Disclaimer See Part 1
Feedback: This is my first try and not being a native English speaker, it's so much more challenging. Constructive criticism is greatly appreciated, so feel free to drop a line or two at steinwillard80@gmail.com .
PART 9
Chapter 12
With an arrogant swagger, the redhead walked passed them and went to sit at a table in a dark corner of the bar. She was barely seated when two male renegades approached her.
“Hey, beautiful, you alone here?” The taller of the two men said.
“Yes, and if I'd wanted company, I would've brought my own,” Trinity snapped and ordered a glass of wine. She hadn't sensed the presence of the master vampires in the bar from the outside. She'd only noticed them once she had stepped in, a sign that they must've shielded their presence. She had felt their cold stares when she'd walked passed them. Hell, they were still looking at her and the tension in the air was a clear warning that a fight was inevitable.
The two men moved in closer and she felt her patience slip. Just as she was about to tell them off, they were unceremoniously pulled away and tossed across the floor capsizing tables and chairs in the process.
“I can take care of myself and don't need your help.”
“Yes, you do. Now get out of here, because you don't want to be caught up in this fight.” Tahlia's black eyes were deep black pits of rage, and with the Vampire Queen standing so close to her, she could feel the power swiveling around her.
“Why do you care anyway?”
The black eyes narrowed fractionally. “Because when we leave this bar in exactly 3 minutes, no renegade will be left standing, including you.” The words were uttered calmly, but Trinity knew that it wasn't an idle threat. As good as she knew she was, there was no way that she was taking on three master vampires at once.
She pushed away from the table and without looking back walked straight for the exit. She was a few feet from the door when she felt a powerful pulse and turned. The three vampires had jumped into action. Shocked she watched as one renegade after the other fell at the feet of the three women. No matter what, it still made her uncomfortable to look at the three blurring shadows slashing through the throng of renegades. She knew that they were simply using their sense of smell to differentiate between human and renegade. Falling in the latter group, she quickly left, locking the door behind her.
She had been hunting renegades for centuries, destroying the ones she knew deserved to be killed, but seeing these masters vampires at work made the hair raise at the back of her neck. They killed brutally and without remorse.
Their justification: They were pure-bred and not the mutated trash they were cutting down. She had barely stepped into the shadows outside the bar when a motorbike came to a stop outside the bar. The rider took of the helmet and Trinity frowned. It was Paloma's lover. She stepped deeper into the shadows and was shocked when the girl peered into the shadows where she was hiding. The blue eyes were cold and Trinity knew that she'd been detected.
With a shrug she stepped into the light, her hands resting on the holsters of her guns. The human girl also had her hands under her long coat. From the human's stance she knew that fighting her would not be a one-sided affair. The girl was very confident.
“What are you doing here?” The tone was brusque.
“Same as you…hunting…” She stepped closer to the girl and was mildly surprised when she stood her ground. She had spunk and courage. “What is beautiful girl like you doing with a deadly woman like the Assassin anyway?”
The blue eyes hardened further and she saw the minuscule tightening of the small hand on the weapon that was concealed under the long overcoat.
“Why don't you ask her yourself?” The blue eyes looked passed her and Trinity stiffened. She had been so absorbed by the presence of the girl that she hadn't noticed Paloma's presence.
When she turned, she looked into the blood-red eyes of a very, very possessive lover.
“What business do you have talking to her?” Paloma voice was so soft, it bordered on ominous.
Trinity grinned and took a step back.
“Actually, we just bumped into each other and I reckon it would seem very rude not to even greet her, seen as we are in the same line of work.”
Paloma moved so fast. In the next instant Trinity found herself hoisted up in the air by the front of her leather jacket, her feet dangling in the air.
“You really need to stop manhandling me, Paloma. It's really becoming irritating.”
“If I ever see you near my…ward again, I will destroy you.” With that said, Paloma released her.
Although she landed on her feet, Trinity sent Paloma a cold stare. She hated the way the woman treated her, but she knew that she wasn't powerful enough to take her on. Without a glance at the human, she dissolved. Feeling bruised and abused, there was only place she knew where to go which could restore her good mood.
^^^^^^^^^^^^
A dull blue light was shining through the curtains. She was at it again. It was close to 2 a.m and still the teenager was busy on her computer. She moved closer and melted into the shadows of her darkened room. A dating site . What the hell was a fifteen year old doing on a dating site? Her eyes moved from the computer screen to the long blue black shoulder length hair. Gabriella Talos was a survivor.
Born into an emigrant family from Puerto Rico, her parents and younger brother were killed barely two months after their arrival in America, leaving the beautiful seven year old an orphan. She remembered the night Carlos, Armelia and Jorge was killed. She had been tracking a gang of renegades who were causing terror in Brooklyn 's Hispanic neighborhood, when she had caught them in the act.
Arriving at the scene, they'd already slaughtered the parents and were drinking from the five year old Jorge. Another member of the gang was dragging a cute dark-haired girl into the room and she'd known that girl was to be next.
She was standing outside by the window and was shocked when the girl had turned her head to the window and looking straight at her had mouthed for her to help her. By the time she had gotten over her shock the renegades had tossed Jorge's body away like a piece of trash and was reaching for the girl. The big dark eyes were begging with her and she had obliged.
Once the renegades were destroyed, she had gathered the cowering girl in her arms and took her to a nearby convent. She'd though that would be the only contact she was ever going to have with the human girl, but she had returned to the convent that very next evening.
She was intrigued by the girl. As part of her ambush she had cloaked her presence so as not to alert the renegades to her presence. She had learned the cloaking spell from her mother and it was water-tight. No renegade or human had ever seen through it. How did the girl managed to see her? More disturbing was the emotions coursing through her when she'd held the girl in her arms. Somehow her future was to be irrevocably linked with the girl's. The thin trembling arms were clasped tightly around her neck and her wet face was pressed into her neck.
At the convent she was informed that the child's name was Gabriella Talos and that she had been moved to an orphanage earlier the day.
Being a quiet shy child she was quickly adopted by a wonderful family who raised her like their own – under her watchful eyes of course. She had checked in on her regularly, making sure that she was safe and never wanted for anything. In the beginning, Clara and Mark Jameson, had questioned the motives of the faceless Samaritan who deposited vast amounts of money in their bank account, but after a while they accepted the monetary gifts graciously. She had set up a college fund for Gabriella, hoping she would one day opt to go to college and not return to Puerto Rico to go look for her remaining relatives.
The chair creaked and Trinity was quickly brought back to reality. Wide amber eyes were resting on her. Every time she looked into those big golden pools, she could see herself reflected in the eyes of the beautiful girl. Gabriella always looked at her with so much affection and trust.
“Why are you sneaking up on me? I had expected you much earlier and that's why I'm still awake.”
“I had to attend an important meeting.” If that's what her humiliation could be called , Trinity thought bitterly.
Gabriella walked into her arms and they held each other for a long while.
“You are sad. I can feel it.” The amber eyes were serious. “Who hurt you so?”
“Ah, it was just some…some vampire bully.”
“Why didn't you just kick his ass?”
She gave the girl a stern look. “Watch your language, mija .” She playfully tapped her on the tip of the nose. “By the way, the bully is much more powerful than me. She is one of the most dangerous vampires alive.”
The girl pulled away, her eyes big in her young face.
“Is she a bad vampire?”
To me, yes, Trinity thought, but shook her head.
“No. She is a good vampire and part of my mother's clan.”
The brown eyes were solemn. “When will I meet your mother?”
“One day, my baby. One day. Tomorrow is a school day and its way past your bedtime. Let's get some sleep.” She will question her on the dating site business later. Not tonight though. For tonight she just wanted to bask in the acceptance of this child.
An hour later she was lying there listening to the gentle snores of the teenager as she held her to her.
****************
The silver eyes burned as they rested on her, but Inger refused to make eye contact with her irate partner.
“I thought you were asleep when I left.” Paloma's voice was calm belying her anger.
Inger shrugged and carefully studied her lover's bloodied clothes. Quickly assessing her body for any injuries. “You are getting negligent where I am concerned, my love. You do know that I'm a very powerful psychic and have the ability to counteract many of your mental coercions.”
Paloma stared at her in silence, before she turned away and held the door open. Inger was surprised at the lack any further argument. But she knew Paloma well enough to know that the issue wasn't resolved by a long shot.
“It's messy in there.”
She wasn't kidding, Inger thought as she entered the bar. Body parts littered the tile floor which was sticky with blood. She saw Tahlia frown when her black eyes lit on her and Inger groaned under her breath as Jemima came striding over to where she was standing surveying the carnage.
Sometimes it was hard for her to believe that the two women who raised her with so much love and tenderness were capable of so much violence.
“It's dangerous for you to be out here.” Jemima was speaking to her, but her eyes rested on Paloma. “I thought you said she was asleep.”
“It appears she was faking it.” Paloma silently hoped that sleep was the only thing Inger faked.
Nobody said anything further as they swiftly cleaned up the scene.
With the others in the bar area, Inger walked down the long corridor down the restrooms to the small storeroom at the back. She pushed open the door and gasped.
***************
For the second time that night she was laying in bed mulling over all that happened earlier. Paloma hadn't said a word to her since their return and she thought that she was still angry at her. It was the first time that they were lying in bed together without Paloma's strong arms holding her. She turned her head and found the silver eyes looking at her. They were calm, but she could sense the inner-turmoil.
Paloma had spoken to her last when she'd come looking for her in the store room. Something must have gone horrible wrong, because what she'd witnessed will surely stay with her forever. There were two women and a man, but it was almost difficult to tell them apart, since they were all busy changing at the time and were ferociously feeding on one another. Their eyes were red and their fangs were stained with blood as they were ripping chucks of flesh from each other. When they'd sensed her presence, they had struggled to their feet, coming for her with incredible speed. She must've made a sound, because as she was pulling out her guns, Paloma was in the room with her, grabbing the one nearest to her and snapped its head off. The other two she had felled with a rain of solid silver bullets.
“You should be more careful in future.” The silver eyes were cool and distant. “We haven't swept the whole building yet.” She had turned and started to drag the bodies together before incinerating them.
Paloma had pointedly ignored her since then and she could tell that even her parents had noticed that something was wrong, because she had found them casting looks between her and Paloma the whole time that they were busy at the bar. When they'd arrived at Paloma's mansion, they had undress in silence and got into bed.
Looking into the eyes of her lover, Inger realized that since they had met five months ago, she had never thought that Paloma would ever be so angry at her that she'd refused to even talk to her. But she was mistaken… and she hated having Paloma angry at her.
“I'm sorry, my love,” she apologized softly, her hands itching to touch the vampire's face. Oh, how she hated to not being able to touch Paloma. They were a very physical couple and touching each other was a pivotal part of maintaining intimacy for them.
The silver eyes warmed a fraction, but Paloma still kept her distance.
“Why did you do it?”
“I sensed my parents' presence in the lounge and knew you were up to something.” Her hand moved under the covers and she found Paloma's hand. “I didn't want to be kept in the dark anymore.”
“What do you mean ‘anymore'?”
Inger came up and rested on her elbow. “Before we met I was free to come and go as I pleased. I've hunted and killed many renegades, without the assistance of anyone. But now, I can't even leave the house without a companion.” She squeezed Paloma's hand. “I don't want to sound ungrateful, but in a way I miss my independence – the sense of adventure.”
Paloma reached out and pulled her against her naked body. Inger gasped softly at the familiar touch of Paloma's skin.
“I understand how you feel, Inger, but do you realize what it will do to me if something was to happen to you.” The husky voice was shaky. “Your mother has advised me to have this conversation with you a while back, but I never thought that I would need to.”
“What does my mother have to do with this?” she asked in a wary tone. Her parents had promised to allow Paloma and her space to explore their relationship and not to interfere. If they had gone back on their word she would really be… Paloma interrupted her quickly.
“They didn't go back on their word. They simply wanted you to understand what it meant to be forever linked to a vampire.”
“What are you talking about?” Inger asked with a frown.
“When I pledged my life and heart to you, I did so literally.” She gently caressed Inger cheek and smiled. “I take it that you know your parents' history? How they've met and how they have finally managed to be together twenty centuries later?”
“I know bits and pieces, but why do you bring this up now?” The blue eyes were curious.
“Because we are in the same boat now. I am forever linked to you and once you grow old and perish, I will wait for you until you are reincarnated again.”
“Yes. But …”
“Except for the pain and the loneliness of living without you, the possibility is great that you might not be reincarnated every century. We might not be as lucky as your parents, Inger.” Paloma looked away but not before Inger had seen the bleakness which clouded her eyes.
This was not what she'd expected to hear. She'd thought it was a given that they would love each other throughout eternity – like her parents.
“But as long as you are still alive there is a chance for us, Paloma?” When Paloma still refused to look at her, Inger became worried and turned Paloma face so she could look into the silver eyes. They were so sad that she couldn't help feeling dreading the answer to the question she was about to ask. “What are you not telling me?”
Paloma bent her head and planted a tender kiss on the soft lips.
“When I joined us, I placed my life in your hands. No other vampire has lived through the loss of a partner. We thought Pierre was the exception to the rule. It gave us all hope that maybe it was possible to survive the demise of a partner. We know now that Pierre survival was based on the fact that Genevieve wasn't dead. Their souls were still joined and that had kept them both alive.” She turned away again. “I might not be there when you are finally reincarnated.”
Inger pushed away from Paloma and came into a sitting position. When she turned to look at her, Paloma saw the horror on the blue eyes.
“No. I will not let you do that. Not for me. We will have to reverse the joining.”
Paloma smiled tenderly. “We can't and even if we could I wouldn't want to. But I wish for you to understand why I am so scared of losing you. Why I can't stand it when you put your life in danger. I am terrified of living in a world without you.”
Paloma reached for the soft hand that was resting on Inger's lap and brought it to her lips. She cursed her thirst when her concentration was broken by the soft splashing sound of warm blood coursed through Inger's veins. She had fed tonight and well, because of the anger she'd felt towards her human lover, it could've been risky to approach her. Just as much as her desire fed her thirst, her anger did the same. She felt the gentle probing in her mind and quickly erected a block. What a disaster it would be for Inger to find her fantasizing about drinking her blood.
You can't hide anything from me. I can read your thoughts even without us being in the same room.
Paloma groaned softly and lifted her head to look into the somber azure gaze.
That's a sign of our union. Only the one I claim can access the most private possessions of my being - my thoughts.
Inger nodded and lay back, unceremoniously pulling Paloma down with her and cradling her in her arms. They lay like that, wrapped around each other, for a long while. Their soft breathing the only sound in the room.
“What if I become a vampire – like you?”
Paloma stiffened and pulled away from Inger. She moved so fast that within the blink of an eye, she was standing in the farthest, darkest corner of the big room. In the darkness it was near impossible to see her, but Inger pierced the shadows until she could make out Paloma's dark shape.
“Please, don't say that again. No, don't even think of asking me to convert you.” Paloma's voice was so hoarse it came out as a deep throaty growl.
Inger reached for the light, but before she could touch the switch, the lamp flickered on. She turned to find Paloma standing very close to the bed.
“Are you trying to scare me, Paloma? Because if you are, I want you to know that I am totally freaked out.” She searched Paloma's eyes, which was an unusual stormy grey color.
“I know and I'm sorry. But please do not ever bring this up. Your parents would not appreciate you talking about such things.”
“It's my life and I can do with it as I please,” she said flatly and saw a flash of pain cross Paloma's beautiful features.
Paloma slowly sat down on the edge of the bed, making sure that there was not enough space between the two of them. The grey orbs bored into hers.
“There is something you need to understand, Inger. I am not only your mother's loyal servant; I am her best friend too. I would really want you to apologize for that wayward remark you just uttered. Your mother is one of the most honorable beings alive and has always and selflessly placed the needs and safety of others above her own. She doesn't deserve the disrespect you are showing her with a remark like that nor would I want to be the reason you are threatening your relationship with her.” The silver eyes softened. “I am not worth it, no matter what you or anyone else might believe.”
Inger averted her eyes and nodded. She felt the presence in her mind and was engulfed by an unexpected sadness. Inger realized that one of her parents must've established a mental link earlier and was trying to stealthily slip out of her mind again.
<Mother ,> she called softly, but only silence greeted her soft enquiry. < I felt you. Please forgive me. > Still there was no answer. She turned to Paloma.
“You are right. I wasn't thinking clearly earlier. I acted out of desperation when I said it. I will talk to my parents tomorrow.”
Paloma nodded and reached for her, her eyes shining with admiration.
“You need to sleep now, sweetie, for tomorrow we need to be up very early.”
**************
Jemima turned away slowly a frown on her face. Inger was thinking of becoming a vampire. She had been worried about Inger's state of mind earlier tonight. When she'd left with Paloma she had established a mental connection just to assure herself that she would be okay, especially after she'd noticed the strained atmosphere between the two.
She quickly rinsed her face with water and walked into their sleeping chamber. Tahlia was already in bed. Tomorrow would be their last day before the drug wore off and they were once again confined to the night and its shadows. After twenty years of living as a vampire, she'd missed the serene beauty of the night, the sounds, the smells and especially the moon-blazed landscapes. She adored the night, especially with her dark lover by her side.
She looked at Tahlia as she lay on her back with her eyes closed. My baby . A tender smile formed on her lips. Tahlia needn't know about Inger's issue now. Tomorrow was too important a day for the both of them, although Tahlia was completely in the dark about her plans. For the past two days she had refrained Tahlia from taking her blood, not wanting her to know of her plans. She walked over to the bed and smiled tenderly when the black eyes opened and Tahlia spread her arms in a loving invitation. She slipped into the arms and after a soft tender kiss, closed her eyes.
“We need to be up very early tomorrow.”
“Why?” Tahlia murmured with her nose buried in Jemima's hair.
“You will just have to wait and see what happens tomorrow.”
Jemima smiled when she felt Tahlia's presence in her mind and erected a strong mental block.
<No you won't, my dear. Goodnight.>
***************
Five hours later, Tahlia found herself standing opposite James, who was decked in a tanned suit, sporting a wide toothy grin. Next to him, Rafina was dressed in a beautiful tan-colored gown with matching blue accessories. She too sported a mysterious smile and Tahlia slowly turned to look at all the other people gathered in the spacious lounge of James' lounge. They were all dressed up and her eyes widened when Jonas and Pierre strode into the room. Both looked very handsome in impressive tan suits with sky blue silk ties.
Shaking her head, she wanted to slap her forehead. Since Jemima entered her life again, she felt like she was not as on top of everything as before. Today is a good example of that. She hadn't even known about Jonas and Pierre 's plan to have the drug administered to them. Was Jemima orchestrating a coup d'état right under her nose?
Jonas nodded curtly and walked over to where Joan was chatting to a somber-looking man in a black suit. She spotted Paloma, dressed in fitted black pantsuit, standing next to a teary-eyed Inger who looked beautiful in a body-hugging tan colored dress. She slowly studied her appearance in a mirror nearby and frowned. How could she be so stupid? She should've known when Jemima had insisted she wore the tan pantsuit, but until this very moment she hadn't realized what was going on. The familiar notes of Mendelssohn's the Wedding March filled the room and everyone turned towards the door. Swallowing slowly, she too turned to the door. She was getting married!
Jonas and Pierre pulled the doors open and Tahlia felt the blood rush to her head. Standing in the doorway was Jemima. With her tongue was glued to the roof of her mouth, she just stared. Jemima was a vision of exquisiteness. Dressed in a brilliant blue dress with her long blonde hair falling free on her naked shoulders, she looked so beautiful that Tahlia felt her heart swell with pride. She was marrying the most beautiful woman alive.
Jonas, Pierre, Rafina and Inger fell in behind Jemima as she slowly, hooked her arm through James' and made her way to where she was standing. She was aware of the somber looking man she had seen earlier talking to Joan coming over to stand next to her, but she only had eyes for the beautiful woman walking towards her. Their eyes met and held until Jemima was standing next to her.
“I can't believe you managed to organize all this…” She included everything and everyone with a sweep of her hand. “…without my knowledge. Now I understand why I was refused sex for the passed two days.” The look in black eyes changed and Jemima quickly averted her eyes.
<Don't look at me like that, Tahlia.>
Tahlia gave her a lopsided grin which made her look so young and carefree that even Jemima blinked at the transformation.
<Later then, my love .> She took Jemima's hand and brought it to her lips.
The somber looking gentleman cleared his throat and together they turned to face him.
Well, what do you know, Tahlia thought as her eyes welled up, she was getting married to the woman of her dreams.
Chapter 13
Inger was standing on the balcony overlooking the garden while the other guests were enjoying the delicious breakfast served up by the caterers. Seeing her parents so happy together brought tears to eyes. After the ceremony it was so cute to see them holding hands as they accepted well-wishes and greetings from the guests. She turned and leaning back against the balustrade as she searched for her parents amid the throng of wedding guests. Michael and a few of the Consortium members were standing around, sipping coffee, obviously talking shop. Shunning the spotlight, she saw her mother leaning against the wall as her eyes followed her bride like a hawk. On the other side of the room, Jemima was engaged in a lively conversation with a few female hunters.
Standing there, looking very uncomfortable with all the attention, Tahlia looked so alone that she was immediately overwhelmed by guilt. Paloma had once again gave her an earful this morning over the remark she'd made last night and it was with a heavy heart that they drove over to her grandfather's mansion. The dark head turned slowly and the black eyes met hers, making her heart constrict at the tender look that crossed Tahlia's features.
<Come to me, my angel, and let me sooth your worries.>
She quickly crossed the distance between them and sighed when she was wrapped in her mother's strong embrace.
<I didn't mean what I said, Mother. It just came out and I've regretted it ever since. Can you find it in your heart to forgive me?>
Tahlia bowed her head and pressed a soft kiss on the crown of Inger's head.
<I doubt there's anything that would make me stay angry with you for longer than a second, Inger. By the way, I don't even know what you're talking about, but I appreciate you coming to me.>
Inger snuggled deeper into Tahlia's arms and purred when waves of comfort seeped from her mother's body into hers. A soft tap on her shoulder made Inger reluctantly turn to face the intruder. She grinned when she looked into Jemima's laughing eyes.
“You're hanging onto the wrong woman, missy; yours is over there.” She pointed to where a gushing Joan was bending Paloma's ear. “And by the looks of it, it seems like she needs a rescue from Joan. The woman never stops when it comes to work stuff and it looks as if Paloma is her latest research project.”
Rolling her eyes, Inger walked over to where an obviously uncomfortable Paloma was being interviewed by a fired-up Joan. The silver eyes reflected her relief when she turned and saw Inger coming towards them.
“Hi Joan, I think Jonas was looking for you earlier.”
Joan's green eyes were contemplative as she looked at Inger.
“Nice try, girly. Jonas is a vampire and knows where I am every moment of everyday.” She lightly patted Paloma's arm. “I am done for now, but I still have so much I want to ask you.” With a naughty wink at Inger, she sauntered off to where Jonas was standing with his hand outstretched and his dark eyes tender. Inger couldn't help but notice how odd they looked together. Jonas was young, dark and unbelievably handsome whereas Joan looked like she could've been his mother with the light sprinkling of grey hair around her temple and the laugh lines around her lips. With admiration she studied Joan's frame as she slipped into Jonas' arms. She still looked good for a fifty-two year old woman – tall, sexy and slim.
<Does it bother you that Joan looks older than Jonas?>
She turned to look up into Paloma's calm grey eyes.
<Not really, but it does look odd. I guess I will have to get used to it though. One day I might look like I'm your mother too.>
Paloma nodded and took her hand. “Let's go and talk on the balcony.”
On the balcony, they quietly stood next to each other. Each busy with their own thoughts. After a while Paloma broke the silence. “The judge is still here.”
Inger turned to look at her, perplexed.
“What do you mean?”
“Just what I said.”
Paloma's eyes were studying her closely and Inger became more confused at the wary look in expression she saw in them. What did Judge John Stephens have to do with them? The longer she stared at Paloma the more nervous Paloma became. Think, Inger, think, she prodded herself mentally. She turned to look for the bulky figure of the judge and found him talking quietly with Michael and Dr. Lorraine Carter. She studied the man for a while and then her hand fell on the book in his hand. The Bible! Good heavens, how could it take her so long to figure it out? She turned back to Paloma.
“Are you serious?” she asked incredulously.
“Yes. What do you think? Shall we?”
She had never thought about that. Getting married had never been on her list of priorities. At the age of twenty all she'd been looking forward to, was to graduate, join a law firm and to find herself a nice apartment. Maybe a car too. In her meticulously planned future, her love life was going to stay the same. No strings attached sex with beautiful lusty women. Her gaze softened as she looked in lover's eyes. But then Paloma happened and her life was tossed upside down. For the first time she had experienced true love, as opposed to the meaningless sex with strangers she'd subjected herself to over the few years. Somebody to go home to and somebody to cuddle up with in front of the TV. Gone were the nights spent in cold hotel rooms with starched sheets and a stranger's body for comfort. Paloma gave her all that. But marriage was too sudden for her to process at this stage.
She reached out her hand and gently stroked Paloma's hand.
“I love you, Paloma. More than I have ever thought myself capable of...”
“But?” Paloma prompted softly.
“I'm still getting used to our relationship and …” She didn't get to finish her sentence, because Paloma turned away sharply with a deep growl vibrating through her tense body. Her eyes shaded from grey to red as it scanned the garden.
Almost immediately, all the vampires filed through the door, leaped off the balcony and stealthily spread out into the garden. Paloma quickly pushed Inger behind her as she scanned the hills surrounding the mansion.
“Someone is hiding out there. I can sense them.” She turned and pushed Inger through the double door. “Close the door and don't open it until we are back.” With those words, she turned, dropped off the balcony and disappeared into the garden.
Inger touched the air with her senses and recoiled at the thick evil aura which hung in the air. Stepping back she pulled the curtains shut. At that exact time there was a knock on the front door. She stiffened and turned to find Michael, Joan and Dr. Carter each pulling out a firearm.
“We shouldn't answer that. Warn the servants not to open the door for anyone,” Michael instructed sharply and Inger quickly ran down the hallway to stop the maid who was already halfway to the door.
“No, Juanita, do not answer the door.” She stepped passed the puzzled maid and put the safety chain in position. Standing so close to the door, she felt her stomach turn. Their visitor was not here for a social call. The evil presence on the other side of the door was very strong. She grabbed Juanita by the hand and pulled her away from the door. “Go quickly and make sure all the doors are locked.” When the girl, completely stunned by Inger's strange behavior, stood rooted to the spot, Inger grabbed her close and shook her. “Now, Juanita, now!”
The doorbell sounded again and Inger jumped at the sudden intrusion. Michael and Joan came to join her. “We have CCTV cameras around the house. There is a monitor in my grandfather's study. Second door on your left.” She jumped when there was a loud thud on the door and she felt the door squeak under the power of the blow. Another blow followed with the same results and with a sudden feeling of unease, Inger sized up the door. It will not hold, if the battering continued. At the moment Joan came rushing out of the study, her face pale.
“Whatever we do we shouldn't let it in.”
“What are we dealing with, Joan?”
“A ghoul. ” Joan's voice was shaky.
The silence that hung in the air was thick with trepidation. Ghouls are the daylight hounds of vampires. They are basically dead, but the vampire's spell keeps them alive – like zombies. They are fed the blood of their vampire masters and are turned into the grisly errand boys for them. They are extremely strong and it was known that some of them had even succeeded in killing vampires. The door squeaked again and this time, a splint came loose and drifted to the floor. It made Inger jump into action.
“The bunker! We need to get everyone in the bunker. The door down there is solid steel and not even a ghoul would stand a chance against it.”
She was glad to see Joan and Michael herding everyone down to the bunker. Checking the clip on her gun, Inger took a few steps away from the door. She was ready for whatever was forcing its way through the door.
The door suddenly flew off its hinges and Inger opened fire.
**************
Inger!
Paloma's heart froze at the sudden feeling of fear that gripped her. Before she'd turned around to announce her intention of returning t o the mansion, Tahlia and Jemima were already speeding towards the house. A few yards from the house, Paloma stopped and sniffed the air. Whoever planned this assault knew what they were doing. Four ghouls were hidden in the hills, luring all the vampires out of the house, leaving the humans sitting ducks for other ghouls to pick up.
The front door was ajar and from the scratches and dents, whatever gained access into the house was very strong and very determined to get inside. She sniffed the air again. A car was waiting nearby. She could smell the carbon dioxide from the exhaust. Tahlia stepped through the door while Jemima lifted her hands and floated up towards the second storey, entering the house through the balcony.
With her heart thudding in her chest, Paloma turned and moved into the direction of the waiting car. In the distance she could still hear the ongoing battle between the vampire hunters and the ghouls. Cloaking her presence she walked right up to the black van parked outside the high wall of the mansion.
A man, the driver she presumed, was leaning against the driver's door, smoking a cigarette. The driver must've sensed her presence even though he could not see her, because he flicked his half-smoked cigarette away and reaching under his coat taking out a gun. She was standing very close to him, but quickly took a step back when the beast in her reared, its claws reaching for the man's throat.
He knew she was there. That she was very close. She could smell his fear. But it would be unwise to appease the beast now, because this man could lead them directly to Mercredi. He was obviously instructed to drive the ghouls and their captives to a predetermined destination. She haled deeply. Once she had his scent she will be able to track him down easily.
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Inger groaned and lifted a shaky hand to her throbbing head. She tried to sit up, but fell back immediately when the world began to spin dangerously. She took a deep breath and waited for the pain to ebb. Where was she and what happened? Opening her eyes slowly she looked around slowly not to jar her aching head. She was surrounded by total darkness. Frowning she turned her head to the other side and gasped.
Twin red dots were glaring at her from across the dark expanse. A vampire! The last thing she remembered was directing the staff to the bunker. A quick head count revealed that her grandparents where not amongst the group. Without thinking twice she'd dashed upstairs to their room to collect them. She never made it to their suite, because something very heavy ploughed into her body from behind and then everything went black. Having dealt with the ghoul at the door, she'd though it was safe to check up on the others. The second ghoul took her by surprise.
She heard a soft scuffle and the red dots disappeared. Groaning she tried to sit up again, probing the darkness. When she turned her head she bit back a scream. The red dots were closer now and she cringed inwardly when she heard a soft growl. As she watched, the twin dots came closer and closer until she could feel the warm breath on her cheek. The growl grew deeper and she closed her eyes tightly.
< Mother, where are you?> she screamed inwardly.
Suddenly the door slammed open and a ray of light fell onto her. The vampire hissed in anger, but didn't move away from her. She could still feel its hovering presence nearby.
“Ah, I see you two are getting along just fine.” A deep male voice said. Squinting to see the face of the newcomer, Inger became frustrated when all she could see was the outline of the person. She slowly rolled away from the lurking vampire and grunted when she fell onto a hard surface. She realized that she must've been lying on an elevated surface and that the rolling action had tossed her over the edge.
The newcomer laughed as Inger struggled to her feet. Just as soon as she'd come to her feet, two cold hands clamped onto her upper arms and she was dragged backwards into the shadows. She stiffened when she heard the vampire's ragged breath from behind her.
“I know you are very thirsty, but the Master wants to see her first. In her human form, that is.”
She heard a light switch being flicked and the room filled with light. It was empty except for the concrete slab in the centre of the room. She was still held tightly against the vampire, making it impossible for her to move. Inger's gaze hardened when her eyes fell on the man. Toro! He fitted Marsha's description to the letter - the gleaming bald head and the heavy muscles. She felt the vampire's hold tightened and bit back a scream at the piercing pain of the creature's sharp nails. She wasn't going to give them the satisfaction of seeing her fear and pain. Renegades thrive on pain and would think nothing of it toying with her to exert more pain before they killed her.
“You heard what I said. Lord Mercredi wants to see the human. Now! ” The man's voice cracked like a whip in the empty room, but he kept his distance. “You are only to feed when he says so.”
“Then come get her.” The vampire taunted and Inger was shocked by the lilting feminine sound of the voice. “Or better yet, tell Mercredi to come and get her himself.”
The man hesitated before taking a cautious step forward.
“Mercredi was simply testing your resolve when he asked that she be thrown in here with you. He knew that even with the thirst upon you, you wouldn't take the life of a human. Or so we thought.” He laughed softly. “I interrupted you just in time it seems.” He took another step closer, but came to an abrupt halt when the vampiress growled softly.
“Would you like to take her place? Knowing Mercredi, he would revel in taking her life himself.” The voice sounded calm, but Inger could hear the dark undertone of malice. She wished she could see the vampiress face. Could they be one and the same? Genevieve. The woman who's name brought a deep sadness to Pierre eyes and those who knew her.
“The girl is very important to him and that's why you should let her go.”
The vampiress bent her head and combined with the warm breath in her neck, Inger felt the faint scraping of fangs on her skin. Her heartbeat accelerated and she felt the vampire stiffen against her back. With their greatly enhanced hearing she was sure that the vampiress could hear the blood coursing through her veins. Inger closed her eyes anticipating the bite.
“I wouldn't do that if I were you, my dear,” a deep, ominous-sounding voice said and Inger pried her eyes open.
Standing a few feet from them was a hideous-looking creature with deep-set red eyes. Dressed in a long black hooded-cloak, the only part of him that was visible was his face which was disfigured by thick welts of tough grayish-looking skin. The vampiress slowly lifted her head and chuckled.
“Oh, you came. I could smell your approach a mile away, Mercredi. Did I ever tell you that you stink like hell?”
Inger felt reluctant admiration for the vampiress, who didn't show fear in face of this creature.
“I do not have time for childish bickering now. Hand me the girl and I will send you someone else to quench your thirst.”
“No. This one will do just fine.”
The beady red eyes began to smolder and Inger could feel the waves of menace coming from the creature. “She is extremely important to our cause, Genevieve.” He lifted his claw. “Let her go.”
Inwardly Inger sighed in relief at the confirmation of who her captor was. She wasn't in completely safe hands, since she didn't know Genevieve herself, but she was in the hands of somebody her mother and the others trusted.
“I take it you mean ‘she's important to your cause' not mine.”
The renegade leader stepped closer and Inger had to mentally stop her herself from gagging when she caught a whiff of the creature's odor. Och, but he smells bad. She can't remember if his son smelt this groovy too.
“She's the daughter of the Vampire Queen and the mate of the Assassin. They are sure to start looking for her soon.”
Inger couldn't see Genevieve's reaction to the news, but she felt the vampiress' body stiffen again. She felt the bruising grip loosen. She was turned around slowly and found herself staring into the greenest eyes she had ever seen. They looked back into hers with gentle curiosity.
Inger hesitated for a second before she allowed her eyes to travel over the face of the woman. She was absolutely breathtaking. Rich, shoulder length auburn locks framed a classically-sculptured oval face, which was enhanced by a well-proportioned nose and a wide mouth. She obviously laughed a lot – or rather – used to laugh a lot. They were about the same height, but being a vampire Genevieve's dangerous and mysterious aura made her seem even taller.
“But you're just a baby. I must have a word with that cradle-snatching Paloma,” Genevieve said suddenly, her green eyes studying her intensely. “Yet you have spunk, just like my own daughter.” The green eyes lifted and focused on the creature which was standing behind her and Inger was shocked at the cold murderous look that came into the green eyes. “This child is under the protection of the most powerful vampires on the planet. Before the sun rises this morning, you and your black heart will be languishing in hell – where you and your kind belong.” She looked down into Inger's eyes. “I am not leaving her alone with you. You take me with her or she stays here with me.”
Centuries of decadent living has taken its toll on the renegade leader it seems. When he tried to use preternatural speed to snatch her from Genevieve's grasp, he was still too slow for the Royal vampiress. She simply pulled Inger with her as she side-stepped Mercredi's attempt. If he had tried his speed against a human, he would've been successful, but Mercredi wasn't aware that for all her gentleness, Genevieve too once trained under Tahlia and Paloma. More for self-defense purposes than for battles. The beady little eyes of Mercredi hardened and he turned towards Toro.
“Subdue her and bring the girl to me.”
Toro nodded and followed Mercredi out of the room. Once they were alone, Inger turned to the vampiress and found the green eyes focused on her. There was a disconcerting expression on her face.