by R Murray
“I had my suspicions for some time; I only had it confirmed a few weeks back, hence why I am now here in Paris.” Thanatos replied.
“I do not understand, there is more and I suggest you tell me what it is.” Melaina's voice becoming brittle and demanding.
“The wolves are here once more to fight; wanting the gift of our blood. They have wanted to be immortal for hundreds of years, you know this, it is what Aleron believed should have happened. I refuse to let a bunch of flea ridden mangy mutts have such a gift. We cannot change a wolf; I actually did try it once, had fun capturing the beast, tormenting it and then seeing if our blood would work. It does not; it merely kills in the most unpleasant way. No, vampires cannot turn a wolf; nor would a witch be able to. Then I found it, an old prophecy that speaks of a crossbreed born from a vampire direct from the Lamia and that of one of the two witches that had been chosen by the Lamia to possess the Dark Blood, only the child of such a mating would be able to turn a wolf.” Thanatos explained.
Leaning back in against the leather, Melaina could feel his gaze boring into her as she stared into the fire.
“So, Emilie's daughter is what the wolves seek? Do they know?”
“No, I do not think they do, and, as I said, I do not think that Emilie is aware that her daughter is as powerful as she is. Nor aware of just what could happen should she fall into the wrong hands.” Thanatos replied. Melaina, turned to lock her sky-blue eyes with his crimson ones, she could see by the look in them that he was frustrated, angered by something and it was not the fact that she was still refusing him.
“You do not know where she is, do you?” she queried, the look on his face told her she was right. “And you think Emilie will just hand her over to you? After all this time?” Melaina asked.
“No, but I think she will hand her over to you.” Thanatos replied. Melaina just laughed in response taking a sip of her drink, but a tight grip around her wrist told her this was no laughing matter.
“I was not asking Melaina. I was telling you that she will hand her over to you, because you will make her.”
Not much frightened Melaina, hell she lived to be feared, but the ice in the vampire's voice gave her a taste of the emotion she inflicted upon so many people.
“What makes you think she will tell me anything Thanatos? We do not exactly see eye to eye.”
“Then you make her.” he replied simply. Releasing his tight grip around her wrist, and settling once more against the comforter as if nothing had passed between them.
“And if I do not?” Melaina questioned.
“Really my love? You even need to ask?”
Melaina did not reply, she felt a finger trail down her cheek, as Thanatos forced her to look at him, his eyes had darkened to the deep red of passion, his tongue ran across his lips as he leaned in close to her.
“Now I gave you what you wanted, it is time you returned the favour and gave me what I want. It has been too long Melaina.” He growled, and she allowed him to ease her down on the comforter. Her hand dropped the glass it had been holding; hearing it shatter on the floor, as he trailed his lips over her neck sinking his teeth deeply into her vein as he did so leaving specks of blood on her white skin. She knew she would not be able to resist him this night and so she did not even bother to try, all was fair and after all he had played his card, now it was time to play hers.
Chapter Eleven
Conan made his way slowly through the forest breathing in the sweet air of the winter afternoon, the dusting of snow that had fallen over night left an untouched white path that brought the longing to shift, and run, to Conan. He knew that he was not strong enough to shift just yet, and even if he thought he was he knew that he should not use up energy. There was no knowing when he may have to fight. So instead he was forced to walk among the snow in human form. It had been four days since the incident which had brought Emilie to them, and she had been true to her word; she had been kind and attentive towards him, and her medicines had worked, he was nearly healed. This was the first day he had ventured out of the lodge. Thanks to the decent meat that Emilie had brought them his strength was returning also. He needed some air, was starting to feel suffocated within the confines of the four walls. He had noticed a change in Maccon also, since he had been commanded to accompany Emilie everywhere she went. His mood had lightened and he seemed to have finally accepted his task of protector.
Voices nearby halted Conan, his sharp ears picking up the sound of a male and female voice coming from the clearing near the stream. He knew those voices, they belonged to Maccon and Emilie; grinning he decided to sneak up on them. Creeping towards the sound so use to going unheard he froze at what his eyes fell upon. There, very much in view were the two of them; naked, clothes discarded messily and as they shared a passionate kiss Conan had to look away. It made complete sense now, the reason why Maccon was suddenly the happiest wolf, why he had no complaints about taking Emilie where it was she wanted to go. It was because he had managed to charm her, seduce her, and she seemed willingly to comply to his advances. Growling Conan turned and made his way back to the lodge, he had thought to call them out on what they were doing, but instead he decided to go to Raff, tell him what was going on. He knew this would anger the older wolf, that what Maccon was doing was careless and dangerous, but that was Maccon all over. He never cared for the consequences of his actions, all that mattered to him was that he got what he wanted.
Slamming open the door to the lodge he was pleased to see Raff still there, pouring over some parchments.
“Conan. That was a quick walk.” Raff said, though the look of surprise changed to concern when he saw the anger glowing in Conan's green eyes.
“Do you know about Maccon and Emilie?” Conan fired. The look of confusion in Raff's eyes told him that he did not, so Conan continued.
“I heard them while I was out walking, so I thought I would sneak up on them, add a bit of fun in my day. It has been so boring of late, only I did not. Why? Because they were naked getting to know each other in a way more than just that of a guard and a prisoner would.” Conan had been right; this news did anger Raff. His caramel eyes flashed dangerously as he spoke.
“He has seduced her? Tell me is she willingly allowing him to do so?”
“She is. I have no doubt about that, and I am certain that what I saw today was not the first time this has happened. It is so typical of Maccon, not caring what happens, going after what he wants, you should have made her stay here with me and not left her alone in his care,” Conan replied. He was just as angry at his brother, but the look in Raff's eyes silenced him realising he had spoken out of turn.
“I had no choice Conan, you were badly injured and she needed supplies to help you. I could not go, but I will not let this go much further. When they return, I will speak with Maccon, remind him what happened last time he became involved with a human woman, and what happens if he should ruin all we have worked for,” Raff spoke.
Conan almost felt sorry for his brother, the ice in Raff's tone scared him and it was not directed at him. He just prayed that his brother kept his mouth shut and accepted his dressing down, though knowing Maccon he knew that that would not be the case.
Maccon could not help the smile that seemed to be a permanent fixture on his lips of late. It had been so long since he had found the rare happiness that filled the heart when one was in love. There he had said it. Love. He was in love with the mortal that had taken his soul and entwined it with her own. They had spent the day down by the lake enjoying each other’s company and getting to know one and other in all senses. Emilie glanced him as they approached the lodge, the sun quickly setting in against the blanket of clouds that threatened more snow that night. He felt the wind start to bite playfully around them both, and he was relieved to see the flames of the log fire burning, and bring a warmth to the lodge. Pushing open the door he was stopped by a sudden sense of unease. Feeling Emilie step closer to him, he knew that she had felt the same tension. He
did not need to look behind him to know that his alpha was stood, glaring dangerously at them both. Side glancing to his left he saw Conan leaning causally against one of the rotting beams, he could not read the look held in those green eyes of his and that alone concerned him.
“Where have you both been?” Raff fired, causing Maccon to let go of Emilie’s hand and force himself to turn and face the large man. His caramel eyes flashing with a silent rage. What had he done wrong now?
“We were down by the lake, that is all. We have not been causing any trouble or doing anything wrong.” Maccon replied, not being able to stop the defensive tone that laced his words. Raff raised an eyebrow, his glare flicking to Emilie, and Maccon felt her cower behind him. The look in Raff’s eyes brought to life the wolf within and he growled low stepping in front of Emilie feeing the need to protect her.
“Clearly there is a problem there, so will you enlighten me?” Maccon snapped, his eyes once more darting towards Conan and realisation kicked in. It seemed his brother had come across the pair, and had no doubt come running back to Raff and told him all that he had seen, and most likely had exaggerated it also. He did not have to wait long to find out what was going on, as Raff stepped closer to him, his eyes flashing dangerously daring Maccon to challenge him.
“I have warned you what should happen should you seduce our charge. We cannot risk getting involved with a mortal, not with so much at stake. You are a fool Maccon, and if you cannot be trusted then I shall not allow you and Emilie to be alone. Conan will take over from you, she will become his charge. You can stand down from your role.”
“If I am to stand down from my role then there is nothing that is stopping me from pursing a relationship with Emilie, but as it is, nothing serious is going on. We had a bit of fun, I understand now that it was wrong and I apologise, but I can assure that nothing would have come of it, and we can stop just as quickly as we started.” Maccon fired back, not daring the look behind him at Emilie, he knew there would be so much hurt held in the ice blue eyes of hers, and he could not bear to bring himself to look into them.
Raff looked between the pair, and Maccon could see his mind working. He knew that what Maccon had said was not true, his grey eyes would not have been able to lie and Raff knew him so well. He just hoped that Raff would understand. After all he had a mate waiting for him back in England, he understood the call of the heart and he knew it was one that you could not refuse. A growl of frustration left Raff’s mouth before he spoke.
“Just do not be so open. If you are going to feed this budding romance do it in the safety of our walls. We cannot risk being seen. By anyone!” The warning held in his words was enough to render Maccon silent. He simply nodded in response.
“Good. Now that is cleared up I will go and hunt. Conan, you can come and help me.” Without another word, Raff left, Conan following behind. Maccon waited for their howl to shatter the night’s silence before he dared to turn and face Emilie. The look in her eyes was a mixture of hurt and anger.
“It was not serious? Just a bit of fun? Is that truly what I mean to you? What about all that you had said to me at my home just days ago? Did that not mean anything? I know that it has only been days, but I feel like our souls belong together Maccon, that we just fit as one physically and emotionally. And you so easily played it as a farce.” Emilie spat, each word shaking slightly with emotion.
“Emilie, please. I said all that to placate Raff, to make him think that nothing was happening, that we were just having some fun. It was a lie. What I told him was a lie. What I told you was not. I meant everything I said just days ago.” Maccon soothed, stepping closer to her and taking both her hands in his, but Emilie pulled back moving towards one of the small rooms that passed as a bedroom.
“I am going to bed Maccon. I am not hungry, so please apologise to Raff for me. And do not join me. I want to be alone tonight.” Maccon watched as the door closed behind him. Cursing loudly, connecting his fist with the wall, the rot breaking away easily to leave a small hole that now allowed the draft to seep in the already damp building. He had screwed up, but he was damned if he was going to let the best thing that had happened to him leave him.
Emilie heard the words leave Maccon’s lips and the unmistakable sound of a fist connecting with the wall. The act had worked. She had hoped to make him realise just how close he was to losing her, and she was now certain that she could remove the spell from him completely. She had been weakening it bit by bit over the last few days, tomorrow she would erase it completely. Sighing deeply hearing the two hunters return. It was not long before she would smell the rich aroma of deer as Raff cooked it over the fire. Her stomach rumbled in protest, but she ignored it. She had to stay hidden tonight, she would eat come morning. Pulling the thick wool blanket round herself to block out the damp and chill, she allowed herself to settle amongst the thin, musty sheets, and let sleep take her. Tomorrow was another day, and another step closer to finding out the truth of the Silent Walkers.
Chapter Twelve
Nikolas watched as Thanatos swaggered out of the room he had clearly spent the night in. It was early morning and although the clouds were doing a fine job of covering the sun, it was still trying to beat it's morning rays upon the gardens of the Louvre. Snow was in the air; Nikolas could feel it. He made his way up to the closed oak door and knocked loudly on it. He knew that Melaina would be in there and he needed to speak with her; his discussion with the King the previous day had made him uneasy and he did not like that Melaina was spending time with Thanatos once more. There was a dark history between them, everyone knew of it, and Nikolas knew the hold that they both had on each other and that was what was worrying him. If Thanatos managed to convince Melaina to help him find this child, he knew it would be dangerous and brutal; it was something he was not willing to let happen. He was brought from his thoughts as Melaina finally answered the door, dressed only in a long black silk robe. He watched as she tightened the belt before she spoke,
“Nikolas? What brings you here this early in the morning?”
“I will tell you, but not standing in your doorway, may I come in?” Melaina nodded and Nikolas entered as she stepped back, closing the door behind her. Moving to the small table in her room he took a seat fixing his deep blue gaze on her.
“I saw Thanatos leave this morning, it did not take you two long to rekindle.” He pointed out as Melaina returned to her own seat by the fire. Her ice blue eyes flared with annoyance at his question and he was glad, it was the reaction he wanted.
“What concern is it of yours Nikolas?”
“Melaina, you know he is a fiend and that whenever he appears trouble is not far behind. You should not be getting involved with him again. He is not good for you.” Nikolas admonished.
“Who are you, my father? Do not presume to tell me who I can and cannot spend time with. Do not worry about me I can look after myself; I have managed for the last three hundred years, I am sure I can now.” Melaina countered. Nikolas heard the bitterness in her voice at his attempt at interfering. It was just as he had feared; Thanatos had already invaded Melaina's mind as he had invaded her body. Nikolas wished he could tell her of the meeting he had had with Lorcan the evening before, but he had sworn not to speak of it to anyone; not even the two sisters. Lorcan would speak to Melaina soon enough but for now all he could do was accept the fact he could not stop Melaina and Thanatos being together, or stop the Vampire having his wicked way with her.
“Very well Melaina I will say no more. You are right, you are more than capable of looking after yourself, but I beg you; think very carefully before you get involved with Thanatos and his games once more.” Nikolas pleaded with her as he stood to leave. Melaina did not say anything, her cold glare made Nikolas shift slightly, he admitted that Melaina did scare him. Her powers were dark and dangerous and he knew that she had no care who she used them on.
“I will see myself out. Think on what I said Melaina, that is all I ask.” Though as he left t
he room, closing the door behind him, Nikolas knew that she had already dismissed what he had said from her mind.
Melaina wandered through the streets of Paris in search of her sister. She knew that Emilie was in the city somewhere she could sense her, she was just not entirely sure where. Melaina had already checked her home and found it empty and by the smell of it, it had been so for a good few days. Her next stop was the hospital, even if she was not there someone may know where to find her. As she breathed in the stench of the city, the main smell being that of the poor and the filth they lived in, she wondered how it was that Lorcan was so popular as the King of France, when these were the conditions his people lived in. While he resided in luxury thanks to the high taxes he levied on them. Reaching the steps to the hospital, she took them quickly and let herself in to the large building. She hated this place and she could never understand how Emilie could so willingly work here. Spotting a nurse, she approached her, smiling slightly at the look of fear on the girl's face, she obviously knew who Melaina was.
“Do not worry yourself, I am not here for you. I was wondering if you had seen Emilie of late? If not, do you have any idea where I may find her. I am her sister and it is rather important that I find her.” Melaina explained, forcing a gentle smile to her lips.
“No, I am sorry, Emilie has not been here for nearly a week, and no one has heard from her.” the girl stammered nervously under Melaina's piercing gaze.
Melaina studied the girl for a few moments reaching into her mind to be sure that what she spoke was the truth, once she was certain it was she nodded slightly.
“Very well, if she turns up tell her that her sister was looking for her, and that is urgent we meet.” With those words Melaina turned and left just as quickly as she had appeared. She was certain the girl would do as she asked. Stopping outside she closed her eyes attempting to focus her thoughts to where Emilie could be. Finally, she found her sister about to step into her home. So, the sly bitch had effectively blocked her from reading her mind and now she was suddenly allowed in. What was Emilie playing at? Turning she made her way to her sister's tiny house. As she walked along the cobbled streets, her mind wandered once more to her meeting with Nikolas that morning; and his pathetic attempt to warn her about Thanatos. He knew, as did most, that Melaina and Thanatos were a dark force when together and Melaina had sensed the fear in him as he had spoken to her. Was it her that he was afraid of or Thanatos or something else? Melaina thought back to the revelation from Thanatos the night before; and she wondered if Nikolas knew of Emilie's daughter; the power she held. Surely, he would by now. Had that been the reason he had come to her that morning, but then realised that he was not meant to speak of the secret? Who was it that would have sworn him to such secrecy? Lorcan no doubt. He was, after all, brother to the Lamia leader; surely, he would know of the child. Did she really care? She had had enough of Nikolas, of being his pawn in the many games he had played over the years. No, she stood by Thanatos’ side now. When she returned to the palace she would seek him out, speak with him about using the poor mortals that were housed in the asylum and the Bastille to form a new army of immortal vampires.
