June 2008
Disclaimer See Part 1
Disclaimer
Sex & Violence: Part 6 contains graphic love scenes and scenes of violence. If you're under the age of consent, please move to a more suitable story.
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 SIX
Chapter 17
Walking slightly in front in Tahlia, Jemima smiled, knowing that Tahlia was staring at her backside. She could almost feel the black eyes boldly caressing her hips and her thighs. She was suddenly very glad that she'd put on her Levi this morning. It wasn't only comfortable to wear; it also accentuated her attributes very well. She just hopes that it doesn't turn the Vampire on so much so that it trigger her hunger and result in her literally taking a chunk out of her backside. It would probably hurt like hell.
A faint snort sounded and she quickly turned to look at Tahlia, her eyes wide as saucers. The black eyes were expressionless, but in she could see a faint flicker of amusement in the obsidian depths.
“You got that one too, didn't you?” she said, embarrassed to be got entertaining such crazy thoughts.
An enigmatic smile formed on Tahlia's lips as she nodded and Jemima quickly looked away. Good heavens, smiling like that she's actually tempted to allow her to snack on her behind.
“You know, you can actually block me from reading your mind,” Tahlia said dryly, but couldn't contain her amusement when she caught sight of the shock on Jemima's face. A deep throaty chuckle escaped her lips as Jemima took a deep breath and with as much dignity as she could master, continued down the hallway.
“I followed you to the party at that Manhattan penthouse the other night. You were there to meet a brunette. Martina Lawler.”
Jemima turned to look at her, surprised. “You were there? Gosh, what a disaster it was. Everything that could go wrong did. First Martina chipped a tooth on her glass. Later she suddenly had to go home, because she couldn't stop scratching herself. The whole night was so strange. After what happened to Martina none of the other girls wanted to get close to me. I hated the party.” Jemima shook her head at the memory.
When they arrived at the penthouse where the party was held, she had gone to get them some drinks from the bar. Because the party was crowded the only place to have a conversation was the balcony. Pulling a couple of chairs close; they had made themselves comfortable and kept their conversation as light as they could. They didn't want to rush it nor did they want to talk shop and spoil the moment.
After a couple more drinks, Martina started to make her intentions known, by leaning in slowly to kiss Jemima on the lips. That was when the unexplained happened. Martina was about to take sip of her drink after the chase kiss, when her teeth suddenly made hard contact with the glass. Startled, they both looked at the each other first; before Martina touched her front tooth to find it has been chipped by the impact. Worried, she had volunteered to take Martina to a nearby all night clinic to call her dentist. Martina, who was already a bit tipsy, ran her tongue over the affected area and declared that it wasn't that bad and that she could still go see her dentist the next morning. The event placed a slight damper on her night, but they still managed to enjoy the party, but not for long.
After a few more drinks, Martina had led her out to the dance floor and holding each other very close, they'd started to sway to the beat of the music. Having left the house in a dejected mood earlier, Jemima could feel her mood picking up with every slow brush of Martina's hips against hers. Halfway through the dance, which she was truly enjoying, Martina had suddenly started to scratch herself, first her neck and then it quickly escalated to the extend where the brunette almost tore off her top to reach itching body parts. That really spooked everybody and before she could react, Martina had rushed out of the apartment. She'd followed, concerned about her, but by the time she'd reached the pavement, Martina had already hailed a cab and was gone .Yeah, what a disaster.
Brought back to the present by Tahlia's hand on her elbow, Jemima quickly blinked to find they that they had already reached her bedroom. Suddenly shy of how the proceed further, she turned to look at the tall vampire. She found Tahlia looking at her with a gentle smile on her face.
“We will move at your pace, little one. I have already waited so long to claim you and that waiting a while longer is not going to make a difference,” Tahlia said sincerely.
Jemima knew she'd been given an out and as she looked up into the unbelievably beautiful face of Tahlia, she knew that everything was going to be okay. If she wanted to just be held tonight, Tahlia was more than willing to snuggle with her. While she was still looking at Tahlia, the dark woman lifted her hand and with a flick of her wrist the door to her bedroom swung open. Alarmed, she looked from the opened door to Tahlia and back. This was so creepy.
“Do you want me to stop doing that in when in your presence?” Tahlia asked softly, her eyes looking at her curiously.
“Would you?” Jemima's eyes held the dark ones. She wanted to make sure if her question hadn't offended Tahlia.
“For you, yes.” Just like that. Without any hesitation.
“Do…do you use your powers a lot?” She nervously flicked her tongue over her lips. “I mean, do you always open doors that way?”
“Sometimes.”
“How do you decide when to use your power and when not to? Am I asking too many questions?”
The black eyes looked calmly at her as Tahlia shook her head. “No, I want you to ask questions, because I know this is a big adjustment for you. To answer your question, I am not always conscious of when and when not I use my powers.” Tahlia suddenly smiled, almost turning Jemima's knees to jelly. “Believe it or not, vampires do get lazy sometimes and I guess that's when we, or rather I, revert to using my power.”
Jemima cocked her head slightly to the side. “You just rose, does it mean that you're lazy after your nap and that's why you used your power to open the door?”
Tahlia looked away from Jemima and after moment of silence she looked back at Jemima, a sheepish look on her face. Jemima was stunned by the sheepish look on the vampire's face, mostly because it looked rather alien on the confident Tahlia. But it was still cute to see.
“I was simple trying to impress you.” Tahlia said quickly and turned her head away again.
Jemima just gaped at the woman for a while, and then gaped some more before reaching out to touch Tahlia's cheek. The black eyes were even darker than usual when they turned to look into Jemima's blue ones. At that moment Jemima knew that she wanted to make love with this dangerously addictive woman.
“You wanted to impress little old me? Wow, you just have to look at me, speak to me, stand close to me or smile at me and I turn to jelly.” The black eyes had warmed gradually as she was talking and she lifted her lips to brush a gently kiss over the soft lips. “I don't really know the full extend off your powers, but as impressive as they might be, Tahlia, you are so much more exciting to me.” The words had barely left her lips, before they were captured in such a tender kiss which made her knees buckle. She felt Tahlia pulling her closer to her to keep her from suddenly gooey body from leaking out of her arms and onto floor. And still the breathtaking kiss continued. When the kiss ended her chest was heaving, while Tahlia was staring back at her with a burning intensity.
“I should … remember what I've …said to you…” Jemima gasped. “…because I love the reaction …it had on you.”
Tahlia gently ran her knuckles down Jemima's warm cheek. “I will never forget what you've said and every time I remember it, I will go in search of you and kiss you.”
Blinking back the tears, Jemima looked around them surprised to find that they were still standing in the hallway in front of her gaping room.
“Let's go inside.”
Tahlia stepped aside to allow Jemima to enter the room before her and she deliberately turned to close the door. Turning back she found Jemima looking back at her with twinkling eyes.
“It actually looked funny to see you close the door. Maybe you should just keep on impressing me with your powers; it befits your position, Your Highness.” She reached out her arms and Tahlia moved into them and held her close in a strong embrace.
They stood like that for a while, simple savoring each others touch.
“I was so jealous that night of the party and I wanted to make sure that nobody else got it in their heads to pick you up for the night.” Tahlia's embrace tightened. “Martina was messing with my woman and I had to get her out of the picture.” Tahlia whispered in her ear after a while.
“ You! You did that to Martina?” Jemima pulled out of the embrace and shook her head. She smiled when Tahlia didn't even try to look guilty or show any remorse. The black eyes were just staring back into hers, impassively. “But I had a few short relationships at school. Why didn't you interfere then?”
Tahlia bent her head and gently flicked her tongue over Jemima's lips. The act was so bold and sexy, that Jemima felt an outbreak goose bumps rush over her whole body.
“You and your girlfriends were just fumbling in the dark. A grown-up relationship was a different issue. I had been your first lover for over two thousand years and I was not going to let some big-breasted, lusty woman spoil your first true experience.” Before Jemima could say anything else, Tahlia swung her up in her arms and walked over to the bed. “I've fantasized about lying next to you on that bed for so long. Please indulge me.” She laid her down on the bed and immediately stretched out over her, her lips locked firmly with Jemima's.
The kiss deepened quickly and Jemima felt as if Tahlia was burrowing deep into her soul with the hypnotic strokes of her tongue inside her mouth. She sighed softly when she felt Tahlia hand crept up to her breast. When she reached the gentle swell of Jemima's breast, Tahlia broke the kiss abruptly and stared into the dazed blue eyes as if asking for permission to continue. Swallowing hard, Jemima nodded quickly. Yes, she wanted this. She wanted this intoxicating woman to conquer her body tonight and then to claim her heart and soul afterwards.
^^^^^^^^^^
Tahlia looked down at the thin white shirt that was standing between her and the firm high breasts of Jemima. She almost growled out in impatience as she noted the row of buttons running down the front of the shirt. Ripping the shirt was out of the question and using her power while unsure of how Jemima really felt about them could kill the mood completely. With a shaking hand, she clenched her teeth and quickly popped the buttons one by one to expose a tanned and flat stomach ribbed by muscled abs. Oh, how she was going to enjoy kissing each and every one of those muscles before dawn breaks. She rubbed her hand over the abs, making Jemima gasp.
Her hand moved further up to the beautiful breasts and she cradled one in her palm, she marveled at the perfect fit. Full and soft; just as she remembered them. She gently skimmed her thumb over the hard nipple and smiled with she heard another gasp. She slowly bent her dark head and sucked a nipple into her warm mouth.
“Oh…,” Jemima exclaimed softly as she bucked her hips wildly, but Tahlia held her down with one strong hand on her chiseled stomach.
She sucked a bit harder on the nipple all the while sorting quickly through Jemima's memory. Satisfied that she'd found the perfect one, brought the scene to the foreground as she shared it with Jemima.
<It was the year 1815 and a host of candles were shedding its light on the big Turkish bath in the centre of the room. Two servant girls were soundlessly moving about the room as they lit more candles around the bath.
Except for the servants, she was alone in the room, but she could sense her close by. With a quick bow the servants left the room, and closed the door behind them. Almost immediately a cloud of mist appeared from out of nowhere and solidified into the body of her tall, dark lover. The vampire stepped closer and Jemima could see the smoldering midnight black eyes of Tahlia resting on the woman lounging lazily in a curved chaise.
“You took your sweet time getting here, my love.”The other woman replied arrogantly, looking at her lover with a heavy frown. Tahlia was dressed in tight black pants and a flowing white silk shirt. Her hair was cut shorter and curled into her neck with an unruly lock falling over her forehead, which she impatiently pushed back as her intense gaze held the blue-eyed one of the other woman. There was a faint tightening around her eyes as her lips curled in faint amusement.
She walked over and pulled the blonde to her feet, crushing her soft lips with hers. “Do you really think your title as the Duchess of Bellingham , intimidates me, Jessica.” Not waiting for a reply, Tahlia took the woman's head in her large hands, tilted it backwards and then pushed her tongue deep into the other woman's mouth while her black eyes stared unblinkingly into the aristocrat's eyes. Jemima groaned at the blatant eroticism of the kiss.
Tahlia gently pushed the woman from her after the kiss had ended. They were both shaking a little, a sign of their mutual excitement.
“I want you to punish me for my arrogance, my love.” Jessica husked as she moved closer to Tahlia and started to rub herself against vampire's tall frame.
With one flick of Tahlia's hand, they were both naked and Jessica went to lie on the slumber chaise next to the steaming bath, her legs spread wide and falling off the edges of the chair.
Tahlia didn't hesitate and knelt between Jessica's shapely legs and using her fingers opened the soft fleshy lips which covered her lover's pulsating sex. Jessica softly moaned when Tahlia's hungry lips clammed down on her throbbing nub and started to suck. Tahlia teased the
“I have missed you so much, my darling.” Jessica wheezed through as her head lolled from side to side.
Tahlia lifted her head suddenly and looked in the passion-glazed blue eyes. She gently pushed a few sweaty strands of blond hair from her lover's face, her black eyes overflowing with love for her soul mate.
“I love you, my angel,” she whispered thickly, her eyes trailing over the beautiful face of the woman who was the keeper of her heart. “I have a surprise for you.” Tahlia moved away into the shadows and when she stepped back into the candle light, a long thick phallus was jutting from between her muscled legs.
“I have heard that such a thing existed, but I never thought I would see one.” Jessica's pearly white teeth bit down on her lower lip, her blue eyes smoldering with lust. “Come over here and show me how it works.”
Tahlia grinned, allowing her fangs to show as she went to kneel between the Jessica's legs. Her eyes were fixed on the Jessica's as she gently pushed forward, watching as Jessica's eyes grew wider and wider still as she lovingly claimed her. Going as slowly as she possibly can, Tahlia gasped as Jessica suddenly reached out, grabbed her backside in both her hands and pulled her hips down, unceremoniously forcing her deeper into her writhing body…>
Jemima groaned when the mental link was abruptly broken and she opened her eyes to lock gazes with Tahlia's molten gaze.
“From here onwards we create our own memories,” Tahlia whispered in a dark voice and grinned lasciviously when she felt a thrill dart through Jemima body. “I want you so much, my heart. So much it hurts.” With trembling fingers she traced the soft, sensual curve of Jemima's lips.
The dark head arched and their lips met in a deep sensual kiss which left them both trembling with barely controlled desire. Tahlia hissed and arched her back when Jemima pushed her hands under her shirt and traced her spine. Unable to hold back much longer, Tahlia quickly sat back on her knees and wiggled Jemima out of her jeans and panties. With her hand cupping the blond triangle, she leant forward and flicked a rose-tipped nipple with her tongue. Her hand dipped lower and she groaned when she found Jemima's slick and ready. Moving lower still, her long slender fingers dipped slowly into the deep wet channel while her black eyes stared deeply into her glittering blue ones.
“You know now how it had been between us for centuries, little one. Don't hold back from me. If you want to scream then do so. I will make sure that no one interrupts your pleasure.” She slowly extracted her fingers and greedily laved them with her tongue, not even aware that she was humming throatily as she savored her lover's nectar. The act was so sexy that Jemima almost came right then and there. Sensing her lover's battle to yield, Tahlia slowly shook her head. “Not yet. Please don't let it be over before I have had the chance to adore your beautiful body.”
She moved downwards in a sensuous sliding action, her body rubbing over the blonde and spreading Jemima's legs wide. She groaned faintly when her extra sensitive senses were overwhelmed by the deep musky scent coming from the heated centre of Jemima. She carefully stuck her tongue into the opening where her fingers had been a few moments before and smiled darkly when she heard Jemima's soft cry of pleasure. Encouraged by the soft cries of her woman, she tightened her grip on her young lover's hips and thrust her tongue harder into her. Jemima was moaning loudly now, her head thrashing from side to side. A symphony so familiar to Tahlia's ears which made her heart constrict with infinite tenderness and a deep love for this mortal being who at countless times in her long existence had kept the darkness from staining her soul.
Tahlia felt the heat rising between her own legs and she could feel the wetness trailing down her thigh. With her need came the ever-present hunger. She hadn't fed before she came to see Jemima. It was now too late to do so. She was well aware that she would be too distracted by her desire for Jemima and might unintentionally hurt her victim through her negligence.
She slowly sat back and looked into the eyes of her lover. If she continued, she might frighten her beloved and that was not what she wanted to do. Never. Not for as long as she existed. She didn't know how to start asking Jemima if she could feed. She saw Jemima raising herself on her elbows looking at her with her heart in her eyes.
“Take what you need from me. I know we have done this so many times before.” Before Tahlia could say anything, Jemima smiled suddenly. “But in return I want you to do something for me too.” Curious, Tahlia lifted her eyebrows questioningly.
“What more could I possibly offer you, my darling, that I haven't pledge to you already?”
<I want you to just watch me for a while. >
She grinned when she saw Tahlia's eyes darken even further, a primal look flashing in the dark eyes. The thought of this dark and dangerous woman overpowering her with her animalistic passion, made her whole body tingle with anticipation.
She slowly laid back and keeping eye contact with Tahlia placed her own hand between her legs and began to rub herself slowly. She closed her eyes and groaned softly, extremely turned on by the thought that she was masturbating under the hot gaze of her very sexy lover. Her one hand crept to her breasts and she pinched one of her nipples hard as her mouth opened in long, drawn out groan. The moan died abruptly on her lips and startled, her eyes flew open when she felt herself being picked up and held over Tahlia's lap. She wasn't even aware of when Tahlia had undressed as the dark woman leaned back slightly, scissoring their legs so their mounds were pressed tightly against each other. They started to gyrate feverishly as they struggled for a while before finding a mutual rhythm.
Jemima threw her head back at the sensation brought about by the intimate touch of her lover's sex against hers. The rhythm picked up until they were both moaning uncontrollably.
“You feel so good…I…I don't want this to stop. Make it last…please” Jemima's blue eyes held Tahlia's as her she was gaping words of encouragement, spiking the ancient blood of the vampire.
The sight of her beautiful lover gliding over her lap was so erotic, that Tahlia couldn't hold back anymore. She leant forward and pulled Jemima into a tight embrace, her face buried in the sweaty column of the blonde's neck.
Very close to her orgasm, Jemima felt the soft sensation of pinpricks in her neck and with another drawn out cry she tumbled over the edge. Her head was swimming and her body felt like it was floating on air. She came in great gush of musky liquid and choked screams. Shaking like a leaf, her nails digging into Tahlia's broad shoulders.
It was all over in a few seconds and Tahlia gently closed the pinpricks with a flick of her tongue. As if on cue, her body stiffened in preparation of the pending explosion. Jemima moaned softly when she felt Tahlia's whole body starting to shake and a long hiss escaped the Vampire Queen's lips as she threw her head back and closed her black eyes. Her hips jerked sharply for a few seconds before they stilled.
Gasping for breath and sweaty from their vigorous session, they sat on the rumpled bed holding each other tightly in complete silence. It was a long while later when Tahlia moved in a fluid movement, to stand next to the bed, Jemima's worn-out body cradled tightly in her arms. With one hand she pulled back the comforter and slid a drowsy Jemima under the covers.
“Where are you going, baby?” Jemima asked sleepily as she and Tahlia smiled tenderly.
Baby .
Nobody had ever called her baby in almost two thousand years and it felt good. She was someone's baby again. She bent over when Jemima pulled her closer for a kiss. Their lips met and they were both surprised by the flame of passion that sprang to life immediately. Their eyes met and they both grinned.
Tahlia wanted to go see if she was needed, since she had placed a mentally block around her and Jemima while they were making love, preventing anyone from disturbing them. But now she wasn't so sure if was a good idea to leave Jemima just yet. Not when her body was already screaming for her lover's again.
“I'm getting in next to you, my love,” she whispered softly and saw the smile widening on Jemima's face.
“Good. I just need a few minutes to catch my breath before I want you to take me again…” There was a sensuous smile on her lips “… like you did Jessica.”
Tahlia felt her body heating up at the picture that came to mind and she lifted the sheet and moved closer to Jemima. She felt so rejuvenated. Must be Jemima's sweet blood blending with her ancient blood, she thought as she was lying there, tenderly caressing her dozing lover's back.
___________________________________________________________________________
Chapter 18
The night was quiet – too quiet. She looked up and sniffed the air sharply. The moon had a slight red ring around it. An evil moon. Something bad was going to happen soon. Gently, Tahlia licked the twin prick wounds on the neck of the man she'd been feeding on to close them. She carefully helped him to sit down, before erasing the last few seconds from his mind.
She scanned the area to make sure she was alone in the alley and with two quick steps launched herself into the air. From the sky she saw what she was looking for. A group of leather clad youths were gathered on the roof of a skyscraper. Cloaking her presence, she landed a few meters from them.
A tall dark-haired renegade vampire was standing in the middle; his handsome features were set in hard cruel lines. He was obviously the leader from they way he carried himself. He stood tall and was looking at the others with a slight air of authoritative arrogance.
“We will all meet at the tomb on the next rising. Do not be late, because we will use our …” His voice trailed off and he quickly looked around, alarmed. “Something's not right. Let's get the hell out of here and meet at the tomb tomorrow.” He was still looking around when he walked past her and Tahlia was disgusted at the inexperience of the young vampires. With unaccustomed sadness she watched them dissolve. Drake was simply using them as decoys and their destruction meant nothing to him. She was tempted to strike out and kill them all, but after centuries of many battles, the one thing she'd learnt was to practice patience and study the moves of her enemies.
When they had all left, she took to the air again. She was going home, to Jemima. She had left her sleeping after having made love to her for hours and she wanted to see her one last time before she had to go to ground. She landed in the dark alley behind the luxury hotel. The safe house was built beneath the hotel, which served as a base for the Human Vampire Slayers Consortium. She scanned the area before dissolving into mist.
She took on human form when she was standing in front of the rumpled bed, looking down at the beautiful sleeping face of Jemima. She bends down and placed a soft kiss on the warm forehead. When she pulled back, she found the blue eyes looking up at her.
“I was looking for you earlier. Did you go out?” The blue eyes sleepily trailed down her fully clothed figure. She was dressed in all black as usual and looked sleek and dangerous. “You look incredibly sexy, baby. Don't you want to lie down with me for a few minutes before dawn breaks?”
Tahlia smiled. She was glad she didn't sensor the memories she's sent to Jemima on her first night here. The clever minx had absorbed everything. Like earlier, she remembered that Tahlia's desire fueled her hunger and now she also knows when she had to go to ground.
“I will stay with you for a while, but no more love making. Your body must be very sore by now.” She stretched out next to Jemima and smiled tenderly when she was pulled closer by Jemima and she found herself being spooned by the younger woman. This is so different from the other times. She had always been the one to take care of her lovers and the roles were never reversed, because she saw it as her duty to protect them. She was stronger and it just made sense that she took on the role of protector.
With Jemima it was a different story. The girl wanted to take care of her. She didn't care that Tahlia was over two thousand years old and that she was one of the most dangerous creatures on the planet at the moment. She grinned when she thought of their lovemaking earlier. The naughty minx had even reversed their roles during their long hours of lovemaking and had even taken the dildo to her. She can't ever remember having been taken like that. Afterwards she'd been so exhausted as she'd laid next to the blonde struggling to catch her breath. Another first time for her. She smiled when she felt the small hand tenderly stroking her back.
“May I ask you something, Tahlia?” her sleepy voice sounded muffled against her back.
“Yes.” She had to restrain herself from reading Jemima's mind out of pure curiosity.
“Why haven't you asked the previous ones if they didn't want to convert and become like you?”
Tahlia was just lying there in silence, stunned. She had expected the question for a few centuries now, but never really took the time to come up with an answer for it, because it would mean that she was entertaining the idea and building her hopes of one of them actually wanting to be like her.
“Did you hear me, Tahlia?” Jemima asked softly and rose onto her elbow to look at Tahlia.
Tahlia cleared her throat softly and sat up. Dawn was nearing and she needed to go. To escape from answering this loaded question.
“It's time for me to go.” She kissed Jemima deeply and stroked her cheek. Her black eyes were tender. “I will be dreaming about you, my love.” She lifted the sheet and her eyes trailed possessively over the naked curves. When she looked up at Jemima, she found the blue eyes resting on her and she was frowning.
“You didn't answer me, Tahlia.” Her hand wrapped over the hand holding the sheet and Tahlia sighed.
“Because I don't think anyone would like to live like I do. Not being able to walk in the sun … feel it on your face.” Her face hardened. “No, I couldn't think of asking something like that of them. I am a creature who deserves to lurk in the shadows.” Abruptly, her face softened and her eyes darkened with a love. “Somehow I must have done a good deed for the Man above for Him to have decided to give you to me. You are the only reason I still exist this long. Century after century you have brought a sense of normalcy to my life. I am accustomed to that now and don't want to tempt fate by becoming greedy.” She swallowed hard and came to her feet. Just the thought that she will have to say goodbye to Jemima one day, that's if Drake doesn't succeed in capturing her, let her heart jerk in her chest. She didn't hear Jemima move, but she felt the warm arms going around her and she smiled sadly when she felt the soft kiss in her neck. She turned in the embrace and kissed her back.
“I really need to go now, beloved. I will see you tomorrow.” And then very softy she added. “I love you.” She took a step back from the bed and before Jemima's eyes she disappeared into a fine mist.
***********************
The minute she opened her eyes, Tahlia knew Jemima was gone. The dirt spewed upwards as she flew out of her earthly tomb, her eyes glowing red in her pale face. She immediately went in search of the James, finding him in the large study typing away on his laptop. He looked startled when she materialized in front of the desk, mist swirling around her ankles.
“Oh...” He quickly took off his reading glasses.
“Where is Jemima, James?” she asked calmly.
“She has an exhibition tonight.”
Tahlia was frowning ominously. “What exhibition?”
“Remember the one that she planned at Martina Lawler's gallery. She came to the house a few days ago to select pieces for the exhibition. They were shipped to her gallery the same day. I though you knew…oh…” He stopped when he saw the thunderous expression on Tahlia's tanned face.
Tahlia had stopped listening at the mention of Martina Lawler. She felt the beast rearing. She didn't want Jemima anyway near that woman. Not after what they'd shared last night. She will rip the woman apart if she so much as placed a hand on Jemima.
Drake .
There was still Drake and his spies who were out there looking for her. She turned on her heel.
“I am going out to look for her.”
James came to his feet. “I'm coming with you.”
Without turning to face him, Tahlia spoke.
“I want you to stay here, James. It's not safe for you out there.”
“But my daughter is out there – alone.”
At that Tahlia turned sharply, making James stiffen in apprehension.
“Alone. She went out alone.” Not waiting for a reply she was gone in a flurry of mist.
*********************
Jemima was trying her best not to snap at the infuriating woman. Since she'd entered the gallery she had attached herself to Jemima and hasn't left her side in the past hour. Looking down at the woman she struggled not to let her irritation show.
Jennifer Hobson was a well-known socialite with super-rich parents who were ardent art collectors and ardent collectors of her work. Because of that she was trying her best not to brush off the heiress.
“What are you doing afterwards? I'm invited to a party later and would love for you to come with me. What do you say?”
Jemima smiled politely and hoped her smile didn't come out as a grimace.
“Unfortunately I've already made plans.” And indeed she had plans. Afterwards she was hoping to go home to Tahlia, whom she knew would be very angry at her for not telling her about the exhibition tonight.
The girl's beautiful face pulled into a scowl and Jemima sighed inwardly. The spoilt brat was obviously used to getting her way.
“Oh. That's a pity. My parents were hoping to buy a few more of your pieces but…”
She knew she was being rude, but having had enough of the girl, Jemima turned away and walked out of the sliding doors to the balcony. Resting her hands on the aluminum railing she looked out over the bustling city, trying to calm her rising annoyance which was directed at the pouting girl she'd left inside.
She was suddenly overwhelmed by a powerful sense of anger and she fearfully scanned the balcony. Was she in danger? Were their renegades amongst her guests or even worse, hiding in shadows of the balcony? She quickly turned to go back into the gallery, only to find herself staring into two black pools of anger.
“Why didn't you tell me about the exhibition, Jemima?” Tahlia sounded calm, but her taut body and the waves of anger she emitted painted another picture.
Even faced wit the Vampire's obvious rage, Jemima took a careful step forward, irresistibly drawn to Tahlia.
“I was scared you might've tried to stop me,” she said with a sheepish look on her face. How stupid could she have been not realizing the danger she was placing herself in. Nor the fear she'd caused Tahlia even though she was trying hard to hide her disquiet.
Tahlia lifted her head and inhaled deeply. When she looked back at the blonde, her eyes were cold. “There are renegades nearby. We need to go inside.”
She held out her hand and pulled Jemima into the crowded gallery and just as they entered, Martina spotted them walked over to them. Her green eyes shifted from Jemima to Tahlia and back.
“Jemima, aren't you going to introduce me to your friend?” she said with a predatory look in the Tahlia's direction. Jemima saw green.
<You need not feel threatened by her, my love. I am not attracted to her at all.>
The soft voice in her mind made her turn to face Tahlia, who was staring at her with an unconcealed look of adoration. She reached out and took Tahlia's hand in hers.
“Tahlia meet Martina. Martina…Tahlia.”
Martina reached out and eagerly grabbed Tahlia's hand.
“What a beautiful name. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Tahlia.”
Tahlia nodded politely.
“It's a pleasure meeting you too, Martina.” She turned to Jemima. “Would you please excuse us for a minute?” She quickly steered Jemima to the farthest corner of the room. “It would not be advisable to fight the renegades here. We need to get out of here.”
Looking around at the all the people crowding the room, Jemima nodded. The renegades were after her and staying here she was going to put them all in grave danger.
“Let me speak to Martina. We can leave afterwards.”
She left Tahlia and walked over to where Martina was standing chatting to one of the guests.
^^^^^
Tahlia sensed the renegades closing in on them and walked over to where Jemima was standing talking to Martina.
“We need to go. Now! ”
Just as they reached the door, Tahlia looked back and grimaced when she saw a group of leather clad men enter the gallery from the balcony entrance.
She pushed Jemima out the door and swinging her up into her strong arms, she sprinted down the flights of stairs, using preternatural speed until they were standing outside at the back of the building in a dark alley. Putting Jemima on her feet, Tahlia gently pushed her up against the wall.
“Stay put and let me deal with them. Please do not try to get involved, Jemima. These creatures are dangerous.” Tahlia quickly stepped back and hastily spun a crude web of protection spells around Jemima. “This will keep you safe while I am fighting them off.” She tenderly brushed her lips over Jemima's. “It's going to be fine. I will not let them harm you, my love.”
A ripple and the slight shift in the air made her reached under her ankle-length coat. Three renegades materialized in front of Tahlia and three more behind her. Jemima was stunned to see the gradual change in Tahlia from a soft loving woman the one second to the flint-eyed warrior.
Tahlia slowly drew her sword sand stood there looking at the vampires surrounding her. Her eyes were glowing blood red in her pale face as she stared at her enemy. With a loud hiss she sprung into action. She was too fast for Jemima to follow with her eyes, but as long as there was still movement, it meant that she was ok. The blurry movement stopped and Tahlia stood, head bent, surrounded by body parts. The air practically crackled around Tahlia as she summoned all the powers, before lifting her bloodied sword. Lifting her head, she took a purposeful step in their direction of the remaining three renegades and Jemima saw them slowly backing down.
“Cowards!” the word was spat at them from a dark corner in the alley.
The shadows shifted and a tall, well-muscled man stepped out of the shadows. Jemima could only stare at the newcomer, taking in his appearance. Whoever he was, the man was unbelievably handsome. He had gleaming dark hair and beautiful blue eyes and his long black hair was pulled back into a ponytail and tied in the nape of his neck with a piece of leather.
When Jemima looked at Tahlia, to gauge her reaction to the appearance of the newcomer, she was shocked to see an almost tender smile on her lips.
“What do you expect from them when they were created by a coward like yourself?”
Drake's blue eyes snapped at Tahlia and then moved over to where Jemima stood.
“She is very beautiful. More beautiful than I remember.” He took a step in her direction, but Tahlia stepped in front of him. She had moved so fast that even Drake looked a bit startled by her speed.
He quickly stepped back, holding up his hands to indicate that he was unarmed. As much as she wanted to cut him down, Tahlia knew that to disregard the Old World code, was tantamount to betraying the Race. And Drake knew that, the cocky smile on his lips giving his thoughts away. The renegade leader's cold eyes again over to Jemima.
“We will meet very soon, young lady, and unfortunately I will have to warn you that it will not be a pleasurable meeting for you.” He disappeared right in front of her eyes as a shiver ran down Jemima's spine. The rest of the renegades followed their leader.
In a blur of speed, Tahlia quickly incinerated the bodies before walking over to where Jemima stood.
“Come, let's go home.” She swung her into her arms and sped towards the safe house.
^^^^^^^
Once they were back in her room, Tahlia laid her down on the bed and disappeared into the en-suite bathroom. Lying on the bed, Jemima heard the taps being turned on.
Tahlia came to sit on the bed next to her and reached for the buttons on her jacket. With only the bathroom light on, the rest of the room was cast in semi-darkness, but Jemima could still see the heat in Tahlia's eyes, feel it in the slight way her fingertips brushed against her breasts. They didn't speak, just stared at each other while Tahlia slowly undid her buttons. Tahlia slowly pulling Jemima into a sitting position and pulled the jacket away. Her head turned into the direction of the bathroom and the taps suddenly stopped.
“While you take a bath, I will go find your father. He must be very worried about you.”
When she was about to get to her feet, Jemima quickly reached out and grabbed a hold of her hand.
“Sit with me for a while.” Her hand softly touched Tahlia's cheek. “I'm sorry for unknowingly placing you and myself in danger. It was really stupid of me. Are you still angry at me?”
She saw a haunted look flash in Tahlia's dark eyes before they became blank.
“I am not sure how I will survive without you if something were to happen to you,, Jemima.” She brought Jemima's hand to her lips. “You are everything to me and the reason I am holding onto my sanity. Drake knows it and that's why he's after you. ”
Jemima pulled Tahlia's head closer to hers and placed a soft kiss on her cheek.
“I will be more careful in future. I promise.”
Tahlia shook her head, her eyes hard.
“There will not be a next time, Jemima. I will not allow you to leave the safe house alone again. You are not a prisoner here, but as long as Drake is still alive, I will not let you out of my sight.”
Jemima felt the tears welling up in her eyes and she saw Tahlia's eyes soften.
“I really promise to be more careful.” Her lips moved over Tahlia's in a gently apology. Tahlia's lips opened slightly and Jemima slipped her tongue into her mouth. She deepened the kiss when she felt Tahlia's breathing accelerating Tahlia pulled away, gasping for breath.
“Your bath water ....”
With a wicked smile, Jemima pushed Tahlia down on the bed. “It can wait. Help me get me out of these clothes.”
With a flick of her hand, Tahlia had them both naked. She covertly stole a glance at Jemima to see her reaction at the use of her power. The blonde was staring own at her naked frame and back to the clothes lying scattered on the floor. When the blue eyes met hers, Tahlia saw amusement in the sapphire depths.
“I have to admit that I'm really impressed by your powers too.”
Tahlia grinned and eagerly pulled Jemima into her arms.
^^^^^^^^^
Long after Jemima has fallen asleep, Tahlia just laid there looking at her lover. Knowing Jemima, she would not be able to keep her promise. She was a daredevil and would always be in trouble of be the cause of it. For the first time in her existence she was scared. Scared that will all her powers and fighting skill, she might fail to keep Jemima safe. Drake knew what he wanted and had 500 years to plan her downfall.
But did it have to be Jemima? Her beautiful and stubborn, darling?
She brushed a tender kiss over Jemima's lips.
“I love you so much, my angel,” she whispered softly.
Jemima stirred in her arms and snuggled closer.
“Me too,” came the mumbled reply, before she turned over and after a while soft snores filled Tahlia's ears.
With a heavy sigh, Tahlia rested her forehead on the soft blonde head. The red moon of the other mind came to mind and Tahlia held Jemima tighter, making the blonde groan at the pressure.
Something bad was going to happen and she knew instinctively that Jemima was in the centre of it. She will have to be more vigilant and keep the blonde closer to her.
___________________________________________________________________________
Chapter 19
Three mornings later Jemima was up early and breezed down the hallway to the kitchen in search of coffee. Life was beautiful. And it was all thanks to Tahlia. Her lover was such a delight to behold. She was unbelievably attentive and loving, making it almost impossible to reconcile the dangerous predator with the gentle woman who'd effortlessly claimed her heart. Yes, she was completely in love with Tahlia now. The deep, familiar affection she'd felt at the beginning soon after Tahlia had shown her their lives together, had quickly transformed into a powerful love which increased in intensity on a daily basis.
Looking at her watch she grinned, Tahlia had kept her up for most of the night, in-between bouts of tender lovemaking and moments where they relived the past. She felt her face heat up. Most of these moments were of them making love. The scenes ranged from tender moments to frantic encounters where Tahlia demonstrated her dominance over her and took her with breathtaking fervor, leaving a whimpering afterwards.
She entered the kitchen and came to a stunned stop. There in the centre of the big kitchen, was her father and Rafina, locked in a passionate kiss. She could see from their ruffled appearance that they had obviously only gotten out of bed now …together. Proud of her father and the speed at which he'd swept the cool Romanian woman off her feet, Jemima whistled softly. The two lovers jumped away from each other.
Jemima saw the guilt in her father's eyes and smiled reassuringly.
“Before you say anything, Dad, it's about time that you start living again. I'm just glad that it is with a wonderful woman such as Rafina.” She walked over to them and hugged them both.
They had breakfast in the kitchen and Jemima was enjoying seeing the way her father and Rafina interacted. Rafina made sure that every time she walked passed her father to the stove, to brush against him and when she walked away she would sway her hips enticingly. Knowing that it was hard for them to keep their hands off each other, she wolfed down her breakfast and left.
She was walking passed the lift on her way to the library when she stopped in her tracks. She looked around and back towards the lift they had used when they arrived here on their first night. It had been almost a week ago since they'd moved into the safe house. So many days of not seeing the sunbathed streets and bustle of New York street life. Her yearning intensified and for a while she thought of her promise to Tahlia. Not even Tahlia would begrudge her a few minutes in the sunlight. Or would she? No, Tahlia loved her too much to refuse her this. Looking down the long corridor, seeing no one, she stepped closer to the lift and pressed the ‘open doors' button.
The doors slid open. Who was she kidding? Tahlia would be super mad at her for what she was about to do, but she wanted to see the sunlight and stand on a bustling New York pavement. In any case, vampires sleep during the day and she wouldn't be in danger. Even Drake would be catching some zzzzz's right now.
<It's not a good idea, Jemi.>
She jumped guiltily when she heard the voice. Tahlia didn't sound happy at all. Her voice was calm but held an undertone of steel.
<I feel cooped up, Tahlia. I just need some fresh air and I will be back down before anyone misses me. Its broad daylight and no vampires are walking about.>
Not waiting for Tahlia to object, she stepped into the lift and the doors shut behind her. She gasped softly and looked around in the small steel cubicle to see where the draft came from. When she felt an oppressing feeling in her gut she knew instinctively it was Tahlia's anger she was experiencing. If possible, Tahlia seems to be even angrier at her now than on that night of the exhibition. Keeping her eyes closed tightly for the short ride, the lifts open into a big foyer.
Looking around carefully, she made her way to the big open doors and the sunlight which was beckoning to her. For a moment she stopped and looked around the crowded foyer, she shouldn't forget that she was still being hunted. When she saw that nobody was paying any attention to her, she made a dash for the big doors. The minute she touched the doorknob, a cold breeze swept passed her and she looked a round quickly, thoroughly spooked. She could feel Tahlia's presence nearby and her anger pulsing around her.
<Turn around NOW and return below ground or you will regret disobeying me, Jemima. Your father is on his way to get you.>
She was too close to her goal to turn back now. Tahlia was anyway already angry at her. She turned the knob and stepped out into the warm rays of the sun. Once on the pavement, she lifted her face towards the sun and smiled. It was unbelievable to feel the familiar, comforting heat of the sun.
It made her feel alive.
Looking around she took in the typical New York scenes unfolding around her. A few feet away a hotdog vendor was serving up a delicious-smelling chili and cheese hotdog to a customer. Two youngsters were rushing by on their skateboards and on the other side of the street, a stream of men and women in corporate wear were walking briskly to work.
She suddenly thought about what she'd asked Tahlia that night. She understood now why Tahlia never asked any of the others to convert. How can one live for centuries without feeling the heat of the sun on your face? Feeling the sting of the rays on your naked skin? She rubbed her forearms and was just about to cross the road, when a black van came screeching around the corner.
As if in defense, all her senses suddenly came to life and she immediately sensed the oppressive presence of evil in the air.
<Get back into the hotel now. Your father and Joan are right behind you. Please, turn around now, Jemima! Do not disobey me this time.>
For the first time since she'd known Tahlia she could hear the panic in her voice. Not a good sign, she thought to herself. Before she could turn and run, the van pulled up next to her and two men wearing balaclavas jumped out. One grabbed her around the waist and threw her into the van while the other man closed the door behind them. In the distance she heard her father cry out her name, but a ham-like fist smashed into her face and everything went black.
*****************
The earth around her vibrated with her rage. The brute who'd punched her will pay for having placed her hand on Jemima. But he will die for having hurt her. She quickly shed her body for the second time this morning and her spirit lifted out of her paralyzed body and flashed through the hotel and into the bright, bruising sunlight. She could feel her strength draining, but she pushed herself forward relentlessly. Drake had thought about everything. She wondered how long his minions had been staked out in front of the hotel.
With Jemima's scent strong in her nostrils, she cut through traffic until she spotted the van and quickly trickled through an open window. A silent scream of hatred ripped from her when she saw Jemima lying in a small bundle on a dirty blanket. An ugly purple bruise was already forming on her cheek. She moved over towards her and she saw the men looking around, puzzled by the sudden cool breeze in the van.
She lightly touched the bruise and she felt the beast within her rising, its long fangs exposed and its claws gripping the earth, the blood red eyes blazing with bloodlust. She turned a gaze on the man sitting closest to her and she took a deep and long sniff. She wanted to memorize his foul scent so that when she rose tonight she'd come calling for his blood.
Tahlia's stepped away from the man when they came to a stop. The doors to the van were pulled open and she saw that they were in an underground parking lot. The place was dark even though it was only 09:00 in the morning. The brute dragged Jemima out of the car and swung her over his shoulder like a potato sack. Tahlia bristled at the thought of his filthy hands touching Jemima.
They entered a lift and took a short drive a few floors down. She grimaced when she sensed the presence of Drake. Bingo, she thought with grim satisfaction. This was his lair. She will make sure to be here first thing when the sun sets. With this promise she rushed back to the safe house and back into her body.
^^^^^^^^
Rafina clutched James in tight embrace. After witnessing Jemima's kidnapping James had been strangely quiet, wandering through the house in daze. Rafina felt his body trembling against hers and she gently stroked his hair. Lacking the right words to ease his worries, she'd taken the big man in her arms at least offering him the closeness of another. She too was worried. If Drake had Jemima, she was in great danger. He was a sadistic man and has proved it through out the centuries.
“She must be so scared right now,” James murmured and his shoulders started to shake.
She gently stroked his back. “Tahlia will not let him hurt her.”
“I know, but she can't do anything now. She can't do anything while the sun is up.”
“Says who?” came the quiet voice.
Turning, they found Tahlia standing in the doorway of the lounge. The Vampire Queen was dressed in ancient battle gear which enhanced her formidable presence. Her hand was resting on the hilt of her broadsword as she strode into the room. It was only when she was closer to them that they saw how pale she was.
“I will bring her back, James, I promise.”
James looked at the woman standing in front of him. It was evident that being awake at this time of the day was very difficult for her, but it was a sacrifice to show how much she truly loved his wayward daughter. He placed his hand on her broad shoulder. He'd wanted to pull her into his arms, but the Vampire's fury was bouncing off her waves, scaring him a little.
“Knowing that you are here at this moment is enough for me, Tahlia.”
The tall woman nodded and walked to the door. “I will be in the conference room with Joan and the slayers.”
^^^^^^^^^^
Her head was pounding and with a groan, Jemima turned her head and slowly opened her eyes. All at once she became aware of the evil aura surrounding her. It was dark, but there were candles everywhere. She slowly turned her head and had to fight down the nausea. When she tried to sit up, she couldn't and panicking, she realized that she was tied down. With wild eyes, she looked down her body. She was spread out on a cold concrete slab. She was in trouble and she only had herself to blame. Tahlia will be absolutely furious with her.
Keeping her head still, her eyes moved around the room until it settled on the shadow in the corner. The shadows moved and a figure stepped into the light. Drake! He could've been mistaken for an angel, if not for his eyes. They were cold and empty - the eyes of a killer.
He moved closer and came to stand next to the concrete slab she was lying on. He smiled, but it didn't reach his dead eyes.
“It's a pleasure meeting you at last. My name is Drake.” His voice was deep and soft. He reached out to touch her cheek, but she quickly moved her head away form his touch. She saw the anger flare up in his eyes. “You are quite beautiful. I must say that Tahlia has good taste.” He took a step closer and she saw the hatred blazing in his eyes. “Killing you would be a pleasure just to see Tahlia break at last. What a waste to have all that power and not fully exploring it?”
“You do not deserve such power, Drake. You are too weak to control it.” Jemima was shocked to find that those provocative words came from her own lips.
Drake's eyes widened in surprise before they narrowed to slits. “You think because you sleep with her that you are untouchable, don't you? Well, I have a surprise for you, you haughty bitch.” He leant closer, his lips curled upwards to expose his fangs. “You are a few minutes away from a very painful death and Tahlia will not be able safe you.”
She closed her eyes, letting what he said sink in. Yes, it might be too late for Tahlia to safe her, but let it not be said that the Vampire Queen's mate was a sniffling coward.
“You might kill me before she gets here, but one think I know for certain, is that you will be following me shortly. She will not allow you to live.” She prayed that her voice didn't sound as shaky as it did to her on ears. “Everything would've been in vain.”
Drake's eyes stared deep into her and she thought she saw a faint flicker of admiration in his eyes. She'd expected him to snap at her or even slap her but the admiration she saw in his eyes was uncharacteristically warming to her. Tahlia would've been proud of her too.
Drake's dark head suddenly snapped up and he sniffed the air and this time when he looked back at her, she saw his blue eyes glittering with menace. “She is here. Quick, bring me the dagger. You fools must've led her here. She wasn't supposed to be here so early. Start shooting the moment she comes through the door.”
Just as one of the men stepped forward to hand the knife to Drake, the wooden double doors flew open. The force was so strong; the doors came unhinged and slammed to the hard concrete floor. Spooked, the men lifted their guns and gunfire erupted in the room even though none of them could see what they were shooting at. The smell of gun powder was so heavy in the air that Jemima gagged as her eyes were tearing up.
“Stop!” Drake bellowed and the shooting stopped immediately. Through the dark cloud of gun smoke, Drake was scanning the room, looking at the ceiling and piercing the shadows in the room with his eyes.
The silence in the room was deafening you could here a pin drop. Drake's eyes were glowing red now and his hand tightened around the hilt of the dagger. Still there was no movement coming from the door.
The knife suddenly hit the floor with a loud clang making several of the men jump and wildly aiming their weapons. Drake lunched for her and even as she tried to cringe from his touch, the ropes that held her didn't budge. He grabbed her shoulder so hard that his elongated nails bit deeply in her skin. Not wanting him to see her pain, she bit down hard on her teeth and absorbed the pain.
“I know you're here, Tahlia. Show yourself or has your love for mortals also made you a coward like them?” His fangs suddenly glinted as he lifted her closer to him, the ropes snapping one by one at the action.
Without any preamble he sank his teeth deep into her neck and Jemima screamed at the pain, her eyes wide in terror. She felt the sucking motion and knew he was draining her of her life force.
A deep guttural growl sounded inside the room and then the lips at her neck were gone. She weakly opened her eyes and even though her sight was blurred by tears, she could still make out a dark shadow that was moving around the room in dazzling speed.
<You came for me. I knew you would.>
Just the knowledge that Tahlia was here, made her relax and she closed her eyes.
^^^^^^
Tahlia can't remember ever being so scared as when she saw Drake bent over Jemima's limp form. All sense of humanity had left her at that moment and she allowed the predator in her to burst through. She had thrown herself at the renegade leader and flung him away like a worthless piece of trash.
She had been moving towards him, cloaked in invisibility, after she'd kicked open the door, but she never thought he would move so quickly and bite Jemima. When she'd heard Jemima's cry of pain she had jumped into action, but Drake had already draining Jemima at an alarming speed. She had taught him that technique herself. Its aim was to incapacitate the enemy quickly and quietly before decapitating them. Vampire warfare was brutal.
Drake came to his feet and using preternatural speed came at her. Without looking at him, she stuck out her hand and with cold satisfaction felt her hand burst into his chest cavity, but not wanting him to die too quickly, she flung him away from her and went in search of the man who'd punched Jemima earlier. She quickly scanned the room for him, sniffing like a wild animal until she'd picked up his scent. This time she smelt his terror and not the cockiness he'd radiated earlier. When she walked towards him, her eyes glowing red and her fangs dripping with saliva, she saw him turning his gun on her, terror clearly visible in his eyes. In her rage, she forgot to check her strength and she'd snapped his neck when she pulled him towards her.
Cheated out of her chance to take revenge, she growled like a wild animal and sank her teeth deep in his throat not caring that she had ripped open his vein and that blood was spurting over her. It took her only a few sips to drain him completely and then she turned back to Drake. The renegade leader was holding his hands against the gaping wound in his chest staring up at her. She saw the hatred and pain in his eyes – his lips curved in a cold, goading smile.
“Even if you killed me, I just want you to know that I have killed your little slut too. She will not be reborn ever again and I hope the loneliness and your failure to protect her will drive you mad. I, Drake Calderoni, have bested you.” She stepped closer to him; her eyes stiff in their sockets as they bored into his. She made sure that the inhuman side of her shown in her devil eyes. She smiled when she saw the fear in his eyes.
Using one hand, she effortlessly dragged him up from the floor where he was lying in a growing pool of his own blood and held him above her head.
“You could have been one of the best, but because I sensed the darkness in you I held back on your training. You were wrong to underestimate me, Drake. You left, thinking you have learnt all you could, but you weren't even close to reaching your true potential.” Tahlia's eyes turned even blacker, the irises disappearing completely. “I held back because I knew then already that I would have to hunt you down myself. And I did.”
She took his head in one hand and wrenched it clean off before she threw his decapitated body away from her.
*****************
She moved cautiously over to Jemima. Even before she'd reached her, Tahlia knew she was dying. She gently scooped her body up in her arms and sprinted out of the room. If Jemima was to die tonight, she wanted her to die in her arms in a safe place, surrounded by her family.
Her sight was blurred by the tears that was pooling in them, but she didn't wipe them away and kept on going.
<I've only just found you, my Angel, only to lose you forever. How am I going to go on without you?>
When she reached the safe house, James was sitting on the bed in Jemima's room. He quickly came to his feet when he saw his daughter's limp body in Tahlia's arms. He also saw the red tear streaks on Tahlia's pale face.
“Is … is she dead?” he asked softly, his voice breaking.
Tahlia shook her head and gently laid her down in the bed.
“She was bitten by Drake. She will slip into a coma soon and will die without regaining consciousness.” She gently touched Jemima cool cheek and moved away quickly towards the shadows in the room to mourn her loss.
James gently took his daughter's hand in his.
“Jemi, its Daddy. Please open your eyes.” He felt her stir and she slowly opened her eyes.
“Daddy… Where is… where is Tahlia? I need to … to talk to her… urgently.” Her voice was so soft; James had to strain his ears to hear her. Tahlia quickly moved closer and bent over her lover.
“I'm here, Beloved. What do you want to tell me?” It was difficult to speak past the knob in her throat.
The slightly unfocussed blue eyes searched the Vampire Queen's face intently. “You are crying. Why?” Jemima's voice was so tender it brought fresh tears to both James and Tahlia's eyes.
“Because I will have to bid you farewell soon, my love. Too soon.” Tahlia felt her throat constrict and she looked away quickly. She felt James gently rubbing her back. Dependable James. His daughter was dying and here he was comforting her. She turned back to look at him and saw the tears running down his cheeks.
“I failed you, my friend. I promised to look after her and I failed you.” She touched his cheek lightly. “Will you ever forgive me?”
James grabbed her hand and placed a kiss in her palm.
“You never failed me, because you can still save her.” His blue eyes so like Jemima's stared back at her. Tahlia bounced the odd remark around in her head for a few seconds. When the true meaning of his words sunk in she pulled away from him.
“No. I will not.” She rubbed her forearms and closed here eyes. “She will hate me for it and I will not be able to live with myself.” Her voice came out in croak.
“Tahlia…” Jemima's voice was fading and Tahlia turned to her quickly. “Do it. I give you … my permission.”
Tahlia leant closer and touched Jemima's cold cheek. They were losing her.
“Are you sure, my love? You need to know that there is no turning back after this.”
“I'm dying, Tahlia and you … you are wasting time.”
Tahlia turned to James and he nodded; his anxiety apparent on his pale face.
<Please, don't let my baby die, Tahlia. Please.>
The impassioned plea from her friend made up her mind and she tenderly pulled Jemima into her arms. With a sharp tuck of her sharp fang she opened a vein on her wrist. Looking at James one last time for confirmation, she pushed her wrist against Jemima's blue lips.
“Drink, my love, drink deep and long. It will make you feel better.” She used a strong compulsion to get Jemima to obey her request and sighed when Jemima latched onto her bleeding wrist. The eerie silence in the room was broken only by the soft sucking noises that Jemima was making. When she felt herself becoming slightly dizzy, she quickly pulled her wrist away and laid Jemima back gently. Her potent blood went to work immediately. Already, the bluish taint on her lips was gone and her pale cheeks were starting to flush with color again.
She turned to James, who was sitting there quietly. She found it difficult to hold his gaze and quickly looked away. Jemima will pass over soon and she didn't want James to experience his daughter's mortal death.
“I will have to take her to ground. The earth will rejuvenate her.”
James took her hand and looked up into her eyes.
“You've saved her. Please don't regret this, because I don't. As much as you love her, I know you can make her happy.” He came to his feet and did the unthinkable. He leaned closer and placed a soft kiss on her cheek. When he pulled back and saw her shocked looked, he smiled. “You are my future daughter-in-law so don't be so shocked. C'mon now, take her to ground and I want to see her happy and smiling next time I see her.” After a placing a gentle kiss on his daughter's cool forehead, he left the room.
Tahlia turned back to find Jemima had started to convulse in her arms. It has started.
“Come, my baby. I need to get you well soon. Your father's orders.” She picked her up gently and together carried her to the cupboard and stairs leading to her underground chamber. Once in the big underground chamber, Tahlia opened the earth with a sweep of her hand and gently placed Jemima into the rich dark earth. She kissed Jemima on her forehead before closing the earth cavity. She needed to go back to see if Pierre and Jonas were okay, cleaning out Drake's lair.
*****************
She found Pierre and Jonas in the lounge. They ‘d obviously finished off the rest of the renegades found at the lair.
“Where's Juan? Is he okay?” She asked sharply. No matter what, she didn't want to lose Juan. She felt a familiar presence behind her and smiling, spoke without looking behind her. “You shouldn't scare me like that again, Juan De Rossetti.” When she turned she found him smiling broadly. It transformed his usually serious face into a very handsome one.
“Your concern is a great honor, Your Highness.” He took her hand and placed a kissed on the back of her hand. She reached out and touched his cheek.
“I am glad I have you to look after me, Juan, and I don't always say it, but thank you, my friend.”
Juan nodded and bowed low. He had been serving the Royal Vampires for the past 500 years since their Royal Guard disappeared. Taking over from Paloma had been the most challenging task ever. Paloma was one the best warriors that he had ever known, but his Queen's praise was an indication that he wasn't half as bad at his job as he thought.
Tahlia turned to look at the other master vampires.
“I'm glad you are all okay. With Drake gone we can take a short rest before we start hunting the rest of his army.” She turned to leave the room but stopped at the door. “Jemima was bitten by Drake and she asked me to convert her.” She turned to face them, her eyes dark and warm. “I did it and I apologize for not consulting with you first. Time was against us.”
When she turned to look at them, she found them all smiling back at her. She saw the twinkle in Pierre 's eyes and rolled her eyes.
“Out with it, Pierre .”
“Well, I was just thinking what a sexy couple you would make.” He folded his arms over his broad chest. “Imagine how sexy Jemima will be now, with all the supernatural enhancements of the Race. You will have your hands full keeping men and women alike away from her.”
He winked at her and for the first time tonight she smiled. Jemima was safe and Pierre 's uncharacteristic good mood also improved her hers greatly. Oh, how wonderful it would be to wake up in Jemima's arms every evening for the rest of eternity.