Strange Calls

[Synistergrrl]

~Sitting in the main hall, Aro was staring at those around him. He'd been in a mood ever since Beau had knocked him down. All the others were avoiding him. Jane and Sebastien both were leery, after all, they'd been the ones to bring Beau there. Granted, even now, Beau was a nuclear weapon, Aro didn't know how to control him. He wasn't sure what he was going to do with that boy, but it was bothering the old creature. His head was down and for a moment it was like he were that statue again. But then a pretty dark haired girl cut through the crowd. She was still human, but was one of Aro's favorite prospects. She was carrying a phone and as she approached, her head bowed. She waited for a moment, clearing her throat. Everyone in the room froze, waiting for Aro to break her neck. Slowly he re-animated himself. He pushed up off the chair and moved in towards her. His hand dusted her cheek and then he cocked his head.~

There is a phone call for you...

~She smiled. He nodded, taking the phone from her. The fact that he touched her suggested he knew who was on the phone and what the call was about. He walked out of the room, ignoring the questioning looks that followed. Once he was in a private room, he finally put the phone to his ear.~

Well this is a surprise, Petre... You seem to manage to keep doing that.... surprise me. I am not sure what to think about that.

~His voice was a purr but ofcourse Petre would know that the sound of that purr meant that Aro was already trying to negotiate the next move.~

What exactly can I do for you Petre?

~He knew what the vampire wanted. It was the creature in the dungeon. But he wondered just how much Petre knew. That boy had not only pushed him back, but he'd given him a headache that he still hadn't gotten rid of, not to mention the boy was blank. He's blocked Aro out completely, which was something that this very old creature wasn't used too. But he didn't know how much of all of this that Petre knew. He was under the impression just by talking to Sebastien the boy had never done anything like that before. So, Aro was going to push the limits and see how much information he could get out of Petre first.~

~In the dungeon, Beau had woken and had freaked out. He had no clue that upstairs on the phone, Petre was negotiating his release. He was eating with the rat and wondering just what was going on. Fear was under all of that calmness. Bria was holding back Beau true emotions though. The angel was keeping the boy calm so that he would fall apart.~



~Sylla hadn't slept alone since that night he and Petre had slept together. And now, even tonight, he was sitting near the old vampire who was on the phone with Aro. Sylla had decided at some point that even if he had to go through with this, he'd stand by the vampire's side. But the wolf was hurting. He was starting to think that he was a curse to anyone that got close to him. But he was determined to stay with Petre, like a lover with their partner who had a terminal illness. His head cocked as he looked over at Salem who was pacing. The wolf was a deadly creature. He had marks on him, new marks, ones that looked like someone was trying to kill him. Salem had taken Suko down, showing her just how little he cared for what she'd done to Eli. It was a dark night. It was Salem showing the vampire how rough he could be but he was also an alpha, least were he and Eli were concerned and he wasn't going to let his pack get hurt.~

[LittleDeadGrrl]

-Petre sat in the great broken antique leather chair. It was tore up, faded, but it still held the old intricate patterns of a time when everything was handmade. It was from another time. Something he'd bought with Sylla when he'd taken the wolf on a trip, just the two of them, roaming through the city. Winter was a blessing to vampires, longer nights, shorter days, but it too was ending. Somehow Petre felt it fitting. He felt Sylla against him and it warmed him but he almost seemed to not see him. He held the phone to his ear ... -

Aro ... I hope I have not disturbed you ...

-The Italian flowed from his lips easily speaking with that rich formality ... -

I hope to make a trade. One human can mean nothing to you ... he means something to this pack ... so I will trade you something you care nothing for ... that boy ... for something I know you must want ... my head ...

-He uttered the words without emotion as Aro arched a brow and half smiled ... -

Well now you are not being truthful. Sebastien says the boy is very talented, special, a witch ... you know my weakness for talent ... he could make a wonderful vampire ...

-Petre listened quietly, he was sure he heard something in Aro's voice, strain maybe, he didn't know but he ignored it, it changed nothing. The plan still had to happen ... -

... no he wouldn't. He is talented but we both know he doesn't have the stomach for it ... you saw in his head ... he is gentle ... sweet ... he'd break in a few years ... and I have been your headache for far longer ... end it now ... I swear an oath to give myself to you ... if you give that boy to us unharmed ... still human ...

-Aro arched a brow slowly as Petre revealed more than he realized... -

Giving yourself over ... for a human boy ... how selfless and you know Petre that was never a trait I thought you held ...

-Petre's head dipped the hair falling in his eyes which fluttered to a close slowly. He could remember when he'd first seen aro. He was only a century old, a fledgling, living with his maker, Geralt, a vampire old enough to remember the romans and remember having fought them as he belonged to some little Germanic tribe that refused to be destroyed by a much bigger and more powerful enemy. He smiled at the thought. Somehow he knew his maker would not be happy with his decision tonight ... or maybe he would be proud ... who knew ... -

I'm still as selfish as ever ...

-Aro smiled slowly ... -

You know I'm surprised you do not bargain for Sebastien's life. He is your childer ... you care more for a human than for him? You should have taught him better ... I'm surprised he came back so willingly to me thinking he'd receive forgiveness. You know I never forgive ... and a death for your childer well I'll have to make it extra slow ... set Jane loose upon him ...

-Sylla could feel Petre tense visibly as his fangs showed but his voice never waivered ... not alot ... not audible to most humans but the wolf could feel the anger and hate ... but he swallowed it and his pride slowly ... something very hard for the wolf creature-

I could not bargain for something that belongs to you ... I only want the human boy ... one witch in exchange for my life ... is it a deal Aro?

-The old vampire moved slowly dropping back on his throne ... -

It is a deal ...

-They set about the time and date for the handout. Petre hung up quickly and set the phone down gently on the nightstand as he gazed up at Salem ... -

In three nights, we make the exchange on the outskirts of Volture ...

-He pushed up moving and touching Salem's shoulder before he left not looking back at Sylla. He moved and sat on the porch staring off into the darkness. He knew his childer was suffer and it hurt. He knew he'd suffer too and die. The great void scared him. When he felt Sylla close to him he stared up a bit ... -

You think when I die ... God will forgive me?

-He asked quietly. The thought of death in some ways scared him, the unknown, would he cease to exists or would he go to some sort of hell. He doubted this last act of goodness would erase all the terrible deeds of his past. He dusted his lips across Sylla's knuckles before claiming his lips. He knew he'd savor these last days. He knew he'd keep the wolf close to him content to have him there in his final moments. Solomon and the others planned quietly. Not all of them would go to Italy, but they'd go to make sure they got Beau back. Zeke was furious about the plan, he wanted the vampires dead, but if there was some chance to get Beau back safely he'd take it. That night after Petre and Sylla had spent another few hours together and the wolf had fallen asleep the old vampire crept out of their bedroom and moved towards Alexei's room. Alexei was wrapped up in Gavin, the great big werewolf had fallen asleep with him in his arms. He was looking at Gavin's face when he felt something and when he turned Petre was sitting on a chair watching him quietly. The vampire had a habit of sneaking up on him. He smiled at Alexei ... -

Come here ...

-He whispered motioning for the young wolf. He tugged him in gently closer kissing the underside of his wrists ... -

Who knew that a little human boy with a truck would be the thing to have me killed in the end huh?

-He smiled amused by the fact if he'd not fallen for Alexei he'd still be alive now but he didn't regret it. The last few months had been strangely happy for him despite all the mayhem and death. He'd finally felt as though he had a family for the first time in over a century. It was a good feeling to not be alone anymore. He tugged Alexei in closer staring up into those eyes that had mesmerized him. He pressed in his hand a key ... -

I left with Salem a safe with things that meant something to me. Things I collected in my life. When I am gone ... I want you and Flint and Casey and Sylla to open it and take what you wish of it. It will warm me to know I will not be totally forgotten ...



-There was an understatement of the century. You could love Petre. Hate Petre. But few could forget a seven hundred year old vampire. Still it seemed almost important to the old creature. To know he'd not be forgotten. He closed Alexei's hand over the key. He stayed a little while like that, holding Alexei, saying his goodbyes. They left on the third day arriving at the airport. A small portion of the pack left with Petre to go and get Beau back. Flint and Petre were the only vampires to go and of course they had to fly by coffin or risk death by sunlight. Solomon, Salem, Eli, Zeke, Ira, and Sylla accompanied them. The rest stayed behind. It was too much of a risk for all of them to go. The plane ride was long but they arrived at night thankfully. The night of the exchange. Back in Volture one of the vampires came to tell Beau the good news ... -

Your release has been negotiated ...

-Valen sat next to the human boy. The silver collar was still around his neck but it was loose, Beau had worked his magic the night before, and Valen smirked as he tugged it off now and focused his mind. Slowly he shifted down to a small rat as the little thing crawled up Beau's lap and moved to hide in one of his pockets ... -

[Synistergrrl]

~Sylla watched the vampire and as he spoke, Sylla frowned. He didn't like this, though he knew that Petre was determined, it all just felt so wrong. When Petre left, he gave the vampire a few minutes. Finally he went outside and crept in closer. When Petre spoke the last part, he frowned.~

Ofcourse... God knows what's in your heart....

~But honestly, Sylla wasn't sure. He knew that in alot of books Petre would be considered a demon, that if he asked the pack, they'd think he was crazy to say that God would forgive the vampire. But after a moment nothing matter, because Petre was kissing him roughly and he was moaning against the vampire. He was all willing. He'd held back for so long and now he was willingly giving himself to Petre whenever the vampire wanted him. He could atleast give Petre that much.~

~Sylla had passed out, wrapped up in Petre and when the vampire got up, his brow furrowed and a little moan crept forth. But he rolled over and went back to sleep. This was sort of how Petre found Lexi. Wrapped up in his lovers arms and when he woke, the young wolf found the vampire there and he blinked. He pushed up slowly and went to the vampire. He pushed him out of the room. As Petre hugged him, Lexi sighed, hugging him back. He nuzzled into the vampire and for a moment he just stayed there, inhaling Petre's scent and listening to the vampire speak.~

How can you even be sure they will uphold their end of this, Petre? By now... Beau's a vampire... there is no way he's not.

~He sighed as he said it. Then he was staring up at the beautiful vampire and he smiled a bit.~

I miss you, Petre. I've been replaced.... kinda sucks... I have to admit, it was very thrilling to think you'd fight for me like you did...

~The smile was sad. His hand lifted and he was brushing through Petre's auburn hair. He felt horrible, as if this was all his fault, even though, truthfully, it wasn't. If anyone was to blame it was Sebastien.~



~Bria had reappeared a couple of times, but it had been Beau that had preformed the magic, though it was easier for him. Not that he told the rat that. It was just surprising how easy it came for him. When they'd appeared and told him his release was negotiated, he was surprised. The moment that Valen ran up into his pocket, he was tense. It scared him, what was a bout to happen. And Valen, in his little rat form could feel the power wash over them both as Bria made his appearance. Beau straightened and then slowly he began to move towards the door.~

I will speak to Aro now....

~The vampire stared at him for a moment, a bit surprised at the boy speaking to him.~

You are to stay here until the exchange is made....

~Bria was near him and his head cocked.~

You will take me upstairs to Aro now... or I will make you sorely regret not doing as I ask.

~The vampire stared at him for a moment and then he stepped back and let Bria pass. They both walked up the stairs and into the inner sanctum. Aro looked a bit surprised to see Beau's appearance there. The room fell silent and Bria moved in closer.~

Shall we speak alone, Aro?

~The eldest of them stood and nodded. He moved to a smaller room. As the door shut, Bria looked at Aro.~

I want to know what or who I am being exchanged for.

~Aro sighed and let a shoulder drop in a shrug.~

I do not see why it matters to you, Beau. You are getting your freedom. That's what you want is it not?

~Bria's eyes narrowed and he spoke but it was more of a quiet authouriety.~

It matters because I shall not have the Alpha of that pack give his life for mine. I shall not watch you destroy them.

~Aro frowned and then he growled, his eyes narrowing.~

No... not their alpha. I'm getting what I wanted in the first place.... They are exchanging you for Petre....

~Bria pulled his head back and his eyes narrowed. For a moment he seemed to be deciding if he was going to believe Aro. And then he nodded.~

Fine... I can live with that... when?

~Aro rolled his eyes and waved him off.~

In a few hours

~Bria spoke softly before he took a few steps back.~

Good... The rat comes with me. There is not argument about that... You will pay, Aro... when you die... and that day is coming. You'd be wise to stay in your ivory palace...

~Bria turned then and walked right back out again.~

[LittleDeadGrrl]

I know that's a lie but thank you for saying it anyway ...

-Petre smiled a bit comforted by Sylla's words as he tugged the wolf in closer to him. He kept him close most of the night. The vampire wanted every moment to fill it with the little wolf. To have something to remember when it was all said and dead. He pushed up from the bed slowly and stared down leaning in dusting his lips across Sylla's before he left him alone. He moved to Alexei smiling when he was pushed out of the room. He kept Alexei close as he shrugged ... -

He may be ... but you've accepted vampires before ... if he has been turned leaving him to the Volturi will destroy him ... his spirit is too gentle to withstand that place ...

-He stared down at Alexei reaching out brushing his fingers through the wolf's hair ... -

You replaced me first ...

-He leaned in dusting his lips across his neck before whispering ... -

You know you hold a special place in my heart ... no one could replace you ...

-He pulled back and frowned ... -

When I'm gone ... take care of Sylla ...

-He left Lexi. The next two nights Petre spent with Sylla most of the time. They all prepared the final night and left. Solomon, Viktor, Sylla, Petre, Flint, Eli, Salem, Zeke and Ira all flew to Volture. The rest stayed home. It was safer that way. Flint and Petre were loaded up into casket's and traveled in the storage area, it was night when they arrived, both woken as they rented cars and drove down towards the old city. They were supposed to meet on the outskirts to make the exchange. Zeke was pacing looking on edge. Petre stayed close to Flint dipping his head as he spoke softly ... -

Stay on guard ...

-They met in the clearing. On the opposite end Aro showed up with a full coterie of vampires and wolves. Beau walked along surrounded by vampires. Zeke's head dipped dangerously when he saw Sebastien in the group. The aristocratic vampire held his head high. Petre moved ahead meeting Aro in the middle. The old vampire gazed down at the younger ... -

You've caused me a lot of trouble ...

-Petre nodded but stayed quietly. He gazed at Beau a moment happy to see him still human. Aro motioned with his hand as Beau was pushed forward and allowed to go towards the rest of the pack. Aro motioned to Jane who used her powers on Petre. He gasped but grit his teeth and kneeled as he was chained up and dragged away. Sebastien watched with little emotion on his face. Zeke moved forward slapping into Beau as he hugged him close ... -

Beau ...

-He whispered softly before gazing up as a dark haired boy joined them. Valen's eyes darted all around running his fingers through his hair ... -

We getting out of here or what ...

-He watched the others, smelling alot of bad, but he wanted to be away from the vampires and he trusted Beau enough to keep him safe. -

[Synistergrrl]

~If Zeke was pacing it was nothing to the way Salem was moving. When they got to the spot, the wolf was practically vibrating. As the Volturi approached, Salem's head dipped when he saw Sebastien there. Those blue eyes leveled on the vampire and it was deadly. If Sebastien had thought for sure that Salem was dead, well he was dead wrong. And the look on Salem's face said it all. If the Volturi didn't kill him, Salem would. He'd best not ever leave Volture again. It spoke volumes that Salem didn't charge the vampire. But it was evident what was going to happen. He'd get to Sebastien, one way or another. Eli was near Salem, Flint having asked the wolf to stay close to Salem just in case he did something foolish.~

~It was silent for a moment as everyone stood their ground. Sylla frowned, nuzzling into Petre. He sighed as the vampire pulled away from him and walked to his death. As Aro and Petre approached and spoke, Beau was pushed forward. He stopped for a moment and looked over as Aro demanded that Jane use her power on Petre. The Angel stared as Petre knelt. His head cocked and everyone would witness Jane frowning, her brow furrowing as she stumbled back and the pain would end for Petre.~

He goes willingly, Aro... there is no reason to make this worse for anyone... especially yourself...

~He turned and walked away, leaving Petre there. As he got closer to the others, Zeke slammed into him. It caught him off guard and for a moment he was rigid. He slowly pulled back a bit staring up at Zeke.~

I am fine... Zeke...

~He hesitated on the name as if he did not really recognize Zeke. He turned his head just a little bit to look at Valen and then began to move away towards Solomon and the others.~

We should leave... they are dangerous...

~The way he spoke, the way he moved, it was all very strange. It wasn't like Beau. Infact, Ira moved in closer, his head cocked to look at the boy. He lay his hand on Beau's shoulder. Beau looked up at the snake and for a moment Ira was a bit lost in the boys gaze. He blinked and then looked at Valen, eyes narrowing.~

A rat?.... Interesting... Come on Zeke... Beau is right... We should go...

~Flint was the only one that didn't move. He stood his ground watching as they took Petre away. He stared at them, his body like a statue. It was killing him to watch Petre get dragged away like that. Sylla had turned leaning into Viktor and staying near the Beta as his heart broke again because of Petre. But Flint refused to give in so easily. When Jane turned and looked at him, a dark smile toyed over her lips, but she didn't instigate anything. Instead she walked off and Flint growled. He turned his back and began to walk as the rain began to fall.~

[LittleDeadGrrl]

-Zeke frowned as he gazed at Beau. Something was off about the boy. He wasn't acting right. He ran his fingers through his hair but he looked as he always did and he was still human, it amazed him, he didn't even looked that messed up. But there was something really wrong with him. Zeke moved after him content to see him alive and close. He arched a brow at Valen growling a bit when the rat got to close. Valen arched a brow before he gazed at Ira who called him out on what he was ... -

.... don't get any ideas Kaa I ain't for dinner ...

-He stayed close to Beau not all that comfortable with the new group. Zeke moved in closer to Beau ... -

Boo ... what's wrong? What did they do to you?

-Solomon stayed and watched the exchange. He frowned. It felt wrong. He wasn't fond of Petre but somehow this still felt wrong. Eli stayed closed to Salem trying to keep him calm. He nuzzled into him quietly knowing the wolf was in pain. Sebastien caught his gaze and for a moment he looked surprised that he was alive but he didn't smile or goad him. He showed little emotion really. He moved in closer to his father walking along as they dragged him away. Viktor tugged Sylla in a bit closer to him nuzzling against his neck as he whispered ... -

Come on ...

-They all walked away slowly moving to get out of the place. Eli paused before slipping in closer to Flint tugging him gently away as the rain began to pour. He knew the vampire loved the older one but it was done. Petre was gone, soon to be dead no doubt and that was it. They drove far from the city needing to put some distance between them and Volture before it all went to hell. Zeke still watched Beau carefully while the others licked their wounds. They slept in a hotel that night before catching teir flight tomorrow. Eli slept with Flint. Viktor kept Sylla close to try and sooth him. Valen watched everyone carefully after having introduced himself and explained vagauely how him and beau had met-

[Synistergrrl]

~Beau cocked his head about to answer Zeke's questions when he heard what Valen speak to Ira. His eyes flickered to the viper.~

He is my friend... He is not to be hurt....

~Ira's brow arched. Those green eyes flickered to Zeke before shrugging. They left before Beau could really speak any further and soon they were at the hotel. Sylla pretty much just went to his room not caring about the rat or what was going on with Beau. He just wanted to drown his sorrow. He whispered softly to Viktor where he'd be if the Beta wished to follow him or join him later. He slipped off away from them, simply wanting to just get away from it all and all of them.~

~Salem for his part just seemed to grow even colder. He let them take him away. He had seen the slight surprise on Sebastien's face, but it did nothing to appease him. He instead was walking in to the hotel with Sol. He'd not said a word, but the alpha could feel the anger rolling off the other wolf as if it were electricity between the two of them. But it was Ira, Zeke, Beau and Valen where the attention was really at. They went to the room and when the door shut, Bria went and climbed on one of the beds, sitting Indian style. He looked at Valen and motioned him closer.~

You can tell them...

~He nodded as if Valen should just explain what was going on. He said it so casually and then brush back a bit of the rat's hair.~

Yes... why don't you explain to us what is going on, Valen?

~Ira's voice rippled over the rat. When he turned he'd find Ira sitting at the table and Zeke who had been staring at Beau was standing now glowering. Ira gave the rat an easy smile, but he wasn't playing games obviously. He wanted to know what was going on and Beau was obviously not the same anymore.~

~Flint allowed Eli to lead him off. The wolf was right in some ways. He did love Petre. But their relationship was different then how it really looked. It wasn't a sexual sort of thing. Well it was, but they were much more Childe and Sire then Petre had ever been with his own child or then Flint with his own sire. They were what the other had needed so many years ago and they'd only just found each other. It was killing Flint to loose Petre. He loved the ancient creature and it was hard for him to let go. He let Eli take him to the hotel and only when they were alone, only then did he sort of break down. He tugged into Eli and buried against the wolf trying to make the pain just leave him.~