A GUARDIAN'S ETERNITY

Disclaimer

The characters in the story are a product of my own imagination and hopefully have no resemblance to any living persons or vampires for that matter. But if it does it is entirely coincidental. Some of the places mentioned are either fictitious and or adapted to suit the plot of the story.

Sex: This story contains sexual content of a graphic nature between consenting adult women, thus if you are not 18 years old and not allowed to read content of this nature, please move on to other suitable stories.

Violence:Scenes of violence can be expected.

Feedback:Constructive criticism is greatly appreciated, so feel free to drop a line or two at steinwillard80@gmail.com .

_____________________________________________

PART 11

Chapter 20

Inger slammed the drawer to her filing cabinet shut and turned slowly. Paloma stood at her desk, looking dangerous and very sexy. Dressed in black with her eyes glittering with suppressed yearning, Inger felt her body respond almost immediately to the magnetism her wife exuded.

"I doubt I'll ever get used to the fact that I have the sexiest wife on this planet?"

"You stole my line, Inger," Paloma said softly as she came closer. They met each other halfway, their bodies brushing against each others. They didn't kiss. Instead they just looked deep into each other's eyes.

Inger's eyes slowly studied her wife's beautiful face. "You're worried about me, aren't you?"

Paloma nodded and swallowed hard.

"What happened earlier with Jessica worried me. I would not want that to happen to you."

"We spoke about it, honey, and I'm fine now." She traced Paloma's face with her fingertips trying to smooth out the tension she saw there. "We're in this together and I trust you to be there for me when I need reassurance."

"I will always be there for you and our baby."

Inger leaned forward and placed a tender kiss on Paloma's lips. When the tension was still visible, she deepened the kiss. When she pulled back, Paloma was blinking rapidly.

"You are a great protector and a very loving wife. I am sure you will be a wonderful mother. I can't ask for more." Inger felt her eyes well up with tears as she watched a lone red tear slip from Paloma's eyes and trickled down her face. She reached out and wiped the tear from her wife's face. "You're scared?"

"I am terrified of having you go through something like what Clarissa went through. I could sense Clarissa's fear and helplessness. I could feel her sanity slowly slipping and that is what scared me the most."

Inger lifted herself slightly until she was sitting on the corner of her desk, pulling Paloma between her legs. "Tell me what is so scary about that?"

Paloma watched as Inger's small hands rubbed over her hard stomach and her hips. "You keep me sane and if something like that should happen to you …" The silver eyes flashed. "I am not sure if I will be able to hold on like Clarissa. I … I could become … I am …" Paloma inhaled deeply. "Many lives could be at stake, including mine."

Inger shuddered at the thought. She knew what Paloma was saying. Losing her ever superhuman control could result in the beast exploding to the surface, wreaking havoc. Her Clan Royals would have no other choice but to hunt her down and destroy her. She tightened her arms around Paloma.

"You'll do no such thing, Paloma. I depend on you to be with me for as long as I live, which in fact seems to be forever now. I promise to keep myself out of trouble and I want you to promise me that no matter what, you will never let the beast take over."

Paloma looked away, prompting Inger to hit her hard in the stomach to get her to look at her. With a soft grunt Paloma looked down at Inger.

"Promise me."

"I cannot …"

Inger's fingers dug deep into Paloma's sides. "You can."

"Inger …"

"Promise me." This time tears were running freely down her cheeks. "You told me once that you'll do anything for me. I want you to promise me."

Paloma's eyes darkened. Inger was right. She had said that and she had never gone back on her word. She will do what Inger asked even if it kills her.

"I promise, Inger. I promise to never allow the beast to take over." She lowered her head and began to kiss the tears away. "We will be together forever raising our daughter and our grandchildren."

Inger pulled back. "Grandchildren?"

Paloma nodded, glad for a way to lighten the mood. "Yes, my darling. Outlanders can procreate."

Inger pulled Paloma closer and held on. "We could become grandparents one day," she whispered against Paloma's chest.

"Yes, baby."

Inger lifted her face from Paloma's chest. "I love you."

"I love you too."

********************************

The dark brown eyes snapped open and in the same moment, Clarissa sat up.

"Jessica!"

"Here! I'm over here, my love."

Clarissa flew out of bed and rushed over to where Jessica sat on the couch, sipping tea. Jessica barely had enough time to place her cup on the table before her arms where filled with the shaking body of her lover.

"Jessica," Clarissa murmured into Jessica's hair. "Jessica."

"I'm right here, my love." Her voice sounded slightly breathless as a result of the death grip Clarissa had on her.

Clarissa quickly loosened her grip, but she didn't let go of Jessica. They sat like that for a long moment, before Jessica gently pushed out of the embrace, wanting to see her lover's eyes. What she saw made her pull Clarissa back into her arms. The vampire's face was wet with tears; her eyes were filled with so much anguish.

"Hush, Rissa. Everything's okay now." It had taken all her power of persuasion to get Clarissa to continue her daytime sleep. The vampire had no choice after a while when her body just went into sudden shock and began to shut down by itself. She had crawled into bed with Clarissa and had managed to sleep for a few hours.

"I was so scared."

Jessica gently pushed her fingers through Rissa's hair. "I know, but we're okay now. I'm okay." She studied her lover's eyes intently, willing her fear to disappear. "I don't really know what happened, but I know that I'm okay now."

"What if it happens again?"

Funny, but deep down Jess knew that her little setback was just that-a small insignificant setback. Since she found out about the baby she was going to have and her subsequent immortality, she had concentrated all her thoughts and attention on the growing life inside of her. Her immortality was not that much of an issue … until this morning. Looking at all those young beautiful girls, it had only struck her then that she was going to look the way she did forever. Her life had rocked to a standstill and nothing was going to change that. It was only when her sisters came for her and they all looked so beautiful and vibrant, that it struck her that nothing much would change and that she was gaining so much more. A lifetime of being with the woman she loved more than life itself, a beautiful caring family and the much anticipated arrival of their daughter. And then Rissa came for her, keeping her promise. She turned her head and pressed a soft kiss on Clarissa's cheek.

"As long as I have you by my side, I'm convinced that something like that is never ever going to happen again."

The dark brown eyes softened. "I will always be here for you, even if I have to cheat death." Clarissa's hands gently cupped her face. "I love you, Jess. I love you more than you ever know."

"I know, my heart, I know." She cocked her head to the side. "Shouldn't you be out hunting?"

"I do not want to leave you," came the hesitant reply.

"But you need to feed, baby. You still look a bit pale." She traced the pale lips with a fingertip. "But if you feel like staying in then you'll have to drink from me, because I'll not have you starve on my watch." She injected as much humor in the last statement, knowing how Rissa felt about drinking from her. As expected the vampire slowly pushed to her feet, the brown eyes dark in her pale face.

"No!"

Jessica sighed deeply. They go through this every time and looking at the stubborn set of Rissa's chin, she couldn't help but smile. She knew that the way in which they all conceived was very unique, but if their daughter by any small chance manages to inherit some Rissa's mannerism, she should start now already to gather ammunition on how to get their daughter to eat her vegetables.

"OK."

Rissa looked at her, surprise evident on her face. "OK? You mean we are not going to fight over this?"

Jess shrugged. "Nope. I'm not really in the mood for fighting." She blinked and when her eyes opened, they were smoldering. "I would rather make love. You up for it?"

This time it was Rissa who cocked her head as she studied her. "You are … NO!"

Chuckling softly, Jess took her time raking Rissa's tall, muscular frame with hot, silvery eyes. She'll have to think of another way to entice her vampire. Seems Rissa's got her number now. She had always seduced Rissa, knowing her lover's desire and hunger ran parallel. Outwardly Rissa still managed to look unaffected, but Jess could pick up on Rissa's dark aura that she was considering the offer. Knowing that there was a chance that she could tip the scales in her favor, she slowly came to her feet and turning as if about to walk to the door, she stretched her long frame languorously.

"What would you like to do instead, angel? Maybe you could help me review some of the photos I took yesterday." She turned and threw a quick glance over her shoulder. What she saw made her body shiver. On very rare occasion, had she seen Clarissa's eyes change color, but the gleaming tan eyes looking at her now, she knew was the result of a deep sexual and physical hunger. When her lover had that look in her eyes, she knew that there was no way she was going to see the outside of their room tonight. "Or what do you suggest?"

She gasped when she suddenly felt Rissa's hand on her arm, the vampire having moved so fast, she hadn't even noticed. Rissa was shaking slightly as she stared down at her.

"I want you."

Jess smiled warmly. "I'm all yours, for as long as you want me."

"Forever," Rissa rasped and pulled her into her strong body for a surprisingly gently embrace, considering she was shaking with raw desire.

"That's a promise."

**************************************

The ice-blue eyes were cold as they pierced the dark littered alley. They were so close she could smell them. Their fear hung heavy in the air. Turning her cold eyes to Nimiri, Leo met chilling green eyes. Anticipation of the pending battle rolled in waves off the blonde's taut body. Out of the corner of her eye she saw the darkness shift and shadows stepping out. Turning her head slightly, her eyes settled on a group of heavily armed, leather-clad men. A heavily muscled man pushed through from the back of the group, his eyes glowing red.

"You're in our territory," he said in a deep, authoritative voice as his eyes sized them up.

Leo smiled coldly as she stepped closer, watching with grim satisfaction as a few of the renegades took a small step back. When she spoke, her voice was eerily quiet.

"We like it here." Her eyes darked threateningly as they stared at the men. "So what do you suggest we do about it?"

The man's eyes curled up in smile which did not reach his eyes. He lifted his hand and an even larger group of renegades crept out of the shadows to join them. "I would suggest you leave or we make you."

"We would like to see you try," she said softly. Her words were still hanging in the air as she surged forward, feeling Nimiri presence right beside her. Her clawed hands sliced through the air and she caught the renegade nearest to her across the chest, slicing through his ribcage. She growled when she felt hot blood rush over her hand. She had forgotten how truly liberating it was to let her beast loose. With the smell of blood heavy in her flaring nostrils, she reached for the next man even before her first victim had crumpled to the concrete floor. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Nimiri engaging two renegades, her claw bloody as it left the chest cavity of her victim. Just like old, they cut a bloody path through their enemy. She felt a cool breeze passing close by and relax when she saw Akita and Cruz rushing passed her.

______________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 21

Lake Noble gently put her cutlery down and reached for her wine glass. At the same time that she brought the glass to her lips, she became aware of the intense scrutiny of her dinner companion. Forcing a bright smile on her face, she lowered the glass.

"Do I have something between my teeth?" she asked teasingly as she lifted her eyes to man sitting opposite her.

"You're very beautiful woman. A true lady."

Even though her stomach turned at the sight of the man's whispered words, she smiled her appreciation.

"You surely know how to make a woman feel special, Copernicus," she murmured huskily and reached for his hand. She clutched it in his and gently rubbed her thumb over the back of his hand. "But being who you are, I'm sure you must've dated more beautiful women."

Copernicus threw his head back and laughed. "It takes more than a pretty face to make a woman beautiful, my dear. You have it all and more."

She lifted a playful brow at him and releasing his hand reached for her wine glass again. She watched him over the rim of her glass, once again noticing how truly repulsive she found him. She quickly pushed the thought to the back of her mind. She was so close to her goal to mess it up now. After taking a sip, she carefully placed the glass on the table and smiled warmly at Copernicus.

"I doubt a 'lady' would fall into bed with a man on the first night they'd met."

Copernicus shook his head and reached for her hand. "No, no, no. Whatever happened that night was entirely my fault. I was an absolute pig for having treated you that way, Lake. If only I could take it all back."

Lake smiled at him again. Was it possible that the man could be anymore gullible? As one of the richest man in the world, she would've though he would be less naïve, if at all. She held her hand out and smiled wider when he took her hand. Just at that moment a soft chirping sound interrupted the moment and smiling apologetically, Copernicus reached for his mobile phone.

"I asked not to be disturbed unless it was an emergency. I promise not to be too long."

Rolling her eyes, she smiled at him. "Can't the world cope without you for just a couple hours?"

Copernicus leaned across the table and gave her a soft kiss on the lips. "I'll be right back."

**************************

Leo did a quick head count and smiled, satisfied. By rough estimation, the four of them had destroyed close to twenty renegades. A good tally in all. She turned her attention back to the battle. There was still a lot more left to get rid of. Akita and Cruz were both spattered in blood as they ruthlessly cut through the renegades. Looking at Nimiri, she saw a feral smile on her friend's face as she decapitated her latest victim. Since arriving in the States, she had noticed a subtle restlessness about her friend. She meant to talk to her about it, but she still had no idea on how to approach Nimiri. The blonde was very private.

A renegade foolishly swung his blade at her side and ducking quickly, she unsheathed her sword. She'd had enough of hand to hand combat, time to inject a bit of finesse to the battle. She quickly cut the man down and approached the next one, her blade dripping blood. A sudden powerful pulse in the air brought her up short and she watched with narrowed eyes as a dark blur shot from out of the back of the dark alley. Whatever or whoever it was launched itself at Akita. She watched in stunned fascination as Akita was tossed through the air as if she weighed a feather. The Royal slayer hit the wall a few feet away with a sickening thud. The unexpected arrival of the newcomer brought the battle to an abrupt halt. Both set of fighters watched warily as the hooded figure turned. Cold blue-grey eyes swept first over the renegades before it shifted to where Leo, Nimiri and Cruz stood. The cold gaze settled on Cruz.

"Well, hello there, Cruz," she said in dark voice. "Still doing Tahlia's dirty work for her, are you."

Cruz's face looked like it was cast in stone as he looked at the tall, dark clad woman, but he refrained from answering her taunt. He slowly walked over to where Akita was slowly and a little unsteadily coming to her feet.

"Not talking to me, old friend." She tsked at him with mock reprove as her cold eyes watched him with predatory intent. When Cruz once again ignored her jibe, she moved with blinding speed and with her hand around his throat, lifted him effortlessly off the ground.

Leo quickly stepped forward when she saw Cruz's eyes bulge as the stranger applied pressure to his windpipe.

"Who the hell are you and what do you want?" she spat at the woman, her sword rising in clear challenge. The woman threw her a quick glance over her shoulder, before she turned, her grip on Cruz tightening even further.

"Ah, the esteemed Prime of the Eternals. I was not aware that you were allowed to roam outside your little Greek village." She turned her head to look at Cruz again before she loosened her grip and Cruz fell to the cold concrete floor. The cold bluish-grey eyes once again settled on her and Leo took a threatening step closer. The woman grinned as her eyes raked over Leo. "Are you challenging me?"

"Yes, and I expect you to accept."

The woman's eyes turned red as she nodded. "Of course I do. But since you are royalty, so to speak," she added mockingly, "I would like to give you the opportunity to retract your challenge seen as I was there when you were converted." A cold smile formed on the woman's lips. "As absurd as it may sound, I have some maternal feelings for you."

Incensed by the words, Leo raised her sword higher. "My challenge still stands."

"NO! Do not fight her."

Both Leo and the woman turned to Akita who was pushing herself from the wall she'd been leaning against. She wiped at the trickle of blood running from her nose over her lips.

"Pray tell why not, dear Akita," the woman said in her irritatingly taunting voice. "Or do you want to take her place?" The red eyes narrowed as the woman slowly advanced on Akita. "It would be stupid to do that, you know. I think I do not have to remind you that I am a second generation Royal."

"No, Heruda, you are mistaken," Cruz said in a raspy voice, still favoring his throat. "You might have been a Royal once, but you are nothing but a cowardly fugitive now, looking over your shoulder wherever you go."

The woman stared at Cruz with deadly intent for a few moments before she smiled again. "It is good to see you have grown a spine since the last time I saw you, Cruz. But I am sure you remember that I am so much stronger than you and most of the Royals. I could demonstrate my power if you want me to refresh your memory." She threw a glace in Leo's way, which Leo met with an unflinching glare of her own.

"Do not fight her, milady," Cruz said as he walked over to where Leo stood. "Heruda is a rogue and her name is written in blood in the Queen's Book of Sins. The Queen has made us all swear to not engage her in battle when we meet because she alone wants to cut out Heruda's treacherous heart." He looked over to where the renegades still stood, bearing witness to the Royals' humiliation. "We are leaving now, but expect to see us again soon."

Leo gave the Heruda a cold glare, before she sheathed her sword and followed Cruz and Akita.

*********************************

From the roof of a high rising building overlooking the dark alley, a pair of icy black eyes had been watching as the incident unfolded. Turning slowly, her eyes met those of Jonas, Pierre, Juan and Trinity.

"The bait has been cast," she said curtly. "Now all we need to do is to wait and see what happens."

The others nodded and began to disperse. The night was still young enough to feed and hunt renegades. But Tahlia stayed behind on the now deserted roof. Silhouetted against the pale moonlit sky, she rolled her shoulders, allowing some of the tension she'd been building over the past two months to bleed out of her body.

<Are you hungry?>

A soft chuckle sounded, warming Tahlia's heart as a tender smile formed on her lips.

<How'd you know I was back here?>

Tahlia didn't answer immediately and instead turned on her heel and walked over to where a large air-conditioning pump took up the centre of the roof, throwing a large shadow over the surface. She noiselessly rounded it and reached out into the darkness. She grinned when she heard Jemima's soft laughter as she pulled her out of the shadow and into her arms. Tahlia sighed with pleasure as she felt Jemima's arms wrap around her waist as she leaned into her body. She rested her chin on Jemima's head, breathing in the familiar scent of honeysuckle.

"My heart knows where you are every second of every day, dearling." She tenderly cradled her wife against her heart. "I love you with my whole heart even if I do not say it as much as I should." She pulled her head back and looked down into Jemima's sparkling blue eyes.

"I know, my love, because you tell me often enough." The blue eyes darkened a few shades. "I love the way you show it too."

Tahlia shook her head slowly, her black eyes narrowing to slits. "Not fair, Jemi. Now you have derailed my thoughts." She lowered her head and took Jemima's lips in a deep, breathtaking kiss. Pulling away, Tahlia bared her neck. "Time for you to feed now, my love."

Jemima gave her tender smile. "But you yourself haven't fed yet."

"Your needs will always come before mine, Jemima. I can still go out later to feed."

"Okay, then just a little bit for now to take the edge off. It would be too dangerous for you to walk around weakened from blood loss."

Tahlia nodded and tilted her head to the side. Her body was shivering lightly with anticipation. Feeding Jemima was the single most erotic experience she's ever experienced. She doubted there is anything more intimate than having her wife's lips on her neck, sucking gently as she fed on her. She felt Jemima's lips on her neck and she closed her eyes. She was startled out of her lustful haze, when Jemima spun her around with breathtaking speed and pushed her up against the side of the pump. He eyes snapped open and she relaxed immediately when she saw Jemima's impish grin. She moved her head back until it was resting against the wall of the small building housing the pump.

"Playing with your food again, love?" she asked lazily, closing her eyes again.

"Not really," Jemima murmured.

She felt Jemima's hands slip into her leather jacket and rub over her flat belly. Tahlia slowly opened her eyes, immediately aware of what Jemima was planning. She watched her wife through hooded eyes, taking in the soft curve of her breasts through the black sweater she wore under her own leather jacket. Her sex clenched when Jemima's hands move to the buttons on her fly and she sucked in her breath. Jemima pushed past her underwear and at the first touch of her fingers, Tahlia's hips thrust forward. She sighed when Jemima's nimble fingers closed over her already swollen clitoris and squeezed it gently. Tahlia reached out and clasped her hand over Jemima hip, drawing her even closer to her. With single-minded purpose, Jemima began to rub her, making Tahlia push into her touch roughly. Just as she was about to reach her climax, Tahlia felt Jemima's lips at the neck followed by a sharp pain. With the onset of the familiar feeling of euphoria, her body stiffened as her climax coursed through her and gush of wetness poured out over Jemima's flexing hand.

With her body still quaking from her powerful release, Tahlia moaned as Jemima's tongue lapped over the small puncture wounds. They both sighed, clutching each other closer.