by Imogene Nix
“I do.” She crooned the words, rooting for the blood, but he held his arm away from her reach.
“Swear it.”
“I-I swear. Anything. I’ll serve you.”
“You’ll serve me faithfully?” He impressed the words on the servant’s mind, the magic that bound maker and servant thrumming through him.
The woman bared her shiny white fangs. “I will serve you faithfully.” She moved, as if pain lanced her body. He knew then that she was bound to him irrevocably. Creedar smiled with satisfaction before he gave in to her needs. With a quick move he slashed the newly sealed skin, sending forth a gush of red liquid, which he offered her.
She latched on and fed deeply as Creedar sighed with pleasure, his body moving in the sexual rhythm he’d rediscovered. He would indulge his body. Arousal filled him, warmth flashing through his veins. He’d not felt such pleasure in centuries.
Creedar stared down at his servant. She’d been chosen to meet his physical needs. The best of those he’d stolen from the small settlement. She was tall and willowy with long golden-blonde hair, and reminded him of the woman he’d seen in the feeding facility when Jelani had been neutralized. The other woman had been tall and graced with firm, high breasts. He wondered dimly if he could somehow encourage her to join him, before the urgent reminder of his pleasure stole that thought.
* * * *
The words on the parchment, found before the slaughterhouse rescue, ebbed and flowed before her tired eyes. Cressida sighed and let her gaze drift back to the wooden desk. “There must be more. Javed, you said you and Celina scoured the ancient texts? You’ve found nothing so far?”
Javed slumped into a deep chair in front of her. The exhaustion that pulled at her was clear on his face, in both pallor and red, tired eyes. “We did. There were a few notations here and there, but nothing substantive. I’m not so sure that there’s anything more for us here, not now that we know how long he’s been around. All we found was a list of other vampires Creedar courted. When we dug deeper and contacted their last known locations, most had died. The few who survived…” Javed gave a slow shake of his head. “Well, we didn’t find any useful information. There is no one single location he frequented that works. No hidey-holes or contacts. An exhaustive search of nests on this continent also came up empty. We could try overseas but that needs to happen at your level.”
Cressida cursed. She would need to contact her Overlord, something she was wary of.
Instead, Cressida considered the small amount of information they had gleaned. Since the Slaughterhouse Rout, as it was now named, Creedar had disappeared from view. No matter how hard they searched, they had been spectacularly unsuccessful in tracking his movements. If she didn’t know better, she’d claim he’d used some kind of magical veil to hide his tracks. The sigh that rose in her chest was ruthlessly contained. They knew the one servant he’d relied on was dead. So how had he managed to evade them?
He teased them, every now and again leaving a body for them to discover. Of course he no doubt found it amusing, watching them scurrying fifteen steps behind him. By the time they’d found his leavings, he’d moved on. The evidence of his movements, though, wasn’t the total sum of murders they would attribute to him. That she could be sure of.
Cressida bit her lip. He’d accessed assistance, and clearly the humans Creedar had tapped were highly connected economically, politically or socially. But who would choose to associate with him and why? For that matter, had they done these things of their own free will? The questions plagued her day and night.
Thy already knew he’d harvested several from the upper echelons of the business world—there’d been a CEO of a major technology firm, a senator and several local elected members among the many. They’d found the remains. At least one socialite had joined his ranks, as she’d been detected helping him gain access to other, more powerful persons. Entrée wasn’t an issue for him any longer. He now had powerful allies.
One of his latest victims was a politician from Australia, who’d disappeared from an official function just over a month ago in New York. They’d located the withered cadaver in the deserted downtown area, amid slums.
“We need to find his source of assistance.” She stalked the length of the room.
“We could try to scry him again,” Celina mumbled, but they’d tried that several times, quite unsuccessfully.
“No. At this point there wouldn’t be any appreciable difference. Nothing has changed.” She balled her fist and her nails bit into the flesh of her hand.
“I’m not so sure.” Celina’s words stopped Cressida in her tracks.
“Just what do you mean by that?” She swung fast, the heel of her boot catching in the loop of the carpet. If not for her speed, she would have toppled.
“Well, I was talking to Daniel today…”
Cressida narrowed her eyes on the new vampire, who’d bound her life to Javed. “And?”
Javed shrugged. “Celina tells me he’s arranged a series of sessions with a training witch. She organized it for him. Someone who might be able to…to work out what powers he possesses.”
“Powers?” The very word froze her bones to the marrow. “He doesn’t have…” She breathed deeply. She’d never detected any powers in him, and if he had some, she would have felt it. Wouldn’t I?
The uncharacteristic questioning of her abilities leaked through a chink in her personal defenses. Was she losing her ability to lead? Was that the reason they’d not found Creedar?
With difficulty she shoved the negativity aside and focused on conjuring an image of Daniel. Tall and broad-shouldered with red hair and piercing green eyes. He’d caught her attention so many times in the past, but she didn’t dally with humans. If she did, well, he’d likely be the one she made an exception for.
He was also Celina’s half-brother. The thought pulled her up sharply. “Tell me more.”
“See, since the rout in the slaughterhouse, he’s had these urges, I guess you’d call them. He has magic. But”—Celina raised an unsteady hand—“it doesn’t feel like mine. In fact, I don’t read it at all.” Celina shuddered. “I can sense everyone else’s. Maybe not pinpoint what it is or how it works, but with Daniel I can’t. It’s like it’s not there. Yet I’ve seen him work magic.”
Cressida narrowed her eyes. “You’re sure he has magic?”
“He showed me. Conjured up a flame. Without any incantation.” Celina shrugged, her eyes shadowed.
Cressida considered her words. Witches wrought magic using the power of words and will. It bent the powers to their needs. So how could this be? It defied everything they presently knew.
“One second it wasn’t there, then it was. He made it dance, Cressida, right across his palm. Even so, I felt no change in the air.” Clearly shaken by what she’d seen, Celina wiped her hand over her face in a slow and unsteady motion.
She had to be sure, so she leaned closer to the young witch mated to Javed. “You’re sure he didn’t say a word? Didn’t invoke any god or goddess?” Her stomach trembled wildly. Can this possibly be true? Is this some missing piece of the puzzle?
“Not a sound. Why is that do you think?” Cressida grabbed the other woman’s hand, then scanned Celina’s memories.
“If what you are saying and I’m seeing is right, then there is something more happening here. I can’t—” She broke off, unsure how to explain her concerns. If that was the case, then they needed assistance. Guidance.
Their experiences with Hope and now Celina told her they’d need to find his partner. That his power could possibly grow… He’d be a target if Creedar ever learned of his powers. If they were what Celina had seen.
She shied away from that thought. If she faced it, she’d have to embrace the emotions she’d buried. Ones that made her question the decisions she’d taken. That wasn’t an option.
* * * *
They were sitting in the office when the phone beeped. “Yes?”
“Sir, the Master has
requested that you turn on the screen.”
Daniel frowned. He rarely received such summons and they never come in the middle of the day.
He groped for the remote on his desk as the line disconnected.
“Reports of an incursion by the rogue vampire captain known only as Creedar have been streaming in all night.” On the screen, in the distance, he could see thick plumes of smoke rising over a city.
“Let’s cross to our reporter on the scene for more information. James, what can you tell us of the attack?”
“Sally, this building is owned by one of the smaller nests in Brisbane. Because, up until now, they’ve considered themselves insulated from the upheaval of the vampire attacks and abductions. The security was, I’ve been informed, more relaxed.”
The screen changed to the serious-looking newsreader in the studio. Her studied look of concern felt to him at odds with the immaculate blonde hair and youthful looks. “Is there any update on the inhabitants of the building?”
“Sally, the authorities hold grave fears for those who live in the building. The action that took place tonight was unbelievable. We’re hearing unconfirmed reports of up to one hundred combatants involved in the attack. As you can see, what is left is a smoking hulk, and the cordon around the building extends for several blocks in all directions.”
“Do we know how many are affected, yet?” The reporter leaned across her desk, giving the impression that this was the only information that mattered right now. The burn inside Daniel’s gut rose. He gripped the edge of the wooden desk tight.
What would Javed request of them in light of this unprovoked attack? People? Funds? Warriors?
“A spokeswoman from the nest has indicated that upward of fifty people, including young children, lived here. The emergency personnel have so far declined to comment on the situation, but people around me…” The camera panned, taking in a multitude of white faces in the crowd, many leaning on the metal barriers. “They have expressed their concern that vampire politics is spilling over into our human world and they fear that this is just the beginning. I spoke to Meg here.”
A young woman dressed casually—maybe seventeen or eighteen, given the round softness of her face—scowled in to the camera. “James, we are humans. Until now, we’ve not faced this kind of endangerment. This battle tonight is indicative of the situation vampires have forced upon us. Their war has nothing to do with us, yet their very existence here, in our society—in our world—is endangering our lives. We are talking about the lives of innocent men, women and children. I believe it’s time action was taken. I mean something tangible like moving them away from areas of human habitation. Perhaps registration, so that we know exactly who and what are living among us.” A rousing hurrah filled the air as she finished talking.
“There you have it, Sally. People here are concerned for their safety. This is exactly what we are finding worldwide, with people airing concerns that vampires are dangerous, bloodthirsty and evil. The move to control their population and segregate them continues to gather impetus. Whether it’s right or wrong, though, remains to be decided by the people and the legislators. Back to you, Sally.”
Daniel flicked off the television before the young reporter, Sally, could respond. He lifted the receiver he’d replaced and dialed Javed directly at the house.
The question was immediate. “You watched it?”
“I did, Javed. It’s disturbing that in the last twelve months we’ve gone from unknown solitude to this. Creedar has a lot to answer for.” He gripped the handset and waited out the prolonged silence.
“They need resources over there, but we must ensure that we don’t leave ourselves financially stretched. As yet, we don’t have warriors or nestlings to spare. Run the numbers and let me know what we can do.”
“I will, but, Javed, we should do more. Something tangible to dampen the growing concern.” He cleared his throat, wondering how to raise the next topic. “Did…” He paused, sucking in his breath. “Did Celina talk to you about—?”
“Finding you a training witch? She did. When you come home tonight, we’ll discuss it. Celina thought maybe we could talk to Lucy’s teacher.”
Daniel released the pent-up breath he’d not realized he’d been holding. “Good. That’s fine then. Look, I’ll get onto those figures now and—”
“Daniel?” Javed’s question stopped him.
“Yes?”
“We’ve informed Cressida.”
In his mind rose a vision of a blonde Amazon of a woman. Tall and lithe with golden hair shot with silver—a woman of both innate grace and immense power. He swallowed carefully, giving himself a moment to think before he spoke again. “What was her response?”
“It raises more questions than it answers and I agree with her assessment. Come to my office when you arrive home. I’ll be waiting for those figures.” The line went dead and it took Daniel realized the buzzing sound in his ear was the disconnect signal.
Even as he carefully laid the receiver back in its cradle, his stomach churned.
Nothing would ever be the same again.
* * * *
The gardens were calming and Cressida desperately needed an interlude between the madness of a day without rest and the meeting that lay ahead. The Masters of all the nests, their Yeux Secondes and various advisors were sure to guarantee arguments before the meeting concluded.
The sound of tires on the gravel told her that another batch of representatives had arrived. If only the way forward was clear, but in the year since Creedar had awoken, nothing had been easy and certainly anything that could have been construed as settled no longer existed.
She stilled, inhaling deeply, letting the scent of flowers in full bloom fill her. For just a moment she sought and found solitude and peace.
Searching for her inner balance as the head of the Council was a luxury and now, in the middle of this war—for that was what she equated this to—the safety of the nests under her protection was her primary objective.
Soft footfalls dragged away the pretense of solitude. She refused to turn for an instant as her insides quivered and nerve endings jumped. On a visceral level she knew who stood behind her.
“Yes?” She turned slowly and accepted the truth in what she’d divined. In front of her was Daniel. Javed’s Yeux Secondes.
He gave a formal bow before cocking his head slightly to the side. “Master Javed requests that I let you know we are only awaiting the representatives from the Tudor house. Master Xavier and Hope have been delayed as their new Yeux Secondes arrived to take up his position, leaving the house representatives behind schedule. However, they have contacted us and should be here in about ten minutes.”
“Ahh… Then I have a few more minutes.” She gazed at the human in front of her, not for the first time questioning her decision never to consort with human males. “Walk with me, Daniel.”
The disconcerted look on his face would have been comical if it hadn’t hurt deep in her chest. “Of course, Councilor.”
The steady thud of his heart sped up as he moved closer, and it was difficult to ignore the sound as it tugged at her senses. The primal connection between them fed her hunger, her gums aching with the need to bare her fangs. She ignored the urge, knowing that such a carnal act would only increase their difficulties. As it was, they treated each other with extreme care and caution. For just an instant, she wondered if he too felt the stirrings. She gave an agitated flick of her wrist, banishing the dangerous thoughts.
“Tell me how things are going at the nest. It’s been a year since the investiture.” Cressida received regular reports, but rarely was there an opportunity to talk to anyone about the growth prospects and financial stability. Right now, every moment was consumed with defeating Creedar.
“We have made tremendous strides, Councilor—”
“Cressida.” She stopped and turned to look at him. There was a mixture of confusion and something else she refused to name on his face.
“Councilor—”
A seed of emotion, almost devilry, invaded her. “My name is Cressida. Say it, Daniel.”
Turmoil churned in his gaze, but he nodded. “Very well then, Cressida. We have made excellent progress and the production of the blood-based products has been successful. Thanks must go to the Council for the generous seed grant we received. We hope to turn a profit by the end of the financial year. As to the nest, I believe we should have repaid that loan well within the guidelines stipulated.”
Cressida gave a small nod. She had expected nothing less, since Daniel had taken over.
He was a dichotomy. Softly spoken yet with a will of pure iron. He had taken on a new nest in trying circumstances. He’d guided Javed’s decisions and led them into this position, where their financial stability would soon be assured. In tough economic times, it was no mean feat.
She vacillated. There were other questions, other things she needed to know. “Magic. You have it, yet kept that secret.” She avoided looking at him now.
“No. Not purposely.”
She made a sound that was reminiscent of a growl, dismissing his half-truth. That would have to be dealt with later. “Show me.”
He blinked at her order then thrust out a hand. There in his palm lay a tiny rose. With a small bow, he held it out to her. The touch of his fingertips, gently brushing her hand, had her senses leaping and energized her. She burned where he touched her.
Her gaze wavered just a little. Her heart beat a little faster in her chest and she wanted to… She snapped out of the cloud of introspection. “When did you know…?”
“After the slaughterhouse. I didn’t know, had no concept that I could do something like this. After the rout it was there and I…” From the corner of her eye she saw him shrug. “I honestly don’t know what to say. It wasn’t until then and I needed to talk to Celina—”
