CHAPTER THREE

JOHNNY OPENED THE door for Bobbie as she entered Sonny’s penthouse. Carly was lounging on the couch popping grapes into her mouth. “Hey, Momma, what are you doing here?”

“I dropped by the Quartermaines and Monica told me you were living here, now?” Bobbie replied in confusion. “Since when did that happen.”

“Since I had my fill of the House of Horrors,” Carly replied. “Got Michael and came here.” She added. “As we speak, Sonny is over at the Mansion of the Damned and he’s acquiring my freedom for me from the little weasel.”

“So, you and Sonny are living together?” Bobbie asked. “I thought the two of you couldn’t stand each other.”

“We can’t. “ She admitted. “The only time we get along is when we’re in bed together naked. Too bad we can’t stay like that 24 hours a day.” She added. “I’ll just have to find some way to learn how to put up with him in between the times the two of us aren’t burning up the sheets together.”

“So, you intend to stay here?” Bobbie wanted to know.

“You bet I do.” Carly retorted. “I can’t wait to start redecorating the place.” She stood up and looked around the room. “What do you think, Momma. Do you think the old place would look good done over in pink and black.”

“If you do that, “ Bobbie laughed. “I think Sonny will have a fit.”

“I know.” She smiled. “If you tell Sonny I said this, I’ll deny it, but he’s kind of arousing when he’s in a fury. All that unleashed passion gives me some of the most sinful ideas you could ever imagine.”

“SO, YOU’RE LIVING with Carly now.” Mike asked in shock.

“That’s right.” Sonny answered. “My child will not grow up the way I did. He or she is going to have a real family with both a mother and a father. Even if it kills Carly and I making it happen.”

“So, what’s your plans for the imminent future?” Mike wanted to know.

Sonny took a legal looking document out of his jacket pocket. “See this?” Mike nodded. “These are Carly’s divorce papers. I just Convinced AJ to sign them.”

“Something tell me I don’t want to know just how you managed to convince him of that.” Mike retorted. “But tell me one thing. Did you leave his limbs in tact? No broken arms or legs?”

“I didn’t lay a hand on him, Pop.” Sonny promised. “Anyway, the first thing I plan to do is for Carly and me to get on the next flight to the Caribbean so she can get her divorce finalized. And the minute it is, Carly and I will be getting married.”

“Married?” Mike repeated in shock. “Last time I heard neither you and Carly could even stand to be in the same room with each other for five minutes before the two of you wanted to tear each other’s throats out and now you want to marry her.”

“I’m doing it for my baby.” Sonny declared.

“What kind of marriage can you have with a woman you can’t stand.” Mike returned. “Michael, you were raised to believe marriage was sacred. This is even worse than when you married Lily Rivera because it was part of the bargain you struck with her father to get you free of your legal problems.”

“look, Mike” Sonny replied with an edge to his voice “Carly and I get along real fine when we’re in bed together. We’ll just have to learn how to do that when we’re not in between the sheets.” He added not very convincingly. “We’ll manage it somehow.”

SOREL ENTERED EDWARD’S office at ELQ International. “Well, Mr. Quartermaine, I’m impressed.” He slithered into the chair opposite the desk like a serpent slithering through the grass. “You usually only want to meet me in dark alleys near the docks.” He added. “I guess I’m moving up in the world. Maybe next time you’ll even invite me to your house.”

“Don’t count on it.” Edward replied. “I still loathe you and all you stand for. I only invited you here because everyone has gone home for the day and I don’t want to chance anyone seeing us together.”

“Is it the blood thing.” Sorel asked. “Does it really bother you so much?”

“You are the worst sort of vampire, Sorel.” Edward said, scornfully. “You give the rest of the vampires a bad name. It’s taken them centuries to evolve from the creatures of the night who preyed on the innocent for blood and to convince even the vampires and witches who were around in those days that the vampire tales of them enslaving people were just the product of mortal hysteria. But you...You revel in the old ways.”

“Not all of us have our own blood blank at our disposal the way Corinthos does.” Sorel sneered. “I’m just trying to stay alive.”

“You don’t do what you do for mere survival.“ Edward scorned him. “You do it because you enjoy enslaving mortals and making them victim to your every whim and fancy. When Corinthos formed all the vampires into the Brotherhood and convinced them there was another way vampires could live, you could have joined the Brotherhood. But you preferred to stay on your own and turn a bunch of hapless mortals into your own personal slaves.” Edward added. “Corinthos saved the vampire race from extinction. while you seek to ultimately destroy it and all mankind.”

Sorel continued as if Edward hadn‘t interrupted him. “When vampires evolved they gave up the power that enabled them to even the playing field with the mortals that have scorned and persecuted them for centuries. To achieve the power the witches that created us have kept us from having. Power that I now possess because I’ve immersed myself in the old ways.”

“Enough!” Edward bellowed. “I didn’t invite you here to debate with you on the subject. “

“Then just why did you invite me here?” Sorel asked.

“Less than an hour ago,” Edward explained. “Sonny Corinthos bamboozled my grandson, AJ, into signing divorce papers to dissolve his marriage to Carly.” He added. “You know how important it is to me that AJ and Carly remain married and for me to gain possession of Sonny and Carly’s child when its born.”

“And Corinthos’ has ruined all your plans, hasn’t he?” Sorel smirked. “I told you a long time ago he should have been removed.”

“That’s neither here nor there.” Edward snarled. “I need Corinthos to remain alive in case something should happen and Sonny and Carly’s child shouldn’t be born. I’ll need him to get Carly pregnant, again. “ He sighed deeply. “But I also need to get Corinthos out of the way so I can regain control over Carly and her unborn child.”

“And that’s where I come in, right?” Sorel guessed.

“That’s right.” Edward replied. “I want you to kidnap Bobbie Spencer for me.”

“Why?” Sorel asked in confusion. “She’s a mortal. She’s useless.”

“She’s also Carly’s mother.” Edward retorted. “Carly will insist Sonny save her and when he does, we’ll have him.”

“how?”

“When you contact Corinthos’ with your ransom demand,” Edward explained. “You’ll demand that he help you ship in drugs and when he does, that will be the beginning of the end of Sonny Corinthos.” Edward chuckled evilly. “I’ll make sure of it.”

STEFAN SMILED AS Alexis entered his study. “Alexis, congratulations.” He held out a chair for her. “I’m so glad you took my advice.”

“How did you know.” Alexis flopped down in the chair .

“You know we always can tell when another one of us is about to be brought into the world. “ He reminded her. “Needless to say, I’m thrilled you managed to thwart mother’s plans for you. Not that will by any means neutralize her for long.” He added. “Which is why I’ve decided to take matters into my own hands.”

“Why am I afraid to ask just how you intend to do that.” Alexis groaned.

“Don’t be all doom and gloom, Alexis.” Stefan replied. “What I have in mind is the best for everyone.”

“In your opinion.” She interjected. “So, just what do you have in mind.”

“I’ve decided it’s time for me to breed.” Stefan announced loftily. “The only way I can stop Mother is to make sure I produce the witch-child that will mate with the vampire child. So I’ve decided to find myself a witch to mate with.” He added. “In fact, I’ve already found her.”

“Just who is she?” Alexis asked, curious inspite of herself. “Is it anyone that I know?”

“Her name is Heather Webber.” Stefan revealed.

“Webber?” Alexis repeated in suspicion. “As in Laura Webber Baldwin Spencer?”

“Yes, she’s a relative of Laura’s.” Stefan admitted. “Not a blood relative. She was once married to Laura’s uncle, Jeff Webber.”

“Will you never get over your obsession with that woman.” Alexis complained. “I swear, Stefan, you can out obsess any vampire any day of the week.” She added. “Let me guess. This Heather webber wouldn’t happen to be a blonde, would she?”

“Yes, she’s a blonde.” Stefan replied, grudgingly. “But in every way else the woman is nothing like laura. Actually, she’s more like Mother in personality.”

“Oh, great.” Alexis sighed. “You’re going to mate with someone similar to Helena. Why not just forget all about it and save yourself the trouble.”

“Because I can’t control mother.” Stefan explained. “But I will be able to control this Heather webber.”

“So, when will this mating take place?” Alexis inquired.

“She lives in Colorado.” Stefan told her. “I’m off to meet with her, tonight.” He added. “If all goes well, the mating should happen, tonight. I foresee no problems arising, and since I’m extremely fertile, a little Stefan should be making its way into the world before this night is over.”

“SO, HAVE YOU been able to figure out what Stefan is up to now?” Helena asked as Faison entered her yacht.

“You’re not going to like it.” He told her. “Stefan has been going through the archives looking for a witch he could mate with and he’s found one. Her name is Heather Webber.”

“Please tell me she’s no relation to that Laura creature?” Helena asked.

“I’m afraid I can’t do that.” Faison replied. “She was Laura Spencer’s aunt by marriage.” He added. “You do know what he’s up to, don’t you.”

“Yes,” Helena answered. “He’s planning to try and produce a witch child so he can then mate it with the vampire child and gain the power that belongs to me.” She added. “That ungrateful whelp.”

“Then don’t you think it’s time you told him he’s Carly’s father.” Faison suggested. “Once he finds out the truth, he’ll know how futile his plan is.”

“Vampires and witches are two very different species.” Helena replied. “Even though Carly is Stefan’s daughter, the fact that she’s a vampire and Stefan is a witch makes it possible for a child of Stefan’s loins to mate with a child of his daughter’s without any of the inherent worries that come from inbreeding. The physiology of a vampire and a witch is so totally different it’ll be like Stefan’s grandchild and child aren’t even related to each other, so his plan could very well work.”

“Aren’t you going to do anything to stop him.” Faison exploded.

“What fun would there be in that.” Helena replied. “It’ll be more fun to let Stefan think he’s succeeding in his plan, then to pull the rug out from under him.”

“Just how do you intend to do that.” Faison wanted to know.

“Stefan isn’t the only Cassadine that’s decided it’s time to breed.” She announced as she gave him a look.

“You don’t mean, yourself.” Faison asked in disbelief. “But you’re too old.”

“If some mortal woman could be a surrogate mother for her grown daughter.” Helena retorted. “Then I certainly can bear a child at my advanced age.”

“And just who will be the father.” Faison retorted. “Or will this be an immaculate conception.”

“I’m looking at him.” She returned.

“Me!” Faison gasped. “Forget it. It’s bad enough you’ve got me pretending to be obsessed with that Flea-brained idiot, but this is just too much to ask.”

“Come on, Faison.” Helena smirked. “Just give it a try. I can assure you that I know my way around the bedroom.” She added. “I certainly get no complaints from all those young studs I bed. So, I’m sure I’ll have no problem satisfying you.”

“Even if you were the worst sex partner they’d ever had.” Faison threw back at her. “They’d never tell you. They’d be too afraid of what you’d do to them if they did.”

“If the thought of bedding me repels you so much.” Helena replied with a definite edge to her voice. “I could always use my special facial cream and make myself look like Anna Devane.” She added nastily. “Would that help you to rise to the occasion.”

“You needn’t get nasty.” Faison complained.

“Look, Faison, you and I are going to breed together whether you like it or not.” Helena told him in no uncertain terms. “So, just stop whining about it, drop your pants and let’s just get it over with, shall we.”

“I’m not a trained dog.” Faison sneered. “I can’t perform on command.”

“Well, you’d better learn how to,” Helena countered. “That is if you want to continue breathing.” She flopped backwards on the bed. “Come on, Baby, light my fire.”

Faison made a face of repulsion as he joined her on the bed. “God, the things I have to do to attain power. Sometimes they even repel me.”

STEFAN ENTERED THE bar he’d arranged to meet Heather Webber in in Boulder, Colorado. She was sitting at the bar waiting for him. “Mr. Cassadine, I was surprised when I got your phone call asking me to meet you here.”

“I read your profile in the witch database.” He told her. “I think you and I have a lot in common.”

“Such as?” Heather asked as she sipped her drink.

“We both have been carrying torches for people we want but can never have.” he replied.

“So, you’re aware of my pursuit of my ex-husband Jeff Webber for all these years.” She asked.

“You haven’t made a secret of it.” He told her.

“Neither have you with your obsession of Laura Spencer.” She retorted. “Why did you really want to see me?”

“I’ve decided it’s time for me to breed.” He announced. “And I think you would make a fitting mate for me.”

“I suppose it doesn’t hurt that I bear a bit of resemblance to Laura Spencer, either.” She returned. “Mr. Cassadine, why would I want to be your latest Laura Spencer substitute. From what I heard, the last one ended up being shot in the back and hurling off the same parapet twice. Just what would be in it for me.”

“Because by becoming my mate, you’d get a chance to screw Edward Quartermaine over, royally.” He replied. “I know you have no love lost for the family Q.”

“Tell me more, Mr. Cassadine.” She smiled. “You’ve begun to pique my curiosity.”

“There’s also the matter of Scott Baldwin.” He added. “He’s living back in Port Charles and he’s living with a pale imitation of you.”

“Scotty and I made a great team a long time ago.” She remembered fondly. “It would be great to see him, again. Tell me more.”

“I know of your fondness for material possessions.” Stefan declared. “If you agree to come to Port Charles and bear my child for me, you’ll never have to work another day in your life. I’ll make you wealthy beyond your dreams.” He added. “So, what do you say, Ms. Webber. Will you return to Port Charles and breed with me.”

SONNY FOUND CARLY basking in the moonlight on the terrace of his bedroom on his island in the Caribbean. After making a quick pit-stop in the Dominican Republic to attain a divorce for Carly from AJ, they’d come to the island to enjoy themselves and to party.

“Carly, this is Father Fitzgibbons.” Sonny announced. “He’s here to marry us.”

Father Fitzgibbons took in Carly’s scantily clad figure. “Ms. Benson, as soon as you get ready, we can start the ceremony.” He shook her hand. “Mr. Corinthos has arranged everything. and all the papers are in order.”

“There’s no need to keep you waiting.” Carly stood up. “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.”

“You intend to get married to Mr. Corinthos wearing a bikini?” The good padre asked in shock.

“Why not?” Carly asked. “She turned to Sonny. “Sonny and I haven’t had what you’d call a conventional relationship. Have we, Sonny? So I think my attire or lack thereof is entirely fitting for this occasion.”

“All right.” The priest said a bit taken aback. “Mr. Corinthos, would you and Ms. Benson take your places, please.” Sonny nodded as he and Carly stood before the priest holding hands. “Dearly beloved we are gathered in the sight of god to join...”

“Can we just skip through all this stuff?” Sonny interrupted. “Just get to the part where you ask me if I take her and ask her if she takes me.”

“This is highly unusual.” The priest commented.

“This is a highly unusual situation.” Sonny retorted.

“Fine.” The Priest sighed. “If you insist.” He paused. “Mr. Corinthos, do you take Ms. Benson to be your wife?”

“I do.” Sonny replied.

“And, Ms. Benson, do you take Mr. Corinthos to be your husband.” Sonny and the Priest turned to Carly.

She smiled sweetly at Sonny. “I most certainly do not.”

“What!” Sonny exploded.

“Excuse me?” The Priest asked in confusion. “Did you say you don’t take Mr. Corinthos to be your husband?”

“That’s exactly what I said.” Carly replied. “For starters, Sonny hasn’t even asked me properly if I’d be his wife or not. Why would I want to marry someone like that.”

“He didn’t propose?” The Priest was shocked.

“No, he didn’t.” She answered. “What he did was tell me I was going to marry him. “ She added. “He didn’t even have the decency to give me a ring.”

“Why you miserable b....” Sonny exploded.

“Don’t even say it.” Carly retorted.

“You never had any intention of marrying me, did you.” HE snarled. “You let me make a fool out of myself.”

“You did that without any help from me.” She countered. “I was just teaching you a lesson.” She added. “Before I marry you, you’re going to have to do a lot of crawling on your hands and knees begging my forgiveness for the way you’ve treated me in the past.”

“I don’t crawl.” Sonny threw back. “Not for anyone. Especially, not you. I wouldn‘t know how to crawl even if I wanted to. Which i don‘t.”

“Well, if you want me to marry you.” She threw back at him. “You’d better start learning how. Starting now.”