(Chapter 17- Security Breech)

"Are we even going to talk about what happened back there?" I asked.

"You got your gift." Chase said simply.

"I know but what now?" Now I can finally help protect everyone but I just didn't know what the next step was.

"Revenge"

The way Chase was acting was a little frightening. He look dead set on getting what he said "Revenge." I know his grandpa was killed but nothing good comes from this much hate. I sat quietly the rest of the way just thinking to myself. A short while later we arrived home.

When we got there we immediately met up with the family in the meeting room. Everyone had a look of grief and sadness on their faces. It hurt me just seeing the effect this had on their family. Chase walked over this his parents and hugged them then wrapped a comforting arm around his grandma.

"I won't let them get away with this." Chase finally said.

No one said anything as they all sat around room looking at each other. I walked over to Sharon Chase's mom and took the seat next to her. I gently placed a comforting hand on hers letting her know I was there. She smiled at me lightly showing appreciation.

"How did this happen?" I asked.

"We were compromised." Alessandra stated. "It was someone on the inside."

"Who?" Chase asked.

"Your grandfathers servant of three years. " Sharon said.

"How could we not have known? Have we been this slack on security?" Chase asked.

"We don't know but we are going to get to the bottom of this." Sharon said.

"Yes we will. Where is this person now?" Chase asked.

"He is locked up in the palace dungeon." This was the first time I had heard Chase's dad James speak since we have been here.

I didn't even know this place had a dungeon honestly. I had never seen it or heard anyone speak of it. I guess it doesn't really come as a surprise I mean it makes sense they would have one. If someone turned on them they would need a place to put them.

"I will interrogate him as soon as possible." Chase said bluntly. "Then we will plan our next move.

"What can we do, he has the ultimate power?" James asked.

"So do we." Chase smiled

"What do you mean?" Sharon asked looking at Chase confused.

Chase turned his head and looked to me to answer. I took in a slow breath before answering.

"It's me, I have the power. I just found out recently." I stated.

Suddenly there were gasps and mouths open everywhere. It would be an understatement to say they were surprised. From the looks of it some of them looked like it was unbelievable. Everyone gave each other glances before resting their eyes on me.

"I can't believe it. We haven't had an element controller in a very long time." Alessandra said in shock.

"I know, now they have nothing against us." Chase said confidently. "We have the numbers and the power."

"Yes but we can't underestimate the power of Donatello . He has had a long time to learn all aspects of his power. He will know how to use it well." James stated.

"Ashlyn can practice and get used to her power to. I have no plans of backing down." Chase said firmly.

"I'm in. I want them to know they can't mess with us." I agreed.

I want revenge to and I'm going to make sure we get it. I don't want them to think they can push us around and do what they want. Chase has protected me all my life and now it's my turn to protect him. This is our fight now and I intend to win it.

"Ok let's do it." James said giving in.

Everyone agreed to the battle and I was glad. I had a feeling Chase would go up against them his self if he had to. I know it may seem extreme but I support my husband all the way. I still can't believe we're married. I don't think I will ever get used to him as my husband. I love him so much I am willing to help him with anything he needs including a fight.

****

Chase and I made our way to our room and got settled in. We both took a shower and relaxed after our flight. I had a great honeymoon but I missed everyone so I'm glad to be back. The only ones I haven't see yet were Josh and Crystal. I picked up my phone and dialed her number.

"Hey." She said after the second ring.

"Where are you?"

"Um yeah I'm packing." She giggled.

"What are you giggling at?" I asked not really sure that I wanted to know.

"Oh nothing it was something Josh did." She giggled again.

"Ok well I will let you get back to him in a minute. Why are you packing?" I questioned.

"Josh and I are getting married and going on our honeymoon all at the same place. I'm ready and didn't want to wait considering all that's going on." She admitted.

Oh that's why. I wonder why she isn't getting married here and why we weren't invited. Maybe they already had something planned for just them. I guess I couldn't get mad over that. I understand wanting some alone time.

"Why did you decide not to do it here and invite anyone?"

"Because I thought with everything going on right now no one would be in a celebratory mood and besides Josh has planned out the whole thing already. He is taking me back to the states to be with our families. My family doesn't know about everything and I want it to stay that way. The less they know the better. Josh's family is going to keep everything secret plus they wanted to meet my family. I want you to come but I know you need to be here for Chase." She confessed.

"I guess I can understand that. Have a great wedding and I want to see some pictures." I told her.

"I will. Can I ask you something though?" She said nervously.

"Anything"

"What was it like?"

I immediately knew what she meant. She wanted to know about the transition process. I couldn't even begin to describe it to her nor did I want to. I think it's best to not know what to expect at least that's how I would prefer it. If you tell someone how horrible something is that's all they will be able to think about. I want her to be happy and enjoy her wedding without thinking about what was to come soon after.

"It wasn't so bad." I lied.

"Really?" She asked surprised.

"What you want to worry about is control once you have changed." I said dodging the question.

"Are the cravings bad?"

"Yeah but nothing you can't handle." I told her. I decided not to tell her about me attacking and almost killing someone.

After talking about changing and the wedding we hung up so she could get ready to leave. I'm glad Crystal is getting the wedding she has always wanted. She told me how she wanted a very simple and sweet wedding at her families Church and just close family and friends there.

I guess I could respect her wishes to want to do it now I mean she was doing the same thing I was. No one wants to be left vulnerable and powerless. If she loved Josh half as much as I love Chase than she would do anything to protect him.

I was distracted from my thoughts when Chase grabbed my hand getting my attention. I looked at him and smiled as he kissed my hand sweetly.

"What are you thinking about?" He asked.

"Crystal, her and Josh are going back home to get married." I explained.

"Oh did you want to go?"

"I would rather be here for you. We have a lot to do now." I admitted.

"I love you." He said taking me in his arms.

"I love you more." I smiled.

"I doubt it." She smiled back.

Chase and I held each other for a while until we realized we needed to start figuring some things out. Where do we go from here? What's the first step? I didn't know these things but I'm sure Chase does. He seemed to be in control of this whole thing. I'm not complaining though because I don't know exactly what to do myself.

"I'm going to go question our prisoner. I would ask if you want to come but I don't think you would want to see it." He hinted.

"It's alright I'm going to go check the place out now that can." I said bumping his shoulder with mine as I remembered being prisoner here for a while.

"Yeah sorry about that." He said in shame.

"It's a good thing I love you." I smiled.

"Yeah its the best." He laughed kissing my head.

Chase left the room leaving me to myself. I got up and checked my appearance in the mirror before leaving the room to explore the palace.

I made way down the hallway our room was in. I stopped at the big door that was standing open. I gasped when I was what was in it. It was the biggest library I have ever seen. There had to be millions of books in this room. I walked to one of the shelves and looked at some of them. One was nothing but encyclopedias and the other three shelves next to it were all reference books.

I walked to the other side of the room to check out the other books. The shelves in this section held romance books and love stories. Why am I not surprised? They are Italians after all. I picked up a classic by Jane Austen began reading it. I quickly decided to make my way to the chairs sitting in the middle of the room to read.

Without looking up from my book I walked to them until I bumped into something. I looked up when I spotted it. It wasn't a thing after all, it was a person. Not just any person either, it was guy and a hot one at that. He looked about twenty or twenty one if I were to guess.

"I'm sorry." I said embarrassed.

"Not it was my fault I should have moved out of the way but I was distracted by a beautiful girl." He flirted. "The names Don." He said holding out his hand.

"Ashlyn" I answered taking his hand. Before I knew it he was bringing my hand to his lips and kissing it.

"It's a pleasure."

I blushed deeply unable to say anything. This guy sure had a lot of confidence to go around kissing girls hands like that. I pulled my hand back from his and stood there unsure of what to do. I was not usually in these situations.

"I see you like the classics." Don said motioning to my book.

"Well they are the best." I said awkwardly.

"You know I met Jane once. She was quite a woman."

"What? You meet her?" I asked shocked.

"Yes and she personally signed a book for me."He laughed. "I'll have to show it to you sometime."

"That would be great." I gushed.

I can't believe he meet Jane Austen. I'm so jealous right now. I would give anything to meet her. I would love to meet all my favorite authors. I stood there studying this guy wondering who he is and why I have never met him before. He must work here or know the family somehow. I haven't been introduced to anyone other than the close family.

"You must be new here." He stated.

"Yeah and a little lost. So far I've only been able to find the library." I admitted. Maybe this guy could help me. Lord knows I need it or else I will wind up lost.

"Then allow me to show you around." He offered holding out his arm for me to take.

"Thank you." I said appreciatively and wrapping my arm around his

I laid the book on a table and walked with Don out of the room. He showed me all the rooms on the floor we were on and then the outside. The palace had the most beautiful garden I had ever seen. They have every type of flower I could imagine. All the colors from the flowers running in together were breath taking. I could defiantly spend some time here and get used to it.

"Beautiful isn't it." Don said breaking out of my trance.

"The most beautiful thing I have ever seen."

"I could think of something more beautiful." I looked at him and saw him smiling at me. I blushed again feeling the blood rush to my face. I quickly looked away trying not to show it.

"Don't hide such a pretty face." He said taking my face in his hand and looking at me. Soon I realised what it probably looked like we were doing and got nervous at the closeness.

As sweet as Don has been I need to put some distance between us before he gets the wrong idea. He is a good looking guy don't get me wrong but I love Chase. I would never feel for anyone like I do him. I removed my face from his hand and stepped away.

"Have I done something wrong?" He questioned.

"No it's just I'm with someone already and I love him very much." I smiled dreamily thinking about Chase. I missed him. I hope he gets done with his business soon.

"Well I hope he knows just how lucky he is to have you." Don smiled.

"He does." He tells me everyday.

Don looked behind for a minute as though he heard something then quickly returned his gaze to me.

"Well I'm afraid it's the end of our tour. It's been a pleasure meeting you Ashlyn I hope to be seeing you again soon." He said kissing my hand and leaving quickly.

I stared after him as he walked away. That was sweet but weird, it seemed as though he was in a hurry. I wonder who that guy is. Maybe Chase knows him. I will have to ask him when I see him. I walked over to the bench setting in the middle of the garden and sat down to admire the flowers.

"There you are. I got worried when I could find you." Chase said relieved.

"I'm right here." I smiled getting up to meet him. I threw my arms around him and kissed him passionately.

"Looks like someone missed me." He smirked after breaking the kiss.

"Always."

Chase had look of worry on his face that scared me a little. I wasn't sure if I should press him on it so I didn't ask questions.

"I hate to ruin the moment and but I have some bad news and I need to alert the family as soon as posible. I needed to make sure you were ok first." He revealed.

"I'm fine whets the news?" I guess I didn't have to ask him after all.

****

Chase's POV

As I walked to the dungeon I thought of the things to ask and say to the prisoner. I had never done an interrogation before but there's a first time for everything. It would take everything in me not to kill him right then and there but I knew I couldn't because we needed him for information. I rounded the corner of the stone dungeon and walked to the cell. The man that killed my grandfather was standing in the corner looking scared out of his mind. He could put on a really good act but I'm not falling for it. He wasn't when he killed my grand father.

"Are you proud of yourself?" I spat at the man.

"It was an accident I didn't mean to." He said shaking.

"Give me one reason why I should believe you and not kill you right now?" I roared.

"Because it wasn't me. I don't know why I would kill someone who has been so good to me." He cried.

"You can drop the act it isn't working on me."

"I promise I'm not lying. Please believe me." He begged.

"You deserve the worst death imaginable." I yelled.

I can't believe this guy is actually defending his self. Did he think it would be that simple? I don't show mercy to traitors and he was about to figure that out. I grabbed some bandage putting it on my hand before wrapping silver around it.

I walked into the cell and immediately punched they guy in the face. I had to admit that felt great to get out this anger. As soon as he got up I punched him again knocking him back down. This time he stayed down so I picked him up myself punching him again in the face.

"Who sent you?" I screamed.

"No one I swear." That just angered me more so I punched him again.

"Who sent you?" I repeated.

"No one I'm telling the truth." He cried.

I put my fist to his face again but this time I didn't remove it. I let the silver burn his flesh a little first. The man screamed out in agony for a few seconds before I pulled my hand away.

"Are you ready to tell the truth yet?"

"I'm not even sure it was me. I don't even remember it. I all I recall is standing over his body with a silver knife in his chest." He said shaking. "I had to be compelled into doing it."

"Impossible. Every employee here has been given just enough royal blood to keep them from being compelled." I said before punching him again. "Give me the next one."

"I didn't receive any. When I went to get it the guy Don said I didn't need it."

As soon as he said that I froze. Donatello was here and no one knew. He got past everyone the day we hired new employees, if there were more guards or servants that didn't have any blood than we were in trouble. I released the man letting him fall to the ground. What if he hurt someone else? It could be anyone of us next even "Ashlyn" I said speaking the last part.

I ran from the cell and out of the dungeon. Oh God I have to find her. I ran to our room but she wasn't there. I ran through the castle tracing her scent visiting all the rooms she had been in only to find them empty. I finally followed it outside and found myself relieved when I saw her sitting on the bench in the flower garden alone.

"There you are. I got worried when I could find you." I said letting out the breath I was holding.

"Here I am." She said getting up to meet me. She threw her arms around me before kissing me passionately.

"Looks like someone missed me." I smirked.

"Always." She smiled after breaking the kiss.

As much as I was enjoying her affection I knew I needed to get to the point. Everyone's security was a risk and I need to tell the family immediately, there is no time to waste.

"I hate to ruin the moment but I have some bad news and I need to alert the family as soon as possible. I just needed to make sure you were ok first."

"I'm fine, what's the news?" She asked trying to mask the worry in her voice.

"Don my grandpa's brother compelled one of the staff to kill my grandpa and we don't know who is next." I rushed.

"Don" Ashlyn gasped covering her mouth.

Ashlyn face look scared. I had never seen her look more freighted even when she thought I was attacking her. I hated that memory but it would always be there I wish I could take it back. I immediately wondered why she had that look on her face.

"What is it? I questioned.

"Don was here with me just a while ago." She said scared. "He was showing my the palace. How can he be so young?"

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Author

What do you guys make of that? Did you see it coming? What about Ashlyn's encounter, what do you think it meant? I know some of you may want be a bit confused at the age difference between Augusto (grandpa) and his brother but I will explain it all in the next chapter!

Pic to the side is Donatello! >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>