Secret Blood Ties

by Felicity Jordan

  They’d been through this with Aris before, too. The Issa hadn’t insisted on the normal trappings of his station, given the situation, and it was clear that Essa felt the same. “I’m happy to stay with Aris and Apeo – I know you’re already having problems with not enough guards to look after individual rooms.”

  Apeo had told her as much in their messages, and he was glad he had when Delri’s shoulders loosened slightly in relief. “Thank you, Essa.”

  Essa followed him and Aris to their chambers, listening intently to their update on everything that had happened when they spoke last. She put a sympathetic hand on his back. “Don’t worry, we’ll figure this out.”

  Aris closed the door behind them, and Apeo turned to find himself face to face with Essa. He was torn between being glad she was here and trying to persuade her to leave for somewhere she wasn’t in danger.

  Before he could decide what to say, she took the decision out of his hands and kissed him. Talking could wait. Apeo moaned softly and kissed her back, invading her mouth with his tongue as Essa went limp against him.

  She turned her head slightly to Aris, who was standing back, clearly waiting to see if she’d prefer to spend time alone with Apeo, but he needn’t have worried.

  “Come here?” There was a question in the words, though they shouldn’t be. It was clear how much Aris wanted her – just as much as Apeo did – and he quickly complied.

  Between the two of them, they had Essa’s clothes off in moments. During their shifts at guard duty, Apeo and Aris had learned to work well together, and they put those skills to good use now. Apeo stood behind Essa, kissing her neck, while Aris knelt in front of her.

  Essa turned her head slightly so that she could meet Apeo on a kiss, one that he returned fiercely. He gently brushed his hands over her breasts, and at a moan of encouragement from her, he did it again, more firmly this time.

  Meanwhile, Aris was exploring pressing kisses to Essa’s thighs while gripping her ass with both hands. Apeo knew when he touched Essa’s clit with his tongue, because her whole body jerked and her knees probably would have given out had Apeo not wrapped a strong arm around her waist, still exploring her breasts with his other hand.

  He could feel his rock hard cock pressing into her, and shifted his hips slightly, the movement sending sparks of pleasure through him. Essa tilted her head back, resting it on his shoulder as she made little gasping noises.

  Apeo looked down, watching what Aris was doing. He wanted to cause Essa to make those same noises, and observed carefully, filing the knowledge away for later use.

  When his thumb pressed down on her nipple, she grabbed his arm, urging him on. He obliged her, taking the nipple between finger and thumb and rolling it slowly at first, but then with increasing speed as his breath hitched.

  Essa arched her back and cried out, and Apeo looked down to see that Aris had slipped a finger inside her, judging by the way she was moving her hips.

  He held her tightly while still fingering her nipples. Essa was taking none of her own weight right now as her whole body twitched, so close to release that she was barely aware of the sounds she was making. Her ass kept hitting against Apeo’s cock, and it was all he could do to keep himself from spilling in his pants.

  Essa’s entire body tensed, and she cried out so loudly that Apeo was sure the entire palace could hear her. Her ass hit his cock again, and that was too much for him. He grabbed her hips, holding her tightly against him as he came hard, struggling to keep them both up.

  Aris glanced up and quickly took Essa’s weight from him, lowering her to the floor, the bed being too far away. Apeo could see that the Issa’s cock was still bulging, and he felt sudden shame that he’d come in his pants like a child.

  Essa didn’t seem to care. She kissed him languidly before doing the same with Aris.

  “Get your clothes off. Both of you.”

  Apeo kicked his soiled trousers aside, his face burning, but Essa simply smiled at him. “Glad to see I’ve pleased one of you as much as you pleased me. Let’s see about the other.”

  Her words banished any last embarrassment he had, and Apeo let his hands explore her body as Essa turned to Aris, taking his cock into her mouth.

  Barely ten seconds later, Aris was spilling too, thrusting wildly into her mouth. Watching this was already making Apeo hard again, and he could tell by the way Essa moved that she too was once more aroused.

  Deciding it was about time to move this to the bed, Apeo lifted Essa and carried her there. Aris joined them, and Essa had a hungry look in her eyes as she stared at their naked forms. Apeo decided that happiness for Essa’s presence won out over worry after all.

  Chapter 8

  Melanie

  Melanie sighed and rolled over. She knew she needed sleep, but she didn’t want it. This was her third night in the Eldan palace, and she’d been sleeping horribly ever since she arrived. She’d had periodic nightmares as a child, but nothing like what she’d had since she arrived here.

  It didn’t make sense. Yes, she was worried about the deaths – they all were – but the horrendous nightmares had her waking up in cold sweats and leaving her afraid to go back to sleep. She knew she should mention it to Apeo and Aris, but she didn’t want to worry them more than they were.

  Eventually, against her wishes, she drifted off.

  In the dream, Melanie was trapped under the floor; she could see the ceiling beams above her. Everything was burning. There were flames all around her, but almost worse, she felt that she was burning from the inside. It was like the sensation of her tainted blood almost getting the better of her when she’d still been human.

  She tried to twist away, but invisible bonds held her, cutting into her skin like hot iron. Melanie screamed in pain, desperately trying to escape.

  “Essa! ESSA, wake up!”

  Someone was shaking her. Melanie’s eyes snapped open and she found herself in a dark room. The flames were gone. The pain vanished.

  Someone turned the lights on, and she squinted to see Aris and Apeo staring at her in alarm. Aris’ arms were still on her shoulders. Melanie fell into him, exhausted. She caught her breath with her head resting against his chest as Aris put his arms around her.

  “Essa? You had a nightmare?” Apeo trailed a tender hand down her back.

  Melanie nodded, closing her eyes. It was time to confess. “I’ve been having them since I got here. I’ve had nightmares before, but not like these. They’re so vivid. It’s like I’m really there.”

  “What happens in the dreams?” Something about Aris’ voice had her glancing up. He and Apeo were exchanging a look Melanie didn’t understand.

  “I’m under the floor, and I’m burning. I can’t escape.”

  “Under the floor here, in this palace?” Aris’ arms tightened around her as he spoke.

  “I think so. The walls and ceilings look like the ones here, at any rate.”

  “Go,” Aris told Apeo softly. “I will stay with her.”

  Apeo was out of the door in moments. Melanie heard him calling for guards. She turned back to Aris. “What’s going on? What is Apeo doing?”

  “Going to arrange a search party. How much do you know about the abilities of vampire royals, Essa?”

  “Rachel told me that many vampire royals develop special abilities. She was able to bring Tim back from death, though she says it only works if someone has just died. That’s the theory at least.”

  “To my knowledge, no one has ever manifested that particular ability before; I think Assa is the first. However, there are historical records of vampire royals receiving premonitions. These are described as dreams that feel real and are more vivid even than life. You can feel real pain in the dreams, and they often won’t stop until the source is addressed.”

  That certainly sounded like what she’d been experiencing, but Melanie still wasn’t sure. “It could be, but it might just be an ordinary nightmare, just a more horrible version.”

  “Perhaps, b
ut we shouldn’t take any chances. Apeo will gather the guard and begin searching the palace cellars immediately. If there is any clue down there as to what is happening, they will find it.”

  “I hope they do. I’m not sure how much longer I can go without sleeping properly. Maybe you’re right; maybe I should go back.”

  Apeo and Aris had both tried to convince her of this, but so far, she’d refused. However, Aris was now shaking his head sadly. “Coming here probably triggered the visions – if that’s what this is – but now that they’ve started, leaving won’t help. Only addressing the source will. If these truly are visions, you are now our best chance of solving this – and your own best chance of ending them.”

  “I’m not sure how much use I’ll be.” Melanie slumped back against the headboard. “I’m already so tired I can hardly think straight.”

  Apeo came in just as she spoke, followed by a vampire Melanie had seen before but didn’t know by name.

  He bowed to her. “Essa, I am Bavler, the head healer here. Issa has told me of your troubles. I am here to help you sleep.”

  “You can do that? Did he… did he tell you what he thinks the problem is?”

  “He did, Essa. I have had experience with this before. I can give you a medicine to block the visions, at least temporarily, allowing you to rest. It won’t work forever, and you’ll still need to resolve the source, but you will at least be able to sleep.”

  Melanie could have kissed him. “Please, I’ll try anything.”

  Bavler examined her briefly before hurrying off. Less than half an hour later, he came back with a cup of something that smelled foul, but Melanie was past caring for that at this point. She downed it in one gulp, trying not to gag. There must have been a sedative in the medicine, or perhaps she was simply that exhausted. In no time, she was drifting off.

  Melanie woke almost a full day later, according to her phone. Aris and Apeo were both asleep next to her – it was the middle of the night, after all. She sometimes wished that vampires kept nocturnal schedules – it would certainly be easier to avoid the sun that way – but most of them stayed on human hours for the simple reason that most shops and services were run by humans, and humans didn’t like staying open at night.

  She felt refreshed and had no desire to go back to sleep. Slipping out of bed, Melanie got dressed. She was restless and decided to go for a walk, maybe volunteer for an extra guard shift.

  To her surprise, there were no guards at the door. Where had they gone? Apeo and Aris wouldn’t have fallen asleep without someone there, especially not with her here. She changed her course, heading toward the guards’ quarters, intending to find out what was going on.

  Melanie wasn’t sure how it happened. One moment, she was walking along a moonlit corridor. The next, cold hands were grabbing her. She tried to scream, but something icy was clapped over her mouth. She struggled fiercely, trying to see her attacker, but could only make out a vague, smoky shape.

  She was pulled down several flights of stairs and into a cellar, but it didn’t stop there. A part of the wall opened before her eyes and closed behind them as her assailant continued dragging her, taking her down three more flights of stairs.

  Melanie was flung to the ground, and she finally got a full view of the person who had her. Well, person may not be accurate. He had the shape of a person, but he was partially transparent, and cold emanated from him. “Who are you?” she demanded, trying to put some authority in her voice. “Why have you taken me?”

  “Because you can see me,” the man replied simply. “Not many have the power to see spirits. I felt you, when you shared in my torment, but you stopped coming. No matter. You will give them my message, before the end.”

  “What message?” Melanie tried to get up, but the spirit pushed her harshly back down, his hands so cold that it felt like they were burning her.

  “That I have spent centuries quietly growing my strength for this purpose. Now, all of vampire kind will suffer for what they have done.”

  “What have we done?” Melanie was more than a little scared, but she did a good job of hiding the trembling in her voice.

  “I had a family, once. We all burned, right here, in this very palace. Did you know that vampires used to burn humans who had offended them? In this case, the offence was simply that I refused to become a donor. Everyone I loved died with me for that transgression.”

  “No – they would never. Becoming a donor is voluntary.”

  “And they burned those who would not volunteer. None even remembered Evan the blacksmith or mourned his fiery death.”

  “But that must have been centuries ago! Vampires have changed, just like humans have. No one would do that nowadays.”

  “You think this will bring my family back? You are creatures of evil at the core. Humans may have tamed you for now, but you are all monsters, and that will come out in the end. I will stop you.”

  This was crazy. “You can’t! You’re killing innocent people.”

  “I did not bring you here to argue with you, girl.”

  “Fine, then let me go. I’ll carry your message.”

  “You will, but only when I’m through with you.”

  Evan came toward her. He wasn’t walking, exactly, but gliding, his feet an inch above the ground. Melanie found herself automatically backing away. “Stay away from me.”

  “I find myself in need of a body to further my plans. Yours will do nicely.”

  “My mates will kill you!”

  Evan laughed coldly. “They will never know you are gone, that it is I who directs your body. From the inside, I will destroy all vampires. Prepare to die, child.”

  Melanie didn’t even have time to scream before he was upon her. The cold intensified to burning levels and she felt something forcing itself into her very spirit. Her vision flickered and slowly went black.

  Chapter 9

  Jake

  “She’s here!” Mike’s face was alight with excitement.

  Jake didn’t ask any questions but leapt up and hurried with Mike to the palace doors. Melanie, Apeo and Aris all looked tired, but unhurt. Jake immediately ran up to hug her, closely followed by Mike. Melanie returned the embrace and gave them both light kisses, but something was wrong.

  Jake held her at arm’s length, trying to figure it out. Something about her manner was off. “Mel?”

  “Hey, Jake. How are you?”

  “What’s wrong?”

  Her face became closed-off. “Nothing is wrong. The killings have stopped.”

  He glanced between Apeo, Aris and Mike, but they all seemed confused by his question. None of them noticed anything. Jake had known Melanie for longer than them, but he was still surprised that none of them picked anything up.

  “Come on, let’s get you to the healers.”

  “Assa is unhurt. Are you well, Jake?” Aris was peering at him with concern, as though wondering about his sanity.

  “I’m fine, but we should get Mel checked out.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with me, Jake, I promise. I’m exhausted, though. I think I’ll take a nap.”

  Was he imagining it, or did Melanie seem eager to get away from him? She’d been perfectly happy to see him at first, but as soon as he started inquiring about her health, she didn’t want to be around him anymore.

  Apeo frowned at him and hurried to follow Melanie. Aris did the same, and Jake got the distinct impression that neither of them was impressed at him for stressing Melanie the moment she stepped back onto Cherki grounds.

  He and Mike followed at a slower pace. “Mike, tell me you see it.”

  “See what? What was that all about, anyway?”

  “There’s something wrong with Mel. Her manner is off. I think we need to get the healers to look at her.”

  To his great relief, Mike took him at his word. “Well, you would know better than any of the rest of us, though I can’t see why she would lie about it.”

  Jake didn’t know that either, but he was
n’t taking any chances. She could be poisoned, for all he knew. They still hadn’t heard the details of what had gone on in the Eldan palace. “I have no idea, but we should get her checked out, just in case.”

  “I’ll call Gali and meet you at her chambers.”

  By the time Jake arrived, Melanie was already asleep. Apeo and Aris were unpacking her things.

  “Hey.” He waited for the two vampires to stop frowning at him before continuing. “There’s something wrong with Mel. I can see it.”

  “She is just stressed.” Aris gave her a tender look. “We never found the killer, you know. The killings just stopped. Eventually, Assa Eldan told Apeo that he was no longer needed and could return to the Cherki palace to continue courting Essa.”

  “No, you need to listen to me on this. I know Melanie better than you do. Something is wrong. I can tell.”

  Apeo and Aris exchanged worried looks. “What would you have us do?” Apeo asked.

  “We need to get the healers to examine her. Mike has already gone to get Gali.”

  “I suppose that can’t hurt, but I’m not sure if Essa would agree to it. She’s showed no symptoms of illness, after all.” Aris tucked the covers closer around Melanie’s chin as he spoke.

  “Let me worry about that, I’ll convince her.”

  A knock on the door revealed Mike and Gali. “I heard that Essa is unwell? What happened?” Gali hurried into the room without being invited and hovered over Melanie.

  “We don’t know.” Jake sighed as he tried to think how to explain. “I can just tell something is wrong. Hang on, I’ll wake her. Mel?” He gently shook her shoulder. Melanie woke reluctantly, squinting up at him. “Jake? Is it morning already?”

  “No, you’ve only just gone to sleep. Gali is here to check you out.”

  As he’d expected, Melanie scowled. “I’m not sick or hurt.”