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
Acknowledgements: Thank you to everyone who inspired and encouraged me throughout the course of writing Book 4. Some stories write themselves and others need a lot more effort to reach the end. A Guardian's Salvation was only completed thanks to your encouragement and feedback. To all G-series readers out there, guys, thank you for your unwavering support. Until next time...SW.
To my beta and friend, Dan, thank you for your help in straightening out my manic ramblings. Despite a time difference of 6 hours and two oceans between us, we've managed to reach the finishing line. Phew!
Feedback: Constructive criticism is greatly appreciated, so feel free to drop a line or two at steinwillard80@gmail.com .
PART 17
(Conclusion)
Chapter 25
The room was as silent as a tomb as the five vampires stood in the center of it. Clarissa pushed a shaky hand through her hair as she tried over and over to make a mental link with Jessica. Jonas stood next to her, his posture a little stooped. She turned to him and noticed that he looked even paler than before. He was a stubborn man and even though the others had tried to attend to his wounds, he had refused outright. He was adamant that he was not going to rest unless the others were found.
Tahlia broke away from them and slowly inspected the room. Clarissa had known that the woman possessed immense power, but now as she carefully stalked through the room, she could feel the ominous aura which clung to her. Pierre and Paloma broke away too as they meticulously inspected the room, making sure that nothing was missed.
“There is nothing here.”
Clarissa almost jumped when Tahlia spoke behind her. She hadn't even noticed when the woman had entered the lounge area again. She walked over to the door and out into the hallway. Trinity walked over to her, but Tahlia suddenly held up her hand. Her nostrils flared as she inhaled deeply.
“Paloma, Pierre, come tell me what you think of this.”
Everyone stepped out, Paloma and Pierre leading the way. The two Royals delicately sniffed the air before they stepped back, their faces unreadable. Jonas joined them too and after he'd inhaled a few times, he too stood back with a low growl.
“An Eternal. What would an Eternal be doing here? ”
“What is an Eternal?” Trinity enquired softly and Clarissa stood closer too. It was evident that the Master Vampires were incensed by what they had just found. Tahlia turned to them and sighed.
“They are also a part of the Royal Clan, but have been kept apart from us. They are known to roam through Europe, but have never in their 700 years of existence tried to contact us.” She shrugged her broad shoulders, making the air vibrate as powerful ripples bounced off her. “There is no time to explain everything to you now. We first need to track down our visitor.”
She turned on her heel and slowly dissolved as she walked away , not waiting for the others to follow.
*************************************
Jessica was stiff with fear as she watched the old man in the white robes, pouring over two thick volumes, mumbling to himself. The steely eyed warrior was standing in front of the fireplace drinking wine directly from a decanter, having crushed the goblet in her hand earlier. Taking in the scene she couldn't help but find the whole situation funny.
Two days ago she wasn't even aware of the existence of vampires. Now she finds herself hopelessly in love with one, kidnapped by another and staring at a century old Druid priest. Howie would never believe this. Not that she would tell him, though. She sure as hell didn't want to end up on Star News being ridiculed as an eccentric fool.
She felt a soft hand on her shoulder and almost jumped out of her skin. Jemima stood next to her, her blue eyes gentle as they looked at her.
“How are you holding up?”
“To be honest…I don't know.” Her voice shook slightly and she felt the hand on her shoulder squeeze lightly.
“Don't worry, we will be okay.” She looked at their two kidnappers and grinned. “I seriously doubt if they mean us any harm. They probably are just trying out an experiment …which will turn deadly, once Tahlia and the others track them down.”
Jessica smiled too. Jemima was right. These two didn't look like they mean them any harm. Although the big vampire was scary-looking with her large muscled frame, it was obvious that she was more a danger to the Druid than to them. Another source of hope was that Jemima firmly believed that Tahlia would come and get them. She remembered the dark vampire's words of welcome earlier this evening and she too felt a sense of immense relief. She had a very dangerous ally.
“Molan, you better hurry up. The Royals are not stupid. They will be here soon.” The dark vampire spoke without turning to face the Druid. “What is taking so long anyway?”
“I need to cross-reference my notes with those of Gellar. Somewhere along the line I think I've missed something. It would seem as if the crystal contained more than one …”
“That is definitely not what I want to hear now, Molan.”
“I know, Leo, but if I want to get this right, I need to make double sure before we…”
“Well hurry up then, before they get here.” Leo snapped impatiently.
“Too late.” An eerily calm voice said suddenly.
Jessica saw both Leo and the Druid turn sharply to locate the owner of the voice. Standing a few feet away with her hands clasped behind her back, was Tahlia. She looked so calm, as her black eyes flitted over them, quickly inspecting them for any injuries. What happened next, made Jessica gasp and reach for Jemima's hand.
There was a sudden blur, almost too quick for the human eye to follow. The next moment, Tahlia was standing right in the middle of the room, the big vampire, hoisted high in the air. With her eyes blazing blood-red, Tahlia hurled the Eternal against the opposite wall.
“Oh my…” Jessica gasped in shock. Leo was as tall as Tahlia and clearly outweighed her by a few pounds but here she was being tossed around as if she weighed nothing more than a feather. Leo was still sliding down the wall when Tahlia was standing over her, grabbing her by the scruff of her neck and once again flung her across the room.
“I don't know what you were thinking coming near my family, Leo.” Tahlia's voice was so calm, it actually sounded eerie. “They are under my protection and…” She reached for Leo again. “…still you dared to lay your hands on them.” Her hand curled around the Eternal's neck as she lifted her by it. “Free my family, Molan, or I will snap you in two with my bare hands.”
Jessica saw Leo's eyes beginning to pop out and she quickly looked at Jemima. The blonde vampire was coldly watching the one-sided encounter.
“She will kill her. You need to stop her.”
Paloma suddenly appeared out of nowhere and placed a hand on Tahlia's arm, her face was somber as she studied her friend.
“Let her go, Tahlia. As you can see she's not even trying to fight back.”
“No one threatens my family…no one who doesn't have a death wish.” The words were uttered quietly, making the hair on Jessica's neck stand up straight.
“Please put her down, Tahlia. They didn't harm us in any way and nor were they threatening towards us.” Jemima tested the invisible cage and when she found the spell still in place, she turned cold eyes in Molan's direction. “Unless you want to be next, Druid, I suggest you free us…NOW.”
Jolted out of the stupor he'd been in since Tahlia appeared out of nowhere, Molan quickly reached for his staff and pointed it at Jemima. Freed, Jemima strode over to her wife and put her hand on her arm.
“Let her go, baby, please.” Tahlia growled deep in her throat, frustrated and with the bloodlust upon her. Jemima leaned closer and placed a soft kiss on the bulging bicep of her wife. “She really didn't mean us any harm. Let her go.”
Hissing loudly and with fangs dripping with saliva, she tossed Leo away from her with a flick of her wrist. Jemima cupped Tahlia's face loving with one hand while she wiped the spittle off Tahlia's chin with her other hand.
“Hi there, I've missed my wife. Bring her back,” Jemima implored gently as she gazed deeply into her wife's eyes.
Almost immediately red eyes changed back to black and the edgy atmosphere in the chamber gradually abated. Tahlia just stared at Jemima in silence, prompting Jessica to turn to Gabriella to enquire what was happening.
“They are talking to each other using their mental link.”
Suddenly the room filled with Royals. Certain that Tahlia was not going to have any further outbursts; Paloma rushed over to Inger's side and engulfed her in a fierce embrace. Pierre rushed over to Genevieve, kissing her shamelessly, while both Trinity and Clarissa sought out their respective partners.
The couples slowly made their way out of the chamber, until only Tahlia and Jemima remained. Tahlia turned to look at the Druid, her black gaze unblinking.
“I know what you were trying to do,” This time her voice held a tone of deadliness as she glared at the priest. “Lucky for you both, I seem to have come just in time.” She turned and led Jemima to the door; there she turned around again, her eyes resting on a groggy Leo who was slowly coming to her feet. “Don't you two ever come near my family again. The next time it happens, I doubt that even my wife will be able to restrain me.”
With that parting threat, the Queen took her mate's hand and left the chamber, taking the lingering aura of malice with her.
Molan casted a guarded glance in Leo's direction and stiffened when he found the vampire staring at him, the ice-blue eyes flat. He softly cleared his voice, but still the vampire didn't look away.
“Pack up your things, Molan. From this moment on you are not welcome in this village again.”
Without a backward glance the warrior left the chamber.
***************************************
Jonas's head snapped up where he was leaning against the wall of the hallway, his dark eyes sharp as they took in his surroundings. There was someone out there watching him. He could feel their eyes on him. Slightly dizzy from blood loss and pain he steadied himself as he straightened his big frame. Tahlia and the others were nearby and he knew that they would come to his rescue instantly if he was in danger.
“Show yourself,” he said coldly and scanned the many pillars in the hallway. There was a slight movement and a petite blonde stepped from behind a pillar a few feet away from him. She bowed deeply.
“It is just me, milord,” came a soft timid voice. The woman straightened and looked directly at him.
Jonas was stunned as he looked at the woman. She was unbelievably beautiful from where he stood and he felt a soft tug at his heart. He was surprised by the affect the woman had on him.
“Why were you hiding over there?” His voice was gruff from pain and he felt the woman's unease as she quickly lowered her head.
“You are injured, milord and I was contemplating whether I should come to your aid.”
Jonas's eyes lingered on the blonde for a few moments before he pushed himself away from the wall.
“Come closer, Eternal.” The woman slowly walked over to where he stood, her gaze still lowered respectfully. “Have you come to a decision then?”
She looked up and Jonas felt his heart jerk when he looked into striking ice blue eyes. They were gentle as they looked back at him.
“I would be honored to offer my assistance, milord, if…if you would allow me.”
Jonas stared at her for a long while and the woman quickly averted her eyes again.
“What reason do I have to trust you?” His voice was soft as his eyes caressed the golden locks which hid the beautiful woman's face.
“I am the official Healer of my people milord, and it distresses me to see anyone in pain.” The blue eyes looked up again fleetingly, before they were averted again.
“What is your name, Healer?”
“Izaura Pompeii, milord.”
Jonas nodded and held out his hand, palm up, to her. “I'm…”
“Lord Jonas Beydrenoff, Prince of the Royal Clan.”
Jonas felt an unusual feeling spread through him at the knowledge that the woman knew his name. She quickly stepped forward and took his hand. Jonas watched as she gently turned his hand and brushed a soft kiss over his bruised knuckles. At the touch of her soft lips on his skin, he felt a strong current run through his body.
“I actually extended my hand so you could lead me to wherever it is you take your patients, Izaura.” She lifted surprised eyes to him and Jonas smiled warmly. “But I greatly appreciated the kiss. You surely are a great healer since the pain in my hand has lessened considerably.”
He was charmed by the shy smile that formed on the Healer's lips. Her grip on his hand tightened as she stepped closer.
“If milord will follow me, please.”
They slowly walked down the hallway, Jonas's hulking frame unconsciously protective as he followed the petite Healer.
Soundlessly, two figures suddenly appeared in the hallway, their eyes following the departing figures.
“What do you make of this, my love?”
Tahlia's gaze was pensive as it followed Jonas and the Healer.
“There is an age-old prophecy about the blending of the two Races. I'm not sure if we are witnessing the realization of that prophecy.”
Jemima stepped closer to her wife and wrapped an arm around her waist.
“I am happy for Jonas. He has been alone for too long.”
Tahlia turned and looked down into Jemima's eyes, her black eyes blazing with love.
“Me too. It is time he finds the same love Pierre and I have.” She placed a soft kiss on Jemima's lips. “Let's go home now, my love. Pierre and Genevieve will keep an eye on Jonas for the time being.”
**********************************
EPILOGUE
A few hours later…
Clarissa grunted softly as she thrust into the warm depths of a writhing Jessica. They were both very close to climax. Clarissa quickened her pace as she rode Jessica's thigh, the exquisite friction setting off a warm glow in the pit of her stomach. She lifted her head and looked down into the smoky gaze of her lover. Jessica was whimpering softly, her hand clutching the strong forearm of Clarissa as it thrust relentlessly between spread legs.
“I claim you as mine, Jessica Milroy. For as long as I exist no other will ever lay claim to me, but you. I humbly offer you my body as a sign of my love and as a shield to protect you from harm. I offer you my heart and soul as sign of my eternal love for you on this earth and beyond.” She placed a passionate kiss on Jessica's gasping lips. “I love you with everything I am, Jessica. Do you accept me?”
Jessica nodded slowly; unshed tears making her eyes glitter in the candlelight.
“I… accept you, Clarissa Vermont, as my one and…and only love. I love you with my whole heart and I will always place your needs before mine. I offer you my protection from whoever wants to come between us and our love. I will support your choices and help you fulfill your goals. I will stand by you in difficult times and I will celebrate with you in times of joy.” Jessica pulled Clarissa's head down for a deep kiss. “Do you accept me, my heart?”
A brilliant smile came over Clarissa's face. “I do, my love.” She captured Jessica's lips in such a tender kiss that Jessica felt like crying. Clarissa slowly pulled her fingers out of Jessica's sex only to find Jessica closing her thighs, capturing Clarissa's hand in a strong grip. The grey eyes were pleading as they looked up in smoldering brown eyes.
“Please…I don't want you to stop.”
Clarissa nodded and slowly began to thrusts into Jessica again. Overcome by ecstasy, Jessica threw her head back as she softly panted Clarissa's name. She screamed out in pleasure when the rough pad of Clarissa's thumb brushed over her swollen clit.
“Come with me, baby. I'm only waiting for you,” she whispered softly to her lover and felt Clarissa increase her thrusts as she rode her thigh. Clenching her jaw, Jessica closed her eyes to block out the erotic sight of Clarissa bucking wildly above her; instead she listened to the soft grunts escaping Clarissa's lips. Just when she thought she couldn't hold back any longer, she felt a deep shudder run through Clarissa's body.
“I'm almost …oh…I'm…I'm coming…”
Together they tumbled over the edge as they strained against each other, loud cries filling the chamber as they breathlessly rode out their climax. Just when they both thought the wave had passed, another powerful orgasm tore through them both. It was so intense that they bucked wildly against each other, their eyes closed tightly as if blinded by the excruciating ecstasy ravaging their bodies. They were left in a boneless heap in the wake of the orgasm, their bodies shivering uncontrollably.
After a long while Clarissa lifted herself off Jessica and rolled over onto her back.
“That was unbelievable,” she gasped, her voice still a little shaky. When there was no comment coming from Jessica, she turned her head to look at her lover. Alarmed, she quickly sat up.
Jessica had the strangest look on her face as she lay there staring at the ceiling. Her arms were cradling her stomach in an almost protective way.
“What is wrong, my love?” Her voice was desperate as she leaned forward to cradle Jessica's face in her palms. Her eyes moved frantically over Jessica's face. “Come on , my angel, talk to me, please.”
The grey eyes were glittering with unshed tears as they met her frantic ones.
“I feel…different, Rissa,” she murmured softly and a little distractedly.
Clarissa was shaking now, her hands moving erratically over Jessica's naked frame.
“Are you in pain? Oh, sweet heavens, did I hurt you? Did I?”
Jessica shook her head as if in a daze.
“No, you didn't hurt me.”
“Then what is wrong, Jessica?” Her voice sounded hollow from fear.
Jessica's eyes suddenly cleared as she lifted a shaky hand to Clarissa's cheek.
“Rissa, I…I…think…”
**********************************
Paloma's silver eyes were dark with concern as they looked down into Inger's flustered face. They had just finished making love when Inger had suddenly started acting strange. She gently gathered her naked lover in her arms and walked over to the opposite side of the chamber which Inger had set-up as a small lounge complete with a long couch and a TV set.
She sat down on the couch with Inger on her lap. With gentle fingers she turned Inger to face her and shuddered when she saw the same dazed look of the past few minutes in her eyes.
“What is wrong, Inger. Tell me,” she pleaded softly. Her heart was hammering loudly in her own ears. Her fear for Inger had her shaking like a leaf.
“I'm not sure, honey. I…just feel so…so strange all of a sudden.”
Paloma swallowed hard as she looked across the room at the toy she had hastily removed when she noticed there was something wrong with Inger.
“Was…Was I too rough?” she asked softly, guilt making her unable to meet Inger's eyes.
“No…never.” This time it was Inger who turned Paloma's face so she could look into her eyes and Paloma was relieved to see the blue eyes were clear now. “You would never hurt me in that way, Vampire.”
“Talk to me then, Inger. What happened?”
Inger's dark head lifted, her sapphire gaze meeting the quicksilver ones of her anxious wife. With that one gaze she opened her heart and mind, allowing Paloma to see right through her. Paloma gulped at what she saw there, her eyes narrowing dangerously.
************************************
“Please, calm down, Trinity.” Gabriella said softly as she watched her partner frantically trying to get dressed. “I told you it's nothing serious. It may just be a result of …”
“…our lovemaking. You see, I told you it must be that. You only started acting strange after we …you know.”
Gabriella rolled her eyes. Trinity was buttoning up her shirt, skipping a few buttonholes in her haste. Gabriella bit her lower lip to keep herself from bursting out with laughter as her usually stoic partner stood before her looking completely disheveled, but very cute.
“Come over here , sweetheart.” She patted the space on the bed next to her. “I want to talk to you.”
Trinity looked like she was going to cry any moment as she stared back at her.
“Nooooo,” Trinity wailed. “You need to get dressed so I can take you to a hospital.”
Gabriella shook her head, a look of pure frustration on her face. Why was the woman so stubborn? She gave Trinity a stern look.
“Now you listen here, Slayer, if you ever want to have sex with me again, you better get your butt over here now. I said I wanted to talk to you.” This time she had to look away out of fear that she was going to break down and laugh at the look of absolute horror on Trinity's face at the ultimatum. But it worked. Trinity quickly made her way over to the bed and sat down, her emerald gaze raking over her body like an x-ray.
“What did you want to talk about?” she asked carefully.
“I'm not entirely sure what happened, but I think…”
*********************************
Still shaking from the massive orgasm, Jemima pushed her hand between their bodies. The sweat which they had worked up during their energetic session eased her way. She closed her eyes when her hand came to rest on her flat tummy. What had just happened? She felt Tahlia stir and quickly threw her other arm over her wife, not ready yet to lose the skin on skin contact she so much enjoyed.
“Are you okay, my love?” came the soft inquiry and Jemima nodded.
“Yes, I'm fine.”
“Liar,” Tahlia purred softly in her ear. “You forget that you can't keep anything from me.”
Jemima sighed softly and rubbed Tahlia's sweaty back soothingly.
“I don't really know what happened, Tahlia.”
At her confirmation that something was indeed wrong, Tahlia slowly lifted her head from where it was cradled in Jemima's neck. The black eyes studied her intently, before she lifted herself off Jemima, carefully pulling out of her wife. She quickly divested herself of the harness and placed it on the bed next to her. She leaned back into Jemima's arms, her eyes sharp as they probed her wife's eyes.
Tahlia suddenly growled deep in her throat, startling Jemima. She flung herself from the bed, her long, naked frame coming to a halt on all fours in the centre of the chamber. She slowly straightened up, her eyes sparkling with fury.
“What did you see, baby? What is happ…Oh, my…” Jemima got off the bed, her hands splayed over her abdomen.
“Tahlia…?” There was an anxious note in her voice. “Am I…”
“Pregnant? I'm afraid so.” The black eyes were stormy.
Jemima shook her head in disbelief, her hand still stroking her tummy. “But I'm a vampire, I can't be pregnant.”
Tahlia walked over to Jemima and took her in her arms.
“It will be okay, my love. I will sort this out very soon, I promise.”
Jemima looked into Tahlia's dark eyes and watched them softening the longer she looked into them. Jemima felt her anxiety dissipate slowly. Tahlia brushed her lips gently over hers, before she swung Jemima into her arms and carried her back to the bed. There they cuddled together, each caught up in their own thoughts.
Jemima's thoughts were cluttered, filled with both trepidation and anticipation. Tahlia's were filled with murderous intent.
*****************************************
There was loud knock on the door and irritated by the interruption, Leo threw the door open, a goblet in her hand. Her eyes narrowed with rage when they fell on her visitor.
“I thought I told…”
Molan held a glowing crystal ball out to her, his eyes bright with child-like excitement.
“It worked,” he exclaimed. “We did it.”
Leo stepped closer, looking from the crystal ball to Molan and back again.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, I am sure. We have fulfilled the prophecy, warrior.”
A small smile tugged on Leo's lips. They did it. The smile broadened. They did it and she wasn't killed in the process.
She slapped Molan on the back.
“Congratulations, Molan. Do not leave the village.”
Molan frowned, slightly miffed at the warrior's gall.
“You change your mind fast, warrior. Am I to assume that I am back in your good graces, Prime?”
Leo smiled faintly.
“No. I just want you to be here when the Queen returns. Believe me, she will be back.” With that Leo stepped back into her room and slammed the door shut behind her.
Molan swallowed hard as he looked at the closed door. Yes, she will definitely be back. A shiver ran down his spine as he recalled the black unblinking stare of the Vampire Queen. Better to start preparing for her arrival now.