by R Murray
Maccon followed Emilie silently; walking behind her gave him a chance to admire her without it being so obvious. He was trying; hell was he trying so hard not to allow himself to fall for this mortal but he was failing miserably. Never had a mortal made such an impression on him. In fact, not even a female wolf had enchanted him the way Emilie had. With every step they took towards her home the more he longed to unravel her from that thick cloak, strip the thin blue dress from her and have her naked to his appreciative eyes. The way her deep brown curls fell perfectly down her back, brushing her waist as she moved. Those piercing blue eyes that were the very key to her soul. A soul that he was sure held so many scars and truths that he found himself longing to know. His fantasy was interrupted as he crashed in to her, his hands flew out to stop her from falling, he had not realised that she had stopped.
“Hell, Emilie! I am sorry, I was too busy admiring everything I did not notice you had stopped,” he apologised, his eyes turning to look up at the small building they were now standing in front of. It held the same character as all the other buildings that laced the streets of Paris, but yet there was something more magical about it. Maccon could not work out what it was that made him feel so comfortable even stood out on the steps, and he was certain that he belonged here, but why he was not sure.
“It is not much, but I love it and it has been my home for the last ten years,” Emilie spoke up. Maccon noticed how she blushed slightly as she spoke and he could tell she was a little embarrassed by it.
“Well are you going to show me inside? If it is anything like you I am sure it is just perfect.” He felt himself grimace within at his reply and how utterly inadequate it sounded, but the smile he got in return assured him that it had worked in winning her round. Emilie opened the door letting them in, and just as Maccon had expected, the place inside was just as unorthodox. The hallway was bare, painted a light blue that reminded Maccon of Emilie’s eyes. Glancing into the lounge it housed a small couch and a single chair that were both positioned in front of a large fireplace that had the ashes of the last flames that burned still sat within it. The kitchen that sat just past the lounge was just as basic, and Maccon wondered why Emilie lived such a simple life. The interior of her house only made him wonder even more about the woman that he was very quickly falling in love with. Her soft voice brought him crashing out of his musings.
“I will not be long, I just wish to change and gather some belongings. If I am to be your prisoner I wish to be comfortable,” she called out to him. He had not even noticed she had gone from his sight; as he followed her voice he found her in a tiny room that was made into her bedroom. It had the bare minimum, a single uncomfortable looking bed, and a small dresser table that held an antique looking mirror. A white wooden chair was in front of the table, which was littered with a few vials that Maccon did not doubt held various smells. He wondered if the sweet smell of lavender that was ever present on Emilie was housed in one of the bottles. Removing her soiled dress, she reached for her robe but Maccon stopped her. She startled, quickly stepping back from him, her enchanting icy hues darting around the room looking for something to cover her nakedness.
“You know I have wondered since I laid eyes on you if your skin was as soft and flawless all over.” He breathed as he stepped closer to her, the blush that had crept over her flawless features only made him smile darkly, enjoying the effect that he was having on her.
“Well…now you know…and if you do not mind I would like to get dressed. I do not know you well enough Maccon, to feel so comfortable naked to your eyes.” Emilie stuttered slightly. The smile fell from Maccon’s face as he realised how much he had overstepped the boundary already. He could not let that happen, he could not push her away so soon. Stepping back from Emilie allowing her to take her robe and wrap it around her trembling frame. Was she shaking from the cold or from the advance he had just made towards her.
“I am not going to hurt you Emilie. I can promise you that. I thought…I am sorry I thought that you trusted me enough to know that. I mean I know that we barely know each other, but I feel an attraction to you that I have not felt with anyone before. I did not mean to scare you, or make you feel uncomfortable. I am sorry.” Maccon spoke truthfully.
A few moments of silence followed, and Maccon swore that he had held his breath the whole time. Finally, Emilie spoke, and the smile that accompanied her words was enough to make Maccon’s very soul cry out to be connected to the woman that stood before him.
“Maccon you have nothing to be sorry for. It has just been such a long time since anyone has shown much of an interest in me. You just caught me a little off guard that is all.”
Maccon went to reply, but his words were silenced as Emilie came closer to him. He dared not breath, watching as she gazed up into his eyes, those icy blue orbs of hers dancing with a confidence that had not been there just moments ago. He wanted to speak. Wanted to say what it was that was on his mind, but his words were silenced as velvety lips met with his own. Soft full lips that he had longed to kiss from the moment he had seen Emilie cowering from the vampires. Snaking his arms around her waist, pulling her close to him he dared to deepen the kiss and relief flooded through him as Emilie responded, melting against his body as if they had always been the perfect fit. Finally, they pulled away, the heat from the kiss had only fired up Maccon’s wolf, and he could feel the flame of lust coming from the animal, taking every ounce of self-control he had to stop the beast from breaking free and scaring of the mortal for good.
“Now we have that all sorted, I am going to get dressed and we had better get back to your brother. But I would very much like to explore this new…relationship a little more.” Emilie smirked moving away from his body, the sudden lack of contact causing the wolf within to whimper, and human Maccon had to admit he felt the loss just as greatly. They had kissed once and yet he felt like they were now connected, that they belonged together, and as he watched Emilie disappear into another room to change he realised that no matter what, he would not lose her, he would protect her to the death.
Emilie ran her tongue over her lips where moments ago Maccon’s had been pressed against them. Pulling on a clean dress, moving her hands to her front tying up the laces that held her corset in place she let her mind wonder over what had just taken place. The feel of Maccon’s body against hers had felt so right, like they belonged together. She had not lied when she had told Maccon it had been so long since a man had looked at her the way Maccon had in that moment. The last time would have been when she had last been in the arms of her dead love Aleron. Now though she felt that familiar flame flicker to life at the thought of the wolf that was waiting for her. With that spark came a sudden stab of guilt, knowing that the only reason Maccon felt the way he did was because of the spell she had put upon his heart and mind. A simple love spell that allowed the person to fall so quickly for the one in front of him. Emilie had control over Maccon’s heart and suddenly it did not feel right.
“Emilie are you nearly ready? We should really be making a move so that we are back at the lodge before nightfall. I do not fancy running into any vampires tonight.” Maccon called out to her, diffusing her thoughts as he did so.
She had to keep to the plan, had to keep the spell woven within the wolf. It was the only way that she would get him to trust her, to get him to open up enough to tell her what it was the pack were doing in France, if there were any more of them, and most importantly the threat that they brought to the King, and the Forsaken with their desperate want for the Dark Blood. No, she had to stick to the plan, had to keep to her promise to Nikolas. She had to protect herself also. The path she was walking was a dangerous one, and she knew that she was the only one that could keep herself alive.
Chapter Ten
Nikolas entered Lorcan's chambers in the dead of the night, the vampire had summoned him not so long ago, and he knew that when he was called at such an hour that something was very wrong. He wondered if the king had heard news fr
om Emilie, or worse: Melaina. Had Emilie been caught out? Shaking his head slightly at the mere thought of the witch being so careless that she would allow her ruse to be discovered so soon. How foolish was he to even think such a thing? Emilie was a powerful witch and skilled at controlling her power. She knew how important this mission was, and there would be no way that she would have allowed her true self to be found out. Standing for a few moments he watched the King, agitation was oozing off him causing Nikolas to worry even more at what news he was about to hear.
“What is it Lorcan?” Nikolas greeted him. When alone he moved away from the formality of Lorcan's title to the mortals. He was pacing furiously back and forth which meant he was agitated or worried about something and the silence was grating on the old witch.
“Lorcan, why have you asked me here at this hour?” he asked again, this time Lorcan acknowledged him.
“Forgive me Nikolas, I was miles away. Please sit.”
Nikolas did as Lorcan bade, watching as he poured them both a large glass of wine before taking a seat of his own. He did not speak for some time and although it bothered Nikolas that he was forced to wait he knew better than to rush Lorcan. Finally, the vampire spoke.
“My brother is here. He turned up this morning while you were talking to Melaina.”
“Thanatos is here? Why? Why would he suddenly decide to pay you a visit after so long?” Nikolas questioned. Lorcan took a sip of wine and Nikolas copied him. He could not fathom why the head of the Lamia was here in France; it was never good news when Thanatos was near. He feared not only for Melaina, knowing their history, but also for Emilie after all that happened between her and Aleron.
“Nikolas, I need you to answer me honestly. Do you know anything about a child, a child that is the blood of Emilie and Aleron?” Lorcan asked him, his dark eyes fixed intensely on Nikolas not blinking once, reading his emotions. Nikolas knew he could not lie, Lorcan would be able to sense it. He stayed silent for a few moments, taking a long sip of his wine. He had not expected this question, and he did not like that it was being asked after nearly a century of this secret being kept. He could only assume that Thanatos had found out about the girl, and that he was not able to locate the child. Emilie would have made sure that no one could put her daughter in any danger.
“Yes, I knew Emilie had a child, but she sent her away as soon as she was born, she did not want the child to be in danger.” Nilolas admitted.
“Do you know where the girl is?” Lorcan questioned. Nikolas shook his head in reply,
“No I do not and that is the truth Lorcan.”
“Does Melaina?” Lorcan continued his inquiry.
“I suspect not, I am not even certain Melaina knows that Emilie had a daughter. The girl would be immortal of course, she carries the blood of a vampire and a witch.” Nikolas said.
“She does, but not just any Vampire, one of the three brothers of Lamia and one of the only witches that carries the Dark Blood gift. Thanatos thinks she is the most powerful of us all because of who her parents are. The wolves want our gift Nikolas, they want immortality. It was what Aleron believed should have happened, that all the Forsaken should be allowed the Dark Blood. Even though we cannot turn a wolf, there is only one person who can.” Lorcan said. A realisation settled over Nikolas at Lorcan's words.
“The girl.” Nikolas finished. Lorcan simply nodded in reply.
“So, what do we do?” Nikolas asked.
“We do nothing. I was not meant to tell you this much Nikolas and you will not mention any of this to Melaina, not yet. Not until I know for certain what my brother is planning.” Lorcan demanded of him. Nikolas nodded reluctantly as he took a sip of his wine.
“Is Emilie in danger?” he asked, not being able to hide the fear that echoed around his question. She needed to know that Thanatos had discovered her secret, a secret that could very well bring forth one of the deadliest wars of the Forsaken.
“At the moment, I do not think so. Keep her playing the role we have placed her in; she will be protected by the wolves if nothing else and they do not know yet who she is or even that she has any connection to the girl. I do not even think that they are aware that she is the key to what it is they long for. So, for now we just sit back and wait.” Lorcan replied.
Nikolas did not answer back instead he fell silent sipping on his drink as his thoughts wandered to the crossbred girl that did not know how powerful she was and just what type of danger she was in.
Melaina shrugged out of her cloak as she kicked the door of her chamber shut, dropping down on the large comforter in front of the empty fireplace she lazily clicked her fingers releasing a spark to burn the wood within. She had spent the day in the forests watching every move her sister made; and it had bored her thoroughly. Emilie had most certainly got the wolf right where she needed him, completely trapped under her spell. She was clearly enjoying the attention and all the physical benefits it brought. If Melaina was honest with herself, she was jealous. With Thanatos back in Paris and so close to her it only fuelled her envy. She wanted what her sister had; she wanted the sex. Though sex with Thanatos would be nothing like that with a wolf, it was much less innocent and so much darker.
“And it could be yours right now if you would only give in to me my dark beauty,” a silky voice interrupted her thoughts, just as a glass of wine appeared before her. Melaina took it, not looking up at the person standing behind her,
“Have you ever heard of knocking?”
“Why would I knock when I am permitted to go where I please in the palace? My brother may rule, but who put him there?” Thanatos smirked.
“It is polite to knock when coming to see a lady, who knows what I could have been doing, or if I had company.” she countered. Melaina looked up to see Thanatos moving to pour himself a cup of his own dark red liquid: blood. Tearing her eyes away feeling his intense gaze on her as he took a seat at her side.
“I knew that you did not have company, I watched you come back home.” his cocky reply only caused Melaina to bristle.
“You were spying on me?”
“I would not call it spying; more like admiring,” he said airily.
“What do you want Thanatos?” Melaina demanded, “I told you the other day that until you tell me why you are here I will not give you what I know you seem to so desperately want. I have not changed my mind.” She stated taking a sip of her drink; still not allowing herself to gaze upon him knowing that those crimson eyes of his would only drag her in, she heard him growl in genuine frustration.
“Very well, for once Melaina I shall give in and let you win this one. I shall tell you the reason I am here, but once I have you will give me what I want.” Thanatos growled. Finally, Melaina turned her gaze on him giving him a dark smile as she replied,
“Of course, it is only fair.”
Thanatos stayed silent for a few moments and Melaina could not help but watch as his lips wrap around the edge of his glass while he took a deep swig of blood. Bringing them from the glass he ran his tongue over them in a way that made Melaina want nothing more than to have him run it over her. She could tell by the slight smirk on his lips that he knew she was watching him; reluctantly tearing her eyes from him focusing her gaze on the dancing flames in the hearth before them.
“I am here for your sister. She has something I want; only I am not so sure she is aware that she has it. Well actually she does not have it but she knows where what I seek is.” His words caused Melaina to send him a look of confusion, they not making any sense, she had always hated it when he spoke in riddles.
“Thanatos, that does not justify as an answer, because it made barely any sense. What is that Emilie supposedly does not have?”
“Melaina I have something to ask you, and I expect you to be honest with me.”
“Of course, I could never lie to you anyway, you would know instantly if I did.”
Again, Thanatos stayed silent for some moments. He seemed to be considering Melaina's answer, once
he seemed certain she had meant what she had said; that she would not lie he asked a question she had never expected to hear.
“Melaina, did you know that your sister had a daughter?” he inquired.
“What the hell? What kind of question is that?” Melaina exclaimed, seeing the look on the vampire's face she shook her head slightly in disbelief. “You are not joking, are you? She really does have a child?”
“She does yes,” he stated, “Even better, the father of the child is my late brother Aleron. The child is half witch, half vampire and carries the Dark Blood by birth. It makes her the most powerful amongst us.”
“Her?”
“Yes, I believe the child is a girl, and she would be over a century old now.” Thanatos explained.
Melaina stayed quiet for a few moments processing all that had been revealed to her. She could not believe that Emilie had managed to keep the fact she had a daughter secret from her all this time, and it angered her that she had found out about it from Thanatos.
“Your silence assures me you had no idea of this, which surprises me. I thought you knew everything about your sister.” Thanatos mocked.
“Well clearly I do not.” Melaina snapped back, and the laugh the erupted from him only angered her more. “How long have you known about this?” she demanded.
