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 FIVE
Chapter 14
The word was greedily swallowed by the dark, quietness of the night. Tahlia thought she could actually still hear a faint echo in her mind.
She had said it and now she closed her eyes because she knew she couldn't bear seeing the horror on Aurora 's face. She could handle anything but that. She kept her eyes closed waiting for Aurora to scream and flee from her. Only now did she understand what Lecrac had meant when he'd warned her against possible ramifications.
Lecrac had taught them everything there was to learn about being a vampire, but the one thing he put emphasis on was the loneliness they would endure. Loneliness, because humans will never understand them, never accept them. Loved ones will turn away in fear. Some would even betray them out of fear. Maybe she should've listened to him and stayed away.
She opened her eyes and found Aurora staring at her. Her fear was so great that she was now shaking. Tahlia swallowed deeply and took another step away from the terrified woman. As a child her mother used to scare her with tales of the bloodsucking monster which wandered the earth after dark and ate undisciplined children and leave only skin and bones in the bed. Lecrac was that monster these tales were based on. Now she was one too.
“I will not hurt you, but I will feel better if you return to the castle. There are thieves lurking around at this hour.”
She'd turned and walked into the shadows, her heart breaking in a million pieces. She shouldn't have come back. Now her only memory will be that of a pale, horrified Aurora . She will return to Transylvania immediately. Maybe the pain would subside once she'd put enough distance between her and Aurora. She was just about to blend into the darkness when Aurora called out.
“If I should die then I would want it to be by your hand, Nosferatu, because I cannot live without you and your love.”
That made her spin around. Aurora was still standing where she'd left her. She looked so pale standing there and this time it was she who sunk to the ground. Her heart felt like it would burst with the love she felt for this woman. She heard Aurora come closer until she was standing a few feet from her, looking down at her.
“Monster or not, you have captured my soul and I will die if you walk out of my life again.” Her voice was shaky and her fear still hung heavy in the night air. “I am terrified of what you embody, but I am willing to learn to live with it.”
Tahlia just stared at her, streaks of blood tears running down her cheeks. Acceptance at last. The most powerful vampire in the world has finally been defeated – by love.
Aurora came to kneel in front of her and with badly shaking hands wiped the blood tears from her face. Then she clasped her arms around her and held her tight.
“You are wrong. You may be what you say you are, but you are far from being a monster. I would know if you were an evil being. My heart would've known; just as I knew that you were not completely lost to me.”
Tahlia lifted her face and stared into the somber blue eyes. What has she done to deserve the love of this woman?
“I am not worthy of your love, Aurora , truth be told. The only way I can repay you is by offering my undying love. I love you with every fiber of my being and I promise to love you until the day I leave this earth.” Her words came out raspy and she saw the blue eyes becoming tender.
“Be careful what you promise me, Tahlia. If the tales are true, you will live for hundreds of years, long after I have gone. You cannot love someone for that long.”
“I promise you that I will wander the earth in search for your soul in every human and once I've found it, I will wait for it to recognize mine and then we will continue our love.” Her voice was thick with emotion.
That night Aurora had taken her to her bed and they had lain together, talking quietly just like they've done so many nights before, many years ago. It was only later – much later – that Aurora felt comfortable enough to try and seduce her. Her body was taut from fear as she gently began to kiss her, her eyes wide open and staring into her dark ones.
Tahlia made a mental note not to make any sudden moves which might scare her any further and instead she laid back and closed her eyes. Making herself vulnerable to her beloved. It seemed to have worked because she could feel the stiffness slowly leaving her body and her mouth becoming softer as she deepened the kiss. Aurora rolled away from her just long enough to take off her clothes and then she was back to kissing her. Feeling her naked body brushing over hers was so intoxicating that Tahlia let out a soft tortured moan and with gentle hands she started to caress her lover's naked back. Aurora lifted her lips from hers and Tahlia could feel her looking down at her.
“I thought of you every moment of everyday, craving your touch and your kisses.” Her voice was very soft, not wanting to startle Aurora . “I never thought we would be together like this again.”
Tahlia slowly opened her eyes to find Aurora was smiling at her, her blue eyes warm.
“I've missed you too. I would sit outside every night hoping and waiting that you would just show up one night and sweep me off my feet again.”
“It happened tonight, didn't it?”
“Yes, but I wonder if we will ever get to the lovemaking part if you are going to talk this much.”
Tahlia threw back her head and laughed - a deep warm sound that reverberated through Aurora 's body. It was the first time in fifteen years that she'd laughed again. The melodious sound casted the shadows from her heart and it felt as if imaginary candles were lit in each and every dark corner of her being. When she looked back at Aurora , it was to find her looking at her, a tender expression on her face and her eyes bright with unshed tears.
“You're laughter is still as beautiful as I remember. Everything about you is beautiful, my love.” She didn't wait for a reply but instead she continued to make love to her.
Since the night was her day, Tahlia didn't fall asleep after they'd made love countless times. There were still a few hours to dawn and she just laid there looking at a sleeping Aurora . She looked so peaceful sleeping in her arms. After a powerful climax which had made her chant Aurora 's name over and over again, the blue eyes had stared into hers with so much love radiating from them.
“Don't ever call yourself a monster, my love. Because you are not and will never be in my eyes.” Aurora 's voice had sounded unbelievably gentle as she'd said it. She'd repeated it over and over to her throughout the night until a tiny part of Tahlia had started to believe it. The only time she did feel like a monster was when she took a little blood from Aurora as she was sleeping. Not to quench her thirst but to ensure that she will always be a part of her. No matter where in the world she found herself, she would always know where to find her woman. In turn she's pierced her skin and after placing Aurora in a deep trance she made her take a few sips from her blood, blending their souls. Now they were two halves of one being and nobody would ever come between them.
Afterwards, she'd gently awaken Aurora and made passionate love to her. It almost exactly like the felt like the first time they'd made love, but not quite.
That was how their 2 000 year-old love affair started.>
*************************
She felt Jemima stirring lightly and then snuggled closer to her, snuggling deeper in her arms. Tahlia could feel her regaining consciousness and smiled wryly when Jemima stiffened as she became aware of who was holding her. She held her breath waiting for a scream to follow, but instead Jemima just laid there, holding her breath too. She slowly disentangled herself from Jemima's body. She was so lost in thought that she hadn't even realized that the blonde had wrapped herself around her tall frame. Jemima quickly turned away from her, her body taut with tension.
“Before you faint again,” Tahlia began softly, “I want to apologize for startling you earlier. I wasn't expecting you to come back. Having said that, I will now slowly get off the bed and leave the room.”
She was halfway across the room when Jemima's voice stopped her.
“What do you want from me, Tahlia?” Jemima lay there, facing away from her.
“I'm not sure you are ready for the truth, Jemima.”
The soft remark made Jemima sit up.
“What is the truth, Tahlia? And this time I don't want you to speak in riddles.”
Tahlia slowly moved closer. Her black eyes were burning with an intense light.
“You are the ultimate price.”
A shiver ran down her spine, the next question came out as a croak. “Meaning?”
Tahlia came to sit on the edge of the bed, but she made sure to keep a comfortable distance from her. “I love you.”
The words were spoken softly, but with so much conviction that Jemima feel her breath caught in her chest. Did she hear her correctly?
“You…You… You love me? What does that mean? We don't even know each other.”
The black eyes were staring deeply into hers.
“Let me show you.”
^^^^^^^^^^
Before she could move away from Tahlia, Jemima felt Tahlia fingertips on both sides of her temples and almost immediately a clutter of raw emotions and vivid events rushed into her mind. It felt as if she was caught up in a dream, looking in on the scene in front of her. Where was she?
At first all she could see was a quiet clear stream surrounded by tall trees. Then the surface of the water broke and a blonde head appeared. The person turned and Jemima gasped. She knew the person.
In fact, she was looking at herself or an extremely close likeness of herself.
The only difference was that her hair was very long. So long it almost reached the small of her back.
<“The water is nice and cool. Why don't you join me, my love?” She sounded so carefree and happy and her eyes were alight with love as she was openly flirting with whoever was waiting for her on the side of the stream. The blue eyes changed almost immediately, darkening with desire.
“I am in the mood for something else, little one.”
Jemima gasped at the familiar endearment and the familiar husky voice. The other person came into view and Jemima stiffened as she recognized the tall, dark woman with laughing black eyes. Tahlia! She saw the vampire wading into the stream and pulled her into her arms as they shared a long passionate kiss. She heard the soft moans coming from deep within the woman's throat as the Vampire first licked her lips before sucking on her tongue. After a long breathtaking kiss, she saw Tahlia swinging the woman in her arms and leaving the stream laid her down on a thick bed of clothing amongst a pad of wildflowers. What followed next was so beautiful; it brought tears to Jemima's eyes.
Tahlia made love to her lover with infinite tenderness, whispering soft endearments in her ear. Jemima felt her own heartbeat speeding up as Tahlia stroked the woman's feverish body and kissed her naked thighs. When Tahlia's hand moved downwards on the woman's shivering body, Jemima quickly close her eyes, not sure she wanted to see this part. But even with her eyes closed she could feel the other woman's pleasure.>
Jemima felt her body starting to throb as she felt the other woman's body stretching to accommodate Tahlia's fingers entering her slowly. Jemima tried to stifle a groan, but it slipped out and she was shocked to hear Tahlia's answering moan in her ear. Opening her eyes, she found the obsidian gaze locked on her face, then her lips and then her eyes. She quickly closed her eyes.
<She felt Tahlia's strong hand starting to move rhythmically between the woman's legs and Jemima gasp when she felt a shudder run down her own spine. She felt the pressure building in the woman's body, spreading from between her legs and rushing through her whole body until she screamed hoarsely as her body exploded in tiny sharp darts of pleasure.>
Her eyes opened slowly and with her breathing still ragged after having shared the other woman's orgasm, Jemima saw Tahlia sliding over the limp body of the woman, covering her body with hers. There was a glint of sharp fangs and she felt them sink deep into the woman's neck. She reached up and touched her neck. There was a slight discomfort when the skin was pierced, but then she gasped loudly as another orgasm rushed through both their bodies.>
Jemima relived many more moments like those but every time she found herself in a different setting and from the diverse clothing she was wearing she realized that she was shifting through different centuries. The only person who was consistent was Tahlia. She always looked the same and the intensity of the love stayed unchanged. It was strange, but she could feel her heart already yearning for the tall Vampiress. Just when she thought she couldn't experience more, she found herself in a candle-lit room .
<A big four poster bed took up most of the space in the room and tucked in between the sheets, was a fragile old woman. Looking closer, Jemima realized with shock that the old woman was in fact herself. From her shallow and labored breathing, Jemima knew that the lady was dying. She felt strong arms surrounding her and Jemima knew she was experiencing the dying woman's emotions. Cradling her fragile body in her strong arms was Tahlia.
“I love you.” Tahlia murmured over and over again into the woman's ear until with a soft shudder and an angelic smile directed at Tahlia, the woman closed her watery blue eyes. Lifting her dark head, a tortured howl burst from Tahlia's lips and Jemima saw that that beautiful face was streaked with blood red tears. Her chest clenched with emotion as she felt Tahlia's immense pain cleaving through her heart. She wanted to double over from the pain. It was so intense, too much for a mere human to absorb.
She found herself standing in a graveyard. The nearest tombstone read 11 March 1896. Tahlia was kneeling in front of a fresh grave, her beautiful face hard as if it was cut from granite.
With a soft cry she turned away from the poignant scene. It was too much. She couldn't take anymore.>
She opened her eyes, shocked to find hot tears streaming down her cheeks. Sorrowful black eyes were looking back at her. Jemima reached up and gently cupped Tahlia's cheek. Tahlia reached out and effortlessly lifted her onto her lap, leaning her face into the caress. She held Jemima as the blonde sobbed pitifully in her neck. After the tears have subsided, Jemima silently snuggled in Tahlia arms, an occasional sniff the only sign that she was still awake.
“I have loved you like that every time and you …” she peered into Jemima eyes. “…you have loved me back just as passionately.” The black eyes suddenly looked infinitely sad. “I have been alone for so long now and I have missing you so much.” Tahlia came to her feet with Jemima still cradled against her chest. “But the pain and loneliness are distant memories now that I can hold you in my arms again.”
Jemima saw the dark head come closer and closer still until their lips touched. Sensing her indecision, Tahlia's tongue pushed against her lips and with a soft whimper Jemima granted her entrance. The moment the Vampire's tongue slipped into her mouth, Jemima felt her insides melt and her arms tightened against Tahlia's neck. Tahlia's tongue gently, but thoroughly, explored her mouth and then she broke the kiss to look down into dazed blue eyes. Unblinking black eyes looked at her, an unfathomable look in their depths. It was then that realization dawned.
“It was you... the other night. It was really you. You came to my bedroom and … and …” She couldn't finish the sentence, because the black eyes were now looking at her with unabashed hunger, making Jemima wondered vaguely whether the hunger was for sex or for blood. She saw a brief look of amusement flicker in the dark eyes, but it was gone before she could analyze it. “You made love to me in my sleep.”
“No, you were awake. I simply placed you in a light trance.” The black eyes flashed “Next time I make love to you, it will be while you are fully conscious.” Jemima felt a hot blush creeping up her neck at the dark promise in Tahlia's voice. Tahlia pulled her even closer, her arms tightening around her. “You might not feel it now, but your mind needs time to absorb everything you have seen and heard tonight. I will have to put you to sleep otherwise the memories will keep you up all night.” She gently laid Jemima on the bed and pulled a sheet over her. The action brought her face close to hers and Jemima smiled when Tahlia brushed a soft kiss over her lips. They stayed like that, their noses almost touching as they shared a soft, quiet look.
“You need to rest now, my love.” Tahlia lifted her hand, but before she could form the sleep compulsion, Jemima grabbed her hand.
“Not yet, Tahlia.”
Tahlia took a quick step back. “Is something wrong?”
“No.” Jemima reached out her hand and reached for Tahlia's other hand. “Will I be able to remember everything tomorrow morning?”
Tahlia hesitated for a second, before replying.
“Yes, but I can remove them if you want.”
Jemima quickly sat up, pulling Tahlia down on the bed with her.
“I want to remember everything tomorrow.” Suddenly shy, she lowered her eyelashes to hide the look in her eyes. “I especially want to remember you.”
Tahlia closed her eyes for a few seconds and when she opened them, Jemima could only stare; completely humbled, by the love she saw blazing from them.
“Then I promise that I will not alter your memory.” Tahlia's voice came out in a croak.
Jemima held out her hand and she smiled gently when she saw Tahlia hesitate briefly.
“I promise not to bite.” At Tahlia's stunned expression, she laughed softly. “I'm really not equipped to bite people … unlike you.”
Tahlia slowly took the offered hand and Jemima pulled her closer until they were eye to eye, looking deep into each other's eyes.
“Has anyone ever told you that it is dangerous to love the way you do? You might get hurt.”
The black eyes melted and Jemima felt herself drowning in their depths.
“There's no other way to love you, Jemima. One day you too will know what it feels like to love me that way.”
Even with the dangerous aura surrounding her now, Jemima was still acutely aware of the love Tahlia was emitting. She lifted her fingers to her lips and then placed them against Tahlia's.
“I want to remember everything tomorrow, ok.” She laid back and closed her eyes.
___________________________________________________________________________
Chapter 15
Looking down at a sleeping Jemima, Tahlia planted a soft kiss on the smooth forehead. At last Jemima was hers. It had never taken her so long to convince any of the others. She smiled faintly.
Except for one other…
Neve.
The McGregor was a stubborn 16 th century Scottish clan chief. Even after she'd revealed herself to Neve, the woman had still looked at her with doubt in her brilliant blue eyes. It was only after she had taken her to bed and put all the memories in practice that the woman had fully accepted her and welcomed their love.
But Neve had died prematurely, thrown from her horse during a wild boar hunt. Buried deep in her earthy cradle under Neve's castle, Tahlia's was locked in her body, unable to rush to her love's side during the daylight hours. That night she'd awaken with a blood-chilling howl, rushing to Neve's bedside where she'd lain in coma. Although others could not hear her responses, but blending their souls, Tahlia could converse with her ruler of her heart. Neve was in a coma for three day, barely enough time for them to say their goodbyes and to kiss for the last time. Neve had promised that she would return one day and looking down at the sleeping face of Jemima, Tahlia nodded. Neve did return. Tahlia easily recognized her spirit for Jemima was just as strong-willed and stubborn as Neve.
With one last kiss to Jemima's cheek, she quietly left Jemima's room and headed for the lounge, once again donning her Vampire Queen persona. She won't be seeing Jemima for the rest of the evening, but the knowledge that she was safe was good enough for her. She'd placed Jemima under a deep sleep compulsion which will see her sleep for at twelve hours to help her psyche process the night's revelations.
Her heart warmed at the thought that the next time they see each other, Jemima will know her as her lover, the only woman who knows her inside out and who can command her body with one look.
She stopped for a brief moment outside the lounge where the other Royal Clan members were gathered to clear her mind of Jemima. She can't afford to be distracted at a time like this, especially not against a crafty foe like Drake. He wasn't a great fighter, but underestimating him, could have fatal consequences. He did come up with the plan to convert and kill Jemima all by himself, after all. That alone made him dangerous.
She had taken him under her wing five centuries ago and had trained the fledgling patiently, treating him like a son. But Drake had other plans. He wanted it all. Power, respect and the thrill of the kill. She was lucky to have spotted the evil stain spreading within him, before he could cause more damage, but it was too late to catch him though, because he disappeared shortly after she reassigned him to another battle regiment.
She knew the others could sense her presence from behind the door and not wanting to keep them waiting for long; she pushed the door open and entered.
^^^^^^^^
Later that night there was a soft knock on James' bedroom door. He answered the door in his bathrobe and smiled at his visitor. When the smile was not returned, he frowned.
“We need to talk, James.”
“It sounds serious. Come in.”
After the door was locked behind them, Tahlia knew that she was going to place a very good friendship in jeopardy with what she had to tell him. But it needed to be done.
**************************
“Tahlia!”
The name exploded from her lips when she opened her eyes. She had seen it all, experienced it all, and want to make it better for Tahlia. Her eyes filled with tears when it all bubbled to the surface. She relived the pain Tahlia had experienced and particularly remembered one scene from all the memories. Tahlia, standing alone under the silver moon, her dark eyes filled with so much pain. She had dreamt about Tahlia all night and had cried with her and for her as she'd journeyed through the centuries with her memories serving as a map.
She swung her feet out of bed and frowned when she found that she was clad in only her underwear. She remembered that Tahlia was the last one to see before she'd fallen asleep. She must've undressed her last night. She felt her skin tingle at the thought of those strong hands brushing her skin as she undressed her. If the dreams were an indication, then Tahlia was an exceptional lover. Nineteen reincarnations of herself attested to that.
Looking around the room she found her clothes draped over a chair and dressing quickly and set out to find Tahlia. She needed to see her, touch her, and hear her husky voice. She was halfway down the hallway when she realized how quiet the safe house was as opposed to the previous night. Yes. Night . It was daylight now and everyone including Tahlia must be asleep right now. With a disappointed sigh, she looked at her watch. There were still so many hours left before Tahlia rose from her sleep. She'll just have to be patient. Instead she went in search of her father and Rafina.
She smiled when she entered a small dining room and found her father sitting at a table drinking from a steaming cup. His eyes lit up when he saw her, but she also saw the shadows lurking deep within his blue eyes. She kissed him in the cheek and took a seat opposite him. Almost immediately Rafina entered the lounge, carrying a tray with two plates.
“Good morning, Jemima. I hope you are hungry, because I have made a lot of food. It's not everyday that I have company for breakfast.” She placed a plate heaped with eggs, toast, sausage and bacon in front of Jemima. Looking up, Jemima saw the fleeting look which past between Rafina and her father and how they both quickly looked away. Grinning slyly, she studied the older woman. Rafina was a beautiful woman and her father was a very handsome man. It's about time that he started to live like one.
<Don't put pressure on him, my love. Your mother was an extraordinary woman just like you. It's not easy to forget a woman like that.>
Her grip tightened on the fork as the sound of Tahlia's voice.
<Tahlia…>
The name was wrenched from her heart and whispered like a gentle caress along the corridors of her mind. Just hearing the husky voice sparked an overwhelming need for the Vampire. Good grief, please don't let her turn me into a nymphomaniac, she prayed silently and stiffened when a deep husky chuckle echoed in her mind. She felt a loving presence in her mind, a small flutter and then she was transported to times long gone.
<She was known as Claire then and worked as a serving girl in a tavern in London . Tahlia had just returned home and she was waiting for her at her mansion. The door to the bedroom swung open and Tahlia stood in the doorway. Her long black hair was caked with mud and blood and she was exhausted. But she still looked gorgeous to her.
She'd gently helped Tahlia out of her armor and once she was sure there were no injuries marring the beautiful body, she took a soapy cloth and sponged the dirt off the tall body. Tahlia didn't say much. She was just staring at her with those bottomless black eyes, the beginnings of desire evident in the smoldering gaze.
Knowing instinctively what her lover wanted, she'd gone down on her knees and moved closer until her lips were a hairsbreadth from the Vampire's womanhood. Using her fingertips she parted the soft lips, inhaling her lover's scent greedily. At the first touch of her tongue running along the soft musky cleft, Tahlia threw back her dark head and opened her legs wider.>
The clattering sound of her fork falling onto the porcelain plate, snapped her out of her erotic reverie. Looking up from her plate, she blushed when she found her father's blue eyes staring at her.
^^^^^^^^
Deep in the rich earth, beneath the chamber that Jemima occupied, Tahlia's heart was beating so hard, it thundered in her ears. She doesn't know why she'd tortured herself by reliving the memory with Jemima.
The year was 1777 and she was on her way home from Russia , where they'd hunted and destroyed a band of vicious renegades. She was so eager to get home that she wasn't even aware she was being tailed by a group of vampire slayers. Her thoughts were occupied by her beautiful Claire and the mental conversation they were having while she was rushing home.
A few kilometers outside London , she'd picked up their scent. There were eight of them. Tired from the long journey, she'd drawn on the last vestiges of her strength to destroy them. Reaching Claire, she was completely drained, but just one look in her beautiful sapphire eyes and the fatigue had melt away. They'd made love that night until dawn before she'd slipped from the tangled sheets to go find her rest in the earth close-by.
It was still a long time before sunset and though her mind was alert and wanted to stay awake and talk to her blue eyed angel, her body was protesting being kept awake at this hour. Giving in to the demand of her body, she closed her dark eyes and immediately her body shut down all her vital organs.
***********************
James didn't have to read his daughter's mind, to know she was conversing with Tahlia. After Tahlia's visit last night he couldn't sleep and wandered around in this big underground labyrinth looking for answers to all the questions in his head. That was when he'd bumped into Rafina in the kitchen and was struck by the need to confide in her.
“Mr. Marsden, I was just about to make myself a cup of tea. Would you like some?” The woman's honest dark eyes were staring straight through him and he had felt the urge to open up to her, which he did. Rafina had listened quietly until he was finished and then she'd asked him two questions which brought him the answer he was looking for.
“If the Queen loves your daughter the way you say she does and the way we all know she does, why would you want to stand in their way? I was raised with the knowledge that love has no gender and I have a brother who prefers men to women. If my parents, who were raised according to the strictest codes of the Roman Catholic Church, could accept who my brother was, why can't you , an intellectual, place your daughter's happiness above all else?”
He had the rest of the night to think about what Rafina had said and had made a mental note to speak to Jemima today. He was pulled out of his reverie by Jemima soft voice.
“You are awfully quiet, Dad.” Jemima was looking at him from over the rim of her coffee cup. She was such a beautiful woman. Her clear blue eyes looked worried and her long blond hair was tied back in a ponytail. Oh, how she reminded him of her mother. Jane used to tie her hair back just like that. He smiled at her.
“I'm just admiring my beautiful daughter.” His smile widened when she blushed. “I can understand now why Tahlia's love for you transcends death.” He saw the shocked look in Jemima's eyes. “You are worth it and more, my baby.”
She carefully put her cup down before she spilled the warm liquid and slowly raised her eyes to meet his. “Did Tahlia tell you about us?” The question was asked in a small voice.
He nodded. “She came to me last night and told me everything. I must admit it wasn't easy to accept it all at once, but someone helped me to put it all in perspective.” He looked moved to where the older woman was busy rearranging chairs around a table. It had felt good to be able to talk to someone again – another woman.
“Are you angry?” Jemima was looking at him with so much expectation.
“Tahlia loves you like no one ever will. I cannot think of anybody else I would want to take care of you.” He took her slender hand in his and smiled at the tears forming in her eyes. “I would never have guessed that you were interested in women, you know. But I am happy as long as you are.”
“Thank you, Daddy.” Jemima leaned over and planted a wet kiss on his cheek. “It means a lot to me.”
____________________________________________________________________________
Chapter 16
After breakfast Jemima left her Dad with Rafina chatting over a cup of coffee. She found it very cute to see her father acting like a nervous school boy around the dark Romanian beauty. Not going down the corridor to her bedroom, she decided to explore the house, if one can call this colossal place that. Except for the small dining room they had their breakfast in, there were two bigger dinning halls and the huge lounge where all the vampires congregated on their first night here. She smiled when she peeked into a room and found the walls lined with shelves stocked with ancient-looking leather volumes.
She stepped in and walked over to the shelves closer to her. Scanning through the titles she shook her head, stunned. Most of the books were first prints made centuries ago. She jumped when a soft cough sounded behind her. Spinning around she found a woman sitting at a table in the corner, a large book lying open in front of her. Since it was early morning, she deducted that she couldn't be a vampire, Jemima told herself.
Her eyes took in the short blonde hair and big green eyes. The woman smiled brightly and walked over to greet her. Close-up she was stunned to find that the woman wasn't as young as she's originally thought. She looked to be in the mid-thirties, but was still incredibly good-looking. Hmm, definitely her type…but that was before Tahlia. The dark woman has spoiled her for other women.
“Hi, Jemima, it's a pleasure to meet you at last.” The woman held out her hand and Jemima shook it. “I'm Joan from the Vampire Slayers Consortium.” Her voice was soft and gentle and Jemima felt herself relax a bit.
“Nice to meet you too, Joan” She cocked her head to the side. “If you're a vampire slayer, how come you can come and go as you please in vampire safe house?”
Joan laughed softly. “I am working for the good guys. We all have one goal and that's to protect human race and keeping the balance.” Joan pulled a chair closer and smiled into Jemima's eyes. “How are you keeping up? I can imagine how confusing all this must be for you. It's not everyday that someone comes to you and tell you that vampires do exist and that you are the reincarnated lover of one of the most deadly vampires in existence. ”
Jemima stared down at her hands and shrugged. “I'm doing fine for now. If Tahlia says we are safe here, then I believe her.” She looked at her watch. Just a few more hours before she would see Tahlia again. She looked up into Joan green eyes. “Why do I get the impression that you fear her?”
Joan's green eyes darkened slightly although she was still smiling. “When I first met Tahlia, I was eighteen years old and she was this tall, dark and dangerous woman whom everyone I knew treated with ultimate care. Now, twenty years later, I won't call it fear so to speak, it's more like respect. She's truly a remarkable woman and an exceptional leader.” Joan was quiet for a while letting her eyes roam over Jemima's beautiful face.
“The day you were born, we detected the presence of a very dangerous renegade leader in town. He used to be part of the Royal clan but a few centuries ago he split from the group and started his own band of bloodthirsty vampires. Now with the birth of his own race, Drake only needed one more thing. Tahlia's position and her power. To do that he only needed to get you out of the way, knowing it would crush Tahlia. Your birth lured him out of hiding. When Tahlia found out he was in town, she almost went berserk.” Joan smiled wryly. “I can truly say that day was the only day I truly feared for my life.”
Hell, who wasn't at her birth? She prayed none of them changed her diapers too. She looked into Joan's green eyes and wondered if this woman would be able to answer the question she's about to ask. But did she really want to know more about Tahlia? Maybe knowing just the basics should suffice for now and maybe not. She nervously licked suddenly dry lips and formed the question in her mind before it spilled over her lips. “Should I fear Tahlia too, Joan?” she asked softly, a little guilty that she was prying in Tahlia's life. She had the memories of a lover, but nothing else.
She saw the shock on Joan's face and then she quickly shook her head.
“Tahlia is a very private person and we all respect that, but I can't let you walk around thinking that she was to be feared.” Joan slowly rubbed the bridge of her nose and sighed deeply. “Tahlia is very powerful and more dangerous than anything you've ever encountered or can think of in your life. But she is not evil.”
Joan sighed deeply. “I will tell you what I know, but I suggest you ask her to fill in the blanks. Tahlia was converted to a vampire at the age of twenty two when her parents offered her to the Great Lecrac, the First Vampire. It's believed that he was the offspring of a secret liaison between a angel and a demon. Good and Bad. After wandering the earth for many centuries, he decided to create a race and so began the birth of the Royal Vampire nation. Needing healthy young people, Lecrac recruited young men and woman – mostly from poor backgrounds and then compensate their parents with unimaginable wealth. Lecrac decided to build the Race's hierarchy around four vampire warriors. Pierre, Jonas and Tahlia. The fourth was destroyed centuries ago. Fed by the powerful blood of Lecrac; they took over the ruling of the Race. Lecrac asked to be destroyed soon afterwards”
Joan cast a quick glance at her wristwatch and Jemima felt guilty for keeping the busy woman from whatever she was doing before she interrupted her.
“Please don't let me keep you, Joan. I really didn't mean to interrupt you.”
The green eyes were twinkling as the older woman looked at her. “No problem. I was just killing time until I have to meet with Jonas.” She took a deep breath and continued with the story.
“About three hundred years after Lecrac death, word leaked of this new Race which lived off the blood of humans and who defied mortality. Emperors from the East, driven by their lust for power and immortality, sent armies to sweep through villages in Europe . Their aim was to capture live vampires and take back to the East. With little knowledge of vampires, they'd transported their captives across land in broad daylight, only to be astonished when all they found were heaps of dust after the sun's rays have incinerated their captives. The emperors were furious when they heard of what happened to the captives and writing it off as black magic, they gave the order to kill all those suspected of being part of the vampire race. Those were trying times for Tahlia and the Royals, but they overcame it. Ever since then the vampire race lived in harmony with mankind. That was until Drake became a renegade five centuries ago. He was raised and trained by Tahlia herself and his betrayal was difficult for her to accept, especially since he was going after you.”
“The rest you will have to ask Tahlia yourself. As I said before she is a very private person and according to what I have read about her, she's never allowed any person too close to her except you. Here…” Joan walked over to a shelf and took out a leather-bound book. “…this might help you to understand Tahlia better. It's a book which was written about six hundred years ago. The author is a close friend of Tahlia's.”
Joan walked to the door. “It is almost time for them to rise and I don't want Tahlia to find me in such close quarters with her lover. She is very protective and possessive over you. Talk to you again.” With a wink, Joan left her in the library. The book looked ancient and smelled that way too. Thrilled by fact that she was actually handling an original 600 year old manuscript, made her suck in her breath in anticipation.
When she opened the book, it creaked softly and Jemima stared in wonder at the fragile pages. It was completely handwritten in a curly medieval style which added to the charm and mystery of the subject matter. The first page was a drawing of a tall woman in leather battle gear with her long hair flowing wildly behind her. Her right hand rested on the hilt of a broadsword and the other on the head of a huge black wolf. The moon was bathing both in a silvery glow. Jemima was intrigued by how alike the beast and the Vampire were. They both looked so at peace in the dark, both exuding immense danger.
Careful not to damage the fragile pages, Jemima began to delve into the two thousand year old history of Tahlia Dorotea Oliveira. Most of it confirmed what Joan had told her and some of what she could draw from the memories Tahlia passed on to her last night. The rest delved into the dangerous and morbid side of Tahlia's life. Her bloody exploits on the battlefield and her courage in leading her army of undead warriors into battle. She read of how the mere mention of Vampire Queen's name made the blood turned cold in the veins of her enemies and how huge armies took flight at the sight of her.
Jemima placed the open book on her lap as a shudder ran through her. This portrayal of Tahlia was so different from the gentle Tahlia she and her dad came to know. Was wise to get involved with such a dangerous creature, even if they had been lovers for centuries?
She was once again transported back to last night and the memories she'd shared with Tahlia. Remembering the moments of love they'd shared over the centuries. As always since last night, she felt the sting of tears at the painful moments Tahlia had to endure. Her doubt disappeared like mist before the sun.
She closed the book carefully and felt a gentle caress on her cheek and knew instinctively that it was Tahlia. She was awake.
<All that rubbish you've just read are silly exaggerations by Mendelone. Don't believe everything you've read, love. He'd wanted to write a book that would enthrall readers for centuries to come. I hate that book.>
Jemima laughed softly and walked over to the bookshelf to re-shelve it. “You are too modest. I'm sure Mendelone didn't have to exaggerate much.” She turned away from the shelf and with a gasp took a hasty step backwards.
Tahlia was standing right behind her - very close behind her. She was dressed in all black as usual, the black pants was hugging her long and leanly muscled legs and the black shirt which was tucked into the pants, accentuated her perky breasts and flat stomach. Standing so close to her, Jemima could feel the power and danger radiating from the Vampire.
“You are making me dizzy, Tahlia. You are standing too close,” she said the first thing which came to her mind.
Tahlia smiled gently and took a careful step backwards, giving Jemima the chance to study her more closely. She was startled every time by how beautiful the Vampire really was. She was breathtakingly beautiful and exuded that unearthly sexual appeal that she's read about. While she was shamelessly checking her out, Jemima knew that those black eyes, which were looking at her closely, didn't miss a thing. They saw everything with one brief glance. And then there is the way she walked - with her hands locked behind her back. It complemented her imposing physique and emphasized her authority as the deadly Vampire Queen. Under her close scrutiny, the beautiful lips unexpectedly spilt open in a teasing smile and Jemima quickly looked up into the black eyes.
“Did I mention that I can read your mind too?” She laughed softly when she saw the look of absolute horror in Jemima's eyes. “Yes, I know that you find the way I move pleasing. I've seen the way you've looked at me when you thought I wasn't looking.” Her black eyes were twinkling and Jemima couldn't constrain herself anymore and she reached out and trace a finger over the soft beautiful lips.
“To say I find the way you move ‘pleasing', is a gigantic understatement, Your Highness.”
Almost immediately Tahlia's black eyes started to heat up until they were hot mesmerizing pools of black. Even if she'd wanted, Jemima knew she wouldn't be able to break their gaze. Reliving all those erotic memories that Tahlia had planted in her mind, she was eager to experience how skilled this woman really was.
Tahlia groaned softly and Jemima knew that the Vampire had been reading her mind again and was reacting to the last sentence.
“Let's go to my room.” She saw a fleeting look of surprise in the black eyes and grinned. Jemima's eyes suggestively traced Tahlia's tall frame. “If my memory serves me right, you haven't been intimate with anyone for over ninety years.”
With a deeply sensual smile on her lips, Tahlia graciously stepped aside allowing Jemima to walk pass her out of the library.