by Winnie

AU-Vengeance-My thanks to Heidi and Cin for this wonderful AU and for allowing me to try my hand at it.

Disclaimer----I don't own the characters of Mag7, but I do like to indulge in the stories and AUs surrounding them.

Comments----As above, thanks, Heidi and Cin. Special thanks to Heidi for helping me especially with trying to get the period language right. Also thanks to Marti and Antoinette for going over this with kid gloves and a fine tooth comb. I love Pirates and although there are none in this I do hope to work on another tale at a later date. I'd like to dedicate this to Heidi and Cin for creating such a wonderful Mag 7 AU.

Chris Larabee sighed as he looked at the new colt standing beside its mother. The animal stood on unsteady legs and took its first step. This was something he loved to watch and prided himself on the fact that his horses were the best in the colonies and could rival those of the horse breeders in England .

“Another beaut, Chris,” Tanner said and leaned on the corral fence. “Thought of a name yet?”

“Thunder,” Larabee answered.

“Thunder? Why?”

“Did you see that storm yesterday? I doubt we've had one like that in years.”

“Yeah, Miss Lizabeth says it s har…harbi…”

“Harbinger?”

“Yeah, that's it. Called it a harbinger of danger. Says we'd best be real careful,” Tanner explained.

“I have never been one to believe in superstitions like that, Vin . Honestly, Liza best be careful no one hears her talking like that or she will be up before the magistrate as a witch. I do not believe in witchery, but that does not mean others see things as I do. I'd hate to see the townspeople up in arms because they think she is seeing things she should not,” Larabee explained and turned toward the driveway leading up to his house.

“Expectin' comp'ny?”

“No,” Larabee answered and stared at the buggy as it came closer. There was something vaguely familiar about the woman seated in the back, but he couldn't quite place her. He'd met so many women since being accepted in the upper echelon of colonial society, but somehow he knew that was not where he'd met this raven-haired beauty who turned to stare in his direction.

“Sure seems a shame not ta be there ta meet her, Chris. Want me ta go up there and show her some real charm?”

“I do not think so, Tanner. You keep an eye on Thunder, maybe muck out the stalls while I take care of the lovely lady.” Larabee didn't hear Tanner's near silent curse as he walked slowly along the path toward his home. The buggy stopped at the main doors to his house and he watched as his guest stepped out onto the gravel walk. Again, Chris was struck by the familiarity of her walk as she turned toward him.

“Christopher, darling, I have missed you so much.”

The sultry voice was a jolt to his body and a brief flash of fear niggled his senses before she reached him and drew him into a wanton kiss. Chris knew he should pull away from her. She risked Scandal and ruining her reputation with such public wanton behavior, but she had always been his weakness whenever she was near, except when Sarah came into his life. He drew away from her touch at the thought of the woman he loved more than life itself. He'd lost her and their son when their ship had been boarded and torched. Sarah and Adam Larabee were dead now, but their memory would forever be a part of him.  

“Are you going to invite me inside, Christopher?”

“Yes, by all means,” Larabee said, offering his arm to the newcomer. He turned to look over his shoulder and glimpsed Tanner watching him closely. Seated in the buggy was an older woman who Chris did not recognize, but from her dark clothing he knew she was in mourning. He nodded to the Texan when the man moved to help the veiled woman down.

“Christopher, I do not believe you know my Aunt Hildegard Petrie. She was Joseph's aunt, but she is such a dear heart,” Ella introduced the matronly woman who now stood beside her.

“Please to meet you, Miss Petrie,” Larabee told her.

“Thank you, Mr. Larabee,” Hildegard said and lowered her eyes behind the black lace veil. “I am afraid this trip has taken a toll on me.”

“Oh, Christopher, Aunt Hilda is not as young as she once was. Perhaps one of your servants could show her to a room where she could rest?”

“Of course,” Larabee said and motioned for Harper who appeared in the doorway. “Liza, would you show Miss Petrie to the guest room?”

“Certainly, Master Larabee,” his parlor maid as she crossed herself and whispered a silent prayer before leading the veiled woman into the house.

“You have such a…lovely home, Christopher. How many servants see to your needs?”

“Nothing ever changes with you, does it, Ella?” the blond asked when they were inside his home. He led her to the parlor, and felt her standing to close for comfort, but unable to pull away from her.

“Now, Christopher, you used to tell me how much you loved me for who I was and that I should never change,” Ella Gaines whispered coyly as she melded her body against his.

“That was a long time ago, Ella, things change. I changed,” Larabee said and pulled away from the woman. He looked at the portrait over the mantle and knew there could never be anyone to take her place.

“Who is she, Christopher?”

“Her name is…was Sarah Larabee and she is…was my wife,” he corrected, a deep sadness coming through in his voice.

“What happened to her?”

“She was murdered, along with our son,” Larabee explained and reached for the bottle of Sherry. “Would you like a drink?”

“Yes, please, but only if you join me,” the seductress spoke softly as she sat on the soft settee. She watched him pour two drinks and knew she had to work fast. The time of fire was nearly at hand and she needed to make him hers before she could succeed in her plans.

“Would you like something to eat? I could have Liza make sandwiches.”

“Yes, please, Christopher, I am terribly hungry and the trip from Portsmouth has worn me out,” Ella explained.

“I will be right back,” Larabee said and hurried from the room in an effort to put some space between himself and his visitor. It worried him that her wanton behavior could ostracize her from society, but Ella had never been one to conform to tradition. He was surprised that she'd brought Hildegard Petrie along with her and wondered why he felt sorry for the woman. There were times when he wondered if Ella really was a witch, but could never really believe in such foolery. He found Elizabeth ‘Liza' Harper quivering in the kitchen and frowned when she jumped at his touch. “Liza, is something wrong?”

“I…I…no, Sir, nothing is wrong,” the woman said, her eyes searching the area behind her employer.

“Liza, perhaps you should lie down for a while,” Larabee suggested. The woman had not worked for him very long, but she was well liked in spite of her skittish mentality.

“No, Sir, I am fine,” Harper lied.

“How is Miss Petrie?”

“She is resting. May I prepare something for you and your guest?”

“Yes, my guest is hungry and I would like you to make some of those finger sandwiches of yours,” Larabee explained.

“Yes, sir, would you like me to serve them in the dining room?”

“No, just bring them to the parlor and see if Miss Petrie would like anything,” Larabee told her. “Thank you, Liza,” the blond said and turned away once more. He walked into the room in time to see Ella Gaines lift both glasses and frowned when she looked as if he'd spooked her.

“Oh, Christopher, I was just coming to find you,” the woman covered and handed him a glass.

“I went to tell Liza to make sandwiches. Your aunt is resting and Liza will bring her some refreshments.”

“Thank you so much. Hilda is a wonderful soul, but I'm afraid she's always been sickly,” Ella told him.

“I'm sorry to hear that,” Larabee said and took a quick swallow of the red liquid. The sweet tasting Sherry was not his normal drink, but he kept a supply around because most of the ladies who came to call preferred it to the stronger ales and whiskeys usually guzzled by his male guests.  

“You still have the finest taste, Christopher, in liquor and furnishings,” Ella told him when they returned to the settee.

“Thank you, Ella. So did you ever marry that lord?”

“No, I'm afraid Handsome Jack Averil was not for me, but…” She turned away and wiped at her eyes before feeling a hand on her hand and turned back to her host.

“What is wrong, Ella?”

“He does not seem to want to take no for an answer.”

“Is that why you came here today?”

“Yes…and no,” Ella said and watched him drink more of the amber colored liquid. She loved how it moistened his lips and craved the taste of him once more, but first she had to make him her own. The first step was in the liquid itself. A potion of her own that would make him easier and more susceptible to her wiles. She knew Chris Larabee would never come to her willingly, but she had ways of making men bow at her feet and many were now willing to do anything she asked of them.

“Where is he? Did you want me to speak with him?”

“He is in Portsmouth Village , but I am sure he is already on his way here. I told him about us, Christopher. About the love we shared. I am sorry if that puts you on the spot, but I needed to get him to leave me alone. I am truly sorry, but I had to come here to warn you that he may very well come after you!” Ella leaned against him and sobbed against his chest.

Chris felt his own heart beating in his chest as he listened to her words. He hated that Ella Gaines could not see that he had not and never could love her. He'd told her during their time together that he was not ready to marry and that his feelings for her could never go beyond friendship. That was one of the reasons so many years had passed since their last meeting. She'd wanted him to bed her and he'd refused, but not wanting to take no for an answer she'd lured him into the stable where she removed her clothing and danced for him. He'd grown angry and reached for an old horse blanket and covered her with it, telling her that if his friendship was not enough, then he could not see her any more. He'd left her father's ranch and never returned. Soon after he'd met and fallen in love with an Irish beauty that had chained his heart to her own. He said nothing of Ella's scandalous behavior to anyone, preferring not to ruin the lady's reputation.   

“Ella, I am sorry, you know I …”

“I know you do not love me, Christopher, but please, you can not send me away. Jack Averil is not a man, he is a monster and I cannot live like this anymore. Please, Christopher, you have to help me,” Ella cried.

“Ella,” Chris whispered and rubbed his eyes when the room seemed to dissolve around him.

“Christopher, what is wrong?”

“I…I am not sure. I do not feel very well,” Larabee said and looked into her eyes. Something about them called to him and he licked suddenly dry lips before a woman's voice shook him out of his daze.

“Mr. Larabee, I have the sandwiches you asked for,” Liza said, turning away from the scalding look sent her way by the raven-haired beauty.

“Thank you, Liza,” Larabee said, blinking rapidly in an effort to rid himself of the building headache.

“Would you like me to serve tea?” Harper asked.

“Ella, would you like tea?”

“No thank you. The Sherry is fine,” Gaines said and reached for her glass.

“That will be all, Liza, but perhaps you could bring some sandwiches to Vin . He is working with the new colt,” Larabee explained.

“Yes Sir,” the maidservant said and hurried out of the room.

“Ella,” Larabee frowned and tried to remember what they'd been talking about, but the headache continued to build until he sank heavily onto the settee.

“Oh, Christopher, I see you still tend to overindulge in the finer things in life,” Ella said and smiled as she placed her lips against his. “I will show you just how much I love you, Christopher Larabee. You will reign as high priest and answer only to me. My coven will welcome the strength of your bloodline.”

Chris did not understand the words she uttered close to his ear, but he shuddered uncontrollably as he felt his body enfolded in a pair of soft arms. He briefly understood that she'd done something to him, but before he could clasp onto it, he surrendered to the potion she'd slipped into his drink.

“You are mine now and forever. I will kill anyone who comes between us, Christopher, for you are my destiny.” With those words, Ella again placed her lips against his and whispered the ritual words of enchantment. In one week all of her dreams would come true and she would dance beneath the moon with this man she coveted and possessed. It would take all her potions and spells, but he was worth it and she reached into the bodice of her dress. Her hand clutched a gold locket and she heard the dying screams that had freed Christopher Larabee of his unwanted marriage. For he was hers and she would fight to keep him, she would kill to have him, and that was something few people knew and understood.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Vin looked up from tending the colt and smiled when Elizabeth Harper appeared at the corral gates. He continued to smile in welcome to the older woman, but it disappeared when he saw the look on her face. He took the plate of sandwiches and the glass of water she'd brought with her, but placed them on a stump before turning back to the woman. Something was troubling her and Vin looked toward the house as a chill swept down his spine.

“Miss Liza, is ever'thin' all right?”

“I am not sure, Mr. Tanner, but something about that woman troubles me. I have seen the likes of her before when I was younger and worked for the Masters family, before leaving England . She is an unsavory sort and I fear she is bad news for Mr. Larabee. They were in the parlor when I left.”

“What did she do that's got ya so distressed?” Tanner asked.

“Beside the fact that she showed up unannounced…I'm not rightly sure, but mark my words, Mr. Tanner, if Master Larabee is a friend to you then it will be up to you to watch over him and make sure she does not get her claws into him.”

“Claws?” Vin asked, troubled by the woman's choice of words.

“Yes, claws. If she is anything like the woman who came after Jeffrey Masters then Mr. Larabee is in danger.” Elizabeth stared into the blue eyes that reminded her of a summer sky and reached out to touch his forehead. She knew from past experiences that what she was about to do was dangerous, and if discovered she would be cast out or burned for being a witch. She'd known from a very early age that she was gifted with special sight and used it only when a life was in danger. She liked working for Master Larabee and wanted to stay on, but the time was nearly on hand for her to leave. She'd come here to save a man's life and now she knew who she could trust. Vin Tanner would receive her message subconsciously and act on it when the time came. Taking a deep breath she began to speak in a soft monotone that kept her subject in a deep trance until she released him.

“Heed my warning, Mr. Tanner, for I know of what I speak and I have seen things no man or woman should have to see. Stay close to Master Larabee and be ready when the time comes, for he will need your strength and your courage. The woman will use many things to turn her victim away from those he cares about and you will have to endure his wrath and stay close no matter how hard he pushes you away. You will need help on the Eve of Samhain for she is strong and will fight to keep him with her forever. You will have no memory of what I've told you and will think you have acted on your own.”

Elizabeth ‘Liza' Harper released her hold on the younger man and watched him shake his head. She knew he would not remember her touch and that he would act on her warning when the time came. Liza had learned that people condemned anyone who could use “magic” to get their way, but her magic was used to save lives whenever possible. Chris Larabee was a good man and already had enough tragedy in his life without becoming involved with the woman who had come to call.

“Mr. Tanner, are you all right?”

“I d…dunno,” the horse trainer mumbled and wondered why he could not remember what had happened since he spotted Miss Liza coming his way.

“Maybe you need to rest…”

“No…no I'm fine. Ya were sayin' somethin' ‘bout claws?”

“Oh, yes, the new stable cat certainly has sharp ones and she is not afraid to use them,” Harper said.

“Yeah, she does,” Tanner agreed. “Well, I best get back ta work.”

“Not until you have eaten something,” Liza told him before turning and hurrying back to the house, glad she'd managed to get the message, albeit subconsciously, to Larabee's friend.

Vin watched her go as if in a trance and finally looked at the food she brought to him. ‘Need to get Buck out here,' he thought, frowning when he realized he had no idea why the urge to see Wilmington was so strong.  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ella stared at the man she held and felt someone watching her. She didn't lift her head, but smiled inwardly at the thought of another witch present in Larabee's home. She placed her lips against Larabee's and bit until she tasted blood, before lifting her head and looking at the door. The woman standing there was someone she'd sensed several times in her journeys, but had never had the misfortune of meeting her. She knew her name through the covens she'd visited and felt strength when she used it.

“Elizabeth Harper, how nice that you are here.”

“You should leave this home and all who live here and find someone else to use your black magic on!”

“You are the one who needs to leave before I decide that you belong in hell. Surely an old hag such as you does not have aspirations of becoming Chris Larabee's lover.”

“I have no intention of becoming involved with Master Larabee except as a servant ready to do as her employer wishes.”

“Do not pretend with me, Elizabeth. You have searched for your lover for many years, but this man is not who you seek. I have already begun to possess him as a woman and his soul will be pledged to me at the Eve of Samhain.”

“He does not deserve this…”

“Deserve what? Deserve to live in luxury with the woman who loves him?”

“You do not love him…you covet him because he spurned your advances. He loved his wife and son…”

“Do not…” Ella's eyes darkened with fury as she released her hold on the sleeping blond and stood to her full imposing height. The room seemed alive with electricity as the two opposing forces stared at each other. Ella knew she was much stronger than the old witch who stood framed in the doorway and she threw back her head, cackling with glee when a hint of fear shone in Harper's eyes. She walked toward the woman and towered over her before speaking once more. “Do not mention that woman or her whelp in my presence ever again or I will make you wish you had never been born!”

“Chris Larabee will never truly belong to you!”

“Yes, he will!” Ella smiled at her nemesis as she turned back to the sleeping form on the settee. “We shall become one on All Hallows Eve and we will be unstoppable because of my power.”

“You are a witch, Ella Gaines, and you must be stopped.”

“You forget, Elizabeth , you are also a witch and if you continue to interfere I will empower the demons of darkest hell to hunt you down and destroy everything you are. Mark my words, Elizabeth Harper, for you know I have the strength and the will to do anything I wish.” Ella walked to the settee and smiled as a soft moan escaped from her intended. “Leave us now.”

Harper knew she had no choice and turned away from the scene in the parlor. She knew Gaines was not only stronger, but that she did not have a conscience, which meant she would do anything to make Chris Larabee hers and damn anyone who interfered. She'd checked on Hildegard Petrie, but the woman shied away from any talk of her niece. She hoped Larabee's friends would be able to help him, but the strength lay in their number and they would all need to be at the unholy ceremony in order to defeat the evil that now invaded the Larabee home.