ABBY

Chapter 4

Abby looks at Lord Bolton with puffy eyes.  She knows him from the many visits to the mansion. Especially when her father is back from a voyage. “When is Daddy coming back?” She asks as the sobs start up again. She snuggles deeper into his neck as fresh tears form in her sky-blue eyes. His hold on her tightens.  She's heartbroken and lost. “I don’t know, Sweetheart.  But I have someone I would like you to meet.  Will that be okay? They’re at the mansion.” He asks, speaking in a gentle voice, feeling her relaxing against him. “Okay…” Abby says in a soft, trembling voice.

“Mrs. Hudson, please pack a week’s clothes. Maybe I can help with this little situation.” Lord Bolton states as he picks Abby up. Her small arms tighten around his neck. The Vampire King reminds her so much of her father. Though he’s not, it is the closest she’ll get.  Glenda and Patrick are really going out of their way for her, but she’s not feeling content. Once Lord Bolton picked her up, she relaxed and calmed down.She felt safe.

With Abby on one arm and a small suitcase in hand, Lord Bolton leaves the Hudson cottage and makes his way to the mansion. He hopes this works. He has a broken little girl in his care and a very agitated son. This is going to take some nerve, but he will cope. He’s known Abby since she was born, and it breaks his heart to know that she has to taste loss at such an early age.

The day William saved Christy from the rogue, he was outraged by the fact that rogues were able to slip through the defenses and no one noticed. Since the attack back then, the security was doubled on the borders. Not even a hare could pass without him knowing it and now this. An attack in broad daylight.  Another casualty of the filth that walks the earth. The Lycan Guard are on full defense and scouting the surrounding areas for anything unusual.

When walking in through the front door, it was dark outside already. Vince, the butler stands at the door, waiting for them.  The mansion is quiet as Lord Bolton makes his way to one of the guestrooms with his precious cargo.  Abby had fallen asleep on their way over. He laid her down in the plush bed and pulled the covers over her tiny figure.  “Night, Abby…” He says, caressing her hair and kissing her forehead.  Tear streaks still visible on her cheeks as she mumbles something inaudible, she turns her back to him and sighs as a deep sleep takes her.

As he silently closes the door behind him, William comes out from across the hall.  “How is she?” He asks, wincing when the door creaks behind him. “She misses Sean. I don’t know how she’s handling the news regarding her mother, but the Hudson's are having difficulty with her.  She’s not eating, and her eyes are dull.  She’s calling out to her father in her sleep.” Lord Bolton states worriedly as he makes his way down the stairs towards the tearoom.  A calming cup of Chamomile will do.  As if reading his mind, William brings him a cup and pours himself a bourbon. 

"She’s still so young, Father.  Does she even understand what is going on?”  William asks as he twirls the dark liquid in his glass thoughtfully. Remembering a similar situation years ago. A small whimper catches their attention, and both turn towards the door. Abby stands in the door.  Her hair is a total mess and her eyes sleepy. “What’s wrong, Sweetheart?” William asks as he walks over to her. She looks up to him, but he kneels to her level.  Slowly she approaches the Vampire Prince and her arms snake around his neck. She is not afraid of him. “I can’t sleep.” She pouts as William stands up with her in his arms and turns to Lord Bolton. “I’ll go tug her in. Good night, Father.” He says as he places the half full glass on the table and walks out the door, all the while whispering comforting words into Abby’s ear while her head rests on his broad shoulder.

Lord Bolton follows the retreating back of his son.  He’s ready to be king and finally take over from him. Pride swells in his chest as the thought crosses his mind. Shirley Davis and him are to be married soon. They've already started with the wedding plans. Christy and the staff at the Slate Hotel are all up in arms to assist with the wedding arrangements.

But first and foremost.  He will send word to the Lycan Guard and ask for their assistance in this urgent matter. General Collard and Sebastian will be sure to take action to find these murderers. Looking at the clock, it’s almost midnight. Getting up, Lord Bolton makes his way to his sleeping quarters. Passing Abby’s room, he sees William laying next to her. Her head is on his chest and his arm is protectively draped around her small frame. Maybe when she meets the twins of Christy and Sebastian, she’ll let her guard down. Those two boys can be a handful, but he knows they will look after her. Even protect her if need be.

The next morning when Abby wakes, she feels a weight of an arm on her. Excited, she whirls around only to come face to face with William Bolton and not her father. He's still fast asleep and his rhythmic breathing soothes her. Reaching out a tiny hand, she touches his face. The coolness of his skin puzzles her. She's only used to the warmth of her mother's embrace or that of her father's. She doesn't understand the supernatural world that much, yet. According to her vampires, werewolves, witches and fay are all the same. She doesn't see them as different from one another.

Her fascination with his face is occupying her and she doesn't realize that William is awake. He watches her every move while laying absolutely still. He doesn't want to startle her, but she looks up and locks eyes with him. An adorable smile plays on her lips as she looks into his very soul with her bright blue eyes.

"Good morning, Sweetheart." He whispers as a smile forms on his lips. Abby manages another smile, but it doesn't reach her eyes. "Hungry?" He asks her. Nodding, they get up and make their way to the kitchen. The staff is already busy with breakfast, but comes to a halt when William and Abby walk in. Sophia, the head cook, sweeps the little girl up in her arms and places her on the counter where she's busy with bread dough. Winking at William, she gives Abby a piece of dough and a pan. Abby hesitates but starts to form a ball, all the while not saying a single word.

Smiling, William turns and is about to leave, but he is stopped by a soft whimper. Turning, Abby looks at him with tears in her eyes. "I'll only be next door, Abby. I won't leave." He promises and it seems to work. Abby takes the ball of dough again and starts to roll out a piece to make a bread-man for breakfast. Sophia and the rest of the staff continue with their duties while William makes his way to the tearoom to meet his father and Shirley.

Walking into the room, he's greeted by the smell of fresh coffee. Shirley and his Father are having a casual conversation at the table. Kissing the top of Shirley's head, William takes his seat next to her. "Good morning, Love." He greets her and kisses her hand gently. Smiling, Shirley blushes. "Sleep well?" She asks.

"I slept like a rock, thank you." he states and starts to pour himself a mug of coffee. Thirty minutes later, Sophia enters the room with freshly baked scones, cream and jam on a tray. Following closely behind, is Abby. Seeing her, Shirley looks over at William and then at Lord Bolton. William simply nods and Shirley swallows the lump forming in her throat. The little girl walks up to the chair next to Lord Bolton but he picks her up and places her on his knee. Once she's settled, he gives her a scone with some strawberry jam and cream.

Eyeing the scone, Abby doesn't feel like eating. Yet, her stomach is complaining from hunger. Taking a small bite, she starts to feel nauseous. Looking up at Lord Bolton, her eyes refuse to focus. Blinking rapidly, she tries to focus on something outside, but it's still the same.

"Abby, you okay Sweetie?" She hears a female voice in her head. Turning to see where the voice comes from, her world turns in a slow motion. Everything goes black in an instant and she's sinking into a black abyss of unconsciousness. Lord Bolton catches her just in time.