The Chariot: Brothers at Arms

by Desiree Lee

"Well you do but I doubt you'd be willing to give that up for me,” she replied wanly.

  Julio stiffened. “Yeah how does that work anyway? Are you going to try to bite me or something?"

  "No, Julio. We protect the Keepers, not drain them.” She paused, realizing he was asking a valid question. “Sorry, that was rude. Let me start over. You do not have to feed one of us if you choose not to. As Keeper, that is your privilege. If you do choose to, then so be it. You will not be forced. I can hunt once I know the other Seeker is out of the way."

  "Good. To tell the truth, it kind of gives me the heebie-jeebies."

  "Many mortals feel the same way. Then there are a lot who would whore themselves out to vampires. They exchange blood for sex, money, whatever."

  "Sex? Vampires can have sex?"

  "Sure, why couldn't we?"

  "Aren't your bodies dead? I mean, how does a vampire guy get it up?"

  "I don't quite know,” she laughed. “It is possible though. It is all part of that weird, unexplainable vampire physiology. Some bodily functions still work, some don't. Vampires experience feelings, emotions and also physical sensations. Vampires can get horny just like mortals do. They usually last longer in bed than mortals do too."

  Julio had a momentary flashback to the sight of her wearing nothing but her panties and his t-shirt. He wondered what she'd be like in bed and decided he had better put that thought out of his mind quickly before the situation became embarrassing. Her skin-tight clothing was enough to leave practically nothing to the imagination as it was. “How did you become a vampire?"

  Michelle started to answer then stopped short. She was debating on where to begin her tale when she was interrupted by a knock at the door. She gestured for Julio to stay behind her as she strode slowly, deliberately toward it. She could sense it was the other Seeker. The smell of vampire was strong. She opened the door slowly, her expression stern, aggressive. Despite all of her efforts, she was not prepared for what she found on the other side.

  "Michelle!?” The startled exclamation jarred her. “You are the Seeker?"

  Her nose twitched as she stood there. She fought hard to keep herself in check. She had been ready to come to blows as soon as the door was opened. Now she felt as if the world had started to crumble around her. “Luke? What...” Her voice trailed off. She couldn't even finish the question.

  "I didn't think François would have chosen you to replace Zelma."

  Luke's words struck a raw nerve and she quashed the wave of emotion that had been swelling up inside. “I didn't know you had turned traitor.” Her tone turned razor-sharp. When did Luke defect to Pierre's side? Why hadn't anybody told her before?

  "I don't have to explain myself to you,” he replied quickly.

  "No you don't. It would have been nice if you would have before now but I suppose that is too much to ask. Anyway, you're too late Luke. As you can see, I have the Keeper. St. Petersburg is ours."

  "François isn't here yet."

  "Neither is Pierre."

  Julio stayed at the back of the room, listening to the exchange. It was obviously someone she knew. He wondered what the story between these two was.

  "Then you don't have anything, Michelle."

  "I have ability and the advantage, Luke. Don't make it harder on yourself. Walk away. Go set up Pierre's House here in the city so that the fighting can start up again in a few days."

  "You know just as well as I do that I can take this from you, Michelle. I can take it all.” Luke's tone darkened noticeably.

  "If you try, it will be the last thing you ever do, Luke.” Her eyes narrowed as the acid-laced words dripped from her tongue.

  "I don't wish to fight you, Michelle."

  "Then walk away Luke. The Keeper is mine. I won't back down on this. You know damn well I'm telling the truth, too."

  The two vampires stood in the doorway, staring daggers at each other for several long minutes. Luke broke the silence. “You look good."

  She hadn't expected that. Part of her ached to tell him how good he looked too. Inside, she felt as if an earthquake had shaken her to the core, splitting a deep chasm in her soul. On one side was the Luke she remembered from long ago. He was still devilishly handsome. She wished that she could melt in to his strong arms and that he could kiss her. The years apart would be naught. On the other hand, he was Pierre's Seeker. He was her enemy in this juncture. She could not give in to him. He'd betrayed François’ House. He'd betrayed her. That treasonous act painfully stabbed deep in to her heart. She didn't know where he was all these years, whether he was truly dead or not. She had no idea he was consorting with the enemy. “Why Luke? Why are you his Seeker?” The words were nearly spat out of her mouth.

  "I came to know the truth Michelle. François is the reason for this war. François is the betrayer. I cannot in good judgment abide his word. Neither should you. You blindly follow him as he leads you like a lamb to slaughter. My eyes are open. You should wake up and see it as well."

  "You lie.” Her voice dropped lower as he hurled the accusation about François. She had never known François to be anything but a strong leader. It was true that he could be ruthless when necessary, but Michelle also knew he could be fair.

  "Why would I lie? What would that gain me?"

  "You want the card and the Keeper, Luke."

  "That is true."

  "How can I trust anything you say?"

  "You can't, just as I can't trust your words Michelle."

  "There was a time when you trusted me with your life."

  "Time passes. People change.” His amber eyes showed none of the warmth that the gemstone of the same color bore. Michelle had always loved that his eyes matched an amber ring Luke often wore. The ring was finely crafted and seemed to glow with a warmth and power when the light hit it just right. It was as if it had a life all its own. She noticed he was no longer wearing his ring. Now his eyes seemed cold, lifeless.

  "Just go Luke. Just go.” She kept her voice even, trying not to show any emotion. She found it decidedly cruel that her heart could ache, even though it could no longer beat.

  The tension was nearly palpable as the pair of vampires continued their standoff. Neither of them appeared to be giving an inch. Once more, it was Luke who capitulated. “This is not over, Michelle. You have won a slight advantage but mark my words, victory is not yours yet.” He turned and walked away from the house. Michelle stood in the open doorway, watching him go. This time it was different. This time she saw his back as he left, unlike before when he stole away while she was out. When he got to the end of the driveway, she closed the door. The weight of losing him all over again was pressing on her chest. If she still had breath in her body, it would be crushed from her by the strength of the emotion that had welled up inside.

  Julio had remained silent, watching. He had not looked at the other Seeker, but knew that it was a man named Luke. He was also adroit enough to know there was more to the story than what met the eye. Now that she was back inside, he stood and crossed the living room floor to her. “Are you OK?"

  Michelle looked up at him. Her eyes were more emerald now than Julio remembered them to be. She opened her mouth to speak but no words came forth. The green irises seemed to smear as her eyes welled up with genuine tears. Julio hadn't known until now that vampires could cry.

  Without thinking, he slipped his arms around her. The sight of a woman crying never sat well with Julio. He was surprised at the ease and comfort with which she melted in to his embrace. Her body was cool against his. He held her tighter as if he wanted his warmth to envelope her, to replace that cold, mind-shattering pain that forced this strong vampire to crack.

  Michelle knew she had cracked too. She knew that seeing Luke again had taken all of the old wounds that she thought were healed and spread them wide open. His perfidy was inexcusable. He was a member of Pierre's House now and not just any member, but his Seeker. He held a position of power in the House of her enemy. This was no mere case of
star-crossed lovers. No, instead she was now a double-crossed lover.

  Neither of them knew that Luke had paused at the sidewalk and was still staring back at the house. He forcibly tamped down the stirring he felt deep within and stalked away. Why did François choose to send her as the Seeker? Why did it have to be Michelle?

  No, Julio and Michelle were oblivious to the conflicted vampire outside. Here, she was held tightly in his arms. Julio tilted his head and nuzzled his cheek against her hair. He hadn't had a woman in his arms since he had broken up with Evelia. It felt good. Michelle was tall. It was easy to hold her. If only his gesture could bring her some comfort.

  She squeezed her eyes tightly to dam up the tears. She would not cry for Luke. She had cried so many nights when he'd left before that she swore she had no more tears left inside of her for him. The tears that she shed would turn to shards of glass. They would fall and shatter, along with her vainly held hopes of Luke's joyous return. She was now in the arms of another man, a position she had not been in for more years than she cared to count. Julio's strong arms were beams of support that she did not want to admit she needed right now, though deep inside she knew she did. She did not fight it. She let him hold her and accepted the tender warmth of his touch. She felt him nuzzle her and it was strangely consoling, more so than she expected it to be. A tingle sparked deep inside of her. This was wrong though. It was wrong to be attracted to the Keeper. Such an attraction would only complicate things, wouldn't it?

  Julio did not assuage her confusion. He shifted and leaned his head down, capturing her lips with his own. Yes, Michelle had noticed his lips before and now she knew she was right. They were sublime. He was a good kisser. No, he was a great kisser. The fortitude that normally gave her so much pride was now failing her as she returned his kiss with a wanton zeal, barely keeping her fangs in check. Reason was cast aside. She was emotionally wrought but none of it mattered at this moment. All that mattered was that this man, whose scent on the pillow had helped coax her to a warm slumber this morning, was kissing her. This man desired her.

  He didn't realize how tormented she was inside over this kiss. He didn't even really think of why he was kissing her. She was troubled and he had tried to comfort her. He wanted to show her that he cared. He cared. When did he start caring? When had this bossy vampire ever given him reason to show her any caring? Why was he even thinking when he had a woman in his arms?

  His hands moved downward, caressing her back. He lifted her tight shirt, exposing the creamy skin of her back. The warmth of his fingertips sent shivers up her spine. She gave a soft moan, pressing her ample chest to his.

  His mouth pressed more firmly to hers, more demanding. She did not deny. Her lips parted, permitting his tongue entry. The kiss deepened to ravishment. Her mouth held a salty tang that beckoned to him, spurring him to sample more. He heeded the call, putting out of his mind what it was that made her taste so salty. He drew back from her only for a moment. In that split fraction of time, he pulled her shirt upward, removing it from her in one fluid motion. It happened so fast that Michelle had no time to protest.

  His lips met hers once again. His toned arms lifted her up. Their kiss remained unbroken. He carried her in to his bedroom, leaning over to lie her gently down. He stood at the foot of the bed, rapidly shedding his own clothing. His jeans dropped to the floor in a crumpled heap. His t-shirt was tossed, landing haphazardly on top of the dresser.

  Michelle gawped at him, standing there in nothing but his dark grey briefs. His underwear was the color of a rock and the hard bulge contained within only accentuated that fact. She pushed her own pants down, hooking her thumbs in the hem of her panties to remove them at the same time. Her emotional state was in a complete frenzy. She knew that she should not be here, in his bed, naked. She knew that having sex with Julio is the last thing that should be on her mind but her physical desire won out over all of her mental protests.

  Julio licked his lips as he gazed upon her nakedness. Her breasts were large, rounded and in a word, perfect. Her pale skin provided a stark counterpoint to the passel of dark curls that were now exposed. He crawled up on to the bed, stalking toward her on all fours like a predator. He hovered over her and eyed her hungrily.

  She gave him a grin and reached down, pushing his briefs down. She glanced downward, taking her first glimpse at his now unconcealed manhood. He was huge! She had never been with a man that large. Wow, did they know how to grow them down here or what? Even Luke, her past love, could not compare to Julio's size.

  Julio moved his legs to slide the briefs off, then rocked backward on to his knees, sitting upright, legs bent beneath him. His hand cupped her mound. His fingers slid deftly in to her crease, seeking her clit. He found it quickly. The man obviously had talent in the art of pleasuring a woman. He rubbed her swollen nodule with his thumb, pressing two fingers up inside her. Even now, he was amazed that her flesh was still cool to the touch.

  Michelle closed her eyes and moaned. All of her experiences with masturbation had never equaled a man's touch on her most sensitive region. “Deeper,” she whispered, raising her hips to his touch. She began to caress her own breasts, tweaking her nipples to give him a show. If she had opened her eyes to see the expression on his face, she could tell that he was enjoying it.

  Julio obliged her order. He didn't accuse her of being bossy. He simply complied. His fingers probed deeper, wiggling against her g-spot. He grinned wickedly, expecting her to react strongly.

  She did not disappoint. Her hands stopped caressing, instead squeezing her breasts tightly as she writhed at the sensation. She was wet when he first started kissing her but by now she was more than ready. She had a brief second of relief that she was not wearing her only pair of panties or else they would be soaked now.

  Julio withdrew his fingers, now glistening with her moisture. He wondered what she would taste like. The curiosity was too much and he licked her essence from his fingertips. Her flavor was indescribably alluring. He shifted and started to crawl toward the nightstand.

  Michelle knew what he was going for and she stopped him. “Not necessary,” she hoarsely whispered. “Not necessary."

  Julio looked at her incredulously. “What do you mean?"

  "Condoms. Don't need. I can't transmit diseases to you nor can you get me with child. With a vampire, it is the ultimate in safe sex.” She gave him a sheepish grin.

  He wondered for a moment how she knew what he was going for but his arousal didn't leave him wondering too long. He sat back on his haunches once more, sliding his arms beneath her legs and pulling her toward him. He pushed his massive cock in to her slick opening, giving a satisfied moan as he sank fully in to her depths. He never really liked the missionary position so he didn't lean forward into that. He liked the added depth that he got by taking her this way.

  Michelle felt him stretch her as he entered. It wasn't painful but there was no denying that he filled every inch of her. He had her legs so she could not dictate the motion. She was content to let him do that.

  Julio wasted no time in working up to a fast pace. This encounter was pure, unadulterated lust. He did not view this as lovemaking. This was simply the result of two sexually frustrated people coming together at the right moment. He could live with that for now. It wasn't as if he was thinking much on it anyway. His body took over and he pounded into her over and over. He drove himself in hard and deep with each thrust.

  "Ohmigaw...” Michelle panted. She did not need to breathe to survive but it was possible for her lungs to still draw in air. She could pant, whimper, moan and scream and probably would by the time they were through. She reached one hand above her head, bracing it against the wall to provide a welcome resistance. Now every time he thrust inward, she did not move with the thrust but met it directly. The force of the penetration was heightened and it brought both of them closer to peak more swiftly.

  Julio let out a loud, gutteral moan as he reached his climax. He pushed his large cock in fully
as it throbbed with release. Michelle's back arched as he brought her over the top too. She screamed loudly, though the word was incomprehensible.

  He gave a few more thrusts until he was spent, then withdrew and laid down beside her. His breath was heavy. Beads of sweat dotted his brow.

  Michelle turned her head, looking over at him. He certainly was handsome, even with his hair mussed like it was at the moment. Then the realization hit, swift and hard. What did I just do? François is going to kill me! She closed her eyes and tried not to show her uneasiness.

  Julio said nothing. He was also surprised at how quickly they got caught up in the moment and went with it. She had been tight around his cock and it felt so good. Maybe it wasn't such a bad idea to have a hottie vampire crashing at his pad after all.

  Michelle's mind was racing a mile a minute. How was she going to salvage this? How could she face François now? She'd have to own up to her actions. He'd find out the truth sooner or later and it would be worse for her if she tried to conceal it. What was she going to do about Luke? He was in the city and he knew where she was. He knew she was the Seeker. Michelle had been confident in her ability to protect Julio up until the moment she saw Luke. He betrayed François and the whole House. Still, she wasn't sure if she could fight him. Even if she could bring herself to fight him, she was even less certain of her chances of winning. Things had been so much simpler yesterday. She had a vision, a purpose. Now she was plagued with doubts and fears, neither of which she wanted to display in front of Julio. She had to be strong. He was only a mortal. He wouldn't be safe without her.

  The uneasy silence bore in to both of them. Michelle ended it with a whisper. “I'm sorry."

  "For what?"

  "Leading you on. This...” She paused, trying to think of a tactful way to say it. She was normally the reasonable one. Why did it fail her where Julio was concerned? “This should not have happened."

  "Yeah, the whole moment just kind of swept us up and carried us away."

  "That's just it. I don't get carried away. Normally I am the level headed one. When François finds out that I slept with you, my level head will be on a platter."