The drive to the Avenged manor was mostly silent, except for the blaring music that seemed to calm the men in the vehicles. Yvette sated out of the window, drumming her fingers over her knees to the ominous beat of the music that she had no choice in listening to. Her nerves were calmed once they left the hotel, which was two and half hours ago. Jimmy had yet to say anything to her or to anyone esle for that matter. All he did was steer the SUV to their destination as he silently fumed. Matt had left them to ride with Zacky, Brian and Johnny, knowing full well that he couldn't talk any reason to the visibly shaken friend of his.
Yvette stole a glance from Jimmy, noticing how his crystal blue orbs shown brightly with a sheen of frustrated tears. "James." She spoke softly.
"Don't, Yvette, okay? I'm in no mood for any sort of 'pep talk.' Just...Read something." He cut her off, shaking his head. "I can't. My books are with Matthew and the others." Yvette said innocently, looking down at her hands. Jimmy exhaled slowly, closing his eyes for a moment. He reached over and turned the music down before reaching over for her hand. "I apologize, Evie." He whispered.
Yvette smiled at the new nick name, giving his hand a slightly squeeze, which he returned. "There's no need to be, Jimmy. I may not fully understand, but it's all right." She shrugged her shoulders.
"You're a very sweet girl, Evie. Shadows is a lucky man." He said softly, smiling over at her. Yvette chuckled, "Everyone thinks that, hmm?" She murmured.
"I used to have a wife. You remind me of her...She...She was a very free spirited person. she lived life to its fullest." He spoke fondly of his wife, a lump forming in his throat.
"What happened to her?" Yvette asked softly, holding his hand still. Jimmy cleared his throat then, remembering the very day he lost his precious Gabrielle. "She had complications with her pregnancy with our daughter." He whispered, "She was so worried she'd lose the baby while Manson was on his rampage." He exhaled shakily, "I tried so hard to calm her. Made sure she was comfortable, all the things a husband was supposed to do for his expecting wife." He paused, blinking away oncoming tears. "Dogs got into the manor which caused her to go into early labor. With everything happening around her, her heart gave out." A tear slipped down his cheek, which Yvette wiped away. He coughed to mask the sob that crept up his throat. "Emily was born. I had to cut my daughter out...I was no surgeon, meaning I ended up fucking everything up. She died in my arms as I tried to clear her air ways..." He shook his head, gripping the steering wheel tightly. "I swore to myself I wouldn't let any other of those I cared about meet that same fate." He said, narrowing his eyes.
"I'm sorry that happened to you, James." Yvette whispered. She wanted to hug him, but she didn't want to break a boundary with the grieving male. Jimmy nodded his head, "I have you to protect now. It's almost like a second chance to redeem myself."

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

"Now explain to me again how they managed to get away." Mason said almost too calmly. Waylon looked to Christina, "we had a misunderstanding in commands." He seethed.
Christina scoffed, "Oh please! All you were doing was chatting with that large oaf instead of killing him!" She shouted. "Oh so you blowing cover and getting us caught had nothing to do with it?" Waylon retorted. "You watch it, you rat nest, bug eyed idiot!" Christina spat. Manson pinched the bridge of his nose before rising to his feet, "ENOUGH!" He bellowed, glaring at the pair. "I swear, if you two don't cease this constant bickering, I will have your head on a spike for a decoration on my fire place!" He threatened, "You both had jobs to do and you failed. Miserably." He added, his black eyes glared at them. "If we do not get this girl, she could very well be the 'savior' to the pesky rebellion." He said, cuffing his hands behind his back. "She could be the end of all of this. And with her blood, I will surely die." He stepped away from his throne that was crafted out of the bone of his victims from so many years ago. "She is the answer as well as the problem. I kill her and my reign will have only begun. Now if you're both done being fools, gather your men and prepare. For once Yvette Cummings' powers mature, that girl with be an unstoppable force." He spat.
Both Waylon and Christina bowed their heads in both fear and blinded loyalty, "Yes, my lord." They spoke in unison. Manson waved his hand to dismiss them as he turned around, "I best not catch wind of another failure." His voice carried as he disappeared into the shadows of his crept where he closed his eyes for a much needed rest.

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

The manor was much larger than the one Yvette had lived in with her father and step mother. Matt had shown her, her room which was across the hall from his own. She sat on the edge of her bed, folding a few shirts as she unpacked her belongings. As she stood up from the bed with a few items of clothing, a knock came to the door, snapping her out of her daze.
"Yes?" She called out, stuffing her shirt into one of the drawers in her walk in closet.
"It's me Johnny." She heard Johnny's voice outside her door. "Come in!" She said as she stepped out of the closet.
Johnny opened the door slowly, "Hello dear." He said, giving her a warm smile. Yvette returned the smile as she dug through her bag for her jeans and other pants. "Settling in well I hope." Johnny murmured, hooking his fingers into his belt as he stood within the threshold of her room. "I am, thank you." Yvette answered, "Is there something you need?" She asked, shuffling towards her closet with an arm full of clothes. "Oh, no. I'm just here to inform you about the new lessons we'll be going over. Seeing as you need a teacher for when your powers become fully developed..." He said, nodding his head. "Oh I see, well thank you." She said, setting her clothes in another drawer.
"And one other thing. Dinner will be done here shortly and we're expecting company." Johnny informed.
"Do I need a dress?" Yvette asked innocently. This struck Johnny as amusing, "No, dear child. It's just a casual dinner. Bullet will be joining us. That and business as usual." He chuckled. "I'll send for someone to come get you when they arrive, until then." He nodded his head, reaching for the door knob. "Oh before it slips my mind. Why I'm here. First lesson is at seven o'clock sharp, and wear something not too restricting." He told her before exiting the room.
Yvette smiled to herself, setting her empty luggage to the side of her bed. Another knock came to her door, making her laugh under her breath, "Come in." She called out.
Matt walked into the room, greeting her with a wave of his hand. "Just coming in to check on you." He said as he stepped towards the bed. Yvette smiled softly, "I'm fine." she blushed, pushing aside a small suit case that held her undergarments and socks. "Good." Matt murmured.
He sat with her on the bed, reaching out to take her hand, "I've been meaning to speak with you." He said, looking up at her. Yvette furrowed her brow, "What is it, Matthew?" She asked as she scooted closer to him.
"I don't want to alarm you in any way what so ever, but earlier today. The dogs..." He started, chewing his cheek.
"Manson..." She whispered, gritting her teeth as she balled her fists up.
"He's awaken." Matt continued, licking his bottom lip.
"The dogs were after me, weren't they?" She asked. Matt nodded his head, sighing heavily, "There is no need to worry...You're are well protected. None of us will let anything harm you." He said, brushing hair from her face. Yvette swallowed hard, nodding her head, "I understand." She whispered.
"Let's go. We have company." He said, holding his hand out for her, which Yvette took without hesitation.

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

The dining room was filly with laughter as everyone sat to eat. Yvette had learned that the man known as Tuck was a nobleman back in the Kings court in 17th century France, the others had accompanied him later on through the years. Tuck had long black hair that hung in his eyes that were as blue as Jimmy's, but they held more secrets as he lived over so many years.
Yvette sat between Matt and Brian, fighting the urge to leave the table. She had an anxiety towards large crowds unless she was around those she knew. Every time she looked to Matt or Jimmy as they laughed, she found an odd source of comfort.
"Yvette, love. You've barely touched your meal, something wrong?" Brian murmured in her ear. Yvette smiled at him, shaking her head, "No, just not all that hungry..." She said quietly.
"How long did it take for you to round up this one, Shadows?" Tuck asked, lifting his glass of wine to his lips.
Matt chuckled as he looked to Yvette, "I didn't round her up. Her father, better known as Rob Zombie, promised her to me."
"Betrothed? Really? I didn't know the man had a child, much less a daughter." Tuck said, furrowing his brows. Yvette arched a brow, "Perhaps he wanted my safety insured rather than to flaunt me about." She said, cocking h er head to the side. This amused Tuck to no end, "Well, I guess you're correct." He smirked, drinking down his wine.
"Well, this has been a treat. But I think I'm going to retire to my room." Yvette said, pushing away from the table. "So soon?"Tuck asked, looking up at her. "I'm tired and I don't want to be rude by falling asleep on anyone. It was lovely to have met you." She said as she stood up.
"You as well, dear. Rest well." Tuck nodded his head.
"Would you like for me or of of the others to walk you to your room." Matt asked, ready to stand up.
"No, that's quite all right. Don't let me keep you." Yvette said as she leaned down to kiss his cheek. She patted his shoulder before she headed towards the door to the dining room. Ass soon as she walked out the laughter grew once more.

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

"She is a lovely girl, Matthew. I'm happy for you." Tuck said, ginning at his long time friend. "Thank you, Tuck. Rob had told me though I will have my hands full." Matt chuckled. "I can tell." Tuck agreed.
"So the reason why you're here." Matt said, filly his cup with wine. "Yes, the dogs are at it again." Tuck stated, resting his elbows on the table. "They stopped us at the hotel we stayed at before we brought Yvette here." Brian filled in. "Obviously they know something we don't." Tuck though out loud. "Oh we know." Jimmy piped up.
"Manson doesn't sleep. And he's caught wind of Yvette." Matt said, his expression unreadable.
"Her powers have yet to fully develop, I gather." Tuck question as he leaned back in his chair.
"I will be preparing her for when they do, until then, I will be training her." Johnny said, looking up from his plate. "Well, let's hope that once they do come, she'll be the one to end him. For good." Tuck nodded his head, "Until then, keep her comfortable and most importantly; calm." He added. "Trust me, I wouldn't have it any other way." Matt murmured, a smirk forming on his face.

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

Sleep didn't come as easy as Yvette would have hoped, the constant tossing and turning was wearing down on her nerves. Sitting up, she pushed the comforter off and slipped out of bed, feet hitting the oddly warm carpet of her room. She walked to her bedroom door, pulling on her back hoodie before walking out. The hallway was dark, but she was still able to see her way through the corridor. Turning the corner, she picked up the familiar scent of burning fire wood, her lips twitching into a small smile. She crept closer, hearing a soft melody drifting through the room. Piano to be exact. She cocked her head to the side, her smile still on her lips.
"You know, it's quite rude to sneak up on someone." Tucks voice sounded, his back to her.
"I...I apologize, Mr. Tuck-"
"Please, child. There is no need. Come, join me." He cut her off, looking towards her as he still played. Yvette walked towards him, her hands by her side, "You play beautifully, sir." She mumbled. Tuck smiled, his fingers dancing over the keys, "So I have been told." He ceased his playing, scooting over so she could sit with him on the bench. "Surely you play." He inquired, cocking his head to the side.
Yvette blushed, "Yes, my father was always insistent that I know my 'musical nature' as he so puts it." She said as she sat beside him. Tuck chuckled, "Music is a way of life. Play for me, dear." He said softly.
Yvette smiled bashfully, lying her fingers on the keys carefully. "Anything you want. Whatever feels right. Play." Tuck urged.
Yvette closed her eyes, pressing her fingers down lightly until she came to one particular piece she always found joy in. Tuck closed his eyes, breathing in deeply, "Ah, Beethoven...Beautifully done, love." He complimented, letting the notes roll through him as he continued to play. "Is there anything else you can play?" He asked.
Yvette smirked as she opened her eyes, "Well, I don't want to brag. But, violin, cello, piano, guitar, harp, drums, flute, and bass." She listed off. "Well, you're just the whole package, now aren't you?" Tuck joked.
"And you're quite the charmer, Mr. Tuck." She threw back playfully. Tuck laughed heartily, "Ah, but you are not mine to charm, unfortunately." He said.
He turned his head, facing the other wall of the room, "I think it's time you retreat to your room, love. Company comes and I don't think you should be up at this time anyway." He said, turning back to her. "It was lovely to hear to play." He added.
Yvette nodded her head, pushing herself away from the piano. "Another time then." She murmured. Tuck smiled, "Rest well dear." HE said, standing up himself to walk her out of the room.

After making her way back towards her room, a rush of wind swept through her hair, startling her. She turned quickly, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion and fear. "H-hello?" She whispered, holding a hand to her chest.
"Yvette? What are you doing up?" She turned to see Matt standing just outside his room. Her eyes darting towards the tattoos that spread across his chest and torso, only able to snap them up to his face when she felt a warning tug at her gut, "There's someone here." She whispered. Matt frowned at her, ready to speak when Jimmy and Zacky came running down the hall, "We've got problems." Zacky breathed out. "Dogs got into the house." He said, licking his dry lips.
Yvette swallowed hard, her hands starting to shake against her will to stay calm.
"Get her to the safe house. Do not stop for anything." Matt ordered. He looked to Yvette then, pulling her to him. "Stay safe, love." He whispered, kissing her had on the mouth. Yvette felt her breathing hitch as she was pulled away from the embrace. She looked back to Matt, watching as he took towards the way Jimmy and Zacky had came. She felt tears in her eyes as she turned her head to watch as she and Jimmy ran in the other direction. Her hand was firmly wrapped in Jimmy's larger one, pain radiating up her arm. He was keeping her out of harms way, so complaining about a bit of pain wouldn't help anything.

Once they reached the garage, Jimmy hoisted her up into the large Jeep, jumping after her once she settled. "Buckle up, Gaby." He hissed. Yvette furrowed her brows, Gaby? Then it made sense. The memory he spoke up about his wife. Without another word, Yvette buckled her seat belt, preparing herself for the oncoming ride.
As soon as they hit the road in front of the manor, dogs were on their tales.
"Shit." Jimmy hissed. He smacked the dashboard, a small compartment popping up. "When I say 'steady' you hold the fucking wheels, got it?" He yelled. Yvette nodded her head as Jimmy grabbed what looked like hand grenades. He licked his lips, shifting in his seat, "STEADY!" He bellowed. Yvette flung her seat belt off, grabbing the wheel. She kept the Jeep on track as Jimmy hung out of the window. Two loud explosions were heard moments later. Jimmy slid into the cab, pushing her back into her seat, "Get down." He yelled, slapping the dashboard compartment down once he took the wheel. Yvette slid to the floor, covering her head. Her body shook involuntarily as she sobbed into her knees. She was frightened without a doubt. Jimmy kept driving until the coast was clear behind them as well as ahead, though he kept his speed, wanting to get to the safe house without anymore problems.

It only took but twenty minutes to get to the large cabin with the rate Jimmy was going. The Jeep halted harshly, making Yvette smack her head against the glove box. "Ow..." she hissed, rubbing the side of her head. Jimmy got out of the vehicle, walking around the front to open the passenger side door. Seeing Yvette curled up on the floor tugged on his heart strings. "Yvette..." He whispered, untangling her from the seat belt. He lifted her up into his arms where she buried her face into his chest. Her sobs were still falling from her lips, making his heart ache, "Shh, Evie." He murmured, carrying her into the cabin. Once he dialed the security code, he slammed the door shut,m setting her down on her feet. The cabin looked old, as if it were falling apart. It was cold, seeing as she was only in a pair of shorts, her hoodie, and a tank top. She looked around, frowning at the way the cabin was. Surely this wasn't meant to keep her safe. Was it?
"Come on." Jimmy murmured, grabbing her upper arm as he lead them to the back of the cabin. His strides were long and wide, which meant she had to carry on a full jog to keep up with him.
"Jimmy-"
He stopped then, right in front of a wall. She stood there, bewildered as to why he would just stop when then he laid his hand flat on one of the wooden panels, pushing it in until a loud locking sound greeted her ears. The panel moved down, the other on either sides pushing sideways until a large steel door appeared. Jimmy pressed another code, the large door opening with a hiss.
"Come." He muttered. pulling her into the large space. Once they walked in, the door closed, along with the panels of wood. She stayed confused until she felt a jolt as an elevator would. Seconds laer, the door opened aain to reveal a much different place. Nicer compared to the dirty cabin.
"We'll be safe here until Matt calls." Jimmy said, lading her out into the warm living area. "There's plenty of room here so you won't be bored. All depends on how long we stay here that is." He explained. Yvetted hand her hand down her face, nodding her head as she stood there awkwardly. Jimmy eyed her before pulling her into him again, "I'm so sorry, Evie." He whispered, smoothing her hair back behind her ears. Yvette shook her head, "It's what had to be done." She croaked out. "Let me see your hand." He commanded, pulling away only slightly. Yvette held her hand up, revealing a few bruises around her knuckles.
Jimmy grimaced, shaking his head, :why didn't you say anything?" He asked, looking over the bruised skin of her hand. "We were being chased...This seemed like a cat scratch compared to that." she shrugged her shoulders.
Jimmy places his other hand over hers, "Nothing is too much or too little. I cannot allow you to get hurt , even over the little things." He said.
Yvette's hand felt warm under his touch, making her smile despite the tears that formed. Jimmy pulled his hand away then, leaning down to kiss her hand gently. Yvette looked down, seeing the bruised skin of her hand now flawless and unscratched.
"Thank you." She whispered, hugging him tightly. Jimmy chuckled, kissing the top of her head, "come now, we need to rest." He murmured. Yvette lifted her head, "Lie with me?" She asked, making her eyes sparkle for effect. Jimmy laughed, "All right, stop that now. Let's go lie down." He said, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

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

The guys surrounded the pack of dogs as they sat bounded to chairs. "What's this one's name?" Tuck asked, pointing to a tanned fellow. "DJ Ashba...Used to be one of Nikki Six's boys until he got greedy." Zacky said, glaring the man down. "Then we have Lizzy Hale right here. Oh and Tripp Eisen...God man what happened to you?" Brian asked, getting a grunt from his enemy. "You three have a choice. Either tell us where Manson is hiding or die." Shadows growled.
The others looked at him like he had lost his mind, "Shadows, if we kill one of them, that declares war. And we don't know how many there are." Tuck said, trying to get the other man to think. "They struck first. Stormed my home. Threatened my woman. They deserve a bullet between their eyes." Shadows growled, putting the mouth of his gun to Tripp's head. "She is safe, friend. You and I both know Rev wouldn't put her in harms way. Please, put the gun down. Send them on their way with a message." Tuck said, resting a hand on Shadows' forearm.
"I'd rather die than let them live." Shadows spat. "And I will not let you put your friends lives or the lives of my men on the line. Not for a dog." Tuck said sternly, "Put. The. Gun. Down, Matthew." He spoke lowly. Matt reluctantly lowered his gun, as well as his head. "Take these mutts away, make sure they let their 'leader' he faces an army here. If war is what he wants, then war is what he'll have." Tuck said, pushing Matt out of the room

Zacky looked over to Johnny and Brian, "I've got the bitch." He smiled sickly, laughing inwardly at his own vulgar statement. He crouched down in front of the woman, shaking his head, "Look at you, Lizzy." He murmured, pulling her chair from the other two. He heard both Johnny and Brian shuffle out of the room with DJ and Tripp. Once everything was clear, he pulled the gag out of Lizzy's mouth, "Are you hurt?" He asked, smoothing her hair back.
"Yes, I'm fine." Lizzy whispered, smiling to reassure her fiance. "Why did Manson send the dogs here?" Zacky asked, untying her quickly. "Why do you think? He wants the girl." Lizzy muttered, "You don't know how much I hate being that place. I want to be home." She said, looking up at him. "I know, baby, I know. But until we get the information we need." Lizzy nodded her head, "He believes that when her powers come, she'll be the one to kill him. If he gets her before they develop and he drinks from her, he'll be more powerful than he is now." She explained. Zacky shook his head, "This is a shit storm." He muttered as he raked his fingers through his hair.
"Which reminds me, stop calling me a bitch!" Lizzy said, slapping Zacky's shoulder. Zacky laughed, "You know I don't mean it. It was just for show, for Tucks men. My little spy." He said, cupping her cheeks softly, "I love you." He whispered. "I love you too." Lizzy murmured, pressing her lips against his. They pulled away from each other then, "Where?" Zacky asked. Lizzy pointed to her left cheek, "Make it count." She said, grinning at her beloved. Zacky nodded his head as he pulled his fist back, connecting it to her cheek hard. It didn't phase him as the small woman slumped down to the ground after he hit her.

He walked out of the room, "Got the information we need. Where are the others?" He asked. "Trying to get the same thing out of the other two mutts." Moose, one of the Tucks men, filled in. Zacky nodded his head, "Well tell them that I got what we need. Time to send the dogs on their way." Moose nodded his head in return. Zacky turned on his heal, walking down the long hallway until he could feel Shadows in the next room. He knocked twice before stepping in,
"We may have a problem."