June 2008
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 if greatly appreciated, so feel free to drop a line or two at steinwillard80@gmail.com .
PART FOUR
Chapter 10
James answered the door in his pajamas and frowned when Jemima walked straight into his arms.
“I am scared, Daddy.”
James pushed the door closed behind her and led her over to the bed.
“I know, sweetheart,” He planted a gentle kiss on her crown. “Tahlia will take care of us, just like she's been doing for the past twenty two years. We are safe here.”
Jemima lifted her head to look into her father's blue eyes.
“She's a vampire.”
James grinned. “And a very dangerous one too, my child.”
Jemima snuggled deeper into her father's arms.
“What do you think will happen to us if she's killed in battle tonight?”
James pulled back to look into his daughter's eyes.
“What makes you think of that now? Tahlia is not in danger, is she?”
Jemima nodded. “I think she must be hurt. I … I kinda felt it earlier.”
“Is it bad?” James' voice reflected his concern. “Maybe we should go to her.”
“I don't know the extent of her injuries, but I doubt she'd want us to go out at night without an escort.” Jemima hid her face against her father's shoulder. “Can't we just leave? Sell the house and move far away from here? Move somewhere where there are no vampires or any creatures for that matter?”
James tightened his embrace. “I know, sweetheart, but our only hope at survival is to stick with Tahlia. I anyway doubt if she would want to be separated from you. She will never allow anything to happen to you.”
Frowning Jemima pushed out of her father's embrace. “Why me?”
James shrugged. “I don't know. I did ask her once, but she only told me that one day she will disclose the real reason. That was on the day you were born.”
“Tahlia was there when I was born?” Jemima asked incredulously.
“Maybe even before that. I can almost swear that I have sensed her around while you were still in your mother's womb.”
Until this moment she was still hoping that she would wake up and find she was dreaming it all, but if Tahlia was present at her birth and even before that, then she was not dreaming. If she was human, Tahlia should be pushing fifty, around the same age as her father. James walked over to the door.
“Let me go tuck you in. I will wait until you are asleep before I leave you.”
**********************
The air exploded out of her lungs at the piercing contact of the arrow. When she lifted her hand to the area of impact, it came away stained with blood. The burning sensation following the cold steely pain in her chest was an indication that the arrow was made out of silver. The metal was extremely toxic to the younger ones of her kind in many cases resulting in a slow painful death, but for someone with her power, the silver was very painful, but not as deadly. It also makes her bleed like a stuck pig, she thought with disgust.
Carefully scanning the interior, she spotted seven renegades hiding in various spots in the warehouse. They must've been posted there as a guarantee to make sure that if the fire didn't kill them that they should step in and do the job.
The moment the arrow had struck her, the hunters had stepped in front of her to avoid anymore arrows finding their target. The pain was paralyzing, but Tahlia knew that if she was to find serenity later, she'd have to get rid of the frustration and anger inside of her. She slowly came to her feet and after steadying herself for a few seconds, she exploded into action.
The first victim was the one who'd shot her. Hidden behind a pile of crates, the renegade hadn't seen her coming. When she materialized in front of him, he was too stunned to find her bending over him, eyes glowing blood-red and sharp fangs glinting. Not able to lift the crossbow in time, he died with a horrified expression on his face, his decapitated head flying through the air to land with a thud against the other side of the wall behind him.
The second renegade started shooting off a salvo of arrows into the space where he'd last seen Tahlia. The crossbow was slapped out of his hands and sharp fangs tore into his jugular. When he tried to push out of the deadly embrace, he found that the hands that held him didn't budge. At the same time he felt his life force leaving his body fast. He was being drained at an alarming pace, almost as if he was being bitten by two ravenous vampires at once.
With the blood of the renegade pulsing though her veins, Tahlia turned glowing eyes towards the hunters, her lips and chin stained with blood. Slightly ashamed of herself, she wiped herself clean. The brutality of the two kills had even sickened her and she wasn't sure that she was up to killing the five renegades that were left. The last one had pumped two more arrows into her, before she could dissolve. When the hunters took over, she went to support herself against the wall. Thick warm blood was oozing out of the deep wounds in her chest where the arrows were lodged. Juan appeared in front of her, his dark eyes cold.
“Why didn't you call for me?”
Slowly pushing herself away from the wall, she groaned softly.
“I'm not a fledgling, Juan. I have ancient blood coursing through my veins. These wounds are not mortal.”
“But if we come under attack now, you would be in a disadvantaged position, my Queen. Let me get you out here.” He wrapped his arms around her and together they transported back to the safe house.
^^^^^^
The minute her door clicked shut behind her father, Jemima slowly opened her eyes. Knowing that her father must be tired too after the events of the night, she had felt guilty for keep him up and had feigned sleep. But she had underestimated him. He had stayed a while longer after she'd ‘fallen' asleep, probably scared that she might wake up after a while and find herself alone in the big strange bedroom. Her heart softened at the thought. What a great guy!
Swinging her feet off the bed, she padded to the bathroom. The opulence in the bathroom corresponded with what she had seen throughout most parts of the house. She remembered the other vampires and how comfortable they'd all looked in the luxurious setting. They were definitely no strangers to wealth just as she knew that the luxury she'd grown up with was entirely due to Tahlia. As a writer and a successful one at that, not even her father could come up with all that kind of money. The mansions, the holiday homes across the globe, the cars, private schools, you name it. It all came from Tahlia.
Washing her face, exited the bathroom, pulled on her dressing gown and walked to the door.
Looking down the hallway, she found it deserted. Why the hell was she doing this, anyway? She will surely regret this later. Softly closing her bedroom door she rushed down the hallway. On the way she passed a large grandfather clock. 3 a.m. Walking on, she found herself in the foyer. Still nobody. Where was she? For her father's sake she had quietly laid there, feigning sleep, not wanting him to worry. She didn't know how, but she knew something bad had happened to Tahlia. James would've gone crazy knowing that Tahlia was lying hurt somewhere out there and he wasn't doing anything to help her. She walked through to the lounge and pushed open the wide oak door only to wish she hadn't a full second later.
The three vampires, who were with Tahlia when she came to picked them up from home, were standing in the middle of the room. They must've heard her coming a mile away, because they didn't even look surprised at her presence. As intimidating as they appeared, she didn't sense any menace coming from them and she cautiously took a step forward.
“I'm looking for Tahlia.”
The handsome blond vampire took a step closer and she cringed inwardly. With a few long strides he was standing in front of her, dwarfing her. The blue eyes were soft and gentle.
“Tahlia is not available now. Is there anything we can help you with?” He smiled and Jemima felt herself relax a bit. His teeth were a brilliant white without any pointy fangs showing.
“She is hurt and I want to see her, please.”
She saw the faint shock in the blue eyes and the two other vampires stepped closer. Suddenly feeling as if the room was becoming too crowded, she cautiously took a quick step backwards. The blond vampire held up his hand and the other two stopped in their tracks. The soft blue eyes looked down into her eyes.
“You need not fear us, Jemima. We mean you no harm. My name is Pierre ” He turned to face the other vampires; he pointed to one of them. “This is Jonas and that is Juan. Juan is Tahlia's personal guard. Tahlia, Jonas and I are Royal Vampires.”
She nodded nervously. “Nice to meet you all, but I really need to see Tahlia, please.” The longer it takes for them to take her to Tahlia the more worried she became. Was Tahlia's condition worse than what she thought? Or was she … was she dead? No, she would've felt her spirit leaving this world.
The vampire known as Jonas stepped forward slowly so as not to scare her. His serious face softened. “Come with me. I'll take you to her.”
He held out his hand and Jemima reached out a shaking hand. She was shocked to find his hand soft and warm. His touch was not at all repulsive as she'd secretly feared. Instead it was reassuring and gentle.
Together they walked back the same way they'd come. When they came to stand in front of her bedroom, she looked up at Jonas.
“I want to see Tahlia,” she said in a smothered voice. Jonas nodded and pushed open the door and ushered her in. He left the door open, as if he knew it would make her feel cooped in, being locked in her room with a vampire. He walked over to the cupboard and opened the doors wide. When he crouched to enter the cupboard she realized that there was a hidden door inside the cupboard. He turned back to her.
“Follow me. There's little time left before the sun comes up and then you will not be able to speak to her.”
A short flight of stairs led them into a huge dimly lit room. In the centre of the room was a big bed with black satin sheets. The walls of the room were bare, giving it a cold impersonal feel. Jonas pointed to the bed. “I will wait for you outside. Call if you need me.” She heard him leaving and slowly made her way to the bed.
Tahlia was lying there. Alone … and still in her blood-soaked battle gear. The Vampire stirred and slowly sat up, her face was deathly pale but the black eyes were sharp as they studied her. Jemima took a quick step back when she saw a sudden red glow spring to life in Tahlia's eyes.
____________________________________________________________________________
Chapter 11
“What are you doing here, Jemima?” The voice was sharp, but Jemima could detect fear in the husky voice. Fear? Why? Was Tahlia scared that she would think less if her after seeing her in such a vulnerable state? She carefully stepped closer.
“No, don't come any closer.”
Jemima stopped dead in her tracks. This time the husky voice was followed by a deep animal growl. She turned to look at the stairs. Maybe being here is not such as good idea after all. Her bedroom was a short flight of stairs away. When she turned back to look at Tahlia, she saw the intense longing in the black eyes.
“I am badly injured and I don't want you to see all the blood.”
Jemima nodded and carefully took a step forward.
“I was just worried about you. I could sense your pain earlier tonight.” Suddenly unsure off her impulsiveness in seeking out Tahlia, she averted her eyes. “Maybe I should come back when you are better.”
Tahlia sat up straighter and this time Jemima could see the grimace of pain on the beautiful face. A sudden wave of tenderness came over her as she looked at the woman who selflessly had done so much for her and her father. Tahlia had taken care of her father and her and she recalls Tahlia being there every moment of her life when she was in distress. Now was her chance to return the favor, as small as her contribution was. She came to stand next to the bed.
“Let me help you out of your clothes and clean the wounds.”
The black eyes stared back at her, unblinking.
“There is a lot of blood. Are you sure you will be able to do this. I'll understand if you can't, little one.”
She remembered the endearment from her childhood and a familiar warm feeling settled around her heart. “Let me help you … please.”
After staring at her for a few seconds, Tahlia nodded and with shaky hands Jemima began to unbutton the leather breastplate. Tahlia was right. There was a lot of blood seeping out of the puncture wounds in her chest. To a human these wounds would've been fatal.
“Rafina will be here soon to help me, but you can help me get out of my clothes while we wait for her.”
With shaking hands, Jemima took over and finished unlacing the breastplate. She found the breastplate to be quite heavy when she tried to lift to lift it over Tahlia's head. A soft laugh made her turn to Tahlia and she found the black eyes shining with amusement.
“What are you laughing at? I'm trying my best not to hurt you and all you can do is laugh at me,” Jemima said incredulously.
“I just feel as if I'm having a déjà vu .” She took the breastplate in one hand and pulled it over her head and threw it into the corner of the room. “You used to help me out of my armor when I returned from battles and you always had trouble handling it.”
Jemima stood back and looked at Tahlia. “What are you talking about? This is the first time I'm helping you take off the breastplate.” Suddenly alarmed, she lifted a hand and placed it against Tahlia's forehead. “I think you are becoming delirious. I will have to stop the bleeding.” With dismay she looked at the arrows lodged deep within the Vampire's body and biting her under lip, she looked at Tahlia. “I will have to pull them out, but it's going to hurt like hell.”
Tahlia grimaced and nodded. “We don't have a choice. I'm ready when you are.”
Tahlia could've kicked herself for running her mouth. Luckily Jemima thought she was delirious and left the matter there. Whatever she did, she wouldn't want to scare Jemima away. The pain from the injuries has dulled her senses slightly and she was shocked to find her in the room without having sensed her presence beforehand. She was trying to be brave, but Tahlia could smell her fear and still she insisted on helping her. The blonde head was so close to her and the fragrance of her shampoo assailed her senses. She slowly leaned closer and inhaled deeply. The mixture of honey-suckle and fresh blood made her dizzy and she quickly jerked her head away.
“Sorry, did I hurt you?” The blue eyes were overly bright. “I'm trying my best to be gentle, but I'm scared that with dawn approaching we will be pressed for time to clean the wounds. When will Rafina be here?”
“I can sense her coming down the hallway.”
“Good. I would hate to be the one hurting you.”
Tahlia reached for the slender hand which was resting on her shoulder. Jemima had undressed her until she was now only lying there in her bra. She brought the hand to her lips and placed a gentle kiss on the fingertips. When she felt the tremor running through Jemima she let go of the blonde's hand. The black eyes stared into the blue ones and she smiled gently.
“Thank you for being here. Having you here made the pain bearable.”
Footsteps on the stairs made Jemima sat back. A beautiful dark haired woman entered the chamber, carrying a black case. Once she was a little closer, Jemima noticed that the woman was older than she looked close-up. She must be in her forties, but she was carrying her years well. She came to an abrupt stop when she saw Jemima. Her dark eyes widened in shock.
“Rafina, meet Jemima. Jemima and her father are our guests.”
The woman came closer and placed the bag on the bed. She held out her hand to Jemima and smiled; a warm welcoming smile.
Jemima's curiosity was peaked. She just didn't fit in with the rest of the house mates. Was it possible that a vampire could look so human? Almost immediately Rafina turned to Tahlia, her dark eyes inspecting the wounds and the time for niceties was gone. Rafina was all business now.
Without any warning, she tightened her small hand over the protruding arrow and yanked it out. No sound came from Tahlia, but her face had turned paler and tiny beats of sweat had formed on her upper lip. The black eyes had darkened even further, making it look very eerie without the irises showing. Tahlia quickly looked away when she saw the panic in Jemima's eyes.
“This is too much for you, Jemi. You don't have to stay.”
She regretted the words as soon as it left her mouth. It was so wonderful to have Jemima near and she closed her eyes not wanting Jemima to see the regret in her eyes.
“I'm staying, Tahlia,” Jemima said stubbornly and Tahlia felt a warm glow settling around her heart. Oh, beloved, is it possible to love you more than I already do?
Jemima grabbed Tahlia's hand when Rafina reached out for the second arrow. This time a soft groan escaped Tahlia compressed lips and Jemima's hand tightened on hers. That small gesture meant so much to Tahlia, that even with the near-paralyzing pain blazing through her body, she managed a tender smile. When the blue eyes looked into hers, she found them damp with unshed tears. “You don't need to be strong for me, Tahlia. I know you must be in terrible pain and I understand.”
When Rafina pulled out the third arrow, Tahlia's upper body lifted off the bed. Even Rafina looked worried this time, when a thick stream of dark red blood oozed from the gaping wound.
“This one was very deep. I need to stop the bleeding now and then we need to replace what you have lost.”
Rafina quickly spring into action as she tried to stem the stream of blood running down Tahlia's chest onto the bed linen.
Tahlia's face had an unhealthy-looking gray complexion now which combined with her shaking body was worrying Jemima. Rafina quickly rolled up her sleeve and pressed her wrist against Tahlia's lips.
The black eyes snapped open and Tahlia grabbed the slender wrist with both hands. Her pain filled black eyes moved from the pulsing vein in Rafina's wrist to Jemima's wide eyes. The black eyes started to glow red and Tahlia could feel her fangs lengthening. She had lost a lot of blood and her body was screaming for nourishment, but she was holding back, waiting. After a short stand-off, Jemima jumped away and rushed to the stairs.
Sighing deeply, Tahlia sunk her fangs deep into Rafina's wrist. She heard the woman gasp at the sudden pain. Careful not to take too much, she took a few quick sips and closed the wounds with a flick of her tongue and lay back against the pillows with closed eyes.
“Thank you, Rafina, for once again sharing something so precious with me. I will always be indebted with you.”
Rafina rolled her sleeve down and smiled tenderly at Tahlia.
“Don't let my gift be in vain, my Queen. I wish for you to get well soon.” She shook a handful of leaves out of a cotton bag and held it out to Tahlia to add her healing saliva to the leaves, and then she mixed it with a deep rich mud, before applying it to the wounds. With the wounds packed with the balmed and bandaged, she quickly gave Tahlia a sponge bath before and slipped her into a long white nightdress.
Her movements were becoming sluggish and Tahlia knew instinctively that dawn was breaking. Rafina gently helped her off the bed and pulled a lever on the side of the bed which moved the bed, revealing a deep excavation in the ground wide enough to sleep two persons. Rafina stood back and Tahlia took a step forward to stand at the base of the deep excavation. Falling back into the hole, she was suspended in the air and slowly floated into the hole until she was nestled comfortably in the rich earth. With a flick of her hand the hole caved in and the bed moved back over the hidden lair.
____________________________________________________________________________
Chapter 12
The sun was already up when Jemima finally gave in to exhaustion. Since returning from Tahlia room, she hadn't been able to sleep a wink, tormented by the memory of red unholy eyes and glinting fangs. She had cuddled up against the headboard, staring at the cupboard for most of the night as if expecting to see Tahlia striding through there, baying for her blood. Luckily exhaustion crept over her and she couldn't fight sleep anymore.
Her dreams were overrun by vicious blood-thirsty creatures with glowing red eyes and bloodstained fangs. But the images suddenly faded and were quickly replaced by those of a tall woman with tender black eyes. Sighing in her sleep, Jemima snuggled deeper into the fluffy duvet, as a feeling of utter calm engulfing her.
Deep within the earth, Tahlia's eyes fluttered close when she heard the steady heartbeat coming from Jemima's bedroom. The sleep compulsion she'd sent was working. The difficult part still lies ahead. Jemima will understandably be nervy around her after having witness her taking blood from Rafina, but she will deal with that later.
^^^^^^^^
She would've thought the house was deserted if it wasn't for the sounds of Chopin flowing dreamily through the house. Beside her father and herself who else could be in the house except the sleeping vampires? A familiar smell pricked her nose and sniffing deeply she followed the welcoming aroma. Food? In vampire safe house! Unless of course it was just for their benefit. She heard someone move around in what she assume would be the kitchen. No vampire would be awake now, if her knowledge of vampire lore served her right. She was just about to enter the kitchen when Rafina stepped out, carrying a tray. They both came to a sudden stop.
“Jemima, you are up early.” Rafina looked genuinely surprised. “I thought you would sleep in this morning.”
Jemima smiled. “I didn't sleep a wink.” She studied the petite woman closely. “Please don't think me rude for asking, but how do you fit in here. You're obviously not a vampire.”
Rafina smiled and stepped passed Jemima.
“Your father is expecting his breakfast. If you wouldn't mind waiting for me in the kitchen, we could talk some more.”
Jemima nodded. “I'll wait for you.” She had already poured herself a cup of coffee and was admiring the large industrial kitchen when Rafina returned. She came to sit at the table with Jemima after getting herself a cup of coffee. “If all the vampire movies I've seen over the years can be used as reference, vampires don't eat food.”
“You're right.”
“Then why have a fully equipped industrial kitchen in a vampire safe house?”
Rafina laughed softly, her dark eyes twinkling with amusement.
“The Royals work in partnership with a human vampire slayers group and many of the meetings take place here, which means that at times I have to feed up to thirty people.” Rafina took a sip of her coffee. “But that is not what you want to talk to me about, isn't it?”
Jemima nodded.
“Are you a blood cow for the vampires living here?”
Rafina shook her head.
“No.”
“But I saw you give blood to Tahlia last night.”
“Because she needed it and was in no state to go out and feed on her own.”
Jemima shook her head incredulously.
“But she's not human. She's a … a.. mons....” She caught herself just I time, but not quickly enough.
Rafina put her coffee cup down hard making Jemima jump.
“My family has been working for Tahlia for centuries and for just as long we have been under her protection. As Queen of the Royal Clan Vampires, she's also the protector of the human race.” Rafina got up. “One day you will come face to face with a real monster and then you will understand why I freely gave my blood to Tahlia.” Her dark eyes were unreadable. “I will quickly fix you something to eat.”
Jemima knew a subtle dismissal when she heard it and she slowly came to her feet.
“It wasn't my intention to upset you, Rafina. I … I…”
Rafina came to stand next to her. “I know you are scared, Jemima, but you needn't be. Tahlia would lay her life down for you and your father and one day soon you will understand why. You are her destiny.”
Jemima just stared back at Rafina. She was Tahlia's destiny? What did that mean? How was her life connected to that of a vampire? Before she could ask Rafina, she was gently pushed towards the door.
“Go sit with your father. I will bring you your breakfast and then you can go lie down for a while. You need your rest.”
James smiled broadly when she stepped into the huge ultra-chic dinning room. Her father was sitting at a big gleaming table. She walked over to him and planted a warm kiss on his cheek, extremely happy to see him. The blue eyes so like hers studied her intently.
“You look tired, honey. Did you have trouble sleeping?”
For a moment she was tempted to confide in her father, but then she knew that he would scold her for having put herself in danger and for not having called him to Tahlia's bedside.
“You know how I have trouble sleeping in strange beds,” she said smoothly while pulling out a chair next to him. She reached out to pour herself a cup of coffee and when she stole a quick glance in her father's direction, she found him still looking at her.
“You could never lie to save your life, Jemi. What happened last night?”
“Nothing happened, Dad. I just had trouble sleeping knowing that a battalion of vampires were meeting in the lounge.”
James grinned. “It was difficult for me too at first, but after a while I realized that Tahlia wouldn't have brought us to this place if she'd known we'd be in danger.” He pierced a streak of bacon and popped it into his mouth. “Since you were born, Tahlia had been extremely paranoid about your safety. She would always ask me to double-check everything. I knew everything there was to know about your teachers, your art lecturers, the janitors, your friends, everyone. She never…”
Jemima's head snapped towards her father.
“You did background checks on my friends?” James smiled at the astonished look on his daughter's face.
“She never wanted to leave anything to chance and now I understand why.” He took a sip from his coffee and smiled wryly. “If you want to blame anyone, it would have to be Tahlia. And having seen her in action against those renegade vampires last night, I'd forget about confronting her. She's definitely gonna kick your ass.”
Jemima stared at her father for a few seconds before chuckling softly. He too was grinning broadly. Footsteps at the door made them turn to see Rafina rushing over with a tray.
“I hope you're hungry; because once I got started I just got carried away.” Rafina placed a plate heaped with bacon, mushrooms, hash browns and sausages in front of her. Looking up from the plate, Jemima found the dark eyes twinkling back at her. “You could do with a little meat on your bones, if you don't mind me saying.”
She didn't mind at all. She thoroughly enjoyed being spoilt.
“I will see how far I get. Thank you, Rafina.”
^^^^^^^^^^^
Sitting up she stretched languidly. The room was dimly-lit and she suspected Rafina must've slipped in while she was sleeping to switch on the bedside lamps. Throwing a quick glance to the alarm clock on her bedside table she saw that it was past six in the evening already. Frowning, she swung her feet off the side the bed, immediately suspicious.
After breakfast she'd spend an hour or so with her father, when she'd suddenly started to feel drowsy. Next thing she knows she wakes up in her bed almost ten hours later. What did Rafina slip her to make her sleep so long? The hair at the back of her neck rose suddenly and she slowly turned.
There, in a dark corner of the room, she felt an intense gaze on her. The longer she stared into the darkness the more intense the gaze became and the more uneasy she felt. It was almost as if she was being consumed by the gaze.
Tahlia.
“If you are trying to scare me, you are succeeding.” Jemima came to her feet and stepped away from the bed, easing her way towards the door, her eyes still fixed on the dark corner. Realizing the absurdity of her action, she stopped. Vampires are lightning fast. Tahlia seemed even faster. There was a slight movement and the tall shape of Tahlia disentangled itself from the shadows. Even in the semi-darkness of the room Jemima could see the expression in the black eyes. They held a mixed expression of sadness and fear. Why fear her? Hell, she was the dangerous one. What could she possibly do to hurt her?
“I didn't mean to scare you, Jemima.” She took another step out of the shadows and Jemima's eyes swept over the black-clad figure. Looking at her it's hard to believe that she was severely injured just last night. The long legs were encased in tight black stretched pants and moving upwards, she noted that Tahlia was wearing a black silk shirt which stretched over her beautiful full breasts and taut stomach.
When she raised her eyes to look into Tahlia's eyes, she blushed at the knowing look in the dark eyes. Was she also thinking of their meeting in the bathroom at the Fire Stall? As sexy as the woman was, she still didn't trust her. Especially not after last night. Red eyes and sharp pointy fangs flashed in her mind and she slowly eased herself towards the door. Her eyes were still fixed on the woman who stood there, as still as a statue just looking at her.
“What about last night. You wanted to scare me.”
“I didn't want you to see me feed.”
Coming to a halt, Jemima frowned at the woman. “Feed? You mean sucking blood from a human being?”
Tahlia's expression didn't change nor did she move. She just stood there.
“Yes, that is the action we apply to secure nourishment. I knew you would find it unpleasant to observe and I had to find a way to get you out of the room.”
Reaching the door, Jemima cast one last look at Tahlia, yanked open the door and dashed out. She had to find her father.
^^^^^^
Tahlia could hear Jemima running down the hallway. She had expected Jemima to be scared of her after last night, but she didn't expect her reaction to hurt this much. Still a little weak from blood loss, she slowly walked over to the bed. Jemima's scent was all over the bed linen and before she could stop herself, she'd picked up the pillow and pressed it against her nose. What she would give just to lie on this bed with Jemima and inhale her scent. She felt the familiar clenching sensation in her stomach at the erotic thought of feeling Jemima's warm body in her arms. She sighed deeply and gently placed the pillow back in its original position.
“Now, I'll have to ask Rafina to change the pillow case.”
At the unexpected sound of Jemima's voice behind her, Tahlia spun off the bed with dazzling speed and hurled herself to where Jemima stood.
She sighed with regret when she saw the blue eyes rolled back in the blonde's head and held out her arms as Jemima slowly fell backwards into them. For a few minutes she stood there savoring the younger woman's nearness before she gently swung the woman into her arms and walked over to the bed.
One day the waiting will be over completely and Jemima will look at her with desire-filled blue eyes as she carried her to their bed. She carefully laid her down and that was when she saw the red stains on the pillow. Surprised, she reached for her cheek and grimaced when her fingertip came back stained with blood. She's been doing a lot of crying lately and she roughly wiped the tear stains away. She can't afford to indulge in this weakness. Too many people depended on her to be strong.
With a flick of her hand she closed the door and sat on the edge of the bed, looking down at Jemima's pale face. She felt guilty for causing her to faint, but she must admit that it was nice to hold her so close to her again. The black eyes softened even further as she stretched out next to Jemima and gently pulled her into her arms, cradling her soft warm body into hers. The familiar scent of honeysuckle engulfed her and she groaned softly.
Pushing her nose deeper into the silky soft blonde locks, Tahlia felt the present fade away.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Chapter 13
Rome 49 B.C
<The streets were bustling with action, the ever-present breadbasket hanging loosely around her waist. It was the fifth day of week and the streets were alive with activity. Horses, pigs, goats and chickens were adding to commotion on the narrow streets. There was to be held a tournament later in the day and many visitors from nearby villages and towns had poured into the city hoping to earn an extra gold piece or more by selling their wares to the rich nobles and other moneyed visitors.
It was a great day for business and her mother's flat sweetbreads were selling fast. With her black eyes darting around for potential customers, her eyes quickly spotted her next customer. An old, heavily-cloaked woman beckoned her over and knowing that there were many other girls like her selling on the streets, dodging the hoofs of a large warhorse, she dashed over to the woman.
It was while she was fishing out two flatbreads out of her breadbasket that she caught the scent. Soft and fragrant.
Honeysuckle.
Surprised she looked up, wondering why an old woman would take so much trouble in applying fragrance when it would only serve as a lure for all the drunken soldiers to harass her. She pierced the dark shadow the hood of the cloak was throwing over the woman's face and she felt her froze. Stunned. From the dark depths of the cloak, vivid sky-blue eyes were staring back at her. Eyes, too fresh and lively to belong to an old woman. The woman held out her hand to place a coin in her hand and her eyes fell on the beautiful smooth skin of the customer. One's hands never lie, her mom had told her.
“Smelling like that, your disguise is useless. One look into your eyes and you will find yourself at the mercy of a drunkard.” Her interest almost immediately peaked. She loved women… thoroughly. Many of the girls around the city can attest to that fact. She always made time to source new challenges and seduce them. She smiled to herself. They always came back for more.
This woman, however, was intriguing. It was obvious that she was young and from a good family judging from the fragrant oils she uses. Being the daughter of a dirt poor washer woman, the woman's status didn't scare her off. She's even had a few nobles in her bed and sometimes their own beds. Had them screaming her name and begging her for more. She had her beauty to thank for it. It attracted woman and men alike. Selling bread was a great way of meeting potential lovers and meeting potential lovers meant that her mother's bread was sold out almost every day.
Her black eyes slowly raked over the woman in front of her. She looked like she was her age – twenty – no more. The cloak hid her figure, but she knew instinctively that underneath that loose fitting cloak, was a tall lean body. When her eyes moved upwards, they clashed with the blue ones again.
The blue eyes flashed, a strange expression in them, and shrugging the woman pushed back the cloak to expose a beautiful oval-shaped face, framed by long blond locks.
Shocked, she'd staggered backwards… Not only was the girl woman extraordinarily beautiful, she was also the daughter of Romulus Titus, the head of Caesar's personal bodyguards. And the godchild of Caesar. No one would dare to touch her, no matter how drunk the person was. Looking around nervously, she backed away slowly, knowing now that an army of bodyguards must be nearby.
“No, please don't go,” a melodic voice called out and the girl took a hasty step towards her.
Knowing the brutal beating she would receive if you she was seen talking to a noble in public without casting her eyes down, she turned and fled, disappearing into the crowd. Running as fast as her long legs could take her and throwing in a few confusing turns for good measure. She came to a stuttering stop, bending over from the waist over as she gasped for breath.
She nearly jumped out of her skin when she felt a heavy hand on her shoulder. Turning, she felt her knees go weak at the sight of the heavily armed man who was staring down at her. Expecting a beating to follow, she covered face and head with her hands, whimpering softly. When nothing happened, she cautiously looked up and was shocked to see the man step aside, allowing the blonde woman to step forward. How did they caught up with her so fast, she thought vaguely.
“Why are you running away from me? I mean you no harm.” The blue eyes were smiling into hers now.
Tahlia quickly cast her eyes down.
“I humbly ask your forgiveness for having showed any disrespect in talking to you, milady.”
The girl reached out a hand and at the touch of the soft hand on her coarse woolen dress; Tahlia had known then already that the small reassuring touch had reached deeper than was intended.
“Don't apologize. What is your name?”
Looking at the stoic bodyguard, Tahlia obliged.
“Tahlia.”
The girl smiled warmly.
“You have beautiful eyes, Tahlia. My name is Aurora .”
^^^^^^^
A beautiful friendship was forged that day. They would meet once a week on the street corner and Aurora would pretend to buy bread from her and then they would slip into an empty vendor's stall nearby and talk. Aurora was fascinated by her life, being raised by only one parent who made a living baking bread and washing soldier uniforms. Tahlia on the other hand was trying hard to suppress her growing attraction for the beautiful noble.
“We've been friends for almost five months now, but still you seem uncomfortable in my presence, Tahlia. Why?” Aurora had asked her one day making Tahlia squirm where she was sitting on a crude wooden chair facing the woman.
Aurora was so beautiful, it was impossible to look at her for long, without drowning in her beautiful blue eyes. She knew to choose her words carefully and not let it slip that it was finding pure torture to be around her so often, knowing the emotional toll it was taking on her body. Since meeting Aurora she had stopped sleeping with other girls, well aware that no matter how many times and how many women she took to her bed, the fire that the blue-eyed Aurora had set alight within her would never be extinguished by anybody else but herself. Now, here she sat owing Aurora an answer.
“I'm still scared of being caught talking to you, Aurora,” she'd said lamely and saw the blue eyes narrowing slightly at that. Aurora walked over to the entrance of the stall and looked out, leaving her sitting there, admiring the tall frame. Once in the stall Aurora always disposed of her cloak and the first time she did so, Tahlia was happy to know that she was right about the tall slender body hidden underneath the unflattering folds of the cloak. She was so absorbed in studying Aurora 's body, that she hadn't even notice that Aurora had turned and was looking at her.
“You're lying to me, Tahlia.”
With a red hot blush, at being caught, she closed her eyes, praying that Aurora would not question her any further, but her prayer came back unanswered, because Aurora was frowning now, her blue eyes looking at her with a strange look in them.
“I cannot let you in on the true reason, Aurora . I value your friendship too much.”
Aurora turned and closed the wooden door before coming to stand in front of her, prompting her to also stand. She was at least a few inches taller than Aurora , but for what the blonde lacked in height, she made up for in presence. Her blue eyes looked deep into hers.
“You want to take me to your bed, don't you?”
The silence following the softly spoken statement could only be described as deafening. Her insides shifted abruptly and she almost doubled over to clutch her stomach to stop the summersaults. But she didn't. Instead she just stared into the blue eyes in mute shock.
“Well, do you?”
She threw caution to the wind and nodded slowly, expecting her friend to run screaming for the door and forever out of her life.
The serious expression in the blue eyes changed before her eyes and was replaced by a look of immense relief.
“Me too,” Aurora whispered softly and Tahlia thought she would die from the excitement rushing through her body.
Not knowing what to do next, Talia just stared at the noble woman. Smiling gently at her, Aurora took charge. She stepped closer until their bodies brushed against each other and she kissed her. It was a deep, hungry kiss which turned Tahlia's legs to jelly. Breaking away they both gasped for breath. There was no way that they could revert back to their previous relationship now. They were too hungry for each other.
Making sure that the rickety door was locked, they undressed quickly and laying her back down on the rough wooden table, Tahlia kissed Aurora gently. Touching the blonde locks, she brought a few strands to her nose and inhaled the now-familiar scent. Her other hand reached for the full fleshy mounds as she lovingly bathed them with her tongue. When she sucked a hard pearly nipple into her hot mouth, Aurora pushed out a drawn out moan, which inflamed her even further. She spent quite a while there, making passionate love to Aurora 's beautiful breasts. When she moved lower, she felt the stiffening of Aurora 's spine, her blue eyes looking uncertain.
“You will like it. I promise.”
And she kept her promise. With the first touch of her lips upon Aurora 's swollen nub, the noble woman grabbed her close and held her in that position until just before she climaxed. Touching her down there, her hand came back wet and lifting her head she looked into the blue eyes.
“Please, don't stop, Tahlia,” Aurora pleaded softly, her hands clawing at Tahlia's back.
Crossing her two middle fingers, she probed the slick entrance and heard a soft gasp escaping Aurora 's lips. She cautiously slipped them in – deep, then deeper and then so deep that she heard Aurora 's breath hissing through clenched teeth. Tahlia repeated the action over and over again until she felt the tiny vibrations deep within Aurora . Looking into the passion contorted face, she felt herself starting to tremble at the sight of Aurora biting her lower lip.
Groaning hoarsely, she bend forward and took Aurora 's mouth in a searing kiss while her fingers increased the pace making Aurora scream into her mouth. The blonde finally came amid a lot trashing and shudders.
Tahlia held her, looking down into the beautiful tear-streaked face and it was there where it all started.
Love… A love, which would transcend death and time.
When the tear-filled blue eyes opened again after a long while, Tahlia looked deeply into them and offered her heart.
“I love you, Aurora.”
“I love you too.>
They have pledged never to make love like that again, wanting to treasure the memory of their first time together. But they got very close. Twice. The second time was when her mother had finally decided to offer her to Lecrac. Even though she was the one who urged her mother on to at least consider the offer, she was scared of what would happen to Aurora and her. To their love.
<It was a breezy summer's evening as she slipped through the underground channel and up the stairs, making sure that she stayed close to the man leading the way. His broad shoulders were blocking her way and with him carrying the torch, she had no other option but follow him closely. They entered a wide open room and the man led her to a door at the far corner of the room. Once there he looked back at her and with and with faint smile stood to the side.
“Don't leave any marks this time,” he teased and Tahlia blushed as she pushed the door open.
The room was dominated by a big four poster bed. The drapes were pulled back and she smiled at the sight of Aurora lying on her side, completely naked. She walked over to her and sitting on the bed, let her hand slowly trace the curve of her lover's body. She stopped when she encountered a fresh scratch mark and looked up into the blue eyes. She smiled apologetically and the beautiful face broke into a big wide grin.
“You didn't believe me when I told you that the student almost always surpasses the master.”
Tahlia grinned and bent down to kiss the mark. The last time they'd been together, Aurora had offered to take over the role of the aggressor, stating that she was ready to test the skills she'd acquired over the past few months of their affair. Eager to encourage her to take the initiative she'd given in to her. The scratch marks were the proof of how much she enjoyed their role reversal. Aurora had tipped her universe on its back.
“Is something bothering you, my love?” Aurora asked gently, her blue eyes searching her face. They were so attuned with each other that it was almost impossible for Tahlia to hide things from her blonde lover.
“I don't know how to start.”
Sensing her inner turmoil, Aurora sat up. “Start at the beginning.”
Staring into the expressive blue eyes, she'd felt the tears welling up in her eyes.
“I'm leaving Rome .”
“Why? For how long?” Aurora 's fingertips gently rubbed the tears away.
“Forever.”
She felt the fingertips froze on her face and then the blue eyes pierced hers. Shock and dread reflected in the blue gaze. “Forever?” The word was whispered in a pitiful voice. “Why? What about… What about us?”
With a heavy heart she'd told her why and then it was her turn to hold a sobbing Aurora in her arms, her own heart breaking at being the cause of her pain. But she knew deep down that there was no other choice. A future with Aurora was impossible. One day Aurora will be married off and would move away and then she was left here with her mother – still poor and without Aurora in her life.
“What if I ask my father to employ your mother? You can come and stay with her in the castle and we can be together forever.” Aurora 's eyes were staring at her hopeful …desperate.
“It won't work, my love. I owe this sacrifice to my mother. As much as it hurts, I will have to do this.”
“And me? How will I live without you?”
She didn't have an answer and instead made love to Aurora desperately, savoring her touch, her sighs, her cries and even her tears. There were no scars left that night. Instead they cemented their love, strengthening the eternal bond.>
Leaving Aurora that night had been the most painful thing she'd ever have the do and she cried herself to sleep that night, locked into the warm arms of the only other person she loved unconditionally – her best friend – Paloma. Her mother must've sensed her pain too and had tried countless times to get her to open up to her, but to no avail. Grinolde wouldn't have understood and secondly, she didn't want her mother to feel that the sacrifice she was about to make was a selfish act from her side.
The long journey to Romania had been pure torture. Each step taking her farther and farther away from the one person she knew she'd put her life down for. At least Paloma had been there all the way. The first day they woke up in their beds in Lecrac castle, she'd made herself a promise to one day go back and find Aurora . To hold her again and tell her how much she loved her. But it didn't happen as she'd though it would.
They were there a week when Lecrac showed up in her room one night. She'd locked the door behind her, still uneasy about the dark aura of the castle and was shocked to find the handsome man standing over her bed when she opened her eyes.
“Tonight I will bequeath you a gift, my daughter. A gift that even I'm not sure if you would've wanted if you had a choice.” His eyes were gentle; the ever-present sadness clinging to him.
A sudden drowsiness had come over her and she'd never been the same after that night. The Royal Clan decree was made clear to her later. There were to be no contact with anyone from their past, but after ten long years of teachings and tough battleground training, she'd convinced Lecrac to offer her just one boon. She was willing to grovel for that one boon. He refused and she'd never asked him again. Instead she met her lover secretly – in her dreams when the sun was at its highest and her body was lying cold and stiff under layers of earth. There, she could love her quietly and without needing anyone's permission. Two years later Lecrac called her to him again. He was standing on the balcony of the castle overlooking the village. Without turning to face her, he spoke.
“You once asked me for a boon, my daughter. Upon my refusal you have shown great patience and devotion and didn't desert the cause. Your loyalty has paid off.” He turned to her and she was once again aware of the sagging shoulders and the tired look in his eyes. “I have come to a decision. I will need predecessors.”
Not knowing where the conversation was going, she had stood there, her eyes and mind blank.
“I have made my choice and I want you to accept the added responsibility that I know you can handle.” The door had opened behind her and three more vampires entered quietly to come and stand next to her. Two men and a female. She knew them all well since they were always paired up in battle. Jonas, the dark one, was a great warrior with a stronger sense of duty than any of the other vampires she knew. Pierre on the other hand had a playful disposition, but was just as lethal as Jonas on the battlefield. The third vampire needed no introduction. Paloma was, beside her, the most dangerous female vampire amongst the nation. Whatever Lecrac was planning, he had chosen he best of the best.
“The four of you will be my legacy. Under your rule my children will flourish and uphold our decree. ”
That night Valentyn Ordeleus Lecrac gave his life for the continuance of his Race. When the other had left after having fed from him, he'd asked her to remain.
“When your mother brought you here I knew that my Race will be built around you. You've sensed the beast in me even when the others couldn't. You, I will give the finest of all gifts. My last breath will be yours and so will everything that I have acquired.” The sad eyes had looked at her with an intense light in them. “Beside that, I want to grant you the boon you've requested from me, but I want you to take responsibility for whatever ramifications might arise from this decision.” The sadness was back in his eyes. “Tonight a Vampire Queen is born. Instill the noble qualities of our doctrine and maintain the balance between mortal and immortal. This alliance will be the future of our race.” He'd held out his bleeding wrist to her. “Come, Great One, embrace your birthright.” That was the last words he'd said before she sunk her fangs in his wrist and didn't let go until his great ancient heart stopped beating.
As if on cue, the other three vampires had entered the room and together, they'd taken Lecrac remains and carried it deep into the Carpathian Mountains where they waited until dawn for Mother Sun to claim the eldest, most powerful of Vampire that had walked the earth. It took her another three years before she'd given in to the powerful urge and went in search of the love of her life.
<She'd smelled it even before she'd seen her. Honeysuckle. Using her powerful senses she was dazzled by the familiar scent and she took a few seconds to allow the scent to seep into her core. And then she was there. Her blond locks glowing silver under the stark bright light of the full moon. Her eyes hungrily searched her beloved's face and she felt her heartbeat accelerate. She had changed little over the past fifteen years. Except for her eyes which, even from where she hid amongst the shadows of the trees, looked sad. That was one thing they had in common over the past years – sadness. Just like her thirst, sadness had been her constant companion.
She reached up to touch her thudding heart and saw the blonde head turn as blue eyes tried to penetrate the shadows where she was standing. Anxious, she'd held her breath as her black eyes caressed the beautiful face. At 35 summers, she looked even more beautiful than when she'd seen her last. The blue eyes narrowed slightly but looked away almost immediately.
She'd probed the castle using her extra sensitive senses to see who else was there with her. A husband or a lover, perhaps. The idea was so repulsive and she felt a jolt of jealousy at the thought of someone else touching Aurora 's satin smooth skin. She must've made a sound, because the blue eyes once again turned in her direction.
This time Aurora didn't look away as she slowly came to her feet. Tahlia felt like kicking herself. She had scared her and now she was going to leave the garden and run back into the castle. What happened next made her obsidian eyes widen in sudden panic. Aurora was coming straight at her. For a brief panic-stricken moment she thought of concealing her presence using a cloaking spell, but the choice was taken from her. The blonde was just a few feet away from her, the blue eyes fixed on her face. It was impossible, she thought. Even with above-average eyesight, it would be impossible for a human to detect someone hiding in the pitch-dark shadows where she stood.
“Are you there?” The question sounded loud to her sensitive hearing and Tahlia closed her eyes at the sound of the melodious voice. When she opened them again, she found Aurora staring straight into her eyes. She quietly shifted deeper into the shadows. “Tahlia?”
At the sound of her name being whispered, she felt her heart skip a beat. How was it possible for Aurora to sense presence? Humans are not supposed to have such powers. She burrowed further into the shadows. No, she shook her head. It wasn't how it was suppose to be. All she wanted was just to come and see her one last time before moving on. As powerful as she was, she had nothing to offer her. Nothing except a life lived in darkness and … danger. She was a hunter and humans were her prey. She visualize the spell in her head which will cloak her presence so that even if Aurora came closer still she will not be able to see. But before she could enforce the spell, Aurora spoke again.
“I love you.”
Tahlia staggered backwards at the sound of the whisper. She slapped her hand over her heart where those three little words had pierced the skin and burrowed into her cold heart, emitting a warm glow. She couldn't walk away. Not again. Never again. It would kill her.
“I love you too.”
She saw the blue eyes widened and then she saw them fill with tears. Her lower lip was trembling with the effort to keep the tears from falling.
“Am I dreaming? Please tell me, because I will die if it's just another dream.”
Tahlia inhaled deeply and extricated herself from the shadows. She heard a low anguished moan coming from Aurora as she slowly sank to the soft grass, her arms crossed over her chest. A deep guttural sob escaped Aurora 's lips causing Tahlia to quickly step closer and falling to her knees, gather Aurora in her arms. She pushed her nose in the soft fragrant hair and meshing Aurora 's slim body against hers as sorrowful sobs raked the blonde's body.
She allowed herself the luxury of shedding one lonely blood tear which rolled down her cheek and disappeared into the blond hair. They sat like that for what seemed like hours, before Aurora lifted her head from her chest and looked up into her face. Her blue eyes glittered with unshed tears even after having cried for the past five minutes. Her hands were shaking badly as they cupped her face.
“I made a promise to the gods that if I was granted one last chance to gaze upon your beautiful face that they could have my life and everything else of value I have to offer.” Her fingertips brushed over her lips and fresh tears ran down her cheeks. “Look at you. You are still perfect. Now that I have seen you again, I don't think I will be able to leave this world peacefully knowing that I will have to leave you back here.” Tahlia reached up and gently wiped the tears from her cheeks as Aurora grabbed her hand and brought it to her lips. “I love you.”
Tahlia swallowed at the lump in her throat and with her other hand cupped the damp cheek. It has to be done tonight or she will never find the courage to do it again. She loved this woman more than it was possible and therefore she needed to be honest with her.
“ Aurora …”
“No more talking for the night. I just want you to make love to me before the gods decide to fulfill the promise.” With that said, Aurora came to her feet and pulling her by the hand led her deeper into the shadows. Tahlia just stared at the woman who led her further and further from the castle. If only she knew that she was leading a dangerous predator by the hand, deeper into the garden where no one will hear her screams when she finally found out what she was.
She shook her head slightly and came to a stop. She couldn't make love to Aurora , knowing that things have changed. She's changed. It would be making a mockery of their love. She saw Aurora turn and look at her. Tahlia dropped her gaze, confronted by the love-filled gaze.
“There is something I need to tell you.” She saw the concern in the blue eyes. “I can't make love to you unless I have told you this. I also do not expect you to make love to me afterwards.”
This time the blue eyes held fear. “What can you tell me that will make me love you less, my Angel?” She tried to sound determined, but Tahlia could read the fear in her eyes. She steeled herself and took a few steps back. She held her hand out, palm up to stop Aurora from coming any closer to her.
“Something happened to me at the place where I was taken.”
“Did they hurt you?” Aurora 's question was sharp with anger and Tahlia almost smiled at the protective nature of the woman. Aurora always protected her back when they were together, using her immense health and the backing of her bodyguards. There were no more beatings by drunken soldiers and other vendors for her. Everyone knew back then that the washer's daughter was under the protection on Caesar's favorite and beloved goddaughter.
“No, but they changed me?” She looked away. “I'm not human anymore, Aurora .”
“What do you mean? You are here with me. I've touched you.” The confusion in her voice was unmistakable. “What are you trying to tell me?”
“I'm a monster…. A very dangerous one.” The admission came out hoarsely. She'd though it so many times, but never thought it would sound so…so true. She was indeed a very dangerous predator. She shouldn't be here. She had no right tainting Aurora 's pure soul with her presence.
Aurora 's blue eyes widened and Tahlia could smell her fear now.
“What kind of monster, Tahlia?” she whispered.
The silence stretch for a few seconds. Oh, please, don't reject me, her heart begged of the woman in front of her. It was now or never.
“Nosferatu”>