“Probably.”
“I’ll try calling her again.”
“Hello.”
“Mercedes I was starting to think you were dead.”
“No, I took a me day. I needed it.”
“Okay good. Well, I’m on the way to the dr.”
“Don’t freak out.”
“You make it sound bad.”
“Just don’t freak out.”
“Oh god.”
“It’s not bad.”
“Okay.”
“Call me when you get out.”
“Alright. I love you.”
“I love you.”
“What’s wrong?”
“Mercedes told me not to freak out about the doctor’s appointment.”
“I’m sure it’s nothing.”
“I’m sure you’re right.”
Belladonna and Cooper sit staring at the ultrasound. Listening to the heartbeat. No heartbeats. They are having twins. Belladonna isn’t getting her hopes up though since the vision only showed one child, but Cooper is beginning to think the vision have been altered. He is going to visit Sam after this. Find out once and for all. They give them pictures from the ultrasound and an appointment for a month out. Belladonna and Cooper head out to find Sam. They find him out at a site working. Belladonna takes him out to the car and talks to him.” I was shown my future. The future that is a certainty. I think it was messed with. Can you see if it was?”
“Yeah, that’s not a problem.”
“Yes, it was I’m going to show you the real future. Okay?”
“Okay. Belladonna has five kids. She is beyond happy. Four of them are Cooper’s and one is Criss’. They live in the farmhouse. The twin boys are full of mischief. Nicolae lives with them still.”
“Thank you, Sam.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I also got Criss’ vision and Cooper’s vision.”
“Cooper wouldn’t have gotten a vision and I can check Criss’ vision. Only a few changes. Criss wasn’t Criss. Things like that but otherwise everything else was the same.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Oh, you had seven kids.”
“Thank you.”
“Five were Cooper’s, one was Criss’, and one was Nicolae’s. Cooper and you are very fertile together.”
That doesn’t surprise me any.”
“Me either.”
Belladonna kisses Sam’s cheek.”
“What was that for?”
“Not sure. Felt right.”
“Belladonna you can’t do things like that.”
“Yes, I can.”
Belladonna left and went to Cooper. Cooper smiles when he sees her. They get into the car and Belladonna explains about the visions. Cooper feels relieved about everything. Belladonna doesn’t like that the vision is so far in the future she wishes that they had one for a year from now or something. But they don’t. She would just have to wait and see.
They get home and announce it to everyone about the twin. They make phone
calls and text messages. After everyone knows Belladonna does her homework so she’s done before the weekend is upon them. Mercedes shows up just as Belladonna finishes her homework, they go up to Belladonna's bedroom. Mercedes put silence on the room and still talks telepathically. “Some major shit is getting ready to go down. I can’t talk about it but just know I’m on your side regardless.”
“Okay I guess.”
“We should go to the club tonight. But we should go to Magixs. That club in the next town over. Cage dancing and everything.”
“I’m up for it.”
“Great. Let’s go talk about it.”
Melissa mentions it downstairs, and everyone thinks it’s a great idea. She suggests they invite Lucy and Damari. Belladonna calls then to see if they’d like to come. They are both very excited about the idea. She says she’ll see them at seven thirty. Belladonna goes to see Criss who is locked up in his bedroom. Belladonna knocks on his bedroom door. It opens immediately. She goes in and he locks it. His hair is wet from where he just got out of the shower. His shirt is off. “Hey. I was going ahead and getting ready for tonight.”
“Obviously.”
“Want to pick out a shirt?”
Like to keep you shirtless longer, she thought. “Sure, let me look.”
She looks through his closet and feels his strong arms around her. His lips are up against her ear. “I could get undressed if you prefer.”
Her breath catches. “Not right now.”
“It was an offer.”
“I appreciate it. Here’s your shirt.”
Belladonna turns arounds and kisses his chest. He moans as she does. She stops and kisses him. “You didn’t have to stop,” he says.
“Yes, I did. I’ll see you in a little bit.”
“Yes. I love you.”
“I love you.”
The club is full of energy. Belladonna and Cooper are dancing together. Criss is signing Belladonna up for the cage. Criss comes back with a beeper that should go off in thirty minutes to an hour telling her she’s up. Criss then begins dancing behind Belladonna. Cooper doesn’t mind. He knows his position with Belladonna. He knows Criss doesn’t jeopardize that, so he doesn’t worry about it. Everyone is dancing and having a good time. Belladonna sees that Gatlin and Lucy are dancing together. She says nothing and gives no feelings away. Cooper sees her looking around and he turns her head towards him. “I’m the only person that matters tonight. THE ONLY PERSON.”
“I know you are. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry. Show me.”
Belladonna kisses Cooper and he rubs up against her. He ends the kiss, and they continue dancing. He smiles at her. Her beeper goes off and she heads to the cage. A big biker like dude is running the cage. “You Belladonna?”
“Yes, that’s me.”
“You get thirty minutes in cage number one. Have fun.”
“Thank you.”
Belladonna climbs into the cage. It takes her a minute to get her bearings but then she is able to dance. She can hear her friends yelling for her. She shuts them out and just dances. She feels Cooper is just below her watching. Criss she can tell is a further distance away watching. Gatlin is dancing with Lucy still. Nicolae is at the bar watching. Pete is trying to con the DJ to play certain songs. Belladonna looks down at Cooper who smiles at her and then winks. “Just an FYI Gatlin and Lucy are about to kiss then leave. I thought you should know.”
“Thank you, Melissa.”
“You’re welcome.”
“HOLY SHIT!” Sam yells over the music.
Lucy and Gatlin are kissing. Belladonna doesn’t know what else is said. She just knows that Gatlin grabs her hand, and they leave the club. Belladonna ignores it and dances. The perfect song comes on and Belladonna dances. “He said it wasn’t a big deal it wasn’t like he was tied to anyone. He should be able to do whatever he wants,” Mercedes says.
“Thanks.”
“Not a problem.”
“They are out in her car right now.”
“Good to know.”
“Pete is outside waiting for them to get done to say something, but they are leaving as soon as they’re done. They are going back to her place to do it again.”
“Thank you.”
“Not a problem”
“I don’t really care.”
“I can tell.”
A suggestive song comes on and the girls in the cages are being harassed. Cooper is laughing it off as Belladonna is singing to him. “I may have you act out this song later.”
“Yes, my King.”
“Keep that up I’ll take you home now.”
“Promises promises.”
“I’m being serious serious.”
“I love you.”
“I love you.”
It is starting to wind down and Belladonna is ready to go home. Everyone remembers they have practice in the morning. Criss comes up to
Belladonna. “Can I have one dance on my own.”
“Yes, I guess so.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Having tonight? Other than Gatlin?”
“Gatlin didn’t bother me.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
“I thought for sure it would.”
“No, it didn’t.”
“Well color me surprised.”
“I don’t know why it didn’t, but it didn’t.”
“Well, I’m still sorry.”
“Thanks.”
“I love you.”
“I love you.”
“You looked hot in the cage.”
“I didn’t outside of it?”
“You know what I mean.”
“You know what you mean.”
“Yes, I do.”
“Thank you for giving me a hard time.”
“Someone has to.”
“Yes, I know.”
Once the song ended, they all got in their cars and headed to the house. When Cooper opened the front door, they were greeted to the sight of Lucy up against the wall with Gatlin pounding away at her. They both just looked at everyone at the door and said hello. “Where the hell is Destiny?”
“She’s asleep. I sent Talia home,” Gatlin answers, still not stopping.
Cooper goes past them to check on Destiny as does Belladonna. Criss and Nicolae go to the kitchen.
“Oh, dear god I am so sorry,” Mercedes says to Belladonna.
“It’s fine. You didn’t know.”
“I feel horrible. If I knew I would have warned you.”
“It’s okay.”
Destiny is fine and Cooper checks their bedroom which hasn’t been disturbed. Cooper can hear Lucy scream downstairs as she climaxes. Then they hear Gatlin, “We’re going to Lucy’s house. You all have a good night. Belladonna there will be no practice in the morning.”
“Yes there will the new teacher will be there.”
“Crap. Okay.”
Lucy and Gatlin leave the house giggling. Criss and Nicolae both look at Belladonna. She just shakes her head and goes to get a bottle of water. Nicolae follows her into the kitchen. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine.”
“Are you really?”
“For some reason I am.”
“I’m glad to hear it.”
“I don’t know why.”
“I have something to show you.”
“What?”
“Just hold out your hand.”
“Okay.”
It was a vision. Destiny was two and the twins were one.. They all lived in the farmhouse. Cooper was the most important thing in the world to her. Nicolae and Criss both still lived there. Nicolae helped out in Cooper’s company and Criss was a stay-at-home dad. Rather stay a home uncle. Belladonna was busy with her job and family, but she loved it. Sam and Roger still lived close by. They came by often. Mercedes and Miller lived further away. Everyone was doing good in their lives. Her father came by every few days or so. Talia still watched the kids when they wanted to go out. They had a girlfriend that liked Nicolae, but he refused. She wasn’t taking the rejection well. It was a mess. Nicolae was lost. Belladonna stayed with him during the whole thing. The vision was over.
“Where did you get that?”
“Easton.”
“Oh.”
“He is giving a new one to Cooper.”
“Okay.”
“I’m not looking forward to the girl.”
“I’m not either.”
“Everything else looks good.”
“Yes, it does.”
“You should get some sleep.”
“Yes, I should.”
“I love you.”
“I love you.”
Cooper walks Belladonna up to the bedroom. He gets to bed and helps her change clothes. Then tucks her in. He curls up behind her and listens to her breathing change signifying she has fallen asleep. He kisses the back of her neck and starts to fall asleep making sure the room is protected before he does. A black tendril of smoke enters the room Cooper feels it followed by Belladonna. It slowly creeps along the ceiling of the room. It starts to hum emitting a purple light as it does. Belladonna calls out “Perdere”. The tendril falls to the floor withering and then disappearing. Easton shows up in her bedroom. Cooper is ready to attack. “I apologize. My name is Easton. I am your wife’s teacher.”
“Nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you.”
‘It was after me not you.”
“Well, it sure as hell seemed like it was coming after us,” Cooper says.
“I apologize it will never happen again.”
“Make sure of it.”
“I will see you in the morning.”
“Yes, in the morning.”
Easton left and Cooper was left alone with his beloved.
Belladonna is in the cottage with Criss. He is kissing her back. Following all the rules. She is passed out. He still kisses her back. He comes to for a minute and feels the kisses. “Christopher, you don’t need to do that.”
“I know you think you’re funny calling me that.”
“Oh, I thought you were another guy. Jimmy. Brad, Eric.”
Criss slowly kisses her back. “You’re lucky I forgive you.”
“Yes I am. Stan.”
“Oh, that’s it.”
Criss tickles Belladonna have her in a fit of giggles. He then kisses her. He then rolls her that she is back on her side. He is holding her. “I have to go see him.”
“I can go”
“No, it’s my fight. Wake up and Nicolae and you have his things ready. Door locks change. Mercedes sage the house. All done now.”
“Yes sweetie.”
“I love you.”
“I love you.”
She is yanked out of her conversation with Criss to her forest with Cooper. He had his hands on either side of her face. He is conveying everything in a touch. She can tell he is worried. Everything has been changed. The checkerboard is being set. The game will be starting soon. She kisses Cooper. Then he feels the pulls for her to go to him. He tries not to freak out. He kisses her one more time and then Belladonna goes to Gatlin.
Gatlin is there with Lucy. Which she expected. She takes a seat a further down on the cabana. “Did you ask if you could sit down?”
“No, I didn’t. Never occurred to me.”
“Maybe you should ask the new Queen.”
“Congratulations.”
“See I told you she would be genuine about it. She you can sit down. You never have to ask.”
“Thank you. What would you like me to call you?”
“Lucy is fine. I don’t want formal terms with friends.”
“Are you still going to go to school or not?”
“Not so much. I hope that doesn’t hurt you with the assignment.”
“No, I can do it. Not a problem at all.”
“Thank you. You’re a peach.”
“I try to be.”
“Can I talk to you Belladonna?’
“Yes.”
Belladonna and Gatlin go a good distance away from the cabana. “I feel like I owe you an explanation.”
“You owe me nothing.”
“Lucy and I were once involved. It was a very long time ago.
Then tonight things started clicking back into place. It seemed like a perfect match. I know I’ve said the same thing to you but she doesn’t have a child, a husband, and a group of men after her. It’s just us. It’s the way it’s supposed to be. The members of the group got together, and we had a ceremony. She is now Queen. I need to undo our mating. I’m not sure how to go about undoing it. But I need it undone. Soon. Otherwise everything can’t take place. I need to get in contact with that witch if she’ll still work with me. I won’t be your teacher anymore. I won’t be anything to you anymore. And you don’t seem like you two shits. I am wondering if I picked the wron
g Queen. You don’t give a shit what I do. Well I guess this is the. Can I have one kiss for old times sake”
Belladonna does a roundhouse kick. Gatlin stands up. “That's her.”
Belladonna smiles and leaves.
Jason looks at this King while shaking his head, “You are screwing up everything. EVERYTHING! You slept with HER!” Jason is unable to hide his disgust, “Then you pretend she is your Queen. Which is absurd. What would she be the Queen of? The Trash Can Out Back of the Club! I don’t care if a century ago you had a thing with her. You tired of her quick enough. If not, you wouldn’t be calling for Belladonna to be coming in here. You’d still be in your chambers giving it to her. But you’re not. So that tells me you got tired of her. Am I wrong?”
“No Jason, like normal you are not wrong.”
“They are moving your stuff out of the house. You’re no longer her teacher. You have failed.”
“I haven’t failed.”
“Sure, you haven’t.”
“You know nothing.”
“I know enough. I know what he tells me.”
“He’s talked to you?” Gatlin asks, suddenly concerned.
“Yes, and that’s all I can say.”
“I can fix this.”
“No, you can’t. Someone else will have to be called.”
“What does that mean?”
Jason pulls out an orbitoclast. Gatlin looks scared, several men hold him why they do the lobotomy. It will hold him until HE shows up. Now they needed to get rid of the girl.
Chapter 14
They were all outside waiting for Easton to show up. When he did he goes
straighten to Stephen. Stephen addresses the group. “Okay we have a few changes to announce first let me introduce the new teacher Easton. He says he won’t leave or disappear on us. He is in for the long haul. He is fae. So people may react to him differently and it’s okay. But I’ll let him explain that. Easton are you ready.”
“Well in case some of you haven’t noticed Gatlin is gone. He handed in his resignation. So, he will not be at these practices anymore. If I see him at them, I will ask him to leave. With that in mind Criss I would like you to come back and help if you’re interested.”
“Yes I am.”
“Good. Today’s lesson is in my book, look it over and see if you have any questions.”
Queen: Part One Page 22