been like the last couple months! Gregor is kind and sweet, he's my best friend and my true mate. When I can not be with him, it is because William is around. Will makes me do unspeakable things, and if I don't, he punishes me."

I couldn't hide the tears as I thought about my severe punishments that I have endured.

"Last week he locked me in a closet for three days because his coffee wasn't hot enough. He constantly punches me, kicks me, slaps me. I didn't mean to get pregnant mama, it just happened. I pray that it is Gregor's, I can't stand the thought of bringing another one of William's children into this world."

I was sobbing uncontrollable as I felt mama's arms wrap around me and she pulled me to her chest. Mama tried to soothe me the best that she could, but it was no use. I couldn’t stop replaying all of the horrid things that has said and done to me.

“Shh. I’m sorry darling. It was wrong of me to assume that this was on purpose. I have no right to judge. You’re right, I don’t have any clue what you’ve been through. I’m so sorry.”

Now mama was crying against my shoulder. My tears finally stopped and mama pulled away from me slightly to kiss the tip of my nose.

“Let’s get you ready, we both know what will happen if we leave William waiting.” I nodded my head and mama gave me a smile though her tears.

I picked a simple, black, floor length dress. It had a high neckline and a low back. It had a generous slit up my right leg and I slipped into a pair of black pumps. The color was perfect for masking my little bump. It didn’t look like much, no one would notice, but I was still self conscious about it. Mama whipped my hair up into a loose, low bun at the back of my neck but left a few hanging pieces around my face.

We had to apply a little extra makeup than usual, we had to hide the marks and bruises that William had recently given me. Although I had more concealer on than usual, mama kept my eyes nice and light with a champagne shadow and a simple, thin liner. I was surprised how quickly she worked her magic, I haven’t been dressed up like this in almost 6 months. William never wanted to draw attention to me. He always said that I got too much attention and blamed is on me being a w***e.

I decided on simple pearl studs and limited the amount of accessories. Mama stood behind me in the mirror and sighed contently.

“You are breathtaking darling.” I couldn’t help the smirk that sprang across my lips as a dark thought flittered through my mind.

“At least I’m already wearing black.” Mama shook her head at my dark sense of humor and gave me a playful slap on the shoulder. She wrapped her arms around me and kissed the side of my face.

“Come on, let’s head down to the festivities.”

Daddy and William were already waiting for us in the lanai when we entered. I knew that daddy had a sarcastic thought in his head but he kept his mouth shut, he didn’t want to add fuel to William’s fire by pointing out the fact that we were the ones that were late.

Despite William being a sociopath, he did clean up pretty well. I felt the hair on the back of my neck stand up as William looked me up and down. I knew that he was disapproving of my outfit but didn’t dare say anything about it.

There wasn’t much for us to do but wait until our guests arrived. We all had decided on a small wedding, just direct coven members and long time friends, there were only going to be 50 people in attendance for the ceremony tomorrow, there would be even less for tonight’s festivities.

The three of them were trying their best to make small talk. I just stared into space and focused on a tassel on the rug in front of us. I was startled back into reality when I heard the loud chime from the front door. Mama shot up from her perching spot and headed down the hallway only to turn to face us when she realized that we were not in tow. She c****d her eyebrows and stuck out her chin.

“Well?”

We all stood in unison. I let daddy through first before I felt William’s hand slid across my exposed back. It sent shivers down my spine and my blood went cold. He leaned in close to my ear.

“I don’t appreciate you showing so much skin. It seems like that you are not trying to hide your pregnancy at all. I told you that I didn’t want tonight to be about you.”

I still couldn’t contemplate what he was saying. If I didn’t notice my bump, then certainly no one else would. I knew that he was just trying to make me feel guilty and self conscious about the way I looked. Knowing that I only had a couple more hours with this devil in disguise, I decided to brush it off.

“I promise that I will stay quiet and out of the way. I don’t want to distract anyone with my condition. No one else knows about it, and I intend to keep it that way.”

William grumbled like a immature child. “You better.”

We spent the next hour greeting and hugging our guests. Other than a few suspicious glances in my direction, most of our guests were extremely happy and anxious for the wedding tomorrow. I couldn’t stop sneaking glances up at William when he wasn’t looking. These damn pregnancy hormones were getting to me. In my heart and soul I knew that I would rather kill us both than to sleep with him again. But damn, did he look good. His long hair was pulled back into a tasteful bun and his dark navy suit brought out his eyes. As good as he looked, I knew what lied underneath that expensive Armani suit. He was covered in old scars and scratches from me defending myself. I had gotten his eye once, he beat me for three days straight for that one.

I shook my head and tried to focus on the task at hand. We were getting closer and closer to the end game, just another couple guests and then the party would start.

Once the room was settled and we waited for dinner to be served, Daddy called attention to the room. He thanked everyone for coming and even started to tear up as he recalled varies memories from my childhood. He mentioned my brother and how badly we would have wanted to be here but we knew that he was here in spirit. Daddy always knew how to captivate a room and knew exactly what to say at events like this. Although, most of my relationship was on the negative side, daddy only reflected on the good times and the most important thing of all, my children.

As he drew his speech to a close, I knew that the time was coming. I glanced over at mama, she gave me a reassuring nod and winked at me. She must have filled my glass with sparkling juice instead of champagne. I heard daddy take a slight pause and I knew that it was time. Nightshade, as deadly as it is, has a delayed effect. It will appear like food poisoning in a few hours, but would only end in death by morning.

Just as we were about to toast, the dining room doors flew open and there was a large gust of wind. It was like a scene out of a movie. The whole room gasped and turned to take in the sight behind them. The wind had blown out most of the candles in the room and lights were dimmed already. It was hard to see who stood in the doorway with the late afternoon sun shielding them behind a shadow.

I squinted my eyes and realized that it was a woman. It wasn’t until she started walking into the foyer that I got a good glimpse at her.

She was breathtakingly beautiful, despite the sinister grin that spread across her lips as she surveyed the room. I knew that smile, it was the same as William’s. Her bright eyes matched Gregor’s once bright purple. She was a rouge and her overall aura was the same as William’s. I stumbled back as I realized who this woman was, it was Celeste Bright.

She stood there clapping her hands, like when you want to be obnoxious in a large group of people.

“Well that was lovely! I’m sorry that I didn’t get the chance to hear the whole thing!” There was something in her voice that sent ice through my veins and set fear into my soul. I took a step away from William and towards my father. But William was quick to grab my elbow to keep me near him.

The energy changed and the room started to shrink as our guests huddled together, shielding the vulnerable. I felt daddy’s body go rigid as he assessed the danger that now surrounded us. Mama stepped forward to flank the other side of him and lowered her voice.

“She’s not alone. I can feel them, all 400 or so.”

I couldn’t breath or move, neither could William. I tried to read his expression, he was genuinely surprised at the intrusion, but it didn’t mean that he didn’t know what was going on.

Mrs. Bright started walking towards the front of the room until she stopped just in front of us. She was playing a part, but at what? She looked around our grand hall and tsked at what she saw.

“Well, look at this place. It’s huge! Much bigger than I could ever imagined. You have done quite well for yourself haven’t you Michael?”

Her eyes sparkled as she stared at my father. A small grin tugged at the corners of her mouth as father spread out his arms to shield my mother. When no one spoke, Celeste continued. Her words were dripping with venom as she continued.

“It’s amazing how different our lives are now aren’t they? I mean, I’m supposed to be dead.” She let out an exaggerated cackle and clutched her chest. “What surprises me most is that you never once tried to help me. I guess friendship is only skin deep.”

I was just as shocked as everyone else. I had no idea that father knew about the Bright's situation. The way Celeste made it seem was that they have known each other for much longer than I could have imagined.

Father watched her carefully as she slowly paced in front of us, I was entranced by the clicking sound of her heels. She stopped suddenly in the middle of the crowd and placed her finger just above her top lip.

“Hmm, by the way. Has anyone seen my son, Gregor? I was hoping to reunite my family on such a joyous occasion.”

I felt father tense beside me, he had enough of this intrusion.

“That is quite enough!” His anger ricocheted back at us, making the walls shake. Celeste clutched her imaginary pearls and blinked rapidly at father. “We can discuss whatever you’d like, but let our guests go. They are innocent in your twisted illusion.”

Celeste let out a wild cackle before squaring off with father once more.

“Don’t be silly Michael. They should get to know their new empress.”

William dug his fingers into my skin making me yelp and mother shot him a look from across the room.

“Their what!?” Father slammed his fists down on the table in front of him, causing a large crack to form down the middle. “You will never rule this coven! You will have to kill me first!"

“See, that’s where you are mistaken Michael. Not only is my eldest son your legal aire but I have an army waiting to take it by force if you cannot be reasoned with.” She huffed and looked down at her fingernails as if she was bored already. “You have two choices Michael, I implore you to choose wisely.”

Her head then snapped towards William, who still had a firm grip on me. Her gaze then shifted to me and then back to daddy.

"I'm still waiting for an answer Michael. Otherwise, I’m afraid that your daughter will have the same fate as mine.” She exchanged a glance with my father, who was seething. He was ready to bound over the table and take her head off, I wish that he would. She looked back at me and c****d her eyebrow.

“She and I are a lot alike you know. This new baby is Gregor’s is it not?”

The whole room gasped at her accusation and I felt the color drain from my face. I suddenly wanted to puke and my knees were about to give out. I wanted to run, but William’s grip was so tight that I was afraid that he was about to draw blood.

The room was silent, no one dared to speak, they were all in shock at the unraveling events before them.

“William why don’t you bring her to me. I want to get a good look at my daughter in law.”

Before anyone could answer, Gregor burst in through the side door.

“You will not touch her mother!”

Yet another gasp fell across the room, no one knew what to do. It was happening so quickly that no one knew how to stop it. Especially if Celeste’s threat of force was true.

Instead of Gregor going straight for his mother he came over to William and I and squared off with older brother.

“You will let go of her at once and hand her over to her parents. You do not have any claim on her anymore. That ended when you violated the contract!”

The brothers stood toe to toe.

“You have no idea what you are talking about Gregor. It is she that has broken the contract.”

Gregor was ready to rip him apart.

“You were the one who broke it first! How could you not remember the key part of any contract? You vowed to protect her and keep her safe at all costs. How can you do that when you are the one beating her senseless! You lock her in closets, break her bones, and leave marks all across her skin. You are not a man and you will never run this coven! You have already broken your contract ten times over. Now release her.”

Gregor dropped his voice and leaned further into his brother. Even though his 6'2 frame was slightly smaller than his older brothers, Gregor had more rigidness and strength to his body.

I looked between the two of them and saw the crimson red in William’s eyes disappear and turn back to emerald green. Our mate bond was officially severed and I could take a deep breath for the first time in months. William gasped as he felt the bond dissipate. He suddenly raised his elbow to take a swing at Gregor. After a few more swings amongst them, they made their way to the center of the room in an intense brawl. I took the distraction to scurry over to my father's awaiting arms.

I watched in horror as the fight started to get out of hand. Celeste just stood there intrigued, watching her sons fight for the power and coven that she never had. She was much too amused by the scuffle.

I was afraid to see how this was going to end. I needed to get my babies to safety. I opened the link the the nannies and pleaded for them to get to the panic room on the other side of my parent’s closet. They were just in the nursery a few doors down from the master on the second floor.

Ashley, you know what you have to do. Keep my children safe.