BOOK FOUR in THE GUARDIAN'S SERIES
Book One: A Guardian's Touch, Book Two: A Guardian's Love, Book Three: A Guardian's Passion
Disclaimer See Part 1
Feedback: Constructive criticism is greatly appreciated, so feel free to drop a line or two at steinwillard80@gmail.com .
PART 15
Chapter 23
Thomas Bauer shivered under the unblinking stare of the vampire. It was at times like these that he didn't give a damn about the expensive cars and fast woman that the money he made bought him. He just prayed that he would survive this meeting – alive.
She'd wanted complete assurance that the Royal had gone rogue and he'd brought her the information. Hopefully this would be the last time he had to deal with her. He watched the vampire as she studied him over the rim of her goblet. He shuddered when she lowered the glass and he saw the thick red stain on her lips. Blood! He felt his heart constrict and averted his eyes.
Soft, taunting laughter filled the quiet room and he quickly looked up, only to take a hasty step backwards. Mary was standing a few feet away from him, her eyes glowing with an unholy light in her hard face.
“This is the second time you bring me this same piece of information, human . Doesn't it strike you as strange that that is all you are privy to?”
Puzzled, he shook his head.
“I…I don't understand,” he stumbled nervously, scared stiff of the cold woman standing in front of him. What was different this time? Usually she would just stand across the room from him and listened to whatever information he had to give her and then she'd dismissed him. She was acting totally out of character tonight.
Mary took a slow step forward, her whole appearance menacing all of a sudden.
“Hasn't it crossed your pea-brain that they are onto you and are feeding you fabricated information?”
Thomas's heart skipped a beat. Oh hell, he had never thought about it. Wolfgang was a reliable source and was well-respected by his colleagues. It was impossible to think that they would suspect him. Or…were they too lax, perhaps. Was the agency onto them all along and only using them to flush out Mary? He shuddered at the thought. Mary was not going to like it if the latter was the case.
Mary snorted and slowly started to circle him. He could smell her power, her evil. He felt her hand on his shoulder and with a yelp he jumped away from her. When he turned to face the vampiress, he felt a slow stream of wetness trickle down his pants. Gone was the woman and in her stead was a very angry, hungry predator. Mary's skin was pulled tight around her face and it was dreadfully pale. But it was her eyes, which held him spellbound. They blazed deep red as they stared unblinking at him.
“You have played right into their hands, you idiots”, she spat at him. Her hand snaked out and she dragged him to her. “For that you will pay with your life, human.”
She slammed her fangs deep into his jugular, prompting another stream of urine staining his Armani dress pants.
The pain was unbearable, but Thomas took a few desperate seconds to think about his expensive sports car parked in a shadowy part of the castle grounds, his million dollar penthouse apartment and the gorgeous young model he was supposed to have dinner with later. With a soft sigh of regret, he gave in to terror and eventually death.
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Mary tossed the lifeless body away from her and threw her head back; enjoying the way the thick warm liquid trickled down her throat. At least the human was good for something. His adrenaline-filled blood was just what she'd needed. Without turning to Geoff she spoke.
“Get the men ready for war. As soon as Clarissa gets here send her to me.”
She glanced at the body of the human. Yes, he too suspected the Royals were thinking of launching an attack. She stood still as the man's life played off in her head. He was driven by greed and had made countless enemies to achieve his life's dream of living the high life. He did manage to obtain it all, but still greed drove him to want more.
She grimaced. Funny, but he reminded her of herself. Her human life almost ran parallel with his. She'd also wanted the biggest castle, the fanciest clothes and of course the power a title brought with it. She was aiming to be a Duchess, but just as it was within her reach, Tristan re-entered her life and made her a much better offer. She never regretted the choice she'd made then. She didn't need a title. She was the last surviving member of the Supreme Renegade Council. She was a goddess to her followers. If only she could get Clarissa to join the ranks. She was created by Tristan and had a responsibility to ensure the continued existence of the Renegade Council and the race.
The door opened behind her and she turned slowly. Her face split into a wide smile.
“I have been expecting you.”
“And here I am,” came the cool reply.
Mary calmly studied the woman standing before her. She had changed a lot in the last four years. Gone was the sullen girl she'd taunted mercilessly and in her stead was a very confident woman. A very confident, dangerous woman. She could sense the power oozing from the blonde belying her serene beauty. Whereas Tristan was darkly handsome with a pronounced sinister air about him, his sister was lighter in complexion and with a gentleness that had made her envy her the moment she'd laid eyes on her four hundred years ago. But now just below that trademark serenity of the noble woman, a dangerous energy pulsed which made Mary a little nervous, but excited her too.
She had never made a secret of the fact that she enjoyed female company just as much as she did the opposite sex. Clarissa had always posed a challenge for her. Her beautiful calm exterior had aroused Mary in the past to the point where she'd been tormented by sexual dreams of the woman. But then she was just a fledgling, a means to an end for Tristan. The woman who stood before her at this very moment was extremely alluring. The dark brown eyes were sharp and held a slight disdain as they looked back at her. If she succeeded tonight in convincing Clarissa to join the Council, then she was sure that it wouldn't take long before she could lure the tall striking creature to her bed.
Immediately donning a seductive air, Mary turned away from Clarissa and walked over to a small table in the corner of the room. She made sure to put an extra swing in her hips, counting on the other vampiress noticing how nicely the leather pants hugged her firm behind.
“Would you like anything to drink?” Mary asked over her shoulder, her fangs lengthening at the enticing smell of fresh blood as she sloshed a healthy amount in her goblet.
“No, but thank you.”
Mary chuckled softly. “Why so formal, Clarissa? It's not as if we don't know each other, my dear.” She turned to face her quest , her blue eyes roving hungrily over the tall blonde. What more could she ask for, she thought. Fresh blood and the company of a gorgeous woman. Her spirit deflated a bit when she saw the dark eyes hardening.
“We don't. You were my captor and I your captive.” Clarissa's eyes narrowed slightly. “Why have you summoned me, Mary?”
Disappointed that she had to drop her topic, Mary took a sip from her drink.
“I have a proposition for you.”
The brown eyes didn't change expression.
“I'm listening.”
Mary walked over to the high back chair that served as her throne and seated herself carefully. She placed the goblet on the wide arm rest and fixed her gaze on the tall vampire. There was no need to beat around the bush.
“Join me as leader of the renegades. We will share power and responsibilities equally.”
She saw the slight tightening around Clarissa's eyes and smiled faintly. Ah, finally an honest emotion for the guarded woman. The blonde's unshakable countenance had seriously unnerved her more than she cared to admit. But now she had a sliver of hope. It was obvious that Clarissa had not expected her offer.
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Clarissa was stunned. She'd expected anything but this. She'd expected Mary to want her to join her fight against the Royals since she had valuable information about the inner-workings of the Clan. But to rule with her?! Mary was too self-absorbed to want to share power, or so she thought. But then the renegade princess was as shrewd as she was cruel. Why else would she approach her specifically with this offer? Was it perhaps her plan all along to corrupt her by making her kill all those servants while in captivity? What was she missing? No need to make assumptions. Why not just ask her?
“Why do you think I would consider joining forces with you?” She studied the vampiress closely so as not to miss anything. Hopefully what Mary didn't say verbally could still be projected physically .
Mary laughed softly and reached for her goblet again. Against her will her fangs protruded at the tempting smell waving from the glass. She had fed earlier, but not enough to still the craving, rather just enough to take the edge off for in case she had to engage in battle. Being sated would have made her sluggish and that was dangerous especially with her not knowing whether she was walking into a trap or not. She forcibly retracted her fangs and clenched her stomach to ease her rising Hunger.
“Why not, indeed?” Mary carefully crossed her legs and cocked her head to one side as she studied her. “You owe your life to us, Clarissa. Had Tristan not intervened, you would not possess the power and opportunity you are enjoying now.” She smiled thinly. “Since you are looking at starting your own faction, why not join one that's already well-established? As ruler of the renegades you will have millions under your command.”
At the mention of Tristan's name, Clarissa had felt an all-consuming rage fill her being.
<Take it easy, Clarissa.>
The soft warning reminded her that she wasn't alone. Just a few steps behind her she could sense Jonas's cloaked presence. Since joining them, Clarissa had found out the hard way that the Royals can walk amongst their own without being seen if they wished it so. Mary seemed to be completely oblivious to the presence of the dangerous Clan Royal. Jonas's soft warning made her push her anger to the deepest darkest pit of her psyche. With a dark chuckle she pierced the renegade leader with a steely glare.
“I helped to destroy Tristan. That should say something about my feelings for him, don't you think.”
Mary didn't even blink at the information, but Clarissa could sense a slight tension in her body. So, that tidbit of information was new to her.
“Well, what can I say? The fact that we share blood with our siblings doesn't always mean that we have to like each other.” Mary emptied her goblet and with painstaking slowness turned the stem of the glass in her hand until it was upside down. The last remaining drops of blood hit the floor softly. With her enhanced hearing Clarissa could hear the soft splat each of them made, a sound that kept her entranced for a spell.
<Concentrate, warrior. She is deliberately trying to distract you.>
Feeling like an amateur, Clarissa cussed softly under her breath and slowly lifted her gaze back to Mary. She was surprised to find the renegade suddenly standing a few feet away from her. She managed to keep her surprise hidden behind an unreadable mask.
“I am sorry but I will have to decline your offer. If your only interest in me is because of my bond with Tristan, then no, I am not interested.” She watched Mary closely. The vampiress was angry, the slight tightening around her mouth the only sign of her inner turmoil.
“I never thought you to be vain, Clarissa. If you are fishing for compliments, then just say so.” She took another step closer, subtly trying to intimidate. “You are an excellent fighter. Having trained under one of the best hunters I didn't expect anything less from you.” She took yet another step closer and this time Clarissa was unnerved by the sudden change in the woman's eyes. “You are also a very beautiful woman. The time away has turned you into an alluring creature. One, I have great appreciation for.”
If she wasn't so shocked by Mary's revelation, Clarissa would've burst out laughing. Dear heavens, Mary had a thing for her. Now, who would have thought that?
<Why not? I will have you know that the Beydrenoffs have always exhibited great charm.>
Jonas's soft teasing didn't help much in holding back her amusement and a slight smile formed on her lips.
“I'm glad to hear that there are more attributes that have aided in your choice of me.”
Mary stared at her, her blue eyes unblinking. Clarissa was surprised to see raw lust in the cool depths of the renegade's eyes. Good grief, does life have to always throw her curve balls. Just when she thought she'd met the love of her life and her life was just about to take on a more domesticated twist, she found herself being accosted by a murderous Vampiress with a thing for her.
“Well?”
Clarissa's eyes hardened slightly.
“I will have to think about it.”
“What is there to think of, Clarissa?” Mary murmured softly, her eyes darkening the longer she looked at her. “We would make a good team. Under our leadership the race will prosper. The Royals will not stand a chance.”
“The Royals must be suspicious by now. I first need to find out exactly how much they know. Contrary to what you believe, they are dangerous and will make crafty enemies.”
Mary's eyes held hers captive for a long while, before she nodded slowly.
“Until tomorrow. I want to know your answer by tomorrow or the offer expires.”
Clarissa nodded and turned to leave when Mary called her back.
“Clarissa.”
Turning slowly, she fixed her gaze on the smirking renegade leader.
“Just so you know, rumors are rife about you and a certain photographer . I hope you are not too attached to her …yet.”
Grinning lecherously, Clarissa bowed deeply.
“There is not much difference between one human female and another, Mary. They are all the same in the dark, believe me.”
She left quickly without looking back, her back straight and her gait relaxed. Inside however, she was fuming. Just you try and lay a finger on Jess and I will rip your head clean off, she promised silently.
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Mary dipped her finger in the goblet and sensuously sucked on the digit. The door opened again and she turned to face the newcomer.
“We are ready.” Geoff stood straight as he faced her, but she could detect a whiff of fear on him.
“Why, Geoff , if I didn't know better I would say that you were a bit anxious,” she drawled, showing her fangs as she threw her head back in laughter.
Geoff squirmed a little as he looked at Mary. He had been her most loyal servant for the past four centuries and there were not too many times that he'd regretted being on her side. Tonight however, he did. Because he somehow knew that tonight was the end for him and many others. Mary had declared war against the Royals and that meant certain death for them.
Mary was looking at him intently over the rim of the goblet.
“Our enemy is dangerous and powerful, Princess, and I don't underestimate them.”
Mary nodded and emptying the goblet she threw it to the ground. Yes, Geoff was right. The Royals were not to be taken too lightly. One Royal alone could cause massive damage to a battalion of soldiers. What's to say of four of them? She walked over to her long table and slowly started to put on her armor. Fully armed, she turned to Geoff .
“Let's not be bad hosts. I believe our guests are expecting us.”
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Clarissa walked quietly between the two guards escorting her to the door, but she was alert as her eyes swept the long dark corridor. She didn't trust Mary at all. They were a few paces from the door when she detected a soft shift in the air.
<Jonas…?>
<Yes, I've felt it too. I believe Mary never intended for us to leave here alive.>
<I believe she has guards stationed outside the door. What do you think should we do now?>
<We overpower the two guards and call in the Calvary.>
He suddenly appeared right next to her, taking the two guards by surprise. Before they could react to his presence, Jonas's sword flashed and they both lay dead on the floor. The sound of running footsteps sounded and about fifty guards filled the corridor, their swords drawn.
<We will have to deal with these ones. Tahlia and the others will take care of the ones outside.>
Unsheathing her sword, Clarissa approached the group of guards. Her eyes were slits of ice as she studied them closely. It was time for her to redeem herself and avenge the deaths of all the innocents who had perished by Mary's command.
The first row attacked and with a cold smile on her face she met them halfway. With a quick flick of her sword, she killed one guard, opening a slight gap for her to penetrate their formation. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Jonas slashing his way through a group of seven guards, aiming to reach the ones waiting nervously a few feet away. For a few minutes she reveled in his graceful, but lethal movements as he glided through the enemy fighters.
She returned her attention to the fight at hand and noticed that she was surrounded by a bigger group. Taking a tricky side-step she drew four guards with her and felled them with a few quick slashes. The others took a quick step back, startled by the ease with which she'd taken out four of their own. Taking advantage of their momentary lapse in concentration, she quickly stepped forward, engaging four more guards on her right, while enticing the others with the sight of her seemingly unguarded back. As soon as she felt a group attacking her back, she lithely stepped aside, watching as the two groups ran into each other, swords cutting through armor. Eight guards lay dead at her feet.
Doing a quick count, Clarissa grinned when she realized that they had made a big dent in the enemy numbers, thanks to Jonas. She lifted her sword again and slowly approached the heavily armed group.
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Jessica checked her watch for the umpteenth time. They were all holed up in one of the penthouse suites of the hotel and the warriors had left almost two hours ago. Maybe two hours was not long enough to win a war, but two hours was a long time for her without her lover. She turned to Gabriella and found her already looking at her, an amused smile on her lips.
“You miss her.”
Jessica blushed and looked away. It was so weird to sit in the same room, actually on the same couch with Gabriella and crave the presence of another woman. She had never thought she would reach this stage in life.
“Are they going to be any longer?”
Gabriella shrugged. “It depends. Usually it doesn't take them very long, but Mary has had enough time to build a strong army. They might be kept busy for a while longer, I think.”
Jessica sighed deeply. Oh, baby…I miss you so. Please hurry back.
<I miss you too, Angel Eyes. See you later.>
She jumped when she heard Clarissa's voice echo in her mind. What the…? Gabriella threw her a questioning glance and she blushed. She had completely forgotten that she could converse with Clarissa mentally. Oh dear…She hope she didn't distract Clarissa while she was engaged in a fight. Suddenly worried, she turned back to Gabriella.
“Have you…Do you sometimes communicate with Trinity while she's engage in a skirmish?”
Gabriella shook her head. “Nope. Don't want to break her concentration. She says she doesn't mind though, but I don't want to take the chance.”
“Oh.” Oops, she better refrain from answering Clarissa then. She forced her attention back to the program they were watching on TV, but knew that her mind was nowhere near the reality program showing.
Genevieve and Jemima both suddenly surged to their feet, startling them all.
“There's somebody at the door.” Genevieve's normally laughing eyes were hard as they stared at the closed door. The two vampires stood silently, their senses exploring the possible threat on the other side of the door. “What do you think, Jemi?”
The blonde vampire slowly walked towards the door. “I don't know. I don't sense any malice from the vampire. Maybe it's just one of the hunters sent over to keep watch outside.”
“But don't you think Tahlia would've alerted us?”
“Mom, what's wrong?” Inger came to stand next to Jemima, her arm slipping around her mother waist. “What's happening outside?”
Jemima smiled gently at her daughter and placed a soft kiss on her forehead.
“There's a vampire outside. But we're not sure if it's one of ours.”
“If it's evil, then it's definitely not one of ours. What do you sense?”
Genevieve and Jemima looked at each other.
“It's not evil.”
“Then why don't we find out what it wants?”
Jemima shook her head.
“I don't want to risk your lives, honey.”
“But that's the only way we will know if this vampire is a friend or an enemy.”
Jemima nodded and turned to Genevieve. “Let's find out.”