"Yvette, darling, were you planning on making an appearance at your fathers banquet tonight?" Sheri asked as she stepped into her step daughters study. "I was contemplating doing so, but I'm not sure I have anything to wear. Why do you ask, ma?" Yvette asked, looking up at the smiling woman.

The now twenty year old smiled warmly when she regarded her fathers second wife as 'mom', 'ma', or 'mother', seeing Sheri's smile was the most radiant feature on the woman's face imaginable. Since she was four and being taken from her mothers home, Yvette had grown into a most desirable woman. She carries her head high, just as her father taught her. She held no grudge against her mother Isabel, becoming fully away of why she had given her child up. She was told of the monstrous stories of the being known as Manson. How he craved power, beauty, and blood. How he inflicted his 'power' was absolute, brute force. She was told of how young girls were taken from their homes to be 'sacrificed' to this monster. He found their blood to be pure. More pure than any boys. All these girls never made it past their twenty first birthday. Yvette was safer with her father, she learned that over the years of living under his roof, his rules. They kept her alive. Now, here she was, sitting in her study, reading over old entries of her mothers journal. It was something to helpd her know who her mother was, as well as something to pass the time.

"Well you know if you haven't looked, you won't be able to find anything." Sheri said, giving the young girl a pointed look. Yvette cocked a brow, chuckling lightly, "I'll look for something later. Right now, I have to meet Taylor for practice."
"Ah, yes. What is it this time? Sword play, defense, or something more tedious." Sheri asked as she cracked a smile. "Something more tedious I'm sure." The two looked up to see Rob walk into the room. "Papa." Yvette chimed, getting up from her seat to wrap her slender arms around her fathers neck.
Rob gave a hearty laugh as he held his daughter in his arms, gathering up enough energy to do so, "Ah, you're looking more and more like your mother everyday." He said, kissing Yvette's forehead.
"And you're looking more worn out. More than usual." Yvette countered playfully as she smiled softly at her father, "Are you taking your remedies?"
"You nor Sheri won't let me forget." He laughed as he pulled away from his daughters embrace, "You'll be at the banquet tonight, yes?" Yvette nodded her head, "Mom and I were just talking about what I should wear."
Sheri came beside the two, "If I wouldn't have said anything, she would have forgotten." Yvette rolled her eyes, "Always out to get me." She joked. She looked down at her wrist then, checking the time, "Oh! I've got to go. Corey's going to have a fit if I'm not there on time."
"Go, go!" Both Sheri and Rob urged, laughing as Yvette bolted out of the study.
"I hope you know she's not going to be this bubbly once she knows what the banquet is really about." Sheri murmured.
"Don't remind me." Rob muttered.

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Corey paced the floor of the matted gym that was solely meant for workouts and other stress relieving activities. The once stress free environment was no more as the man checked his watch. Yvette was ten minutes late. Ten minutes of his time that could have been used wisely on perfecting the young woman. All these bitter thoughts were halted once said Yvette came sprinting into the room.
"I apologize, Corey. Father was talking about the-"
"Ten minutes late, Yvette. That's the third time this weed." Corey interrupted her, holding his hand up. Yvette blushed, nodding her head, "Right..." she looked down at her bare feet, hooking her fingers together. "Yvette, I've been your teacher since you were five. You know whatever it is that seems to distract you from everything, I'm here to listen." Corey spoke calmly, even though his temper was on a slightly shorter fuse. "Tell me what has been stealing your attention away from your responsibilities."
Yvette sucked in a sharp breath, "I'm almost twenty one. The stores of Manson have been putting me on edge. I've read the things my mother has written about him and I can't shake this feeling that something is coming. Something dark." She explained.
Corey nodded his head, "I see." He muttered.
The subject alone about Manson was enough to boil his blood, having lost his own daughter to the monster many years ago. "Yvette, Manson sleeps. He doesn't come about unless-"
"A pure power comes across the land. I know." Yvette finished his sentence, crossing her arms over her chest. "But what if-"
"Your powers have yet to mature, much less be the main power that could possibly kill him." Corey said, looking at the girl with a sincere expression.
Yvette powers were too much of a touchy subject, seeing as her powers had yet to fully approach her. Where as others around her were fully capable of showing their powers off. "What are we doing today?" She changed the subject. Corey grinned then, "Etiquette."
Yvette cocked her head to the side, "Etiquette? Why?"
"The banquet of course. I know you're going." He said, not leaving any room for discussion.

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The dress hung tightly onto Yvette's figure as she looked herself over in the wall length mirror. The fabric was a light turquoise color that glided over her skin like water. On her right shoulder lied a emerald claps that kept the dress from falling off her small frame. The length of the dress stopped just above her feet, the back of the dress longer than the front so when she walked, a train followed. She fixed her makeup; light eyeliner on her top eye lid, light mascara on the bottom lid. Her hair was pinned in the back, making her honey, brown curls spill over her left shoulder. Her lips were a glossy pink color to match her eyes. Everything was light, extracting her natural beauty instead of masking it.
"My, God..." She turned around to see her father walking into her room with wide eyes, "You look so much like your mother it's uncanny." He murmured as he came up behind her.
"Thank you, Papa." She said as she smiled warmly at him, dropping her hands to her sides.
"I've come to see if you were ready, as well to bring you this." Rob said, holding a long, flat, black box. Yvette furrowed her brows as she turned herself around to inspect the box further, "But this is your banquet, Papa, why-"
Rob held a hand up to cease his daughters chatter, "All in due time, my child." He opened the box to reveal a white gold necklace adorned with green gems and small rubies.
Yvette's eyes widened in shock as she looked the fine piece of jewelry over with pure fascination. "It was Isabel's. She asked I give it to you when the time called for it." He spoke softly, motioning for Yvette to turn. She did as instructed, pulling her hair up enough for him to attach the cold metal to her neck. The necklace was the perfect addition to her evening wear, enhancing everything from her eyes to her open toed heals.
"You're a breathtakingly beautiful young woman, Yvette and I am so proud of you." Rob spoke kindly, brushing his hand down her arm. "Remember that I love you with all that I am and more."
The statement alone confused her, but she knew better than to question his methods.
"Come, our public awaits." Rob said, holding his arm out which Yvette happily accepted.

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The party was in full swing after many introductions were made, along with Corey and his gropu of men. Immediately, she could make out the shorter male of the group, a wide grin on her face as she approached him. "Nathan." She purred.
"Ah, I haven't been called by that name in so long." He mumbled as he narrowed his eyes playfully at the brunette.
"That's why I couldn't resister." Yvette countered, nudging him with her hip.
Joey gave the girl a good once over, "I must say, you clean up rather well for a tomboy." He joked, handing her a glass of champagne while he held his own.
"I could say the same about you." She quipped, arching a brow at him. "Funny, little one." He murmured before taking a sip of the bubbly drink that was offered.
"How have you been, Joey? It's been far too long since I've seen you last." Yvette questioned, setting her glass down.
Joey exhaled deeply, "I have been more than busy. Joseph has been pulling up some of the slack, but with his work by day, party by night, it's really making the books stack up." He explained.
"And how is Wednesday?" She asked, smirking lightly.
Since she first met Joey, there was no getting rid of her. He often found Yvette wondering around in search of either him or Wednesday when she was either bored or seeking refuge after one of Taylor's teaching's.
"He's around here somewhere, otherwise you could ask him yourself." Joey said, taking the last bit of the bitter sweet liquid into his mouth, "Come, dance with me." He demanded, taking Yvette's hand firmly.

He pulled her onto the dance floor, one hand on the small of her back while he held her left hand to his chest. The music was slow and graceful as they swayed.
"Seems like your father has gone all out with this little get together." Joey murmured as he surveyed the ball room.
"That he did. Makes me wonder was he has up his sleeve." Yvette agreed as she chuckled quietly.
As they continued to dance, more guests arrived. A group of men in general caught her eye, "Joey, who are they?" She asked, nodding her head towards the men.
Joey's eyes hardened, his jaw clenched tightly. "Shadows and his henchmen." He growled. "Yvette, please, excuse me won't you?" He kissed her sweetly on the cheek before walking away.
"May I?" Yvette looked up, her smile broadened.
"Sid." She giggled as he wrapped his arms around her. "Lovely to see you again." He stated, kissing her cheek softly.
"You as well. Hows the family?" She asked, pulling her arms around his neck.
"Four strong boys that look after their mother." Sid replied with a bright and proud smile.
"I caught news that Jessa was expecting again." Yvette questioned, arching a brow.
"Another boy on the way." He commented, laughing lightly once he caught the shock on Yvette's face. "I'm just glad that after the four we have, Jess is still able to have undying energy for herself."
"Well I would ho0pe so." Yvette laughed.
Sid looked away from the young girl, sighing heavily, "Your father comes. So I won't interrupt anything." He took her hands, kissing them before departing.
Yvette turned around, her smile faltering as she looked over the stony features of her fathers face, "Papa?" She said lowly.
"Come child." He murmured, his face softening as he approached his daughter. He took her hand, leading her to the main stage in the ballroom. Once he was joined by Sheri, Corey, and Joey, he took a hold of the microphone. "May I have everyone's attention please." He spoke calmly, watching as the chatter died down. "As you all may know, this is a very important banquet. But what some of you don't know, this is not for me, but for my beloved daughter Yvette." He motioned for her to take a step forward, which she did without question. "Darling, you have grown into a very beautiful and strong woman that it gives me pleasure to tell you that this party is for you and your betrothed."
Yvette's eyes widened, "B-betrothed?" she barely got her wording out as the group of men she spotted as she danced with Joey walked up to the stage.
"Matthew, please join us." Rob said, holding his hand out.
The one called Matthew stepped up, a large smile on his handsome face. Yvette felt her stomach drop. Her father was going her away to a man she didn't know. She had to admit, he was a very approachable man. His eyes held warmth and sincerity. His body was large, making him not only tower over her, but made her look much smaller in comparison.
"I hope you will protect and love my precious Yvette with everything you have." Rob spoke, his voice breaking.
"You have my word.:" Matt said, his smile never faltering.
Yvette didn't know how to react. Her eyes stayed large with a mixture of emotions. The room filled with applause as Rob gave Yvette's had to Matt, holding their joined hands in the air.
"Now, let us continue the banquet!" Rob declared, clapping his hands.
Yvette was shaking inside, her mind racing as she stayed glued to her spot beside Matt. She looked down to see her hand still in his, "Excuse me." She whispered, wiggling her hand out of his grasp. Matt seemed confused with this action, but chose to join his group while the young woman darted off.
"See to it that she's all right, brother." Corey murmured into Joeys ear once he caught sight of Yvette's distraught expression. Joey nodded his head before stealing a glance towards Matthew.

Yvette's heals clicked as she rushed down the hallway. She was just about to turn the corner when she heard rushing footsteps behind her. Turning her head, she spotted the head full of those familiar raven lock, her heart warming at the sight. "How could he do this to me?" She whispered, a tear rolling down her rosy cheek.
"Oh, Yvette." Joey murmured before pulling the girl to him. He had no words on how to confrot the girl as she broke down in front of him.
"I just don't understand. I don't know this man..." She said, holding onto her dear friend tightly. "I know, Yvette, but you mustn't dwell on it so much right now. Who knows, maybe this man will treat you with the kindness and respect you deserve." HE tried to reason with her, even though the choice Rob had mad was something he would always disagree with.
"Or he would rather beat me and only treat me as a egg donor for all the children he'll want." Yvette retorted, sniffling softly as she pulled away. "I can assure you, Shadows is not that sort of man, Yvette. Please do not think that." Joey sternly spoke, his brows coming together. "I'll let your father know you weren't feeling well. Go lie down. I'll come with some food later on." He said, kissing her forehead softly. Yvette nodded her head before walking away, her head hung lowly as her heals descended down the path to her bedroom.

`-``-`-`-`-`-`-`***`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`

Joey made his way back into the ballroom, making a bee line for Rob until he was caught up by one of Shadows 'brothers.' "Can we chat for a minute, old friend?"
Joey growled slightly before turning his attention towards the man, "Zach, how have you been?" He asked, tryi9ng hard to put on the best face he could.
Zacky smiled somewhat, "I've been fairing well, though I must tell you, seeing Matt betrothed to another is quite the shock. I was wondering why we were all here after such a long time."
Joey nodded his head, "You're not the only one who's been shocked. Yvette doesn't know what to do with herself."
"Well, she best be prepared by tonight." Zacky commented, taking a glass of champagne from one of the servers.
"Tonight?" Joey asked, utterly confused.
"Yes she's leaving with us tonight back to the manor." Zacky said, frowning at the other man, "You didn't know?"
"No, I didn't know you pompous ass." Joey seethed, turning on his heal to stomp towards Rob who was having a cheery conversation with Matt. "She's leaving tonight with Avenged?" He demanded to know, his anger getting the best of him.
Rob cleared his throat, "Excuse us, Matthew. Please enjoy your time here." He dismissed the other, giving him a reassuring smile. "That was rather rude, Nathan." Rob sneered as he pulled the shorter male aside. "What is this Robert? Hmm? First you give Yvette away without so much as telling her of your intentions and now they're leaving with her? Are you trying to scar her? Maker her hate you?" Joey questioned, his temper spiking.
"I am dying, Nathan. My powers are dwindling as we speak. I cannot protect her from my bed. What I do with my daughter is of no concern to you. You have been her friend, yes, but she needs a man to protect her since her own powers have yet to mature." Rob spoke sternly.
"Do you think this is what Isabel would have wanted for her?" Joey quipped.
"Isabel would have wanted her safe!" Rob barked.
"She would have wanted her happy!" Joey shouted, earning a stony glare from Rob. "I will not watch as she leaves with someone she does not love, or even know for that matter." He spat, turning on his heal to leave the ballroom.
He didn't go back to Yvette, he couldn't bare to see her heart broken features after learning that she was to leave all she's known all her life since living under Robs custody.
Rob watched as Joey left in a rush, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Love are you all right?" Sheri's tone was caring as she lied a hand on her husbands shoulder. "Yes, um, just a misunderstanding with words. Darling, can you see to it that Yvette is packed for her treck back with Avenged?" He asked, trying to reassure his wife that he was okay.
Sheri nodded her head, "Please, pace yourself love. Don't want you to go into another fit."
"I know." Rob smiled weakly, motion for her to go.
Matt came in her place, smiling softly, "Yvette will like it at the manor. When she comes around that is." Rob nodded his head, "Yes well, you're a good man. My daughter will see that even if she doesn't now."

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"You cannot be serious!" Yvette's screeching voice fill the room as the maids piled her clothing and other belongings in her suit cases that stretched across her bed. Sheri looked down at her feel, feeling a sense of dread in her heart. "It is what your father has commanded. You are betrothed to this young man and he will keep you safe." She spoke calmly.
Yvette scoffed, "No one had the common courtesy to ask how I felt about any of this!"
"With all due respect, Yvette, your father does not need to ask for permission. Now you need to suck it up, to be perfectly blunt. You will be leaving with Matthew and you will begin a new chapter in your life." Sheri's voice was strong and commanding as she stood her ground against her step daughter.
"Mama, don't make me go. Please." Yvette whispered, her eyes pleading.
Sheri grimaced, shaking her head, "It is out of my hands, Yvette, I'm sorry." She whispered, cupping Yvettes cheeks. "Now you must be dressed and ready. Once the banquet is over then that is when you will depart to your new home."
Yvette swallowed hard as she nodded her head, pulling away from Sheri's embrace. She grabbed a pair of jeans and a hoodie and walked into her bathroom where she changed out of her dress and hastily threw on her street clothes.
After combing through her hair and wiping off the remainder of her makeup, Yvette emerged from the bathroom. She noticed that most of her suit cases were out of the room. She sat at her vanity, picking up the small, black box her father had when he revealed her mothers necklace to her. She grasped the piece, pulling it from her neck to place it back into the velvet padding inside the box.
"Ms. Yvette? I have your shoes." Yvette looked up to acknowledge the middle aged woman that worked for her father. "Thank you, Mary." She whispered, taking the pair of black Chucks from her.
"Um, can you make sure this is packed? I've got to go to my study to retrieve my mothers journals."
"Yes, Ms. Yvette." Mary said, taking the small box before scurrying towards the luggage on Yvette's bed.
Sighing heavily, Yvette slipped a pair of white socks onto her feet before pulling her shoes on. She stood, looking around the room as she made her way to the door. After walking out into the hallway, she pulled the door shut as she made her way to her study. Everything was untouched with left the girl flustered. She pulled out her large duffel from the closet and proceeded to fill it with her book and her mothers journals. She left out two book for something to read as well as her glasses and book light. After zipping the duffel shut, someone cleared their throat behind her. She turned around to see a rather tall man with strikingly blue eyes, "Yes?" She asked, arching her brow.
"I was told you'd be here. Matt has called on you. It's time for us to leave." He spoke kindly, regarding her with a warm smile. "I'll hold onto the bag for you." He said, reaching for the bag. "You don't have to.." She said, only to be silenced. "I have it. Now go." He said, putting her items that she left out into her arms.
"He doesn't like to be kept waiting." He said, giving her a wink.
Yvette nodded her head, walking out of the room with her books held closely to her chest as she walked down the hallway. The ballroom was empty except for the waiting staff that was to clean the aftermath of the party. She spotted her father at the front door, talking with Sheri and Matt as the remainder of her things were carted away.
"There she is." Rob chimed, putting an arm around Yvette's shoulders, "Have everything?" He asked.
"Yes, papa." She nodded, looking down at her feet.
Rob sighed softly, "Off you go then. Drive safely."
Matt nodded his head, "Pleasure to meet you Sheri. Taylor, I look forward to seeing you again."
"You as well, Shadows. Take care of my favorite student." Corey said.
Yvette looked up, "Where's Joey?" She murmured. Corey's eyes shown a bright blue towards the girl, "He left, Yvette, I'm sorry." Yvette swallowed the lump in her throat, looking down at her feet again. Matt took her by the shoulders, giving the only people she's ever known a simple nod before leading her to a large, b lack SUV, "After you." He murmured as he opened the door for her. Yvette didn't say anything as she climbed in, setting her books on her lap. Matt came in on the other side, "Rev, be sure to drive carefully." He said. The tall lanky fellow who helped with her bag full of books turned in the drivers seat, smiling brightly, "Aye, aye captain." He said, nodding his head before turning around.
"Try and rest. We have a long road ahead of us." Matt whispered in Yvette's ear. All she did was nod as she rested her head against the window. The scenery was dark, but she could made out all the trees flying past the window. Sighing softly, she closed her eyes, running through her memories so she could make it through the drive without snapping at anyone.