Chapter 36

            The airport was crowded, but it turned out that they didn’t have to wait in a long queue for departure. They were asked by a staff member to follow him. They went straight to the right gate where their tickets were checked and they were wished a nice flight. On the deck they sat comfortably. Baltimore was quite far away. The plane was about to start up in about an hour and other passengers were not allowed in yet, so they had time to chat.

-      How did you get it? – Carter tried to get some info from Isabela. – Why did we miss waiting in the line?

-      The Coalition has many members. – She explained slowly. – They lead a normal life, they work.

-      And how did he know we’re going to meet the Coalition? – Daniel cut in.

-      Sweetheart, I was in the Council for quite a long time. – She explained. – When your mother died, I knew that it was time for a change. I appointed my replacement for my absence and went home to help with your education. But that doesn’t mean they won’t recognize me. – She winked at him.

-      Awesome! – Mark joined in immediately. - In the Coalition Council are its founders or their descendants. This can only mean one thing. We’re really descendants of Isabelle. The witch who signed the pact.

-      That’s right. – Isabela looked at him with a stern eye. – You didn’t doubt my words, did you? – She quickly became serious. – But I don’t want to reveal your origin. Isabo hid from the Coalition that she had children at all. She used the name Callahan from the very beginning of her collaboration with Marcus to protect John and you. As descendants of Isabelle you are more exposed to the attack of the Dark Forces. I want you to cooperate with the Coalition, but I don’t necessarily want to give away your identity right away. – She smiled slyly.

-      Okay. – Jay took everything calmly. Her brothers only nodded. – We can pretend to be some, let’s say talented kids from a small town in Montana. – She shrugged.

            They stayed quiet for a while, each one of them absorbed in their own thoughts. Jay was thinking that she and Jason might be betrayed by their irises. They had Isabo’s eyes and the kindred was difficult to deny. ‘This may be a problem.’ It crossed her mind. ‘I wonder if there are any consequences for hiding the truth and lying?’ She pondered. Their mother was dead, that’s true, but still it was Isabela and Sean who continued playing hide-and-seek with the Great Council of the Freaking Shadow Coalition! Jay didn’t know its leaders, so she could not predict how they would react to the news that they were made fools.

-      I forgot to ask! – Christian jumped out of the seat behind her and leaned forward to look down at his sister. – What happened on New Year’s Eve?

-      Exactly! – The rest supported their brother.

-      I don’t know what you’re talking about! – Jay looked at them surprised. She lifted her head and looked into Christian’s eyes. – Parker was trying to get at me. He didn’t react to polite ‘Back off!’, so Bryan wanted to kick his ass. Tony was provoking him more and more, and I did the only one thing that could divert Bry’s attention from fight and made that idiot stood with his mouth wide opened. And I just kissed him. – She shrugged.

-      Tony? – Isabela was startled.

-      No, grandma! Bryan. – Jay calmed her down.

            She didn’t miss the strange sparkle in Isabela’s eyes. Their grandmother was the only one who didn’t react with enthusiasm at the news of their relationship. ‘Something’s wrong!’ Jay frowned. Her grandma really liked Bryan. She never said a bad word about him. What’s more she treated Weakfields as her own grandchildren. ‘She couldn’t just change her mind like that, right?!’ It bothered her. ‘Then what’s the fucking problem?!’

-      It’s not the point! – Christian broke her out of thoughts. – A wave of energy rolled through the room while you’re kissing!

-      And we weren’t the only ones who felt that! – Mark added and pierced Jay with his forest-green eyes.

-      I have no bloodiest idea what are you talking about! – She defended herself fiercely.

            She would never admit that she felt that too. She was scared to death. What’s more, she didn’t know what was she dealing with, and that only increased her frustration. She must to work it out somehow. Perhaps studying Bryan's family history would brighten her mind a bit. Until then, she had to pretend that she has no idea about it.

-      She could just lost control over her shields. – Isabela came to the rescue.

            When Jay looked her grandma into the eye, she saw strange flashes there. She decided to speak with Isabela later, as it was then that they began to let the passengers on the board.

***

            The flight was long, but calm. After leaving the plane, going through checking in and collecting the luggage, they went towards the exit. But before they reached the door, they were greeted by a young tall man. He could be about twenty-five. Of course when he died. The vampire had an extremely light blue eyes and medium length dark blonde hair, handsome oval face with gentle smile and obstreperous dimple in the chin. He was wearing a black suit made to measure, black shirt with stand-up collar and black shoes with high polish. He could be easily taken as a secret service agent.

-      Hello Isabela. – He greeted their grandmother. He took and kissed her hand.

-      Quinn, it’s so nice to see you again my boy. – Isabela was delighted.

-      You too. – He continued. – Did you have a pleasant flight?

-      Yes, my dear. – She took him by the arm and turned towards her grandchildren. – They’re Tyler’s siblings. Carter and Christian, Mark and Michael, Daniel and Jason with Jay. This is Quinn, the right hand of Trace, the son of Darius.

-      Nice to meet you. – Carter took the lead as the eldest one.

-      So these are the talented kids! – The vampire looked at them for a moment. – Let’s go! Marcus can’t wait to meet you. – He added with enthusiasm and led them towards exit.

            They went out where a long shining limo was waiting for them. The chauffeur opened the door for them, then closed it quietly, walked round the car and took his place soundlessly. They moved and Isabela asked their companion about the news. They listened in silence, though it was difficult for them to stay calm. Here they were going to meet the Shadow Coalition. Their destiny was about to fulfill soon. Or at least to take on impetus.

            They drove through crowded streets of Baltimore, but the driver had a sense to avoid traffic jams. They supposed that they would go to some hotel, but they suddenly took a bypass to the suburbs and left the city centre. It was much greener here. Endless meadows, slender proud trees. After about twelve miles they turned into a forest road. The woods were dense and dark. Jay thought that it would be a perfect place for shape-shifters. ‘Especially for werewolves. And feline.’

            The forest was thinning slowly. When they left the last widespread willows behind, they saw a house. Although, it was not an adequate description. Villa. Definitely not enough. The brick construction looked like taken out from a fairy tale. Something between a residence and a castle. High windows glittered in the sunshine, staggered turrets seemed to reach fluffy clouds that flowed through the sky. The roof was covered with snow, but they could bet it was made of tiles.

            The car toured the square, in the middle of which there was a flower bed with a small fountain, now closed. They got out just at foot of the stairs - wide at the base, tapering up. The doors to which they led were two-winged, huge and massive. At the top of the stairs there was a young woman standing. She was tall, about six feet, she had hazelnut hair reaching almost to her waist and dark almond eyes. She was dressed in matching jeans, leather boots with high ups and woolen turtleneck sweater in the color of juicy grass. With her hands in the pockets of her trousers she moved light step down the stairs.

-      Welcome Isabela! – She greeted their grandma with a happy smile revealing a small dimple in the right corner of her lips. - Have you got a good trip?

-      Rebecca, my dear child! – Isabela hugged the girl, and then she pushed her out of her arms. – You look fantastic! – She appraised the girl with a joyful look. When I saw you last time you were rebellious fifteen! And now look at you! Beautiful young woman.

-      Thank you! – She replied with a wide smile – You look great too! How do you do that?

-      Witch’s secret! – She said in a conspiratorial whisper.

-      And she’s not joking! – Quinn suddenly appeared by the girl. He embraced her and smiled widely. – Beware of her, Becka! She’s the real witch! – He warned her, laughing.

            Jay struggled to keep herself from laughing. Her grandmother a witch! The term sorceress suited her more. Jay never met a quieter person. And her look. She was tall, slim and delicate. Her movements were energetic, full of grace. In a perfectly cut costume of ivory color she looked like an attractive forty. No one would have suspected that she had nine grandchildren.

-      Welcome to the Headquarters! – Said Rebecca turning to the rest. – Hope you’ll like it here. I’m Becka. – She reached out to greet them.

            They shook her hand in turn, introducing themselves.

-      Let’s go inside! Everyone can’t wait to meet you! – She said with a warm smile and turned towards the stairs.

            They had no choice but to follow the girl. When they reached the door she pushed both wings of it and they could see a huge lobby with a high vault. Painted in bright colors it seemed even more spacious. A lot of sunlight was coming in through high windows, and plants in decorative pots set up here and there revived the interior. Opposite the entrance there were wide stairs leading to the first floor.

            Rebecca showed them their bedrooms and left them, so they could refresh after long travel. In about an hour they should meet Marcus, and later on Darius was supposed to come as well. The bedroom she got was quite spacious, with adjoining bathroom, and well equipped. ‘Someone has good taste! Mel would love it!’ She thought.

            Jay took quick shower and put on some comfortable clothes – well-fitting jeans, light flat shoes and cashmere sweater in nautical color. She combed still wet hair with her fingers and went to the eldest twins’ room, where they were supposed to meet before they will stand in front of Marcus. They were excited, but also nervous.

-      How are your first impressions? – Carter asked.

-      Quinn seems to be okay. – Mark shrugged.

-      As well Rebecca, I guess. – Added Daniel.

-      She caught your eye? – Jess poked his younger brother and smiled mischievously.

-      Back off! She’s pretty, but I don’t want to risk fight with Quinn. – He blushed, which only added him charm.

-      Stop teasing each other! – Jay was not a good peacemaker, but this time she had no choice. – Can we just focus on what’s important right now?

-      Actually, we don’t have much influence on what will happen soon. – Christian said calmly. – But Jay’s right. We need to concentrate on the most important issues now.

-      As for now we still don’t know why the Shadow Coalition Council wanted to meet us. – Michael noticed. – However, it may undoubtedly affect our future.

-      If we only knew what they expect from us. – Mark sighed with resignation.

            They jumped surprised when they heard knocking at the door. Michael stood close to the door, so he opened it. Becka smiled at them.

-      Marcus is waiting for you. – She invited them with a gesture of her hand to follow her.

            She led them to a large living room joined with library, which was situated on the ground floor. Bookshelves were full of books, mostly first editions. There was a fire in the marble fireplace. On the wall above it hang Francisco José de Goya’s painting „Sabbath”. It was probably the original. But their sight was caught by the painting on the opposite wall. It was a portrait of an incredibly beautiful woman with black hair shining like a crow’s wings, eyes in shade of deep amethyst and full lips in the color of juicy ripe cherry. She was wearing long, simple dress in graphite color finished with silver lace, which contrasted sharply with her dark, almost olive complexion.

-      It’s Lucille. – Becka informed quietly. – She was a witch. And Markus’s partner.

-      She was? – Jay asked in a whisper.

-      She died over a dozen years ago. They got her in Norway where she was at a Coalition’s congress.

-      Who? – Christian didn’t have to ask full question so as Rebecca would know that he was asking about the murderers.

-      We don’t know, though we have some suspicions. – She stopped further questions with a gesture of her hand. – There’ll be time for that. Now come.