The Sisters
10 Years AgoThunder and lightning echoed all around them. Skies so heavy and dark, taunting and mocking. They were nervously aware it will rain cats and dogs tonight. A tropical typhoon had just hit the country.
A year had passed since they fled their hometown province. Bringing the three of them to her dead mother's friend's door. Still poor as a church mouse but one thing had changed -- they were safe.
From sexual assault --yes. However, from financial problems --no. Not yet.
Which brought Rie and Anna to their recent problem.
Anna Michelle.
Her small and frail body was huddled under a huge bulk of worn and tattered blankets. Pained, wheezing breaths were coming out from her congested lungs and she was shivering from high fever, making them worry it was another bout of pneumonia.
Rie's worried eyes found Anna's.
Their eldest sister was frantically dressing in warmer clothes, eyes determined, face pinched.
"This is the last spoon, Anna," Rie whispered.
Anna nodded and slipped her feet into her worn rubber shoes. "I have to go out. I'll go to Mrs. Flick and borrow some money --I'll go straight to the nearest pharmacy. Make sure to keep Mish's fever down."
Round-eyed, Rie bobbed her head at Anna's instructions. She took a deep breath. "Aunt Delia will be back soon with hot food. Locked the doors behind me and don't let anyone else in."
Her younger sister scurried after her and she heard the bolts click. Good.
It was her turn to shiver from the cold wind. Damn! She should be considering a third job soon. Maybe a servant or a waitress.
Taking a deep breath once more, swallowing her tears and her pride along with it. Chin firmed and shoulders straightened, she braved the stormy weather and blowing winds.
She had to be strong for her sisters.
She was all they had.
_____________
"Hello."
"Hi."
He looked so big and scary yet she doesn't fear him. In her eyes, he looked more like a big cherub with his curly light yellow hair.
Grinning, she squealed and twirled around the room. Happy and carefree.
Mish was back. To her dream world.
"I haven't dreamed of you in a while." Joyfully scanning the museum-like room --all in black and silver marble-- with her light brown and green hazel eyes, her cupid bow-like lips curve in a contented smile. Just like before a table was set in a corner laden with all types of food.
Mish returned her attention to the magnificent man sitting on the black velvet couch. His gaze sharp. His jaw clenched.
"You are sick again, my beloved." Though his voice was dark and strict, she could feel his sadness and worry. For her.
"It's nothing. I like being sick. It makes me dream of you." She answered innocently. Before she could blink, she found her small body cradled in his big arms. She giggled. He was fast.
His answer to her enthusiasm was a pained grimace when his cold skin came in contact with hers. She knew she must be burning up with a high fever. And she realized she could barely breathe.
Out of nowhere, a wet cloth appeared in his hand. He bathed her forehead and brows gently while he chanted in a foreign tongue.
Lights of different colors rained upon them. Her feverish eyes widened in reverence. White, red, and facets of blue, mimicking the jewels in the evening sky.
Blinking, her hazel eyes connected to his crystal-like sky blue eyes. Mish watched him closely. Observing.
They're glowing. She grinned once more, showing her crooked white teeth.
His lips quirked a bit and his sharp canines appeared. She was not afraid.
Knowing he will never hurt her.He had taken care of her whenever she got sick these past few months.
"I'd rather you are okay, my beloved." He muttered. "It would hurt me not to see you but...it pains me, even more, to see you thus."
"What is your name? You still haven't told me." She snuggled in his warm embrace. Odd for her to feel this despite his cold skin. He sighed and hugged her tenderly. Like she was made of the finest porcelain.
"You may call me your beloved. When the time is right, I will come and find you." Mish hummed. Shaking her head yes. At eight years old, she doesn't know what he meant by his words. Maybe he wanted to be her prince?
"You mean like Prince Charming in Cinderella?" She loved watching Disney cartoons. With utmost trust in her hazel eyes, she waited for his answer.
He drew her back in his arms and pressed his lips to her temple to check her temperature. Satisfied. He chanted once more and her eyes felt droopy. Her fever was gone and she could breathe easier. Then she felt his whisper. "More like a king, my beloved. And you...you will be my queen. Someday soon, we will be together. And we will know the meaning of forever."
She smiled, feeling much better, and burrowed deeper in his arms and fell asleep with him guarding her.
Beloved.
He was her beloved.
What does it mean?
_____________
Anna was soaked to the bones when she entered their small home.
Trembling, she called Rie and handed her the bottles of medicine, and ran to the bathroom to take a quick shower.
Warming her hands on a cup of hot tea her aunt offered, she joined her sisters in their small bedroom.
Halting, she was shocked to see Mish smiling and reclining on their cot and happily sipping her hot tea.
Sickly and undernourished, her youngest sister had always looked frail and smaller than her actual age.
"Mish, baby, how are you feeling?" Anna bent to touch Mish's forehead, her neck, and her hands. She was cool to the touch. Though flushed, she could detect no fever.
Odd. How?
"I'm ok, Anna." Mish hummed. Smiling shyly at her. Anna frowned when her little sister coughed. Not convinced.
"Regardless, drink this." Anna Marie helped her drink the cough syrup --she did without a fuss. Always a sweet little girl. "And try to go back to sleep."
"Ok. I might dream of my prince again." Mish whispered conspiratorially as if sharing a deep secret. Accept it's no secret at all. She had been telling them of her dreams more often than not.
"Your Prince Charming?" Indulging her at the same time helping her settle back on her pillow and tucked her in.
Anna and Rie will be taking turns in checking up on her all night.
"He told me he is my king," Mish mumbled and yawned. "I'll be a queen."
She said so matter of fact it made Anna smile genuinely for the first time since her baby sister got sick. Again.
When will this end?
"Of course, baby. Now, get some sleep. You can't be a queen if you're always sick." She bussed her forehead then her sleepy eyes --Rie did the same, making Mish grin sleepily, asleep in no time.
"Let's get something to eat, Rie. Aunt Delia is waiting." Anna whispered.
"Are you sure?" Rie asked. Unsure. She returned her gaze to the bed --uncertain.
"Yes. Everything will be fine." In her heart, Anna pleaded. Hoping she could make everything right for them.
_____________
XavierThe Vampire KingTwo Years AgoThis was the first time his beloved will see in him pure vampiric form.Her eyes widened but not in fright. The pained expression on her face showed relief."Beloved," she whimpered. He could hear her pained whizzing breaths.His Mish was sick once more. Her face was pasty and she was shivering in Victor's arms."Release her!" The fucker shuddered at the command in his voice. The traitor will be dead before the sun rises."Fuck you, King. You can't do anything to me while she is here." Xavier watched in horror when Victor's fangs graze his Mish's swanlike neck, his venom dripping from it. Lethal and deadly."Give her to me. I will let you go. Just..just rele
Anna MichelleThe autumn breeze had started to fill her room from the open balcony. Summer has officially ended.Mish had always welcomed the fresh air. The colder the better. Standing on the rail, her balcony overlooking the dense forest behind the Lycan mansion, Mish closed her sleepy eyes and breathe in --exhaling slowly, savoring the moment.Even for a short time, giving her peace.It had been a while since she got sick. No fever. No lung infection. Nothing. Just nothing. Her heart felt...broken. Empty. She had all the memories of her childhood. From a sickly child to becoming healthy. Rags to riches. From a scrawny child to blossoming to adulthood. She remembered them all.And cherished the simple life she grew up with. Grateful for everything her sisters had done for her.Yet, often
Anna MichelleTheir day-to-day activities were on hold because of what happened to her sister Rie and their new friend Indali.Some horrible events affected them all. Her security detail was tightened even more. A powerful mix of wolves, vampires, and dragons. She should be afraid since she and Rie were humans. Far from it. They felt secured. All the time.Since she couldn't go out --she didn't mind that much, she doesn't go to clubs or parties nor does she have many friends.Maestro Roberto was instructed by Alexander, her powerful brother-in-law, to conduct her music lessons inside the estate. The teacher readily agreed and well the other professors had no choice. Apparently, Xander's business partner owned major stocks at Juilliard's and entrusted him with the business while his friend was gone.Overall it had been a t
Anna MichelleThere were two things she liked to do to cheer herself up. One, to compose songs. Second, play with the pups. Since she was not inspired enough to write a new song, she chose the latter.Everyone was busy this afternoon. Including the servants. She volunteered to babysit and went ahead to inform the nannies.Apparently, Alexander called for a meeting with very important people in the library. Even Anna Marie and Alexie were attending together with their mates.She had toyed with the idea of visiting Indali and rejected it right away. Her new friend was always perceptive and will know that something was bothering her as soon as she saw her. Maybe later. When she was more relaxed.Nodding at her security team, they followed her outside the newly installed outdoor playground.Anna and Alexie had designed the area, specifically to make sure the b
XavierThe Vampire King"You are my king, more than that, you are my brother and I love you unconditionally. I'd lay down my life for you, for our kingdom." He felt his sister exhale. Heavily. His ice-blue eyes were bleak, face made of stone-like features, jaw and knuckles clenched so tightly, one small move might cost irreparable damage to anyone near him. Except for his beloved and Sofia. "Right now, I'd quell the urge to push you out of this car if you tell me one goddamn good reason why you hurt your queen --hurting yourself. Why, brother?"Because for the second time in his life --he was afraid. Of rejection.It was damning to admit that to himself, let alone to his sister and the people around him. Most especially to his beloved.They all saw him as a hero. A savior.He was a fucking fraud of the first degree.From the loo
Anna MichelleGrowing up, Mish had always been a perfect baby sister. Obedient, kind, soft-spoken, and just an overall darling. Whatever her sisters said, she followed them. To a tee. Never want to argue or cause chaos.Due to health complications, she almost kept to herself growing up. Her best friends were Anna and Rie. She didn't want anyone else.Until she began dreaming of HIM.Nope. She promised herself. No more Prince Charming. Forgetting him would be the best option. The only setback was she had to be by herself. For a time.How?The how was not easy but she made it.When she woke up, the mansion was empty. A servant informed her that Alexander and Anna were attending a business meeting at The Mark and of course Michael and Alexandria went with them. Her sister Rie was also out with the Dragon King.That was when s
XavierBorn in the 18th century, he preferred the old ways. It was more people-centered. More focused. And more honorable.At seventeen he had started playing the field, he only went for willing widows and bored young matrons who can keep their dalliances a secret. He liked his women to be discreet and he never had a mistress or a lover outside the supernatural realms.He had always demanded subtlety.Never one to suffer fools, he chose his friends carefully. Only a handful could be trusted. Especially, at the royal court. There he was polished and trained in every aspect.If he bestirred himself, he could be gracious on occasion and he had tried to behave with a bit of savoir-faire. Up to a point.After a few centuries, he became tired of the games. There were no more wars to be won and worth fighting for. The ladies were a nuisance and he had long
Anna MichelleHer suite of rooms was nice though she had seen nicer. No. She was not picky. Her life now was a vast improvement from what she and her sisters had grown up with.Needless to say, her brother-in-law, Alexander, provided them with the best. In everything.Tonight she felt particularly giddy. It was her first time to be alone, exercising being an adult. She had always been protected. The Family was wont to smother her with protectiveness. Maybe because she grew up weak and sickly. But she was healthier now. It had been a while since she had an asthma attack. The last one was over two years ago.Having settled into her room, she decided to brave the dining area of the hotel. The food was okay. The fillet mignon was tender and the side dishes delicious. Yet, she couldn't summon a passable appetite. Her mark was throbbing once more and it made her think of HIM.-