The One He Needs

The rain came down and looked like silver sheets. The sky was a dull grey and growing darker with the setting sun. The world was grayish as the dark clouds boiled overhead and spilled down in a thick curtain. Water running over the ground like satin ribbons in the breeze. Four figures hurried quickly through the rain. One holding an umbrella over the middle figure who was the second shortest. The shortest was behind the other three getting rained on as there was no space left under the umbrella. They came up to a rather impressive house. The tallest of the group snapped something at the smallest figure. A young girl that he gave an order to. She stopped and seemed dejected before turning and walked around the side of the house to a servants' entrance. The three kept moving and went up the large steps under the overhang to the door.  The three at the door stopped there. The house was huge, a mansion and most of the windows were a glow. The man standing there closed the umbrella. It had been he who’d snapped at the smallest figure that had disappeared. With him were two women. Well, one was only fifteen. His eldest daughter, and then his wife. He smiled at his daughter, she was his pride and joy. Unlike her younger sister. “I’m so proud of you. This is a great privilege. We need this and you will be set for life Natasha. Remember that.” He was very serious now. It had taken a lot of talk and negotiation. Mr. Standish knew this was the best move. One to ensure his family’s safety and fortune.  “I know, I’ll make sure that I do everything right.” Her father smiled at her. “Stand still Natasha, I want to make sure you are perfect. This dreaded rain!” Her mother said, fixing her daughter's bright blonde hair that fell in beautiful spirals. Her eyes a vivid blue like her mother’s, but her hair was more like her father’s, who had a dark blonde. A handsome man with bright green eyes. “There, and your dress is still clean.” It was a pale pink color that complimented her well. She gave her mother a smile. The white of her teeth flashing. Her mother was every bit as beautiful with a dark green dress that she wore. Her dark hair spiraling down to her shoulders, most of it pulled back from her face and clipped. It was clear the family came from money.  “Let us proceed then. We told him we would be here at five and we are a few minutes early.” Karl lifted a hand and knocked. Natasha straightened herself and took on the look of a lady. Though she was fifteen, she still looked the part of a young woman. Her mother Courtney stood behind her daughter and they waited as the door was pulled open. None of them gave a thought to the younger family member they had sent off like some kind of servant.  An older man was standing there having answered the door. He had a severe look about him, his brown eyes taking them in. Almost went colder than they had been a moment before. But what was a servant to them? Nothing, they had their own. “We are…” “I know whom you are, Mr. Standish. Please come in. Lord Vento is expecting you. Follow me please.” Said the man with a very slight bow and turned. The three moved forward and the door closed behind them.  The entryway was huge, with white tiles and a grand staircase that swept up to the next level. A huge clock was at the top against the wall. You could either go left or right into the rooms that were there, or up the stairs. They went to the left and came into a large room that looked like a sitting area. A huge fireplace faced the main entrance with windows on either side.  “Have a seat. Lord Vento will be with you shortly.” The man bowed again and left. The two women sat down but Karl stayed standing next to his wife and daughter. There was a large chandelier in this room that gave off a good amount of light. They were patient, no good would come of being rude or impatient. The Ventos were powerful figures.  Natasha smoothed her skirt, she felt butterflies in her stomach. She knew what she was here for. Her parents had made a deal with Lord Vento, and she was part of that deal. But they had a plan of their own and it would take years to complete, but that was okay. Her parents had wanted wealth, to make sure that they didn‘t lose their status to Hector Alectro and his son Ricardo Alectro. The bid for power in this world was a harsh one. Many were being swallowed up into the larger whole.  So they had come to see Lord Vento. He was stronger than Ricardo, who liked to call himself Lord Alectro. However Lord Vento was the one that really held the power here. So they’d arranged for their families to become one, because it was a smart move on both ends. Plus it was pretty damn stupid to be nasty or snide to the man.  Should you cross Vento, you would regret it. His family had come to this planet long ago. Left Earth when most were unable to and now resided here and controlled the money, and supplies that came in. Most considered Vento to be rather fair if not aloof and dangerous. Still his family had helped colonize and it was just like earth here. Now they were wealthy beyond imagination with the trade they had set up across worlds.  Karl and Courtney had come to him to amass more wealth than they currently had. Ricardo was trying to get the land that they had. Trying to take over and pull them in to gain ground on Vento. During the time that they had met, Lord Vento hadn’t said too much. Just what he wanted and then asked them things.  For Lord Vento’s support, they would have their daughter marry Lord Vento‘s son. Though they all had to be careful how it was viewed, or when it was known. Both families could lose support depending on how they handled this. Though this was going to be smooth, at least they thought so. Natasha was still young but beautiful. Their families were going to be seeing more of each other. Just so it seemed a bit more natural. Rather then a sudden marriage and an obvious merger to put Alectro on the defensive. Their families were going to get very friendly.  From the entryway they could hear voices, both of them were male. The first was a bit higher pitched and had a kind of British accent.  “I don’t understand, how can you grant both what they wish? I was here first, and now we may have to go to war.” “Your war does not concern me, I have expressed my opinion on this. If you decide to go through with war, it makes no difference to me. It is foolish and stupid. A waste of time and expenses where the two of you would do better to find a meeting ground, I’m neutral on this. Our dealings have completed.” The second voice was deeper. Held a kind of odd rhythm to it. Like it pulled you in, how could you argue with that voice, it sounded so reasonable? “I see.” Said the first voice, and then the sound of a door opening and closing. “Lord Vento. Mr. Standish and his family are here waiting for you.” This was the old man servant from before. The voices were soft, but you could just hear them through the door.  “Why are you still here?” Came Lord Vento’s voice. None of them could tell if it was a reprimand or concern with which he said it.  “There was no one to see to your guests.” Came the man servant’s rather quiet tone. He sounded a bit put off.  “I gave you an order earlier Jeremiah. I want it followed. Go and rest.” Came Lord Vento’s voice. “As you wish.” was Jeremiah’s reply. The sound of footsteps approached the door. This was it, time to meet and make sure that this was set in stone. That their children knew what was expected of them. The door opened and they saw a hand appear. It gestured to someone in the hall.  “Malachi.”  The three of them either sat or stood with a rather proper air about them. There wasn’t any sound, but suddenly a young man appeared in the doorway. He stepped into the room and Lord Vento followed. They looked extremely similar. You could tell they were father and son.  The young man looked no more than eighteen years old. His hair nearly midnight black, his eyes ice blue. There was seriousness with Lord Vento. The very air in the room had changed with his presence. It was dead silent, and the three didn’t feel the need to speak. There was a nervousness to the Standish family now.  “My Lord…” “I don’t take kindly to backstabbing Standish.” Lord Vento stated, his gaze meeting Karl’s. Which he couldn’t hold it very long. Well that wasn’t the first thing he thought he was going to say. “Backstabbing?” “You think that I have lived as long as I have because I was stupid? Try and scheme against me again, you’ll find an early grave.” This shocked them. He hadn’t really backstabbed persay. He’d just inquired. He’d been talking with others if this contract fell through. He had at one time spoken with others about removing Vento. Hadn’t gone through with it obviously, still clearly Vento knew what was on the back of his mind.  “I didn’t…” “Stop talking before I deal with you out of irritation. The matter of your other dealings we will see to shortly. The only reason you are still standing is because we have a previous arrangement. I have given my word and it is so. I asked you here so we could meet her. I wished to see the woman who is betrothed to my son Malachi.” Which was true, both would lose if this fell through. Malachi didn’t say anything nor change his expression.  He just stood there like a statue.  “This is our daughter Natasha, I think that you’ll find her more than satisfactory.” Courtney said standing, and Natasha did as well. She touched her daughter’s arm with a smile. Lord Vento just looked at them. They figured that they’d have to repair some of the damage done here, and try for a bit more trust. “I want you two to leave and go into that room.” He said pointing to the door that was to their right. “I want to talk with your daughter alone for a moment.” The two of them looked a bit grim-faced but did as he asked. They didn’t get the choice.  __Malachi__ Malachi watched the couple go through the door and close it.  He turned his gaze back to their daughter. He saw exactly what she was, a spoiled pampered brat. Oh but she would play any part she had to very well. She was just as conniving as her parents. Right at the moment though, she was fearful, but she hid it well. Still he could smell it, and she looked a bit more pale. He was also very pissed at his father for the fact he was stuck with this young woman. She was never going to accept him, accept what he was. He was mad at his father for taking his choice of mate from him. Did he understand why? Yes, did he want to? No. “You know the deal that they made?” Lord Vento asked. “Yes, you asked if my parents would have their daughter marry your son. To keep my family from falling into Ricardo Alectro‘s holdings.” She said dutifully. “I have no need of a wife.” Malachi interjected. He was eighteen and this was bullshit to him. No he didn’t want a wife, well not her. He also disliked the word wife. Better than mate he guessed. He was not going to be able to choke that word down looking at her. His father looked at him, displeasure there but he didn’t shout at him. Still, he knew that later his father would give him an earful, no doubt. “But I thought…” “Excuse Malachi, he tends to speak before he thinks. You and he will be married. It will keep the peace for now. As long as you are able to handle the position that is coming to you.” Malachi didn’t doubt she would be able to stand in the position given to her. He didn’t think that she was the right person for it. However, how long did he have to put up with her? He didn’t like the sight nor scent of her. He’d be rid of her as soon as he could. “I will be what you need, I know my place.”  “I don’t think that you really do.” Was Malachi’s outspoken opinion. Clearly, Malachi was not able to hold back on his irritation. Unlike this nearly young woman, he didn’t see marriage as a status symbol. He wanted what his parents had had, and instead he was now in a political game. He wasn’t even finished with schooling yet. He was just starting college and this was thrown on him.  “Malachi.” Lord Vento said in warning. She was beautiful. She’d be a gorgeous woman. Oddly he didn’t feel a thing. He just wanted someone of his own, he’d just need her as long as it took to stop an outright war. If her father‘s land fell, then Ricardo would have a direct shot at them and a lot of people would die. This was about more than just inheritance and what one wanted. This was about their people, their cities and the only reason Malachi was doing it. After a rather serious argument with his father. Not only did he have to hide what he was. Rarely got to let out his animal, he now had to pretend he cared about this girl. Could nothing be real in his life?  “If you would go get your parents, we have a few things to discuss.” Natasha gave a nod and got up leaving the room gracefully. Lord Vento gave his son a severe look. He then spoke sharply.  “Common courtesy is all I ask.” “You aren’t being forced to marry some i***t. No one picked mother for you. You got to choose your mate.” He said, a curl to his lip. “You will be civil with her! You know exactly why we have to do this. All out war will destroy most of the fields that we have managed to cultivate. Along with all those that we are in charge of, Ricardo is itching to take everything that we have but he doesn’t have the power yet. If he goes after the Standish territory, that will give him a direct shot at us.”  “She’s a liar, just like her parents. She reeks of greed and pettiness.” Malachi nearly growled.  “I know, but we need the large area they are in control of to stay on our side. It wasn’t my first choice, but it’s not a life-long commitment. I never said you had to pick her as a mate.  She is a wife by paper only.” Malachi looked at him.  He understood, he did feel bad forcing this on his son. However, this would protect them all.  “It better not be, she’d never accept our oddity. I can barely stand it sometimes. Look at her and them. It’s clear they have lost their other side. They are just like the rest of humans. Shunning their gifts, losing their animal. How could I ever accept such a close-minded fool.” Lord Vento sighed. He knew that he was giving his son a hard hand to play but he’d do it. After all he would be receiving all the wealth and power when his father died, or stepped down. This was how it went for the powerful, and it was unfair to his son’s wolf. His animal half, but they were a dying race. At this rate there honestly wouldn’t be anyone left here with the gifts. It was sad but true, still a handful of them were alive and well. Still that was not the issue at hand here. Along with the burdens of running this land so far away. It had taken their family many years to build it up, to get the right conditions to grow the crops they needed. To farm the animals that they required for food. His people had run here to this colony to stop others from persecuting them. None here were aware that werewolves, shifters, or changelings were among them. It was going to stay that way. A hidden secret among the powerful of this world. Sometimes to survive you had to hide right under their noses.  Malachi’s dark blue gaze held anger. He let out a harsh breath eyeing his son. He had no idea how he was ever going to make it up to his son. This was going to be a large part of his life. Maybe they could make it work. This Natasha was still young, still impressionable. The two of them watched as the family came back in, neither very thrilled with what they saw. However, there were a couple of different reasons for it, though both pretended indifference.