Bonded Souls

by Agnes H Hagadus

  Even when Devlyn had threatened Cassandra, she had not felt this angry. Probably because she knew she could outdo her sire anytime.

  But Elissa hadn’t been there when Cassandra had needed her. Now she was suffering physically. What about mentally? How had she ended up with the wounds she was now suffering?

  “Cassandra.” Elissa gently shook her charge’s shoulder. “Wake up, Sweetheart.” The vampire didn’t realize once again she had used the term of endearment. It only slipped out when she was distracted somehow.

  A moan escaped the young woman. Cassandra cautiously opened her eyes. When she was able to focus on familiar azure eyes, a sad smile was upon her face. “Where am I and how did you find me?”

  The whine from the door answered how. “I don’t know exactly where we are, but we are in the village. What’s the last thing you remember?”

  Cassandra closed her eyes as she cautiously sat up. Her head hurt, but it wasn’t as bad as the one time she’d had a severe concussion. “I was at the picnic with Joseph. I think I was trying to get to the stables. I’m not sure.”

  “Let’s get you out of here. We’ll figure out the rest later.” Elissa helped ease Cassandra into a standing position. The low growls escaping Raven informed them they would not be alone much longer.

  Elissa tilted her head. Two male voices. One was youthful, voice still changing. The other was gruff. “There are two males, one young, making their way up the stairs. Do you know if there’s another way out?”

  Cautiously, Cassandra shook her head. “I really don’t know where I am.” She felt Elissa’s grasp on her waist tighten. It felt…Different than she remembered.

  The vampire scanned the room. There was another door. “Back here.” Elissa didn’t need to call to Raven. She was instantly at Cassandra’s heels.

  Elissa steadied Cassandra against the wall as she checked the door. Once again, she had to use her strength to break the doorknob off the door before pushing it open.

  The vampire was relieved when the door led to another bedroom. There was a door on the opposite wall. Elissa once again steadied Cassandra before closing the door behind them. “Hopefully the next door will lead to the outdoors.”

  They made their way to the door. Unfortunately, the door they had entered from burst open. Elissa placed herself between Cassandra and the two males.

  “How did you get in here?” The older man had brown hair that was greying at the temples. He was clean shaven. His eyes were nearly the color of charcoal they were so dark.

  “Someone left the door unlocked.” Elissa crossed her arms over her chest. She wished she had thought to bring her swords or the pistols she had obtained.

  Cassandra peered around the vampire’s imposing figure. “Joseph?” She remained behind Elissa, but was far enough to the side so that she could clearly see both men. Her hand went to her swollen lip. “You did this to me.”

  Elissa’s head whipped around. Her eyes were predatory. Nearly the shade when she hunted. Her attention immediately returned to the two men. “One of you hurt my Cassandra?”

  Once again, Elissa failed to realize how she had referred to Cassandra. Her focus was solely on the two men, one of whom had harmed her friend.

  “It was an accident.” Joseph had explained what had happened to his father. “She stumbled when I attempted to kiss her. She hit her head on the side of the stables. I brought her here.”

  “Kiss her?” Elissa had to restrain herself from moving with her natural speed. If they knew of her true nature, she and Cassandra would both be in danger. They would have to move on once again. After what happened next, they might have to anyways.

  “That’s not what happened.” Cassandra pushed past Elissa. “I remember now. You did kiss me! You forced your tongue in my mouth. When I said I didn’t want anything to do with you ever again, you slapped me. Then you hit me. Everything went dark.”

  Raven and Elissa growled in tandem. The vampire wasn’t certain who would break first. Which one of the pair would be the first to bite Joseph.

  “I will not stand here and have some low life harlot spread lies about my son.” The large man started toward Cassandra only to find a wolf in his path. It gave Elissa time to come between Cassandra and the two men once again. “I’m very powerful in this county. I suggest you don’t make trouble.”

  Elissa couldn’t help laughing. “Are all men like you? All they think about is power and money. They don’t care who they harm to get what they want. Let me tell you something. You’ve picked on the wrong women.”

  Joseph was backing out of the room. He didn’t want the confrontation. He hadn’t wanted anything to do with Cassandra, outside of friendship. This was his father’s doing. He could clean up his own mess.

  “Where do you think you are going?” The elder man kept his eyes upon the tall, dark haired imposing woman. “A real man doesn’t run from confrontation.”

  “There are no real men in this room.” Elissa moved slowly, deliberately. “I should make both of you pay for how you treated my very good friend. However, I want to show Cassandra what being the better person is all about. So let us leave and we’ll forget about everything.”

  When there was no response, Elissa began backing toward the other door. Luckily, Cassandra was already making her way there. “This is a wise move.”

  Keeping her eyes on the father and son, Elissa backed out of the room. She didn’t bother shutting the door. She was grateful when the door she had spotted did lead to the outside. “I don’t know where the stables are from here. You’re gonna have to lead.”

  Cassandra merely nodded her head. She led her vampire and wolf to the stables. They were both grateful when they found Winnie still in the stall she had been left in and with her saddle on. “You get home. Raven will accompany me.”

  Elissa wanted to argue, but there was still another hour of sunlight. She had recovered, mostly, while in the building. But it wouldn’t take long for the sun to begin damaging her once again. “Be safe.”

  With that, the vampire was off. Cassandra managed to get herself into the saddle without too much struggle. She chose to give Winnie a full-fledged workout not wanting to be in the village any longer than she had to be.

  Even at a full gallop for most of the time, it still felt like it took forever to return home. She cooled Winnie down before removing the saddle and giving her a healthy brush down. She took the time to do the evening chores before making her way into the cabin.

  Elissa was at her workstation. She was staring at the latest project not really seeing it. As soon as the door shut behind Cassandra, the vampire spoke. “I let you down. I promised I’d always be there for you. That I’d protect you.”

  Cassandra made her way to her vampire. Though she was now a great deal bigger than her ten-year-old self, she still sat on Elissa’s lap.

  It felt different. It wasn’t because of the difference in her size. Cassandra felt something she wasn’t certain she could put into words. “You rescued me. As you’ve done how many times in my life. And you’ll keep rescuing me. For that, I’ll be eternally grateful.”

  Elissa swallowed. She wasn’t certain she could handle Cassandra sitting on her lap anymore. It was too intimate. All it would take was for the vampire to lean forward…

  Azure eyes closed. Elissa knew Cassandra wasn’t ready for something so intimate. The vampire wasn’t certain if she was. But her charge had just been abused badly by a young man. How could she think of doing the same thing?

  “Elissa?” There was a timber to Cassandra’s voice Elissa had never heard. Reluctantly azure eyes opened. “Things have changed between us, haven’t they?”

  How to answer that? Elissa wanted to deny that things had changed. But she couldn’t. She would never lie to Cassandra. She couldn’t. She could lie to herself, but never her charge.

  “I think things are changing.” Elissa kissed her charge’s cheek. She noticed the blush. “And I’m not sure either of us are ready for the changes.�
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  Chapter 18

  Neither had said much since returning from the village and after their initial chat. Cassandra had changed into her work clothes which meant she was now wearing dark trousers along with a white button cotton shirt.

  Elissa had attempted to concentrate on her work. Working with leathers was still her favorite pastime. She’d forgotten because she hadn’t been allowed while with the clan. She had been solely in charge of training the younger vampires.

  After eating a light supper, Cassandra made her way to her room. Her lip was sore but her head no longer ached. She wondered what would happen when she arrived at school and saw the young man in question. She had a few more weeks before that happened. Of course, she’d need to make trips into the village to sell Elissa’s leathers and purchase necessary supplies before then.

  Not certain what to do before it was time to attempt to sleep, Cassandra decided she’d do a little light reading. Normally she would read from the bible on Sunday nights, but after what had happened, she wanted a fantasy world.

  One of her friends had given her a book for her last birthday. Cassandra had yet to even open it. There was a part of her that knew she should discuss these new emotions she was feeling toward Elissa with the vampire.

  But there was a larger part of Cassandra that was terrified if they were to discuss their feelings, things would change and they could never go back. She might be naïve, but she wasn’t stupid.

  After reading the first two chapters, Cassandra was blushing. She couldn’t believe her friend would give her such a book. The lead characters had already kissed.

  Not wanting to read anymore, Cassandra decided she needed to talk to Elissa. But about what? As she made her way back into the main part of the cabin, her mind was attempting to settle on something safe.

  Cassandra made her way to the kitchen to retrieve a glass of water before making her way to where Elissa was still attempting to work on her leathers.

  The young woman made her way by the door. With the sun having set, Cassandra opened it to allow some of the cool air into the cabin.

  Emerald eyes stared at her friend for around five minutes before the words were blurted out. “Did you ever have a significant other?”

  “Son of a bitch!” The question had shocked Elissa so much that she had driven the needle all the way through her left index finger.

  Cassandra was instantly on her feet. “Hold still.” Without hesitation, Cassandra firmly grasped the needle. It took some strength for her to remove the needle.

  There was some blood escaping, but it was nothing like if Cassandra had had the needle in her finger. “Are you going to need to feed?”

  Elissa wanted to say no. But if she didn’t at least have a swallow or two of blood, she might have a rather impressive hole as a reminder. “Unfortunately, I do need a little.”

  “What about me?” Cassandra didn’t flinch when she heard the growl. “I know you could go out and find a prairie dog or some other wild animal. I know you use the skins for your leathers and other items. But why not me?”

  “Because…” Elissa wasn’t certain what to say. She took a deep breath before attempting to discover the words necessary to explain. “I don’t know if I can control the animal inside. Not even if it’s you…”

  Cassandra had been through enough today. She wasn’t about to take anything more from anyone else. “You can. And you will.”

  Without waiting for a response, Cassandra made her way to the kitchen. She retrieved the sharpest knife. A small cut on her lower forearm started the streak of blood.

  Elissa’s nostrils flared at the scent of blood. It was young blood. It was sweet, innocent blood. Her fangs grew of their own accord.

  The arm was held out beneath her nose. Elissa closed her eyes. Instead of sinking her fangs in, she used her tongue to lap up the blood that was slowly flowing.

  Azure eyes changed to red. A low growl escaped Elissa. “Elissa.” The name was spoken softly. Or was it the vampire couldn’t hear it properly through her haze?

  “Elissa.” Cassandra repeated the word over and over again. Finally, the eyes returned to their natural azure. Cassandra removed her arm to take away the temptation. In fact, she made her way to the kitchen where she washed and bandaged her arm.

  Their eyes never lost contact as Casandra made her way to where Elissa remained. “Was that enough?” Elissa managed to nod. “Good. Now, we can get back to our discussion. Hopefully you won’t have need of my other arm.”

  Elissa couldn’t help snickering. “You have grown. More than just in height.” The vampire shook her head. “Although, you never did let me get away with anything.”

  “And I never will.” Cassandra returned to sitting next to the open door, mindful of the rays of sun that were escaping through the opened door. “So…Significant other?”

  “I have had a few significant others during my existence.” Elissa could feel the hole in her finger already filling in. Young blood was the best for healing.

  “Was there anyone who was more significant than anyone else?” Cassandra watched in fascination as the finger that had a good size hole in it healed before her very eyes.

  Elissa took a deep breath. She knew in the modern world, same-sex couples were frowned upon. They were even considered a mortal sin by some religions.

  When Elissa had been turned, things were quite different. Love was love. And in some cases, those that loved differently were elevated to a higher level.

  But they were living in the modern world. “There was one. It was before I was turned. I couldn’t bring myself to turn…” Elissa continued to avoid a pronoun.

  “Tell me about this person.” Cassandra sat with her legs crossed at the ankles. She was relaxed. Or at least she appeared as if she was.

  “Why do you suddenly want to know about my long ago love life?” Elissa pinned Cassandra with her best intimidating glare, though it normally didn’t work on her charge.

  “After what happened today, I was wondering what it was like to be in love.” Cassandra managed not to look away. It wasn’t easy as she wasn’t being completely honest with her mentor.

  “Being in love is the most amazing thing.” Elissa leaned her head against the wall. “There are many types of pairings. For me and my first love, it was like night and day. While being turned caused me to be more stoic, I was never free with my emotions. Except for one person. This person cared about everyone. But I was the one they chose to be with. I was the envy of the village. Maybe that’s why Devlyn turned me. She saw the love we shared and knew I wouldn’t curse my love like she had with me. It was another way to torture me.”

  “Is it safe to say this person, who you won’t name or give the gender for, is a lot like me?” Cassandra knew she’d guessed the truth as Elissa was no longer looking at her.

  “Andrea.” It had been so long since Elissa had said the name aloud. She had thought about her every single day, up until the day she had seen Cassandra for the first time.

  “I love that name.” Cassandra scooted closer to her mentor. “How old were you both when you first kissed?” If a vampire could blush, Elissa would be.

  “I was sixteen. She was fifteen.” Elissa remembered back to the long ago day. “We’d been friends since I was ten and she was nine. We met when her parents moved to my village. No one wanted to be her friend so I was. And I was her protector.”

  Cassandra was fascinated with this glimpse into Elissa’s past. Even though they had known one another for over three years now, the youth knew very little of her mentor’s past. She didn’t even know what country she had immigrated from.

  “We had been working in the fields. We were both sweating.” Elissa remembered how playful Andrea could be. “She sprayed me with the waterskin. I tackled her to the ground. We began rolling around.”

  Elissa didn’t feel pain as she remembered her first love, her first kiss. In fact, she felt warm. It was nice to remember something so sweet and not what had happene
d after she had been turned.

  “I pinned Andrea to the ground. Our eyes locked.” Elissa turned her attention once again to Cassandra. She had turned away and had been staring into space.

  There was an expression on Cassandra’s face the vampire could not decipher. Dreamy would be one way to describe it.

  “The next thing I knew, we were kissing. It was amazing.” Elissa continued to stare into emerald eyes. “That’s the story of my first kiss.”

  “But not your first love.” Cassandra winked at her friend. She knew Elissa had revealed more than she ever intended about her life.

  Elissa shrugged. She knew that if Cassandra wanted to, she would push for more. And one day the vampire would probably tell her. But for now, she had revealed more than enough about her mortal life.

  Cassandra made it to her knees. She began crawling toward Elissa. The vampire swallowed hard. The fourteen-year-old didn’t appear to be that young at the moment.

  Getting back to only her knees, Cassandra knelt in front of the still seated vampire. “You know, I’m not much younger than Andrea was.” She took Elissa’s hand in her own. “I didn’t think about kissing you until Joseph forced himself on me. Before you say it, I know you’d be gentle with me.”

  Now Elissa was leaning away from her charge. “Cassandra, I don’t think you are ready for this. I don’t think you know the consequences. I don’t think…”

  A gentle finger was placed over Elissa’s lips. “I’m not the only one not ready. As for the consequences, I do realize what would happen if we became more than friends. It’s why I want to take time before we elevate it to the next level. Just know I’m very much not opposed to being your next and final significant other.”

  Cassandra rose to her feet. She kissed Elissa on the cheek before she whistled. Raven darted through the door as if she had been waiting for the whistle. Cassandra shut and latched the door.

  The young woman winked at Elissa before retiring to her bedroom for the night. The vampire stared at the closed door. She was attempting to figure out what exactly had just happened.