AN: So, this is an idea I have had for a while, and as I tried to get my writing mojo back, I started to give this story a whirl. I asked BeChloeIsLegit to collaborate with me, and of course she was a dear and agreed. So, this is going to be a different story than ones I have done before.

Love at First Bite

Prologue

Rebecca raced her favorite mount along the wooded path in a truly unladylike manner. Her mother would be aghast, which normally would have brought a smirk to her lips, but the situation at hand was too serious.

The news she had just received was too shocking, too devastating. Her life as she knew it, loved it, was coming to an end. She had to make this last desperate gamble, so she could protect those who have become so important to her.

These thoughts caused Rebecca to spur her horse to greater speeds, despite the danger of mount and rider being thrown into a deadly spill. Time was of the essence, and she was not sure how much of it she had.

She rounded the bend and over the knoll, her heart soared as she caught sight of her destination. It was a small cottage, built originally for the estate's forester, it overlooked the river, and was hidden away in a small corner of the forest. It was a place she had often been warned to never go near, yet it had become a place of refuge and serenity for her. Its inhabitants, her two dearest friends.

Her horse was tired, but she pushed him anyway as she needed just a little more. Once they reached their destination, she released her horse, not worried about securing his reins. The mount is very well trained, she knows she can leave him, and he will rest and graze. She would leave him, as she discussed her dire news with her friend's in the cottage. Every second might count. She was not sure if her mother would have discovered she's gone; or worse her father. She had to err on the side of caution and assume they had.

She rode right up to the cottage door, dismounting even before the horse had fully stopped. Even as Rebecca gathered her oversized skirt, to ensure she would not trip during her dismount, she called out to her friends. "Chloe! Aubrey!"

Not waiting to hear if she had been heard, Rebecca ran up to the cottage door, and pounded on it for all she was worth.

"Chloe! Aubrey! Please, I'm begging you to open the door. It is of the utmost urgency."

"Rebecca! Such behavior for a lady," A blonde woman answered the door. Not for the first time Rebecca was quite struck by the refined beauty of the woman before her. Her calm, almost icy demeanor often reminded Rebecca of her mother, but she had learned over the past year that Aubrey Paschen was truly a warm and deeply caring woman.

Rebecca threw her arms around the startled blonde woman, hugging her around the waist. "Oh, Aubrey, I come bearing terrible news!"

Aubrey Paschen is of a regal background, and always holds herself in a very imperious way, yet the petite brunette holds a soft spot in her heart. She often chides Rebecca for her wild-free spirit nature, but it has always been done in a teasing manner. She again had every intention of playfully scolding the young woman for this latest example of decorum, but quickly stopped when she realized Rebecca's distressed state.

"Beca?"

Aubrey turned her head towards the figure behind her, just as Rebecca lifted her head and took in the form of Chloe Bale.

The petite brunette immediately threw herself into the redheaded woman's arms.

"There, there, Beca," the redhead said soothingly as she stroked Rebecca's chestnut colored hair. "It's going to be alright, Beca."

The petite brunette felt so safe now, here with these two women; but especially in the arms of the redhead. Chloe always made her feel warm, and accepted. There's no place she would rather be.

"It's okay, Beca," continued the redhead. She is the only person who calls Rebecca by that name, and Rebecca has always savored it.

"It's going to be alright, don't you worry."

For some reason, reality intruded on the young brunette's world, and suddenly she remembered the urgency with which she is dealing with.

"No!" Rebecca suddenly pushed the startled redhead away. "Everything is not going to be alright!"

"Rebecca!" Aubrey scolded the younger woman. "I expect better of a lady."

The redhead held up her hand as she said, "It is of no consequence, Aubrey. Beca, you seem to be in great distress. Please tell us what has gotten you so worked up."

Rebecca looked into the warm blue eyes that held such love for her, and instantly felt remorse for pushing her. She gathered herself; and in the fashion that would make her mother proud said, "No, Aubrey is correct. My behavior just now is worthy of rebuke, and I beg your forgiveness…"

"Oh, please, Beca. I am not a lady like you or Bree, just the daughter of the wash woman. You never have to apologize to me," Chloe said with hint of playfulness.

"You are always a lady to me, Miss Bale," Rebecca said with a mischievous smirk.

"You two, always such children with one another," Aubrey said with a playful chiding. "But, Rebecca, we still don't know what caused you such distress."

Rebecca's eyes widened in horror. The safety and contentment she found in these two women, had allowed her to forget the terrible news that she bears. "Oh, Aubrey, Chloe, it is terrible tidings. I am to be married…"

"Married!" Chloe and Aubrey cried at once.

"No, Beca! You're too young," Chloe said. The news Rebecca had delivered shattering her world.

"How can this be, Rebecca?," Aubrey asked.

"To who?," asked Chloe, wanting desperately to know who would be stealing Beca from her.

"My father arranged it. I am to marry Theodore Stuart, Duke of Cambridge. He says it is in the best interest of the family. That I must do it for the honor of the family," said Rebecca dejectedly.

"I can't believe this," said Chloe in a similar tone.

"Worse, I told him that I refused, and he accused me of spending too much time with you, and that you two had bewitched me," Rebecca reported. "He means to drive you out of the cottage. He calls you witches and plans to bring the Sheriff."

"Well, we're not witches, but we do not want to run afoul of the Sheriff," Aubrey commented.

"Theodore Stuart? Is he the one who has a striking resemblance to a turtle?" Chloe asked as she tapped her chin with her index finger.

Rebecca answered immediately. "Yes! That is him."

While Aubrey is a bit more pragmatic. "Chloe, that is not what is important at the moment."

"If it is, he who wants to steal away my Beca, it is important to me," the redhead said vehemently.

Rebecca heard the redhead's words and felt her heart soar.

"We must ready the carriage if we three are to be away," Aubrey commented.

"We three?" Rebecca asked. "You mean I could go with you?" She asked it tentatively. Then after a heartbeat she asked more excitedly. "I could go with YOU?"

"Of course, Beca," Chloe answered taking the younger woman by the hands. "If you choose to."

"Chloe," Aubrey said solemnly. "You cannot offer this to her." She held up her hand to forestall Chloe's inevitable argument. "Beca has to know what she would be joining. We were not given that choice. We will not be like our sires."

Chloe rolled her eyes and lets out an exaggerated sigh, but knows Aubrey is right even though all she wants to do is just wrap Beca up protectively and spirit her away. "Fine! But do you think she's ready?" She looked at Beca with such love but very sad eyes.

Rebecca raised her right eyebrow in question. "Sires? What does that mean?"

The blonde woman reached forward and ran the back of her hand along Rebecca's cheek. "It's sooner than we planned, but believe me Rebecca, we did plan on taking this step."

"I don't understand," Rebecca said, looking between the two women.

"Beca," Chloe takes the petite brunette's hand and leads her to the couch.

Aubrey turned towards their kitchen and called, "Lily!"

From deeper in the cottage a silent woman emerged without a sound. Rebecca was always a bit intimidated by this woman of the Orient. Rebecca watched her warily as she bowed to Aubrey.

"Lily, please prepare the carriage. We will need to leave at dusk. You know the plan," Aubrey instructed.

Without a word, Lily bowed again and then was out of the room.

"What's going on?" Rebecca asked looking from Chloe to Aubrey, and back again.

"Rebecca, we need you to listen to us very carefully, and to know you are completely safe and among friends," Aubrey said in a consoling tone.

"We care for you, Beca, and we will never hurt you. You have our word on that," Chloe assured the young woman, giving her hands a gentle squeeze.

"I know," Rebecca spoke up. She had never felt safer and more loved, than with these two. "I trust you completely."

"Rebecca," Aubrey cut in, "before you make such declarative statements, we will need you to listen, and listen carefully, to what we are about to tell you."

"Beca, we are going to tell you about us. About Aubrey and myself. It's important."

Rebecca nodded, but the truth was she had begun to grow uncomfortable in this situation. Aubrey's tone of voice and how both she and Chloe seemed to be suddenly upset and-or sad about something.

Aubrey started. "There is no easy way of telling you what we are about to. No easy way of explaining. Chloe and I have known for a while this day would come, so we have talked at great length about how to handle this. We truly thought we had more time."

"First, you should know, we have lived in many places, and are much older than we may appear." Aubrey pointed to herself. "I was born a long time ago in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania."

"The Grand Duchy of Lithuania?" Rebecca asked. She was educated and knew the kingdoms of Europe; but the Grand Duchy of Lithuania had not existed for a hundred years. "But that would mean…"

"Yes," Aubrey nodded. "I am over three-hundred years old."

Rebecca stared dumbfounded, and then giggled. "Aubrey, this is some jest; surely. We have no time for such. I am not sure how long we have before my father comes. We must leave at once."

Chloe looked at the young woman earnestly. "Beca, it's true. I was born in Wales, one-hundred and forty-two years ago."

Beca laughed a bit more freely. "Now I know you are jesting with me."

"Rebecca, I know this sounds incredible, but it is true." The blonde paused, as if hesitant to speak more. "I am a vampire and so is Chloe," Aubrey said simply.

Rebecca went to tell the blonde that the humor of this jest was truly waning, but when she looked up at the regal blonde, she flew back in horror. No sound could escape her throat, and her hand flew to her mouth.

Aubrey stood before her just as she had been a few seconds before, hair up in the way that she often wore it, the way that tells everyone she's a lady. And she is still dressed in the beautiful blue dress that's a bit nicer than any peasant woman should have. And she has her hands clasped before her, in that way a lady-in-waiting holds herself.

She's standing just how Aubrey often stands, save this time her eyes are the color of coal, solid and black, and her mouth is slightly parted so Rebecca could see fangs protruding past her lips.

Rebecca immediately scrambled away, only stopped when her back met the unforgiving wall. She performs the sign of the cross and begins to chant the ritual prayers that have been drilled into her since before she could walk. She then shook her head. "I really should go."

"Beca," Chloe said in a very calm yet serious voice. "We're not going to hurt you." The redhead locked eyes with the brunette and compelled the young woman. "Please, Beca, hear us out."

Rebecca has to swallow; forces herself to swallow as her throat is suddenly so dry. She attempted to speak, tried to will herself to emit some sound, but nothing will come from her vocal cords. She is filled with fear.

"Beca, it is going to be fine," Chloe said in the same reassuring voice.

Rebecca looked over at Chloe, thankful the young redhead still looked at her with beautiful sky colored eyes. "How can you say that? How can I believe you? When you are self-confessed monsters."

"We are not monsters," Aubrey said sternly. Again, the blonde woman's intonation so reminded Rebecca of her mother's.

Looking back up at the imperious blonde, Rebecca felt a measure of relief that her eyes were back to their normal color of green, and there was no indication of elongated fangs.

"There are monsters in this world, Beca," Chloe said, still holding Rebecca's hand. She rubbed two fingers lightly over the back of the younger woman's hand in a very soothing manner. "But we are not monsters."

"Both of us were sired by monsters," said Aubrey as she indicated Chloe and herself.

"Which is why we would never sire you against your will," Chloe added.

Rebecca looked back and forth between the two women, as they traded comments. She asked tentatively, "Sired? I do not know what that means."

"We were turned into vampires by a brutal man who took us against our will," Aubrey said gravely. "They were both brutal and did things to us; things that forever haunt us."

Rebecca looked at Chloe and it was plain to see the hurt and anguish the redhead was reliving in her memories. The petite woman forgot her fear, and ran her fingers lightly over Chloe's cheek.

The unexpected sign of compassion brought Chloe back to the present. "Which is why we could never hurt you, Beca."

"But why me?"

Chloe paused and looked at Aubrey for a second, to get reassurance. She then focused all her attention on the young noblewoman. "I have felt a pull towards you from the moment I laid eyes on you," the redhead answered. "Though to be honest, I knew you were there before I ever saw you. I had never experienced anything like that before." She paused again, before continuing. "I felt a connection and was drawn to you. It was like I needed to protect you and care for you. It's my hope you feel the same draw toward me."

This answer catches Rebecca off guard. She has felt the pull of the redhead; that there's something about her that compels her to want to be here. She has always assumed it was only her. She had never felt anything like it.

Chloe looked at the young noblewoman with such love and sympathy. "Beca, both Aubrey and I are vampires. We have been vampires for a long time. We do not age, we don't get sick, and we must consume blood. We are careful with that, sustaining ourselves on animal blood, and the rare human. Of those it really must be the most villainous of individuals. We do not consume the blood of innocents."

"We are not dangerous, and we pose no threat to you," Aubrey said

"Please, Beca, believe me when I say we wanted to tell you. We-I did not want to lie to you about who we are, what I am. We just wanted to prepare you, to have you be completely sure in your knowledge that we are not dangerous. We are not like other vampires of the world."

"Please consider this," Aubrey said as she moved forward, gently taking both Rebecca's and Chloe's hands in hers.

Rebecca's heart flipped at their touch, and she surprised herself when she didn't pull away.

"If you can accept us for what we are, and decide you wish to join us, we can turn you. Well, Chloe would turn you and you would be immortal, like us. You would be sired to Chloe, forever. You would be part of our family, and we would take care of you, of each other."

Rebecca looked down at their hands all joined. She laughed, but it was strained. "When I came here it was to warn you, and I had every intention of running away with you…" Rebecca can see the faces of the two women fall. "... and now you are telling me you are vampires and want me to be one, too."

Chloe looked over to Aubrey, both of their eyes watering. "Beca, please," the redhead said as she refocused on the young noblewoman. Beca looked up at that moment to meet her eyes. "Please, just consider it?"

Rebecca sighed and looked down again. She was quiet for what seemed like an eternity.

"Are there other vampires? Others like you?"

Aubrey answered vaguely. "Yes, and no. There are vampires out there, somewhere; but we have yet to meet any other like us."

"Are there vampire hunters? Are you being hunted?"

The blonde and redhead nodded their heads yes. Chloe spoke. "We are hunted, by both vampires and vampire hunters. We were pretty sure that no one knew about us here, and we were safe; but that time is past, and we will be in danger until we find a new home."

Rebecca nodded. "This is a lot." They nodded in quiet understanding. The petite woman pointed at Chloe. "You would be in danger? You are in danger?"

Chloe nodded.

"Because of me?"

The redhead immediately shook her head. "No, Beca. Bree and I are always in danger of some sort. It's why I was reluctant to ask you to join. I love you so much that the thought of bringing danger into your life is painful. Yet, a greedy part of me can't think of life without you."

Rebecca's heart soared.

"Can I please go with you, and become one of you?

Chloe was caught off-guard. "Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"You have to be absolutely sure, Beca," Chloe said. She truly hadn't believed the young noblewoman would agree.

"Yes! I have never been surer of anything in my life."

"It's a tough life in many ways," Chloe argued.

Rebecca kissed her. It was quick and chaste, but it was their first and it shut Chloe up. "I am in love with you, Chloe. I know the Church tells us that it's immoral, but it feels so right. I do not care the danger. How could I walk away knowing you are in danger?"

Chloe just sat there, gently touching her lips. She was in shock from Rebecca's bold move.

Aubrey smiled softly, and nodded. "Of course, Rebecca. Of course, you can come with us." The relief and joy clearly heard in the blonde's voice.

Before Rebecca can respond, Chloe is out of her seat, hands on both side of the petite woman's face, and kissing her deeply. Where their first was chaste, short, and sweet, this one is deep and long.

The young brunette had never been kissed before today, yet it felt so natural to have the redhead's lips on hers. The awkwardness of the initial touch quickly gives way, and both women begin to respond to the other.

It's at this moment Lily returns. Rebecca and Chloe pull apart as the Asian woman mumbled something the brunette could not quite hear.

Aubrey had no trouble, and said, "The carriage is ready. This is good, because Lily says there are two groups converging on us. Which is bad, as they will arrive before sunset."

Rebecca questioned, "Why is that bad?"

Chloe answered. "We will be weakened. While not all lore in vampires is true; sunlight doesn't kill our kind, but it does weaken us."

"Besides, we do not want confrontation. We stay hidden by avoiding it," Aubrey added. "Let us depart."

Chloe looked about forlornly. "I will miss this place. It's been a good home."

Aubrey took her hand. "Yes, it has."

"I'm so sorry, Chloe," Rebecca said sincerely.

Despite the tears, Chloe smiled. "It's okay. It's happened before. All of this is just material things. And now I have you." She reached up and brushed her fingers across Beca's cheek. "Which is all I will ever need."

Rebecca's face lit up. She had never felt such love.

"We need to go," Aubrey said. The three women are a flurry of motion. Lily has been busy, and her ever efficient self. She had bags ready for Chloe and Aubrey with some select clothing. She also had a bag for Rebecca with some undergarments.

The women collected their things, put on traveling coats, and headed out the door.

They were loading everything onto the coach when the horsemen appeared at the top of the ridge. Rebecca's heart fell as she saw her father leading the party. To his side is her 'betrothed', who acted all smug and self-assured, but really resembled a turtle.

Her father shouted upon spying her. "Rebecca! Get away from those witches!"

Rebecca knew in an instant there would be no escape from her father and Theo in the coach. Her father and his men would ride down the carriage and he would kill Chloe and Aubrey. She had to protect these women, especially Chloe.

In a flash, she dropped her bag and ran over to her horse. She heard Chloe call to her, but the young brunette was determined, and was up into the saddle in a heartbeat.

She called to Aubrey. "Where are we fleeing to?"

"Liverpool, to find passage on a ship," answered the blonde.

"Beca!" Chloe cried as the brunette began to ride away.

"Flee, Chloe," Rebecca called. "I will meet you in Liverpool! I promise. I love you!"

Rebecca tore off down the path along the river away from the route the carriage would go. Her plan worked. Her father and his men began chasing her, ignoring Aubrey and Chloe for now.

Rebecca had been taught to ride at an early age, and unknown to her parents she had often gone off to ride in a most unladylike manner when she could escape prying eyes. This was how she had come across Chloe and Aubrey. She had often gone on rides with Chloe, who had also taught her many tricks. Therefore, Rebecca was quite confident that she could escape her father and his men. For not only was there her skill, but Rebecca's mount was rested, and she was quite light. Her father and his men were much heavier, and had been riding their mounts hard to get here so fast.

It gave her a chance.

Rebecca pushed her horse for everything she had, flying down the forest path. Still her father was determined, and he pushed his men harder and he actually gained on the young noblewoman. Yet Rebecca did not despair or change the pace. She knew that this was a long race, and her father's men would begin to fall by the wayside; she just needed to keep going. To continue to pull the men away from Chloe and Aubrey.

And the plan was working. Riders with her father had to pull up, lest their horses pull up lame or collapse in fatigue. Her father was not one to be disobeyed. She knew it would be the strap again if he were to catch her. Though even that would be worth it if it meant Chloe was safe.

The redhead had set her free, as free as her hair flying in the wind as she rode down the path. She had never felt such love, or joy, as she had when she kissed Chloe. It had given her the courage to make this ride and to openly defy her father.

Another two riders fell off from pursuing her, leaving just her father, Theodore, and five other men. They had gained a bit more on her, now maybe thirty feet behind, but she knew her horse had more to give than theirs. If she maintained they would all be left behind.

Unfortunately, circumstances were about to change. A farmer's cart blocked the road just round the bend. She was forced off the path, with no time to slow the mount. For a heartbeat Rebecca had thought she would make it. She knew if she got past, she would be free of her father, Theodore, and the life they wanted to impose on her. The life she did not want as it meant a life without Chloe.

The horse's front left hoof caught a partially exposed root and the steed stumbled. The right hoof landed wrong on a rock, and horse and mount fell to the ground. Rebecca had no time to react, no time to scream. Her final thought was of cerulean blue eyes, a fiery mane of hair, and a smile full of hope.

Rebecca's head hit the rock hard, her neck snapped and she skidded along the ground.

Her father and his men slowed their horses. All eyes on the body of the petite young woman, lying so unnaturally still. Slowly the lord dismounted, and made his way to where she lay. Falling to his knees he grabbed the young woman and let out a strangled cry. He could not believe he had lost his beloved daughter. He had only wanted to save her from those witches, who surely had bewitched her.

The sound of a carriage approaching shook him from his reverie and he laid the woman gently back to the ground.

"Beca!"

His eyes shoot up at the redheaded witch as she rushed forward.

"Witch!" Rising to his feet he drew his sword.

"No! Much worse!"

"Chloe, don't!" Aubrey called as she jumped from the carriage. Two riders approached fast, swords drawn. They fell from their horses as sharp daggers appeared in their chests; Lily having thrown them with amazing precision.

Rebecca's father had thought to attack, but fell back in horror as Chloe's eyes turned black, her fangs protruded, and her anger contorted her features.

He cried, "Dear God in Heaven!"

"Will Not Help YOU!" Chloe lunged, easily swiping his sword away; the abusive lord was dead in a second. Chloe's eyes latched onto Theodore. "He will help none of you!"

{0}

"Why is it, whenever I decide to spend time at the piano, those freaking wolves decided to howl!?" Aubrey cried to the ceiling. She's pretty sure the wolf pack only howled louder in answer.

"And where on Earth did wolves come from? I know this mansion is on the outskirts of Wolverhampton. But, really?" Aubrey sighed as she kept playing.

"I mean, I know we live in Wolverhampton, but this is ridiculous!" She continued to grumble as they continued to howl. "Maybe they'll calm down after a while. My playing isn't that bad."

Fifteen minutes later, no such luck. If anything, the damn pack had grown louder.

Finally, Aubrey had had enough. She wasn't in the mood for this. Standing tall, she marched over to the window, threw it open, and screamed as loud as she could into the night, "Alright you freaking children of the night!" Pausing for dramatic effect, she takes a second-deep breath and shouted, "Shut the Fuck UP!"

And, surprisingly, that seemed to work, except for one lone wolf, whose howl just sort of petered out as if he realized he was the only one left howling. If nothing else it brightened her spirits some and she closed the window with a satisfied smile.

Aubrey went back to the piano and played for a moment longer, then sighed, and stopped.

She just wasn't feeling it, truth be told, she was bored and beginning to regret their move back to England. This was the first time they had returned to the country since losing Rebecca.

She was beginning to regret returning. They had avoided England like the plague. She had mistakenly thought enough time had passed. She glanced up at the painting of Rebecca, Chloe's most prized possession. It was hung in whatever place they called home. Maybe it wasn't healthy for the redhead, but Aubrey didn't have the heart to take it from her. Not like fate had taken Rebecca.

Chloe had actually been up for the return. For the last twenty years or so, she had been growing restless, always wanting to move, always wanting to go. It was as if she were missing something and needed to be looking. When Aubrey had suggested England in a sarcastic answer to where they should move next, Chloe had jumped at the idea.

Yet the restlessness had not diminished.

Chloe had been gone all weekend, having said she needed to get out of the mansion. Aubrey was beginning to think she should have gone into London with Chloe. It would have been better than staying at the mansion alone with Lily.

But she just didn't feel up for it. The redhead had too much frenetic energy. It was hard to keep up.

With a sigh of frustration, she finally gave up and stopped playing. The blonde glanced toward the decanter filled with a delicious red liquid and the glassful sitting on the dark wood, and decided it was time for a little dinner.

Aubrey had picked up the glass and just taken a long sip. Which she then ended up spitting out in surprise when the silence of the manor is shattered by the shouted voice of her best friend.

"Aubrey!" Chloe's voice echoed through the empty hallways of their mansion.

"Chloe?"

The redhead burst into room. "She's alive. We have to go to L.A.!"

Aubrey could only look confused at her longtime friend and sister. "What? Who? Where?"

"I have found her. I have found my Beca! She's in L.A.!"

Her first thought was that returning to England had finally driven her friend crazy. "Chloe, I don't…"

Chloe threw a magazine down on top of the piano, the cover face up. It was a Rolling Stone magazine, with the headline 'Scrappy Little Nobody Takes on the World'. Aubrey gasped. Looking at the picture, her heart froze. Dressed in black ripped skinny jeans, a black tank top underneath a red and black checkered flannel, which was hanging open with the sleeves rolled up revealing two leather wristbands and a couple bracelets, wearing a ton of mascara and eyeliner, was Rebecca, now known as Beca Mitchell.

"How?"

Chloe shook her head and shrugged. Pointing at the picture she said, "I don't know how, but that's her! My Beca is alive!"

{0}

AN: So, this is a new story, for those that are waiting for me to continue Pitch Perfect 3 (An Un-Official Guess), it is coming. I have been making headway. Thanks to BeChloeIsLegit for working on this with me.