THIS CHAPTER IS UNDER EDITING

He’s decimated it; ripped, torn and shredded my room.

I lie in Carlisle’s room on his bed with the sleeping Jared nestled by my side, my head rests on his steady chest. I play with one of the curls in his tangled mop of jet black hair, twisting it round my finger.

While I went for my ramble in the white prison, Jared beat himself and my room to a pulp.  I had no idea of the damage he was doing. I wandered for hours before finally coming back across my room. I didn’t risk going to Carlisle’s because I would never have found my way. Besides I wanted to be with Jared.

My heart aches at the thought of Ally with the Leto Rex. Their partnership, once officiated, will be eternal.

The Leto don’t do divorce.

The sole purpose of forming a partnership is to reproduce and multiply; like the swarm of locusts they are. They feed off our world. Love is a foreign concept so the alliance is merely a business deal designed to benefit each Leto. It makes sense though, it’s why they are the Leto; it’s why they are not Human.

Now Ally has sold away her soul.

The Leto Rex has her word. Even if Dimidium 1 was in control, there is no going back now. She will never achieve a reprieve; she will be a prisoner here. Yet she will also be Leto Regina; I will be forced to bow down to her.

I exhale heavily, thinking of the options Ally has. Before the string of Leto balls, Ally informed me that she shouldn't want to enter a partnership with a Leto. Why did she change her mind?

Jared moans in his sleep and snuggles closer to me. He’s exhausted; completely overwhelmed with fatigue. His arm locks me down in position and I breathe in his intoxicating scent.

When I returned to the room, I found him passed out on the floor. After calling upon a Leto for help, I finally took in the state of my room. Every pillow in sight was shredded; in a collapsed heap, he lay in a sea of pearly white feathers. My bed suffered a similar fate as it lay in two broken pieces, the duvet in tatters. My comfy sofa contritely flaunted two claw-like scratches; crimson liquid seeping from the holes. One look at Jared’s bloody and broken knuckles informed me it was his work. His injuries were so similar to the last time he went on the rampage, only this time it was 100 hundred times worse. I almost had palpitations at the sight of his shattered and smashed body.

What scared me more was how he managed to cause so much damage and why.

"Lara" I hear my mother call through the door.

I roll to face the door where my mother peeks in. She looks tired but her eyes flame up immediately as she sets her sight on the shirtless Jared and I in bed.

"Lara!" She exclaims. "Please tell me you are wearing clothes". She whispers frantically, slamming her hand down over eyes. I press my finger to my lips and shush her. I can’t help the involuntary eye roll at my mother’s dramatics.

"We were just sleeping mum" I cringe and stuff my face in the pillow to hide my mortification. My mother slowly peels her fingers away from her eyes and heaves a sigh of relief.

She narrows her shrewd eyes and I know she doesn’t believe me.

She slips inside the door pulling a hand, then a body and then Carlisle with her. He nods sheepishly, clearly having heard my mother's outraged cries. The door slides closed as they both take in Jared’s quiescent form.

"He really is a big lad isn’t he?" Mum mutters under her breath. Whether she meant it to be intentionally heard or not, a smile plays upon my lips.

"How is he?" Carlisle asks. He approaches the bed and studies Jared’s body. I roll my eyes as the dead weight of Jared's arm crushes into my stomach.

"Heavy" 

I spy Carlisle shaking his head in amusement as my mother rolls her eyes; thats something I would do. I rock back to face Jared, searching his face for any sign or movement. However his dark lashes seal his lids closed; closed from the world, closed from me.

"I meant his health" Carlisle says.

‘I don’t know, he woke a few hours ago and then fell straight back to sleep’ I sigh, flicking a lock of hair out of Jared's eyes.

"The Leto Doctor did a nice job on his hands" My mother remarks from the end of the bed. She leans on her forearms on the golden bedpost. I nod in response.

 They both know exactly what happened to Jared; it also seems they know why. I pout grumpily at the thought of my mother knowing what is wrong with my Jared when even I don’t know.

"Lara may we talk on the balcony?" Carlisle asks.

It’s his room; his call. As if on cue, Jared’s grip around my waist tightens and pulls me right into the depths of his chest. My face squashed against him. Although I’d be lying if I said I was comfortable, the pleasurable feeling of being close to Jared makes it bearable.

"Is there anyway we can talk in here?" I mumble, my head stuck against Jared.

"I didn’t quite catch that" Carlisle chuckles.

"I can't move Carlisle" I state, however it comes out just as jumbled as the last time.

"Lara try touching the spot behind his left ear" Carlisle suggests. I do what he advises and Jared’s grip is immediately loosened. I nod my head, impressed by this simple technique.

"How did you know that would work?"

He shifts awkwardly from one foot to another and my mother also appears guilty. I gaze at them suspiciously.

"Let us go outside" Carlisle breezes past my answer. What are they hiding?

"Do you think we could stay in here?" I ask hopefully. My mother and Carlisle both glance at Jared worriedly. ‘He’s bushed, there’s no chance he’ll wake up anytime soon’ I add quickly.

My mother looks to Carlisle for acknowledgement who just shrugs. I hop off the bed, leaving my warm spot behind. Carlisle joins me on the couch before reaching down to activate the control pad. On the call of a button, a circular shape opens out of the floor and a white and gold poufy recliner appears from down under. I whistle in awe at the swanky chair as my mother gracefully places herself upon it.

I’m definitely asking for an upgrade.

"Lara, have you heard the news?"

"What news?"  

"Firstly, the news of Dimidium 1" He pauses before correcting himself. "I mean Ally".

"The one about her agreeing to partner with the Leto Rex?" I sneer unkindly.

My mother doesn’t reprimand me and instead gives me a sympathetic look. She knows how strong the bonds are; the depth of Ally's betrayal is only amplified.

"How did you find out about it?" Carlisle asks.

"I overheard them" I scowl.

"I suppose you heard the better part of the conversation then?" My mother cuts in. I nod slowly. "Lara you understand the implications of Ally being partnered with the Leto Rex?"

"She will become the Leto Regina and the Dimidium race will flourish?" I ask quizzically. What more can there be?

"Who said that?" Carlisle asks.

"The Leto Rex" I shrug. 

‘Lara, the Leto Rex is wrong. Once Ally is partnered with him" Carlisle trails off. His unyielding gaze portrays I'm missing a key piece of this puzzle.

"She’ll what?" I butt in, anxious for his answer.

"Lara, Ally will become a full Leto" My mother finishes for Carlisle. Her voice is quiet and soft. I place my head in my hands, fisting my hair in the balls of my fists.

"What about the bond?" I whisper through the slits of my fingers. 

"Elizabeth, this is your area" Carlisle smiles sadly. My mother nods and sits uprightly in her chair.

"Lara, we need you break the bond with Ally" My mother says slowly, her voice ringing out as clear as a bell. I gasp as a pain stabs at my heart; it’s my bond with Ally.

"Mum, I can’t do that"

"Lara you have to" My mother reaches forwards and seizes my hands. "Once Ally partners with the Leto Rex, she’ll become emotionally dead, you know what they’re like. Although you’ll still feel bonded to her, you will be in the most immense pain each and every time you see her. She will no longer feel anything for you. She will be 100% Leto; 100% dead">

"But I love her" I whimper, tears pooling in my eyes at the thought of being separated. Despite agreeing to partner with the Leto Rex, I’d rather her do that than break the bond.

"Lara, I’m sorry to be blunt but she will no longer care for it. Your attachment to her will be a convenient and useful weapon that the Leto Rex can use against you". My mother gulps.

Her eyes radiate her fear to all corners of Carlisle’s vast room. She’s not scared for herself; she’s afraid for me. I’m the only family she has.

"I need to think about it" I utter, my voice distraught.

Carlisle nods. At the sound of the bed creaking I instinctively spin round only to see Jared rolling on the bed, patting the space where I lay.

"Secondly, the business with the Auctor. His trial is this time in a fortnight" Carlisle says gently. My mouths runs dry at the sound of his name.

"Okay" I mumble.

"Lara, there has been some talk among the Leto of a ‘Sicarii’ group. The Sicarii don't want Humans back on Earth" He pauses and clears his throat. 

"Why?"

"They are all Mendosus' Lara" Carlisles says.

"So what does this mean?" 

"It means that they will try and kill either Jared or yourself before the 90 day deadline approaches" Carlisle leans forward

"How do you know all this?"

"Remember Lara, Carlisle is the Leto Pater. He has access to all types of information" My mother interjects.

I grip the couch hard. The soft fabric squishing easily between my fingers like putty. I let out a deep breath filled with everything from fear to anger. The Earth is ours; they are only figments of one man’s imagination, the very man who sits opposite me.

"This is all your fault" I spit at him. I jump up, my body simmering as I grab Carlisle by his shirt collar. Fuelled with adrenaline I shake him.

"Why did you make them Carlisle? Why? Did you want every Human to die? Or maybe you wanted us to live just long enough to meet the conditions and then you would’ve ordered the Leto to kill us. We’re just pawns in your game aren’t we?" I sneer and I pick him up off the ground.

"Lara, stop!" My mother tugs me back. I stumble and release Carlisle who drops onto the couch.

"You're an untrustworthy cad. I hate you" I scream thrashing wildly at my mother’s restraints on my arms.

Carlisle stands and backs further away. Murderous thoughts circle around my head; they are probably similar to his plans.

Is Carlisle trying to kill me? My anger disintegrates and I begin to sob. I don’t want to die especially not at the hands of the Leto Pater or any of his creations.

"Lara" Carlisle speaks calmly, fluently. "I have never planned to kill either you or Jared. When I made the first prototype of the Leto, I had no idea they would become this powerful and I definitely didn’t know they would form assassin groups. They were just supposed to help doing the simple everyday things; like the dishes or walking the dog not…this" He stutters.

I stare at him, searching for any indication that he’s lying; he must be lying!

"I’m not lying" He sighs. I raise a brow quizzically.

"How do I know that?" He adjusts his rumpled collar. "Lara we’ve been in each other’s acquaintance for a little more than a month now and despite the fact you blatantly don’t trust me, I’m doing everything I can to keep you alive right now" He says the last part through gritted teeth.

I relax in my mother’s hold.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean Lara, you’re not the most popular among the Leto Guard right now. You showed up the Rex and befriended their most valued Dimidium. The Rex doesn’t like to be made a fool of, he was going to kill you until I stepped in." Carlisle hisses, an unfamiliar bitter edge cuts through the tension.

I gasp in horror, feeling fairly faint. I sink down against the end of the bed. The elaborate gold knobs stab into my back as I repose; an aura of calm serenity surrounds me as I sit peacefully. Only when the information registers does the reality hit me. I humiliated the Leto Rex. I should be dead. Carlisle saved my life.

"I’m so sorry" I whisper. Carlisle nods in acceptance.

"So you should be" He says calmly, any trace of irritation has disappeared. I feel downright guilty; I couldn’t bank on him and he knows it. An idea pops in to my head.

"I’m ok mum" I nod at her. She looks uncertain; she knows the feeling of being utterly out of control with your emotions. Hesitantly she loosens her grip on my arms.

"Don’t do any stupid Lara" Mum says quietly. I won’t.

I step forward slowly and Carlisle’s expression flashes with doubt before he cleverly masks it. I continue until I’m about 2 feet in front of him. His body is tense and rigid, waiting for any sign that I may attack. He doesn’t expect my next actions. I elongate my arms to await an embrace, leaving my body completely vulnerable to rejection.

"What are you doing?" Carlisle stammers.

"This is my way of showing I trust you"

I wrap my arms around Carlisle’s neck and inhale his musky scent that can only be described as that of any old man. Hesitantly, he places his arms around my waist, leaving a wide berth between his skin and mine. It’s an awkward hug; like one between a teacher and a student.

"Carlisle, I should like to be bonded with you" I whisper. The ultimate sign of trust.

"My child, are you sure?"

"Phase 1 and 2 are complete and I would like to be bonded with you Carlisle. You are my friend and I trust you" I express my wishes clearly.

"Lara you don’t need to do this" Carlisle says worriedly.

"No" I shake my head. "I want to. I want us to be able to trust one another"

"Is this the only way?"

"For me, yes it is" I reply simply.

Carlisle pulls away and looks me straight in the eye. I nod to him and he smiles back. The last thing I see is Carlisle’s face approaching mine, before I feel a slight pressure against my cheek. My world slows down dramatically as the fireworks begin.

"Carlisle Kappor, I promise to love, cherish and protect you. I will always be your friend from this day forward. I will never leave you" I smile.

My smile takes up my entire face as my heart swells with love for my friend Carlisle Kappor. I embrace him and this time it’s not awkward at all. His wizened is under my close speculation as I see the real man behind the lined face. I hold his hands in mine practically jumping with joy.

"I never imagined the euphoria of a Caritas bond to be like this" Carlisle’s chuckle is like music to my ears.

I’m suddenly ripped away from Carlisle and picked off the ground. I struggle against the arms that hold me in place. By the tingles I know its Jared and my heart flutters. I sag in his arms, trying to make myself as heavy as possible. My attempts are useless, this man is as strong as an Ox.

"Jared put me down" I cry. "Carlisle help" I shout weakly, begging for my newly formed bond mate to rescue me from the imprisoning arms. Carlisle opens his mouth to speak.

"Don’t say anything Carlisle" Jared hisses from behind me. I hear the door slide open behind us and squirm even more frantically in his arms. I want to spend more time with Carlisle at the moment.

Carlisle closes his mouth and gives me a sheepish smile. I sigh at him. Nobody ever stands up to Jared except me.

"Mum" I beg. She casts her eyes down at the floor. I expect she’s also cowering from Jared; I can’t exactly blame her. I sigh and just relax into Jared’s arms, I’m not going anywhere. I relax my body as Jared lifts me out of the room and into the corridor. The last flicker of help is extinguished as the door to Carlisle's room slides to a close.

He changes my position in his arms so he’s no longer holding me from the back. Instead I’m being baby carried. I look up to his face to see it darkening by the second; a real storm brewing. Shoot! He's really furious. For once I haven’t even intentionally done something to anger him. 

"Jared put me down" I sigh. His jaw clenches as he glowers down at me. His gaze doesn't afflict me for once. He proceeds to stride down the corridor.

"What have I done this time?" 

‘What have you done?’ He says dangerously. He halts and sets me on the ground. I cast my eyes to the floor, was this wrong of me?

"Lara, did you or did you not just bond with Carlisle?" Jared's eyes glint.

"Yes, is that a problem?"

"Is that a problem?" He repeats my words again. I notice the fury burning within his eyes as I try and squirm out of his firm hold.

"Jared" I sigh, trying to soothe his blatant jealousy.

"Don't Jared me, Lara" He scowls.

"My bond with you is stronger than anyone else's, even more so than the one between my mother and I"

"You love him too though" Jared replies, turning his back to me. His fists clench. 

I rest my hand on his shoulder before moving round in front of his body, forcing him to look at me.

"Jared, I'm never going to be romantically interested in anyone else. Carlisle is also 80 or so years older than me. You are old as I'll go" I smile. He relaxes slightly. "You don’t have a problem with me loving Ally?"

The tingle of the bond makes me wince. I’ll have to break it. Carlisle is always right; the Leto Rex will use it to get to me and Ally won’t care.

"That is different" He mumbles.

"How?" A smug smirk forms as I observe him shifting awkwardly. I sigh with relief. At least he is no longer furious.

"Well she’s a girl" He scratches the back of his neck awkwardly and I roll my eyes.

"Jared I’m sorry I bonded with Carlisle but I need to be able to trust him" 

I step towards him and reach for his hand. Almost immediately he pulls me to his chest. His arm wraps possesively around my waist. 

"As long as you don't ever replace me" He smiles. 

"Like that would ever happen" I laugh. I wrap my arms around his neck and stand upon my tip toes to kiss him. No sooner have our lips brushed as I hear footsteps approaching and my name being called. Ally.

"Sorry to interrupt. Lara I have something to tell you". She tosses her blond curls behind her back. She’s practically buzzing with excitement.

"What?" I snap. She flinches back at my unwelcoming tone and even Jared looks slightly surprised.

She falters, trying to form some words under the unrelenting and callous scrutiny of my gaze.

"Could it be you have agreed to partner with the Leto Rex?". I lace every word with dangerous sweetness. Does she really think she can fool me?

Her mouth forms a small ‘o’ as she looks around uncomfortable, fiddling with the edge of her white laced top. I roll my eyes, she's even dressing in their colours now.

"How did you hear about it?" She says quietly, her head bowed.

"That's not important. How do you feel about your upcoming transformation?" I scoff.

"What?" She says. She definitely has 10 out of 10 for playing the confused little girl.

"You know what I’m talking about" My voice suddenly breaks. "Oh Ally, how could you?" I cry.

She pauses for a few seconds and we stand in silence as she begins to sob. All my previous resentment disappears and she leans against me.

"Lara, you don’t understand. There’s more to it." She weeps. Her body racks with the exertion of her hard sobbing. I hold her tiny, crumpling body to me.

"What more is there Ally?"

"If I say, it will only become worse" She says defiantly through her tears. She wipes under her eyes to remove her grief.

"Ally please tell Lara" Jared says quietly and I stare at him in shock. He replies with a smile and even Ally appears confused. She falters before shaking her head again.

"I can't but what did you mean about a transformation?" She asks, gazing up through her puffy red eyes.

"You don’t know?" I ask uncertainly. She shakes her head again, sniffing as she tries to retain her sorrow. Her confusion was genuine then.

"Ally if you partner with the Leto Rex you’ll become a full Leto"

"What?" She shouts. Her hand flies to her mouth. "How do you know?" She squeaks.

"Carlisle" I bite my lip awkwardly.

"I won't do it. I'll face the consequences" she mutters to herself softly.  "I’ve got to go".

Her blue panic-filled eyes are ripped from my gaze as she turns and runs off down the corridor. Her blond hair flies all over the place as she sprints back in the direction she came.

"What was all that about?" Jared asks. He doesn’t know anything about…anything.

"I need to catch you up on a lot" I sigh. He'll need to know about both the partnership and the impending threat of the Sicarii.

However I have now assigned myself a new mission. If the Sicarii are trying to kill one of us, it won’t be Jared.

If one of us has to die; it’s me. He's saved me once now its my turn to save him.