BOOK THREE in THE GUARDIAN'S SERIES
Book One: A Guardian's Touch, Book Two: A Guardian's Love , Book Three: A Guardian's Passion,
Book Four: A Guardian's Salvation
Disclaimer See Part 1
Feedback: Constructive criticism is greatly appreciated, so feel free to drop a line or two at steinwillard80@gmail.com .
PART 6
Chapter 10
The room was packed and it made her nervous being surrounded by so many humans. Beside the overpowering smell of their blood and the deep hum caused by the sound of multiple heartbeats, the food smells were making her nauseous.
“Come on, let's get out of here before you embarrass me by throwing up all over yourself,” Jessica said, clearly amused. She had been observing her lover as she had tried to keep herself from running for the exit. She placed her hand on Rissa's thigh and squeezed it gently. “We can leave, baby.”
Rissa brown eyes were gentle as they looked at Jessica. “I cannot ask this of you, Jess. This is a work function and you are expected to here.”
Jessica looked around and shook her head. The place teemed with models and designers all dressed to the nines. In the past she loved attending these functions. This used to be prime hunting ground for her. But that felt like eons ago. Today she was in a loving relationship and she couldn't imagine her life without her partner. As much as she loved her job, she loved Clarissa more and would drop everything in the blink of an eye for her if she asked her to.
“You are more important than this, honey. I would rather be with you than in a room with a bunch of superficial people.” She took Clarissa's hand. “Come on, let's go.”
Clarissa came to her feet and smiled warmly at Jessica. “I'm ready when you are.”
As Jessica came to her feet, a tall redhead approached their table. Her green eyes slowly ran over Jessica's body and Clarissa felt her ire rise at the woman's audacity. The woman's eyes met hers and Clarissa gave her a withering glare, making the woman come to an abrupt halt.
“Let's be off, love,” Jessica said softly.
“I believe the lady wanted to speak to you,” she said and cocked her head in the direction of the woman, who was hesitantly coming over to them.
“ Sharon ?” Jessica exclaimed when she recognized the woman. “I haven't seen you in ages, woman.”
Sharon 's eyes darted nervously to Clarissa before she smiled at Jessica. “Same here, Jess. I see you're on your way already. I just wanted to say hi before you left.”
Jessica grinned and nodded. “By the way, I don't think you have met my partner yet.” She turned to Clarissa and drew her closer. “Honey, this is Sharon Feather. She's a model I've worked with on numerous occasions. Sharon , this is Clarissa.”
The two women eyed each other in silence for a few seconds, before they exchanged the required pleasantries. Sharon smiled at Jessica.
“You look spectacular.”
Jessica wrapped her arm around Clarissa's waist and looked into warm brown eyes. ‘She's the cause.”
Sharon nodded and risked a quick glance at Clarissa. She found the woman looking down at Jessica with a tender look on her face. It was strange to see the usually forceful Jessica so meek and so in love. If she hadn't seen it herself she would never believe it. She recalled the chilling look she got earlier from the blonde Amazon standing next to Jessica and a slight shiver rush up her spine as she studied the woman. It was official. Jessica was taken unless some very foolish woman wants to challenge this dangerous woman for her affections.
“Well, I'm happy for you. I don't want to keep you too long. Have a wonderful evening.”
Clarissa raised an eyebrow at Sharon 's abrupt departure and turned to look at Clarissa. She sighed when she saw the guilty look on the vampire's face. The brown eyes looked everywhere but at her.
“What did you do this time?” she whispered, her grip tightening around Clarissa's waist.
“She was...how do you say…checking you out. I just gave her a warning stare.”
Jessica smiled impishly. “Jealous, my love?”
“You have no idea.”
Jessica gave her a soft peck on the cheek before dragging her to the exit. The night air was cool and Clarissa felt a slight shiver go through Jessica's body. She pulled her closer to her body as they made their way over to where Jessica's Escalade was parked. They had just reached the car, when Clarissa's head snapped around. She gently pushed Jessica behind her.
“What's wrong, Clarissa?” Jessica asked anxiously.
“Renegades. They are nearby.”
Jessica pushed closer to Clarissa and wrapped her arms around the taller woman's waist.
“Our baby, Rissa?!” Jessica was shivering as she pressed her cheek against Clarissa's broad back.
Clarissa nodded. “Get in the car, love. I will wait out here for a while to see what they want.”
“No, I can't leave you out here alone.” Jessica's grey eyes were dark. “I'm not raising this baby alone, Clarissa. Do you hear me?”
Clarissa turned and opened the passenger door of the car. She could feel the ominous presence getting closer.
“Please do as I say, Jessica. I can sense their presence getting closer.” When Jessica still hesitated, she bundled her into the car. “Stay here. Okay. You will be able to see me from here.”
At Jessica's nod, she gave her a quick kiss and closed the door. She turned back to scan the area. A few blocks away, she saw a few shadows moving and steeled herself for the fight. Her supernatural eye sight picked up eight figures as they casually sauntered over in her direction. The group suddenly came to an abrupt stop when they spotted her. Jessica slowly pushed away from the car as she stood there, staring at them. She could smell their fear and knew that they hadn't expected to cross paths with a Slayer tonight.
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The cool night air was exactly what she'd needed, Leo thought, as she strolled down the bustling pavement. Her mind was consumed by her earlier conversation with Jemima and the overwhelming feeling of belonging when she was around the woman. She spoke the truth when she told Jemima that she was willing to give up her life to protect the baby. A soft smile formed on her lips. That baby was her future, her reason for existing. There was still a long wait ahead of her before she would be able to hold her in her arms. But after having waited for 7 centuries, she was more than willing to wait for a measly 20 years.
A couple approached from the front and she watch them keenly as they walked towards her, their heads close as they talked in soft tones, their eyes warm as they look at each other. She watched them until they passed her. One day she would want to walk like that with her partner too. She continued walking. The night was beautiful and she lifted her eyes to the sky, wishing she could have seen the stars. With her superhuman eyes sight she could filter away the bright streetlights and see the twinkling gems, but it still didn't feel the same. It was at times like these that she missed Athanas. There the air was clean, the nights safe and the stars visible to the naked eye. She wondered when she would return to her beloved home. Her initial plan to get Izi and leave had been altered now that she knew that her future wife needed her protection.
A few yards in front of her she saw another couple leaving a restaurant. She came to a stop as she studied the women. The taller of the two pulled the other closer to her as they made their way over to a big black vehicle. They looked familiar, very familiar in fact. She slowly walked closer, wanting a better look. She saw the taller woman stiffen as she scanned the area around them. She quickly opened her senses too, curious as to what the other woman was sensing.
She growled softly when she picked up the unmistakable scent of renegades. Turning back to the woman she knew now why they appeared familiar in the first place. They were both Royals and the shorter of the two women were amongst the Royals she had abducted a month ago.
She watched from the shadows.
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Clarissa swore under her breath as she watched the group of renegades sizing her up. But that was not what had her worried. She could sense another powerful presence nearby. She spared a quick glance at Jessica and found the grey eyes watching her like a hawk.
<I will be fine, darling. Do not look so worried.>
<I know. I love you.>
When she returned her attention to the renegades she could see that they had made up their minds and were getting ready to attack. The group had split, spreading out as they approached her. She just stood there waiting for them, letting them bring the fight to her. With her hands buried in the pockets of her leather jacket she looked very relaxed, but her eyes were flitting over the group, marking each of their positions.
As the renegades drifted closer, she slowly took her hands out of her pockets. Showtime! Without warning she burst into action, startling the group. She used that to her advantage. Her hands shot out and she grabbed one renegade to her, snapping his neck effortlessly. The others came stopped moving and stared at her and back at their fallen mate. Then as one, they suddenly attacked.
Clarissa eyes darted between them as she fended them off, looking for the leader amongst them. Once she destroyed their leader, she will have a psychological advantage over them. There, she noticed how all the renegades threw quick glances to a tall figure standing to one side, watching the fight. She methodically worked her way through the amateur fighter, using her claws to decapitate and slash her way towards where the leader stood.
A huge shadow fell over the man and Clarissa frowned. Who else was fighting on her side?
The man felt the presence of the other slayer and turned. But he was too late. Ham-like hands reached out for him. Even from a where she was fighting off the other renegades, she could here the man's neck snap. The unknown slayer wrenched his head off, making sure that he never rose again. The large vampire quickly darted over to where the fighting was taking place, immediately engaging two renegades.
The fight didn't last long. After less than 10 minutes the parking lot was scattered with body parts. Working together as if they had been fighting alongside each other for centuries, Clarissa and the other Slayer quickly moved the parts in a pile and set it alight. Sharp blue flames incinerated the remains.
“Will this not attract the attention of anyone?”
For the first time since the battle had ended, Clarissa looked at her. She frowned when she looked into familiar pale blue eyes.
“The fire will leave nothing for them to find, but we need to get away from here now.” She walked over to the large SUV and held open the backdoor. She saw the Eternal pause. “Come now, Leonara. We have no time to waste.”
The Eternal reluctantly got into the car and dissolving, Clarissa's frame solidified behind the steering wheel. Casting a visibility cloak she pulled out of the parking lot. Only when they were a few blocks away from the restaurant, did Clarissa drop the spell. She made a sharp right turn into a dark alley and getting out to the car rounded it quickly to yank open the backdoor. She dragged the large body of the Eternal out of the car and helped her deeper into the alley.
She turned away from the large warrior, keeping an eye on Jessica while she waited for the trembling Eternal to get her bearings.
“Why did you not tell me that you have never ridden in a car before?”
Leo came up straight and threw a burning look over her shoulder at the blonde Royal.
‘You did not give me an opportunity to tell you.” She leaned against the wall, taking a shuddering breath. “Why would people expose themselves to such torture?”
A faint smile formed around Clarissa's lips. “Come now. It is not safe to leave Jessica alone in the car.” She stomped over to where the SUV was parked. When she reached the car, she turned, only to find the Eternal standing there looking at the car with her head cocked to one side.
“Are you coming, Leonara?”
The vampire shook her head. “No, I will travel by foot from here.” She turned and her huge form dissolved as she walked into the shadows.
Clarissa got into the car and turned to the Jessica. The grey eyes were resting on her, a small smile on her lips.
“What?”
“Was Leonara puking her guts out?”
“Almost. This was her first time in a car.” She turned the ignition and put the car in reverse. They drove in silence for a few minutes before Clarissa broke the silence. “I wonder what she is doing here. Tahlia vowed to kill her the next time she sees her.”
“Maybe they have met already.”
“I do not know, Jessica, but I would like to know what is going on.” She turned to look at Jessica. “Would it be too much of a bother if we go to see Tahlia?”
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Chapter 11
Tahlia was standing on the balcony of Marsden Mansion , her eyes calmly tracking the movements of the slayers vigilantly patrolling the grounds. Her eyes were glowing bright red, not because of an impending danger, but just because her beast was restless tonight. It felt cooped up and wanted out. To feel its lungs fill with air as it rushed through the moonlit landscape, to feel the cool breeze through its fur as it ran with its tongue lolling outside its mouth. She turned slowly and grinned at the sight of Jemima standing there looking at her, a curious look on her face.
“Does the wolf or the panther want out? The wolf perhaps?”
Tahlia nodded.
“Where do you want to go?”
Tahlia inhaled deeply as she turned away, her eyes scanning the horizon.
“Someplace open and … wild.”
“What is really bothering you, Vampire?” Jemima asked as she came to stand next to the imposing figure of her wife. She ran slow circles on Tahlia's lower back and stiffened when she felt the pronounced vertebra of Tahlia's skin. She was in a semi shape shifting stage. She looked up into the red eyes and smiled gently. Her gentle caress made Tahlia growl softly. The beast was very close to the surface, the tender touch of its mate, like siren enticing it to come out and play.
“I want to find that man and destroy him before he causes us anymore trouble.”
Jemima nodded. “Now you sound like Leonara. I had to talk her out of searching out Copernicus earlier this evening.”
Tahlia cocked her head to one side as she regarded her wife through narrowed red eyes.
“Why did you?”
Jemima shrugged. “This is Royal territory, my love. Here, the Vampire Queen reigns supreme.”
Tahlia nodded slowly, her eyes shading to black as she studied her wife with gentle eyes.
‘Yes, you are right. She has been stepping on my toes a lot lately. I would have had to punish her severely if she had neglected to ask for my permission.”
Jemima leaned closer to Tahlia, sensing her mood change. She had beaten down her beast and was her usual tranquil self again. Tahlia's arm slipped over her shoulder and pulled her closer to her body.
“Will you call a meeting soon so we can discuss what we will do regarding Copernicus?”
“Yes. I will call a meeting for tomorrow night.”
A comfortable silence fell between them as they stood arm in arm enjoying the nighttime sounds. Jemima lifted her head to look up at Tahlia. The dark woman had a serene look on her face as she watched the stars.
“Do you have plans for the rest of the night?”
“Why, Mrs Oliveira, are you trying to lure me to your lair?” Tahlia looked down at her and Jemima marveled at the sight of the twinkling black eyes.
“I can't resist you,' Jemima replied honestly. “You are simply the most magnificent being I have ever met.”
Tahlia's eyes darkened even further as they slowly caressed her face. She looked away and when she turned back to her, Jemima saw the regret in the black eyes.
“The beast is too restless, Jemi. I am scared.”
Jemima gently cradled the strong face in her palm and nodded. “I understand, baby. Will it be okay if we just cuddle for a while?” She suddenly felt shy, hoping that she didn't sound too needy. “I will understand if you don't feel like it, you know.”
Tahlia leaned away from her so she could look into Jemima's eyes. Her black eyes were expressionless as they studied hers.
“What makes you think I would not want to cuddle with you? I hunger for your touch every second of everyday.”
“Good,” Jemima croaked and placed a soft kiss on Tahlia chin. She took Tahlia's hand and drew her into the room with her. Tahlia was just about to close the balcony doors when she suddenly stopped.
“We have guests, my love.”
Since after the passing of James and Rafina, Marsden Mansion has become their personal home, with Jemima preferring to stay in her childhood home. Jemima followed her out on the balcony and stood next to Tahlia as they waited. It took a few moments, but there was a slight blur and Clarissa appeared on the balcony. Jessica was held tight against her chest, her arms wrapped around the vampire's neck and her eyes squeezed closed. Clarissa smiled at the two Royals.
“You may open your eyes now, Jess.”
Jessica's eyelashes trembled lightly before her eyes opened. She looked up into Clarissa's eyes before she turned her head, meeting the amused gazes of the two Royals.
“I will never get used to this mode of travel,” she murmured as she held on to Clarissa as the vampire gently settled her on her feet. She swayed a moment or two and was held up by strong, dependable arms. She smiled up into her lover's face before stepping away from her.
Jemima threw her arms around Jessica and gave her quick hug. “How are you holding up?”
Jessica shook her head and smirked. “I'm still getting used to the idea that I'm going to be a mother.” She turned her grey gaze on her lover and smiled tenderly. “But every time I look at Rissa, I realize how fortunate I am to have a child with her.”
Tahlia and Jemima shared a warm look as the two lovers drowned in each others eyes. Tahlia discreetly cleaned her throat and the two love birds turned back to her.
“Tahlia, I got into trouble earlier and Leonara helped out. What is she doing back here?”
Tahlia's grimaced as she looked at Jemima. “She arrived this evening, looking for her sister.”
“Her sister is the Healer, right?” Jessica asked softly.
“Izaura arrived almost four days ago, begging for me to save her sister's life.” Tahlia looked away and Jemima reached for her hand. “But I found out recently the joining between Leonara and my daughter will complete the prophecy.”
Clarissa looked at Tahlia in stunned silence. Tahlia shrugged and pointed at Jemima.
“Ask Jemima. It is a sight to behold when the Prime comes within touching distance of her.”
Jessica's eyes were wide as she stared at Jemima. “What does the prophecy say about my…” She threw an apologetic smile at Clarissa. “...our baby?”
Jemima shook her head. “I really don't know. I found out about Leonara completely by accident. She walked into the study where I was reading and the baby started doing crazy summersaults. It was only once Leonara laid her hand on my stomach that the baby calmed down and…and…” A beautiful smile formed on her lips. “…the sweetest, most tender feeling engulfed me. I have no doubt that those two are soulmates.”
Tahlia looked down into her wife's warm eyes and smiled. Jemima had a dreamy look on her face and her lips were parted as she gazed into her wife's eyes. They knew actually when passion sparked between them and Tahlia groaned softly at the gentle pull between her legs. They moved closer to each other with Tahlia's hand moved down Jemima's arm to rest possessively on the blonde's hip. The air between them was highly charged, making the other two women blush at the blatant sexual aura surrounding the two.
Clarissa reached for Jessica's hand and pulled her to her. With a pointed look to her lover she nodded to the opened balcony doors.
“Time to go,” she whispered as she dragged her gawking lover through the lounge and into the hallway.
“Did you see that? How does she do that?” Jessica gushed.
Clarissa was busy bundling Jess into the car, but stopped to look into shimmering grey eyes.
“Who?”
“Tahlia, silly. Did you see how she switched from dangerous and aloof the one moment to this really sweet and gentle pet?” Jessica face was alight with wonder. “That is kinda sexy, don't you think?” She wiggled her eyebrows. “What do you say we get naked and…”
She never got to finish the sentence because she was yanked out of the passenger seat and using preternatural speed, she found herself stretched out on a bed in a chamber underneath Madison Mansion .
Still dazed, she just lay there looking at Clarissa as she struggled out of her clothes. Still stunned by the suddenness of the Clarissa actions, the vampire quickly shrugged her out of her pantsuit. Strong hands curled under her body and a long, warm body poured over hers.
“Baby…?”
“Hush, Jessie, I just need to feel you close to me right now.” Clarissa's voice sounded dark from need. She slowly slid her body over her lover's, hissing at the wonderful sensation caused by the friction. “Oh, this feels so good, so very good. Do you feel it too?”
Aroused by her lover's potent sexual display, Jessica slowly spread her legs, hearing a soft keening sound escape her lover's lips. She knew the reason for that reaction. Clarissa could smell her passion. Whereas the human nose could pick up a faint whiff, the vampire's nostrils were flaring as it took in the thick aromatic scent of the woman lying spread-eagled underneath her.
“I'm ready for you, baby.”
The chocolate brown eyes were almost black as they looked down into hers. Jessica could only smile at the ferocity of her lover's need for her. She never thought she would ever find a woman who would overpower her like this. She had always been the most dominant one in all her relationships. Here she wasn't the dominant one anymore, instead she felt like a partner. She was in a relationship with one of the most dangerous species in existence and she felt cherished. She was the one half of their precious joining. She felt Clarissa slid lower and lower, brushing soft kisses over her breasts, flat tummy and quivering thighs. She felt a soft breath rustling the soft hairs at the apex of her thighs, making her shudder.
“I need to taste you. I will die if I do not taste you now.” She lowered her head and almost immediately her tongue flicked out to take a long, languid taste of the musky dew. She moaned when two hands got tangle in her hair, holding her head down as strong hips pushed into her mouth.
“Oh…oh…oh…” Jessica moaned, lifting her right leg of the bed and hooking it over a broad shoulder. She got what she wanted. A slippery tongue deep inside of her. She came hard and fast.
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The readings were confusing him. He pulled another thick volume closer and squinted as he read the feint ink-scrabbled text. Yes, he was right. There was another one beside the four pregnancies. He will have to warn Leo about that. He re-read the text again. The minutes passing by as each word formed in his mind. His rheumy eyes widened suddenly and he fell back in his chair.
Impossible!
There was no way to explain this. Not even his vast knowledge of the occult and paranormal could have predicted this. Nothing could have prepared him for this. All this time the Outlanders were not left unprotected. His wiped his brow and gently pinched his long moustache. No, he had to get hold of Leonara. He pushed himself out of his chair. The urgency of the moment made him rush to his door.
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A tall figure blended in with the shadows as it followed the white-robed figure. Sharp eyes following the Druid, not missing a movement as it slowly and patiently followed its quarry.
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The silence in the room was overpowering as the dark woman pushed out of her chair. The air threw tiny sparks off her tall frame as she studied the faces around the table. Paloma slowly came to her feet too, her silver eyes tracking every movement of Tahlia.
“Tahlia…?
Pitch black eyes swung to her and Paloma shivered slightly at the look in her friend's eyes. She didn't look away from Tahlia but she could imagine the look on the face of the other Royals. Knowing them as well as she did, she was sure that Pierre and Jonas were battle ready. She slowly edge around the table to where her friend stood. It was times like these that she wished Jemima was here. Had the blue-eyed beauty been here, Tahlia would've been much easier to handle. She took the chance to cast a quick look at the other people in the room. Pierre and Jonas were staring at Tahlia with unblinking eyes, trying to read her next move. On the other side of the table, Gabriella, Clarissa and the two Eternals were sitting, their eyes blank as they stared at Tahlia.
“Stop!” Tahlia snapped and Paloma froze in her steps. The black eyes were staring directly at her, cold and unblinking. “I am not going to cause a scene.”
Paloma sighed and smiled weakly. She cocked her head to the side; her silver eyes unexpectedly warm as she regarded her friend. “These babies are very important to us all. None of us want any harm to come to them. Our mates depend on us to keep our offspring safe, because they are the future of our race.”
Tahlia blinked once, twice and then inhaled deeply. “Yes, you are right.” She rubbed over her eyes and sighed. “I just hate the fact that he is this close to us…to the babies. We have to find him and deal with him.”
Paloma nodded and quickly closed the gap between them. She looked in Tahlia's eyes and smiled gently. “We will find a way. I know we will. But…we need to keep our heads here. It is rather unsettling to know that he is using renegades to do his dirty work. But we have to outwit him.” She grinned. “By the way, you do not want Jemima to walk in here and take you to task for losing your cool, now do you?”
The black eyes warmed at the mention of her wife. “Yes, she would have my behind for losing my cool.” She placed a hand on Paloma's shoulder. “Thank you.”
Paloma nodded and returned to her seat. Tahlia's eyes were cold as they swiped over the room.
“With Copernicus so close, we need to keep a constant watch on the women.” She gracefully took her seat. “What we know about Copernicus is that he is exceedingly cautious. He never allows anyone too close to him. Except for his renegade henchman and his bodyguard, no one has ever come close to him.”
“We can plant one of our own.” Jonas sat back in his chair. “It worked…almost worked with Clarissa. Why not try it again.”
Pierre shook his head. “If he knows about the babies, he will know about Clarissa.”
“I don't mean Clarissa. Why not find one of our slayers. There's Akita and Crux. They have not been to the States in centuries. No one, not even the renegades will know them.”
Everyone looked at Jonas, their minds working as they processed the information.
“It sounds good, but how are we going to get them closer to Copernicus?”
Paloma smiled coldly. “Leave that to me. I will find a way. Let me speak to Rayne again. I want him to find out more about this man. I am sure there is a way.”