“I’m back!” she grinned, closing them in.

Brandi screamed around the gag in her mouth as Carmen set to work.

The night of the impromptu dinner loomed and unaware of what Shane was dealing with in regards to David, Carmen was standing in nothing but her bathrobe staring into her closet. She couldn’t decide what to wear.

“Well this is just perfect.” she groaned, slapping her head in disgust. Her hair was still damp from her shower. Growling in annoyance, she turned and poked her head into the hallway.

“Shane! Dressy or casual tonight?” she called out, hoping he would hear her in that part of the house.

“Shane! Dressy or casual tonight?”

Shane sat up in his leather chair. For the first time in ages, he was stumped on how to answer her. He had the worry of David now trying to extort him, for god knows what over Carmen, and he had to be the Master Chef of Haven for this casual barbeque. He wondered what to wear himself. He sat silently for a moment, then sung out.

“Impress me!” Heh, that’s the spirit, don’t give a direct answer. He even smiled at himself for that one. But looking down at himself, he knew he had to change. So, he got up out of his chair, and headed up to his room to change.

Opting for jeans and a checkered shirt to match the blue of his eyes, he came back downstairs, and headed to the kitchen, as outside, a van had pulled up from the gourmet meats company. One of the service representatives brought a chiller box to the back door and Shane went out to sign for it, as the cool of the evening breeze toyed with his golden hair.

“Thank you so much.” Shane handed back the clip board, and took the box of meat cuts inside. Placing the box on the counter, he took a quick peek under the lid and nodded happily. Enough there to feed an army, and some. They wouldn’t go hungry that was for sure. Shane checked the fridge for salads, and other grocery items that Carmen could use, and shut the fridge after pulling out some garden vegetables and setting them out on the bench.

Staring out at the pristine cooker bbq that he had never used, he wondered if he still had a knack for it. Bending down, he pulled open a drawer, and found in a plastic packet, the kiss the cook apron that Louisa had bought him long ago. Holding it in his hand a moment, his thoughts turned to her, and a darkness clouded his eyes.

“I have to learn to let you go.” He thought to himself, as he took the apron out of the packet, and placed it over his neck.

<3>

When Shane looked up from pounding the meat with the tenderizer, wearing the apron, what he saw was a vision in white. Carmen looked simply…amazing. Shane seemed to forget what he was doing for a moment, and was almost gobsmacked.
“Now…that is what I call impressive. Just..don’t get too friendly with the ketchup bottle.” Shane said with a wink. Going back to finishing marinating the steaks, he asked off the cuff.

“Why not chose some music, and I’ll fix the outdoor lighting, get the fire started.”Shane appeared to have things all under control. Or…did he?

Entrance.

Little did Shane realize that the covens were now preparing for a vampire war showdown, between Shane and David. A fight for the role of leadership in Haven. Shane was not without his supporters. Some of Haven’s elite in the A list circle were sired by Shane himself. Loyal without fault. Three had decided to take the opportunity this night to show up and discuss the future of their group, unaware that Shane was playing house with Carmen. Misty Whiteside, Bianca Roco and Jarvis McQueen all arrived in seperate sports cars, each getting out, and wearing dark sunglasses, as they strolled to the front door. Dripping in jewels, designer threads and looking every part A listers, Jarvis was first to ring the bell.

Misty Whiteside

“He’s gonna burst a blood vessel, Misty.” Jarvis said, giving her a sly grin, as he took off his sunglasses and pocketed them

“Let me finish this call, J. No…no I don’t want the Ferrari in red….I want pink!” She snapped her phone shut and grinned. “He’s cute when he’s mad.” Biana looked solemly as she leaned against Jarvis. “We should have called first. Wait…I can smell steaks.”

Bianca Roco

Jarvis sniffed the air and then beamed. “He’s throwing a party. Wohooo. I bag the lilo in the pool.” The two other vampires looked at him like he was acting like a kid. “What?” I like to party.”

Jarvis McQueen

Together, they all waited.

<3>

“Very funny.” she snorted.

“Why not chose some music, and I’ll fix the outdoor lighting, get the fire started.” He stated just as the doorbell rang.

“I’ll get that.” she stated, turning to head for the door. She was excited at the prospect of seeing her friends again.

Dyna and Booker pulled into Shane’s driveway and noticed the congregation at the front door. Dyna looked at Booker.

“What do you think?” she wondered.

“Probably invited some co-workers or somethin.” Booker stated.

“Well let’s go join the party.” she grinned, unhooking her seatbelt.

The two of them arrived behind the three vampires, just as Carmen opened the front door.

“Uh…who are you?” she asked, seeing three unfamiliar people standing at the door.

“That’s what we’d like to know.” Dyna spoke up behind the group.

Entrance

“Uh…who are you?” Carmen asked, with Dyna standing in behind them with Booker, also confused by who these people were. Misty placed a hand to her chest and said. “Misty Whiteside….Mayor’s daughter and Home coming queen.”

She said with a slight air. Bianca coughed and then took out a large packet of Doritos and popped them open with a bang.“Bianca R. My dad is in Haven Hospital…he’s an actor. I was adopted after he slept with one of the extras from the Bahamas.” She took a bite of a corn chip, then offered the packet to Carmen with a shake. Jarvis smiled brightly and offered his hand to Carmen “I’m Jarvis…you know…Jarvis McQueen. That’s all you need to know.” The three then waited to be allowed entry. We are friends of Shane’s.” Jarvis added, and the two girls both nodded enthusiastically.

“Yo Shane…can we come in or what?!” he yelled out. This was heard out the back, and Shane turned around suddenly, then realized what was taking everyone so long.

“Fuck…”

<3>

“Friends of yours?” she asked, eyeing him carefully. He looked pissed and she didn’t know why. Turning back to them, she stepped aside. “You may as well come in. Shane was throwing some steaks on the grill.”

She waited until everyone was inside before closing the door. Ignoring the newcomers for the moment, she turned to Dyna and Booker and hugged them. “It’s so good to see you. I’m sorry if this was a bad time.” Dyna greeted.

“Yeah, Carm, we can come back another time if you’d like.” Booker suggested, looking between her and Shane. Carmen turned to look at Shane.

“Your call. Or I can take Dyna and Booker out and you can have your chat with your companions.” she suggested. She got the sense that something huge was happening but didn’t want to pry.

If she followed him he would escort her into the den, and then close the door, so no one could hear them. Leaning against his desk, he ran his fingers through his hair.

“Those three…are my sires. Sorry for not telling you earlier. But…we have a bigger problem. Remember David?” Shane looked at her, then pushed himself off the desk and strolled towards her. “Has he ever said to you, “you know the drill?” Well, if you do, he is out to get…me…you. He knows about us. Figured it out.”

Shane’s hands reached to cup her face, an intensity in his eyes she would have never seen before.

“I’ll fucking die again…then lose you. I swear it.”

<3>

“I just need a word with Carmen.” He looked at her and his eyes were begging her to understand. He seemed worried.

“Carmen?” Dyna asked, also looking a bit concerned. She kept her eyes on Shane as she spoke to her friend.

“Go ahead, Dee. I’ll be there in a few minutes.” she stated. Dyna nodded and took Booker into the kitchen, worry for her friend etched all over her face.

She followed Shane into the den and waited as he closed the door. He leaned against the desk, running his fingers through his hair. She stood near the door…but it may as well have been miles that seperated the two of them at that moment. She was concerned for their future.

“So…you want to explain what that was about?” she asked in a quiet voice. He seemed to sigh and sank further against the desk.

“Those three…are my sires. Sorry for not telling you earlier. But…we have a bigger problem. Remember David?” She nodded her head. He stood up and moved toward her. “Has he ever said to you, “you know the drill?” Well, if you do, he is out to get…me…you. He knows about us. Figured it out.”

“And this concerns him, why? I kind of gathered from the fight at the cabin that he was working for you in some way. And I admit, myself using him to investigate you was not my brightest idea, but I was a desperate woman. Why does he want to hurt you? Hurt us? Why does he care?” she wondered. The whole thing was confusing to her. What the hell was David’s gameplan?

Shane’s hands on her face brought her attention back to him and there was an intensity in his eyes she’d never seen before. It made her breath catch in her throat. She placed her hands over his, worry in her eyes.

“Shane? What is it? What’s wrong?”

“I’ll fucking die again…then lose you. I swear it.” he whispered. Her heart, as dead as it was, lurched in her chest. She’d never seen him act this way, not even with Louisa and she had to admit to herself that it frightened her.

“You won’t lose me, love. This I so swear.” she whispered, leaning forward to press her lips against his.

Esmeralda stood in the hot springs that were just off of her private chambers and allowed the warm water to wash over her body. Two servant women were washing her, and Esme had her head tipped back in bliss as the women moved the clothes over her naked form. Seeing Death at the funeral like that…well, it made her pretty hot and ready. As she thought of his face, the way he touched her, and the power she felt behind his promise to reveal himself soon, she placed two of her fingers against her core. Biting her lip, she smiled slightly and began to pleasure herself. It had been so long since a man had touched her like that, too long since she allowed her wall to go down. And it felt good. As she pleasured herself, the servants were careful not to disturb her while she did so. They didn’t stop what they were doing as it would also displeased her and there would be hell to pay.

After her lovely little shower, they helped her into a thin, sheer, black neglige robe the clung to her wet form and revealed her hips. She was in the solitude of her chambers, why not be comforable? Walking towards her crystal, her darling Felix slithered towards her and crawled up her body. Curling around her shoulders, Esme turned to give him a kiss “Oh my baby…Daddy will be home soon.” The snake stared at her with beady eyes and she could feel her familiar’s excitement at the notion. Yes, soon they would be together again. Closing her eyes, she placed her hands on the crystal as she tried to learn Amos’ plan.

Lurking in the woods surrounding Count Marulo’s estate, she could sense prey closeby.

“So hungry! Must feed! Must live!” the she-demon growled.

And it was just her luck, someone was prowling the perimeter where she was hidden. She waited a heartbeat before her arm darted out, snagging the man around his neck before he could call out an alarm.

A moment later, he was nothing but a dried-out husk…

And still she craved…

Keeping to the shadows, she slowly made her way to the front doors, where she could sense another male presence.

And still, she craved…

The rains of that night were so fierce that it created a white veil around the grounds of the Castle, with the cracks of lightening illuminating the dark clouds. Ominous thunder claps rang out heralding the ferocity of the storm. The funeral had long been over and the Count had returned to his estate, where he had business of his own to take care of. Wandering the vast halls, he was about to head up the winding stair case, dressed simply in black silken draw string pants, that sat way down off his hip bones. The last of the candles were being blown out by the servants, and the howl of a lone wolf was heard in the distance. This was how he loved the night.

His first foot reached the stair, when the lightening struck down, and the shadow like blast of light through the front door panes, showed a figure was standing just outside. Curious to who could possibly be mad enough to trek through such treacherous conditions, the Count padded over to the front door, and then swung it open to see the sodden and bloody wreck, that was his Elvria.

“MY LOVE!” He exclaimed, scooping her up in his arms before she could say another word. She looked sick, starved and was shivering. He quickly closed the front door with his foot, and carried her with haste up the stairs to his chambers, where he planned to bathe her and place her into bed.

<3>

As Esmeralda was trying to locate Death, not an easy feat in and of itself, a sound shook her floors and made her windows rattle. Her eyes flew open and her hand relinquished its grip on her crystal as she spun around. Raising an eyebrow, she listened to the sounds of a woman being pleasured as the whole estate fell prey to it’s catastrophic effects on the poor house’s foundation. Raising a hand to her mouth, she burst into laughter and poor Felix bobbed up and down on her shaking shoulders. Shaking her head, Esme snickered and looked at him “Seems like the master has finally conquered the succubus.” Felix only stuck his tongue out, clearly annoyed with the loud piercing sound that filled every hall and room in the manor. He wasn’t particularly fond of Elvira, and Esme could feel it. Sighing, she kissed his head and murmured “We must be nice to her. She is Virgo’s mate, and he expects everyone to pay her the respect that he himself is to be given. Besides…she seems to be a strong one. A good match for him. I daresay, she may do a great deal of good for our plan with Daddy…when he decides to share that plan, that is.”

Scoffing irritably at the lack of Thanatos’ presence in her chambers, she stormed toward her table once more and began rifling through papers. It was time to take matters into her own hands. If Esme had to whisper ideas of gathering the major figureheads into the count’s home so she could summon her lost beloved, so be it. After gathering the information she needed, she spun around and headed towards the servant girls. Lifting her arms, she spat in her lovely accent “Dress me!” She was soon dressed in a black gown that hugged her curves just right and her black hair fell freely around her. Her dark caramel skin seemed warm in the candle light, and she was the perfect picture of death’s mistress. Looking to Felix, she murmured “Time to bring Daddy home.”

Elvira and Virgo’s Room (I think..)

Esmeralda left the sanctity of her room to go boldly speak to the count. She was aware he just had the joy of taking his woman in the bedroom, but she was too eager to wait any longer. The four horsemen would soon ride again, and it would be her orchestrations that she did so. Appearing in front of his door, she tried not to laugh at the smell of sex and pleasure that was wafting through the crack in the door. Shaking her head slightly to focus, she reached up and knocked on the door. Stepping back a foot, she folded her arms in front of her and waited patiently.

The Lovers, hand in hand, made it to the courtyard of the count. The glass of the shattered windows littering the ground in a fifty yard radius about the house. The glint of the dimming sun light shone upon it all, and Edward’s eyes instantly flew to it. He stopped in his tracks, not completely sure whether it was a sign of danger, or the passing storm had been the cause. He held Juliet in place and accessed his enhanced senses to evaluate the situation. The moment he inhaled, the smell of sensual pleasures erupted in his nostrils. A smell he had ‘t experienced in far too long, and one he felt the urge to mimic right then and there with his beloved. The second scent was one he recognized well, Elvira. He’s seen her with the Count at the ceremony, but hadn’t guessed at why she was with him, but it made sense now. The third was the Count’s. A strong, commanding scent that almost made Edward want to fall to his knees and obey. He could feel the wolf within him stirring as though it wished to be released, to greet it’s alpha for the first time. Edward’s eyes flew a bright and delicate lightning blue and they fell upon Juliette. “It is safe.”

He instantly lifted her within his arms and immediately set to traverse the glass littered fields, which servants had just set to cleaning. It took him two lengthy bounds and seemingly little effort to clear it. He would enjoy this new found strength, and enjoy it well. They reached the door, and Edward set his beloved down. Then, he did nothing. He simply stood, and stared at the door. What was he going to say to the very man who changed his entire life for good? Would he accept it, and live as a member of the pack? Or would he rebuke it, and strike out on his own? My own…. he thought. No, he wouldn’t be alone. He wasn’t alone: he had Juliette. He had to man sure she was safe. From Lilith and Agares, from her family, he had to mak sure no harm came to her. Thus, his decision was clear. His eyes fell upon her once more, but only for a moment as his hand cupped her jaw, pulled her forward and planted a long, passionate, lustful kiss upon her lush lips. When they finally broke apart, he smiled softly and knocked in the door.

“The cleaners have got their work cut out for them.” his voice rumbled above her. She opened her eyes and looked at him to see the smug grin on his face. A laugh of her own broke free.

“They were probably looking for extra work. But I don’t regret one moment of it.” she grinned, wrapping her arms around his neck. What they had done last night, was nothing short of amazing. She could feel his presence in the back of her mind, a comfortable weight, an assurance that he would be there when she needed him and vice-versa.

She leaned upward to nibble his neck, silently asking for a repeat of their activities of the night before when there was a knock on the door. Virgo raised his head and growled in annoyance. Elvira wasn’t feeling too pleased herself to have her time with her mate interrupted either. Their bond was still so new and they needed the constant contact until it settled.

She gave a little moue of disappointment as he disengaged from her, helping her to her feet. He directed her to the bath.

“Use it…clean yourself for me. I will see who it is.”

“Don’t take too long.” she grinned, heading into the bath and closing the door.

There were various bath salts on the edge of the large claw-footed tub and she sniffed each one before deciding on one that reminded her of him. She poured a bit in as the water flowed, filling the tub with bubbles. Once the tub was full, she slipped in with a little sigh of pleasure.

She started to hum a happy little tune as she relaxed back, running her hands over her body to wash away the fluids that covered her. Her hand accidentally brushed his claim mark and her whole body shivered with renewed lust.

“I hope he doesn’t take too long with whomever has disturbed us this morning. They are intruding on our time.” she thought to herself, completely unaware that her thoughts were being broadcast to her mate.

“Really, cousin, you are already so generous to me. No need to offer me a share of your dessert as well.” 

Of course the Count was kidding, for he only let Elvira feed on the man she killed, it was nothing more than that. While he got off on watching her ravenous display, there was no way in hell he was going to share his beauty with another, not even the lusty Esme. His head moved slowly as he followed the movement of Esme into the bathroom and slowly padded after her.

Taking in her antics, the way she practically dribbled her own drool of lust into the waters didn’t impress him. If ever he wanted to smack her across the room for getting to close to his mate, now was the time. Instead, he stood at the foot of the bath, in a commanding way, and reached to touch Elvira’s hair, his member also tapping the back of her head. He was so dominant. Never would he let his woman know that she was not loved, adored and treasured. She should be able to smell the sex that still dripped from him. He released a low grunt as his fingers worked through her hair, teasing while his brooding eyes focused on Esme.

“We have staff to attend to guests, but if this is who I think it is, then….I shall have to greet them.” His fingers graced Elvira’s cheek, the touch to let her know he would be back, and probably to take her again. He found himself intoxicated by her.

“Use your fingers to wash thoroughly…and think of me as you do it.” He insisted, before stepping out of the room, and donning a robe.

He headed down stairs and saw Edward and Juliette. Tying off his robe tie with a hard snap he then boldly exclaimed.

“So…you have come to stake your claim in the den, Pup? And just…WHAT is the Roxburg female doing here?” he asked with a snarl.

<3>

Clearly the woman had no sense of boundaries.

Elvira sank further into the tub, doing her best to hide her body beneath the bubbles from Esme’s lustful gaze.

Virgo padded into the room after Esme, standing behind Elvira in a show of male dominance. She felt his fingers in her hair and her eyes closed on a moan of delight. She could feel his hardness pressing against her and she resisted the urge to turn to take him into her mouth. That was for his eyes only, not that she-witch.

The voyeur.

When Esme began trailing her hands through Elvira’s bathwater, she snarled and kicked with her foot, splashing water at her. “Back off!”

She felt Virgo’s hand graze her cheek. “We have staff to attend to guests, but if this is who I think it is, then….I shall have to greet them.”

“Must you go?” she asked in a small voice.

“Use your fingers to wash thoroughly…and think of me as you do it.” He insisted, before stepping out of the room.

Elvira nearly choked.

“There is no way in the Nine Levels of Hell I am pleasuring myself in front of her!” she thought to herself as she turned her gaze back to Esme.

Then he looked to Juliette, as the anger seemed to seep from his body, a body that began to change before her, his skin darkening with the growth of hair. When their gaze met, his heart nearly stopped, and he was instantly calmed. The fur fell from his form, his entire form returning to normal, though his eyes held their bright lightning blue glow. He smiled softly, and at the sound of the Count’s voice, his eyes lifted to the robed man who smelled of sex. It made Edward smirk slightly with how strong it was within his nostrils, but he adjusted, and moved on.

“So…you have come to stake your claim in the den, Pup? And just…WHAT is the Roxburg female doing here?”

He didn’t mind the words directed toward him, but it was the way he spoke of Juliette that set him off. Dropping her hand, he bravely, and boldly stepped forward, his eyes full of determination though his inner wolf struggled with the choice to obey his alpha or defend his mate. Edward, not his wolf, decided for it. “Juliette…” Edward exclaimed, pushing the name from his lips with all the strength his stomach could offer, which was a hefty amount. “is here because as my mate, she goes where I go. You’d do well to remember that, Count. You may be my Alpha, my Sire, but I will bring an end to heaven and hell before I fear you, and allow another to speak of Juliette in such a manner.” he needn’t say anything else on the matter, so he didn’t. “I come because I was drawn. I come, because after a week on my own, I realized a need to control the force of rage within me. To control my inner beast.” his body loosened, and he rose his hands. “Yet there is only one who can teach me in all of London, and it is the very man who gave me this….Gift….” His arms fell to his side and he stepped back, returning to Juliette’s side.

Juliette smiled at Edward and tried to remain strong for him. His fear and agitation was so palpable, and she squeezed his hand as though she were trying to push her own strength into him. It wasn’t going to be easy for Edward to have to face the count, but she wanted her lover to know she wasn’t going anywhere. Not ever again. As Edward continued to lead her through the mansion, she could sense his agitation growing. Stepping closer to his body, she looked up at him with a soft whisper “Edward, what is it?” Looking up at him, she could only stare in amazement as hair grew and his eyes glowed. This was getting a little intense…However, the more he looked at her, the more in control he seemed to be, and that was good. Perhaps she could be the one to help alleviate the beast within him. Smiling tenderly at her lover, she reached up to touch his cheek affectionately “Shh…there there, my love. You are going to be just fine. It’s you and me.” However, their intimate moment was soon interrupted.

The count stood before him, and boy, did he look pissed. As he addressed them, he was sure to make it known that Juliette was not welcome in his home. However, she was not going to leave Edward’s side so all she could do was look at the ground in shame. They all had a right to hate her, even Edward. Still, she was going to do all that she could to make things right in the world, and that had to start with her lover. He meant the world to her, and she wasn’t going anywhere. As Edward’s temper rose, she stepped forward to wrap both arms around his waist. It would do no one any good to threaten an alpha, and she was praying that Virgo would not harm her mate.

Virgo’s Bathroom

Esmeralda snickered as Elvira attempted to splash her. Getting up from the tub, she walked around the room leisurely and ignored the count and his mate. She was too busy trying to listen to Edward and Juliette speak. If only everyone knew she was Plague…when the count left the room, Esme turned to blow a kiss to Elvira “Keep it clean, baby.” Spinning around, she rushed after him towards the front hallway. Upon seeing Edward and Juliette, she began to smirk. Juliette was no longer the proud murdering demon Esme knew her to be. Now she was here with her tail between her legs and was clinging to Edward as though he were her life line. Pathetic. As her dark eyes moved to Edward, she began to purr and circle him slowly. The count spoke and was quite agitated, and that only made her smile more. Leaning into Edward’s ear, she purred softly “He can be so grumpy…” Oh yea, this she-wolf was in heat, and her mate was somewhere out there. Juliette growled at Esme but did nothing. She didn’t want to set Edward off, so she had to deal. Esme turned to the count and raised an eyebrow after Edward spoke.

(Had to rush, I have to go unexpectantly)

After traveling the grounds a bit he realized that he would not be molested. He was able to walk unharmed. He smelled a few new scents. One was familiar the woman he tracked from afar was near though he couldnt seem to know where. He also felt a strong presence. Looking about he saw a man watching, He boldly walked forward towards him, August unsure what to do quickly shifted back into human form. Naked and fairly sure he was in trouble he announced that he was summoned by Count Marulo.

” I was told to come here sire ” he said quickly, bowing as he did.

Sinking lower into the tub, she began to wash her body once more, accidentally brushing her hand across her feminine folds. She moaned softly, eyes closing at the pleasure that moved through her body. She was still swollen and tender from Virgo’s…vigorous…activities. Thinking of all they did then, set her blood on fire.

“Use your fingers to wash thoroughly…and think of me as you do it.”

His words flashed into her head and she tossed her head back with another moan, reaching up with one hand to tease and pinch her nipples.

“Yes!” she groaned, sliding her fingers into her body and massaging hard. Her head tossed back and forth as the pleasure became nearly unbearable. She thought back to the way his hardness filled her completely, feeling an answering throb between her legs as she pushed herself further. She could feel herself getting close and her fingers went faster, pressing deeper.

She peaked, crying out her mate’s name, not caring who heard her pleasuring herself.

It took her a few moments to come down from her self-induced high, after which she finished her bath and stepped out. A servant was there to help her dry off before she took up the robe left for her and slipped it on. It was floor-length, see-through and it cut right up to her belly. She grinned.

Main Foyer Staircase

Elvira leaned against the railing looking down on the small party below. Her gaze narrowed when she saw her standing there with her little boy-toy. She didn’t know who the kneeling, naked man was, but he was showing respect to Virgo and that raised her respect of him in her eyes. Virgo was a man who deserved the respect and prestige of his title.

“Sniveling little beast.” she snorted as she listened to Edward wax poetic about controlling his inner wolf. Watched the way she plastered herself to his side like glue. With a devious glint in her eye, she began to descend the staircase, trailing her fingers along the railing in a sensuous gesture.

“Good morning, everyone.” she announced her presence to all, looking as if she were floating down the stairs. The robe left little to the imagination and she could almost taste Virgo’s arousal. She smirked as she stepped off the last step, moving to Virgo’s side without hesitation.

“And good morning to you, my love.” she smiled with true honesty as she stared into his eyes. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pulled his head towards hers in order to give him a kiss of such passion, it would make his toes curl.

Once she pulled away, heart pounding fiercely in her chest (for she was just as affected by the kiss as he was), she turned her head to look at Juliette and Edward over her shoulder. “Hmm. Didn’t realize we had company.” she stated in a bored tone.

Esme turned to see the naked man and her eyebrow raised. That was a bit bold, eh? Crossing her arms, she looked him up and down and kept the urge to turn around and swipe Virgo’s face off hidden. It was indeed a low blow as she knew he was aware of what happened the last time a man dared to touch her. Biting her tongue, she closed her eyes and counted to one hundred quickly in her mind. They had no idea who she was, and now as not the time to reveal herself. Opening them slowly, she turned to give the count a cold smile before her eyes fell on August again. Stepping towards him, she purred quietly“Come, we must leave the alpha to his bitch and his guests.” The word was a double entendre, as Elvira was the alpha’s mate and could be seen as a female wolf…and yet, Esmeralda’s temper was flaring.

As she turned from the naked wolf, she called softly in Romanian for her two ‘pets’ to come join her. Two well-endowed and completely subservient pack members came creeping from the shadows to stand in front of their mistress. Esme only looked at them coldly as she thought of the horrific things she would do to them before she got her pleasure. The two men were masochists and wanted nothing more than to be punished by the hybrid wolf woman. As thought they couldn’t keep their hands off of her if they tried, they began to grope and nuzzle her, their lips trying to cover every inch of her as they could. Esme ignored everyone else’s presence and reached up to caress their hair. “Mmh…yes my darlings, we shall go play.” Opening her eyes, she spoke sharply to August. “Come.” With that, she placed her arms on her pets’ shoulders and they began to carry her towards her chambers. Thane would have to wait.

Juliette was quite glad when Esme decided to leave, though her eyes remained fixed upon Virgo. She dared not look at Elvira for fear of snapping. Her sister looked so smug and absolutely slutty as usual as she made her presence known, but Juliette was controlling herself. She would not resume their petty arguing as they once had in their old home. Edward needed help and Juliette wanted to see to it that she turned a new leaf. She had to behave and take what was given to her. Bowing her head, she only nodded at Virgo’s command. There was nothing else she could do.

But as Esme walked down the hall, she muttered a Romanian incantation that sent Juliette collapsing to the floor. The witch she-wolf began to cackle as she was carried into her room, and the door slammed loud enough to shake the whole manor’s floor. Juliette now lay in a crumpled heap at Edward’s feet, her necklace glowing a bright red as her demon fought to take complete control. What had Esmeralda done? 

“Pleasure to see the two of you again.” she stated in an overly friendly tone, used on people she particularly loathed. She took note of the other man, Esme and the two pack members who slipped from the shadows to sniff at the wolf-witch like she was a particularly tasty morsel.

She glared heatedly when Esme referred to her as a “bitch”, clearly recognizing the double meaning. She bit her tongue in an effort to be civilized. It wouldn’t do to offend her mate’s cousin that way.

As Esme walked away, she muttered something under her breath and not a moment later, Juliette collapsed to the ground. Elvira stared down at the prone form with a raised eyebrow.

“Drama queen.” she muttered, dismissing Juliette with a toss of her head.

She returned her gaze to her mate, touching his cheek gently to bring his attention back to her. “I’m returning to our rooms for breakfast and maybe a light nap, darling. I’m quite famished and a slight bit tired after last night. Join me when you wish, for I shall miss your company while you are gone.” She kissed him once more before slipping around him, trailing her fingers across the exposed skin of his chest beneath his robe. She returned to the second floor of the estate without another word.

But once she was out of their view, she smirked.

Life was about to become a lot more interesting.

Main Foyer ~ Esme’s Rooms

~August looked up at the enchanting woman. She spoke in a language that was not unfamiliar to him yet he had not heard since the Baron.
He didnt betray he understood the speech however he quietly watched the scene. The two strange men seemed to enjoy her minstrations but were lost as he thought to himself. He felt as if in part he was half awake. He knew he wanted her, yet he knew she was also dangerous and not someone to ne trifled with. She ordered him to follow and he blithely followed her command. He was learning their ways. He wasnt sure all of them were like him here. So far they were all wolves, he wasnt sure they could shift into mnay forms and he wasnt yet ready to share that secret with everyone. He kept that to himself, a secret he might need he felt in the future.

Following quickly behind her he let himself be led up the staircase towards her apartments
unsure of what she might have in store for him next.~

The Count was not amused by the antics of his cousin. A blatant display of the very reason he regarded her as the pack slut, when two of her muscle bound subs crawled out of the shadows and sniffed her like she was on the menu. Virgo remained emotionless, as he returned his gaze back to Edward, and his female. The last thing he needed was drama between his mate, and that of the love of the new pup. If there was any chance that Elvira was made to feel uncomfortable within the grounds of his estate, he would not hold back in making sure she knew her place. He was about to issue a directive to Ed and Juliette, when he felt the warmth of Elvira’s fingers upon his cheek. This brought him to turn his head slowly to her, gazing down with a renewed smile. If she listened closely, she would hear the satisfied grunt as he exhaled through his nostrils. There was no mistaking he had eyes for only one woman, and it was Elvira.

“I’m returning to our rooms for breakfast and maybe a light nap, darling. I’m quite famished and a slight bit tired after last night. Join me when you wish, for I shall miss your company while you are gone.” 

Hearing her desire for him to join her back upstairs only made him want to race her up the stairs. He was famished himself, but not for food. The Count simply couldn’t get enough of Elvira. “I’ll be up shortly. Ring the bell for the meals to be brought up, and I will join you.” They shared a parting kiss, where he unashamedly reached for her right breast, and squeezed it, before flicking her pert nipple. A smug look as she ascended the stairs, and he turned his attention back on his “guests”.

But when Esme left the scene, she had done something, said something, that caused Juliette to collapse in a heap on the floor. Snorting in annoyance he barked for the guards to help carry the young demon to a chamber already fitted out for Edward and his woman. “I hope this is not the start of melodramatics, Edward. Go care for your woman. Follow the guards.” With that, the Count went to head upstairs, and left the couple to their devices.

On reaching his own chambers, he opened the door, and strolled in, taking off his robe, and then smiling at Elvira. “Now that is out of the way…we can eat.” He then started to stalk her across the room. “Or I can…”

<3>

Elvira was lazing in bed, snacking on some grapes the servants had left. She was still in her robe and had no excuse to undress as she enjoyed her breakfast.

“Is everything to your satisfaction, M’Lady?” one of the servants asked as he poured her a glass of wine. He was also shamelessly oogling her body but she was ignoring that fact, something that quite shocked her.

“Everything is fine, but you would be wise to remove your eyes from my personage before I remove them from your head.” she growled. He quickly averted his gaze, just as Virgo entered the room. The servant bowed to him before quickly leaving. He didn’t want to bring the wrath of his alpha upon his head, assuming incorrectly that she wouldn’t say something.

Virgo took off his robe, standing before her with a smile that made her whole body throb. “Now that is out of the way…we can eat.” He then started to stalk her across the room. “Or I can…”

Her whole body hummed as he came toward her. She held up a strawberry, covered in cream. “Breakfast, M’Lord. You should try the strawberries. They’re so…lucious.” she purred, putting the fruit to her mouth and slowly licking the cream from the tip.

The Count landed on the bed beside Elvira, as she was licking the cream off a strawberry. Oh she knew how to tease. He actually found it rather endearing, and wrinkled up his nose at the idea of eating a strawberry. It just wasn’t what he had in mind.

The Count did have questions however. The new pup, Edward. Virgo could not help but forget the way Elvira danced with him at the ball, and this was going to come up sooner or later. Propping himself on his elbow, he watched her feast on the morning fruits, and then asked her;

“Is there anything I need to know about the one known as Edward?”

He asked this with a serious expression. The idea they would be under the same roof, and at any time would turn his lust on Elvira would be the last time he took a breath. The Count was never more serious in his life about anything. Even if the pup claimed to love Juliette, he had been a blood doll before, so sex was big on his mind, no doubt.

“I am the Alpha, and if he challenges me whether it be for control of the pack….or you, I will kill him.”

<3>

He made himself comfortable on the bed beside her and she crawled into his arms, resting her cheek upon his chest. Instantly her mind calmed as she breathed in his scent, unique only to him and sighed with contentment.

“Is there anything I need to know about the one known as Edward?” he asked out of the blue. Frowning, she moved so she could see his face, noticing his expression was serious. She lay her head upon the pillow as she could practically feel the thoughts running through his mind.

He was worried. About them, and their new relationship.

She found this an endearing trait in him and knew she had to reassure him that she was his and his alone. She had no designs to be with anyone else, now or in the future.

“I am the Alpha, and if he challenges me whether it be for control of the pack….or you, I will kill him.”

She moved in close and kissed him lovingly, tenderly, brushing her thumb across his cheek.

“He means nothing to me, My Lord and Mate. He asked for my company to the ball to make Juliette jealous. I was going to decline at first, but I do so enjoy annoying her to no end. And if you must know, he went searching for her shortly after that first dance. I lost track of him until you…changed him…I didn’t see him again until Father’s funeral, but by then, I was firmly by your side. He’s devoted to her and she to him, pathetic as it may seem. But I don’t trust either one of them as far as I can throw them.”

She snuggled back into his arms, listening to his steady heartbeat beneath her ear. “I am completely yours. Mind, body, soul and heart.” she repeated with absolute conviction, running her fingers back and forth across his chest.

“I should probably go home and assure everyone I’m alive and well. I didn’t leave under the best of conditions last night.”

The Count eyed her as she said this. He knew that this was probably the responsible and respectable thing to do. But part of him simply didn’t want to let her go either. Wordlessly, he bent his head down, and started to lick at the claim mark that was fresh upon her skin. In a way, this was a natural reaction, for a wolf anyways. Like he was trying to remind her, that he had claimed her, and that no matter where she went, no matter who she spoke to, he would be in the back of her mind.

He truly had to fight his own urges, and then he released her slowly, allowing her a chance to get up from where they lay, and go to get dressed for the ride back to the Roxburg estate. If she were to get up and dress, he would prop himself up again, and watch her, memorizing her beautiful curves, the way her hair tumbled down her back, the rounded shape of her ass. Such beauty that had him so captivated.

“Take my carriage, it is at your disposal. As soon as you have finished your visit, come home to me.” It was not a simple request. He was her lord, her mate…her wolf.

<3>

Juliette’s presence at his back reassured Esme of this, and she kept from going any farther. Good. However, just as he was about to continue his conversation with the Count, he could hear Esme’s voice, words spilling from her lips, though he could not understand what was said. Then, everything happened in what seemed like an hour. He felt Juliette’s grip over him fall, and he rose his brow, as this brought some surprise to him. Then came the thud, and he turned immediately to find his beloved on the floor, her amulet glowing brightly and he could feel the demoness within her struggling to break free. He didn’t take the time to wonder what had happened as he fell to the floor and lifted her into his arms with remarkable speed.

He heard no other sound, as he studdied his beloved’s limp form. He couldn’t understand what had happened. As they were bonded, the two could feel what each other were feeling, see into each other’s minds, and yet, now, he saw nothing. Now, he felt nothing. It was as if she were dead, yet, he could feel the faintest breath escaping her nostrils, feel the slightest rise of her chest as he placed his hand over it. Only the Count’s next words actually made it through to him. “”I hope this is not the start of melodramatics, Edward. Go care for your woman. Follow the guards.” despite that, he didn’t acknowledge the man who spoke them. He lifted his eeys, and two large guards stood before him, waiting him to stand. So, Edward lifted Juliette into his arms tenderly, and followed the guards.

Edward’s Room

The guards opened the door to the finely decorated room for Edward, and shut it as sson as the new wolf entered. Edward moved the bed, and gently laid his beloved’s body on it, covering her with the quilts and sheets upon it. He moved a chair directly beside her, and sat, his eyes laying ove rher form. He spoke no word, made no move, as he simply stared, watching her for any sign of further life, for any sign that she would wake up or enter more peril.

At that word, the butler came out and whispered in the tycoon’s ear. Apparently he had an appointment, who was waiting in the den.

“Forgive me for cutting this lovely tea short, but business simply can’t wait.” He shook the Count’s hand firmly, then gave Elvira a light hug, before excusing himself and heading inside.

Virgo knew it was time for them to make a trip back to their own home, and he helped Elvira with her coat.

“Now….about those babies..” He started, chuckling under his breath as he escorted her back out to their car.

<3>

For when the ball starts feel free to begin posting here

“What of the entertainment, the dancers? I want only the very best, none of those ten cent flappers. They have to look elegant, top notch.” Madeline said, tapping her foot and looking at the large clock up on the wall. The time of the ball to start was soon, and a procession of cars would soon grace the driveway, and bring with it, the glittering stars of the evening. The band was already doing its warm ups, and the banquet table was loaded with all manners of fine foods in the dining hall. This was to be the highlight of the New York social calender.. and nothing could be afforded to go wrong.

<3>

Realizing that perhaps her adventures had taken longer than she expected, Genny nodded with a sheepish smile “Of course…I assume my fellow ladies will be joining me shortly. They cannot resist a good dance.” With that, she held her hand out for the butler to escort her to where she needed to be.

Soon she was back in the ballroom and saw that the stage indeed seemed to be calling her name. A silhouette of light illuminated the sole microphone and the band was looking at her expectantly. Giving them a charming smile, she released her hand from the butler’s grip and strode onto the stage as a true performer would. Taking her place on the stage in the center, she reached up to soothe her hair back. Glancing towards the band, she smiled and mouthed the song she wanted. The piano man chuckled and nodded, his fingers doing their magic. Genevieve faced the audience and cupped the microphone, her lips opening to sing.

The audience seemed awe struck by the angelic woman on stage, her voice setting their feet ablaze as couples began to take over the floor. The party was starting and Genevieve seemed to be leading them all into a jazz paradise. She continued to sing, her body moving tantalizingly with the music. It was clear she was lost in her own world as she sung, her arms stretching above and around her while her hips swayed.

She felt the immediate urge to dance and did not even notice a man slink up to her in a fine suit with matching hair. Grabbing her free hand, he raised it to his lips and murmured “Care to dance?”

Feeling nervous, Maria looked to Landon as if asking for permission.

Landon chuckled when she replied with that. “You’re not any other woman” He simply replied as he watched her blush and turned away from him. He wondered why she wouldn’t look at him for long period of time, he had a feeling though that he knew exactly what it was. He also had a feeling that was a very dangerous feeling about this. Landon climbed out of the car once they stopped in front of the mansion. God he hated these types of events. Truly did, he would have preferred to stay at the bar and watch his sister dance or something but instead he were like a puppet. Though he did see the reason for him being here since Maria could not be alone. He rounded around the car as he stood beside her. He gave her his arm as she looped her arm around his.

“I unlike you, actually am looking forward to it. You know I’m not so bad to be around” He informed her as he didn’t look at her, instead he started to lead her inside the ball. He paused to allow her some time to admire everything. He glanced at her, noticing the look of amazement in her eyes and her smile. He smiled softly at that before he heard the music and the voice. An angel, his gaze went to the girl on the stage. The same girl from before. the one Vinny was so interested in. “Of course” He muttered as his attention was focused back on Maria and the scum that made his way to the girl. He raised his brow as he gazed at the guy. He did not like him. One bit, but he glanced to Maria and noticed her nervousness. “I think I would rather prefer to be the one to dance with the lady first, after all I am her escort” He said as he gave a look at the man which sent shivers down the humans spine. The guy quickly walked away after that as he turned to her with a smile. “You can pick your next guy” He offered as he grabbed her hand and quickly pulled her into a waltz.

The guests and entertainment were arriving, and the delightful strains of music was making its way across the estate. The driveway was full of cars, their headlights casting shadows long down the gravel drive, as many hundreds were now entering the estate on masse. This was to be the ball of the year, and its host was no where near ready. Rupert was still stuck on deciding which suit to wear, and this was exasperating his butler and assistant, who had been holding up two different suits for the last ten minutes.

Rupert in his underwear hidden by large crimson coloured velvet curtains, watched the procession of elite and the infamous, as they were coming into the grounds, in a glittering cavalcade. This party was costing him a considerable sum of money, even investing in fireworks for after the dancing, and all done to appease his dear sister, Madeline. To offer her to society and perhaps find her a man to fall in love with and fill the aching hole that was where her heart should be.

“Sir…the grey or the black?”

“Hmm?”

“Sir, I impore you, that you need to get dressed and greet the guests. Hiding up here does nothing for your reputation.”

“Meh…they already call me the phantom. And yet the banks have no issues lending me capital, and I have no shortage of women willing to throw themselves at my feet. I care not for my reputation. All I care for is that Madeline has a good time and showing.”

“Be better if you were there by her side, Sir.”

At this, Rupert relented and pointed at the black.

“Very well. Has anyone ever tell you, you are bossy.”

“You Sir…many times.”

<3>

Landon glanced down to her once she pressed her head back against his shoulder and tightened her hold on his hand. Maybe she did care whether people were talking or not, in response to this he let his hand move up slightly so that the way he held her was no longer so intimate. This got people nodding for a moment before ignoring them now that it seemed there was no scandal to talk about. He gazed at her as she narrowed her eyes to him, choosing not to comment on the statement that she made. He let her go once she said she was feeling a bit light headed. His dark eyes followed her as she made her way to the balcony. Part of him wanted to go after her but another part refused to. He knew what she wanted to hear. That he wasn’t like Vinny, he didn’t hurt people. He cared for people. But those were lies. He did hurt people and he would continue to hurt people until Vinny asked him to stop. Then he would continue to hurt people in Vinny’s place should the Don ever die or leave. That was his duty, and he had failed in his duty once. He wasn’t going to let that happen again, no matter who he disappointed.

Shaking his head as he ran a hand through his hair, he turned around and walked to the bar. Deciding that maybe he might need some liquid courage. As he neared the bar, he saw the girl from before. The angel. He glanced around, looking for Vinny but didn’t see him near so he figured it was safe to approach. “You voice was hypnotizing” He said as he took a seat beside her, without looking at her he ordered whiskey on the rocks. Once his drink was safely in his hand, did he finally glance at her. “Though that not surprising for a solider of God” He simply said, as he figured she was one of the newer angels.

Genevieve sat at the bar with her martini in hand, her eyes watching a pretty young woman exit the dance floor in distress. She watched the woman walk out to the balcony alone as she lifted her drink to her lips. While taking a sip, she wondered silently what had that poor girl so distraught. But soon her thoughts were interrupted by another voice. Her peace and quiet destroyed, Genny turned to see who had disrupted her alone time. Seeing Landon, she smiled politely as her dark eyes scanned his aura. It was clear he had a heavenly light shining from within, and it didn’t take long for the angel to realize she was sitting among her own kind.

Listening to him compliment her, Genny’s smile grew but her eyes locked on his when he mentioned what she was. Raising an eyebrow, her smile turned coy as she held her drink in one hand “Your compliment seems less so when you tack on the secret of my trade.” Taking another sip, she allowed her eyes to roam over him briefly before they met his eyes again “Ah…I remember you. You were with that…charming gangster. Such a way with words he has. I imagine you picked that up from him?” Her tone was sarcastic, but playfully so. Genevieve was still unsure as to what purpose Landon had serving a dark man like that. He must have been a fallen angel for being able to perform such acts of violence without remorse. Then again, angels were always a just race. Recrossing her legs, she leaned back in her chair and asked “Did Vincent let you out to play for the night? I can’t imagine a mobster gets a night off. Then again…perhaps you were sent here to kill me. Perhaps worse.”

Her smile was full of playful conspiracies as she jested with the fellow angel. It was nice being around one of her kind for once, though it was surprising they found each other in a place ransacked with greed and deception. Still, she wanted to keep her eye out on Landon in case he proved to be useful to her. So far he seemed harmless.

Maria was outside getting a breath of fresh air and time to think while Landon was making his way to the bar. Her arms were crossed as her dark eyes fixed on the night sky. It shouldn’t have surprised or bothered her that Landon did not answer her question, but it did. She so hoped that he would be different from the others, but she knew that was not the case. One day Landon would take over in her father’s spot if he did produce a male heir that was competent enough to take over the family. That meant Maria would most likely be stuck serving Landon as well if she did not find a way out of this life.

As she thought about a savior that could come and take her away from this sort of life, she had swiveled around to look through the glass door. Across the dance floor she could see Landon speaking to the pretty performer that was entertaining the guests only moments ago. A feeling of disgust welled up inside of Maria as she realized just how alike Vinny and Landon were starting to appear. Raising a hand, she seemed to brush her escort off as she entered the ballroom once more. Spotting the slippery man that was actually a soldier for the Alvise family that had asked to dance before, she walked over to him with a polite smile. Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, she murmured “I’ll take that dance now.” The soldier smiled darkly and nodded once, taking the girl’s hand. Pulling her close into a slow waltz, they began to dance as Maria’s mind filled with the dream of a life outside the mob.

Rupert descended the winding stair case and blended himself into the crowd of guests so well, due to his suit matching many of the mens there, that he was no longer recognizable as the owner of the estate.This was normally how he did things, blending in, so that no one would notice, and think he was just another suit. The band had struck up another song, and the women whooped as they got excited with it being one of the favorites being played at the speakeasies.

The champagne was flowing freely, and many were sitting and enjoying their drinks, catching their breath after dancing. It was over by the bar area, that Rupert noticed one particular lady, who was enjoying the company of a man, or so it looked, and this was when Rupert had a cunning idea. He wandered through the crowd, and then on reaching her table, he reached for her empty glass, and asked’

“Would Madame like another?” She may well think he was the hired help, as he smiled gently at the woman, and then snapped his heels in the direction of the male. “Sir.”

<3>

Landon smirked slightly at her as he took a drink from his whiskey. “It is still a compliment nonetheless. Even among angels, your voice would stand out” He said with a smile as he leaned against the side of the bar, resting his hand on his drink while still gazing around the ballroom. He was every observant. He glanced back to her when she remembered him. He chuckled slightly as he shook his head. “I don’t quite have his charm, nor do I intend to ever have it. I prefer my own method to anything” He said as he lifted his shoulder with a slight shrug. His eyes glanced down to her legs when she crossed her legs. She had a way with her body that was strangely attractive but he ignored it as he glanced up to her eyes once more. “No, I don’t get a night off…” He trailed off as he raised his brow at the worse part. “I’d rather think that Vincent would prefer to do that himself, I don’t tend to get involved with people he has a particular interest in” He said empathizing the world interest. He had about made it very clear that she was off limits to him and everyone else in the mob. “So exactly what about you has him all hot and bothered?” He asked her with a slight smirk.

His eyes flickered from her to survey the room once more out of habit. That was when he saw that Maria had rejoined the ball, his eyes narrowed slightly when she headed straight to that idiot from before. Some low man from the Alvise family. Made him more of an idiot in his mind. He took another drink of his whiskey as he watched her take the mans hand and let him lead her into a waltz. He shook his head as he watched them, making sure that the man didn’t try to do anything he would not approve of.

Genevieve offered Landon a genuine smile before nodding towards his whiskey “Oh my…that is a terribly strong drink. I do not know if I could handle something like that. Then again, I like my own drinks tart.” Glancing at her glass, she frowned ruefully at seeing that it was empty. She hadn’t realized that while she was speaking to the angel, her drink had been dwindling. Flicking her dark eyes back up to Landon, she followed where his eyes were looking and realized he found her attractive. That made her very nervous because suddenly she seemed like a hot commodity when it came to members of the mob. That sort of attention couldn’t possibly lead to anything good. Reaching up to touch the back of her neck nervously, her smile faltered but her eyes flashed their defiant nature as she murmured in response to his question “Interest? That doesn’t sound as appealing as I think you want it to.” Brushing her dark hair off her shoulders, Genny suddenly felt uncomfortable in the corner of the ballroom. She didn’t like talking about Vinny, and she honestly had no idea why the don wanted anything to do with her. All the angel knew was that Vinny was up to no good. Shrugging softly, she turned to look at Landon slyly “I don’t know what he wants with me, but rest assured, I am not an easy woman.”

It was then that the stranger made his way over and took Genevieve’s empty glass. Turning to cast her eyes upon him, Genny was soon smiling despite herself. He appeared a bit older than the other man beside her, and she silently noted that men were flocking to her from every corner. That unsettled her greatly, but there was something about this man’s voice that caught her attention. Her peace and quiet had indeed been shattered and Genny was beginning to regret sharing the gift of her voice with the world now that it seemed to be attracting all sorts of men. Shaking her head, she smiled at herself when she realized how ridiculous she was being. He was not a suitor…he worked there. He was paid to attend to the party’s needs. Nodding once, she braced her elbow on the bar to rest her chin in hand. Keeping her eyes locked on the stranger, her smile was charming as it was bored with her surroundings “Extra olives, please.”

Maria was still dancing with the Alvise man, her eyes wandering around the ballroom curiously. The man was chatting her ear off, but she was not paying him any attention. She was doing her best not to look at Landon, but failed miserably. Every so often her eyes trailed back to him and the enchanting woman he was talking to. A pang of jealously washed over her but soon her eyes fixed back on her dance partner. The solider leaned in to brush his lips along her neck, his hot breath tickling her ear. Laughing softly at the sensation, she inched closer to hear him whisper sweet nothings in her ear above the noise of the music. She still couldn’t quite hear him, but by the way his hand was traveling down her back, Maria suspected she wasn’t supposed to. Closing her eyes, she began to feel drowsier and drowsier. She had no idea that the drink she had earlier in the evening was spiked. The man holding her just smiled as Maria grew weaker and weaker in his arms. Soon, if all went well, she would be easily kidnapped and held hostage for Vinny to deal with.

He raised his brow when she commented on his drink, as he finished it in a last gulp. “It takes far more than this to get more drunk. I suppose you’re just younger” He simply said as he was half focused on her. Most of his attention was though focused on Maria. His eyes narrowed slightly as he watched them dance. Part of him already wanted to rip them apart, mostly he told himself because Vinny would not approve of having a man who was in technically their enemy mob dancing with his daughter but he refrained himself. Maria was already mad at him and if he interrupted she might get even angrier at him. So he stomached it and turned back to the girl trying not to look back at Maria but ever so often he would find himself looking back at her. “It isn’t appealing” He replied, not trying to sugarcoat.“In your case, not being an easy woman isn’t going to helpful in your case” He said as he watched her interact with the waiter, while she was doing that he glanced back to Maria. His eyes becoming more alert when he noticed that Maria was closing her eyes. He saw the man press his lips against her neck and his hand traveling down her back. He also noticed that her movements were getting more sluggish as he stood up quickly. He glanced back to the angel, as he leaned towards her almost like he was going to kiss her but his lips stopped near her ear. “Be careful solider of God, Vinny isn’t the type of man you want to mess with. And he has plans for you…”He whispered softly, almost intimate but it was more for show.

With that done, he turned around and easily crossed towards them. His movements were tense and intimidating so much so that everyone was getting out of his way. Once he reached them, he reached towards the man and yanked him so hard that he almost landed on his ass. The man cursed as Landon reached for Maria now, noticing the dazed look in her eyes. “I leave you alone for a minute…” He said as he wrapped his arm around her waist so that she could lean onto his side. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” The man said as Landon turned to him. A look so dark in his eyes that the man took a step back. “It does not take a telepath to read your mind” He said as he glanced to two men to the side. They nodded as they came forward and grabbed the guy in between them. “This man drugged Vincent Amato’s daughter in an attempt to kidnap her. I, Landon Amato, dare anyone to come in his defense” He said his voice strong and powerful that everyone heard. They all stood as they watched the scene. Even though he was from Alvise, no one came to defend him. “Good, get him out of here” He said as the men nodded and dragged the man out. He turned to Maria now. “Come on, we’re getting out of here…” He said as he started to lead her out of the ballroom.

“Extra olives, of course.” The tycoon said with a gentle smile. The girl looked barely out of her teens, and the manner at which she held herself suggested that she was bored with both her present company and the gala ball itself. At first Rupert found it unusual, especially with the music and the dancing. All the gorgeous women, that were being wooed by men in tails, all across the expansive ballroom. The titter of gentle conversation, and the ever present guffaw of the older gents, that were trying to get a hand or two on the delectable dancers.

Rupert wandered back over to the bar, and the bartender almost died, when he saw his employer, acting like a waiter. He nearly dropped the glass he was trying to fill, and stammered with nervousness.

“Sir…you wish a drink.”
“Dirty martini for the lady over there. Extra olives.”
“Yes Sir…Right away Mister Dangerfield.”

A few patrons that were sitting close at the bar, heard the bartender drop the man’s name and soon a crush of girls flocked over like feeding time in the chook house. He dismissed them politely, then taking the fresh glass, Rupert headed back and placed the drink down before Genny.

“With extra olives. Enjoy.”

His errand done, Rupert then strolled out from the bar area, where Madeline was holding court with some of the other war widows, and she smiled brightly as her brother joined her.

“Ladies…my brother and benefactor to this glittering affair.”

“And New york’s most eligible bachelor.” Mrs Hancock said with a knowing smile, offering her gloved hand to Rupert to shake. Rupert caught her hand effortlessly, and brought it to his lips, kissing softly.

“Enchanted.” He said with a slight smile, and then leaned over to Madeline and whispered.

“Having a good time, Maddy?”

“Oh yes, this is superb. Course it will be all the more special when the Marulos arrive. Such gorgeous people. A real asset to the social circles, wouldn’t you say?” Madeline asked of her small group of friends, that all nodded in agreement. Rupert excused himself, and then wandered through the crowd, out to the back landing patio, to enjoy a cigarette.

<3>

Genevieve nodded once and stared off towards the dance floor as she listened to Landon speak about getting drunk. She never drank enough to get drunk, usually. Most of the time, she drank to get more relaxed. When Landon spoke of Vinny again, her eyes turned to pause on his. He seemed to be warning her of something, but she already knew she was dealing with a demon. Why he wanted her, however, still remained a mystery. Smiling weakly, she nodded once more as if thanking him for the advice. Landon made her feel just as uneasy, perhaps even more than Vinny did because of his manners and charm. At least with Vinny, she knew how slimy he could be. With this angel before her, she felt like she was in uncharted waters. Her eyes then followed Landon’s to the dance floor and she realized he was being partially distracted. Her smile softened as her eyes sparkled “She’s very lovely.” But then the man was leaning closer, and her breath inhaled in shock that he was going to kiss her. Frozen to the spot, her eyes closed as she listened to him whisper. Swallowing hard, she watched Landon walk away silently.

Soon her attraction was pulled from Landon to focus on the mysterious stranger that appeared with her drink. Once more Genny was caught off by just how handsome he was and was pleased to listen to his voice. Taking the drink he offered, her smile turned a bit more genuine as she bowed her head politely “Thank you so much. This looks terrific.” Taking a sip, she then watched the man stroll away from her to wander through the crowd. To her surprise, he paused at a group of women and even swept her hand up to his lips. Frowning, she pulled the drink from her lips to stare in shock. It was becoming quite clear to the angel that he did not work here, but was in fact, a guest. Glancing down at her drink, she smiled slightly as a look of intrigue crossed her face. Pulling one of the olives out, she took a bite and turned to see Landon dealing with an issue. Swallowing the olive, she set her drink down and made her way through the dance floor. Her eyes looked around curiously, trying to find the man who brought her a drink. Seeing movement towards the back through the glass door, she smiled once more and strolled over.

Walking out to the back patio, she smiled to see the stranger. Pulling matches out from her bosom that she kept there to feed her own nicotine habit, she looked up at him with soft brown eyes “Got an extra cigarette, sir?”

Maria was unaware of what was going on, her eyes becoming cloudy as the man gripped her close to him. She hardly recognized Landon when he came over, but his voice rattled her to her core. Sighing softly, she blinked rapidly and tried to focus on him. He was saying something, but she couldn’t quite make it out. Feeling his arm wrap around her waist, Maria leaned into him and whimpered “What’s happening to me?” Soon her eyes rolled into the back of her head and she fainted. She had no idea that Landon threatened the man, or even what was going on. Maria began to fall, her body feeling like dead weight as she passed out from the drug slipped to her.

Landon let out a groan when he suddenly felt her dead weight against him. Not because she was heavy, because she wasn’t. She was like a feather but more of the fact when Vinny found out about this, Landon was going to be in deep trouble. “You’re lucky you’re stunning” He muttered as he easily swept her up off her feet and into his arms. Several people were already whispering as this was sure to get to the heads of each families but he ignored them as several of his men surrounded him as they walked out of the ballroom. This is why he preferred to stay inside. He headed out to the car, the door was already opened as he gently laid Maria inside. before closing the door and walking around the car to climb into the car. Once he was inside, the car took off followed by several other cars headed back to the compound. He let Maria lean against his shoulder as he gazed out of the window, trying not to think of the sleeping human.

The Queen was still fighting against the struggle she had to want to strangle that Lady’s neck, that woman pissed her off so much, she was clearly more younger than Metia, she would live longer, and she was an angel, plus she was beautiful, that’s clearly enough reasons to make Metia hate her. Then there’s that major reason, that Lady Tanner never leaves her husband alone. If people knew what Metia always wanted to do to that Lady, they would think she was mental ill or something.
Whenever the Lady left, Metia forced a smile and stared at the door.
“I hope you fall down from the stairs.”
She said, mostly for herself, even tho, the maids and servants that were around, was able to hear her. They was trying their best to not pay attention to Metia and the Lady Tanner, but they was clearly curious on what was going happen. Everybody knew how Lady Tanner always followed Henry, and how Metia hated her, so of course, they wanted to know how would a meeting of the two of them go.
She ordered a maid to go put Henry’s belongings on the right place, so nobody would touch it. Then Metia just walked up to the throne, and sat down on her own chair. She slowly turned her head, and looked at the chair besides her, which belonged to Henry. It was empty, he wasn’t there, he was gone, run away from his family.. She felt her eyes getting watery again, and she had to place her hand against her mouth, trying to hold back a sob, before use her free hand to control her tears.

After awhile, Metia was finally able to calm herself down, but she still remained in the throne, not moving that much, only letting herself have flashbacks about her life before this seven years, everything seemed perfect, everything was perfect, she wont say having Clarice was a mistake, because it wasn’t, she loves her daughter, so much, but she misses Selene, she missed the old Henry. Also, she got a letter from her granddaughter, she got extremely confused with that letter, how could such little kid write so well? But everything got explained when she said she had grownup, how so? Selene has no magic to do such thing, she’s an angel, she was never a witch like her mother. This left Metia very curious, yet ashamed and furious, with Selene and Joffrey. Joffrey because he kicked his own wife out of the castle, and Selene for allow herself fuck up with her life.
She just wrote her granddaughter back, and was already waiting for Selene to show up, which wouldn’t take that long. She brought her son with her, who did this child belong to anyway? If it wasn’t Joffrey’s, who was the man? Why in hell would Selene sleep with another man?
Metia heard her words, and basically facepalmed herself, gently, as she rubbed her temple. She felt like yelling at her daughter, because it has been years since she last saw her, and now she just come because she was alone. Family wasn’t only for that. But she tried her best to remain calm, and not yell, it wasn’t the child’s fault, plus, this is her grandson, after all. God, she’s getting old.

“..I got a letter form your daughter saying you was coming. She also said you got a child with another man, a warlock. It took me awhile to understand how such young child could write, but I noticed that lots of things changed, and you, my dear, you changed your entire life.”
Metia started, as she took a deep breathe, and stared at her daughter, waiting for her to look at her in the eyes, but she didn’t. If this all was new to the boy, well then, Metia feels sorry for him.
“You acted reckless, and foolish. You allowed a man fool you, you got pregnant at young age, and ran away with him. Which could clearly not be the man of your life. You stopped talking with your family, and now you’re only here because you have nowhere else to go. I feel like you’re using me. Family isn’t only for the bad times.”
Of course, Metia was going to scold her daughter, but she never rose her voice, she was just too tired to even raise her voice.
“You’re my daughter, and the boy besides you is my grandson. I’m not gonna reject you, and kick you out of my life forever. You’re allowed to live here, since this was always your home, and I’m not gonna blame the poor boy for the reckless decisions his mother done, so he’s welcome as well.”
On the letter, Tempest asked Metia to not be too harsh, and she wasn’t being too harsh, those who saw her real mad, they would think she was being an angel right now.
Pushing herself up from the throne, Metia stared down at her grandson, before look back at her daughter.
“But first. Stand up, look me in the eye, and tell me that you wasn’t part of this “scheme”. Admit that you failed on your decisions.”
Metia wanted Selene to admit what she done, to make it look more real. Not for make the poor girl to suffer, just for let her know there’s no way back now, she done that, she would have to deal with the consequences. Right now, she wanted to hug her daughter, tightly, and not let her go, but first, she needed someone to shake her back to reality. 

Selene’s shoulders began to shake from the weight of her mother’s words. She could understand why her mother felt used. The princess never kept in touch after fleeing from her family to marry the man who could very well have destroyed her. And now he almost had again. With her heart hardened against Joffrey, she knew things could never be the same with him. He had cast her aside after bringing harm to her son, and it was something she would neither forgive nor forget. Lifting her gaze to meet her mother’s eyes, she stood up slowly and lifted her chin boldly. Selene would not deny the wrongs she had done. She had been foolish and made mistakes. Perhaps it was even a mistake to marry Joffrey in the first place since he seemed to not care about her enough to at least listen to what she had to say. He had Tempest now and that seemed to be enough for him.

With a long exhale, she finally spoke calmly “You are right when you say he must not be the man of my life. He is no man at all, but a monster.” Placing a hand on Lucan’s shoulder, she continued “I believe there was dark magic at work. Tempest had gone missing and my husband was about to make love to me when a witch arrived to take him away so they could look for her. A warlock who I was loved as a dear friend must have impersonated Joffrey and made love to me. I should have known it was not my husband…but perhaps I was too consumed with the desire for another child. Tempest has always despised me and I craved the affection between Joffrey and our daughter.”

Realizing she was speaking words from the heart she had never dared admit to herself, she began to tremble as she fought back sobs. She had to be strong in front of her mother, for that was how she was raised. After noticing that she was looking at the ground again, Selene forced herself to look up at her mother and ran her fingers through her hair with a nervous habit she had since she was a child.

“I will not make any more excuses for myself. I allowed myself to fall prey to dark magic and I slept with a man who was not my husband. Because of it, I became pregnant with a child who should be considered a bastard.”

Lucan’s stood up slowly and hugged his mother around the waist as his face buried into her leg. He did not like being called a bastard, and there was a brief moment when he felt scared for his future. Sensing his fear, Selene placed a hand in his hair and began to caress it reassuringly. When her son seemed to calm down, he spoke softly “I still love you, Mamma…”

The princess smiled at her son’s words and looked down at him “My darling, never think that you are unloved. You are my greatest treasure.” Lucan snuggled into his mother and Selene looked back at her own “I wish for my marriage to Prince Joffrey Brax to be annulled. It was a mistake to ever think he truly loved me and I want to live out my life here with those who always have and always will. I understand you may never forgive me for my wrongdoings, and I will learn to live with that. All I ask is that you accept Lucan into the family and love him unconditionally. Joffrey attacked him in rage and it nearly killed me. My hope for Lucan is that he can use the powers that were bestowed upon him by the warlock for the greater good, and perhaps one day he will be a knight. As for myself, I will spend every waking moment making up to you and father for all the misdoings I have done. Mother, I want nothing more than to please you and father. Please, will you protect my son?”

Selene was pleading, but there was nothing she wouldn’t do for the child she had almost lost. Though Lucan was born from dark magic and evil schemes, he showed signs of the innocence and purity that was once hers. He displayed a great deal of power and magical abilities, and Selene hoped that under Metia’s guiding light that her son could use that power for good.

When Selene finished speaking, Lucan looked up at his grandmother and smiled nervously. She was so pretty that he wasn’t sure what to do. His grandmother seemed unhappy with Selene, but she said he wouldn’t be rejected. Stepping forward, he spoke in a quiet but strong voice “Mamma wants me protected, but I want you to know that I will never let anything happen to her. She protected and loved me, and she speaks highly of you. I wish to protect you too.” Though he appeared so young, it seemed he had inherited his biological father’s wisdom and magical abilities. Who knew when he would stop growing so rapidly?

Metia just waited for her daughter to admit the wrong she done. She needed that, she needed to see how much her decisions could ruin her life, and she was glad she was starting to admit the truth, even if it was hurting her, and being hard for her to face her own mother. Metia wouldn’t censure her, but her daughter needed to be strong, she taught her to be strong and not break down in front of anybody, or people will see that as weakness and one day, they will destroy you.
Metia nodded when her daughter asked her about her and Joffrey’s marriage, of course it was annulled, that’s for sure, and she felt more anger inside her, when she heard that Joffrey tried to hurt this poor boy. It wasn’t the kid’s fault, it wasn’t his fault, that his father was a bastard and decided to ruin an entire family. Even if Metia was angry at her daughter, she wouldn’t hurt her grandson, its not his fault. The poor boy was brought to this world by the wrong way and at the wrong time. Now Metia wondered where would be that warlock, the father of this child. What did Selene do to him? It was obvious she wouldn’t tell her in front of the child, so she remained quiet.
Metia’s eyes watched the motherhood from Selene, while she was showing affection to her son. Why Clarice couldn’t be that calm? The boy seems to love his mother, but she never heard Clarice saying that she loved her, she never heard Clarice saying a nice thing before. Pushing those thoughts away, she noticed her grandson come up to her, and tell her that he wished to protect his grandmother as well. This clearly touched Metia’s heart, and she wouldn’t deny.

“Then welcome home.”
She told her as a smile slowly appeared upon her face, a warming one, but small. She wasn’t really on the best mood to be all cheerful and stuff, but she would if she needed to. Selene wasn’t the only one who lost the love of her life, Henry ran away, and Metia still didn’t knew what to do or what to tell to Selene. Everything changed so much, she had a daughter as well, but not as big as Lucan, Clarice was three years or something more younger, and Metia could clearly see the boy had magic inside him to be able to grow up so fast. And Tempest, was suppose to have Clarice’s age, but Tempest was already a teenager.
Metia walked up to Lucan, and kneel down. She placed her palms over the boy’s shoulders, and planted a kiss upon his forehead.
“You’re safe in this kingdom. This is now your home.”
She knew the boy would need some protection, and Metia would give him that. After this, she pushed herself up, and stepped closer to Selene, staring at her for awhile, before take a deep breathe and wrap her arms around her daughter, hugging her tightly, that’s what she needed somebody to comfort her. That’s what both needed.

A great burst of light, heralded down from the heavens breaching the clouds, as the three Thrones; Orion, Rashna and Henry came down from the Temple of Thrones and floated through the balcony window that the King was always partial to spending time. The King had returned, and with him his older brother and sister had accompanied him. Rashna was more concerned to keep an eye on Henry, so that he did not slide back into his depressed state, while Orion had come…to see what all the fuss was about. The trio wore the robes of their kind, long flowing silk, though Orion was bare chested and had his robe sitting loosely upon his hip bones. His wings were still out and proud, as he turned around to grin at his Brother.

“Nice…very nice.” Impressed by the surrounds and the fittings, he knew he could get comfortable in a place like this. Henry drew his wings in behind him. He did not grin, or show pleasure in his brother’s antics.“Might want to close your wings, before you start knocking things over, Orion.”

Rashna landed daintily, and placed her bag down on a nearby sofa. Her eyes were wide with what she saw before her. Truly different from the temple, she wondered if all the fancy furniture and fittings were necessary. “It’s a bit..gawdy.” Wrinkling up her nose and then sighing.

It was then that the trio caught sight of Selene, her new son and of course Metia. Metia was actually hugging her daughter, but the boy Henry did not recognize. Orion was the first to speak.

“Are we…interrupting a family moment?” he said with a crooked smile. Orion was amused to see Metia like this. He always remembered her as being standoffish, not huggy in the least.

“Orion, mind your tongue.” Rashna said, then looked at Henry so they could be introduced.

Henry stood quietly, unsure of how to approach his family before his brother and sister. He said simply;

“I’m home.”

“And?” Orion asked, as Rashna nudged him in the side.

“May I present, my brother Orion, and sister Rashna….Thrones of God.”

<3>

Lucan smiled happily as his grandmother kissed his forehead, his arms wrapping around her to pull her in for a hug. After letting her go, he turned to see Metia standing before his mother. He suddenly feared for his mother, but these fears were soon quelled when his grandmother hugged Selene. Sighing happily, he knew they would be safe.

Selene watched her mother warily, mentally preparing herself for more scoldings when Metia stood before her. She was instead surprised when she was pulled into a hug. Closing her eyes, she wrapped her arms around her mother slowly and returned the embrace. It had been too long since she held her mother, too long since she had been home. After a few moments, she pulled away to smile and laugh with relief. She was home, and her son would be safe.

The happy reunion was interrupted, however, and a familiar voice mixed with the unfamiliar. Turning around, the princess’s eyes fell on her father and a couple of guests. Raising an eyebrow, she tilted her head “You’re home…? But where did you go, Daddy?” Stepping forward, she smiled at her father. She had always been a daddy’s girl when she was younger, and oh how she missed Henry. Selene only wished she had remembered to write both her parents. Seeing his two guests, she dropped into a curtsy and smiled graciously “Forgive me, I am Princess Selene Casterly.” She was careful to leave her Brax name behind as she faced her uncle. He was rather handsome and she soon found herself silent in awe.

Lucan hopped down and rushed over to stand in front of his mother. Bowing low, he then straightened up and leaned against Selene. “I am Sir Lucan Casterly, the queen’s personal knight and guardian!”

He said it with such sincerity that Selene began to laugh at her son’s boldness. Caressing his hair, she placed her free hand on his shoulder and looked down at him tenderly.

Though all those gathered were in fact family and related, you could feel that the room was filled with tension. Henry only had eyes for Metia, who was doing her utmost to keep herself together. He knew her well enough when she was forcing somethings, and that it would be a good idea if the two of them could be alone to talk things through. When he had left, she wanted to sleep in a separate room, but he really had given her no option, since he had shut her out of his life. Course, when Selene spoke, his attention was stolen and he looked to her fondly as she asked where he had been. The Queen decided to answer on his behalf, and this even caught Rashna’s attention. She had spent time with Henry and knew the truth. Rather than say anything, she kept quiet, though Orion was enjoying the goings on. Looking to Selene, he said simply; “Yes, I was away on business matters.”

Seeing the plucky young prince get in before his mother and announce that he was Sir Lucan Casterly, the queen’s personal knight and guardian had Orion laugh loudly. “They start them young here, hey Henry?” The King was confused, when both Selene and Lucan called themselves Casterly. He was of the opinion they were Brax. Something was definitely off with that, but again, now was not the time or place to question it. Orion strolled up to the boy and ruffled his golden hair with his large hand.“Such a fine lad you have there, Selene.” Orion said with a wink, before looking at the little one that had entered; Clarice.“And this is the little girl we have all heard about. Got a cut from riding a fat pony?” He asked, staring down at her with deep blue eyes. “Little girls are made from sugar, spice and sticky plaster, so I dare say you will be back bouncing on that pony again in no time.” He said with a wink and a knowing nod to Metia.

Henry watched on as his older brother did his usual trick, of turning on the charm like a tap, something that often annoyed Henry, but as Orion was older, he always had a way of getting away with it. Rashna sensed the tension, and then she glided across the floor, and knelt down to Clarice’s level.

“I’m your Aunt Rashna. Would you like to show me where your room is? I would like very much to see it.” she wanted to give Henry and Metia a chance to talk, and she gave her brother a sly look to keep Selene entertained. Rashna wanted to try and get Henry to save his marriage, even if it meant splitting up this family reunion.

Henry was still looking at his wife, and if she cared to look back, she could see that…he had changed, in more than his appearance.

“Metia….may I speak with you?” Henry asked, offering his hand out to her.

<3>

Selene nodded as though that were a sufficient enough answer. Henry was king after all, and he had to be very busy. She was glad to see he was home and looking happy, though she sensed some tension between Metia and her father. That struck her as odd since the last she knew, her father simply adored the queen. The princess decided to not involve herself in such matters since it wasn’t like she was one to speak on relationships. Hers just ended with the love of her life and she herself was an emotional wreck. Not very ideal for advice. Her attention then fixed on Orion as he spoke to her son. A blush creeped into her cheeks when he winked at her. She smiled proudly and bowed her head “One would think that, wouldn’t they? You will have to forgive my son. He thinks he could save the world.”
Lucan looked at the ground, afraid to meet Orion’s eye as he ruffled his hair. This strange man spoke to his mother, and that unsettled him. For reasons he could not explain, he had a bad feeling in his gut that his mother experienced pain with the last man she was close to. Perhaps it was memories locked away in his subconscious, perhaps it was Desmond’s magic shining through. Still, he felt it was his duty to protect his mother and he was very wary of this uncle. He allowed his eyes to look at Orion’s shirt and he mumbled [b]“I am a knight, I tell you. You musn’t get too close to my mother. I will know if you try to hurt her…”

Feeling brave, Lucan looked up to meet Orion in the eye “You are an angel. So is my mother. Are there many of you?”

Selene laughed softly and rushed forward to grab her son’s hand. She could feel her son’s anxiety, and she was saddened that she could not yet explain about Joffrey. Kneeling down, she pulled him in for a hug and sighed “No one will ever hurt me or you again. Please understand that, darling.” Looking up at Orion over her son’s shoulder, she smiled weakly. Things were indeed tense and awkward in this castle. 

The large oak doors of the Throne room flew open, as a dark Knight or so it would appear, entered the chambers. He wore the most hideous suit of armor, with the glow of a golden hue coming out from where the eyes would be. Course, it was none other than Prince Joffrey….and how much this armor suited his current demeanor was shocking to say the least. It was almost as though it empowered him and his inner most desires. He had had his way with Elisa, and left her a bleeding mess in his chambers. But knowing she was a vampire, she should heal…in a few days. Joffrey didn’t care of course. Well, not this Joffrey. He had but one goal. Destroy the Casterly.

“Father…I have returned, and I must say, the feeling of relief to my scrotum is without doubt…amazing.”

This would bring a titter of laughter from the Royal court, who found the new Joffrey’s wit to be vulgar and yet cute all at the same time. Joffrey noted Drakkar and raised an eyebrow, though it was well hidden under his helm. “He’s coming to fight too?” Joffrey pointed one of his sharpened armour covered claws at Drakkar. Not having heard that this man would be the King’s personal squire.

The witches were on the side lines, and they all approached the Prince, who was standing oddly, then turned his helm to watch them approach, scaring them slightly, as a black mist emerged from his form.

“Don’t get all shy now, ladies. What is it?”

“We have made a special potion…using those feathers of Orion. You might want to take a vial into battle.” Portia said with a chuckle, as Delilah sensed something was not…quite right about the Prince. Joffrey suddenly liked this idea, and extended his hand awaiting the vial to be handed over.

“I am about to head off with my father and army…SO…hand it over.” Portia took it out from her cleavage. A bright blue vial, that seemed to sparkle to the light of the candles. “This is so potent….you would be amazed what it can do.” Portia thought the new look Prince was scrummy, and unwittingly handed over the vial, as he took it and held it up to the light. “What does it do?” Portia crept forward and then whispered to the Prince, while the other two witches held back.

“It does?!” Joffrey grinned and then patted Portia on the head with his metal covered hand. “Oh..you’re a keeper.” Portia blushed and squealed, as the Prince placed the vial around his own neck, and strode up to his father.

“I don’t know about you, Father….but I’m all set. To war then?” He chimed, with a malicious grin.

<3>

Brandon watched as his son came out of the chambers. He had been patiently awaiting his return. His squire had already come and gone. His horse was readied and the army awaited. All was prepared. As Joffrey made his way in his presence was much changed. He could sense his strength. The change in his demeanor was much more apparent.
He said.. “I don’t know about you, Father….but I’m all set. To war then?” 

However, he also heard him say he might leave without him to the witches and the exchange of an item which power was unknown to Brandon. Seemed the new Joffrey had much more ambition. He thought to himself he must be careful with his son. He was quite hungry for power. What would he do after this war? He would keep his eyes open on his son. He needed to take care with him. He didnt acquire the power he had by being a fool either. But for now he had bigger fish to fry. The Casterly’s must pay for what had been necessary to save his son’s life.

” Yes let us march. Come on Drakkar. To the Gates and The Army.” 

Drakkar nodded in acquiescence and followed his lord.

“Yes, sire.”

~Thread Change Night Lands~

A Grey Kitten, Leather and a whole lot of Feathers.

Writers:
KalypsoGrey
AmeNoKumari
CharlotteCarrendar
LadyBelz.

KalypsoGrey: It was a long night, the files and threads for Carrendar had been looked over and the meeting hall was re dusted and polished to perfection. Kali let out a small sigh of relief before leaning against the outside of her house’s door. “I wonder if Kristian’s home?” With a small turn of her body, she faced the door, grasped the handle and turned. *click* The door opened. It wasn’t like Kristian to not lock the doors to their home, she had to wonder what his reasoning behind it was. Her steps steadied as she entered their home with caution, her eyes glistening in the small incense lamp that hung above the tables. And then it hit her, her sea green eyes fell upon the small letter placed upon the center table. She stepped forward, turned her back slightly to shut the door and then continued walking towards the letter. }c{

KalypsoGrey: ~He was always so formal in his letters~ ” Detective Clark will be visiting your office today at 3 pm to take your statement. I have insisted that he should come to you, as I don’t want you going anywhere. -X- Kristian Grey, Your over protective Husband. Kali sighed and shook her head at the note, folded it in two and placed it back on the table. Her eyes scanned the room and she couldn’t help but wonder what her husband was talking about, and then it hit her. It must have been the incident at the office. Why couldn’t he just let it go? She sat herself on the couch of their home and slowly inhaled, trying to calm her heart rate as it picked up with each passing second. “I need to get things ready.” Without a second thought she rose from her place on the couch and rushed into the kitchen, opening different cupboards and swinging the fridge open on the way. “I wonder if any of them will even eat?” She giggled to herself and shook her head before gathering the assortment of chips and dip and making her way back to the living room area. Placing the food on the table she smiled to herself and brushed her hands through her hair, curling a strand behind her ear as she grasped her phone and rapidly sent out the group text. “Ladies Night, Kristian’s and My place, he’s out of town. It’s our time to have some fun.  xoxo – Grey.” *Send* With a small cling on her phone she smiled and sent the needed directions followed by a picture of her outfit. Hoping to get the three girls riled into a good enough mood. }e{

CharlotteCarrendar:- Downtown at the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, Simone was atop a massive banana covered float, doing what she was paid to do, dance like she was one of the exotic dancers from Rio. Awash with bright blue feathers, and more sparkle than Tiffany’s, she wowed the crowd with her elaborate dance moves. Bare foot, and diamantes well placed across her voluptuous body, which smelt highly of coconut tanning oil, she grinned showing off dazzling pearly whites, while the loin cloth covered boys from the local YMCA, were whipping the crowd of thousands into a frenzy. Drumming and pipe bands, along with the tweets of whistles filled the air, till suddenly, Simone’s cell phone vibrated in a very unusual place. “Ooo fuck.” Simone kept dancing as she whipped out her hello kitty cell phone and saw the message. “Ladies Night, Kristian’s and My place, he’s out of town. It’s our time to have some fun.  xoxo – Grey.” Keeping up the beat, and still gyrating, she texted back. “Be there soon, kitty…once I finish riding this big banana…” She whipped her finger across the cell phone, then continued to dance up a storm, as the parade reached its earth shattering climax, with the mass concert in the central park. <3>

AmeNoKumari: Ame who was at a stop light in her 1969 Dodge Charger Hemi, waiting to go to her home in the middle of the woods as she looked to her phone that had rung the ring tone of a lightsaber turning on as she looked straight on the road as the light turned green. She pushed her foot down on the gas pedal while her left foot pressed down on the clutch pedal as she shifts from neutral to first gear, lifting her foot from the clutch pedal as the car starts too move forward. Her left foot pressed down on the clutch pedal again to only shift to second gear. As she heads down the road a little ways to only pull over into an empty parking lot then her leaned forward as her car idled , grabbing her phone as she unlocked it and checked the unread message “Ladies Night, Kristian’s and My place, he’s out of town. It’s our time to have some fun.  xoxo – Grey.” She chuckled as she hit reply on her phone and started to text, “Sounds like a fantastic plan. I will be on my way! XOXOXOXOX ~Ame ” she pressed send, making the homescreen appear on her phone then locked it. She shifted the gears once again and pulled out of the parking lot and started to head to Kalypso’s home, smirking to herself that there was gonna be a Ladies Night at her house as she was in dire need to party and have some fun.

KalypsoGrey: It was already 9:45, it seemed like hours had passed since she sent the text messages out to the girls. “Why do I feel like I am missing something?” Her thoughts wandered as she ran her hands through her hair.”I knew it!” Kali scrambled from her place on the couch, ran up the stairs, jumped over the couch and leaped onto her bed while grabbing her iPod and dock. “Nothing says a party without a little music.” She giggled to herself and made her way back the way she came, waltzing down the stairs as if she was making a grand entrance. It wasn’t until she reached the bottom of the stairs did her iPhone start going off. *Cling* *Cling* 2 Text messages. “Be there soon, kitty…once I finish riding this big banana…” Oh dear lord, what was this woman up to this time, her eyes had to scan over it twice before she shrugged and slid over to the next message. “Sounds like a fantastic plan. I will be on my way! XOXOXOXOX ~Ame ” Kali couldn’t help but smile and reply back to the two. “Can’t wait to see you both <3 – Grey” }e{

CharlotteCarrendar:- The big banana float finally pulled over in its space at the park, as the revellers converged on the grass covered slopes that led to the grand stage, where none other than Ru Paul was introducing the first act in the line up. One of the loin cloth covered boys assisted Simone down from her perch on the massive float and she landed with a spray of long blue feathers smacking a policeman, almost having him vanish in behind her. “Oh..sorry officer.” She chuckled, grabbing her clutch purse off the truck driver under the bananas, and tried to make her way through the crush of rainbow covered party goers. Fireworks were being set off into the sky and it was a night of frivolity, fun and much sex. Simone finally reached her small Mitsubishi hatchback, and struggled to find her keys in her clutch, then opened the door, and attempted to get in behind the wheel, feathers, sequins and all. Considering the car was bright fushia, with the mix of blue interior lighting, it made a funny sight, as she sped off for Grey’s apartment, and the girly night in. She stopped at the local bottlo , and grabbed a box of champers, intending to get completely smashed, by the midnight hour. Finding a park, she managed to climb out of her diminutive car, and snatch up the box of bubbly, eagerly making her way towards the entrance, where she had to use her nose, to announce herself on the intercom. “GOT BUBBLES, WILL PARTY!” Simone cried, readjusting her hold of the box of plonk, and waiting for someone to let her in. <3>

LadyBelz: Seattle. The Emerald City. One would think nothing much happened in a place such as this. But they would assume wrong, of course. The locals highly enjoyed the annual Mardi Gras parade and the festivities following. But for one Pandora LaRue, she hated everything to do with Mardi Gras. Namely the drunk shitheads that frequented the bar where she was currently employed. /The Poisoned Tongue./ Honestly, who comes up with these stupid names for seedy dive bars? If she didn’t need the money so badly, she would have told the owner to go fuck himself in a hundred creative ways, the pervert. If she wasn’t constantly dodging his ass-grabby hands, she was having to practically pry off with a crowbar the hands of the drunk patrons, some married, some not, who thought her tits and ass were the greatest things since Wonderbread was invented…Okay, she wasn’t arguing that point, but it was the principal of “personal space” that pissed her off. And finally, her shift was over and the next poor waitress stepped into the line to get leered at and pawed over like a naked bimbo at Hooters on barbecue wings and beer night. Bidding the fuckers a well-deserved ‘good night’, she grabbed up her keys and leather jacket and escaped out the kitchen door to the back alley where she’d parked her bike: a mint condition 1998 MV Agusta F4CC. Sliding one leather-clad leg over the seat, she slipped her black leather jacket over her shoulders before inserting the key into the ignition. 174 kilowats of horsepower rumbled between her thighs like an experienced lover and she smirked with glee. Revving the engine, scaring a few stray cats from their meals in garbage cans, she roared out of the alley at top speed, hair flying in the wind left in her wake like black water, causing a few oncoming cars to skid out of the way. Horns honked and tires screeched as she headed into traffic. It made her laugh. Twenty minutes later, she was pulling up in front of her apartment building. Shaking her keys from hand to hand, she headed inside, stopping at the mailbox in the lobby to see if she had anything worth looking at. A couple of bills, the newest motorcycle magazine, a letter from her mother (which she promptly shredded and tossed in the incinerator) and one of those Publisher’s Clearing House “You may be a winner!” notices (which she also tossed out). As she headed for the stairs, Louis Finkleman, the pimply-faced comic book nerd in 1A poked his head out of his door and smiled when he saw her. She glared at him. At least once a day, he tried to get her to go out on a date with him, and once a day, she turned him down flat. She put up a hand to stop him from speaking. “Louis, I’ve had a long day at work. I’m dirty, sweaty, tired and hungry. I’m craving a shower, food and my own bed in that order. Leave me the hell alone.” And she turned on one booted heel and headed for the elevator. Pressing the button for the 7th floor, she leaned against the back wall of the elevator, eyes closed and hummed along to the music being piped in through the speakers over her head. It seemed like moments when she finally arrived to her floor. She stepped out of the elevator and made for her apartment, 7D.

AmeNoKumari: Ame would reach her place in about as soon as she got the text, she pulled her car into the visitor parking as she pulled into the one that was covered by most shade and she turned off the engine of her muscle car. She rolled up her wndows and locked the passanger side door then opened the driver side of the door, slipping out from her seat as her finger pressed down the lock and took her keys out of the engine turner. She placed her keys in her pocket as she shut the door and walked to the trunk to only open it and taken out a tarp that was black at the night to blend in. She pulled it over of her car and she walked to the front of the building, walking to the front of the building to only see Simone waiting to be buzzed in as she walked to her and waved in the process before speaking, “Hey Simone!” she giggled and stood next to her as Ame wore a belt like strap for a top, short shorts that nearly shown her round ass as she had three belt like garters on two on her left leg and one on her right as her boots were knee high. Her succubus tattoos could be seen as they were on both her arms, her chest and stomach while a large succubus was on her back.

CharlotteCarrendar: – Struggling with the large box of champers, Simone was enraptured to hear the sound of Ame’s voice coming up behind her, calling out her name; “Hey Simone!” Thank heavens, since Grey had not answered the intercom yet. “My nose can only do so much. I tried buzzing Kitten, but either she is on the loo, or crushing ice.” Seeing what Ame had on, Simone gave her the full once over. “Well you’re going to be easy to unwrap, Suga.” Noting the belt that was normally around her waist, was barely covering her nips. “You tease you.” The entrance door beeped and Simone spun around, in a flurry of feathers, and pushed the door in using her sizeable rump. Getting into the foyer was one thing, and thankfully, another reveller from the Parade had also come back at the same time, and was racing home to pick up his packet of condoms for a big date. He kindly entered the lift and held it open for the pair, and the lift shot up to the seventh floor, letting both out, where Simone happened to spy Pandora about to put her key in the lock of the apartment 7D. “Oi…bitch!” Simone teased, calling out her pet name for the leather clad beauty. “I ain’t going to be drinking this lot by myself. Kitten’s having a few over for a girl’s night in. You join us and I may well treat you to one of my sensual lap dances.” The door to Kitten’s apartment was open and Simone wiggled a brow, as she sauntered in, blue feather spray and all. The last words you hear from Simone was. “IF YOU MAKE ME SIT THROUGH A READING OF FIFTY SHADES OF GREY, I WILL FUCKING GUT YOU, KITTEN!” The sound of the box of champers being dropped on the dining table is heard, followed by an audible popping sound. <3>

LadyBelz: “Oi…bitch!” Simone teased, calling out her pet name for the leather clad beauty. “I ain’t going to be drinking this lot by myself. Kitten’s having a few over for a girl’s night in. You join us and I may well treat you to one of my sensual lap dances.” Pandora glanced up, keys hanging in the lock on her door. “Fuck you, too, Simone. Give me a few minutes and I’ll be around.” She couldn’t help but chuckle at Simone’s outfit. It reminded her of Sandra Bullock in “Miss Congeniality 2″, feathers and all. She watched Simone struggle through the door of 7C, shouting out to all and sundry; “IF YOU MAKE ME SIT THROUGH A READING OF FIFTY SHADES OF GREY, I WILL FUCKING GUT YOU, KITTEN!” followed what sounded like a box hitting the floor. Pandora couldn’t help but call out after her in agreement. “FIFTY SHADES OF GREY MY ASS! IF I SEE THAT BOOK WITHIN 5 FEET OF ME, I’M BURNING IT!” Pandora got her door open and headed inside, flicking on a lamp or two before heading into her bedroom. Girl’s Night required something special to wear, especially if they were going to be getting hammered and eating all kinds of food until they puked their brains out. She rubbed her hands with glee. Finally something to look forward to that didn’t involve drunk assholes getting into dick-waving contests about who’d try and get into her thong first.

AmeNoKumari: She would follow Simone as she smirked, hoping this night would be fun and entertaining as her hands brushed her hair back to cool off the now uncovered area of her shoulders before replying to what Simone had said to her about her clothing “Well if we plan on getting shit-faced tonight, might as well barely wear anything so it would be easier to get me naked or maybe even do a strip tease for the girls” She whispered softly into Simone’s ear to prevent the man from hearing who was near them in the lift. Once the lift had reached the 7th floor, she followed Simone, watching the blue feathery mess blur in her face as she looked back to see Pandora and waved before disappearing after Simone and started to take out the alcohol and set up glasses for drinks.

Office

“Doctor…there is a young girl in the foyer who has been sent to see you for a check up.” Milly announced, just poking her head through the door, and giving a polite nod to the Doctor’s guests. Johnathon glanced up from his desk and then showed a half smile.

“Good timing, I was just showing Miss Westlake out.”

“You are just trying to get rid of me, before I ask more questions.”

“Absolutely. Reg, why don’t you escort Miss Westlake back to London, I am sure her editor misses her fiercely.”

Reginald chuckled and rose from his seat, placing his bowler hat on his head and then straightening his jacket. He offered his hand to Miss Westlake, but she simply huffed and marched out of the office and past a startled Milly.

“I’ll be back, Johnathon.” Vivian sung out, as she headed to the front door. Reginald shook Johnathon’s hand warmly and went to take his leave, picking up his umbrella from the stand. “Anyone would say you are trying to set me up with Miss Wsstlake. I do like her, but her temper.” Reginald admitted, watching Johnathon as he went to wash his hands before dealing with his new client.

“I rather enjoy her banter. But a woman of her nature can be tamed, my good friend. Why not make that your goal? You could use a woman like that in your life. And she could use a good…” He didn’t need to finish his sentence, as both men found humor in it, since…it was true.

Reginald hurried out after Miss Westlake, who was getting into a black carriage out the front of the Bianchi Manor, while the Doctor came out of his office to greet his new patient.

“Won’t you come this way, Miss?” Johnthon asked, and beackoned her inside his office.

“Let us not worry about things such as payment, Miss. Sorry, I didn’t catch your name. No problems, I shall make note of that on my chart. Now, first we will check your blood pressure, then I am going to conduct a reflex test, followed by a quick eye exam and hearing check. These are probably most important.”

Johnathon placed a tie around the girl’s arm and started to work on getting her blood pressure, trying to be reassuring that he had no intent to hurt her. “Don’t worry, I never laugh at my patients. Well, sometimes when they get my bill later. But seriously, whatever you have on your body makes you unique, and not something that I would find trivial.”

The Doctor then took her temperature, and took notes on his chart, but you could see he had some concern. “Have you been getting enough fruit and vegetables in your diet?” He questioned, and then on checking her arms and legs, he could see how gaunt she was. The girl needed to eat, that was clear, and mal-nourishment, led to all kinds of bacterial infections.

As though an angel was watching over the young lass, Milly knocked on the observation room door, and brought in a tray of foods, and tea for the young girl, setting it down on a small table, and then excusing herself. The maid must have read the Doctor’s mind. He followed through with a reflex test and then asked the girl to sit up and read the eye chart, one hand covering each eye at a time. The last test was a hearing test, using his fingers, snapping them at each ear, and then watching her reactions.

He then stood back and went to wash his hands.

“I suggest you take the tray and follow through to my office, and I can give you my recommendations. You are seriously under nourished, and this meal, though small is a good start. Do you have a boarding accommodation, or a place to stay, before you find a suitable job?”

<3>

Shane was busy pacing up and back, as Marissa was supposed to be doing dictation, however, she kept looking out the office window at Jarvis, who was cooking on the back patio. Steaks of course. He was wearing some skimpy dick togs, and they showed off his cheeky side. Cooking at such an hour might seem odd to most, but not to Jarvis, who had now settled into living it up at Shane’s after the disaster with Amelia.

“So in conclusion, I would like to seek an injunction in the matter of West versus the State, and waiver their rights to a….” Shane then looked at Marissa, who was licking her lips and no longer writing in shorthand. Shane crept over and then stole her pencil, which caused her to flinch in surprise. “Whaaaaaat?” Marissa asked, looking all hot and flustered. Shane tossed the pencil back her and continued; “…calling of the witnesses that had not been approved before the trial. Your’s sincerely, Shane Williamson, D.A.”

Just then Jarvis bent over to reach in his beer cooler and pulled out a blood bag, O+. He straightened, and started to drink from it, while Marissa looked set to drool all over her notepad. Shane had had enough, marching over and flicking the shutters, thus ruining Marissa’s view.

“You’re no fun. I know this is called dictation, but he is dickalicious.” She said with a smirk. “Can you not think about dicks for five seconds, and go type that up. I want it sent before sunrise. And for the sake of all that is unholy, don’t drool on the notes, its most unprofessional.” Marissa rolled her eyes, and stood up, only really liking working with Shane for the…added attractions. IE, Jarvis. She trotted out of the office, turning left for the pool, and without looking up, Shane said.“Your office is…right.” You could hear her “hmph” and turn a sharp right, marching past his den and poking out her tongue. Shane simply shook his head, and got on with his work.

<3>

Carmen pulled into the garage and turned out the lights. She sat in her seat for a quiet moment, wondering how to broach the subject of Matt with Shane. It couldn’t be avoided, and she promised herself that she would be honest with him about everything. She looked at her briefcase for a moment, resisting the urge to pull out the photo again.

Sighing, she grabbed her bag and climbed out, heading inside to see where everyone was up to.

As she passed the patio area, she took a quick glance out the window and saw Marissa and Jarvis locked in a heated embrace. She snorted. “The She-Devil is at it again.” she smirked. If Marissa was here, then Shane was probably working in his den. She changed directions and headed to where she knew he would be.

Den

He was where she thought he was, studying something on his computer. His back was to her and she walked right up behind him, wrapping her arms around his neck.

“Hey, baby.” she whispered, kissing the back of his neck. “Just thought you should know, Marissa and Jarvis are going at it like rabbits out by the pool.”

He kissed her once more, a soft moan escaping from him as if couldn’t get enough. She clung to him in desperation, returning his kiss with a moan of her own. She nicked his lip with a fang she hadn’t even realized extended and an explosion of blood blew across her tongue. She inhaled sharply, sliding her tongue across the wound to seal it for him.

He drew back, kissing her cheeks then her neck, still whispering her name, as if it was some kind of desperate plea. She understood this need. He hovered inches from her lips and stared deeply into her eyes,

“If I am ended…at least I can be happy, for I had the greatest love of all.” he whispered. She said not a word but simply leaned upward into the small space seperating them and kissed him, pouring every ounce of love she felt in her body into that one kiss.

~*~”I will love you till the end of time.”~*~ she whispered into his thoughts.

Yes I know times have changed
I’ll be straight up with you
It’s so hard to explain why I feel the way I do
For You
We’ve had ups and downs
Long as love’s still around yeah,
We can make it last forever
If we’re not too proud to say, I love you

I love you, forever
You make my dreams come true
You know, I know
We’ll be together
Til the end of time

It’s so hard for a man
In this world full of trials
Tell me how can I get
All the things that I want
That I need
If we both believe
We can accomplish anything
Just think of all we could achieve
Cuz I’ll be yours and you’ll be mine,
Until the end of time

That’s all we need.
In order to make a relationship work, all we need is time.
But if we believe, all our dreams will come true.
Together, forever and ever, til the end of time.
So let’s go on, til the end of time.

If he could have allowed it, they would have remained in the bed, simply enjoying the closeness between them, but he knew in the back of his mind, that their night was their ‘day’. His mind was alive with her thoughts, and the wonderful statement she made that she would love him till the end of time. It was something he hoped would come true. Easing back from her, he groaned, like he didn’t want to get up, but knew he had too. A shower was in order, to wash away their sex, and cleanse them before presenting themselves downstairs before Jarvis, Misty and Bianca. Plus Marissa should be showing up, if she didn’t get caught up with some hot guy at a bar. Shane wouldn’t put it past her.

“Come on love. I get to scrub your back and you get to…wash me off.” He said with that cheeky smile. He offered his outstretched hand to her, and if she took it, he would lead her into the bathroom, and his shower cubicle.

Media Room

“Five bucks says they are fucking.” Misty said, rolling her eyes, at having to wait for them for dinner…again.

“Ten…you don’t know that.” Jarvis said, wandering in and taking off the “kiss me cook” apron, and then flopping down on the big black couch.

“Deal…and I know I am going to win this one. Freaking rabbits they are.”

Bianca finally pipped up, putting down her magazine, and folding her arms.

“So..which one of you is going to tell them about David and the lake?’

Jarvis looked at Misty and asked. “Rock off?”

<3>

“Come on love. I get to scrub your back and you get to…wash me off.” He gave her one of his cheeky grins that she was fond of and she took his hand, allowing him to pull her to her feet. Hand in hand, they went into the bathroom and stepped into the shower.

And yet, she wasn’t ready for the outside world to intrude upon their time together. She wanted as many happy memories as she could collect with Shane so that in case they did die…she would take those happy moments with her into the afterlife.

The warmth of the water created a steamy enclosure for the two lovers. She took up the liquid soap and poured some into her hands before she turned to her mate. Rubbing her hands together, she created a rich lather before she rubbed her hands across his shoulders and over his chest, down his stomach and between his legs, scratching gently with her nails. She took pleasure in touching him, as always, just to confirm to herself that he was real, that he was hers.

She stepped to the side to allow the water to wash the soap away before she scooted in behind him to give his backside the same gentle treatment. This was a new facet to their relationship, the first time they’ve ever shared a shower together. It was still a shock to her that he had allowed her to share his bed, but this was a whole new level of surprise.

She ran her hands down his back, his spine and across the globes of his ass, squeezing and kneading the taut flesh with a soft sigh of pleasure. She never got tired of touching him.

She thought back over the years to her previous relationships and felt none of them could live up to Shane’s level of ruthlessness and gentleness. He was a very complex man…and he was hers. Smiling, she leaned in to kiss his shoulderblade, just because she could.

Shane absolutely loved Carmen’s tender and care in washing him with the liquid lathered soap on her hands. Her attention to detail, and getting every part of him cleaned only made him smile, as she glided around him, both in her steps, but in her sweeping hand gestures. He even closed his eyes, and stood perfectly still for her, so he could hone in on her lightest of touches. He knew she hadn’t wanted to get out of bed, and deal with the world, but at least they had this. A shower together, and again experimenting with a new side to their relationship. Ever slowly, he was bringing her deeper into his world, his mind, and his bedroom. This was the start of a new dawn for them. Question was, how long will it last?

When she finished, he moved underneath the steady stream and washed all the bubbles and soap from his skin, using his hands in places, unashamed of his naked form before her. When the last of the bubbles streamed off, it was his turn to take the liquid soap container, and then squirt a liberal amount into the palm of his hand. He set the bottle back down, and then started to work his larger hands against her lighter skin. He was not delicate though, not like she was. A bit rough…but he knew that was something she liked. The harder he rubbed and kneaded, the soapier his hands got. Around to her back, and he continued unabated. Rubbing vigorously, before smacking her backside firmly.

“You can wash off now.” He said with a chuckle, standing back slightly to watch her was herself clean.

<3>

Fresh and clean, she reached out to shut off the water, slicking back her hair and squeezing out the excess. She slithered past Shane, deliberately brushing her naked skin across his as she stepped from the shower before grabbing up a large towel to wrap around her body. She winked at him and blew him a kiss before she sauntered from the room to get dressed in her own room.

Upstairs Hall

Dressed, she stepped from her room, deciding to go casual in a pair of jeans, short sleeve shirt and a jean jacket. She could hear Shane moving around in his room and went to stand in the door to watch him. She leaned against the door frame, arms crossed and a contemplative look on her face.

Now, you would think Shane would be getting dressed up in a suit, but no, he decided to go for a rather country looking ensemble, with rugged jeans, a plaid shirt and dusty boots. Odd combination for a DA, but he just felt like dressing more casually. Maybe something in him wanted to show a more relaxed approach to life or unlife in his case. He dried his hair roughly with a towel, then combed it back, and the curls just seemed to bounce into their usual way. Piercing blue eyes regarded himself, though he couldn’t see his reflection, he gazed down as he did up the buttons on his shirt, and slipped on his boots.

Only when dressed did he see Carmen standing there, arms folded, with a contemplative look on her face.

“What? You don’t like this?” He was referring to his attire, and wondered what she was thinking.

<3>

She stepped into the room and walked toward him, looking him over. She actually loved what he was wearing and opened her mouth to tell him so.

“No, I do like it. It makes you look…approachable.” she smiled. She stretched out a hand to fix the collar of his shirt that had curled up on one side, smoothing her hand over his chest as she did so. She didn’t stop there. She stepped closer and wrapped her arms around his waist, pressing her cheek to his chest as she hugged him. “No matter what happens…I love you, Shane.” she murmured, inhaling his unique scent. She raised her head to look at him. “Despite everything, you are the best thing that ever came into my life.”

Screaming…the dark howl of the Master returned. Vincent’s attempt upon Carmen was not only unsuccessful, but left the Head Vampire sporting a terrible wound to his neck.

“Hold still, Father….or I cannot heal you.”

Bridgette fussed around Vincent, who was seated in an antique velvet covered chair, with his clawed hands gripping the side arms. His neck was torn open in four places. Long deep cuts caused by Shane’s ferocious attack. Bridgette has around her various tubs and jars of all manner of foul smelling goo, as she tried in vain to apply it to the Master’s torn throat.

“The BASTARD!…GAA! That hurts!” Vincent wailed, smashing a jar from Bridgette’s hand. The pinkish jar smashed upon the floor, leaving a large icky puddle. “It’s supposed to hurt, that is how you tell its working. Now hold still.”

Vincent wasn’t exactly being the perfect patient, snarling and growling at the young vampire. “I was this close to getting her.” Vincent growled, shaking his gnarled fist in anger. “Now they are going to watch her extra closely. I’m going to have to come up with another plan.”

Bridgette was kneeling on the floor, trying to scoop up the gunk, but it was getting all over her hands and dress. “I still don’t understand why it is so important to get her. She is just another one of Shane’s whores.” This had Vincent laugh, though he ended up in a coughing fit. He leered at Bridgette, as she glanced back at him from over her shoulder. “Oh…make no mistake my dear. This one is not another Louisa. Oh no, this one…this one is special. A true Queen of the night, and one…I plan to make mine.”

As his dark cackles filled the night air, there was a knock at the door. Bridgette stopped scooping up muck, and wiped her hands on her dress, before making her way to the door. She opened it slightly, only to see Sarah on the door step.

Bridgette leaned on the door frame and gave her the once over.

“I don’t remember Father sending for…take out.”

“Miss…I wouldn’t come here if it wasn’t urgent.” Sarah said, trying to look past her into the foyer. Vincent could make out the voices and then with lightning speed, he appeared behind Bridgette, and pulled her aside.

“Ah…David’s little doll. What do we owe you the pleasure for, dear?”

Sarah held her head high, and said in a firm voice, unafraid of the Master.

“Always your servant, M’lord. May I come in?”

Vincent glanced at Bridgette, who simply shrugged, and she went back to cleaning up the mess in the sitting room. Sarah entered and then whispered to Vincent. “You look awful. What happened?”

Vincent slammed the door saying. “Shane…that is what happened. Now…your news?”

“The war…has taken a dire turn.”

<3>

“I love you, Shane.” she whispered, her voice hoarse from his desire. “Love you so much it scares me.” she whispered. Vincent had almost gotten to her…almost stolen her away from her mate. She was never so thankful for her fae powers then she was at this moment.

And then Misty almost being killed…

Carmen felt tears well up in her eyes at the thought of that young, vibrant vampire being killed. The shock was wearing off and as Shane moved around, she pressed a hand over her eyes to try and stem the flow of tears.

“He needs to die.” she whispered, pressing close to him.

Listening to her as she whispered, and tried to hide her eyes from his gaze; Shane could feel the anger starting to build inside of him, that though they had renewed their love for each other, Carmen was still deeply troubled and upset about the attack that night. He gently tried to pry her hand away from her eyes so she could see he was not wanting her to hide her tears from him. He felt very much the same way, and pulled her close to him
“I promise you, he will be found and destroyed. I simply can’t have you all living in fear.”
Shane tried to kiss away her tears, and bring comfort to his beloved. She meant more to him than his own un life. In the back of his mind, a plan was forming. One that hopefully would end the nightmare that Vincent had brought into their lives.
“Carmen…believe in me, that is all I ask.” He said, with blue eyes locked on hers. She would have to know that the man she loved was working out a way to end the tyranny.
<3>

At that Carmen laughed. “Oh I’m not scared anymore. Now I’m fucking pissed off!” And this was truth. She had been caught off-guard and unaware. Now she knew his face and his agenda and she would fight him tooth and nail until he was but ashes in the wind. She belonged to one man and one man only and she was wrapped in his arms.

He kissed her tears from her cheeks as she put her arms around him. She could sense he was planning something and hoped whatever it was, caused Vincent great pain, more then Shane had already dealt to him.

“Carmen…believe in me, that is all I ask.” he stated, his blue eyes staring into her brown ones. She did believe in him, like Peter Pan believed in fairies. He’d never once broken a promise to her, never lied to her and she trusted him with everything that made her who she was.

She smiled then, a smile full of so much malevolence it would send normal humans running in fear.

“Rip the bastard’s throat out and piss down the hole.” she growled.

From the very first time Shane had met Carmen, there was this edge to her. Devious almost. Powerful and well damn, she could make a man’s balls shrink right back inside themselves, just by the steely gaze of her eyes. But not Shane. God…the first time he met her, he ran back to his office and jerked himself off so hard he hit himself in the eye. (LOL) There was an allure to her…a passion that he knew once he had her, he could feed off her raw energy. But he came to find she was so much more than that. She wasn’t the iron lady all the time. A woman of many facets, like a diamond. Beautiful. In her eyes it reflected his own passion, and now his resolve. And she was pissed off. Her smile to him, that she wanted to see him rip his throat out and piss down the hole, had him smile that award winning Hollywood grin.

“Fuck…you talk like that again, I am going to bang you to next Sunday.” He growled back, before gnawing on her neck, not to tear it open, but to show he was incredibly turned on by her nature.
They were made for each other.
<3>

“He scared me. I don’t like being scared and I’ll be damned if I let him do that to me again!” she snarled, tossing her head back so he’d have better access. “Spill his blood back to the earth…make him eat his own dick! That bastard has fucked with wrong woman!”

Oh she was beginning to think of all the different ways she could eviscerate Vincent in the most painful way possible and was broadcasting those thoughts to Shane as he devoured her neck.

“Maybe we could stake him to a tree and douse him in fire ants.” she stated. “Or…or…Oh! Vampire bunny rabbits! Yes! They could drain his blood and take over the clan!” she snickered.

Yes, it was a crazy thing. One minute, Carmen is snarling and saying how frightened Vincent made her and then…the next she was saying all the diabolical things she want to see done to him. Some things were pretty violent. Carmen tilted her head, and Shane was really getting off on the nasty things she wanted him to do. Eat his dick…spill his blood into the earth. Oh he was getting hard again…

“Maybe we could stake him to a tree and douse him in fire ants.”
“I’d feel sorry for the tree.” He mumbled as he continued to suck on her neck….
“Or…or…Oh! Vampire bunny rabbits! Yes! They could drain his blood and take over the clan!”
THAT…had Shane stop and he actually pulled his head up and looked at her oddly.
“Vampire…bunny rabbits? Hun, the only bunny rabbits that are vampires around here….are probably us. Pretty sure that is what the kids call us.” he said with some conviction.

<3>

“Yeah, you’re right. Bunnies aren’t evil enough. I’ll think of something.” she nodded. Then she looked back at him. “Where were we?” she wondered, wiggling her eyebrows at him, before reaching between them to cup and stroke his wilting erection. That look was back in her eye. “How long until morning?” she whispered seductively.

“Few more hours at least. Why..what did you..” Shane’s voice trailed off, as Carmen’s skilled hand was working its magic on his softness. “Oh….so that is what you want.”Shane said with a dark chuckle. Facing each other, he nipped her bottom lip, teasing it and then releasing it. So full of blood and plump it was. He saw a droplet of her blood, teasing him as it captured the candle light, and his long tongue swiftly collected it. The taste was beyond compare.

“You know…if I had ever figured out earlier you were this eager to please, I would have done you like a dinner over your counter in the kitchen that time.” He still had pleasant memories of that encounter, since the sexual tension was unbelievable. “You hated me so much…or wanted to fuck me but couldn’t bring yourself to admit it.”Shane had a way with words, and these were to entice her further into his arms.

“You are everything a man could dare want and desire….and your mine.”

That pledge of ownership was finished with a throaty growl, as he rolled her over and mounted her. His blue eyes darkening as he licked at her full lip teasing.

“Mine to fuck…mine to hold…mine forever.”

<3>

He wondered what she was about when he felt her hand caressing him and a wicked grin crossed his lips. He nipped at her bottom lip, breaking the skin slightly before releasing it. A droplet of blood formed at the corner of her mouth and he licked at it, moaning in delight at the taste that was uniquely Carmen’s.

“You know…if I had ever figured out earlier you were this eager to please, I would have done you like a dinner over your counter in the kitchen that time.” he stated. This caused Carmen’s eyes to glaze over as she thought back to that night. He looked right at home in her kitchen, stealing her food, stalking her in her own home, teasing and taunting her with her subconcious desires. She groaned in rememberance as she recalled that had been one of her deepest, darkest fantasies.

“I almost thought you would have. I probably wouldn’t have resisted you then as you staked your claim.” she whispered huskily, sliding her leg up and over his hip. “The fantasies I had after you left…I don’t recall how many cold showers I had to take, or how many times I pleasured myself thinking of it.”

With a growl, he rolled her beneath him and entered her body, causing her to grip him tightly within her as he moved within her. His eyes were dark as he licked at her lips. “You are everything a man could dare want and desire….and your mine…Mine to fuck…mine to hold…mine forever.”

“Shane!” she moaned, tossing back her head as her desires ignited her body once more. He knew how to play her body like a finely tuned instrument and in return she gave him everything he wanted. Leaning up on her elbows, her lips began to caress the skin of his neck, tongue sliding sensuously across his skin, teeth nibbling delicately and driving him to further heights of passion.

Sweet memories fueled the rising passion that now was again going to be racing between them. Carmen’s leg draped up and over his hip, as she cried his name. To him, she was his Queen of the night, but at the same time, he viewed her as his possession. One that he guarded with a zealous like passion. Now again they were coupling, but it would not be gentle. Time for sweet sonnets and beautiful whispered words were at an end. It was like she was a drug that drove him into a frenzy. The only thing that would add to it was if there was a blood doll thrown into the mix. Such beauty with his love splattered with the warm blood of a doll.

Covering Carmen, Shane started to grunt audibly, thrusting his girth inside of her, while she kissed and teased the skin of his neck. He stared down at her wanting total submission. Shane’s face altered slightly, showing off a side to the beast that lurked beneath the surface of his nature. He pressed his lips hard to her, hungrily devouring her, while at the same time, his hips thrust and bucked against her softness.

“Carmen…” He croaked hoarsely, before rolling off her and then laying flat on his back. He watched her without blinking, then waited for her to make the next move.

<3>

“Carmen…” He huskily stated her name before he withdrew from her sweat-slicked form, laying flat on his back beside her, eyes glowing in anticipation of her next move.

Carmen, never one to back away when challenged, wondered at this. Was he submitting to her? Or was this some new way of getting her to submit to him completely. She knew a part of herself hadn’t completely let go, hadn’t completely submitted her entire being to her sire, master and mate. She didn’t know how to fully let go. But maybe he would be the one to help her achieve this goal.

She leaned over him, pausing an inch from his lush lips, her breath mingling with his own. She stared him in his eyes, seeing the beast beneath, her demonic lover. And she craved him. She closed the distance between them, sealing her lips over his, her tongue sliding into his mouth as her hand traveled the length of his body to surround the steel shaft between his legs. He was large, much larger than before, the vampire beneath struggling to be free. She moaned into his mouth as she stroked him in her hand.

Withdrawing from his lips, she licked and kissed her way down his body, pausing first at his nipples to worship the little nubbins of flesh, then at his belly button, dipping her tongue in a parody of the acts that consume them on an almost nightly basis. Further still at the joint where pelvis and thigh met, her hand still stroking his rapidly growing flesh between his legs. She drew his balls into her mouth, suckling them both gently, feeling his skin leap beneath her fingers. She wanted to smirk with triumph but was caught up in her own game as she moved up to take him into her mouth once again. Her own form rippled slightly as the vampire within her wished to be free as well, but Carmen was a woman of great control and iron will. She had never once let her full vampire free. And maybe that’s what Shane was waiting for…

The rippling of his mate’s form was a clear sign she was almost ready. Oh how the beast beneath Shane was appeased by her skilled hands. But she kept that side of her locked down, hard and fast. Now if they were to face Vincent properly, she had to assume her true form. He let her tease his pecks, while her hand pumped his member fast and with vigor. Letting out a loud growl, he withdrew from her, as a large door that had never been used started to open, and the man known as Shane started to change fully to the beast. His enormous bulk, naked and proud, then left the room, going down the stone staircase. Illuminated by fiery torches, it led to a vast underground cavern, that was filled with many more of their kind, including Jarvis, Bianca and Misty. All were in their forms, and the trio had their own blood dolls, for amusement and pleasure. From the sides, many bowed, as the grand Vampire walked through them, all falling back, while there were blood dolls on chains, that raised up their hands, begging to be chosen. Female and male, naked and glistening, eyes filled with desire of pain and absolute pleasure. Turning before a stone throne, the Vampire raised his fist, and roared her name.

“My Queen Carmen….has come at last.”

All turned to see her, as her form continued to shimmer, blending from that of her human form.
Shane sat proudly on the throne, as he snapped his fingers, and two male blood dolls were released, both falling at her feet and looking up expectantly.

“Our Queen, we sacrifice ourselves so you may rise to greatness.” the twins said in unison, swaying to beating drums, as all around, became a gluttony of feeding and sexual misadventures. All the while, Shane looked on grinning broadly.
“Make me proud, my Queen.” He said, holding up a blood chalice, and watching her with blood red eyes.

<3>

Carmen had thought that Shane was enjoying her ministrations and was itching to surround his turgid flesh within her body…when he did the unthinkable. He withdrew from her embrace. She looked at him, stunned for a moment as he got to his feet, his form rippling into that of his vampire. She was mesmerized at how easily he achieved his form, and how sexy he looked. There was a rumbling sound within the room and a door opened in a place she had never noticed there being a door before. He walked through the mysterious door and down a set of stone stairs. Wondering what was going on, she was quick to follow him, not caring about her state of undress.

Torches illuminated their way and the steps ended in a huge underground cavern. Carmen halted in her tracks, staring in shock and awe as numerous vampires, both male and female covered every available surface. They were all in their forms, including the trio and each of them had blood dolls, some as much as three at a time.
Shane walked through them, master of this domain, to take his seat at the front of the room on a large stone throne. Blood dolls raised their hands in supplication, hoping they would be chosen for the vampire’s pleasure, moaning with disappointment when Shane didn’t even acknowledge them.

He turned to face the room and waved a clawed hand in her direction.

“My Queen Carmen…has come at last.” he announced for all to hear. Supernatural eyes turned toward her as her form shifted between human and demon. She wanted to let go, craved it with every fiber of her being, to be what he needed – a true mate.

Shane sat, snapping his fingers and two male blood dolls fell before her, looking up at her with hopeful expressions on their faces.

“Our Queen, we sacrifice ourselves so you may rise to greatness.” they stated. Drums began to beat, a low throbbing sound that resonated across her skin and caused her fangs to elongate within her mouth. Her head fell back as her mouth opened, a sensuous moan escaping from her throat.

All around her, vampires fell upon their blood dolls in an orgy of sex and blood, moans of ecstasy echoing throughout. Carmen brought her head forward and saw that Shane was staring at her, a broad grin across his demonic lips.

“Make me proud, my Queen.” he grinned, toasting her with a chalice filled with blood, his eyes red.

The twins kneeling at her feet moved closer to her, touching the naked skin of her legs and thighs, pressing their faces against her body. She could smell the blood beneath their skin, could hear the low throb of their heartbeats, calling out to her. Did she want to do this? She was Shane’s. She didn’t wish to share herself with anyone else, didn’t think she should.

“Please, Mistress…we are yours.” the twins begged once more, both delicious looking with deep blue eyes and long blonde hair.

“What are your names?” she whispered, surprised at how rough her voice was. The control she was famous for was beginning to slip as her form began to ripple once more.

“I am Eric.” stated the one on her left. “And I am Ethan.” stated the one on her right.

“And you wish to be mine, to do what I will?”

“Yes, Mistress.” they stated in unison.

“What if I were to kill you? Snap your necks without hesitation?”

“If that is your desire, who are we to stop you, Mistress.” Eric replied. Carmen closed her eyes, struggling to remain in control of herself. A low growl caused her eyes to snap open and she spotted a female vampire she was unfamiliar with slowly stalking toward the twins, hunger etched in every line of her face. Carmen snarled in anger.

“Mine!” she hissed at the woman, placing her hands upon the blonde heads kneeling at her feet.

“You do not want them. You are no Queen of mine.” the vampire hissed in return. Carmen’s eyes narrowed dangerously.

“You dare challenge me?” her tone was low and dangerous and on more than once occasion had been the cause of someone she was prosecuting to piss themselves in fear. Either this vampire was extremely stupid to challenge Carmen, or she had never heard of her before. Carmen was about to put the bitch in her place.

“I dare!” the woman hissed back, inching closer, a hand out to touch the ankle of the closest twin. With an inhuman cry of rage, Carmen’s control snapped and she morphed into the form she was meant to be.

Wings as dark as night sprung from her back, rising into the air nearly 6 feet above her head. She had gone from a standard height of 5? 8? (1.72 m) to an impressive height of nearly 7? in her vampiric form, towering well over the vampire who dared to challenge her place in the coven. Her arm snaked out, lightning quick and claws wrapped around the female vampire’s neck, nails puncturing through her throat. She shrieked in pain and fear as Carmen pulled her closer to her demonic face. Her elongated tongue snaked from her lips, lapping at the blood from the woman’s puncture wounds. The woman’s blood was tainted with the poison that was cocaine and Carmen snarled in rage. “You dare bring your filthy blood into this sacred place?” she hissed. The vampire in her clutches was beating at Carmen’s arm, ineffectively trying to be released. Carmen turned blood red eyes toward Shane, the twins each wrapping an arm around her thighs.

“Do you, or do you not require your coven to be pure?” she asked, rage coloring her tone. She shook the woman in her grip. “This female dares to bring the filth of the human drug, cocaine, into this coven, to taint the others with her stench. I should kill her now and be done with it.” Carmen stated, throwing the woman away from her like she was a piece of trash. With her enhanced strength, the woman went sailing across the room, landing in a crumpled heap at Shane’s feet. Carmen immediately put the woman out of her mind, turning her gaze to the twins.

“You are mine. No one else. Understand?” she snapped.

“We are yours, Mistress.” they agreed. Without preamble, she turned to Eric and sank her fangs into his neck, pulling his blood into her body and marking him as her own. He wrapped his arms around her neck and moaned with want as she took from him. Withdrawing, she licked his wounds closed before giving his brother the same treatment. Once she had taken their blood, she made a vertical cut across both her breasts and drew their heads close to her, Eric on one side, Ethan on the other. Like newborn babes, they suckled from her breast as she shared the gift of her blood with them. Instinct let her know when they had enough to connect them to her, but not enough to turn them vampire as well as she drew their heads back from her body.

“Mine.” she whispered, kissing them both and licking away her blood that remained upon their lips. Her dark gaze turned to look at Shane, a smirk upon her lips. She was now his mate…in every sense of the word.

The jeweled goblet glistened as Shane brought it to his lips. Blood of a virgin, so fresh and pure ran down his throat easily, as he enjoyed the erotic sounds of mating and feeding going on all around him. He knew this was the time to turn Carmen fully so that she herself may help guard against the wants and desires of Vincent. A blood doll stood either side of his throne, both only wearing the barest of silk that covered their nether regions. Wearing veils to cover their faces, they stood silently, as the twins were brought before his love, and offering themselves to her, for her pleasure and needs. Though Shane would normally be sinfully jealous of any other male touching his mate, he allowed this…for she was to be Mother…Queen of their coven. As their wandering hands crept up her thighs, he watched as she fought so desperately to maintain control. Carmen believed she was only for Shane, but this was different, completely different.

The lower female vampire who dared to challenge Carmen to her right to have the twins, made the fatal error to cross the new Queen, whose anger in keeping her new boys turned her fully into the angered Queen. Shane simply sipped his chalice, as the two women fought, and then Carmen flung the defeated bitch at his feet, telling Shane off for allowing such filth within their walls. Cowering, she raised her head to see Shane look down at the girl with a menacing gleam in his eyes. The Head Vampire rose slowly, and made his way down the podium, till he stood over the cowering vampire.
“Forgive me…I cannot help my addiction.” She pleaded, as Shane crouched, and cooed as he cupped her cheek. For a moment she truly believed he would show mercy, till his other hand rocketed out and punched right through her chest, tearing out her heart and throwing it across the floor at a pack of hounds, that ate it hungrily. He simply dropped the remaining carcass and then rose to standing, his chest and face splattered with blood. A blood doll handed him a cloth, and he slowly wiped it from his flesh, as he smiled on at Carmen. So beautiful she was, with the twins begging her to be hers. He handed back the blood splattered cloth, and then snapped his fingers as the drumming increased and the frantic pace of wild debauchery continued. Faster and faster, as the moans and groans of pleasure and pain filled the ears of all. The hounds finished off the remaining body of the fallen female, as Carmen took the two twins to her chest, and allowed them to suckle from her. Shane stood silently, amongst the backdrop of the frenzied orgy, while he nodded at Carmen. She had rightfully claimed her place as his mate.

Walking through the throng, many blood dolls cried for Shane’s attentions, as their vampire Masters and Mistresses restrained them, but Shane cared for only one. He stood before Carmen as she kissed and caressed her new twins, and he was pleased to see her in her glory.

“You truly are my Queen. Enjoy my gifts, my heart. May they bring you absolute pleasure.” The Head Vampire took only her hand, and kissed the back of it, before releasing it and then walking around her, before heading up the stairs, as the rest of the vampires swarmed around her and then clamored for her touch. She had her coven…and he had just given her absolute power. She had it all.

<3>

Shane made his way before Carmen as she kept her gaze upon him, the cries of various blood dolls ignored by them both. It was an honor to be chosen by the Master…and now it seemed their new Queen had made her selection from the many available. Maybe she would chose another doll as well?

Shane took Carmen’s hand and kissed it.

“You truly are my Queen. Enjoy my gifts, my heart. May they bring you absolute pleasure.” he murmured before leaving her to her enjoyment. Others swarmed around her, begging for a touch from their new Mistress but she ignored them all. Angrily, she hissed at them, causing them to back away in fear that she would destroy them as effectively as she had taken care of the young one who had dared to challenger her place among them.

She looked at Eric and Ethan. “I wish to be alone with the two of you. Show me the way.” she demanded. They nodded eagerly and stood, taking her hands in theirs. As they lead her from the room, she took another look around, spotting Jarvis, Misty and Bianca wrapped in each others arms as they shared their dolls between them. Jarvis gave her a thumbs up and a toothy grin before she was lead from the room.

The twins took her to a set of rooms that had been painstakingly carved into the thick stone. It looked very lavish and rich and she stared around at the expensive trappings.

“These are the Master’s personal rooms, Mistress. He would wish for you to use them. As his Queen, it is your right.” Ethan stated. She nodded and turned toward the bathroom she could see.

“We shall bathe first.” she announced, leading the way. Nodding eagerly, the twins followed, ready to please their Mistress.

After their bath, she lead them to the large bed in the center of the room and they fell upon it together, arms and legs intertwined. She took from them everything and they gave her all that she asked for and more.

As the sun rose over the horizon, the orgies, both in the bedroom and out in the cavern wound down to a close as all fell asleep, storing their energy for the coming of the new night.

—–

Hours later…sundown…

Carmen’s eyes, human once more, snapped open upon the setting of the sun and taking in the unfamiliar surroundings, she wondered where she was for a moment. She was alone in the bed and as she sat up, memories of the night before flashed through her mind. She was absolutely ashamed of herself. She had cheated on Shane…with his blessing.

“Shit.” she murmured. The door opened and Eric stepped into the room, a blood red robe in his hands.

“Good evening, Mistress.” he bowed to her. It took a moment for her to recall his name.

“Eric. Good evening.” she nodded, pulling the sheet tighter to her body. “Where is Ethan?”

“He is preparing your meal before you return to the house. We…expended a lot of energy last eve.”

“I see.” she murmured, uncomfortably. Eric tilted his head, gauging her reaction.

“You are ashamed of what we have done. You should not be.”

“I’ve never done anything like that before.” she admitted.

“The Master would want you to be happy. It is no slight thing he has done for you. As his mate, it is expected of you. This is why we were chosen for you.”

Carmen sighed, dropping her head. “What must he think of me?”

“If it bothers you, speak with him. He is a just Master, but an understanding one as well. He takes care of us all.” Eric stated. Carmen nodded, dreading the conversation as Ethan stepped into the room with her meal.

After eating and taking a shower, alone, Carmen slipped into the provided robe, and with the twins following behind her, headed back up to the main house. The trio stepped in behind her, all with serious looks upon their faces. There was a newfound respect in their eyes for Carmen and it made her slightly uncomfortable and awkward.

Main House – Hallway Outside the Kitchen

There were lights on in the kitchen and Carmen thought she spotted Shane’s shadow along the wall. She turned to the others. “Please settle the twins in the rooms near your own.” she murmured, instinct driving her to keeping her blood dolls close. Jarvis nodded, understanding this was something Carmen needed to do alone and turned to lead the way. Taking a deep breath, Carmen moved into the kitchen and spotted Shane sitting at the island counter, a cup of coffee resting between his hands. The cup was still full, but long cold, as if he had forgotten it was there.

She stood where she was, not sure if her presence was welcome.

“Hi.” she murmured, feeling inadequate and unsure of everything at that moment. He didn’t say anything at first, didn’t even look at her and she felt lower then dirt. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me.” she whispered.

Shane had heard Carmen’s light footsteps approach, and he turned the cup of coffee around in his hand, before glancing sideways at the door. At first, he felt that pang of jealousy, that he had not spent the day sleeping with her wrapped around him, and knew that her new twins would have given her much needed comfort as well as sated her desires. His blue eyes stared at hers a moment, before he looked down and set aside his cold coffee cup. He was no longer thirsty.

“Hi.” It was like they were meeting again for the first time oddly enough. He didn’t respond, but instead rose off the chair and turned to face her as she found her voice. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me.”

Shane showed a weak smile, which was kind of unnatural for him in a sense. He dug his hands into the pockets of his slacks and said simply. “Love, I know what came over you. I initiated it.” That said, he slowly started to walk towards her, cocking his head slightly to the right side. “What you did was not only expected, it was condoned.”

He finally reached her and then took up her right hand once more, bringing it to his lips, which he kissed with the coolness that his body offered. His eyes closed as though he was thinking back to when he had done the same thing in the Lair. Shane’s eyes opened slowly, and he released her hand from his hold. stepping in closer to her, so their faces were inches away.

“Tell me….the power you felt. The rage and the need to couple. The way the twins suckled your blood, like newborns. Tell me you didn’t feel every part their Mistress…mother of all the coven I watched you become my Queen of the Night, and I was so proud. You were dignified, so gloriously sexy and regal.” He started to walk around her, as his voice grew deeper and more husky. He was struggling to hold back his feelings, though his words praised her, his need to have her all to himself was growing stronger. At one point he stopped and he looked at the ground, forcing himself to keep going.

“You have nothing to ever be ashamed of, Love…..Nothing.”

He then picked up the coffee cup and went to tip the coffee down the sink.

<3>

He rose off the chair and turned to face her, hands shoved into the pockets of his slacks. She wasn’t sure what he would say to her, was somewhat dreading it, but when he did speak, it was a surprise to her that he had condoned her actions the night before. He walked toward her, head cocked to the side as he looked her over.

The blood red of the robe brought out the auburn highlights in her hair and she looked vibrant and beautiful. She radiated a sense of power that had never been there before and the demon she had become lurked beneath the surface, much like his own, ready to be called at the snap of her fingers.

He took her hand, once more pressing his cool lips to her skin before he released her and stepped into her personal space. There was something…dark…in his eyes, as if he were remembering something. His face was inches from her own.

“Tell me….the power you felt. The rage and the need to couple. The way the twins suckled your blood, like newborns. Tell me you didn’t feel every part their Mistress…mother of all the coven. I watched you become my Queen of the Night, and I was so proud. You were dignified, so gloriously sexy and regal.” He walked around her as he spoke, his voice going deep and husky. Her skin vibrated beneath his gaze.

“I felt…free.” she admitted, looking down at her hands. “But I have shamed you, shamed our marriage. How can you stand to even look at me, touch me?” she wondered, looking him in the eye.

“You have nothing to ever be ashamed of, Love…..Nothing.”

So saying, he turned to pick up his coffee cup, pouring its contents into the sink. He remained facing away from her as she stood, deciding what to do. He hadn’t outright shunned her, didn’t look at her in disgust and didn’t refrain from holding her hand. Taking a chance, she stepped up behind him and placed her hand gently on his shoulder. If he acknowledged her and turned toward her, she would wrap her arms around his neck and kiss him with everything she was, pouring the feelings from the very pores of her skin. She would then step from his arms and await his next word or deed. The ball was in his court now.

Head bowed Shane stared at the spilt coffee in the sink, before turning on a faucet to wash the coffee away. He could feel her eyes burning into his back, yet he didn’t turn around to face her. Battling to suppress his own jealousy, he just couldn’t. Saying the words that he approved, and feeling that deep within was the hardest thing he had ever had to do. How he hated sharing her, but it was the way of things now. To defeat Vincent, it was the only way.

Shane felt the press of her hand lightly on his shoulder, and a sigh escaped his lips, before he turned to face her. Seeing her eyes begging him to forgive her, and then the way she put her arms around his neck, to draw him into a kiss, that fed through all her very love to him. At first his response was weak to say the least, like he was just letting her kiss him. Then the walls started to break down, and he found himself kissing her back, hard and hungrily, till a familiar voice filled the air.

“It got pretty darn kinky last night, Misty. Never saw that side of you before. God, how many dolls did you have? Four, five?” Jarvis said, as he breezed into the kitchen, Misty in tow shrugging, not really caring. They both came to a stop seeing Carmen and Shane kissing. Jarvis coughed and then headed to the fridge.

“You’d think she had enough of that last night.” He said carelessly. Brains were clearly not something he had a lot of.

Shane broke the kiss and growled at Jarvis.

“And there is a law against kissing my mate now? Shane spat now clearly angered. Jarvis stood holding a blood pack and toyed with it. “That’s not what I meant. Oi vey. Me and my mouth.”

<3>

There had been just the barest of reactions from Shane when she kissed him and when she stepped back to wait, she was slightly discouraged that what happened the night before would haunt them the rest of their unlives. Until he hauled her forward and kissed her hungrily. She could have sobbed with relief as she felt his familiar passions claim her once more.

Until their moment was interrupted…once again…by Jarvis.

“You’d think she had enough of that last night.”

Shane broke their kiss and growled at the younger vampire.

“And there is a law against kissing my mate now?”

This wasn’t the first time Jarvis let his mouth overrule his brain and Carmen, for one, was tired of it. Snarling, she removed herself from Shane’s arms and Jarvis suddenly found himself pinned to the wall with an angry vampire queen’s claws around his throat, her eyes glowing red of the demon beneath the flesh.

“You would do well to remember who you speak to.” she snarled, flashing her fangs. “You not only disrespected your Sire, but you disrespected his Queen and all he stands for. I think it’s time to teach you a lesson…one you will remember for some time.”

Before anyone could blink, Carmen sat at the kitchen table, Jarvis over her knee with a large wood paddle in her hands, laying it across his backside in rapid movements. Misty came in to see what all the noise was and slapped a hand over her mouth before she started laughing at witnessing Jarvis, pants down around his ankles, getting a spanking as if he were a 5 year old child.

She leaned in to Bianca. “What did he do to piss her off now?” she whispered.

“He brought up last night while Shane and Carmen were reaffirming their bond.” Bianca answered back. Misty made an “O” face and tried not to cringe.

Jarvis, for his part, was struggling to get away from Carmen’s evil plot but she was much more stronger now that she’d fully embraced her new nature. Carmen did not let up until his bare bum was glowing redder than Rudolph’s nose. Only then did she let him free. He quickly yanked up his pants, sniffling and trying not to look at anyone in the room, who had witnessed his degradation at her hands. Carmen wasn’t the least bit upset over her actions. It needed to be done.

“I trust you will think on what you wish to say before you open your mouth in the future?” she questioned him in a hard voice. He nodded, and her glare went up in degree. “Look at me when I speak to you! The least you can do is be a man and own up to your mistakes by respecting the person who is speaking and looking him or her in the eye!”

Jarvis’s head snapped up and he caught Carmen’s gaze, his scared, hers angry.

“I’m sorry.” he muttered.

“The next time you say something derogatory about myself or Shane and our relationship in this coven, I will tear out your throat. Do you understand me?” Her aura flared and all in the room could feel it. Misty and Bianca did not hesitate to fall to their knees as their Queen spoke. It took Jarvis a moment longer, due to the stinging sensation in his arse and he winced as the back of his heels pressed against his backside. He bowed his head before her and spoke his words.

“I hear and obey, My Queen.” he replied, respect once more coloring his voice. She nodded and dismissed the three back to their rooms. Once they were gone, she gave a great sigh.

“That was pleasant.” she huffed, reigning in her temper and her aura. She turned to look at Shane to see if her actions met with his approval or not.

The humiliation was of a kind that Jarvis would not have had or expected in a very long time. Pants down around his ankles, and given a good hard paddling, that had his cheeks so red and raw, you think he had been sitting on the griller. While Misty and Bianca looked on with a veiled sort of horrified amusement, Shane watched on silently, as his mate and Queen was dishing out her own special brand of discipline.

When Jarvis got up and madly tried to pull up his pants, this only made matters worse since he was sniffling and acting like a child, not an adult vampire. He muttered he was sorry, when Carmen laid into him again. Her voice was raised, demanding respect and showing her authority in a way that had all the kids kneel before her in a show of unified respect and submission.

The kids all filed out when the show was over, leaving Shane still standing where he had been, as Carmen huffed and claimed that she found that to be a pleasant experience. Shane snorted something of a chuckle, but his face told a different story. Jarvis was always one that suffered from foot in mouth, so hopefully this lesson might teach him how to act around the couple in future. One can only hope.

“Kinda strange having them refer to you by your title. Course, I should have expected it, but you know.” For some reason, Shane was a bit standoffish. Maybe he was still getting used to the idea himself. Being the possessive type that he was by nature. “I think we are all in for some…getting used to the changes. Not that I mind…I mean, you were simply stunning down there. A true Queen of the Night.” The usual quips that he was so famous for alluded him, and he again placed his hands in his pockets, as though he didn’t know what to do with his hands.

“You might want to check on your twins, since they may not be used to things here up in the house.” He suggested, before walking casually out to the den.

<3>

LadyBelz

“You might want to check on your twins, since they may not be used to things here up in the house.”

Carmen watched him walk out of the kitchen with his head bowed low and she felt the loss as clearly as if he’d killed her all over again. She couldn’t even reach him through their link, he had cut his mind off from hers.

Dejected and more then upset, she waited a few moments before she left the kitchen. He was in his den, as the door was closed and the light was on. For a moment, she had the urge to storm in to confront him and his standoffish attitude, even had her hand on the knob, ready to enter, but something made her pause. And she was suddenly angry.

She glared at the door.

The awkwardness between them was NOT her fault. He was the one to encourage her to embrace who she truly was. He was the one who offered her the blood dolls. He was the one who walked away, when he should have stayed.

“Oh fuck no!” she hissed, wishing she could burn a hole in the door with her eyes alone. He had absolutely no right to treat her like some kind of whore. She was doing what her new nature demanded. If he had a fucking problem with it, then he should rip her heart out and be done with it.

But she was done rolling over for him. If he wanted her, he would come find her.

Snarling, she turned on her heel and went in search of her new companions. She was pleased to see that Jarvis was in his room he shared with the girls, laying on his stomach. She did not feel the least bit guilty for punishing him.

She found Ethan and Eric in the next room, getting settled in their new accommodations. They looked up when she entered, sensing the rage within her, as she paced back and forth.

“Is everything okay, Mistress?” Eric ventured. She looked at him and he visibly flinched back from the heat of her gaze. She noticed this and stopped pacing, eying him speculatively.

“No, everything is NOT okay.” she snapped. “Stubborn jackass.” she snarled, glaring out of the open door.

“The Master isn’t pleased.” Ethan guessed.

“That’s an understatement.” Carmen snorted.

“He was a solitary man when he first started our coven. He had some pretty epic rants about you when you first met. But we could sense the passionate nature behind them. He was obsessed with you, wanted you in a way that confused him. And now that he has you…well…to share you…he’s jealous.” Ethan stated. “And he doesn’t know how to deal with it.”

“Well he better fucking deal with it soon because I can’t deal with his attitude any longer. I’ve tried to be what he wants me to be and now that I am, he keeps pushing me away. It hurts and it’s fucking annoying.” she raged, picking up an expensive vase and hurling it across the room where it smashed against the wall. Her skin rippled with her anger and she clenched her hands, nails biting into her skin as she tried to control her temper.

She took a deep breath. “I’m sorry. I’m not angry with the two of you.”

“Can we help?” they asked in unison. She shook her head.

“No…he needs to work this out for himself.” She looked around and noticed they were still unpacking their things. “I’ll let you finish getting settled. Dinner will be ready in an hour or so. We take turns cooking, so expect to have your own turns this week. I think Bianca is making lasagna tonight. I’ll come get you when it’s ready.”

“As you wish, Mistress.” they nodded. Carmen turned and walked from the room. She avoided Shane’s room and went into her own, closing and locking the door behind her. She climbed upon her bed, pulling a pillow up under her head and stared at the wall in absolute silence.

The light may have been on, but in the Den Shane was simply pacing back and forth, as he tried to reign in his emotions about how he was at a loss to deal with the new Carmen. Was he being stupid to react like he was? He did after all encourage and condone what she was to become, hell, he even led her into it. But underneath the bold exterior, lay a man that had some issues with jealousy, and it was acting up badly at the moment, no matter how hard he tried to beat it back. He kept looking to the closed door, thinking he should just go upstairs, and drag her off to his room. Then, he thought she may well be mad at him for his behavior. Either way, he was torn about what to do. He needed someone to talk to about this, someone impartial. And as luck would have it, the sound of heels click clacking on the tiled floor could be heard just outside his den door. Not even bothering to knock, the door opened, and there stood Marissa, his personal assistant with a box load of files from his down town office.

“These cases are not going to be presented on their own, Shane. They can’t sprout legs and stand before a judge and jury. So…I brought them here to you to go over.” Not noticing his demeanor, she sailed on in and planted the box heavily on the edge of his desk, before throwing her bag on the nearest couch, and flipping back her hair.

“You won’t believe the traffic on the way over here. Honestly, the roadworks are a disgrace and someone should be getting on to the town office of roads and maintenance. I am going to end up losing a Tyre one of these days.”

Shane nodded simply, not really acknowledging her and lifted the lid on the file box taking a peek at all the files she had brought. There were certainly a lot of them. Marissa looked around and noticed Carmen’s absence, and the fact the house was so quiet.

“Where is everyone? Bit early for them to not be out of their rooms.” She raised a brow sharply, then sensed something was a miss by Shane’s lack of response. “What am I missing here? This…isn’t like you to be all clammed up, Shane Williamson. Anyone would think your tongue had been cut out. Spill. I hate to be the last one in on things.”

Shane placed the lid down carefully on the box, and then pressed his hands onto his desk, leaning forward slightly.

“Carmen had her ceremony last night. She is Queen of the Coven.”

This was said with a stony face, as Marissa beamed and gave a little clap.

“That’s wonderful though..isn’t it? I mean, I knew it was coming just not so soon. You must be thrilled. Only…you don’t look it. Did something happen? I mean, those ceremonies are pretty…HEY..why wasn’t I invited? Gosh, I bet it was one hell of an orgy.”

Marissa had more or less just answered her own questions, but her nature of missing out on something this grand, had her completely oblivious to why Shane was behaving so coolly.

“It wasn’t planned, Marissa. I just felt it was time.”

“Okay. But that doesn’t answer why you are Mister Sour puss. Come on Shane. What is eating at you?”

Shane stepped away from the desk, and walked the few steps to his chess set table. Standing still, he then reached for the white Queen, and toyed with it with the tips of his thumb and forefinger, staring at it.

“She took two followers. Male, twins. Blonde…things.”

Marissa nearly swallowed her tongue, and said with a garbled voice.

“You don’t mean Eric and Ethan? Oh god, those two. What I wouldn’t give to have them….heh.” Marissa was nearly wet at the idea, and then she noticed Shane toying with the chess piece and the penny dropped. “Ahhh now I get it.”

She crossed the floor and stood at his side, looking at him directly till he could take his eyes off the chess piece. He normally didn’t like her being so close, but she wasn’t about to try anything.

“You’re jealous.”

“Is it that obvious?”

“Is the Pope a catholic?’

“Ugh!” Shane tossed the chess piece and Marissa had to fight from laughing. It was perfectly natural for Shane to be jealous, but it wasn’t really Carmen’t fault at all. It had placed an awkward strain on their relationship, and Shane had to fight his way past this, or it was going to cause irreversible damage. Marissa placed a hand on Shane’s shoulder, causing him to look over at her as she shrugged her shoulders.

“Could you picture someone like me being made Queen of the Coven?’

“Uhm..not meaning to be rude, but no. Your orgies would never end.” He had a point, but she was trying to make one.

“Right. Now you picked Carmen for this for a reason, Shane. You know she is the chosen one, and you also know she loves you. But with her new role, comes responsibility to her coven, and that means, being close to her followers. She sired the twins, and they are hers to use. You knew this.” Marissa knitted her brow, trying to get through to Shane, and you could see that he was starting to understand where she was coming from. “You were given the same, Shane.” It was true, he was. “So why treat her any different? Or are you afraid, she will…turn into you…or me?’

Maybe this was his biggest fear. He bowed his head momentarily and mumbled.

“The thought crossed my mind.”

Marissa laughed and slapped his arm playfully.

“There is only one Shane Williamson, and one Marissa Tomeii. Carmen is unique. Shane, she isn’t like us at all. You are going to have to put on the big boy pants and go and make it up to her. Before you ruin everything you made with her.”

Shane stared at Marissa, and then he placed both hands on her cheeks and kissed her forehead.

“Thank you.”

Marissa was not expecting such a reaction and smirked. “Never had a man kiss me there before. Heh. Now go on up and see her.”

Shane nodded and left the room, while Marissa helped herself to a glass of brandy and waited for him to return.

Outside Carmen’s room

Having made it up the stairs, he had searched for Carmen in his room, and the kids. Jarvis was still laying on his stomach and grumbling, while the girls both shrugged at Shane’s queries on Carmen’s whereabouts. He left them and then found the twins, who both stopped unpacking and bowed before Shane.

“She went to her room I think, Master” Ethan said, as Eric nodded. They could see that Shane was worried, and didn’t press him further, for really it was between Carmen and Shane.

Finally he made it to the outside of her door, and knocked twice.

“I know your in there. We need to talk.”

<3>

Jason walked in silently dressed in his usual black pants and muscle tee that advertised his well sculpted arms and chest. However though his skin was not unmarred as it was covered in both scar’s and tattoo’s telling wordless tales of how he had served abroad in both Persian gulf wars. His service went above and beyond to the point of him earning the congressional medal of honor at the cost of two years in rehab. Now that he was able to work again after applying for an honorable discharge from the marines he had applied for New Haven’s police force after the death of his parents little more then a year ago. The middle aged male then sat in his chair at his desk before sighing softly and propping his feet up on the desk silently. As he sat at his desk he would hum to himself before a blonde haired women walked up to him with a armful of paper work. “Glad to see your doing well this morning Mr.Cox..” Jason’s only response was to grunt gruffly and wave her along not particularly caring for her. How had he gotten his job? Simply the man before him Rodger had apparently pissed off the wrong people and was killed in a drive by leaving his spot open for Jason to take. Then with a muffled grunt Jason would drop his feet from the desk before reaching for the phone and dialing the extension for the forensic’s lab. As he waited for the forensic’s specialist to pick up he would grab a pencil and begin to twirl it idly. Assuming she would pick up the phone Jason would speak with a soft tone. “Miss Amelia would you like to come over to my apartment after work for some dinner and a movie?”

It had been a tough few months for Amelia after the death of her Dom and lover Rodger. Getting back to work seemed to be the only cure for her depression, and she had caught up on a great many cases in the short time she had been back at work. While her bosses were happy with her efforts, and reaching her quotas well before time, some of the top brass were worried about her personal life. Many attended the funeral of Rodger Marx, who died in a drive by shooting. The offenders were never caught, but whoever set it up, were professionals. Quietly at night, when all her other work was done, Amelia poured over the evidence, but each time she came up blank. No other case had been this difficult to solve, and soon it was shelved by the department. A cold case.

Sitting in her office, she toyed with the collar that she continued to wear around her neck. Her last reminder of Rodger. She sighed audibly, as the memories seemed to haunt her waking hours, as well as her dreams. Would she ever get over his death and move on with her life?

She picked up a pair of scissors, and started to twirl them around lazily, before doing the unthinkable. She cut off the collar. Holding the single piece she looked at it sadly, before placing it in her top drawer, and closing it slowly.

“I know I made a promise to you, Rodger, but I need to get on with my life.” She thought to herself.

Just then, the phone on her desk rang. Buried beneath papers and chip packets, she cleared the mound away and picked up the receiver.

“Forensics lab, Amelia Reed speaking.”

“Miss Amelia would you like to come over to my apartment after work for some dinner and a movie?” The voice sounded familiar, and soon Amelia put the voice to a face in her mind. It was Jason Cox, the guy that had been brought in to take over Rodger’s department. For a moment, Amelia was lost for words. Did he want to go out with her? She chewed on her bottom lip, then touched her now naked throat.

“Uhm…sure, Jason. I’d love too. Just need some details on your address, and what time you would like me to pop over.”

If he gave her the information, she would jot it down on a piece of paper on her desk. Was this the start of something new?

<3>

Jason couldn’t help but smile with joy as he spoke into the phone with a happy smile on his face. “Sure thing would say 5 pm work for you? and I live in the Bayview Apartment complex Apartment number 22.” As soon as he had given her the details he would continue on to speak softly. “Look i’m sorry about Roger i know you where close to him but i’m in the process of going over the files concerning the drive by Amelia and rest assured i will have those fucks behind bars soon enough. Consider it a gift from myself to you. Oh and before i forget…..See you soon sweetheart.” He then hang up the phone before offering a sigh of contentment knowing he had just got a date with a rather beautiful women and one he was determined not to let slip through his grasp if he could help it. Then like he had promised to Amelia Jason would bury himself in his work trying to trace what he could to what ever was possible in an all out zealous effort to put the ones responsible for Rodgers death behind bars….for good. Though soon enough the day was over and he decided to head home for the day. Jason would proceed to shut off his computer for the night before locking his drawers and walking out to the parking lot where he hopped in his 1980 dodge Challenger and drove home while thinking about the night to be spent with Amelia. Once he had gotten home he would strip and hop directly int the shower wanting to be as clean as humanly possible. He then put on a set of khaki’s and a tight fitting linen short sleeved shirt that proudly displayed his muscled abs and his muscled arms. Jason after freshening up would set about cleaning the apartment of the remnants of a party a few nights ago. All of this took about two hours before Jason began to pace waiting for five pm to roll around so he could spend some time with the very beautiful Amelia Reed.

“Sure thing would say 5 pm work for you? and I live in the Bayview Apartment complex Apartment number 22.”

Amelia jotted down the address as Jason spoke, and then tapped the pencil on the desk a few times, wondering in her mind what to wear, and if she should bring something along. Wine perhaps? Or was he more into beer? She really didn’t know him that well, though they had met on a number of occasions on various cases that she had been working on. Not only was Jason incredibly handsome, he had a certain mystique about him, an aura you could say. There would be so many tales he could tell of his duties that he performed overseas while on duty serving the US armed forces. Amelia couldn’t help but be interested to hear, and maybe this “date” was what she needed.

“Number 22, got it.” Amelia said in a clear voice. She could hardly believe that he was even asking her out, but the real jaw dropper came as he finished up the call.

“Look i’m sorry about Roger i know you where close to him but i’m in the process of going over the files concerning the drive by Amelia and rest assured i will have those fucks behind bars soon enough. Consider it a gift from myself to you. Oh and before i forget…..See you soon sweetheart.”

He was actually going to give his all on the cold case of Rodger’s murder? Amelia could hardly believe it, and she felt her eyes well with tears. An answer was all she wanted, one that would truly help put his memory to rest in her mind.

“You don’t know what this means to me, Jason. I mean that. Closure is all I want.” She paused when he called her Sweetheart, blushing furiously on her side of the phone.

“See you at 5.”

Hanging up the phone, she had a beautiful smile on her face. Quickly she looked around, then did something of a little victory dance, before going back to finish her work for the day.

Amelia got all her case files finished well before four and then turned out the lights to her office, before going off to head home and get ready for her date with Jason. Her small hatchback was parked in the police station bay, and she started the engine with a loud vroom and cloud of smoke from the back. It could really use some work, but she loved that car all the same. Going back to her apartment, her kitten who was now much older was waiting at the door, when she pulled up in the car spot out side her apartment. Poor thing looked like it needed a feed, and Amelia hurried out of her car, slamming the door, before heading up to get her mail, and then take out the key for her front door.

“Guess what? Mummy has a date tonight. Yeah, I know.” She was talking to her cat, that purred as it rubbed itself around her legs, till the door opened, then the cat shot inside, waiting for Amelia in the kitchen. Amelia wanted to have a shower before her date, so kitty would have to wait. Going up stairs, she entered her bedroom, slowly stripping off her uniform, before going into her ensuite, and turning on the shower nozels. The room soon filled with steam, as she washed the grime of the day off her naked form, and hummed a tune to herself, as the cat appeared in the doorway, watching her with its tail flicking back and forth. Still hungry.

The shower done, and wrapped in a fluffy towel, Amelia went through her closet, to find something suitable to wear to a dinner and movie night with Jason. She went for a casual look. Red singlet shirt and black jeans with boots.

She wore her hair down and long, brushed out to perfection, with a natural look in her makeup, a far cry from her office look which was a little more goth inspired. Turning around in the mirror, she was happy with herself, and smiled, for the first time in a long time. Her neck was bare…but she didn’t mind. She was free…at least for now.

Going down to feed her kitty, she checked on her pet snake, and he was fast asleep under his heat lamp. All done, she headed out the door, and then got in her car, to go to Jason’s apartment. Arriving just before five, she sat in the car a moment and took a deep breath. Amelia had to try not to be too nervous, but she could feel the butterflies in her stomach. Getting out of her car, she walked casually to the front door, and knocked twice, stepping back to wait for Jason to answer.

<3>

Retching again, a visible bulge formed in his throat as he coughed and groaned his chest heaving and stomach tightening. He leaned foreward and the bulge was expelled from his throat and out his mouth. The thing that landed in the puddle of black blood. it was a skull fragment and a eyeball, it looked just like one of those hell fire demons. It wasn’t over yet though.

Nerothst continued to cough and sputter his body expelling body parts and flesh and different things that had made up the demons that had once been whole. When he slammed the gates closed, those demons that got cut in half, were still coming out one way or another, he was lucky he got to pick which end they came out of.

He felt weak, he needed to eat something but a the same time, seeing all that being spewed from his body, he didn’t want to eat anything. He looked up after what seemed like hours, and figured after he started to throw up pieces of demon, Joffery probably ran for the hills to go cry for his father to jail him.-

Staggering out from the jungle onto the beach, he could see Nero heaving and throwing up vast quantities of black blood. It looked revolting, and even had Joffy dry reaching himself. He had to bring his hand up to cover his mouth, to avoid being sick himself. And just when he thought he had seen it all, Nero had something really big travelling upward in his throat. Joffrey’s eyes bulged, incredulous at what the poor cat demon was going through.

“You should never eat before you fly, you know? What the hell did you eat?” Joffrey asked, his eyes watering from the shock of it all. At the moment he asked the question, the cat demon spat out a skull fragment and an eyeball. Both landed with a splatt in the black sticky puddle that was in front of him on the sand. It was the most disgusting thing, and Joffrey shuddered at the sight. He crept around the front of the cat, and peered at him closely, trying not to step in the goo.

“Is that all of it? Not going to bring up an arm…or a leg?”

Joffrey wouldn’t be at all surprised if he did. As the cat appeared weak and groggy from his exertions, Joffrey looked around him at the sea that stretched onto the horizon, and the jungle behind them. He sighed and then said.

“Where the fuck are we?”

<3>

“I didn’t eat anything; I opened a gate to hell where thousands of mindless fire demons exploded from my chest! Not all of them got through that way…so they…are still coming out,” he said his voice was hoarse. It was the best way to explain that the demons that were cut in half had been trapped in his body.

He convulsed again and this time out came a chunk of a hand and another wave of blood. His stomach was settling now, it seemed that it had all gotten out of his body.

“None of it is my blood…well…not all of it anyways,” he thought he should add.

“Is that all of it? Not going to bring up an arm…or a leg?” 

Neorthst glared at the prince clearly not pleased to see him making fun of his predicament. He lifted a arm and whipped away at his mouth smearing the black blood across his arm. He staggered towards the water and was ready to dive into the icy depths of it and clean himself off.

“Where the fuck are we?” joffery asked. Nerothst glanced at him from the water’s edge.

Ignoring him for the moment he waded into the water till it was at his waste, then plunged under the water’s surface. The cool water rushed over him and he scrubbed at his skin all of where the black blood had touched him. Even rinsing out his mouth with the salt water despite the taste.

When he surfaced again, his clothing stuck to his skin in every place, even his black hair was stuck to his wet skin. He waded back out of the water shaking his head and ringing out the water caught in his feline tail, careful of the barbs at the end.

“Were on an island in the Sea of Tribulation, just off the coast of Gravida, and still within reach of The Night Land soldiers. And until I hunt an eat something, I can’t fly us off the island, your too heavy,” Nerothst snorted.

But paused realizing that might hurt the prince and make it harder to fool him into trusting him , “and not because of your weight, but because my real form is the size of a house cat and I just spent all the energy I had left spewing demon guts,” he said.

That said Nerothst walked over to the puddle of blood and guts, and spat out a single spark of fire from his mouth. The flame hit the center, and instantly roared to life. That should get rid of them and not attract any other, mindless demons, but of course, he didn’t know how smart Brax soldiers were either, did they count. If they were anything like Joffery was when drunk, this was too easy.-

“But I thought you said I had a lovely figure.” His hand placed to his chest as though mortally offended. Course, Nerothst was cleverer than Joffrey and countered himself, to save for further argument. “and not because of your weight, but because my real form is the size of a house cat and I just spent all the energy I had left spewing demon guts,” 

“Ah..well, that I can understand. You did throw up an awful lot. I imagine carrying all that and me would be a strain on you.” Again, so gullible. With hands on hips, he blew out of his lips and stared at the rolling waves that came in with the tide. So, this was the Sea of Tribulation. Just perfect. Secluded, white sandy beaches. Palms swaying in the breeze, probably coconuts if you could brave climbing the trees. It was a virtual paradise, if you didn’t count the bloody black pool of gunk, bone and the odd eyeball that Nerothst had thrown up. Nice place to bring a family…or a love. Joffrey sighed at this very thought. Here he was, marooned, with a smarmy cat man….and miles of coastline.

Scratching his bearded chin, he contemplated what to do first. Build a hut, or go tie a grass skirt around his waist and file a twig into a spear and try some fishing. Decisions decisions. One thing was for certain, they were going to be stuck there, fora while.

Joffrey finally made a choice. He slapped his hands together, and then announced.

“I..am going to go find some..bamboo to make a spear with. Fear not, Nero, you shall not starve on my watch.”

And with that, he marched off into the jungle to find a bamboo tree.

<3>

Oh well Nerothst would rest for just a little bit, then reluctantly make his way into the jungle behind him and start hunting down the local wild life to feed his deprived energy stores, already his body was reflecting the lack of energy he had as his ribcage was a little more visible and his stomach was starting to sink in a little.

That was when joffery clapped his hands together making a brave announcement, ”I…am going to go find some…bamboo to make a spear with. Fear not, Nero, you shall not starve on my watch.” 

Nerothst smacked his palm to his head and ran his fingers down his face, “don’t call me Nero! And second….do you even know how to use a hunting spear! Or even how to make one for that matter!” he scrawled at him, even then his voice hadn’t lost that seductive undertone.

Even if he was trying to sound furious it was hard to do sitting there looking like a drowned rat and half-starved at the same time.-

By the time that Nerothst’s voice filtered through the canopy, the Prince had already stumbled upon a small forest of bamboo trees. He walked around them, head tilted up to the sky as he couldn’t get over the sheer size of them. They would be great for building a canoe or raft later, but that was not the priority. Seeing a small piece that was of a good length, he reached in his pocket and retrieved a sheathed dagger that he kept on hand all the time in case someone wanted to do him in…which happened a lot. Starting to cut away at the bamboo stalk, he called back to Nerothst as he toiled.

“Nero sounds so much better, but have it your way. I just say it with a lisp and it’s a bit dorky, but whatever.” The Prince poked his tongue out the right side of his mouth, sawing away at the bamboo, until he sucked his tongue in when the bamboo finally gave.

“And for your information, it was I that made a lot of the pikes that we used to pop heads on back in the Black fog. Never thought I would be doing this to go fishing with. Heh…learn something new every day.” The bamboo stick in hand, he marched back towards the beach, and found where Nerothst was seated. Joffrey plonked down beside him and started to whittle the end of the bamboo, to form a nice sharp edge or prong that could be used for spear fishing. He couldn’t help but notice that the cat was looking a bit worse for wear.

“You look like utter shite.” Prince said, without using any manners. It was the truth, and you can’t help a man for calling it what it was. He rose to standing, and then slipped off his trousers, letting them fall to the ground so his willy was exposed. “I have a cunning plan. I wade out to the waters, and wiggle my hips. The fish…get attracted to my limp member and..”BAM”, I thrust my spear and you get a feed. Ingenious eh?”

That said, the bare bottomed prince marched down the sand…to try his hand at spear fishing. Butt naked.

<3>

“And for your information, it was I that made a lot of the pikes that we used to pop heads on back in the Black fog. Never thought I would be doing this to go fishing with. Heh…learn something new every day.” He had said as he sat beside Nerothst.

“hmmm, it was nice handy work…I won’t lie I rubbed my fur against a few of those pikes, I liked the stench they put off,”Nerothst said and closed his eyes leaning his head back.

“You look like utter shite.” 

Nerothst glared at him a little bit through one eye and almost hissed. “again…hell gate, fire blast, flying, then vomiting most of hell. I didn’t expect to be very pretty after that,” he chuckled his hungry state he was experincing a light mood swing, where he seemed nice, then angry the next moment.

Just then the Prince stood up and dropped his pants and started to march his way towards the water. His man parts swinging in the air without care. Nerothst face turn a few different shades of red if he had pupils they probably would have gone cross-eyed. Course Nerothst was a male to, why would he be embarrassed? Mayhap because Nerothst wasn’t about 8 inches as the prince appeared to be, or mayhap because the sheer action of it took him off guard.

“I have a cunning plan. I wade out to the waters, and wiggle my hips. The fish…get attracted to my limp member and..”BAM”, I thrust my spear and you get a feed. Ingenious eh?” he shouted behind him and made his way towards the water.

“With that thing…you’re more likely to scare the fish away” Nerothst muttered to himself crossing his arms and looking towards the jungle and covering his face with a hand.-

“HERE FISHY FISHY FISHY!”

He held his bamboo spear aloft and waited with wide eyes and a goofy expression.

Lurking in the waters, not far from where Joffrey stood with spear in hand, one fish DID feel the vibrations of his limp cock, and…came to see just what was splashing about. A large blue groper and it swam right for…Joffrey.

“ACK! No…big fishy!…..Ack its after MEEEEEEEE!” Flailing and madly stabbing at it trying to stop it from ‘”taking the bait” you could see white water and the Prince leaping about in the water panicking for his life.

A short time later, Joffrey dragged up the badly stabbed body of the groper, which was a whopper. Over four foot and weighed a near tonne. Soon as he brought it out of the waves, he collapsed, face first into the sand, the gropper giving one last flap of its tail before dying.

Dinner…was on Joffy.

<3>

But through the whole ordeal Nerothst had found himself laughing with incredible mirth holding his gut with the sheer stupidity that it took to catch that one fish. The sound of his laugher was just like his voice, strange and seductive and husky.

The prince dragged up the fish on the beach where it flopped a while till it died and poor Joffery landed flat on his face in the sand, a few crabs scurried out of his path and he was almost worried he might have snapped his…friend, or wouldn’t that be just wonderful if it went into a crab whole.

Not really caring now, there was a large fish just waiting for him and he crawled across the sand and sunk his claws into the fishes skin practically ripping the flesh off the fish and chewing on the parts of it that were editable, and completely raw.

“that, was quite the show…remind me to ask you to do that again if you meet my brother…he would get a kick out of it,” he said with a piece of gropper flesh hanging from his mouth.-

“You want this body? Sub creature?” She asked him, licking her tongue across her top row of teeth and playing to see just how strong the bond was between them. With her blood racing through his, it was an odds on certainty that he did.

“I like what I see, and I want you to worship me.” Isabella arched her back, and let out a light moan of pleasure, expectant that he would revel in succumbing to his most basic instinct.

<3>

“Good boy…come closer.” The Vampire Queen mused, motioning with her finger for him to join with her. “You have pleased me…come take your reward.” Her voice was like honey, dripping in a smooth sweetness. Unlike Amelia who seemed cold and distant even after their love making, Isabella was a whole different creature altogether. She was the epitome of a sexual being, and her eyes glowered as he got closer.

“You shall never want again…”

<3>

The Queen was now wanting her turn, and with her extra ordinary strength, she flipped him over, so he was beneath her, but then brought his torso up, so she was still riding him, but they were now practically face to face. He could see the sexual hunger in her eyes, and the tables turned, as she rode him hard, while grinding her hips into his. The head of his cock would be deep within her womb, and the tightening of her cunny, squeezing him for all she was worth could make him explode at any moment. The scratch marks on her back that had leaked blood in a trickle pattern closed over as she cried out in exctasy. Her arms wound around his neck, as she kissed him hungrily. Isabella came while his kisses would silence her screams.

<3>

“So long I have searched for the “one”. I think I just found him.” Isabella raked her fingers through his wet locks, and smiled. “My mate.”

<3>